========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jan 1998 18:42:50 -0900 From: "Dr. David Duffy" Subject: El Nino Bulletin 14 available seabird(\)uct.ac.za, FISH1IFR(\)aol.com, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU, consbio(\)u.washington.edu, TWS-L(\)LISTSERV.VT.EDU, ens(\)envirolink.org ------ *********ENSO 97-98: CURRENT REPORTS ON EVENTS************** This electronic mailing is intended to provide near real-time reports primarily on marine and terrestrial events that may be linked to the development of the 1997 El Ni=F1o/Southern Oscillation which appears to b= e unfolding as one of the most severe ENSO events in history. Emphasis is = on seabirds and changes to marine ecosystems, but we appreciate other report= s that may expand our understanding of effects. These might include rainfal= l, flooding, or associated disease outbreaks. We try to be inclusive and t= o let hindsight separate ENSO from other effects. Report 14, POSTED 3 JANUARY 1998, is available at http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/ENSO.html or by request from: . To be placed on the emailing list for future bulletins, contact INDIVIDUAL REPORTS 29 NOVEMBER. ARGENTINA: CLIMATE & SEABIRDS (PENGUIN MORTALITY) 4 DECEMBER 1997. CHILE: FISHERIES (SHELLFISH AND TOXINS) 9 DECEMBER 1997. SOMALIA: DISEASE (CHOLERA) 17 DECEMBER. AUSTRALIA: FIRE 17 DECEMBER 1997. CALIFORNIA: EL NONSENSE (RETAIL) 17 DECEMBER 1997. RUMANIA: CLIMATE (COLD WAVE) 17 DECEMBER 1997. GUAM: CLIMATE (TYPHOON) 18 DECEMBER 1997. KENYA, UGANDA & SOMALIA: DISEASE (CHOLERA) 18 DECEMBER 1997. RUSSIA: CLIMATE (COLD WAVE) 19 DECEMBER 1997. VERMONT: CLIMATE (SNOW) 22 DECEMBER 1997. GLOBAL: CLIMATE 22 DECEMBER 1997. PERU AND CHILE: CLIMATE (FLOODS AND DROUGHT) 20 DECEMBER 1997. HORN OF AFRICA: CLIMATE (FLOODING AND DISEASE) 25 DECEMBER 1997. PERU: CLIMATE 25 DECEMBER 1997. ECUADOR: CLIMATE & GOVERNMENTAL RESPONSE 26 DECEMBER 1997. PERU: CLIMATE 27 DECEMBER 1997. PERU: CLIMATE & ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS 28 DECEMBER 1997: TANZANIA: CLIMATE (FLOOD) 28 DECEMBER 1997. ALASKA: CLIMATE (TYPHOON) 28 DECEMBER 1997. FLORIDA: CLIMATE (COST) 29 DECEMBER 1997. CHILE; CLIMATE & SEABIRDS 29 DECEMBER 1997. SOMALIA: DISEASE (UNKNOWN) 29 DECEMBER 1997. PERU: CLIMATE (RAIN) 29 DECEMBER 1997. INDONESIA: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 29 DECEMBER 1997. AUSTRALIA: CLIMATE (IMPACT ) 29 DECEMBER 1997. AUSTRALIA: CLIMATE (ENSO AND GLOBAL WARMING) ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 4 Jan 1998 07:55:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Fin whale stranding in the Aegean Sea (fwd) From: "A. Frantzis" Dear all, On the 25th of last December (1997) a young fin whale stranded dead close to Kav ala port, in the North Aegean Sea (Mediterranean Sea, 40* 51' 30" N - 24* 19' 00" E). It was a female individual with a total length of 13.5 meters. This length probably corresponds to approximatelly one year old fin whales. During the last two months, many fishermen declared to have seen two big whales close to the coasts of Kavala. Although these observations cannot be confirmed (no photographs had been taken and sperm whales are not so rare in the area) some of the fishermen insist that the second whale is still in the area of the stranding. This is the first documentated record of fin whale in the whole Aegean Sea. Alth ough during the warm months of the year the species is commonly found in the East Ionian Sea and sightings have been recorded all along the greek continental slope, in South Peloponnissos , South Crete and Karpathos Island sea areas (e.g. at the limits of the Aegean arc where depth increases very steeply), it seems that the species rarely enters the waters of the Aegean plate au. After the stranding, Dr. Komnenou (Veterinary School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) performed a complete necropsy of the stranded fin whale. However, it has not bee n possible to clearly determine the cause of its death. The stomach of the animal was empty an d samples from a whitish liquid (that could be milk) have been taken. Hundrends of ectoparasite s (Penella sp.?) were present on the body of the stranded whale. Skin and other tissues samples h ave been taken for further analysis and genetical comparisons. ________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Zoological Laboratory Dept. of Biology University of Athens Panepistimioupolis GR-157 84 ATHENS GREECE e-mail : afratzis(\)atlas.uoa.gr tel : ++301 / 7284634 fax : ++301 / 7284604 ________________________________________________________ Subject: job opening (fwd) Please post this message on marmam. Thanks, Nelio Barros (barros(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 08 Jan 1998 12:33:17 -0500 From: John F Morrissey To: barros(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu Subject: job opening ------------------------------------------------------------------ Job Opportunities - Resident co-directors/naturalists The Hofstra University Marine Laboratory, in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, West Indies, is searching for a pair of qualified persons to run the laboratory from October 1, 1998 to August 31, 1999 (11 months). The successful candidates will be responsible for teaching 8 Elderhostles, each for 12 days, containing as many as 36 mature individuals. In addition, the resident director will assist approximately 40 visiting professors by giving guest lectures to their classes and accompanying them on field trips. They will maintain the running seawater systems and all the equipment, and will participate in our ongoing research program. HUML is in its 14th year and has grown into a major field station. It consists of a two-story, three-classroom laboratory building, a wet laboratory building with an open seawater system, a library/equipment building, and a 30-room hotel. The facility is served by a fleet of three boats, including a new 30-ft., twin-engine dive boat, and a SCUBA shop with compressors. The lab is surrounded by an extraordinary array of habitats, from the three-km-long coral reef just offshore to miles of pristine rocky shores with extraordinary zonation, a nearby mangrove swamp, sandy shore, turtles grass lagoons and a rain forest. A tiny island lies just offshore. A short boat ride brings classes to a cave containing bats, a sunken shipwreck, walls of live coral, beautiful, palm-fringed coves, and other spectacular sites. The salary for the 11-month position is $12,000 (for both co-directors) + all benefits including an apartment, board, medical insurance, a 12-day training course (in Jamaica), and airfare. In other words, all expenses are paid and the total salary may be saved. The positions are usually filled by couples without children. For further information send a letter indicating why you believe you are of "star" caliber and can assume this major responsibility to: Dr. Eugene Kaplan, Director, HUML, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1440, U.S.A. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 22:55:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, sent to MARMAM courtesy of Kate Wing. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/09/98 Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service New info and changes since 12/19/97 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/08/98 are double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Manatee Mortality. In early January 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection officials announced that 240 manatees were known to have died in 1997 -- the second highest annual death count since recordkeeping began in 1974.} [Assoc Press] . Keiko. As of Dec. 15, 1997, all the tests on Keiko had not been completed, and the release of the results of the evaluation was postponed until mid-January 1998. {On Jan. 7, 1998, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation issued a joint statement announcing that an arbitrator had ruled that the Aquarium should provide day-to-day care for Keiko under the direction of the Foundation's medical and rehabilitation plan.} [Assoc Press, Oregon Coast Aquarium/Free Willy-Keiko Foundation press release] . Walrus Waste. In mid-December 1997, a federal grand jury indicted 6 walrus hunters from Little Diomede Island, AK, on allegations of wasteful taking of a marine mammal -- the hunters were accused of taking only the heads and tusks of about 10 walrus. Arraignment has not been scheduled. [Assoc Press] . Whalemeat for Lunch? In mid-December 1997, officials of Shimonoseki, Japan, announced that whalemeat would be placed on the local school lunch menu for a single day in early 1998 for 25,000 students, to stimulate pride in the port's historical role in Antarctic whaling. Shimonoseki would be the second Japanese community to place whalemeat on the school lunch menu. [Assoc Press] . Manatees and Red Tide. On Dec. 10, 1997, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection officials announced that 16 dead manatees found from Nov. 6-26, 1997, mostly in Lee and Collier Counties, were victims of red tide toxins. [Assoc Press] . Norwegian Whaling. On Dec. 6, 1997, the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries announced that the 1998 quota for minke whales would be 671 animals. The 1998 quota includes an annual harvest of 621 minke whales plus 50 unharvested minke whales carried over from previous years. However, Norwegian whalers were disappointed when the Norwegian government announced that it would continue to prohibit the exporting of whale products. [Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Reuters] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Dec. 5, 1997, the Norwegian News Agency reported that newly elected International Whaling Commission (IWC) chairman, Michael Canny, will convene an intersessional meeting of the IWC in early February 1998 to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. {{This meeting has tentatively been scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 1998, in Antigua.}} [High North Alliance News, personal communication] . Dutch Harbor Oil Spill. By Dec. 3, 1997, an estimated 41,000 gallons of heavy (bunker) fuel oil had been spilled from damaged fuel tanks of the Japanese bulk freighter Kuroshima that had run aground near Dutch Harbor, AK. Damage to wildlife and fisheries appears minimal, with 9 oiled birds reported dead. Sea otters and seals in the area appear not to be oiled. [Assoc Press] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 16:03:32 -0500 Reply-To: "Daniel K. Odell" From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: WMMSC Monaco Information - 2 WORLD MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE CONFERENCE MONACO 20-24 JANUARY 1998 Sponsored by: The Society for Marine Mammalogy & European Cetacean Society Welcome to Monaco & the World Marine Mammal Science Conference Registration Tuesday 20 January: 13:30-20:00 Reception Hall (ground floor) Wednesday 21 January: 07:30-17:30 Reception Hall (ground floor) Thursday 22 January to Saturday 24 January: 08:30-17:30 Conference Office (first level) Name Badges Please wear your name badge to all conference activities. Every effort has been made to keep costs down, and your badge will identify you as a paid participant. Your badge is your admission to the welcome reception, all oral presentations, poster sessions, and coffee breaks. You may be asked to leave if you are not wearing your badge. Please do not lose it or leave it in your hotel; there will be a FF30 (about US$5.50) fee for replacing lost or forgotten badges. This badge also give you complimentary admission to the Marineland of Antibes, and reduced fares to the Muse Ocanographique of Monaco from 20 to 25 January. Welcome Reception The opening reception will take place at the Congress Centre on Tuesday 20 January, 18:00-20:00. Please wear your badge! Additional tickets for guests may be purchased from the cashier at the registration desk. Opening Session Wednesday 21 Jan, 08:30-09:30, Auditorium (second level), with a welcoming address from Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Plenary Session Wednesday 21 Jan, 09:30-10:00 and 10:30-12:00, Auditorium (second level). Concurrent Oral Sessions Two concurrent oral sessions will be held each day in the morning and the first part of the afternoon: one in the Auditorium of the Congress Centre (second level), and the other in the Salle d'Or of the adjacent hotel Loews (entrance of the hotel Loews at the third level of the Congress Center which arrives in front of the Salle d'Or at the first level of the hotel Loews). Poster Sessions Posters will all be displayed in the Reception Hall (ground floor) and on the first level during the entire Conference. Poster sessions are planned each day from 16:00-17:30. Concurrent Invited Symposia Symposia will be held in the Auditorium and Salle d'Or on Thursday 22 January, 16:00-17:30 and 21:30-23:00, continuing Friday 23 January, 16:00-17:30, and Saturday 24 January, 16:00-17:30. Awards The following student awards will be presented at the banquet: best doctoral student oral presentation, best pre-doctoral student oral presentation, best doctoral student poster, best pre-doctoral student poster, the John Shedd Aquarium award for best overall student presentation, and the F. G. Wood Award for best published student paper in Marine Mammal Science (awarded to Amy Samuels).and the Frederic Fairfield Memorial Fund Award for innovative student research. For non-students, there will be two awards for Excellence in Science Communication Awards: one for best oral presentation and one for best poster presentation. Speaker Preparation and Slide Preview Several studios will be available for speaker preparation and slide preview on the third level behind the Auditorium; please follow the signs. SPEAKERS PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE A TIGHT PROGRAMME. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ALL TALKS ARE SCHEDULED TO LAST NO MORE THAN 15 MINUTES WITH FIVE MINUTES AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS & FOR PEOPLE TO CHANGE LECTURE HALLS. DO NOT TRY TO USE THIS TIME TO EXTEND YOUR TALK. Conference Office - On the first level, open each day from 08:30 to 18:00. Message Boards Please check the Conference board (second level) as often as possible for any program changes or announcements. Another board will be available (ground level) for attendee messages with a special space for students. Morning Coffee Breaks and Afternoon Breaks Coffee or tea will be served every morning 10:00-10:30 on the first and second levels. A cash bar will be open on the second level during the afternoon break. Video Nights Video nights will be held in the Auditorium on Wednesday 21 Jan and Friday 23 Jan, from 21:30-23:00. Banquet Saturday 24 Jan, 19:00-24:00, Salle d'Or of the hotel Loews. Additional tickets may be purchased until noon Wednesday 21 Jan. Tickets will be required at the beginning of the banquet. Cash bar : 19:00-20:00 Dinner & Awards : 20:00-22:00 Dance : 22:00-24:00 Conference Poster, T-shirt and Mug The World Marine Mammal Science Conference poster and T-shirt by Gildas Flahault, a well known French artist, will be on sale in the vendor area. Conference mugs with the logos of the Society for Marine Mammalogy and the European Cetacean Society will also be on sale. Vendors - Located on the first and second level; hours vary with vendor. Cash Machine - Located in the lobby of the hotel Loews, by the elevators. Lost & Found - In the Conference Office ------------------- end file ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 16:25:04 -0200 From: Ignacio Agudo Subject: Massive Dolphin Stranding in Venezuela. ------ Dear Marmamers : Preliminary Informations "FUNDACETACEA Data-Base" about a recent new massive dolphin stranding in Venezuelan territorial waters ( southern Caribbean) : Date stranding : January 04 1998. Species : Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, Stenella frontalis. No. specimens involved : 92 (deads in the beach). Locality : La Tortuga island, Federal Dependences (eastern Venezuela coastal waters). Causes : Unknown. Obs.: Second report of S. frontalis massive stranding in the country ; the first =3D Agudo 1995 (Eubalaena, 6 : 7-22), with twenty (20) specimens (included a foetus). =20 _________________________________________________________ Thanks you very much for future "new informations" to the=20 FUNDACETACEA Data-Base about this particular stranding. _________________________________________________________ Sincerely, Prof. A. Ignacio Agudo, General Director FUNDACETACEA. ********************************* Prof. A. IGNACIO AGUDO P. Posto de Interpreta=E7=E3o Ecol=F3gica da Galheta - PIEG, CREE/FUNDACETACEA, F.C., ROD SC 406, Estrada Geral Barra da Lagoa, No. 1666, Morro Praia Mole, 88058-000 Florian=F3polis, Santa Catarina - SC, BRASIL. E-mail: iagudo(\)intercorp.com.br *********************************=20 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 19:37:36 -0500 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: WMMSC registration coordinator Effective at 1800 hours, Eastern Standard Time, on Wednesday 14 January, the Florida office of the WMMSC Registration Coordinator will close. Please do not send email or faxes to the registration coordinator after that time. They will not be answered until after the WMMSC. Questions for the Registration Coordinator should be handled in person in Monaco at the Conference Centre. Terry Odell, Registration Coordinator odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 17:40:00 -0500 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: WMMSC Programme The WMMSC Programe is now available on the WMMSC web page. http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/wmmsc/wmmsc.htm Dan Odell WMMSC Conference Committee odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 11 Jan 1998 11:04:16 -0500 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: WMMSC Monaco Information - 1 On arrival in Monaco, you can either travel to your hotel or direct to the Congress Center (boulevard Louis II, Monte-Carlo) where registration takes place and you can pick up conference details. The Hotel Loews is adjacent (12 avenue des Splugues). If you are uncertain which is closest, you can obtain a map of Monaco & Monte-Carlo from the railway station. You may also get useful general information from the Tourism Office of Monaco where you will find several very nice young persons speaking perfect English, Italian, Spanish, German and French, and ready to answer all your queries. Phone is +377 92 16 60 60; fax is +377 92 16 60 00. Dan Odell & Peter Evans WMMSC Conference Committee odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 08:24:16 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: news - Activists Charged in Sugarloaf Dolphin Release Information released by NOAA this morning. Contact person is Scott Smullen (Scott.Smullen(\)noaa.gov) Activists Charged in Sugarloaf Dolphin Release The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has filed charges against several dolphin freedom activists for harassing and illegally transporting two captive dolphins in connection with their deliberate release six miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, on May 23, 1996. Alleging multiple violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NOAA assessed a maximum allowable $10,000 for each of the six counts charged, resulting in a total of $60,000 in penalties against those involved. After the dolphins were dumped off the side of the boat, they were found injured, emaciated, and begging for food from boaters in local marinas, and were rescued by federal biologists with the help of several government agencies and private groups. Charges have been filed against Richard O'Barry of Coconut Grove, Fla., Lloyd Good, III, of Sugarloaf Key, Fla., Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary, Inc., of Sugarloaf Key, Fla., and the Dolphin Project, Inc., of South Miami, Fla. All four have been charged with failing to notify NOAA prior to the transport of the dolphins. According to NOAA, the dolphins were transported without prior notification and not for purposes of public display, scientific research, or enhancement or survival of the species or stock. The day after they were dumped overboard and released, one of the dolphins appeared in a congested Key West marina with lacerations and begging for food. The second dolphin, found over 40 miles away almost two weeks after the release, also sustained deep lacerations and was emaciated. After determining that the dolphins were injured and in need of treatment, the agency, with the help of others, rescued and provided veterinary care to the dolphins. Following initial treatment, one dolphin was transported to the U.S. Navy facility in San Diego for rehabilitation. The other dolphin was found to be in considerably worse condition requiring extended rehabilitation, and remains at a Department of Agriculture licensed marine mammal public display facility in the Florida Keys. Federal officials later seized a third dolphin from the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary, after officials with the Department of Agriculture suspended the facility's license for multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The dolphins had been on public display at the Sugarloaf Lodge motel in Sugarloaf Key since 1994. Prior to that, these dolphins were part of the U.S. Navy's marine mammal research program, and had been in captivity since the late 1980's. Acoording to the agency, in order to protect the health and welfare of marine mammals, any release should be conducted only under a Marine Mammal Protection Act scientific research permit. Applications for such permits are subject to scientific and public review, and would involve the development of a release protocol that addresses important concerns such as whether: (1) a released animal is properly and humanely prepared to live in the wild; (2) long-term follow up monitoring of the animal is conducted; (3) wild marine mammals are affected; and (4) contingency plans are in place if it necessary to rescue a released animal. "These dolphins were injured, needed medical attention, and could have died. This incident underscores the need to conduct any dolphin release scientifically and with follow-up to ensure the health and welfare of the animals," said Terry Garcia, assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA deputy adminstrator. "Prior to the release, we repeatedly warned these individuals of the risks inherent in releasing dolphins without a scientific research permit. They agreed to apply for a permit but didn't, and released the dolphins without one. A scientific research permit, if issued, would have facilitated the development of a responsible release protocol and authorizeed any 'take' that could have occurred incidental to a release." Agency officials said, wildlife experts agree that releasing captive marine mammals has the potential to hurt both the released animals and the wild marine mammals that they encounter. Experts are concerned about the ability of a released animal to hunt for food, defend itself against predators, and avoid interactions with people and boasts. Other concerns include disease transmission and unwanted genetic exchange between a released animal and wild marine mammal stocks, and any behavioral patterns developed in captivity that could affect the social behavior of wild animals as well as the social integration of the released animal. The parties charged in this case have 30 days in which to respond. If desired, they may request an administrative hearing in which to contest the charges. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 10:16:37 EST From: BILL BAXLEY Organization: NSWC-CD SFTF Subject: Acoustic Response Levels for Tursiops Trucatus Dear "the list", I am a graduate student at NOVA Southeastern University in Dania, Florida and and also an emploee of the U.S. Navy. I am interested in any information regarding the acoustic response levels of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops trucatus. I am currently involved in preliminary research to evaluate the safe and exclusion ranges for an acoustic source to be deployed off the south FLorida coastline. The omni-directional source would produce sound levels of 200 dB at frequencies below 1000 Hz. In regards to the tursiops, as well as other marine mammals, I am looking for information regarding the effects such sound levels would have on the animals, either at close ranges or further out. The ambient noise level in the area is 100 dB at 1000 Hz, so I am using this as the lower bound, since the source signal should be "lost in the noise." The upper bound, as far as range from the source which would cause either physical damage or permenant injury, is an important piece of information for this project. If anyone has information on either the effects on the animals or the safe and exclusion ranges, or any suggestions on how to proceed with the evaluation, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. Bill Baxley NOVA University baxley(\)sftf.dt.navy.mil ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 09:16:50 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Conference Announcement THE 1998 NORTHEAST WILDLIFE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE This year's conference will be held from 6-8 March 1998 at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. All are welcome and we encourage presentation submissions from any graduate students interested. All presentations are welcome, be they result oriented or proposals, posters or orals. The conference typically has members from all over eastern and central North America, and we expect a good turn out again this year. Abstracts are due at the end of January. For more details, contact Jeff Bowman at n9cro(\)unb.ca Cheers, Jeff Bowman New Brunswick Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Dept. of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB Canada E3B 6E1 email: n9cro(\)unb.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 11:49:12 +0000 From: Darius Bartlett Subject: Announcement: Bibliography of literature on Coastal/Marine GIS Biodiversity Convention Secretariat , CITES Discussion List , Coastnet discussion list , Convention on Migratory Species , Coral Reef List , Econet-Marine Issues , Environmental Issues List , Fish & Wildlife Management , "fish-net(\)sfu.ca" , Fisheries List , Fishfolk , Geographic information systems discussion group , Infoterra , Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission , International Whaling Commission , Marine Sanctuary List , RAMSAR Convention , Sea-gis discussion list , Sea Winds Editor , UNEP , Wildlife Ecology Digest , crc-l(\)BUREAU.UCC.IE, idrisi-l(\)BUREAU.UCC.IE, MAPS-L(\)UGA.CC.UGA.EDU This message is being cross-posted to a number of lists. Our apologies for any duplicate copies received. For the past twelve months, teams from the Sea-Grant Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA), at the Coastal Services Centre of NOAA (South Carolina, USA) and the Coastal Resources Centre at University College Cork (Ireland) have been compiling a bibliography of scientific literature relating to coastal and marine applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and related technologies. The resulting database has now been put on the World Wide Web as a fully-interactive, searchable resource at http://www2.csc.noaa.gov/gisprojects/biblio/default.asp Please note that this is the first release of the database and, while it has been extensively tested by a dedicated intercontinental team of reviewers and critics, some glitches may still inadvertantly have crept in. Please contact the "webmaster" through the NOAA/CSC home page if you do notice any problems with the search tool. Please also note that this is intended to be a "live" and evolving project. The compilers would therefore welcome any information regarding new publications (or those that may have escaped our earlier searches) that merit inclusion. They may be sent to me at the address below, or else to any of the other contributors as detailed on the Web pages. In the mean time, enjoy! We hope you find this resource useful.... Darius Bartlett *************************************************************************** Darius Bartlett Darius Bartlett Department of Geography Roinn na Tireolaiochta University College Cork Colaste na hOllscoile Corcaigh Cork, Ireland Corcaigh, Eire Phone: (+353) 21 902835 Fax: (+353) 21 271980 Mobile (in Ireland): 086 8238043 Mobile (from abroad): (+353) 86 8238043 E-mail: DJB(\)UCC.IE Web URL: http://www.ucc.ie/ucc/depts/geography/djb --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message was transmitted using 100% recycled electrons.... *************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 12:42:42 -0000 From: Jonathan Gordon Subject: Opportunities for Benign Cetacean Research The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is able to offer a limited number of opportunities each year for young scientists and students to gain experience of conducting benign research with whales and dolphins through its internship scheme. Interns typically join IFAW's research vessel "Song of the Whale" as members of the research team, for a period of around three weeks. IFAW normally supports interns by covering three quarters of their expenses. In addition, there will be some opportunities for young scientists to be involved in the analysis of data collected on "Song of the Whale", or possibly to complete their own data analysis, at "Song of the Whale's" shore base in Oxford. Internships are open to applicants from all disciplines including mathematics, physics, humanities as well as biology and is not limited to the chronologically "young". Experience of working at sea in small boats is also relavent. Potential applicants should first look at the "Song of the Whale" home page (http://www.ifaw.org/pic.htm) to get a flavour of the vessel's work. During the summer of 1998 "Song of the Whale" should be working off the East Coast of the USA and Canada studying right whales and harbour porpoises. Applicants should send a letter and CV to: Dr Jonathan Gordon "Song of the Whale", 1a Howard Street, Oxford OX4 1AY. UK Jgordon(\)IFAW.ORG ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:28:16 -0500 From: Terry Hardie Subject: DOC'S WHALE-WATCHING MORATORIUM IN NEW ZEALAND WELCOMED 15-Jan-98 07:13 pm Regular National DOC'S WHALE-WATCHING MORATORIUM WELCOMED Wellington, Jan 15 - Today's decision by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to impose a three-year moratorium on Kaikoura whale-watching permits while it carries out research has been welcomed by World Wide Fund for Nature New Zealand (WWF-NZ). Executive director Chris Laidlaw said DOC's announcement that it would not issue further permits until there was a clear understanding of the impact of tourist numbers on the whale population was a model which out to be followed more widely. ``We would like to see an agreement between DOC and the tourism industry as to the wider research priorities on sustainable tourism in New Zealand as a whole.'' Mr Laidlaw said it was extremely important for the future of this form of tourism that the balance was right. ``Earlier research by WWF-NZ in Kaikoura has shown that whale behaviour is definitely affected by the presence of tourists and the welfare of the animals must obviously be put before the interests of volume tourism,'' he said. Earlier DOC said that no further sperm whale-watching permits would be issued, and 16 current applications would be declined. Existing operations are unaffected. DOC Nelson-Marlborough conservator Neil Clifton said the research was to enhance management of the whale-watching industry. The study would determine whether there were any impacts from whale-watching vessels on sperm whales and what effect additional commercial operators might have. DOC had commissioned an extensive study into whale watching in 1982, which had provided a basis for managing the industry, but the information was very outdated. ``The local sperm whale population has a few new members, the type of boats used commercially has changed, recreational activity has increased and new techniques are being used to track the whales,'' he said. Additional research had indicated that a few individual whales received most of the attention. ``In short, further research is needed before any increase in whale-watching permits at Kaikoura can be considered,'' Mr Clifton said. Whale watching began on the Kaikoura coast in 1988. Two permits have been issued since then, both to Whale Watch Kaikoura, 51 percent-owned by the Kaikoura runanga and 49 percent by the Ngai Tahu tribe. A decision by DOC to issue a third permit in 1992 was the subject of a High Court appeal after it was opposed by Whale Watch Kaikoura. In 1995 the court overturned DOC's decision and instructed the department to reconsider. Mr Clifton said the research would be contracted out and probably would begin this winter with field work off Kaikoura. Whale Watch Kaikoura said today it had a mixed reaction to the moratorium. Chief executive Wally Stone said the company was relieved that DOC had accepted its responsibility for ensuring the sustainable management of the Kaikoura whales. ``But until we see the terms of reference for the research brief, the company will hold back its judgment of the plan,'' he said. Whale Watch Kaikoura had been arguing for a number of years that further research was required. He said any research by DOC should take into account the need to educate and encourage responsible behaviour at all times around whales, dolphins and other marine life. ``The bottom line for Whale Watch Kaikoura is very sobering -- no whales, no business. We cannot afford to get it wrong.'' Applicant Gordon O'Callahan, who applied 10 years ago for a permit, said today the decision to decline all applications was no surprise. ``DOC has played into Ngai Tahu's hands.'' He said Whale Watch Kaikoura's 16 trips a day was too many. ``That's no way to run a whale-watch. What are they going to study -- the effects of 16 trips a day? If we get a whale-watch permit, we're not going to do 16 trips a day,'' he said. Mr O'Callahan is a former employee of Nature Watch, which ran whale-watching tours in Kaikoura in the late 1980s. It made only two trips a day. NZPA WGT BLE kk gt ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 02:53:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MarmamNews: Oct, Nov, Dec 1997 (fwd) From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in October 1997. MarmamNews can be found at http://members.aol.com/marmamnews 10/01/1997 Norway Whale Hunter Joins Politics 'Willy' the whale is sick 10/02/1997 QLD: Hinchinbrook protesters risk arrest says Williams 10/03/1997 Why a Scottish aquarium outranks Buckingham Palace CRTC: Decision CRTC 97-570 NMFS: Final rule - California/Oregon drift gillnet fishery Statement from James E. Brumm, Executive Vice ... 10/05/1997 'Free Willy' star's health questioned APN--Orca Obsession QLD: Hinchinbrook protest peaceful 10/06/1997 'Free Willy' star gets check-up 10/07/1997 QLD: Fund wants all Sandy Strait wetlands protected Dispute Over Famous Whale's Health 10/09/1997 QLD: Another Cape York Native Title Land Claim NZ volunteers battle to save stranded whale pod On Tape: Killer Whale Kills Shark FED: Government to consider Biodiversity Act: Hill Whale's Owners and Keepers Battle Over Keiko's Health 10/10/1997 Whales beach again in NZ after rescue attempt 10/13/1997 Britain may back whaling - to save the whale International Whaling Commission Expected to 10/14/1997 QLD: Environment group casts doubt over special lease Japan Group Calls for U.K., New Zealand, U.S. to ... Keiko's pool gets clean bill of health 10/15/1997 Chukotka delegation leaves for Monaco to seek U.S. legal expert finds IWC's whale sanctuary measure illegal Britain going cool on plan to re-start whaling Britain Backs Off Whaling Plan 10/16/1997 Nations ready for battle at whaling summit Environmentalists slam Irish whale compromise plan Environment-Amazon: Clinton Free Trade Message ... Russia Seeks Whaling Quota 10/17/1997 Battle rages over future of "Free Willy" whale Don't be bullied into lifting whaling ban 10/18/1997 Ireland aims to end deadlock with whale hunt plan SA: New Ferry for Kangaroo Island Service HSUS, Environmental Groups Criticize NMFS Whale Plan Children take Save the Whales message to Blair Suits Aims To Block Tribal Whaling US, Argentina Agree on Climate Plan 10/19/1997 Britian joins talks on plan to re-start Whaling UPI Science News Rescued seal recovers in Sanctuary 10/20/1997 IWC squabbles pose big risks to whales -Rainier Cayman Dolphin Swim Draws Protests Bickering risks more whale deaths - Rainier Japan and Norway `Defying Whale Killing Ban' - Greenpeace Whaling Commission Opens Meeting University of Southampton: An uncommon rescue for ... 10/21/1997 Pregnant Beluga Whale at Shedd Aquarium IWC meeting hears proposal for global whale sanctuary Aquarium expecting baby whale U.S. stirs controversy with whale hunt request Point Defiance Zoo & Shedd Aquarium Announce Beluga Whale Pregnancy Ireland proposes some limited coastal whaling US Tribe Seeks To Revive Whale Hunt Japan to use rifles instead of electric rods Ireland strives to sell controversial whaling plan Fed: Senate Business Japan blocked in bid for secret whaling votes Canada seal hunters targeted in U.S. ad campaign El Nino blamed for Alaska bird deaths 10/22/1997 U.S. seeks controversial whale hunt quota Ozone Gap `Deadly as harpoon' for whales U.S. Opposed on Makah Whaling U.S. whale hunt request triggers outcry at IWC FWS: New fund to benefit polar bear conservation 10/23/1997 Batch of whale meat to go on sale US wins whale-hunting quota for Makah Indians FED: Senate Program - 10/23/97 Japanese Whaling bid rejected Whalers told shoot first, lance for last resort IWC clears way for tribe to resume whaling 10/24/1997 300 tonnes of whale meat delivered for sale to Japan Blue whale may be coming back from near-extinction Ireland gauges support for compromise whaling plan Japan puts 300 tonnes of whale meat on sale Whaling Panel Split on Some Hunting Anti-whaling group rethinks ban, seeks compromise 10/25/1997 Whale dies after 12-hour battle 10/27/1997 FED: Whale meat, no thanks Endangered Dugongs 10/28/1997 IWC Review Concludes Japanese Whale Research Japan Whaling Association Statement on IWC Credibility Dolphins can help my tragic son 10/29/1997 World whaler commission establishes quotas for 10/30/1997 UK to back phasing out of drift-nets Environment: Global Warming's different... Moscow hails whaling quota for Chukotka, Alaska ... 10/31/1997 Florida manatee freed from storm water pipe EU ministers agree fish conservation measures The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in November 1997. 11/01/1997 'Free Willy' Whale Gets Health Test 11/02/1997 Bid to guide stranded whale back to sea 11/03/1997 Chinese White Dolphin Nature Reserve Set Up in ... Dolphin tumors trouble scientists DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and ... 11/04/1997 Hainan to Build Dolphin, Sea Lion Exhibition Center Red tide appears off Florida coast Stranded whale dies 11/07/1997 QLD: Hinchinbrook resort to open just before Christmas 11/09/1997 Protesters plan Hinchinbrook opening rally 11/10/1997 Mercury damages babies of women who ate whale -study BRF--Manatee Deaths Ships Pay Fines for Dumping at Sea 11/11/1997 U.S. HHS: 7-year-olds' neurological development 11/12/1997 Scientists probe manatee deaths in Florida Norway's Top Whaler's Boat Sinks QLD: Resorts should reconsider the use of shark nets DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Biologists blame sickly fur seals on El Nino 11/13/1997 Japan: Tokyo persists with bid to lift whaling ban 11/14/1997 Marine World plans new features 11/15/1997 QLD: New Marine Park plan will protect Moreton Bay 11/17/1997 WA: Killer Whale back in water after calf dies Three Stranded Dolphins Are Rescued BRF--Australia-Whales 11/18/1997 Whales Touch Hearts of Baja Visitors During Valentine's Day 11/23/1997 QLD: Three more arrests at Hinchinbrook development QLD: Illegal netting ruining Gulf fishing grounds FEATURE - Mozambique campaigns to keep dugong off the menu 11/24/1997 Baby Whales Returned to Sea ORBIMAGE Begins SeaStar Fisheries Information Services U.S. urges independent evaluation of ``Keiko'' whale 11/25/1997 Campaigners to urge Irish to drop whaling proposals 11/26/1997 Florida Keys Missile Plan Dropped DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife ... The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in December 1997. 12/01/1997 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and 12/06/1997 Defying ban, Norway raises whale catch quota again Norway Sets Higher Whaling Quotas Black Sea-Glance 12/08/1997 5 Sperm Whales Die on Danish Island 10 More Whales Die on Danish Isle 12/09/1997 Nichole Expeditions: Whale Watching and Sea ... Endangered White-flag Dolphins Found in Yangtze River 12/11/1997 Red tide blamed for manatee deaths El Nino Depleting Seal Food Supply 12/12/1997 'Seal 'entrepreneurs' want quotas raised Environment-China: Banned voices speak on Three Gorges Dam Mauritania straddles Arab and black Africa 12/15/1997 Dolphins Stranded on Florida Beach 12/16/1997 Japan Town Adds Whale to Lunch 12/18/1997 Large Groups of While Fin Dolphins Found in 12/22/1997 Seal Hunt Comment Sparks Debate 12/24/1997 1997 Tough Year For Animals Internationally; Better News In The U.S. 12/27/1997 QLD: Stranded whales returned to sea 12/29/1997 NSW: Sea life to benifit from New Marine Parks Subject: QLD: Sanctuaries will save end QLD: Sanctuaries will save endangered dugong BRISBANE, Jan 11 AAP - The establishment of the world's first chain of dugong sanctuaries was a turning point in the battle to save the endangered marine mammals in the Great Barrier Reef, Federal Environment Minister Senator Robert Hill said today. The sanctuaries, which formally come into force tomorrow, cover a 700 kilometre stretch of coastline from the Cardwell/Hinchinrook area to Shoalhaven Bay, just north of Rockhampton. Under the two-tiered sanctuary regulations, mesh netting will be banned in Zone A protection areas, while in the less restricted Zone B areas, some commercial fishing practices such as trawling will be limited or modified, Senator Hill said in a statement. "Dugong numbers in the southern Great Barrier Reef have fallen by between 50-80 per cent since the early 1980s," he said. "Dugong are recognised as one of the values for which the Great Barrier Reef was World Heritage listed and Australia therefore has an international responsibility to protect dugong." The creation of the sanctuaries had been based on the best available scientific evidence and included independent analysis by an advisory group reporting directly to the joint state-federal Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council. Senator Hill said he was pleased the plan would have the minimum impact on commercial fishing, adding that ex gratia payments or a fishing licence buy-back scheme were available to those adversely affected by the sanctuaries. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 03:44:22 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: monk seal release, mauritania (fwd) From: "Lenie 't Hart" Response to the report on the release of two juvenile monk seals on the coast of the Cap Blanc Peninsula. Pieterburen, 3rd of January 1998 Status report of the presently released monk seals off the coast of Mauritania: Tuesday 23rd of december 1997 two juvenile monk seals, that have been succesfully rehabilitated by the CNROP/SRRC team in Cansado, Mauritania, have been released on the Atlantic coast a few kilometers south of the area of the caves where the main reproduction takes place. These two baby monk seals, a male (59 kilos) and a female (78 kilos), were in good health, were vaccinated against a morbillivirus infection and were catching and eating independently different kinds of fish, octopus and calamar. Friday the 26th of December 1997 the two released seals have been observed swimming together near the release site. The smallest of the two, the male with the yellow tag, had octopus in his mouth. One of the two other rehabilitated seals, the female of which the ISIFER transmitter did not function and which had been released on the 20th of September 1997 was spotted again by two veterinarians of the CNROP/SRRC team on the 10th of October 1997, about 4 kilometers south of the breeding caves. The other of those two seals, the male, that went south of the Cap Blanc area was clearly disturbed by the placement of the satellite transmitter on his head and was also alive two months after his release. The seal that has been released in January 1996 (Aziz), with no transmitter but with a red paint indication, has been spotted by langoustine fishermen near the area of the colony six weeks after its release as has been reported to the CNROP. Chronology before the last release: The release of the two seals had been first planned on the 6th of december but was postponed for two reasons: the Mauritanian presidential elections and the international expert meeting 11-13 th december 1997 on the monk seal die-off in Amsterdam, where the representatives of Mauritania could not be present due to these elections. It proved not to be possible to agree with the ISIFER team on the final terms for the release until after the Amsterdam meeting. After lenghty discussions it was not possible to reach an agreement on the location of the transmitter. According to the biologists of the ISIFER team the transmitters could only be placed on the head. The veterinarian CNROP-SRRC team rejected the placement of the satellite transmitters on the head for several reasons: the anatomy of the monk seal head is such that the transmitter has to be placed rather forward close to the eyes and other senses. For one of the first two monk seals that have been released on the 20th Of September 1997 this location has clearly been disturbing. Also this rather forward placement would cause a traction on the forehead skin of the young seals, due to hydrodynamics. The effect of the transmission pulse on the senses of the animals has never been investigated, neither the effect of the epoxy, which is used as glue, on the skin, the underneath tissues and the senses. The CNROP-SRRC team is and was not against the use of transmitters but wanted the placement of the transmitter on the back of the seals to avoid unnecessary stress to these young animals. Also the release site has been a discussion item. Although basically everybody was agreeing that the best release site in theory would be at or near the area of the breeding caves, there were a few objections against this release site called "Bateau du Sucre". One of them was the duration of the transport, almost one hour via a bad road. The sea conditions at the "Bateau du Sucre" area, a few kilometers south of the breeding area at the Atlantic coast of the Cap Blanc peninsula, at this time of year are not favourable and in addition there were a lot of fishing nets as well as risk of military exercizes in this area. The pressure from the ISIFER team for the release site near the "Bateau du Sucre" has been very strong and so the director of the CNROP agreed with them to release the animals in the "Bateau du Sucre" area. It was the SRRC team which preferred another release site for the reasons mentioned above. As far as we (SRRC) know the National Fisheries and Oceanographic Research Institute (CNROP) and the National Parc du Banc d'Arguin (PNBA)/ ISIFER team have been in the last week before the release daily in contact with each other, so it is surprising to us that they were not aware of the release timing. We basically agree with the scientific approach for rehabilitation and release of monk seals on condition that the following facts are considered - the rehabilitation efforts of the monk seals in Greece and Mauritania have always been carried out according a well defined protocol, drawn up by the SRRC and approved by the scientific advisory board of the SRRC. - before the release the animals should -apart from being healthy and eating by themselves- have a minimum weight and be vaccinated against at least morbillivirus infections. - acclimatisation as an extra stage between rehabilitation and release has been suggested by the ISIFER team. We, the SRRC, have the experience after having released more than 1000 common seals(Phoca vitulina), 200 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and several other species like hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and also nine Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) that it is not necessary to acclimatize the seals which are ready for release (health, weight, independent eating and vaccinated) and that they are quite capable to find there way in their natural habitat. Although we have stated not to be completely against it. From the beginning onward the ISIFER team has been asked by the CNROP to present a plan for acclimatisation, which in December was still not available. - we principally agree on satellite telemetry tracking for released monk seals but we think that a well defined protocol needs to be developed for this technique on both young and adult monk seals. - one of the questions that needs to be answered is: what do we call the "normal habitat" of this mediterranean monk seal colony that is living on the northwest Atlantic coast of Africa. Is it only the area around the breeding caves, an area which now seem to be dangerous for the survival of this population ( morbillivirus disease, neurotoxine, military exercises) or is it larger, like ranging from along the coastline of Marocco till the Cape Verdi Islands? May be we should look into different releasing sites. A lot of questions remain to be answered, but it is clear that for a smooth cooperation experts, coordinators and teamleaders should not only debate on distance in Europe or by marmar but especially on the spot. Marmar readers who want to be informed in more detail about the chronology of the events during the die-off can ask for a report written by an independent consultant and the rehabilitation report for which we ask a small consideration. Lies Vedder, veterinarian of the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Hoofdstraat 94 a, 9968 AG Pieterburen, the Netherlands, tel.00 31 595 526 526; fax. 00 31 595 528 389; e-mail : pieterburen_seals(\)wxs.nl Subject: AUCKLAND ISLAND SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES GENETICALLY UNIQUE 15-Jan-98 10:00 pm Regular National AUCKLAND ISLAND SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES GENETICALLY UNIQUE Auckland, Jan 15 - The discovery of a distinct group of southern right whales in New Zealand waters was hailed today as an exciting scientific find. Conservation Minister Nick Smith announced the discovery of the population of southern right whales in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary off the remote Auckland Islands, 320km south of Stewart Island. Analysis of DNA taken harmlessly from the animals indicated they could be remnants of a once numerous New Zealand population of southern rights, which can exceed 18m in length and weigh up to 100 tonnes. The joint Department of Conservation-University of Auckland project has found the whales to be a distinct group but it is unknown whether they are survivors of the New Zealand population or a separate Auckland Islands group. The next stage of the work will be to extract DNA from New Zealand southern rights in whale products from museums to discover the origin of the population. But University of Auckland scientist Nathalie Patenaude, who is conducting the research with support from the World Wide Fund for Nature New Zealand and the oil company Shell, said there was no question the population was genetically different from Australian, South African and Argentine populations. ``On an international level it is very significant because this new rediscovered population ups the numbers of the species. On a national level it was thought to be extinct ... so to find a group in New Zealand waters is important,'' she said. Possibly only a few hundred of the baleen or filter-feeding southern rights survive in the Southern Hemisphere. A count last year found a minimum of 147 Auckland Islands whales, including calves. Ms Patenaude, a Quebecoise who has studied northern right whales in Alaskan waters but is now a New Zealand resident, said the southern rights were interesting because they lived in a pristine area of the world untouched by humans, having escaped extreme exploitation probably because they had no concept of fear. ``On a personal level I think they are the nicest, gentlest, sweetest animal I've met. They beat the humpback WHALE any day.'' The discovery will boost a call by WWF New Zealand for a ban on whaling in the Southern Ocean sanctuary where a Japanese whaling fleet is now engaged in its annual slaughter of minke whales, another baleen species. NZPA NZH ab gt ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 11:40:10 MST From: Paul K Anderson Subject: American Society of Mammalogist Meeting CORRECTION -DATES OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAMMALOGIST'S MEETING In my earlier message inviting marine mammalogist participation in the annual meeting of the ASM the dates of the meeting were in error. The correct dates are: ***June 6-10*** As a reminder, the original invitation, with the correct dates, is repeated below: The Marine Mammals Committee of the American Society of Mammalogists is working to encourage marine mammalogists to participate in the ASM annual meetings. The 1998 ASM meeting will be held on the campus of Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, June 6-10. There will be a session specifically set aside for spoken contributions in marine mammalogy. Marine mammalogists are welcome to submit papers for this session, or to submit spoken or poster contributions to sessions under other headings (e.g. ecology, anatomy, behavior). Abstracts should be submitted to Dr. Jack Cranford, ASM Program Chair, Biology Department, VPI and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia USA 24061-0408, postmarked no later than 1 March 1998. Those intended for the marine mammalogy session should be clearly marked "For Marine Mammal Session." For further information contact Dr. Jack Cranford at: phone 540-231-5371 or fax 540-231-9307 ....Registration packets may be obtained from : Dr. H. Duane Smith, American Society of Mammalogists Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum Brigham Young University Provo, Utah 84602-0200 Pre-registration deadline is 1 May 1998 Apologies for the confusion! Paul K. Anderson Chair, Marine Mammals Committee, ASM ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 00:16:56 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Summary 1/16/98 (fwd) Forwarded message: The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, sent to MARMAM courtesy of Kate Wing. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/16/98 New info and changes since 1/09/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/15/98 are double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Gray Whale Release. In late March 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding in early January 1997. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast.} [Assoc Press] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Feb. 3-5, 1998, International Whaling Commission (IWC) chairman, Michael Canny, is tentatively scheduled to convene an intersessional meeting of the IWC in Antigua to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. [personal communication] . {{Dolphin Release Charges. In mid-January 1998, NMFS announced the filing of charges against four dolphin freedom activists for harassing and illegally transporting two captive dolphins in connection with their deliberate release in waters off Key West, FL, in May 1996. Penalties against those involved total $60,000.}} [NOAA press release] . Keiko. On Jan. 7, 1998, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation issued a joint statement announcing that an arbitrator had ruled that the Aquarium should provide day-to-day care for Keiko under the direction of the Foundation's medical and rehabilitation plan. [Assoc Press, Oregon Coast Aquarium/Free Willy-Keiko Foundation press release] . Manatee Mortality. In early January 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection officials announced that 240 manatees were known to have died in 1997 -- the second highest annual death count since recordkeeping began in 1974. [Assoc Press] . {Canadian Seal Quotas. On Dec. 30, 1997, Canadian officials announced that the 1998 harp seal harvest quota would be 275,000 animals, unchanged from the 1997 quota. A survey of the harp seal population is scheduled to be conducted in 1998, to serve as the basis for deciding future quotas. The hooded seal quota will be increased from 8,000 (1997) to 10,000 animals in 1998. Federal financial assistance for the sealing industry will be C$500,000 in 1998, declining to C$250,000 in 1999. No federal financial support is projected after 1999 for this industry.} [High North Alliance News] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Re: UC DAVIS WILDLIFE MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM Here is the information on the wildlife symposium. Hopefully this version will work. Thanks. Debbie, Class of 2000, UC Davis, School of Vet Med The UC Davis Student Chapter of the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians presents the 4th Annual WILDLIFE MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM Saturday, January 24, 1998 9:00 am - 5:30 pm 180 Schalm Hall: Medical Sciences Complex, UC Davis 8:30-9:00 Welcome and coffee 9:00-9:35 Dr. Murray Fowler Professor Emeritus, Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of VeterinaryMedicine, UC Davis KEYNOTE SPEAKER -VETERINARY WILDLIFE MEDICINE THROUGH THE YEARS 9:40-10:40 Dr. Patrick Redig Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota; Director, Minnesota Raptor Center RAPTOR MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION I 10:40-11:00 Break 11:05-12:00 Dr. Tom Reidarson Staff Veterinarian, Sea World of California REHABILITATION OF A NEONATAL GRAY WHALE (ESCHRICHTIUS ROBUSTUS) 12:00-12:50 Lunch 1:00-1:55 Dr. Linda Munson Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine,UC Davis IMPACT OF DISEASE ON WILD CARNIVORE POPULATIONS IN AFRICA 2:00-2:55 Dr. Mike Ziccardi Department of Medicine & Epidemiology & Wildlife Health Center, School of VeterinaryMedicine,UC Davis OIL SPILL MEDICINE: CURRENT TECHNIQUES AND RESEARCH 2:55-3:10 Break 3:15-4:25 Dr. Richard K. Stroud Veterinary Medical Examiner, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ashland, Oregon "LET THE VICTIM SPEAK": WILDLIFE FORENSICS FOR THE VETERINARIAN 4:30-5:30 Dr. Patrick Redig Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota; Director, Minnesota Raptor Center RAPTOR REHABILITATION AND MEDICINE II ALL ARE WELCOME AND ADMISSION IS FREE. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE RSVP TO dafauquier(\)ucdavis.edu or 530-792- 1945. If you would like proceedings and can't attend please contact the above email address for more information. Directions: From Interstate 80, take Route 113 North towards Woodland. Exit at Hutchinson Dr./UC Davis and turn right. Take the first right into the Medical Sciences Complex. Follow signs to parking and lecture hall. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 00:19:20 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NZ southern right whale press release (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 14:59:54 GMT+1200 From: n.patenaude(\)auckland.ac.nz A clarification for those of you that felt compelled to comment on the Press release: I was misquoted on a number of issues: 1) I never said the whales where GENETICALLY distinct from Argentina and South A frica. Our work does show that they are distinct from Western Australia. So nobody wor ry, I haven't been working on samples I don't have. 2) I was misquoted on the number of srw in the Southern Hemisphere as well- not a few hundred- I said probably in the low thousands- never mind 3) I never said I worked on North Atlantic rights in ALASKA!!! I said I had work ed in Alaska, and I was wearing a North Atlantic Right Whale t-shirt during the interv iew. On the other hand I did say the mushy bit about right whales. I thought a touch of sentimentality would be good for the overly severe impression the public has of scientists. I probably will never live it down. And I did say that they beat humpbacks any day. Which I think they do! Anybody in their 'right' minds know that! Cheers, Nathalie Ecology and Evolution Group School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand ph:64-9-373-7599 ext 4588 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 11:40:10 -0500 From: "A.D.WILLIAMS" Some time ago I posted a request for information regarding the use of high speed catamaran ferries and the effects of cetaceans. Many people at this years World Marine Mammal Science Conference were asking what we had done. I have attached an introduction from a presentation given at the 1997 Underwater Bio-Sonar and Bioacoustics Symposium held at Loughborough University UK bet 16-17 December 1997. For an extended abstract contact Lisa Browning or myself at the Durlston Dolphin Research Programme, address below. Cetacean Disturbance by High Speed Ferries: A preliminary assessment. Browning LJ, Williams AD, and Harland E Introduction Ferry companies are increasingly utilising high-speed wave piercing catamarans to provide fast alternatives to conventional services. The number of such ferries operating in the UK has doubled in the last 5 years, Condor marine services (pers comm.). The potential environmental impact of this trend has received little attention. The possibility of cetacean disturbance through acoustic interference is of particular interest, as although the vessels been subject to criticism for high noise levels above water, the underwater acoustics have not previously been investigated. This paper describes the acoustic signature of the fastest catamaran ferry operating in the UK, assessing the potential for local cetacean disturbance. Sightings data for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are analysed to investigate signs of disturbance. Andy Williams Durlston Dolphin Research Programme Durlston Country Park Swanage Dorset ENGLAND University of East London Department of Environmental Science Romford Road London ENGLAND Tel +44(0)1705 552631 Fax +44(0)1705 341576 e-mail Andysmlr(\)athene.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 10:32:12 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, sent to MARMAM courtesy of Kate Wing. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/23/98 (updated daily) Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service New info and changes since 1/16/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/22/98 are double-bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . Gray Whale Release. In late March 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding in early January 1997. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. [Assoc Press] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Feb. 3-5, 1998, International Whaling Commission (IWC) chairman, Michael Canny, is tentatively scheduled to convene an intersessional meeting of the IWC in Antigua to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. [personal communication] . Dolphin Release Charges. In mid-January 1998, NMFS announced the filing of charges against four dolphin freedom activists for harassing and illegally transporting two captive dolphins in connection with their deliberate release in waters off Key West, FL, in May 1996. Penalties against those involved total $60,000. [NOAA press release] . Keiko. On Jan. 7, 1998, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation issued a joint statement announcing that an arbitrator had ruled that the Aquarium should provide day-to-day care for Keiko under the direction of the Foundation's medical and rehabilitation plan. [Assoc Press, Oregon Coast Aquarium/Free Willy-Keiko Foundation press release] . Manatee Mortality. In early January 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection officials announced that 240 manatees were known to have died in 1997 -- the second highest annual death count since recordkeeping began in 1974. [Assoc Press] . Canadian Seal Quotas. On Dec. 30, 1997, Canadian officials announced that the 1998 harp seal harvest quota would be 275,000 animals, unchanged from the 1997 quota. A survey of the harp seal population is scheduled to be conducted in 1998, to serve as the basis for deciding future quotas. The hooded seal quota will be increased from 8,000 (1997) to 10,000 animals in 1998. Federal financial assistance for the sealing industry will be C$500,000 in 1998, declining to C$250,000 in 1999. No federal financial support is projected after 1999 for this industry. [High North Alliance News] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 10:35:12 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship Opportunities (fwd) From: Gene Buck Colleagues: This is to inform interested parties of the graduate and volunteer interns hip programs at the Congressional Research Service, especially those applicable to fisheries, marine mammals, and marine science. CRS is one of three support agencies of the U.S. Congress, providing objective, non-partisan public policy analysis. Generally, we seek individuals for these internships who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at an accredited college or university. Information on these programs can be obtained from: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/ I anticipate beginning work on anticipated 106th Congress (1999-2000) debate on reauthorization and possible amendment of both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act during the next year as well as other projects, and am seeking interns to assist with this work. If at all possible, I would love to b e able to support such work under CRS's summer Graduate Recruit program, which provides a stipend for interns. The position in our Environment and Natural Resources Policy Section is listed under the "environmental policy" link, as a "Natural Resource Policy Analyst." If I do not qualify for a positio n under this program (funds are limited), I will be seeking interns under the Volunteer Internship program (unfortunately no stipend). While the summer 1998 Graduate Recruit program has fairly firm deadlines for application (late February 1998), the volunteer internship program is on-going year-round with no specific application deadlines. The CRS contact for more information on the programs generally is provided on the Web Page cited above. For specific questions about my need for interns, send me an inquiry via e-mail (gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov). I also will be glad to provide e-mail addresses of former interns who have worked with me and who can provide more details about their experience working with me and at CRS. Please excuse the cross-postings of this one-time notice. Gene Buck, senior analyst Congressional Research Service gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov Subject: Manatee Internship Available (fwd) From: "Ackerman, Bruce" Manatee Internship Available St. Petersburg, Florida Three nonpaid intern positions are available in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's manatee photo-identification program in St. Petersburg, Fla. The internships will last from June 1 through August 1, 1998. FDEP is looking for highly motivated college students or graduates with a science-related major and a willingness to learn about manatee field research. Interns are expected to contribute 30-40 hours per week for the entire two month s. A portion of the time will be spent in the field in boats and on land assisting staff in photographing manatees in the Tampa Bay area. Interns will be trained in photo-identification analysis, which includes identifying individual manatees by their scars, and sorting slides for the southeastern U.S. manatee photo- identification catalog. Interns will also be responsible for maintaining field equipment (cameras, boat, etc.). Additionally, they may be involved in public outreach and other manatee-related projects. To qualify for one of these positions, applicants must have: 1. Be currently enrolled in college or be a recent college graduate with a science-related major, 2. Experience using a 35mm camera and zoom lens, 3. Small-boat experience and U.S. Coast Guard boater certification, or certification from a boater safety course from school or state completed beforearrival, 4. A valid driver's license, 5. A U.S. citizen or Green Card, 6. Photo-identification experience with marine mammals (preferred), 7. The ability to work independently. Intern application package should include: 1. A letter of intent, explaining what you expect to gain from the internship. 2. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors or from employers in science-related work experience. 3. One set of official transcripts from colleges attended. Send application package to: Lenisa Tipton Florida Department of Environmental Protection 100 8th Ave. SE. St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5095. TIPTON_L(\)HARPO.DEP.STATE.FL.US No phone calls please. Deadline for receiving applications is February 28, 1998. Subject: Restriction on Tuna Drift Net Restriction on Tuna Drift Net Fishing By Amanda Brown, Environment Correspondent, PA News The Government today acted to help save dwindling dolphin populations by announcing changes to UK licences for tuna drift net fishing. Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley said the move would affect the seas south-west of the UK. He said: "This is the first step towards ending the unacceptable toll of dolphins in drift nets. "The UK is pressing for the agreement of other EU member states to take similar immediate action as well as to agree to a phase-out." The new licence will apply to all UK vessels over 10 metres and will prevent additional vessels joining the fleet pending EU agreement to a phase-out. Mr Morley said that from February 1, the only UK vessels eligible to fish for tuna using drift nets, for which a separate non transferable licence will be required, will be those which did so in either 1996 or 1997. "This will limit participation to a maximum of 10 vessels, and some of these have been approved for a decommissioning grant which they can take up by the end of February." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 19:03:38 -0500 From: Trevor Spradlin Subject: NOAA/NMFS Press Release NOAA 98-R105 Contact: Scott Smullen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE scott.smullen(\)noaa.gov 1/20/98 (301) 713-2370 DOLPHIN FEEDING AND HARASSMENT STILL ILLEGAL The National Marine Fisheries Service reminds people enjoying Florida's coastal waters that it is still against federal law to feed and harass wild dolphins. Recent press coverage about a local court ruling on the state's wildlife law may have confused many area residents and tourists who remember that the fisheries service conducted a federal public awareness campaign last summer in Florida. Dolphin feeding and harassment has increased at an alarming rate throughout the Southeast in Florida, Texas and South Carolina. The flurry of feeding activity has agency officials worried that the average citizen is unaware that offering a dolphin a handout is harmful to the dolphins, dangerous to people, and illegal under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act . "We understand that people find it tempting to interact with wild dolphins. However, folks must understand that feeding wild dolphins is harmful and is therefore illegal under federal law. It is best for the dolphins' health and welfare to observe them at a respectful distance, to resist feeding them, and to avoid any activities that risk harassment such as chasing, touching or swimming with them," said Rollie Schmitten, director of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) because the activity changes the animals' natural behavior in ways that put them at increased risk of injury or death, and may impact their ability or willingness to forage for food. The prohibition on feeding was upheld in 1993 by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and is widely supported by the scientific research and environmental communities since provisioning of any species of wildlife is known to be harmful. An in-depth review conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service, outside marine mammal experts, and the Marine Mammal Commission, determined that feeding marine mammals in the wild is contrary to the mandates of the MMPA to protect individuals, species and stocks of marine mammals, and alters their behavior in ways that place them at increased risk of injury and death. Repeated exposure to humans and human activities has been correlated with placing these animals at greater risk of incidental interactions with vessels and fishing activities, vandalism, and ingestion of inappropriate and contaminated food items. In addition, feeding may impact their ability or willingness to forage for food, which is of particular concern for young animals who need to learn foraging skills. The fisheries service is also concerned that "swim-with-dolphin" programs in the wild risk harassing the animals since such programs seek out and interact with dolphins in a manner that has the potential to disturb the animals' behavioral patterns. Swim-with-dolphin activities in Panama City, Fla., are of particular concern because they are either directly facilitated by, or capitalize on, illegal dolphin feeding. An additional concern about interactions with wild dolphins is that individual animals may become labeled as "nuisance animals." In the Southeast, this concern is growing as dolphins are being turned into aggressive panhandlers. The fisheries service and local law enforcement officials have received numerous reports of people being injured by dolphins begging for food. "If people truly care for wild dolphins, they will allow them to stay wild by not interacting with them," said Schmitten. "Please admire them from a safe distance of at least 50 yards." More than a decade ago, the fisheries service enacted marine mammal watching guidelines that ask people to refrain from intentionally approaching or entering the water within 50 yards of a marine mammal in order to protect the animal and avoid harassment. If the animal approaches the vessel, operators should maintain a constant speed and direction to avoid positioning the vessel in ways that would restrict or modify the animal's normal movements. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 11:08:19 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstracts - Marine Mammal Science The following abstracts for contents of the January 1998 issue of _Marine Mammal Science_ are posted as a courtesy to the editor of _Marine Mammal Science_ and the list editors of Marmam. Please do not direct reprint inquiries to me, I have provided the address of the corresponding author to whom inquiries should be directed. _Marine Mammal Science_ is a publication of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm). Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************************************************************** ARTICLES ********************************************************************** Wade, P.R. 1998. Calculating limits to the allowable human-caused mortality of cetaceans and pinnipeds. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 1-37. Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, c/o National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA. A simulation method was developed for identifying populations with levels of human-caused mortality that could lead to depletion, taking into account the uncertainty of available information. A mortality limit (termed the Potential Biological Removal, PBR, under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act) was calculated as the product of a minimum population estimate (Nmin), one-half of the maximum net productivity rate (Rmax), and a recovery factor (Fr). Mortality limits were evaluated based on whether at least 95% of the simulated populations met two criteria: (1) that populations starting at the maximum net productivity level (MNPL) stayed there or above after 20 yr, and (2) that populations starting at 30% of carrying-capacity (K) recovered to at least MNPL after 100 yr. Simulations of populations that experienced mortality equal to the PBR indicated that using approximately the 20th percentile (the lower 60% log-normal confidence limit) of the abundance estimate for Nmin met the criteria for both cetaceans (assuming Rmax=0.04) and pinnipeds (assuming Rmax=0.12). Additional simulations that included plausible levels of bias in the available information indicated that using a value of 0.5 for Fr would meet both criteria during these "bias trials." It is concluded that any marine mammal population with an estimate of human-caused mortality that is greater than its PBR has a level of mortality that could lead to the depletion of the population. The simulation methods were also used to show how mortality limits could be calculated to meet conservation goals other than the U.S. goal of maintaining populations above MNPL. ********************************************************************** Perryman, W.L.* and R.L. Westlake. 1998. A new geographic form of the spinner dolphin, _Stenella longirostris_, detected with aerial photogrammetry. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 38-50. *Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California 92037, USA Analyses of skeletal and external morphology of spinner dolphins killed in the yellowfin tuna purse-seine fishery in the eastern tropical Pacific led to the description of two subspecies of spinners from this region, the eastern spinner dolphin and the Central American spinner dolphin (Perrin, 1990). However, when we examined lengths of spinner dolphins taken from vertical aerial photographs from the same area, we found three unique morphotypes. Two of these forms correspond, at least in average length and distribution, to the existing subspecies. The third form is intermediate in length between the two recognized subspecies and is found along the edge of the continental shelf north of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. We provisionally call this form the "Tres Marias spinner dolphin." Our results demonstrate the value of a mix of fishery and fishery-independent data in studies of stock structure of impacted species. ********************************************************************** Wells, R.S.*, K. Bassos-Hull, and K.S. Norris. 1998. Experimental return to the wild of two bottlenose dolphins. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 51-71. *Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34236, USA. In the first scientific experiment of its kind, two young male bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) were captured in Tampa Bay, Florida, and then returned to the wild at the same locale in October 1990, after two years in captivity. The dolphins' age/sex class and the capture and release site were selected prior to capture. The ranging and social association patterns of the host community were examined prior to, and, including the two animals, after release. The dolphins remained together for the first month, then began interacting more with other dolphins and less with each other. Within the first year, one dolphin returned to the waters near his capture site and has remained there at least through September 1993. The other dolphin has remained in its original home range at least through June 1996. Observations of each dolphin have shown them to be fully integrated into the local dolphin societies. They displayed typical behavior, ranging, and social association patterns. Their body condition has been excellent at each observation. They have not been observed interacting with humans. The apparent success of this experiment cannot necessarily be generalized to all potential candidates for return to the wild, but the results can be used to guide future experiments. ********************************************************************** Priddel, D *. And R. Wheeler. 1998. Hematology and blood chemistry of a Bryde's whale, _Balaenoptera edeni_, entrapped in the Manning River, New South Wales, Australia. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 72-81. *New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1967, Hurtsville, New South Wales 2220, Australia A Bryde's whale, _Balaenoptera edeni_, was rescued after having been entrapped in the Manning River, Australia, for 100 d. Blood, skin, and epidermal tissue were analyzed to determine the whale's taxonomic status, gender, and health. This paper reports the results of these analyses and discusses the findings in relation to the potential physiological damage to the whale from its protracted stay in the river. Molecular genetic analyses of epidermal tissue identified the whale as a male of the rare pygmy form of Bryde's whale. The 10.3-m whale was diagnosed as emaciated, parasitized, under stress, and in a state of profound catabolism at the time of its rescue. Although it had greatly depleted its energy reserves, the whale was rescued from the river before the onset of ill health or irreparable physiological damage. No organ dysfunction was evident with the possible exception of some deterioration in kidney function most likely caused by parasitism. The whale swam away strongly on release, and its chances of survival appeared to be good. ********************************************************************** Berube, M.* and A. Aguilar. 1998. A new hybrid between a blue whale, _Balaenoptera musculus_, and a fin whale, _B. physalus_: frequency and implications of hybridization. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 82-98. *present address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92717, USA A female hybrid between a blue whale (_Balaenoptera musculus_) and a fin whale ( _B. physalus_) was caught in whaling operations in 1984 off northwestern Spain. Its coloration and body proportions were intermediate between those of a fin and a blue whale, although it was anomalously large (19.4 m) when compared to fin whales of similar age (4 yr). It was sexually immature, concomitant with its age but not its length if it were a fin whale. Molecular analyses revealed that the mother of the hybrid was a blue whale and the father a fin whale. Examination of data for the five fin-blue whale hybrids in the literature, plus other anecdotal reports, indicates that hybridization between these two species occurs in various geographic regions and is relatively frequent, notably in light of the absence of reported hybrids between other mysticetes. Either species may act as father or mother, and there does not appear to be a selection for a given sex among the hybrids. The reproductive capacity of these hybrids remains unknown, although incidence of reproductive impairment appears to be higher in hybrid males than in hybrid females. ********************************************************************** Rowntree, V.J.*, P. McGuinness, K. Marshall, R. Payne, M. Sironi, and J. Seger. 1998. Increased harassment of right whales (_Eubalaena australis_) by kelp gulls (_Larus dominicanus_) at Peninsula Valdes, Argentina. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 99-115. *Whale Conservation Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA Kelp gulls at Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, have recently developed the habit of feeding on pieces of skin and blubber that they gouge from the backs of southern right whales. In response, the whales flinch violently, submerge, and swim rapidly away underwater. The level of harrassment in 1995 was almost five times higher than when first studied in 1984 by Thomas (1988). In 1995, 67% of attacks were aimed at large white lesions on the whales' backs. The proportion of whales, with lesions increased from 0.01 in 1974 to 0.32 in 1990. Mother-calf pairs that were attacked traveled at medium and fast speeds for 3.1 h per day, compared to 0.8 h for undisturbed pairs. Mother-calf pairs are estimated to spend approximately 24% of their daylight hours in states of gull-induced disturbance. Little food is available at Peninsula Valdes, so mothers must rely on blubber reserves to support their calves' growth, behavioral development, and migration to the feeding grounds. Even when undisturbed by gulls, mothers often curtail their calves' play and nursing bouts, suggesting that their energy reserves are limited. Increasingly intense harrassment by gulls may therefore compromise calf development and might even induce right whales to abandon Peninsula Valdes for other calving grounds. ********************************************************************** Hobson, KA *. and J.L. Sease. 1998. Stable isotope analyses of tooth annuli reveal temporal dietary records: an example using Steller sea lions. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 116-129. *Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Center, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0X4. Stable isotope analysis of teeth of marine mammals can provide valuable information on trophic level and source of feeding. However, the isotopic analysis of whole teeth presents only an average dietary estimate for individuals across the period of the growth of that tooth. While such analyses can be valuable, particularly in the case of fossil material, in contrast, isotopic analysis of individual annuli of teeth can provide dietary information for each year of tooth growth, in some cases representing the whole of the animal's life. We measured stable-carbon isotope rations (13C/12C) in the inorganic (hydroxyapatite) and stable-nitrogen isotope ratios (15N/14N) in the organic (primarily collagenous) components of individual tooth annuli of 18 male Steller sea lions (_Eumetopias jubatus_) obtained from archived collections from the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska and from single northern fur seals (_Callorhinus ursinus_) and northern elephant seals (_Mirounga angustirostris_) from the central Aleutian Islands and eastern Gulf of Alaska, respectively. In several individuals, we detected considerable variation in stable isotope values among annuli, up to 6.1 parts per thousand for 15N and 5.1 parts per thousand for 13C values. Enrichment in 15N and depletion of 13C values in the first annulus may correspond to dietary inputs from mother's milk during the period of suckling. Other variations among years may be caused by dietary changes or movements of individuals between regions differing in isotopic signatures of foodweb primary production. Our study indicates that the isotopic analysis of individual tooth annuli represents a fine-scale tool for dietary reconstructions involving marine mammals, and cautions against the use of whole-tooth material averaged over several annuli. ********************************************************************** NOTES ********************************************************************** Amano, M.*, M. Yoshioka, T. Kuramochi, and K. Mori. 1998. Diurnal feeding by Dall's porpoise, _Phocoenoides dalli_. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 130-135. *current address: Otsuchi Marine Research Center, Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Akahama, Otsuchi, Iwate 028-11, Japan ********************************************************************** Eggert, L.S.*, C.A. Lux, G.M. O'Corry-Crowe, and A.E. Dizon. 1998. Dried dolphin blood on fishery observer records provides DNA for genetic analyses. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1):136-143. *Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA ********************************************************************** Huele, R.* And H. Udeo de Haes. 1998. Identification of individual sperm whales by wavelet transform of the trailing edge of the flukes. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 143-145. *Centre of Environmental Science, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. ********************************************************************** Osmond, M.G.* and G.D. Kaufman. 1998. A heavily parasitized humpback whale (_Megaptera novaeangliae_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 146-149. *Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihea, Hawaii 96753, USA ********************************************************************** Sanchez Pacheco, J.A. 1998. Gray whale mortality at Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro Lagoons, Baja California Sur, Mexico: 1984-1995. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 149-155. Current address: Reserve De La Biosfera "El Vizcaino" Prof. D. Carballo Y Ruiz Cortines, Col. Marcelo Rubio, A.p. #65, C.p. 23940 Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico ********************************************************************** ******** Baraff, L.S.* and R.A. Asmutis-Silvia. 1998. Long-term association of an individual short-finned pilot whale and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 155-161. *Current address: 9719 49th Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington 98115, USA ********************************************************************** Stevick, P.T.*, N. Oien, and D.K. Matilla. Migration of a humpback whale (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) between Norway and the West Indies. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 162-166. *College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA ********************************************************************** Parsons, E.C.M. 1998. Observations of Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, _Sousa chinensis_, from Goa, Western India. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 166-170. Current address: SEAQUEST, The Old Walsh House, 17 Lower Road, Woolarington, Somerset TA78EQ, U.K. ********************************************************************** Mesnick, S.L.*, M. Del Carmen Garcia Rivas, and B.J. Le Boeuf. 1998. Northern elephant seals in the Gulf of California, Mexico. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 171-178. *Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA ********************************************************************** Perry, E.A.* and W. Amos. 1998. Genetic and behavioral evidence that harbor seal (_Phoca vitulina_) females may mate with multiple males. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 178-182. *Current address: Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20008, USA ********************************************************************** Orr, J.R.* and L.A. Harwood. 1998. Possible aggressive behavior between a narwhal (_Monodon monoceros_) and a beluga (_Delphinapterus leucas_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 182-185. *Department of Fisheries and Oceans, NWT West Area, Box 1871, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada X0E 0T0. ********************************************************************** Orams, M.B.* and C. Schuetze. 1998. Seasonal and age/sex-related occurrence of a barnacle (_Xenobalanus globicipitis_) on bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 186-189. *Department of Management Systems, Massey University Albany, Private Bag 902 104, North Shore MSC, New Zealand ********************************************************************** Florez-Gonzales, L.*, J. Capelia A., B. Haase, G.A. Bravo, F. Felix, and T. Gerrodette. 1998. Changes in winter destinations and the northernmost record of southeastern Pacific humpback whales. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 189-196. *Fundacion Yubarat, A.A. 33141, Cali, Colombia and Facultad de Ciencias, Dpto. De Biologia, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia ********************************************************************** LETTERS ********************************************************************** Webster, S.A.* and R.W. Baird. 1998. Aquatic interactions between a northern elephant seal and humans at Isla Los Islotes, B.C.S., Mexico. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(1): 202-203. *Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27706-8001, USA ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Jan 1998 11:32:28 -0500 From: william rossiter Subject: Dolphin Assisted Therapy Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT), the use of captive dolphins in treatment regimens for humans afflicted with a variety of problems (such as autism), has been discussed sporadically on MARMAM, generally with a view to promote a particular facility of practitioner. Within the field there appear to be a number of claims presented in a scientific manner that beg for objective scrutiny. For example, the assertion that a person's fused skull (Microcephalus?) was altered under dolphin-administered ultrasound treatment. (See proceedings of 2nd Annual Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Symposium, 1996) The overall result suggests a biased and undisciplined view of the subject of DAT, often leading to unrealistic assumptions and very real financial commitments by prospective patients. I offer the following references with the intent of balancing the bias and stimulating further discussion: 1) Iannuzzi, D. and Rowan, A.N. 1991. Ethical issues in animal-assisted therapy programs. Anthrozoos 4(3):154-162. 2) Frohoff, T.G. 1996. Behavior of Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) Relative to Human Interaction. Doctoral dissertation, The Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. 3) Frohoff, T.G. 1993. Behavior of Captive Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Humans During controlled In-Water Interactions. M.S. thesis, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. May I request that MARMAMERs with experience or interest in the subject provide me, directly or through MARMAM, with references, facts, experiences, and opinions about DAT? I need your help to make an objective analysis of the merits of this growing international business for a contracted study. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-544-8617 71322.1637(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 05:56:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Hooker's/New Zealand sea lion mass mortalities (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 21:52:37 +1300 From: Mike Donoghue NEW ZEALAND SEA LION MASS MORTALITIES A serious mass mortality event is currently sweeping through the two main breeding colonies of the New Zealand (Hooker's) sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri), with 30-40% of this year's pups already dead, and indications of increasing mortalities amongst adult females. The New Zealand sea lion is found only in New Zealand waters and is one of the world's rarest seal species. In 1997, based on pup production estimates, the population was estimated at between 11,000 and 15,000 animals. Once distributed throughout New Zealand, from the tip of the North Island to Campbell Island, deep in the subantarctic, the species was taken to the brink of extinction by commercial sealers of the early nineteenth century. The major concern in recent times has been the impact of accidental catches in the trawl fishery for squid around the Auckland Islands, which is one of New Zealand's most important deepwater fisheries. For each of the past four years Ministers of Conservation and Fisheries have set a catch limit for sea lions. The squid fishery was closed early last year, because the sea lion catch limit was exceeded. Over the past ten years, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been monitoring the main breeding colonies of Dundas and Enderby Island, part of the Auckland Islands group located some 420km south of New Zealand's South Island. These two colonies (which collectively occupy an area roughly the size of six football pitches) account for some 95% of the sea lion breeding population. Annual pup production in recent years has been approximately 2,500 animals. Dundas Island is responsible for 80% of all pup production , but is surrounded by rocky reefs and is much harder to access than Enderby, where DOC has a research station. DOC scientists arrived at Enderby Island in mid-January, and everything seemed to be normal. However, when weather conditions permitted a visit to Dundas on 26 January, the team discovered some 700 recently-dead pups. Symptoms included puffy eyes, ulcerated anuses and vaginas and lesions on the head. Dying pups often showed spasms and paralysis. Fewer adults than usual were on the beach, but at that time there were no signs that the older animals had been affected. Returning to Enderby, the team soon found that pups were beginning to die there also. In addition, adult females started showing signs of paralysis. Afflicted animals also had small raised lesions on the belly and neck. Post-mortems have shown pus-filled swellings around the salivary gland in the neck. The most recent estimate on the day of this posting is that 111 pups have died on Enderby, and a further 150 are unaccounted for. 20% of the adult females on the breeding beach are dead or afflicted with lesions or paralysis. The numbers of adult females on the beach are considerably lower than normal. An unknown number of females (and males) may have died at sea, and some pups are consequently starving to death. Samples from autopsied pups and females and six pup carcasses were flown back to the mainland by helicopter on 29 January. Pathologists from Massey University Cetacean Investigation Centre in Palmerston North will begin detailed examinations of the samples on Monday 1 February. Further updates will be posted with MARMAM on a weekly basis. Any helpful advice or assistance will be warmly welcomed. Please reply to: mdonoghue(\)doc.govt.nz Many thanks Mike Donoghue Marine Protection External Relations Division Department of Conservation Subject: MARMAM Editorial Policy - Please read before submitting messages Note to all MARMAM subscribers: Due to an increasing number of submissions to the MARMAM list which are not properly formatted, we request all subscribers read over the editoral policy prior to making submissions to the list. This will both increase the likelihood of your submission being sent to the list subscribers, as well as reduce the workload of the MARMAM editors. ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list + 2. Messages posted on MARMAM + 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM 4. Reasons for rejection of messages FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? 6. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 7. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 9. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? + 13. How do I get other information on marine mammals? 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of December 1997 there were over 3,000 subscribers from 55 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ + 2. Messages posted on MARMAM + A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000 list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list. + - Messages in another language provide an english translation + Note. MARMAM cannot receive attachments - please submit messages as text only. _______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - information not related to marine mammal research or conservation - animal rights issues - communication between humans and other animals - 'casual' requests for information that is easily available elsewhere - information requests without details as to why this is being requested - news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - requests for volunteer positions/employment - requests for small numbers of specific items (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - opinion statements offering little or no novel arguments + - messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - humourous anecdotes _______________________________________________________________ 4. More detail on reasons for rejection of messages. 'CASUAL' REQUEST. Messages which request information which is readily available from other sources, such as your average university library, are not posted to the list. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. INPROPERLY FORMATTED OR FULL OF TYPOS. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send the message: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 9. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). As of Nov. 28 1996 all MARMAM messages have also been archived on the world-wide web. These can be found at: http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive can be searched by keyword or by date. The archive manager is Quyen Lam ______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ + 13. More Information on Marine Mammals WORLD-WIDE WEB LINKS Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" + WhaleNet + "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" + OTHER EMAIL DISCUSSION LISTS Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Kerry Irish, or Shannon Gowans) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated December, 1997 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 29 Jan 1998 13:04:26 +0000 From: oliver_kiely(\)ucc.ie Subject: European Seal Research Meeting? During the recent WMMSC in Monaco one of the ideas that was bounced around a little was the notion of convening a meeting of European Seal Researchers to look at recent research findings and facilitate discussion and contacts between people in this field. It has been some time since such a forum was created and perhaps it is time that another such opportunity arose... So the following proposal is simply an attempt to gauge the level of interest in such a meeting from Marmam subscribers, particularly in Europe. If we are going to pin down funding we need to know roughly how many participants there would be, etc.. Here's the information for now: Participants: People involved in pinniped research in Europe Intention: An informal workshop-type gathering to present current research and discuss ideas using key speakers to prompt discussion. Venue: Cork, IRELAND Date: September 1998 Duration: 2-3 days (probably Friday-Sunday) I would be very grateful if those researchers who are interested in attending such a meeting would send me a short e-mail soon with a yes/no and any other important contributions they might feel appropriate to our organising such an event. Thanks for taking the time to read this.. Please send answers immediately as there is not all that much time for us to organise this. Best wishes, Oliver Kiely, Coastal Resources Centre, Dept. of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Cork. IRELAND Tel. +353 21 904283 Fax. +353 21 270562 Email: o.kiely(\)ucc.ie ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 12:10:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Seal aphrodisiacs often fake - Seal aphrodisiacs often fake -Canadian researchers By Amran Abocar TORONTO, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Aphrodisiacs advertised as containing Canadian seal penises, an ingredient highly prized by Asians, are often fakes made from genitalia of animals such as dogs and cows, researchers said on Tuesday. Researchers from McMaster University in Canada found that about half the aphrodisiacs they tested were fake and used genitalia from dogs, cats and cattle as well as the endangered Australian fur seal. "They're selling penises under one name and in fact the source is something different," said Bradley White, a professor at McMaster in Hamilton, Ont. His team used genetic analysis to test seal penis products bought undercover from Asian herbal medicine stores in Thailand, Hong Kong, China, the United States and Canada. Asians have traditionally regarded seal penis as an aphrodisiac because of a belief in traditional Chinese medicine that it enhances male virility, although there has been little scientific research proving its effectiveness. White and colleague David Lavigne first highlighted the problem in a December article in the journal Conservation Biology and on Monday released data from genetic testing that showed the extent to which other substances were substituted for seal penis in the products they bought. White said the other substances would likely not work as aphrodisiacs but vendors of the tonics were tempted by their greater availability and lower cost. "Domesticated animals don't have the same power as wild animals," White said. "But you can get a domestic animal penis a lot easier and cheaper." Supplies of Canadian seal penises are limited. Although there are strong protests against the annual seal hunt, the Canadian government allows a controlled annual cull of about 300,000 seals a year. Even so, the penises are being marketed as genuine, Canadian seal products. Some advertisements prominently display posters of Canadian seal pups while others carry large window signs. The Canadian flag is also displayed on the label. The fraud is difficult to detect because the penis is often ground into powder or mixed in bottles of wine. Even when they are sold whole, unscrupulous vendors mold the material to look like the real thing. Canadian seal penises are priced from C$20 (US$14) for a small plastic bag or vial to C$650 (US$442) for a specially-packaged box. The price difference depends on the quantity and type of packaging for the product. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 13:10:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Project Jonah New Zealand (Inc.) (fwd) BOUNDARY="----=_NextPart_000_0065_01BD24FC.75D9ABC0" This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. ------=_NextPart_000_0065_01BD24FC.75D9ABC0 Project Jonah New Zealand was founded in 1973 and became an incorporated society in 1978. Its main purpose was to assist in national and international efforts to save marine mammals from extinction due to commercial whaling and over-fishing. In the last 10 years, Project Jonah has evolved into an educational and training organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of marine mammals. Project Jonah New Zealand is a completely non-profit, non-political, charitable trust. It is an leading authority on the rescue of stranded whales and dolphins and was instrumental in the creation of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in 1994. Heavily involved with the Department of Conservation and active in the NZ education sector, Project Jonah receives no government funding, is entirely staffed by volunteers and raises its own funds through donations, sponsorship and membership subscriptions. Project Jonah NZ (Inc.) is now in our twenty fifth year, and are now pleased to anounce our WWW Site. This site is the only OFFICIAL WWW SITE OF PROJECT JONAH NZ (Inc.). Please bear with us while the site develops as we are all volunteers. http://wildside.gen.nz/PJ/pjhome.html The official postal address is Project Jonah (NZ) Inc. PO Box 8376 Symond Street Auckalnd New Zealand The only official e-mail address is project-jonah(\)wildside.gen.nz All corospondance to Project Jonah should be directed to the above addresses. Terry James terry(\)wildside.gen.nz webmaster(\)wildside.gen.nz http://www.wildside.gen.nz Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 17:00:05 -1000 From: Adam Pack Subject: Digital Video Cameras Dear subscribers, Our research group has been using a Sony Hi-8 video camera to record the underwater behaviors of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters for the past several years. We are currently considering purchasing a digital video camera and housing. I would very much appreciate any suggestions you might have regarding the best brands and models of digital video cameras which would be suitable for our use. Are there any video cameras we should avoid? We are currently considering the Sony Vx1000 and the Sony TRV7. Does anyone have any experience with these models? Finally, does a 3 chip digital video camera really give you a better quality image than a 1 chip camera? Thank you very much for your advice. Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. email: pack(\)hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 23:35:55 +1300 From: Stephanie Burkhart Subject: Relationship between fishing effort and bycatch Hi. For my Master's thesis, I'm using the tool of population viability analysis to estimate future populations sizes, probability of extinction and probability of pseudo-extinction (i.e. reduction to 1/2, 1/4 of current population size) for Hector's dolphin. I have expanded on a spatial model constructed by Fear et al. (1997) which is based on the following assumption: Fishing effort (in terms of meters of setnet) is proportionately related to the number of dolphins caught in setnets. Since I have been unable to find any data on the relationship between fishing effort and the number of dolphins caught, this linear relationship between fishing effort and bycatch seems to be a logical and simple approach. However, if anyone has any data that either supports this relationship or suggests that another type of relationship exists, I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. Cheers. Stephanie Burkhart ****************************** Stephanie Burkhart Department of Zoology University of Otago PO Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand email: Stephanie.Burkhart(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 31 Jan 1998 23:01:35 -0800 From: Aquarium Webmaster Subject: Summary Report of Keiko Evaluation Panel Summary Report of Evaluation Panel Convened to Assess the Health of Keiko January 28, 1998 Panel Members: Dr. James McBain, Sea World, Inc. Dr. Al Smith, Oregon State University Dr. Jeffery Stott, University of California at Davis Dr. Joseph Geraci6 National Aquarium in Baltimore Mr. Bud Krames, Dolphin Quest Dr. Barbara Kohn, USDA, APHIS, AC - Facilitator Other Contributors: Dr. Isis Johnson, USDA, APHIS, AC Dr. Randy Ridenour, USDA, APHIS, AC This independent evaluation was done with the full backing and support of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation. Foundation liaisons were Mr. Joseph Gaskins, and Mr. Robert Ratliffe. The Panel wishes to thank the staff at the Free Willy Keiko Foundation and the Oregon Coast Aquarium for their cooperation with this evaluation. The Panel was welcomed with open arms. We wish to thank Dr. Lanny Cornell for his cooperation. Keiko, a male killer whale, Orcinus orca, was transported to the United States and housed at a newly built facility within the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCA) in January 1 1996. Since that time the animal has been under the care of the OCA and the Free Willy Keiko Foundation (FWKF). Due to the history and popularity of the whale, his health and well being have been subjected to a high degree of public and media scrutiny. In August 1997, after a change in personnel handling the day-to day care of Keiko and after conflicting reports of his health status, APHIS was asked to facilitate the formation of an independent panel of marine mammal experts who would assess the current health status of Keiko. This panel was formed in October 1997 with the cooperation of the FWKF. The panel included veterinary experts, including a virologist and immunologist, as well as two veterinary clinicians, a behaviorist, and an APHIS representative as a facilitator. The animal was evaluated by the panel members during December 1997 and January 1998. Keiko is an approximately 18 year old killer whale whose living condition and health concerns came to light when he was chosen to star in the movie, Free Willy. At that time, Keiko resided in a facility in Mexico (Reino Aventura), in which the pool was small and water quality was poor including inappropriate temperature. Keiko has had no conspecific companionship since he resided in Canada, but he did have dolphin companionship at Reino Aventura. After several years of negotiations and attempts to move Keiko to a more appropriate facility, arrangements were made to move him to the OCA facility, which was leased by the FWKF. Keiko's health has been a constant concern with the most visible problem being a viral (assumed) skin condition which was visible even during the filming of the movie. The skin condition did appear to improve after the transfer to the Oregon facility with its improved water quality. APHIS has, when deemed necessary, formed and/or overseen ad hoc panels that dealt with specific allegations and concerns raised about regulated animals. This process is not automatic, but is used when the nature and implications of the situation warrants such measures. Due to the media focus and history of this animal. APHIS agreed to help form and facilitate a Blue Ribbon panel to assess the current health status of Keiko. The scope and sole mandate of this panel is to examine Keiko's current health, not to comment on or infer support or opposition to his releasability in The future. The panel was formed to look at the current veterinary and behavioral issues, the current facility status with respect to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and to provide recommendations as appropriate Methodology: Keiko was examined by a marine mammal veterinarian and samples were obtained for generally accepted routine medical testing, including a complete blood count and chemistry profile. Additional blood and biopsy samples were obtained to run room specialized testing to evaluate the immunological status and viral exposure/response of the animal. Medical tests were carried out at the panel member's own facilities utilizing currently accepted methodologies for the respective analysis. Medical and training records were reviewed as needed by panel members, and FWKF and OCA personnel were interviewed when appropriate. Keiko's behavior was observed by several panel members on two separate occasions during the veterinary examination and sample collection in December 1997, and again during the course of 10 observation sessions in January 1998. Conference calls and one-on-one communications were utilized by the panel to discuss and evaluate the findings. During the tenure of the panel, APHIS inspectors conducted an unannounced compliance inspection. Results and Evaluation: To gain the best picture of the health status of any animal, one should monitor appropriate parameters over time, using repeated testing. This panel was formed to evaluate a "snapshot" of Keiko's medical and behavioral condition. To provide the best evaluation under these circumstances, the panel relied on the medical and behavioral records of the animal, as well as examinations and testing done in November 1997 through January 1998. Based on clinical pathology results, there is a high probability that Keiko developed a hepatopathy beginning in June 1997. The primary manifestation of this event was a significantly elevated liver enzyme which did not return to normal until December 1997. Keiko was treated with an antifungal drug for a suspected lung infection during the latter period of enzyme elevation. This complicated interpretation of the enzyme values since the antifungal agent used is known to occasionally produce a transient elevation in liver enzymes, which may persist over a long period of time. The return of the liver enzymes to normal levels indicated that, in the very least, the condition is in remission. During his residency in Oregon, Keiko experienced a tooth fracture which later required extraction. There have also been multiple episodes of hematuria. Recent urinalyses demonstrate that hematuria is no longer present. Dr. Lanny Cornell, attending veterinarian for the FWKF, indicated that Keiko has a penile lesion which was the likely source of blood in the urine. The lesion has healed. Observers have reported the occurrence of behaviors described as "cramping" and "twitching." The Panel's veterinary clinicians have not seen these behaviors, nor is any video available. As a result their cause and significance cannot be determined. The behaviors have been noted since Keiko's arrival in Oregon, and to date no disease condition has been associated with them. In late December 1997, a small skin lesion on the leading edge of the right pectoral flipper was observed. It was approximately 1" in diameter and visually appeared to be a papilloma. The lesion was biopsied, and although cytopathology was evident on the first but not the second and third growth passages, histology and initial cell culture tend to support the growth being the result of a papilloma (wart) virus. This condition is known to occur in wild and captive whales and is not considered a health challenge to Keiko. Other skin lesions which have been observed on Keiko have been examined and biopsied when appropriate (fresh lesions). Although such lesions resembled possible viral skin lesions, no specific viral etiology has been identified. Blood (serum and buffy coats) samples were subjected to rigorous viral isolation and/or viral antigen testing for 49 antigens, including 33 serotypes of caliciviruses (oceanic and nonoceanic), marine species virus isolates of herpes virus, rotavirus-like virus, entorvirus-like virus, retrovirus-like virus, and three adenoviruses, as well as other miscellaneous viruses, including morbillivrius, parvovirus, and human hepatitis virus, canine adanovirus, and LDH virus. Antibody testing for 48 to the 49 viruses is complete at this time. Antibody tests were negative, and there were no viruses isolated. Samples collected to evaluate the immunological status of Keiko revealed that he has a low circulating B-lymphocyte count and a slightly elevated total immunogloubulin level. Immunealactrophoresis of the serum proteins indicated that there may be a missing isotype of IgG. However, the significance of this finding is unknown. T-lymphocyte function appears to be adequate in this animal. Behavioral observations of Keiko indicate a variation in his behavior patterns. In December 1997, he appeared "frustrated" and not content. In January 1998, Keiko appeared calm, if bored. Both observers felt Keiko might be feeling the effects of not having any control over his environment. However, no stereotypic or destructive (typical neurotic behaviors such as head butting or staring into the walls) swimming or other behaviors were observed. Keiko related well to his trainers, but it was felt that the response thresholds for the training sessions were low, and Keiko's response to stimuli, though not normal, was slow. The primary reinforcement tool preferred by Keiko was tactile stimulation after a session. He does not appear to be food driven in his interactions. Keiko was provided enrichment devices and interacted with them randomly, especially enjoying the high-powered water jets used for environmental enrichment. Overall, Keiko appeared to have no behavioral problems that adversely affected his health. Several panel members expressed concern that Keiko, may not have a great deal of stamina and that even small body movements created visible movement of skin. This apparent flaccidity of Keiko's body could indicate insufficient muscle mass, lack of muscle tone, or recent changes in weight. Keiko continues to gain weight and grown since his move to Oregon. APHIS inspections, conducted by a 2-person team, showed the facility in compliance with the AWA regulations and standards in July 1997 and December 1997. Summary and Recommendations There is no current indication that Keiko is ill. He showed no clinical pathological evidence of chronic deep-seated infection during his residence in Oregon. Immunological test results are apparently within known normal parameters, and there was no evidence of recent viral challenges to 48 different viruses. Keiko appeared to be exhibiting no abnormal behavior patterns. At the time of the study, Keiko was recovering from an illness (probable hepatopathy) of several months' duration. The only known chronic condition in evidence is probable papillomatosis. This snapshot analysis must be viewed as that a look at one point in time. Questions and concerns about Keiko's long-term health status and options for his future need to be studied over a much longer period of time. Given Keiko's past health history and ongoing concerns and scrutiny of his health, the panel makes the following recommendations: 1. Continue monitoring and follow-up testing to further establish a baseline for Keiko's medical results and to provide reliable scientific documentation of his overall health picture. 2. Given Keiko's past health history and potential future plans, a written line of authority must be established, which assures that the husbandry and medical programs are integrated in a way which places a single person in ultimate authority. This will required commitment, cooperation, and communication between the husbandry staff, water quality engineers and operators, and veterinary care personnel. 3. Ancillary to "2" above, complete and useful medical, training, and feeding records are necessary for any future evaluation of Keiko's health. These records should be well organized and readable and provide an accurate picture of all tests, treatments and responses. 4. Keiko appears to have flaccidity in his body, evidenced by highly movable skin. This could bean insufficient muscle mass or lack of muscle tone. Keiko should continue a program to improve his body tone and endurance. Such a program should include, at least, a program of regular, increasing exercise, and monitoring of weight and appetite 6 .Although Keiko's dependence on human interaction may facilitate handling by the trainers, killer whales are social creatures and should be afforded interactions with same or other compatible marine species. Section 3.109 of the AWA regulations and standards requires such access. A companion animal is recommended and should be a compatible cetacean or, if necessary, pinniped species. 6. Any decision on the rehabilitation of Keiko should be made in concert with an ongoing, long-term health study and evaluation. An expert panel assembled by the responsible parties is recommended to oversee this task. Steve Dickey oregon_coast_aquarium(\)writeme.com Aquarium Webmaster ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 12:14:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: First Announcement of Workshop on Seismic Surveys and Marine Mammals. (fwd) From: Jonathan Gordon Subscribers to Marmam may be interested in a workshop on seismic surveys and marine mammals to be held in Guilford, UK, between 23rd to 25th June 1998 at the University of Surrey, Guilford, England. The workshop has been prompted by increased levels of oil exploration along the "Atlantic Frontier" to the west of the British Isles and aims to bring together representatives from the oil and seismic industry, NGOs and academics to search for a common understanding of the issues, identify knowledge gaps and set priorities for action and research. To register or for further details contact Jane Kennedy at CMPT in Aberdeen (j.kennedy(\)cmpt.co.uk). Proposed AMJIG/AFEN Seismic and Marine Mammals Workshop ISSUE Increasing levels of oil and gas related activities in the north-east Atlantic have raised concerns amongst regulators, NGO's and the general public about the impact of these operations on marine mammals. GOAL To develop a common understanding amongst all participants of the interactions between seismic operations and marine mammals. PARTICIPANTS The workshop would be 'open' but the number of attendees would be restricted to a maximum of 90. It is anticipated that representatives from Oil Companies, Geophysical Contractors, Environmental Contractors, Regulators, Non Governmental Organisations, Academics and Students would be present. International participation is seen as a prerequisite. OBJECTIVE To review information and concerns, establish the current position, identify possible research needs and way(s) forwards and discuss future research and regulatory directions. WORKSHOP FORMAT Four half-day sessions spread over three days (afternoon of day 1 through morning of day 3). A provisional scope containing five key topics has been developed (see below). These topics would be subject to further refinement after discussions with NGO's and other interested parties. Briefing / background papers by invited authors on each topic would be presented during the workshop and poster presentations will be solicited on relevant current research. A series of four work sessions are planned to address and expand each topic and identify further areas for discussion/review. The first session will address topics 1, 2 and 3 and provide the background for detailed discussions on topics 4 and 5 during day 2. The final session (day 3 morning) would be devoted to wrapping up and identifying ways forward. OUTLINE SCOPE Although the following five topics were identified, the final scope will require the input and endorsement of NGO's and other interested parties to ensure that all relevant issues of concern are addressed. A briefing/background paper will be commissioned on each topic Topic 1 Seismic practice Overview of seismic methodology including site surveys and VSP's, history of technique and future trends, licensing, permitting and notification process, activity by area - historical trends and current outlook, operational constraints including the effects of seismic interference. Topic 2 Physics of sound in water Fundamentals and meaning of measurements, propagation/attenuation of sound in water, effect of water depth and sea bottom coupling, comparisons between different types of air guns and alternatives sources. Topic 3 Biology of marine mammals of the north-east Atlantic (in relation to seismic energy) Types of marine mammals encountered, sensitivity of hearing to frequency and source energy levels, behaviour, geographical distribution and seasonal occurrence, migration paths/patterns, population level and conservation status. Topic 4 Seismic and marine mammal interaction Overview of the effects of sound and how this is measured / assessed, interaction with prey species - possible changes in food stock distribution, evidence for hearing damage including comparison with the effects on humans, behavioural responses - long term and short term effects, relevant international studies - past and present. Topic 5 Worldwide review of mitigation of (potential) effects Legislative requirements, guidelines and restrictions world-wide, conceptual framework for current approach, criteria by which current practices were arrived at, on-going studies and future directions. DELIVERABLES Summary background / briefing paper on each topic. Identified areas of concern requiring further study. Minimal duplication of relevant worldwide studies within the UKCS. Workshop summary containing recommendations for further targeted research. Library of all the reports, papers etc. quoted in background papers, abstracts and the workshop proceedings. DATE and VENUE 23rd to 25th June 1998. University of Surrey, Guilford, England. POSTER PRESENTATIONS Poster presentations are invited on relevant ongoing research within the scope of the five topics above. Prospective authors should send a brief 500 word abstract to Jane Kennedy at CMPT, Aberdeen (j.kennedy(\)cmpt.co.uk) by 1st April 1998. SPONSORSHIP Limited funds are available to assist with travel expenses of non-industry participants. Priority will be given to authors of posters on relevant on going research. COST Provisional fee's are: UK pounds Industry Delegate 700 Academia, NGO's etc. 150 CONTACT To register or request further information, contact Jane Kennedy at CMPT in Aberdeen (j.kennedy(\)cmpt.co.uk). Subject: Upcoming paper Dear Marmammers, I thought people may be interested in this upcoming paper. A limited number of reprints are availible on request to the author at macleod_c(\)colloquium.co.uk MacLeod, C.D. 1998. Intraspecific scarring in odontocete cetaceans: an indicator of male 'quality' in aggressive social interactions ? Journal of Zoology, London, 244: 71 - 77. Abstract: The level of visible (i.e. white or unpigmented) scarring on cetaceans varied greatly between species, particualrly for intraspecific scarring in odontocete cetaceans. In some species, unpigmented intraspecific scars mya act as an indicator of male 'quality' during aggressive social interactions. Evidence to support this hypothesis was found in 18 species of odontocete cetacean. These were the narwhal (Monodon monoceros), the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the Risso's dolphin (Grampus grieeus) and the family Ziphiidae (with the exception of Mesoplodon ginkgodens). The evolution of such signalling is related to the fact that teeth are not required for feeding on certain diets, promarily cephalopod-based diets, and as a result the number of teeth has been reduced. However, some teeth have been retained, and selected, as weapons for male-male competition. This has resulted in an increase in the level of intraspecific scarring and a greater need for a signal of 'quality' to avoid costly and dnagerous fights. As intraspecific scarring became this signal, the repigmentation rate of scars was reduced leading to all scars remaining premanently unpigmented in these species. =========================================================================== Colin D. MacLeod, B.Sc. 14 Boclair Crescent, "See what everyone has seen Bearsden, and think what no one has thought" Glasgow, - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi G612AG. U.K. Tel: 0141 337 2209 International: +44 141 337 2209 Email: macleod_c(\)colloquium.co.uk =========================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 17:21:59 -0400 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: remotely-deployed suction-cup attached tags for cetaceans The following is the abstract from a talk on using suction-cup attached tags with cetaceans, presented at a workshop held at the Monaco marine mammal conference. A number of individuals expressed interest in the information, so the text from the slides from this presentation have been put on a web site: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/suction.htm Photos are not yet on the site, though I hope to have some on within the next few weeks. Baird, R.W. 1998. Using remotely-deployed suction-cup attached tags to study sub-surface behaviour of odontocetes. Presentation to the Workshop on Methods for Assessing Behavioral Impacts on Marine Mammals from Human Activities, Monaco, January 19, 1998. Abstract Cetaceans spend the vast majority of their time beneath the water's surface, where they are difficult to observe and study. Unlike pinnipeds, attachment of tags for recording underwater behaviour is problematic. Penetrating tags can only be remotely-deployed on species with thick blubber layers, or by capturing animals (which is logistically difficult, expensive, and potentially injurious to the animals). Penetrating tags are usually not recoverable, and thus new tags are needed for each deployment. By contrast, suction-cup attached tags are recoverable, reusable, relatively inexpensive (thus larger numbers of individuals can be sampled), and can be used on small cetaceans while avoiding the risks and costs of capture operations. Suction-cup attached tags can be remotely deployed using either a crossbow or pole, or can be attached to captured or rehabilitated animals. For sampling diving behaviour, while satellite-linked tags can only transmit coarse-level data, recoverable data-logging time-depth recorders (TDRs) can sample and store high resolution data. Commercially available off-the-shelf TDRs can be set to sample parameters such as depth, swimming speed, and water temperature at rates up to once per second. Remotely-deployed suction-cup TDR/VHF tags have recently been used on a number of species of odontocetes, including killer whales, Dall's porpoise, northern bottlenose whales, short-finned pilot whales, and bottlenose dolphins. Tags can sometimes remain attached for relatively long periods (13-31 hours) on even fast moving species such as Dall's porpoise and killer whales. Reactions to tagging attempts vary between species; most species for which these tags have been used show low-level or moderate reactions to tagging. Data collected can be used to address both management-based questions (such as surfacing and diving patterns for survey calibration, or determining exposure and/or reactions to depth-specific threats such as fishing gear, vessel traffic or high-intensity underwater sounds), and questions regarding the basic biology of a species (diurnal behaviour patterns, ontogeny of diving etc). ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 04:02:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: MarmamNews for January 1998 The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in January 1998. MarmamNews can be found at http://members.aol.com/marmamnews 01/02/1998 1998 Expected to be a Bad Year for the Dolphins 01/06/1998 Irish Whaling Compromise Condemned Bathers beat shark to death in South Africa Scientists call for urgent action on oceans Dead dolphins wash up on Caribbean island 90 Dolphins Die on Venezuelan Beach Environment-Oceans: Scientists say sea life "In ... Dolphins Aground and Die In Mass In Venezuela Weldon calls for White House Conference on the Seas 01/07/1998 FED: Aust to oppose Irish proposal on Whaling 01/08/1998 TAS: Mystery Sea Monster to be DNA-tested Arbitrator rules on Keiko's care 01/09/1998 UAE fighting to contain 4,000-tonne Gulf oil spill Environment-Gulf: Oil spill threatens Persian Gulf ... 01/11/1998 QLD: Sanctuaries will save endangered dugong 01/12/1998 TAS: Scientist confirms that "Monster" is whale blubber Britain-Endangered Seas Nine pilot whales beached on Florida east coast CSIRO: Scientists kill marine 'monster' mystery 01/13/1998 Environment: Super Trawler threatens marine food 01/15/1998 New Zealand's 'extinct' right whale rediscovered Ecuador Expands No-Fishing Zone 01/16/1998 NSW: Three whales stranded on NSW coast VIC: Dolphin survey covers Port Phillip Bay Sea lions in Peru Restriction on Tuna Drift Net Fishing New Zealand Finds Extinct Whales 01/17/1998 NSW: Beached whales euthanised after their health worsens 01/18/1998 Prince Philip gives boost to whale campaign Concern about boats, jet skis as whales visit Wellington Harbour 01/19/1998 Police concerned as motorists try to catch glimpse of Orcas Second dolphin dies at Puponga 01/22/1998 Pollution, not hunting, is whale's greatest threat Children 'Adopt' trapped dolphin `Free Willy' Could Go Back to Sea 01/23/1998 Last dolphin dies in golden Bay FOCUS-Three whales stranded on north German coast 3 Beached Whales Die in Germany Six Whales Stranded off Northern German Coast, 3 Died 01/25/1998 Huge pod of dolphins visit Dunedin Beach 01/26/1998 PHOTO: Germany - Whales: Sankt Peter Ording, Germany 01/27/1998 Project Launched in Zanzibar to Protect Dolphins Seal aphrodisiacs often fake -Canadian researchers PHOTO: Whales: Terranceville, Newfoundland PHOTO: Whales: Terranceville, Newfoundland 01/28/1998 Whaling Commission to meet in bid to end impasse Clinton Proclamation of the Year of the Ocean Campaign group fears for future of whales 01/29/1998 Hundreds of rare sea lion pups found dead at breeding colony Unknown catastrophe wipes out sea lions Warning against speculation over sea lion deaths Call for halt to fishing until seal investigation completed Whaling Commission to meet in bid to end impasse `Free Willy' Star in Good Health Sea lions shot, decapitated off California coast Sea Lions Found Dead Off Antarctica Hundreds of sea lion deaths baffle NZ experts 01/30/1998 More seals die in Subantartic Deaths treated as Biohazard Dolphin death toll mounts on Cape Cod WWF campaigns for Mediterranean whale sanctuary Dolphin death toll mounts on Cape Cod Dead Sea Lions Prompt Investigation Rescuers Try To Save Dolphins Beached Dolphins Die at Cape Cod Center for Marine Conservation Announces Program ... ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 09:59:20 -0500 From: "Kingsley, Michael" Subject: St Lawrence beluga population: index of present size Population index estimate for the belugas of the St Lawrence As of December 1997, the current estimate of the population index for the St. Lawrence belugas is 700, with a standard error of 46 and a 90% confidence interval of 606 to 829. This estimate is based on a straight-line smoothing of the most recent five surveys. It should be considered temporary and to be revised when the next survey is carried out. The latest survey was carried out on 26 August 1997, using the same methods as in 1992 and 1995. Two aircraft overflew the St. Lawrence estuary at an altitude of 4000 feet on a pattern of 49 transects at a spacing of 2 nautical miles. They photographed continuous strips that were 6000 feet wide, giving a sampling rate of nearly 50%. At the same time, a third aircraft carried out a visual survey of the Saguenay fjord. 832 photographic frames were taken on colour positive aerial survey film. There were beluga images on 88 of them. 356 images were counted, of which 72 were deemed to be repetitions of images that also occurred on the preceding frame, leaving a net count of 284. This count was multiplied by 2.025 to account for the sampling rate, and again by 1.15 as a partial correction for animals presumed out of sight under water. The resulting index estimate for the estuary was 661, and 20 more belugas were counted in the Saguenay for a total index of 681. The result of the previous survey, flown in 1995, was 705, and the corresponding 1995 value of the smoothed index was 653. Michael C.S. Kingsley kingsleym(\)dfo-mpo.gc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 04:06:12 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Aerial MARMAM Photography Request (fwd) From: Joe Ladwig I'm doing some research for the U.S. Gov't, =93verifying the ability of an observer to VID (visually ID) MARMAM groups/individuals from an aircraft=94= =2E I've done it off the cuff and w/o documentation or photos for years and now I'm asked to prove my hypothesis. According to the gov't, "no evidence no ability." I was sent your way by Evelyn Starr from her site, www.redshift.com in hopes that your membership might have a few aerial MARM= AM photos to share... My actual need is for aerial MARMAM photos shot from 1500=92 or less. I will glad= ly accept references to viable data sources for =91digitized aerial MARMAM photos=92? I thank you in advance for your time and access to this vast database. Personal or institutional responses can be sent to; joenavy(\)dmrtc.net CC: jhl754(\)antares.m42.crane.navy.mil Ciao', Joe From: Rune Frovik Organization: High North Alliance Subject: Minke blubber from Norway to Iceland? Dear Marmamers, An Icelandic businessman plans to import up to 100 tonnes of minke whale blubber from Norway. An application for an export licence is now being processed by the Norwegian authorities, who in turn expect to furnish a reply within a couple of weeks. The Icelandic authorities have already announced that they will permit the import of whale products. For further details about this application, see the High North Web News, 2 February, enter http://www.highnorth.no, and click then on the News button. Sincerely Rune Frovik High North Alliance, Rune(\)highnorth.no, http://www.highnorth.no ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 18:25:04 +0000 From: Hal Whitehead/Linda Weilgart Subject: Re: Acoustic Response Levels for Tursiops Trucatus > I am currently involved in preliminary > research to evaluate the safe and exclusion ranges for an acoustic > source to be deployed off the south FLorida coastline. The > omni-directional source would produce sound levels of 200 dB at > frequencies below 1000 Hz. > > In regards to the tursiops, as well as other marine mammals, I am > looking for information regarding the effects such sound levels would > have on the animals, either at close ranges or further out. > The upper bound, as far as range from the source which > would cause either physical damage or permenant injury, is an > important piece of information for this project. Dear Mr. Baxley: Let me inform you that no one has a clear idea of what intensity level of sound would cause "physical damage or permanent injury" to Tursiops. The best "guess" at present seems to be 150 dB re 1 microPa re 1 m as being the point at which permanent injury could occur, but bear in mind that this is based on one species of fish, the goldfish! I sincerely hope that the Navy is not only concerned about these obviously harmful effects, but also considers the more insidious, long-range effects of adding noise to an already noisy environment, e.g. stress, loss of habitat, lower fertility rates, lower growth rates, etc. Forget about using the word "safe" when you are talking about an extremely loud source like 200 dB, especially when it is only under 1000 Hz in frequency. If you could reduce it to under 500 Hz, that would be a huge improvement, but would still be highly risky, especially as the Navy wishes to deploy this in a coastal (!!), i.e. highly productive, marine zone. I am always amazed at how the U.S. Navy believes it is trying to be very "green", yet even considers such an action, which is akin to setting a bomb off in a rainforest, rather than a desert. Why not do these activities (if they must be done) out in the open ocean, away from the rich abundance and diversity of marine life you find along a coastline??? With a few modifications, this proposal could be made significantly safer (though never truly safe), but I have yet to be convinced that this is a high priority for the U.S. Navy, judging by their actions (as opposed to their rhetoric). Lindy Weilgart, Ph.D. Dept. of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 09:12:19 -0400 Reply-To: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca From: Sascha Hooker Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: results of survey on journal statistics As part of a talk for the Student Workshop of the World Marine Mammal Science Conference (though the information is relevant to everyone - not just students), I have compiled a website of information pertinent to assessing which journals to publish in. The site address is: "http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/sh/journals.htm" Included in this are: Journal Websites: links to the webpages of 50 journals and 3 publishing companies - many of which contain tables of contents, instructions to authors and information about the journal, and should provide a valuable reference when selecting between journals. Factors to Consider in Selecting Where to Publish - talk presented at Monaco, including rejection rates, journal distribution etc Survey of Journal Statistics - results of an email survey of various journals as to the number of subscribers, number of countries represented, average acceptance rate, average time from submission to publication Impact Factors and Self Citation Rates (1995) for selected journals I hope that this will be useful website, and would appreciate any suggestions of changes or additions that could be made. Sascha Hooker ======================================================================= Sascha Hooker, PhD Candidate Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone: (902) 494-3723 Fax: (902) 494-3736 email: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ======================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 12:02:14 -0500 From: David Morin Subject: Internship announcement 1998-9 INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Cetacean Research Unit (CRU) is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off Cape Ann, MA. Primary concentration is on an individually identified population of some several hundred humpback whales that spend portions of the spring, summer, and fall in these waters. The Unit is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. CRU offers annual spring, summer and fall intern/volunteer-ships to undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year of studies and to recent graduates. Please note: ALL positions are filled in the spring of each year. We have research internships covering all times of the year. Dates for the summer of 1998 are from May 24 - August 30, for the fall semester of '98, August 23 - December 20, and for the spring semester of 1999, January 24 - May 30. Interns are responsible for collecting, organizing, transcribing, and analyzing data dealing with the behavior and identification of N. Atlantic cetaceans. This may involve extensive dark room or computer work (training provided). In addition, interns will often be involved in public education aboard commercial whale watching vessels, along with intensive research aboard our 27' vessel Silver II. Fall and spring interns will also be more heavily involved in data processing and analysis. As a result, we are looking for students with a blend of enthusiasm, scientific skills, and communication abilities. Interns live together in a common apartment and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms may be shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conducive to open discussion and interaction between peers, and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Therefore, it is essential that candidates can combine these two areas. A fee of $1000 for the period is charged to cover housing, utilities, educational materials and supervision, and a weekly food stipend. In the past, applicants for these positions have been primarily undergraduate college students. Although we do not limit these positions to that group, the internship is tailored to their needs, and they are given priority. College credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Cetacean Research Unit encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab. In order to formally apply for an internship: please send us a curriculum vitae or resume, a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, one letter of reference, and a transcript. We will then arrange a required in-person interview, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA. We expect all application materials by March 1, and will notify all applicants by April 15. Interviews will take place on weekends in mid to late March. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one period, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive, with fall and spring being slightly less competitive than summer. ***PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INTERNSHIPS FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR WILL BE CHOSEN FROM THIS APPLICANT POOL!*** Any further questions should be directed to the intern coordinator at 978-281-6351 or david(\)cetacean.org. Further information on both the organization and the internship program is also available on our world wide web site at www.cetacean.org. Application materials should be sent to the attention of: David Morin/Intern Coordinator. Thank you for your interest!! Cetacean Research Unit P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 16:54:16 -0600 Reply-To: dstaubin(\)mysticaquarium.org From: "David St. Aubin" Organization: Mystic Marinelife Aquarium Subject: Arctic Symposium Announcement Announcement Arctic Seas: Currents of Change An International Symposium October 21-24, 1998 To mark the International Year of the Oceans, Sea Research Foundation, Inc., will host a symposium highlighting our current understanding of the Arctic marine environment and the nature and consequences of changes to that ecosystem. The ASCC symposium will consist of plenary sessions with a multi-disciplinary character that spans physical, biological and sociological disciplines. The meeting will be held in Mystic, Connecticut, home of Mystic Marinelife Aquarium and the Institute for Exploration. Six sessions will feature presentations on the following themes: CLIMATE - Arctic seas and global climate; trends in Arctic climate; models ICE AND OCEAN - mass, nutrient and contaminant transport; residence times; ice dynamics and mass balance; ice formation and breakup, dynamics of leads and polynyas PRODUCTIVITY - nutrient cycles; food web studies; ecosystem energetics; effects of altered physicochemical properties of Arctic marine systems ECOLOGY OF MARINE MAMMALS - whales, seals, walruses and polar bears as indicator species; consequences of habitat change on marine mammals; role of marine mammals in indigenous culture; changing patterns of marine mammal utilization in native society CONTAMINANTS - sources, levels and distribution; historical trends in tissue burdens; impacts on animal and human health DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES - sustainable growth; historical perspectives; political transformation; natural resource extraction; transportat ion; economic projections; ecotourism; international jurisdiction Each session will conclude with a panel discussion by presenters who will address points of uncertainty and offer recommendations for research. The discussions will be included in the published proceedings, which will feature th e full text of presented papers. Abstracts for proposed talks must be received by March 1, 1998. Invitations will be extended to presenters blending long-term research with new information. Speakers may inquire as to the availability of funding to defray travel expenses. For further information, or to be placed on a mailing list for registration mate rials, please contact: D.J. St. Aubin, Ph.D. Director of Research and Veterinary Services Mystic Marinelife Aquarium 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, Connecticut, USA Tel: 860-572-5955, ext. 102; FAX: 860-572-5984 e-mail: dstaubin(\)mysticaquarium.org ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:18:30 EST From: Phocid Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) Subject: Seal rehab questions I have two questions pertaining to Harbour seal rehab. on which I would appreciate some input. 1) My centre has about 5,000 pounds of herring in a cold storage facility maintained at about -30C. By the time we need these fish again this summer they will have been in storage perhaps 14 to 16 months. Are these fish too badly compromised to safely raise seal pups? In Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, Geraci says fish should not be stored longer than six to eight months. Perhaps shorter duration for high fat fish. 2) We have used a water catchment system this winter to fill three seal pools. Two pools are 16' dia. and the third is 18'dia. The water has been collected from a large steep roof covered in cedar shakes. My question is, has the brief contact with the cedar had any effect on the safety of the water for marine mammals? The water will be exposed to air and sunlight for many months prior to use and will be chlorinated and filtered. Thanks in advance. Jeff Lederman Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre Salt Spring Island, BC phocid(\)aol.com www.islandnet.com/~wildlife (Alternative treatment for wildlife web page) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 16:36:23 +0000 From: ebadosa(\)porthos.bio.ub.es Subject: Killer whale feeding. Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ Dear marmamers: I am trying to make a note about killer whales feeding in tropical waters, specially on sea turtles. I=B4ve been requesting all possible databases availaible in Spain (Biological abstracts, Zoological Records,= etc), and it was not possible to find specific information about this behavior. Cetacean General books were also consulted, but information was poor and not specific (I could not find the sea turtles spieces that killer whales feed on, where and how and the frecuency of this behavior). I will be grateful if some of you can help me, sending me bibliography, references or personal experiences abo= ut killer whales feeding on sea turtles or another tropical spieces. Thanks in advanced. Enric Badosa Department of Animal Biology Faculty of Biology University of Barcelona SPAIN Tel:(34-3)3198021 Fax:(34-3)3198959 E-mail:ebadosa(\)porthos.bio.ub.es ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 09:22:03 -0800 From: Ami Groce Subject: photo ID work in Soutern California? & possible educational program Dear Marmam: I would like to know if there are any researchers studying marine mammals using photo ID techniques in the Southern California area, and also would be interested in comments/thoughts on the feasibility of the educational project outlined below: Background: I have been working with a group of marine biologists to improve the trawl data collection methods used by the Orange County Marine Institute. This is an organization that works with school groups of various ages, taking them to sea and teaching them about marine biology and what scientists do. It's a very in depth program. By improving the trawling techniques, we hope to be able to use the data they collect for special studies, as additional sampling to go along with the sampling done in the area by different monitoring programs, etc. The goal is to allow the students access to the analyses derived from the data they collected, thus enhancing the curricula, placing the methods and data into perspective, and improving environmental literacy for the public. The Question: In addition to trawls, the on-board education includes information about marine mammals encountered (seals, sea lions, dolphins). The facility also runs marine mammal cruises (grey whale watching in the winter). It occurred to me that OCMI might be able to start a program using marine mammal photo id techniques to gain the enhanced connection between real science and the educational lessons described above. I've discussed this with people from OCMI, and the initial reaction was one of extreme enthusiasm. Being a fish person myself, I have no idea as to whether this idea is feasible or if the data collected by OCMI might be useful to anyone. We'd need to know what equipment would be required, which animals to concentrate on, etc. If anyone has any thoughts, suggestions, or if you think this is a crazy idea, please email me at the following address: akg(\)mwharbor.sannet.gov Thanks Ami Groce Marine Biologist City of San Diego Ocean Monitoring Program ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Jan 1998 17:33:29 -0500 Reply-To: nainam(\)erols.com From: Naina Mistry Organization: Discovery Channel Online Subject: Seeking spinner dolphin expert for Discovery Online Hello, I am the producer of Wild Discovery Wired (WDW), a weekly online "ask an expert" series on the Discovery Channel's Website, Discovery Online . On March 15, the Discovery Channel will be premiering a show about spinner dolphins as part of the "Wild Discovery" series, and WDW will be creating an online forum to discuss this topic. I am looking for someone to be our dolphin expert and share his/her experiences and knowledge of these playful marine mammals with our curious online visitors during the week of March 15-21. You can visit WDW at , or link to it from the Discovery home page or Nature page. This is not a "live" talk show featuring real-time chat, but a bulletin board that allows people to post questions and comments directly to Discovery Online and check back later for replies from the expert. Discovery can not offer any monetary compensation, but we do provide good publicity for our experts and their affiliated organizations and include links to related Web sites. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact me off the list at your earliest convenience. Thank you, Naina Mistry Discovery Online nainam(\)erols.com (703) 527-3550 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 14:23:51 +1300 From: Kendra Reid Subject: Info for A97/141 A97/141 UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO Te Whare Wananga o Otago Dunedin, New Zealand LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER IN MARINE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE Applications are invited for a full-time position as Lecturer (equivalent to Assistant Professor in North America)/Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marine Science. This is a confirmation path position. The Department of Marine Science is a lively, mainly postgraduate department with over 80 students at Postgraduate Diploma, MSc and PhD levels. The Department operates the well-equipped Portobello Marine Laboratory situated 25 km from Dunedin, a 15m research vessel, a public aquarium and the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre. Further information about the Department of Marine Science can be found at our homepage at http://gandalf.otago.ac.nz:800/Marine/marine. The successful candidate will be expected to (i) teach courses related to his/her discipline at the postgraduate level and contribute to a broad-based marine science curriculum, (ii) teach in public education programmes as appropriate, (iii) supervise postgraduate students, (iv) conduct research and publish the results in peer reviewed scientific journals, (v) attract external research funding, (vi) interact with relevant industry groups, government departments and crown research institutes, and (vii) participate in departmental administration. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant subject and demonstrated abilities to teach and supervise postgraduate students and publish in peer reviewed journals. Preference will be given to applicants with conservation interests related to marine mammals. The salary will be within the range $NZ43,750 - $NZ59,250. Specific inquiries may be made to Professor Philip Mladenov, Head, Department of Marine Science, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Telephone: 64-3-479 8306, Fax: 64-3-479 8336, Email: philip.mladenov(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz. Reference Number A97/141. Closing Date 27 February 1998. METHOD OF APPLICATION Further details regarding this position, the University and the application procedure are available from the Deputy Director, Personnel Services, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand (phone 64-3-479 8269, facsimile 64-3-474 1607 or e-mail grant.okane(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz). Further information about the University of Otago can be found at our homepage at www.otago.ac.nz. Applicants should send two copies of their curriculum vitae together with the names, addresses and fax numbers of three referees, to the Deputy Director of Personnel Services by the specified closing date, quoting the appropriate reference number. If an applicant is shortlisted for interview, whanau support will be welcome. Equal opportunity in employment is University policy. E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES for appointment as LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER IN MARINE CONSERVATION Department of Marine Science 1. General Information A statement of general information and conditions of appointment for all academic posts within the University and a booklet describing the courses offered and activities of the Department are attached. 2. The Department of Marine Science The Department of Marine Science was established in 1992 and is a rapidly growing, multidisciplinary department that focuses on postgraduate teaching and pure and applied research in marine science and aquaculture. It is the only such department in New Zealand. It has close ties with other departments on campus, with government departments, crown research institutes and industry. There are presently 10 full and part time academic staff, 13 full and part time general staff and 80 postgraduate students in the Department. Staff and students of the Department conduct research throughout the South Island of New Zealand including Marlborough Sounds, Otago Harbour, Stewart Island and Fiordland. There is also a well-established linkage with the University of the South Pacific facilitating staff and student research in tropical marine systems, particularly around Fiji. Main Campus Facilities The Department possesses facilities on the main campus of the University of Otago in Dunedin which include office space for most of the academic staff and four general staff, as well as carrel spaces for postgraduate students. Portobello Marine Laboratory The Department operates the modern and very well equipped Portobello Marine Laboratory. The Laboratory is located on the Otago Peninsula 23kms from the main campus. A daily shuttle service operates between the main campus and the Laboratory, leaving town each morning at 8.30 and departing the laboratory each afternoon at 5.00. Otherwise private or public transport is required. The journey takes about 25 minutes by car. Research facilities at the Laboratory include: Reticulated filtered seawater - feeds experimental tank room, outside holding ponds and public aquarium Controlled temperature rooms Algal culture laboratory Biochemistry laboratory with electrophoresis systems for population genetics Physiology laboratory Histology laboratory - a wide variety of light microscopes including photomicroscopes are available (SEM and TEM are available on main campus) Dark room Reference collection Teaching laboratory Library Field equipment includes: Small boats - 5m runabout, 3m inflatable, 2x3m dingy's Diving equipment - diving tanks, tank filling compressors, BCDs, gauges and regulators Field sampling and monitoring equipment - set nets, dredges, trawls, plankton pots, water sampling equipment, data loggers and flow metres. Research Vessel The Department also operates a 15m research vessel, the R V Munida. This is a fully equipped vessel capable of mounting scientific cruises along the coast and on the shelf. The Munida is crewed by experienced technicians who are familiar with scientific research and with the local environment. Equipment includes: Differential global positioning system Acoustic sub-bottom profiler Acoustic Doppler current profiler Side-scan sonar system Conductivity-temperature-depth profilers with rosette water samplers and pigment sensors S4 electromagnetic current meters Acoustic releases Phantom DS4 remote operated vehicle Otter and agassiz trawls Sediment grabs and corers Dredges and plankton nets Portable equipment may be run off the ship's 230v power supply. New Zealand Marine Studies Centre The Marine Studies Centre is situated adjacent to the Portobello Marine Laboratory and has been developed to satisfy the need for a modern, high quality, comfortable facility for marine education which offers a broad range of opportunities for involvement in the Marine Studies field. These include study courses, summer programmes, specialist workshops and educational tours suitable for a wide range of people from various sectors (students, educators, special interest groups, general public, industry, regional authorities and government departments). The Marine Studies Centre also provides an ideal venue for retreats, seminars, small conferences, courses, workshops and receptions. The Marine Studies Centre has a seminar room for 50 people, which can be divided into two smaller meeting rooms. It has a large, well equipped teaching laboratory with running seawater tables. The lobby features interpretive displays and a large circular tank in which many species characteristic of New Zealand's southern marine environment are on view. A multipurpose room with a kitchen is available for meals and informal discussions. This room opens onto the seminar room and has an outdoor area with panoramic views of the Otago Harbour. The public aquarium, the only one in southern New Zealand, displays a diversity of local fish, invertebrates and seaweeds. 3. Duties The successful candidate will be responsible to the Head of Department and will be required to: i) teach courses related to his/her discipline at the postgraduate level ii) supervise postgraduate students iv) conduct research and publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals v) attract external research funding vi) teach in public education programmes as appropriate vii) interact with relevant industry groups, government departments and crown research institutes viii) participate in departmental administration 4. Research Funding The Department strongly supports the principle that research is an integral part of academic life. Within the University, modest sums are available from a fund administered by the Research Committee and annual grants are available from the Division of Sciences. Funds for routine items of research are normally funded by the Department. Grants for major items of equipment are currently under review but it is envisaged that the successful applicant will be funded so that his/her research programme can be quickly implemented. University scientists can also apply to the Foundation for Research Science and Technology and the Marsden Fund for contestable grants to cover research projects. Members of staff are encouraged to support their own research and that of their students from external funding sources. Most research students are funded from university or national sources. 5. Conference and Study Leave Generous provisions are made for Conference and Study Leave (see General Information Statement). Grants for travel to conferences within New Zealand and overseas are provided from a fund administered by the Assistant Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Sciences. 6. Equal Employment Opportunities The Department is committed to diversity in staffing and encourages applications from women and other under-represented groups. Parental leave with pay of up to 54 weeks and paid parental leave of six weeks may be granted to female or male employees with at least one year's service. Childcare facilities covering the period from birth to eight years of age are available on the Campus (at the staff member's expense). We are prepared to discuss job-splitting and flexibility of working hours during periods of child rearing. 7. Salary The salary will be within the range of NZD43,750 - NZD59,250 per annum. Initial placement within the scale will depend on the qualifications and experience of the person appointed. Note that Lecturer is equivalent to Assistant Professor in North America. 8. Term of Appointment This is a confirmation path position 9. Date of Appointment The successful applicant will take up the appointment by 1 January 1999. 10. Further Information Requests for further information may be directed to Professor Philip Mladenov, Head, Department of Marine Science, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Telephone 64-3-479-8036, Fax 64-3-479-8336. Email: philip.mladenov(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz. Further information on the department is also available on the World Wide Web at http://gandalf.otago.ac.nz:800/Marine/marine.html. 11. Applications The application procedure is set out in the accompanying General Information Statement. Applications quoting reference number A97/141 close with the Deputy Director of Personnel Services on 27 February 1998. University of Otago PO Box 56 Dunedin NEW ZEALAND Telephone: 64-3-479 1100 Facsimile: 64-3-474 1607 DATE : DECEMBER 1997 Ref: A97/141 University of Otago Te Whare Wananga o Otago Kendra Reid Personnel Services University of Otago Scott/Shand House 104 St David Street PO Box 56 Dunedin, New Zealand Ph: (03) 479 5165 Fax: (03) 479 5172 Email: kendra.reid(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 19:39:36 -0600 From: Andrew Schiro Subject: Re: Killer whale feeding. In-Reply-To: <199802021534.QAA20691(\)porthos.bio.ub.es> ------ Enric Badosa (and interested Marmamers) Try these three references. =20 Caldwell, D. K. and M. C. Caldwell (1969). "Addition of the leatherback s= ea turtle to the known prey of the killer whale, orcinus orca." Journal of Mammalogy 50(3): 636. =09 Esquivel, C., L. Sarti, et al. (1993). "Primera observacion directa documentada sobre la depredacion de la tortuga marina Lepidochelys olivac= ea por Orcinus orca." Cuadernos Mexicanos de Zoologia 1: 96-98. =09 Sarti, M. L., O. L. Flores, et al. (1994). "Evidence of predation of kill= er whale (Orcinus orca) on a leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) i= n Michoacan, Mexico." Revista de Investigacion Cientifica 2: 23-26. =09 Also, Steve Leatherwood was an author on a paper that made mention of bottlenose dolphins interacting with hatchlings and possible ingesting them. I unfortunately can't find the paper. At 04:36 PM 2/2/98 +0000, you wrote: >------ > Dear marmamers: > > I am trying to make a note about killer whales feeding in tropical > waters, specially on sea turtles. I=B4ve been requesting all possible > databases availaible in Spain (Biological abstracts, Zoological Records= , etc), > and it was not possible to find specific information about this > behavior. Cetacean General books were also consulted, but > information was poor and not specific (I could not find the sea > turtles spieces that killer whales feed on, where and how and the > frecuency of this behavior). I will be grateful if some of you can > help me, sending me bibliography, references or personal experiences about killer whales > feeding on sea turtles or another tropical spieces. > > Thanks in advanced. > > Enric Badosa > Department of Animal Biology > Faculty of Biology > University of Barcelona > SPAIN > Tel:(34-3)3198021 > Fax:(34-3)3198959 > E-mail:ebadosa(\)porthos.bio.ub.es > > ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 23:09:41 -0400 From: Pierre-Henry Fontaine Subject: anatomy of pharyngeal region ------ Hi marmammers, Here is a question about the presence of a sphincter in the pharyngeal region of cetaceans, separating mouth from pharynx. I know the= re is one in mysticeti, at least in minky whale because I have seen it, but = I did not find one in the odontoceti I had the chance to dissect(Phocoena phocoena, Hyperoodon ampullatus, Delphinapterus leucas). I have read in "man and dolphin" by Lilly that Tursiops truncatus has a very strong sphincter in this region. Could it be that I missed this structure in my dissections or is there a sphincter only in Tursiops? I have looked very closely to the sagittal sections photographs of the head of various odontoceti and it is not apparent, So is there anybody able to help me? I am preparing an article and I have a seminar to give at the end of the month on feeding techniques used by cetaceans By the way, my book"Les baleines de l'atlantique nord, Biologie et =E9cologie" traduced "Whales of north Atlantic, Biology and Ecology" is t= o be printed, at last, this month and available at the latest in march. I than= k all of you who have taken the time to help me with it. I will post a noti= ce when it is printed and available Fontaine Pierre-Henry Fontaine 115 lavigueur, Quebec,QC, G1R 1A9 CANADA pfontain(\)mediom.qc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 11:23:54 +0100 From: Virginie Rigollet Subject: look for informations! ------ Dear forum talkers, these last weeks, several stranded dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) have been observed on the mediterranean French coast (Gulf of Lion) with some holes (about 5 cm of diameter) situated down to the articulation of the lower jaw (more often the right one), and sometime with another one, between the two articulations, with about 10cm between these two marks. Some people argue these "holes" result from fisher attacks (with a spear = or a shot). However, all the animals presented the same marks, so we believe this could probably result from an infection provocating important gangli= on inflammations or abscesse. We do not have any serological informations, b= ut for next animals, we will try to realise more detailed analysis. I would ask if some people have already observed such marks on dolphins stranded on other coasts, or if some could give me more informations abo= ut these symptoms. Thanks a lot, sincerely. Virginie RIGOLLET GECEM Virginie RIGOLLET Universit=E9 Montpellier II Station M=E9diterran=E9enne de l'Environnement Littoral 1, Quai de la Daurade - 34200 S=E8te - France Tel : (33) 04 67 46 33 80 Fax : (33) 04 67 46 02 56 vrigollet(\)crit.univ-montp2.fr ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 22:23:28 +0100 From: rsonntag Subject: Spermwhale mass-stranding in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany On Jan. 23 three sperm whales stranded on the peninsula of Eiderstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Another three could be piloted out of the very shallow Wadden Sea area by on coast guard and three Greenpeace boats. The boats lost sight of the whales about 12 nautical miles off the coast at the same evening due to darkness. They haven4t been seen since. It is not known if they survived. Therefore I am looking for information if anybody knows about spermwhale sightings or strandings since Jan. 24 in the North Sea. I would be also very thankful concerning information on parasites in the inner ear of sperm whales which could affect the sonar abilities of the whales. Thanks a lot in advance Ralf ____________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Ralf Sonntag e-mail: Ralf.Sonntag(\)greenpeace.de Greenpeace Germany Fax: **49 40 30631131 Gr. Elbstr. 39 Phone: **49 40 30618333 22745 Hamburg Germany ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 14:25:36 -0500 From: Camille Coley Subject: FCMP - Intergovernmental Coordinator marbio(\)mote.org, omnet.service(\)omnet.com Please post the following job announcement: Florida Coastal Management Program Intergovernmental Coordinator This is an independent, professional position for the intra- and intergovernmental exchange of information to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness and consistency of all state and federal plans, programs, policies and regulations incorporated within the Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP). This position is responsible for the establishment and coordination of issues specific to the coastal communication teams to integrate policy, rules, permit and legislative information from partner state agencies the effect statewide coastal policy. The duties of this position include: (1) Developing and maintaining a communication team that uses various tools (i.e., telephone calls, a newsletter, meetings, etc.) to exchange information on federal and state policies, rules and permits affecting the FCMP; (2) Soliciting new members for participation in the communication team by participating in meetings, public hearings, conferences, workshops and related coastal events that impact the FCMP; (3) Assisting in the preparation, compilation and research of information regarding coastal policy and legislative changes; and (4) Tracking the actions of the Governor, Cabinet and Secretaries on coastal issues. For more information about this position, please contact: Camille Coley, Florida Coastal Management Program, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Suite 320, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-2100, (850) 922-5438, FAX: (850) 487-2899, E-Mail: To apply for the position, please send your resume and a State of Florida Application to the above address. Camille Coley Florida Coastal Management Program Department of Community Affairs 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 (850) 922-5438, s/c 292-5438 FAX: (850) 487-2899 E-mail: camille.coley(\)dca.state.fl.us ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 13:04:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Whaling commission hopes to en Whaling commission hopes to end impasse in Antigua By Colin James ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, Feb 4 (Reuters) - International Whaling Commission members said they hoped to end a long impasse over whaling restrictions at their informal meeting in Antigua, but had made no decisions on the issue on Wednesday. During their first day of talks, commissioners discussed a plan that Ireland put forward in October to ban whaling on the high seas but allow some hunting in coastal areas for local consumption and under the strict control of the IWC. The plan would phase out "scientific whaling" -- killing whales for research as the Japanese do. And no new countries would be allowed to begin whaling. Pro-whaling countries, led by Japan, were making a strong bid to resume commercial whaling, conference participants said. Norway opposed any plan to limit consumption of whale products to local areas, as its whalers want to export whale blubber, which is prized in Japan. "Whale species are not in danger," said Nobuyuki Yagi, a Japanese fisheries official. "The ordinary people don't know that there are many species of whales. We don't want to endanger the whale population, but we see the recovery of the endangered species," he said. Japan has argued that the clause banning high seas whaling contravenes the IWC's mandate -- the group was founded in 1946 to conserve stocks for the orderly development of the whaling industry. The United States, Britain, New Zealand and Australia, supported by a number of nongovernmental organizations and pressure groups, want a 15-year-old moratorium on commercial whaling to stay intact, although delegates from the United States and Britain attending the meeting have said they would listen to arguments in the Irish plan's favor. Antigua and Barbuda whaling commissioner Daven Joseph said discussions had focused mainly on the Irish proposal. "We are trying to define what are coastal areas, if we agree to resume commercial whaling," he said. He said Antigua, which has softened its former staunch opposition to lifting the ban, believes the Irish proposal could be a viable compromise. "A window of opportunity has presented itself through the Irish proposal," Joseph said. Ireland was driven to try to forge a compromise after the global tally of whale kills surged to 1,043 in 1997 -- almost double the catch of 10 years earlier -- despite the international moratorium. The IWC voted the moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 13:04:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: NZ fears human risk from dying NZ fears human risk from dying sea lions WELLINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - New Zealand on Thursday formally closed to visitors the sub-Antarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands, fearing humans may be at risk from a mysterious illness that has killed thousands of rare sea lion pups. Conservation Minister Nick Smith said the islands, which were due to be visited by one domestic and two international tourist boats this month, would remain closed until the situation had returned to normal. In the last week, many hundreds of Hooker sea lion pups have been found dead on and around the islands, which are breeding grounds for the threatened species. Scientific tests have so far failed to establish what has caused the mass fatalities. No humans are known to have contracted the illness, but Smith said it was wise to be cautious. If the cause of death was bacterial, rather than a virus or biotoxin, there could be a risk to humans. "It is wise to take a cautious approach, given scientists have not yet identified the cause of the sea lion deaths," he said. Until there was more information, non-essential people would be restricted from landing. This would also reduce the risk of spreading any disease. Smith said advice had been sought on potential risks to staff working on the problem and to squid fishermen who might come into contact with sick or dying sea lions. "I am informed that currently there are no squid trawlers fishing for squid in the area," Fisheries Minister John Luxton said, adding that any squid boats entering the area would be monitored by satellite. A Department of Conservation (DOC) veterinarian discovered the dead mammals eight days ago on the remote islands, about 400 km (240 miles) south of New Zealand's South Island. More than 1,200 dead animals have been found and all appear outwardly healthy and in good condition. Establishing the cause of death could take up to three weeks, DOC said. Smith said the sea lions, with a population of between 11,000 and 15,000, were the most endangered in the world. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 20:13:08 +0000 From: alexa(\)porthos.bio.ub.es Subject: Euro-American Mammal Congress T H I R D C I R C U L A R EURO-AMERICAN MAMMAL CONGRESS: Challenges in Holarctic Mammalogy Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain July 20-24, 1998 ==========>> DEADLINES: * abstract submission March 16 * * early registration March 16 * * accomodation and * * post congress-excursions May 1 * . o O | INTRODUCTION | O o . INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION This meeting is being organized under the auspices of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM), Societas Europaea Mammalogica (SEM), and Sociedad Espanola para la Conservacion y el Estudio de los Mamiferos (SECEM). The main goals of this Congress are to promote holarctic mammalogy, cooperation among European and North American mammalogists, and further the development of and cooperation among national Mammal Societies. LOCAL ORGANIZATION The Euro-American Mammal Congress is being organized by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), through its Colleges of Biology and Pharmacy, as well as the Consejeria de Agricultura, Ganaderia y Montes of the local Government (Xunta de Galicia) through the medium of its Direccion General de Montes y Medio Ambiente Natural. . o O | MEETING LOCATION | O o . Technical sessions of the meeting will take place in the facilities of the Colleges of Biology and Pharmacy of the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The city of Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Galicia which, located in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. . o O | SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM | O o . The meeting will focus on all biological aspects of Holarctic mammals. However, contributions of interest relating to mammals from other regions also will be welcomed. Contributions could be made in the form of poster or oral presentations, and they will be grouped in 8 General Sessions, 24 Symposia and 3 Workshops listed below. Abstracts of ALL presentations (oral, poster, invited contributions to Symposia, Workshops, General Sessions) will be submitted to the Congress Secretariat before the deadline of MARCH 16. See full details below. SYMPOSIA AND WORKSHOPS Oral presentations in one of the 24 Symposia or 3 Workshops mostly will be restricted to invited presentations, although there will always be space for contributions. Participants wishing to present their work in one of the Symposia or Workshops should get in contact directly with the conveners, who would decide about acceptance as oral or poster presentation. Because space available in each Symposium or Workshop is limited, interested participants should get in contact as soon as possible with the respective conveners. See the full list of Symposia and Workshops below. You cannot submit contributions to Symposia and Workshops without previous approval of the respective conveners. GENERAL SESSIONS Free contributions and those not considered suitable for one of the specialized Symposia or Workshops will be accommodated in 8 General Sessions, which are open to oral and poster presentations. Time for oral presentations in General Sessions may be insufficient. In case of shortage of time slots for oral papers, the Scientific Committee will decide whether a presentation will be given as oral or poster. Youwill be notified by MAY 15 regarding acceptance of your paper as oral or poster. There will be 8 General Sessions: 1. Behavioural Ecology 2. Conservation, Population Genetics 3. Community Ecology 4. Population Dynamics 5. Wildlife Management 6. Systematics, Evolution, Paleontology, Biogeography 7. Morphology, Development, Physiology 8. Natural History, Parasites and Diseases ORAL PRESENTATIONS Conveners of Symposia and Workshops will decide about the time available for each oral presentation, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. In General Sessions, time will be limited to a total 15 minutes, which will include 12 minutes for the talk followed by 3 minutes for discussion. Remember the time constraint and carefully choose what you want to say; limit your slides to the number necessary to deliver that message. You may find a list of useful tips for oral presentations in the Congress WWW page or by anonymous FTP to ftp.csic.es in the directory pub/eamc filename: oral_tps.txt POSTER PRESENTATIONS There will be two Poster Sessions on the afternoon of July 21 and July 23 with no concurrence from oral presentations. Space provided for each poster is 1.8 m high by 1.2 m wide. Poster materials should be mounted on the board using thumb tacks. A limited supply of thumb tacks will be on hand. However, presenters should bring their own to be safe. The title, author(s), and affiliation(s) should be printed across the top of the poster in characters of at least 2.5cm high. We recommend to include a copy of the submitted abstract in the poster. You may find a list of useful tips for poster presentations in the Congress WWW page or by anonymous FTP to ftp.csic.es in the directory pub/eamc filename: post_tps.txt SYMPOSIA This is the final list of Symposia that will be in the program. S-1 MAMMALIAN MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS S-2 LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE, POPULATION GENETICS, AND GENE FLOW S-3 ECOLOGY, ETHOLOGY, POPULATION GENETICS, AND EVOLUTION OF MUS S-4 GENETICS OF THE CERVIDAE: INVESTIGATING OLD PROBLEMS WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES S-5 PHYLOGENETIC AND EVOLUTIONARY ASPECTS OF THE GLIRES- PROBLEM S-6 CHROMOSOMES IN SYSTEMATIC AND PHYLOGENETIC RESEARCH S-7 CONSERVATION GENETICS AND GENETIC BANKS S-8 GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS IN MAMMALOGY S-9 DIVERSITY, BIOLOGY, AND CONSERVATION OF LAGOMORPHA S-10 MUSTELIDS IN A MODERN WORLD S-11 DISTRIBUTION MAPPING OF MAMMALS IN THE HOLARCTIC S-12 COMPARATIVE PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF MAMMALS AND THE HISTORICAL ASSEMBLY OF CONTINENTAL MAMMALIAN BIOTAS S-13 COLONISATION HISTORY OF MAMMALS FROM A PALAEARCTIC, NEARCTIC AND HOLARCTIC PERSPECTIVE S-14 SHREW COMMUNITIES: EAST, WEST, NORTH, AND SOUTH S-15 BEAVER PROTECTION, MANAGEMENT, AND UTILIZATION IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA S-16 TRANSBORDER CONSERVATION OF LARGE CARNIVORES S-17 THE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF EQUIDS S-18 THE ROLE OF LARGE HERBIVORES AS KEYSTONE SPECIES IN RESTORATION ECOLOGY S-19 BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF SEMI-AQUATIC INSECTIVORES S-20 CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS Conveners: Alex Aguilar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidad de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Phone: (34) 3- 3198021. Fax: (34) 3 3198959. alexa(\)porthos.bio.ub.es Stephen B. Reilly, Southwest Fisheries Sciences Center, NMFS,NOAA, 8604 La Jolla Shores dr., La Jolla, CA 92038, USA. Phone: (1) 619 5467164. Fax: (1) 619 5467003. steve(\)caliban.ucsd.edu S-21 HOST PARASITE COEVOLUTION: TECHNIQUES, CONCEPTS AND METHODS S-22 MAMMALS AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES S-23 DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF BRAZILIAN MAMMALS WORKSHOPS: W-1 BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY OF FOSSORIAL MAMMALS W-2 SEARCHING FOR THE GRAIL: A SAMPLING METHOD THAT ACCURATELY PORTRAYS SMALL MAMMAL COMMUNITIES W-3 INCREASING MAMMAL POPULATIONS; FROM THE THREAT OF EXTINCTION TO OVERPOPULATION: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS Demonstration of geometric morphometrics software and data acquisition hardware FURTHER INFORMATION: For information on registration, submission of abstracts, lodging and program, look at WWW page: biology.unm.edu/~santiago/ . o O | CORRESPONDENCE | O o . REGISTRATION, SCIENTIFIC Congress Secretariat Postal address: Euro-American Mammal Congress (EAMC) Laboratorio de Parasitologia Facultad de Farmacia Universidad de Santiago de Compostela 15706 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA SPAIN Fax: (34) 81 593316 e-mail: galemys(\)pinar1.csic.es (note that the character right after "pinar" is the number one, not the letter "l") ACCOMMODATION, SOCIAL EVENTS, MEALS, EXCURSIONS AND TOURS, TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Postal address: Viajes Atlantico Plaza de Fuenterrabia, 3 15702 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA SPAIN Fax: (34) 81 572867 e-mail: vatlanti(\)lander.es +...............+ . o O | WWW PAGE | O o . +...............+ The URL of the Congress' WWW page is: biology.unm.edu/~santiago/ Thereyou will find extensive information about the Congress, including, eventually, the program as it develops. There is also a link at the ASM WWW page: http://wkuweb1.wku.edu/~asm/ Text versions of this Circular are available by anonymous FTP to ftp.csic.es in the directory pub/eamc filename III_Cir.txt ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 07:37:17 +0000 From: Hal Whitehead/Linda Weilgart Subject: Male mating strategies: models of roving and residence From: Hal Whitehead, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada email: hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca Male mating strategies: models of roving and residence A few weeks ago an abstract of a recent paper by Magnusson and Kasuya appeared on MARMAM: Magnusson KG, Kasuya T (1997) Mating strategies in whale populations: searching strategy vs. harem strategy. Ecol Modell 102:225-242 There have been two other fairly substantial attempts (that I know of) to model the relative benefits of `roving' (or `searching' or `roaming') and `residence' (or `harem-holding' or `staying') behaviour as male mating strategies, one of which was my own: Whitehead H (1990) Rules for roving males. J Theor Biol 145:355-368 Sandell M, Liberg O (1992) Roamers and stayers: a model on male mating tactics and mating systems. Am Nat 139:177-189 None of these papers cite each other, so I thought it might be worth summarizing the differences between them. Whitehead (1990) models the expected benefits to a male of adopting either of these strategies, considering situations such as dominance hierarchies, variable female group size, oestrous synchrony and sperm competition. The relationship between the receptive (oestrous) period of the females and the average time males take to find groups of females is particularly important in determining which strategy is optimal for males, with relatively short travel times promoting `roving'. Magnusson and Kasuya (1997) use a similar model to that of Whitehead (1990) but the perspective in this case is that of the female: how her pregnancy rate changes with mating strategy. Once again, the relationship between the receptive (oestrous) period of the females and the average time males take to find groups of females is particularly important in determining which strategy is optimal for females. However there are some interesting differences between the perspectives of the sexes indicated by differences between the models. Generally, we might expect male mating strategies to evolve to optimize male fitness, so that Whitehead's (1990) male-based models would be more appropriate in predicting which mating strategy is found in a population than Magnusson and Kasuya's (1997) female-based models. However, female-based models are usually more useful for management and conservation, and Magnusson and Kasuya (1997) suggest that, in some situations, females may be able to manipulate male behaviour to their benefit by tactics such as providing non-reproductive matings. Sandell and Liberg's (1992) model differs from those of Whitehead (1990) and Magnusson and Kasuya (1997) in several ways, including that it assumes solitary and stationary females. Like Whitehead (1990), Sandell and Liberg (1992) model from the perspective of male fitness, and consider the results of interactions between resident and roving males. Once again, long receptive (oestrous) periods, and short travel times favour roving behaviour. I hope this helps, Hal Whitehead ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 14:04:48 +0000 From: Ben Wilson Subject: Abstract on bottlenose dolphin habitat use Dear Marmammers, The following paper has come out in the Journal of Applied Ecology. Habitat use by bottlenose dolphins: seasonal distribution and stratified movement patterns in the Moray Firth, Scotland. Ben Wilson, Paul M. Thompson, & Philip S. Hammond. Journal of Applied Ecology, 1997, 34, 1365-1374. Abstract: (1) This study investigated the distribution of a population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) resident in the Moray Firth off NE Scotland. Results add to information from studies in tropical areas to provide a better understanding of area use in this species. (2) Boat-based surveys and photo-identification techniques were used to study the distribution and movements of individually recognisable dolphins over a three year period. (3) Dolphins were seen in all months of the year, but there were consistent seasonal fluctuations in the number of individuals present. Numbers were low in winter and spring and peaked in summer and autumn. (4) Dolphins were seen throughout the survey area but concentrated in three regions. Each had similar topographic features being centred on deep, narrow channels subject to strong tidal flows. (5) Area use changed with season. The outer part of the inner Moray Firth study area was used for most of the year and areas closer to the head of the firth were used seasonally. (6) The summer increase in numbers in the inner Moray Firth was not simply due to incomers diluting an already resident population. Instead there was a stratified movement of all individuals. This maintained geographical stratification suggests that competition between individuals or social groupings may shape distribution in this population. (7) Individuals demonstrated rapid movements across the population's range. For instance, one individual was sighted at locations 190 Km apart within a five day period. (8) In terms of conservation, the high use of the mouths of the inner firths warrants special attention. Furthermore, the stratification patterns amongst dolphins suggest that individuals do not move freely within the inner Moray Firth and therefore may be unable to move away from localised disturbance or pollution. Reprints are available from Ben Wilson, Lighthouse Field Station, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ, The UK. bwilson(\)tursiops.u-net.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 03:57:10 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society/The Advertising Standard (fwd) From: John Dineley (dolphin(\)zalophus.demon.co.uk) Below is printed the adjudication of the UK's Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) published on 21 January 1998. The ASA was set up in 1962 to make sure that non-broadcast advertisements appearing in the UK are legal, decent, honest and truthful.=20 The ASA maintains a web site at: http://www.asa.org.uk/index.htm=20 The adjudication relates to a compliant against the contents of a news paper advertisement by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society in support of their campaign against the captive care of killer whales in zoos and aquaria. The campaign was launched in July 1997, the declared purposed being: "aimed to stop the capture and use of Orca whales in marine parks around the world"; see Marmam archive for July 1997 for full text of press release. The complaint surrounded an number of contentious allegations made in the newspaper advertising for the campaign, which included statements that seemed to suggest that orcas were only maintained in captive care for entertainment. The Advertising Standard Authority. =20 Complaint Final Report: 21 January 1998. Case Number: B97-05848/KA Advertiser: Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society COMPLAINT: Mr John Dineley, a consultant in animal behaviour and welfare, objected to a regional advertisement by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. It was headlined "You could pay up to =A320 pounds to see a whale in captivity. Half that amount could help us release it" and claimed "Yet despite countless protests 52 Killer Whales are still being held captive though out the world for so-called 'entertainment' purposes. Please help us to help them. A donation of just =A310 would g= o a long way towards setting them free." The complainant challenged: 1. the suggestion that the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society ran a specific project to return captive killer whales to the wild; 2. whether the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society could help set free all captive whales; and 3. the impression that all 52 killer whales were kept in captivity only for entertainment purposes. (3.1, 7.1) ADJUDICATION: 1. Complaint upheld The advertisers believed the advertisement did not imply that they ran a specific project to return captive killer whales to the wild. They said the donations this advertisement generated would go towards the rehabilitation of captive killer whales. The Authority considered the advertisement implied that these donations would fund a new killer whale release project. This impression was partly created by the footnote "Any funds raised over the needs of this appeal will be used for other conservation". The advertisers were asked not to give this false impression in future advertisements. 2. Complaint not upheld The advertisers argued that they had expertise and funding that could allow them to play a role in any release programme but did not believe the advertisement implied they could do this on their own or set all captive whales free, The Authority considered that the complainant's interpretation would not be widely shared and that the advertisement was unlikely to mislead in this way. 3. Complaint upheld The advertisers acknowledge that killer whales were kept in captivity for reason other than entertainment but argued that they had referred to "so-called" entertainment" because they especially wanted to counteract the advertising for captive killer whale shows. They did not believe their advertisement implied that whales were kept in captivity only for entertainment. The Authority considered that the advertisement implied wrongly that all 52 killer whales in captivity around the world were kept only for entertainment purposes and asked the advertisers not to give this impression in the future advertisements. --=20 John Dineley, BA.Hons Zoological Consultant Animal Behaviour & Welfare PO BOX 153 Bedford MK40 2JD United Kingdom Email: dolphin(\)zalophus.demon.co.uk Subject: Documentary - A Fall from Freedom A Fall from Freedom. A FALL FROM FREEDOM exposes the darkside of the captive display industry headed by Sea World and it's owner Anheuser Busch. This powerful documentary has video that has never been seen by the public before this release. A FALL FROM FREEDOM shows the true violence of capturing marine mammals and exposes some of the extreme measures the captive display industry goes to obtain dolphins and whales. A FALL FROM FREEDOM will be shown FEBRUARY 12, 1998 on the OUTDOOR-LIFE NETWORK. Video copies of A FALL FROM FREEDOM are now available by contacting the: Whale Rescue Team 115 Topanga Canyon Blvd Topanga, California 90290 email: whalerescue(\)earthlink.net Regards, Graham Clarke. ----------------------------------------------- For all the news and what's new at Whales on the Net Subscribe to: WhaleDesk - Monthly http://whales.magna.com.au/whaledesk/ The only official bulletin of Whales on the Net Membership: http://whales.magna.com.au/members/ Email: Whales on the Net ----------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 19:10:03 -0800 From: JIWLP Subject: 3rd Annual International Wildlife Law Conference Ocean Wildlife Campaign , Nelson-Nancy , Marine Sanctuary List , International Forest List , Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission , Infoterra , Indonesia Discussion List , Indian Environmental Issues , Fishfolk , Fisheries List , Fish & Wildlife Management , Elephant-L Discussion List , Econet-Marine Issues , Coral Reef List , Coastal Management List , CITES Discussion List , Caribbean Studies List , California Institute of Public Affairs , Biodiversity Convention Secretariat , Berney-Jaques , ASIL International Environmental Law Section , Aquatic Discussion List , Animal People , Africa Discussion List Apologies for cross listings. Third Annual International Wildlife Law Conference: Program/Registration The Second Annual International Wildlife Law Conference brought together participants from throughout the world, including the Republic of Georgia, Croatia, Kenya, South Africa, Peru, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Greenland and Japan. It is our hope to continue this international colloquy on the role of legal mechanisms in furthering the goal of species conservation and biological diversity at this year's conference. Where: The host for this year's conference is the Washington College of Law, American University, 4801 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Parking is prohibited on area residential streets, however is available in the law school's underground pay lot, accessible from Massachusetts Ave. The law school is also readily accessible from the Tenleytown Metro Station via American University's shuttle. When: March 31, 1998, 9:00am-5:30pm, reception to follow. Book Exhibits: The following publishers will exhibit books and journals in the fields of wildlife law and international environmental law at the conference: IOS Press Island Press Kluwer Law International Lupus Publications Oceania CLE credit available for attendance at this conference ($15.00 fee) Please call 202/274-4003 for information. PROGRAM 9:00am-11:30am Panel 1 - Sustainable Use of Wildlife: Opportunity or Oxymoron? Moderator: David Favre, Faculty of Law, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University Chris Wold, Of Counsel, Center for International Environmental Law, Washington, DC, USA, Sustainable Use and the Biodiversity Convention: Successful and Consistent Application Under CITES; Wayne Pacelle, Vice President of Government Affairs and Media, Humane Society of the United States, Washington, DC, USA, Sustainable Use: A Prescription for the Rationalized Exploitation of Wildlife; Dr. Leslie Johnston, Environmental Policy Analyst, USDA, detailed to USAID, Washington, DC, USA, Sustainable Use of Wildlife: The Interface Between Biological Considerations and Legal Policy Frameworks; Peter Usher, Chairman , Wildlife Management Advisory Council, Northwest Territories, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sustainable Use - The Key to Conservation in the Western Arctic. 11:30-1:00pm Lunch (on your own) 1:00-3:00pm Panel 2: The Interface of the World Trade Organization and International Wildlife Treaty Regimes/National Wildlife Conservation Legislation Moderator: William P. Weiner, Faculty of Law, Thomas M. Cooley School of Law Stuart R. Harrop, Director, Durell Institute of Conservation & Ecology, University of Kent-Canterbury, Canterbury, United Kingdom, Beyond the Leghold Trap Regulation: Is the Unilateral Enforcement of Wild Animal Welfare Standards Threatened With Extinction?; Konrad VonMoltke, Adjunct Professor, Dartmouth College, Senior Fellow, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, USA, Brand Name Ivory: On the World Trade Organization and CITES; Kevin Kennedy, Professor of Law, Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA, Multilateral Approaches to Resolving International Environmental Issues; Brennan Van Dyke, Director, Globalization Program, Center for International Environmental Law, Geneva, Switzerland, The WTO and International Wildlife and Environmental Law. 3:00-3:30pm Afternoon break (refreshments served) 3:30-5:30pm Panel 3: Regional Wildlife Treaty Regimes: Problems and Prospects Moderator, Howard S. Schiffman, Adjunct Faculty, International Programs, New York University School of Continuing Education Eric Blencowe, Executive Secretary, EUROBATS, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Bonn, Germany, The European Bats Agreement: On A Wing and a Prayer?; Alexander Dehgan, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA, The Lusaka Convention: Potential & Pitfalls; William Burns, Managing Editor, Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, Berkeley, California, USA, The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Areas (ACCOBAMS): The Role of Regional Cetacean Agreements. 5:30-6:30pm Reception for speakers and attendees, hosted by Kluwer Law International. Registration may be effectuated by printing out the form below and mailing it to the following address: Professor David Favre, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Checks should be made out to Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. For additional information, contact us at: JIWLP(\)earthling.net. Registration Form: Third Annual International Wildlife Law Conference, March 31, 1998 Washington College of Law, American University, Name: ____________________________________________ Organization: _____________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: __________________________ State: _______ Postal Code: ___________ Country _______________ Phone: ________________ Fax: _________________ E-mail: ________________ Fees (Check One): Regular _____ ($55.00 until March 1st, $60.00 thereafter) Student _____ ($25.00) Please mail to: Professor David Favre, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (Favre(\)pilot.msu.edu). Checks should be made out to Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 14:24:13 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: FL DEP manatee photo-id internship-further information (fwd) From: "Tarr, Suzanne" To those interested in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection manate e photo-identification 1998 summer internship: Due to the number of responses received by our colleague Dr. Bruce Ackerman, who kindly posted the orginal message on our behalf, we ask interested parties to direct questions to the internship coordina tors (and not to Dr. Ackerman): Suzanne Tarr or Lenisa Tipton FDEP/FMRI 100 8th Ave. SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 our Email addresses: Tarr_S(\)harpo.dep.state.fl.us Tipton_L(\)harpo.dep.state.fl.us Further information about the FDEP, manatee programs, and the internship can be found at the FDEP/FMRI website at http://www.fmri.usf.edu (look under Current Issues). thank you ~suzanne Subject: A research in nocturnal behaviour of Brazilian Right Whale Dear All, I'm a student in Biology at University of Milan,and next year I'll start a graduation thesis whose title is "nocturnal behaviour of Brazilian Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)". This research that will contribute directly to help protect the species in its calving grounds of Santa Catarina. In this respect, learning more about their behavior is absolutely essential. Whether they exhibit any individual site-fidelity, the usual ranges for mother/calf pairs, are some just some of the questions yet to be answered. Nocturnal behavior is indeed an important component of a comprehensive behavioral evaluation. Expected results of my work would be (a) a basic idea of the whales' movements during the night, e.g. whether they stay in coves and bays overnight or move around as usual, and (b) if possible, to determine any details on behavior during night time such as mother/calf interactions, respiration and dive rithyms, etc.. For this work I'll need a nocturnal-viewer with zoom-lenses.I am still trying to find someone to tell me whether an infrared device would detect the whale in the water more easily due to their enormous heat generation if compared to the surrounding cold water. Besides,I'd like to know the different properties of nocturnal-viewers commercially available, for to understand what could be the better for my research. Finally, I'll be grateful to somebody who could indicate me some reviews, books, other publications or web sites where I can find the results of some similar researches, not necessarily concerning the nocturnal behaviour of the Right Whale;similar research regarding the nocturnal behaviour of other cetaceans will be equally useful. Thank You in advance Francesco Ricciardi box2419(\)box.infomark.it ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 05:00:14 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, prepared by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals . Gray Whale Release. In late March 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding in early January 1997. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. [Assoc Press] . {{Polar Bear Agreement. In early February 1998, Russian and United States negotiators concluded a new agreement providing for long-term joint research and management of polar bears, including permission for Russian Natives to kill polar bears for subsistence.}} [Assoc Press] . {Dolphin Protection Agreement. On Feb. 8, 1998, the 12-nation Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) reached agreement on negotiated measures for the eastern Pacific tuna fishery to reduce bycatch, conserve tuna stocks, differentiate between dolphin-safe tuna and other tuna, provide incentives to improve tuna skipper performance, strengthen enforcement measures, and protect and promote recovery of dolphin stocks.} [Center for Marine Conservation press release] . {Norwegian Whale Products Export to Iceland? In early February 1998, the High North Alliance News reported that an Icelandic businessman has announced plans to import as much as 100 tons of minke whale blubber from Norway. Since Iceland is not a member of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Norway filed a reservation against the CITES ban on international trade in minke whale products, such trade might be seen as illegal.} [High North Alliance News] . {NZ Sea Lion Deaths. On Feb. 4, 1998, New Zealand authorities banned visitors from the sub-Antarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands where more than 1,200 dead Hooker sea lions have been discovered since late January 1998. The cause of death of the apparently healthy animals is unknown, and visitation to the islands was prohibited until it is determined whether or not any human health threat exists.} [Reuters] . {Annual Manatee Census. On Jan. 29-30, 1998, observers from 13 agencies, laboratories, and universities participated in an aerial and ground census of FL manatees, spotting a total of 2,019 animals -- 907 on the Gulf coast and 1,112 on the Atlantic coast. Researchers are optimistic that the population may be slowly increasing.} [Reuters, Assoc Press] . {Mass Dolphin Stranding on Cape Cod. On Jan. 29-30, 1998, 60 white-sided dolphins and 11 common dolphins died on Cape Cod beaches after stranding. Cause of the stranding event was undetermined, as initial necropsies found the dolphins to be healthy.} [Assoc Press, Reuters] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Feb. 3-5, 1998, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) held an informal intersessional meeting in Antigua to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. {On Feb. 6, 1998, IWC delegates announced that no decision had been made on how to proceed, other than to continue discussions.} [Reuters] . Dolphin Release Charges. In mid-January 1998, NMFS announced the filing of charges against four dolphin freedom activists for harassing and illegally transporting two captive dolphins in connection with their deliberate release in waters off Key West, FL, in May 1996. Penalties against those involved total $60,000. [NOAA press release] . Keiko. On Jan. 7, 1998, the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation issued a joint statement announcing that an arbitrator had ruled that the Aquarium should provide day-to-day care for Keiko under the direction of the Foundation's medical and rehabilitation plan. {On Jan. 29, 1998, a panel of marine mammal experts appointed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture reported no current indication that Keiko is ill. In addition, the panel reported that Keiko appears bored at times lacking socialization with companion whales and could benefit from some improvement in his muscle tone.} [Assoc Press, Oregon Coast Aquarium/Free Willy-Keiko Foundation press release] . Manatee Mortality. In early January 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection officials announced that 240 manatees were known to have died in 1997 -- the second highest annual death count since recordkeeping began in 1974. [Assoc Press] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: American Society of Mammalogists Meeting Final Reminder: Marine mammalogists interested in presenting a talk or poster at the annual American Society of Mammalogists meeting this year (Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Virginia, 6-10 June) should send abstracts postmarked not later than 1 March to the ASM Program Chair, Dr. Jack Cranford, Biology Dept., VPI and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia USA 24061-0408. If you wish your paper to be included in the session specifically devoted to marine mammalogy your abstract should be clearly marked "For Marine Mammal Session." For further information contact Jack Cranford at VPI, phone 540-231-5371 or Fax 540-231-9307, e-mail: cranford(\)vt.edu For registration packets (including the abstract form) contact Duane Smith at Brigham Young University e-mail: Duane(\)museum.byu.edu Paul K. Anderson Chair: ASM Marine Mammals Committee ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 04:02:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for tissue (fwd) From: LMARINO(\)biology.emory.edu Folks, I am looking for well-preserved dolphin brain tissue (preferably from fetuses or neonates) for the purpose of examining cortical neurogenesis and cytoarchitecture in odontocetes. Given the unfortunate mass stranding at Cape Cod, I'd like to hear from anyone who may have taken brain tissue from any of these animals and would be willing to spare a portion of it for scientific study. If so, please contact me at (404) 727-7582 or at lmarino(\)biology.emory.edu I'd be willing to supply any materials needed and to pay for transport, etc. Thanks very much. Lori Marino Lori Marino, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Dept. of Biology Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: (404) 727-7582 FAX: (404) 727-2880 Subject: Abstract: Decline of Galapagos sperm whales From: Hal Whitehead, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CANADA B3H 4J1 email: hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca Whitehead, H., J. Christal and S. Dufault. 1997. Past and Distant Whaling and the Rapid Decline of Sperm Whales off the Galapagos Islands. Conservation Biology. 11: 1387-1396 Abstract: It is generally expected that exploited whale populations should rebuild following the end of whaling. Using photographic identification of individuals during a series of field projects, we studied female and immature sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) that visit the waters off the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Analysis of mark-recapture data, using a likelihood model, indicates that the population decreased at a rate of about 20% per year (95% c.i. 7-32%) between 1985-1995. During this period the animals were not being hunted and were not obviously the subject of other immediate anthropogenic threats. Rates at which research vessels encountered whales also fell over this interval. The decline seems to be due principally to migration into waters off the Central and South American mainland. The population also has a very low recruitment rate, about 0.05 calves/female/year, as indicated by rates of observation of calves. Although other causes cannot be completely ruled out, both the high emigration rate and low recruitment rate are probably related to heavy whaling in Peruvian waters which ended in 1981. Whales from the Galapagos are moving east to fill productive but depopulated waters near the coast, and the virtual elimination of large breeding males (in their late twenties and older) from the region has lowered pregnancy rates. The case of the Galapagos sperm whales strongly suggests that exploitation can continue to have substantial negative impacts on the size and recruitment rate of an animal population well outside the range of the hunt and for at least a decade after it has ended. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 19:07:40 -0500 From: Jaap van der Toorn Subject: EAAM Conference Announcement ------ The 1998 symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals. The European Association for Aquatic Mammals will have its 26th Annual Symposium from March 13 through 16, 1998, in Tampere, Finland. The Symposium will be hosted by the Delfinaario of Tampereen S=E4rk=E4nniemi = OY. The conference sessions will be held at the Tampere University. Information about this symposium can be obtained from: TAVI Congress Bureau Papinkatu 21 FIN-33200 Tampere Finland phone: +358-3-2133 555 fax: +358-3-2132 840 e-mail: tavi(\)sci.fi In conjunction with this symposium, a workshop on marine mammal life support systems will be held on March 16, in the afternoon. This workshop is organized by Pertti Keskitalo of Tritonet Ltd, Tampere, Finland. Key speakers at the workshop will be Pertti Keskitalo and John Linn (Busch Entertainment Corporation). Additional presentations and case studies are encouraged. Information about this workshop can be obtained from: Riitta Kettunen or Pertti Keskitalo TRITONET Ltd. Pinninkatu 53 C FIN- 33100 Tampere Finland phone: +358-3-3141 4100 fax: +358-3-3141 4140 e-mail: riitta.kettunen(\)cc.tut.fi (submitted on behalf of the E.A.A.M. by Jaap van der Toorn) -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Jaap van der Toorn e-mail: jaap(\)compuserve.com (73064.2662(\)compuserve.com) Home page: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 03:59:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: UW video summary. From: Scott Steven Spitz Dear Marmamers, Thanks to all who replied to my posting requesting information and advice on video cameras and underwater housings. I received over 20 responses from researchers and professional videographers. I am sorry that this summary has been delayed, but the humpbacks have been occupying much of my time. A summary of the advice that I received follows. DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERAS: The general consensus was that the Sony VX-1000 is the best video camera available. The 3 chip design yields superior color, especially in higher light conditions. This is where things get interesting. Depending on the amount of light available in your underwater environment, a 1 chip camera such as the Sony TR7 will be equivalent or maybe superior in image quality. We decided to purchace TR7's because they are smaller and less expensive and the image quality will be very similar to the 3 chip camera. I believe Canon has now made their competing 3 chip camera available, but I heard it would be expensive ($5000). I do not know if that price estimate is accurate as it was given to me before the cameras actualy went on sale. I did see a detailed brochure of the camera, and it has all the options one could imagine. It looked larger than the Sony 3 chip, which is a serious consideration if one is going to put it in a housing or use it for extended periods of time. Panasonic also makes 1 chip cameras, but I don't think they produce a 3 chip. I did not hear much about their cameras. These cameras are digital which are superior to Hi8 in virtually every way. UNDERWATER HOUSINGS: I received many comments on several brands of housings. Many people had completely different experiences with the same brands, so I hesitate to make broad generalizations. Gates: several people commented that they had problems with these housings flooding, because they use manual controls that extend through the casing. These types of controls are at greater risk of flooding, but less risk to malfunction. Amphibico: several people discouraged Amphibico due to electrical problems. Their housings use electronic controls which resist flooding, but can have other problems. Our experience with Amphibico has been very good. Our Hi8 housing has survived 3 seasons of research without a problem. I have also received excellent technical support from the people at Amphibico. Their housings look nice, but are expensive. Sea & Sea: I didn't receive any negative comments here. This may be the best housing available, but it is also extremely expensive. Quest: This was our runner up, but the weighting system sounded confusing, so we chose another brand. Jaymar: Most people probably haven't heard of this brand, but we know several research groups that have used their housings for many years. All advice was very good. The manufacturer seems very nice and supportive of his products down the road if one needs assistance. The housings are good quality and well-designed. The price is also good, and we heard raves about the housing's hydrophone. We have received our Sony TR7 cameras but haven't used them yet. We should be receiving the housings next week. Please feel free to contact me in April to get an update on our experience with the Sony 1 chip digital and the Jaymar housing. Thanks again to all of the people who readily offered information to help us to purchase the best products for our research. Good luck to prospective digital buyers. Sincerely, Scott Spitz Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Lab Honolulu, HI Subject: Dolphin Mass Stranding on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA Beginning on Thursday January 28, and continuing through Saturday January 31, 1998, 94 dolphins stranded and died on over approximately 25 miles of coastline between Dennis and Wellfleet, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. This mass stranding was composed of both white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) n= 78 , and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) n=16. Efforts launched by many volunteers were instrumental in rescue attempts. It's presently believed that strong winds, abnormally high tides, and the irregular features of the coastline were factors that likely contributed to the stranding. The National Marine Fisheries Service would like to extend special appreciation to the NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM and to ALL the individuals from the agencies named below that helped with the response effort and subsequent scientific sampling and salvage. Cape Marine Animal Rescue and Conservation Center for Coastal Studies Dennis Department of Natural Resources Harvard University International Wildlife Coalition International Fund For Animal Welfare Massachusetts Audubon Society Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife National Marine Fisheries Service - Woods Hole National Park Service - Cape Cod National Seashore Northeastern University Triton Regional High School Tufts University University of Massachusetts Amherst U.S. Coast Guard Wellfleet Shellfish Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Local veterinarians and staff Numerous town officials and countless concerned citizens from Cape Cod If there's anyone I've overlooked anyone please let me know. Dana Hartley, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Region Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network Coordinator E-Mail: Dana.Hartley(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 12:33:41 +1300 From: "WEST, Ian [SCI,SR]" Subject: Temporary marking of fur seals in water. Suggestions please New Zealand fur seals have recently started predating ling on demersal long lines at the time of line haul. The animals sit within about 10 metres of the vessel and seize fish in the last few seconds before they are hauled aboard. Losses of up to 30% of catch have been documented. One of the questions we would like to ask is whether there is a constant turn-over of animals using this predation technique or whether the same animals follow a vessel for several days. We would like to be able to mark animals from a device on the fishing vessel with a mark that would persist for say up to six days. Clearly some sort of dart tag is a possibility but may give rise to animal ethics problems. Another possibility might be some form of die, paint or bleach. We will not be able to capture the animals and bring them aboard the vessel. I would be interested to hear of any suggestions for, and experience with, similar tagging systems. Ian West Programme Manager, Conservation Services Levy Science and Research Division, Department of Conservation P.O. Box 10 420, Wellington, New Zealand (Conservation Sciences Centre, 58 Tory Street, Wellington) Tel: +64 4 471 3237 Fax: + 64 4 471 3279 Email iwest(\)doc.govt.nz ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 04:10:29 -0800 From: Graziano Fiorito Subject: Napoli Social Learning Conference #2 Dear Colleague, we are at the final stage of the organization of the Napoli Social Learning Conference #2 entitled: Social learning and cultural transmission from invertebrates to great apes and humans: towards a biological synthesis The Conference will be held in conjunction with a 1.5 days meeting on the Neurobiology and Evolution of Learning and Memory (co-organized by G. Fiorito and P.G. Montarolo). The Conference will begin in the afternoon of Tuesday June 30th and will end on Sunday July 5th. An outline of the scientific program and of the social events will be send to everyone who registered at the end of April. At this stage, we are sending acknowledgments to everyone who registered and/or sent their abstracts. In order to give a more precise response to participants and to a better organization of the scientific program, we decided to encourage people to come and to submit their abstracts. As we already informed, we asked scientific contributions in two forms: one in which as many people as possible will be able to have their work known and discussed by others, and one in which new ideas and directions can be put forth in a more formal way. We therefore suggest that each partecipant prepare a poster presentation of recent data and also submit (if she/he wishes) a proposal for a 30-45 minute talk on a more theoretical topic. By this message we are inviting people to submit their 200 words abstract(s) within the next March 30th. This date is the deadline for the submission of abstracts, afterwards it will be very difficult for us to arrange properly the scientific program of the Conference. We are also resuming the main information about the Conference and for Registration and all deadlines. DEADLINES REGISTRATION: (Acknowledgments for people already registered will be send by February 28th): Send a message either via e-mail or fax with the complete address to: Dr. Graziano Fiorito Laboratorio di Neurobiologia Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn di Napoli Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy ph: +39-81-5833232 fax +39-81-7641355 e-mail: g.fiorito(\)area.ba.cnr.it Registration for accomodation and lodging should be given within April 15th, 1998 ABSTRACTS: Send one (poster only) or two (poster and talk) abstracts (200 words) via e-mail or fax to: Dr. Graziano Fiorito Laboratorio di Neurobiologia Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn di Napoli Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy ph: +39-81-5833232 fax +39-81-7641355 e-mail: g.fiorito(\)area.ba.cnr.it Deadline for the abstract submission is March 30th, 1998 PAYMENTS: The Conference fee (includes registration, lodging, meals, etc) is: 350 US $ by March 30th, 1998 400 US $ from March 31th to June 30th, 1998 Send your payment (money order, check, etc.) to: NAPOLI SOCIAL LEARNING 1998 c/o Dr. Graziano Fiorito Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy ACCOUNT: Napoli Social Learning 1998 Banco di Napoli, Ag. 54 Largo Vasto a Chiaia account # 27/718 CIN: o ABI: 01010 CAB: 03454 CONFERENCE AIMS The goals for this International Conference are: 1. to bring together people in the area of social learning and cultural transmission 4 years after the Madingley conference, given the theoretical and empirical developments that have occurred since then both in psychological and biological circles; 2. to encourage new directions in the study of social learning and cultural transmission; 3. to find common ground between those who work on invertebrates, and higher vertebrates including human and non-human primates; 4. to encourage psychologists and biologists to develop a common language, compatible questions and complementary methodologies; 5. to discuss the neural and evolutionary bases of social learning, highlighting the similarities and differences with individual learning and memory. To reach these goals we need your contribution! OTHER INFORMATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions for the organization of the Conference have been received from: -Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn di Napoli under which Aegis the Conference is organized -Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy (contributed to P. Valsecchi) -ASAB: The Association of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) have recently contributed a workshop grant to enable workers in the earliest stages of their career to participate. To be eligible, you must either be registered for a postgraduate degree, or within three years since having been awarded such a degree. Successful candidates will have their registration fee waived and a substantial contribution to travel costs paid (food and lodging is provided free by conference organisers). We are now providing ASAB travel bursaries to 12 young researchers. GENERAL ORGANIZATION: The dates of the meeting will be June 30 to July 5, 1998. Participants will arrive and settle in on Tuesday afternoon, June 30. There will be a welcome cocktail at the lodging site (Denza) and a setting up of posters starting around 17:00 on Tuesday. Scientific activities will start at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, July 1st and continue until Sunday afternoon, July 5. We have been able to obtain very good arrangements for lodging, meals, the conference room and additional social amenities. The conference itself will be held in Palazzo Serra di Cassano, hosted by the Istituto Italiano degli Studi Filosofici. The Palazzo is a beautiful 18th century baroque palace with frescoes in almost all rooms. Lodging and most of the meals will be at Il Denza, a 19th century monastery/college with a modern wing featuring air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms; il Denza also features a very nice garden with oaks. A day trip to the island of Capri, a visit to the Royal Palace, an evening in a traditional neapolitan Pizzeria and a banquet, will provide the necessary relief from the intellectual effort of the sessions. Daily transport between the Palazzo Serra di Cassano and Il Denza will be provided by the organizers. We have succeeded in obtaining a low price (see above) to cover registration, use of the Palazzo, lodging (from Tuesday, June 30 to Monday morning, July 6), meals, coffee breaks, daily transport, and all social events. PEOPLE ALREADY REGISTRERED/SUBMITTED THEIR ABSTRACTS: (Acknowledgments will be send as above) ALTBACKER, VILMOS; BUGNYAR, THOMAS; CAMPBELL, FIONA; CLARKE, JENNIFER A.; FOSTER, CHRISTA; FREEBERG, TODD; GAJDON, GYULA; GALEF, JEFF; HEYES, CECILIA; HIRATA, SATOSHI; HOGAN, DAVID; HUBER, LUDWIG; HUFFMAN, MICHAEL; INGMANSON, ELLEN; KING, BARBARA; LALAND KEVIN N.; LEFEBVRE, LOUIS; MIKLOSI, A; MYOWA, MASAKO; NICOL, C.; PEDRO ARRIAGA, J.C.; READER, SIMON; RIBES INESTA, E.; WEST, MEREDITH; WHITEN, ANDREW; YAMAKOSHI, GEN; ZENTALL, THOMAS Please be free to contact Dr. Graziano Fiorito at above addresses for any question. SPERIAMO DI VEDERCI A NAPOLI! Dr. Graziano Fiorito Laboratorio di Neurobiologia Stazione Zoologica "A. Dohrn" di Napoli Villa Comunale 80121 Napoli, Italy +39-81-5833232 (office) +39-81-7641355 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 04:23:07 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Shetland Sea Mammal Group Annual Report (fwd) From: Paul Fisher The Shetland Sea Mammal Annual Report 1996 has recently been=20 published by The Shetland Sea Mammal Group. The report includes: - a systematic list of whales and dolphins sighted in 1996 (11=20 confirmed species) - articles on the status of seals in Shetland: the common seal; grey seal; vagrant seals - detailed accounts of sightings of a Beluga Whale and Killer Whales - a review of cetacean strandings from 1992. The report includes colour plates of Beluga Whale, Killer Whales,=20 humpack whales and four species of vagrant seals. It is available from: Howard Loates Secretary Shetland Sea Mammal Group 'Windrill' Exnaboe Virkie Shetland, UK ZE3 9JS Tel. 01950 460648 Annual Membership (Individual)=3D=A35-00 (five pounds sterling cash or cheq= ue) Overseas (Individual)=3D=A36-00 (six pounds Sterling cheque/Postal Order) For individuals not wishing to join the Group, the report is=20 available for =A34-00 (UK residents) and =A35-00 (overseas). Please pay=20 cheques to the 'Shetland Sea Mammal Group'. This summer the Group are promoting a Killer Whale Photo ID project=20 in collaboration with other cetacean research institutes, and will=20 hold a number of whale watching Open Days. If you are interested in=20 cetaceans then please support the Group by joining today. Contact: robin.ditchburn(\)zetnet.co.uk thanks, Paul Subject: CRS Weekly Summary 2/20/98 (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} Gray Whale Release. In late March 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding in early January 1997. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. [Assoc Press] . {{Elephant Seal Mortalities. In early and mid-February 1998, a series of El Nino storms was blamed for the deaths of as many as 260 elephant seal pups at Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. The established colony had an estimated 400 adults and 300 pups.}} [Assoc Press] . Polar Bear Agreement. In early February 1998, Russian and United States negotiators concluded a new agreement providing for long-term joint research and management of polar bears, including permission for Russian Natives to kill polar bears for subsistence. [Assoc Press] . Dolphin Protection Agreement. On Feb. 8, 1998, the 12-nation Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) reached agreement on negotiated measures for the eastern Pacific tuna fishery to reduce bycatch, conserve tuna stocks, differentiate between dolphin-safe tuna and other tuna, provide incentives to improve tuna skipper performance, strengthen enforcement measures, and protect and promote recovery of dolphin stocks. [Center for Marine Conservation press release] . Norwegian Whale Products Export to Iceland? In early February 1998, the High North Alliance News reported that an Icelandic businessman has announced plans to import as much as 100 tons of minke whale blubber from Norway. Since Iceland is not a member of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Norway filed a reservation against the CITES ban on international trade in minke whale products, {such trade would be accepted as legal.} [High North Alliance News] . {Observers for AK Salmon Fisheries. On Feb. 4, 1998, and in response to commenter concerns, NMFS announced that it plans to initiate a 5-year observer program to better monitor incidental takes of marine mammals by nearshore salmon fisheries in Alaska. Eight different gillnet and purse seine fisheries from southeast AK to Bristol Bay will be monitored, with the program likely beginning in the summer of 1999.} [Assoc Press, Fed. Register] . NZ Sea Lion Deaths. On Feb. 4, 1998, New Zealand authorities banned visitors from the sub-Antarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands where more than 1,200 dead Hooker sea lions have been discovered since late January 1998. The cause of death of the apparently healthy animals is unknown, and visitation to the islands was prohibited until it is determined whether or not any human health threat exists. [Reuters] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Feb. 3-5, 1998, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) held an informal intersessional meeting in Antigua to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. On Feb. 6, 1998, IWC delegates announced that no decision had been made on how to proceed, other than to continue discussions. [Reuters] . Annual Manatee Census. On Jan. 29-30, 1998, observers from 13 agencies, laboratories, and universities participated in an aerial and ground census of FL manatees, spotting a total of 2,019 animals -- 907 on the Gulf coast and 1,112 on the Atlantic coast. Researchers are optimistic that the population may be slowly increasing. [Reuters, Assoc Press] . Mass Dolphin Stranding on Cape Cod. On Jan. 29-30, 1998, 60 white-sided dolphins and 11 common dolphins died on Cape Cod beaches after stranding. Cause of the stranding event was undetermined, as initial necropsies found the dolphins to be healthy. [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Keiko. On Jan. 29, 1998, a panel of marine mammal experts appointed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture reported no current indication that Keiko is ill. In addition, the panel reported that Keiko appears bored at times lacking socialization with companion whales and could benefit from some improvement in his muscle tone. [Assoc Press, Oregon Coast Aquarium/Free Willy-Keiko Foundation press release] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: CA sea lion skin infection MARMAMERS, My name is MiMi Reyes. I currently volunteer at Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, CA. The center serves to rehabilitate injured and sick seals and sea lions. Due to El Nino, we have experienced overwhelming numbers of sea lion pups washing up on shore. One pup in particular seems to be suffering from some sort of skin infection. The lesion-like areas are very pussy . The skin sloughs off when we attempt to clean it, and the tissue looks gray, possibly dead tissue. Representatives from Sea World who happened to be visiting the center thought the infection may be the San Miguel Island disease, but weren't positive. If this is the disease is there any way to treat it. Is there anyone that knows what this is or how can we treat it and stop it? I mention the word stop because this animal's skin seems to be deteriorating quickly over the entire body, especially at the hind flippers. Please e-mail me as soon as possible. Thanks, MiMi Reyes mereyes(\)uci.edu UC Irvine Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 12:45:29 -0500 From: "Dr. Andrew G. McArthur" Subject: Odontocete habitat and feeding ecology Colleagues, I am looking for primary literature review papers of odontocete whale habitat and feeding ecology, particularly for harbour porpoise, beluga, white-sided and striped dolphin, and narwal. I have already searched UNCOVER and some BIOSIS databases with only moderate success. Any assistance would be appreciated. Andrew McArthur Effective February-March, 1998: ------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Andrew G. McArthur, Guest Investigator, Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, U.S.A., Ph. (301) 238-3444 Ext. 112, Fax (508) 457-2134, Email: mcarthur(\)onyx.si.edu, http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/8431/ ** Do not send unsolicted mail - please request current mailing address. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 17:32:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Posting (fwd) Forwarded message: From: The Marine Mammal Center Post Doctoral Research Fellow: The Marine Mammal Center, a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education organization in conjunction with the University of California at Davis, seeks a post doctoral research fellow to join an established, collaborative program in marine mammal health research. Qualifications include a Ph.D. and a demonstrated proficiency in the application of molecular techniques to basic or applied research. Knowledge of infectious disease pathogenesis desirable. EOE. Please send cover letter with salary requirements and resume to : TMMC, attn: HR Director, Marin Headlands, GGNRA, Sausalito, Ca. 94965 or fax same to (415) 289-7333. Thank you in advance, Gabrielle Merritt Director of Human Resources The Marine Mammal Center Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands Sausalito Ca 94965 Tel: 415 289 7370 Fax: 415 289 7333 Subject: Investigation on dolphins wounds! ------ Dear Marmammers! Some week ago, I have sent a message as I was looking for informations about strange wounds observed on Stripped dolphins, stranded on French an= d Spanish mediterranean coasts. At the contrary of numerous strandings whic= h usually occur (several animals in few days), we are still recording anima= ls presenting these marks, after two months. Some analysis are realised (serology, virology...) and we are waiting for results. Anyway, we are no= t able, for the moment, to give a conclusive explanation for the death of these animals. Some hypothesis have been definitely discard, but some others need to be confirm. In that frame of this research, I invite you to read the internet page we have prepared, which gives more details about the story of these "holed dolphins" and photos. http://www.obs-banyuls.fr/web/departs/Monica/GECEM.htm Thank you for any remarks or informations you could give. I hope the next message I will send will give an explanation of this "mystery"!! Virginie RIGOLLET Universit=E9 Montpellier II Station M=E9diterran=E9enne de l'Environnement Littoral 1, Quai de la Daurade - 34200 S=E8te - France Tel : (33) 04 67 46 33 80 Fax : (33) 04 67 46 02 56 vrigollet(\)crit.univ-montp2.fr ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 16:58:10 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: Cetacea in Indonesia (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Peter Rudolph, Nordstr.2, 63477 Maintal, Germany email: rudolph.p(\)t-online.de Rudolph,P., C.Smeenk and S.Leatherwood. 1997. Preliminary checklist of cetacea in the Indonesian Archipelago and adjacent waters. Zoologische Verhandelingen 312: 1-48, figs 1-12, tabs 1-4. Key words: Cetacea; Indonesia; Malaysia; Brunei; Singapore; Indian Ocean; Pacific Ocean. Abstract: Records of 29 species of cetaceans from the Indonesian Archipelago have been gleaned from published and unpublished sources, representing five families: Phocoenidae (1 species), Delphinidae (16), Ziphiidae (3), Physeteridae(3), and Balaenopteridae (6). The presence of 26 species could be confirmed by material in museum collections, photographs or documentation by specialists. The occurrence of three species is still unconfirmed. Reprints can be ordered from W.Backhuys, Warmonderweg 80, NL-2341 KZ Oegstgeest, The Netherlands. However, "friends" can contact me or Chris Smeenk directly. Subject: EL NINO BULLETIN 20 AVAILABLE seabird(\)uct.ac.za, FISH1IFR(\)aol.com, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU, consbio(\)u.washington.edu, ens(\)envirolink.org, TWS-L(\)LISTSERV.VT.EDU ------ *********ENSO 97-98: CURRENT REPORTS ON EVENTS************** BULLETIN 20 ISSUED ON 24 FEBRUARY 1998 This electronic mailing is intended to provide near real-time reports primarily on marine and terrestrial events that may be linked to the development of the 1997 El Ni=F1o/Southern Oscillation which appears to b= e one of the most severe ENSO events in history. Emphasis is on seabirds and changes to marine ecosystems, but we appreciate other report= s that may expand our understanding of effects. These might include rainfal= l, flooding, or associated disease outbreaks. We try to be inclusive and t= o let hindsight separate ENSO from other effects. Report 20, 24 February 1998, is available at: http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/ENSO.html or by request from: . To be placed on the emailing list for future bulletins, contact ------------------------------------------------------ SYNOPSIS: While El Nino appears to have started to fade oceanographically off Peru= , its effects in Peru, Chile, and Ecuador remain major. Its 'teleconnectio= n' effects are in full swing in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Brazil. Eastern Africa is recovering from earlier physical effects, but still experiencing wide-spread and essentially uncontrolled outbreaks of diseas= e. Southern Africa appears to have been spared major effects. INDIVIDUAL REPORT TITLES JANUARY 1998. ECUADOR, GALAPAGOS: CORAL (BLEACHING) 5 FEBRUARY 1998. ALASKA: MARINE MAMMAL (OCCURRENCE) 15 FEBRUARY 1998. NEW ZEALAND: MARINE MAMMAL (MORTALITY) "MID FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: MARINE MAMMAL (MORTALITY) 17 FEBRUARY 1998. EAST AFRICA: IMPACT: (TRANSPORTATION) 17 FEBRUARY 1998. EAST AFRICA: IMPACT (FOOD) 17 FEBRUARY 1998. KENYA: IMPACT AND FOOD RELIEF 17 FEBRUARY 1998. SOMALIA: CLIMATE (FORECAST) 17 FEBRUARY 1998. HAWAII: FIRES 17 FEBRUARY 1998. ENGLAND: CLIMATE 17 FEBRUARY 1998. BRAZIL: DISEASE (DENGUE) 18 FEBRUARY 1998. WORLD: IMPACT (FOOD PRODUCTION) 18 FEBRUARY 1998. MICHIGAN: CLIMATE (RAINFALL) 18 FEBRUARY 1998. ANTARCTICA: 19 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT (HYDROPOWER) 19 FEBRUARY 1998. AFRICA: IMPACT (FOOD) 19 FEBRUARY 1998. BRAZIL: CLIMATE (FLOODS) 19 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: ECONOMIC 19 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT (AGRICULTURE) 19 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: CLIMATE (STORM) 20 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: MARINE MAMMAL (DISEASE) 21 FEBRUARY 1998. SOUTH AFRICA: AGRICULTURE (MAIZE) 21 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: FISHERY & OCEANOGRAPHY 20 FEBRUARY 1998. HAWAII: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 22 FEBRUARY 1998. CHILE: MARINE MAMMAL (MORTALITY) & SEATURTLES 22 FEBRUARY 1998. BOLIVIA: DISEASE (CHOLERA) 22 FEBRUARY 1998. UGANDA : DISEASE (MALARIA ET AL) 22 FEBRUARY 1998. ARIZONA: DISEASE (HANTA VIRUS) 23 FEBRUARY 1998. FLORIDA: CLIMATE (TORONADOES) ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 10:10:41 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - bottlenose/Atl. spotted dol. in Campeche Sound The following is posted as a courtesy to a colleague. The paper is in Spanish, but the abstract provided with the paper is in English as well as Spanish. Please do not direct reprint inquiries to me, but to the author. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ****************************************************************** Delgado-Estrella, A. 1997. Relacion de las toninas, _Tursiops truncatus_, y las toninas moteadas, _Stenella frontalis_, con la actividad camaronera en la Sonda de Campeche, Mexico. Anales. Inst. Biol. Univ. Nac. Auton. Mexico, Ser. Zool. 68(2): 317-338. Laboratorio de Mastazoologia, Instituto de Biologia, UNAM, Apartado Postal 70-153, 04510 Mexico, D.F. Two surveys were made on shrimp boats (June and October, 1989) to record the activities and interactions with fisheries of bottlenose dolphins _Tursiops truncatus_ and Atlantic spotted dolphins _Stenella frontalis_ in the Campeche Sound, Mexico. During 157 hours and 33 days (11 on June and 22 on September-October) 687 bottlenose dolphins (5.5% of calves only on June) and 257 spotted dolphins (4.2% of calves) were sighted. The dolphins stayed behind of the shrimp ships and ate the bycatch discarded (principally at night). Because of the position of the dolphins in relation with the trawl nets, low possibilities of incidental catch exist. Apparently, the dolphins synchronize the activities with the different trawling stages but not depending exclusively on the bycatch discard after the trawl. The mean school size of _S. frontalis_ was larger than that of _T. truncatus_. Bottlenose dolphins had a wide altitudinal distribution. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 12:45:09 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MMPA Reauthorization Issues -- Input sought (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gene Buck MARMAMers: The Congressional Research Service is beginning to collect information to support discussion of reauthorization and amendment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act during the 106th Congress (1999-2000).=20 Preliminarily, we anticipate producing a report similar to what was prepared in 1993 for the last MMPA reauthorization debate -- CRS Report 93-185 ENR, The Marine Mammal Protection Act: Reauthorization Issues.=20 This report identified a multitude of issues that might have been considered during reauthorization debate and provided a brief background discussion of the concerns relating to each issue (see the example on "Documentary Films" appended at the end of this message). Some of you may recall my request for input in 1993 and may have provided helpful suggestions of issues that might arise during reauthorization. This input was extremely important in highlighting concerns and stimulating congressional discussion on a multitude of issues.=20 Thus, the point of this message is to announce that I'm soliciting similar input again, to prepare a background document for the 106th Congress. I'd like to hear from any and all of you who would like to comment (no identification of who contributed what issue will be provided -- anonymity of respondents is assured). Your response to this request can be as brief or as lengthy as you desire -- and please respond directly to me and not to the MARMAM list. My intent is to identify where folks may have reason to believe the MMPA could/should/might be amended to alter/improve how it currently works. Thus, it's most helpful for me if you clearly state what you believe is the problem/concern with the current MMPA and, if possible, how you believe this problem might be addressed.=20 CRS reports are objective, non-partisan discussions of public policy issues; thus, input from all viewpoints is sought. Please pass this request for input along to other individuals or groups who may not see it on MARMAM.=20 It is possible that I may have a graduate student intern to assist me with compiling responses for this project. This is a long-term project and I will be collecting input over the span of several months, so it is not necessary that you respond immediately. I'll try to post a message later when I am about to finish drafting my report, so as not to miss any last-minute contributions. In addition, I anticipate posting a request later to solicit several experts for a panel to review and comment on my draft report before I provide it to Congress.=20 Thanks again for your continued support and input.=20 Gene Buck, Senior Analyst Congressional Research Service gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov fax: (202) 707-7289 Example of an issue section from CRS Report 93-185 ENR (remember this comments on the situation PRIOR to the 1994 MMPA amendments):=20 Documentary Films =09Presently, it is questionable whether the MMPA provides a means for authorizing the potential take (e.g., harassment) of marine mammals in making documentary films. These films often are important educational tools, with the benefits of allowing this take possibly outweighing any harm. Therefore, advocates suggest amending the MMPA to specifically authorize NMFS and FWS to issue permits for the non-lethal take of marine mammals, including species designated as depleted, during documentary filming, when such taking would have negligible harm on the health or welfare of the affected individuals or populations.(1) Animal welfare groups, however, stress the need for sufficient regulation and oversight to prevent undue harassment of the subject animals.=20 =09Opinion is mixed concerning whether Federal managers may already have the authority to issue permits allowing the take of marine mammals during production of documentary films under provisions in =A7104(c)(4), which may allow such takes for enhancing the survival or recovery of marine mammals. Additionally, some managers believe that takes that might occur during filming could also be allowed under =A7101(a)(5) of the Act (authorizing incidental small takes of marine mammals during specified activities, other than commercial fishing).(2) Others, however, questioned why these provisions haven't been used in this manner, if indeed such authority is clear. Administrative clarification on these points could help determine whether it may be helpful to amend the MMPA to address this concern.=20 Footnotes: 1) Permits for the taking of endangered and threatened marine mammals could also be required under the authority of the ESA, which currently does not include any provision for documentary films. However, the enhancement permit authority under the ESA has been broadly construed and, in the eyes of the FWS and others, may suffice.=20 2) Some Federal managers disputed the potential use of this provision since the taking during filming would be direct, rather than incidental.=20 Subject: Tuna Fishing Nations Agree on Tuna Fishing Nations Agree on Dolphin Protection Act WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) today commended 12 tuna-fishing nations for successfully negotiating an historic agreement to protect dolphins and other marine life in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) tuna fishery. The agreement was reached at the meeting of the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in La Jolla on Saturday, Feb. 8. "This marks the beginning of a new era of greater protection and international cooperation on behalf of dolphins, other species, and the marine ecosystem," said CMC President Roger E. McManus. "CMC looks forward to the signing ceremony and the full implementation and monitoring of this agreement." The agreement contains many provisions that CMC strongly supports, including: -- establishing measures to avoid, reduce, and minimize bycatch -- conserving tuna stocks and the tuna fishery -- effectively tracking tuna to differentiate between dolphin-safe and unsafe tuna -- providing incentives to improve skipper performance -- enhancing and strengthening compliance and enforcement, and -- providing greater protection and promoting the recovery of individual dolphin stocks, especially those that are depleted. The adoption of this agreement is the culmination of a process that began in 1995 when CMC called on the United States and other tuna-fishing nations to develop a cooperative, international management regime for the ETP tuna fishery that would enhance protections for dolphins and other marine species, such as sharks, endangered sea turtles, and billfish. Center for Marine Conservation worked closely with the U.S. and other governments of the tuna-fishing nations, along with other conservation organizations, to develop the Panama Declaration as well as U.S. implementing legislation adopted by Congress in 1997. Under the Panama Declaration of October 1995, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Spain, the United States, Vanuatu, and Venezuela agreed to work together to strengthen dolphin protections rather than abandon the dolphin-saving practices they had developed in order to meet the tough dolphin death reduction targets set by the United States and the IATTC. Dolphin deaths in the ETP tuna fishery declined sharply from 100,000 animals in 1989 to fewer than 2,600 in 1996. "Our analysis of the best available scientific data indicated that, while the U.S. ban on the use of purse seine, or circle nets, to catch tuna in the ETP resulted in fewer dolphin deaths, it was also resulting in too many endangered sea turtle, sharks, billfish, and juvenile tuna being killed," said CMC Marine Mammalogist Nina Young. "We realized that the best way to protect both dolphins and other marine life was to shift from simply banning purse seine fishing, to requiring the presence of independent observers on all tuna vessels operating in the ETP and the use of proven dolphin-saving measures. Under this agreement, fishers who fail to do so risk being closed out of major tuna markets worldwide, including the United States." "We are totally committed to enforcing the provisions of the agreement," emphasized Ms. Young, who is on the Review Committee for monitoring the agreement, "The true test of its implementation is the reduction and eventual elimination of dolphin deaths over time and the full implementation of the agreement by signatory nations." "Once this agreement is implemented, the 'dolphin safe' label will be a true guarantee to consumers that no dolphins died or were seriously injured in catching tuna that bears the 'dolphin safe' label, and the fishing practices used to catch that tuna are also ecosystem safe," said McManus. ------ The Center for Marine Conservation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, research, advocacy, and public education of marine conservation issues in the United States and world-wide. It seeks to protect ocean environments and conserve the global diversity of marine life. Established in 1972, CMC has 120,000 members. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Center for Marine Conservation has regional offices in California, Florida, and Virginia. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 19:55:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 2/27/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 2/20/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 2/26/98 double-bracketed {{...}} Gray Whale Release. {On Mar. 26, 1998,} Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding {on Jan. 11, 1997, near Los Angeles.} The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. [Assoc Press] . {Low Frequency Active Sonar Lawsuit. On Feb. 23, 1998, a coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to stop U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency active sonar system in Hawaiian waters to determine whether and how humpback whales may react to the system. The coalition asserts that the Navy should prepare a full environmental impact statement on the program before beginning tests. Similar tests have already been completed on blue whales and gray whales {{off the CA coast.}} At a hearing on Feb. 24, 1998, U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to halt the tests, and ruled that the Navy had assessed the environmental impact of the tests. {{The Navy began low frequency active sonar tests on Feb. 25, 1998.}} A hearing is scheduled for Mar. 4, 1998, on a request for a preliminary injunction to halt further testing.} [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Elephant Seal Mortalities. In early and mid-February 1998, a series of El Nino storms was blamed for the deaths of as many as 260 elephant seal pups at Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. The established colony had an estimated 400 adults and 300 pups. [Assoc Press] . Polar Bear Agreement. In early February 1998, Russian and United States negotiators concluded a new agreement providing for long-term joint research and management of polar bears, including permission for Russian Natives to kill polar bears for subsistence. [Assoc Press] . Dolphin Protection Agreement. On Feb. 8, 1998, the 12-nation Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) reached agreement on negotiated measures for the eastern Pacific tuna fishery to reduce bycatch, conserve tuna stocks, differentiate between dolphin-safe tuna and other tuna, provide incentives to improve tuna skipper performance, strengthen enforcement measures, and protect and promote recovery of dolphin stocks. [Center for Marine Conservation press release] . Norwegian Whale Products Export to Iceland? In early February 1998, the High North Alliance News reported that an Icelandic businessman has announced plans to import as much as 100 tons of minke whale blubber from Norway. Since Iceland is not a member of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Norway filed a reservation against the CITES ban on international trade in minke whale products, such trade would be accepted as legal. [High North Alliance News] . Observers for AK Salmon Fisheries. On Feb. 4, 1998, and in response to commenter concerns, NMFS announced that it plans to initiate a 5-year observer program to better monitor incidental takes of marine mammals by nearshore salmon fisheries in Alaska. Eight different gillnet and purse seine fisheries from southeast AK to Bristol Bay will be monitored, with the program likely beginning in the summer of 1999. [Assoc Press, Fed. Register] . NZ Sea Lion Deaths. On Feb. 4, 1998, New Zealand authorities banned visitors from the sub-Antarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands where more than 1,200 dead Hooker sea lions have been discovered since late January 1998. The cause of death of the apparently healthy animals is unknown, and visitation to the islands was prohibited until it is determined whether or not any human health threat exists. [Reuters] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Feb. 3-5, 1998, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) held an informal intersessional meeting in Antigua to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. On Feb. 6, 1998, IWC delegates announced that no decision had been made on how to proceed, other than to continue discussions. [Reuters] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list 2. Messages posted on MARMAM 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM 4. Reasons for rejection of messages FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? 6. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 7. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 9. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? ++ 13. How do I get other information on marine mammals? 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of December 1997 there were over 3,000 subscribers from 55 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000 list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list. - Messages in another language provide an english translation Note. MARMAM cannot receive attachments - please submit messages as text only. _______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - information not related to marine mammal research or conservation - animal rights issues - communication between humans and other animals - 'casual' requests for information that is easily available elsewhere - information requests without details as to why this is being requested - news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - requests for volunteer positions/employment - requests for small numbers of specific items (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - opinion statements offering little or no novel arguments - messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - humourous anecdotes _______________________________________________________________ 4. More detail on reasons for rejection of messages. 'CASUAL' REQUEST. Messages which request information which is readily available from other sources, such as your average university library, are not posted to the list. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. INPROPERLY FORMATTED OR FULL OF TYPOS. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send the message: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 9. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). As of Nov. 28 1996 all MARMAM messages have also been archived on the world-wide web. These can be found at: http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive can be searched by keyword or by date. The archive manager is Quyen Lam ______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 13. More Information on Marine Mammals WORLD-WIDE WEB LINKS Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ++ OTHER EMAIL DISCUSSION LISTS Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Kerry Irish, or Shannon Gowans) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated February, 1997 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 03:47:22 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New Book - Mammals of the Ice (fwd) From: Bill Pearson We have just published a full colour book on Seals, Whales and Dolphins in the Australian Subantarctic and Antarctica. More information is on our web page at:=20 http://www.design1.com.au/mammals/ Regards Bill Pearson Sedona Publishing Canberra, Australia EXTRACT - MAMMALS OF THE ICE An introductory guide of the seals, whales and dolphins in the Australian Subantarctic and Antarctica, based on records from ANARE voyages, 1977=9690= =2E Stewardson, C. L. and Child, P. L. Sedona Publishing, 8/14 Lonsdale St Braddon ACT Canberra, Australia, 1997.= =20 Mammals of the Ice is an illustrated guide for the identification of seals, whales and dolphins in the Australian sector of the Southern Indian Ocean, from 45=B0=96160=B0E and 40=B0=9669=B0S, featuring artwork by Canber= ra artist, Peter Child. This field guide presents unpublished records of marine mammals (3,515 marine mammals: 773 seals and 2,742 cetaceans: 20 species) sighted from Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) and resupply vessels during 1977=9690. The guide includes key diagnostic features; monthly distribution tables; information on group size; general notes concerning biology, behaviour and conservation status. An anatomical key, species directory, and check list of important factors to look for when recording marine mammals at sea (e.g. size and shape of blow, colour patterns or markings) assists readers in the identification of individual species. A glossary, bibliography and index are also provided. Mammals of the Ice was written to introduce the marine mammals of Antarctica to ANARE members, students, tourists and all those interested in marine life. Much of the information presented in this guide is also applicable to a wider sector of the Southern Ocean (e.g. south of New Zealand, Africa and South America). We hope that this book will enhance visitors=92 experiences in this region, and help them to understand the role of marine mammals in the Southern Ocean ecosystem.=20 Subject: Employment Opportunity Posiiton available: Marine Animal Productions Looking for experienced trainer to run a new facility outside of the U.S. The facility will house Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sealions and possibly psuedorca. Applicants must have minimum 5 years hands on training experience with dolphins and sealions. Must have good knowledge of water quality, pump and filter managment and ability to train staff and deal with park managment. Applicants must be willing to travel out of the country to manage said facility. All interested applicants please respond via email: Dolphrider(\)aol.com or mail to: M.A.P. PO Box 4078 Gulfport, MS 39502 Attn. Timothy Hoffland ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 13:37:40 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for information re cetacean endocranial rete (fwd) From: LMARINO(\)biology.emory.edu Dear Marmamers, I have some endocranial volume data on Pontoporia blainvillei which I would like to correct for endocranial rete volume to obtain a better estimate of actual brain size. Would anyone know if information on endocranial rete volume in Pontoporia exists anywhere and, if so, where I might be able to obtain it? I've checked numerous papers on cetacean blood supply and physiology. I appreciate any help. - Lori Marino lmarino(\)biology.emory.edu Lori Marino, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Dept. of Biology Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: (404) 727-7582 FAX: (404) 727-2880 Subject: Grey whale research course The Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organisation inviting the general public to assist as "paying volunteers" in research on the feeding behaviour, movements, and abundance of grey whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, killer whales and humpback whales, off the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Research & instruction are carried out from a 40' sailboat and shore stations. Participants are incorporated directly into the research team for the duration of their stay, and have the opportunity to learn theory and techniques first-hand from working biologists. In addition to the field research techniques, instruction and hands-on experience in sailing is provided. Cost includes tuition, all meals, return transportation from Port Hardy to the base camp, and tent accomodation. Topics covered during the week-long course (continuing education level): grey whale-mysid shrimp ecology: succession, disturbance, optimal foraging, carrying capacity; photo-identification & capture-recapture models applied to grey & humpback whales; orca social structure & acoustic behaviour; white-sided dolphin social & acoustic behaviours; conservation issues. Cost: Adults: $1400 (CAD) $1075 (USD) Students: $1275 (CAD) $995 (USD) Dates: June 28 - July 4, 4-10, 12-18, 18-24, 26-August 1 August 1-7, 9-15, 15-21, 23-29, 29 - September 4, 6-11. For more information, contact: Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation c/o Tours of Exploration 820-1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 3V6 Tel: (604) 683-6511 Fax: (604) 683-1911 email: info(\)cerf.bc.ca web: http://www.cerf.bc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 17:42:16 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Conference: Measuring Behaviour '98 (fwd) Forwarded from the Bioacoustics List ------- Start of forwarded message ------- Dear all, The following is a simple text version of the preliminary program and call for abstracts for the 2nd International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research. For more information and on-line registration please visit the conference Web site at http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm. Please note that abstracts are due by 1 April 1998. Yours sincerely, Wineke Schoo Chair Local Organizing Committee ___________________________________ MEASURING BEHAVIOR '98 2nd International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research Groningen, The Netherlands 18-21 August 1998 Following the success of Measuring Behavior '96, we are pleased to announce that the 2nd International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research will be held at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, 18-21 August 1998. Conference host prof. dr. J.M. Koolhaas and his fellow members of the program committee are pleased to offer you an exciting scientific, technical and social program. CONFERENCE PROGRAM Measuring Behavior '98 will offer a variety of ways to gather and exchange information. The conference program consists of oral presentations, poster sessions, demonstrations, scientific tours, technical training, user meetings and a pleasant social program. There will also be an exhibition of scientific books, instruments and software. And after the meeting, you can explore Groningen and surroundings on one of the post-conference excursions! INTEGRATION OF BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY Measuring Behavior '98 will devote special attention to the integration of advanced behavioral research with physiological measurements. With 'integration' we refer to the measurement of behavioral characteristics combined with in vivo (non-invasive) recording of the dynamic changes in time of physiological parameters. Exciting new developments in both the behavioral and physiological sciences make such an integration feasible. The development of techniques and generic software tools can form a bridge between disciplines, which are often unaware of techniques already available in other fields. For example, data analysis methods stemming from ethology are now being used by applied psychologists, and path analysis techniques originally designed by entomologists are equally useful for behavioral pharmacologists studying rodents. Moreover, recent developments in radiotelemetry, brain imaging, chip technology and biosensor techniques originally used by physiologists are now being used for simultaneous recording of physiological processes and behavior. To this end, we hope that Measuring Behavior '98, just as in 1996, will serve as a common ground for crossfertilization of research disciplines. INVITED SPEAKERS with preliminary titles of lectures + Serge Daan (Department of Behavioral Biology, University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands). Data logging methods for the study of behavior and chronobiology. + Stephen Ellwood (Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK). Remote video surveillance of wildlife behavior. + Laura Goodwin (Department of Education, University of Colorado, Denver, USA). Reliability of observational data: obtaining different results with different estimation techniques. + Judith Lauter (Department of Communication and Disorders, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, USA). The "trimodal brain": integrating auditory neuroscience, brain imaging and the study of behavioral disorders. + Walter Tornatzky (Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, USA). Using biotelemetry for integrated measurement of behavior and physiology in laboratory animals. + Hans Veenema & J.A.R.A.M. van Hooff (Ethology and Socio-ecology, Department of Comparative Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands). Age-related changes in cognitive behavior in relation to rank: using touch-screen displays in large groups of primates. + Berry Wijers (Institute for Experimental and Occupational Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands). Using real-time neuroimaging techniques for the study of cognitive processes. SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM At a Measuring Behavior conference, all presentations deal with methods and techniques in behavioral research, with special emphasis on the methodological aspects. Validation of innovative techniques is an acceptable subject for a paper or poster as well. Since Measuring Behavior '98 will devote special attention to the integration of behavioral and physiological measurements, presentations on physiological techniques are most welcome. Note, however, that there must always be a clear link with behavior. The scientific program of Measuring Behavior '98 includes six symposia, with the following topics (preliminary, non-exhaustive listing): Behavioral Recording + Activity monitoring + Event recording, video coding and annotation + Locomotion and flight compensation + Video tracking + Radio tracking + Acoustical monitoring and analysis + Eye tracking + Automatic recognition of behavior patterns + Thermal imaging Behavioral Analysis + Sequential analysis and pattern detection + Reliability analysis + Track analysis + Integrated analysis of behavior and physiology + Visualization techniques Brain Imaging and Behavior + Positron Emission Tomography + Magnetic Resonance Imaging + EEG, etc. Biotelemetry and Behavior + Using telemetry to measure body temperature, blood pressure, ECG, actvity, etc. Behavior and Physiology + Data loggers and transponders + In vivo microdialysis + Biosensors Behavioral Models + New behavioral paradigms and tests + Simulation of behavior CONFERENCE VENUE Measuring Behavior '98 will be held at the Center for Biological Sciences of the University of Groningen in Haren, The Netherlands. The university, founded in 1614, is the second oldest of the country. Featuring a historic city center with great outdoor terraces and located close to the Wadden Sea, one of Europe's most beautiful wetland nature areas, Groningen is an excellent venue for our conference. PRESENTATION FORMATS Measuring Behavior '98 offers three types of presentations: + Oral papers - Oral presentations will be limited to invited speakers and delegates who submit abstracts of outstanding quality, on a subject of general interest to the conference participants. The duration of talks is 25 or 40 minutes (the Program Committee allocates the time per speaker) followed by discussion. + Poster presentations - Posters will be on display throughout the conference. During the official poster sessions, authors are expected to be present next to their poster in order to answer questions of fellow participants. The poster boards are 120 cm high and 100 cm wide. + Demonstrations - Scientists who have developed equipment or software which is relevant to the theme of the conference are invited demonstrate it at the meeting. Demonstrations by conference participants are accomodated in conjunction with the poster sessions. A demonstration can be combined with a poster or can stand by itself. The conference organizers can assist you to arrange the necessary computer, audio/visual and any other provisions. SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS Abstract (max. 500 words, including bibliographical references): a 3.5 inch PC or Macintosh diskette with the text of your abstract and two printed copies must be enclosed with this form. Please write your name and the file format on the diskette label. Files should be in WordPerfect, Word or plain ASCII text format. You can also submit your abstract via electronic mail and via the conference Web site (http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm). PROGRAM COMMITTEE + Jaap Koolhaas, Department of Animal Physiology, University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands (chair) + Berry Spruijt, Animal Welfare Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands + Maria Boccia, Observational Methods Core, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA + William Bell, Department of Entomology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA + Bert Mulder, Institute for Experimental and Occupational Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands + Roger Bakeman, Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA + Lucas Noldus, Noldus Information Technology b.v., Wageningen, The Netherlands. IMPORTANT DATES 1 April 1998 Deadline for submission of abstracts 1 June 1998 Notification of acceptance of abstracts 15 June 1998 Deadline for early registration (reduced fee) 18 August 1998 Welcome reception 19-21 August 1998 Conference sessions 22 August 1998 Post-conference excursions CONFERENCE FEE Before 15 June 1998: Delegates: NLG 500 Students: NLG 250 After 15 June 1998: Delegates: NLG 600 Students: NLG 300 (Exchange rate: NLG 1,- = approx. US$ 0,50) MORE INFORMATION Measuring Behavior '98 Conference Secretariat P.O. Box 268 6700 AG Wageningen The Netherlands Phone: +31-317-497677 Fax: +31-317-424496 E-mail: mb98(\)noldus.nl Web: http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm Subject: LFAS-Mass stranding (Nature paper) (fwd) From: "A. Frantzis" Dear all, Most of you are aware of the Low Frequency Active Sonars (LFAS) issue and the dramatic impact this military project can cause on marine mammals. During summer 1996, a two-month discussion regarding LFAS occured in Marmam and Bioacoustics-L lists. I think that the following paper which was published today (5 March 1998) in Nature (Scientific Correspondence) can be of your interest. Below you can read the entire text (Nature's copyright). As no aknowledgements exist for this kind of paper, I would like to address my thanks to H. Whitehead, J. Potter and J.C. Goold. Their help through advices, information and comments on the review of the manuscript was really precious. I would also like to thank D. Ketten, J. Mead, M. Simmonds and all others who contributed through Marmam and Bioacoustics-L. I close this message hoping that the following article could be a "useful tool" in the hands of specialists who are discussing with the US navy, in order to convince them to stop their dangerous games. DOES MILITARY ACOUSTIC TESTING STRAND WHALES? Mass strandings of live whales have been explained by proposing many 'natural' or human related factors. I found that a recent stranding of Cuvier's beaked whales coincided closely in time and location with military tests of an acoustic system for submarine detection that were being carried out by the North Atlantic Treaty Org anization (NATO). Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) seems to be abundant in the East Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea), as indicated by strandings and sightings, record ed there from 1992 to 1997. This species is a deep-diving pelagic cetaceans that rarely mass strands; only seven cases of more than four individuals have been recorded since 1963 worldwide --- the individuals on these occasions numbering 5, 6, 6, 10, 12, 15, and 19 respectively. In the Kyparissiakos Gulf specifically, the average number of indi vidual whales stranded every half-year is 0.7 (sd=0.9, n=11), with the exception of a mass stranding that occured on 12-13 May 1996. From the morning of the 12 until the afternoon of the 13 May 1996, were corded 12 Cuvier's beaked whales stranded alive along the coasts of Kyparissiakos Gulf. The whales were spread along 38.2 kilometres of coast and were separated by a mean distance of 3.5 km (sd=2.8, n=11). This spread in time and location was atypical , as usually whales mass strand at the same place and at the same time. And two weeks later, one more animal was found decomposing on a remote beach of the neighbouring Zakynthos Island, 57 km away from the closest stranding on the mainland. Necropsies of eight stranded animals were carried out, but no apparent abnormalities or wounds were found. Many of the stomach contents that were colle cted contained cephalopod flesh, indicating that recent feeding had taken place. After looking for possible causes of the mass stranding, we discovered that 'sound-detecting system trials' had been performed by the NATO research vessel Alliance, from 24:00 11 May to 24:00 15 May 1996 (Warning to mariners 586 of 199 6, Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service) --- a period that encompassed the mass stran ding. Also, the officially declared area where the sea trials had been carried out enclosed all the coordinates of the stranding points. The tests that RV Alliance performed were for Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS), a system for the detection of quiet diesel and nuclear submarines. This system generates extremely loud, low frequency sound (maximum output >=230 dB re 1 micropascal, broadband waveforms centered at frequences which range from 250 to 3000 hertz), which enables long detection ranges. Research on LFAS began in 1981 and a statement on its environmental impact was formally initiated in July 1996 by the US navy. The adverse effects of low frequency sound on whales are poorly studied, b ut many specialists warn that at high levels, as occurs with LFAS, they could be dr amatic. The proximity of military manoeuvres has been suspected of causing three previous atypical mass strandings of Cuvier's beaked whales, spread over wide areas of the Canary Islands. On most of the extremely rare occasions that mass strandings are seen in this species, they show characteristics unlike those that occur with oth er whales. This suggests that the cause has a large synchronous spatial extent and a sudden onset. Such characteristics are shown by sound in the ocean. Also deep-diving whales seem to be especially affected by low-frequency sounds, even at quite low receiv ed levels. We know that LFAS was used in Kyparissiakos Gulf. We also know that no other LFAS tests or mass strandings have occured in the Greek Ionian Sea, since 1981. Taking the past 16.5-year period into account, the probability of a mass strandi ng occuring for other reasons, during the period of the LFAS tests is less than 0.0 7%. Although pure coincidence cannot be excluded, it seems improbable that the two e vents were independent. Little is known about whales' reactions to LFAS to obtain defi nitive answers. More information needs to be gathered. but unfortunately, most of the d ata about the use of LFAS are subject to military secrecy. (References have been omitted. Please see Nature) A. Frantzis Zoological Laboratory Department of Biology University of Athens 5784 Athens, Greece e-mail: afratzis(\)atlas.uoa.gr ________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Personal address: Zoological Laboratory Terpsichoris 21 Dept. of Biology 16671 VOULIAGMENI University of Athens GREECE Panepistimioupolis tel : ++301 /8962730 GR-157 84 ATHENS fax : ++301 /8960108 GREECE e-mail : afratzis(\)atlas.uoa.gr tel : ++301 / 7284634 fax : ++301 / 7284604 Subject: Job Announcement Marine Mammal Trainer - a physically fit person who has experience and an understanding of marine mammal behaviour. The position involves learning and participation in training, show presentations (stage work and public speaking is required) and sharing responsibility for the welfare of all marine mammals. Water skills essential. Experience talking to groups of people and microphone work ia also an asset. Applications should be in writing, including copies of qualifications and references. Working weekends and Holidays are required. Forward all applications to: The Human Resources Division PO Box 190 SURFERS PARADISE QLD 4217 AUSTRALIA Fax: 07-5588 2187 Phone: 07-5588 2222 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 05:28:49 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Society For Ocean Acoustic Research From: XBQT68A(\)prodigy.com (DIVER JAY R MURRAY) My name is Jay R. Murray and I am pleased to announce the formation of a new non profit tax exempt California corporation called Society For Ocean Acoustic Research. (SOFAR) The Internal Revenue Service granted tax exempt status under either section 501 (c) (3) or 509 (a) (2) on June 24 1997. State of California tax exempt status was granted on February 6, 1997. The purpose of creating SOFAR is to provide the educational/research/private sector and other interested parties with a means of collecting accurate real time ocean acoustic data. Toward this goal I have obtained permits from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and N.O.A.A. to place a pair of hydrophones approximately 1/2 mile offshore, at the California Department of Fish and Game pollution monitoring facility 8 miles south of Carmel, Ca. The data will come ashore via armored cable to a computer which will interface the data to a website operated by SOFAR. We intend to make available the widest band width possible, starting at 5Hz and proceeding as high as the available baud rate will allow. Hopefully 5Hz - 5kHz. SOFAR will be using International Transducer Corp. 8212 hydrophones placed on a stainless stand at approximately 120ft. deep. Hydrophone separation is still under discussion, but will remain relatively narrow. I want to retain a somewhat "normal" stereo sound quality for novice listeners. I plan on making this data available to grade schools and high schools for free. There would then be a sliding scale that would charge universities the lowest fee, possibly $.99 per minute and proceed upward with individuals next, organizations and possible .mil use welcomed as well. SOFAR will also be accepting donations of any amount to help fund this passive acoustic system and similar future deployments. North shore of Kauai? SOFAR intends to run a real time spectrogram, more than likely in the low frequency bands, to visually correlate the sounds as well. I guess you all must be wondering what has prompted this action. I am a PADI Divemaster who, on 8-25-94 was ensonified by testing of extremely high power, very low frequency active SONAR while diving at Point Lobos State Park just south of Carmel, Ca.. The sound was loud, not deafening, but very "digital sounding." The more startling sensation was feeling my lungs vibrating! What the heck was this stuff? As I was only a 1ft. under water I surfaced only to find no other vessels anywhere in sight. My heart sank, as I realized our ocean was being subjected to some new, manmade sound transmissions. I returned to Pt. Lobos a week later and made a simple underwater videotape that also records sound. That first tape went to our local acoustics experts at the Naval Postgraduate School. They suggested the sound may be coming from "beyond the horizon." As well as many other disturbing details. My concern should be obvious as this stuff sounds really strange, it vibrates your airspaces at all depths, and for me it causes some disorientation with each pulse. Not good when underwater with paying customers! I have conducted a 3 year 6 month investigation into the problem and it appears the source of the sound at that time was testing of the actual U.S. Navy Low Frequency Active SONAR system during what was called the Magellan Sea Trials. According to declassified Navy documents and other sources, the vessel Cory Chouest was transmitting at least 100 miles to the northwest when we began hearing/feeling this new sound. As it now appears the testing of the LFAS system in Hawaii has brought about a new awareness of the problem, I felt this was the appropriate time to announce and proceed with deployment of what I will call Phase 1 of the SOFAR passive acoustic system. Phase 2 will be the installation of another similar system at a different site. That would create a "long baseline array." This would increase our knowledge in many ways. The ultimate goal of SOFAR will be to place a multi hydrophone array in deep water. SOFAR mearly wishs to monitor the public domain. I am very interested to learn as much as we can about the oceanic acoustic environment in a way that does not impact life forms. A cable on the bottom is one thing, sending point source audible sound waves on an ocean basin scale is another. Thank You, Jay R. Murray Jay R. Murray President/Founder Society For Ocean Acoustic Research ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 13:35:31 -0900 From: "Dr. David Duffy" Subject: El Nino Bulletin 21 issued seabird(\)uct.ac.za, FISH1IFR(\)aol.com, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU, consbio(\)u.washington.edu, TWS-L(\)LISTSERV.VT.EDU, ens(\)envirolink.org ------ *********ENSO 97-98: CURRENT REPORTS ON EVENTS************** BULLETIN 21 ISSUED ON 6 MARCH 1998 This electronic mailing is intended to provide near real-time reports primarily on marine and terrestrial events that may be linked to the development of the 1997 El Ni=F1o/Southern Oscillation which appears to b= e one of the most severe ENSO events in history. Emphasis is on seabirds and changes to marine ecosystems, but we appreciate other report= s that may expand our understanding of effects. These might include rainfal= l, flooding, or associated disease outbreaks. We try to be inclusive and t= o let hindsight separate ENSO from other effects. Report 21, 6 MARCH 1998, will be available shortly at: http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/ENSO.html or by request from: . To be placed on the emailing list for future bulletins, contact ------------------------------------------------------ ***********HELP: As this event is apparently at its maximum during this period, we would appreciate reports, including those of no apparent impac= t, from anyone in a position to do so. ------------------------------------------------------ SYNOPSIS: During the period of this report, approximately 20 February to= 1 March 1998, El Nino may be at its maximum, with flooding in California, Mexico, Florida, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador. Fires are reoccurring in Indonesia. Significant relief efforts have begun in response to previous EN effects in Kenya, Bolivia, Peru and Papua New Guinea. ------------------------------------------------------ TITLES OF INDIVIDUAL REPORTS: 20 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: IMPACT 23 FEBRUARY 1998. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: RELIEF EFFORTS 23 FEBRUARY 1998. BOLIVIA: CLIMATE (RAINS) & RELIEF EFFORTS 23 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: CLIMATE (FLOODING) 23 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: CLIMATE (STORM) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. PHILIPPINES: CLIMATE (FORECAST) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. MEXICO: CLIMATE (RAINS) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. INDONESIA: CLIMATE 24 FEBRUARY 1998. HONDURAS: IMPACT 24 FEBRUARY 1998. TROPICS: OCEANOGRAPHY (ITCZ) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. CHILE AND PERU: SEABIRD 24 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: IMPACT (DESERT LAKE) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. RUSSIA: CLIMATE (FLOOD) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: CLIMATE (FLOODS) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. NEW ZEALAND: CLIMATE (HEAT WAVE) 24 FEBRUARY 1998. NORTH KOREA: AGRICULTURE 24 FEBRUARY 1998. ARGENTINA: CLIMATE (FLOODS) 25 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: CLIMATE (FLOODS) 25 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: MARINE (JELLYFISH) 25 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: OCEANOGRAPHIC (SST) 25 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT 25 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT 25 FEBRUARY 1998. MALAYSIA: IMPACT (SMOG) 25 FEBRUARY 1998. UTAH: CLIMATE (SNOW) 25 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: MARINE MAMMAL (MORTALITY) 26 FEBRUARY 1998: PERU: IMPACT 26 FEBRUARY 1998. CHILE: CLIMATE (RAIN) 26 FEBRUARY 1998. AUSTRALIA: MARINE (CORAL) 26 FEBRUARY 1998. OREGON: 27 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT (MIGRAINE HEADACHES) 27 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: SEABIRD 27 FEBRUARY 1998. WORLD: IMPACT (HISTORICAL) 27 FEBRUARY 1998. PERU: CLIMATE (FLOODING) 27 FEBRUARY 1998. INDONESIA: FIRE (RESPONSE) & PRIMATES 27 FEBRUARY 1998: UNITED STATES: IMPACT (ALLERGIES) 27 FEBRUARY 1998. ALASKA: LANDBIRDS 27 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT (WATER SUPPLIES) 28 FEBRUARY 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT 1 MARCH 1998. KENYA: RELIEF EFFORTS 1 MARCH 1998. FLORIDA. TORNADOES (IMPACT) 2 MARCH 1998. VIETNAM: AGRICULTURE 2 MARCH 1998. MICHIGAN: CLIMATE 2 MARCH 1998. FLORIDA: CLIMATE (FLOODING) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 16:37:39 +0000 From: Samantha Strindberg Subject: WORKSHOP _____________________________ R U W P A W O R K S H O P S _____________________________ ----------------------------- Three international workshops on wildlife population assessment _______________________________________________________________ Hosted by the Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment (RUWPA), University of St Andrews, Scotland August 4-14 1998 _______________________________________________________________ Design and Analysis of Distance Sampling Surveys The design and analysis of line and point transect surveys. Most assessments of abundance of terrestrial and marine mammals are carried out using distance sampling methods. The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice, and participants will be trained in the use of the new, windows version of the software DISTANCE. Instructors: Steve Buckland, David Borchers and Len Thomas (University of St Andrews) Dates: August 4-7 Survival Estimation from Data on Populations of Marked Animals The theory and application of band recovery and capture-recapture models for estimating survival rates from marked animals. Participants will be trained in the use of state-of-the-art software MARK. Instructors: Gary White (Colorado State University), David Anderson and Ken Burnham (Colorado Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit) Dates: August 10-13 Latest Developments in Distance Sampling An introduction to recent advances in distance sampling methodology and to a new, windows-based release of DISTANCE. Participants should already be familiar with distance sampling methods. Both biologists and statisticians are welcome. Instructors: Len Thomas, Steve Buckland, David Borchers Discussants: David Anderson, Ken Burnham Date: August 14 The workshops will comprise lectures, computer sessions and special topic discussion groups. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets. We do not recommend attendance at both distance sampling workshops due to overlap. Further details and registration information from: Workshop organiser Tel: +44 (0) 1334 463813 RUWPA Fax: +44 (0) 1334 463748 Mathematical Institute North Haugh e-mail: steve(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk St Andrews Fife KY16 9SS Scotland OR via www at: http://www-ruwpa.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/workshop/ _________________________________________________________________________ Stephen Buckland Professor of Statistics Mathematical Inst Tel. 01334-463787 (+44-1334-463787) North Haugh Fax 01334-463748 (+44-1334-463748) St Andrews KY16 9SS e-mail steve(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk Scotland www http://www-ruwpa.mcs.st-and.ac.uk _________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 15:58:15 -0500 From: "Field, John" Subject: CRS news summaries Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 3/6/98 Marine Mammals . Gray Whale Release. On Mar. 26, 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding on Jan. 11, 1997, near Los Angeles. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. [Assoc Press] . {{Canadian Sealing Lawsuit. On Mar. 5, 1998, the International Fund for Animal Welfare announced that it had filed suit against the Canadian government, seeking to block the export of seal penises to Asian markets on the basis that it is against Canadian law for non-physicians to sell testosterone.}} [Assoc Press] . {Keiko. On Mar. 2, 1998, the Free Willy Keiko Foundation unveiled the design for a $350,000 floating net enclosure or sea pen, which is planned for an unnamed sheltered North Atlantic location where Keiko will be acclimated to a more natural environment. Components for the net enclosure will be fabricated, beginning in mid-March 1998. The Foundation hopes to be able to move Keiko to the net enclosure by spring 1999.} {{In early March 1998, Foundation representatives were reportedly meeting with officials in Iceland, Ireland, and Scotland to discuss possible net enclosure sites.}} [Assoc Press, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Low Frequency Active Sonar Lawsuit. On Feb. 23, 1998, a coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to stop U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency active sonar system in Hawaiian waters to determine whether and how humpback whales may react to the system. The coalition asserts that the Navy should prepare a full environmental impact statement on the program before beginning tests. Similar tests have already been completed on blue whales and gray whales off the CA coast. At a hearing on Feb. 24, 1998, U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to halt the tests, and ruled that the Navy had assessed the environmental impact of the tests. The Navy began low frequency active sonar tests on Feb. 25, 1998. A hearing is scheduled for Mar. 4, 1998, on a request for a preliminary injunction to halt further testing. [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Elephant Seal Mortalities. In early and mid-February 1998, a series of El Nino storms was blamed for the deaths of as many as 260 elephant seal pups at Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. The established colony had an estimated 400 adults and 300 pups. [Assoc Press] . Polar Bear Agreement. In early February 1998, Russian and United States negotiators concluded a new agreement providing for long-term joint research and management of polar bears, including permission for Russian Natives to kill polar bears for subsistence. [Assoc Press] . Dolphin Protection Agreement. On Feb. 8, 1998, the 12-nation Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) reached agreement on negotiated measures for the eastern Pacific tuna fishery to reduce bycatch, conserve tuna stocks, differentiate between dolphin-safe tuna and other tuna, provide incentives to improve tuna skipper performance, strengthen enforcement measures, and protect and promote recovery of dolphin stocks. [Center for Marine Conservation press release] . Norwegian Whale Products Export to Iceland? In early February 1998, the High North Alliance News reported that an Icelandic businessman has announced plans to import as much as 100 tons of minke whale blubber from Norway. Since Iceland is not a member of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Norway filed a reservation against the CITES ban on international trade in minke whale products, such trade would be accepted as legal. [High North Alliance News] . Observers for AK Salmon Fisheries. On Feb. 4, 1998, and in response to commenter concerns, NMFS announced that it plans to initiate a 5-year observer program to better monitor incidental takes of marine mammals by nearshore salmon fisheries in Alaska. Eight different gillnet and purse seine fisheries from southeast AK to Bristol Bay will be monitored, with the program likely beginning in the summer of 1999. [Assoc Press, Fed. Register] . NZ Sea Lion Deaths. On Feb. 4, 1998, New Zealand authorities banned visitors from the sub-Antarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands where more than 1,200 dead Hooker sea lions have been discovered since late January 1998. The cause of death of the apparently healthy animals is unknown, and visitation to the islands was prohibited until it is determined whether or not any human health threat exists. [Reuters] . IWC Intersessional Meeting. On Feb. 3-5, 1998, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) held an informal intersessional meeting in Antigua to discuss a compromise proposal to allow a limited resumption of commercial whaling in coastal waters. On Feb. 6, 1998, IWC delegates announced that no decision had been made on how to proceed, other than to continue discussions. [Reuters] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. John John.Field(\)mail.house.gov Committee on Resources Democratic Staff http://www.house.gov/resources/105cong/democrat/democrat.htm voice: (202) 226-2311 fax: (202) 225-0522 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 14:44:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: World Council of Whalers Press Release (fwd) Forwarded message: From: "j. Matt Stabler" WCW Secretariat Director March 6, 1998 For Immediate Release World's Whaling Communities Unite to Assert Their Rights The world's whalers have held their largest and most diverse gathering ever to assert their right to use whale resources sustainably, and in keeping with their traditions and cultures. >From March 2-6 in Victoria, British Columbia, users of whales and other cetaceans from eighteen countries convened for the first General Assembly of the World Council of Whalers. They issued a challenge to the international community to recognize the vital roles which whaling plays in providing food security, nutrition and cultural identity, and the right of whaling communities to trade in whale products and thereby participate in the global cash-based economy. Specifically, they pledged support for the aspirations of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations of British Columbia, Iceland, and four coastal whaling communities in Japan to exercise their right to sustainably use whales. The meeting was attended by more than 100 people. Joining the whalers were sympathetic observers from non-whaling countries committed to community-based management as a conservation and development tool, and to preserving the world's rich variety of cultures and traditions. "A battle has been raging to decide who will manage the world's renewable natural resources, and the people who live with those resources whose very survival depends on managing them wisely are losing," said Tom Mexsis Happynook, Chairman of the Council and Head Whaling Chief of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation in British Columbia. "Since time immemorial, each of our communities has been honoured and duty-bound to serve as the custodians of nature," said Chief Mexsis. "Indeed, it is this responsibility which has shaped our cultures and traditions and defined us as people. Yet there are powerful forces who would take this responsibility from us, and dictate how we should lead our lives. The time has come to make a stand, and assert the right of all communities to manage their resources in accordance with proven and traditional practices." Over the course of the meeting, deliberations focused on protectionist campaigns and government policies that have threatened indigenous cultures from New Zealand to the Arctic. Particular attention was paid to decisions of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), and how these are manipulated by organisations opposed in principle to whaling, regardless of how it is managed or of the consequences for whaling communities. The IWC banned commercial whaling in the late 1980's, and currently allows only "aboriginal subsistence" whaling under a strict regime which requires that all products be consumed locally and there is no trading of products for cash. No longer in control of their own resources, whaling communities have found it ever harder to satisfy their cultural, religious and dietary needs, and in many cases have experienced severe socio-economic distress. The Assembly believed that this suffering was not only unjustifiable in conservation terms, but also resulted from decisions that breached several legally binding international conventions. Among these was the IWC's own convention, the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, which requires it to base its decisions on science, and to "take account of the interests of the consumers of whale products and the whaling industry". To address such concerns the World Council of Whalers was established in February 1997, opening a Secretariat on the land of the traditional whaling peoples of the Nuu Chah Nulth Nations in Port Alberni, British Columbia. "Whalers need a global organization in order to feel the strength and encouragement that comes from unity," said Chief Mexsis. This organization should strive to counter "the oppressive misinformation" campaigns waged by Western protectionists to ban consumption of even the most abundant whale stocks. "We must remember, however, that the majority of people are not fools," he continued, "nor are they full of ill-will toward other people they do not even know. They just need to be better informed about our circumstances, about our responsible attitudes toward nature and natural resources, and our willingness to work with them to exercise appropriate stewardship over those resources." The first General Assembly was attended by participants from the following countries in which cetaceans are currently being utilised or where there is strong interest in resuming traditional uses: Antigua & Barbuda, Canada, Dominica, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Grenada, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Russia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tonga, and the United States. For further information contact: The World Council of Whalers Secretariat, PO Box 1383, Port Alberni, BC, Canada V9Y 7M2. Tel.: +1-250-724 2525; Fax: +1-250-723 0463; e-mail: wcw(\)island.net The World Council of Whalers - First General Assembly - March 2-6, 1998 Resolution WHEREAS, whaling and the sustainable use of whales by peoples around the world contribute significantly to community identity and integrity by satisfying socio-economic, cultural, religious and dietary needs; WHEREAS, high seas whale resources are important natural resources for the benefit of all mankind; WHEREAS, the current majority of members of the International Whaling Commission have failed to meet their legal obligations under the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling by: a) maintaining the moratorium on commercial whaling and adopting a sanctuary in the Antarctic Ocean without regard to "scientific findings" as required by the Convention and by b) ignoring the requirement that regulations on whaling "take account of the interests of the consumers of whale products and the whaling industry"; and that these actions have, caused severe socio-economic and cultural distress to whaling communities. The World Council of Whalers: 1. Affirms its conviction that the sustainable use of whales is essential for the food security, culture and health of peoples, and that commercial activities related to the sustainable use of whales are appropriate and as such, is acknowledged by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25) and the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 11); and recognized by the Kyoto Declaration of 1995 regarding food security; 2. Emphasizes that, in accordance with Article 1 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and Article 1 of the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, no people may be deprived of its own means of subsistence; 3. Underscores the consensus of the international community, as reflected in Agenda 21 and the Convention on Biological Diversity, that indigenous peoples and local communities should continue to be sustainable users and stewards of the living resources upon which they have traditionally depended for their livelihood; 4. Concludes that Regional organizations involving resource users are the most appropriate bodies to responsibly manage renewable marine resources and that the use of international institutions or the use or threat of unilateral trade measures to prevent resource users from harvesting whales in a sustainable manner is a violation of universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a violation of the legal obligations of states under the above noted instruments. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the World Council of Whalers is united in the cause of sustainable use and human rights to natural resource use and committed to continue their cooperation in furthering the objectives of the organization; 2. That the World Council of Whalers supports the aspirations of those, particularly, the Nuu- Chah-Nulth First Nations, Iceland and the small-type whaling communities in Japan, wishing to exercise their right to sustainably use whales; 3. That the World Council of Whalers recognizes the sovereign prerogatives of nations to utilize resources on a sustainable basis; and 4. That the World Council of Whalers encourages its members to ensure that national representation to appropriate international fora includes members of their communities involved in the sustainable use of whales. AND URGES: 1. That the World Council of Whalers submit a copy of this Resolution to their respective legislative assembly and appropriate administrator of their government; 2. That the World Council of Whalers transmit a copy of this Resolution to each Commissioner of the International Whaling Commission, to the secretariats of the International Whaling Commission, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations International Year of the Ocean, the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Peoples of the World, the United Nations Decade of Education in Human Rights and, other appropriate international organizations; 3. That the International Whaling Commission recognize and accept its legal obligations under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling; 4. That the Parties to CITES acknowledge their legal obligations under that Convention; and 5. That National Governments be responsive to the petitions from and rights of aboriginal and coastal peoples related to the sustainable use of renewable marine resources. Subject: Association Analyses Biases Several cetacean biologists have looked at how photo-quality and distinctiveness of fins/flukes can affect capture-recapture rates and bias population estimates of dolphins and whales (Hammond 1986, Arnbom 1987, Slooten et al. 1992, Friday 1997, Whitehead et al. 1997). Poor quality photographs can positively bias population estimates because there is a higher likelihood that some previously identified animals would be classified as new individuals. In order to adjust for this bias, researchers have developed methods of qualifying photographs for quality and distinctiveness of fins/flukes using rating scales. The studies then went on to use photographs for analyses that were above a certain rating. I am interested in applying this same idea to judging association patterns of individual dolphins. Quality of photographs and distinctiveness of fins can bias coefficients of association (CoA) for identified individuals in a population. I have analyzed the entire photographic dataset from a 5 year study conducted in Turneffe Atoll, Belize. Currently, my collegues and I are re-assessing the photo-work using a criteria rating scale. I then intend to re-analyze the association data using photos above a certain criteria rating (as yet to be determined by myself and my collegues) and compare the two datasets. I was wondering if anyone else has attempted this type of comparison, and if there is any published or unpublished report relating to this topic that I might be able to refer to. Please send responses to: bbilgre(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu Thank you in advance for any help. Sincerely, Barbara A. Bilgre Cetacean Behavior Lab-SDSU CRIOBE-EPHE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Barbara A. Bilgre US Address: c/o CRIOBE-EPHE 1441 S. Beverly Glen Blvd. #221 B.P. 1013 Los Angeles CA 90024 Papetoai, Moorea French Polynesia bbilgre(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu criobe(\)mail.pf (310) 441-9624 (689) 56 14 70 PH/FX "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery." - Bob Marley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 10:51:22 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: available books The following used books are posted in catalogue no. 56 of Donald E. Hahn Natural History Books. To order any of the following, you can use VISA, Mastercard, or American Express. Phone (USA): 520-634-5016, FAX 520-634-1217. You'll need to give the catalogue number, item number, and book title. Do NOT direct inquiries to me. I only post this as a point of interest to Marmam subscribers. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************************************************************** 1860. Arsen'ev, V.A. and K.I. Panin (eds) 1968. (Translated from Russian, 1971). Pinnipeds of the North Pacific. $27 1863. Bailey, J.H. 1973. The sea otter's struggle. $9 1864. Bailey, J.H. 1979. Sea otter. $9 1869. Bergesen, B. 1931. Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Haut einiger Pinnipedien unter besonderer Berucksichtigung der Haut der _Phoca groenlandica_. $30 1872. Bonner, N. 1994. Seals and sea lions of th eworld. $24 1873. Bonner, W.N. 1982. Seals and man - a study of interactions. $14 1878. Caldwell, D.K. and M.C. Caldwell. 1972. The world of the bottlenosed dolphin. $16 1894. Day, D. 1987. The whale war. $12 1903. Ellis, R. 1980. The book of whales. $29 1904. Ellis, R. 1982. Dolphins and porpoises. $32 1908. Fay, F.H. 1982. Ecology and biology of the Pacific walrus _Odobenus rosmarus divergens_ Illiger (NAF #74) $28 1919. Gentry, R.L. 1970. Social behavior of the Steller sea lion. (PhD dissertation) $19 1947. IUCN. 1973. Seals. Proceedings of a workshop meeting of seal specialists on threatened and depleted seals of the world. $19 1970. LeBoeuf, B.J. and R.W. Laws (eds) 1994 Elephant seals: population ecology, behavior, and physiology. $58 1972. Leatherwood, S. et al. 1976. Whales, dolphins and porpoises of the western Atlantic: a guide to their identification. $15 1973. Leatherwood, S. et al. 1982. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific and adjacent Arctic waters. $16 1976. Lockley, R.M. 1966. Grey seal, common seal: an account of the life histories of British seals. $19 1977. Loughrey, A.G. 1959. Preliminary investigation of the Atlantic walrus _Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus_ (Linnaeus) $12 1984. Maxwell, G. 1967. Seals of the world. $18 2003. Norris, K.S. 1974. The porpoise watcher. $16 2009. Osgood, W.H. et al. 1916. The fur seals and other life of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, in 1914. $39 2043. Small, G.L. 1971. The blue whale. $19 2013. Perry, R. 1967. The world of the walrus. $16 2018. Pryor, K. and K.S. Norris. (eds) 1991. Dolphins societies. Discoveries and puzzles $35 2033. Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, sea lions, and walruses: a review of the Pinnipedia. $24 2083. Wood, F.G. 1973. Marine mammals and man: the Navy's porpoises. $19 2086. Zenkovicka, A.B. (ed) 1958. Biology and fishery of marine mammals. (in Russian) $24 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 16:00:02 +1000 From: Paul Anink Subject: Whales and Fast Ships Dear whale people, I am interested to know whether anyone could guide me to any research on the occurrence and frequency of collisions between very fast (40 to 50 knt) vessels and whales. Of prime interest is whether there has been any research on available strategies to minimize the risk of collisions between whales and fast ships. I am currently researching the marine biological consequences of a proposed coastal fast ferry service which would connect Sydney (Australia) with a satellite urban community some 25 nautical miles north of Sydney. A fast monohull, 500 passenger ferry is proposed to do the trip in 35 minutes; i.e., speeds up to 50 knots. The route of the proposed ferry takes the vessel through known seasonal migratory paths of a number of baleen whales and especially that of the humpback. Closer in-shore there are southern right whales (also seasonally). If there are some wide-ranging responses I would be happy to collate them into a summary and post the summary back to the net. Yours in anticipation, Paul Anink Marine Pollution Research Pty Ltd. Paul Anink Managing Director Marine Pollution Research Pty Ltd 25 Richard Road SCOTLAND ISLAND NSW 2105 PO Box 279 CHURCH POINT NSW 2105 Phone 61 2 9997 6541 Fax 61 2 9997 7935 Mobile 0412 562 081 E-mail panink(\)real.net.au "Hoc Age" ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 14:49:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: MarmamNews - February 1998 The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in February 1998. MarmamNews can be found at http://members.aol.com/marmamnews 02/01/1998 Conservation groups ask Minister to suspend squid fishing 02/02/1998 Test results on sea lions not likely to show cause death Dolphin death toll tops 70 on Cape Cod WWF & Europe Conservation call on France, ... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and ... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife ... Mounting seal pup death toll concerns New Zealand 02/03/1998 New debate on bid to allow whale hunting Three Stranded Whales Rescued in Hainan Province 54 Sperm Whales Beached in Tasmania 02/04/1998 Beached whales dying despite rescue efforts Sea lion pup mortality hits 45 percent Frantic rescue operation appears to have saved whales DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and ... Whaling commission hopes to end impasse in Antigua TAS: Frantic rescue operation appears to have saved whales PHOTO: California seal PHOTO: California seal PHOTO: Chile-sea lions PHOTO: Chile-sea lions PHOTO: Chile-sea lions 02/05/1998 Sea lion deaths remain mystery, but tourists turned away TAS: Another whale saved but beach scattered with others 3rd Beached Whale Returned to Sea NZ fears human risk from dying sea lions TAS: Rangers bury dead sperm whales Weather Change, Abnormal Currents Blamed for ... 02/06/1998 GREENPEACE: Whaling countries sabotage ... Antigua meeting ends with no change in whale rules Florida's manatee count could rise in 1998 02/08/1998 Whales, Dolphins Run Aground On Southern Chinese ... 02/09/1998 Virus ruled out as cause of sea-lions' death Doc open-minded on cause of sea lion deaths El Nino effect suspected in China whale beachings 02/10/1998 Tuna Fishing Nations Agree on Dolphin Protection Act 02/11/1998 Seals may thwart Turkish nuclear plans-campaigners 02/12/1998 Performing SeaLions at Aquarium Traumatized by 02/14/1998 Death of sea lion pups peaked - Doc 02/18/1998 Norway opposes Ireland's whaling proposal 02/19/1998 High Seas Stall Whale Rescue PHOTO: Tasmania-sperm whales 02/20/1998 TAS: Mass whale burial delayed by sacred site discussion FEATURE-El Nino forces sea lions to land on Chile beaches 02/25/1998 Scientists distressed by sight of dead sea lions. MarmamNews can be found at http://members.aol.com/marmamnews 02/01/1998 Conservation groups ask Minister to suspend squid fishing 02/02/1998 Test results on sea lions not likely to show cause death Dolphin death toll tops 70 on Cape Cod WWF & Europe Conservation call on France, ... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and ... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife ... Mounting seal pup death toll concerns New Zealand 02/03/1998 New debate on bid to allow whale hunting Three Stranded Whales Rescued in Hainan Province 54 Sperm Whales Beached in Tasmania 02/04/1998 Beached whales dying despite rescue efforts Sea lion pup mortality hits 45 percent Frantic rescue operation appears to have saved whales DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and ... Whaling commission hopes to end impasse in Antigua TAS: Frantic rescue operation appears to have saved whales PHOTO: California seal PHOTO: California seal PHOTO: Chile-sea lions PHOTO: Chile-sea lions PHOTO: Chile-sea lions 02/05/1998 Sea lion deaths remain mystery, but tourists turned away TAS: Another whale saved but beach scattered with others 3rd Beached Whale Returned to Sea NZ fears human risk from dying sea lions TAS: Rangers bury dead sperm whales Weather Change, Abnormal Currents Blamed for ... 02/06/1998 GREENPEACE: Whaling countries sabotage ... Antigua meeting ends with no change in whale rules Florida's manatee count could rise in 1998 02/08/1998 Whales, Dolphins Run Aground On Southern Chinese ... 02/09/1998 Virus ruled out as cause of sea-lions' death Doc open-minded on cause of sea lion deaths El Nino effect suspected in China whale beachings 02/10/1998 Tuna Fishing Nations Agree on Dolphin Protection Act 02/11/1998 Seals may thwart Turkish nuclear plans-campaigners 02/12/1998 Performing Sea Lions at Aquarium Traumatized by 02/14/1998 Death of sea lion pups peaked - Doc 02/18/1998 Norway opposes Ireland's whaling proposal 02/19/1998 High Seas Stall Whale Rescue PHOTO: Tasmania-sperm whales 02/20/1998 TAS: Mass whale burial delayed by sacred site discussion FEATURE-El Nino forces sea lions to land on Chile beaches 02/25/1998 Scientists distressed by sight of dead sea lions ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 04:23:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Submarine tests too loud for w Submarine tests too loud for whales? By GLENN GARELIK UPI Science News WASHINGTON, Mar. 9 (UPI) -- Using sonar to detect distant enemy submarines presents a problem for the military: Seawater quickly dampens most sound, leaving the far-off subs to maintain their stealthy existence. But scientists found a way around the problem: Since very low- frequency waves can travel much farther than other sounds, they said, the military should try blasting very loud, very low-frequency signals into the water and wait for the echoes to return. That's the method whales use to communicate over thousands of kilometers. In the early 1990s scientists for the Navy and NATO began experimenting around the globe with such extremely loud, low-frequency sounds. Then in 1994, Joel Reynolds, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, learned of the experiments and insisted the Navy determine whether the noises might be disturbing endangered marine life. To do so would constitute a violation of federal laws. The Navy halted the program until an Environmental Impact Statement could be prepared. It targeted the end of 1998 for a draft. To test the impact of the sounds on whales, the Navy engaged experts from Cornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts. The first experiments -- on gray, blue, and fin whales off the coast of California -- began last fall. The final tests were to begin late last month off Hawaii, where two-thirds of the world's population of humpbacks breed in March. Whereupon an angry coalition of environmental groups stepped in. The groups sued to halt the Navy testing. When the federal district court judge in Honolulu ruled against them recently on grounds they had failed to establish sufficient evidence of harm to the animals, members of one of the groups sailed into test-site waters. Benjamin White, the group's director, promised to "get as many human bodies as possible between the Navy and the whales." Judge Helen Gilmor at the federal district court in Honolulu heard the case twice, and a decision is expected anytime. Chief plaintiff against the Navy and its researchers is psychobiologist Marsha Green, of Albright College in Reading, Pa., a specialist on the effects on whales of the engine noise of marine vessels. Says Green, "Blasting humpback whales with sounds of this intensity could kill them." A Navy spokesman responds that neither the environmental impact tests nor its military program have yet produced ill effects on any marine creatures. If further testing turns out to affect those creatures, the spokesman told United Press International, the program "will stop." Green fears the damage will already have been done. She bases her reasoning in part on an understanding that the experimental sonar is capable of sounds as loud as 230 decibels, and that even the environmental impact tests could run as loud as 215 dB. Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund,the firm that has taken up the environmentalist case, describes that as 1,000 times louder than a 747 engine. Green argues that troubles start at intensites well under 215 dB. She points to a recent research paper in which the authors say even at 180 dB sound waves can "shear" living tissues -- especially in marine mammals, which have lungs, and so a significant differential versus surrounding water pressure. She notes there was a mass-stranding of beaked whales on the Greek shore in May. Because such mass-strandings are highly unusual, a University of Athens zoologist has written in the journal Nature that it may have been precipitated by NATO tests of its low-frequency submarine- detection system. And Green refers to sightings of dead whales at places where biologists from the Scripps Oceanographic Institute studied the behavior of loud, low-frequency sounds to gauge ocean temperatures. Cornell University animal communications specialist Christopher Clark, the researcher leading the environmental impact experiment for the Navy, says he will issue sonic "pulses" of 125 dB or lower, at least initially. In water, he says, that is about as loud as human speech. And he says he will take the signals no louder than 155 dB. In water, he says, that is "about as loud as a Waring blender." But Clark also acknowledges he has seen apparent signs of discomfort in whales exposed to loud boat engines. According to Peter Tyack, a Woods Hole whale expert respected by both sides of the controversy, whales have been known to change their migratory patterns when encountering manmade sounds as "low" as 120 dB, such as those produced by underwater oil-drilling. Environmental lawyer Reynolds, for his part, says that while he opposes deployment of the submarine detection system per se, he reluctantly supports research into the damage it might cause. "If it's necessary to get data," he says, "then I'm prepared to live with it." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 04:11:49 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 3rd Annual International Wildlife Law Conference (fwd) From: JIWLP Third Annual International Wildlife Law Conference: Program/Registration The Second Annual International Wildlife Law Conference brought together participants from throughout the world, including the Republic of Georgia, Croatia, Kenya, South Africa, Peru, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Greenland and Japan. It is our hope to continue this international colloquy on the role of legal mechanisms in furthering the goal of species conservation and biological diversity at this year's conference. Where: The host for this year's conference is the Washington College of Law, American University, 4801 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Parking is prohibited on area residential streets, however is available in the law school's underground pay lot, accessible from Massachusetts Ave. The law school is also readily accessible from the Tenleytown Metro Station via American University's shuttle. When: March 31, 1998, 9:00am-5:30pm, reception to follow. Book Exhibits: The following publishers will exhibit books and journals in the fields of wildlife law and international environmental law at the conference:=20 IOS Press Island Press Kluwer Law International Lupus Publications Oceania CLE credit available for attendance at this conference ($15.00 fee)=20 Please call 202/274-4003 for information.=20 PROGRAM 9:00am-11:30am Panel 1 - Sustainable Use of Wildlife: Opportunity or Oxymoron?=20 Moderator: David Favre, Faculty of Law, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University Chris Wold, Of Counsel, Center for International Environmental Law, Washington, DC, USA, "Sustainable Use and the Biodiversity Convention:=20 Successful and Consistent Application Under CITES;"=20 Wayne Pacelle, Vice President of Government Affairs and Media, Humane Society of the United States, Washington, DC, USA, "Sustainable Use: A Prescription for the Rationalized Exploitation of Wildlife;"=20 Dr. Leslie Johnston, Environmental Policy Analyst, USDA, detailed to USAID, Washington, DC, USA, "Sustainable Use of Wildlife: The Interface Between Biological Considerations and Legal Policy Frameworks;" Peter Usher, Chairman , Wildlife Management Advisory Council, Northwest Territories, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, "Sustainable Use - The Key to Conservation in the Western Arctic."=20 11:30-1:00pm Lunch (on your own)=20 1:00-3:00pm Panel 2: The Interface of the World Trade Organization and International Wildlife Treaty Regimes/National Wildlife Conservation Legislation Moderator: William P. Weiner, Faculty of Law, Thomas M. Cooley School of Law Stuart R. Harrop, Director, Durell Institute of Conservation & Ecology, University of Kent-Canterbury, Canterbury, United Kingdom, "Beyond the Leghold Trap Regulation: Is the Unilateral Enforcement of Wild Animal Welfare Standards Threatened With Extinction?;"=20 Konrad VonMoltke, Adjunct Professor, Dartmouth College, Senior Fellow, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, USA, "Brand Name Ivory: On the World Trade Organization and CITES;"=20 Kevin Kennedy, Professor of Law, Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA, "Multilateral Approaches to Resolving International Environmental Issues;" Brennan Van Dyke, Director, Globalization Program, Center for International Environmental Law, Geneva, Switzerland, "The WTO and International Wildlife and Environmental Law."=20 3:00-3:30pm Afternoon break (refreshments served)=20 3:30-5:30pm Panel 3: Regional Wildlife Treaty Regimes: Problems and Prospects Moderator, Howard S. Schiffman, Adjunct Faculty, International Programs, New York University School of Continuing Education Douglas Hykle, Deputy Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Animals, Bonn, Germany, =93The Convention on Migratory Species and Related Agreements: Is There Life After the Convention on Biological Diversity?=94 Alexander Dehgan, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA, "The Lusaka Convention: Potential & Pitfalls;" William Burns, Managing Editor, Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, Berkeley, California, USA, "The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Areas (ACCOBAMS): The Role of Regional Cetacean Agreements."=20 5:30-6:30pm Reception for speakers and attendees, hosted by Kluwer Law International.=20 Registration may be effectuated by printing out the form below and mailing it to the following address: Professor David Favre, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Checks should be made out to Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. For additional information, contact us at: JIWLP(\)earthling.net.=20 Registration Form: Third Annual International Wildlife Law Conference, March 31, 1998 Washington College of Law, American University, Name: ____________________________________________ Organization: _____________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: __________________________ State: _______ Postal Code: ___________ =20 Country _______________ Phone: ________________ Fax: _________________ E-mail: ________________ Fees (Check One): Regular _____ ($55.00 until March 1st, $60.00 thereafter) Student _____ ($25.00) =20 Please mail to: Professor David Favre, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (Favre(\)pilot.msu.edu). Checks should be made out to Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.=20 Subject: Re: Submarine tests too loud for w -----Original Message----- From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com To: MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Date: Wednesday, 11 March 1998 10:13 PM Subject: Submarine tests too loud for w >Submarine tests too loud for whales? > >By GLENN GARELIK > UPI Science News > WASHINGTON, Mar. 9 (UPI) -- Using sonar to detect distant enemy >submarines presents a problem for the military: Seawater quickly dampens Lots deleted... >migratory patterns when encountering manmade sounds as "low" as 120 >dB, such as those produced by underwater oil-drilling. I have been a reader of this list for some months now, and have been waiting for this issue to appear. The Dolphin Society in Australia has been following this topic with keen interest, as have I. The Dolphin Society has been conducting a letter & email campaign to protest against these tests. I ahve some information to add which, while it may not be related, is ceratinly disturbing; in October last year I stumbled across an article and a US Military web page which covers a system code-named "Water Hammer". In essence it is a defensive weapon system designed to destroy objects in the water using acoustic shocks. Now the system being tested off Hawaii is probably not related.... but what if it was? If these current tests are 'successful', will the military be conducting 'Water Hammer' tests next summer? The following quote is from the darpa.mil site below. "FY 1998 Plans: Initiate development of non-explosive underwater energy projection technology. " Would the system being tested at the moment off Hawaii fall into the category of a 'non-explosive underwater energy protection technology'? For interest, and supporting evidence, I suggest you point your browser to the following sites: http://www.newscientist.com/ns/971018/nhammer.html http://www.darpa.mil/tto/wat_ham.html Out of interest I did email Dr. Allan Steinhardt (Program Manager for "Water Hammer") last year, asking if there were any plans to test the environmental impact of such a system. Needless to say, I did not get a reply. My point is that I fear the military doesn't give a damn about whether it hurts whales; if this sonar system proves to be effective as a detection system, it will simply be classified and that's the last we will hear of it, apart from continuing reports of mass-strandings. The proposed "Water Hammer" makes these sonar tests look like a quiet string quartet, and I would think they will be conducting Environmental Impact Tests in a harbour near you in the not-too-distant future. > Environmental lawyer Reynolds, for his part, says that while he >opposes deployment of the submarine detection system per se, he >reluctantly supports research into the damage it might cause. "If it's >necessary to get data," he says, "then I'm prepared to live with it." > Now this is an academic list, and I could get censored out for this, but this last paragraph really got me going... Mr.Reynolds, will you still be prepared to live with your statement if the Navy comes back and says, "Shucks, sorry guys, it failed. We killed half the Hawaiian humpback population this summer, and the survivors are deaf. But at least we got some good research data - Yep, this does kill whales." Perhaps they could sell it to whaling fleets if it doesn't work.... Sweet dreams, Adrian Esdaile orinoco(\)cia.com.au http://www.cia.com.au/orinoco ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 09:03:35 -0700 From: Jim Moore Subject: Re: Submarine tests too loud for w Adrian Esdaile wrote >For interest, and supporting evidence, I suggest you point your browser to >the following sites: > >http://www.newscientist.com/ns/971018/nhammer.html >http://www.darpa.mil/tto/wat_ham.html For those without ready web access, the description at the darpa site reads: "The Water Hammer program will design, fabricate, and demonstrate a mine neutralization system consisting of a phased array of shock tubes to generate, focus, and transport to militarily important distances (tens of meters) a pressure pulse of sufficient energy to neutralize the threat (>1000 psi-msec; >2000 psi). Water Hammer has the potential for rapid, precision, in-stride lane clearance in deep or shallow water, reducing the need for high fidelity detection and classification. While the initial program focuses on mine/obstacle clearance, Water Hammer also has utility as a close-in defense system for ships against underwater threats. Current close-in defense systems are primarily surface based and address surface threats. Water Hammer can potentially provide rapid targeting and destruction of subsurface threats." Do those numbers mean anything to anyone in terms of propagation distance? If one puts out > 1,000 psi-msec with pressure of 2,000 psi at say 30m, what are we talking about at 100m, 1,000m etc? One darned thing after another... cheers Jim -------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Moore ERROR MESSAGE: Anthro 0532 UCSD First snow, then silence. La Jolla CA 92093 This thousand dollar screen dies fax 619 534-5946 so beautifully. jjmoore(\)ucsd.edu http://weber.ucsd.edu/~jmoore/ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 12:56:31 -0400 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: hybrid between Dall's and harbour porpoise (Abstract) Baird, R.W., P.M. Willis, T.J. Guenther, P.J. Wilson and B.N. White. 1998. An intergeneric hybrid in the family Phocoenidae. Canadian Journal of Zoology 76:198-204. Abstract A 60 cm female fetus recovered from a Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) found dead in southern British Columbia was fathered by a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). This is the first report of a hybrid within the family Phocoenidae and one of the first well-documented cases of cetacean hybridization in the wild. In several morphological features, the hybrid was either intermediate between the parental species (e.g., vertebral count) or more similar to the harbour porpoise than the Dall's porpoise (e.g., colour pattern, relative positioning of the flipper, dorsal fin height). The fetal colour pattern (with a clear mouth-to-flipper stripe, as is found in the harbour porpoise) is similar to that reported for a fetus recovered from a Dall's porpoise off California. Hybrid status was confirmed through genetic analysis, with species-specific repetitive DNA sequences of both the harbour and Dall's porpoise being found in the fetus. Atypically-pigmented porpoises (usually traveling with and behaving like Dall's porpoise) are regularly observed in the area around southern Vancouver Island. We suggest these abnormally-pigmented animals, as well as the previously noted fetus from California, may also represent hybridization events. ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 13:07:55 -0500 From: william rossiter Subject: Sonar vs. whale strandings, cont'd Dear MARMAMers, "A. Frantzis" brought to MARMAM's and Bioacoustics-L attention a note he published (5 March 1998) in Nature (Scientific Correspondence) concerning the 13 May 1996 stranding of 12 Cuvier's beaked whales stranded alive along the coasts of Kyparissiakos Gulf, and it's potential relationship to LFA sonar trials.. I have been trying to track down details of the reported 3 kHz sonar system that may be the culprit, here and elsewhere. In discussions with US Navy representatives and scientists associated with the LFA Low Frequency Scientific Research program currently undergoing Phase III trials in Hawaii I have been told that the sonar system related to the reported stranding may be a 3kHz system operated by NATO. Further, that although the US Navy had an interest in disassociating its LFA system from these events, it was proving difficult to get all NATO parties involved to sign off on a partial declassification of the NATO system to allow public scrutiny. If the NATO system is the problem the political pressures supporting classifying the system will be hard to counter. This is not about politics. If marine organisms are being severely impacted by military hardware pressures are justified that work to at least constrain test and practice operations to areas and times that will minimize negative impacts. This requires scientific expertise to clarify the species, areas, and times in question, and a diplomatic effort to effect military and research operations. This is a partial goal of our organization in relation to the Low Frequency Active Sonar system, which, if I can believe qualified sources, does not have a 3 kHz output and is not likely to have been the cause of that stranding. On the other hand, during the current trials in Hawaii there is some ancedotal evidence that humpbacks may have been impacted. This is being denied, but the sources are being checked out. One major problem is that the ultimate proof, a stranded whale with physical damage to its ears as determined by a qualified necropsy, is unlikely due to the tiger sharks known to prey locally on debilitated cetaceans. 6-10 humpback calves are thought to die of "natural causes" locally during the humpback's breeding and calving season. One stranded recently, a rarity, and preliminary analysis suggests no evidence of damage from high noise levels. This is a plea for active your scientific involvement, bringing your expertise to bear to effect policy so as to minimize impacts on marine life. The military does not know what you know. Who's at fault? Who suffers? William W. Rossiter President, Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-544-8617 71322.1637(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 04:25:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cardiac monitoring (fwd) From: Richard Ellis For MDs who want to perform cardiac monitoring. I am looking for sections through the body in the region of the heart or any other anomical illustrations that will show the exact position of the heart. They are planning to attach a sensor to a beluga, but any small whale will do. The MDs are Dr. Daniel Choy of Lenox Hill Hospital here in New York, and a fellow cardiologist, whose name I didn't get. Dr. Choy is a personal friend, and is the developer of an artificial heart (for humans). (Of course, everything depends on the willingness of an institution with captive belugas to allow them to perform their experiments.) Thanks, Richard Ellis Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . Gray Whale Release. On Mar. 26, 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding on Jan. 11, 1997, near Los Angeles. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. [Assoc Press] . {{Whale Protection Appeal. On Mar. 12, 1998, MA state officials announced that they would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review an October 1997 federal appeals court ruling directing MA to take steps to prevent lobster gear and fishing nets from harming northern right whales.}} [Assoc Press] . {AK Eskimo Whaling Captains' Convention. On Mar. 11-13, 1998, the 1998 AK Eskimo Whaling Convention is scheduled to convene in Barrow, AK, to consider weapons' improvements, quota allocation, and legislative resolutions. Whaling captains from 10 villages are expected to attend.} [Assoc Press] . {North Atlantic Blue Whale. On Mar. 7, 1998, scientists converged on Narragansett Bay, RI, to study the first complete north Atlantic blue whale carcass available since the late 19th century. The young male, one of an estimated population of only 300 individuals in the north Atlantic, may have been killed by collision with a ship.} [Assoc Press] . {Japanese Whaling. During an early March 1998 visit to Japan, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jenny Shipley agreed to open discussions on New Zealand's opposition to Japan's request for a resumption of commercial whaling.} [Reuters] . Canadian Sealing Lawsuit. On Mar. 5, 1998, the International Fund for Animal Welfare announced that it had filed suit against the Canadian government, seeking to block the export of seal penises to Asian markets on the basis that it is against Canadian law for non-physicians to sell testosterone. [Assoc Press] . {World Council of Whalers. On Mar. 2-6, 1998, the World Council of Whalers held its first General Assembly in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Eighteen nations were represented at this meeting, and adopted a resolution supportive of efforts by Iceland, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations of British Columbia, and four small-type whaling communities in Japan to sustainably use whales.} [World Council of Whalers press release] . Keiko. On Mar. 2, 1998, the Free Willy Keiko Foundation unveiled the design for a $350,000 floating net enclosure or sea pen, which is planned for an unnamed sheltered North Atlantic location where Keiko will be acclimated to a more natural environment. Components for the net enclosure will be fabricated, beginning in mid-March 1998. The Foundation hopes to be able to move Keiko to the net enclosure by spring 1999. In early March 1998, Foundation representatives were reportedly meeting with officials in Iceland, Ireland, and Scotland to discuss possible net enclosure sites. [Assoc Press, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Low Frequency Active Sonar. On Feb. 23, 1998, a coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to stop U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency active sonar system in Hawaiian waters to determine whether and how humpback whales may react to the system. The coalition asserts that the Navy should prepare a full environmental impact statement on the program before beginning tests. Similar tests have already been completed on blue whales and gray whales off the CA coast. At a hearing on Feb. 24, 1998, U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to halt the tests, and ruled that the Navy had assessed the environmental impact of the tests. The Navy began low frequency active sonar tests on Feb. 25, 1998. A hearing is scheduled for Mar. 4, 1998, on a request for a preliminary injunction to halt further testing. {On Mar. 5, 1998, Nature published an article noting the unique occurrence of mass stranding of Cuvier's beaked whales in the eastern Mediterranean coincident with 1996 tests of low frequency active sonar. The article raises the question of a possible cause-and-effect relationship between these events. On Mar. 9, 1998, U.S. District Court Judge Helen Gillmore denied an injunction requested by environmental groups seeking to halt U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency active sonar system in Hawaiian waters. Environmental activists threatened physical disruption of testing.} [personal communication, Assoc Press, Reuters] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Re: Sonar vs. whale strandings, cont'd (fwd) From: "Gordon, Jonathan" In response to Bill Rossiter's posting. I have some information on a sonar source operating at similar frequencies in the same geographical area. In the summer of 1992 "Song of the Whale", the research boat of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, was working in the Liguarian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary (between the French Italian Riviera and Corsica) conducting acoustic surveys of dolphins. On many occasions through the summer, while the boat was between northwest Corsica and the coast of Italy, Monaco and France, sonar signals were heard. These consisted of 1/6 sec pulses that swept up from 4 to 5kHz and were either emitted as single blips or back to back in repeated sequences as "screams". These components were repeated in a regular pattern consisting of 3 blips separated by 7 seconds, followed after 10 seconds by a 2-second scream, with the whole cycle repeated every 42 seconds. On some occasions, these sounds were so loud they woke up people sleeping below decks. Eventually, we stumbled upon the source of the sounds, an Italian Naval ship towing a large fish-based sonar. On one occasion "Song of the Whale" had a long encounter with pilot whales while the sonar could be heard on the hydrophones. Analysis of recordings made at the time (by my colleague Luke Rendell) showed short-term responses by the pilot whales to the sonar. Whistle rates were higher during and immediately after those part of the cycle with pulses. (These findings are being published as a note in Marine Mammal Science soon.) No possible source vessels could be seen during this encounters leading us to assume that the sonar was at least 15 miles away. "Song of the Whale" had been hearing sonar pulses for five hours before the encounter, during which we had steamed some 25 miles, and continued to hear it for 8 hours after the encounter. Presumably then, the pilot whales had been exposed to these pulses for many hours and had had plenty of time to habituate. An earlier version of this note, and also a paper that explores the theoretical effects of this source on cetaceans (Nascetti,P., Perazzi A., and Hastrup, O. 1996. An investigation of the Interaction between active sonar operations and marine mammals.) Appeared in European Research on Cetaceans -10, proceedings of the tenth annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, Lisbon, 11-13 March 1996. Peter Evans ed.) Nascetti et. al. modeled propagation of a source at a position in the Ligurian sea (which, intriguingly, was the same location at which "Song of the Whale" had encountered the source boat) for both summer and winter conditions. They present a table giving the characteristics of three main types of military sonar sources used by the Italian Navy. Type Depth Frequency(kHz) Vertical Aperture Source level Bow L.F 5 3.5 15 230 Hull M.F. 5 7.5 15 220 VDS 150 7.5 15 220 VDS = variable depth sonar, i.e. towed fish. They then assumed a danger level of 210dB, a "safe" level (no physical damage) of 170dB and a non-interference level of 150dB. (One might comment that the non-interference level of 170db was based on experiments with grey whales using seismic pulses that showed 50% "interference" not the complete lack of it. For sounds of longer duration, such as the screams we recorded, the grey whale experiments suggest a threshold of 120dB for 50% interference would be more appropriate.) Based on these assumptions, Nascetti et al calculated that there was a risk of physical injury within 100m of the bow sonar and ranges could not be considered safe until they reached 800-1500m. The author's do not give "non-interference" ranges and the propagation loss diagrams are not reproduced well enough for these to be inferred from the diagrams, However, they do state that they may exceed 20km. Consider now, that in operational use these vessels are transiting the world's oceans at speeds up to 20 knots and it soon adds up to a very large surface area that is potentially being affected. The Italian-based research and conservation group, Tethys, subsequently contacted the Italian Navy and were assured that at least these tests would not be continued in the Ligurian sea in future. (I have had unconfirmed reports that these sounds have been heard there since then however.) Although the Ligurian sea is an are of particular importance for some cetaceans in the Mediterranean whales and dolphins are widespread there and simply moving the trials out of this area would at best have only reduced the risk of disturbing cetaceans. Subject: Newsletter, Society for Marine Mammalogy The latest issue of the Society for Marine Mammalogy's newsletter (vol. 6, no. 1) is now available on the SMM web page. http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 08:37:03 +0000 From: Colin MacLeod Subject: Information on Beaked Whale Research Dear Marmammers, I am conducting a survey to examine the present status of beaked whale research around the world. I wish to find out what species are being studied, which parts of the world research is being carried out in and what aspects of the biology of beaked whales are being examined. I would therefore be grateful if anyone who is presently carrying out research on beaked whales would be able to answer the following questions: 1. Is your research is specifically directed at beaked whales, or whether your research is directed at all cetacean species ? 2. Do you carry out work on stranded animals ? 3. Do you carry out observations at sea, and if so approximately how often do you do these observations (once a year,several times a year, once a month etc.) ? 4. What aspect(s) of beaked whale biology do you and your collegues study (e.g. acoustics, distribution, habitat use, anatomy, behaviour etc.) ? 5. What species of beaked whale your research covers ? 6. How long has your research on beaked whales been going ? 7. Approximately how many of the people you work with also work on beaked whales ? 8. What countries/areas of the world your research covers ? The results of this survey will be used for a report to be submitted to the DERA in the U.K., looking at potential military interactions with beaked whales and how to avoid them. The report will summarise current knowledge and research on beaked whales and suggest what aspects of the biology of beaked whales need to be examined to allow potential interactions to be examined. Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Colin. =========================================================================== Colin D. MacLeod, B.Sc. 14 Boclair Crescent, "See what everyone has seen Bearsden, and think what no one has thought" Glasgow, - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi G612AG. U.K. Email: macleod_c(\)colloquium.co.uk =========================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 03:59:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Biological and Medical Telemetry Workshop (fwd) From: Bernie McConnell To: Marine Mammal Folk may be interested in this forthcoming meeting: Biological and Medical Telemetry Workshop St. Andrews University, 6- 8 August 1998 URL http://smub.st-andrews.ac.uk:8080/biomedtelem98 Organisers and sponsors Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine Workshop content The workshop is intended to provide biologists and engineers the opportunity to discuss new and current telemetry technologies and methods, as well as updating their knowledge on regulatory matters, in order to meet future telemetry research needs. In is hoping there will be sufficient material to attract both biologists using telemetry on wild and captive animals and medical technologists. The workshop shall consist of oral presentations, academic and industrial exhibitors and a poster session. Topics telemetry of information over short/medium/long distance satellite telemetry spread spectrum techniques legal issues construction of telemetry units marine and aquatic applications efficient antennas CONTACT: Paul Record p.record(\)smru.st-andrews.ac.uk Cheers Bernie McConnell SEA MAMMAL RESEARCH UNIT Gatty Marine Lab, St Andrews University St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland. b.mcconnell(\)smru.st-andrews.ac.uk tel: +44 (1334) 463280 fax: +44 (1334) 462632 home: +44 (1333) 451126 Subject: Driftnet lawsuit March 12, 1998 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Colleen Dermody/HSUS/HSI: (301)258.3072 Patti Goldman/EAJUS: (206)343.7340 Bill Snape/Defenders (202)682.9400 GROUPS CALL FOR BAN ON ITALIAN PRODUCTS TO SAVE MARINE MAMMALS NEW YORK - Three environmental/animal protection organizations today filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking to compel President Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and Secretary of Commerce William Daley to ban imports of Italian fish products until Italian fishers cease violating a ban on the use of large-scale driftnets. The lawsuit was filed by Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Humane Society International (HSI), and Defenders of Wildlife. If the groups win, restrictions on Italian products imported into the United States could cost Italian exporters as much as $1 billion. Driftnets are a destructive fishing device threatening marine life in the world's oceans and seas. The UN called for a moratorium on high-seas driftnet fishing to be fully implemented by the end of 1992. The European Union, of which Italy is a member, also prohibits driftnets longer than 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). In violation of the driftnet bans, a large number of Italian fishing vessels continue to use oversized nets, some up to 18 kilometers, in the Mediterranean Sea. Even though Italian fishers are targeting swordfish and small quantities of tuna, scientific studies indicate that nearly 80% of what they haul in with the nets is by-catch or non-targeted species that are thrown overboard, dead or dying. Thousands of dolphins are killed each season as well as scores of whales, turtles, sharks and other non-targeted fish. Lost or discarded nets or net fragments left in the Mediterranean continue for years to "ghost fish," killing more marine mammals and other marine life. According to Patricia Forkan, Executive Vice President of The HSUS and its international arm, HSI, "While the U.S. government continues to believe in Italy's hollow promises that it will do something to curtail these nets, marine life is dying. It's time for the U.S. government to untangle the politics and protect marine animals." "The U.S. Secretary of Commerce has flouted his legal obligation to identify Italy as an illegal driftnetter. U.S. law requires nothing less than a full ban on Italian fish imports," stated Patti Goldman, the Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund lawyer who filed the lawsuit. "The horrors of driftnet fishing have brought together politicians from different political parties and nations from all over the world - now is the time to put an end to this fishing practice," concluded Bill Snape of Defenders of Wildlife. -30- ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 09:47:18 -0800 From: Annalisa Berta Subject: Marine mammal CO-ROMs I'm interested in knowing about marine mammal CD-ROMs for use in teaching and research. If you'll send relevant info (title, brief description/ list of topics, system requirements; Mac or PC compatibility, price, source) I'll compile list and post on list server. Thanks! Annalisa Berta +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Annalisa Berta Professor Department of Biology San Diego State University San Diego, CA 92182 Office: (619) 594-5392 FAX: (619) 594-5676 Lab: (619) 594-4584 E-mail: aberta(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 14:21:36 -0500 From: Kathleen Kohlberg Subject: Dolphin Immunoglobulins I am a Masters' student whose research is trying to isolate and characterize the immunoglobulins in Tursiops truncatus. So far, I have found a paper by Nash and Mach from 1971 in which they used sucrose gradient centrifugation as well as radio immunodiffusion to try and estimate size classes, and in the CRC book "Marine Mammal Health" there is limited data on the size of IgG. However, I have not found any research more current than 1992 that looks specifically at the immunoglobulins of this species. There has been some other work on compromised immune systems done in seals. Is there anyone else out there who is looking at immunoglobulins specifically in dolphins? Any ideas for other sources to look at because I am not finding anything either in our marine library or in the library of the medical university here. Thanks!!! Sincerely, Kathleen Kohlberg ~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~ Kathleen E. Kohlberg Marine Biology Graduate Program, University of Charleston 205 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston SC 29412 kekohlbe(\)edisto.cofc.edu ~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 04:35:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Green Volunteers 1998 (fwd) From: "Green Volunteers" GREEN VOLUNTEERS The World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation REF: THE 1998 EDITION OF GREEN VOLUNTEERS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED Dear MARMAM friends, The 1998 edition of GREEN VOLUNTEERS, the World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation, has been published. The guide contains about 120 projects worldwide (many of them on marine mammals) where people can volunteer for short or long term. We tried to select as many as possible low cost projects. The Guide is an excellent resource for students for finding new research opportunities. For more information on the guide please see our website at: www.greenvol.com. If you want more information on how to include your project (free of charge) in the next edition, please contact us at greenvol(\)iol.it Subject: All Australian Whales Now Unde All Australian Whales Now Under Protection List CANBERRA (March 16) XINHUA - All of Australia's whale species are now protected by the Australian law following Monday's announcement that the Sei and Fin whales have gained legislative protection. Australian Environment Minister Robert Hill said the decision would add impetus to Australia's push for a global whale sanctuary at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Oman in May. It is expected that whaling countries like Japan will oppose such a sanctuary at the meeting. "Our efforts to conserve our own whales strengthen our push for a global whale sanctuary," Hill said in a statement. Listing the Sei and Fin whales as vulnerable species under the Endangered Species Act, which meant they could not be killed, traded or moved and that the Australian federal government must develop recovery plans for them, was the most effective way to ensure their survival, he said. "Australia's populations of the Sei whale have declined by 75 percent in the past 40 years alone, and there are estimated to be only 25,000 of this species of whale remaining," the minister said. "Populations of the Fin whale have seen an even greater decline in numbers. They were originally estimated at 500,000 prior to the 1960s and have been depleted to a mere 25,000." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 11:40:25 +0000 From: Peter Haddow Subject: SCS Web Site - Rescue/Rehabilitation and Species Data Dear Marmamers The Seal Conservation Society has created a new section on our web site to cover the subject of pinniped rescue and rehabilitation. The first page in the section is a list of related organisations world-wide which has been placed at . The aim of the section will not only be to provide contact details for those who find stranded pinnipeds but also to act as an information exchange and resource for those within the field. It is hoped therefore that eventually the section will grow to include reports from organisations on the latest rescue and rehabilitation techniques, case studies, news and research. It would be much appreciated if those of you in the field of pinniped rescue and rehabilitation could check your organisation's details on the page and get in touch with any amendments. I apologise to any organisations who I have missed out of the list - please let me know of any omissions. Some organisations already have web sites. For those who don't the Society will provide web space for background information on your organisation (a page or so) if you want to provide this. A few lines of information, e.g. geographical coverage, species dealt with, programs being run, can also be added to the entry in the main list. Separately, I am hoping shortly to expand the educational aspect of the web site by including a page of information on each of the pinniped species as well as pages on particular aspects of pinniped biology, ecology and conservation. If anyone is able to provide .gif or .jpg images of any of the species, or images of particular aspects e.g. the effects of oil pollution or entanglement then these would be gratefully received. Due credit will be given for all images used on the site. If any research scientists are also able to supply current information on the numbers, distribution and status of species with which they work then this information will allow me to keep the species status details up to date. The Society's web site, although in the early days yet, aims to provide a useful and free resource for all those who are interested in the conservation, study and welfare of pinnipeds. All comments, suggestions and contributions are welcome. Many thanks in advance for any assistance that you can provide. My best wishes, Peter Haddow Chairman ------------------------- Seal Conservation Society The Manse Methlick Aberdeenshire United Kingdom AB41 7DS Tel/Fax: +44-(0)1651-806215 Web: http://www.greenchannel.com/tec/seals.htm E-mail: p.haddow(\)abdn.ac..uk ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 04:14:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: All Australian Whales Now Under protection From: Australian Marine Conservation Society We would like to clarify a few points made with regard to the statement on March 16th that all Australian whales are protected by the Australian law. This could be misleading, as it suggests that they are all protected under the Endangered Species Act, (which is referred to in the same statement). All 43 species of cetaceans found in Australian waters are in fact protected under the Commonwealth Whale Protection Act 1980, which prohibits killing, injuring, taking, capturing or interfering with cetaceans. However, it is only the Blue, Southern Right, Humpback and now the Sei and Fin whales that are protected under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Act. Environmental organisations, like ours, lobbied for a listing for the Sei and Fin under this reasonably robust act, because it includes a statutory obligation to develop a recovery plan. This will look at threats, other than killing, which is at present not an issue to these species and identify ways to mitigate them. These include depletion of food stocks through commercial fishing, shipping strikes, oil spills and toxic pollutants, entanglement in fishing gear and acoustic pollution, amongst others. Other cetacean species that we have reason to be concerned over at present, include the Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin. As soon as we have sufficient data, we will be nominating these for inclusion under the Act. Bill Foster Australian Marine Conservation Society Subject: El Nino Report 22 available, issued 18 March 1998 seabird(\)uct.ac.za, FISH1IFR(\)aol.com, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU, consbio(\)u.washington.edu, TWS-L(\)LISTSERV.VT.EDU, ens(\)envirolink.org ------ *********El NINO 97-98: CURRENT REPORTS ON EVENTS************** BULLETIN 22 ISSUED ON 18 MARCH 1998 This electronic service provides near real-time reports, primarily on marine and terrestrial events that may be linked to the development of th= e 1997 - 1998 El Ni=F1o/Southern Oscillation which appears to be one of the most severe ENSO events in history. Emphasis is on seabirds and changes = to marine ecosystems, but we appreciate other reports that may expand our understanding of effects. These might include rainfall, flooding, or associated disease outbreaks. We try to be inclusive and to let hindsight separate ENSO from other effects. Report 22, 18 MARCH 1998, is available at: http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/ENSO.html or by request from: . To be placed on the emailing list for future bulletins, contact ------------------------------------------------------ ***********HELP: As this event is apparently at its maximum during this period, we would appreciate reports, including those of no apparent impac= t, from anyone in a position to do so. ------------------------------------------------------ SYNOPSIS: For the period 20 February - 13 March 1998, fires seem to be increasing in Indonesia, Although oceanographic conditions appear to be slowly returning to more 'normal' temperatures in the eastern Pacific, Pe= ru and Ecuador continue to suffer heavy flooding. Brazil also suffered heavy flooding in the south while a drought continues in its north, with associated forest fires. A drought in Central America is affecting hydropower in Honduras and canal operations in Panama. Hawaii continues t= o experience drought; Alaska is basking in a very early spring. TITLES OF INDIVIDUAL REPORTS 20 FEBUARY 1998. INDONESIA: HAZE (ECONOMIC IMPACT) 28 FEBUARY 1998: INDONESIA: DROUGHT 2 MARCH 1998. INDONESIA: FIRES (GLOBAL IMPACT) 2 MARCH 1998. INDONESIA: FOOD SHORTAGE 2 MARCH 1998. INDONESIA: FIRES (AGAIN) 3? March 1998. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: IMPACT (ECONOMIC) 3 MARCH 1998. PERU: CLIMATE 4 MARCH 1998. PERU: OCEANOGRAPHY AND FISHERY 4 MARCH 1998. INDONESIA: FIRE (RIVERINE EFFECTS) 5 MARCH 1998. INDONESIA: FOOD SHORTAGE (OVER) 5 MARCH 1998. ECUADOR: MUDSLIDE AND OIL PRODUCTION 5 MARCH. CHINA: IMPACT (RIVER LEVEL) 5 MARCH 1998. PAKISTAN: CLIMATE (FLOOD) 5 MARCH 1998. PERU: FISHERY (ANCHOVETA) 6 MARCH 1998. BRAZIL: FLOODS 6 MARCH 1998. HAWAII: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 6 MARCH 1998. U.S.: IMPACT (HOME ENERGY NEEDS) 7 MARCH 1998. PERU: IMPACT (AGRICULTURE) 8 MARCH 1998. NEW ZEALAND: MARINE MAMMAL (MORTALITY) 8 MARCH 1998. UTAH: CLIMATE 9 MARCH 1998. SOUTHERN U.S.: CLIMATE: FLOODS and TORONADOES 9 MARCH 1998. HONDURAS: HYDROPOWER 9 MARCH 1998. ALASKA: IDITAROD 9 MARCH 1998. MEXICO: MONARCH BUTTERFLY MORTALITY 9 MARCH 1998. UNITED STATES: CLIMATE 9 - 13 MARCH 1998. U.S. MIDWEST: CLIMATE (SNOW) 10 MARCH 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT 10 MARCH 1998. NORTHEAST: CLIMATE (RAIN) 11 MARCH 1998. WASHINGTON, D.C.: El NONSENSE 11 MARCH 1998. PANAMA: IMPACT (CANAL) 12 MARCH 1998. SOUTHEAST: CLIMATE (RECORD LOWS) AND AGRICULTURE 12 MARCH 1994; GEORGIA: FLOODS 12 MARCH 1998. UGANDA: CLIMATE (RAIN) 12 MARCH 1998. ECUADOR: IMPACT 12 MARCH 1998. CALIFORNIA: IMPACT (ARTICHOKES) 12 MARCH 1998. WORLD: DISEASE 12 MARCH 1998. BRAZIL: DROUGHT AND HUNGER 13 MARCH 1998. ZIMBABWE: IMPACT (AGRICULTURE) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 10:11:31 -0400 From: "Stobo, Wayne" Subject: Re: tagging info request Content-type: text/plain Hi Marmamers: I'm trying to locate the release location of a harbour seal recovered in February on Sable Island off the east coast of Canada. There was a tag in both hind flippers of rototag type (tags are made of a softer plastic than the Dalton rototags ): - tag size 5.2 cm long; 1.7 cm wide - in one flipper both male & female parts of tag are yellow & are numbered 0056. - in the other flipper the female half is yellow & numbered 0056, but the male half is green & numbered 0118. If anyone recognizes these tags, could you respond directly to my email address below? Thanks. Cheers, Wayne Dr. W.T. Stobo Marine Fish Division Bedford Institute of Oceanography P.O. Box 1006 Dartmouth, N.S. Canada B2Y 4A2 phone: (902) 426-3316 FAX: (902) 426-1506 email: StoboW(\)mar-mpo.gc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 11:36:49 +0200 From: patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be Subject: Publication on stranded sperm whales lesions Dear Marmamers, complete description of pathological findings observed on stranded sperm whales from Belgian and Dutch coast (winter 94-95) have been published as following: Postmortem investigations on winter stranded sperm whales from the coasts of Belgium and the Netherlands; Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 34, 1998, 99-109; T. Jauniaux, L. Brosens, E. Jacquinet, D. Lambrigts, M. Addink, C. Smeenk, and F. Coignoul. Jauniaux T. E-mail : patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be ABSTRACT During winter 1994-1995, four and three sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were stranded along the Belgian and the Dutch coast, respectively. Necropsies and tissue samplings were conducted about 24 hrs after death. Significant lesions, observed on several whales, were round and linear skin scars, ventral skin abrasions, acute skin ulcers, acute ulcerative stomatitides, acute to chronic external otitides, and visceral passive congestion. In addition, sperm whales appeared debilitated with severe weight deficit, blubber thickness reduction, and the absence of abdominal fat, and the intestinal tracts were almost empty. Three categories of lesions and their possible relation with the stranding were evaluated. The various cutaneous scars observed on the seven whales appeared to have no relation with the stranding. The poor body condition and acute integument ulcerative lesions were present before the stranding. Ventral skin abrasions and visceral passive congestion were caused by the strandings. Absence of food in the alimentary tracts, evidence of weight loss and blubber thickness reduction were compatible with an extended presence of the sperm whales in the North Sea, where adequate food is not available. This might lead to progressive weakness, predisposing the animals to secondary pathogene such as viral diseases. Finally, the coastal configuration of the southern North Sea makes it a trap for sperm whales which have entered the area during their wanderings. Department of Pathology Veterinary College University of Liege Sart Tilman Bat B43 B 4000 Liege Phone 00 32 4 3664075 Fax 00 32 4 3664065 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 04:20:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Research opportunity: Sperm whales and tourism (fwd) Research opportunity RESEARCH INTO THE EFFECTS OF TOURISM ON SPERM WHALES AT KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND (INVESTIGATION NO. 2370) The Department of Conservation (the New Zealand government agency responsible for the conservation and management of natural resources) invites proposals to undertake research on the possible impacts of tourism operations on sperm whales at Kaikoura, New Zealand. Previous research Commercial whale watching is a relatively new tourist enterprise and research has only recently begun to address the non-lethal effects of activities on whale biology and behaviour. Research commissioned by the Department in the early 1990s demonstrated that the sperm whales at Kaikoura responded to the presence of whale-watching boats by having shorter respiratory intervals and decreased surface intervals, and that some boat handling techniques elicited negative reactions from whales (MacGibbon 1991). Subsequent departmental research on behavioural and acoustic effects of whale-watching vessels found variable tolerance levels and responses from individual whales, but concluded that the effects of disturbance on surface behaviour seem to be relatively undramatic (Gordon et al. 1992). A 1992 Department report on the effects on whales of underwater noise from tourist operations concluded that noise levels produced by tourist traffic at Kaikoura were well within the range of current background noise levels (Marrett 1992). The Department also commissioned a general review of literature on whale responses to human-produced sound (Reeves 1992). Recommendations from these research investigations have guided the Department's management of whale-watching operations at Kaikoura, including the imposition of some regulations on the conduct of activities. Research priorities The Department's focus is on information requirements for managing whale watching operations. In particular, the Department needs sound scientific advice on which to assess the impact of whale watching operations and especially the acceptability of new permit applications. The Department's priorities are concerned with shorter term research to address immediate management issues. The key questions requiring answers from new research are as follows: (i) Is there currently an impact on the behavioural ecology of sperm whales from whale-watching vessel operations at Kaikoura? (ii) If there is an impact, what is it? (iii) How might any additional commercial whale watching operators affect the behaviour of sperm whales at Kaikoura? (iv) How could adverse impacts, if any, be mitigated by management measures? Opportunities and constraints in research (i) The research is to be conducted over a three-year period, commencing in mid 1998 and being completed by March 31st 2001. (ii) The budget available is up a total of NZ$100,000 over the three-year period. (iii) The research should build upon previous and current research, including consideration of repeating previous surveys for comparative purposes. (iv) Emphasis should be on investigating the impact of boats, without ignoring the impact of aircraft. This posting is a summary of the full research brief. Interested parties and wishing a copy of the full research brief should contact: Paul Dingwall, Science & Research Division, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, Wellington., New Zealand. Phone (04) 4710-726, fax (04) 4713-279, email pdingwall(\)doc.govt.nz. Proposals should be submitted no later than 30 April 1998. Simon Childerhouse Marine Mammal Scientist Science and Research Division Department of Conservation PO Box 10-420 58 Tory St Wellington New Zealand Ph. ++64-4-471-3233 Fax. ++64-4-471-3279 Email. schilderhouse(\)doc.govt.nz Subject: article - buoys and right whales There is an article that you might want to check out in the March issue of _National Fisherman_: Crowley, M. 1998. Saved by the buoy. _National Fisherman_ 78(11): 48. This article talks about a new float for lobstermen and the right use of an old float by shrimpers which will help keep protected species out of fishing gear. regards, Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 12:55:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New Publication: Sperm Whale Deaths in the North Sea (fwd) From: "Richard H. Lambertsen" TO: MARMAM MAILING LIST I have received the specifics for ordering the following book. =20 This recently was published as a 133 page supplement the=20 Bulletin of the Royal Society of Natural Sciences of Belgium,=20 including some color and black and white images. =20 The contact person at IRSNB is A. Triempont, Vautierstaat 29, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium (tel ++32-2-627.42.80; fax ++32-2-627.41.13) Cost of book is 1,000 Belgian francs (850 + 150 mailing costs) Payment for international orders can be by credit card, provided the usual information: Cardholder's name Card number Card expiration date Total amount in BF Cardholder's Signature. Order by sending these data, institutional purchase order, or international bank draft by fax or regular mail to A. Triempont. I hope you find this information useful. R.H. Lambertsen, Ph.D., V.M.D. Ecosystems Technology Transfer, Inc. P.O. Box 6788 Titusville, FL 32782 USA TITLE: __SPERM WHALE DEATHS IN THE NORTH SEA: Science and Management__ Bulletin de l'institut royal des sciences naturelle de Belgique. Bulletin van het koninklijk belgisch instituut voor natuurwetenschappen. [Bulletin of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium]. Biologie, Vol. 67, 1997, Supplement. T.G. Jacques and R.H. Lambertsen, Editors ********************TABLE OF CONTENTS******************************** PART 1. CETACEAN STRANDINGS: FROM HISTORY TO NATURAL HISTORY=20 De Smet, W. M. A., Five centuries of sperm whale strandings along the flemish coast. Smeenk, C., Strandings of sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus in the North Sea: history and patterns. Simmonds, M. P., The meaning of cetacean strandings. PART 2. BIOLOGY OF THE SPERM WHALE Evans, P. G. H., Ecology of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Eastern North Atlantic, with special reference to sightings & strandings records from the British Isles. Lockyer, C., Diving behaviour of the sperm whale in relation to feeding. Clarke, M. R., Cephalopods in the stomach of a sperm whale stranded between the islands of Terschelling and Ameland, southern North Sea. Phillips, C. The conservation of sperm whales. PART 3. PATHOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY IN RELATION TO STRANDINGS Jauniaux T., Brosens L., Jacquinet E., Lambrigts D., & Coignoul F.,=20 Pathological investigations on sperm whales stranded on Belgian and Dutch coasts. Joiris, C. R., Holsbeek, L., Bossicart, M. & Tapia, G., Mercury and organochlorines in four sperm whales stranded on the Belgian coast, November 1994. Bouquegneau, J. M., Debacker, V., Gobert, S. & Nellissen J. P.,=20 Toxicological investigations on four sperm whales stranded on the Belgian coast: inorganic contaminants. Law, R. J., Morris, R. J., Allchin, C. R. & Jones, B. R., Metals and chlorobiphenyls in tissues of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and other cetacean species exploiting similar diets. Wells, D. E., McKenzie, C., & Ross, H. M., Patterns of organic contaminants in marine mammals with reference to sperm whale strandings. Lambertsen, R. H., Natural disease problems of the sperm whale. PART 4. MANAGEMENT OF STRANDING EVENTS Tavernier, J., Marine mammal strandings: technical control on site. Tassyns, J. The collection and processing of animal waste in the Flemish region No=EBl, L., The work of the media in whale strandings. Jacques, T. G., Science and conservation in whale strandings: the role of the public authorities. ************************************************ Subject: Arctocephalus tropicalis Dear Mammers, I'm studing the records of pinnipeds in southern Brazilian coast since 1991. Otaria flavescens and Arctocephalus australis are regular species in this area mainly in winter and spring months. But in the last years we also found many A. tropicalis specimens. In order to stablish the age and sexual maturity of stranded animals I have made an exhaustive bibliographic review and I found just one study, Shaughnessy and Ross, 1980 about this issue. Does anybody know any study other than Shaughnessy and Ross, 1980 about this issue? Alternatively, does anybody know the age this species reach sexual maturity? I realy will appreciat any information about that!!! Larissa Oliveira lari(\)music.pucrs.br Grupo de Estudos de Mamiferos Aquaticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS) R. Felipe Neri 382/203 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil 90440-150 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 13:04:59 -0400 From: Rolando Bernal Subject: dolphin captivity ------ Dear friends Since 1992, in Chile there have been bringing in itinerating dolp= hin shows. These are cubans, russians and mexicans. Unfortunately, to this da= te have died, essentialty by diseases, 4 dolphins. In Chile there is not laws about the minimous rules to permit the install of this kind of shows. I need documentation, laws, experiences fr= om other countries and colleagues. This to help to demand to autorithies the laws to protect this animals. Thank you in advance Rolando Bernal (rbernal(\)uv.cl) ____________________________________________ Rolando Bernal D. =09 Instituto de Oceanolog=EDa Fone: 56 - 32 - 832702 Universidad de Valpara=EDso 56 - 32 - 831668 P.O. Box 13 - D Fax: 56 - 32 - 833214 Vi=F1a del Mar email : rbernal(\)uv.cl Chile ____________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 13:26:44 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} Forwarded From: "Field, John" Marine Mammals . Gray Whale Release. On Mar. 26, 1998, Sea World San Diego anticipates releasing a juvenile gray whale that has been under its care since stranding on Jan. 11, 1997, on Venice Beach near Los Angeles, CA. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. {Having reached about 9 tons, this whale is considered the largest mammal ever held in captivity.} [Assoc Press, American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc press release] . {Portuguese Whalers. On Mar. 18, 1998, Portuguese officials donated $500,000 to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, MA, for a permanent exhibit to honor Portuguese/Azorean whalers and their contribution to New Bedford's maritime heritage.} [Assoc Press] . {Australian Whale Protection. On Mar. 16, 1998, Australian officials announced that sei and fin whales were being listed by Australia as vulnerable species, obligating the government to the development of species recovery plans.} [Assoc Press] . {International Whaling Commission. On Mar. 16, 1998, Australian officials announced that Australia would seek approval for a global whale sanctuary at the IWC annual meeting in Oman in May 1998.} [Assoc Press] . Whale Protection Appeal. On Mar. 12, 1998, MA state officials announced that they would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review an October 1997 federal appeals court ruling directing MA to take steps to prevent lobster gear and fishing nets from harming northern right whales. [Assoc Press] . AK Eskimo Whaling Captains' Convention. On Mar. 11-13, 1998, the 1998 AK Eskimo Whaling Convention is scheduled to convene in Barrow, AK, to consider weapons' improvements, quota allocation, and legislative resolutions. Whaling captains from 10 villages are expected to attend. [Assoc Press] . North Atlantic Blue Whale. On Mar. 7, 1998, scientists converged on Narragansett Bay, RI, to study the first complete north Atlantic blue whale carcass available since the late 19th century. The young male, one of an estimated population of only 300 individuals in the north Atlantic, may have been killed by collision with a ship. [Assoc Press] . Japanese Whaling. During an early March 1998 visit to Japan, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jenny Shipley agreed to open discussions on New Zealand's opposition to Japan's request for a resumption of commercial whaling. [Reuters] . Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 5, 1998, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) announced that it had filed suit against the Canadian government, seeking to block the export of seal penises to Asian markets on the basis that it is against Canadian law for non-physicians to sell testosterone. {{In mid-March 1998, the Canadian Sealers Association sought to encourage increased acceptance of the seal hunt by distributing a 15-minute video in Britain, depicting the various uses of seal products. The Canadian seal hunt is scheduled to begin in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in late March 1998, and continue off the east coast of Newfoundland, with a season quota of 275,000 seals.}} [Assoc Press, Reuters] . World Council of Whalers. On Mar. 2-6, 1998, the World Council of Whalers held its first General Assembly in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Eighteen nations were represented at this meeting, and adopted a resolution supportive of efforts by Iceland, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations of British Columbia, and four small-type whaling communities in Japan to sustainably use whales. [World Council of Whalers press release] . Keiko. On Mar. 2, 1998, the Free Willy Keiko Foundation unveiled the design for a $350,000 floating net enclosure or sea pen, which is planned for an unnamed sheltered North Atlantic location where Keiko will be acclimated to a more natural environment. Components for the net enclosure will be fabricated, beginning in mid-March 1998. The Foundation hopes to be able to move Keiko to the net enclosure by spring 1999. In early March 1998, Foundation representatives {met with officials in Iceland and Ireland} to discuss possible net enclosure sites. {Officials in both nations were reportedly receptive and enthusiastic about arranging a location for placement of Keiko's net pen.} [Assoc Press, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Low Frequency Active Sonar. On Feb. 23, 1998, a coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to stop U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency active sonar system in Hawaiian waters to determine whether and how humpback whales may react to the system. The coalition asserts that the Navy should prepare a full environmental impact statement on the program before beginning tests. Similar tests have already been completed on blue whales and gray whales off the CA coast. At a hearing on Feb. 24, 1998, U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to halt the tests, and ruled that the Navy had assessed the environmental impact of the tests. The Navy began low frequency active sonar tests on Feb. 25, 1998. A hearing is scheduled for Mar. 4, 1998, on a request for a preliminary injunction to halt further testing. On Mar. 5, 1998, Nature published an article noting the unique occurrence of mass stranding of Cuvier's beaked whales in the eastern Mediterranean coincident with 1996 tests of low frequency active sonar. The article raises the question of a possible cause-and-effect relationship between these events. On Mar. 9, 1998, U.S. District Court Judge Helen Gillmore denied an injunction requested by environmental groups seeking to halt U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency active sonar system in Hawaiian waters. Environmental activists threatened physical disruption of testing. {On Mar. 18, 1998, the HI County Green Party filed a petition in U.S. District Court requesting a temporary restraining order on Navy tests, claiming evidence that the Navy has violated the terms of its testing permit, including an apparent migration of whales from the test area. On Mar. 18, 1998, U.S. District Judge Alan Kay denied a request by a HI religious practitioner for a temporary halt in Navy testing.} [personal communication, Assoc Press, Reuters] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items Subject: New book ------ Hi marmamers, After a 2 years gestation period(veeery long, even for whales)My book: "Les baleines de l'Atlantic nord, Biologie et =C9cologie" or in English "Whales of the north Atlantic, Biology and Ecology"(290pp.) is at last available. For those english speaking who have read my english, be reasured, I did not do the translation! I tried in this book to present the latest knowledge about biology of whales, and there are more than 300 pictures to illustrate it, mainly original ones. It is the book of a former biology teacher, where the laym= an will not be lost, and where the more advanced student of cetaceans will I hope find interest It exists in 3 versions, soft cover($Can 29,95), hard cover($can.39,95)and spiral bound for those who would want to consult it more easily($can37,95) You can order it from Editions Multimondes, 930, rue Pouliot, Siant-Foy(Qu=E9bec) G1V 3N9 CANADA. BY FAX(418)651-6822 or 1-800-840-3029 EMAIL: multimondes(\)multim.com I did my best but I will appreciate every comments you can make on this book so I can try to better it in the future "the more you learn, the better you love" Fontaine Pierre-Henry Fontaine 115 Lavigueur Qu=E9bec, QC, G1R 1A9, CANADA pfontain(\)mediom.qc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 09:35:48 -0500 From: Jim Rice Subject: Information on multiple species mass strandings We are currently investigating the mass stranding of 82 Lagenorhynchus acutus and 16 Delphinus delphis which occurred in Wellfleet Massachusetts on 29-30 January 1998. So far our literature searches have yielded no accounts of previous multiple species mass strandings. We would appreciate any such references, both to published work or even to personal recollections. Thank you. _______________________________________________ Jim Rice Marine Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617) 973-6551 (617) 720-5098 fax jrice(\)neaq.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 00:14:30 +0100 From: Francesco Ricciardi Subject: Night vision summary Dear all, sorry for my delay. There are two different devices that allow the nocturnal vision:the IR device and the light amplifier. The IR visor perceives some differences in temperature ,but they are disturbed by external lights or thermal sources.Some of these devices are not disposable commercially because they are used by military forces (e.g. to detect incoming missiles) but there are a lot of companies that product these devices,like FLIR and AGEMA. The FLIR (www.flir.com) address is:(For North and South America) FLIR Systems, Inc. 16505 SW 72 av. Portland, OR 97224 USA Tel. (503) 684-3731 And the AGEMA (www.agema.com) address:(USA) AGEMA Infrared Systems Inc. 550 County Av. Secaucus New Jersey 07094 Tel +1 201 867 5390 Fax +1 201 867 2191 Altogether,the IR works well than light amplifier for the sea observations.The IR device costs from 12.000 to 25.000 US$ approx. The light amplifier uses the stars/moon light and amplifies it using the phosphorus technology;it works well if the climate conditions are good:if there is a cloudy night the light amplifier doesn't work very well. The light amplifier has a lower price than the IR. Now,I'm looking for renting one of these devices.If somebody knows where I can find it,please let me know where. Best regards Francesco Ricciardi box2419(\)box.infomark.it fricciardi(\)usa.net Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/Rainforest/Canopy/2254 **************************************************************************** Imagination is more important than knowledge...........(A.Einstein) **************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 08:17:49 -0500 From: Dr K C C VAN WAEREBEEK Subject: Multiple species mass strandings Dear Jim: Multiple species mass strandings seem to be very rare indeed. Off the top of my head I know of only one case beside yours, three species were involved: On 1 June 1946, 75 "G. macrorhyncha" (short-finned pilot whales) accompanied by 20 Tursiops truncatus and 15 Delphinus delphis stranded at Yoff, Cap Vert Peninsula, Senegal, as reported by Maigret (1994). Yoff is a known site of cetacean strandings. Whether the cited Delphinus is really D.delphis, or rather D.capensis, I may have some more information on later this year as I complete a review of all cetacean specimens in Senegal collections. Maigret, J. 1994. La presqu'ile du Cap-Vert au Senegal region privilegiee pour les echouages massifs de cetaces. Bull. Inst. fond. Afr. noire Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar ser. A, 47: 103-108. Jacques Maigret can be contacted at the Paris Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. Success with your research, Koen Dr. K.C.C. VAN WAEREBEEK (Director) Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research - CEPEC Jorge Chavez 302, Pucusana, Lima 20, PERU kvwaere(\)mail.cosapidata.com.pe fax/ph +51-1-430 9406 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 04:51:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Sperm Whale Book: correction & update (fwd) From: "Richard H. Lambertsen" TO: MARMAM MAILING LIST I have received word that the telephone numbers recently given to order the book __SPERM WHALE DEATHS IN THE NORTH SEA: Science and Management__, are incorrect. They are for an individual at the Institute in charge of selling a book on harpacticoid copepods!. The correct numbers for A. Triempont are: > > Tel.: +32-2-627.41.19 > Fax: +32-2-627.41.18 > Payee is INSITUT ROYAL DES SCIENCE NATURELLE DE BELGIQUE. Abstracts are in Dutch, French and English. Please request Dutch abstracts explicitly, if desired. With apologies for the error in my posting. R.H. Lambertsen, Ph.D., V.M.D. Ecosystems Technology Transfer, Inc. P.O. Box 6788 Titusville, FL 32782 USA From: javier arata Organization: J:A: Subject: L. cruciger Dear colleagues: I want (and need) information about the _Lagenorhynchus cruciger_'s range of distribution on Southoccidental Atlantic Ocean. I am writting a paper with sightings on Southoccidental Atlantic Ocean made in the years 1996 and 1997, during a fishing travel to South Georgia Island. I have confussion with the range of distribution of this species, because I have sightings out the knew range, on my information. For your help, thanks Javier A. Arata S. Email: jarata(\)aclaris.cl Marine Biology Chile Email: jarata(\)aclaris.cl ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 16:20:36 +1200 From: P J Duignan Subject: Re: Information on multiple species mass strandings Dear Jim, In your message of March 21 you stated that "so far our literature searches have yielded no accounts of previous multiple species mass strandings." I am not sure whether you also included the database at the New England Aquarium in that statement. If not, there should be records there for a mass stranding on December 12, 1992, at Truro, Mass. involving 38 Globicephala melas and at least 4 of the offshor ecotype of Tursiops truncatus. You will find reference to this in: Wiley et al. 1994. Marine Mammal Sci. 10: 223-226 Duignan et al. 1995. Marine Mammal Sci. 11: 150-162 Duignan et al. 1996. Marine Mammal Sci. 12: 499-515. Regards, Padraig Duignan Massey University ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- Dr. Padraig J. Duignan Massey University Cetacean Investigation Centre Department of Veterinary Pathology & Public Health Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand. Tel. 06-350-4163 Fax. 06-350-5636 e-mail. P.J.Duignan(\)massey.ac.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 05:31:35 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Seeking Reviewers -- summary of current legislation. (fwd) From: Gene Buck MARMAMers: I'm seeking volunteers for an expert panel to provide review comments on an 11- to 13- page summary of fishery, aquaculture, and marine mammal legislation currently before the U.S. Congress. I should have this product ready for review late next week (Apr. 2 or so). Turnaround time is not a problem as this product (an "issue brief") is periodically updated to reflect changing information. If interested, please send me a few sentences stating briefly your qualifications for serving on this panel. I anticipate selecting about 4-5 individuals who are relatively current on the issues being considered by Congress to serve on this panel. I will provide the text for review via e-mail, and would like to receive your comments either via fax or e-mail. Thanks to all who have participated in the past for your continued and excellent critiques of my products!! Gene Buck, Senior Analyst Congressional Research Service gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov Subject: Whale-Watching Boat Capsizes; Whale-Watching Boat Capsizes; 2 Die TOFINO, British Columbia (AP) -- A whale-watching boat capsized in rough seas off Vancouver Island, killing two of its four passengers. A third passenger was in critical condition today in a hospital in Tofino, British Columbia, said Air Force Capt. Jamie Davidson of the rescue coordination center in Victoria. Rescuers found the two dead and one injured passenger floating in the frigid water Sunday. The fourth passenger was found in shock on the boat, which apparently righted itself after capsizing. Rescue officials were notified Sunday by the tour operator, Jamie's Whaling Station Dock, that one of its boats had failed to return from a scheduled tour. An air search crew spotted the four about six miles from Tofino. They were wearing special foam suits that kept them afloat, acting as life preservers and wet suits. The names of the victims were not released. Police said the group was on its way back to Tofino when high waves swamped the vessel. Whale watching is a popular tourist attraction in the area. Anne Sheridan, who operates Seaker Adventure Tours in Victoria, said tour operators warn passengers about the risks involved and require them to sign waiver forms and wear the full-length survival suits. "You can usually have four or five hours in the water before you go hypothermic," she said. It was unclear how long the group had been in the water before rescuers arrived. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:23:15 -0500 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy - Publications A complete list of Society for Marine Mammalogy publications available for purchase is now on the SMM home page . The list includes Special Publications, back issues of Marine Mammal Science and abstracts books from the 11th and 12th (WMMSC) biennial conferences. Dan Odell odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 10:42:37 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, & Pollution of Marine Systems (fwd) From: patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be Dear all, We have just published proceedings of an Intensive Course entitled : "Marine Mammals, Seabirds, & Pollution of Marine Systems". =20 Detailed description of the book is on following web site : "http://www.ulg.ac.be/fmv/patho/marine.htm" Here below is the table of contents Best regards, Jauniaux T. E-mail "patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be" -------------------------------------------------------- 1. Geohydrodynamic variability J.C.J. Nihoul =20 2. Biological oceanography and marine food webs: role of marine mammals and seabirds J.-M. Bouquegneau, V. Debacker and S. Gobert =20 3. Systematics and ecology of seabirds and marine mammals C.R. Joiri= s =20 4. Coastal eutrophication of the Southern Bight of the North Sea: assessment and modelling C. Lancelot, V. Rousseau, G. Billen and D. Van Eec= khout =20 5. Problematic and methodological approach of the study of the bioaccumulation of trace elements in delphinids J.M. Andr=E9 =20 6. Ecotoxicology of stable pollutants - organochlorines and heavy metals - in seabirds and marine mammals C. R. Joiris =20 7. Oil pollution and seabirds J.Seys and P.Meire =20 8. Parasitology of marine mammals J. A. Raga 9. Parasitology of marine birds F.H.M. Borgsteede =20 10. Basic concepts of veterinary pathology F. Coignoul and T. Jaunia= ux =20 11. Pathology of marine mammals M.Garc=EDa Hartmann =20 12. Marine bird necropsy findings G. M. Dorrestein and M. van der Ha= ge =20 13. Virus infections in feral birds, a general review H. Vindevogel and J.P. Duchatel =20 14. Rehabilitation of seabirds: Improved protocols in the light of continual review and practice T. M. Thomas, I. Robinson and C. Seddon -------------------------------------------- Jauniaux T. E-mail "patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be" Visit the website http://www.ulg.ac.be/fmv/patho/marine.htm Department of Pathology Veterinary College University of Liege Sart Tilman Bat B43 B 4000 Liege Phone 00 32 4 3664075 Fax 00 32 4 3664065 From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Dwarf sperm whale, Kogia simus (Abstract) Willis, P.M., and R.W. Baird. 1998. Status of the dwarf sperm whale, Kogia simus, with special reference to Canada. Canadian Field-Naturalist 112:114-125. Abstract The dwarf sperm whale, Kogia simus, has been recorded in tropical and warm temperate waters world-wide. This species is rarely observed at sea, and little is known of its biology. Insufficient information is available to classify its world-wide status, though they are infrequently taken directly and indirectly in various fisheries. In Canada, the only confirmed record is of a single stranded animal from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, though they are likely found in Canadian waters more frequently. There are no obvious threats to its status in Canadian waters where the species is not at risk. ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 14:09:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: NMFS - Northern Anchovy Fisher NMFS - Northern Anchovy Fishery Management Plan WASHINGTON,DC (FedNet,24-MAR-98) -- NMFS announces its intent to prepare an EIS to assess the impact on the natural and human environment of amending the Northern Anchovy Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to include the management of other coastal pelagic species. This NOI requests written comments on issues that NMFS should consider in preparing the EIS. The EIS will examine alternatives available to NMFS to manage coastal pelagic species, including northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, Pacific mackerel, jack mackerel, and market squid to allow a productive fishery while preventing overfishing and recognizing the value to the ecosystem of coastal pelagic species as forage for other fish, marine mammals, and birds. DATES: Comments must be submitted by April 22, 1998. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare anenvironmental impact statement (EIS); request for written comments. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 12:12:46 -0800 From: Chris Malcolm Subject: Monaco whale-watching research workshop report For all those who participated in the Whale-Watching Research Workshop at the conference in Monaco (and all others interested!!), a report on the workshop is now available for you to read. The report is on the University of Victoria Whale Research Lab's web page (newly created). The lab web page itself is still under construction, so not all the links for our research etc. are working yet, but all the pertinent links for the report work. Our web page can be accessed at: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html We hope you find the report interesting and informative. Chris Malcolm ************************************************************************* Chris Malcolm phone: 01-250-995-8649 Whale Research Lab fax: 01-250-721-6216 Dept. of Geography email: cmalcolm(\)office.geog.uvic.ca University of Victoria http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html P.O. Box 3025 Victoria, BC V8W 3P5 Canada ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 08:03:47 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: newsclip - Australian sea lions in jeopardy Australian sea lions in jeopardy March 20, 1998 By Environmental News Network staff Mysterious deaths of Australian sea lion pups are prompting scientists from an Australian governmental research organization to call for more intensive research into the species. "The Australian sea lion is an endemic species which we need to take care of. It's a tourist icon, up there with the koala, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the sea lions' colonies every year. If we don't find out why their numbers are not increasing, we may face more serious problems later on," said Dr. Peter Shaughnessy, principal research scientist with the Division of Wildlife and Ecology. The Australian sea lion has its principal breeding colonies at Kangaroo Island and Dangerous Reef near Port Lincoln in South Australia. Smaller colonies exist on the west coast of South Australia and in Western Australia. "Data collected suggests to us that too many pups are dying and we don't really know why," says Shaughnessy. "For example in 1996 at two colonies we found mortality rates of 30 percent and 50 percent respectively." The following year mortality decreased to only 4 percent among Dangerous Reef sea lions but the worry is that we have no idea what's causing these dramatic fluctuations in pup mortality, says Shaughnessy. Possible causes of death include parasites, such as hookworm; environmental disturbance causing food shortage for lactating female sea lions; high rates of aggression by adult males; direct human harassment; and interaction with fishing gear. Another possibility, says Shaughnessy, is that sea lions may be facing stronger competition for food from their cousin, the New Zealand fur seal, whose numbers are increasing on Kangaroo Island at an annual rate of around 10 percent. Shaughnessy, recognized as an international authority on sea lions and fur seals, suggests the Australian sea lion population in 1998 may be no greater than it was before European settlement of Australia. One of the complicating factors in trying to solve the mystery of why sea lion numbers are not increasing is the creature's unique breeding cycle. Of the 35 seal species in the world, the Australian sea lion is the only type which does not have a strict, annual breeding cycle. A female sea lion will give birth to a pup after an 18-month cycle, meaning that her pupping season occurs in alternate summers and winters, or in alternate springs and autumns. While calling for more scientific study of Australian sea lions to try to maximize their breeding potential, Shaughnessy has welcomed the steady growth of New Zealand fur seal numbers, especially in South Australia. He says it is clear from his team's most recent count of New Zealand fur seals in the summer of 1998 that the species is recovering from its over-harvesting by sealers in the last century and early 20th century. "Each year we return to South Australia we find greater numbers and new colonies, some of them admittedly quite small, and we should all be thankful that these wonderful creatures are making a healthy comeback," says Shaughnessy. New Zealand fur seals are also found in Western Australia, off southern Tasmania and occasionally in New South Wales. Shaughnessy has carried out research on the subject in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife South Australia staff based at Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 04:40:57 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Monaco Proceedings (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 19:44:07 -0000 From: ECM PARSONS Dear Marmam, This is a reminder for all those who attended the Monaco Conference. The deadline for submission of papers for this year's ECS Proceedings volume (European Research on Cetaceans 12) is 1st June. Any papers presented at the Monaco conference on marine mammal research in Europe, or any papers written by ECS members (so if there are any SMM members who haven't joined, if you want to publish your paper- join now), are eligible for publication in "European Research on Cetaceans 12". Papers should be 3-5 pages (A4) in length. For the correct format consult "guidelines to authors" which was circulated with the conference materials or consult last year's copy of the ECS proceedings. For those having difficulty obtaining either of these can email me and send them an example paper as an attatched file. Submission of a paper to European Research on Cetaceans DOES NOT exclude submission to other journals at a later date. It is assumed (and indeed hoped) that many papers published in the proceedings will later be expanded upon and published as full papers in other journals. The aim of the proceedings is to disseminate information on research projects, as quickly as possible, to other marine mammal scientists. Papers should be written in (UK) English. Authors who are not native English speakers are asked that they ensure a native English speaker checks through their text before submission. It may be possible (depending upon the language in question) for non-English speakers to submit papers written in their native tongue. However, this may be done only with the prior consent of the journal's editors. Papers dealing with research in European countries may also submit an abstract written in the language of the host country if they think that it would help with the dissemination of their research within that host country. Papers should be submitted as a double-spaced hard copy together with a disk copy (Word 6.0 preferred, although WP5.1 and text files can also be read). Graphics files should be pasted into a word document or as a BMP file. Papers may also be sent to me as an attached file (Word or Text file) to an email message (addressed to: delphis(\)btinternet.com). Submitted papers will be edited for format and any minor mistakes with spelling or grammar. It is the responsibility of the authors to submit a manuscript which is suitable for immediate publication. Any authors who wish to submit a paper, but who may have difficulties in meeting the 1st June deadline, should contact the journal's editors as soon as possible. Please send your papers to the editors at: Peter Evans Seawatch Foundation c/o Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK. or Chris Parsons, Seaquest, 7 Highfield, Dulcote, Wells, Somerset BA5 3NX, UK. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris Parsons Asst. Editor- European Research on Cetaceans delphis(\)btinternet.com Subject: How to glue telemetry "How to Glue Satellite Transmitter to Seals" Hello! We want to learn the better way to glue Satellite transmitter to seals. I'm a garaduate student studying a distribution of largha seals around Japan and interested in the Satellite telemetry. Now we have a problem about the period of an Attachment the transmitter to seals, our maximum was about 2 months with epoxy resin. We want more longevity-attachment with less impact to animals. If any of you are involved in or have any ideas about the composition of the glue, handling animals during attachment or any attentions, I would really like to hear from you. Thank you! MIZUNO Ayako ********************************** MIZUNO Ayako, D.V.M. Laboratory of Wildlife Biology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University. N18W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060, Japan Phone: +81-11-706-5210 or 5104 Fax: +81-11-706-5569 e-mail: mayako(\)vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp ********************************** ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 07:54:34 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - tuna/dolphin The following might be interesting to some of the readers. Please do not direct reprint inquiries to me; I have provided the address of the author below. Thanks. *********************************************************** Hall, M.A. 1998. An ecological view of the tuna-dolphin problem: impacts and trade-offs. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 8(1): 1-34. Hall, MA. Interamerican Tropical Tuna Commission, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA After a brief description of purse seining and the other methods used to catch yellowfin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean, some considerations are made on the tuna-dolphin association and the solution of the problem of dolphin mortality in the eastern Pacific. The association has been observed in other ocenas, but the frequency of setting in the eastern Pacific is much greater. The mortalities of dolphins through fishing have declined from about 133 000 in 1986 to around 2600 in 1996. The impact of recent levels of mortality on the dolphin populations is not significant from the population point of view. The mortality levels for all the stocks are less than 0.1%, much lower than the 2% value used as a conservative (low) estimate of net recruitment. All dolphin stocks have population sizes between 400 000 and 2 200 000, and most have remained stable for a decade or more. Fishing operations can cause ecological impacts of different types: bycatches, damage to the habitat, mortality caused by lost or discarded gear, pollution, generation of marine debris, etc. A brief discussion follows, with a more detailed look at the bycatches. For convenience we can separate the effects of the fishery on the target species, and on other species. Of the different ways of purse seining for tunas, sets on dolphins catch tuna close to the optimum size to maximize yields and to allow for reproduction, and result in discards of tunas of less than 1% of the catch. Sets on logs catch small tunas, and result in the highest tuna discards (20-25%). School sets fall in the middle from the point of view of the sizes caught. Obviously, from the ecological point of view, sets on dolphins are the best way to harvest yellowfin tuna. After a discussion of the different ecological impacts a fishery can cause to other species on the habitat, a comparison is made of the bycatches generated by the different types of purse seine sets. Billfishes, sharks, mahi-mahi, wahoo and sea turtles are taken as incidental catches by purse seiners. Log sets produce, by far, the largest bycatches, followed by school sets and dolphin sets in that order. The bycatch levels in log sets are usually tens to hundreds of times those in dolphin sets. The difference can be attributed to the selection caused by the speed of movement of the tuna-dolphin group (slow-moving species or individuals cannot keep up with the group), an effect that may be magnified by the chase that precedes the dolphin sets. Log sets, on the other hand, are made on a drifting community. The alternatives left to the fishers if they were forced to switch from the current fishing methods to others are briefly discussed, considering their feasibility, and comparing their ecological costs. From the ecological point of view, and considering that the dolphin mortality is clearly sustainable, the impacts caused by the other types of sets, especially log sets, could be more significant than those caused by the dolphin sets. Some of the species taken in log sets are endangered (e.g. sea turtles), others have unknown status and potential vulnerability because of their low reproductive and juvenile survival rates (e.g. sharks). Overall, the biodiversity of the eastern Pacific appears to be better preserved by a fishery directed to dolphin sets than the other alternatives proposed for the purse seine and for other gears. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 09:11:46 -0500 From: Jennifer Rybak Subject: hydrophone use and vocalization request Dear marmammers, I am currently a graduate student studying animal behavior and am hoping to conduct my thesis on the vocalizations of captive bottlenosed dolphins. However, I am having trouble finding basic information on the use of hydrophones in research. The organization that I will be conducting my research through has a hydrophone set up to speakers, but they are unsure as to how to hook up the hydrophone to a recorder. I have access to a DAT recorder that has typically been used in primate vocalization recordings and am unsure as to whether or not this type of recorder can easily be hooked up to a hydrophone. I am wondering if anyone could help explain some of the basics of how to use a hydrophone or point me in the right direction. Is it possible to use my DAT recorder with a hydrophone? Is there any other type of equipment I should be using as well or does the hydrophone connect directly to the recorder through the use of a cable? Also, I am beginning my thesis in the fall and am hoping to include whistles as a variable. I have not narrowed down as of yet what I will be doing, but I am considering studying signature whistles or the social behaviors associated with whistles in a captive "show" setting. These dolphins are housed in an aquarium and spend a good portion of their time in shows for the public which I may also include as a variable in some way. I am wondering if anyone has tapes of whistle vocalizations of bottlenosed dolphins that I could use to familiarize myself. Since I do not live near a dolphin facility or the ocean, I will not be able to do this otherwise until I start my thesis which could set me back. I am currently analyzing non-human primate vocalizations and would like to continue this practice with dolphin whistles. The tapes would not be used as part of my thesis, simply as a means of practice and familiarizing myself with how these whistles can be analyzed with this equipment. Thank you in advance for your responses. If you have any further questions as to my purpose in requesting this information or could offer me suggestions or tapes, please email me at rybakjl(\)jmu.edu. Regards, Jennifer Rybak James Madison University rybakjl(\)jmu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 21:06:50 PST From: Delma Nataly Castelblanco Subject: radio-tracking amazonian manatee HELLO!!! (First, Please excuses me for my bad English.) I m a last year student of Biology, in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Actuality, I am working whit Fundacisn Omacha (Sarita Kendall adress my project) and I ve been trying to get much information about telemetry and techniques related. I want to make a radio-tracking project with the Amazonian Manatee Trichechus inungis, because there is not another one technical in order to reliable study and observation of amazonian manatee in wild life. The situation of this mammal in Colombia is very, very weak, and is urgent introduce a serious plan address to the protection and conservation of the manatee. The first step to obtain a considerable amount of information of biology and etology of this animal is the utilization of appropriate target and tracking techniques. However, the information in my country about this technologies, and about this specie, is extremely reduced and I don t know what to do with this lack of previous works. Do you know of any references pertaining to the work in telemetry in manatee (or anyone aquatic mammal)? How I can capture, target, radio-tracking etc a manatee? Where and how I can obtain the basic information about technologies of radio tracking in manatee? What equipment is less injurious for the animal? What is the possibility of work with GPS systems? In other hand, I m searching for some economic help for project financiation (or some kind of assistance in gets the equipment, consultantship, etc.) This aid will be great for this endangered specie and for me, please e-mail me anything you know. I know so little about this theme, and I really need your opinion. Please help me. Thank you, and again: any aid is well received. Pd: Colombia is a great country, visit us. Delma Nataly Castelblanco Martmnez Biologma-Universidad Nacional de Colombia Tel. 223-2103 & 276-0824 Dir: Diag. 85 N:81-71 Santafi de Bogota Email: naticastel(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 07:50:48 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: m.m. bibliography website A colleague is working on a website that has a marine mammal bibliography. I thought it might be of interest to some folks. The introduction to the website, as well as the address, follows. For comments on the website, or further information, you may also contact the person at: schiroa(\)midusa.net This site is to help keep researchers informed of current marine mammal publications. While there is Marine Mammal Science and Aquatic Mammals dedicated to marine mammal publications, many are published in an extremely wide variety of journals. None of us can afford to subscribe to all the journals which publish marine mammal articles and few of us have access to more than a couple of abstracting services which do not cover all the journals. This site contains a simple search engine which will perform a complete text search of all records on this site. I have only added references from 1998 or references from the end of 1997 which have been indexed in 1998. So what is the catch? Well I know that I can't get every reference myself so e-mail me any new references you know of. Also include any new reports, thesis, etc. An abstract or summary would be great but not necessary. Also adding a few keywords will help others find the reference. Please excuse the adds. They are the only way to pay for this server space. If you actually visit one they are much more generous to me. ******************************************* The address is If available I add keywords to each reference (not visible). ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 12:37:54 +0800 From: Etienne Douaze Subject: Re: m.m. bibliography website In-Reply-To: <5166D7C1.(\)mms.gov> Dear all, The Dolphin Study Group has compiled a searchable bibliography of about 500 published articles, books and CD roms on dolphin behavior and communication. It can be reached at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/combib.html We are prepared to add any new published article in the database, for which we receive a printed hard copy. Also, some of you might be interested in the following databases that we have compiled on our site, namely: A cetacean Picture Database at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/pictures/ A sound analysis harware/software archive at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/datasoft.html And a worldwide database of hydrophone providers at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/datahy.html Best regards, Etienne. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Etienne Douaze Student of the Unexpected. Dolphin Study Group School of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore 10, Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119 073 Tel: (65) 874 30 48 Fax: (65) 475 12 56 mailto:douaze(\)dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg WWW: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 28 Mar 1998 21:31:22 -0800 Reply-To: kstoodley(\)sympatico.ca From: KEITH STOODLEY Organization: CD-EDUCATION Subject: Re: radio-tracking amazonian manatee Lotek Marine Technologies Inc. manufacture a marine mammal GPS unit specifically designed for manatee and dugong research. The units are available with optional radio and acoustic telemetry transmitters which can be monitored by a single SRX_400 receiver (you no longer require seperate radio and acoustic receivers). Radio and acoustic transmitters are also available as stand alone tags (or even in combination: a combined radio and acoustic transmitting or CART tag is available). Lotek Marine is a full service, integrated biotelemetry company that manufacture a wide range of radio, acoustic, satellite and archival (incl. TDR's and DST's or geoposition tags) marine mammal tracking products. For more information visit Lotek's home page at www:lotek.com/lotek or contact: Lotek Marine Technologies Inc. Phone: 1-709-726-3899 Fax: 1-709-726-5324 e-mail: marine.telemetry(\)lotek.com Delma Nataly Castelblanco wrote: > > HELLO!!! > > (First, Please excuses me for my bad English.) > > I m a last year student of Biology, in the Universidad Nacional de > Colombia. Actuality, I am working whit Fundacisn Omacha (Sarita Kendall > adress my project) and I ve been trying to get much information about > telemetry and techniques related. I want to make a radio-tracking > project with the Amazonian Manatee Trichechus inungis, because there is > not another one technical in order to reliable study and observation of > amazonian manatee in wild life. The situation of this mammal in > Colombia is very, very weak, and is urgent introduce a serious plan > address to the protection and conservation of the manatee. The first > step to obtain a considerable amount of information of biology and > etology of this animal is the utilization of appropriate target and > tracking techniques. However, the information in my country about > this technologies, and about this specie, is extremely reduced and I > don t know what to do with this lack of previous works. > > Do you know of any references pertaining to the work in telemetry in > manatee (or anyone aquatic mammal)? > > How I can capture, target, radio-tracking etc a manatee? > > Where and how I can obtain the basic information about technologies of > radio tracking in manatee? > > What equipment is less injurious for the animal? > > What is the possibility of work with GPS systems? > > In other hand, I m searching for some economic help for project > financiation (or some kind of assistance in gets the equipment, > consultantship, etc.) This aid will be great for this endangered specie > and for me, please e-mail me anything you know. > > I know so little about this theme, and I really need your opinion. > Please help me. > > Thank you, and again: any aid is well received. > > Pd: Colombia is a great country, visit us. > > Delma Nataly Castelblanco Martmnez > Biologma-Universidad Nacional de Colombia > Tel. 223-2103 & 276-0824 > Dir: Diag. 85 N:81-71 Santafi de Bogota > Email: naticastel(\)hotmail.com > > ______________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 08:09:08 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent marine mammal papers in Mammalia There are three marine mammal papers in the latest issue of Mammalia (1997, Volume 61, No. 4). Titles and authors are below. Miyazaki, N. and Shikano, C. Comparison of growth and skull morphology of Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, between the coastal waters of Iki Island and the oceanic waters of the western North Pacific. Miyazaki, N. and Shikano, C. Preliminary study on comparative skull morphology and vertebral formula among the six species of the genus Lagenorhynchus (Cetacea: Delphinidae). Derix, R.R.W.M. and Van Bree, P.J.H. On two recent life-strandings of adult hooded seals (Cystophora cristata Erxleben, 1777) on the Westeuropean continental coast. Subject: dolphins in freshwater (fwd) From: Gomercic Prof. Dr. Hrvoje Gomercic Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb 10000 ZAGREB, Heinzelova 55, CROATIA Fax: 385 1 214 697; E-mail: gomercic(\)rudjer.irb.hr Dear Marmamers, Some time ago in Croatia, the bottlenose dolphin from the Adriatic Sea entered river Zrmanja up to 11 km from estuary, and it was there two days. After that the dolphin returned to the sea. In literature I did not find any information of any similar event, except some information on Marmam few years ago. So, I would appreciate if anyone could send me any information on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) or any other marine dolphins or any other marine cetaceans straying or sojourn in rivers, deltas, i.e. freshwater, because I am preparing an article about this event. Please, send the information or reference to above address. Thank you, Hrvoje Gomercic Subject: Morbillivirus in SE Pacific small cetaceans (Abstract) Van Bressem M-F., Van Waerebeek, K., Fleming, M. and Barrett, T. 1998. Serological evidence of morbillivirus infection in small cetaceans from the Southeast Pacific. Veterinary Microbiology 59:89-98. Abstract The presence of morbillivirus-specific serum antibodies was examined by an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and virus neutralization tests in serum samples from 30 dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), 8 long-snouted common dolphins (Delphinus capensis), 2 inshore and 6 offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and 20 Burmeister's porpoises (Phocoena spinipinnis) taken in fisheries off central Peru in 1993-95. The sera from six dusky dolphins, one common dolphin and three offshore bottlenose dolphins were positive on a coat of dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) antigen in the iELISA. Several of these sera were also positive when tested against peste des petits ruminants and rinderpest virus antigen. Porpoise morbillivirus and/or DMV neutralizing antibodies were detected in the sera of two bottlenose and three dusky dolphins that reacted positively with DMV antigen in iELISA and also in the sera of one common, one dusky and one bottlenose dolphin that were negative in the iELISA. These results strongly suggest that viruses closely related, or identical, to the cetacean morbillivirus present in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea infect several species of Delphinidae of the Southeastern Pacific. No convincing morbillivirus-specific antibody positive reactions were detected in the sera from either the Burmeister's porpoises or the inshore bottlenose dolphins. K.C.C. VAN WAEREBEEK (Director) Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research - CEPEC Jorge Chavez 302, Pucusana, Lima 20, PERU kvwaere(\)mail.cosapidata.com.pe fax/ph +51-1-430 9406 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 04:26:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Summer Job Announcment Naturalist/Mate/Dolphin Photo-ID Assistant The Nags Head Dolphin Watch is accepting applications for the 1998 research season. Our operational season is from May 20 to September 20. Now in our second season in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we operate a 30-passenger pontoon boat in the Roanoke, Croatan and Northern Pamlico Sounds. The Nags Head Dolphin Watch was founded to provide a base of operations for a new bottlenose dolphin photo-ID project in the Outer Banks. Responsibilities will include: Mate duties during dolphin-watch trips Naturalist duties, including speaking on the PA system Collection of environmental data, sightings, etc. Assisting in photo-ID catalog maintenance Previous experience in any, or all, of these areas would be a plus, but is not required. Boat operation and photographic experience would also be a plus. Applicants should be of college age or older. NOTE: The Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free work environments. Mates are required to pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing during the period of employment. Please send cover letter, resume and references to: Rich Mallon-Day 40 Orchard Lane Berwyn, PA 19312 r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com (610) 695-9309 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 10:58:46 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: News: Two stranded stenos returned to Gulf of Mexico Thought Marmammer's would like to know that the _Pensacola News Journal_ reported on 26 March, that two rough-toothed dolphins were rehabilitated and returned to the Gulf of Mexico on 25 March. These two males were among 62 rough-toothed dolphins that stranded on Cape San Blas near Port St. Joe, Florida on 14 December 1997. Only four dolphins survived during the mass stranding - these two males released by Mote Marine Lab and two females still recovering at the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach. None of those taken to Marineland at St. Augustine survived. The animals were satellite and radio-tagged. ***** A copy of the news article can be sent upon request. Make sure to send your name and snail mail address. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 15:30:17 +1000 From: Peter Corkeron Subject: Sirenian Action Plan May I introduce myself. My name is Joanna Hugues. I will be working on the Sirenian Action Plan for Professor Helene Marsh and will concentrate on the dugong section. I would be very thankfull if any person of the list server who works, has worked, on dugongs could help to get some information which is will use for the writting up of the report. I would be interested on any information on the distribution of dugongs by country, their abundance (regular sightings or occasionnal), the laws towards dugong protection and their inforcement in the country where they are found (if known). If you also have any information on the habitats (degradation, loss, conservation, protection), and any conservation project in that took place in the past, that are taking place now, or that will take place in the future. IF you have any information at all that you might think could be beneficial to the Sirenian Action Plan on the dugong section, I would be very thankfull if ou could reply to me as soon as you get the time to do so. You could phone me at : 07 4781 4325 or fax me at 07 4781 5581. I am temporarily using Peter Corkeron E-mail until I get one set up for myself so or reply on his e-mail until I send another letter giving my email address or send your information to Professor Helene Marsh to my attention. her e-mail address is: Helene.Marsh(\)jcu.edu.au Thank you very much for our attention. I do apologize if my English is far form perfect. It is however my second language, my mother tongue being French. So if any one on the service is a French speaker , you are more than welcome to write to me in French. Sincerely. JOanna Hugues. Peter Corkeron School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia Phone: 61 7 47 815561 Fax: 61 7 47 814020 email: Peter.Corkeron(\)jcu.edu.au Home page ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 06:46:07 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: newsclip - low-frequency and HI humpbacks Scientists, environmentalists clash over whale research Low-frequency sounds beamed at humpbacks in Hawaii March 31, 1998 KONA, Hawaii (CNN) -- Endangered humpback whales wintering in Hawaiian waters are the subject of an experiment that is pitting environmental groups against researchers. The humpbacks spend the warmer months in the Gulf of Alaska, but return to Hawaii in the winter where they calve, sing, and play in the warm Hawaiian waters. Although the whales are a tourist attraction, the island waters are a marine sanctuary and whale-watching boats are required to keep their distance. The researchers are transmitting low-frequency sounds underwater in the direction of the whales and studying the reactions as recorded on research instruments. "There's no doubt that at some level sound is harmful," says testing director Joseph Johnson. "The question is, what is that level, and that's part of what we're trying to do here is study the lowest order of behavioral effects of low-frequency sound on marine mammals." But several environmental groups have tried to stop the experiments in court, and to disrupt them in the water. Both sides agree whales are highly sensitive to sound, but when it comes to whether the low-frequency transmissions are harmful to them, the two sides are oceans apart. "The references exist in scientific journals showing that whales avoid these kinds of sounds," says Marsha Green of the Ocean Mammal Institute. "We already have evidence whales can be killed, perhaps, by 195 decibels." The Navy is paying for the research because it wants to use low-frequency sound to detect submarines, and the researchers say they are taking every precaution not to harm the whales. "I would never propose an experiment of any kind that I thought could possibly harm a whale," says professor Chris Clark of Cornell University. Scientists say that early results show that no apparent harm is being done, and that the whales typically sing right through the sounds. But protesters say the sounds have driven whales away and caused strange behavior. "It seems as though the whales are much more engaged in surface activity," says Chris Reid, one of the protesters. "We'll look very carefully at these data and see if there is any statistical difference between their behavior when we're transmitting," says professor Kurt Fristrup of Cornell. "But at the moment there's no obvious feature that stands out." ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 15:29:46 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: newsclip - JJ the gray whale returns home J.J. the whale returns to her ocean home March 31, 1998 SAN DIEGO (CNN) -- The first California gray whale rescued as an infant last year and raised by humans was returned to the Pacific Ocean Tuesday after a transport operation by road and sea befitting the mammal's size and weight. The 32-foot long, 18,000-pound (9.7 meters, 40,000 kilograms) whale was hoisted off the deck of a Coast Guard cutter and released from a sling. She splashed briefly before plunging underwater. J.J. has several challenges ahead of her: dodging predators and avoiding fishing nets. The whale started her journey back to sea on a bed of foam rubber in an open-topped 18-wheel truck, while handlers misted her down with water and piped in whale sounds to calm her. After the one-hour, 12-mile trip to the U.S. Navy pier at San Diego Bay, her specially made sling was strapped to a crane and hoisted onto the cutter for the final leg of her journey home to the wild. Keepers at Sea World had raised her ever since she was washed ashore as a newborn in the surf off Los Angeles' Marina del Rey on January 11, 1997. J.J. was malnourished, dehydrated and undersized, leading authorities to believe she was abandoned by her mother during the migration south to Baja California, where most gray whales are born. Her umbilical cord was still attached and she was too young and too sick to survive on her own. Marine biologists, desperate to learn more about the gray whale species, took a chance on J.J., transporting her 120 miles to San Diego's Sea World for emergency care. The hope was that she would live so researchers could study her in a controlled environment and then track her once released back to the sea. Scientists will now monitor J.J. by boat for the first three or four days. Then they will use four electronic transmitters attached to J.J.'s back to monitor her movements. If the batteries don't fail and J.J. doesn't knock out the transmitters, researchers can watch her for as long as 18 months. One critical point for her will be Monterey Bay, where killer whales, natural predators of gray whales, live in large numbers. "We're not certain if her avoidance of predators is instinctive or learned behavior," Sea World curator Jim Antrim said. "This is one way we might learn that." Another behavior researchers hope to understand is a popping noise gray whales make. Ann Bowles, who studied J.J.'s vocalizations and played her those of her fellow whales, believes it may be a navigational tool. "J.J. didn't make those noises in her pool," Bowles said. "There was no need, since she knew her boundaries. That's why we believe the sounds are used in navigation. Maybe now, we'll find out." If J.J. doesn't migrate, it doesn't mean Sea World will take her back to their tank. Joe Cordaro, a wildlife biologist for the National Marine Fisheries, said researchers won't intervene if J.J. is attacked or if her demise is because of a natural occurrence. "Once she returns to the ocean, she has the status of a free-ranging marine animal," he said. "That means she'll have to make it own her own." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 04:33:35 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: dolphin trainer: job opportunity (fwd) From: "Costa" The Aquarium of Genoa seeks: Senior Trainer for Dolphins A professional senior dolphin trainer with at least 5 years marine mammmal training experience (minimum 3 years with dolphins). Applicants will be responsible for implementation of strinct dolphins training regime and assisting with any associated staff training. The position will be for an initial 1 year contract (negotiable) and carries with it a generous salary and accomodation provision. Application should be submitted in writing with full c.v. by May 1st (latest) to: The Personnel Officer Acquario di Genova Area Porto Antico 16128 Genova Italy Subject: tracking rough-toothed dolphins in Gulf of Mexico Yesterday I posted information about two rehabilitated rough-toothed dolphins that were released in the Gulf of Mexico. Mote Marine Lab, on their web site, has a map tracking movements of the dolphins. Thought it might be of interest to some folks: http://www.mote.org/~mkmetz/track.phtml ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 21:38:46 +0000 From: oliver_kiely(\)ucc.ie Subject: Potential European Seal Research Meeting Hi there, Some weeks ago I posted a message here to gauge the level of interest in a meeting of European Seal Researchers, to take place in Cork in September of this year. Happily, there was great feedback from all over Europe and also some interest from North America and the general feeling was that such a meeting would be very welcome. However, the proposed date was inconvenient for many research teams and we feel that winter or early Spring would be a better time for most people. Unfortunately, due to our own circumstances and work commitments it will not be possible to organise at that time. However, if there is someome who would be happy to take the idea on I and others in Europe would like to see it happen and I would be happy to render some assistance in this regard. Many thanks for your responses and ideas regarding the proposed meeting. Best wishes, Oliver Kiely, Coastal Resources Centre, Dept. of Zoology and Animal Ecology, National University of Ireland, Cork. IRELAND Tel. +353 21 904283 Fax. +353 21 270562 Email: o.kiely(\)ucc.ie ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 08:46:05 -0500 From: Thomas McIntyre Subject: Job opening Endangered Species Division , "Brian P. Hayden (IPM Return requested)" The vacancy announcement for the Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring MD USA is available at http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/index.html The specific announcement can be found under H/NMF/98043.KC The vacancy will be open from March 25 through April 22 1998 United States citizenship is required for any of the positions listed at this site. Please inform your colleagues of this job site, as all vacancies for NOAA employment are posted there. Tom McIntyre F/PR NMFS/NOAA 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 Thomas.Mcintyre(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 11:00:12 -0900 From: Greg Krutzikowsky Subject: bowhead ADL Dear Marmarmers, I'm trying to come up with theoretical arerobic dive limits (ADL) for bowhead whales. Unfortunately, many of the numbers needed for direct calculations such as total body oxygen stores, metabolic rate, etc. haven't been measured. The best that I've come up with is an ADL equation for cetaceans from Schreer and Kovacs, 1997 that is based on oxygen stores and swimming oxygen consumption of bottlenose dolphins: ADL = 1.73*(body mass)^0.25, where ADL is in min, body mass is in kg. Although I estimated lengths of the bowheads in question, I obviously didn't weigh them. The best length to mass conversion that I found (Thomson, 1987) was based on converting known scale aerial photographs to estimates of volume and assumed density of 1 kg/L. The equation given was: body mass = 0.0417*(length)^2.675, where body mass is in metric tons (1000 kg) and length is in meters. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who might be able to offer any insight into making ADL calculations or has any pertinet data for bowheads. Please respond to my e-mail address, not the list. Thanks Greg Greg Krutzikowsky Marine Mammal Research Group Hatfield Marine Science Center Newport, OR 97365 phone: (541) 867-0288 e-mail: krutzikg(\)ucs.orst.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 22:07:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: (Fwd) Fwd: Measuring Behavior '98 (fwd) This is forwarded from Wineke Schoo. Please reply directly to w.schoo(\)noldus.nl ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MEASURING BEHAVIOR '98 Deadline for abstracts extended to 1 May 1998 The local organizing committee, in consultation with the program committee, has decided to extend the deadline for submission of abstracts for the Measuring Behavior '98 conference (Groningen, 18-21 August 1998) to 1 May 1998. The timespan between the printing of the preliminary program booklets and the original deadline was rather short, and quite a few people told us they did not have enough time to prepare an abstract. We hope that more scientists and students will now be able to submit an abstract for a paper, poster or demonstration. If you have not received the preliminary program with registration materials yet, send an email request to mb98(\)noldus.nl. All information is also available from the conference web site at http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm. We look forward to seeing you in Groningen! Wineke Schoo Chair, Local Organizing Committee Phone: +31-(0)317-497677 Fax: +31-(0)317-424496 E-mail: w.schoo(\)noldus.nl WWW: http://www.noldus.com Subject: Seals dying from mystery disease (fwd) From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Seals dying from mystery disease in New Jersey BRIGANTINE, N.J., April 1 (Reuters) - Seals in New Jersey have been dying in unusually high numbers from a mysterious disease that starts with a cough and a runny nose, a leading animal treatment facility said on Wednesday. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey northeast of Atlantic City, reported that one-third of the 31 seals brought to its facility this year have died so far. That is more than double the usual mortality rate of 14 percent. The disease has been found among all four local seal species -- gray, harbor, harp and hooded. But hooded seals, an Arctic species that winters along the U.S. mid-Atlantic Coast, have had the worst of it. Only two of six hooded seals treated at the stranding center have survived. Researchers are trying to determine whether the sick seals brought to the center are suffering from a virus. Some have died just hours after arriving at the facility. "We aren't sure it's a virus, or anything else right now," said the center's director, Robert Schoelkopf. The disease responsible for the deaths begins with coughing and nasal discharges and leads to a loss of appetite. Death occurs through respiratory failure. Biologists hope to learn more about the illness from veterinary labs at the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Maryland, which have all received tissue samples for analysis. Peter Stivick, a research associate at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, said the unusually high seal death rates were largely confined to New Jersey. "Most of ours appear to be fat and healthy," he said. Researchers also noted that hooded seals have been ranging further south and in larger numbers recently. The New Jersey and Delaware coasts traditionally have marked the southern boundary of their territory. But in recent years, some have turned up in Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Subject: El Nino Drives Away Fish in Peru (fwd) From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: El Nino Drives Away Fish in Peru SAN JUAN NATURE RESERVE, Peru (AP) -- A sickly smell of death hangs over Peru's southern beaches, where thousands of starving sea lions have washed ashore to die. El Nino has driven away the fish they eat. Feeble sea lions bake under the desert sun in the San Juan Nature Reserve, 310 miles south of Lima. Vultures watch patiently. Of the 180,000 sea lions that lived on Peru's Pacific coast before El Nino arrived late last year, only 30,000 remain, said Patricia Majluf, a biologist with the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society. Thousands of sea lions have migrated away from the warmer waters brought by El Nino in search of fish, so there is no firm estimate on the number of deaths. But biologists have found 3,000 dead sea lions just in the San Juan reserve, where 9,000 to 15,000 sea lions usually live. All sea lion pups born so far this year at the reserve have died, Majluf said. The parents take so long searching for the few remaining fish that the pups starve on the beach while they are gone. During normal El Ninos only the pups die and the adult females survive to repopulate the coastline by the following year, she said. But the severity of this El Nino has killed an unusually large number of adult females. Females take five years to reach reproductive age. "Most of the dead sea lions we have found are adult females. This means that for this El Nino the probability of the population recovering rapidly is much lower," she said. Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service From: "Field, John" Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary >New info and changes since 3/27/98 are bracketed {...} >New info and changes since 4/1/98 double bracketed {{...}} > . >Marine Mammals > . > {Sea Lion Research Grant. On Mar. 26, 1998, officials of Premier >Pacific Seafoods, a company active in Bering Sea fisheries, announced the >donation of $120,000 to the Univ. of Alaska's Fishery Industrial Technology >Center, of which $20,000 will be used to fund sea lion population census >work.} [Assoc Press] > . > Gray Whale Release. SeaWorld San Diego anticipated releasing a >juvenile gray whale on Mar. 26, 1998. This animal had been under SeaWorld's >care since stranding on Jan. 11, 1997, on Venice Beach near Los Angeles, >CA. The U.S. Coast Guard will assist in the release, timed to coincide with >the annual northward migration of gray whales along the CA coast. Having >reached about 9 tons, this whale is considered the largest mammal ever held >in captivity. {On Mar. 31, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Conifer and the >U.S. Navy assisted SeaWorld San Diego in releasing a juvenile gray whale >into the Pacific Ocean, after recovering for 14 months from stranding.} >[Assoc >Press, American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc press release, SeaWorld San >Diego press release] > . > NZ Sea Lions. On Mar. 24, 1998, the Squid Management Company >ordered its vessels to stop fishing for squid near New Zealand's Auckland and >Campbell Islands to avoid exceeding the incidental quota of 63 Hooker sea >lion deaths. On Mar. 25, 1998, NZ officials announced the squid fishery >would >be officially closed on Mar. 27, 1998, to avoid exceeding the incidental >quota >for Hooker sea lions. The Hooker sea lion incidental quota earlier had been >reduced from 79 animals to 63 animals after mass mortalities of undetermined >cause killed about 1,400 pups and as many as 1,000 adults from a total >population of about 15,000 individuals. [Reuters] > . > BC Whale Watching Fatalities. On Mar. 22, 1998, the captain and a >German tourist were killed and two other passengers injured when a series of >heavy waves swamped a whale-watching vessel several miles offshore of >Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, despite compliance with regulations >requiring all whale-watching participants to wear coldwater survival suits. >[Assoc Press] > . > Portuguese Whalers. On Mar. 18, 1998, Portuguese officials donated >$500,000 to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, MA, for a permanent exhibit >to honor Portuguese/Azorean whalers and their contribution to New Bedford's >maritime heritage. [Assoc Press] > . > Australian Whale Protection. On Mar. 16, 1998, Australian officials >announced that sei and fin whales were being listed by Australia as >vulnerable >species, obligating the government to the development of species recovery >plans. [Assoc Press] > . > International Whaling Commission. On Mar. 16, 1998, Australian >officials announced that Australia would seek approval for a global whale >sanctuary at the IWC annual meeting in Oman in May 1998. [Assoc Press] > . > Whale Protection Appeal. On Mar. 12, 1998, MA state officials >announced that they would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review an October >1997 federal appeals court ruling directing MA to take steps to prevent >lobster >gear and fishing nets from harming northern right whales. [Assoc Press] > . > AK Eskimo Whaling Captains' Convention. On Mar. 11-13, 1998, >the 1998 AK Eskimo Whaling Convention is scheduled to convene in Barrow, >AK, to consider weapons' improvements, quota allocation, and legislative >resolutions. Whaling captains from 10 villages are expected to attend. >[Assoc >Press] > . > North Atlantic Blue Whale. On Mar. 7, 1998, scientists converged on >Narragansett Bay, RI, to study the first complete north Atlantic blue whale >carcass available since the late 19th century. The young male, one of an >estimated population of only 300 individuals in the north Atlantic, may have >been killed by collision with a ship. [Assoc Press] > . > Japanese Whaling. During an early March 1998 visit to Japan, New >Zealand's Prime Minister Jenny Shipley agreed to open discussions on New >Zealand's opposition to Japan's request for a resumption of commercial >whaling. [Reuters] > . > Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 5, 1998, the International Fund for Animal >Welfare (IFAW) announced that it had filed suit against the Canadian >government, seeking to block the export of seal penises to Asian markets on >the basis that it is against Canadian law for non-physicians to sell >testosterone. In mid-March 1998, the Canadian Sealers Association sought >to encourage increased acceptance of the seal hunt by distributing a >15-minute video in Britain, depicting the various uses of seal products. The >Canadian seal hunt is scheduled to begin in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in late >March 1998, and continue off the east coast of Newfoundland, with a season >quota of 275,000 seals. [Assoc Press, Reuters] > . > Low Frequency Active Sonar. On Mar. 5, 1998, Nature published an >article noting the unique occurrence of mass stranding of Cuvier's beaked >whales in the eastern Mediterranean coincident with 1996 tests of low >frequency active sonar. The article raises the question of a possible >cause-and-effect relationship between these events. On Mar. 9, 1998, U.S. >District Court Judge Helen Gillmore denied an injunction requested by >environmental groups seeking to halt U.S. Navy tests of a low frequency >active >sonar system in Hawaiian waters. Environmental activists threatened physical >disruption of testing. On Mar. 18, 1998, the HI County Green Party filed a >petition in U.S. District Court requesting a temporary restraining order on >Navy >tests, claiming evidence that the Navy has violated the terms of its testing >permit, including an apparent migration of whales from the test area. On >Mar. >18, 1998, U.S. District Judge Alan Kay denied a request by a HI religious >practitioner for a temporary halt in Navy testing. [personal communication, >Assoc Press, Reuters] > . > World Council of Whalers. On Mar. 2-6, 1998, the World Council of >Whalers held its first General Assembly in Victoria, British Columbia, >Canada. > Eighteen nations were represented at this meeting, and adopted a resolution >supportive of efforts by Iceland, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations of British >Columbia, and four small-type whaling communities in Japan to sustainably >use whales. [World Council of Whalers press release] > . > Keiko. On Mar. 2, 1998, the Free Willy Keiko Foundation unveiled the >design for a $350,000 floating net enclosure or sea pen, which is planned for >an unnamed sheltered North Atlantic location where Keiko will be acclimated >to a more natural environment. Components for the net enclosure will be >fabricated, beginning in mid-March 1998. The Foundation hopes to be able to >move Keiko to the net enclosure by spring 1999. In early March 1998, >Foundation representatives met with officials in Iceland and Ireland to >discuss >possible net enclosure sites. Officials in both nations were reportedly >receptive and enthusiastic about arranging a location for placement of >Keiko's >net pen. [Assoc Press, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. For additional information >on items in this summary or their sources, Members and congressional >staff may call Gene Buck (CRS-ENR) at 7-7262 or send a fax to 7-7289. >This summary is available daily or weekly (each Friday) via e-mail to >Members and congressional staff; requests from Members and >congressional staff to be added to the daily or weekly distribution list >may be e-mailed to "gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov". Subject: MarmamNews - March 1998 The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in March 1998 MarmamNews can be found at http://members.aol.com/marmamnews 03/01/1998 Groups demand U.S. Navy stop tests on whales U.S. Navy begins disputed tests on whales WA: Monkey Mia's newest dolphin baby named in competition 03/02/1998 WWF calls for ban on scientific whaling Design unveiled for Keiko's pen 'Free Willy' Sea Pen Is Unveiled 03/03/1998 More than 100 Sea Lions Die on Chilean Beaches 03/04/1998 U.S. Environment: Endangered Species Act in danger Sonar tests linked to beached whales in Greece 03/05/1998 Most of Auckland Islands reopened Greenpeace wants oil exploration permits - to count whales Canada-Seal Suit 03/06/1998 Cause of sea lion deaths still a mystery 03/07/1998 Blue Whale Found Dead Off R.I. QLD: Fishermen demand apology over dugong claims 03/09/1998 Submarine tests too loud for whales? 03/10/1998 Whale provides fodder for study Canadian Sealers Are Spin Doctors 03/12/1998 Sea lion deaths prompt curb on NZ squid fishery 03/13/1998 Environmentalists damn sea lion decision Last legal hurdle against Hinchinbrook resort lost 03/15/1998 Saving Animals From El Nino's Fury 03/16/1998 All Australian Whales Now Under Protection List Whale exhibit for Te Papa All Australian whales now listed under endangered law Close encounters prompt Sir Peter to sign "Stop Whaling" petition Whales in Aussie Waters Protected 03/17/1998 NMFS - Fishery Management Plan, Alaska 03/18/1998 CSIRO: Concerns for Australian sea lion AZA Supports SeaWorld Efforts on Behalf of Gray Orphaned whale to be released into ocean WWF: Dugongs and sustainable development a ... 03/19/1998 Nerve-racking moments on whale meat trail Canada seal hunt set to resume amid protests FED: Williams says full bore on Hinchinbrook now Main events scheduled for week of March 22-28 03/20/1998SeaWorld Begins Final Preparations To Release J.J. The Gray Whale 03/22/1998 SA: Hill launches dolphin study 03/23/1998 German dies in Canadian whale-watching accident Rescued Baby Whale To Return to Sea Whale-Watching Boat Capsizes; 2 Die Australian sea lions in jeopardy Greenpeace send ship to sea lions 03/24/1998 Drift-net fishing banned by Ministers NMFS - Northern Anchovy Fishery Management Plan 03/25/1998 Baby whale's release delayed Cincy Zoo accused in walrus calves flap 03/26/1998 Dolphin miracle boy speaks for first time Philippines Protects Whale Sharks Environment-Mexico: Pact to protect turtles Coast Guard - 'JJ' safety zone 03/27/1998 Dolphins Provide Therapy in Mexico 03/29/1998 Feature-Mexico's autistic kids see new world with dolphins El Nino Drives Away Fish in Peru Petition against 'Scientific Whaling' gains 50,000 signatures 03/30/1998 Mexican programme lets dolphins be the therapist Dolphins help British boy to speak for first time 03/31/1998 Orphaned whale released at sea after rehab Scientists, environmentalists clash over whale research J.J. the whale returns to her ocean home JJ the whale returned to the ocean off California Baby gray whale released into ocean WA: New protection as whale sharks return Baby whale to be released into ocean Movie's Killer Whale Not a Hunter ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 06:38:15 -0800 From: pgobers(\)super.furg.br Subject: Antarctic Humpback Whales ------ Dear Colleagues, The intention of this message is to find researchers interested i= n exchanging information on humpback whales in Antarctic. We are engaged in the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR), which include several project= s in Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, according to the aims and the politics of the Antarctic Treaty. We started our participation in the PROANTAR during the 1994/95 austral summer and continued in the last summ= er. The objectives of our whale project were: 1) to photo-identify humpback around the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula; 2)to estimate cetacean density in the same areas; 3)to record every cetacean sighted wh= ile the ship is steering. During this last summer, we were able to report abo= ut 700 cetaceans (including double countings), to photo-identify 40-45 humpbacks and to estimate whale density (mostly humpbacks)in the Gerlache Strait and aroud King George Islands. Abundance estimates by using distan= ce sampling are being tested. Our proposal for the coming year include an integrated study to correlate the krill biomass and whale density. Biopsying humpbacks for DN= A analysis is under evaluation.=20 In case there is anybody interested in exchanging information or = working in cooperation, please contact me at the address bellow. All my best regards, Eduardo R. Secchi Coordinator Marine Mammals Laboratory Museu Oceanogr=E1fico "Prof. Eli=E9zer C. Rios" C.Postal 379 CEP 96200-970 University of Rio Grande Rio Grande - RS, BRASIL e.mail PGOBERS(\)SUPER.FURG.BR fax ++55 532 329633 =20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 19:49:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Released Whale Sheds Transmitt Released Whale Sheds Transmitters By MICHELLE WILLIAMS Associated Press Writer SAN DIEGO (AP) -- J.J. may survive her life in the ocean, but no one will really know for sure. The gray whale, rescued as a sick infant and raised in captivity, shed both her transmitter packs in less than three days at sea, Sea World spokeswoman Jonna Rae Bartges said. "The only way she can be tracked now is going to be visually," Bartges said. "It's disappointing because they hoped to do some long range tracking of the migration." Sea World researchers followed her by boat until Thursday night. They recovered the first transmitter pack Wednesday off the coast of Coronado, a peninsula community across the bay from San Diego. The second pack was found late Thursday south of San Diego. The packs -- one radio transmitter and one satellite transmitter -- fit like a saddle and were secured with toggle bolts in her blubber. One set was on her back, the other near her blow hole. They were designed to operate for 18 months, but float to the surface if dislodged. Researchers believed the transmitters broke away when J.J. brushed against the ocean floor foraging for food. While one of the packets was undamaged, the second showed scratches and splintering. Although researchers had planned to stop following J.J. by boat, Bartges said now that J.J. had lost the transmitter packs, researchers could resume their observation. Biologist Pam Yochem of the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute said, despite the setback, researchers felt assured about J.J.'s changes of survival. Before the second pack was lost, it indicated Thursday morning that J.J. was near a migrating pod -- a female gray whale and two calves -- off Point Loma, west of San Diego. J.J. was found rolling in the surf near Los Angeles in January 1997. Sick and near death, the baby whale was taken to Sea World in San Diego where marine biologists nursed her back to health. When released, she was a healthy 19,200 poundsand 31 feet long. Yochem said the most critical time for J.J. was the first two days, and now she has passed that benchmark, researchers believe she will survive even if they lose track of her. Since being released into the sea Tuesday, J.J. has stayed within a 15-mile radius off Point Loma, swimming south to Imperial Beach and north to Coronado, a peninsula community across the bay from San Diego. "They are exploratory movements," Yochem said. "She's just trying to figure out where she is." Researchers were encouraged by J.J.'s first few critical days -- bobbing her head out of the water to get her bearings and making vocalizations. "You realize she's not this big thing in a pool anymore," said researcher Ann Bowles, who played J.J. sounds from gray whales so she'd recognize them as friendly voices in the ocean. "She's a youngster, just a small thing in a big ocean." ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 05:59:41 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: graduate student openings (fwd) Forwarded message: GRADUATE STUDY OPPORTUNITY IN NEW ZEALAND: Places are available for one or two additional graduate students (MSc or PhD) for research projects on marine mammals. Depending on the skills and interests of the student, these projects could either focus mainly on population viability analysis or other data analyses, or could include a substantial field component. Examples: 1. Construct population viability analysis models for Hector's dolphins, using existing data. 2. Gather photo-identification data to assess movements and survival rates of Hector's dolphins, and use these and other existing data to construct population viability analysis models. 3. Gather data on movement patterns on new and expanding colonies of New Zealand (Hooker's) sea lions, and construct a spatially structured population model for this species to predict the recovery of this species. 4. Study the effects of tourism on Hector's dolphin, using a theodolite to make behaviour observations with and without boats. This project could include analysis of questionnaires for boat operators and tourists to assess the educational benefits of dolphin watching. 5. Study the effects of tourism on sperm whales using clifftop and boat observations. I am also interested in your suggestions for projects. Skills that would increase your chances of being accepted: * population modelling experience (with marine mammals or other species) * interest in experimental design, data analysis, statistics or mathematics * field experience (photo-ID, boat handling, theodolite experience) * data handling experience (compiling photo-ID catalogs, experience with Excel and other spreadsheet or database programs, GIS) Please send or email a CV and academic record to: Dr Liz Slooten Director of Environmental Science University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand liz.slooten(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz DEADLINE: 15 June 1998 (Successful applicant(s) will be selected in July) *********************************************** Dr Elisabeth Slooten Director of Environmental Science University of Otago, P.O. Box 56 Dunedin, New Zealand Fax (03) 479-8336 Ph (03) 479-7980 or (025) 474-418 Subject: El NINO BULLETIN 23 ISSUED seabird(\)uct.ac.za, FISH1IFR(\)aol.com, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU, consbio(\)u.washington.edu, TWS-L(\)LISTSERV.VT.EDU, ens(\)envirolink.org ------ *********ENSO 97-98: CURRENT REPORTS ON EVENTS************** This electronic mailing is intended to provide near real-time reports primarily on marine and terrestrial events that may be linked to the development of the 1997 El Ni=F1o/Southern Oscillation which appears to b= e one of the most severe ENSO events in history. Emphasis is on seabirds and changes to marine ecosystems, but we appreciate other report= s that may expand our understanding of effects. These include rainfall, flooding, or associated disease outbreaks. We try to be inclusive and t= o let hindsight separate ENSO from other effects. Report 23, 4 April 1998, is available at http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/ENSO.html To be placed on the emailing list for future bulletins, contact --------------------- SYNOPSIS El Nino: 16 March to 1 April: While Peru, Ecuador and to a lesser extent California suffer from heavy rains and flooding, Asia, Namibia, and Hawai= i continue in drought. Indonesia appears on the brink of collapse. Recovery of eastern African nations battered by flooding may be stopped by the ons= et of normal seasonal rains. Dengue Fever appears to be very widespread in Brazil. Cholera is a problem in most nations experiencing major flooding. Famine (or "acute food supply inadequacy" in diplomatic jargon), because of El Nino related events, appears possible or to be occurring in Centra= l America, Indonesia, Brazil, Guyana, Haiti, Somalia and perhaps parts of Kenya. --------------------- Titles of individual reports NOVEMBER 1997. WASHINGTON STATE FEBRUARY 1998. U.S. PACIFIC COAST: OCEANOGRAPHY AND FISHERIES 20 FEBRUARY 1998. BRAZIL: DENGUE FEVER 20 MARCH 1998. ECUADOR: CHOLERA 22 FEBRUARY 1998: TIBET: CLIMATE (SEVERE WINTER) 26 FEBRUARY 1998. PACIFIC ISLANDS 27 MARCH 1998. NAMIBIA: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 14 -17 MARCH 1998. MEXICO: SEABIRD (MORTALITY) 16 MARCH 1998. GEORGIA: IMPACT (FLOOD) 16 MARCH 1998. PERU: CLIMATE (IMPACT) 16 MARCH 1998. HAWAII: CLIMATE (FIRE) 16 MARCH 1998. U.S.A.: TORNADOES 16 MARCH 1998. PERU: FATALITIES 16 MARCH 1998. TENNESSEE: CLIMATE 16 MARCH 1998. ALASKA: OCEANOGRAPHY 16 MARCH 1998. SOUTHERN AFRICA: FOOD FORECAST 17 MARCH 1998. MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND AND NEW YORK: CLIMATE AND LAND= BIRDS 18 MARCH 1998. NAMIBIA: AGRICULTURE 19 MARCH 1998. COSTA RICA: CLIMATE 19 MARCH 1998. SOUTH AFRICA: SEABIRDS 19 MARCH 1998: ATLANTIC CANADA: CLIMATE & MARINE MAMMAL (POTENTIAL MORTAL= ITY) 19 MARCH 1998. USA: CLIMATE (FORECAST) 20 MARCH 1998. PERU: CHOLERA 20 MARCH 1998. TANZANIA: CLIMATE (FORECAST) 20 MARCH 1998. ALASKA: FISHERY 21 MARCH 1998. KENYA: DISEASE 21 MARCH 1998. BRAZIL: CLIMATE (FIRES AND DROUGHT) 22 MARCH 1998. MARSHALL ISLANDS: IMPACT (DROUGHT) 23 MARCH 1998. AUSTRALIA: CLIMATE (FIRES) 23 MARCH 1998. CENTRAL AMERICA: FOOD SUPPLY 23 MARCH 1998: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND HAITI: FOOD SUPPLY 23 MARCH 1998. NORTH KOREA: FOOD SUPPLY 23 MARCH 1998. U.S. RESEARCH: ECONOMIC BENEFIT 23 MARCH 1998. MONGOLIA: FOOD SUPPLY 24 MARCH 1998. PERU: AGRICULTURE 24 - 25 MARCH 1998. CHINA: CLIMATE (FLOODS PREDICTED) 25 MARCH 1998. PERU: FISHERY 25 MARCH 1998. BRITISH COLUMBIA: RIVER RUNOFF 26 MARCH 1998. PERU: FISHERIES 26 MARCH 1998. EARTH: ROTATION 26 MARCH 1998. GUYANA: EFFECTS (STATE OF EMERGENCY) 26 MARCH 1998. PERU: FISHERIES 26 MARCH 1998. BORNEO: CHOLERA 27 MARCH 1998. CALIFORNIA: CLIMATE (STORM) 27 MARCH 1998. SOMALIA: CHOLERA AND HEAVY RAINS 27 MARCH 1998. SOUTHEAST ASIA: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 28 MARCH 1998. PERU: FISHERY (ANCHOVETA) 29 MARCH 1998. PERU: IMPACT (PLANE CRASH) 29 MARCH 1998. PERU; MARINE MAMMAL (MORTALITY) 29 MARCH 1998. PHILIPPINES: IMPACT (FOREST FIRES) 29 MARCH 1998. INDONESIA: CLIMATE (FOREST FIRES) 30 MARCH 1998.THAILAND: IMPACT (FOREST FIRES) 29 MARCH 1998. VIETNAM: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 30 MARCH 1998. SRI LANKA: CLIMATE (DROUGHT) 30 MARCH 1998. MINNESOTA: TORNADOES 30 March 1998. ECUADOR: CLIMATE (IMPACT) 30 MARCH 1998 ECUADOR (GALAPAGOS): CORAL BLEACHING 31 MARCH 1998. HONG KONG: CLIMATE (WETTEST YEAR) 31 MARCH 1998. NORTHERN HEMISPHERE (CLIMATE) 31 MARCH 1998. BRAZIL (HEAVY RAINFALL PREDICTED) 31 MARCH 1998. INDIAN OCEAN: CLIMATE (CYCLONE SEASON DELAYED) 31 MARCH 1998. NEW JERSEY: CLIMATE (RECORD HIGH) 26 MARCH 1998. PERU: OCEANOGRAPHY AND FISHERIES 28 MARCH 1998. ALASKA: SEABIRD (MORTALITY) 31 MARCH 1998. ALASKA: LANDBIRDS (HUMMINGBIRDS ARRIVE) 1 APRIL 1998. SOUTH AMERICA: CHOLERA 1 APRIL 1998. INDONESIA: FAMINE 1 APRIL 1998. PANAMA: CORAL (BLEACHING) ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 06:04:57 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list ++ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM 4. Reasons for rejection of messages FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? 6. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 7. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 9. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 13. How do I get other information on marine mammals? 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of December 1997 there were over 3,000 subscribers from 55 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000 list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list. - Messages in another language provide an english translation Note. MARMAM cannot receive attachments - please submit messages as text only. _______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - information not related to marine mammal research or conservation - animal rights calls for action - communication between humans and other animals - 'casual' requests for information that is easily available elsewhere - information requests without details as to why this is being requested - news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - requests for volunteer positions/employment - requests for small numbers of specific items (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - opinion statements offering little or no novel arguments - messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - humourous anecdotes _______________________________________________________________ 4. More detail on reasons for rejection of messages. 'CASUAL' REQUEST. Messages which request information which is readily available from other sources, such as your average university library, are not posted to the list. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. INPROPERLY FORMATTED OR FULL OF TYPOS. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send the message: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 9. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). As of Nov. 28 1996 all MARMAM messages have also been archived on the world-wide web. These can be found at: http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive can be searched by keyword or by date. The archive manager is Quyen Lam ______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 13. More Information on Marine Mammals WORLD-WIDE WEB LINKS Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" OTHER EMAIL DISCUSSION LISTS Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, or Shannon Gowans) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 10:25:07 -0700 From: Jim Moore Subject: Re: Released Whale Sheds Transmitt >Released Whale Sheds Transmitters > >By MICHELLE WILLIAMS > Associated Press Writer > SAN DIEGO (AP) -- J.J. may survive her life in the ocean, but no >one will really know for sure. > Yochem said the most critical time for J.J. was the first two >days, and now she has passed that benchmark, researchers believe >she will survive even if they lose track of her. How long would it take a whale JJ's size to die, of any cause other than predation or beaching? EG, starvation, disease, navigational error, social gaffe leading to aggression ... I'm not trying to 'start anything' here, but _would_ very much like clarification of the rationale for this 2-day critical period, which seems terribly short to me for any sort of scientific confidence in JJ's prognosis. Not sure if this is a related point or not: > Researchers believed the transmitters broke away when J.J. >brushed against the ocean floor foraging for food. How much bottom feeding is thought to go on in southern California waters? Is there any reason to think she may have been scratching an irritation rather than attempting to feed? If she _was_ trying to feed, given her location and depth since release, what would she likely have been getting? Here's hoping the visual tracking keeps confirming her travels for many years to come! cheers Jim -------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Moore ERROR MESSAGE: Anthro 0532 UCSD First snow, then silence. La Jolla CA 92093 This thousand dollar screen dies fax 619 534-5946 so beautifully. jjmoore(\)ucsd.edu http://weber.ucsd.edu/~jmoore/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 09:13:02 -0400 From: Phillip Clapham Subject: Gray whale I echo Jim Moore's comment about the contention that JJ could survive as long as she passed the two-day mark. There is no reason for saying this. I have seen young baleen whales (that are entangled and unable to feed) starve to death over extended periods, probably months. Given the fasting capability of this species, an animal could clearly survive on body fat for a long time. Regarding availability of prey in California waters, there are a lot of records of gray whales remaining in the northern part of the region over the summer, so presumably suitable prey can be found. Phil Clapham phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 16:20:07 -0500 From: "Naomi A. Rose" Subject: Re: Released Whale Sheds Transmitt Jim Moore wrote: >>Released Whale Sheds Transmitters >> >>By MICHELLE WILLIAMS >> Associated Press Writer >> SAN DIEGO (AP) -- J.J. may survive her life in the ocean, but no >>one will really know for sure. > > > >> Yochem said the most critical time for J.J. was the first two >>days, and now she has passed that benchmark, researchers believe >>she will survive even if they lose track of her. > > How long would it take a whale JJ's size to die, of any cause > other than predation or beaching? EG, starvation, disease, > navigational error, social gaffe leading to aggression ... > > I'm not trying to 'start anything' here, but _would_ very much > like clarification of the rationale for this 2-day critical > period, which seems terribly short to me for any sort of > scientific confidence in JJ's prognosis. I'm very glad Jim Moore asked this question. I sincerely hope that somebody from the Sea World community or anybody else involved in JJ's release will respond to Jim's question here on MARMAM. I too am not really trying to 'start anything,' but I have to say that this statement by Pam Yochem really floored me. It is possible, I suppose, that she was merely expressing her own opinion when she said this, but I'm inclined to assume she was expressing a Sea World corporate opinion. It seems to me that an individual of a species of whale that fasts for weeks and even months can go quite some time before it becomes evident that she is not fending for herself. It is also possible Pam Yochem simply meant that if JJ didn't strand outright in the first two days, at least that meant she was swimming and navigating adequately to stay offshore (the reporter may have been the one to carry it further, to future survival -- the media has a tendency to exaggerate). But if the reporter conveyed her meaning accurately, it hardly seems like an appropriate success criterion to me. It also seems hypocritical, after all the criticism spokes-people for Sea World have leveled at other cetacean release efforts in the past, releases where animals were known to have survived for far more than two days before observers lost track of them. It is telling, I think, that the time period expressed as the 'critical time for JJ' matched how long she managed to keep her tags. In my opinion, this appears to be a post-hoc rationalization to appease the concerns of the lay public following JJ's story, not anything based on sound science. Given that we may now never know JJ's fate (although hopefully JJ will be spotted periodically throughout the next months if not years), it becomes very convenient to say she is likely to survive, since one may never be proven wrong. > Not sure if this is a related point or not: > >> Researchers believed the transmitters broke away when J.J. >>brushed against the ocean floor foraging for food. > > How much bottom feeding is thought to go on in southern > California waters? Is there any reason to think she may have > been scratching an irritation rather than attempting to feed? > If she _was_ trying to feed, given her location and depth > since release, what would she likely have been getting? Again, I second these questions. To my view, implying that she rubbed off the tags feeding and to state this very tentative conclusion in a public forum seems to have more to do with public relations than science. I wish the very best for JJ and I believe that Sea World accomplished quite a feat in raising her and releasing her. But to imply in the media that two days of survival without stranding is a success is, to be blunt, irresponsible and has nothing to do with science. To further imply that she has been feeding herself, based on extremely limited information, is also irresponsible. If rash over-confidence (as opposed to appropriate caution) was not the impression that Sea World wanted to convey to the scientific community, then they should have been *much* more careful what they and their representatives said to the media. I will be very pleased to see a detailed response to these questions here on MARMAM from somebody involved in the JJ release. Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Scientist The Humane Society of the United States narose(\)ix.netcom.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 23:21:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Compilation of Marine Mammal CD-ROMS (fwd) COMPILATION OF MARINE MAMMAL CD-ROMS: 1. TITLE: Dolphin Encounters AUTHOR/DISTRIBUTOR: Dolphin Research Center, PO Box 522875, Marathon Shores, FL 33052-2875, (305) 289-1121 ext 233, Fax: (305) 743-7627 BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND INTENDED AUDIENCE: Includes trained behaviors, signature whistles, and references. PRICE: $39.95 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: PC only ___________________________________________________________________ 2. In the Company of Whales Discovery Home Entertainment, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814; (301) 986-1999 Based on the Discovery Channel TV feature. Contains information about whale biology and has a lot of photographs, video clips and sound tracks. There are spoken commentaries by Roger Payne, Alette Hohn, James Mead, and Chris Clark. Non-technical $49.95 PC 386 or higher, Windows 3.1 or higher, 4 MB RAM, VGA display. Mac version also available ________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Marine Mammals of the World Jefferson, T.A., S. Leatherwood and M.A. Webber. 1996 Created for Expert Center for Taxonomic Identification, University of Amsterdam. Available from Springer-Verlag Electronic Media, 175 Fifth Ave, NY, NY 10010 or Tiergartenstrasse 17, D-69121 Heidelberg, Germany. www: http://wwweti.eti.bio.uva.nl. For Mac version order ISBN 3-540-14509-5 for PC order ISBN 3-540-14508-7 Based on FAO's species identification guide, supplemented with updated information, provides descriptions of all marine mammal species and color illustrations and includes some sound and video clips, an interactive identification key and distribution maps. Text is hyperlinked. Technical $69.00 Mac version requires 68030 or Power PC, System 7, 8 MB RAM. PC version requires 486 or higher, 8 MB RAM, Windows 3.1 or higher, VGA display ________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Webster's Whales and Dolphins Webster Publishing, http://www.websterpublishing.com, ISBN 1-86398-206-X Includes color images and video, descriptions of whales and dolphins, evolution, anatomy and physiological adaptations, whales and man, whales and dolphin research. $29.95 PC: at least Pentium recommended, Windows 95 or Windows 3.1x, sound card, 256 colors, 8 MB RAM ____________________________________________________________________ 5. Whales Published in 1994 by Discis Knowledge Research Inc., 90 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, ON M2N3A1 ISBN: 1-55136-096-9 Developed in cooperation with the National Geographic Society, includes photographs, narration (English), music, and sound effects. Describes different kinds of whales, how whales breathe, swim and communicate (reportedly contains some inaccuracies and out of date information). Non technical. Designed for ages 4-9. $39.95 Mac and PC versions. PC: 386 or higher, Windows 3.1 or higher, 4 MB RAM, 256 colors, sound card, Mac: System 6.0.5 or higher, 4 MB RAM recommended with System 7 _______________________________________________________________________________ 6. Whales and whale watching (in Australia) Published in 1993 by Environmental Australia Biodiversity Group, Wildlife Management, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT 2601, Phone: +61 2 62500737, Fax: +61 2 62500314 Includes species details, still picture, video clip, distribution map. Non technical. Suitable for schools and general public. $A30 Mac with minimum 4 MB RAM, 256 colors. System 7 or higher, Quick Time must be installed. _______________________________________________________________________________ 7. ZooGuides Whales and Dolphins Published in 1997 by REMedia. 13525 Midland Road, Suite H, Poway, CA 92064, (619) 486-5030 (800) 573-63334. Natural history of cetaceans (including life cycle, body plan, ecology and adaptations) using narrated Quick Time movies, animations, color photos, and distribution maps. Non-technical (reportedly with inaccuracies). Intended for kindergarten -12 grades. $39.95 Mac or PC format. PC: 386 or higher, Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, 4 MB RAM (8MB recommended), sound card, Super VGA graphics card or later. Mac: Mac LC or higher, System 7, 4 MB RAM, 256 or more colors. ________________________________________________________________________________ 8. WhaleNet Guide to the Whales and other Marine Mammals of the North Atlantic Ocean This CD-ROM is still in development. Contains individual humpback whale's sighting histories compiled since 1976 in the Gulf of Maine. WhaleNet guide enables identification of individual humpbacks by characterizing their fluke patterns. Also provides information on 20 of the marine mammals common to the western North Atlantic. For additional information see http: //whale.wheelock.edu. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Annalisa Berta Professor Department of Biology San Diego State University San Diego, CA 92182 Office: (619) 594-5392 FAX: (619) 594-5676 Lab: (619) 594-4584 E-mail: aberta(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subject: NMFS: aboriginal subsistence w NMFS: aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas WASHINGTON,DC (FedNet, 6-APR-98) -- NMFS announces aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas and other limitations deriving from regulations adopted at the 1997 Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). For 1998, the quotas are 77 bowhead whales struck, and 5 gray whales landed. These quotas and other limitations will govern the harvest of bowhead whales by members of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) and the harvest of gray whales by members of the Makah Indian Tribe (Tribe). These are initial quotas that will remain in effect for the 1998 season unless they are revised as a result of the completion of arrangements with the Russian Federation. Any revisions to the quotas will be published in the Federal Register. DATES: Effective April 6, 1998. Comments on the aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas and related limitations must be received by May 6, 1998. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 18:28:32 -0700 From: Brent Stewart Subject: Re: Post-release tracking of JJ the rehabilitated gray whale Since the release of JJ at 1018 hrs on 31 March and our subsequent tracking and observation of her through 2 April, we have been analyzing the data collected and preparing a report on those observations. We expect that an abbreviated version will be posted on the internet (at Sea World's webpage) within a week, and will be updated as the analyses are completed. In the meantime, here are some responses to Jim Moore's questions and Phil Clapham's and Naomi Rose's offerings and a little background on the pre- and post-release tracking that might be of interest to some readers. Re: "How long would it take a whale JJ's size to die, of any cause other than predation or beaching?" Any answer is of course somewhat speculative. Given JJ's blubber reserves (JJ grew from around 1,700 pounds and 13 feet at rescue to about 19,000 pounds and 30 feet at release; dorsal midline blubber thickness above pectoral flippers approx. 5 cm at release), it was thought that she might be able to maintain herself for at least 3 to 4 weeks without feeding. Other challenges that were recognized (and identified repeatedly in our interviews and by NMFS in its statements to the media) as threats to her long-term survival were predation by killer whales, and perhaps white sharks, boat-collision (particularly as she makes her way north through the Southern California Bight), entanglement in gill nets or other anthropogenic materials, and wandering up bays and rivers where she might become lost and perhaps stranded. We noted that the first 24-48 hours post-release is *A* critical period, not *THE* critical period. The NMFS commented, in press conferences and in newspaper stories, on its plans and strategies for responding to these potential threats: 1) JJ would be on her own (i.e., NMFS would not intervene nor permit intervention), just as any other gray whale, should she become assaulted or stressed by natural threats or phenomena (such as predation), 2) threats to her well-being and survival from human-related sources would be handled on a case by case basis (e.g., response teams would be deployed to free her from entanglement in fishing nets, just like they are with other gray whales, and whales generally); 3) in the event of re-stranding, NMFS would assess the situation and request assistance to respond, including additional rehabilitation perhaps, on a case-by-case basis. Re: long-term survival and "scientific confidence in JJ's prognosis" Prior to release of JJ, all parties involved with her rehabilitation (including Sea World veterinarians and animal care specialists, various scientists, and most marine mammal and other biologists who had thought about the issue) were quite concerned about the length of her post-release survival. All were nonetheless hopeful, having watched this animal recover from a comatose, near-to-death state to an amazingly healthy juvenile whale of 19,000 pounds. Realistically though, the challenges that she would have to overcome to survive and integrate into the gray whale population were recognized to be awesome. Some causes for hope were the behaviors (e.g., autonomous bottom feeding in her pool at Sea World, her vocalizations, her responses to playbacks of gray whale sounds) that she exhibited during the 14 months of care at Sea World of California. We were also encouraged by the fact that she swam strongly, avoided obstacles such as boats and piers, etc., during our initial tracking period. However, our words to the press were consistently that we were "cautiously optimistic", not "assured", of her long-term survival. Re: post-release monitoring and tracking The plans for immediate post-release monitoring, which were roughed out in a workshop held in June 1997 and refined during the next several months, were to track JJ by boat (using both short-range VHF telemetry, satellite telemetry and passive acoustic triangulation and tracking of JJ's vocalizations) for one to three days after release. As mentioned earlier, we considered this to be *A* critical period based on experiences of the marine mammal rehabilitation community and on publications such as Wells et al. (1998; Marine Mammal Science 14:51-71; e.g., though the dolphin reintroduction did eventually succeed, the animals stranded twice within the first several hours of release). The primary objective was to observe JJ's behavior and movements to help better evaluate her chances of long-term survival and integration. The secondary objective was to try to get some feedback on the integrity of the telemetry instruments and their attachments. We also made plans for longer term tracking, considered to be a potential scientific bonus associated with JJ's rehabilitation and release. This tracking involved resightings by remote telemetry (satellite tracking) and photo-identification (from natural scars and marks). We will provide more on these plans and the results in a later technical report. Re: When the transmitters dislodged; "how much bottom feeding is thought to go on in southern California waters?"; "Is there any reason to think she [JJ] may have been scratching an irritation rather than attempting to feed?"; "...what would she likely be getting." We know pretty much when and where the instruments dislodged. The tenure of JJ's instruments is about the average, unfortunately, for such attachments on great whales, especially considering that we did not use implantable tags. We of course had hoped that the instruments would have stayed on longer and are disappointed that they did not eclipse the patterns of most previous studies. The instrument housings were a bit scraped up, in a manner consistent with rubbing against the ocean floor. Our observations (e.g., dive times, travel speed) during vessel tracking supported the notion that JJ might have been attempting to forage, and she was exhibiting this behavior in shallow water a few hours before the first transmitter was dislodged. JJ spontaneously began exhibiting 'benthic feeding' behaviors at Sea World last summer. Indeed she acquired virtually all of her food (about 400-800 pounds/day) from the bottom of the pool in this way beginning in late summer when the animal care staff weaned her from formula to solid food, so we know that JJ knew the basic mechanics of gray whale feeding. It is certainly possible that JJ purposefully attempted to dislodge the transmitters, independent of any foraging or exploring behavior, and we acknowledged this in interviews and still admit the possibility. We also note that foraging includes looking for food, not necessarily finding and consuming it. Very little is known about how much feeding gray whales do on their northbound migration, though there are a few anecdotal observations of juvenile gray whales apparently foraging among the southern California Channel Islands. In conclusion, we remain cautiously optimistic and hopeful that JJ will survive and thrive; we will provide further information on our tracking study when preliminary analyses have been completed. Brent S. Stewart, Ph.D., J.D. Senior Research Biologist Pamela K. Yochem, M.S., D.V.M. Senior Research Biologist Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute 2595 Ingraham Street San Diego, CA 92109 Brent S. Stewart, M.S.,Ph.D., J.D. Senior Research Biologist Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute 2595 Ingraham St. San Diego, CA 92109 email: stewartb(\)hswri.org FAX: 619-226-3944 Phone: 619-226-3870 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 13:51:34 +0100 Reply-To: pci043(\)alfa.ist.utl.pt From: "Manuel E. dos Santos" Organization: CAPS-IST Subject: Casualties of Naval Warfare ------ Dear Colleagues, In this and other lists we frequently read about new possible threats and problems faced by cetaceans in today=92s oceans. Recent examples have been the discussion about low-frequency sonars and the questions about rammings by boats. Well, I am bringing up another threat that might affect the welfare of marine mammals occasionally or permanently. Reading the book =93Anti-Submarine Warfare=94 (W. J. R. Gardner, 1996, Brassey=92s Sea Power Series, Vol 11., London), I came across the following casual statement: =93The most recent sustained ASW [Anti-Submarine Warfare] campaign, fough= t by the British against the Argentines in the South Atlantic in 1982, involved a high expenditure of ASW ordnance. With the exception of one submarine attacked on the surface, none was sunk or damaged. But it has been reported that a number of whales were attacked by torpedos and depth charges=94 (p. 52). Although this is something to be expected and certainly nothing new, it did leave me wondering. On top of everything we do to cetaceans and their habitats, we also aim at them with torpedos, depth charges, mines and other weapons designed to pierce the pressure hulls of submarines. I would like to compile information about mortality or injury caused to cetaceans directly (albeit unintentionally) by naval weapons: events that might have occurred in actual wars, affected species, comments on the likely effects of the various weapons, opinions about the potentially more letal areas, periods or navies, and any other relevant input. You may wish to reply to the list or directly to me. If I get direct replies of general interest, I will later post a summary to the list, withholding sender=92s identities if requested. Thank you. Manuel *************************** Manuel E. dos Santos, Ph.D. Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 32-34 1100 Lisboa Portugal Fax + 351-1-8863184 Email pci043(\)alfa.ist.utl.pt ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 13:39:22 +0200 From: Andreas Boldt Subject: Whale-Seabird Bibliography Dear "Marmamers" and "Seabirders" Some time ago I asked for information about interactions between seabirds and marine mammals for a planned project of mine. Many thanks to everybody who sent me literature, personal experiences, new contacts or other information about the topic. I hope I did not forget to thank everybody personally. One result of this request is a bibliographic list of papers dealing with associations and interactions between seabirds and marine mammals or papers that are useful in studying them. The list is now available on the homepage of the ORES Centre for Coastal Field Studies, Grandes Bergeronnes, Quebec, Canada at http://www.access.ch/ores/birdsbiblio.html The list is not comprehensive and does not include papers, that I have not yet been able to get a copy. I will update the bibliography from time to time. I am still interested in any kind of literature that is not on the list and everybody is welcome to send me his or her remarks. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Andreas Boldt Swiss Ornithological Institute Phone ++41 41 462 97 00 CH-6204 Sempach Fax ++41 41 462 97 10 Switzerland aboldt(\)anatomie.unizh.ch +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 14:31:03 -0500 From: Carl Zimmer Subject: Whale evolution book Greetings: MARMAM'ers interested in whale evolution are invited to take a look at a book I've just written called At the Water's Edge: Macroevolution and the Transformation of Life (Free Press/Simon&Schuster). Intended for a popular audience, it describes how scientists come to understand major evolutionary transitions, using as its prime examples the origin of tetrapods and the origin of cetaceans. Here's the chapter outline: Introduction--Life's Warps: Introduces the puzzle of major evolutionary transitions: how did major groups of organisms arise, how did new body plans emerge, and how did they move into habitats that would have killed their ancestors? Chapter 1: After a Lost Baloon. The first century of the search for the transition from fish to tetrapods, beginning with the discovery of the lungfish in Brazil in the 1830s to the discovery of Ichthyostega in Greenland in the 1930s. Chapter 2: Limitless Air, Ho! How the habitat of the first tetrapods turned out not to be arid and harsh but wet and lush, and the discovery in 1986 of the full skeleton of Acanthostega, the best-known early tetrapod. Chapter 3: How to Make a Hand. The coming together of embryology, genetics, and paleontology, as exemplified by our new understanding of how fins were transformed into limbs with digits. Chapter 4: Darwin's Saplings. Our present understanding of the rise of early tetrapods, based on the phylogeny of newly described animals such as Acanthostega. Chapter 5: The Mind at Sea. An overview of cetaceans--their physiology, biomechanics, and behavior--and a difficult question: how did they evolve? Chapter 6: The Equation of a Whale. The history of the study of ancient whales: from the discovery of the first whale fossils (initially taken to be giant marine reptiles) to the discovery of their closest relatives on land, the mesonychids. Chapter 7: Along the Tethyan Shores. The work of Philip Gingerich, who discovered Pakicetus, the oldest whale, as well as a Basilosaurus skeleton with hind legs complete with toes. Chapter 8: Walking to Swimming. The discovery of Ambulocetus, the oldest whale fossil with feet. Chapter 9: A Voyage Out. A summary of our current understanding of the origin and rise of cetaceans, including a discussion of the conflicts between molecular and morphological phylogenies. Chapter 10: On the Trails of Macroevolution. Some general principles that emerge from a comparison of the origins of tetrapods and cetaceans, as well as other transitions. Hope you like it. Cheers, Carl Carl Zimmer Senior Editor, Discover email:zimmer(\)panix.com phone: (212) 633-4836 fax: (212) 633-4817 Address: 114 5th Ave., 15th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 13:09:28 +0200 From: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara Subject: Re: Casualties of Naval Warfare Dear Manuel, the skeletal specimen of fin whale (19.3 m), currently on display at the Natural History Museum of Milano, was found stranded in Alghero (Sardinia) in 1855 after it had been hit by a navy cannon ball (Cagnolaro, L. 1977. Lo scheletro di Balaenoptera physalus (L.) esposto al Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano. Studio osteometrico. Natura (Milano), 68(1-2):33-64). Giuseppe ************************************** Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara Istituto Centrale per la Ricerca Applicata al Mare via di Casalotti 300, 00166 Roma * Italy tel. (+39) (6) 61570412 * fax (+39) (6) 61550581 email: disciara(\)tin.it ************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 16:10:43 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Marine Mammal Science - April 98 - articles Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, The following is a listing of article abstracts and titles of notes for the April 1998 issue of _Marine Mammal Science_. This message comes in two parts b/c it is too long to post as one. This is provided as a courtesy to the list editors, as well as the journal's editor. _Marine Mammal Science_ is a publication of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. Please note that I have provide addresses for the authors to whom correspondence and reprint requests should be directed; please do not direct such inquires to me. Many thanks to those of you who have written to me in the past in appreciation for providing this service. Sincerely, Dagmar Fertl ********************************************************************** Otani, S.*, Y. Naito, A. Kawamura, M. Kawasaki, S. Nishiwaki, and A. Kato. 1998. Diving behavior and performance of harbor porpoises, _Phocoena phocoena_, in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 209-220. *Department of Polar Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, 1-9-10 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173, Japan In order to monitor the diving behavior of free-ranging cetaceans, microdataloggers, with pre-programmed release mechanisms, were attached to the dorsal fins of two female harbor porpoises (_Phocoena phocoena_) in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan, in 1994. The two loggers were successfully recovered and a total of 141 h of diving data (depth and water temperature in 4,671 dives) was obtained. Both porpoises dived almost continuously, rarely exhibiting long-term rest at the surface. Maximum dive depths were 98.6 m and 70.8 m, repsectively, with more than 70% of diving time at 20 m or less. Most shallow dives were V-shaped with no bottom time. The V-shaped dives were significantly shallower in dive depth and shorter in dive duration than U-shaped dives. Descent rate was not constant during a dive. The deeper the dive depths, the faster the mean descent and initial descent rates. This suggests that porpoises have anticipated the depth to which they will dive before initiating the dive itself. ********************************************************************** Stewart, B.E., S. Innes, and R.E.A. Stewart*. 1998. Mandibular dental ontogeny of ringed seals (_Phoca hispida_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 221-231. *Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N6 X-rays of mandibles from ringed seal fetuses (n=15), newborns (n=12), and young-of-the-year (n=11), collected up to early June, were examined for the presence, location, and eruption patterns of deciduous and permanent teeth. The presence of a neonatal line and cementum in permanent canines was determined microscopically. Fetuses sampled in October-November had only unerupted, deciduous tooth germs, but by late January there were robust, deciduous teeth at i1-2 c1 pc2-4 and small permanent teeth at I1-2 C1 PC1-5. In newborns collected in early April, 109 of 143 (76%) deciduous teeth were resorbed completely. The remaining 34 deciduous teeth were partially resorbed; six (18%) had erupted and likely would be shed. By late April young-of-the-year had no deciduous teeth remaining. In newborns 54% of the permanent teeth (102/188) were erupted < 2mm, and by late May the permanent dentition was erupted fully. The neonatal line first appeared in the canine teeth of young-of-the-year collected in mid-April and was 100% present after early May. There was no cementum apparent on any canine collected up to early June. Two seals were missing one and two permanent incisors, respectively. No supernumerary teeth or morphological variants were observed. ********************************************************************** Calkins, D.G.*, E.F. Becker, and K.W. Pitcher. 1998. Reduced body size of female steller sea lions from a declining population in the Gulf of Alaska. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 232-244. *Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Dept of Fish and Game, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99518-1599, USA Nutritional stress is a leading hypothesis behind the decline in numbers of Steller sea lions in the Gulf of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and the Bering Sea. To evalute the hypothesis we compared body growth of female Steller sea lions 1.0-13.9 yr of age collected in the Gulf of Alaska during two time periods, 1975-1978 just prior to or early in the decline and 1985-1986 when the decline was well established. We found that growth, as measured by standard length, anxillary girth, and mass, was reduced during the 1980s, supporting the undernutrition hypothesis. We also found a suggestion of reduced growth in our 1970s and 1980s samples when compared to a collection of Steller sea lions obtained from the Gulf of Alaska in 1958. However, no direct link has been demonstrated between undernutrition and the actual decline in numbers. ********************************************************************** Oliver, G.W.*, P.A. Morris, P.H. Thorson, and B.J. Le Boeuf. 1998. Homing behavior of juvenile northern elephant seals. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 245-256. *233 Northrop Place, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA The aim of this study was to determine if juvenile northern elephant seals, _Mirounga angustirostris_, translocated from their rookery would return to it quickly and reliably. During the spring and fall of 1990 and 1991 we captured 75 seals at Ano Nuevo State Reserve, CA, U.S.A., and translocated them to release sites up to 100 km away. Eighty-eight percent of the seals returned to the capture site within 4.7+-4.3 d. Homing rate increased with age, but even the youngest seals (8-10 mo) homed at 73%. Homing rate didi not vary significantly with sex, season, or year. Data from diving instruments suggested that the seals often followed direct routes home, arrived on the rookery signficantly more often at night than during the day, and when released together, returned separately. Mean homing speed of 18 seals with complete diving records was 39 km/d (range 3-70 km/d). Instruments on seals had no detectable effect on homing range or homing speed. The translocation paradigm provides a powerful tool for conducting intensive short-term studies on free-ranging seals. ********************************************************************** Reep., R.L.*, C.D. Marshall, M.L. Stoll, and D.M. Whitaker. 1998. Distribution and innervation of facial bristles and hairs in the Florida manatee (_Trichechus manatus latirostris_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 257-273. *Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA The distribution and anatomy of sirenian perioral bristles (modified vibrissae) and facial hairs are of interest because of their use during feeding and tactile exploration. In the present study, we have identified six fields of perioral bristles on the face of the Florida manatee (_T. manatus latirostris_), four (U1-U4) on each side of the upper lips an doral cavity, and two (L1-L2) on each side of the lower lip pad, inside the oral cavity and rostral to the horny mandibular pad. Each field has a characteristic location, number of bristles, and range of bristle length and diameter. There is a mean of 110 (+-19) bristles per side, with no left-right differences. Branches of the infraorbital nerve innervate the bases of the largest bristles (U2 group) on the upper bristle pad, and the inferior alveolar nerve supplies of the bristles of the lower bristle pad. The dorsal and ventral buccal branches of the facial nerve innervate the superficial facial musculature, which is likely to be involved in bristle eversion and other movements which constitute feeding behavior. Hair is denser in the facial region than on the remainder of the body. Within the face, hair is denser on the oral disk than on the supradisk. The oral disk contains bristle-like hair, whereas the supradisk region possesses hair that is similar in length and diameter to that on the postcranail body. The mean total of bristles and hairs per face was 1,942. Means for the subregions were 220 (+-39) bristles on the perioral bristle pads, 601 (+-115) bristle-like hairs in the oral disk region, 710 (+-229) typical hairs in the supradisk region, and 411 (+-108) typical hairs on the chin. There were no significant differences between left and right side counts. Facial hair density was inversely correlated with facial area and body size. These data provide new information on the anatomical basis of the exceptional orofacial activities characteristic of manatees during feeding and tactile exploration. ********************************************************************** Marshall, C.D.*, G.D. Huth, V.M. Edmonds, D.L. Halin, and R.L. Reep. 1998. Prehensile use of perioral bristles during feeding and associated behaviors of the Florida manatee (_Trichechus manatus latirostris_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 274-289. *Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA The use of perioral bristles (modified vibrissae) by 17 captive Florida manatees and approximately 20 wild manatees was analyzed. Captive manatees were fed six species of aquatic vegetation normally eaten in the wild (four freshwater species and two seagrasses). Inanimate objects were placed in the holding tanks with manatees at Lowry Park Zoological Gardens (Tampa, FL) to determine the degree to which perioral bristles were used in exploration and to define the range of manipulative behavior. In addition, behavioral observations were made on the use of perioral bristles during social interactions with conspecifics. Observations were recorded using a hi8-format video camera. Florida manatees possess an unusually large degree of fine motor control of the snout and perioral bristles. The large and robust perioral bristle fields of the upper lip were used in a prehensile manner during feeding. Bristle use by manatees feeding on submerged vegetation differed from that seen during feeding on floating vegetation. Other behavioral use of the perioral bristles shows variation depending upon the situation encountered. The degree of plasticity of perioral bristle use supports our hypothesis that the vibrissal-muscular complex of the Florida manatee has evolved to increase the efficiency of grazing and browsing on aquatic vegetation and to fully maximize the potential of the manatee as a generalist feeder. The manipulative and sensitive nature of the manatee snout is likely a manifestation of a complex sensory and motor system which has evolved for marine mammal aquatic herbivores living in shallow turbid waters. ********************************************************************** Marshall, C.D.*, L.A. Clark, and R.L. Reep. 1998. The muscular hydrostat of the Florida manatee (_Trichechus manatus latirostris_): a functional morphological model of perioral bristle use. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 290-303. *Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA Facial musculature was examined in the Florida manatee _Trichechus manatus latirostris_, in order to develop a functional model of perioral bristle use. Muscles identified include the _M. levator nasolabialis_, _M. buccinatorius_, _M. maxillonasolabialis_, _M. centralis nasi_, _M. _lateralis nasi_, _M. sphincter colli profundus pars oris _, _M. orbicularis oris_, _M. mandibularis_, and _M. mentalis_. A new muscle, _M. centralis nasi_ , has been named and is an integral part of perioral bristle movement. The snout of the Florida manatee is capable of performing complex movements. The prehensile ability of Florida manatees can be explained in the context of a muscular hydrostat as defined by Kier and Smith (1985). Eversion of certain bristles in the upper lip occurs by shortening longitudinal, transverse, and semicircular muscles in combination with volume displacement due to compensatory changes in the shape of the snout. Midline sweeping of these bristles is accomplished by the contraction of _M. Centralis nasi _. Contraction of _M. orbicularis oris _ pushes vegetation into the oral cavity. All observed movement patterns and uses of perioral bristles can be explained by variation of these sequences within the context of muscular hydrostat function. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 16:13:13 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Marine Mammal Science - April 98 - notes Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, The following is a listing of article abstracts and titles of notes for the April 1998 issue of _Marine Mammal Science_. This message comes in two parts b/c it is too long to post as one. This is provided as a courtesy to the list editors, as well as the journal's editor. _Marine Mammal Science_ is a publication of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. Please note that I have provide addresses for the authors to whom correspondence and reprint requests should be directed; please do not direct such inquires to me. Many thanks to those of you who have written to me in the past in appreciation for providing this service. Sincerely, Dagmar Fertl ********************************************************************** NOTES ********************************************************************** Theodorou, J. and S. Atkinson*. 1998. Monitoring total androgen concentrations in saliva from captive Hawaiian monk seals (_Monachus schauinslandi_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 304-310. *Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, P.O Box 1346, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96874, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, USA ********************************************************************** van Parijs, S.M.*, P.M. Thompson, G.D. Hastie, and B.A. Bartels. 1998. Modification and deployment of a sonobuoy for recording underwater vocalizations from marine mammals. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 310-316. *University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology, Lighthouse Field Station, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IVii 8YJ, U.K. ********************************************************************** Schneider, K.* , R.W. Baird, S. Dawson, I. Visser, and S. Childerhouse. 1998. Reactions of bottlenose dolphins to tagging attempts using a remotely-deployed suction-cup tag. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 316-324. *Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand ********************************************************************** Constantine, R.*, I. Visser, D. Buurman, R. Buurman, and B. McFadden. 1998. Killer whale (_Orcinus orca_) predation on dusky dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus obscurus_) in Kaikoura, New Zealand. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 324-330. *School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand ********************************************************************** John Craighead George* and R. Suydam. 1998. Observations of killer whale (_Orcinus orca_) predation in the northeastern Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 330-332. *North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 69, Barrow, Alaska, USA ********************************************************************** Ridgway, S.H.* and D.A. Carder. 1998. Net-aided foraging by two white whales. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 332-334. *Naval Command Control & Ocean Surveillance Systems Center RDT&E, DIV D3503, 49620 Beluga Road, Rm 200, San Diego, California 92152-6266, USA ********************************************************************** Dawson, S.*, J. Barlow, and D. Ljungblad. 1998. Sounds recorded from Baird's beaked whale, _Berardius bairdii_. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 335-344. *Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand ********************************************************************** Goddard, P.D.* and D.J. Rugh. 1998. A group of right whales seen in the Bering Sea in July 1996. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 344-349. *Resource Assessment & Conservation Engineering, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Washington 98115-0070, USA ********************************************************************** Patenaude, N.J.*, C.S. Baker, and N.J. Gales. 1998. Observations of southern right whales on New Zealand's subantarctic wintering grounds. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 350-355. *School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand ********************************************************************** Gales, N.J.* and R.H. Mattlin. 1998. Fast, safe, field-portable gas anesthesia for otariids. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 355-361. *Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 10-420, Wellington, New Zealand ********************************************************************** Suryan, R.M.* and J.T. Harvey. 1998. Tracking harbor seals (_Phoca vitulina richardsi_) to determine dive behavior, foraging activity, and haul-out site use. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 361-372. *present address: Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, USA ********************************************************************** Corpe, H.M.*, P.M. Thompson, and L.J. Porter. 1998. A rapid non-invasive technique for distinguishing harbor seals (_Phoca vitulina_) in their first year from older age classes. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 372-379. *present address: Swire Marine Laboratory, University of Hong Kong, Cape D'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong ********************************************************************** Danner, G.R.*, M.W. McGregor, R.L. Zarnke, and C.W. Olsen. 1998. Serologic evidence of influenza virus infection in a ringed seal (_Phoca hispida_) from Alaska. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 380-384. *Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive West, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA ********************************************************************** Shaughnessy, P.D.*, E. Erb, and K. Green. 1998. Continued increase in the population of Antarctic fur seals, _Arctocephalus gazella_, at Heard Island, Southern Ocean. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 384-389. *CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology, P.O. Box 84, Lyneham, A.C.T. 2602, Australia ********************************************************************** Badosa, E.*, E. Grau, F. Aparicio, J.F. Layna, and M.A. Cedenilla. 1998. Individual variation and sexual dimorphism of coloration in Mediterranean monk seal pups (_Monachus monachus_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 390-393. *Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona. Avga. Diagonal, 645. 08071 Barcelona. Spain. ********************************************************************** Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A.* and C.A. Beck. 1998. The diet of the manatee (_Trichechus manatus_) in Puerto Rico. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(2): 394-397. *Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico and Red Caribena de Varamientos & Caribbean Stranding Network, P.O. Box 38030 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937, USA ********************************************************************** REVIEWS Edds-Walton, P. 1998. Reviews: _Marine Mammals and Noise_, by Richardson et al. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 09:59:41 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - river dolphins in Bangladesh Dear readers, I ran across the following and thought it might of of interest to some folks. Please do not direct reprint inquiries to me. Sincerely, Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ******************************************************************** Smith, BD; Haque, AKMA; Hossain, MS; Khan. 1998. River dolphins in Bangladesh: Conservation and the effects of water development ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, v22 i3 p323-335. Ganges river dolphins (_Platanista gangetica_) are threatened in Bangladesh from the effects of dams, large embankment schemes, dredging, fisheries bycatch, directed hunting, and water pollution. Visual surveys of the section of the Jamuna River located between the divergence of the Old Brahmaputra River and the confluence of the Padma River and the section of the Kushiyara River located between the Bangladesh-India border and the confluence of the Korangi River recorded a sighting rate of 0.13 sightings/km (mean group size = 1.8 dolphins) and 0.08 sightings/km (mean group size = 3.8 dolphins), respectively. These sections of river were considered to be priority areas for investigation because several water development projects have already been constructed and more are planned for the areas. During the surveys we examined the remains of dolphins caught accidentally in plastic gillnets and observed fishermen catching the fish species Clupisoma garua using dolphin oil and body parts as a fish attractor. Additional studies are needed to assess the status of dolphins and effects of water development and fisheries by-catch. Feasibility studies should be conducted on designating dolphin/fish sanctuaries and creating artificial habitat or enhancing existing habitat in eddy countercurrent scour pools to mitigate deleterious impacts. The environmental requirements of river dolphins reflect the needs of productive arid biotically diverse tropical rivers. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 13:39:18 -0400 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: summary of note on bottlenose dolphin rxns to tagging Schneider, K., R.W. Baird, S. Dawson, I. Visser and S. Childerhouse. 1998. Reactions of bottlenose dolphins to tagging attempts using a remotely-deployed suction-cup tag. Marine Mammal Science 14:316-324. There was no abstract for this Note, but a summary is presented below. Reprints can be requested from rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca Summary In order to study the diving behaviour of bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, the authors attempted to tag bowriding dolphins with a suction-cup attached time-depth recorder/VHF radio tag. The note describes the immediate reactions of both tagged individuals and other dolphins within the same group, as well as the behaviour of the dolphins when they were encountered on subsequent days. A total of 17 tagging attempts were made between 24 and 29 October 1995. The tag contacted a dolphin in 10 cases, and remained attached for > 10 seconds in five of these. In each of the five cases in which the tag contacted and stuck, the tagged animal immediately began a bout of high-energy behaviours, apparently to dislodge the tag. Tags remained attached on these dolphins for periods of about 10 seconds to about three minutes. Group speed and the number of leaps in the group increased in 5/5 and 4/5 of these cases, respectively. In general, reaction intensity decreased in the order: successful attachments > unsuccessful attachments > misses. Within several days of initiating tagging attempts, the frequency of bowriding behaviour in the population decreased, and slowly returned to "normal" over the next two months. Based on both the reactions exhibited by individual dolphins and those in the surrounding group, and on the inability of the suction-cup tag to remain attached during leaps and high speed swimming, the authors suggest that suction-cup tagging of this population of bottlenose dolphins is not feasible. Reactions of bottlenose dolphins were substantially greater than have been observed for similar studies using these tags on killer whales and Dall's porpoise. ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 11:43:49 -0700 From: "William F. Perrin" Subject: back issues of MMS The Society for Marine Mammalogy is producing (through Allen Press) a CD-ROM of all the back issues of the Journal, 1985-1997, including those out of print. The CD will be offered for sale. To make the CD, we need unbound copies that can be de-spined and scanned flat. After the scanning, the pages will be loose but still suitable for binding (wide left margin). The Society lacks unbound copies of five issues: Vol. 1 (1985): numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 Vol. 3 (1987): number 1 If anyone has any of these issues unbound and would be willing to loan them to the Society for two-three months, I'd very much appreciate hearing about it. They would be returned with the spine removed but suitable for binding (and stapled if desired). Bill Perrin Editor, Marine Mammal Science email wperrin(\)ucsd.edu telephone 619-546-7096 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ William F. Perrin, Ph.D. Tel.(619) 546-7096 (office) Senior Scientist (619) 535-0840 (home) Editor, Marine Mammal Science FAX (619) 546-7003 Adjunct Professor, SIO/UCSD Southwest Fisheries Science Center Email wperrin(\)ucsd.edu (office) P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, CA 92038, USA dolarperri(\)aol.com (home) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 17:38:09 -0400 From: Nicole LeBoeuf Subject: NMFS publishes (Draft) Release Guidelines for Stranded Marin "Cindy Driscoll (IPM Return requested)" , "Paul Wade (IPM Return requested)" ------ National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability of th= e (Draft) Release of Stranded Marine Mammals to the Wild: Background, Prepa= ration and Release Criteria as published in the Federal Register on April 8, 199= 8. This is a joint document between NMFS and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) = of the Department of Interior. NMFS and FWS are requesting comments on this docu= ment, as part of a 60-day public comment period, before it is finalized. Writte= n comments must be received on or before June 8, 1998. Written comments can be submitted to: the Marine Mammal Health and Strand= ing Response Coordinator, Marine Mammal Division, Office of Protected Resourc= es, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 or by fax at: 301=FB713=FB0376.=20 =20 A PDF version of this document is also available at www.nmfs.gov/tmcintyr/prot_res.=20 Comments submitted via email or the internet will not be accepted. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact = Teri Rowles, phone 301=FB713=FB2322=20 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1998 09:42:04 +0200 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: Tethys Research Institute Alexis Frantzis , ancf(\)it.net, asmith(\)wdcs.org, b.wilson(\)abdn.ac.uk, balboni(\)unive.it, barbarapiel(\)yahoo.com, barrett(\)zoology.ubc.ca, box2419(\)box.infomark.it, calabria(\)tin.it, Carla Almirante , cavallo(\)vecnr8.ibm.ve.cnr.it, chelon(\)tin.it, dagmar_fertl(\)smtp.mms.gov, darja.ribaric(\)guest.arnes.si, dcasmedic(\)aol.com, deepsea(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA, dww3911(\)unix.tamu.ed, ecs-news(\)mailbase.ac.uk, fabbri(\)green2.greenpeace.org, fish-ecology(\)searn.sunet.se, focardi(\)unisi.it, fortuna(\)dada.it, fossi(\)unisi.it, Giuseppe Notarbartolo , gpavan(\)telnetwork.it, greenvol(\)iol.it, iamslic(\)ucsd.edu, ibianchi(\)omniway.sm, icam-l%irmfao01.BITNET(\)uvvm.UVic.CA, icram-ch(\)rdn.it, jann(\)pop.eunet.ch, jfb(\)iol.it, lafo(\)itba.mi.cnr.it, Luca Riva , lynns(\)tamug.tamu.edu, ma.donnetta(\)iol.it, maddalena.bacialli(\)altrimedia.it, Margherita Zanardelli , marine-l(\)cgc.ns.ca, marine-tech(\)mailbase.ac.uk, marsilil(\)unisi.it, mbearzi(\)compuserve.com, medsea-l(\)helios.edvz.univie.ac.at, n.stoppelli(\)agora.stm.it, pa.casale(\)agora.stm.it, panda(\)pointel.it, panigada(\)tin.it, picciu(\)freenet.hut.fi, Elena Politi , r.cosijn(\)wolftrail.rottink.com, rasotto(\)civ.bio.unipd.it, rconnor(\)umassd.edu, rescet(\)micronet.fr, rossiv(\)unisi.it, rwells(\)mote.org, sabina.airoldi(\)iol.it, schiroa(\)arctic.tamug.tamu.edu, scuba-d(\)brownvm.brown.edu, scuba-l(\)brownvm.brown.edu, scuba(\)cc.itu.edu.tr, senndg(\)ubaclu.unibas.ch, shanesh(\)cats.ucsc.edu, spriban(\)public.srce.hr, Stefania_Fumagalli(\)rcm.inet.it, tethys(\)tethys.it, tethysri(\)as411.tel.hr, vittorio.barale(\)jrc.it, webah(\)tin.it, wilddolphin(\)igc.apc.org, wildnet(\)tribune.usask.ca, wursigb(\)tamug2.tamu.edu, zootve6(\)imicilea.cilea.it, Giancarlo Lauriano , Venice Dolphin Project The Tethys Research Institute* has a new web site: http://www.tethys.org You may want to visit it, or make links to it in your "useful links" page. * The Tethys Research Institute, founded in 1986, is a non-profit NGO dedicated to the preservation of the marine environment. It focuses on marine animals and particularly on cetaceans inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, and aims at protecting its biodiversity by promoting the adoption of a precautionary approach for the management of natural resources. Public awareness and conservation activities, coupled with education and capacity building, find their strength in the Tethys' internationally recognised scientific background. The activities conducted by Tethys - inspired by compelling scientific evidence - seek to prevent the decline of marine species and to encourage a sustainable use of the marine environment, particularly where habitat degradation makes it necessary. Largely composed of dynamic marine biologists, the Tethys Research Institute has involved in its campaigns thousands of people from all over the world, and has developed a network that - despite a surprisingly low budget - is constantly growing. ______________________________ Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2 I-20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 02 72001947 fax +39 02 72001946 e-mail: tethys(\)tethys.org http://www.tethys.org ______________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1998 16:38:47 -0400 From: Lizz Singh Subject: southeast volunteer/internship opportunities I am currently trying to compile a list of all volunteer, internship, and/or employment opportunities in the marine mammal field, specifically in the southeastern U.S. This list will be handed out at the student symposium of the Atlantic Coast Dolphin Conference in Sarasota, FL. This symposium will be held on 5/3/98. If you would like to be included on this list, please email me by 4/22. Thank you very much. Lizz Singh lizz(\)marine.usf.edu University of South Florida, Marine Science Dept. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1998 13:59:53 +1000 From: Elizabeth Eyre Subject: Death of Dr William H. Dawbin Dr William (Bill) Dawbin passed away last week. In a career that spanned half a century, Bill was involved in many and varied aspects of Cetology. His principal work included migration characteristics of humpback whales off New Zealand and east Australia along with historical whaling records. His funeral will be held on Wednesday 15th April. Elizabeth Eyre libbyeyre(\)bigpond.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 18:44:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammals, Seabirds and Pollutants (fwd) [Forwarded from ECS mailing list: ecs-all(\)mailbase.ac.uk] From: patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be In 1993, we have organized intensive course entitled: "Marine Mammals, Seabirds, and Pollution of Marine Systems". Now, the book related to the course has been published (Edited by Jauniaux T., Bouquegneau J-M. & Coignoul F. ISBN 2-930212-10-1; 181 pages; Price (including mail fees) : 30,00 $. You will find here table of content, and detailled description of book on following web site http://www.ulg.ac.be/fmv/patho/marine.htm. Best regards Jauniaux T. Email: patho(\)stat.fmv.ulg.ac.be TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Geohydrodynamic variability. J.C.J. Nihoul 2. Biological oceanography and marine food webs: role of marine mammals and seabirds. J.-M. Bouquegneau, V. Debacker and S. Gobert 3. Systematics and ecology of seabirds and marine mammals. C.R. Joiris 4. Coastal eutrophication of the Southern Bight of the North Sea: assessment and modelling. C. Lancelot, V. Rousseau, G. Billen and D. Van Eeckhout 5. Problematic and methodological approach of the study of the bioaccumulation of trace elements in delphinids. J.M. Andr=E9 6. Ecotoxicology of stable pollutants - organochlorines and heavy metals - in seabirds and marine mammals. C. R. Joiris 7. Oil pollution and seabirds. J.Seys and P.Meire 8. Parasitology of marine mammals. J. A. Raga 9. Parasitology of marine birds. F.H.M. Borgsteede 10. Basic concepts of veterinary pathology. F. Coignoul and T. Jauniaux 11. Pathology of marine mammals. M.Garc=EDa Hartmann 12. Marine bird necropsy findings. G. M. Dorrestein and M. van der Hage 13. Virus infections in feral birds, a general review. H. Vindevogel and J.P. Duchatel 14. Rehabilitation of seabirds: Improved protocols in the light of continual review and practice. T. M. Thomas, I. Robinson and C. Seddon Visit the website http://www.ulg.ac.be/fmv/patho/marine.htm Department of Pathology Veterinary College University of Liege Sart Tilman Bat B43 B 4000 Liege Phone 00 32 4 3664075 Fax 00 32 4 3664065 Subject: paper on viruses (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Dr. David Duffy" Alaska Natural Heritage Program University of Alaska afdcd1(\)uaa.alaska.edu For an important paper on a serious group of viruses (Hepatitis E, Norwalk) that affect marine mammals, seabirds, and HUMANS, please check: Calicivirus Emergence from Ocean Reservoirs: Zoonotic and Interspecies Movements, Alvin W. Smith, Douglas E. Skilling, Neil Cherry, Jay H. Mead, and David O. Matson. Emerging Infectious Diseases 4 (1) 1998. at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol4no1/smith.htm Caliciviral infections in humans, among the most common causes of viral-induced vomiting and diarrhea, are caused by the Norwalk group of small round structured viruses, the Sapporo caliciviruses, and the hepatitis E agent. Human caliciviruses have been resistant to in vitro cultivation, and direct study of their origins and reservoirs outside infected humans or water and foods (such as shellfish contaminated with human sewage) has been difficult. Modes of transmission, other than direct fecal-oral routes, are not well understood. In contrast, animal viruses found in ocean reservoirs, which make up a second calicivirus group, can be cultivated in vitro. These viruses can emerge and infect terrestrial hosts, including humans. This article reviews the history of animal caliciviruses, their eventual recognition as zoonotic agents, and their potential usefulness as a predictive model for noncultivatable human and other animal caliciviruses (e.g., those seen in association with rabbit hemorrhagic disease). Subject: newsclip - better stewardship urged for humpbacks Better stewardship urged for humpback whales April 10, 1998 By Environmental News Network staff Humpback whale deaths in Hawaiian waters are increasing due to direct strikes by moving boats or entanglement in fishing gear, says Hawaii Sea Grant researcher Shannon Atkinson. According to a study co-authored by Atkinson and published in Pacific Science, an average of one humpback whale has died in Hawaiian waters each year for the past 25 years. However, in 1996 there was a sharp rise in deaths, with the loss of eight humpbacks from encounters with human-created obstacles. The numbers for 1997 have not yet been tallied, but Atkinson believes they will be equally alarming. More than half of the deaths and entanglements occur during February, the peak season for humpback whale activity around Hawaii. Nearly 75 percent occur off the more populated islands of Hawaii, Maui and Oahu, and most fatalities happen to newborn calves. Aerial surveys suggest the humpback whale population wintering in Hawaii is increasing, but the loss of newborn calves does not bode well for the recovery of this endangered species, Atkinson says. The new humpback whale data reinforces the importance of protecting habitat for the endangered whale, in particular lactating females and their newborn calves, Atkinson says. "It is important for the recovery of our state mammal that we act as responsible stewards of the humpback whale's reproductive grounds," Atkinson says. "This includes a heightened awareness of marine debris and a sense of caution when boating around marine mammals." The report authors recommend better monitoring and management of the endangered humpback whale population in its breeding grounds around Hawaii and increased public education and awareness of the effects of human activities on visiting humpback whales. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 19:52:08 PST From: anna marie hall Subject: porpoise skeletons Hello We are working on the skeletal reconstructions of one harbour and one Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli and Phocoena phocoena). These animals died during last springs mysterious die off and were autopsied by the Marine Mammal Research Group in Victoria. We both participated in both autopsies. Instead of the skeletons being discarded, we decided to learn more about the internal structure of these animals. We suspended the carcasses in the ocean for several months allowing the bones to be cleaned by zooplankton. We now have clean bones and after a period of airing they will be dry enough to begin the reconstruction. Once these skeletons are finished they will be used in a public display for cetacean conservation. If anyone can recommend particular papers or diagrams of porpoise skeletal articulation it would be greatly appreciated. We can be reached at ahall(\)inetex.com Thanks for any help Anna Hall Rhonda Reidy Marine Naturalists Victoria, British Columbia Canada Anna Hall ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 08:31:14 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: newsclip - Ship paints and sea otters Ship paints may lead to sea otter deaths (ENN) -- Chemicals used in ship paint to prevent hulls from becoming encrusted with barnacles may have contributed to the deaths of hundreds of sea otters found on the shores of California, according to a researcher at the University of Michigan. Tests run on the dead sea otters reveal high levels of the anti-fouling agent tributyltin (TBT) and other butyltin (BT) compounds, which, according to Dr. Kurunthachalam Kannan, may have attributed to immunosuppression in the otters and increased their susceptibility to infections. Sea otters that died of infectious diseases contained greater concentrations of BTs in their tissues than those that died of trauma or unknown causes. Butyltins are organic tin compounds used in marine ship paints to prevent hulls and docks from becoming encrusted with barnacles. However, the chemicals have been found to have negative impacts on organisms such as mollusks and gastropods and, more recently, marine mammals such as dolphins. In 1989, TBT was banned in all states on vessels of 25 meters or less in length. However, because BTs persist in sediment for years, wildlife continues to be exposed to them. In addition, BTs are still used on larger vessels and aluminum-hulled boats. Large harbors, such as California's Monterey Bay, that handle a plethora of ships greater than 25 meters in length and thus are legally painted with TBT, continue to experience high inputs of BTs. Since sea otters tend to hang out in harbors, they are particularly vulnerable to this contamination. Sea otters feed on such species as scallops, mussels, rock crabs and sea urchins, which accumulate high levels of BTs. As a result, levels of BT contamination in some sea otters found dead along the California coast were as high as those found in dead finless porpoises from Japan and diseased bottlenose dolphins from the United States. A paper on the findings, written by Kannan and colleagues, will appear in a forthcoming issue of Environmental Science and Technology. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 11:31:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Caribbean Journal in CD-Rom (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Dr.Antonio A.Mignucci-Giannoni" Dear Marmamers: Researchers conducting studies on Tropical Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean marine mammals know how difficult is at times to obtain literature from the area, in addition to find a suitable place to later publish information and studies of a regional nature. I received the following email regarding the Caribbean Journal of Science (University of Puerto Rico) which would be of interest to Marmamers needing information about research in the tropical Atlantic. In addition, we have published a number of articles with the Journal and they have characterized themselves a rapid and efficient (an normal article is reviewed in a couple of months, and accepted articles may be printed anyway between 6 months and 10 months).=20 With this in mind, I forward you the message from the Caribbean Journal of Science.=20 Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni Caribbean Stranding Network *********** We are extremely pleased to announce the publication of an archival CD-ROM containing the complete text of every article published in the Caribbean Journal of Science, from the first issue of 1961 to the last issue of 1997. These are the CD's most notable features: includes close to 950 articles and more than 7,500 pages, articles are rendered in your monitor exactly as they appeared in print, browse the issues using tables of contents or search in seconds the complete collection using keywords, obtain a reprint of any article just by printing it, easy to install and use, occupies minimal hard disk space, works in PCs and Macs, and it sells for a great price (postpaid)!=20 Individuals subscribing to the journal: US$30 Individual not subscribing to the journal: US $40 Institutions subscribing to the journal: US $55 Institutions not subscribing to the journal: US $65 Individuals and institutions that do not receive the journal can buy the CD(s) at the subscriber's price if they simultaneously subscribe ($35 per year for institutions and $20 for individuals). Take advantage of this offer and start your subscription with a full collection of the journal! Discount for two or more disks: purchase the first CD at the regular price and subtract 20% off the price of the other disks. To buy: Check- Send payment in US dollars to: Jos=E9 A. Mari Mutt (Editor) or to Eloy Morales(Manager), Caribbean Journal of Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR 00680. Make the check payable to the Caribbean Journal of Science. Credit card-Write to the above address or send an e-mail message to J_Mari(\)rumac.upr.clu.edu. Include your name, mailing address, credit card type and number, and the card's expiration date. Please double-check the accuracy of the credit card information. Scientists who have published in the journal can order by e-mail and pay upon receiving the CD-ROM. Please provide authorship reference, full name, and the complete mailing address. Additional information, the CD's cover, and screen captures of the CD in use are available at the journal's web site: http://mayaweb.upr.clu.edu/artssciences/cjs/ Tony Subject: Education Coordinator - TX Marine Mammal Stranding Network The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network is looking for an Education Coordinator. Initially this position will be part-time (with no benefits) but with the hope of converting it to a full-time position in the fall of 1998. Ideally this individual would have a B.Sc. in Biology (preferably with some marine mammal experience) and 1 to 2 years of teaching experience. This person will be responsible for overseeing and developing our Public Outreach Programs and Museum Exhibit. Salary will be 49% of $16K per year, converting to a 100% time position this fall. Interested individuals should contact either myself or Mr. Lance Clark, Operations Coordinator TMMSN, at tmmsn(\)tamug.tamu.edu, for more information. _______________________________________________________ Graham A.J. Worthy, Ph.D. worthyg(\)arctic.tamug.tamu.edu Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab and Director, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Texas A&M University, 5001 Avenue U, Suite 105 Galveston, TX 77551 USA (409) 740-4721 voice, (409) 740-4905 fax _______________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 11:34:16 -0400 From: william rossiter Subject: Materials in Spanish needed ------ Dear Marmamers, On behalf of Julio C. Reyes of the Marine Education Center of ACOREMA (Areas Costeras y Recursos Marinos), Av. San Martin 1471, Pisco, Peru, we post this request for educational and scientific materials relating to marine mammals. The material will have a wide range of users; some will b= e used in children's programs, some for technical experts. It is much preferred that the materials be in Spanish. The Center is a vibrant and growing outreach program in coastal Peru that will create significant opportunities for changing public attitudes about human impacts on the oceans, particularly artesinal fisheries interaction= s. Incidental and directed takes of marine mammals are significant in coasta= l Peru; this Center will help change that. You are aware of the effects of = El Ni=F1o. Their resources are very limited; you can make a difference. Materials sent to Cetacean Society International will be promptly fowarde= d to ACOREMA, Peru, at our expense, and acknowledged with a receipt useful for U.S. citizens' tax deductions. If you choose to send something direct= ly please keep the packages small and under 4 kilos to limit customs penalties. From the U.S. send only packages that can be labelled with the small green customs form. Reyes' fax is 51-34-532496. =20 Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-544-8617 71322.1637(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 06:55:43 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: HI humpbacks In response to my posting of the newsclip about Hawaiian humpback deaths being of great concern, I have been inundated with emails asking about the citation of the article as it appears in _Pacific Science_. Please note the following, which I obtained via Dr. Atkinson. I would appreciate not receiving reprint requests for this one. L. Mazzuca, S. Atkinson, and E. Nitta 1998. Deaths and Entanglements of Humpback Whales in the Main Hawaiian Islands, 1972-1996. Pacific Science 52:1-13. Sincerely, Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 10:38:28 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - harp seal foraging The following article might be of interest; full text may be found at: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps Lawson JW, Anderson JT, Dalley EL, Stenson GB. 1998. Selective foraging by harp seals _Phoca groenlandica_ in nearshore and offshore waters of Newfoundland, 1993 and 1994. _Marine Ecology Progress Series_ 163:1-10 ABSTRACT: The harp seal Phoca groenlandica, which is numerous and widespread in the Northwest Atlantic, may have significant influences on the structure of this ecosystem. To quantify this influence, we must understand the functional relationship between harp seals and their prey. If seals are discriminating in their choice of prey, then their consumption of a particular species will not necessarily vary in relation to its availability or catchability. By applying Chesson's index of selectivity to stomach contents and research trawl data collected in several near- and offshore locations, we found that harp seals preferentially selected capelin Mallotus villosus relative to other prey species, irrespective of their local abundance, when given the choice. Arctic cod Boreogadus saida were also preferred in nearshore areas, but not in the offshore. In general, these predators were neutrally selective towards Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, American plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides and Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides. These patterns rationalize the dietary patterns reported for harp seals generally. They also explain the harp seals' switch from a reliance on capelin to Arctic cod seen in the mid 1980s, when evidence suggests these cod became more abundant than capelin in nearshore waters (where their respective energy densities are similar). ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 13:28:09 -0400 From: Valerie Lounsbury Subject: Stranding Network Directory April 16, 1998 ATTENTION MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE PROGRAMS! MARINE MAMMALS ASHORE: A FIELD GUIDE FOR STRANDINGS, by J.R. Geraci and V.J. Lounsbury, was published in 1993 by the Texas A&M Sea Grant College Program. Through the combined efforts of the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Ocean Service, National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Marine Mammal Commission and the National Aquarium in Baltimore (www.aqua.org), this book will be available on CD-ROM later this year. As an attachment to the main document, we would like to include a directory of institutions and organizations (not individuals) worldwide whose objectives include the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals. If you are involved with such a program, please take a few minutes to send us the following information: Organization name Mailing address Telephone/Fax/ Email address Statement of major activities Thank you for your cooperation! Valerie Lounsbury Department of Biological Programs National Aquarium in Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland vlounsbury(\)aqua.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 15:40:14 -0400 From: Don Petersen Subject: Job Opportunity - Hawaii Longline Fisheries Observers BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES) OPEN PERIOD: 4/15/98 - 5/12/98 SERIES/GRADE: ZT-0404-II (EQUIVALENT TO GS-5 THROUGH GS-8) SALARY: ANNUAL $19,969 TO $35,610 (+22.5% COST OF LIVING) VACANCY NUMBER: W/NMF/SWR/98224.LN DUTY STATION: HONOLULU, HI NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 16 These are permanent (full-time seasonal) positions with the National Marine Fisheries Service as sea-going observers in the Hawaii pelagic longline fishery targeting swordfish and tunas. Observer data is required to assess the incidental involvement of protected species with the fishery. Incidentally taken species include sea turtles, seabirds (mainly albatross), and marine mammals. Observers also collect data on fishing effort and fish life history. For full vacancy announcement, call job line at (206) 526-6294, or see web page at: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/pb0404ii.ln1 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 19:14:43 -1000 From: Louis M Herman Subject: Re: newsclip - better stewardship urged for humpbacks In-Reply-To: <19980414114551.29547.qmail(\)hotmail.com> Dear Marmamers, I have read the newsclip appearing at the end of this reply, reporting an "alarming" trend in mortality of humpback whales in Hawaii, likely linked to human activities. Having had a long history of humpback whale research in Hawaii I would like to respond with additonal data and comments that I believe offer a different interpretation: The news clip may have distorted some of the comments of Atkinson, the second author of the Pacific Science article referenced (Mazucca, Atkinson and Nitta, Pacific Science, 1998, 52, 1-13), but in any event further clarification is needed. Of greatest concern is the implication that the eight deaths in 1966 represents a trend for the future. In particular , there is the statement in the news clip, attributed to Atkinson, that the numbers for 1997 have not yet been tallied, but Atkinson believes they will be equally alarming. This ominous prediction bears further investigation. To this end, I reviewed the cited article, and also contacted Gene Nitta of the Pacific Area Office of NMFS, who maintains the database on strandings and related events in Hawaii. Gene is also the third author of the Pacific Science article. Genes records for the 1997 season (which runs from approximately early November 1996 to approximately May 1997)contain a total of two events. First, on January 6, 1997, a humpback, estimated at 35 ft., was observed towing a float off southwest Kauai. The Navy removed the float and the whale was observed to swim off. The float was identified as belonging to a fisherman in Alaska (his name was on the float). The fisherman was contacted and wondered what had happened to his float. The whale had apparently dragged the float all the way from Alaska. The second incident occurred on April 6, 1997. The body of a subadult humpback was found at Kahana Bay Oahu. It was in a decomposed state and the cause of death was unknown. Nittas records for the 1998 (current) season (approximately November 1997 to the present) contain only three incidents. The first occurred on December 20, 1997. A calf of approximately 12-15 length was found freshly dead at Napoopoo on the west coast of the Big Island. The second incident was of a calf found dead in Manele Bay, Lanai on February 12, 1998, cause of death unknown. The last incident occurred on February 25, 1998 off Waianae, Oahu. A calf was observed dead on the bottom in shallow water and washed up on the beach the next day. There were no obvious lesions or trauma. Hence, the data for 1997 and 1998 do not support the dire prediction based on the 1996 data. Additionally, some clarification or correction is needed to the 1996 data, as reported in the Pacific Science article. First, as noted in the article, on January 21, 1996 a whale was observed lying motionless at the surface and extremely infested (carpeted) with apparent whale lice . The vertebral column was markedly displaced laterally, as if the whale had been struck by a vessel (Osmond & Kaufman, MMS, 1998, 146-149). Most likely, in my opinion, based on videotapes of the whale, and on reports from members of my research team who were present at the site, if the whale was struck it was probably because it was already very ill or moribund, and unable to move very much. The reproductive capacity of whale lice, to my knowledge, would not permit such complete infestation if the whale were immobile for only a few days after being struck (there was a report of a possible strike a few days earlier). If I am wrong about this I would be happy to receive any more informed comments. Second, on February 9, 1996 the KBMML team as well as two other research teams observed a whale freshly killed, apparently during a competitive encounter (Pack et al., in press, Marine Mammal Science). The Pacific Science text describing this incident states Research vessels reported four males and one female engaging in mating/courtship activity during the afternoon hours. This statement is misleading. No female was ever identified in the group by researchers. The group was first reported to the research vessels by a whale-watch vessel, whose captain thought there was a female floating passively at the surface, and that mating was taking place. Subsequently, he began to realize that the whale (subsequently identified as a male by the researchers) appeared dead, and called in research boats. The researchers observed other males whales periodically wrapping their pectoral fins about the dead whale. Incidentally, in the 23 years our team has been in the field in Hawaii it has never observed mating between humpbacks. Nor, to my knowledge has any other research team. Finally, the Pacific Science article reports as separate incident a carcass found floating on February 13th, 1996 with sharks still actively feeding on it, and the dead whale we observed on February 9th. Instead we believe the carcass to be that of the whale that died on February 9th. In conclusion, the data do not support an alarming increase in human-related whale injuries or mortalities in Hawaii. This is true even though the population of whales visiting Hawaii appears to have increased substantially over the last ten years (and more so over the last 20), and even though there is heightened awareness of the whales and increased communication about the whales among whale watching boats, researchers, NMFS, the Coast Guard, and the general public. Hence, any incidents occurring today are unlikely to go unreported if observed, which may not have been the case in earlier years. Louis M. Herman Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory 1129 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu HI 96814 lherman(\)hawaii.edu On Tue, 14 Apr 1998, Dagmar Fertl wrote: > Better stewardship urged for humpback whales > > April 10, 1998 > > By Environmental News Network staff > > Humpback whale deaths in Hawaiian waters are increasing due to direct > strikes by moving boats or entanglement in fishing gear, says Hawaii Sea > Grant researcher Shannon Atkinson. > > According to a study co-authored by Atkinson and published in > Pacific Science, an average of one humpback whale has died in > Hawaiian waters each year for the past 25 years. However, in > 1996 there was a sharp rise in deaths, with the loss of eight humpbacks > from encounters with human-created obstacles. > > The numbers for 1997 have not yet been tallied, but Atkinson > believes they will be equally alarming. > > More than half of the deaths and entanglements occur during > February, the peak season for humpback whale activity around > Hawaii. Nearly 75 percent occur off the more populated islands of > Hawaii, Maui and Oahu, and most fatalities happen to newborn > calves. > > Aerial surveys suggest the humpback whale population wintering in > Hawaii is increasing, but the loss of newborn calves does not bode > well for the recovery of this endangered species, Atkinson says. > > The new humpback whale data reinforces the importance of > protecting habitat for the endangered whale, in particular lactating > females and their newborn calves, Atkinson says. > > "It is important for the recovery of our state mammal that we act as > responsible stewards of the humpback whale's reproductive > grounds," Atkinson says. "This includes a heightened awareness of > marine debris and a sense of caution when boating around marine > mammals." > > The report authors recommend better monitoring and management > of the endangered humpback whale population in its breeding > grounds around Hawaii and increased public education and > awareness of the effects of human activities on visiting humpback > whales. > > ______________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com > ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:05:01 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: teacher's packet available Available to interested folks, The Minerals Management Service (U.S. Dept of Interior) has, hot off the presses, a teacher's packet about whales and dolphins of the Gulf of Mexico. This is a companion to the Gulf of Mexico whale and dolphin poster that the MMS published about 3 years ago. Information in the packet includes coverage about evolution, biology, the Gulf's species, human impacts on the animals in this area, classroom activities, and a listing of helpful web sites and references. Both the packet and poster are free. Please contact (do not hit the reply key): Minerals Management Office Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Public Affairs Office 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd New Orleans, LA 70123-2394 (504)736-2595 or 1-800-200-GULF There are plans to make the packet available thru the MMS web site in the near future as well. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 15:06:50 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Lou Herman's response to : newsclip - better stewardship urged for humpbacks (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 16:35:05 EDT From: Dolfinlori Dear Marmamers, The recently published paper reporting humpback whale deaths and entanglements in Hawaiian waters is receiving a lot of attention. I am the first author of the publication and no one, including Dr. Louis Herman, bothered to contact me about the manuscript. In this message I will address those concerns pointed out by Dr. Herman. I also want to ensure readers that I obtained various perspectives on all of the incidents and left no stone unturned preparing this manuscript. Lastly, do not allow conclusions drawn from individuals shroud the original intent and objective of this manuscript which was to report incidents in a peer reviewed manner. Afterall, the humpback whale is an endangered species and one of its breeding areas, portions of Hawaiian waters, now constitute a National Marine Sanctuary. If you wish to read further about specific incidents within the publication, as I have cited in the paper and as Dr. Herman mentioned, there is a publication and another in press with detailed accounts of these reports. Again, the citation of the article is as follows: L. Mazzuca, S. Atkinson, and E. Nitta 1998. Deaths and Entanglements of Humpback Whales in the Main Hawaiian Islands, 1972-1996. Pacific Science 52:1-13. 1. In response to Lou Herman's statement: "I reviewed the cited article, and also contacted Gene Nitta of the Pacific Area Office of NMFS, who maintains the database on strandings and related events in Hawaii. Gene is also the third author of the Pacific Science article. Genes records for the 1997 season (which runs from approximately early November 1996 to approximately May 1997)contain a total of two events." For the record, I know of 3 additional incidents myself, alone, during last season and this season (1997 and 1998) that were not relayed to Dr. Herman by Gene Nitta. Two of these incidents, at least, add to the "continued rise" in events of human impact on the whales as quoted by Dr. Atkinson, the second author. I will be sure and relay this to Gene Nitta (NMFS) so that he may include them in his records. These incidents are as follows: 1. In late November 1996, a juvenile whale was found dead and floating in Honolulu Harbor. I believe Gene Nitta himself towed it out to sea and a Navatek I vessel employee called me at home at 11:00 pm that night and photographed the whale for me. 2. During this 1998 season, there was a potential vessel strike that happened on January 1, 1998 near Lahaina, Maui that is currently under investigation. 3. On February 6, 1998, there was an entangled whale that PWF research director, Mike Osmond, was photographed trying to disentangle. The USCG was present and the photograph and story appeared in a Honolulu newspaper article. I wonder how many other reports exist out there that people are aware of, know about, or have documented that somehow never make it to the NMFS South Pacific Area office files? 2. In response to Lou Herman's statement : " . . . on February 9, 1996 the KBMML team as well as two other research teams observed a whale freshly killed, apparently during a competitive encounter (Pack et al., in press, Marine Mammal Science). The Pacific Science text describing this incident states Research vessels reported four males and one female engaging in mating/courtship activity during the afternoon hours. This statement is misleading. No female was ever identified in the group by researchers." Regarding Dr. Herman's perspective, it should be noted that his perspective is that of his research group only. There were other research groups present that I spoke with, at length, about the same incident. Among them was a researcher who obtained perspective from the periphery of the incident, as well as, photo/video documentation in and under the water. Note: The KBMML research group did not have either of these perspectives. 3. In response to Lou Herman's statement: "Finally, the Pacific Science article reports as separate incident a carcass found floating on February 13th, 1996 with sharks still actively feeding on it, and the dead whale we observed on February 9th. Instead we believe the carcass to be that of the whale that died on February 9th." In regard to Dr. Herman's opinion about the Feb. 9 & 13, 1996 incidents being one in the same whale, I find it difficult to believe that Dr. Herman, a scientist himself, would actually assume that a whale found floating 4 days later would be tallied as the same whale! Logically, and as first author, I could not assume something like that without some type of supporting evidence. (For example, fluke ID and/or genetic analysis--both of which I sought but did NOT find.) I want to thank Dr. Herman, marmam readers, the many Universities, radio stations, news media, and others who have shown an interest in this particular publication. Combined, all have given me the impetus to continue work along this line. Lori Mazzuca dolfinlori(\)aol.com Reprint requests go to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program" pbillig(\)soest.hawaii.edu Subject: Video claims Canada seal hunt Video claims Canada seal hunt practices illegal By Robert Melnbardis MONTREAL, April 16 (Reuters) - Canada's controversial seal hunt came under renewed criticism on Thursday when a animal rights group released a videotape documenting what it said were cruel and illegal methods being used in the annual spring hunt off the country's Atlantic coast. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) released the video in Canada and Britain to back its claims that Canadian sealers continue to illegally brutalize seals despite efforts to reform the hunt's practices. "With virtually no exceptions, the sealers in this video kill with no regard to Canadian laws or even their own industry's guidelines," Rick Smith, Canadian director of IFAW, a told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa. The videotape could spell another international public nightmare for Canada's east coast commercial sealing industry, which has struggled for legitimacy since it was revived in 1995. The 30-minute video was excerpted from 10 hours of footage IFAW recorded over four days in late March. The hunt was filmed from a helicopter and on ice floes off the coast of Prince Edward Island. The tape showed what IFAW said were 146 violations of Canadian laws regulating the hunt. Seals were skinned and bled, and dragged along the ice with boat hooks while still alive. Some of the mammals were clubbed with wooden sticks or boat hooks and left to suffer injured for long periods before being dispatched because sealers attempted to kill too many at one time. The carcasses of some skinned seals were left to rot on the pristine ice floes in pools of blood, despite government and industry regulations which stipulate that the entire seal should be harvested. Other seals were allowed to escape severely injured and bleeding profusely into the waters, raising questions about whether sealers kill more than the annual quota. Clayton Ruby, a prominent Canadian criminal and civil rights lawyer who evaluated the IFAW video, said the graphic images showed cruel and inhumane behaviour toward animals. "That's not a harvest, that's an illegal killing and slaughter. This makes me ashamed to be Canadian," Ruby said. The images also shocked officials with the Canadian Sealers Association, which vehemently argues that 97 percent of seals are killed by high-powered rifles during the hunt. "I have to say that I was disgusted. I was thoroughly disappointed and I was extremely frustrated," Tina Hagen, executive director of the Newfoundland-based association, told Reuters. "Everything in that video was wrong. I don't think there was anything I saw in it that was done properly," she said. Dave Bevan, director general of conservation and protection at Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which regulates and subsidizes the seal hunt, said he would investigate the actions of the sealers on the tape. "We're going to be looking at the tapes, we're going to be anaylzing them and we'll be laying charges if warranted," he said. Bevan said his department has laid 172 charges against sealers since 1996, 17 of which came as a result of previous IFAW videos. A further 20 investigations were underway this year. Sealers are expected to kill up to 270,000 adult harp and hood seals this season. The hunt began in mid-March in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and should continue for about two months as the spring ice pack moves beyond Newfoundland. People living in outlying port communites in Canada's Atlantic provinces and Quebec say they depend on the hunt to earn a living. Federal and provincial government subsidies that were more than C$2 million in 1995 are expected to decrease to about C$670,000 this year, Hagen said. ($1-$1.43 Canadian) ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Apr 1998 19:37:56 -0400 Reply-To: giorgio(\)redrose.net From: Tony Giorgio Subject: Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin Internship The Ocean Mammal Institute presents Field Research on the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin June 6, 1998 to July 4, 1998 In this pioneering research we will study the impact of swimmers on the dolphins in a beautiful, untouched area in Hawaii. These dolphins feed at night and rest during the day. Increasing numbers of tour boats, and swimmers around the dolphins is causing concern. As the popularity of the dolphin increases we must be sure that in our enthusiasm to be with the dolphins, we are not creating stress for them. The results of this study will help us address this important issue. We will have time to nurture our bodies and souls in this unusually pristine, natural setting . The cost for 3 or 4 weeks is $1200 or $799 per week, which includes tuition and accommodations. Accommodations are in a house with communal cooking. Fly to Kona, HI. For more information or to reserve a space please contact: Dr. Marsha Green Ocean Mammal Institute, P.O. Box 12244, Reading, PA 19612 1-800-226-8216 or e-mail "marshag(\)joe.alb.edu" ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 14:44:16 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement - Followup (fwd) From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com The Nags Head Dolphin Watch is no longer accepting applications for the Naturalist/Mate/Photo-ID Assistant position. We have received over 60 applications and are in the process of making our final selection. Thanks to everyone who cross-posted this position announcement to other locations, it was a great help. If you have done this then PLEASE REMOVE the announcement from wherever you cross-posted it. I'm having nightmares of getting email requests for this job for the next 100 years. Thanks again, Rich Mallon-Day Subject: White Shark program Dear List I represent the South African White Shark Research Institute and we are offering a very interesting program for biology students and other related academics. Although white sharks and whales are quite different, we feel that this program of the SAWSRI, will be of great interest to persons studding whales, as our program is field related and concerns data collection on large animals. The program includes environmental data collection, tagging, sexing and sizing white sharks, telemetry and tissue sampling. Thus, participants to this program will gain hands on experience and knowledge of working with large animals in the field, and be able to relate it to their possible work with dolphins or whales. The program is called RVP, or Research Voluntary Program. For further information please contact our field biologist on scholldesign(\)bluewin.ch Request all RVP information and application forms. Thank you all for your time. Jytte Ferreira WSRI Conservation ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 17:40:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent marine mammal publications Here is a list of some recent marine mammal publications. Please do not contact Marmam editors for reprint requests. Animal Welfare Institute Quarterly. 1997. Japan and Norway use a new tactic to forward whaling agenda. AWI Q. 46(4):16. Baker, C. S., F. Cipriano and S. R. Palumbi. 1996. Molecular genetic identification of whale and dolphin products from commercial markets in Korea and Japan. Mol. Ecol. 5:671-685. Benke, H. and G. T. Waring. 1997. Marine Mammals Committee (N), p. 157-160 In: ICES annual report 1996. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Reykjavik, Iceland. 323p. Bowen, W. D. 1997. Role of marine mammals in aquatic ecosystems. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 158:267-274. Bratten, Dave and Martin Hall. 1997. Working with fishers to reduce bycatch: the tuna-dolphin problem in the eastern Pacific Ocean, p. 97-100 In: Alaska Sea Grant College Program, editor, Fisheries bycatch: consequences and management. Proceedings of the symposium on the consequences and management of fisheries bycatch, August 27 and 28, 1996, Dearborn, Michigan. University of Alaska Sea Grant College Program, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK. Brown, R. G., et al. 1997. Evidence for a long-lasting single administration contraceptive vaccine in wild grey seals. J. Reprod. Immunol. 35:43-51. Brown, R. G., et al. 1997. Temporal trends in antibody production in captive grey, harp and hooded seals to a single administration immunocontraceptive vaccine. J. Reprod. Immunol. 35:53-64. Caudron, Abigail K. 1997. The structure and behavior of the grey seal Halichoerus grypus breeding group of the Dutch Wadden Sea. Ambio 26(6):404. Coghlan, Andy. 1998. From a watery grave: bacteria that feast on whale bones reveal the secret of cool washes. New Sci. 157(2125):24. Cohn, Jeffrey P. 1998. Understanding sea otters: Exxon Valdez oil spill engenders research that sheds light on these cute cuddly creatures. BioSci. 48(3):151-155. Davis, Randall W. and Giulietta S. Fargion, editors. 1996. Distribution and abundance of cetaceans in the north-central and western Gulf of Mexico, Final Report. Volume I: executive summary. U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, New Orleans, LA. (OCS Study MMS 96-0026) 27p. Davis, Randall W. and Giulietta S. Fargion, editors. 1996. Distribution and abundance of cetaceans in the north-central and western Gulf of Mexico, Final Report. Volume II: technical report. U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, New Orleans, LA. (OCS Study MMS 96-0027) 356p. Derix, R. R. W. M. and P. J. H. Van Bree. 1997. On two recent life-strandings of adult hooded seals (Cystophora cristata Erxleben, 1777) on the Westeuropean continental coast. Mammalia 61(4):631-633. Di Guardo, G., et al. 1997. Tissue concentrations of organochlorines (PCBs, 4-4'DDE) and heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) in cetaceans found stranded on the Tyrrhenian Coast of Italy. Cetacea Informa 6(11):42-45. Doroff, Angela and Carol Gorbics. 1998. Sea otter surveys of Yakutat Bay and adjacent Gulf of Alaska coastal areas - Cape Hinchinbrook to Cape Spencer 1995-1996. U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Anchorage, AK. (OCS Study MMS 97-0026) 45p. + figures. Erbe, Christine. 1997. The masking of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) vocalizations by icebreaker noise. Ph.D. University of British Columbia. 164p. Ferrero, Richard Carlos. 1998. Life history and multivariate analyses of habitat selection patterns among small cetaceans in the central North Pacific Ocean. Ph.D. University of Washington. 254p. Fish, Frank E. 1997. Biological designs for enhanced maneurverability: analysis of marine mammal performance In: Tenth international symposium on unmanned untethered submersible technology, Special session on bio-engineering research related to autonomous underwater vehicles. September 8-11, 1997, New England Center, University of NH, organized by AUSI and ONR. 9p. Green, Gregory A., Rick Cardwell and Mary Sue Brancato. 1997. Comment on "Elevated accumulation of tributyltin and its breakdown products in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) found stranded along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts". Environ. Sci. Technol. 31(10):3032-3034. Comment on Kannan, et al. Environ. Sci. Technol. 31:296-301 (1997). Gustafson, Bob. 1998. Anti-seal-hunt campaign is called "circus of deceit": Minister speaks of "devastating" consequences for Newfoundland, Labrador economies. Natl. Fisherman 78(12):14. Hall, Martn A. 1997. Dolphins and other bycatch in the eastern Pacific Ocean tuna purse seine fishery, p. 35-38 In: Alaska Sea Grant College Program, editor, Fisheries bycatch: consequences and management. Proceedings of the symposium on the consequences and management of fisheries bycatch, August 27 and 28, 1996, Dearborn, Michigan. University of Alaska Sea Grant College Program, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK. Hall, Martn A. 1998. An ecological view of the tuna-dolphin problem: impacts and trade-offs. Rev. Fish Biol. Fish. 8(1):1-34. Hansen, Larry J. and Aleta A. Hohn. 1997. Report from the scientific peer review of the SEFSC Marine Mammal Research Program, December 11-13, 1996. U.S. Department of Commerce, Charleston, SC. (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-406) 68p. Haulena, Martin, David J. St. Aubin and Padraig J. Duignan. 1998. Thyroid hormone dynamics during the nursing period in harbour seals, Phoca vitulina. Can. J. Zool. 76(1):48-55. Hayteas, David L. and Deborah A. Duffield. 1997. The determination by HPLC of PCB and p,p'-DDE residues in marine mammals stranded on the Oregon coast, 1991-1995. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 34(10):844-848. Jonker, F. C. and M. N. Bester. 1998. Seasonal movements and foraging areas of adult southern female elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, from Marion Island. Antarct. Sci. 10(1):21-30. Kuletz, K. J., et al. 1997. Long-term changes in diets and populations of piscivorous birds and mammals in Prince William Sound, Alaska, p. 703-706 In: Alaska Sea Grant College Program, editor, Forage fishes in marine ecosystems: proceedings of the international symposium on the role of forage fishes in marine ecosystems. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Sea Grant College Program, Fairbanks, AK. 815p. LGL Ltd. and Greeneridge Sciences Inc. 1997. Marine mammal and acoustical monitoring of BPXA's seismic program in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea, 1997: 90 day report. BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. and National Marine Fisheries Service, Anchorage, AK and Silver Spring, MD. (LGL Report TA2150-1) v.p. LGL Ltd., LGL Alaska Research Associates and Greeneridge Sciences Inc. 1997. Technical plan for marine mammal monitoring during BPXA's 1997 open-water seismic program. BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., Anchorage, AK. (LGL Project TA2150) 41p. Marcogliese, David J. 1997. Fecundity of sealworm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) infecting grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada: lack of density-dependent effects. Int. J. Parasitol. 27(11):1401-1409. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 1997. Crack down on manatee zone violators. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 34(10):756. Melin, Sharon R. and Robert L. DeLong. 1997. Population monitoring studies of northern fur seals at San Miguel Island, California, p. 134-146 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p. Miyazaki, N. and C. Shikano. 1997. Comparison of growth and skull morphology of Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, between the coastal waters of Iki Island and the oceanic waters of the western North Pacific. Mammalia 61(4):561-572. Miyazaki, N. and C. Shikano. 1997. Preliminary study on comparative skull morphology and vertebral formula among six species of the genus Lagenorhynchus (Cetacea: Delphinidae). Mammalia 61(4):573-587. Momatiuk, Yva and John Eastcott. 1998. Keepers of the seals. Audubon 100(2):46-53. Nathanson, David E., et al. 1997. Effectiveness of short-term dolphin-assisted therapy for children with severe disabilities. Anthrozo"s 10(2/3):90-100. New Scientist. 1998. Sea lion slaughter. New Sci. 157(2121):5. Payne, C. Michael, Brady Phillips and Eugene Nitta. 1997. Report of the workshop to assess research and other needs and opportunities related to humpback whale management in the Hawaiian Islands: 26-28 April 1995, Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii. U.S. Department of Commerce, Silver Spring, MD. (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-11) 134p. Perez, Michael A. 1997. Data on the diet of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) with tags identifying island of origin collected by the United States and Canada during 1958-74 in the North Pacific and Bering Sea, p. 99-132 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p. Read, A. J. and A.. J. Westgate. 1997. Monitoring the movements of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with satellite telemetry. Mar. Biol. 130(2):315-322. Reijnders, Peter J. H., et al. 1997. Population development of harbour seals Phoca vitulina in the Wadden Sea after the 1988 virus epizootic. J. Sea Res. 38(1-2):161-168. Robson, Bruce W., et al. 1997. Northern fur seal entanglement studies: St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1995, p. 15-43 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p. Sauerland, Matthias and Guido Dehnhardt. 1998. Underwater audiogram of a tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis guianensis). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103(2):1199-1204. Schandorff, S ren. 1997. Developmental stability and skull lesions in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in the 19th and 20th centuries. Ann. Zool. Fennici 34(3):151-166. Schandorff, S ren. 1997. Developmental stability and the harbour seal epizootic in 1988. Ann. Zool. Fennici 34(3):167-175. Schedin, U., et al. 1997. Endogenous nitric oxide in the airways of different animal species. Acta Anaesthesiol. Scand. 41(9):1133-1141. Schulz, Carl-Erik. 1997. Trade sanctions and effects on long-run stocks of marine mammals. Mar. Resour. Econ. 12(3):159-178. Sinclair, E. H., editor. 1997. Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-86) 188p. Sinclair, E. H., editor. 1997. Fur seal investigations, 1996. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-87) 115p. Teilmann, Jonas and Rune Dietz. 1998. Status of the harbour porpoise in Greenland. Polar Biol 19(3):211-220. Thewissen, J. G. M. and F. E. Fish. 1997. Locomotor evolution in the earliest cetaceans: functional model, modern analogues, and paleontological evidence. Paleobiol. 23(4):482-490. Towell, Rodney G., et al. 1997. Mass, length, and sex ratios of northern fur seal pups on St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1995, p. 45-63 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p. Towell, Rodney G. and J. Michael Strick. 1997. Census of northern fur seal pups on Bogoslof Island, Alaska, p. 133-136 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p. Vincent, Thierry. 1996. Occurrence of a dugong, Dugong dugon (Mller, 1776)(Mammalia, Sirenia, Dugongidae) in October 1994, near Hurghada (Egypt) in the Red Sea. Annales de l'Institut ocanogrphique 72(2):179-183. In French with English abstract. Walker, T. R., et al. 1998. Seasonal occurrence and diet of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) at Bird Island, South Georgia. Antarct. Sci. 10(1):75-81. Watson, R. A. and T. J. Quinn II. 1997. Performance of transect and point count underwater visual census methods. Ecol. Model. 104(1):103-112. Worthy, Graham A. J. and Alan G. Abend 1997. Impact of killer whale predation on harbor seals in Prince William Sound: a preliminary assessment of diet using stable isotope and fatty acid signature analysis on blubber biopsies. Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Texas A & M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX. 25p. York, Anne E. and Rodney G. Towell. 1997. Can we return to estimating numbers of norther fur seals from subsamples of rookeries?, p. 77-98 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p. York, Anne E. and Rodney G. Towell. 1997. Sources of variability in the resampling process for the population estimate of northern fur seals, South Rookery, 1995, p. 65-75 In: Elizabeth H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1995. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 188p Subject: newsclip - Whales stall proposed Mexico salt mine Whales stall proposed Mexico salt mine April 17, 1998 By Environmental News Network staff (ENN) -- Scientific institutions from Mexico and the United States are conducting an environmental impact study to see if a proposed salt mine in Baja California would disrupt one of the last gray whale breeding habitats in the world. The Mexican government and Mitsubishi Corp. would like to construct a salt mine in the San Ignacio Lagoon. Environmental organizations are opposed to the project because they fear the mine would disrupt the ecological balance of the region, which includes historic mating and birthing grounds for gray whales. In response to growing concern about the potential impacts of the salt mine, Mexico and Mitsubishi have agreed to halt development of the project until the completion of an environmental impact study. After the study concludes in the summer of 1999, a panel of prominent scientists will review the results and make their recommendations. According to Joaquin Ardura, technical vice president of Exportadora de Sal, S.A. (ESSA), "If the environmental authorities say no to the project, we will not continue with it. We will give respect to the decision, to the final decision from the authorities." Although the gray whale was removed from the U.S. endangered species list two years ago and populations are said to be thriving worldwide, localized pollution along their 12,000-mile migration route and human overfishing continues to reduce the quality of its habitat, said Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the late Jacques Cousteau. "Here, California gray whales enjoy a safe refuge for mating and giving birth," Cousteau said. "The proposed project threatens to disrupt the delicate ecological balance among the mangroves, birds, whales and other species in the lagoon." In 1954, the San Ignacio Lagoon was declared a sanctuary by the Mexican government. In 1988, the area surrounding the lagoon was set aside as the El Vizcaino Desert Biosphere Reserve. The area, of which the lagoon is a part, is a World Heritage Site. Cousteau, upon return from a recent visit and study of the lagoon, said that the proposed project is "incompatible with the goal of preserving wildlife in and around the Sebastian Viscayno Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, of which San Ignacio is an important part." However, ESSA has said that the project is unlikely to harm this ecosystem, and will in fact draw new wildlife to the area through the creation of wetlands. From ESSA's perspective, San Ignacio is an ideal location for the what it considers to be "a model sustainable development project that takes renewable resources -- sea water, wind and energy from the sun -- to create a mineral vital to human life and in high demand around the world." The proposed mine includes more than 116 square miles of evaporation ponds, pumps and processing works, a pier and improvements to the nearby town of Abreojos, which would supply the workforce of 200 needed to operate the facility. Even though Joel Reynolds, senior attorney and director of the Marine Mammal Protection Project for the Natural Resources Defense Council, doesn't believe that there is a current international need for a new salt mine, he said that "if economic development is the issue, there are many other locations where Mitsubishi may build their facility." Reynolds said that the elements needed for a salt mine include lots of sun and salt flats, elements that can be found all over the world in places like Australia, France and, of course, Mexico. However, ESSA says there are few places in the world suitable for salt production, and the conditions needed to produce salt by solar evaporation are extremely rare. To produce salt, ESSA says they need: vast, barren salt flats or desert plains to accommodate shallow ponds impermeable soils to hold water so it can evaporate high temperatures and windy conditions to speed evaporation safe access for ships a natural salt-water source Reynolds believes that ESSA has decided to locate the facility at San Ignacio because it has a plant 150 kilometers north of San Ignacio in the town of Guerrero Negro, which would make it cheaper than operating a mine at a more distant site. "If we have learned anything in the last century," Cousteau said, "it is that many development activities have long-term environmental impacts far beyond the ability of humans to foresee, or to limit." "The issue is much bigger than whales," he said. "My concern is that with the proposed workforce will come a population increase that will disrupt the delicate ecological balance of the area. There is potential for huge human impact on populations of fish, birds, geese and marine species as well as on the Mangrove forest on which so many species depend." "I have come to the conclusion that major developments such as that planned for San Ignacio Lagoon are fundamentally incompatible with protecting wild places and species," Cousteau said. "It is time to err on the side of prudence, and not at the expense of the future." ESSA says their experience in the similar facility in Guerrero Negro does not indicate any reduction in the fishing industry and it appears that the only change in tourism has been positive, based in part on improvements in the basic travel infrastructure and available services. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998 13:35:34 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: teacher's packet (fwd) From: Dagmar Fertl I understand that a number of the Marmam readers have contacted the Minerals Management Service for copies of the teacher's packet: Whales and Dolphins of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are just getting ready to request the packet, please use the following numbers instead, thanks: Public Information Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico Region 504-736-2519 1-800-200-GULF Thanks! Our Public Affairs coordinator freaked out with all the phone calls to his office. Subject: Why these waters teem with lif (fwd) Dear All, The following message contains a press release from UPI based on an article which appeared in Nature last week (16 April issue). For the sake of accuracy in our press release postings that quote specific scientists, the MARMAM editors have contacted Dr. Cynthia Tynan for first hand information that might have not made it to the press release. Her comments follow the UPI posting. From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Why these waters teem with lif Why these waters teem with life By LIDIA WASOWICZ UPI Science Writer SAN FRANCISCO, April 17 (UPI) -- A researcher has uncovered the secret of whatmakes the Southern Ocean teem with life, a finding that may prove useful in the recovery of whale populations in areas where they've been depleted. The Southern Ocean -- a huge water mass surrounding the Antarctic continent that comprises one-tenth of the world's oceans -- supports one of the most productive marine ecosystems on Earth. The research shows the southernmost reaches of the strongest ocean current, called the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, or ACC, is of key importance to the ocean's complex and predictable food web. The study found the distributions of blue, fin and humpback whales coincide with the penetration of the deep, nutrient-rich water. The configuration of this water mass marks the current's Southern Boundary and corresponds to areas where phytoplankton blooms, krill and whales abound. Cynthia Tynan ofthe National Marine Mammal Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Seattle tells UPI, "The circumpolar association of phytoplankton, krill and whales with the Southern Boundary of the ACC suggests it provides productive foraging for many species and is of critical importance to the function of the Southern Ocean ecosystem." Her research helps explain why, prior to the invasion by commercial whalers, the waters around Antarctica harbored more whales than any other place on the planet. Says Tynan, "This feature is of continued importance to the recovery of whale populations in the Southern Hemisphere." During the past century, whalers decimated sperm, blue, fin, right, humpback and sei whales. Only the minke escaped rampant slaughter. Says Tynan, "This loss altered the composition and structure of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Most of these species were so severely depleted, that their recovery remains exceedingly slow." Scientists estimate thereare only 460 or so blue whales left in the Southern Hemisphere. In response, the International Whaling Commission in 1993 created the Southern Ocean Sanctuary to protect these species from commercial whaling and to support research on the effects of environmental change on these populations. Most species of baleen and male sperm whales in the Southern Hemisphere migrate between low latitude breeding grounds in winter and highly productive Antarctic feeding grounds in summer. During their southward journey, baleen whales -- such as blue, fin and humpback -- feast on the rich bounty of their principal prey, krill, at the current's Southern Boundary. Sperm whales, which favor cephalopods, or squid, at deeper depths also congregate there. Says Tynan, "The presence of balaenopterids and sperm whales at the Southern Boundary suggests the availability of both krill and cephalopods is enhanced at this feature. This oceanic feature is a subsurface water mass boundary where a defining water mass of the ACC -- Upper Circumpolar Deep Water -- reaches its southernmost extent." Tynan found a thick layer of warm, saline, nutrient-rich water permeating the current. At the Southern Boundary, this mass reaches its shallowest depth, 200-500 meters, where wind-whipped waters bring high concentrations of nutrients -- phosphate, nitrate and silicate -- to the surface. The ample nutrient supply breeds phytoplankton and krill (an estimated 100 million tons a year), which, in turn, attract baleen whales, pinniped species, such as crabeater seals, leopard seals, fur seals, and birds, such as petrels and penguins. Says Tynan: "The food web of the Southern Ocean is more complex than was represented in a traditional short food chain: phytoplankton (diatoms), krill, whales. We now recognize that although the transfer of carbon from diatoms to apex predators appears short, there are other components, such as the 'microbial loop,' that are important in the cycling of organic carbon in the system." Because of the area's prominent place in the world's food web, environmental factors, such as climate change, that could affect it are of great signficance. Says Tynan, "Sufficient climate-induced alteration in the circulation patterns and water mass structure of the Southern Ocean would be expected to have large ecological consequences. Therefore, global warming is a very important scientific issue in the Antarctic." "Oceanographers are still discovering how biological, chemical and physical processes in oceanic and coastal regions interact to make some regions, such as frontal zones and water mass boundaries, particularly productive," she concludes. "Whales, seabirds and other species which occupy the highest trophic levels, are key integrators of the productivity and prey densities of their environment." ------------------------------------- Dr. Tynan's comments (CT) are as follows: UPI: Says Tynan: "The food web of the Southern Ocean is more complex than was represented in a traditional short food chain: phytoplankton (diatoms), krill, whales. We now recognize that although the transfer of carbon from diatoms to apex predators appears short, there are other components, such as the 'microbial loop', that are important in the cycling of organic carbon in the system." CT: My original text read "The food web of the Southern Ocean however is more complex than was represented in early linear representations of a typical short food chain: phytoplankton (diatoms) - krill - whales. We now recognize that although the transfer of carbon from diatoms to apex predators appears short, there are other components, such as the "microbial loop", that are important in the cycling of organic carbon in the system." CT's affiliation should be: Cynthia Tynan of the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, in cooperation with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA, in Seattle ... UPI: "Tynan found a thick layer of warm, saline, nutrient-rich water permeating the current." CT: This statement is incorrect and should be struck entirely. What I wrote, "The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is dominated by a thick layer of warm, saline, nutrient-rich water, referred to as Circumpolar Deep Water, which originates at low latitudes and shoals southward. At the Southern Boundary, this water mass reaches its shallowest depth, 200-500 meters, where upwelling and wind-induced divergence can bring high concentrations of nutrients (phosphate, nitrate, silicate) to the surface mixed layer. ..." CT: I would like to add another critical sentence which was left out of the UPI report: "The Southern Boundary was first defined in 1995 by Alejandro Orsi and colleagues; the ecological importance of this feature is the subject of the Nature article this week". Thank-you for your interest in this research, Best regards, Cynthia Tynan --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cynthia Tynan, PhD Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean University of Washington NOAA/AFSC/National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115-0070 206-526-4033 206-526-6615 (fax) tynan(\)afsc.noaa.gov Subject: abstract -HIF in Steller sea lions Attached is an abstract from a recently published paper that might interest MarMam readers. Please direct reprint requests to: consortium(\)zoology.ubc.ca Heat increment of feeding in Steller sea lions, Eumetopias jubatus. Rosen, D A S and Trites, A W Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology 118A(3):877-881, 1997 Abstract: The heat increment of feeding (HIF) was measured in six captive, juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), fed meals of either 2 kg or 4 kg of herring. HIF was calculated as the post-prandial increase in metabolism above baseline levels, and was measured using open-circuit (gas) respirometry. It averaged 12.4 1 0.9% (SE) of ingested energy intake for the 4 kg meal trials, and 9.9 1 0.9% for the 2 kg meal size. The effect lasted 8-10 hr for the larger meal size. Metabolism peaked 3.7 hr after feeding, and was 2.13 times higher than baseline levels. For the 2 kg meal size, the effect lasted 6-8 hr, with metabolism peaking 2.8 hr after ingestion at 1.76 times baseline levels. Our estimates of HIF for Steller sea lions are at the lower end of estimates for terrestrial mammals, and are consistent with estimates for other marine mammals. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 16:42:56 -0700 From: Stella Ceeline Subject: abstract - competition for prey and primary production ttached is an abstract from a recently published paper that might interest MarMam readers. Please direct reprint requests to: consortium(\)zoology.ubc.ca Trites A.W., V. Christensen, and D. Pauly. 1997. Competition between fisheries and marine mammals for prey and primary production in the Pacific Ocean. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science. 22: 173-187. Abstract: The degree of competition between fisheries and marine mammals in the Pacific Ocean was estimated for 7 statistical areas defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Catch statistics compiled from FAO sources show that the amount of fish caught in the Pacific Ocean rose from 2 million tons in the late-1940s to over 50 million tons in the early-1990s. Recent stagnation and declines occurring in some areas of the Pacific suggest that Pacific fisheries cannot continue to expand as they have previously. Based on estimates of population size, total biomass and daily consumption rates, we estimate that the 84 species of marine mammals inhabiting the Pacific Ocean consume about three times as much food as humans harvest. A large fraction (>60%) of the food caught by marine mammals consists of deep sea squids and very small deep sea fishes not harvestable by humans, thus limiting the extent of direct competition between fisheries and marine mammals. Moreover, the most important consumers of commercially exploited fish are other predatory fish, not marine mammals. Although direct competition between fisheries and marine mammals for prey appears rather limited, there may be considerable indirect competition for primary production. The primary production required to sustain marine mammals in each of the 7 FAO areas varies within a narrow range, suggesting that the diversity and abundance of marine mammals may have slowly evolved to fully exploit their niche and maximize their use of available primary production. This contrasts with the rapid expansion of fisheries and their relatively recent dependence on primary production, which may have led to what we call 'food web competition'. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 16:31:50 -0700 From: Stella Ceeline Subject: abstract -role of pinnipeds in ecosystem Attached is an abstract from a recently published paper that might interest MarMam readers. Please direct reprint requests to: consortium(\)zoology.ubc.ca Trites, A.W. 1997. The role of pinnipeds in the ecosystem. In Pinniped populations, eastern north Pacific: status, trends and issues. Eds. G. Stone, J. Goebel and S. Webster. Pages 31-39. A symposium of the 127th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. New England Aquarium, Conservation Department, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. Abstract: The proximate role played by seals and sea lions is obvious: they are predators and consumers of fish and invertebrates. Less intuitive is their ultimate role (dynamic and structural) within the ecosystem. The limited information available suggests that some pinnipeds perform a dynamic role by transferring nutrients and energy, or by regulating the abundance of other species. Others may play a structural role by influencing the physical complexity of their environment; or they may synthesize the marine environment and serve as indicators of ecosystem change. Field observations suggest the ultimate role that pinnipeds fill is species specific and a function of the type of habitat and ecosystem they occupy. Their functional and structural roles appear to be most evident in simple short-chained food webs, and are least obvious and tractable in complex long-chained food webs due perhaps to high variability in the recruitment of fish or nonlinear interactions and responses of predators and prey. The impact of historic removals of whales, sea otters and seals are consistent with these observations. Many of these removals produced unexpected changes in other components of the ecosystem. Better insights into the role that pinnipeds play and the effect of removing them will come as better data on diets and predator-prey functional responses are included in ecosystem models. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 13:27:38 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: polar bears and others Dear Marmam readers, I am beginning work on a children's non-fiction book on bears for Sterling Publications. This book will be in the same style as one that I coauthored on wolves and their relatives and had published in Fall 1997. The book will be set up in a question/answer format, in chapter form (e.g., how they live, body, senses, self-defense, human impacts, reproduction, feeding), and illustrated with photographs. This brings me to my request. I am interested in hearing from those of you with photographs of polar bears (and any other bear species) and polar bear food. We have a very small budget to buy photos, but I can promise a complimentary copy of the book when it is finished. With thanks for your time, Dagmar Fertl ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 12:34:57 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - leopard seals The following might be of interest to some of the readers. Please do hit the reply button to request copies. ******************************* Walker, TR; Boyd, IL; McCafferty, DJ; Huin, N; Taylor, RI; Reid, K. 1998. Seasonal occurrence and diet of leopard seals (_Hydrurga leptonyx_) at Bird Island, South Georgia. Antarctic Science 10: 75-81. Seasonal haul-out patterns and diet of individually marked leopard seals (_Hydrurga leptonyx_) were investigated at Bird Island, South Georgia during the 1983-96 winters. A total of 2956 leopard seal sightings were made, and 121 seals were tagged during the study, mainly between 1993 and 1996. Photographs of scars and pelage patterns were also used to identify a subset of these individuals across years, which provided no evidence of tag loss between or within years. Leopard seals were observed between April and November; the mean time between the first and last sightings in each year was 208 d (s d +/- 48). Between 1993-96, eight seals were resident around the island for more than 100 d, and the longest recorded residence was 130 d. The proportion of tagged seals resighted was 0.35 and 0.17 in 1995 and 1996 respectively. Based on estimates of body length, <5% of the seals were juveniles (0-1 years) and >70% were not sexually mature. There was considerable inter-annual variation in abundance, with a maximum of 502 sightings during 1994, compared with a minimum of 21 during 1986 and 1989. Antarctic fur seals (_Arctocephalus gazella_) were the main prey item (58% of kills observed and 53% of scats). Other items included penguins (28% of kills observed and 20% of scats) and fish (24% of scats). Antarctic krill (_Euphausia superba_), southern elephant seals (_Mirounga leonina_) and seabirds other than penguins were also present in the diet in small quantities. ****************** *The version of this abstract that I pulled up used the word "seats", which if you read through this abstract, you can assume should have been "scats". I have made this revision throughout. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998 11:44:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Govt announces Great Australia Govt announces Great Australian Bight Marine Park CANBERRA, April 21 AAP - Australia has the two largest marine parks in the world following the proclamation of the 1.7 million hectare Great Australian Bight Marine Park. Environment Minister Robert Hill today announced the Governor-General had approved proclamation of the park, the second largest following the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The marine reserve includes a 20 nautical mile band from the boundary of the South Australian state reserve - proclaimed in September 1996 - to the edge of the exclusive economic zone. About 382,500 ha along the coastline is reserved for mammal protection while a 1.3 million ha benthic protection area will protect sea floor wildlife including sponges, algae and sea fans. "This is the first major marine park in any part of the southern ocean that seeks to protect such a large area of the ocean's floor," Senator Hill said in a statement. "It will provide protection for an area that will be of enormous importance to the nation's scientific efforts to understand our marine environment." Declaration of the park followed consultation in South Australia with the government, fishing and petroleum industries and conservation groups. A detailed management plan for the area is still to be drawn up. But Senator Hill said it would ensure protection of the endangered Southern Right Whale and the Australian Sea Lion while also allowing continuing commercial use of the area, including by the South Australian tuna industry. "For example, the mammal protection zone of the park will generally be closed to boats during the whaling season," Senator Hill said. "As the whale season falls outside the tuna fishing season I am confident that existing tuna operators will not be affected." The lobster industry is not expected to be affected, but trawling which affects the sea floor will not be permitted in the benthic protection area. Mining and petroleum extraction will be banned during the first management plan in the mammal protection area. Minerals exploration will be banned in the whale season and only allowed at other times on a case-by-case basis under strict environmental review. Exploration activities which do not disturb the sea floor's plants and animals will be allowed while exploration activities which would disturb the sea floor and extraction activities would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Senator Hill later told ABC radio the fishing industry was generally happy with management proposals and he believed the industry would continue work within the limits set. "The only fishing industry that might be affected to a small extent is the shark industry and we are going to have further discussions with them," he said. Discussions with the mining industry and government geologists suggested prospects for mining in the area were very slight, he said. But the management plan would allow selective exploration for five years while information was gained on the best way to protect the area. "The future would depend on the basis of our scientific knowledge and technical ability at the time," he said. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 12:30:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: Report ... APR 21, 1998, M2 Communications - A report, released by the subcommittee established under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Act, has recognised that dugong populations in the Great Barrier Reef, south of Cooktown, have declined by over 50% in the last decade. Commenting on the report today, the Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Dr Ian McPhail, said that this decline was not an acceptable situation, particularly in a World Heritage Area. "On the basis of the Endangered Species Scientific groups advice, it is clear that the establishment of Dugong Protection Areas in the southern Great Barrier Reef was urgently required to ensure the survival of the dugong in this region", said Dr McPhail. The Authority Chairman said that dugong numbers would be closely monitored and the sanctuaries carefully watched to determine whether the measures taken were sufficient to arrest the decline in dugong numbers. "If this initiative does not achieve its objectives, it may be necessary to take further steps", Dr McPhail said. The report expressly noted that "dugong are recognised as an important world heritage value in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area." "Australia has a responsibility to ensure the protection of these values and that Australia should be proud to have established the world's first chain of dugong sanctuaries to discharge this responsibility." The report also noted that, "one of the two major sources of non-natural mortality is gill-netting". ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998 04:21:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: submission for ECS Report (fwd) BOUNDARY="----=_NextPart_000_0004_01BD6E06.0B4E9380" This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. ------=_NextPart_000_0004_01BD6E06.0B4E9380 From: Chris Parsons Dear Marmamers- About a month ago I posted a message about the impending deadline the submission of papers to be included in European Research on Cetaceans 12 (The proceedings of the Monaco conference). I'd like to remind people that the deadline for submission is the 1st June. If you are considering submitting a paper please could you email me (delphis(\)btinternet.com) and tell me so that we can give our publishers an idea of how large the journal is going to be. Also, if you would like to submit a paper but will have difficulties in reaching the deadline or may have difficulties with writing a paper in English, this can be discussed. I'd also like to point out that papers from POSTER presentations are welcome and will be given equal credence to oral presentations. For those of you interested in joining the European Cetacean Society or who are interested in obtaining past copies of "European Research on Cetaceans" the ECS web page can be found at: http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.html Chris Parsons Delphis(\)btinternet.com Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998 12:31:30 -0400 From: Phillip Clapham Subject: Right whales and shipping Below is the text of a statement released by President Clinton regarding an instruction to proceed with a proposal to establish mandatory ship reporting systems in key areas of North Atlantic right whale habitat. This is an effort to educate mariners and reduce ship collisions, which are a major source of mortality in this critically endangered population. The proposal has been developed by NOAA and supported by other agencies, as well as by many members of Congress (led by Rep. Bill Delahunt of Massachusetts). The proposal now goes to the International Maritime Organization for consideration. Phil Clapham phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today, I instructed the United States representatives to the International Maritime Organization to seek strong measures to protect the northern right whale, one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. Like many other species of whale, the northern right whale was once hunted nearly to extinction. The 300 or so that survive spend much of the year in waters off of Cape Cod and off the Georgia and Florida coasts. Biologists believe the greatest human threat they face today is collisions with large ships. We must address this threat so these magnificent creatures can flourish once again. Under our proposal, which the IMO will address when it meets in July, commercial ships entering the whale's calving and feeding grounds will be required to report by radio to the U.S. Coast Guard, which will relay back the latest information on the whales' locations and advice on avoiding collisions. We believe this reporting system is essential if we are to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998 08:50:43 -0700 From: Chris Mosseri-Marlio Subject: Dolphin remains on Bronze Age site in Oman Three species of dolphin have been tentatively identified in 5000 year old samples from a coastal midden site at Ra's al-Hadd in Oman. The results of the excavation, carried out over the last decade by the British Museum as part of the International Joint Hadd Project, are to be published during the coming year. Roughly 5000 cetacean fragments are in the sample, many of which show signs of butchery and burning. Hyoid elements in particular show cut marks which suggest that the animals were being skinned and perhaps having fat deposits in the region of the mandible removed for domestic use. Some 250 tympanic bullae and periotics were retrieved from the sample, most of which were in excellent condition. An attempt has been made to determine species present based on these elements, as other more frequently used diagnostic elements such as skulls were too damaged to be of use. The cetacean remains from this site are of particular interest to archaeologists in reconstructing subsistence patterns of the early inhabitants of the site. Perhaps this research would be of interest to those working in the area of marine mammal research, since the assemblage provides a profile of an early dolphin population. I would welcome comments or suggestions. C. Mosseri-Marlio Institute of Archaeology 31-34 Gordon Square London WC1H OPY England email: chris(\)cwinkelb.demon.co.uk fax: 44-1892-513963 Chris Mosseri-Marlio tel: 44 1892 513963 fax: 44 1892 518682 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998 10:41:14 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Steno distribution in West Atlantic (fwd) From: Liliane Lodi Dear Marmammers, We are presently working on paper about _Steno bredanensis_ distribution in Brazilian coast. The southern limit of the species occurrence known until now in South West Atlantic is reported to the local where the warm Brazil and cold Falkland currents contact eachoter. In this paper, we would like to discuss also the Northern limit of _Steno_ in West Atlantic. In litterature, we have confirmed, so far, the species occurrence in the following places : - Venezuela ( Romero et al., 1991) - Colombia ( C. Bohorquez, pers. comm.) - Belize ( Perkins and Miller, 1983) - Cuba ( In: Miyasaki and Perrin, 1994) - Gulf of Mexico (Jefferson, 1996 ; Jefferson and Shiro, 1997) - United States of America/ Florida and Texas ( Layne, 1965 ; Odell, 1991 and Dolphins Plus, unpublished data) Does anybody know other records of this species occurrence in North West Atlantic ? We will be pleased to list and cite any aditional information about this issue in our paper. Thanks in advance for your attention and best wishes, Liliane Lodi and Bia Hetzel *********************************************** Liliane Lodi and Bia Hetzel Projeto Golfinhos CP 14521 Rio de Janeiro - RJ , Brazil 22412-970 E-mail : lodi(\)domain.com.br or biahetze(\)uninet.com.br ************************************************ Subject: weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 4/24/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 4/17/98 are bracketed {...} wNew info and changes since 4/23/98 double-bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals {Sea Lion Search for Drowning Victim. On Apr. 23-24, 1998, a Navy-trained sea lion is to be used at Lake Jocassee, SC, to search for the body of a boater, drowned on Mar. 28, 1998. The sea lion is trained to attach a device to the body, allowing the body to be retrieved by rope.} [Assoc Press] . {{Right Whale Protection. On Apr. 23, 1998, President Clinton instructed U.S. representatives to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to pursue strong measures to protect northern right whales from ship collisions, including an enhanced reporting system for commercial ships operating in this whale's calving and feeding grounds along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The IMO will consider this proposal at a July 1998 meeting in London.}} [White House press release, Assoc Press, Reuters] . {Icelandic Whaling? On Apr. 21, 1998, Icelandic television reported that Iceland may harvest 100 minke whales this summer for scientific research, although Icelandic government officials stated the final decision on this matter had not yet been made.} [High North Alliance News] . Keiko. On Apr. 16, 1998, two Icelandic veterinarians visited the OR Coast Aquarium to assess Keiko's health and condition, as part of an effort to determine whether Iceland may accept the relocation of this whale to an inshore pen in Icelandic waters. [Assoc Press] . Steller Sea Lion Lawsuit. On Apr. 15, 1998, a coalition of three conservation groups filed suit in U.S. District Court (Seattle) against NMFS, charging NMFS has not provided sufficient protection for Steller sea lions. The lawsuit seeks a reduction in Bering Sea groundfish harvest. [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 15, 1998, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) announced that it had obtained video footage of Canadian sealing activities, including an alleged 140 to 200 violations of seal-hunting regulations. The video was reported to have been taken Mar. 26-30, 1998, in the eastern Magdalen Islands, near Prince Edward Island. IFAW accused the Canadian government of insufficient monitoring and lax enforcement of sealing regulations. [Assoc Press, Reuters, High North Alliance News] . Norwegian Whaling. In mid-April 1998, Norway announced whaling quota allocations among vessels and areas. Two vessels will hunt a quota of 66 minke whales from the Central Atlantic stock. Thirty-three vessels will share the quota of 605 from the North East Atlantic stock, divided into four subareas -- 29 vessels will share the combined quota of 412 minke whales in the Barents Sea and Spitsbergen areas, one vessel received a quota of 15 minke whales in the Vestfjorden area, and three vessels will seek a quota of 178 minke whales in the North Sea. [High North Alliance News] . Northwestern Pacific Whale Management. On Apr. 14, 1998, Japanese officials announced that Japan, China, South Korea, and Russia have {taken steps, during a February 1998 informal consultation, toward a future agreement on establishing} a committee for managing whales in the northwestern Pacific region. The committee's objectives would include cooperative research on whales and promotion of whaling. [Dow Jones News, High North Alliance News] . Japanese Whaling. On Apr. 8, 1998, a Japanese factory ship Nisshin Maru, three whale catcher vessels, and one sighting vessel returned to the Japanese port of Shimonoseki with a catch of 440 minke whales taken from the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean. [Reuters, High North Alliance News] . Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quotas. On Apr. 6, 1998, NMFS announced U.S. aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas for 1998. These quotas are 77 bowhead whales struck and 5 gray whales landed. [Fed. Register] . Gray Whale Release. On Mar. 31, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Conifer and the U.S. Navy assisted SeaWorld San Diego in releasing a juvenile gray whale into the Pacific Ocean, after recovering for 14 months from stranding. [Assoc Press, American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc press release, SeaWorld San Diego press release] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. From: Jenny Theodorou Organization: Aquarium of the Pacific Subject: Copper and algae Dear marmammers, The Aquarium of the Pacific has a 180,000 gallon outdoor pinniped exhibit. We use both chlorine and ozone, however, we have an increase in the growth of algae. We are currently acclimating our sea lions to divers, yet we still dive on their terms. We would like to control our algae and have heard different opinions about copper. Has anyone used copper to contol algae in a marine mammal habitat? Did it kill your biological filtration? Can it be used safely with chlorine and ozone? Any other suggestions? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jenny Theodorou jennyt(\)deltanet.com Aquarium of the Pacific ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 18:53:36 -0400 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Sirenews No. 29 The latest issue of Sirenews (Number 29, April 1998) is now available on the Society for Marine Mammalogy's web page. http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ Sirenews is the official newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Sirenia Specialist Group. It is edited by Daryl P. Domning. Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 04:44:40 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Senior Marine Mammal Scientist Position (New Zealand) (fwd) From: "WEST, Ian [SCI,SR]" Advertisement and job description appear below" Advertisement: Scientific Officer (Marine Mammals) Leadership Role The New Zealand Department of Conservation seeks a very experienced, senior marine mammal scientist for a leadership role in the marine mammal research programme. This Wellington position is in the Science and Research Unit which is part of the Science, Technology and Information Services Division.=20 The Science, Technology and Information Services Division is a national services group dedicated to providing quality research, information management support and systems tailored to the Department's needs.=20 The marine mammal research programme focuses on the status and trends of some of New Zealand's marine mammals (principally the New Zealand sea lion, New Zealand fur seal, Hector's dolphin, sperm whales and right whales), marine mammal/fisheries interactions and marine mammal/tourism industry interactions.=20 As well as providing leadership, the appointee will be expected to have an active field role in the research programme on the New Zealand sea lion on New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands. Assistance with research strategy development and the provision of advice to policy makers will be required.= =20 The position calls for a productive, experienced scientist with an ability to lead and also work co-operatively in teams. An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences including senior decision makers is required.=20 This position provides a rare opportunity to participate at a senior level in the research and management of New Zealand's unique marine mammal wildlife.=20 The Job Description is below and PER 1 Application for Employment forms are available from Head Office and all Conservancy Offices of the Department. Applicants from outside New Zealand may email iwest(\)doc.govt.nz to request the forms but please allow adequate time for a postal response.=20 All applications, quoting vacancy 15/1934MM, are to be made on form PER 1 and must be received by the Human Resource Officer, Head Office, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 10-420, WELLINGTON, New Zealand no later than noon on 1 June 1998.=20 *********************************************************************** =20 *********************************************************************** =20 JOB DESCRIPTION: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION TITLE:=09=09=09Scientific Officer (Marine Mammals) LOCATION:=09=09Science and Research Unit, STIS, Head Office BAND:=09=09=09C12 POSITION NUMBER:=0915/1934MM THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION The Department of Conservation (DoC) is the central government organisation charged with conservation. Its mission is to conserve the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.=20 The specific aims are: * =09Conservation of New Zealand's natural and historic resources. * =09Sensible and sustainable use of these resources by the public. * =09Public awareness of; support for, and enhancement of a=20 conservation ethic, both within New Zealand and internationally. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION Science Technology and Information Services Division (STIS) is a service unit of the Department of Conservation. STIS's mission is to work in partnership with Departmental staff and external agencies to improve conservation outputs by providing scientific and technical advice, and creating products, services and systems. STIS's guiding values are to provide leadership, think strategically, add value and provide service.=20 STIS's working style is to be client focused, integrated (across the range of skills and disciplines that the division needs to be effective) and professional.=20 FOCUS OF THE POSITION To provide science leadership in the Department's marine mammal research programme and provide advice on the conservation of marine mammals under the provisions of the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.=20 BACKGROUND The Department's current marine mammal research has three principal=20 foci: =B7=09Marine mammal - Fisheries interactions. These principally involve=20 two pinnipeds: the New Zealand sea lion (with trawl fisheries for=20 squid) and the New Zealand fur sea (with trawl and long line=20 fisheries). =B7=09Marine mammal - tourism interactions. These interactions principally= =20 involve bottlenose, common, dusky and Hector's dolphins and sperm=20 whales. =B7=09Status and trends of populations of New Zealand endemic marine=20 mammals (New Zealand sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, Hector's=20 dolphin) and large cetaceans (esp. right whales). New Zealand has two marine mammal sanctuaries (Banks Peninsula and the=20 Auckland Islands). RELATIONSHIPS Responsible to:=09Operational Science Manager. Responsible for:=09Any allocated staff. Liaises with:=09=09Internal: =09Head Office staff. =09=09=09=09=09Regional staff. =09=09=09External:=09Science Providers e.g. CRI's=20 =09=09=09=09=09Universities Government and =09=09=09=09=09Regional/Local Government Agencies =09=09=09=09=09Fishing Industry and Interest Groups. KEY RESULT AREAS Specific projects and/or work programmes and performance standards and measures will be discussed and set annually in the Planning and Performance Review (PPR) system.=20 * Develop, co-ordinate and manage research programmes. This will=20 include advice on, and supervision of, contract research. * Carry out or supervise scientific investigation and programmes and=20 ensure that the agreed outputs are delivered on time. * Identify external research capabilities and liaise with external=20 agencies. Liaise with Departmental staff to assess research=20 proposals, supervise and evaluate research projects. * Identify needs for information, give advice on marine mammal=20 conservation matters and to identify research priorities; * Develop and review research strategies for marine mammal research * Provide advice to relevant personnel in the Department. * Provide advice as requested to other government agencies - in=20 particular to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New=20 Zealand's Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission. * Prepare, and supervise the preparation of reports and scientific=20 manuscripts. * Manage and be accountable for allocated resources. * Maintain professional standing, awareness of overseas research=20 developments and quality of scientific outputs. * Other work as required by the Operational Science Manager. PERSON SPECIFICATION KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * Have a strong research background in marine mammal research. * Be skilled in analytical methods and be competent in computer=20 database management. * Be able to work both alone and in a small team environment, and=20 have demonstrated team working skills. * Be capable of communicating scientific findings effectively across=20 disciplines, to conservation managers, stakeholders and to the general=20 public. * Be able to design and manage research investigations and produce=20 required scientific outputs and advice within a defined time, to high=20 professional standards. * Have demonstrated ability to deal with the public and industry=20 groups at the interface between science and management. PERSONAL QUALITIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND ATTRIBUTES A demonstrated ability to design and manage research investigations to=20 ensure that they produce useful outputs within a defined time frame=20 and to a high professional standard. Demonstrated leadership skills but with a personality suited to=20 co-operative teamwork. An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences=20 including senior politicians and decision makers. * Have a genuine interest in, and commitment to the conservation of=20 marine mammals and the integration of research into management=20 practice. A genuine interest in and commitment to the application of=20 conservation principles to resource management. QUALIFICATIONS A post graduate degree in a relevant science subject. CODE OF CONDUCT The employee will comply with the Code of Conduct. HEALTH AND SAFETY The employee will comply with the Department's Health and Safety=20 policy and guidelines and/or supervisors instructions and will take=20 practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of others=20 in the workplace. In carrying out the duties of the position the=20 employee will take full cognisance of the Health and Safety in=20 Employment Act 1992. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (EEO) The employee will comply with the Department's EEO policies and action=20 plan. SMOKEFREE WORKPLACE POLICY The Department operates a smoke free workplace policy. DELEGATIONS The employee will exercise only those administrative, personnel,=20 financial or other delegations authorised to him/her. POSTED BY: Ian West Programme Manager, Conservation Services Levy Science and Research Division, Department of Conservation P.O. Box 10 420, Wellington, New Zealand (Conservation Sciences Centre, 58 Tory Street, Wellington) Tel: +64 4 471 3237 Fax: + 64 4 471 3279 Email iwest(\)doc.govt.nz NB: It is not possible for me to answer general emails about the=20 research programme. Subject: JASA Abstract Goold J.C. & Fish P.J. (1998) "Broadband spectra of seismic survey air-gun emissions, with reference to dolphin auditory thresholds". Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 103(4), 2177-2184 Abstract ======== Acoustic emissions from a 2120 cubic inch air gun array were recorded through a towed hydrophone assembly during an oil industry 2D seismic survey off the West Wales Coast of the British Isles. Recorded seismic pulses were sampled, calibrated and analyzed post survey to investigate power levels of the pulses in the band 200 Hz - 22 kHz at 750 m, 1 km, 2.2 km and 8 km range from source. At 750 m range from source, seismic pulse power at the 200 Hz end of the spectrum was 140 dB re 1uPa^2/Hz, and at the 20 kHz end of the spectrum seismic pulse power was 90 dB re 1uPa^2/Hz. Although the background noise levels of the seismic recordings were far in excess of ambient, due to the proximity of engine, propeller and flow sources of the ship towing the hydrophone, seismic power dominated the entire recorded bandwidth of 200 Hz - 22 kHz at ranges of up to 2 km from the air gun source. Even at 8 km range seismic power was still clearly in excess of the high background noise levels up to 8 kHz. Acoustic observations of common dolphins during preceding seismic surveys suggest that these animals avoided the immediate vicinity of the air gun array whilst firing was in progress - i.e. localized disturbance occurred during seismic surveying. Although a general pattern of localized disturbance is suggested, one specific observation revealed that common dolphins were able to tolerate the seismic pulses at 1 km range from the air gun array. Given the high broadband seismic pulse power levels across the entire recorded bandwidth, and known auditory thresholds for several dolphin species, we consider such seismic emissions to be clearly audible to dolphins across a bandwidth of tens on kilohertz, and at least out to 8 km range. -------------- John C. Goold PRIME Project Manager University of Wales Bangor School of Ocean Sciences Menai Bridge Anglesey. LL59 5EY. UK Tel. (0)1248 383752 Fax. (0)1248 716367 Email: oss123(\)sos.bangor.ac.uk Web: http://www.sos.bangor.ac.uk/prime/intro.html ***************************************************** PRIME (Plankton Reactivity in the Marine Environment) NERC THEMATIC RESEARCH PROGRAMME Chairman: D H Cushing FRS Scientific Coordinator: P J le B Williams Project Manager: J C Goold ***************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 12:05:14 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Role of Marine Mammals in the Ecosystem (fwd) From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) A set of 26 papers appears in a special volume of the _Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science", a result of the international symposium entitled "The Role of Marine Mammals in the Ecosystem" jointly organized by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) held 6-8 Sept in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This is the Dec 1997, vol. 22 publication. *Please* do not direct reprint inquiries to me. The following is information on how to contact the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization: 2 Morris Drive, P.O. Box 638, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B2Y 3Y9 phone (902)468-5590, FAX (902)468-5538 email: nafo(\)fox.nstn.ca ************************************************************** The following is a list of the papers presented in the volume: ************************************************************** Nilssen, K.T.*, T. Haug, P.E. Grotnes, and V. Potelov. Seasonal variation in body condition of adult Barents Sea harp seals (_Phoca groenlandica_), pp. 17-25. *Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture, N-9005 Tromso, Norway ******** Griffin, R.B*. Relationships between odontocete distributions and zooplantkon community structure along the southern edge of Georges Bank. pp. 27-36. *University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, USA ********* Moses, E.* and J.T. Finn. Using Geographic Information Systems to predict North Atlantic right whale (_Eubalaena glacialis_) habitat. pp. 37-46 *mailing address: 12 Calhoun Drive, P.O. Box 1344, Sumter, South Carolina 29151, USA ********* Hauksson, E. and V. Bogason. The occurrence of vagrant seals in Iceland, in 1989-1994. pp. 47-54 Marine Research Institute, Skulagata 4, 121 Reykjavik, Iceland ********* Moore, S.E.* and D.P. DeMaster. Cetacean habitats in the Alaskan Arctic. pp. 55-69. *Science Applications International Corporation, 3990 Old Town Avenue, Suite 105A, San Diego, California 92110-2931, USA ********** Todd, S.*, P. Ostrom, J. Lien, and J. Abrajano. Use of biopsy samples of humpback whale (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) skin for stable isotope (Carbon 13) determination. pp. 71-76. *Whale Research Group, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5S7 *********** Vikingsson, G.A. Feeding of fin whales (_Balaenoptera physalus_) off Iceland - diurnal and seasonal variation and possible rates. pp 77-89 *Programme for Whale Research, Marine Research Institute, P.O. Box 1390, 121 Reykjavik, Iceland ************ Skaug, H.J.*, H. Gjosaeter, T. Haug, K.T. Nilssen, and U. Lindstrom. Do minke whales (_Balaenoptera acutorostrata_). pp. 91-104 *Norwegian Computing Center, P.O. Box 114 Blindern, N-0314 Oslo, Norway ************ Haug, T., K.T. Nilssen, U. Lindstrom, H.J. Skaug. On the variation in size and composition of minke whale (_Balaenoptera acutorostrata_) forestomach contents. pp. 105-114 *Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture, N-9005 Tromso, Norway ************ Boyle, G.J. Studying prey selection by seals: the utility of prey preference experiments. pp. 115-117. *Dept of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 ************ Hassani, S.*, A. Loic, and V. Ridoux. Diets of albacore, _Thunnus alalunga_, and dolphins, _Delphinus delphis_ and _Stenella coerulaeoalba_, caught in the northeast Atlantic albacore drift-net fishery: a progress report. pp. 119-123 *OCEANOPOLIS, Laboratoire d'Etude des Mammiferes Marins, BP 411, 29275 Brest, France *********** Hauksson, E. and V. Bogason. Comparative feeding of grey (_Halichoerus grypus_) and common seals (_Phoca vitulina_) in coastal waters of Iceland, with a note on the diet of hooded (_Cystophora cristata_) and harp seals (_Phoca groendlandica_). pp. 125-135 *Marine Research Institute, Skulagata 4, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland *********** Stenson, G.B.*, M.O. Hammill, and J.W. Lawson. Predation by harp seals in Atlantic Canada: preliminary consumption estimates for Arctic cod, capelin, and Atlantic cod. pp. 137-154. *Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Science Branch, P.O. Box 5667, St. John's, Newfoundland Canada A1C 5X1 *********** Kenney, R.D.*, G.P. Scott, T.J. Thompson, and H.E. Winn. Estimates of prey consumption and trophic impacts of cetaceans in the USA northeast continental shelf ecosystem. pp. 155-171. *University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882, USA *********** Trites, A.W., V. Christensen, and D. Pauly. Competition between fisheries and marine mammals for prey and primary production in the Pacific Ocean. pp. 173-187 **this abstract was presented by these authors in an email to Marmam last week *********** Crespo, E.A.*, S.N. Pedraza, S.L. Dans, M. K. Alonso, L.M. Reyes, N.A. Garcia, M. Coscarella, and A.C.M. Schiavini. Direct and indirect effects of the highseas fisheries on the marine mammal populations in the northern and central Patagonian coast. pp. 189-207. *Centro Nacional Patagonico (CONICET), Boulevard Brown s/n, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina *********** Couperus, A.S. Interactions between Dutch midwater trawl and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus acutus_) southwest of Ireland. pp. 209-218. *Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research (RIVO-DLO), P.O. Box 68, 1970 AB, IJmuiden, The Netherlands ********** Fertl, D.* and S. Leatherwood. 1997. Cetacean interactions with trawls: a preliminary review. pp 219-248. **abstract appears in different message to Marmam and ECS ************ Hammill, M.O.*, C. Lydersen, K.M. Kovacs, and B. Sjare. Estimated fish consumption by hooded seals (_Crystophora cristata_). pp. 249-257 *Maurice Lamontagne Institute, P.O. Box 1000, Mont-Joli, Quebec, Canada G5H 3Z4 *********** Olafsdottir, D.* and E. Hauksson. Anisakid (Nematoda) infestations in Icelandic grey seals (_Halichoerus grypus_ Fabr.). pp. 259-269. *Marine Research Institute, Skulagata 4, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland ************ Sigurjonsson, J. and G.A. Vikingsson. Seasonal abundance of and estimated food consumption by cetaceans in Icelandic and adjacent waters. pp. 271-287. *Marine Research Institute, P.O Box 1390, Skulagata 4, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland ************ Warren, W.G.*, P.A. Shelton, and G.B. Stenson. Quantifying some of the major sources of uncertainty associated with estimates of harp seal prey consumption. Part I: uncertainty in the estimates of the harp seal population size. pp. 289-302. *Science Branch, Departments of Fisheries and Oceans, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, P.O. Box 5667, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5X1 ************ Shelton, P.A.*, W.G. Warren, G.B. Stenson, and J.W. Lawson. Quantifying some of the major sources of uncertainty associated with estimates of harp seal prey consumption. Part II: uncertainty in consumption estimates associated with population size, residency, energy requirement and diet. pp. 303-315. *Science Branch, Departments of Fisheries and Oceans, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, P.O. Box 5667, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada A1C 5X1 ************ Bogstad, B., K.H. Hauge, and O. Ulltang. MULTSPEC - A multi-species model for fish and marine mammals in the Barents Sea. pp. 317-341 * Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5024 Bergen, Norway ************* Merrick, R.L. Current and historical roles of apex predators in the Bering Sea ecosystem. pp. 343-355 *Protected Species Branch, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543-1097, USA ************ Stefanson, G., J. Sigurjonsson, and G.A. Vikingsson. The dynamic interations between some fish resources and cetaceans off Iceland based on a simulation model. pp. 357-370. *Marine Research Institute, P.O Box 1390, Skulagata 4, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland Subject: abstract - cetaceans and trawls Fertl, D.* and S. Leatherwood. 1997. Cetacean interactions with trawls: a preliminary review. _Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science_ 22: 219-248. *mailing address: Minerals Management Service, U.S. Dept of Interior, 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70123, USA Cetaceans interact with trawls to an undetermined extent. A preliminary review of global data indicates that individuals of 25 cetacean species (two mysticete, 23 odontocete) have been documented to have died in working trawls or discarded trawling gear. Cetacean interactions with trawls are complex, in part because both fishermen and cetaceans are drawn to areas of high prey density. Furthermore, within such areas, cetaceans are probably often attracted to trawling activities because they make it easier for the animals to exploit a concentrated food source. Individuals of 15 (possibly 16) cetacean species (13 odontocete, and one or even two mysticete) have been reported to feed in association with trawls. Animals follow working nets (feeding on stirred-up organisms or fish gilled in mesh) and also feed on discarded bycatch. Damage to gear as a result of feeding interactions or entanglement has been reported. Such damage results in (1) harm to the animals, (2) creation of negative opinions of cetaceans by fishermen (regardless of whether a cetacean or a shark is, in fact, responsible for the damage in question), and (3) loss of time and money for repair and replacement of gear. The relationships of cetaceans with trawls need to be further studied to determine what effects the trawl fisheries have on the ecology and population status of the whales and dolphins involved. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 04:27:01 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Reserach Collection (fwd) From: "John E. Heyning" The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County houses an extensive reserach collection of marine mammal specimens. Summary information for this collection is now available on the Web at http://www.lam.mus.ca.us/lacmnh/departments/research/mammals/holdings/. You need to move the screen left to right to see the number of holdings for a given taxa and location (we are still working on format). This listing also does not include about 500 specimens that are now being catalogued. We have set this up to make it easy for researachers to quickly check if we have the taxa they seek. Hope this will be of use to many of you. Any email inquiries should be addressed to me at "heyning(\)bcf.usc.edu" Cheers, John E. Heyning, Ph.D. Curator of Mammals and Associate Deputy Director of Research and Collections Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 213 763 3404 FAX 213 746 2999 Subject: Aquatic Mammals - journal information (fwd) From: Paul Nachtigall Aquatic Mammals is the journal of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals. The elected editor is Paul E. Nachtigall, Director of the Marine Mammal Research Program at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Hawaii. The editors email address is 'nachtig(\)nosc.mil', FAX number (808) 247-5831, phone number (808)247-5297. The journal is peer-reviewed, published three times per year, and includes summaries of the articles on MARMAM. Back issues for the past three years (and some prior to that) are available at the same price as the current year. Subscriptions are received via regular mail with a check in U.S. dollars or with payment by VISA or Mastercard. If paying by credit card, please include the full number, type of card, signature and expiration date. Please make out checks to AQUATIC MAMMALS. Please mail subscriptions to: Dr. Paul E. Nachtigall Editor Aquatic Mammals P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, Hawaii 96734 USA The journal is printed and mailed from the Henry Ling LTD in Southern England, but editing and subscriptions are handled at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. It is located on Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay Hawaii, thus a post office box is easier than a regular street mailing address. -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology University of Hawaii P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, Hawaii 96734 USA (808) 247-5297 FAX (808) 247-5831 email 'nachtig(\)spawar.navy.mil' -------------------------------------- Subject: newsclip - Clinton OKs protection for right whales Clinton OKs protection for right whales By Environmental News Network staff (ENN) -- President Clinton has approved a measure that would require large ships entering certain eastern U.S. waters to check with a land-based location for a notice on the presence of right whales. The proposal, which has been called unprecedented by marine biologists and environmentalists, will be presented to the International Maritime Organization at a meeting in July in London. Clinton approved the measure Thursday. If approved by the entire IMO, the measure would help bring the plight of endangered species to the forefront of the IMO agenda, said Amy Knowlton from the New England Aquarium. The measure is intended to protect North Atlantic right whales from fatal collisions with large ships -- the No. 1 threat to this severely endangered species. The right whale population is between 300 and 350 and is thought to be declining at a rate of 2.5 percent a year, said Knowlton. According to New England Aquarium research, large ships have struck and killed at least 15 right whales since 1972. If adopted internationally, the regulations would require all captains to report to a central location upon entering U.S.-designated "critical habitats" for right whales. They then would receive general information about right whales and the specific location of whales in the area, based on information provided by researchers in aerial survey planes. Vessel operators can then take action to reduce collisions. The U.S. eastern seaboard is home to the right whale and a high-traffic area for freighters, cruise ships, car carriers, tankers and commercial fishing vessels. Since right whales swim slowly at the surface of the water, accidents with large ships happen. Since 1990, eight right whales have died as a result of collisions with ships, totaling nearly half of the documented right whale deaths during that period. In 1994, the New England Aquarium began operating an early warning system in the southeastern United States. Every winter, aquarium researchers conduct daily flyovers of this important right whale calving ground. Researchers relay the information to the Coast Guard, Navy and local harbor pilots, who in turn relay the information to military and commercial vessels. Commercial ships, however, have not been required to check in for an automatic update. The proposal aims to correct that by making a check-in mandatory. However, the system, developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been criticized by Pentagon and Navy officials who fear that the reporting system would compromise security and freedom of navigation. "Mandatory ship reporting will raise awareness and educate ship captains about avoiding collisions with right whales. But it's still up to the ship captains to make their own decisions," said Scott Kraus, New England Aquarium research director and founder of its Right Whale Research Project. Another threat to right whales is entanglement with fishing gear, said Knowlton. Marine scientists and representatives from various branches of the federal government are working on a proposal to reduce these entanglements. "We have a long way to go before whales are at a healthy state, but all measures will make a difference," said Knowlton. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 09:54:45 -0500 From: Andrew Schiro Subject: Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science In-Reply-To: <199804070553.WAA60114(\)unix3.UVic.CA> MARMAMER's In February I started a web site called Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science. It's purpose is to help keep researchers informed of current marine mammal publications which are published in such a wide variety of journals. For more information please visit http://www.virtual-mktg.com/schiroa. As of 1 May 1998, any new references on the site will contain the date it was added to allow visitors to more easily find new additions. The date will be in the format of yymmdd (e.g. 980428 for 28 April 1998). This does not include any references already on the site only new ones. I would like to thank all of you who have visited "Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science" as well as all the suggestions (adding the date was one), feedback, and submissions. The name of this site is Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science. This name applies to the field of research and is in no way related to the Society for Marine Mammalogy or their journal Marine Mammal Science published by Allen Press. Thanks for the support Cheers Andy Schiro 1341 Kentucky Lawrence KS 66044-3484 schiroa(\)midusa.net steno(\)ukans.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 1 May 1998 14:45:43 +1200 From: P J Duignan Subject: New Zealand sea lion epidemic Dear Marmam subscribers, A preliminary report on the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) epidemic that occurred in January/February 1998 is now on the Massey University Home Page (http://www.massey.ac.nz). It may be located by opening Faculties and Schools, then Veterinary Science, and then Research Activities. Regards, Padraig J. Duignan P.J.Duignan(\)massey.ac.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- Dr. Padraig J. Duignan Massey University Cetacean Investigation Centre Department of Veterinary Pathology & Public Health Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand. Tel. 06-350-4163 Fax. 06-350-5636 e-mail. P.J.Duignan(\)massey.ac.nz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 1 May 1998 12:52:41 -0700 From: Michelle Staedler Subject: Sea Otter Volunteer Positions Available VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE Volunteer field observers are needed to assist with radio tracking and data gathering on sea otter pups being returned to the wild after being raised in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Research and Conservation Program. Essential tasks include locating individual flipper tagged sea otters at various sites along the Central California coast using both radio telemetry and Questar spotting scopes. Data collection will include activity budgets as well as foraging data. This is a unique opportunity to gain some field work experience and be a part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium volunteer team! For further information, please contact: Debbie Keller Volunteer Resources Coordinator Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 dkeller(\)mbayaq.org (408)648-4866 Michelle Staedler Research Coordinator Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Research and Conservation Program 886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 (408)648-4976 mstaedler(\)mbayaq.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 08:19:49 +0000 From: Etienne Douaze Subject: Video and computer tools for animal behavior studies. Dear all, The Dolphin Study Group has compiled a couple of databases on underwater video and computer tools for animal behavior studies that will interest some of you. A list of links to most major video camera manufacturers, decription of underwater video housings and night vision devices is available at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/video.html A list of computer tools for animal behavior studies and non-invasive telemetry devices is available at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/telem.html Please do let us know about any information that we missed in our databases. Best regards, Etienne Douaze. WWW: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 04:41:55 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list 2. Messages posted on MARMAM 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM 4. Reasons for rejection of messages FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? 6. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 7. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? ++ 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 9. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 13. How do I get other information on marine mammals? 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of December 1997 there were over 3,000 subscribers from 55 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000 list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list. - Messages in another language provide an english translation Note. MARMAM cannot receive attachments - please submit messages as text only. _______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - information not related to marine mammal research or conservation - animal rights calls for action - 'communication' between humans and other animals - 'casual' requests for information that is easily available elsewhere - information requests without details as to why this is being requested - news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - requests for volunteer positions/employment - requests for small numbers of specific items (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - opinion statements offering little or no novel arguments - criticisms of researchers' statements quoted in newspaper articles, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - humourous anecdotes _______________________________________________________________ 4. More detail on reasons for rejection of messages. 'CASUAL' REQUEST. Messages which request information which is readily available from other sources, such as your average university library, are not posted to the list. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. INPROPERLY FORMATTED OR FULL OF TYPOS. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 9. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). As of Nov. 1997 all MARMAM messages have also been archived on the world-wide web. These can be found at: http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca ++This archive can be searched by keyword or by date. The archive ++manager is Quyen Lam ++To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the ++bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. __________________________________________________________________ 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 13. More Information on Marine Mammals WORLD-WIDE WEB LINKS Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" OTHER EMAIL DISCUSSION LISTS Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Sara Ellis, Shannon Gowans or Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 22:58:33 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS: Daily Summary - 5/1/98 - Longer Friday Version - Part 3 of 3 (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 13:36:36 -0400 From: "Field, John" To: 'marmam' Subject: CRS: Daily Summary - 5/1/98 - Longer Friday Version - Part 3 of 3 The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 5/1/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 4/24/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 4/30/98 double-bracketed {{...}} >Marine Mammals > . > {Bowhead Whale Age. In early May 1998, U.S. scientists are >scheduled to report to the International Whaling Commission's annual meeting >in Oman that new techniques indicate individual bowhead whales may live as >long as 150 years, making them the oldest known animals. Such a discovery >could force rethinking of whale management.} [Assoc Press] > . > {AMAP Meeting and Report. In late April 1998, Arctic Monitoring and >Assessment Program (AMAP) scientists from eight nations met in Girdwood, >AK, to discuss environmental sampling and analysis in the Arctic. Persistent >pollutants (e.g., PCBs and DDT) and food chain concentration of such, >particularly in marine mammals used for human subsistence, were an issue >highlighted in AMAP's 188-page report "State of the Arctic Environment." >However, the United States was faulted for its failure to share data from the >Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.} [Assoc Press] > . > Sea Lion Search for Drowning Victim. On Apr. 23-24, 1998, a >Navy-trained sea lion is to be used at Lake Jocassee, SC, to search for the >body of a boater, drowned on Mar. 28, 1998. The sea lion is trained to >attach >a device to the body, allowing the body to be retrieved by rope. [Assoc >Press] > . > Right Whale Protection. On Apr. 23, 1998, President Clinton >instructed U.S. representatives to the International Maritime Organization >(IMO) to pursue strong measures to protect northern right whales from ship >collisions, including an enhanced reporting system for commercial ships >operating in this whale's calving and feeding grounds along the U.S. Atlantic >coast. The IMO will consider this proposal at a July 1998 meeting in London. >[White House press release, Assoc Press, Reuters] > . > Icelandic Whaling? On Apr. 21, 1998, Icelandic television reported >that Iceland may harvest 100 minke whales this summer for scientific >research, although Icelandic government officials stated the final decision >on >this matter had not yet been made. {{On Apr. 25, 1998, however, Prime >Minister David Oddsson announced that Iceland had decided not to resume >whaling this year.}} [High North Alliance News] > . > Keiko. On Apr. 16, 1998, two Icelandic veterinarians visited the OR >Coast Aquarium to assess Keiko's health and condition, as part of an effort >to >determine whether Iceland may accept the relocation of this whale to an >inshore pen in Icelandic waters. [Assoc Press] > . > Steller Sea Lion Lawsuit. On Apr. 15, 1998, a coalition of three >conservation groups filed suit in U.S. District Court (Seattle) against NMFS, >charging NMFS has not provided sufficient protection for Steller sea lions. >The >lawsuit seeks a reduction in Bering Sea groundfish harvest. [Assoc Press, >Reuters] > . > Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 15, 1998, the International Fund for >Animal Welfare (IFAW) announced that it had obtained video footage of >Canadian sealing activities, including an alleged 140 to 200 violations of >seal-hunting regulations. The video was reported to have been taken Mar. >26-30, 1998, in the eastern Magdalen Islands, near Prince Edward Island. >IFAW accused the Canadian government of insufficient monitoring and lax >enforcement of sealing regulations. [Assoc Press, Reuters, High North >Alliance News] > . > Norwegian Whaling. In mid-April 1998, Norway announced whaling >quota allocations among vessels and areas. Two vessels will hunt a quota of >66 minke whales from the Central Atlantic stock. Thirty-three vessels will >share the quota of 605 from the North East Atlantic stock, divided into four >subareas -- 29 vessels will share the combined quota of 412 minke whales in >the Barents Sea and Spitsbergen areas, one vessel received a quota of 15 >minke whales in the Vestfjorden area, and three vessels will seek a quota of >178 minke whales in the North Sea. {{On May 4, 1998, Norwegian whalers >began their 1998 harvest. After negotiations with whale meat buyers, a >minimum price of $4 per kilogram was established for this year's harvest.}} >[High North Alliance News] > . > Northwestern Pacific Whale Management. On Apr. 14, 1998, >Japanese officials announced that Japan, China, South Korea, and Russia >have taken steps, during a February 1998 informal consultation, toward a >future agreement on establishing a committee for managing whales in the >northwestern Pacific region. The committee's objectives would include >cooperative research on whales and promotion of whaling. [Dow Jones News, >High North Alliance News] > . > Japanese Whaling. On Apr. 8, 1998, a Japanese factory ship Nisshin >Maru, three whale catcher vessels, and one sighting vessel returned to the >Japanese port of Shimonoseki with a catch of 440 minke whales taken from >the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean. [Reuters, High North Alliance News] > . > Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quotas. On Apr. 6, 1998, NMFS >announced U.S. aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas for 1998. These >quotas are 77 bowhead whales struck and 5 gray whales landed. [Fed. >Register] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. > Subject: Marine Mammal Cell Lines Dear All, We are currently conducting research to try to develop some toxicological data using marine mammal cell lines in culture. In particular we are looking for cell lines that respond to dioxins PCBs and related compounds. So far we have tested two cell lines obtained from ATCC (the American Type culture collection) and find that neither of them one dolphin kidney cell line and one seal b lymphocyte cell line respond to the test chemicals. We would be interested to hear from anyone who has marine mammal cell lines available that we might test. Sincerely Paul Jones Paul D Jones ESR P O Box 30 547 Lower Hutt NEW ZEALAND Tel: +64 4 570 1555 DDI:+64 4 560 5558 Mobile: +64-021-505-149 Fax: +64 4 560 5573 E-mail: paul.jones(\)esr.cri.nz ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 14:06:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: MarmamNews for April 1998 The following articles were uploaded to MarmamNews in April 1998 MarmamNews can be found at http://members.aol.com/marmamnews 04/01/1998 Whale beaching sparks study Japan planning new commercial whaling operations, Director says Monitoring Freed Whale Proves Tough Seals dying from mystery disease in New Jersey J.J. The Gray Whale Heads North; Hubbs-Sea World Baby gray whale moving north 04/02/1998 Released Whale Sheds Transmitters 04/03/1998 Rescued Whale Loses Transmitters Transmitters lost from released whale 04/06/1998 Sea World protesters arrested QLD: Labor lashes Bay Whale Watch Program WTO rules against U.S. on sea turtle protection law Sub-Antartctic Elephant Seals dive longest and deepest NMFS: aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas 04/07/1998 Environment-Trade wins over turtle protection Text of Letter from Senators to Newfoundland ... 04/08/1998 WWF says Japanese killed 440 more minke whales Anti-Whaling groups join Government Forum 04/10/1998 Fish, marine life affected by El Nino 04/11/1998 Ice threatens seal-hunt fleet 04/13/1998 City assembly in Okinawa calls for dugong research Beijing Marine Aquarium to Be Completed This Year Large Whale Found Dead on Somalia's Merca Beach 04/14/1998 Video cameras to be used to help save sea lions Japan, three other nations to set-up whale committee Better stewardship urged for humpback whales 4 countries to set up whale management committee 04/15/1998 Ship paints may lead to sea otter deaths Environmental groups challenge U.S. on sea lions Canada said breaking pledges on seal killing-UK TV 04/16/1998 Video of Canada Seal Hunt Released Video claims Canada seal hunt practices illegal Dead Whale May Be El Nino Victim Environment: Chefs no longer hooked on swordfish 04/17/1998 Marine biotoxins suspected for sea lion mass deaths China fishermen battling ``red tide'' invasion Alaska SeaLife Center Grand Opening Set for May 2, 1998 Whales stall proposed Mexico salt mine 04/18/1998 Dugong numbers falling 04/19/1998 Pingers' could prove saviour for porpoises Why these waters teem with life - Update 04/20/1998 NASA: Manatees to be released into Banana River 04/21/1998 Govt announces Great Australian Bight Marine Park Net 'Pingers' to get porpoises off the hook Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: Report ... 04/22/1998 EIA Urges UK for Action to Protect Whales 04/23/1998 Clinton Moves To Protect Whales Twelve U.S. marine parks get attention Clinton to propose protections for right whales Clinton seeks protection for whales Statement by the President 04/24/1998 No sign of J.J. the baby whale 04/25/1998 Whale slaughter returning to U.S. on October 1, 1998 04/27/1998 Canada natives prepare controversial whale hunt 04/28/1998 Clinton OKs protection for right whales 04/29/1998FEATURE-War-ravaged Angola looks for missing wildlife 04/30/1998 160,000-plus sign Anti-Whaling Petition ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 09:44:10 -0300 From: Gustavo Thompson Subject: Autistic children studies ------ Dear marmems, I am looking for information about studies made on autistic child= ren with the presence of dolphins. I will appreciate all kind of information that can be send to me (i.e.: medical or scientific reports, publications= , comments, brochures, etc.). If you study it, know or hear about someone t= hat is studding this, please contact me or let me know to the following E-mai= l or address . Thanks in advance,=20 Lic. Gustavo Thompson gustavo(\)biolo.bg.fcen.uba.ar Dto. Ciencias Biologicas Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires Ciudad Universitaria =96 Pab.II 1428, Buenos Aires Argentina=20 =20 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 12:40:00 GMT From: r.mallon1(\)genie.geis.com Subject: Canada natives prepare controv Canada natives prepare controversial whale hunt By Robert Melnbardis MONTREAL, April 27 (Reuters) - A plan by Canadian aboriginals to hunt a bowhead whale in the Arctic this summer will revive an ancient cultural tradition but promises to outrage conservationists seeking to protect the endangered species. A committee of Inuit community leaders are putting the finishing touches to plans for the hunt of the massive whale with the bow-shaped skull to be launched from Pangnirtung, a remote community in Cumberland Sound on the eastern tip of Baffin Island. "We are trying to finalize the hunt plan. This week, the committee will review the recommendations put forward by our working group," Joanasie Akumalik, executive director of the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, told Reuters in an interview from the Baffin Island town of Iqaluit. The hunt could take place in late July if Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans awards the Inuit, formerly known as Eskimos, a license to go ahead. The bowhead whale is an ocean leviathan that can grow to a length of up to 60 feet (18.5-m) and weigh 80 tons (80,000-kg). Named for its massive bow-shaped skull, the mammal ranges through circumpolar Arctic waters, from the Bering Sea off Alaska through the Beaufort Sea to Canada's Baffin Bay and Davis Strait. It is considered one of the most seriously endangered of the large whales, and has been protected under worldwide law since 1935. Valued for its thick blubber and rich oil, the bowhead was hunted to near extinction in the last century, mainly by non-native whalers. Estimates are that less than 8,000 bowheads now roam the pristine frigid waters of the Arctic where once there were 50,000. Conservationists are outraged by the Inuit hunt and the Canadian government's acquiescence to aboriginals' demands that they be allowed to revive a bowhead whaling tradition abandoned for 80 years. "I think it is quite laughable that the federal government would list this animal as critically endangered and then turn around and allow a yearly hunting of its population," said Rick Smith, Canadian director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The Inuit demanded the right to resume bowhead hunting on a regulated basis as part of their signing of a 1993 land-claims settlement that will create a new Canadian territory called Nunavut next April. The Inuit hunt of a 45-ton bowhead in August 1996 provoked a backlash from animal rights activists and the U.S. government. The bowhead was harpooned and shot so many times, its lungs filled with blood and water, causing it to sink. The whale's decaying body rose to the surface two days later, and was towed into port. Much of the carcass, however, was discarded rather than distributed to Inuit communities as planned. The Inuit say this year's hunt will be better managed. "We learned from the bad things and used the good things. The hunt will be much stricter this time around," said Ben Kovic, chairman of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. Still, conservationists say Canada could be criticized at a meeting in Oman next month of the International Whaling Commission, the body that regulates commercial whaling. Last year, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Mickey Kantor threatened to ban Canadian fish imports because of the 1996 bowhead cull. President Clinton also pressed Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien to bring Canada back into the whaling commission. Canada quit the whaling commission in 1982 on the grounds it does not engage in commercial whaling. But animal rights activists say that allows Canada to sidestep pressure to stem aboriginal hunting of endangered species like the bowhead. "When Canada withdrew from the IWC, they set themselves up as a pirate whaling nation," said Paul Watson, co-founder of Greenpeace and now the head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The Inuit argue that reviving the bowhead hunt is important culturally and spiritually for the Inuit, who hunt the much smaller beluga and narwhal whales for subsistence. "It is very important. It brings back our culture that was taken away by whalers," said Kovic, whose grandfather was an American whaler who settled in Canada's Arctic. But conservationists like Watson worry that reviving the Inuit hunt will set a dangerous precedent. Whaling nations such as Japan and Norway could use similar arguments about protecting cultural heritage as a pretext to increase whale hunting. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 14:04:38 -0300 Reply-To: Sara Iverson From: Sara Iverson Subject: PDF Position Please post the following if possible: ----------------------------------------------------- Advertisement for: Postdoctoral Fellow Position Department of Biology Dalhousie University Supervisor: Dr. Sara J. Iverson Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoctoral fellow position involving research on fatty acids as ecological tracers, metabolism and reproductive energetics in pinnipeds. Applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. in physiological ecology or nutrient metabolism; a background in fatty acid biochemistry and lipid/protein metabolism is especially relevant. Previous experience in field work would be helpful. The position is available beginning September 1998, however, the starting date is flexible. Please send curriculum vitae, copies of recent relevant publications, and 2-3 letters of reference to: Dr. Sara Iverson Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone: (902) 494-2566 FAX: (902) 494-3736 email: siverson(\)is.dal.ca ------------------------------------------------------- ======================= Dr. Sara Iverson Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada phone: (902) 494-2566 FAX: (902) 494-3736 email: siverson(\)is.dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 09:00:12 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Role of Marine Mammals in the Ecosystem - correction Last week, I posted the list of articles appearing in vol 22 of the Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, which was a result of the NAFO/ICES meeting held in Sept 95 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It recently came to my attention, that one of the article titles was cropped. Apologies to those of you who were interested in (full title follows): Skaug et al. 1997. Do minke whales (_Balaenoptera acutorostrata_) exhibit prey preferences. pp. 91-104. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 10:29:50 -0500 From: Barb Zoodsma Subject: Info Request on Partenavias I am interested in using a partenavia as an aerial survey platform for marine mammal (right whale) surveys in the SEUS. Since we will need to go outside of our agency for this aircraft support, I would greatly appreciate any leads regarding US vendors offering partenavia charter/contract services. Please forward information to: Barb Zoodsma at bzoodsma(\)mail.dnr.state.ga.us A summary of responses will be posted. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 19:42:16 -0400 From: Pat Donley Subject: JOB OPPORTUNITIES U.S. DEPT OF COMMERCE - NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE JOB OPPORTUNITIES - FOUR POSITIONS BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SPECIALIST (FISHERIES) OPEN PERIOD: 4/22/98 THROUGH 5/12/98 SERIES AND GRADE: ZA-1101-II, (EQUIVALENT TO GS7-GS10) ANNUAL SALARY: $27,284 - $47,785 PROMOTION POTENTIAL: TO ZA-1101-III (EQUIVALANT TO GS11-GS12) VACANCY NUMBER: W/NMF/SWR/98228.LN DUTY STATION: LONG BEACH, CA NUMBER OF VACANCIES: ONE This is a full-time, permanent position as a fisheries business specialist who assists in the tracking and verification of canned tuna industry data and information that will be used in the preparation of periodic reports on the performance of the U.S. fishing and seafood industry as it applies to tuna-dolphin laws and regulations. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade in federal service. Superior academic achievement at the baccalaureate level (GPA of at least 2.95 on a 4.00 scale) or one full academic year of graduate level education, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform this work, are creditable for the lowest level of ZAII (equivalent to GS-07). For full vacancy announcement, call job line at (206) 526-6294, or see web page at: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/pb0404ii/lnl BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SPECIALIST (FISHERIES) OPEN PERIOD: 4/22/98 THROUGH 5/12/98 SERIES AND GRADE: ZA-1101-III (EQUIVALANT TO GS11-GS12) ANNUAL SALARY: $40,383 - $62,924 VACANCY NUMBER: W/NMF/SWR/98227.LN DUTY STATION: LONG BEACH, CA NUMBER OF VACANCIES: ONE This is a full-time, permanent position as a fisheries business specialist who will develop a tracking and verification system for canned tuna industry data and information that will be used in the preparation of periodic reports on the performance of the U.S. fishing and seafood industry as it applies to tuna-dolphin laws and regulations. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade in federal service. Ph.D. degree or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform this work, are creditable for the lowest level of ZAIII (equivalent to GS-11). For full vacancy announcement, call job line at (206) 526-6294, or see web page at: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/pb0404ii/lnl FISHERY BIOLOGIST OPEN PERIOD: 4/22/98 THROUGH 5/12/98 SERIES AND GRADE: ZP-0482-III (EQUIVALANT TO GS11-GS12) ANNUAL SALARY: $40,383 - $62,924 VACANCY NUMBER: W/NMF/SWR/98230.LN DUTY STATION: LONG BEACH, CA NUMBER OF VACANCIES: ONE This is a full-time, permanent position as a fishery biologist who will work with Federal and State scientists to develop management strategies for in-river salmon and steelhead fisheries in California to ensure adequate protection of species listed under the Endangered Species Act. This position also will work with Federal and State scientists and managers to ensure the most current information is available and to develop approaches to fill critical information gaps. Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience in the field of fisheries/marine biology comparable to the next lower grade/band level in the federal service. Education may be substituted for specialized experience; a Ph.D. degree, or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position, are creditable for the lowest level of pay band SAIII (equivalent to GS-11). For a full vacancy announcement, call job line at (206) 526-6294, or see the NOAA Web Page at: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/pb0482ii.ln7 FISHERY BIOLOGIST OPEN PERIOD: 4/22/98 THROUGH 5/12/98 SERIES AND GRADE: ZP-0482-III (EQUIVALANT TO GS11-GS12) ANNUAL SALARY: $40,383 - $62,924 VACANCY NUMBER: W/NMF/SWR/98229.LN DUTY STATION: SANTA ROSA, CA NUMBER OF VACANCIES: ONE This is a full-time, permanent position as a fishery biologist who will design and maintain a data base on salmonid hatcheries in California and will work with Federal and State scientists to determine the potential for modification of hatchery operations to contribute to achievement of fishery management and Endangered Species Act goals. Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience in the field of fisheries/marine biology comparable to the next lower grade/band level in the federal service. Education may be substituted for specialized experience; a Ph.D. degree, or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position, are creditable for the lowest level of pay band SAIII (equivalent to GS-11). For a full vacancy announcement, call job line at (206) 526-6294, or see the NOAA Web Page at: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/pb0482ii.ln8 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 08:21:33 -0100 From: Bram Couperus Subject: paper on bycatch and midwater trawl Couperus, A.S. 1997. Interactions between Dutch midwater trawl and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus acutus_) southwest of Ireland. _Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science_ 22: pp. 209-218. Mailing adress: Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research (RIVO-DLO), P.O. Box 68, 1970 AB, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Abstract Incidental by-catches of cetaceans in the Dutch pelagic trawl fishery are largely restricted to late-winter early spring in an area along the continental slope southwest of Ireland. Available evidence indicates that annual variations in such incidents are large. Using combined midwater trawl bycatch and dolphin stomach content data, the hypothesis is put forward that Atlantic white-sided dolphin (_Lagenorhynchus acutus_), normally a more oceanic species, may actively search for mackerel (_Scomber scombrus_) closer to shore in early-spring, at least in some years. Supporting data were from an observer program during 1992-1994, which covered seven trips representing 5% of the annual effort in the fishery. Also over the period 1989-1994, a total of 71 records of bycatch incidents were collected (involving a minimum of 312 individuals), of which 41 occured in 1994 (172 individuals). Approximately 90% of the incidents occurred late-winter early spring, when both the mackerel and horse mackerel (_Trachurus trachurus_) pelagic fisheries were operating in the same area, southwest of Ireland. Incidence frequency peaked by late February and in March, when mackerel is known to move into the area during its southward migration. The Atlantic white-sided dolphin was the main cetacean species in the bycatch (83% of all identified individuals). Other species recorded included long-finned pilot whale (_Globicephala melas_), short-beaked common dolphin _(Delphinus delphis_), bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) and the white-beaked dolphin (_Lagenorhynchus albirostris_). The stomachs of 47 Atlantic white-sided dolphins, 11 common dolphins, two bottlenose dolphins and one white-beaked dolphin were examined. Fresh mackerel remains were found in nearly all white-sided dolphins stomachs, whereas fresh horse mackerel remains occured only in stomachs of bottlenose and common dolphins. Deep-water fish otolith incidents suggested that white-sided, common, and bottlenose dolphin had a completely different diets before moving to the southwest of Ireland. ***************************************************************************** A.S. Couperus Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research (RIVO-DLO) P.O. Box 68 1970 AB IJmuiden The Netherlands phone: (+31)255.564690 fax: (+31)255.564644 E-mail: bram(\)rivo.dlo.nl Notes: - usual name: Bram - In Dutch the first two characters in "IJmuiden" are to be considered as one character and should therefore both be written in uppercase. ***************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 07:23:40 +0000 From: Hal Whitehead/Linda Weilgart Subject: Reprieve for bottlenose whales in the Gully, Nova Scotia From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) "Reprieve for bottlenose whales in the Gully, Nova Scotia" The Gully is a large submarine canyon on the edge of the continental shelf off Nova Scotia. It is primary habitat for a small population of northern bottlenose whales, and is used by many other cetaceans. It is also in an area of intense interest by oil and gas companies. The large Sable Offshore Energy Program is currently starting development (including a gas pipeline to the mainland) about 30km away. On 5 May 1998, the Canada Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board gave the Gully protection from exploration and development while the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans develops a conservation strategy for the area. World Wildlife Fund Canada, which wishes to see a marine protected area established in the Gully, strongly argued that the Petroleum Board should give the Gully this interim protection. Here is part of the Petroleum Board's press release: "The Board decided not to accept any bids submitted on Land Parcel No. 5, Call for Bids NS97-2 [which overlapped the Gully]. In addition, the Board decided not to issue further Calls for Bids or authorize any exploration activities near the area known as "The Gully" before November 1, 1998. At that time the Board will re-evaluate its decision. "These actions were taken because the Board believes that additional information is necessary to evaluate the potential environmental effects of offshore petroleum activities on The Gully ecosystem. This deferral will provide the Department of Fisheries and Oceans their requested six month period to undertake, and complete, a Gully Conservation Strategy." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 16:12:22 -0600 From: Joy Geiselman Subject: Job Announcement - Branch Chief, Marine & Freshwater Ecology The Marine and Freshwater Ecology Branch Chief position (SUPERVISORY FISH & WILDLIFE ADMINISTRATOR GS-0480-14) at the USGS Alaska Biological Science Center is now being advertised. It will close May 27, 1998. The announcement (imported below) can be found on the Department of the Interior AVADS system at: http://www.usgs/doi/avads http://info.er.usgs.gov/doi/avads/announcements/gsw98115 Please share this information with anyone you believe may be qualified and interested in applying for the position. For more information, please contact: Joy Geiselman Assistant to the Center Director USGS Alaska Biological Science Center Anchorage, AK, (907)786-3668, email joy_geiselman(\)usgs.gov. Also check out our web sites: http://www.absc.usgs.gov http://www.nbs.gov http://www.usgs.gov ______________________________________________________________________ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT * THIS IS A PERMANENT POSITION * POSITION: SUPERVISORY FISH & WILDLIFE ADMINISTRATOR GS-0480-14 ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:W-98-115 OPENING DATE: APRIL 30, 1998 CLOSING DATE: MAY 27, 1998 FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0480-14 RECRUITING AREA: GOVERNMENT-WIDE LOCATION: USGS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES DIVISION, ALASKA BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE CENTER ANCHORAGE, ALASKA CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER: (415) 329-4104 (TTY) 329-4123 ADDRESS OF PERSONNEL OFFICE: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PERSONNEL OFFICE 345 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD MS-612 MENLO PARK, CA 94025 This is a supervisory position. Employees who are initially appointed to supervisory positions must serve a probationary period of 1 year. APPLICATIONS UNDER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY FROM QUALIFIED STATUS CANDIDATES OR FROM QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE UNDER SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT MUST BE INDICATED ON THE APPLICATION. Applications must be received in the Personnel Office by the closing date of the announcement to be considered. You may apply by fax or e-mail to this vacancy and others in the Western Region of the U.S. Geological Survey as part of a pilot project. Application packages of more than ten pages should not be sent over fax or e-mail. Like all other applications, you will be responsible for your application's successful conveyance. Fax # 650-329-4098. E-Mail address: job_apps(\)omega7.wr.usgs.gov. For more information, see our web site at http://online.wr.usgs.gov/ohr/wrsc_job_apps.html. Department of the Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. 5 CFR 330, Career Transition Assistance for Surplus and Displaced Federal Employees requires the following order of selection for this position: (a) At Bureau Option, Internal (within Interior) personnel actions not covered by SSP/CTAP (listed in 5 CFR 330.606(d) of the CTAP regulations). (b) Internal selections from within a bureau and the same LCA after eligible SSP applicants from within that bureau and LCA have been given selection priority. (c) Well-qualified DOI SSP candidates for any vacancy within the LCA. A well-qualified SSP eligible must be selected unless that selection would cause another employee to be separated by RIF. Surplus and displaced employees may be selected without regard to tenure/subgroup order. (d) At bureau option, Internal actions not subject to the RPL (for example, any competitive/noncompetitive action on a permanent DOI employee). (e) Qualified RPL candidates in the local commuting area. (f) At bureau discretion, any former displaced well-qualified DOI employee,including a well-qualified RPL candidate from outside the local commuting area who applies. (g) Well-qualified displaced applicants from other Federal agencies (ICTAP applicants) in the local commuting area. (h) Other outside applicants (other agencies, nonstatus, etc.). To be considered well-qualified under the provisions of CTAP: SSP and ICTAP eligibles must meet the "GOOD" or equivalent rating level on all KASOC's. QUALIFICATIONS: Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines OR a combination of education and experience including courses equivalent to a major or at least 30 semester hours in course as shown above plus appropriate experience or additional education AND one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Serves as Branch Chief for all research on seabirds, marine mammals (polar bears, sea otters, and Pacific walrus), marine fish (Pacific halibut and Dungeness crab), and Pacific salmon (all five species) and other freshwaterfish and various inventory and monitoring efforts conducted by the Alaska Biological Science Center. Coordinates, supervises and is responsible for the conduct, performance and administration of a multi-disciplinary staff addressing a cooperative research program in a diversity of habitats ranging from marine to arctic ecosystems. Conducts and participates in the research as appropriate. Work includes personnel management, financial management and management analysis as well as programmatic research. KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS (KASOCS): 1. Knowledge of a Federal Natural Resource Management Agency and its operational program priorities, policies, functions and activities. 2. Knowledge of ecological science to investigate the ecosystems of Alaska and North Pacific and the wildlife and fishery resources and their habitats of concern to Federal and State natural resource management in Alaska. 3. Skill in planning, designing, and conducting research to address complex natural resource issues. 4. Skill in administration and management in a science or land management agency. 5. Skill in effective oral and written communication. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be made solely on the basis of merit, fitness and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, creed, age, marital status, national origin, nondisqualifying handicap conditions, or any other non-merit factors. Applicants should obtain a copy of the "USGS Application Guidelines" to insure their understanding of the application process and eligibility requirements. These guidelines & USGS vacancy announcements are available in DOI personnel offices, the AVADS BBS (703)648-6000, Internet (www.usgs.gov/doi/avads), Earthfax (703)648-4888 (select option 1), & OPM's FJOB. In accordance with provisions of Public Law 105-85, The Defense Authorization Act of 1998, anyone who previously served on active duty during the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992, or in Bosnia during Operation Joint Endeavor (November 20, 1995 through December 20, 1996) and Operation Joint Guard (December 20, 1996 to be be determined), may be entitled to Veteran's Preference. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR DD214 OR OTHER PROOF OF PREFERENCE WHEN YOU APPLY UNDER THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 15:00:59 -0400 From: Valerie Lounsbury Subject: US Stranding Networks May 6/98 - UPDATED REQUEST ATTENTION NMFS AND FWS STRANDING NETWORK MEMBERS! MARINE MAMMALS ASHORE: A FIELD GUIDE FOR STRANDINGS, by J.R. Geraci and V.J. Lounsbury, was published in 1993 by the Texas A&M Sea Grant College Program. Through the combined efforts of the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Ocean Service, National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Marine Mammal Commission and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, this book will be available on CD-ROM later this year. As an attachment to the main document, we would like to include a directory of institutions and organizations (not individuals) working under a NMFS letter of authority or FWS permit in stranding or rehabilitation activities. The information we are asking for is NOT currently available from NMFS or FWS in an updated form. If you are involved with such a program and did not respond to our request PLEASE take a few minutes to send us the following: Organization name Mailing address Telephone/Fax/ Email address Brief statement of major activities Thank you for your cooperation, and sorry for any cross posting. Valerie Lounsbury Department of Biological Programs National Aquarium in Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland vlounsbury(\)aqua.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 17:31:55 +1300 From: Nathan McNally Subject: Request: milk formula suitable for abandand sea lion pup Hi, An abandened Hooker's sea lion pup which was found this week on the New Zealand mainland, being about the fifth pup recorded as being born on the mainland so we are keen to see it survive. It has been tube feed water and glucose at the moment to tide it over till we get a proper food formula. It is about 5 months old and not yet weened onto solids. Hand feeding and rehabilitation has not been tried before with a NZ sea lion pup so we would like to know: 1. a suitible formula to feed it with, and when to change to solid food. 2. how to stimulate the pup to feed eg. bottle or tube. Please send the information to: nathan.mcnally(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz or penguin(\)deepsouth.co.nz Thanks in advance Nathan McNally ****************************************************************************** Nathan Mc Nally Private: Dept. Marine Science 133 Leith St University of Otago. Dunedin PO Box 56 Ph. (03)476-4427 Dunedin New Zealand ****************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 16:55:14 -0700 From: William Megill Subject: Grey whale research course - a few spots left Still a few spots left for the 1998 season... The Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organisation inviting the general public to assist as "paying volunteers" in research on the feeding behaviour, movements, and abundance of grey whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, killer whales and humpback whales, off the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Research & instruction are carried out from a 40' sailboat and shore stations. Participants are incorporated directly into the research team for the duration of their stay, and have the opportunity to learn theory and techniques first-hand from working biologists. In addition to the field research techniques, instruction and hands-on experience in sailing is provided. Cost includes tuition, all meals, return transportation from Port Hardy to the base camp, and tent accomodation. Topics covered during the week-long trip (a bit like a continuing education level course): grey whale-mysid shrimp ecology: succession, disturbance, optimal foraging, carrying capacity; photo-identification & capture-recapture models applied to grey & humpback whales; orca social structure & acoustic behaviour; white-sided dolphin social & acoustic behaviours; conservation issues. Cost: Adults: $1400 (CAD) $1075 (USD) Students: $1275 (CAD) $995 (USD) Dates: June 28 - July 4, 4-10, 12-18, 18-24, 26-August 1 August 1-7, 9-15, 15-21, 23-29, 29 - September 4, 6-11. For more information, contact: Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation c/o Tours of Exploration 820-1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6E 3V6 Tel: (604) 683-6511 Fax: (604) 683-1911 email: info(\)cerf.bc.ca web: http://www.cerf.bc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 9 May 1998 17:20:18 -0400 From: Lizz Singh Subject: Employment/intern opportunity list I have compiled a listing of employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities in the marine mammal field. It deals primarily with opportunities in the southeastern US, but other areas are covered. Please note that this list is not complete, I only included those who responded to my questionnaire. The list also includes some information on graduate programs. This list can be accessed at the SMM Florida Student Group website http://ompl.marine.usf.edu/mmsg/ If you would like to receive a hard copy, please send me a self-addressed stamped envelope (64cents) and I will mail you a copy. PLEASE do not send questions about specific positions to me. Lizz Singh University of South Florida Dept. of Marine Science 140 7th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33701 lizz(\)marine.usf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 07:34:43 -0700 From: Richard Ellis Subject: Cardiac output of cetaceans For a study currently under way, Daniel S.J. Choy, M.D., of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and I are searching for information on the cardiac output of marine mammals, especially cetaceans. Ever since Dr. Paul Dudley White attempted his crude measurements of the heartbeat of a gray whale in 1955, there has been little work on this subject. Bacon, et al. (1985) studied (and cited) various efforts to measure the heartbeat of fetal harbor seals, and various efforts were made with "Gigi," the captive gray whale at Sea World in 1972-73 (e.g., Smith and Wahrenbrock, 1974). We have searched the available literature and met with people who have had experience in measuring the heartbeat of whales and dolphins, but we would like to know if there is anyone currently working on this subject, or anyone that knows of references -- particularly in the veterinary literature -- that might be of value. Thank you, Richard Ellis 17 East 16th Street New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212)243-6950 Fax: (212)243-6932 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 13:02:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress(fwd) From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 5/8/98 New info and changes since 5/1/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 5/7/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {{Whaling Opposition Resolution. On May 8, 1998, the U.S. Senate adopted S.Res. 226, calling for the creation of permanent protected areas for whales and the halting of whaling by Japan and Norway. In addition, the measure voiced support for efforts to end illegal trade in whalemeat.}} [Humane Society of the United States press release, Congr. Rec.] . {{Illegal Whaling? In early May 1998, a team of scientists presented a report to the International Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee estimating, from 1998 DNA sampling, that 10% to 15% of the whalemeat caught and sold in the Japanese market is from currently protected species, including fin, humpback, blue, Bryde's, and sei whales.}} [Dow Jones News] . {The Gully and Petroleum Exploration. In early May 1998, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board announced its decision not to authorize oil and gas exploration near the Gully, an underwater canyon located near Sable Island recognized for its importance as habitat for marine mammals.} [World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] . {Canadian Bowhead Whaling. In early May 1998, a committee of Inuit community leaders was scheduled to review recommendations of a Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board's working group on plans for a summer bowhead whale hunt in Cumberland Sound, Baffin Island. If the Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans issues a license, the hunt would take place in late July 1998.} [Reuters] . Bowhead Whale Age. In early May 1998, U.S. scientists are scheduled to report to the International Whaling Commission's annual meeting in Oman that new techniques indicate individual bowhead whales may live as long as 150 years, making them the oldest known animals. Such a discovery could force rethinking of whale management. [Assoc Press] . AMAP Meeting and Report. In late April 1998, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) scientists from eight nations met in Girdwood, AK, to discuss environmental sampling and analysis in the Arctic. Persistent pollutants (e.g., PCBs and DDT) and food chain concentration of such, particularly in marine mammals used for human subsistence, were an issue highlighted in AMAP's 188-page report "State of the Arctic Environment." However, the United States was faulted for its failure to share data from the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. [Assoc Press] . Sea Lion Search for Drowning Victim. On Apr. 23-24, 1998, a Navy-trained sea lion is to be used at Lake Jocassee, SC, to search for the body of a boater, drowned on Mar. 28, 1998. The sea lion is trained to attach a device to the body, allowing the body to be retrieved by rope. [Assoc Press] . Right Whale Protection. On Apr. 23, 1998, President Clinton instructed U.S. representatives to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to pursue strong measures to protect northern right whales from ship collisions, including an enhanced reporting system for commercial ships operating in this whale's calving and feeding grounds along the U.S. Atlantic coast. The IMO will consider this proposal at a July 1998 meeting in London. [White House press release, Assoc Press, Reuters] . Icelandic Whaling? On Apr. 21, 1998, Icelandic television reported that Iceland may harvest 100 minke whales this summer for scientific research, although Icelandic government officials stated the final decision on this matter had not yet been made. On Apr. 25, 1998, however, Prime Minister David Oddsson announced that Iceland had decided not to resume whaling this year. [High North Alliance News] . Keiko. On Apr. 16, 1998, two Icelandic veterinarians visited the OR Coast Aquarium to assess Keiko's health and condition, as part of an effort to determine whether Iceland may accept the relocation of this whale to an inshore pen in Icelandic waters. [Assoc Press] . Steller Sea Lion Lawsuit. On Apr. 15, 1998, a coalition of three conservation groups filed suit in U.S. District Court (Seattle) against NMFS, charging NMFS has not provided sufficient protection for Steller sea lions. The lawsuit seeks a reduction in Bering Sea groundfish harvest. [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 15, 1998, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) announced that it had obtained video footage of Canadian sealing activities, including an alleged 140 to 200 violations of seal-hunting regulations. The video was reported to have been taken Mar. 26-30, 1998, in the eastern Magdalen Islands, near Prince Edward Island. IFAW accused the Canadian government of insufficient monitoring and lax enforcement of sealing regulations. [Assoc Press, Reuters, High North Alliance News] . Norwegian Whaling. In mid-April 1998, Norway announced whaling quota allocations among vessels and areas. Two vessels will hunt a quota of 66 minke whales from the Central Atlantic stock. Thirty-three vessels will share the quota of 605 from the North East Atlantic stock, divided into four subareas -- 29 vessels will share the combined quota of 412 minke whales in the Barents Sea and Spitsbergen areas, one vessel received a quota of 15 minke whales in the Vestfjorden area, and three vessels will seek a quota of 178 minke whales in the North Sea. On May 3, 1998, Norwegian whalers began their 1998 harvest. After negotiations with whale meat buyers, a minimum price of $4 per kilogram was established for this year's harvest. {On May 4, 1998, Reuters reported that dried "whale beef" and whalemeat sausages were available for sale in a duty-free shop in the departure lounge of the Oslo airport despite a Norwegian ban on export of whale products.} [High North Alliance News, Reuters, Assoc Press] . Northwestern Pacific Whale Management. On Apr. 14, 1998, Japanese officials announced that Japan, China, South Korea, and Russia have taken steps, during a February 1998 informal consultation, toward a future agreement on establishing a committee for managing whales in the northwestern Pacific region. The committee's objectives would include cooperative research on whales and promotion of whaling. [Dow Jones News, High North Alliance News] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Biopsy heads Dear Marmamers, I'm the supervisor of a research project on southern elephant seals of the Falkland Islands. We collect skin samples for DNA extraction. In the past few years we took samples from interdigital membrane of the hind flippers using ear notchers. Sometimes, it's quite difficult to get samples this way from very scared or aggressive females, or when females are in the middle of harems. Hence, we plan to use in these cases a sample head on a 1-1.2 m pole. I wish to get information about suitable biopsy heads. Please, reply directly to me, and I will put together a summary. TIA. Cheers Filippo \\\|/// \\ - - // ( (\) (\) ) --------oOOo-(_)-oOOo------- Filippo Galimberti,PhD Via Buonarroti, 35 20145 Milano Italy Fax + 39 2 4980504 + 39 2 48008145 fgalimbe(\)micronet.it "As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand" [Josh Billings] ----------------Oooo--------- oooO ( ) ( ) ) / \ ( (_/ \_) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 09:39:24 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - pingers The following might be of interest to readers. Please do not hit the reply key to get a copy of the paper...you're on your own for that. I'm not responsible for accuracy of the abstract, since I pulled it off a service, and they managed to have used "fingers" instead of pingers in the title itself. ***************************************************************** Dawson, SM; Read, A; Slooten, E. 1998. Pingers, porpoises and power: Uncertainties with using pingers to reduce bycatch of small cetaceans BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION v84 i2 pp. 141-146. Incidental mortality in gillnets is probably the most serious global threat to dolphin and porpoise populations. In 1994, a well-designed study demonstrated a 92% reduction in bycatch of harbour porpoises in sink gillnets equipped with acoustic pingers. This result has not yet been fully replicated; in the New Hampshire area where the experiment was conducted or elsewhere. Statistical power analyses indicate that such studies are feasible only in areas of high entanglement rate. Currently unanswered research questions include whether the 1994 results can be replicated, whether habituation might decrease effectiveness over time, and what the mechanism of deterrence is. Practical constraints include the size, cost and battery life of current pingers, and whether their rue could be monitored cost-effectively. Front a management perspective, even if the effectiveness of pingers is confirmed, widespread incorporation of them into gillnets may not alone be sufficient to meet the requirements of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act. For this reason scientists, managers and fishers must continue to explore other options, including time/area closures and encouragement of more selective fishing methods. Reprints Dawson, SM UNIV OTAGO DEPT MARINE SCI, POB 56 DUNEDIN NEW ZEALAND ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 20:15:08 +0200 From: Carlo Subject: Request of informations about Alloparental Care ------ Dear Marmammers May I introduce myself. My name is Carlo Trombetti, I am an italian biologist and I got recently my degree with a graduation thesis titled "Study of maternal and allomaternal behavior Tursiops truncatus in capti= vity" Together with R.Tizzi and D.S. Pace we presented a poster about alloparental care at the WMMSC. The abstract is : "ALLOPARENTAL CARE IN TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS: A CASE REPORT (1) Tizzi R., (2) Trombetti C. & (3) Pace D.S.=20 (1) Delfinario di Rimini, Viale Lungomare Tintori 2, 47037 Rimini, Italy (2) Dipartimento di Biologia, Universit=E0 di Bologna, Italy (3) A.A.M., Via Vitellia 15/b, Rome, Italy In the majority of mammal species mothers provide virtually all of the ca= re for their young alone, even more rarely non-parental animals provide care. Among captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) the mother is ofte= n assisted by another female during parturition and neonatal care, and such behavior which benefits the young is defined alloparental.=20 Aim of this study is to investigate the development of an alloparental relationship occurred in bottlenose dolphins in captivity conditions. The birth of a calf at Rimini=92s Aquarium provided the opportunity for studi= es of mother-calf and aunt-calf interactions observing detailed behavior sequences. Data were collected over a one-year period (from May 1995 to M= ay 1996) using a video-camera, and a total number of 167 hours of observatio= n was recorded.=20 The "aunt" role of the unrelated female was clear since the first stage o= f calf=92s life. In fact, a typical formation with the calf kept in a centr= al position between mother=92s and aunt=92s sides was observed immediately a= fter birth, and this close association was maintained particularly over the ne= xt six months. Moreover, the "aunt" seemed to show a babysitting function, remaining with the young during the absence of the mother. Babysitting allowed greater foraging freedom for the mother, while providing protecti= on for the calf.=20 Behaviors including contacts between pectoral fin against the flank of another dolphins, behind the other dolphin=92s pectoral fin and below or = just posterior to the dorsal fin were the most frequent interactions seen. Distinctive features of mother-calf and aunt-calf activity were observed, and different spatial location were recorded. In fact, the young animal maintained a position at the aunt=92s side never showing typical mother-c= alf interactions (e.g. swim beneath the mother, bump the mammary area with th= e top of the head, attempt to suckle).=20 The "aunt" female just gave birth to its first own calf (June 1997). A parallel study is starting, in order to verify if the benefits of altruistic behaviors such as alloparental care and babysitting may have been instrumental in the evolution of sociality in female bottlenose dolphins in a situation where it has the opportunity to receive a future increase of fitness via reciprocity." I would like to continue my work in this field and so I need to obtain mo= re information about alloparental behaviour and arguments linked up with it. During my thesis I had the impression that there are not much specific works detailing with this subject. I had a lot of difficult to find articles, in particular way as regards mysticetes. For this reason I=92d = be grateful if someone could help me in providing me references about alloparental care both on Odontocetes and on Mysticetes.=20 Tank you in advance for your kind help. Yours sincerely Carlo Trombetti Dipartimento di Biologia Universit=E0 degli Studi di Bologna Italy Phone: 039 51 6343126 email: ci11443(\)iperbole.bologna.it ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 13 May 1998 12:59:53 EDT From: AlohaPCG Subject: Jaundice in dolphins While working on coastal bottlenose dolphins in California I encountered, on several occasions, bright yellow bottlenose dolphin calves. This condition persisted in the same animals for approximately 40 days. I am preparing a short note describing the event and possible causes and I have not been able to find references to jaundice in cetaceans in the published literature. I would like to find out if anybody has had experience with or has sighted free- ranging dolphins with jaundice. Please send your answer to ALOHAPCG(\)AOL.COM. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 04:27:41 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: WORKSHOP- seismic surveys & marine mammals (fwd) From: Dave Thompson This is an update of an announcement posted in early February. Subscribers to Marmam may be interested in a workshop on seismic surveys and marine mammals to be held in central London, UK, between 23rd to 25th June 1998. The meeting will be held at the London School of Economics (LSE).=20 The workshop has been prompted by increased levels of oil exploration along the "Atlantic Frontier" to the west of the British Isles and aims to bring together representatives from the oil and seismic industry, NGOs and academics to search for a common understanding of the issues, identify knowledge gaps and set priorities for action and research.=20 This is a serious attempt to bring together all sides in a workshop atmosphere where the emphasis will be on discussion and debate rather than on formal presentations. To date we have had a reasonable response from the industry side, but the Academic and particularly the NGO communities are under represented.=20 The registration fee for Academics and NGOs is =A3150 (+VAT). This fee covers accomodation, meals, refreshments and all conference documentation.= =20 To register or for further details contact Jane Kennedy at CMPT in Aberdeen (j.kennedy(\)cmpt.co.uk). SEISMIC AND MARINE MAMMALS WORKSHOP 23-25 JUNE 1998, BANKSIDE HOUSE (LSE), LONDON =09=09 Seismic Network=09INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION =09OF GEOPHYSICAL CONTRACTORS THE OBJECTIVE Increasing levels of oil and gas related activities in the north-east Atlantic have raised concerns amongst regulators, NGO=92s and the general public about the impact of these operations on marine mammals. The aim of this event is to develop a common understanding amongst all participants of the interactions between seismic operations and marine mammals; to review information and concerns, establish the current position, identify possible research needs and way(s) forward and discuss future research and regulatory directions.=20 PARTICIPANTS The workshop will be =91open=92 but the number of attendees is restricted t= o a maximum of 100. Representatives from Oil Companies, Geophysical Contractors, Environmental Contractors, Regulators, Non Governmental Organisations, Academics and Students are invited to attend.=20 International participation is seen as a prerequisite.=20 WORKSHOP TOPICS Briefing / background papers have been commissioned on the five key topics listed below, which will be presented during the workshop:=20 Topic 1=09Seismic practice Overview of seismic methodology, history of technique and future trends, licensing and permitting, activity by area - historical trends and current outlook, operational constraints including the effects of seismic interference.=20 Topic 2=09Physics of sound in water Fundamentals and meaning of measurements, propagation/attenuation of sound in water, effect of water depth and sea bottom coupling, comparisons between different types of air guns and alternative sources.=20 Topic 3=09Biology of marine mammals of the north-east Atlantic=20 (in relation to seismic energy) Types of marine mammals encountered, sensitivity of hearing to frequency and source energy levels, behaviour, geographical distribution and seasonal occurrence, migration paths/patterns, population level and conservation status.=20 Topic 4=09Seismic and marine mammal interaction=20 Overview of the effects of sound and how this is measured / assessed, interaction with prey species - possible changes in food stock distribution, evidence for hearing damage including comparison with the effects on humans, behavioural responses - long term and short term effects, relevant international studies - past and present.=20 Topic 5=09Worldwide review of mitigation of (potential) effects=20 =09 Legislative requirements, guidelines and restrictions worldwide, conceptual framework for current approach, criteria by which current practices were arrived at, on-going studies and future directions.=20 =20 CURRENT WORKSHOP PROGRAMME A series of four work sessions are planned to address and expand on each topic and identify further areas for discussion/review. The first session (day 1 afternoon) will address topics 1, 2 and 3 and provide the background for detailed discussions on topics 4 and 5 during day 2. The final session (day 3 morning) will be devoted to wrapping up and identifying ways forward. Tuesday 23 June Session 1 - Chairman: George Chisholm, Amoco UK Ltd 13:30 =09Seismic Practice 14:00 =09Discussion (Question and Answer) 14:15 =09Physics of Sound in Water 14:45 =09Discussion (Question and Answer) 15:00 =09Biology of Marine Mammals 15:30 =09Discussion (Question and Answer) 15:45 =09Tea 16:15 =09Panel Discussion 17:00 =09Poster Presentations (each less than 5 minutes) 18:00 =09Poster Viewing and Ice Breaker=20 19:30 =09Dinner Wednesday 24 June Session 2 =96 Chairman: Dave Thompson, Sea Mammal Research Unit 9:00 =09Seismic and Marine Mammal Interaction 9:45 =09Panel Discussions (Question and Answer) 10:00 =09Review of Topics for Break-Out Teams 10:15 =09Coffee 10:30 =09Breakout Teams (4 or 5 groups) 12:00 =09Reconvene - 5 minute presentations from each group 12:30 =09Lunch Session 3 =96 Chairman: Anne Walls, Mobil North Sea Ltd 13:30 =09Worldwide Mitigation of Potential Effects 14:15 =09Panel Discussions (Question and Answer) 14:30 =09Review of Topics 14:45 =09Breakout Teams (4 or 5 Groups) 16:15 =09Tea 16:45 =09Reconvene - 5 minute summaries from breakout teams 17:15=09Further Poster Presentations 17:30 =09Day Summary 18:00 =09Poster Viewing (& Editorial Group Meeting) 19:30 =09Dinner Thursday 25 June Session 4 =96 Chairman: Mark Tasker, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)=20 9:00 =09Draft action points available 9:30 =09Review of action points and discussions on ways forward 9:45 =09Break out teams (4 or 5 groups) 10:45 =09Coffee 11:15 =09Planning/capture of ways forward 12:00 =09End 12:30 =09Lunch/leave 13:30 =09Editorial group meeting POSTER PRESENTATIONS Poster presentations are invited on relevant ongoing research within the scope of the five topics above. Prospective authors should send a brief 500 word abstract to Jane Kennedy at CMPT, Aberdeen (j.kennedy(\)cmpt.co.uk)= =20 by 30 April 1998, in accordance with the attached abstract guidelines.=20 Note: All posters will be considered for inclusion as extended abstracts in the published proceedings.=20 DELIVERABLES Summary background / briefing papers on each topic =96 these will be distributed to workshop delegates in advance of the event. Identification of areas of concern requiring further study. Minimal duplication of relevant worldwide studies within the UKCS. Workshop summary containing recommendations for further targeted research. Library of all the reports, papers etc. quoted in background papers, abstracts and the workshop proceedings.=20 SPONSORSHIP Limited funds are available to assist with travel expenses of non-industry participants. Priority will be given to authors of posters on relevant on going research. DATE AND VENUE 23 =96 25 June 1998, Bankside House (London School of Economics), London COST =09 Fees are:=09Pounds Sterling Industry Delegate=09700 + VAT =3D 822.50 Academia, NGO=92s etc=09150 + VAT =3D 176.25 =20 SEISMIC AND MARINE MAMMALS WORKSHOP 23-25 JUNE 1998, BANKSIDE HOUSE (LSE), LONDON REGISTRATION FORM PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO: Jane Kennedy, Event Co-ordinator "S&MM Workshop" CMPT, Exploration House, Offshore Technology Park, Aberdeen AB23 8GX, UK e-mail: j.kennedy(\)cmpt.co.uk fax: +44 (0)1224 706601 web page: http://www.pteris.co.uk/conferences/seismic.html Registration is limited to a maximum of 100 participants. Please note that confirmation of registrations will be issued following the initial registration/call for poster abstracts deadline of 30 April 1998.=20 Delegate Information: Surname:=09 First name:=09=09Title: (Mr, Mrs, Dr)=09 Job Title:=09 Organisation:=09 Address:=09 Postal code:=09=09City:=09 Country:=09 Tel:=09=09Fax:=09 E-mail:=09 Registration Fee: Industry Delegate=09=A3700 + VAT (\) 17.5% =3D =A3822.50=09 Academic / NGO=09=A3150 + VAT (\) 17.5% =3D =A3176.25=09 (registrants domiciled outside the European Union are exempt from VAT) The registration fee includes admission to all workshop sessions, documentation (which will comprise of briefing papers on each of the five topics, plus one copy of the proceedings), refreshments, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), plus on-site accommodation (see below).=20 Accommodation: On-site accommodation is available for all workshop participants, and delegates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for the duration of the event. All rooms are very spacious, with ensuite shower, telephone and radio alarm. Accommodation plus breakfast is included in the registration fee. All accommodation must however be booked by completing the table below. If you do not complete this section, no accommodation will be reserved for you.=20 Date of arrival:=09Date of departure:=09Total No of nights:=09 Payment Details: =A3 Cheque / bank draft enclosed (made payable to CMPT)=09 Bank transfer to(copy enclosed)=09Clydesdale Bank plcBridge of Don Branch 20 Ellon Road, Aberdeen AB23 8BXA/C no 172609 Sort Code 82-69-23=09 Credit Card (please provide details below) Access=09=09Visa=09=09Amex=09 Card number=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09=09 Name on Card=09 Address of Card Holder=09 Expiry Date=09=09Signature=09 Note: For cancellations received in writing before 1 June 1998, a 20% administration charge will be made. It is regretted that after this date, no refund of fees can be made. Dave Thompson SEA MAMMAL RESEARCH UNIT Gatty Marine Lab, St Andrews University St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland. d.thompson(\)smru.st-andrews.ac.uk tel: +44 (1334) 463280 =20 fax: +44 (1334) 462637=20 Subject: NMFS vacancy announcement (fwd) From: Irma Lagomarsino The Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, is seeking a fishery biologist or wildlife biologist to implement, coordinate, and conduct elements of the Protected Resources Division's marine mammal management program in California. This is a full-time, permanent position in ZP-II (or GS-9 equivalent). Interested candidates may obtain the vacancy announcement and information on how to apply at http://www.rdc.noaa.gov. The closing date is May 27, 1998, and the Vacancy number is W/NMF/SWR/98285.LN. Subject: The Hunting of Sea Mammals: sustainable use of a resource From J.Aniol Esteban Dear subscribers, The following article has been launched on the Electronic Conference on Research and Biodiversity web page: http://www.gencat.es/mediamb/biodiv/tour2.htm "The Hunting of Sea Mammals: sustainable use of a resource and research Needs" Author: Dorete Bloch - Museum of Natural History - Faroe Islands The Electronic Conference runs from 4th May to 14th June, 1998. Sincerely Aniol Esteban wbiodiv(\)correu.gencat.es Ministry of Environment Autonomous Government of Catalonia Barcelona ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 08:45:55 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: article - monk seal mortality The following might be of interest to folks. You're on your own for obtaining the article. Did algal toxins cause monk seal mortality? Hernandez, M; Robinson, I; Aguilar, A; Gonzalez, LM; LopezJurado, LF; Reyero, MI; Cacho, E; Franco, J; LopezRodas, V; Costas, E. 1998. NATURE, May 7, 1998 v393 i6680 p28-29 Reprints Hernandez, M P CONDE DE LOS GAITANES LAB FORENSE VIDA SILVESTRE, 145 MORALEJA MADRID 28109 SPAIN ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 May 1998 13:38:43 +0000 From: Hal Whitehead/Linda Weilgart Subject: ABSTRACT: Population structure of sperm whales From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) Here is the abstract of a recent paper. We have not yet received reprints, but we can send copies when we get them, if anyone is interested. Whitehead, H., M. Dillon, S. Dufault, L. Weilgart and J. Wright. 1998. Non-geographically based population structure of South Pacific sperm whales: dialects, fluke-markings and genetics. Journal of Animal Ecology 67: 253-262. 1. This study addresses the issue of structure in sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus) populations and whether it is geographically based. 2. During a survey around the South Pacific Ocean, we collected sloughed skin for genetic analyses, recorded coda vocalizations, and photographed fluke markings. 3. Groups of female and immature sperm whales had characteristic mitochondrial haplotypes, coda repertoires, and fluke-mark patterns, but there was no clear geographical structure in any of these attributes. 4. However, similarities of coda repertoire and mitochondrial haplotype distribution were significantly correlated among pairs of groups in a manner that was not geographically based. There was also a significant canonical correlation coefficient between coda repertoire and fluke-mark patterns. 5. These results suggest that attributes (such as vocal repertoire and techniques of predator defence) which are acquired matrilineally, and probably culturally, are conserved during the fission and dispersal of groups. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 09:36:10 -0400 From: anne doncaster Subject: Seal Hunt "Chat session" Anne Doncaster (adncstr(\)muskoka.com For those interested in Canada's commercial seal hunt, the International Wildlife Coalition is hosting a "chat" session at 9 pm EST on Thursday, May 21. Just go to our web site at "iwc.org", click on the "chat" session button and enter our seal meeting room. Possible subjects include: the alleged participation of DFO representatives in the "price-fixing" of seal meat; the recommendation by the Newfoundland Minister of Fisheries that 1 million seals a year be culled for the next 4 years to significantly reduce seal populations; the evidence of widespread waste of seal meat; new restrictions on observing the seal hunt; scientific data on seals impeding the recovery of groundfish stocks, estimates of harp seal populations, and condition of seals; any other concerns that participants may have. Anne Doncaster International Wildlife Coalition P.O. Box 461, Port Credit Postal Station Mississauga, ON L5G 4M1, Canada Tel: (905) 279-2043 Fax: (905) 306-7217 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 16:14:02 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Alnitak new web page (fwd) BOUNDARY="----=_NextPart_000_002F_01BD8424.2A8525A0" This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. ------=_NextPart_000_002F_01BD8424.2A8525A0 From: "Ana Ca=F1adas & Ricardo Sagarminaga" Dear Friends, This message is just to let you know that we've just sent up a renewed web site.=20 ALNITAK is an NGO dedicated to research and conservation of the marine environment since 1990. The site of our action is in the Alboran Sea (South-east Spain), where we are working on a cetacean research programme.= =20 The main target of this programme is to monitor the regression of the common dolphin in the Mediterranean although research is also carried out on other regularly observed species (striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, sperm whale and fin whale). After six years of research in the area, Alboran appears as an ideal site for studying this species and the possible reasons for its decline in the Mediterranean.=20 Research is carried out from on board a 60 foot gaff-rigged converted Norwegian sailing ship. The main methods used are unit effort analysis, photo-id, behaviour video analysis and bio-acoustics. In parallel to cetacean research carried out by biologists from the University of Madrid, some related oceanographic work is also carried out by biologists from the University of Murcia. People interested in contacting with Alnitak or getting updates on the programme can visit our web site which contains the following information:= =20 a.. Introduction to Alnitak b.. Descriptrion of the research ship Toftevaag c.. Description of the research programmes (aims, methods, preliminary results published) d.. Description of cetacean species encountered e.. Description of sea turtles encountered f.. Alnitak volunteering system g.. Links to other Spanish groups working on cetaceans h.. Other related links=20 =20 The web page is http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/8443 or http://www.lander.es/~canadas=20 To contact us: canadas(\)lander.es=20 Ricardo and Ana Ricardo Sagarminaga & Ana Ca=F1adas ALNITAK Marine Environment Research and Education Centre c/Nal=F3n 16. E-28240 Hoyo de Manzanares. Madrid (Spain) Tel: +34-919-108797 Tel & Fax: +34-91-8565199 e-mail: canadas(\)lander.es web: http://www.lander.es/~canadas http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/8443 Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 16:17:10 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Remotely controlling a Sony DAT recorder (fwd) This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. ------ =_NextPart_000_01BD8415.C413BF90 From: Kathy Lieberman I am doing some underwater animal sound recordings to determine the level of environmental noises at different depths. I will be using a DAT recorder in an underwater submersible chamber that will go down to a depth of 1000ft. A hydrophone will be used to measure the sounds. Since it takes 2 hours to get down to these depths, I can't just turn on the DAT and press record then go to depth and take my recording. By the time it reaches the depths, the tape will have run out. So I need to remotely control the DAT. I want to use Sony's TCD-D100 because of its size and low price. However, presently there is no documented communication protocol on how to communicate to this DAT via the remote connector. Has anyone deciphered this to be able to communicate to the device electronically? Thanks mucho, Kathy Lieberman Nautronix 15150 Avenue of Science San Diego, CA 92128 kathy.lieberman(\)nautronix.com Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 13:28:24 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Aquatic Mammals - abstracts, vol 24(1), 1998 dudzinsk(\)bio.mie-u.ac.jp The following is posted to both Marmam and ECS-mailbase as a courtesy to the editor of _Aquatic Mammals_ . This journal is a publication of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) and is a benefit of membership to the organization. For more information on joining EAAM or for manuscript submission, contact Dr. Paul Nachtigall, Hawaii Institue of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734 USA, FAX (808)247-5831, email . Please do not direct reprint inquiries to me. I have provided the address of the author to whom correspondence should be directed. Thank you to those of you who have expressed your appreciation in the past for such postings. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************************************************************** ** Campagna, C., F.* Quintana, B.J. Le Boeuf, S. Blackwell, and D.E. Crocker. 1998. Diving behaviour and foraging ecology of female southern elephant seals from Patagonia. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(1): 1-11. *Centro Nacional Patagonico, CONICET, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY 10460, USA We asked if non-gestating, adult female southern elephant seals, _Mirounga leonina_, from Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, forage on the wide continental shelf off the peninsula during the post-breeding trip to sea (PB females), or whether they forage in deep water, where gestating, post-moult (PM) animals have been shown to do. More than 16,600 dives were recorded with geographic-location time-depth recorders deployed in five PB females. Data were compared with about 19,500 dives from six gestating, PM animals. Four satellite transmitters linked to the Argos system were deployed in PB (2) and PM (2) animals. During both trips females displayed continuous, deep, and long-duration diving. PB females crossed the shelf in 3-7 days, spending 89% of the recorded time at sea over waters deeper than 200 m. A diel pattern in the frequency distribution of dives/hr, dive depth and dive duration was apparent in both PB and PM individuals beyond the continental shelf. Deeper and longer dives were observed during daylight hours, consistent with feeding on dielly-migrating prey. PB females concentrated their foraging effort in temperate waters of the SW Atlantic, between 36 degrees and 46 degrees S and up to 1200 km from shore. PM females travelled further, reaching approximately 50 degrees S and 2281 km east from the rookery. The longest migration was a PM trip of 11,600 km. Females from Peninsula Valdes, the only colony for the species with an increasing birth rate, do not feed near or south of the Antarctic Polar Front, where most seals from more southerly stable or decreasing rookeries forage. ********************************************************************** ** Popov, V.V. and V.O. Klishin. 1998. EEG study of hearing in the common dolphin, _Delphinus delphis_. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(1): 13-20. Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninsky Prosp. 117071 Moscow, Russia Auditory brain stem responses (ABR) were recorded from the head surface of a non-anesthetized common dolphin. The ABR waveform and temporal characteristics were similar to other investigated dolphin species. The ABR consisted of a sequence of fast waves lasting less than 1 ms each. We determined ABR thresholds using tone bursts of varying intensity and frequency as stimuli. So the audiogram (frequency-threshold function) of the dolphin was obtained. The audiogram was U-shaped with a steeper high-frequency branch. The audiogram bandwidth was up to 128 kHz at a level of 100 dB above the minimum threshold. The minimum thresholds were observed at frequencies of 60 to 70 kHz. Tone-tone masking was used to determine ABR tuning curves at two frequencies (64 and 90 kHz) in a simultaneous-masking paradigm. Tuning curves had the same features as the well-known curves in the other mammals. There was a relatively sharp tip segment, an elongated lower-frequency tail, and a steep rise at higher frequencies. At 64 kHz, Q10 value was 10.7, and at 90 kHz it was 9.5. Temporal resolution of hearing in the common dolphin was estimated by measuring the ability of ABR to follow rhythmic clicks, amplitude-modulated tones,, and to recover in conditions of double-click stimuli. Very high frequency and temporal resolution in the studied dolphin may be associated with echolocation. ************************************************************** Willis, P.M.* and R.W. Baird. 1998. Sightings and strandings of beaked whales on the west coast of Canada. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(1): 21-25. Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia B5A 1S6 (pmwillis(\)sfu.ca) No summary or abstract was provided by the authors. The purpose of the note is to summarize information on beaked whale sightings and strandings in western Canada over the last 30 years. The authors also include all published stranding records prior to 1970 for comparison purposes. Positive species identification was noted for 36 of 42 records: Cuvier's beaked whale _Ziphius cavirostris_ (18 strandings, one sighting, one incidental catch); Hubbs' beaked whale, _Mesoplodon carlhubbsi_ (7 strandings); Stejneger's beaked whale, _Mesoplodon stejnegeri_ (5 strandings); and Baird's beaked whale, _Berardius bairdii_ (1 stranding, 3 sightings). The remaining records were identified as a probable Cuvier's beaked whale (1 sighting), probable Stejneger's beaked whale (1 stranding) and _Mesoplodon_ sp. (3 strandings, 1 sighting). The majority of records (33 of 42) are of single stranded animals. *********************************************************** McCowan, B.*, D. Reiss, and C. Gubbins. 1998. Social familiarity influences whistle acoustic structure in adult female bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(1): 27-40. *Behavioral Biology, California Regional Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA (bjmccowan(\)ucdavis.edu) The composition and organization of the bottlenose dolphin repertoire are poorly understood and currently under debate. Because recent studies report a sharing of whistle contours between individuals both within the across different social groups and a predominant but not individualized whistle type, we need to examine differences in acoustic structure other than whistle contour to determine whether such acoustic structure can discriminate individuals, social groups, or populations of dolphin as found in other species. In this study, acoustic parameters of the predominant whistle type, shared by all individuals across captive social groups in a recent study, were statistically compared across a subset of the population composed of adult female bottlenose dolphins. The whistles from individuals from similar and different captive social groups and capture locations were compared to determine which parameters, if any, differentiated the whistles by individual, social group, or capture location. Results suggest that social group membership, and particularly specific social companions, have a strong influence on whistle acoustic structure in captive adult female dolphins and that the variables responsible for this difference coincide well with results from field studies on their wild counterparts. These data suggest, on a preliminary basis, that social familiarity influences whistle acoustic structure and may be one mechanism behind `regional' dialects in dolphins. *********************************************************** Wursig, B.*, S.K. Lynn, T.A. Jefferson, and K.D. Mullin. 1998. Behaviour of cetaceans in the northern Gulf of Mexico relative to survey ships and aircraft. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(1): 41-50. *Texas A&M University, Marine Mammal Research Program, 4700 Avenue U, Bldg. 303, Galveston, TX 77551, USA (wursigb(\)tamug.tamu.edu) Data on behavior may help address relaive differences in sightability and identifiability among species. As part of the 1992-1994 GulfCet program of shipboard and aerial cetacean surveys in the north-central and western Gulf of Mexico, we assessed cetacean responses to survey ships and aircraft. _Kogia_ spp. and ziphiids showed the most avoidance reactions towards the ships (73%, 11 of 15 sightings), with large delphinids (e.g., blackfish) at 15% (7/48), small delphinids (e.g., _Stenella_ spp.) at 6% (15/247), and _Stenella frontalis_ and _Tursiops truncatus_ at 0% each (26 and 88 sightings, respectively). _S. coeruleoalba_ moved to avoid the ships in 33% (9/27) of sightings. Species which responded to the ships (either approaching or avoiding) also changed behavior in response to the survey airplane. _Kogia_ spp. changed their behaior in response to the airplane during 40% (12/30) of sightings, and ziphiids during 89% (8/9). Several of the smaller delphinids also showed sensitivity to disturbance by the airplane. `Diving' and `other' were the most common responses to the airplane. For all cetacean species, the behavioral states `milling' and `resting' appeared to be sensitive to disturbance; over 39% of initial observations of these behaviors were followed by a new behavior. Cryptic species, such as _Kogia_ spp. and ziphiids, which were seen resting on most occasions, responded to the airplane a high proportion of the time. Less cryptic species, such as the small delphinids, may have responded as often, buth their response did not necessarily make them harder to identify. These data indicate that the sightability and identification of cetaceans may change with variable behavior of species, and should be taken into account when extrapolating from sightings to population status as determined from density estimates. Density estimates for long-diving cetaceans, such as _Physeter macrocephalus_, and species which often react negatively to the survey vessel, such as _S. coeruleoalba_, may tend to be biased downwards, while the reverse may be true for species which tend to approach the ship, unless data can be collected to estimate the value of the detection function. *********************************************************** Johnston, D.W. and T.H. Woodley. 1998. A survey of acoustic harassment device (AHD) use in the Bay of Fundy, NB, Canada. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(1): 51-61. International Marine Mammal Association Inc., 1474 Gordon St., Guelph, ON N1L 1C8, Canada The number of salmon aquaculture sites in the Bay of Fundy was increased over the past ten years. An unknown proportion of these sites are using acoustic harassment devices (AHDs) to deter seals from approaching salmon cages. A preliminary survey of AHD use at salmon aquaculture sites in the Quoddy Region and Grand Manan Island, NB, was conducted between 17 August and 7 September 1996. In the Quoddy Region, 46% of aquaculture sites were using some form of AHD during daylight hours. In the Grand Manan area, 22% of aquaculture sites surveyed during the day were using AHDs. An evening survey of four sites in the Quoddy Region revealed that one AHD was activated only during evening hours, indicating our daytime survey data underestimates total AHD use. Three different forms of AHDs (10 kHz peak signal, 15 kHz peak signal, and a multi-frequency signal) were identified. The level of noise pollution associated with these devices may negatively impact marine mammal populations, including the threatened harbour porpoise (_Phocoena phocoena_), which use these regions on a seasonal or annual basis. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 13:49:51 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Jaundice in dolphins (fwd) From: Toshio Kasuya >AlohaPCG $B!' (J >While working on coastal bottlenose dolphins in California I encountered, on >several occasions, bright yellow bottlenose dolphin calves. This condition >persisted in the same animals for approximately 40 days. I am preparing a >short note describing the event and possible causes and I have not been able >to find references to jaundice in cetaceans in the published literature. I >would like to find out if anybody has had experience with or has sighted free- >ranging dolphins with jaundice. Please send your answer to ALOHAPCG(\)AOL.COM. > Dr. Hidehiro Kato observed an orange colored minke whale killed in the Antarctic and wrote a short report to the Scientific Report of the Whales Research Institute. His address is Far Seas Fisheries Res. Inst., Orido, Shimizu, Shizuoka, 424 Japan. The reference is: Kato Hidehiro, 1979. Carotenoid colored minke whale from the Antarctic. Scientific Report of the Whales Research Institure (Tokyo), 31:97-99. Late Dr. Hideo Omura recorded in his diary about an orange colored blue or fin whale killed during the 1937/37 Antarctic whaling season. I am trying to publish his diary of 10 months travel next year. Toshio Kasuya, Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, 514-8507 Japan Fax: +81 59 231 9538 Subject: Genetic identification of beaked whales (fwd) From: m.dalebout(\)auckland.ac.nz Dear Marmammers I thought some of you may be interested in this upcoming paper. Further information can be obtained from m.dalebout(\)auckland.ac.nz Dalebout, M.L., van Helden, A., Van Waerebeek, K. and Baker, C.S. 1998 Molecular genetic identification of southern hemisphere beaked whales (Cetacea:Ziphiidae). Molecular Ecology 7: 687-694 Abstract To assist in the species-level identification of stranded and hunted beaked whal es, we compiled a database of 'reference' sequences from the mitochondrial DNA contr ol region for 15 of the 20 described ziphiid species. Reference samples for eight s pecies were obtained from stranded animals in New Zealand and South Australia. Sequence s for a further seven species were obtained from a previously published report. Th is database was used to identify 20 'test' samples obtained from incompletely documented str andings around New Zealand. Analyses showed that four of these 'test' specimens (20%) ha d initially been misidentified. These included two animals of particular interest: 1) a Blai nville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris ), the first record of this species in New Zealan d waters; and, 2) a juvenile Andrews' beaked whale (Mesoplodon bowdoini ), a species known from just over 20 strandings worldwide. A published sequence from a beaked whale prod uct purchased in the Republic of Korea was identified as a Cuvier's beaked whale (Zi phius cavirostris ). Levels of intra- and inter-specific variation were compared to de termine the potential for misidentification when the database or taxonomy is incomplete. Int ra-specific variation was generally < 2%, and inter-specific divergence was generally > 4.7% . Exceptions were within-species variation in Hyperoodon planifrons, southern bott lenosed whale (4.12%), which exceeded the variation between the two species of Berardius (3.78%), and variation between the two specimens assigned to M. hectori, Hector' s beaked whale (7.14%). The latter case appears to be an error in species identifi cation, and could represent the discovery of a new species of beaked whale. ******************************* Merel Dalebout PhD candidate Ecology & Evolution Research Group Thomas Building, Level 1 School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92-019 Wellesley Street Auckland, N.Z. Ph:09-373-7599 ext. 4588 Fax: 09-373-7417 e-mail: m.dalebout(\)auckland.ac.nz Subject: Reef fishes and spinner dolphins ------ Dear Marmammers, I thought people may be interested in this upcoming paper (in Portuguese). A limited number of reprints are availiable on to the author at : lodi(\)domain.com.br Lodi, L. 1998. Comensalismo entre peixes recifais do arquip=E9lago de Fernando de Noronha e golfinhos-rotadores (Stenella longirostris). Biotemas 11(1): 127-132 Abstract : This study describes an interspecific association between spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and the fishes black durgon (Melinchthys niger), sergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis) and jack (Carangoides sp.) in Dolphin's Bay, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (3=BA51'S ; 32=BA25'W), Brazil. The observations (n=3D17) were made betwe= en June and September 1985 through the use of the snorkelling, totalling approximately 76 hours. When the spinner dolphins entered the bay after their night feeding period, they frequently defecated a light brown semiliquid fecal material, and this was immediately swallowed by the three fish species above, which are exclusively residents of the reefs. The interaction most commonly observed occurred with black durgon (55.7%), followed by sergeant major (28.3%) and jack (16.0%), all of which are opportunistic feeders. These interactions decrease in number throughout the morning as does the number of times the dolphins defecate. The spinner dolphins were not observed preying upon these fishes, although on some occasions juvenile dolphins were seen chasing jacks, displaying behavior which was clearly that of play. Key words : reef fishes, spinner dolphins, commensalism ******************************* Liliane Lodi Projeto Golfinhos CP 14521 Rio de Janeiro - RJ Brazil 22412-970 E-mail: lodi(\)domain.com.br ********************************* ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 20:47:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: polar bear hairs From: Dagmar Fertl The following might be of interest to the polar bear enthusiasts/researchers. The author of the below listed article dicusses the hypothesis of the transparent hairs of polar bear pelt as optical fibers, being used as thermal insulation, and questions where the idea arose that this transparent hair would make an excellent insulator. Koon refers to various studies and at the below-listed web site, additionally presents both sides to the question. The author notes that this story emphasizes the importance of realizing that scientific claims need to be backed by hard facts and direct evidence. Koon, D.W. 1998. Power of the polar myth. NEW SCIENTIST, April 25, v158, i2131, p50 http://it.stlawu.edu/~physics/koon.html ********* Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov Subject: Sony DAT Recorder,Conclusion (fwd) From: Kathy Lieberman Thanks for all the replies. And special thanks to Gianni Pavan who actually answered my question. He pointed to the www.rockpark.com/d7/ site for information on the D7, D8 and D100. However, there still was no documented communications protocol for specific controls of the units. As it turns out, we had to go ahead and reverse engineer the input signals to the TCD-D100 DAT recorder to figure out how to communicate with the device. Interestingly enough, it was a Dead Head site that helped with some of the information. Apparently, a lot of the Dead Heads use these DATs for illegal recordings of concerts and need a way of remotely turning on the device. Thanks again, Kathy Lieberman kathy.lieberman(\)nautronix.com >From: Kathy Lieberman > >I am doing some underwater animal sound recordings to determine the level >of environmental noises at different depths. I will be using a DAT >recorder in an underwater submersible chamber that will go down to a >depth >of 1000ft. A hydrophone will be used to measure the sounds. > >Since it takes 2 hours to get down to these depths, I can't just turn on >the DAT and press record then go to depth and take my recording. By the >time it reaches the depths, the tape will have run out. So I need to >remotely control the DAT. I want to use Sony's TCD-D100 because of its >size and low price. However, presently there is no documented >communication protocol on how to communicate to this DAT via the remote >connector. Has anyone deciphered this to be able to communicate to the >device electronically? > > Thanks mucho, > Kathy Lieberman > > Nautronix > 15150 Avenue of Science > San Diego, CA 92128 > kathy.lieberman(\)nautronix.com Subject: (Fwd) marine mammal course in Spain ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- To: ECS-all(\)mailbase.ac.uk Reply-to: Juan Antonio Raga Esteve The "Second European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology And Conservation" will take place in Valencia (Spain), 14-17 September 1998 hosted by the Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo. The programme are available at the ECS web page or also directly at next web site: http://bioweb.uv.es/zoologia/course.html For all information and details contact the ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY: Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo Student Office Plaza del Carmen, 4 E-46003 Valencia, Spain Phone +34.96.3869802; Fax +34.96.3869823 E-mail matriculas(\)uimp-v.m400.gva.es A limited number of grants are available for the course. NOTE: The applications should be presented from 11 to 29 May 1998!! IBERIA air company offers a 25% reduction of the costs for UIMP students attending the course. For further information contact the UIMP student office (see above). The organisers, Peter Evans (University of Oxford) & Toni Raga (University of Valencia) -- ************************************************************ Juan Antonio Raga Departamento de Biologia Animal Phone +34.96.3864375 Universitat de Valencia Fax +34.96.3864372 Dr. Moliner 50 E-mail toni.raga(\)uv.es E-46100 Burjasot, Valencia Spain ********************************************************************* Subject: summary of partenavia responses This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. --=_10444DE5.27462FA4 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 22 May 1998 14:15:06 -0500 From: Barb Zoodsma I recently posted to Marmam a request for information on vendors offering partenavia charter/contract services. A partenavia is a twin engine, high-winged aircraft often used as a marine mammal aerial survey platform Thanks to everyone who responded. A summary of the information I received follows: Aspen Helicopters, Oxnard California, 805-985-5416. Aspen has at least three partenavias with bubble windows -one is an observer model. They also have lots of experience with marine mammal surveys. Tora Flight Adventure, Honolulu, Hawaii. Has chartered their plane for aerial surveys to at least one state in the continental US. Danish Air Survey (Leif Perersen), Denmark, (+45) 38 79 19 92. Have marine mammal/bird survey experience and crosses the Atlantic. Thanks to all, again. Barb Zoodsma Georgia Department of Natural Resources bzoodsma(\)mail.dnr.state.ga.us ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 May 1998 21:56:46 -0400 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: SMM ballot deadline extension Notice to all voting members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. The deadline for receipt of ballots in the current election process has been EXTENDED to 5 June 1998. If you have not voted in the current election, please take this opportunity to do so. The ballot was included in the most recent issue of the SMM newsletter. Dan Odell for the Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 May 1998 06:42:52 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 5/22/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 5/15/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 5/21/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {{Dolphin Agreement. On May 21, 1998, the United States and six Latin American nations (Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela) signed the "Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program" that will increase protection for dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific and will allow the United States to lift an embargo on tuna imports from the participating nations. The agreement will enter into force upon ratification by four nations.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press, Embassy of Mexico press release] . {Makah Whaling. On May 18, 1998, a task force of federal, state, and local police and enforcement agents met with opponents of the Makah Tribe's planned fall 1998 gray whale hunt off Cape Flattery, WA, to seek ways to prevent violence during anticipated protests.} [Assoc Press] . {Northern Right Whale Lawsuit. On May 18, 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court queried the U.S. Dept. of Justice concerning lower court rulings on the case Coates vs. Strahan that MA violated the Endangered Species Act by not providing sufficient protection for northern right whales. The Supreme Court is seeking this information prior to deciding whether to review an appeal filed by MA officials.} [Assoc Press] . WWF Whale Report. On May 12, 1998, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) released a report "Whales in the Wild," suggesting that the major threat to whales may come from runoff of industrial chemicals and pesticides. [Reuters] . Whaling Opposition Resolution. On May 8, 1998, the U.S. Senate adopted S.Res. 226, calling for the creation of permanent protected areas for whales and the halting of whaling by Japan and Norway. In addition, the measure voiced support for efforts to end illegal trade in whalemeat. [Humane Society of the United States press release, Congr. Rec.] . IWC Meeting. On May 8, 1998, Brazilian officials announced that they will propose the creation of a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic at the May 16-20, 1998 meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Muscat, Oman. On May 14, 1998, a British animal rights group, the Environmental Investigation Agency, called on the IWC to direct more attention ecological and habitat problems in the ocean, including pollution, industrial fisheries, climate change, and ozone depletion, and to regulating the killing of smaller cetaceans. {On May 16, 1998, a group of 38 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) introduced a document "Declaration of Concern for Small Island Nations Being Subjected to Japanese Influence" alleging that small island nations have been unfairly pressured by Japan to support the Japanese position on whaling. On May 17, 1998, Japan and 5 Caribbean nations submitted a proposal that all IWC votes be taken by secret ballot; no formal vote was taken on this proposal. On May 18, 1998, the IWC declined to approve Japan's request to kill 50 minke whales in its coastal waters, on a vote of 12 for, 17 against, and 4 abstaining. On May 18, 1998, Japan and 5 Caribbean nations submitted a joint proposal to the IWC asking for immediate termination of the Southern Ocean Whaling Sanctuary. On May 18, 1998, after an amendment to Japan's proposal for taking votes by secret ballot was defeated, Japan withdrew this proposal. On May 19, 1998, the IWC Chair ruled that the controversial NGO document of May 16 would be withdrawn and not be included in the record of the meeting. On May 19, 1998, the IWC created a subcommittee to investigate reports concerning the possible illegal sale of whalemeat and products in Japan. On May 19, 1998, the IWC voted to support more research on threats to whales from global changes in marine environments. On May 20, 1998, the IWC adopted a resolution by a vote of 17 for, 9 against, and 8 abstentions calling on Japan to voluntarily halt whaling for scientific research in the Southern Ocean and in the North Pacific. On May 20, 1998, the IWC adopted a resolution calling on Norway to halt commercial whaling in the North Atlantic. {{On May 20, 1998, the IWC adopted a resolution inviting Canada to rejoin the IWC and urging Canada not to issue further licenses for Inuit killing of bowhead whales for subsistence. On May 20, 1998, the IWC tabled discussion of an Irish proposal to resume coastal whaling.}} On May 20, 1998, the IWC adjourned its annual meeting, with plans to hold a special meeting to discuss an Irish proposal to resume coastal whaling before the 1999 annual meeting in Grenada.} [Dow Jones News, Reuters, Humane Society of the United States press release, NOAA press release] . Illegal Whaling? In early May 1998, a team of New Zealand scientists presented a report to the International Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee estimating, from 1998 DNA sampling, that 10% to 15% of the whalemeat caught and sold in the Japanese and South Korean markets are from currently protected species, including fin, humpback, blue, Bryde's, and sei whales. South Korean officials acknowledged that about 100 whales were accidently caught in coastal waters in 1997, and their meat was sold in local markets. [Dow Jones News, Assoc Press] . The Gully and Petroleum Exploration. In early May 1998, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board announced its decision not to authorize oil and gas exploration near the Gully, an underwater canyon located near Sable Island recognized for its importance as habitat for marine mammals. [World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] . Canadian Bowhead Whaling. In early May 1998, a committee of Inuit community leaders was scheduled to review recommendations of a Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board's working group on plans for a summer bowhead whale hunt in Cumberland Sound, Baffin Island. If the Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans issues a license, the hunt would take place in late July 1998. [Reuters] . Bowhead Whale Age. In early May 1998, U.S. scientists are scheduled to report to the International Whaling Commission's annual meeting in Oman that new techniques indicate individual bowhead whales may live as long as 150 years, making them the oldest known animals. Such a discovery could force rethinking of whale management. [Assoc Press] . Norwegian Whaling. On May 3, 1998, Norwegian whalers began their 1998 harvest. After negotiations with whale meat buyers, a minimum price of $4 per kilogram was established for this year's harvest. On May 4, 1998, Reuters reported that dried "whale beef" and whalemeat sausages were available for sale in a duty-free shop in the departure lounge of the Oslo airport despite a Norwegian ban on export of whale products. [High North Alliance News, Reuters, Assoc Press] . AMAP Meeting and Report. In late April 1998, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) scientists from eight nations met in Girdwood, AK, to discuss environmental sampling and analysis in the Arctic. Persistent pollutants (e.g., PCBs and DDT) and food chain concentration of such, particularly in marine mammals used for human subsistence, were an issue highlighted in AMAP's 188-page report "State of the Arctic Environment." However, the United States was faulted for its failure to share data from the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. [Assoc Press] . Icelandic Whaling? On Apr. 25, 1998, Iceland's Prime Minister David Oddsson announced that Iceland had decided not to resume whaling this year. [High North Alliance News] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items Subject: fishery biologist - job announcement (fwd) From: Dagmar Fertl The following was posted to CTURTLE and might be of interest. Do you ask me for more information, this is all I have. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Author: Colleen Coogan at ~smtp Date: 5/22/98 2:02 PM Vacancy Announcement DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NAT OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMIN Vacancy Announcement Number: C/NMF/98068.BSC Opening Date: 05/20/1998 Closing Date: 06/09/1998 Position: FISHERY BIOLOGIST GS-0482-12/12 Salary: $43876.00 per year - $57043.00 per year Promotion Potential: GS-12 Duty Location: ST. PETERSBURG, FL 1 vacancy Applications will be accepted from: All Sources Federal Employees Eligible for Transfer or Reinstatement, or Persons Eligible for Non-Competitive Appointment (VRA, Severely Physically Disabled, Returning Peace Corp Volunteers, etc.) Major Duties: PROVIDES STAFF SERVICES, ANALYZES AND COMPILES DATA, WRITES REPORTS AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ON COMPLEX FISHERY PROBLEMS. DEVELOPS AND MONITORS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH STATES TO PROTECT AND RECOVER ENDANGERED SPECIES. DEVELOPS PLANS AND REGULATIONS TO GATHER SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON STATUS OF SPECIES AND REDUCE THE TAKES OF THESE SPECIES IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING FISHING, CHANNEL DREDGING, MILITARY ACTIVITIES, POLLUTANT DISCHARGES, VESSEL TRAFFIC AND RECREATIONAL BOATING. UTILIZES RULES AND REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972 AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND KEEPS ABREAST OF CORRESPONDING CHANGES. PROVIDES TECHNICAL GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE TO FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES AND GENERAL PUBLIC. Qualifications Required: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A OR B AS DESCRIBED: A) BACHELOR'S DEGREE WITH A MAJOR STUDY IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE THAT INCLUDES 6 SEMESTER HOURS IN AQUATIC SUBJECTS SUCH AS LIMNOLOGY, ICHTHYOLOGY, FISHERY BIOLOGY, AQUATIC BOTANY, AQUATIC FAUNA, OCEANOGRAPHY, FISH CULTURE, OR RELATED COURSES IN THE FIELD OF FISHERY BIOLOGY; AND AT LEAST 12 SEMESTER HOURS IN ANIMAL SCIENCES IN SUCH SUBJECTS AS GENERAL ZOOLOGY, VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY, COMPARATIVE ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, ENTOMOLOGY, PARASITOLOGY, ECOLOGY, CELLULAR BIOLOGY, GENETICS, OR RESEARCH IN THESE FIELDS. B) COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE--COURSES EQUIVALENT TO A MAJOR IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (I.E., AT LEAST 30 SEMESTER HOURS), OF WHICH A MINIMUM OF 6 SEMESTER HOURS WERE IN AQUATIC SUBJECTS AND 12 SEMESTER HOURS WERE IN ANIMAL SCIENCES, AS SHOWN IN A ABOVE, PLUS APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE OR ADDITIONAL EDUCATION. IN ADDITION APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS ONE YEAR OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENT TO AT LEAST THE NEXT LOWER GRADE LEVEL IN THE FEDERAL SERVICE. !!!!!!! Knowledges, Skills, and Ablities Required: QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (***** CRITICAL! !): APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO INCLUDE A SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET DESCRIBING HOW THEIR EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION RELATES TO EACH SELECTIVE PLACEMENT AND/OR QUALITY RANKING FACTOR. (1) KNOWLEDGE OF FISHERY BIOLOGY AND PROTECTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT; (2) KNOWLEDGE OF AND EXPERTISE IN APPLYING THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT AND THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT; (3) ABILITY TO DEVELOP PLANS, REGULATIONS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AIMED AT PROTECTING VARIOUS SPECIES OF MARINE MAMMALS, SEA TURTLES, SOME FISH SPECIES, SEA GRASSES AND CORALS; (4) ABILITY TO REVIEW AND COMPILE BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA AND INFORMATION; (5) ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE VERBALLY. Other Information: ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE PROTECTED RESOURCES DIVISION AREA OF CONSIDERATION: STATUS AND NON-STATUS APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE. PLUS DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE AND ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, LOCAL COMMUTING AREA. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: NONE SALARY RANGE: $43,876 TO $57,043 PER YEAR LOCALITY PAY: 5.42% NOTE: RELOCATION EXPENSES ARE AUTHORIZED FOR ELIGIBLE STATUS APPLICANTS. How to Apply: APPLICATION ADDRESS: USDOC/NOAA/CASC/HRD 601 EAST 12TH STREET, ROOM 1737 KANSAS CITY, MO 64106 CONTACT PERSON: BRENDA S. CARR (816) 426-5016, EXT. 320 FAX NUMBER: (816) 426-7085 TDD NUMBER: (816) 426-7471 FOR LISTING OF SELECTEES, PLEASE CALL (816) 426-7463. ----------------------------------------------------------------- **SPECIAL NOTICE** VETERAN'S PREFERENCE PROVISIONS - THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF NOVEMBER 18, 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF NOVEMBER 18, 1997, EXTENDED VETERANS' PREFERENCE TO PERSONS WHO SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY DURING THE GULF WAR FROM AUGUST 2, 1990, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 1992. THE LAW GRANTS PREFERENCE TO PERSONS OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE AND WHO SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY DURING THIS PERIOD, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE PERSON SERVED OR FOR HOW LONG. THE LAW ALSO AUTHORIZES THE SECRETARY OF EACH MILITARY DEPARTMENT TO AWARD THE ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL FOR SERVICE IN BOSNIA DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 20, 1995, TO A DATE TO BE DETERMINED. THE AWARD OF THE MEDAL IS QUALIFYING FOR VETERANS' PREFERENCE. MORE INFORMATION ON VETERANS' PREFERENCE IS AVAILABLE IN THE VETGUIDE THAT MAY BE FOUND ON THE UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT WEB SITE AT WWW.OPM.GOV. ----------------------------------------------------------------- APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: A. THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER, POSITION TITLE, AND GRADE LEVEL(S); B. YOUR FULL NAME, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DAY AND EVENING PHONE NUMBERS, MAILING ADDRESS, COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP, VETERANS PREFERENCE, REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBILITY, AND HIGHEST FEDERAL CIVILIAN GRADE EVER HELD ON A PERMANENT BASIS; C. THE NAME, CITY AND STATE OF HIGH SCHOOLS ATTENDED AND DATE OF DIPLOMA OR GED; D. THE NAME, CITY AND STATE OF COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED, MAJORS, TYPE AND DATE OF DEGREES; E. THE JOB TITLES, DUTIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SALARIES, EMPLOYERS' NAMES AND ADDRESSES, SUPERVISORS' NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS, STARTING AND ENDING DATES, AND HOURS PER WEEK OF ANY PAID OR NON-PAID WORK EXPERIENCE THAT RELATES TO THIS VACANCY; F. A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT WE MAY CONTACT YOUR CURRENT SUPERVISOR; AND G. ANY JOB-RELATED TRAINING COURSES, SPECIAL SKILLS, CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES, HONORS, OR AWARDS. 2. USE A RESUME, OPTIONAL APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT FORM (OF-612), APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT (SF-171), OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN FORMAT, AND SEND IT TO THE APPLICATION ADDRESS. 3. MEET ALL ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS BY THE CLOSING DATE. 4. ENSURE THAT THE APPLICATION IS POSTMARKED BY THE CLOSING DATE AND RECEIVED WITHIN THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WITHIN THREE WORK DAYS. APPLICATIONS TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE MACHINE ARE ACCEPTABLE BUT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING DATE. THIS AGENCY BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT OUR MACHINES ARE AVAILABLE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS OR FOR THE QUALITY OF THE COPIES. NOTE: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ELIGIBLES MAY APPLY AT ANY TIME UNTIL A CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBLES IS ISSUED. 5. APPLY AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. APPLICATIONS MAILED IN GOVERNMENT POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 6. SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR DD-214 IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE WITHOUT STATUS WHO CLAIMS VETERANS' PREFERENCE. 7. SUBMIT A COPY OF STANDARD FORM 15 AND A LETTER FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CERTIFYING YOUR DISABILITY IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE WITHOUT STATUS WHO CLAIMS 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE. THE FORM MAY BE OBTAINED FROM FEDERAL HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICES. 8. SUBMIT COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS TO VERIFY EDUCATION. 9. SUBMIT TWO APPLICATIONS IF YOU ARE A STATUS CANDIDATE WHO WISHES TO BE CONSIDERED UNDER BOTH MERIT PROMOTION AND COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES. WHEN ONLY ONE APPLICATION IS RECEIVED, IT WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR MERIT PROMOTION PURPOSES. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: training courses on cetacean research in the Mediterranean >From Tethys Reseach Institute TRAINING COURSES ON CETACEAN RESEARCH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA The Tethys Research Institute, founded in Italy in 1986, is a non-profit NGO dedicated to the preservation of the marine environment. It focuses on marine animals and particularly on cetaceans inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, and aims at protecting its biodiversity by promoting the adoption of a precautionary approach for the management of natural resources. Tethys' scientific activities are largely supported by the participation of paying volunteers to courses organised within the research projects. Courses include six to twelve-day periods spent at the field bases (Island of Losinj, Croatia and Island of Kalamos, Greece) or aboard ocean-going boats in the Ligurian Sea. The training of participants consists in their direct involvement in all activities conducted in the field, including data collection at sea, data entering and analysis, boat/base upkeep, and participation in actions promoted by Tethys personnel (inspection of stranded cetaceans, observations from vantage points along the coast, restoration of base facilities, etc.). Participants are taught how to collect data through brief lectures, held to introduce them to field work protocols and to practical rules for safety on board. During the course period, a series of theme lectures on cetacean research methods are held by Tethys researchers with the help of slide projectors, computers, popular books and scientific papers. Conservation issues are discussed into detail, thus promoting awareness and direct involvement in nature protection campaigns. During the course, the participants will have the opportunity to spend several days in close contact to the animals, observe their natural behavior, contribute to research activities, and ultimately get caught by the charm of free-ranging whales and dolphins. IONIAN DOLPHIN PROJECT Island of Kalamos (Greece) The research focuses on the study of the behavioral ecology of two sympatric, inshore communities of common and bottlenose dolphins. The study is providing, crucial information about the biology and ecology of the common dolphin, a species that has drastically declined in the Mediterranean Sea in the past decades. The work is carried out from inflatable craft and from vantage points along the coast, in an area of stunning beauty and great naturalistic interest. Participants and researchers are housed at the field station, a typical and ancient Greek house situated in a very small village on the island of Kalamos. Research methodologies include photo-identification, computer-assisted focal group behavioral sampling, focal individual respiration sampling, and the remote collection of minuscule skin biopsy samples for genetic and toxicological analyses. Courses take place from April to October. Each course lasts 12 days (arrival and departure days included) and can welcome a maximum of 6 participants. Prices, varying from 1,075,000 ITL (616 US$) to 1,325,000 ITL (759 US$) according to the period, include food and accomodation. Transportation to and from the field base, and a personal insurance (26,000 ITL or 15 US$) are excluded. ADRIATIC DOLPHIN PROJECT Island of Losinj (Croatia) A resident community of bottlenose dolphins is the object of a research initiated in 1987, which represents the longest study on wild cetaceans in the Mediterranean. The research highlighted several aspects of Adriatic bottlenose dolphins social structure and behavior, which are nowdays the only regular cetacean species inhabiting these waters. Photoidentification surveys are consistently undertaken on a daily basis from a small craft. Behavioral sampling is aimed at studying parental and alloparental cares, as well as potential disturbance caused by boat traffic to dolphins. Besides scientific activities, the Adriatic Dolphin project is actively involved in local public awareness, by the organization of lectures and special events dedicated to the dolphins. Researchers and course participants are hosted at the field base, which is located in the small village of Veli Losinj, on the island of Losinj. Courses last 12 days (arrival and departure days included), and are organized from April to October, opened to a maximum of 6 participants. Prices, varying from 1,075,000 ITL (616 US$) to 1,325,000 ITL (759 US$), include accomodation at the field base and food. Transportation to and from the field base, and a personal insurance (26,000 ITL or 15 US$) are excluded. MEDITERRANEAN FIN WHALE PROGRAMME Ligurian Sea (Italy) The research is dedicated to the study of the population of fin whales, the only species of cetacean mysticete regularly present in the Mediterranean Sea. It takes place, since 1990, in the Western Ligurian Sea and in the Corsican Sea, which represent the summer feeding ground for the fin whales. Aboard the motor-sailer Gemini Lab the researchers monitor the waters comprised between Liguria and the Island of Corsica in order to collect data concerning fin whale individual recognition, habitat preferences, kinship and gender determination, and load of contaminants stored in their tissues. Behavioral studies are conducted on focal individuals in order to investigate the degree of disturbance caused to whales by boat traffic, which is particularly intense in the area. Cruises last for 6 days, although it is possible to attend two consecutive cruises, and are opened to a maximum of 10 participants. Courses begin on June 19th and end on October 1st. Prices vary from 870,000 ITL (498 US$) to 1,000,0000 ITL (572 US$) for 6-days cruises and from 1,650,000 ITL (945 US$) to 1,960,000 ITL (1,122 US$) for 12-days cruises. Prices include accommodation and food aboard the Gemini Lab. Embarkation takes place at the harbour of Portosole, San Remo (Italy). Transportation to and from Portosole, and a personal insurance of 26,000 ITL (15 US$) are excluded. CONTINENTAL SLOPE ODONTOCETE PROJECT (SLOPE) Ligurian Sea (Italy) The research focuses on the distribution and ecology of the odontocete species inhabiting the Ligurian Sea, together with their social structure, behaviour, and foraging ecology; contaminant loads and genetic variability within the species are also investigated. The Ligurian Sea continental slope, where most of the odontocetes are sighted, is characterised by an outstanding biological diversity and a high abundance of cetaceans compared to the rest of the Mediterranean Sea. The species under investigation include: the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the sperm whale (Physeter catodon), the pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). Photoidentification data and direct observation provide the basis for ecological and behavioral studies. Underwater acoustic recordings are collected and associated to video-recordings of peculiar behaviors. Cruises last for 6 days, from June 6th to October 30th, and are opened to a maximum of 3 participants. Costs, including accomodation on a sailing boat and food, vary from 850,000 ITL (487 US$) to 1,000,000 ITL (572 US$). Embarkation takes place at the harbour of Santo Stefano al Mare, Imperia (Italy). Transportation to and from the embarkation place, and a personal insurance of 26,000 ITL (15 US$) are excluded. ======== Further information about course programmes, schedules and prices, as well as the booking form can be obtained from: Tethys Research Institute / Volunteer Programmes Viale G.B. Gadio 2 I-20121 Milano, Italy ph. +39 02 72001947 fax +39 02 72001946 e-mail: tethys(\)tethys.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 11:25:09 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Thyroid levels (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Sandra Tripp (Millan)" Hi, my name is Sandra Tripp-Millan, I am veterinarian from Colombia. I am studying in Puerto Rico Marine Sciences (masters studies). I have been working during the last five years on rehabilitation and conservation of aquatic mammals in Colombia, especially with manatees. My interest is folllowing studies with thyroid levels on manatees. I have been looking for information about other studies done, but the information does not exist. I would like to find references, contacts or any information on thyroid levels in any aquatic mammals. If you could help me I would be very thankful. Sincerely, Sandra. jstripp(\)coqui.net Subject: recent marine mammal publications Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications that have recently been posted on marmam are not included. Please do not contact marmam or marmam editors about reprints. Thank you. Alonso, Mariano Koen, et al. 1998. Diet of dusky dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, in waters off Patagonia, Argentina. Fish. Bull. 96(2):366-374. Birnie, P. W. 1998. BOOK REVIEW: The international politics of whaling, by Peter J. Stoett. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press, 1997. 228p. Arctic 51(1):68-69. Bj rndal, Trond and Jon M. Conrad. 1998. A report on the Norwegian minke whale hunt. Mar. Policy 22(2):161-174. Boon, J. P., et al. 1997. Concentration-dependent changes of PCB patterns in fish-eating mammals: structural evidence for induction of cytochrome P450. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 33(3):298-311. Bree, P. J. H. Van. 1997. On extralimital records of Arctic seals (Mammalia, Pinnipedia) on the Westeuropean continental coast in the past and at present - a summary. Beaufortia 47(5):153-156. Burns, J. M., et al. 1998. The diet of Weddell seals in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica as determined from scat collections and stable isotope analysis. Polar Biol 19(4):264-282. Campbell, R. R. 1998. Rare and endangered fishes and marine mammals of Canada: COSEWIC Fish and Marine Mammal Subcommittee status reports: XII. Can. Field-Nat. 112(1):94-97. Clapham, Phil 1997. Whales of the world. Vogageur Press, Stillwater, MN. 132p. 1997. Collier, Fred M. 1998. Pirates in tuxedos [killer whale fishery interactions]. Newsweek 131(17):20. Curren, Kristina and Jon Lien. 1998. Observations of white whales, Delphinapterus leucas, in waters off Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1979-1991. Can. Field-Nat. 112(1):28-31. Davis, Lance E., Robert E. Gallman and Karin Gleiter. 1997. In pursuit of leviathan: technology, institutions, productivity, and profits in American whaling, 1816-1906. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. 550p de Iongh, H. H., B. Bierhuizen and B. van Orden. 1997. Observations on the behaviour of the dugong (Dugong dugon Mller, 1776) from waters of the Lease Islands, eastern Indonesia. Contrib. Zool. 67(1):71-77. Durham, Ben. 1997. Humpback heartache: counting dolphins along the Wild Coast. African Wildl. 51(6):19-20. Dutton, Paul and Sheila Dutton. 1997. Mermaids in distress: the dugongs of Mozambique are in trouble. African Wildl. 51(6):22-23. Fernandez, Stephanie and Aleta A. Hohn. 1998. Age, growth, and calving season of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, off coastal Texas. Fish. Bull. 96(2):357-365 Fiedler, Paul C., Jay Barlow and Tim Gerrodette. 1998. Dolphin prey abundance determined from acoustic backscatter data in eastern Pacific surveys. Fish. Bull. 96(2):237-247. Gaunaurd, Guillermo C., et al. 1998. Signal processing of the echo signatures returned by submerged shells insonified by dolphin "clicks:" active classification. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103(3):1547-1557. Gentry, Roger L. 1998. Behavior and ecology of the northern fur seal. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 392p. Goodman, Simon J. 1998. Patterns of extensive genetic differentiation and variation among European harbor seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) revealed using microsatellite DNA polymorphisms. Mol. Biol. Evol. 15(2):104-118. Hamilton, Philip K., Gregory S. Stone and Stephanie M. Martin. 1997. Note on a deep humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae dive near Bermuda. Bull. Mar. Sci. 61(2):491-494 Hansen, P. 1998. Recent bioacoustic publications (1996 and earlier). Part II. Non-primate mammals - general. Bioacoustics 9(1):49-65. Heide-J rgensen, M. P., P. R. Richard and A. Rosing-Asvid. 1998. Dive patterns of belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) in waters near eastern Devon Island. Arctic 51(1):17-26. Jenkins, Leesteffy and Cara Romanzo. 1998. Makah whaling: aboriginal subsistence or a stepping stone to undermining the commercial whaling moratorium? Colorado J. Int. Environ. Law Policy 9(1):71-114. Kasamatsu, Fujio and Yusuke Ishikawa. 1997. Natural variation of radionuclide 137Cs concentration in marine organisms with special reference to the effect of food habits and trophic level. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 160:109-120 Kingsley, Michael C. S. 1998. Walruses, Odobenus rosmarus, in the Gulf and estuary of St. Lawrence, 1992-1996. Can. Field-Nat. 112(1):90-93. Lair, S., S. De Guise and D. Martineau. 1998. Uterine adenocarcinoma with abdominal carcinomatosis in a beluga whale. J. Wildl. Dis. 34(2):373-376. Langtimm, C. A., et al. 1998. Estimates of annual survival probabilities for adult Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Ecol. 79(3):981-997. Leroy, Claude C. and Franois Parthiot. 1998. Depth-pressure relationships in the oceans and seas. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103(3):1346-1352. Lesage, Vronique and Michael C. S. Kingsley. 1998. Updated status of the St. Lawrence River population of the beluga, Delphinapterus leucas. Can. Field-Nat. 112(1):98-114. Lowry, Lloyd F., et al. 1998. Movements and behavior of satellite-tagged spotted seals (Phoca largha) in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Polar Biol 19(4):221-230. Marzin, Catherine G. 1996. Alternative management options for the recovery of the California sea otter population: an interdisciplinary approach. M.M.A. University of Washington. 142p. Melin, Sharon R. and Robert L. DeLong. 1997. Population studies of northern fur seals at San Miguel Island, California, p. 77-84 In: E. H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1996. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 115p. Merrick, Richard L. 1997. Current and historical roles of apex predators in the Bering Sea ecosystem. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:343-355. Moore, Sue E. and Douglas P. DeMaster. 1997. Cetacean habitats in the Alaskan Arctic. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:55-69. Pavan, Gianni and J. Fabrizio Borsani. 1997. Bioacoustic research on cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea. Mar. Freshwater Behav. Physiol. 30(2):99-123. Peterken, Claire J. and Carol A. Conacher. 1997. Seed germination and recolonization of Zostera capricorni after grazing by dugongs. Aquat. Botany 59(3,4):333-340. Rice, Nan. 1997. The magic of dolphins: anecdotes about them saving humans go back more than 2000 years. African Wildl. 51(4):31. Richard, P. R., M. P. Heide-J rgensen and D. St. Aubin. 1998. Fall movements of belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) with satellite-linked transmitters in Lancaster Sound, Jones Sound, and northern Baffin Bay. Arctic 51(1):5-16. Richard, P. R., et al. 1998. Sightings of belugas and other marine mammals in the North Water, late March 1993. Arctic 51(1):1-4. Ridgway, Sam H., et al. 1997. Gray whale barnacles Cryptolepas rhachianecti infest white whales, Delphinapterus leucas, housed in San Diego Bay. Bull. Mar. Sci. 61(2):377-385. Robson, Bruce W., et al. 1997. Northern fur seal entanglement studies: St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1996, p. 29-56 In: E. H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1996. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 115p. Science. 1998. Collision at sea aids science. [blue whale ship collision mortality] Sci. 279(5359):2047. Seplveda, Mara S., Hugo Ochoa-Acua and Stephen F. Sundlof. 1997. Heavy metal concentrations in Juan Fern ndez fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii). Mar. Pollut. Bull. 34(8):663-665. Shelden, Kim E. W. 1998. The bowhead whale: a case study for the development of criteria for classification on the list of endangered and threatened wildlife. M.M.A., University of Washington. 137p. Stamper, M. Andrew, Frances M. D. Gulland and Terry Spraker. 1998. Leptospirosis in rehabilitated Pacific harbor seals from California. J. Wildl. Dis. 34(2):407-410. Stevenson, Marc G. 1997. Inuit, whalers, and cultural persistence: structure in Cumberland Sound and Central Inuit social organization. Oxford University Press, Toronto, New York. 400p. 1997. Towell, Rodney G., et al. 1997. Mass, length, and sex ratios of northern fur seal pups on St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1996, p. 57-75 In: E. H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1996. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 115p. Udevitz, Mark S. and Brenda E. Ballachey. 1998. Estimating survival rates with age-structure data [sea otter]. J. Wildl. Manage. 62(2):779-792. U.S. Department of Commerce and National Marine Fisheries Service 1998. National Marine Fisheries Service - strategic plan for fisheries research. U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC. 58p. U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of the Interior 1997. Draft release of stranded marine mammals to the wild: background, preparation, and release criteria. U.S. Department of Commerce, [Washington, DC]. (NOAA Technical Memorandum NFMS-OPR-) 76p. von Etzdorf, Barbara. 1997. Dolphins make magic: animal parts used in religion, medicine and witchcraft. African Wildl. 51(1):15-17. Photographs by Vic Peddemors. Yablokov, A. V., et al. 1998. Data on Soviet whaling in the Antarctic in 1947-1972 (population aspects). Russ.J. Ecol. 29(1):38-42. York, Anne E., et al. 1997. Population assessment, Pribilof Islands, Alaska, p. 9-28 In: E. H. Sinclair, editor, Fur seal investigations, 1996. U.S. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA. 115p. Zhen, Ye and Sam McClatchie. 1998. On inferring speed of sound in aquatic organisms. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103(3):1667-1670. Zhu, Qian. 1997. First record of an eye disease in the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). Chin. J. Oceanol. Limnol. 15(2):192-194. Zimmer, Carl. 1998. The equation of a whale. [whale evolution] Discover 19(4):78-84. Subject: aBSTRACT: Social evolution in toothed whales From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) Unfortunately there are no reprints available for this paper. Connor, R.C., J. Mann, P.L. Tyack, H. Whitehead. 1998. Social evolution in toothed whales. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 13: 228-232. Abstract: Two contrasting results emerge from comparisons of the social systems of several odontocetes with terrestrial mammals. Researchers have identified remarkable convergence in prominent features of the social systems of odontocetes such as the sperm whale and bottlenose dolphin with a few well-known terrestrial mammals such as the elephant and chimpanzee. In contrast, studies on killer whales and Baird's beaked whale reveal novel social solutions to aquatic living. The combination of convergent and novel features in odontocete social systems promise a more general understanding of the ecological determinants of social systems in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, as well as the relationship between relative brain size and social evolution. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 07:57:54 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Smithsonian Osteoprep Job The following is from the Mammal-L list. Direct inquiries to the appropriate contact listed below. ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Smithsonian Osteoprep Job Author: "Richard W. Thorington; Jr." at ~smtp Date: 5/26/98 4:54 PM Anyone who is interested in this job can obtain a complete copy of the job description and application information from me by sending me a request on email. Thor ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:98LH-2095 OPENING DATE: May 15, 1998 CLOSING DATE: June 15, 1998 Museum Technician (Zoology) National Museum of Natural History GS-1016-7 Department of Vertebrate Zoology Salary: $26,532 per annum Division of Mammals Promotion Potential to GS-9 (VZ 98-07) DUTIES: The primary duty station is the Department of Vertebrate Zoology's Osteopreparation facility at the Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland. Duties include: maintaining and coordinating activities in the Osteopreparation facility, including the physical plant; preparing most vertebrate skeletal specimens passing through the facility; supervising all aspects of skeletal processing from carcass preparation to the production of clean, undamaged skeletons; planning the budget; ordering supplies and equipment for the facility; assisting other specialists, technicians, interns and volunteers who work in the Osteopreparation facility; training new employees in the preparation of skeletal specimens; assisting in fieldwork abroad and domestically; and assisting in day-to-day curatorial tasks. DUTY LOCATION: Suitland, Maryland Richard W. Thorington, Jr. MNHVZ049(\)SIVM.SI.EDU Department of Vertebrate Zoology THORINGT(\)NMNH.SI.EDU NHB-390, Smithsonian Institution Voice: 202-357-2150 Washington D.C. 20560 Fax: 202-786-2979 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 10:03:26 -0400 From: Stephanie Brown Subject: Alaska bowhead kills Marmammers, Does anyone have information on the time between strikes and the kill for any or all the Alaskan bowheads killed by Eskimos in recent years? Canada's Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be monitoring the proposed kill of an Eastern Arctic bowhead this summer, to be killed by Inuit peoples. In l996, a male bowhead was killed by the Inuit under a license issued by DFO, as provided for in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. It took more than two hours for the male bowhead to die, following hundreds of rifle shots and l4 harpoons. He then sank for two days. When he re-floated, his body was left to rot on the beach, with the exception of a small quantity of muktuk which was eaten. The carcass was later towed out to sea for disposal. There is no subsistence quota from the International Whaling Commission for this proposed kill of an endangered species. Canada is not a member of the IWC. >From conversations with the DFO officer who will monitor this year's bowhead kill, it is evident he has no information on bowhead kills by other Northern peoples. Therefore, this request for information, in an endeavour, if possible, to prevent another prolonged death in l998. Any information would be gratefully received and passed along. Thank you in advance, Stephanie Brown Chair, Marine Mammals Committee Canadian Federation of Humane Societies E-mail: brown(\)idirect.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 17:23:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement: WCS asst. director, Asia (fwd) ------- Forwarded from CONSLINK(\)SIVM.SI.EDU ------- From: Rosa Fernandez The Wildlife Conservation Society, formerly known as the New York Zoological Society, seeks to fill the position of Assistant Director of the Asia Program in its International Program. WCS's Asia Program is a large, diverse set of field-driven programs designed to promote the conservation of wildlife and their habitats across the region. The Assistant Director helps the Director, in consultation with regional field staff, to establish program priorities. In addition s/he provides support to field programs through financial, technical, and administrative means and facilitates communication and coordination among projects, and between WCS and other institutions. The Assistant Director also promotes biological conservation in Asia through communication and collaboration with national governments, donors and partners and, as feasible, conducting independent research activities and maintaining standing in his/her field of expertise. The position is based at the WCS headquarters in New York City. Salary level commensurate with experience. The position requires a Ph.D. in Biology or a Social Science, experience relevant to conservation in developing countries, excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, support for the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society and a willingness to travel extensively. WCS is and Equal Opportunity Employer. Please send c.v., letter of interest summarizing research and conservation experience, and list of references to: Dr. Kent H. Redford, International Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460 USA Subject: Job: Teaching Position Available (fwd) --- Message Forwarded From CONSLINK(\)SIVM.SI.EDU --- Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 16:51:19 -0500 From: "Dr. Eric C. Kindahl" ################################## INSTRUCTOR OR ASST. PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY POSITION AVAILABLE FOR FALL 1998 The University of Maine at Machias invites applications for a full-time, regular, fixed-length teaching position beginning August 31, 1998 and ending May 31, 1999. We are seeking a biologist committed to undergraduate teaching in the Environmental Studies and Biology Programs. The successful applicant will teach Genetics, Evolution, General Zoology, and Conservation Biology or a course in the candidate's area of specialty. Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Genetics or a closely related field is preferred; however, ABD candidates well in progress will be considered. Salary commensurate with experience. Application deadline: The search will remain open until the position is filled. Send letter of application, three letters of reference, and graduate transcript/s to: Equal Employment Opportunity Office Instructor or Asst. Prof. of Biology Search Comm. University of Maine at Machias Powers Hall 9 O'Brien Ave. Machias, ME 04654 EEO/AA ################################## From: Sascha Hooker Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: (Fwd) ACS tribute to Steve Leatherwood Forwarded From ECS Mailing List (ECS-all(\)mailbase.ac.uk) From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) I'm working with the American Cetacean Society on a special tribute issue for Steve Leatherwood. I realize it's quite late in the game, [this was originally planned over a year ago] but we still are interested in putting something nice together, and I somehow ended up in charge of this project. I'm interested in hearing from folks who have worked with Steve, or have photos of him (particularly field photos), or would like to speak about the impact Steve has had on the research/conservation community. My idea was to have something by folks from different parts of the world, different species, etc. and give a good cross-section of how influential and multi-faceted Steve was during his lifetime (and how it will hopefully continue). Thanks in advance for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from anyone with the interest to contribute to this. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 07:38:29 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: newsclip - Beached sea lions dying after seizures Beached sea lions dying after seizures May 27, 1998 SAUSALITO, California (AP) -- A marine rescue center has been trying to determine why dozens of sea lions have beached themselves on the California coast, many of them dying after suffering seizures. Some 60 sea lions found in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties have been brought to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, just south of San Francisco. About half have died. The strandings began earlier this month on Oceano Dunes in San Luis Obispo. Last week, more sea lions flopped themselves on several beaches in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Symptoms have included grand mal seizures, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea. Most of the sea lions are pregnant females. The cause of the seizures is unknown, center spokeswoman Kathy Zagzebski said. "They're often sitting straight up with their heads back," she said. "Some are foaming at the mouth and their whole body twitches." A rescue effort by the National Marine Fisheries Services began over the Memorial Day weekend. Marine experts say similar episodes have occurred every three to five years, most recently in 1992. A preliminary analysis of those sea lions showed high levels of mercury in their blood. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 04:16:40 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Advertisement: grey seal genetics (fwd) From: W.Amos(\)zoo.cam.ac.uk (Bill Amos) ADVERTISEMENT ********************************************************* MOLECULAR GENETIC ANALYSIS OF GREY SEALS TEMPORARY RESEARCH ASSISTANT / TECHNICIAN with BILL AMOS Department of Zoology, Downing Street Cambridge University CB2 3EJ, UK tel / fax +44 (0)1223 336616 w.amos(\)zoo.cam.ac.uk I am looking for someone to participate in a long-term project looking at grey seal breeding behaviour and population structure. The work will primarily involve microsatellite genotyping and would suit someone moving into molecular genetics or wishing to extend their molecular genetic experience. Funding is in two sections, a 6 month period paid at tempora= ry assistant level (=A3140 per week) and a 1 year technicians's post salarie= d at the national, age-related scale. Although there is nothing formal to lin= k these positions, a person who proves themselves for the initial 6 months will be considered first in line for the further year. Applications shou= ld be made to me at the above address before July 1, 1998 with a view to starting before 1 October. Please include a current c.v. and the names o= f two referees. Further details describing the main project can be found a= t http://www.qmw.ac.uk/~ugbt112/EDGEII.htm but feel free to contact me directly. ******************************************* Subject: Stranding data request On the west coast of Tasmania, Australia,we have recently had three strandings of sperm whales totalling over 110 animals. Such strandings are not uncommon (as far as these kind of events are concerned). As part of the operations 4 animals were refloated and headed back out to sea. 3 carcasses were later recovered and whilst no conclusive evidence exists we belevive these are the same said animals. As a consequence of this I am now attempting to locate any research or persons with similar experience as regards the stranding of large cetaceans. In particular any studies of the pysiological effects of strandings which set time limits on operations to refloat the animals. I have heard of but not managed to yet locate a study which measuered the blood toxicity levels of a stranded cetacean at hourly intervals. It is especially this kind of data I am interested in. Any assistance will be gratefully recieved. All replies to rhall(\)delm.tas.gov.au or the below address. Richard Hall Ranger Lake St Clair National Park Tasmania Parks And Wildlife Service Derwent Bridge TAS 7140 Ph +61 3 62891172 Fax +61 3 62891227 email: rhall(\)delm.tas.gov.au Internet: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 10:58:18 +1100 From: Kim Sadler Subject: Dolphin Sponsorship Program I am a student at Newcastle University, Australia. I am currently developing a dolphin adoption/ sponsorship program for the dolphins at Port Stephens, to raise funds for dolphin research. I need examples of other dolphin or whale sponsorship programs that are operating to assist with the development of the program, or suggestions of organisations that may be contacted. Thank You Miss Kim Sadler ksadler(\)ozemail.com.au postal address: 25 Victoria St Norah Head 2263. Australia ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 14:53:04 +0300 From: DOLPHIN REEF Subject: course on dolphin behav. ------ Basic Course in Dolphin Behaviour and Dolphin-Assisted Therapy General Information The Dolphin Reef, a semi-free enclosure for bottlenose dolphins in Eilat, Israel, is hosting a research facility that deals with various aspects of dolphin behaviour and communication, named the 'International Laboratory for Dolphin Behaviour Research'. The work of this lab, established in 199= 4, is mainly observational and strictly non-invasive, meaning that no experiments which could possibly harm or harass the animals are carried o= ut here. The scientifical members of this lab are continuing their education= al program in 1998 that includes an introduction to both dolphin biology, especially behaviour, and dolphin-human interaction, especially in form o= f dolphin-assisted therapy, which takes place in Eilat for almost a decade.= =20 Course Details The training course, consisting of seminars and practical sessions presented by the scientists of the lab as well as invited experts, will b= e carried out over a period of one week. Beside the basic biological information it will introduce to methods of studying the social behaviour of dolphins and their communication system. The other part of the course = is dealing with psychological aspects of the therapy. The next courses are scheduled for: =20 =FDA=FE. (Course #4) 28. June - 04. July 1998;=20 =FDB=FE. (Course #5) 25. - 31. October 1998; =FDC=FE. (Course #6) December 1998. Following topics will be dealt with: * Methods of behavioural data sampling and analysis. * Marine mammal physiology and ecology. * Dolphin behaviour and communication. * Dolphin conservation and rehabilitation. * Marine ecology. * Dolphin-human interaction, including dolphin-assisted therapy. * Psychological aspects of therapy with the aid of dolphins. The site The Dolphin Reef offers a unique chance to observe the impressive social life as well as the spectacular behavioural accomplishments of bottlenose dolphins. The group, containing individuals of both sexes and different a= ge classes, including six juveniles born here in Eilat, lives in a spacious enclosure separated from the open sea only by a large meshed net. Additionally, since February 1998, a permanently opened gate gives the dolphins access to the Gulf of Aqaba. All animals live together year-roun= d enabling sophisticated social interactions between all individuals. Besid= es this, a very special dolphin-human bond has developed over the years. Thi= s relationship is integrated in a program of dolphin-assisted therapy with children suffering from various mental and physical problems. If you are interested in the course, and for further information, please contact us under: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Elke Bojanowski & Frank Veit Int. Laboratory of Dolphin Behaviour Research,=20 Dolphin Reef, P.O.Box 104, Eilat 88100, ISRAEL. Fax: ++972 - 7 - 6375 921; E-mail: reef(\)netvision.net.il +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 05:40:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list 2. Messages posted on MARMAM 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM 4. Reasons for rejection of messages FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? 6. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 7. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 9. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 13. How do I get other information on marine mammals? 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of December 1997 there were over 3,000 subscribers from 55 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000 list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list. - Messages in another language provide an english translation Note. MARMAM cannot receive attachments - please submit messages as text only. _______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - information not related to marine mammal research or conservation - animal rights calls for action - 'communication' between humans and other animals - 'casual' requests for information that is easily available elsewhere - information requests without details as to why this is being requested - news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - requests for volunteer positions/employment - requests for small numbers of specific items (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - opinion statements offering little or no novel arguments - criticisms of researchers' statements quoted in newspaper articles, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - humourous anecdotes _______________________________________________________________ 4. More detail on reasons for rejection of messages. 'CASUAL' REQUEST. Messages which request information which is readily available from other sources, such as your average university library, are not posted to the list. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. INPROPERLY FORMATTED OR FULL OF TYPOS. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 5. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 9. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). As of Nov. 1997 all MARMAM messages have also been archived on the world-wide web. These can be found at: http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca ++This archive can be searched by keyword or by date. The archive ++manager is Quyen Lam ++To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the ++bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. __________________________________________________________________ 10. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 11. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 12. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 13. More Information on Marine Mammals WORLD-WIDE WEB LINKS Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" OTHER EMAIL DISCUSSION LISTS Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Sara Ellis, Shannon Gowans or Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 14:26:02 +0100 From: Samantha Strindberg Subject: WORKSHOP _____________________________ R U W P A W O R K S H O P S _____________________________ ----------------------------- Three international workshops on wildlife population assessment _______________________________________________________________ *** LAST DATE FOR DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION FEES: 15 JUNE *** _______________________________________________________________ Hosted by the Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment (RUWPA), University of St Andrews, Scotland August 4-14 1998 _______________________________________________________________ Design and Analysis of Distance Sampling Surveys The design and analysis of line and point transect surveys. Most assessments of abundance of terrestrial and marine mammals are carried out using distance sampling methods. The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice, and participants will be trained in the use of the new, windows version of the software DISTANCE. Instructors: Steve Buckland, David Borchers and Len Thomas (University of St Andrews) Dates: August 4-7 Survival Estimation from Data on Populations of Marked Animals The theory and application of band recovery and capture-recapture models for estimating survival rates from marked animals. Participants will be trained in the use of state-of-the-art software MARK. Instructors: Gary White (Colorado State University), David Anderson and Ken Burnham (Colorado Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit) Dates: August 10-13 Latest Developments in Distance Sampling An introduction to recent advances in distance sampling methodology and to a new, windows-based release of DISTANCE. Participants should already be familiar with distance sampling methods. Both biologists and statisticians are welcome. Instructors: Len Thomas, Steve Buckland, David Borchers Discussants: David Anderson, Ken Burnham Date: August 14 The workshops will comprise lectures, computer sessions and special topic discussion groups. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets. We do not recommend attendance at both distance sampling workshops due to overlap. Further details and registration information from: Rhona Rodger Tel: +44 (0) 1334 463813 RUWPA Fax: +44 (0) 1334 463748 Mathematical Institute North Haugh e-mail: rhona(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk St Andrews Fife KY16 9SS Scotland OR via www at: http://www-ruwpa.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/workshop/ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 08:42:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: IWC meeting - final press release (fwd) Forwarded message: International Whaling Commission The Red House, 135 Station Road, Histon, Cambridge, UK CB4 4NP Tel: +44 (0)1223 233971 : Fax: +44 (0)1223 232876=20 e-mail: iwcoffice(\)compuserve.com FINAL PRESS RELEASE 20 May 1998 1998 Annual Meeting Muscat, Oman The 50th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was held from 16-20 May 1998 in Muscat, Oman. The proceedings were conducted by the Chairman, Mr. Michael Canny (Ireland) and the Vice-Chairman, Mr Bo Fernholm (Sweden). Catch limits for commercial whaling In 1982, the Commission took a decision, which came into force from the 1986 and 1985/86 seasons, that catch limits for all commercial whaling would be set to zero.=20 As in previous years, the Commission did not adopt a proposal by Japan for an interim relief allocation of 50 minke whales to be taken by coastal community-based whaling.=20 Norway has lodged objections to the ban and has exercised its right to set national catch limits for its coastal whaling operations for minke whales. The Commission passed a Resolution calling on Norway to halt all whaling activities under its jurisdiction.=20 Revised Management Scheme Although the Commission has accepted and endorsed the Revised Management Procedure (RMP) for commercial whaling, it has noted that work on a number of issues, including specification of an inspection and observer system must be completed before the Commission will consider establishing catch limits other than zero. This work is ongoing. The Commission adopted a Resolution that confirmed how anthropogenic removals (e.g. incidental catches, catches under scientific permit, aboriginal subsistence whaling) other than commercial catches should be taken into account when setting catch limits under the RMP.=20 Last year, Ireland introduced a proposal for discussion intended to lead to a break in the deadlock between the governments opposed to a resumption of commercial whaling and those in favour. Its elements include: completion and adoption of the Revised Management Scheme;=20 designation of a global sanctuary for whales; permission for closely regulated and monitored coastal whaling within 200 mile zones by communities with a long tradition for such activity; prohibition of international trade in whale products; and the cessation of scientific research catches. Reaching consensus on such a package of measures is proving extremely difficult, but many Commissioners expressed their interest on continuing discussions and the Commission agreed to keep this Item on its Agenda. Catch limits for aboriginal subsistence whaling Last year, the Commission agreed to the following catch limits for several stocks subject to aboriginal subsistence whaling. No changes to these have been made this year. Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales (taken by Alaskan Eskimos and native peoples of Chukotka) - The total number of landed whales for the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 shall not exceed 280 whales, with no more than 67 whales struck in any year (up to 15 unused strikes may be carried over each year). Eastern North Pacific gray whales (taken by those whose "traditional, aboriginal and subsistence needs have been recognised") - A total catch of 620 whales is allowed for the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 with a maximum of 140 in any one year. West Greenland fin whales (taken by Greenlanders) - An annual catch of 19 whales is allowed for the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.=20 West Greenland minke whales (taken by Greenlanders) - The annual number of whales struck for the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, shall not exceed 175 (up to 15 unused strikes may be carried over each year). East Greenland minke whales (taken by Greenlanders) - An annual catch of 12 whales is allowed for the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 (up to 3 unused strikes may be carried over each year). Humpback whales (taken by St Vincent and The Grenadines) - for the seasons 1996/97 to 1998/99, the annual catch shall not exceed two whales.=20 The Scientific Committee continued to make progress towards developing new management regimes for aboriginal subsistence whaling; this work has been given high priority by the Commission. Noting that Canada had issued licenses for aboriginal subsistence whaling on two stocks of bowhead whales for which the Scientific Committee has expressed concern, the Commission adopted a Resolution inviting Canada to rejoin the Commission and not to issue further licenses. Scientific permit catches Two proposed permits by Japan were considered. One is an extension of its continuing programme in the Southern Hemisphere (now 400=B110% minke whales from the Antarctic). The second is for the continuing programme to take 100 minke whales in the western North Pacific. The issuance of such permits is a sovereign right under the Convention. The Commission adopted a Resolution calling on the Government of Japan to refrain from issuing these permits. Humane killing of whales The Commission developed terms of reference for a specialist Workshop on Whale Killing Methods to be held in 1999. Southern Ocean Sanctuary The Commission adopted a Resolution that provided advice to its Scientific Committee on the objectives of the Southern Ocean Sanctuary. These particularly relate to monitoring depleted populations and undertaking research on the effects of environmental change. The Scientific Committee is developing a major co-operative research programme with Southern Ocean GLOBEC and CCAMLR in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary for the years 2000 and 2001. Environmental research The Commission has strengthened its commitment to research on environmental changes and the effects on cetaceans. In particular it reiterated its support for two major collaborative research initiatives made by its Scientific Committee with respect to (1) chemical pollutants and (2) baleen whale habitat and prey studies in co-operation with CCAMLR and Southern Ocean GLOBEC. This commitment is shown by a proposal to establish a major research fund for environmental research to be considered next year. Small cetaceans Notwithstanding the different views of member countries over the legal competence of the IWC to manage small cetaceans, the Contracting Governments continue to co-operate in consideration of small cetaceans, particularly with respect to the work of the Scientific Committee. The Commission adopted a Resolution concerning directed takes of white whales and encouraged a precautionary approach to management. Co-operation with other organisations The Commission noted the importance of co-operation with other organisations, particularly in the context of scientific research.=20 Further research co-operation with a number of organisations (including The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS); International Convention on Endangered Species (ICES); Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR); and Southern Ocean GLOBEC (SO-GLOBEC)) has been strengthened this year. In addition, the Commission adopted resolutions relevant to co-operation with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and, with respect to health issues and consumption of certain cetacean products, with the World Health Organisation. Establishment of a new scientific journal The Commission approved the establishment of a major new scientific journal on cetacean research and management, which will commence at the beginning of 1999. This will maintain and improve the high quality of scientific publications published by the IWC. Date and place of the next Annual Meeting The next Annual Meeting will be held in Grenada in May 1999. Subject: To Frank Awbrey's friends and colleagues It is with sadness that I report the death of Dr. Frank Awbrey on Sunday, 31 May, of liver cancer. Frank was 65 years old. His career in bioacoustics spanned 42 years, from his graduate work in amphibian bioacoustics at Texas A&M University, which brought him to San Diego State University as an assistant professor in 1964, to his studies of marine mammals in the 1980's, to his latest endeavor, a ground-breaking effort to measure the long-term population-level effects of aircraft noise on endangered passerines. He will be remembered by his colleagues as an ecologist who was also thoroughly versed in bioacoustics, insisting upon the most rigorous technical standards in both fields. His contributions in marine mammalogy include (1) acoustical measurements of sonic booms and seal-control devices, (2) bioacoustics of Antarctic killer whales and leopard seals, (3) auditory threshold measurements of beluga whales, and (4) efforts to use acoustic techniques to reduce fishery impact on marine mammals in the high seas salmon drift net fishery and the blackcod longline fishery in Alaska. However, those of us who knew him during our student years will remember him best as a remarkable teacher who strove throughout his career to bring critical thinking and a respect for the scientific method to all young people. We will miss his earthy humor and kindness, his editorial skills, and his wealth of technical knowledge for the rest of our lives. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and three children. Condolences should be sent in the form of donations to the two non-profit organizations he loved - the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, where he worked as an associate for 21 years, and the Environmental Trust, an organization incorporated in 1990 to protect what remains of undeveloped native habitat in the San Diego area. No formal memorial service has been planned as yet. Those interested in paying their respects should contact Hubbs-Sea World Research at 619-226-3870. Ann E. Bowles, Ph.D. Senior Staff Biologist Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute 2595 Ingraham Street San Diego, CA 92109 619-226-3870 (phone) 619-226-3944 (FAX) annb1(\)san.rr.com(e-mail) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 07:41:15 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: polar bear hair About a week or so ago, I posted information regarding an article that appears in New Scientist about polar bear (Power of the polar myth. Koon, DW. NEW SCIENTIST. April 25, 1998 v158 i2131 p50-50), as well as an accompanying website. I now have information regarding the article with the hard data in it, see below. I thought that this would be of interest to the folks who wrote to me thanking me for bringing the initial article to their attention. Is polar bear hair fiber optic?. Koon, DW. APPLIED OPTICS. May 20, 1998 v37 i15 p3198-3200 Abstract New direct measurement of high optical attenuation rates in polar bear hairs-2-8 dB/mm in the visible-and reanalysis of the data of ributsch et al. [Sol. Energy Mater. 21, 219 (1990)] seem to rule out the UV waveguiding proposed by Grojean et al. [Appl. Opt. 19, 339 (1980)]. The case against fiber-optic polar bear hairs is summarized, and four conditions are given that any variation of the model of Grojean et al. would have to satisfy. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (p.s. I do not have a copy of this article, so please don't ask me to send one, thank you) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 12:43:55 -0400 From: Dave Johnston Organization: IMMA Inc. Subject: The Monachus Guardian This is to let you know that IMMA Inc. has launched an internet web site devoted to monk seal conservation issues. The main focus of this site will be THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, a biannual newsletter offering international and regional news items, and in-depth articles and reports concerning the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and (where appropriate) Caribbean monk seals. A regularly updated 'Breaking News' section will be available at www.monachus.org as and when events dictate. Highlights of the inaugural issue include: * Monk Seal Myths in Sardinia: How extinct monk seals have become a thriving business in the Gulf of Orosei... * Oil Spill at Cavus Island: The shipping accident in the Turkish Aegean that might have spelled disaster for the area's monk seals... * Monachus in Monaco: A satirical look at the recent Workshop on the Biology and Conservation of the World's Endangered Monk Seals... Should you have any suggestions or comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at the following email address: editor(\)monachus.org Similarly, we look forward to hearing from you if you experience any difficulty in accessing this service. Dave Johnston IMMA Inc. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 08:19:38 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstract - killer whales The following might be of interest to some readers. The address of the corresponding author is provided, please direct inquiries to that person. Thank you. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov *************************************** Hoelzel, AR; Dahlheim, M; Stern, SJ. 1998. Low genetic variation among killer whales (_Orcinus orca_) in the eastern North Pacific and genetic differentiation between foraging specialists Journal of Heredity 89: 121-128. Killer whales from the coastal waters off California through Alaska were compared for genetic variation at three nuclear DNA markers and sequenced for a total of 520 bp from the mitochondrial control region. Two putative sympatric populations that range throughout this region were compared. They can be distinguished by social and foraging behavior and are known as ''residents'' and ''transients.'' We found low levels of variation within populations compared to other cetacean species. Comparisons between fish (resident) versus marine mammal (transient) foraging specialists indicated highly significant genetic differentiation at both nuclear and mitochondrial loci. This differentiation is at a level consistent with intraspecific variation. A comparison between two parapatric resident populations showed a small but fixed mtDNA haplotype difference. Together these data suggest low levels of genetic dispersal between foraging specialists and a pattern of genetic differentiation consistent with matrifocal population structure and small effective population size. Reprints Hoelzel, AR UNIV DURHAM DEPT BIOL SCI, SOUTH RD DURHAM DH1 3LE ENGLAND ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 20:59:49 +0800 From: Bill Leverett Subject: req. info. for design of dolphinwatching boats We are a commercial dolphinwatching operation in Hong Kong, focused on Sousa chinensis. We may be in a position soon to buy a boat or even build one to specifications. We would be interested in any relevant research and/or experience that would help us design or choose a boat so as to minimize our impacts on the dolphins. Please address replies to dolphins(\)hk.super.net. We will post a summary of replies. Thank you for your assistance, Bill Leverett Hong Kong Dolphinwatch GPO Box 4102, Hong Kong http://www.zianet.com/dolphins dolphins(\)hk.super.net ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 10:41:14 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CORRECTION to Beached dying sea lions newsclip (fwd) From: Dagmar Fertl The following was sent directly to me, but needs to be sent to Marmam. I only post newsclips as they appear in a newspaper or news website. The purpose is to stimulate discussion and encourage correction of news items. Thank you to Susan for taking the time to correct this. Dagmar Fertl ______________________________ Reply Separator Author: Susan Andres at ~smtp Date: 6/3/98 10:35 AM Re: Beached sea lions dying after seizures Correction-the National Marine Fisheries did not launch the emergency rescue effort over Memorial Day weekend. The Marine Mammal Center dispatched emergency volunteer crews to respond to the rescue calls. -Susan Andres, Director of Communications (\) The Marine Mammal Center From: Cindy Kilgore Brown Subject: BEQUIA WHALING HISTORY BEQUIA WHALING HISTORY Dear Marmamers, If anyone has information on Bequia whaling history from the arrival of the Wallace and Ollivierre families on the island to the present day, please share with me. Any anedotes, photos, stories, reference books or people etc. are appreciated. I am attempting to write a history of this island's whaling practices while there are still people out there that have heard/experienced some of the olden days. I am also interested in more modern times, such as tourism boycotts by various organizations to try and halt the whaling. Nothing is too small or insignificant. Please forward to Cindy Kilgore Brown at minke(\)wcvt.com Thanks folks, Cindy The cure for anything is saltwater sweat tears or the sea. Isak Dinesen ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 15:59:42 -1000 From: Eduardo Mercado Subject: abstract - dolphin memory Mercado, E., Murray, S. O., Uyeyama, R. K., Pack, A. A. & Herman, L. M. Memory for recent actions in the bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Repetition of arbitrary behaviors using an abstract rule. Animal Learning and Behavior, 26(2), 210-218. Little is known about how animals represent their own actions in working memory. We investigated whether bottlenosed dolphins could recall actions they had recently performed and reveal those recollections using an abstract rule. Two dolphins were trained to respond to a specific gestural command by repeating the last behavior performed. Both dolphins proved to be able to repeat a wide variety of behaviors on command and were able to generalize the repeating rule to novel behaviors and situations. One dolphin was able to repeat all 36 behaviors she was tested on, including behaviors involving multiple simultaneous actions and self-selected behaviors. These results suggest that dolphins can flexibly access memories of their recent actions and that these memories are of sufficient detail to allow for reenactments. The repeating task can potentially be used to investigate short-term action and event representations in a variety of species. Reprints: Eduardo Mercado III mercado(\)hawaii.edu Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Lab 1129 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 13:07:23 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: more Marine Technology Society Journal articles Radio-tracking manatees from land and space: Tag design, implementation, and lessons learned from long-term study. Deutsch, CJ; Bonde, RK; Reid, JP. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p18-29 West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) were tracked along the Atlantic coast of Florida and Georgia (N = 83 manatees, n = 439 tag deployments, 1986-1996) and in eastern Puerto Rico (N = 8, n = 43, 1992-1996) using conventional and satellite-based radio-telemetry systems. A floating radio-tag, attached by a flexible tether to a padded belt around the base of the tail, enabled us to track manatees in saltwater environments. The tag incorporated VHF (very high frequency) and ultrasonic transmitters for field tracking and tag recovery, and an Argos satellite-monitored transmitter for remote tracking. We located each animal in the field about twice per week, received more than 60,000 good-quality Argos locations, and recovered tags in over 90 percent of deployments. The tag was designed to detach from the belt when entangled to prevent injury or drowning, and this often led to premature termination of tracking bouts. We had considerable success, however, in retagging belted manatees without recapture (97 percent of 392 retagging events). Most individuals were radio-tagged more than once (median = 3.0, maximum = 43) for a median total duration of 7.5 months (maximum = 6.8 years). Data obtained through Argos have been valuable in addressing questions relating to long-distance movements, site fidelity, and identification of high-use areas. Fine-scale analyses of manatee habitat use and movements may require restricting the data set to the highest location quality or developing new analytical techniques to incorporate locational error. Field tracking provided useful ancillary data on life-history parameters, but sample sizes were small and survival estimates imprecise. Modification of the existing tag design to include Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality, with its finer spatial and temporal resolution, will offer new opportunities to address critical research and management problems facing this endangered species. Reprints Deutsch, CJ US GEOL SURVEY BRD, FLORIDA CARIBBEAN SCI CTR GAINESVILLE, FL USA ***************************************************************** CRITTERCAM: An animal-borne imaging and data logging system. Marshall, GJ. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p11-17 CRITTERCAM is an animal-borne integrated video, audio and TDR data logging system designed for studying the behavior and ecology of large marine vertebrates at sea where systematic human observation is impossible. Harnessed toffee-ranging animals, CRITTERCAM enables study of animal behavior free of potentially disturbing human presence. One hundred sixty-nine CRITTERCAM deployments have been made on 22 species. Most work has been done with harbor seals and Hawaiian monk seals, and to a lesser extent sperm whales (65, 25 and 25 deployments, respectively). Deployments revealed information and insights on habitat use, diving, foraging, reproductive and social behavior, territoriality, vocalization, and interspecific contact. Reprints Marshall, GJ NATL GEOG TELEVIS NATL HIST UNIT WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA ***************************************************************** Animal-borne GPS and the deployment of a GPS based archiving datalogger on Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Sisak, MM. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p30-36 The adaptations of a terrestrial animal-borne GPS (Global Positioning System) to a marine application are detailed, including pressure housing design and sensor suites provided to maximize fix acquisition success. Deployment of the Marine Archiving GPS (MAG) units on Hawaiian monk seal signifies the first deployment of a commercially available GPS based data logger on marine mammals. Capture, attachment and recovery procedures employed for the MAG unit are described and collected data presented. Eight geographic position fixes were obtained, five of which are suggested to be ''at sea'' positions. Trends in miniaturization of GPS will lead to smaller more capable animal-borne GPS unit and a second generation of the MAG unit currently awaiting deployment in Hawaii is described. Reprints Sisak, MM LOTEK MARINE TECHNOL ST JOHNS, NF CANADA USA ***************************************************************** Following the invisible: Electronic tracking of marine animals. Stone, G; Kraus, SD. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p3-4 Reprints Stone, G NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM CENT WHARF BOSTON, MA 02110 USA ***************************************************************** The telemetering of marine animals: Developing a new paradigm. Kraus, SD. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p108-109 Reprints Kraus, SD NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM CENT WHARF BOSTON, MA 02110 USA ***************************************************************** WhaleNet-interactive education and research utilizing advanced technologies. Williamson, JM. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p106-107 Reprints Williamson, JM WHEELOCK COLL BOSTON, MA 02115 USA ***************************************************************** Tracking aquatic vertebrates in dense tropical forest using VHF telemetry. Martin, AR; daSilva, VMF. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p82-88 As part of a broad study of river dolphins and caimans in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, transmitters in the radio frequency range 173-174 MHz were deployed on thirty-six animals over a four-year period. Tracking was carried out both by hand and using automatic, scanning, directional receiving stations situated above the forest canopy. Results were initially poor, due largely to equipment failure in such a hot, humid environment and inexperience of the scientific personnel in attempting such a study in dense rainforest. However, with modified equipment and greater experience, radio telemetry became a powerful and benign research tool without which the study would have been very substantially weakened. Although performance teas poorer than in open habitat, careful design of the receiver network, aided by field-testing of signal range under various conditions, provided knowledge of the whereabouts of most tagged animals for most of the time. After four deployments, expectations of at least 9-months tag longevity and receiving stations remaining functional 90 percent of the time are realistic, but success is critically dependent on adequate manpower for monitoring and data-collection. Although an excellent source of information in its own right, radio telemetry of cetaceans yields the greatest insights when combined with intense observational fieldwork. Reprints Martin, AR UNIV ST ANDREWS SCH ECOL & ENVIRONM BIOL, GATTY MARINE LAB, NERC, SEA MAMMAL RES UNIT ST ANDREWS, FIFE SCOTLAND ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 12:47:17 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: article - finless porpoise A population size estimate of the finless porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides, from aerial sighting surveys in Ariake Sound and TachibanaBay, Japan. Yoshida, H; Shirakihara, K; Kishino, H; Shirakihara, M. RESEARCHES ON POPULATION ECOLOGY. December 1997 v39 i2 p239-247 We estimated the population size of the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Ariake Sound and Tachibana Bay of western Kyushu, southwestern Japan, from aerial sighting surveys using line transect methods. All 12 surveys were conducted from May 1993 to May 1994 (8 in Ariake Sound and 4 in Tachibana Bay). In addition to these, 14 surveys were also carried out to obtain information on porpoise occurrence in Tachibana Bay (5 surveys) and in neighboring Sumo Nada (5) and Yatsushiro Sound (4). In Ariake Sound, 225 porpoise groups (369 animals) were detected during all flights totalling 1,694.4 km. In Tachibana Bay, a total of 997.8 km was surveyed and 55 (290 animals) were sighted. However, no sightings were recorded in Sumo Nada (distance searched = 148.7 km) and Yatsushiro Sound (208.4 km). In Ariake Sound, few sightings were recorded from waters shallower than 5 m in depth. In Tachibana Bay all animals were detected from waters of less than 50 m depth. The population size was estimated as 1,983 animals in Ariake Sound (95% CI = 1,382-2,847), 1,110 in Tachibana Bay (95% CI = 642-1,920), and 3,093 in the 2 waters (1.3 individuals/km(2), 95% CI = 2,278-4,201). Reprints Yoshida, H NATL RES INST FAR SEAS FISHERIES 5-7-1 ORIDO SHIMIZU, SHIZUOKA 424 JAPAN ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 12:45:16 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: tagging articles Here are some recent tagging articles that you might like to go and check out: ****************************************************************** Respiration and movement of Hector's dolphin from suction-cup VHF radio tag telemetry data. Stone, G; Hutt, A; Brown, J; Yoshinaga, A; Joy, L; Burleigh, R. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p89-93 During the austral summers of 1993, 1994, and 1995, the respiration patterns and movements of nine Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) were studied using suction-cup radio tags. All animals were tagged in Akaroa Harbor, New Zealand, as they swam by the boat; animals were neither captured nor detained. Based on respiration patterns, behavior, and associations with companion dolphins, any changes in dolphin behavior induced by the tagging experience lasted 5-40 minutes with an average of 13.6 minutes +/- 14.9 minutes. Because of this observed effect, only dolphins that retained a tag for one or more hours were used in this analysis. This resulted in seven animals for analysis. The movement patterns observed in these Hector's dolphins were remarkably consistent. Each dolphin remained in Akaroa Harbor for a period of between one and five hours, after which each swam out of the harbor in a westerly direction, always in the late afternoon or early evening. Two dolphins returned to Akaroa Harbor the next morning. The remaining animals either lost their tags overnight or did not return. These patterns support previous studies which described a diurnal pattern of movement for this species respiration rates and parameters are also presented. Reprints Stone, G NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM CENT WHARF BOSTON, MA 02110 USA **************************************************************** Right whale tagging in the North Atlantic. Slay, CK; Kraus, SD. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p102-103. Reprints Slay, CK NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM CENT WHARF BOSTON, MA 02110 USA **************************************************************** Applications of new technology to the conservation of porpoises. Westgate, AJ; Read, AJ. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Spring 1998 v32 i1 p70-81 The application of data loggers and satellite-linked transmitters have enabled field biologists to overcome many of the difficulties associated with studying cetaceans at sea. Of particular interest is collection of data from species, like the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, that are threatened by incidental mortality in commercial fisheries. In an effort to collect meaningful conservation data we have deployed 14 satellite transmitters (platform transmitting terminals or PTTs) and nine time-depth recorders (TDRs) on harbour porpoises captured in herring weirs in the south western Bay of Fundy. The PTT data have revealed that the effective summer home range of the species encompasses most of the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine and that the same porpoises are at risk of entanglement in both Canadian and U.S. fisheries. These data also support the hypothesis that these animals comprise one management unit. Data from TDRs have shown that porpoises can and do dive to the depths at which gillnets are set, refuting the idea that they are only at risk of entanglement when the nets are being set or hauled. These observations have also revealed that porpoises dive to depth during both day and night and thus no simple solution exists that could be exploited as a mitigation measure. We believe that technological methods offer tremendous potential to the conservation of many endangered and threatened species of small cetaceans. Reprints Westgate, AJ DUKE UNIV MARINE LAB, NICHOLAS SCH ENVIRONM BEAUFORT, NC 28516 USA ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 16:53:40 +0200 From: Eric PONCELET Subject: Killer whales maximum length Dear Members, Working on a review of killer whales biology, I red in a french popular work orcas could reach _ 13 m _ (~43 ft)... Unfortunately, there was no reference for this figure. As it is quite far from the generally admitted 9.80 m found in the reviewed literature, I wonder if someone heard about such a length. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Eric PONCELET E-mail : poncelet(\)essi.fr Web Site : http://orca.citeweb.net ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 10:25:08 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: newsclip - girl bitten trying to feed wild sea lion Dear Marmammers, The following article appeared on Tuesday in _The Los Angeles Times_. I am hoping that this article will stimulate some discussion that will appear on Marmam. I would be interested in hearing what folks have to say about this incident, particularly since the girl was standing right in front of the sign indicating that it was against the law to feed the sea lions. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************************************************************** Tuesday, June 2, 1998, The Los Angeles Times NEWPORT BEACH Girl Bitten Trying to Feed Sea Lion By JOHN CANALIS A sea lion near the Balboa Pavilion bit and hurt a 9-year-old girl who, apparently unaware of the risk, tried to feed it a sardine, police said. The Irvine girl suffered injuries to her hand and thumb at 1:30 p.m. Sunday when she tried to feed the 60-pound marine mammal. Paramedics treated the girl at the scene; her mother later took her to a medical clinic in Irvine, Newport Beach Police Sgt. Mike McDermott said. The girl needed several stitches. Animal control officers examined the sea lion and said the animal appeared healthy. Animal control officers said the girl and her mother were standing near a warning sign that reads, "Do Not Feed the Sea Lions." The mammals congregate near the pier, and fishermen often toss them bait, McDermott said. "They're just kind of waiting around for a free meal." The incident prompted officials to remind beachgoers that they should never feed the sea lions, no matter how docile they may seem. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 07:24:27 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: job posting The following is forwarded from Mammal-L. ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Author: Barbara Blake at ~smtp Date: 6/4/98 8:07 PM We will have an opening in the Biology Department at Bennett College for this fall. We are looking for a vertebrate biologist with PhD to teach zoology, vertebrate embryology, human anatomy, and introductory biology. Bennett College is a small, historically black, independent college for women. The college emphasizes teaching, and classes are small, and faculty are encouraged to do research. There is a pleasant air of commitment and collegiality amongst the faculty. Bennett is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, a medium-sized city in the piedmont (midway between ocean and mountains). Winters are mild and summers are warm. If you are interested, contact me for further information. Send an e-mail message directly to me: bblake(\)bennett1.bennett.edu, or talk to me at the ASM meeting. Barbara Blake ***************************************************************** Barbara H. Blake Department of Biology Bennett College, Box 53 900 E. Washington Street Greensboro, NC 27401-3239 Tel. (336) 379-0912, Fax (336) 230-0942 (If problems telephoning, try old area code: 910) Email: bblake(\)bennett1.bennett.edu ***************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 14:40:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: walrus antagonistic display? From: Chris Catton Dear all, I'm checking the text for a children's partwork magazine, and am having trouble finding a clear description of Walrus agonistic display behaviour and fighting - I guess because fights are rare. If anyone out there has seen this, and could provide a brief description of what occurs, or could point me in the right direction in the literature, I would be most grateful. Thanks in advance Chris Catton Subject: Re: polar bear hair In-Reply-To: <199806040222.TAA81254(\)unix3.UVic.CA> The case against solar heated polar bears, with their black skin and fibre optic hollow hair is further substantiated by grizzely bear hair. I have a series of scanning electron micrographs comparing the hair of these two bears and they are very similar, both with the hollow medulla. A more plausible explanation might be insulation. Many of the artic mammals and high altitude mountainous mammals have hollow hair. For example, cariboo hair has a hollow honeycomb structure, which not only gives good insulation for the cariboo, but some Inuit friends assure me, makes the warmest fur coats. Marine mammal hair is of peculiar interest. It comes in many different forms. Sea Otter hair is the neatest. It is particularly sculptured, so much so, that it gives the impression of being able to zip lock together much like the barbules on a bird's feather. Since sea otters have very little fat, they rely heavily on a layer of air next to the skin for insulation. Much of their time is spent grooming and putting the air back. If you watch them dive, you can see the air rising to the surface from under their fur. When you see the structure of the hair, you realise how the hair can form a light seal to trap the air. While sea otters have the reputation of having the densest fur, their cousins river otters, ferrets and mink have similar sculpturing to their hair. For the past few years, I have been making scannning electron micrograph pictures of many different mammal hairs. One project was for comparison with hair found in the stomach of a dead transient killer whale washed up in British Columbia. A juvenile gray whale died and was washed up on Second Beach in Vancouver about three years ago and when I went to pick up some whale lice for the SEM, I noticed it had individual hairs dotted sparcely around the front of its head. When I made scanning electron micrographs of the hair, it suggested a large medulla which might be filled with sensory neurons such as in the smaller medulla of seal whiskers. But I can't be sure until I try transmission electron microscopy and look at the cellular structure. Unfortunately, I have had no specimens. With the new field season coming, should anyone come across a beached animal which has just died, especially if it is a gray whale, would you please preserve a sample of any hair that you find and pass it on to me? Many thanks Elaine Dr. Elaine Humphrey Biosciences Electron Microscopy Facility University of British Columbia 6270 University Blvd Vancouver, BC CANADA, V6T 1Z4 Phone: 604-822-3354 FAX: 604-822-6089 e-mail: ech(\)unixg.ubc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 22:51:52 -0400 From: Thea Johanos-Kam Subject: Tagged seal sighting in Marshall Islands Hi, I just got word of a tagged seal/sea lion sighting in the Marshall Islands last December. The individual was hauled out for 5 days, and was described as "black, small, and young". The tag color and the numbers don't match what we have out on Hawaiian monk seals, but both are fairly close. Tag Numbers: B18 and B19 Tag Color: Black with white lettering Position: One or both hindflippers Does anyone recognize these tags? Is anyone tagging with similar tags in the general area? Please let me know if you have any information on this. Thanks, Thea Johanos (Thea.Johanos-Kam(\)noaa.gov) Wildlife Biologist Protected Species Investigation NMFS Honolulu Lab ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 10:13:06 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: contacting the Marine Technology Society about the Journal After posting abstracts from the latest issue of Marine Technology Society Journal, I've had a number of people asking how to get the issue. I assume you should contact the society directly. This is the address I got from the web. Hope it helps: National society headquarters: The Marine Technology Society 1828 L Street NW, Suite 906 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 775-5966 Fax: (202) 429-9417 Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 10:18:58 -0400 From: Phillip Clapham Subject: Aerial survey observer position available The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is seeking to hire one observer for an offshore cetacean aerial survey program this summer. Surveys will run from Cape Hatteras to Sable Island, Nova Scotia, between mid-July and the end of August. Applicants MUST have extensive experience with aerial surveys of cetaceans. Please contact David Potter at david.potter(\)noaa.gov or 508 495-2262 as soon as possible. Phil Clapham NEFSC Woods Hole, Massachusetts phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov (don't send enquiries to me, please!) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 15:58:24 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: killer whale sighting, Bay of Biscay (fwd) From: ANDYSMLR(\)athene.co.uk (Andy Williams) Dear all, The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme undertakes monthly systematic cetacean surveys in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay. Should anyone have any replies please reply direct to Andysmlr(\)athene.co.uk. During a recent survey in the Bay of Biscay we sighted and photographed (badly) a group of Orcas. This group consisted of one male and three females. The male had a dorsal fin that was half its expected size and was rounded at the top end not jagged or otherwise giving the appearance of having been severed recently. We saw the animal from a number of angles and are sure that this was not a bent or floppy dorsal. Is anyone working in the field aware of such an individual and if so do you have a photographic record for comparison. I have not found anything in the literature that I have searched. The fin was clearly not complete because of the width at the base and the relative height, also the shape at the top was very blunt and rounded not pointed or complete in the normal sense. Regards Andy Williams Andy Williams Biscay Dolphin Research Programme 10 Gibson Close Lee on Solent PO13 8JD Hampshire England Durlston Dolphin Research Programme Durlston Country Park Swanage Dorset BH19 2JL England Dept of Environmental Science University of East London London England E15 4LZ Tel +44 (0) 1705 552631 Fax +44 (0) 1705 341576 e-mail Andysmlr(\)athene.co.uk Subject: Vessel strikes of large whales For a review of vessel-related mortalities in large whales, I am seeking any information (published or anecdotal) on cases in which a large whale was struck by a vessel AND the identity or type of the vessel was known. Information can be from anywhere in the world, on any species. We are trying to get some idea of likely vessel speeds involved in these events. The focus is on right whales, but any data would be useful. Many thanks. Phil Clapham NE Fisheries Science Center Woods Hole, Massachusetts phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 15:34:59 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: new publication - Whale World Please do NOT hit the reply key if you're interested in the information presented below. All of the contact information is listed below. Thanks! Dagmar Fertl ------------------------------------------------------------------- The following information was sent to me by Sean Whyte, one of the founders of Nature Alert and might be of interest to Marmam and ECS-mailbase readers. There is a new publication from the co-founders of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society: _Whale World_. This first issue was 8 pages, large format magazne, packed full of color and b/w pictures. ***************************************** Table of Contents - vol 1, issue 1 The killers of Alaska, by C. Matkin and E. Saulitis New law for the Galapagos?, by F. Felix Mekong River dolphins on brink of extinction, by S. Coates Conservation of dolphins in Senegal: an indigenous experience, by K. van Waerebeek Dolphin-watching in the Phillipines, by N. Hicks Cetaceans off the Scottish Islands, by I. Birks Kaikoura: home of the sperm whale, by R. McKelvie For grey whales, salt in the wounds, by J-M. Cousteau Turning the World Upside-down, by R. Storro-Patterson Grey whales: one population down - one more to go, by K. Mulvaney Mass stranding of beaked whales in South Africa, by N. Rice Protecting humpback whales in Brazil, by J. Truda Palazzo, Jr. ***** _Whale World_ is also consdiering ideas for articles and announcements for forthcoming "news" section. Individuals and organizations can send/fax their ideas or press releases To receive the magazine issues, a minimum donation of 10 pounds per year is requested, please contact Nature Alert at: P.O. Box 2060, Bath BA1 3YB Tel/Fax: 01225 444929 (International Code +44 + 1225) email: Naturalert(\)aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 06:27:32 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Girl bitten while feeding sea lion.. (fwd) This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. --IMA.Boundary.418593798 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dagmar Fertl This was sent to me but belongs on Marmam. Thanks, Dagmar Fertl ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Girl bitten while feeding sea lion.. Author: "Robert and Diane Russo" at ~smtp Date: 6/8/98 1:47 PM I say it serves her right. Especially since her mother was with her and ignored the warning on the sign. You could say how are our children going to learn to obey rules/laws when their parents blatently disregard them..BUT... then again at what point do young people start taking responsibility for their actions. At age 9 this girl should be able to read signs herself! It's nice that she wasn't too seriously injured, maybe this will be one lesson she won't soon forget. It is especially nice that some irrate parent isn't trying to have this animal destroyed as many ignorant citizens do when a wild animal is behaving naturally!!! Thanks. Diane E. Russo,M.S. Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 06:34:05 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: ARTICLE ON LFA PLAYBACKS TO HAWAIIAN HUMPBACKS (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Peter Tyack Comments on low frequency playback experiments to singing humpback whales in Hawaiian waters =96 phase III of LFA marine mammal research program. Peter L. Tyack Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution --------------------------------------------------------- Introduction There has recently been publicity and interest in a series of playback experiments conducted with singing humpback whales off the Big Island in the Hawaiian Islands during February and March 1998. These playback experiments were designed to evaluate responses of humpback whales on the breeding ground to carefully controlled exposures of sounds from a low frequency sonar, called SURTASS LFA, developed by the U.S. Navy. I have been involved in the design, planning and field work for these experiments, and would like to give my views of how they fit in the general issue of low frequency noise and marine mammals. I am a biologist whose primary research interests focus on acoustic communication and social behavior in marine mammals. I am personally deeply concerned that manmade ocean noise may disrupt the behavior and communication of marine animals. I have worked to help identify this as a critical conservation issue and have been a member of two committees of the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate this problem (Green et al 1994). I have also conducted several experiments to evaluate responses of marine mammals to noise (e.g. Malme et al. 1983, 1984). The growing problem of ocean noise Addressing the impacts of ocean noise on marine mammals requires a shift of focus from earlier conservation efforts. The greatest threats to marine mammals several decades ago occurred when humans intentionally targeted individual animals for whaling or to set nets on tuna. Regulations to protect animals from these threats prohibited humans from =93taking=94 or killing them. Marine mammals now face growing unintentional threats from habitat degradation =96 from chemical and noise pollution to loss of food resources. These indirect effects can threaten animal populations by reducing rates of growth or reproduction even when they may not kill or injure animals from acute exposure. In my opinion, protecting marine animals from these threats will demand research to define the risks along with a new regulatory structure to minimize the cumulative risks from all activities rather than focusing on intentional =93takes=94 of individual animals. The basic problem with low frequency noise and marine mammals is that humans are introducing an ever-growing number of ever-louder noise sources in the sea. There is no effective regulation to protect marine animals from noise pollution, and even if there were, we do not know what levels of sound exposure are safe. The National Academy of Sciences Committee on Low-Frequency Sound and Marine Mammals pointed out that this creates an urgent need for research on what acoustic exposures pose a risk of hearing loss and behavioral disruption. For studying behavioral disruption, especially on baleen whales, the Committee recommended =93planned experiments in which the received level of sound and the behavior of the animal can be studied together.=94 The risk of behavioral disruption is an important concern for the SURTASS LFA sonar. I was introduced to the SURTASS LFA sonar when the Navy met with representatives of environmental groups and with scientists concerned about the potential impact of this sonar on marine animals. The unusual feature of this sonar is not its loudness =96 there are thousands of sonars that are as loud or louder. Rather it is the low frequency at which it operates -- 100-500 Hz. Sound energy at the high frequencies typical of most sonars is absorbed by seawater, but loud low frequency sounds can travel and be detected hundreds of kilometers away. My greatest concern about this sonar was that if it disrupted the behavior of animals at relatively low levels, the behavioral disruption could occur over a large proportion of a species=92 habitat. A biologically significant disruption of behavior involving many animals over a large area could have a greater impact on a population than a few animals accidentally being exposed very near the sonar source to levels loud enough to harm them. I felt that it was critical to evaluate how animals thought to be particularly sensitive would respond to this sonar at received levels potentially well below those thought to pose a risk of harm. The best way to evaluate the risk of behavioral disruption is to conduct studies relating animal responses to carefully controlled exposures of sounds from this sonar system. Why we need research on the effects of sound on marine animals. The playback experiments to humpback whales in Hawaii resulted from a unique response by the Navy to make the LFA sonar ship available to biologists in order to study what levels of sound exposure may evoke behavioral disruption in marine mammals. The Navy worked with a broad group of scientists, environmental groups, and regulators to take the fullest advantage of the research capabilities of using this sonar system for playback experiments to marine mammals. The sonar system includes sophisticated methods to predict sound propagation, allowing better control of acoustic exposure for playback subjects. The purpose of these playback experiments is to provide data of use to protect marine animals from adverse impacts of manmade noise. The Navy is preparing an environmental impact statement to evaluate whether and how the sonar can be used without biologically significant risks to marine animals. The playback studies will add to the database used in preparing this environmental impact statement. Many features of the playback experiments were designed to best evaluate the impact of the SURTASS LFA sonar system, but the data may also be useful in evaluating impacts of other sources of ocean noise. It is difficult to study the behavioral responses of whales at sea. Even with the added experimental control provided by the SURTASS LFA system, these playback experiments only have limited power to uncover some of the responses whales might make. However, our ignorance of the impact of this kind of sound source has been so profound, that even limited research results are critical to informing policy decisions. A major focus of this research program was to select the most important and sensitive tests on behavioral effects of low frequency sound. Many meetings were held with a broad group of interested parties in order to select which species should be studied, to select where and when the system would be used and to develop experimental protocols governing the location of the ship and operation of the source. Three different species and settings were selected for LFA playback experiments with marine mammals. The first involved blue and fin whales feeding in the Southern California Bight (Sept-Oct =9297); the second involved gray whales migrating past the central California coast (Jan =9298), and the third involved humpback whales in Hawaii. These playback experiments themselves were subjected to extensive review and regulation. An environmental assessment was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service reviewed the protocols and issued a scientific research permit for these experiments under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The California Coastal Commission reviewed and approved the two California phases of the research, and the State of Hawaii agreed that the third phase was consistent with the state=92s Coastal Zone Management Plan. Some critics suggested that these experiments required an environmental impact statement even though the research is designed to provide data for an environmental impact statement. This seems like a catch 22 to me, and the extensive review and regulation for these playbacks stand in marked contrast to most noise sources which are not regulated by either state or federal governments. Rationale for the playback experiments with humpback whales in Hawaii. The SURTASS LFA sonar was designed to find submarines that may be too silent to detect by listening for their own sounds. The playback experiments in Hawaii faced legal challenges and were criticized for being attempts by the Navy to target endangered whales for anti-submarine warfare tests in a critical habitat. From my own involvement in this experiment, I know that this is a misrepresentation. The source was not used as the Navy would for detecting submarines. Rather, biologists worked with the Navy, environmental groups, and government regulators in order to use the LFA sonar ship in playback experiments designed to optimize detection of whale responses at the lowest exposure level while minimizing adverse impacts. The critics were correct regarding the sensitivity of endangered humpback whales on their Hawaiian breeding ground, but they are mistaken about the reasons for deciding to conduct playback experiments in such a sensitive environment. It is not possible to study the responses of all species in all contexts. Therefore, if the results of these studies were to be used to establish guidelines for safe operation of this kind of sound source, it was critical to select sensitive species in sensitive settings where responses were most likely to be detected. These playback experiments involve a delicate balance between testing what sound exposures may start to disrupt behavior vs minimizing the potential risk of biologically significant disruption to animals exposed to the playback. Many safeguards were built into the playback experiments to reduce the risk of adverse impact. None of our observations suggested that animals were harmed by these playbacks, but we cannot rule out the possibility that these playbacks might have exposed some animal not under observation to some risk. Any experiment designed to assess risk must involve some small but nonzero chance of risk. Some critics of the Hawaii playback experiments argued against them because of the uncertain risk to animals exposed to sounds of playback. The most compelling reason to allow the small risk incurred by carefully controlled playback experiments is the large risk posed by the large and increasing number of sources of sound in the sea that are similar or louder than the sound broadcasts used in the Hawaiian playbacks. These sources include the propulsion noises from motorized ships, noise from underwater oil exploration (e.g. air guns) and production (e.g. drilling rigs), sounds from oceanographic research (e.g. ATOC), underwater explosions, and from sonars used by the military, by the fishing industry, and for depth sounding. We are profoundly ignorant of what effects this low frequency noise has on marine animals, and this ignorance makes it almost impossible to develop a conservation policy for this issue (Green et al. 1994). In the long run, marine animals may receive a substantial benefit from playback experiments that can provide data of use in developing policy to protect marine life from the adverse impacts of manmade noise. Selection of singing humpback whales as playback subjects Humpbacks in Hawaii were chosen for the third phase of LFA experiments on marine mammals because of the following reasons: * It is important to study the breeding season because breeding and calving behavior is sensitive. Disruption of breeding behavior could have biologically significant effects. * The behavior of humpbacks on the Hawaiian breeding ground is well enough understood to allow interpretation of the biological significance of any observed disruption. * There are good baseline data on the behavior and distribution of humpbacks whales in Hawaiian waters. In addition, singing male humpback whales were selected for playback subjects rather than females for the following reasons: * The frequency range of humpback song is centered in the frequency range of the SURTASS LFA sonar. This means that humpback whales are likely to have hearing that is sensitive to SURTASS LFA signals. The playback stimuli may also have more disruptive effects than if they were outside of the frequencies of the animal's own signals. * The vocal behavior and movements of singing humpbacks can be followed continuously, even when a singer is not at the surface. * The behavior of singers is sufficiently regular and well-documented to facilitate detection of behavioral responses to playback * Temporary responses of offshore singing males to playback were deemed less likely to have a biologically significant effect than potential responses of females with young calves. Features of the playbacks designed to reduce risk to marine animals. These experiments were designed to optimize our chance of detecting behavioral responses at the lowest exposure levels while minimizing the risk of exposure. Many protocols were used to minimize the risk that the playbacks could have an adverse impact either on the subjects of the experiments or on other animals that might be in the vicinity. For example, the SURTASS LFA ship can predict acoustic propagation for each playback. Once a singing whale was selected as a subject for playback, this allowed the loudness of the playback to be adjusted so that the subject experienced a specific received level. In addition, the playback protocols called for starting with a goal exposure level at the whale near 125 dB, which is about the same loudness experienced by a whale about 30 m from a singing whale or a typical fishing or whale-watch boat while they are underway (all three tend to have source levels in the 155 dB range). This 125 dB received level is also just above the 120 dB level at which some baleen whales have been observed to show behavioral responses to some continuous noise sources operating at relatively low source levels (Malme et al. 1983, 1984; Richardson et al 1989). If after several days of playbacks, consistent responses were not observed at the goal received level, the playback protocols called for increasing the goal exposure level by a 10 dB increment. The playback protocols also called for not exposing whale subjects to sound levels above 155 dB, the average source level (with respect to 1 microPascal at 1 m) reported for humpback song (range =3D 144-174 dB; Richardson et al. 1994). Humpback whales are sighted within meters of singers for longer periods of exposure than these playbacks, so this exposure is within the normal range of loudness which humpback whales experienced on the breeding ground before the introduction of manmade noise. No whale subjects were exposed to levels above this, and most whales were exposed to levels well below this maximum exposure. Each playback consisted of the LFA sonar ship playing a 42 second sound sequence every 6 minutes for ten times over an hour. Two different 42 second sound stimuli were alternated, one with energy between approx. 160-230 Hz and one between 260-330 Hz. These sounds were selected because they closely matched LFA sounds used in typical LFA operations, and because these sounds appeared similar to humpback song. The LFA sonar ship started a playback several kilometers from the whale subject and slowly approached the whale, playing back the sound stimuli at a constant source level. In order to generate the desired exposure at the expected closest point of approach, often a kilometer or so, the ship had to broadcast the playback stimuli at a source level ranging from 185-200 dB re 1 microPascal at 1 m. At the start of a series of playbacks, the source would start at a source level of 155 dB. The source level was increased by 10 dB with each successive 42 second sound until the final goal source level was reached. The source level and timing of the playbacks were designed so that the exposure of whale subjects would not be much higher than the same whales might be expected to encounter near other sound sources in their environment such as large ships or vocalizing whales. While the playback source levels in Hawaii were louder than the propulsion noise of most ships in the study area, whales migrating to and from the breeding area might encounter shipping noise in the loudness range of the playbacks. Large commercial ships such as supertankers produce source levels while underway in about the same 185-200 dB range as the playbacks (Richardson et al. 1995). A tug pulling a fully loaded barge into Kawaihae Harbor in our study area might have a source level of about 170 dB (Richardson et al. 1995). A whale 100 m from such a tug would be exposed to a received level of about 130 dB if sound energy propagated in all directions. Under similar conditions, a whale at 1 km from the LFA ship operating at a 190 dB source level would have the same 130 dB exposure. Source level is not the only issue for sound exposure; one must also examine timing of exposure. Noise from ships is continuous, while the playbacks only occurred for at most 420 sec or 7 minutes every hour. The playbacks were conducted over a period of about 30 days. No more than three playbacks were conducted on a given day, yielding a maximum of 21 minutes of actual sound broadcasts in 24 hours. Cumulative exposure of individual whales was not expected to be significant for periods of more than several days, because humpback whales off the island of Hawaii are thought to move through the island chain, with residence times of 4-5 days (Gabriele 1991, 1992). However, each focal whale was photo-identified, and every effort was made to ensure that each playback involved a different individual. The photo-identification also allows us to test for any repeated playbacks to the same individual or for any unexpected delayed reactions of individuals to playback. The playbacks were designed to provide a controlled and limited exposure for the whale subjects, but other marine mammals or potentially vulnerable animals such as sea turtles might also be in the vicinity of the playback vessel. In order to guard against inadvertent exposure of animals to high levels of exposure, a team of observers watched for animals surfacing near the LFA ship and bioacousticians on board monitored hydrophone arrays being towed by the ship to monitor animal vocalizations. The visual watch was posted forward and aft on both port and starboard sides of the ship from an elevated deck with good sighting. This watch was designed to sight and track surfacing animals that might come within the sound field at levels near 160 dB near the ship. The acoustic monitoring commenced at least four hours before any playback, and the visual monitoring commenced at least 30 minutes before any playback and continued for at least 30 minutes after each playback. Acoustic and visual monitors were in immediate contact with personnel running the playback. They were ready to request cessation of playback if any animal were sighted such that it could come closer than the maximum sound exposure level of 160 dB, or if any behavioral reactions were observed that raised concern that the sound playback might be having an adverse impact. At the loudest source level of 200 dB at 1 m from the source, sound levels were reduced to 160 dB at ranges of approx. 100 m from the ship. In practice, this meant that sounds were not broadcast if marine mammals or sea turtles were sighted within several hundred meters of the ship. Several playbacks were not started on schedule because of dolphins riding the bow of the ship or because of a sighting of a sea turtle. Special attention was dedicated to ensuring that any such animals were left well behind before any sounds were transmitted. Most marine animals are not visible from the surface and many air-breathing marine animals still may not always be sighted. Few marine species are thought to be as sensitive as whales to the playback sound frequencies, but some species of fish, for example, are known to hear well in the frequency range of these playbacks. In order to give animals that were not sighted a chance to reduce their exposure to loud low frequency sound, each series of playbacks was started at a source level of 155 dB. The source level of successive 42 second playbacks was increased by 10 dB steps until the desired source level for playback was reached. Singing humpback whales at least several miles offshore were selected for playback subjects in Hawaii. Mother-calf pairs, which tend to be sighted farther inshore, were not selected as playback subjects. Since the source ship operated offshore and mother-calf pairs prefer inshore habitat, most mother-calf pairs would have experienced sound levels from the playbacks of < 125 dB. However, we were concerned that mother-calf pairs might be particularly sensitive or vulnerable to disturbance, so we established a shore station just inshore of the primary playback area in order to monitor mother-calf pairs. The goal of these shore station observations was to test for subtle changes in behavior in response to the distant source, as well as to guard against responses that could be recognized immediately. The shore station was blind to playback condition, but was able to call the LFA ship if observers noted any potential behavioral reactions of concern. Conclusion. These playback experiments were motivated by the recognition that loud underwater noise may cause adverse impacts on whales and other marine life at some exposure level. Marine live cannot be protected from noise pollution without studies that define the relationship between acoustic exposure and behavioral disruption. The federal government has recently formed an Interagency Coordinating Group on Acoustics in order to gather data and develop policy on this issue. The goal of the LFA playback experiments is to gather data useful for establishing safe operating guidelines for the SURTASS LFA sonar system, and also to gather data that is critical for establishing a more general policy to protect marine life from adverse impacts of manmade noise. Given the economic and technical forces for increasing manmade noise in the sea, I believe that the best way to protect animals from the adverse impact of ocean noise is to establish exposure guidelines based upon the kind of study just completed with humpbacks off Hawaii. References. Gabriele CM (1992) The behavior and residence characteristics of reproductive classes of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Hawaiian Islands. MA Thesis, University of Hawaii. Gabriele CM and LM Herman (1991) Residence patterns of wintering humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands (Abstr.). In: Ninth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Chicago, IL, December 5-9, 1992. Green DM, DeFerrari HA, McFadden D, Pearse JS, Popper AN, Richardson WJ, Ridgway SH and PL Tyack (1994) Low-frequency sound and marine mammals: current knowledge and research needs. National Academy Press, Washington DC. Malme CI, PR Miles, CW Clark, P Tyack and JE Bird (1984) Investigations of the potential effects of underwater noise from petroleum industry activities on migrating gray whale behavior. Phase II: January 1984 migration. Bolt Beranek and Newman Report No. 5586 submitted to Minerals Management Service, U. S. Dept. of the Interior. Malme CI, PR Miles, CW Clark, P Tyack and JE Bird (1983) Investigations of the potential effects of underwater noise from petroleum industry activities on migrating gray whale behavior. Bolt Beranek and Newman Report No. 5366 submitted to Minerals Management Service, U. S. Dept. of the Interior. Richardson WJ, B W=FCrsig, and CR Greene Jr (1990) Reactions of bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, to drilling and dredging noise in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Mar. Environ. Res. 29, 135-160. Richardson WJ, Greene CR Jr, Malme CI, Thomson DH (1996) Marine mammals and noise. Academic Press, New York. From: David J Medford Subject: Re: Girl bitten while feeding sea lion After quickly skimming the article describing a young girls "encounter" with a sea lion, I became very curious about the legislation that is in place concerning the general public's interaction with protected marine animals. > Specifically, I would be interested in hearing what people know > about current and applicable policies mandated by the government, as well > as their opinions on these policies. Obviously there are some policies in > place to protect both the average citizen and these marine mammals, so why > is ther a seeming disengagement between the policy makers and the > enforcers of these policies? > Finally , it seems that it might be a bit frustrating > to scientists who have to go to much trouble to obtain permits to study > these animals legally, while the average, uninformed > person can simply walk up to this animal and feed, poke, and > prod it (not implying that that is what the girl described in the story > did), without much thought or intervention form the authorities. Thank you all for your time, and I look forward to your comments! David Medford djm1941(\)tamug.tamu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 13:03:01 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: EIS - Shock Testing the SEAWOLF Submarine The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Shock Testing the SEAWOLF Submarine is available for comment. The 30-day comment period for the FEIS begins on 5 June and ends 6 July 1998. All comments received by the Navy during the Draft EIS have been considered with modifications made as necessary. The most noteworthy change to the document is the use of Temporary Threshold Shift as a measure of harassment in lieu of the acoustic discomfort criterion used in the DEIS. Comments on the Final EIS should be directed to the below address: Mr. William R. Solger Dept of the Navy Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command 2155 Eagle Drive North Charleston, SC 29406 phone: 803-820-5797 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 16:35:33 -0300 From: pgcfseal(\)200.19.254.66 Subject: Southern elephant seal brands and tags Hi, We are interested in any information regarding branded and/or tagged southern elephant seals. We have sighted two marked individuals in the South Shtelands this summer (early January): one branded and tagged juvenile; and, a tagged juvenile. Tag colors and numbers ( "rototags" without a return address or identification) do not match what we have out on SES. Please let us know if you have any information on this. Thanks a lot, M2. Monica M. C. Muelbert pgcfseal(\)super.furg.br Fundacao Universidade do Rio Grande Tel: (55-532) 33-6658/33-6513 R. Eng. Alfredo Huch, 475 Fax:(55-532) 33-6602 Cx. Postal, 474, Rio Grande, R.S. 96201-900 Brasil ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 14:54:14 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: need help locating reference I am trying to find someone who has access to the following book that I have unsuccessfully attempted to interlibrary loan: Sokolov and Romanenko, eds. 1997. The Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus): morphology, physiology, acoustics, hydrodynamics. This is in Russian with table of contents and summary in English - the English portion is currently what I'm interested in getting access to. This is a monograph resulting from the UNESCO 'Man in the Biosphere' project. I know that NHBS Mailorder Bookstore has it for purchase, but I want to see the contents before deciding whether to purchase it or not. (by the way, NHBS has a website: www.nhbs.com) Thanks in advance for the help! Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 08:12:01 -0400 From: Phillip Clapham Subject: Biopsy data forms boundary="PART.BOUNDARY.noaamh1.35d1.357fc995.0001" --PART.BOUNDARY.noaamh1.35d1.357fc995.0001 At the 1997 meeting of the International Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee, it was recommended that data forms be developed to maximize the collection of behavioral information associated with biopsies (or other types of sample for genetic analysis). The problem being addressed was that samples often come with inadequate information for certain important genetics work. An intersessional working group was established to create forms. The draft forms were presented, and modified based upon comments, at this year's IWC SC meeting in Oman. I attach electronic copies of these forms, and the instructions that go with them, to this message. The file format is WordPerfect 6.1, which I recognize not everyone will be able to convert. I can send hard copies of the forms to anyone who wants them (serious enquiries only, please!) They are also available from the IWC Secretariat in Cambridge. The working group recognized that many investigators would want to tailor the forms to specific needs, and people are welcome to do this. We were not trying to create a standardized form for everyone, but rather to identify important information that should be collected when taking tissue samples for genetics. The forms are already in use in the field in various places. The working group consisted of myself, Deborah Thiele, Paul Ensor, Ken Findlay, Steve Swartz and Sara Mesnick. Phil Clapham Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov --PART.BOUNDARY.noaamh1.35d1.357fc995.0001 FTBP-Modification-Date: 11 Jun 1998 12:12:00 Z FTBP-Object-Size: 12392 /1dQQ8wDAAABCgIBAAAAAgUAAABoMAAAAAIAAInSUSpGtlmHXxxZNKoYyxr/Efvq4CN0s9Y7 XJ+6R9WHaurLWi9a8gR5OVLPwrYmLuc3IfTTQjRYFVfDbDYiubiLlT4tveLVfrl67OQmNmdm 249whv2Uc1gDH3CTuqEP4Y8jMtur0Sxc5iGWNdJdBXtfD+eULlwCt3snIAlLl3dANY+Zt2wr AaY7YXvsDsBWnHew1nDSvMCitMsfDkKQsVMPJhEk3bOL6QJqcx6lT4xKY8cseHUlbpaVt9ld s/OCzuPPY1/aIlfonPhGXERAWjYLpS2XgLgP46kIEyNgmNTlnt4bOapcTZhxvgf3kiCXfaI4 wJs3qhaOiDQQn8qmi3LcaDz2hBCMmtWFUq0Nwcg8WGKP5hlvNhmlubKm1feXxI0cpKHAORIi kf8IIYIRIgRMNq2B3GgxYathtVafXXOs4MMQ+8Y722K2+2clVo92VuwV/MQD40JqRkdjD96K 9dL90nxKyOm1nEvP1X3+Pg4a+vVsKUQs4PI4ucu8xGNsvYLFr94oyhAGpCtbw6PBlMdtwTLH 3BIk7I66KGNuDOSVXnCTaMCFOddE8oHxboY2IokWhaxsq1+NT8lSk0d3m6a+0WB5bXzySht6 UMx4onbbO/InpXn6tMNobZ+RYqjDhId/WloCAAsAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABVAQAAAE4AAACaAgAA 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ZACMMWQAZAAAAAAAIAAAAAAACQAAAAAACgAAABQBoDIUAaAyVQDU1CwbAAARAACMMWQAZAAA AAAAIAAAAAAAGwDU1CsKAAMAAAoA1NALFgAADAAKAAEIAQAAAAABHyAWANDTBQwAAAEAAgAM ANPyDPLxAGQA8UJJT1BTWYDxAWQA8fECZQDxR0VORVRJQ4BTQU1QTElOR4DxA2UA8URBVEGA Rk9STYCEgE5PVEVTgFNIRUVU8wzz0AQVAAALAAkAAWwBZAABAAEgFQDQ0wUMAAABAAACDADT zERhdGWAKGRheSyAbW9udGgsgHllYXIpgF9fX18vX19fXy9fX19fX1+AgIBVbmlxdWWAc2ln aHRpbmeAb3KAZ3JvdXCAaWRlbnRpZmllcoBudW1iZXI6gF9fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fgIDg gBIAAAAAtiq2KlgAPDISAOBQQUdFgF9fX19fgE9GgF9fX19f1BsfAIABAQAIAMIB58MIAMIB AABYAgEAWAJsBx8A1IjQCxUAAAsACQABOAMwAgMAASAVANDyCPLMKFVzZYB0aGlzgHNwYWNl gGZvcoBhZGRpdGlvbmFsgG5vdGVzgG9ugHRoZYBncm91cCnzCPPQBBUAAAsACQABXgVWBAUA ASAVANDMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzMzQERkA AA8ADQABRiQ+IzMAAQ0BAA0gGQDQ --PART.BOUNDARY.noaamh1.35d1.357fc995.0001-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 08:20:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Smithsonian Osteo Prep Position - Full job description (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Charley Potter 125/150 98LH-2095 SMITHSONIAN CAREERS 24 HOUR DIAL-A-JOB: (202)287-3102 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OPENING DATE: May 15, 1998 CLOSING DATE: June 15, 1998 POSITION TITLE/ SERIES AND GRADE NUMBER Museum Technician (Zoology) GS-1016-7 Salary: $26,532 per annum Promotion Potential to GS-9 ORGANIZATION National Museum of Natural History Department of Vertebrate Zoology Division of Mammals (VZ 98-07) ANNOUNCEMENT 98LH-2095 DUTY LOCATION: Suitland, Maryland AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All candidates may apply including individuals with a disability and candidates eligible under a special appointing authority. (If a competitive list of eligibles is requested, the applications of nonstatus candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be referred to the Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) for consideration. Status candidates who wish to be rated under both merit placement and competitive procedures must submit two complete applications. If only one application is received, it will be considered under the merit placement program.) DUTIES: The primary duty station is the Department of Vertebrate Zoology's Osteopreparation facility at the Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland. Duties include: maintaining and coordinating activities in the Osteopreparation facility, including the physical plant; preparing most vertebrate skeletal specimens passing through the facility; supervising all aspects of skeletal processing from carcass preparation to the production of clean, undamaged skeletons; planning the budget; ordering supplies and equipment for the facility; assisting other specialists, technicians, interns and volunteers who work in the Osteopreparation facility; training new employees in the preparation of skeletal specimens; assisting in fieldwork abroad and domestically; and assisting in day-to-day curatorial tasks. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level or one full academic year of related graduate level education or meet the requirements for superior academic achievement at the undergraduate level. Specialized experience is experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. The subject-matter specialization is zoology. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying. Selective Factors: (Applicants must meet all of these mandatory requirements in order to be considered qualified to compete for a position.) 1. Ability, demonstrated by experience, to prepare osteological specimens using dermestid beetles and other techniques. 2. Knowledge of the use and importance of museum specimens (particularly skeletal material) to scientific research. Quality Ranking Factors: (These factors are not mandatory to be considered for a position, but will be used to determine who are the highest qualified candidates among those who meet the selective factors.) 1. Ability, demonstrated by experience, to prepare osteological specimens using a variety of techniques. 2. Ability to instruct, coordinate and supervise others in the day to day use and maintenance of the osteopreparation laboratory. 3. Knowledge of vertebrate zoology with a particular knowledge of vertebrate osteology and the need for osteological specimens for vertebrate research. 4. Ability to make procedural decisions and to follow established techniques and procedures for assignments, as well as to develop and use appropriate written instructions, and other guidelines when necessary. NOTE: RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID How to Apply: 1. The Smithsonian Institution does not require a standard application form, but we need certain information to evaluate your qualifications. You may apply using a resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any other application form you choose, including an SF-171, Application for Federal Employment. See page 3 for further instructions. (Note: If you use an SF-171, do not answer questions 38-47. Job finalists will be asked to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.) 2. Clearly describe in your resume or application your work experience, education and/or training as it relates to this vacancy. It is very important that you fully address how your work experience and education/training meet both the specialized experience requirement and the selective factors. This information will be used to determine whether or not you are qualified for this vacancy. Selective factors establish qualifications to be eligible to compete for the position. Quality Ranking Factors are not mandatory but are used to determine who are the highest qualified candidates among those eligible to compete for the position. Therefore, it is to your benefit to provide a full description of your experience and education/training relative to the job requirements of this vacancy. 3. Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their most recent annual performance appraisal 4. The attached Background Survey Questionnaire should be completed by all candidates, except Smithsonian Institution employees, and returned with the application. This form is for gathering statistical data and will not be a part of the application. Application must be submitted to one of the addresses below and must be postmarked by the closing date. Send your application to: Smithsonian Institution Office of Human Resources Branch 2 P.O Box 23293 Washington, DC 20026-3293 OR Bring your application to: 955 L'Enfant Plaza, SW. Employment Office Suite 2100 Washington, DC (Hours: M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) To obtain information on the Federal hiring process, hear about other Smithsonian vacancies, or request vacancy announcements, an Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or an SF-171, call our automated Jobline at (202) 287-3102 (24 hours, 7 days a week). For further information please call (202) 287-3645 (voice) or (202) 287-3498 (TTY). Subject: Canadian Marine Mammal Journal and Directory (fwd) From: Kate Ottnad The Canadian Marine Mammal Journal and Directory is a 32 page publication which contains a feature article about Canada and the IWC, and briefs on some marine mammal research occurring in Canada. The briefs include information about sea otter, beluga, right whale, bowhead, Steller sea lion, and killer whale research, as well as other species. The Directory section consists of addresses and research interest information for 112 Canadian researchers and educators, as well as location and trip information for 74 marine mammal watching companies in Canada. This Journal and Directory was published by West Coast Whale Research Foundation. West Coast Whale Research Foundation has copies of the Directory for sale from Vancouver. The cost is $4 per copy plus $2 shipping for one copy or $3 shipping for two to four copies. These prices are in Canadian dollars for shipping within Canada, for shipping charges to other countries contact Kate Ottnad (kate_ottnad(\)bc.sympatico.ca). Delivery will be by Canada Post. If you are interested in purchasing more than four copies, or if you have a company and would like to offer the Directory for sale, please contact Kate Ottnad. To purchase a copy of the Directory send a cheque to West Coast Whale Research Foundation, c/o K. Ottnad, P3 1348 Barclay St., Vancouver, BC V6E 1H7. Subject: Latest Edition of the MMPA Bulletin (fwd) From: Nicole LeBoeuf The NMFS Office of Protected Resources has just published the 3rd Quarter edition of the MMPA Bulletin. The articles in this issue include: Reducing Dolphin Mortality in the ETP Tuna Fishery Recent Mass and Unusual Strandings National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank A New Home for Two Harbor Seals Hawaiian Humback Whale Sanctuary Dedication Protected Resources Profile: Hilda Diaz-Soltero Manmade Sound and Marine Mammals Low Frequency Sound Research NMFS Hears from Stakeholders: Dr. Andrew Read Working Group on Unusual Marine Mammal Mortality Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program Take Reduction Plan Forums World Marine Mammal Conference Fishery Observer Job Announcement >From the Editors The MMPA Bulletin can also be found on the Office of Protected Resources web site at: www.nmfs.gov/tmcintyr/mammals/bulletin.html. To obtain a copy of the MMPA Bulletin or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Nicole R. Le Boeuf at nicole.leboeuf(\)noaa.gov. You can also call 301-713-2322 or write to NOAA/NMFS/F/PR/2, Attn. MMPA Bulletin, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Subject: sea lion bite (fwd) Rather than send individual replies to the list, below are compiled some of the replies concerning the sealion biting incident - MARMAM editors -------------------------------- From: David J Medford I just wanted to thank everyone for their responses to the questions I posted on marmam and share some of the replies I received. David Medford djm1941(\)tamug.tamu.edu Judy Hubbard wrote: I think that you are really exaggerating the threat of the general public to marine mammals - after all, that sea lion was sitting on a public beach amist people, and all the girl did (and what most of the general public does) was express concern that the animal may have been behaving that way because it was hungry. She was probably right - due to the el nino situation, starving sea lions are appearing on public beaches and behaving abnormally. I also think that you are exaggerating the benign nature of scientific experiments - the Navy's noise experiments are just one example of many. All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act; if you feel frustrated as a scientist required to obtain permits to interact with these animals, a good target would be commercial fishing and other commercial enterprises which (debatably) see marine mammals as an economic threat and either shoot them or destroy their habitat. ---------------------------------- From: David J Medford I received this in response to my question about marine mammal protection and enforcement of policy. I thought others might be interested. David Medford djm1941(\)tamug.tamu.edu Marine Mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and some by the Endangered Species Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for managing and protecting whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals and sea lions. They have regulations prohibiting feeding marine mammals in the wild and others that specify how close people can get to the animals. The maximum fine for violating the MMPA is $20,000 and one year in jail. The NMFS's Office of Protected Resources says that they do not have enough manpower to enforce these regulations. I think the public has to insist more money be earmarked for enforcement. Hopefully, when people read an article this this one and see the danger to humans as well as the animal, they will realize the need for enforcement. By the way, the Fisheries Enforcement Hot Line is 1-900-853-1964. Fran Stricker Coordinator of Marine Mammal Programs Animal Protection Institute ------------------------------------------------- From: Barb Lelli RE: "sea lion bites girl" story -- What is striking to me is the lack of enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and whatever local or state law might have been violated by feeding sea lions. The Marine Mammal Protection Act is broadly worded to prohibit any person from engaging in "...any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which...has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavior patterns, including but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering." Warning signs and "reminders" by law enforcement officials have not deterred fishermen from feeding seals. Even when this parent allowed her child to violate the law, even when it resulted in harm to the child, the official response was to issue more warnings, not a citation. In my experience, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is simply not enforced in human/pinneped interactions. I am a research assistant with an ongoing study of harbor seal haul-out behavior at a near-shore ledge on the Maine coast. When seals are not disturbed by people, they haul out and rest on the ledge for several hours before and after low tide. This ledge sees a high level of boat traffic, everything from jet skis and other recreational motor boats, to lobster boats, to kayaks and canoes. When boaters approach the hauled out seals to get a closer look, their actions flush the seals off the ledge. We have even seen people throwing peanuts at the seals, as if they were in a zoo. Not every disturbance clears the ledge, but when disturbances are repeated, the seals abandon the ledge completely for the rest of the tide cycle. Thus, boaters blatently violate the MMPA throughout the summer months by disrupting the seals' usual haul-out behavior. The National Marine Fisheries Service is the agency responsible for enforcement of the MMPA. I suspect that a combination of low funds for the agency and low sense of urgency with regard to harbor seals, accounts for the lack of enforcement. What can we do? We can engage in grassroots community education about wildlife protection and conservation. We can also push for the enforcement of laws that protect marine mammals. Barbara Lelli blelli(\)ctel.net -------------------------------------------------- From: narose(\)ix.netcom.com (Naomi A. Rose) David J Medford wrote: >After quickly skimming the article describing a young girls >"encounter" with a sea lion, I became very curious about the >legislation that is in place concerning the general public's >interaction with protected marine animals. Specifically, I would be >interested in hearing what people know about current and applicable >policies mandated by the government, as well as their opinions on >these policies. Obviously there are some policies in place to protect >both the average citizen and these marine mammals, so why is ther a >seeming disengagement between the policy makers and the enforcers of >these policies? I don't think there is a disengagement or disconnect between the policy makers and the enforcers of these policies. It is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to feed marine mammals in the wild. The law, passed and amended by Congress, and the agency responsible for implementing the law, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), seem in total harmony on this issue. There have been legal challenges against the no-feeding regulation (by those who wish to feed free-ranging marine mammals to encourage their proximity to vessels containing customers paying for the privilege to view the animals). These legal challenges have failed, with the courts upholding NMFS' regulation, which arises from the no-harassment provisions in the MMPA. So the law is clear and Congress, the courts, and NMFS are clear on the interpretation and enforcement of it. While there are still many members of the public who are either unaware of the law or, in the case of this incident, deliberately ignore it, it is not for lack of trying to disseminate information on the part of NMFS. NMFS has been pursuing a rather aggressive educational campaign, particularly in Florida where feeding free-ranging dolphins is locally epidemic. But feeding continues. The problem, in my opinion, does not lie in the law. Obvious commercial feeding of marine mammals has stopped (such as selling fish to feed to the sea lions that hang out at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco), because NMFS can identify these activities, prohibit them, and monitor compliance. However, individual members of the public continue to feed marine mammals on their own, deliberately for amusement or incidentally (through certain practices associated with commercial or recreational fishing). This is much more difficult to police -- one can hardly expect an enforcement agent be on hand at every site where the public and marine mammals might interact. Signage at appropriate locations, making information available to local law enforcement agencies, and the occasional NMFS patrol should be (and must be, frankly, given budget limitations) sufficient. Yet obviously it is not. I'm sure there are a lot of MARMAMers who will disagree with me (although there will be many more who will agree), but in my opinion, a major reason for some people's failure to appreciate the inappropriateness of this activity is due not to a disconnect between policy makers and policy enforcers, but between policy enforcers (and others) and marine parks and aquaria. These latter entities influence, by their own count, tens of millions of people each year. Many of them promote public feeding of their marine mammals in petting pools, thus encouraging an image of happy, friendly, tame, performing dolphins and sea lions rather than a proper respect and appreciation for the wildness of these species. The public gets a considerable amount of its exposure to marine mammals from marine parks. NMFS, environmental and animal protection organizations, state agencies, and municipalities tell the public not to feed marine mammals because it can be harmful to them and to people and can rapidly create "nuisance" animals. Meanwhile, marine parks, which have a considerably larger constituency, allow their visitors to feed and pet dolphins and sea lions and instill in these visitors an image of harmless animals that want to interact with people as much as people want to interact with them. Here is your disconnect. If marine parks have signage warning people "not to do this at home" as it were, this obviously sends a mixed message. It should hardly surprise anyone that people then go out to the shore and, when they see a sea lion on the beach or a dolphin swimming by, offer a fish or something else entirely inappropriate (like a hot dog or a popsicle). If and when they read a government sign prohibiting it, they might think it's just Big Brother being a killjoy toward an activity highly credible marine parks and aquaria have endorsed by association. >Finally , it seems that it might be a bit frustrating to scientists >who have to go to much trouble to obtain permits to study these >animals legally, while the average, uninformed person can simply walk >up to this animal and feed, poke, and prod it (not implying that that >is what the girl described in the story did), without much thought or >intervention form the authorities. Again, I have to disagree that this is the problem. The authorities regulate this activity. They put out brochures, erect signage, speak in public, and when they can, patrol trouble spots (like certain areas in Florida, as I mentioned above). It's usually just a matter of telling the person about the potential harm this seemingly harmless activity can do (again, both to the animal and to the person, because unlike the trained sea lion at the marine park, the sea lion on the beach will bite). When necessary and possible, a citation is given. Clearly education is key to fixing this problem. Some people will refuse to learn -- they will continue to feed dolphins in Panama City and bears in Yellowstone and to pursue any number of other foolish or deliberately vandalistic activities with wildlife (such as feeding fire crackers to sea lions or fish hooks to dolphins) and the wildlife will pay for it. But in the case of marine mammals, marine parks and aquaria can reach a large number of those people who simply don't know better. A good place for the marine parks to start would be to discontinue petting pools -- this would send a powerful message to their visitors that this activity is *never* appropriate and that wildlife should be admired from a respectful distance, whether they are in captivity or the wild. If they did this, the disconnect between the marine park message and the message from NMFS, environmental and animal protection organizations, state agencies, and municipalities would disappear and hopefully the problems associated with feeding free-ranging marine mammals would diminish. Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Scientist The Humane Society of the United States narose(\)ix.netcom.com Subject: Euro-American Mammal Congress (fwd) From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) +------------------------------------------------------------+ | E U R O - A M E R I C A N M A M M A L C O N G R E S S | | "Challenges in Holarctic Mammalogy" | | Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain | | | | July 19-24, 1998 | +------------------------------------------------------------+ We have made available the list of participants and the long list --800!!-- of abstracts submitted to the Congress. You can check the list or get a copy of the file using one of these three options: 1) visiting our WWW page biology.unm.edu/~santiago/ 2) anonymous FTP to ftp.csic.es in the directory pub/eamc filename: abstract.lst (ASCII Text file, about 200K) 3) sending an e-mail message to galemys(\)pinar1.csic.es If you have problems connecting to the WWW page (i.e. you get a "not found" message, or "incorrect address") please keep on trying. Sometimes the server is not behaving as it should, but we have checked that everything is working fine. The list includes participants registered in the meeting and all the abstracts received, which will be included in the program and the abstract book. There are few people who have submitted abstracts without the registration form completed or without any indication of payment. Those abstracts are marked with "!!" and WILL NOT be included in the program or the abstract book, unless we hear from the authors immediately. At least one of the authors should be registered in the Congress. In the General Sessions, some participants that requested oral presentations have been moved to poster sessions because of time limitations. We tried to accommodate as many oral presentations as possible form the selection made by the Scientific Committee. Please check whether your presentation has been accepted as oral or poster. In General Sessions, time for oral presentations is 12 min talk + 3 min questions and discussion = 15 min. Time available for orals in Symposia and Workshops varies and has been set by the respective conveners. You may find a list of useful tips for oral and poster presentations in the Congress' WWW page or by anonymous FTP to ftp.csic.es directory: pub/eamc filenames: oral.doc poster.doc oral.html poster.html Hopefully, the preliminary program will be available by next week, June 15th at the WWW page. Please check the WWW page from time to time to see how the program develops. Let us know if there is any problem with your records. We will be pleased to help you with any problem that you may have at: Galemys(\)pinar1.csic.es Regards, The Local Committee ....................................... / / ~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ! | Euro-American Mammal Congress ~ ~ .-.---^-----.^\/^\/^\/\ Laboratorio de Parasitologia ~ / <== Santiago de \ Facultad de Farmacia ~ I... Compostela / Universidad de Santiago de Compostela ~~ | : _| o 15706 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN ~~ | : S P A I N _| .O _~ | : __| e-mail: Galemys(\)Pinar1.csic.es | : _| ---- Fax: (34) 81 593316 ~~ \_:___ ____/ ~~ http://biology.unm.edu/~santiago/ -~ \/-- --- ---- ...................................... Subject: Unusual Occurence of a Pacific White Sided Dolphin in Northern Southeast Alaska (fwd) From: Christopher Taylor Unusual Occurrence of a Pacific White Sided Dolphin in Northern Southeast Alaska I am writing to report an unusual occurrence of a Pacific White Sided Dolphin in Letnikof Cove of Northern Lynn Canal, Southeast Alaska (Haines, Alaska - Chil kat Inlet). Dall's porpoise and Harbor porpoise are common, however sightings of Pac ific White Sided Dolphins in this area are rare. Although I am not familiar with the behavior of Pacific White Sided Dolphins, this individual's behavior seems unusu al for a wild animal. It is particularly acrobatic and seems quite accustomed to humans. It has been observed jumping from the surface while waving its flukes, swimming on its side while waving its pectoral fins, fluke slapping, "walking" vertically while being propelled by its flukes with most of its body out of the water and perpendicular to the surface, swimming along side boats while surfacing and giving two to three short blows at each surfacing, and lying beside the docks while people stroke its sides and back. According to an article in the Haines Chilkat Valley News weekly journal (May 28 ,1998), Kaja Brix of the National Marine Fisheries Service suggested that the dolphin ca me inland in search of food or strayed from a pod and advised people not to touch o r feed the animal. Brix said that it would leave the area when it was ready. A small pod of dolphins, suspected of being Pacific White Sided Dolphins, were also spotted in an adjacent area of the inlet. Because of its friendly and acrobatic behavior, it has been suggested by some onlookers that the dolphin escaped or was released from a captive facility. I would greatly appreciate any information anyone may have on the behavior of Pacific White Sided Dolphins that may shed light on this particular animal's behavior and unusual visit to Letnikof Cove. Responses may be made to M ARMAM or directly to me at ctaylor(\)alaska.net. Thank you. Christopher Taylor M.S. Environmental Toxicology University of Alaska Fairbanks Home: P.O. Box 1317 Haines, Alaska 99827 Subject: Vacancy Announcement (fwd) From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) United Nations Secretariat Vacancy Announcement External/internal VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER 98-X-UNN-098-NA DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 23 JUNE 1998 POST TITLE AND LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P-3 POST NUMBER UNL-17270-E-P-3-001 DUTY STATION NAIROBI ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME INDICATIVE MINIMUM GROSS ANNUAL U.S.$ 65,472 REMUNERATION (INCLUDING POST ADJUSTMENT)* NOTE: APPOINTMENT WILL BE FOR ONE YEAR FIXED-TERM RENEWABLE, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING. ______________________________________________________________________ FUNCTIONS: Under the supervision of the Director, Water Branch, the incumbent is responsible for the formulation, implementation, co-ordination and promotion of activities falling under the Global Plan of action for the Conservation, Management and Utilization of Marine Mammals and related duties. QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced university degree in zoology, fisheries or another field pertinent to marine mammals. A minimum of 4 years of diversified professional experience, including at least 3 years experience with substantive co-ordination and administration of multi-disciplinary inter-country projects. Familiarity with international and non-governmental organizations involved in marine mammals, and with the work of the UN system an asset. LANGUAGES Fluency in English. Working knowledge of other United Nations official languages desirable. ______________________________________________________________________ External applicants are requested to send a detailed curriculum vitae including date of birth, nationality, educational qualifications, a summary of professional skills and/or expertise, a summary of relevant work experience, publications written, and languages spoken, or to complete a United Nations Personal History form (P.11), available at UN offices. Interested UN staff members at the level of the post or one level below should present their candidacy according to the "Guidelines for the preparation of applications for vacancies open to internal candidates within the UN Secretariat" available from the Office of Human Resources Management, rooms S-2555 and DC1-200, the Bulletin Board on cc:mail, or at local UN personnel offices and should attached their latest PER/PAS. All applications should be sent to: VA 98-X-UNN-098-NA, Head of Recruitment Unit, Human Resources Management Services, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), P.O. Box 67578, Nairobi, Kenya, Fax No. (254 2) 622615 or 622624, Tel No. (254 2) 621234 Preference may be given to equally qualified women candidates. NOTE: The United Nations Secretariat is a Non-Smoking Environment. ______________________________________________________________________ PLEASE INDICATE THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER ON THE ENVELOPE OR THE FAX, AND ON THE APPLICATION Subject: CRS Weekly Marine Mammal Summary to US Congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 6/12/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 6/05/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 6/11/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Beluga Whale Park. On June 12, 1998, Canada is scheduled to officially inaugurate its first marine park, the joint federal-provincial Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, offering protection to beluga whales.} [World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] . {Keiko. On June 8, 1998, Iceland's chief veterinary officer announced that, based on U.S. veterinary tests, there were no grounds for opposing the request to move Keiko to Icelandic waters. On June 9, 1998, a delegation from the Free Willy Keiko Foundation met with Iceland's Prime Minister David Oddsson, who announced that Iceland had approved the Foundation's request for permission to locate a floating sea pen, and transfer Keiko to the pen, in Icelandic waters. Materials for floating pen construction are scheduled to be shipped to Iceland in mid-June 1998,} {{with Keiko likely to follow in September 1998.}} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Dow Jones News, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Illegal Whaling? In late May 1998, the Japan Whaling Association questioned the methodology of the New Zealand scientists and countered their claims of illegal whalemeat on the Japanese market, citing the results of DNA testing of 228 whalemeat samples by TRAFFIC Japan and others, revealing no traces of blue, sei, or humpback whalemeat on the Japanese market. [Japan Whaling Assoc press release] . Makah Whaling. On May 21, 1998, a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court (Washington, DC) by several coastal tour-boat operators, international animal welfare groups, and U.S. Rep. Metcalf charging that federal agencies ignored various environmental laws in granting permission for the Makah Indian Tribe to kill 4 gray whales annually. On May 27, 1998, Makah Tribal officials refuted allegations by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society that Makah representatives had negotiated with Japanese businesses for the sale of whalemeat. [Assoc Press] . Dolphin Agreement. On May 21, 1998, the United States and six Latin American nations (Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela) signed the "Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program" that will increase protection for dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific and will allow the United States to lift an embargo on tuna imports from the participating nations. The agreement will enter into force upon ratification by four nations. [Reuters, Assoc Press, Embassy of Mexico press release] . Makah Whaling. On May 18, 1998, a task force of federal, state, and local police and enforcement agents met with opponents of the Makah Tribe's planned fall 1998 gray whale hunt off Cape Flattery, WA, to seek ways to prevent violence during anticipated protests. [Assoc Press] . Northern Right Whale Lawsuit. On May 18, 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court queried the U.S. Dept. of Justice concerning lower court rulings on the case Coates vs. Strahan that MA violated the Endangered Species Act by not providing sufficient protection for northern right whales. The Supreme Court is seeking this information prior to deciding whether to review an appeal filed by MA officials. [Assoc Press] . IWC Meeting. On May 16, 1998, a group of 38 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) introduced a document "Declaration of Concern for Small Island Nations Being Subjected to Japanese Influence" alleging that small island nations have been unfairly pressured by Japan to support the Japanese position on whaling. On May 17, 1998, Japan and 5 Caribbean nations submitted a proposal that all IWC votes be taken by secret ballot; no formal vote was taken on this proposal. On May 18, 1998, the IWC declined to approve Japan's request to kill 50 minke whales in its coastal waters, on a vote of 12 for, 17 against, and 4 abstaining. On May 18, 1998, Japan and 5 Caribbean nations submitted a joint proposal to the IWC asking for immediate termination of the Southern Ocean Whaling Sanctuary. On May 18, 1998, after an amendment to Japan's proposal for taking votes by secret ballot was defeated, Japan withdrew this proposal. On May 19, 1998, the IWC Chair ruled that the controversial NGO document of May 16 would be withdrawn and not be included in the record of the meeting. On May 19, 1998, the IWC created a subcommittee to investigate reports concerning the possible illegal sale of whalemeat and products in Japan. On May 19, 1998, the IWC voted to support more research on threats to whales from global changes in marine environments. On May 20, 1998, the IWC adopted a resolution by a vote of 17 for, 9 against, and 8 abstentions calling on Japan to voluntarily halt whaling for scientific research in the Southern Ocean and in the North Pacific. On May 20, 1998, the IWC adopted a resolution calling on Norway to halt commercial whaling in the North Atlantic. On May 20, 1998, the IWC adopted a resolution inviting Canada to rejoin the IWC and urging Canada not to issue further licenses for Inuit killing of bowhead whales for subsistence. On May 20, 1998, the IWC tabled discussion of an Irish proposal to resume coastal whaling. On May 20, 1998, the IWC adjourned its annual meeting, with plans to hold a special meeting to discuss an Irish proposal to resume coastal whaling before the next annual meeting to be held in Grenada in May 1999. [Dow Jones News, Reuters, Humane Society of the United States press release, NOAA press release] . Sea Lion Seizures. In two weeks of mid-May 1998, about 60 California sea lions, mostly pregnant females, were found stranded in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, CA, suffering from seizures of undetermined cause. About half subsequently died. [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Ken Norris As many of you may know, Ken Norris has been having major health difficulties for the last year and a half.Initially he had a heart attack and open heart surgery in January 1997. His recovery form this was slowed by a leaky valve on the pulmonary artery which he has lived with all his life. In January 1998 Ken underwent the knife again and had a titanium St. Jude model heart valve installed. As a bionic man he loved to let people listen to the new valve go tic, tic, tic. Proudly he exclaimed that it was guarenteed to operate to depths of 20,000 feet. Unfortunately, where it was attached there was calcification of the cardiac tissue and after a while some of the stitches pulled out. This caused leakage around the valve and necessitated yet another round of major surgery. On June 12th Ken was operated on again. Over the past 18 months he had lost a great deal of weight and his strength was minimal at that point. Walking 100 feet tired him greatly, although he remained mentally sharp. He realized that as he faced the third operation that he might not survive the operation, but faced it resolutely as he has other aspects of his live. Twice during the operation his heart stopped, but survive it he did. Over the last few days he has shown the remarkable spirit which we know to be Ken. He remains in critical condition, but is daily showing improvement. For those of you who would like to monitor his progress or send him and Phylly your thoughts a web page has been set up by his nephew, Don Norris. The webpage address is www.realsurf.com/KenNorris Ken's website includes a page describing his current status and a page for electronic (email) greeting, thoughts, and well wishes. This remarkable man who has so shaped our community and our science could use your positive energy and prayers as he faces the long journey back to good health. Just before he entered the hospital he finished his most recent book, Mountain Time. I've been privilaged to read chapters as they evolved and when it is published I think you too will enjoy seeing yet another facet of Ken. Guy W. Oliver, Ph.D. 233 Northrop Place Santa Cruz, CA 95060 oliver(\)cats.ucsc.edu Ken Norris web site www.realsurf.com/KenNorris ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 13:14:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MB98 Early Registration Deadline: June 15 (Fwd) From: Wineke Schoo, mb98(\)noldus.nl. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MEASURING BEHAVIOR '98 2nd International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research Groningen, The Netherlands 18-21 August 1998 With this this message we would like to remind you that the early registration deadline for Measuring Behavior '98 is June 15. Until then you can register for NLG 500 (students: NLG 250). After June 15, the registration fee is NLG 600 (students: NLG 300). One Dutch guilder (NLG 1) equals approx. US$ 0,50. There is new conference content on the Measuring Behavior '98 web site (http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm). The site now contains a list of all presentations, grouped by topic. The site also has updated information about exhibitors of books, instruments and software. There is still (limited) room for poster submissions. Please use the Abstract Submission Form on the web site or the paper form mailed to you. To take advantage of the early registration discount, please make sure any mail registrations are postmarked by June 15 and that all web site registrations or fax registrations are received by June 15. We hope to see you in August! Wineke Schoo Local Organizing Committee Measuring Behavior '98 Conference Secretariat P.O. Box 268 6700 AG Wageningen The Netherlands Phone: +31-317-497677 Fax: +31-317-424496 E-mail: mb98(\)noldus.nl Web: http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm Subject: Tech position ACN-L(\)acn.ca, coastnet(\)URIACC.URI.EDU, coral-list(\)coral.aoml.noaa.gov, FWIM-L(\)listserv.vt.edu, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU, American Fisheries Society TECHNICIAN POSITION AVAILABLE A technician position is available in an active marine science laboratory with research interests ranging from invertebrate reproduction to community scale nutrient transport processes. The work will include both laboratory and field research. Field research is conducted on coral reefs and seagrass communities. The technician will be responsible for laboratory management, data acquisition and analysis. The work in the lab is very diverse. Therefore, a wide range of skills and interests could fit within the needs of the lab. Desired skills include: A B.S. in marine science, oceanography, biology, engineering, zoology or environmental science (an M.S. degree is desirable); computer skills; field experience; scuba diving; TEM and SEM; image analysis; experience in biogeochemistry, biomechanics, or hydrodynamics; writing skills and statistics. The successful candidate will be expected to have some but not all of the above skills. The position is located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab located on a barrier Island on the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The pay range starts at $25,000+ and is dependent on experience and skills. If you are interested please send a Curriculum Vitae, 3 letters of recommendation, and a letter stating your research experience and interest. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Florence Thomas, P.O. Box 369 Dauphin Island, Alabama, 36528, email: fthomas(\)jaguar1.usouthal.edu, (334-861-7544). ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 18:43:10 +0100 ignored. From: Chris Parsons Subject: Interns wanted The Hebridean Whales and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is currently offering a limited number of volunteer positions for the Summer starting IMMEDIATELY. HWDT is a charitable organisation dedicated to education and the research of whales and dolphins in the waters of Western Scotland. The Hebridean region possesses the greatest abundance of cetaceans in British waters, with records of 19 species, of which 8 species are seen regularly. The Hebrides are also inhabited by otters and two species of seal. One of the trust's aims is to allow environmentalists to be able to gain research experience in an extremely competitive field. Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic, self-reliant and interested in communicating with the public. It would be beneficial for them to possess some knowledge of biology (ideally to degree level) or have computing/marketing/educational experience. The volunteers will be expected to spend half their working week on working in the Trust's education centre, whilst the remainder will be spent conducting individual research/educational projects or assisting other trust members with established projects. The positions are purely voluntary to begin with. Volunteers will also be expected to pay for their own accommodation (up to #50/week), food and travel to the Hebrides. Interested parties should e-mail (delphis(\)btinternet.com) giving a summary of their relevant experience, the reasons why they would be suitable for the position and give a daytime (GMT) telephone number. Interested parties can also telephone the Trust's offices for further information: 44+(0)1688 302620 Chris Parsons Scientific Officer The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull Argyll PA75 6NU Scotland (delphis(\)btinternet.com) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 09:24:40 EDT From: Dan Knaub Subject: humpbacks singing on feeding grounds SUBJECT: Humpback whales singing on feeding grounds CONTACT Dan Knaub Phone: 717/763-9507 FAX: 717/763-0943 e-mail: seewhales(\)aol.com The Whale Video Co. Mechanicsburg PA Dear Marmamers: Does anyone have any experiences with humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) singing off their breeding grounds? On June 27, 1997 we were documenting a whale watch trip to Stellwagen Bank (a northern feeding ground) in the Gulf of Maine. Four humpback whales (Colt, Stub, Icarus and one unknown) began a long close boat approach. A hydraphone was in the water to listen to dolphins and to our surprise the whales started singing. This lasted about 20 minutes, all while next to the boat, spyhopping, rolling and trumpeting. They were always right next to the hydraphone. Has anyone else recorded or even seen this behavior in northern waters? Does other video footage exist that actually records the whales while singing? This must be very rare as it is the only instance we have observed it in more than ten years and in taping in excess of 11,000 trips. A. Daniel Knaub President ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 12:55:49 +1000 From: Sali Jayne Bache Subject: Bycatch policy In-Reply-To: apologies for cross-posting I have been doing some research into the development of a bycatch policy in Australia, and as part of this work looked to the US to see what progress had been made there. Last March a draft bycatch policy document appeared on the NMFS's website, but it didn't last for long. It has been suggested to me that the Department of State was involved in pulling the policy down, and that the primary reason for this was the large opposition to it from the fishing industry. I am interested in any information as to the details or accuracy of this statement. I would also like to hear what aspects of the policy fishers most opposed. Thanks in anticipation Sali Bache Visiting Associate Public Policy Program The Australian National University sali.bache(\)anu.edu.au Phone: +61 2 6295 3746 +61 2 6279 8942 Fax: +61 2 6249 5555 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 10:40:12 -0300 From: Robin W Baird Subject: Abstract: Lagenorhynchus / Phocoena interaction Baird, R.W. 1998. An interaction between Pacific white-sided dolphins and a neonatal harbor porpoise. Mammalia 62: 129-134 Summary An interaction involving two Pacific white-sided dolphins and a neonatal harbor porpoise was observed in eastern Haro Strait, WA, in 1994, and lasted for at least five hours. On a number of occasions one of the dolphins was observed holding the porpoise's flipper in its mouth and dragging the porpoise through the water. Both dolphins were observed to occasionally leap on top of the porpoise as it swam at or near the water's surface. During close approaches of the porpoise to our vessel, one or the other dolphin quickly swam between the porpoise and our boat, and turned away in such a fashion as to force the porpoise away from the boat. Two and one half hours into the observation, a decision was made to capture the porpoise, and the porpoise was captured 2.5 hours later, surviving for five days in captivity. Despite being dragged by its flipper, the porpoise only had superficial skin abrasions on its flippers when captured. Five wounds, consistent with bites, were found on the caudal peduncle. No other trauma was noted, and cause of death was determined to be bacterial pneumonia. Although Pacific white-sided dolphins previously have been reported associating with at least 10 different species of cetaceans, associations with harbor porpoises do not appear to have been previously published. This observation is the first reported of an apparently non-predatory interspecific interaction involving a lone cetacean neonate. Possible causes of the interaction are discussed, including epimeletic behavior, aggressive behavior due to competition, predation or kleptoparasitism, and object-oriented play. In many ways the observations appear similar to object-oriented play (or non-mutual, interspecific play) behavior, with, in this case, the "object" being the harbor porpoise. The function(s) or beneficial effects of "play" in such cases are usually related to physical training or skill development, and this is certainly a possibility in this case. Reprints are available from the author: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 08:45:48 -0400 Reply-To: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca From: Sascha Hooker Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Abstract: Scarring on female / juvenile male sperm whales Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ Hooker, S.K. 1998. Extensive scarring observed on female or juvenile male sperm whales off the Galapagos Islands. Mammalia 62: 134-139 Summary Scarring on sperm whales (_Physeter macrocephalus_), has been previously noted on mature males, but not on female or juvenile male sperm whales. In the Galap=E1gos during 1995, two female or juvenile male sperm whales were observed with extensive scarring on the head and anterior dorsal surface of their bodies. This note describes the unusual degree and nature of scarring on one of these females / juvenile males (based on photographs) and discusses the possible causes. Scarring was observed over a large portion of the head and anterior dorsal surface, arranged in at least twenty "groups". Each scar group was composed of between 1 and 6 parallel scars (average 3.75), although groups were not always straight and often showed s-shapes or distinct changes of direction. Assuming a head size of approximately 2.2 - 2.8 m, it was possible to approximate the dimensions of the scarring and infer the dimensions required to cause this. A comparison of the inter-dental or inter-hook measurements for selected other odontocetes, sharks and cephalopods showed that scar dimensions were best fit by either another sperm whale or a giant squid, but that the apparent depth of the scars was more suggestive of a sperm whale cause. While previous accounts of intra-specific aggression in sperm whales have been between adult males, the interscar spacing observed corresponds instead to the interdental spacing of a female or juvenile sperm whale. This encounter is therefore suggestive of intra-specific aggression between smaller sperm whales than has previously been recorded. Reprints are available from the author: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Sascha Hooker, PhD Student Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone: (902) 494-3723 Fax: (902) 494-3736 email: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 15:36:26 -0400 From: Mike Williamson Subject: WhaleNet Humpback Whale Catalogue CD-ROM is OUT Hello, The WhaleNet Humpback whale catalogue CD-ROM is out. It is available through WhaleNet at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/CDROMintro.html This contains sorting and identification software for the Gulf of Maine population of humpbacks (approx. 900 animals) Natural Histories of 20 marine mammals species in the North Atlantic, and sighting histories of the humpbacks. Mike Williamson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Michael Williamson Principal Investigator-WhaleNet Associate Professor-Science Wheelock College, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215 voice: 617.734.5200, ext. 256 fax: 617.734.8666, or 978.468.0073 "Mother, Mother Ocean, I have heard your call, Wanted to sail upon your waters, since I was three feet tall" Jimmy Buffett ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 10:53:58 -0400 From: Phillip Clapham Subject: Singing on feeding grounds There are a number of reports regarding humpback whales singing on feeding grounds, published and otherwise, and including one from Stellwagen Bank. Citations: Mattila, D. K., L. N. Guinee and C. A. Mayo. 1987. Humpback whale songs on a North Atlantic feeding ground. Journal of Mammalogy 68: 880-883. McSweeney, D. J., K. C. Chu, W. F. Dolphin and L. N. Guinee. 1989. North Pacific humpback whale songs: a comparison of southeast Alaskan feeding ground songs and Hawaiian wintering ground songs. Marine Mammal Science 5: 116-138. Since the 1987 paper, we have heard humpbacks singing on various occasions in the Gulf of maine, including in August in the Great South Channel (SE of Cape Cod). Phil Clapham phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 04:46:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: INWR DIGEST on the net (fwd) From: M Freeman The International Network for Whaling Research newsletter (INWR DIGEST) is now posted on the Canadian Circumpolar Institute's website at: http://www.ualberta.ca/~inwr/inwr-digest.html Contents of the current issue (No. 15) are: World Council of Whalers Meets Public Opinion on Whaling IWC Holds 50th Annual Meeting Norwegian Whaling North Pacific Whaling Japanese Research Vessels Return Bequian Whalers Successful in 1998 U.S. Whale Quotas Announced The Makah Indians: NW Coast Whalers Publications - Collections Publications - Articles and Reports Meetings For those wishing to receive hardcopy, contact the editor at . Two issues per year will be airmailed for US$10/yr (C$10 for Canadian subscribers). Libraries receive hardcopy at no cost. For additional information regarding the website, please contact Milton Freeman Editor, INWR Digest Canadian Circumpolar Institute University of Alberta Edmonton, T6G 2E1 Canada Tel: 1-403-492-4682 Fax: 1-403-492-5273 e-mail: milton.freeman(\)ualberta.ca Subject: Unusual strandings on Israeli coast (fwd) Shalom fellow MARMAMers, Since the establishment of IMMRAC (Israeli Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center) in 1993, the awareness of all coastal authorities as well as that of citizens in Israel to the occurrence of dolphin strandings has increased greatly. That, together with a single centralised address for reporting such strandings, resulted in a much better picture of cetacean species frequenting the waters near the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. During the first four years of IMMRAC's operation, the only species on the stranding list were the bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and striped dolphin (Stennela coeruleoalba) and a single sperm whale that washed ashore one & a half years ago . Strandings of the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), skeletal parts of which appear in the collection of the Tel Aviv University Museum, were never encountered by us. We would hereby like to report on the recent strandings of aneher two species apparently new to the area, (which also do not appear in the collection which dates back to the early fourties): rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). Three rough-toothed dolphins in the last 14 months (The first, a male calf, on which we already reported to the MARMAM list, on the 16th of March 1997, 3 Km north of the Gaza Strip border, the second, also a male calf, badly decomposed, on March 1st 1998 between Jaffa and Tel Aviv and the 3rd, a sub-adult female on April 13 1998, apx. 25 Km south of Haifa) and two young male Risso's dolphins in a span of one month (one partly decomposed on the 17th of May at Acko and one intact but gas-blown, today at Ma'agan Michael apx. 40 south of Haifa, the latter showing signs of being caught in and cut off from a net). As things stand now, we would like to take a cautious optimistic view on possible newcomers coming to stay, replacing species which may have permanently left the area. Any other views or comments on the above will be welcome,as well as any reports from the last months, on live, straneded or entangled Risso's or rough-toothed dolphins in the far Eastern Med. ------------------------------------- Oz Goffman. Head Dan Kerem, Ph.D., President IMMRAC (Israeli Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center) The Recanati Center for Maritime Studies University of Haifa Mount Carmel, Haifa 31906 ISRAEL Tel +972-4-8240600 Fax +972-4-8240493 e-mail: dankerem(\)research.haifa.ac.il Home: 26, Margalit St, Haifa 34464, ISRAEL Phone: 972-4-8247740 Fax: 972-4-8262638 Subject: Re: ARTICLE ON LFA PLAYBACKS TO HAWAIIAN HUMPBACKS (fwd) From: "Hal Whitehead/Linda Weilgart" From: Lindy Weilgart and Hal Whitehead Biology Dept., Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia This is our response to Peter Tyack's very thoughtful and reasoned arguments for the marine mammal research of Phase III of the LFA project by the U.S. Navy. This research was designed to determine if the very loud, low frequency sonar which the Navy has recently developed for the detection of very quiet enemy submarines affects whales. The main questions we have about this approach are: 1) What will the results really mean? How can you extrapolate from visible, short-term reactions (or lack thereof) to long-term welfare of the population? Even obvious, strong short-term responses of the whales to LFA playbacks could be harmless to the health of the population in the long-term, OR (more dangerously) lack of such short-term responses could still mean that birth rates or feeding rates drop and mortality increases over the long-term. Already, fairly strong results have been observed from Phases I and II of the LFA marine mammal research program. Phase I, studying feeding blue and fin whales off California, has shown a drop in the number of calling whales after being exposed to the LFA sound. This decrease has been on the order of about 50% for blues and roughly 30% for fins (Clark, C.W., Tyack, P., Ellison, W. Feb. 27, 1998, Quicklook, Phase I, Low Frequency Sound Scientific Research Program). For Phase II, studying grey whales migrating past the California coast, results have been so definitive and clear that during the study, researchers taking part in a "blind" study could guess at the end of the day whether the sound source was on or off. Louder playbacks produced a stronger response, but in a non-linear fashion, such that somewhat louder sounds produced a much greater (disproportionally stronger) reaction (Tyack, P. World Marine Mammal Science Conference, Monaco, Jan. 1998). Inevitably, these results are very prone to being dismissed as not "biologically relevant" by parties whose self-interest lies in portraying LFA as harmless. This is where the crux of the problem lies. How will we really know what is biologically relevant when experimenting with difficult-to-study animals like whales? We haven't even determined baseline population parameters for most wild species of cetaceans. What is the point of this research if we can't study the effect of noise on the variables that are most essential to the long-term health of whale populations like feeding rates, birth rates, death rates? 2) How relevant are these results to other species that have not been studied (like beaked whales or sperm whales which we consider the most vulnerable), or to the same species engaged in different behavior (feeding vs. breeding, e.g.)? Again, how relevant are these short-term studies to long-term effects? 3) How can we be assured that the Navy (or any regulatory or political body) will honor these results and make policy decisions in keeping with these results? Interestingly, a brief surf on the Net revealed a document labelled "Secure" (the others were all labelled "Public") from a Navy website (http://www.n4.hq.navy.mil/) that stated: "LFA Executive Board discussed the scientific data for EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) for operational deployment of the system. Results look promising. Whales react to our transmissions but have a much higher receive threshold than predicted by the regulators and the scientists. This should reduce some the (sic) mitigation requirements." In other words, the Navy is happy that whales seem to react less to the loud LFA sounds than was feared, as (they assume) this will mean there will be fewer legal and regulatory hassles. Most notably, this note was dated 20-24 April 1998, AFTER the fairly clear results from Phases I and II (mentioned above) were already in, leading, we would have thought, to the opposite conclusion, i.e. that mitigation will be more difficult because of the clear reaction whales showed to the sounds. We are not sure why the Navy felt that whales reacted to only higher received thresholds than was expected, as we have seen no research to indicate this conclusion. What we believe is particularly disturbing is that the Navy seems very willing to take negative results of no or less reaction than predicted (their conclusion), and extrapolate this to mean that the sounds are more "safe" than previously thought. This is a very disturbing and dangerous extension to results of (they say) little reaction by the whales. 4) It is troublesome when there are almost no American marine mammal bioacoustics experts left who are not hired by the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy is proud of the vast amounts of money it is showering upon the marine mammal scientific community and the extensive resources it is providing for marine mammal scientists, but this can produce the perception of a conflict of interest. To stay at arm's length, the Navy could donate the money to a disinterested party and have them contract out the research instead. The main problem we have with research such as the LFA marine mammal research or the ATOC marine mammal research is that the Precautionary Approach dictates that such new additions of noise over vast scales of space and time should simply not happen (reasonably realistic calculations suggest that LFA could place the hearing of marine life at risk over a 25 km radius and alter the behavior of whales and fish over an area of 800,00 sq. km--an area greater than the size of Texas). History has presented us with far too many cases of where research is used as an excuse for a lack of action to tackle the actual problem. Acid rain, overfishing, marine pollution causing mass mortality, etc.--in all of these cases research has been used as a delay tactic to taking action to curb the problem. Should the effects of undersea noise on marine mammals be studied at all? Absolutely, but we think that these studies should principally be of the kind recently published in Nature (Vol. 392, 5 March 1998) by Alexandros Frantzis, correlating changes in the acoustic environment with occurrences such as strandings. There is no need for scientists to play a part in polluting the oceans further in the name of science. This seriously undermines our character in the public's eye. Long-term studies correlating long-term effects on population size with changes in noise levels would help improve our understanding of the effects of noise on whale populations over the long term. There is no shortage of already existing noise in the marine environment, giving scientists ample material to work with. If projects such as ATOC and LFA must go ahead, the concentration instead should be on putting the sound sources out of harm's way, in areas of minimal ocean productivity (the equivalent of terrestrial deserts). Sounds can be directed downwards towards deeper waters which are not so rich in life. Concentrations of life such as coastal areas and areas traditionally used by populations of whales should be avoided at all costs. Specific comments on Peter Tyack's message follow: > Many features of the > playback experiments were designed to best evaluate the impact of the > SURTASS LFA sonar system, but the data may also be useful in evaluating > impacts of other sources of ocean noise. Why not study existing noise and apply these results to LFA instead? > Rather, biologists worked with the Navy, environmental groups, and > government regulators in order to use the LFA sonar ship in playback > experiments designed to optimize detection of whale responses at the > lowest exposure level while minimizing adverse impacts. We are less optimistic that this tightrope can be walked, especially given our great ignorance of baseline whale behavior and population parameters. > Humpbacks in Hawaii were chosen for the third phase of LFA experiments > on marine mammals because of the following reasons: > > * It is important to study the breeding season because breeding and > calving behavior is sensitive. > Disruption of breeding behavior could have biologically > significant effects. > * The behavior of humpbacks on the Hawaiian breeding ground is well > enough understood to > allow interpretation of the biological significance of any > observed disruption. We disagree that the biological significance of various whale reactions can be ascertained by this research, unless the reaction is overwhelming and severe. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 06:43:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 6/19/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 6/12/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 6/18/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Japanese Whaling. On June 17, 1998, the Japanese whaling ship Nisshin Maru returned to the port of Ishinomaki after having killed 100 minke whales during scientific research whaling in the northwestern Pacific. About 300 tons of whalemeat were scheduled to be unloaded on June 18, to be stored in Ishinomaki until November 1998 when it would be distributed across Japan for consumption.} [Dow Jones News] . {Steller Sea Lion Protection. On June 14, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) imposed catch restrictions on the Atka mackerel fishery in an effort to provide benefits for endangered Steller sea lions. Environmental groups had sued NMFS in April 1998, seeking to halt all trawling for Atka mackerel in Steller sea lion critical habitat. The new restrictions will gradually shift 60% of the current Atka mackerel harvest taken inside critical habitat to areas outside such habitat over a 4-year period.} [Assoc Press] . Beluga Whale Park. On June 12, 1998, Canada is scheduled to officially inaugurate its first marine park, the joint federal-provincial Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, offering protection to beluga whales. [World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] . Keiko. On June 8, 1998, Iceland's chief veterinary officer announced that, based on U.S. veterinary tests, there were no grounds for opposing the request to move Keiko to Icelandic waters. On June 9, 1998, a delegation from the Free Willy Keiko Foundation met with Iceland's Prime Minister David Oddsson, who announced that Iceland had approved the Foundation's request for permission to locate a floating sea pen, and transfer Keiko to the pen, in Icelandic waters. Materials for floating pen construction are scheduled to be shipped to Iceland in mid-June 1998, with Keiko likely to follow in September 1998. {On June 16, 1998, officials of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation announced that Klettsvik, a bay near Heimay in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, had been chosen as the location in southeastern Iceland where the sea pen for Keiko would be constructed. Materials for construction of Keiko's floating sea pen are to be airlifted from the United States to Iceland on June 18.} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Dow Jones News, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Makah Whaling. On May 27, 1998, Makah Tribal officials refuted allegations by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society that Makah representatives had negotiated with Japanese businesses for the sale of whalemeat. [Assoc Press] . Illegal Whaling? In late May 1998, the Japan Whaling Association questioned the methodology of the New Zealand scientists and countered their claims of illegal whalemeat on the Japanese market, citing the results of DNA testing of 228 whalemeat samples by TRAFFIC Japan and others, revealing no traces of blue, sei, or humpback whalemeat on the Japanese market. [Japan Whaling Assoc press release] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Hippopotamus spec. in Gambia (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Michaela Haas-Rioth Dear all, I am working on a PhD on the evolutionary biology of the CNS of marine mammals. A few months ago I watched a very interesting popular documentation on TV (in Germany) about Hippopotamus spec. in Gambia. The only hint I got was the name of the researcher : "Murray" (I am not sure about the spelling). He represented two very interesting theories in this documentation: 1. Hippopotamus may orientate acoustically under water in a similar way as dolphins 2. He found references for the existence of marine Hippopotamus in Gambia. Unfortunately I could not find any literature on this topic. I would be very grateful for any information about and on the credibility of this story. Many thanks in advance Michaela Haas-Rioth Dipl.-biol. Michaela Haas-Rioth Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Department of Anatomy Frankfurt a. Main, F.R.G. haasriot(\)stud.uni-frankfurt.de Subject: Re: Hippopotamus spec. in Gambia (fwd) I know of at least two published references to hippos in marine waters. They have been reported to cross the 18km channel between the mainland and the Arquipelago dos Bijagos and the mainland of Guinea-Bissau (Cristino 1958), and have likewise reached Mafia Island, 18km off the coast of Tanzania (Moreau and Pakenham 1940). The presence of two subfossil species of hippos in Madagascar (Steunes 1989) also suggests that they successfully traversed the 350km Mozambique Channel. References: Cristino, J. de Sa e Melo. 1958. Statut des ongules en Guinee Portugaise. Mammalia 22(3):387-389. Moreau, R. E., and Pakenham, R. H. W. 1940. The land vertebrates of Pemba, Zanzibar, and Mafia: a zoogeographical study. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 110, Ser. A (3 and 4):97-128. Steunes, S. 1989. Taxonomy, habits, and relationships of the subfossil Madagascan hippopotami Hippopotamus lemerlei and H. madagascariensis. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 9:241-268. Dale W. Rice dale.rice(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 11:49:29 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: compiling monthly distribution data (fwd) Author: Mike Tove at ~smtp Dear colleagues, I am compiling monthly distributional/abundance data for all pelagic seabird species, marine mammals and sea turtles from the northern Atlantic. While I have a reasonably good handle on the North American side, and some from Britain, I have virtually nothing from the Atlantic coast of Spain, Portugal, NW and W Africa, the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores or Bermuda. If anyone is willing to help fill in the gaps, it would be of tremendous help. For those willing, I have a data table complete with instructions to be filled in. The sort of data I seek is that which can be reduced to a numerical score representing the number of individuals typically seen on a day-long trip each month. These scoring codes are approximately logarhythmic (i.e. Code 1 = should see over 1000/day, Code 2 = 100-999/day, Code 3 = 10-99/day, etc.). Thank you in advance for your help. Michael Tove Cary, NC 27511 mtove(\)intercenter.net Subject: Jobs at Smaller colleges/univ. (fwd) This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mime(\)docserver.cac.washington.edu for more info. --IMA.Boundary.148516898 Dear Mammal colleagues: The just completed ASM meeting included an outstanding symposium on "Careers", with a focus on describing the work environments at various institutions -- from research universities to smaller colleges/state univ. to museums to governmental and NGO agencies to zoos. The most recent Council on Undergraduate Research publication -- CUR Quarterly -- has 4 related articles: The Small College Job: Getting it and keeping it Life on the Tenure Track at a Predominately Undergraduate Institution. Landing a Tenure Track position at a Predominately Undergradute Institution. When your spouse is your departmental colleague. CUR Quarterly is available to download at the CUR web site (its a montrous 700K pdf). Those interested in the articles can view these materials at: http://www.cur.org/june1998.pdf and those interested in PUI's (the jargon for Predominately Undergraduate Institutions) would profit by looking at the CUR site ( http://www.cur.org ) and considering membership (or getting your institution to join). P.S.: Mike Tannenbaum, an ASM member, has a nice article on investigative physiology labs in this same issue. Regards, ******************************************************************* | Dr. Craig S. Hood * E-mail: chood(\).loyno.edu | | Biol. Sci., Loyola Univ. * My Office: (504) 865-2193 | | New Orleans, LA 70118 * Dept. ph: (504) 865-2288 | |- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -| | Biology WWW page is: http://www.loyno.edu/~biology/ | | My Home page is: http://www.loyno.edu/~chood/ | ******************************************************************* Date: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 18:07:43 -0400 From: Jamison M Smith Subject: Shark attacks on Tursiops? Dear Marmammers, On 21 June 1998, we rescued a female, approximately 250cm, Tursiops truncatus from the Indian River Lagoon system in Melbourne Beach, FL. The animal had a large, 23.5cmX23.0cmX4.0cm, shark bite out of the dorsal surface, just cranial of the dorsal fin. The area of trauma spanned onto both right and left lateral surfaces. The animal also had severe bites on the ventral side, just left of the genital area. Despite the severity of the injuries, the animal was still alive, and fairly cognizant. What makes this even more bizarre is the fact that this happened in the river, almost 5-6miles from the nearest inlet. The animal was transported to Marineland of Florida where the bite was thought to be that of a Tiger shark, and according to bite diameter, a 2.5-3.0m animal. The animal, died approximately 12 hours later under constant supervision of animal care staff. Does anyone know of any other documented evidence of such an event? I am aware of (Wells 1991) stating that over 22% of animals temporarily captured in Sarasota Bay, FL, had scarring from shark attacks as juveniles. Also, (Conner and Smolker 1985) have documented evidence, videotaped by tourists, of a Tiger shark attacking and killing a four-month-old infant dolphin in the 'Monkey Mia' shallows of Shark Bay. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Jamison M. Smith Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Marine Research Institute 1220 Prospect Ave. Suite 285 Melbourne, FL 32901 (407)953-5037 Smith.JamisonM(\)juno.com _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 09:43:51 +0000 From: Vanessa Williams Subject: Evidence of infanticide amongst bottlenose dolphins Subject: Infanticide hypothesis to explain violent deaths of 5 bottlenose dolphin calves in the Moray Firth, North-east Scotland Dear Colleagues, A recently-published paper by a team of researchers studying bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth, North-east Scotland (Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, vol. 265, pp1167-70) claims to present the first evidence of 'infanticide' among cetaceans. Between 1992 and 1996, 18 bottlenose dolphins were found stranded within the study area. Post-mortems carried out on these dolphins revealed that 5 individuals (3 females, 2 males, all less than 1.5m long and therefore probably under a year old) had internal injuries, including ruptured lungs, rib fractures and in two cases, spinal dislocation. The bodies also bore fresh tooth marks. These injuries were consistent with previously-reported fatal attacks carried out by bottlenose dolphins upon harbour porpoises in the Moray Firth during the same period. (The researchers note that 84% of harbour porpoises found dead with signs of bottlenose dolphin attack were within the 1 - 1.5m size-range and speculate that there may be a link between fatal attacks by bottlenose dolphins upon harbour porpoises, and attacks upon their own young.) The researchers also witnessed an incident in 1994 when 2 adult bottlenose dolphins were observed making what appeared to be an aggressive attack upon a dead calf, although the carcass could not be retrieved for post-mortem. At the moment, it is not known how many dolphins were involved in the Moray Firth attacks, their gender nor, most importantly, what conditions precipitated such behaviour. However, we do know that the Moray Firth dolphins are a uniquely- isolated group, living under considerable human pressure. Although infanticide has been documented in a wide range of terrestrial mammals, the reasons for this behaviour are complex and still not fully-understood. Infanticide as a technical term, implies that this activity is part of the natural behaviour of the species. Evidence for infanticide among cetaceans has not previously been published, although researchers working in the US and other parts of the world are starting to report similar findings to those documented by the Scottish researchers. If infanticide is confirmed as a component of social behaviour in cetaceans, there are important implications for future conservation initiatives, particularly in areas where vulnerable populations are subject to increasing pressure from humans. As an organisation which funds numerous research and conservation initiatives in UK waters (including the Moray Firth) and elsewhere in the worId, I would be very interested to receive comments, opinions, personal observations and recent references from colleagues on the subject of infanticide amongst mammals generally, and cetaceans specifically. I will post a summary of responses to the list at a later date. Please reply to: Vanessa Williams Conservation Officer Email: vanessaw(\)wdcs.org Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT, UK tel (+1 225) 334511 fax: (+1 225) 480097 www.wdcs.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 06:17:30 PDT From: Carolina Garcia Subject: Abstract: Movements of Sotalia and Tursiops in Colombia I am sending the abstract of my thesis work: GARCIA I., CAROLINA. 1998. Movimientos y uso de habitat de los delfines costeros Sotalia fluviatilis y Tursiops truncatus en la Bahma de Cispata, Atlantico Colombiano. Tesis de grado, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota. Sotalia fluviatilis and Tursiops truncatus movements were observed at Bahia Cispata, Atlantic Coast, Colombia, from November 1996 through August 1997. Sotalia entered the bay in groups of about 10 individuals (S.D= 8.6), usually in the morning when water temperatures were lowest, staying inside the bay for about 81.5 minutes (min. 7, max. 272). 80% of the time was spent feeding and feeding-traveling. Apparently the bay is more important during the dry season, when the fish abundance is lower along the area. Tursiops entered the bay in groups of between 1-10 individuals, usually in the late afternoon, when water temperatures were highest. They spent 90% of their time feeding or traveling-feeding. Their presence is highly seasonal, being present only during the rainy season, when superficial salinity is lowest. Carolina Garcia Cra 4 # 71-61 Bogota, Colombia e-mail: caro_gar(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 12:47:56 +1000 From: Richard Hall Subject: Summary of Sperm whale findings Dear Marmam'ers Thank you to every one who replied to my request for information. There is a definte lack of data in this area, as with most things in our area. The main points are: Rescue of Sperm Whales. While there are a number of Sperm strandings around the world rescues have only been attempted from places such as sand bars where they have been grounded in a resonable amount of water. It would seem the strandings in Western Tasmania were the first to refloat a beached animal. This was acheived by placing helicopter strops around the tailstock and attaching this to a a jet barge which proceded to tow the animal out to sea. I would not reccommend this method at all. While it succeeds in getting the animal of the beach the damage inflicted to the tailstock must be considerable. There is a wealth of evidence in the literature of the damage done to ligaments etc. Indeed a decomposed sperm whale was found on an off shore island after the event missing it's tail. While it was too badly decomposed to ID it as one of the animals towed off the beach it must be considered highly likely. Indeed the tow wounds were used as the identifiers for these animals. ( I'll say here my advice on this was overruled by higher authority on the decision to tow.) On blood toxicity and physiological effects the only studies which I was able to locate was work undertaken by Dr Joe Geraci (Thank you to James Mead at the Smithsonian for the contacts) His work has shown that, due to the crushing weight of the animal together with defective thermoregulation and the onset of shock, circulation is blocked to all organs except the heart, lungs and brain. This causes muscle and abdominal organs such as the liver to become necrotic. After some period of time this process becomes irreversible. For an animal the size of Sperm whales this is less than 6-8 hours dependant on age and mass of the animal, ambient temperature and time out of water. Regarding Pathology work at this stranding there was very little done. This was due to the size of the event, the small science team size and the weather. The was only able to get samples for DNA testing, stomach samples, and teeth for ageing the animals. This work is being undertaken by the University of Tasmania and the Australian Antarctic Division. A full autopsy was conducted on one animal at the third stranding but unfortunatley the vet how undertook the work had never worked with cetaceans previously and all the samples that were taken spoiled before they could reach a proper facility. If possible I shall post any information that comes my way when the tests have been completed. Overall, the data and comments I have recieved show that with the equipment and resources available, at least in Tasmania, it is not possible to rescue cetaceans the size of sperm whales. With the available time frame I doubt that it would be possible to mobilise any equipment capable of moving such animals without significant injury to the animals. This is also the attitude in New Zealand which is the only place which recives more strandings than Tasmania. The New Zealand Department of Conservation are developing an effective method of euthanasia. This involves a large caliber firearm, a modified anti-tank weapon, and a specific shooting procedure. I have experimented in the past with 7.62mm firearms (.308 in the old way) but this is very unsatsifactory. The NZ method appears to be the best so far. I apologise for the rough and ready summary but I go on leave soon and wanted to post this before I go. If anyone has any further questions or insights please contact me. Regards Richard Hall Ranger Lake St Clair National Park Tasmania Parks And Wildlife Service Derwent Bridge TAS 7140 Ph +61 3 62891172 Fax +61 3 62891227 email: rhall(\)delm.tas.gov.au Internet: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 08:49:23 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Vertebrate biologist position Dear Mammalogists, Please circulate to appropriate faculty and potential candidates. Thanks for your assistance. WILDLIFE/VERTEBRATE BIOLOGIST A wildlife/vertebrate biologist is needed for a Gap Analysis Project aimed at mapping vertebrate distributions and correlating vertebrate distributions with habitat characteristics in the state of Kentucky. Necessary qualifications: M.S. degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, or related field; experience with GIS and remote sensing; experience with maintenance and manipulation of large data sets; background in statistical analysis/modeling. Candidates with expertise in herpetology and/or mammalogy are preferred. Position is for one year, starting July 15, 1998 with another year possible (pending funding and positive performance). Salary is $27,000/year plus fringe benefits. Send letter, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, and the names and contact information of three references by July 10, 1998 to: Dr. Terry Derting, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, P. O. Box 9, Murray, KY 42071-0009. Murray State University is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer. Terry L. Derting Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences P. O. Box 9 Murray State University Murray, KY 42071 Ph: 502-762-6327 Fax: 502-762-2788 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 27 Jun 1998 15:07:33 +0100 From: Lars Bejder Subject: Abstract of tourist impact study Abstract of tourist impact study: Bejder, L. 1997 Behaviour, ecology and impacts of tourism on Hector's dolphins (Chephalorhynchus hectori) in Porpoise Bay, New Zealand. MSc. thesis. University of Otago, New Zealand. 101 pp. Few studies have integrated research on the ecology and population biology of dolphins with studies of the potential impacts on them. The aims of this study were to: 1) photographically identify the population of Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) using Porpoise Bay, New Zealand and estimate population size; 2) present a method for testing association patterns of social mammals; 3) assess the social organisation of Hector's dolphins in Porpoise Bay; 4) document spatial and temporal habitat utilisation of dolphins in Porpoise Bay; 5) assess the impact of "dolphin-tourism" on Hector's dolphins at Porpoise Bay and 6) advise on guidelines under which such tourism should operate. Seventy-nine boat-based photographic surveys were conducted throughout two summers resulting in a population size estimate of 50-65 Hector's dolphins frequenting Porpoise Bay. Resightings of identifiable dolphins indicated a partly resident population that is visited occasionally by members of neighbouring populations and/or by individuals with larger home ranges. There was no evidence of group segregation by sex or age-class. Dolphins showed preference for a small area inside the bay. A new method for testing association patterns of social mammals is presented and used to describe the social structure of Hector's dolphins in Porpoise Bay {Bejder, L., Fletcher, D. and Brager, S. (in press). A method for testing association patterns of social mammasl. Animal Behaviour}. The test indicated that dolphins associated with little preference towards each other over the course of each season and throughout the two seasons. No individual pairs were significantly associated in both seasons (mother/calf pairs were excluded in the analysis). To quantify reactions caused by boats and swimmers, Hector's dolphins were tracked via theodolite on 61 days throughout the study. Swimmers were present within 200m of dolphins during 11.2% of total observation time. Swim-with-dolphin attempts had a "success" rate of 57.1% - meaning that the dolphins stayed within 200m of the swimmer(s) for more than five minutes. The theodolite study indicated that boats were present in the bay a total of 12.4% of total observation time. Dolphins showed significant attraction towards dolphin watching boats between the tenth and fiftieth minute of dolphin-boat encounter whereafter the dolphins lost interest. There was evidence that dolphins approached the boat less frequently than expected as the duration of encounter increased beyond about 70 minutes. Furthermore, dolphins formed tighter pods when the boat was present in the bay or when swimmers were present. Lars Bejder Email: lbejder(\)post9.tele.dk ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Jun 1998 15:51:12 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS: Weekly Summary - 6/26/98 (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} > . > {Seawolf Shock Tests. In mid-June 1998, the U.S. Navy concluded in >a final environmental study that explosive shock tests of the Seawolf >submarine, scheduled for the year 2000, would be less of a threat to marine >mammals if conducted off Jacksonville, FL, rather than off Norfolk, VA.} >[Assoc Press] > . > Japanese Whaling. On June 17, 1998, the Japanese whaling ship >Nisshin Maru returned to the port of Ishinomaki after having killed 100 minke >whales during scientific research whaling in the northwestern Pacific. About >300 tons of whalemeat were scheduled to be unloaded on June 18, to be >stored in Ishinomaki until November 1998 when it would be distributed across >Japan for consumption. [Dow Jones News] > Steller Sea Lion Protection. On June 14, 1998, the North Pacific >Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) imposed catch restrictions on the >Atka mackerel fishery in an effort to provide benefits for endangered >Steller sea lions. Environmental groups had sued NMFS in April 1998, >seeking to halt all trawling for Atka mackerel in Steller sea lion >critical habitat. The new restrictions will gradually shift 60% of the >current Atka mackerel harvest taken inside critical habitat to areas >outside such habitat over a 4-year period. [Assoc Press] . > Beluga Whale Park. On June 12, 1998, Canada is scheduled to >officially inaugurate its first marine park, the joint federal-provincial >Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, offering protection to beluga whales. >[World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] Keiko. On June 8, 1998, Iceland's chief veterinary officer >announced that, based on U.S. veterinary tests, there were no grounds for >opposing the request to move Keiko to Icelandic waters. On June 9, 1998, >a delegation from the Free Willy Keiko Foundation met with Iceland's >Prime Minister David Oddsson, who announced that Iceland had approved the >Foundation's request for permission to locate a floating sea pen, and >transfer Keiko to the pen, in Icelandic waters. Materials for floating >pen construction are scheduled to be shipped to Iceland in mid-June >1998, with Keiko likely to follow in September 1998. On June 16, 1998, >officials of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation announced that Klettsvik, a >bay near Heimay in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, had been chosen as the >location in southeastern Iceland where the sea pen for Keiko would be >constructed. Materials for construction of Keiko's floating sea pen are >to be airlifted from the United States to Iceland on June 18. [Assoc >Press, Reuters, Dow Jones News, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press >release] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. > Subject: Whaling Research TO: Marmam List FR: kfletch(\)olemiss.edu RE: whaling research I am an attorney applying for a Fulbright award to do research on the polarization of the International Whaling Commission nd the impact on an international transboundary resource. Does anyone know of scholars researching such policy issues? I am specifically searching for contacts in Norway, Ireland or Australia, because I need to find a host institution but an idea of who is doing what research internationally would also be very valuable. Please reply to kfletch(\)olemiss.edu . Thanks! Kristen M. Fletcher ********************************************************************* Kristen M. Fletcher, Research Counsel Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program University of Mississippi Law School Law Center, Room 518 University, MS 38677 e-mail: kfletch(\)olemiss.edu phone: (601) 232-7775 fax: (601) 232-5267 ********************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 07:12:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: ARTICLE ON LFA PLAYBACKS (fwd) From: "Manuel E. dos Santos" Dear Colleagues, I also wish to comment on Dr. Peter Tyack'=92s recent text concerning the Low Frequency Sonar playback experiment with the humpback whales in Hawaii. About the experiment in itself: =20 I agree with the need to obtain controlled information about the possible impacts of the increasing noise sources on the oceans=92 fauna. It is the only way to seriously try to obtain some sort of limitation. Noise studies are of course fundamental, but unfortunately it will be very difficult to use any of the indirect and uncontrolled pieces of evidence to convince noise-generators and regulatory authorities (who all notoriously disregard the =93precautionary approach=94) to act on this hard subject. I was impressed (but not surprised) by the careful design of the experiment. Considering the source levels emitted and the experimental protocols described, I do not hesitate to call it a benign experiment.=20 Certainly, it was intrusive, because playback experiments always are, and the logic of seeking the most sensitive situation (singing whales during the breeding season) guarantees the best chance of a positive result. The levels received by the whales are nothing they'=92ll be surprised at, well within the scale of their own social sounds, or of the ubiquitous shipping traffic. Some precautions were even extreme, like delaying the playbacks when dolphins were bowriding the ship. In my study area (the Sado estuary in Portugal), I never cease to be amazed at bottlenose dolphins as they *approach* tankers generating more than 200 dB re 1 microPascal at 1 m in the low frequencies, to bowride and frolic nearby, while we have to get rid of the headphones and turn off all the equipment.= =20 While the article had a good lengthy introduction, a detailed methods sections, and a conclusion, it lacked the results! I was looking forward to at least a preview of what was observed. It was very interesting to read the quotes provided by Hal Whitehead and Linda Weilgart concerning Phases I and II. We now need the data obtained by the authors, who have my full trust and respect. The crux of the problem: =20 In my opinion, the crucial questions are the interpretation of the animal=92s reactions, the conclusions and recommendations to be advanced by the authors and the U.S. Navy=92s ability to honor those conclusions in the international context. Of course, even if the whales didn'=92t react, that wouldn'=92t mea that signals are not detrimental to the welfare of the population, but any reactivity even remotely suggestive of distress has to be accepted as =93biologically very relevant and binding=94. That ithe rationale of doing the experiment on a sensitive situation like the singing, breeding whales. If the Navy could be =93tricked=94 into a design that seems risky to its operational intentions, I naively expect it to accept the results, unless they only want to be aware of the damage they will inflict. The stimuli emitted to the animals in this experiment are not a problem. What I would like to know is the projected schedule and pattern of emissions of these active sonars if they become routine Anti-Submarine Warfare gear.=20 The future underwater acoustic landscape: =20 The problem for the navies is that many modern submarines have hull coatings that make them difficult to detect by traditional, high-frequency sonars. So low-frequency active sonars were developed, even though they require a lot more power and size, even though they have lower bearing discrimination and lower data rates and even though (for those who care) they emit in the hearing ranges of a lot of marine animals. The SURTASS (SURveillance Towed Array Sensor System) LFA, or the ATAS (Active Towed Array System) may be interesting ASW solutions, not only to the US Navy - Taiwan, Oman and Pakistan are reported examples of other countries that may use such systems. If the results of these limited experiments are considered "biologically not relevant", or if other nations get ahead, we have to ask ourselves questions like:=20 What will be the pattern of utilization of LFA sonars? Are coastal and oceanic waters and bottoms going to be regularly swept by them? Are naval vessels going to patrol and scan the oceans with these loud, audible sources? Even if the experimental signals seem to be benign in an instantaneous scale, will animals and underwater bioacousticians have to get used to a new acoustical landscape? Will whales and all other animals be able to cope?=20 Even if this is not a survival problem, like general shipping or even the sonar GLORIA apparently weren'=92t, is this not at least a welfare problem for the whales of the world?=20 ____________________________ Manuel E. dos Santos, Ph.D. Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada Unidade de Etologia Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34 1100 Lisboa Portugal pci043(\)alfa.ist.utl.pt Subject: Aerial observers David Potter asks me to note to the List that the NE Fisheries Science Center aerial survey observer position previously advertized on Marmam has been filled, so please don't direct any further enquiries to him. Many thanks to those who responded. Phil Clapham phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 08:22:06 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: misc cetacean abstracts The following are recent cetacean articles and their abstracts. Please do not hit the reply key for reprints, the Marmam editors will not be able to assist you with getting those. This is merely for your information. *********************************** Experimental approaches towards interpreting dolphin-stimulated bioluminescence Rohr, J; Latz, MI; Fallon, S; Nauen, JC; Hendricks, E JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, May 1998 v201 i9 p1447-1460 Flow-induced bioluminescence provides a unique opportunity for visualizing the flow held around a swimming dolphin. Unfortunately, previous descriptions of dolphin-stimulated bioluminescence have been largely anecdotal and often conflicting. Most references in the scientific literature report an absence of bioluminescence on the dolphin body, which has been invariably assumed to be indicative of laminar how, However, hydrodynamicists have yet to find compelling evidence that the how remains laminar over most of the body. The present study integrates laboratory, computational and field approaches to begin to assess the utility of using bioluminescence as a method for flow visualization by relating fundamental characteristics of the how to the stimulation of naturally occurring luminescent plankton. Laboratory experiments using fully developed pipe how revealed that the bioluminescent organisms identified in the held studies can be stimulated in both laminar and turbulent flow when shear stress values exceed approximately 0.1 N m(-2). Computational studies of an idealized hydrodynamic representation of a dolphin (modeled as a 6:1 ellipsoid), gliding at a speed of 2 m s(-1), predicted suprathreshold surface shear stress values everywhere on the model, regardless of whether the boundary layer flow was laminar or turbulent. Laboratory flow visualization of a sphere demonstrated that the intensity of bioluminescence decreased with increasing flow speed due to the thinning of the boundary layer, while flow separation caused a dramatic increase in intensity due to the significantly greater volume of stimulating flow in the wake. Intensified video recordings of dolphins gliding at speeds of approximately 2 m s(-1) confirmed that brilliant displays of bioluminescence occurred on the body of the dolphin. The distribution and intensity of bioluminescence suggest that the flow remained attached over most of the body. A conspicuous lack of bioluminescence was often observed on the dolphin rostrum and melon and on the leading edge of the dorsal and pectoral fins, where the boundary layer is thought to be thinnest. To differentiate between effects related to the thickness of the stimulatory boundary layer and those due to the latency of the bioluminescence response and the upstream depletion of bioluminescence, laboratory and dolphin studies of forced separation and laminar-to-turbulent transition were conducted, The observed pattern of stimulated bioluminescence is consistent with the hypothesis that bioluminescent intensity is directly related to the thickness of the boundary layer. *********************** Geographic isolation of Hector's dolphin populations described by mitochondrial DNA sequences Pichler, FB; Dawson, SM; Slooten, E; Baker, CS CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, June 1998 v12 i3 p676-682 To describe the genetic structure of Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) populations, we used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify and sequence a 360 base-pair fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region from 34 beachcast or gillnet-caught specimens. Variation in these sequences identified 11 distinct haplotypes differing from one another by 0.28-1.67% and by an average of 4.47% from the closely related Commerson's dolphin. The genealogical relationship of these haplotypes showed a strong concordance with the geographic origins of the samples. An analysis of variance modified for molecular data showed that 74% of the sequence variation could be explained by the three primary sampling regions: the North Island, the west coast of the South Island, and the east coast of the South Island. Such a marked segregation of maternal lineages across a small geographic range is unusual among cetaceans. The low rate of female dispersal, as indicated by this mitochondrial DNA structure, could increase the vulnerability of local populations to extinction due to fisheries-related mortality. *********************** Long-term effectiveness of dolphin-assisted therapy for children with severe disabilities Nathanson, DE ANTHROZOOS, Summer 1998 v11 i1 p22-32 (11) Long-term effectiveness of dolphin assisted therapy, as practiced by Dolphin Human Therapy, was analyzed via a 15 item closed form, ratio scale parent questionnaire (n=71). Children with severe disabilities of many etiologies, from eight countries, received either one or two weeks of therapy in the multidisciplinary, behavior modification program. Results on three clinical issues were analyzed. First, children maintained or improved skills acquired in therapy about 50% of the time even after 12 months away from therapy. Second, no difference in long-term effects occurred as a function of differences in three categories (genetic, brain damage, unknown causes) of etiology (ANOVA, F-(2,F-39)=2.79, p>0.05). Third, two weeks of therapy produced significantly better long-term results than did one week of therapy (t=3.105, df=28, p<0.01). ********************* Canada and Whaling: An analysis of Article 65 of the Law of the Sea convention McDorman, TL OCEAN DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL LAW, April-June 1998 v29 i2 p179-194 (16) Article 65 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea obligates states to cooperate with respect to conservation of marine mammals and, in particular, states are to work through the appropriate international organizations. The international Whaling Commission (IWC) is the principal international marine mammal organization. Following the permitted faking of two whales in the Canadian Arctic, the United States opined that, even though Canada was not a member of the IWC, Canada was obligated to adhere;to the IWC whale moratorium because of Article 65. This article examines the relationship of Article 65 and the IWC and, more generally, the scope of the duty to cooperate in Article 65. ******************** Estimating bowhead whale population size and rate of increase from the 1993 census Raftery, AE; Zeh, JE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN STATISTICAL ASSOCIATION, June 1998 v93 i442 p451-463 (13) Estimating the population size and rate of increase of bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, is important because bowheads were the first species of great whale for which commerical whaling stopped and so their status indicates the recovery prospects of other great whales, and also because this information is used by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to set the aboriginal subsistence whaling quota for Alaskan Eskimos. We describe the 1993 visual and acoustic census off Point Barrow, Alaska, which provides the best data available for estimating these quantities. We outline the definitive version of two statistical methods for estimating the population: the generalized removal method and the Bayes empirical Bayes method. The two methods give results that are close. The estimate of bowhead population size most recently accepted by the IWC Scientific Committee, 8,200 with 95% estimation interval from 7,200 to 9,400, is based on the Bayes empirical Bayes posterior distribution presented here. The Scientific Committee also accepted our estimate of the annual rate of increase of the population from 1978 to 1993. This estimate, based on the generalized removal method population estimates, is 3.2% with a 95% confidence interval (1.4%, 5.1%). This shows that bowheads are increasing at a healthy rate, indicating that stocks of great whales that have been decimated by commercial hunting can recover after it ends, even in the presence of limited aboriginal subsistence whaling. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 23:38:59 +0200 Reply-To: ursula.verfuss(\)get2net.dk From: URSULA VERFUSS Subject: looking for substance to colour fish.. Dear Marmamers and ECS-all readers, I am investigating the echolocation and hunting behaviour of two harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) held in a big outdoor pool of the Fjord and Baeltcenter in Kerteminde, Denmark. The porpoises are trained to catch live fish (cod and trout). I am doing synchronized video (under- & above water) and high frequency sound recordings from the approach and the catch. The pool in which the porpoises are kept has a natural water in & outflow from the sea, so the visibility in the water is not always the best. This causes problems with what I can see on my video recordings. For my research sessions the trainers put two white cream spots on the back of the porpoises in front of the dorsal fin and behind the blow whole. This helps to increase the visibility of the porpoises on the video recordings. My problem is that I cannot see the fish on most of the recordings. The idea is to put white or light cream also on the fish to increase the chance to see it on the video recordings. Therefore I would need a cream which is digestible and harmless to the porpoises (no or less calories would be fine, too), and it has to stick on the fish for some minutes. I tried to put some liquid food colour (E102/E122 soluted in water) on the fish, but it doesn't light up the fish, as the liquid is transparent. Does anybody has any suggestions about what substance I could use to light up the fish without harming the porpoises (they will eat a lot of the fish)? I would appreciate any and all ideas! Thanks a lot in advance, Ursula Verfuss ******************************************************************** Ursula Verfuss Univ. of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, GERMANY Odense University, Odense, DENMARK Fjord og Baeltcentret, Kerteminde, DENMARK fax: (porpoise project) +45 6532 4264 email: ursula.verfuss(\)get2net.dk ursula.verfuss(\)uni-tuebingen.de http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/tierphys/personen/verfuss.htm ******************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 07:14:31 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: marmam faq - July 98 ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list ++ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM ++ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? 5. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 6. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 8. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 12. Useful websites 13. Other email discussion lists 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of June 1998 there were over 3,400 subscribers from 60 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information on these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. 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In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ______________________________________________________________ ++ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - THOSE UNRELATED TO MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION - ANIMAL RIGHTS CALLS FOR ACTION - "COMMUNICATION" BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - "CASUAL" REQUESTS for information that is easily available elsewhere. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). - INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION: information requests without details as to why this is being requested. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. - COMMON EVENTS: news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - REQUESTS FOR SMALL NUMBERS OF SPECIFIC ITEMS (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - OPINION STATEMENTS OFFERING LITTLE OR NO NOVEL INFORMATION. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. - CRITICISMS OF RESEARCHER'S STATEMENTS QUOTED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. - RHETORIC: messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES - JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 5. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). As of Nov. 1997 all MARMAM messages have also been archived on the world-wide web. These can be found at: http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive can be searched by keyword or by date. The archive manager is Quyen Lam To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. __________________________________________________________________ 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 12. Useful websites Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ______________________________________________________ 13. Other email discussion lists Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Sara Ellis, Shannon Gowans or Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated June, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Jul 1998 15:20:51 +0800 From: Lauren Douaze Subject: Cetacean Captive Environment Dear all, The Dolphin Study Group has compiled a worldwide list of cetacean facilities for our research project entitled Cetacean Captive Environment, as well as a literature database on this subject, a list of web sites on aquariums and zoos, regulations on cetacean housing, and management and training. This information is available at: Worldwide Cetacean Facilities Database: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laudata.html Bibliography on Cetacean Captive Environment: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laubio.html Lists of Web Links on Aquariums and Zoos: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laudata.html#zoo Regulations on Cetacean Housing, Management and Training: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laudata.html#law Information on the Cetacean Captive Environment Project can be found at: http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laures.html We would appreciate any suggestions on relevant scientific articles we omitted in the bibliography and newly created cetacean facilites web sites in the database. Thank you in advance. Best regards, Lauren Douaze __________________________________________________________________________ Lauren DOUAZE e-mail: lauren(\)dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg Dolphin Study Group Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) National University of Singapore 14 Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119223 Tel: (65) 774 96 53 Fax: (65) 774 96 54 http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/ http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laures.html __________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 20:09:40 -0300 From: Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos ib - bie 7600 Subject: Another lone and sociable dolphin in Brazil Another lone and sociable dolphin in Brazil Anedoctal stories about a lone and sociable dolphin have been told since November 1997 at Sao Vicente county (aprox.24S). Local people use to say that this dolphin mother was killed by a fisherman in November 1997. After that, this dolphin has been following some boats around the area. Since January 1998, a local citizen started to swim with the dolphin in local estuarine waters. In May, I met that citizen and the dolphin. It is a 160cm juvenile marine tucuxi dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis, that easily approaches to anyone who gets into the water. As those interactions between wild dolphins and bathers sometimes lead to drastic consequences [e.g. Santos, M.C. de O. 1997. Lone sociable bottlenose dolphin in Brazil: human fatality and management. Marine Mammal Science 13(2):355-356], I asked the Federal Environmental Agency (IBAMA) to organize a working group to deal with this new case. We are following the protocol that was prepared after the symposium on "humans-dolphins relations in the wild: research and management", convened by Denize Herzing, Toni Frohoff and myself, held at Orlando, Florida, during the 11th Biennial Conference in 1995. We are working with local public and media education and with behavioural methodologies to know better this dolphin. Professionals from IBAMA; students from the "Centro sobre Estudos de Encalhes de Mamiferos Marinhos" (CEEMAM); biologists from the "Aquario Municipal de Santos" and that citizen that used to swim with the dolphin are working together to EDUCATE IN ORDER TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. We have the support of the PETROFORT gas station company. Until today, no accidents were reported. The dolphin presence in local waters was not divulged by media in a large scale. We are now in winter, but local beaches and estuarine waters are full of tourists and students in vacation month (July). Beaches can' t be interdicted and bathers and tourists can't be prohibited to swim. It is not an easy task! Those who have already been involved with such cases know what I'm telling. We are keeping efforts and trying to do our best in this other lone sociable dolphin case in Brazil. Best regards, Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos PROJETO ATLANTIS Departamento de Ecologia Geral Instituto de Biociencias - Universidade de Sao Paulo e-mail:marcosos(\)usp.br ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 02:16:34 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Science 14(3) - July 1998 (fwd) From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) The following are some of the titles and abstracts (for articles) appearing in the latest issue (July) of _Marine Mammal Science_ (journal of the Society for Marine Mammalogy). The address (email also, if it was printed) of the corresponding author is listed with each article. **************************************************** Scott, M.D.* and K.L. Cattanach. 1998. Diel patterns in aggregations of pelagic dolphins and tunas in the eastern Pacific. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 401-428. *Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, c/o Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California 92037 USA (email: mscott(\)iattc.ucsd.edu) Data collected by scientific technicians aboard tuna purse seiners in the eastern Pacific Ocean since the early 1970s have allowed us to study the biology and herd dynamics of pelagic dolphins. A pattern of increasing group size in the morning and subsequent decline in the late afternoon or night was evident for spotted, spinner, and common dolphins, as well as for large yellowfin tuna that associate with dolphins. Diel patterns were also apparent in the formation of mixed-species herds of spotted and spinner dolphins and tuna-dolphin aggregations. Different patterns, however, were displayed by bottlnose dolphins and by yellowfin and skipjack tunas that did not associate with dolphins. It appears that these diel patterns are produced by an interaction of predation pressure and prey distribution. ************************************************************** Ballance, L.T. and R.L. Pitman. 1998. Cetaceans of the western tropical Indian Ocean: distribution, relative abundance, and comparisons with cetaceans communities of two other tropical ecosystems. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 429-459. Ecology Program, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, California 92037, USA (email: lisa(\)caliban.ucsd.edu) We conducted a cetacean survey in the pelagic western tropical Indian Ocean (WTIO) aboard an 85-m research vessel from March to July 1995, covering 9,784 linear km. Using 25X binoculars and line-transect methods, we recorded 589 sightings of 21 species. _Stenella longirostris_ was the most abundant cetacean, in terms of number of individuals sighted, by an order of magnitude above any other species, while _Physeter macrocephalus_ was the most frequently sighted, in terms of numbers of schools. Twelve species were wide-spread, seven were rare, and two were localized; our sightings include new distributional records for 12 species. Significant observations included the following: (1) _Delphinus_ cf. _tropicalis_ was abundant off the coast of Oman (16 sightings) and readily distinguishable in the field from _D. delphis_ and _D. capensis_, (2) _Balaenoptera musculus_ was fairly common and localized in the area of the Maldives (17 sightings), and (3) three sightings were made of an unidentified bottlenose whale tentatively referred to as _Indopacetus_ (i.e., _Mesoplodon_) _pacificus_. We recorded 26 mixed-species cetacean schools, 43 schools with which seabirds associated, and 17 schools associated with tuna. Notable among these were mixed aggregations of _Stenella attenuata_, _S. longirostris_, yellowfin tuna, and seabirds. The cetacean community of the WTIO was similiar to that of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and the Gulf of Mexico (GM) in several respects. First, differences in abundance rank of individual species were small, with the result that common species were common and rare species were rare, regardless of ocean. Second, these differences in abundance were due primarily to differences in encounter rate, which varied with ocean by as much as 3,000%, and less so to school size, which generally varied less than 100%. Third, regardless of ocean, three species comprised the majority of cetaceans in the community, _Stenella attenuata_, _S. longirostris_, and _S. coeruleoalba_, representing 62%-82% of all individuals for all species. However, the rank order of abundance for these three species differed with ocean. Most notably, _S. attenuata_ was abundant in the EP and GM (abundance rank = 2 and 1, respectively) but much less common in the WTIO (abundance rank = 6). Although habitat preferences for _S. attenuata_ appear to overlap considerably with those of _S. longirostris_ between these two species. Detailed analysis of oceanographic correlates of distribution will be necessary in order to understand fully the habitat requirements of these pelagic dolphins, often the most conspicuous elements of tropical cetacean communities around the world. *********************************************************** Forney, K.A. and J.A. Barlow. 1998. Seasonal patterns in the abundance and distribution of California cetaceans, 1991-1992. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 460-489. Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California 92038, USA (email: kforney(\)caliban.ucsd.edu) This study presents a detailed seasonal comparison of the abundance and distribution of cetaceans within 100-150 nmi (185-278 km) of the California coast during 1991 and 1992. The results of a shipboard line-transect survey conducted in July-November 1991 ("summer") were compared to those from aerial line-transect surveys conducted in March-April 1991 and February-April 1992 ("winter"). Using a confidence-interval-based bootstrap procedure, abundance estimates for six of the eleven species included in the comparison exhibited significant (alpha=0.05) differences between the winter and summer surveys. Pacific white-sided dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus obliquidens_), Risso's dolphins (_Grampus griseus_), common dolphins (_Delphinus_ spp.), and northern right whale dolphins (_Lissodelphis borealis_) were significantly more abundant in winter. The abundance of blue whales (_Balaenoptera musculus_) and gray whales (_Eschrichtius robustus_) reflected well-documented migratory patterns. Fin whales (_B. physalus_) were significantly more abundant during summer. No significant differences in seasonal abundance were identified for Dall's porpoises (_Phocoenoides dalli_), bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) killer whales (_Orcinus orca_), sperm whales (_Physeter macrocephalus_), or humpback whales (_Megaptera novaeangliae_). Significant north/south shifts in distribution were found for Dall's porpoises, common dolphins, and Pacific white-sided dolphins, and significant inshore/offshore differences were identified for nothern right whale dolphins and humpback whales. *************************************************** Davis, R.W.*, G.S. Fargion, N. May, T.D. Leming, M. Baumgartner, W.E. Evans, L.J. Hansen, and K. Mullin. 1998. Physical habitat of cetaceans along the continental slope in the north-central and western Gulf of Mexico. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 490-507. *Texas Institute of Oceanography, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, USA (email: davisr(\)tamug.tamu.edu) The physical habitat of cetaceans found along the continental slope in the north-central and western Gulf of Mexico was characterized from shipboard sighting data, simultaneous hydrographic measurements, and satellite remote sensing. The study area was encompassed by the longitude of the Florida-Alabama border (85.5 degrees W), the southernmost latitude of the Texas-Mexico border (26.0 degrees N), and the 100-m and 2,000-m isobaths. Shipboard surveys were conducted seasonally for two years from April 1992 to May 1994. A total of 21,350 km of transect was visually sampled in an area of 154,621 km ^2. Sighting localities of species in the study area were differentiated most clearly with bottom depth. Atlantic spotted dolphins (_Stenella frontalis_) were consistently found in the shallowest water on the continental shelf and along the shelf break. In addition, the bottom depth gradient (sea floor slope) was less for Atlantic spotted dolphins than for any other species. Bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) were found most commonly along the upper slope in water significantly deeper than that for Atlantic spotted dolphins. All the other species and species categories were found over deeper bottom depths; those were Risso's dolphins (_Grampus griseus_), short-finned pilot whales (_Globicephala macrorhynchus_), pygmy/dwarf sperm whales (_Kogia_ spp.), rough-toothed dolphins (_Steno bredanensis_), spinner dolphins (_STenella longirostris_), sperm whales (_Physeter macrocephalus_), striped dolphins (_Stenella coeruleoalba_), _Mesoplodon_ spp., pantropical spotted dolphins (_Stenella attenuata_), Clymene dolphins (_Stenella clymene_) and unidentified beaked whales (Ziphiidae). Risso's dolphins and short-finned pilot whales occurred along the upper slope and, as a subgroup, were significantly different from striped dolphins, _Mesoplodon_ spp., pantropical spotted dolphins, Clymene dolphins, and unidentified beaked whales, which occurred in the deepest water. Pygmy/dwarf sperm whales, rough-toothed dolphins, spinner dolphins, and sperm whales occurred at intermediate depths between these two subgroups and overlapped them. ********************************************* Kingsley, M.C.S. 1998. Population index estimates for the St. Lawrence belugas, 1973-1995. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 508-530. Laurentian Region, Can. Dep. Fish. Oceans, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, P.O Box 1000, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, Quebec Canada G5H 3Z4 (email: kingsleym(\)dfo-mpo.gc.ca) The belugas (_Delphinapterus leucas_) inhabiting the St. Lawrence estuary were freely hunted until 1979 and thereby much reduced in numbers. In the late 1970s concerns for their future, and for the effect of contaminants, habitat modification, and marine traffic, became acute, and they were declared "Endangered" in 1983. The numerical progress of the population has been monitored since 1973 by continued sample surveys. Nine of the 10 surveys were aerial, and of those 9, 7 used high-altitude aerial photography. Published indices of population size showed an average increase of about 17 beluagas per year (SE=4) and a 1995 smoothed value of about 650 (SE=40) belugas. This apparent temporal trend might be open to question owing to slight variation in survey methods and in the area covered by different surveys, so factors were developed to correct for differences in survey coverage and in treatment of data and for the effect of hunting on population trajectory and of the present smoothed index value changed little as a result. A series of total-count surveys in 1987-1992 estimated a decline of about 6 belugas per year, and when they were combined with sample surveys flown in 1984-1995, an increase of 10 belugas per year was estimated and a standardized index of about 640 (SE=43). It appeared that hunting in the 1970s could have consumed all of, perhaps even slightly more than, the potential for natural increase of this population. ********************************************* Ness, T.L. , W.G. Bradley*, J.E. Reynolds, III, and W.B. Roess. 1998. Isolation and expression of the interleukin-2 gene from the killer whale, _Orcinus orca_. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 531-543. *Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711, USA (email: bradlewg(\)eckerd.edu) Complementary DNA encoding interleukin-2 (IL-2) was isolated, cloned, and sequenced from the killer whale, _Orcinus orca_. The sequence of the killer whale IL-2 coding region consists of 455 nucleotidies which translate into a polypeptide containing 151 amino acids. Killer whale IL-2 displays 88%, 88%, 87%, 87%, 85%, 84%, 80%, and 71% nucleotide sequence homology and 76%, 76%, 73%, 68%, 73%, 64%, and 56% amino acid homology with the cow, sheep, pig, red deer, horse, human, manatee, and mouse, respectively. HIgh levels of killer whale recombinant IL-2 were generated by transiently transfecting killer whale IL-2/pCMB Blue plasmid DNA into cultured monkey kidney cells (Cos-1). Generation of this recombinant IL-2 will allow the development of assays useful for assessing IL-2 levels in the serum and from isolated lymphocytes of killer whales and possibly other species of cetaceans. A major contribution and significance of the _in vitro_ expression of killer whale IL-2 exists in its potential to be used as a therapeutic agent. ********************************************* Gardner, A.L.* and C.B. Robbins. 1998. Generic names of northern and southern fur seals (Mammalia: Otariidae). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 544-551. *Biological Survey, Biological Resources Division, USGS, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. 20560-0111, USA (email: gardnera(\)nmnh.si.edu) We have resolved a nomenclatural problem discovered during research on the northern fur seal that concerns the generic name for this taxon and for fur seals of the Southern Hemisphere. The unfortunate practice by some 19th-century authors to use names in their Latinized form but to date them from their first appearance as French common names led to the use of _Arctocephalus_ for southern fur seals when the name correctly applies to the northern fur seal, known today as _Callorhinus ursinus_. However, _Arctocephalus_ and _Callorhinus_ are antedated by _Otoes_ G. Fischer, 1817, which is the earliest available generic name for the fur seal of the northern Pacific. The earliest available generic name for southern fur seals is _Halarctus_ Gill, 1866. To avoid the confusion that would result from replacing the currently used generic names with those required by strict adherence to the Principle of Priority, we have petitioned the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to preserve _Arctocephalus_ and _Callorhinus_ for the southern and northern fur seals, respectively. ********************************************* Francis*, J., D. Boness, and H. Ochoa-Acuna. 1998. A protracted foraging and attendance cycle in female Juan Fernandez fur seals. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 552-574. *Present address: National Geographic Television, 1145 17th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, USA Previous studies of fur seals suggest that the attendance patterns and consequent temporal patterning of energy transfer from mother to pup follows a latitudinal cline. While data from subpolar, tropical, and some temperate latitude species support the postulated cline, data for the temperate latitude Juan Fernandez fur seal do not. Maternal foraging trips and associated visits shore were the longest of all otariids studied to date. The first foraging trip postpartum averaged 10.2 d (n=51 females, range 1-22.5), foraging trips combined average 12.3 d (n=100, range 1.0-25.0), and visits ashore averaged 5.3 d (n=91, range 0.3-15.8) over the three seasons of study. Only duration of lactation was intermediate between subpolar and tropical strategies as predicated. Dive records suggest that these females feed almost exclusively at night at depths of less than 10 m and at distances of more than 500 km offshore. The prey species of this fur seal, primarily myctophids and squid, migrate to the surface at night and are patchily distributed. Foraging trip length varied between years in conjunction with shifts in sea-surface temperature and type of prey consumed. We suggest that distribution of prey, irrespective of latitude, dictates foraging patterns of fur seals and leads to the exceptionally long foraging trips and visits ashore observed in this species. ********************************************* Taylor, A.A., H. Davis*, and G.J. Boyle. 1998. Increased vigilance toward unfamiliar humans by harbor (_Phoca vitulina_) and gray (_Halichoerus grypus_) seals. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 575-583. *Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1 (email: hdavis(\)uoguelph.ca) Two pairs of harbor (_Phoca vitulina_) and three pairs of gray (_Halichoerus grypus_) seals were expoed to one of three human handlers for 15 min, twice a day, for a total of six sessions. Following habituation to the familiar handler, animals were then exposed to a novel human for 7 min, and then retested for 7 min with the familiar human. In all cases, animals responded to the unfamiliar human with increased vigilant behaior, i.e., they spent more time oriented towards the unfamiliar handler during the first 2 min of the test session than during the same interval of either the final habituation session of the retest with the familiar human (P=0.03 in all cases). There was also a tendency for seals to contact the familiar handler with their noses more rapidly than the novel human (P=0.06). These results support the hypothesis that phocid seals are capable of discriminating between individual humans in their environment, setting the stage for human-based Pavlovian conditioning. NOTES ************************************************************ Cronin,* T.W., J.I. Fascik, and H.C. Howland. 1998. Video photoretinoscopy of the eyes of the small odontocetes _Tursiops truncatus_, _Phocoena phocoena_, and _Kogia breviceps_. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 584-590. *Dept of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, USA (email: cronin(\)umbc.edu) ************************************************************ Lerczak, J.A.*and R.C. Hobbs. 1998. Calculating sighting distances from angular readings during shipboard, aerial, and shore-based marine mammal surveys. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 590-599. *National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Seattle, Washington 98115-0070, USA ************************************************************ Westgate*, A.J., A.J. Read, T.M. Cox, T.D. Schofield, B.R. Whitaker, and K.E. Anderson. 1998. Monitoring a rehabilitated harbor porpoise using satellite telemetry. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 599-604. *Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, USA (email: westgate(\)acpub.duke.edu) ************************************************************ van Bressem*, M-F, P. Jepson, and T. Barrett. 1998. Further insight on the epidemiology of cetacean morbillivirus in the northeastern Atlantic. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 605-613. *Peruvian Center for Cetacean Research (CEPEC), Jorge Chavez 302, Pucusana, Lima 20, Peru (email: kvwaere(\)mail.cosapidata.com.pe) ************************************************************ Gorzelany, J.F. 1998. Unusual deaths of two free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) related to ingestion of recreational fishing gear. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 614-617. Mote Marine Lab, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34236, USA ************************************************************ Moore, S.E.*, K.M. Stafford, M.E. Dahlheim, C.G. Fox, H.W. Braham, J.J. Polovina, and D.E. Bain. 1998. Seasonal variation in reception of fin whale calls at five geographic areas in the North Pacific. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 617-627. *SAIC, Maritime Services Division, 3990 Old Town Ave., Suite 105A, San Diego, California 92110, USA (email: sue_moore(\)cpqm.saic.com) _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 617-627. ************************************************************ Bekkby*, T. and A. Bjore. 1998. Variation in stomach temperature as indicator of meal size in harbor seals, _Phoca vitulina_. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 627-637. *Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 736 Sentrum, N-0105 Oslo, Norway (Email: trine.bekkby(\)ninaosl.ninaniku.no) ************************************************************ Reid*, K. and G.A. Nevitt. 1998. Observation of southern elephant seal, _Mirounga leonina_, feeding at sea near South Georgia. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 637-640. *British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OET U.K. ************************************************************ Wright*, I.E., S.D. Wright, and J.M. Sweat. 1998. Use of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to identify manatees (_Trichechus manatus latirostris_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 641-645. *Present address: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Marine Research Institute, 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA ************************************************************ LETTERS Tolley, K.A. 1998. Assessing the population structure of the harbor porpoise (_Phocoena phocoena_) by discriminant analysis. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 646-649. *Institute of Marine Research, Marine Mammals Division, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5024 Bergen, Norway (email: krystal(\)imr.no) Gao, A.* and D.E. Gaskin. 1998. Geographical variation of the harbor porpoise, _Phocoena phocoena_, evaluated by discriminant analysis. _Marine Mammal Science_ 14(3): 649-652. *present address: Dept of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 Subject: Dolphin Immunoglobulins Dear MARMAMers, I am a Masters' student in the marine biology graduate program at the University of Charleston, S.C. I am trying to develop a solid thesis question for my research. At this point, my focus is to compare serum samples from two or more populations of Tursiops truncatus or another cetacean. I would be measuring levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM in order to quantify how much was present, and at the same time I would like to determine levels of antigen present or metal contamination or pollution from the environment in the area, something that might correlate with an immunoglobulin response. I already have samples taken off the coast of Sarasota, FL, so I was wondering if anyone had suggestions of an area or areas that would be good to get samples from to compare these with. My email is: kekohlbe(\)edisto.cofc.edu Thanks!!! ~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~ Kathleen E. Kohlberg Marine Biology Graduate Program, University of Charleston 205 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston SC 29412 kekohlbe(\)edisto.cofc.edu ~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 14:48:51 -0400 From: Trevor Spradlin Subject: NOAA ISSUES CIVIL PENALTIES FOR FEEDING WILD DOLPHINS Stephanie Dorezas , Ann Terbush , Art Jeffers , Jeannie Drevenak , Kate Colborn , Sara Shapiro , Nicole LeBoeuf , Laurel Bryant Please post the following press release on MARMAM. All inquiries about the case should be directed to the Southeast Region personnel listed below. For copies of NMFS' educational materials about the dangers of feeding and harassing wild dolphins, please contact Trevor Spradlin at Trevor.Spradlin(\)noaa.gov or (301) 713-2289. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SERO NR98-043 July 2, 1998 National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Region NEWS RELEASE 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 CONTACT: Chris Smith, Public Affairs Officer (727) 570-5301; pager (888) 955-4854 Karen Antrim Raine, Senior Enforcement Attorney, NOAA Office of General Counsel (727) 570-5433 Gene Proulx, Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Enforcement Division (727) 570-5344 NOAA ISSUES CIVIL PENALTIES FOR FEEDING WILD DOLPHINS The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has charged the operator, crew member, rental company, and owner of a Florida vessel with five civil violations of harassing or attempting to harass dolphins by feeding or attempting to feed them, announced Senior Enforcement Attorney Karen Antrim Raine of NOAA's Office of General Counsel, who is prosecuting the case. Feeding and harassing wild dolphins is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Raine assessed a total civil penalty of $5,000 in a Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA) against Thomas E. Rainelli, the operator, Chanti Hance, the crew member, Hathaway's Boat Rentals, Inc., the rental company, and Tropical Parasail, Inc., the owner for the charged violations, which occurred on June 17, 1998 near Panama City, Florida. The Florida Marine Patrol initiated the case. The assessment was made after the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Law Enforcement completed the investigation. "The respondents have 30 days from the date they received the NOVAs to either pay the penalty, seek to have the assessment modified, or request a hearing before an administrative law judge to deny or contest all or any part of the violations charged and the penalties assessed," said Raine. "Efforts of federal and state officers to end the harmful practice of wild dolphin feeding began several years ago and will continue through the 1998 season. We've made contact with hundreds of boaters on the water and we've worked with the local boating public to inform them of the agency's legal and biological concerns with wild dolphin feeding. Additionally, we have participated in public meetings where the law was explained. However, this case is an example of a commercial, tourist-oriented business actively engaged in unlawfully feeding wild dolphins. We intend to continue to vigorously address all such violations," said Gene Proulx, Special Agent in Charge of NMFS' Southeast Enforcement Division. "Boaters should remember that, fed like a pet, dolphins forget to be wild. With the holiday weekend upon us, we urge the public to refrain from feeding wild dolphins," added Proulx. Anyone with information about illegal dolphin feeding and/or other violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act are encouraged to contact NMFS Special Agent in Charge Gene Proulx in St. Petersburg Florida (727) 570-5344 or call the NMFS enforcement hotline at 1-800-853-1964. The Fisheries Service is an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Fisheries Service conducts scientific research and provides services and products to support fisheries management, fisheries development, trade and industry assistance, enforcement, and protected species and habitat conservation programs. This and other Southeast Regional news releases are available on the SERO Internet home page at http://caldera.sero.nmfs.gov. ### ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 15:39:50 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: abstracts (fwd) These abstracts are not available by hitting the reply key. Please note the address of the author to whom correspondence should be directed. ***************************************** Molecular genetic identification of southern hemisphere beaked whales (Cetacea: Ziphiidae) Dalebout, ML; VanHelden, A; VanWaerebeek, K; Baker, CS MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, June 1998 v7 i6 p687-694 To assist in the species-level identification of stranded and hunted beaked whales, we compiled a database of 'reference' sequences from the mitochondrial DNA control region for 15 of the 20 described ziphiid species. Reference samples for eight species were obtained from stranded animals in New Zealand and South Australia. Sequences for a further seven species were obtained from a previously published report. This database was used to identify 20 'test' samples obtained from incompletely documented strandings around New Zealand. Analyses showed that four of these 'test' specimens (20%) had initially been misidentified. These included two animals of particular interest: (i) a Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris), the first record of this species in New Zealand waters; and, (ii) a juvenile Andrews' beaked whale (Mesoplodon bowdoini), a species known from just over 20 strandings worldwide. A published sequence from a beaked whale product purchased in the Republic of Korea was identified as a Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). Levels of intra- and interspecific variation were compared to determine the potential for misidentification when the database or taxonomy is incomplete. Intraspecific variation was generally <2%, and interspecific divergence was generally >4.7%. Exceptions were within-species variation in Hyperoodon planifrons, southern bottlenosed whale (4.12%), which exceeded the variation between the two species of Berardius (3.78%), and variation between the two specimens assigned to M. hectori, Hector's beaked whale (7.14%). The latter case appears to be an error in species identification, and could represent the discovery of a new species of beaked whale. Reprints Baker, CS UNIV AUCKLAND SCH BIOL SCI, PRIVATE BAG 92019 AUCKLAND 1000 NEW ZEALAND *************************************** Characterization of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a lymphocyte surface antigen for the cetacean homologue to CD45R DeGuise, S; Erickson, K; Blanchard, M; Dimolfetto, L; Lepper, H; Wang, J; Stott, JL; Ferrick, DA IMMUNOLOGY, June 1998 v94 i2 p207-212 As part of our current efforts to develop assays and reagents to study the immune system of marine mammals, and in view of the effort currently made to develop monoclonal antibodies to cell surface proteins of lymphocyte subsets in different species, the present paper reports on the characterization of a monoclonal antibody against the homologue of CD45R on cetacean lymphocytes. The specificity of this antibody has been characterized on the basis of immunoprecipitation of the antigen it recognized, immunoperoxidase staining on cetacean lymph node and thymus sections, as well as one and two-colour flow cytometric analysis of cetacean peripheral blood mononuclear cells and single-cell suspensions of thymus, lymph node and spleen. Anti-cetacean CD45R (F21.H) immunoprecipitated proteins of 180, 200 and 220 x 10(3) MW, with the 180 x 10(3) MW form being predominantly expressed on T cells and the 220 x 10(3) MW form expressed predominantly on B cells and thymocytes. F21.H labelled all B cells and a proportion of T cells on single-cell suspensions of spleen cells. CD45R(-) killer whale peripheral blood lymphocytes expressed a higher density of CD2 than CD45R(+), a characteristic of memory T cells. Killer whale T lymphocytes also lost the expression of CD45R upon activation with concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). This is the first report of a monoclonal antibody to CD45R in cetaceans, and this antibody is foreseen as a possible valuable diagnostic and research tool to assess immune functions of captive and wild cetaceans as part of the evaluation of their health status. Reprints DeGuise, S UNIV CALIF DAVIS SCH VET MED, DEPT PATHOL MICROBIOL & IMMUNOL DAVIS, CA 95616 USA *********************************************** Retinal topography and resolution of the tucuxi dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis. Mass, AM. DOKLADY AKADEMII NAUK. April 1998 v359 i5 p710-712 Reprints Mass, AM AN SEVERTSOV ECOL & EVOLUT PROBLEM INST MOSCOW RUSSIA [this article is in Russian] Subject: polar bears and PCBs; pseudohermaphrodites (fwd) The following comes from _Science_, Volume 280, Number 5372, Issue of 26 June 1998 **************************************************** Polar Bears and PCBs Scientists in Norway have discovered seven female polar bears bearing both female and male genitals near the island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen) in the Barents Sea.The researchers say their prime suspect is polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that concentrate in the bears' fat. Over the last 3 years, zoologists Andrew Derocher of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromso and Oystein Wiig of the University of Oslo have captured some 450 polar bears and tagged them to study population dynamics and monitor toxicants in their bodies. The pseudohermaphrodites, they found, are genetic females--some have had cubs--but they also have small penises in front of their vaginas. There may be "a perfectly natural explanation" for this, says Derocher, whose paper will appear in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases. In many species, for example, adrenal or ovarian tumors in females can trigger the formation of anomalous sex organs in fetuses. But such cases are rare. And PCBs are known to end up in the bears' fishy diet after traveling long distances and condensing in the cold air. This is the latest in a string of reports implicating pollutants that mimic sex hormones in gender-bending effects on wildlife. Most of these reports have sparked considerable controversy. Although lab studies have shown that PCBs can interfere with sexual development in rats, they haven't led to the formation of coexisting male and female sex organs, says toxicologist Bram Brouwer of the Agricultural University in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Yet, he says, "it's not unreasonable tosuppose something like that could happen" in other species, including bears. Brouwer adds that he wouldn't rule out some other member of the family of so-called persistent organic pollutants as the culprit. Derocher has called in an endocrinologist for further investigations. One theory is that PCBs interfere with hormone-regulating enzymes called P450 cytochromes. Says Derocher: "We're hoping other researchers around the Arctic will start to examine their females as well." Subject: Question on statistical analysis I have been working on the analysis of the data I took for my thesis work (from which I sent the abstract last week) to write a paper on it. Data were taken on habitat use in the Bahma de Cispata in the colombian caribbean coast. I took data on the tides, salinity, water temperature and water visibility, and tried to relate them to the presence of dolphins. I have data both of number of groups and on number of dolphins and found that there is a big difference in using any of them (in my thesis I used number of groups). Number of Sotalia groups: 80 Number of Sotalia individuals: 800 Number of Tursiops groups: 15 Number of Tursiops individuals: 45 The confusion is not only because a higher number can make differences bigger, but because results and tendencies sometimes differ completely. I would like to hear opinions on which data is best to use for analysis of dependence of presence with any of the environmental measures. Thanks, Carolina Garcma garciacaro(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 12:51:37 +0800 Reply-To: Steven Wilson From: Steven Wilson Subject: suction-cup tagging G'day list, I'm a PhD student working with whale sharks off the coast of Western Australia. To calibrate aerial survey data, I am interested in attaching timed depth recorders to the sharks to determine the proportion on the surface and visible during the survey. The least intrusive attachment method possible is preferable. Suction-cup attachment sounds interesting - and has been successfully used with many species of cetaceans. However, the sharks skin is not so smooth - being covered with small placoid scales. Does anyone know if suction-cup tags have been trialled with fish of any sort. I'd welcome opinions on the feasibility of suction-cup tagging with whale sharks. Cheers all, Steve ******************************** Steven G. Wilson Department of Zoology University of Western Australia Nedlands, WA 6907 Tel: (08) 9380 3970 Fax: (08) 9380 1029 Email: sgwilson(\)cyllene.uwa.edu.au ********************************* ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Jul 1998 14:57:45 -0400 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy - web page update The following new items are now available on the SMM web page http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu 1. SMM Newsletter Volume 6, number 2 - election results, post-WMMSC questionnaire and order form for WMMSC abstracts book. 2. Presidential Letter number 4 - Vaquita Conservation 3. A link to Allen Press for Marine Mammal Science Abstracts (vol. 14) Dan Odell odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu Society for Marine Mammalogy ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 08:56:40 -0700 From: Rod Palm Subject: Request info on Gray whale stomach characteristics Dear MARMAN subscribers, I am looking for information on Gray Whale stomach characteristics namely temperature, pH, and any other sorted details. One component of our research is monitoring an inland feeding ground used only sporadically by small Gray Whale's. This ongoing study by our research society in Clayoquot Sound's Grice Bay has found that Calianassa californiensus, thought to be their main food source, is matched in numbers by the tiny mollusc Crypto mya. To what extent can these great whales digest these thin shelled creatures? We'd like to find out through some experimentation. Living in small town Tofino and glued here for our busy Killer Whale season we do not have access to scientific literature of this nature. If anyone has info that could help us out it would be greatly appreciated. Please send pertinent info to us personally and we will compile it and post it for all to see later. Thankyou in advance, Theresa Rothenbush Strawberry Isle Research Society Strawberry Island, Box 213, Tofino, B.C., V0R-2Z0 Phone (250)725-3958 e-mail sisle(\)island.net http://www.island.net/~sisle/rshindex.htm ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 10:04:30 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS: Weekly Summary - 7/2/98 (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} > . > {Sea Lion Seizures. On June 29, 1998, NOAA scientists announced >that the late May 1998 seizures and deaths of at least 62 CA sea lions in >Monterey Bay, CA, was caused by domoic acid toxin from a harmful algal >bloom that was concentrated in anchovies and sardines upon which the sea >lions fed.} [NOAA press release, Reuters] > . > Seawolf Shock Tests. In mid-June 1998, the U.S. Navy concluded in a >final environmental study that explosive shock tests of the Seawolf >submarine, scheduled for the year 2000, would be less of a threat to >marine mammals if conducted off Jacksonville, FL, rather than off >Norfolk, VA. [Assoc Press] > . > Japanese Whaling. On June 17, 1998, the Japanese whaling ship >Nisshin Maru returned to the port of Ishinomaki after having killed 100 minke >whales during scientific research whaling in the northwestern Pacific. About >300 tons of whalemeat were scheduled to be unloaded on June 18, to be >stored in Ishinomaki until November 1998 when it would be distributed across >Japan for consumption. [Dow Jones News] > . > Steller Sea Lion Protection. On June 14, 1998, the North Pacific >Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) imposed catch restrictions on the Atka >mackerel fishery in an effort to provide benefits for endangered Steller >sea lions. Environmental groups had sued NMFS in April 1998, seeking to >halt all trawling for Atka mackerel in Steller sea lion critical habitat. >The new restrictions will gradually shift 60% of the current Atka >mackerel harvest taken inside critical habitat to areas outside such >habitat over a 4-year period. >[Assoc Press] > > . > Beluga Whale Park. On June 12, 1998, Canada is scheduled to >officially inaugurate its first marine park, the joint federal-provincial >Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, offering protection to beluga whales. >[World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] > . > Keiko. On June 8, 1998, Iceland's chief veterinary officer >announced that, based on U.S. veterinary tests, there were no grounds for >opposing the request to move Keiko to Icelandic waters. On June 9, 1998, >a delegation from the Free Willy Keiko Foundation met with Iceland's >Prime Minister David Oddsson, who announced that Iceland had approved the >Foundation's request for permission to locate a floating sea pen, and >transfer Keiko to the pen, in Icelandic waters. Materials for floating >pen construction are scheduled to be shipped to Iceland in mid-June 1998, >with Keiko likely to follow in September 1998. On June 16, 1998, >officials of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation announced that Klettsvik, a >bay near Heimay in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, had been chosen as the >location in southeastern Iceland where the sea pen for Keiko would be >constructed. Materials for construction of Keiko's floating sea pen are >to be airlifted from the United States to Iceland on June 18. [Assoc >Press, Reuters, Dow Jones News, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press >release] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: SEAMOR ROV & recording equipment for sale FHYEJ237(\)BCITVM.BCIT.BC.CA, ford(\)zoology.ubc.ca, jrupp(\)wolfenet.com, kate_ottnad(\)bc.sympatico.ca, hyattk(\)pbs.dfo.ca, barrett(\)zoology.ubc.ca, mjnei(\)island.net, mgross(\)zoo.utoronto.ca, pwright(\)island.net, pkanders(\)acs.ucalgary.ca, rcannings(\)rbml01.rbcm.gov.bc.ca, vieirahui(\)aol.com, vizcaino(\)cibnor.mx, gisdept(\)alberni.net, scbc(\)islandnet.com, SRoss35265(\)aol.com, hopkins_t(\)dep.state.fl.us, demacedo(\)island.net, jbekker(\)galaxy.gov.bc.ca, bhaulman(\)grcc.ctc.edu, keeper(\)xyz.net, cummingb(\)biology.queensu.ca, wildlife magazine , adriane(\)wildernesscommittee.org FOR SALE: 1993 SEAMOR ROV, underwater video camera & recording equipment $10,000 (Canadian funds) DETAILS: Manufacturer: RSI Technologies, Ltd., Victoria, BC, Canada One owner. Excellent condition. Only 30hrs use. Equipment includes: 1 SEAMOR vehicle, with 165' tether controller box with full wave motor control upgrade hand controller cabling operations manual 1 upgrade video camera (SSC-S20), with high resolution S-video format, color 1 monitor (Sony PVM 1340, 13-in color) 1 video recorder (Sony EVS 2000 Hi-8) 2 waterproof crates to hold all equipment The equipment has been operated for only 30hrs. It was inspected in April 1998 by RSI Technologies, Ltd. A minor repair to the camera was made. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition. For more information, please contact: Josie Cleland, Executive Director Clayoquot Biosphere Project PO Box 67 Tofino, BC, Canada V0R 2Z0 Tel (250) 725-2001 Fax (250) 725-2433 email cbp(\)island.net PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE. ____________________________________ Clayoquot Biosphere Project PO Box 67; Suite F, 261 Neill Street Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 tel 250.725.2001 fax 250.725-2433 cbp(\)island.net www.island.net/~cbp ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 12:07:21 -0400 From: Neil Walker Subject: The 1997 Bay of Biscay Cetacean report ------ Dear fellow Marmamers, I am pleased to announce that the 1997 Bay of Biscay Cetacean report has just been printed and is now on sale. This is the first report of its ki= nd for the Bay of Biscay but it is hoped that an annual report will be produced in future. The report details the distribution and abundance = of 17 species of cetacean sighted in the Bay of Biscay during the summer of 1997. =20 The report is based on 12 surveys and further individual sightings from t= wo ferries which sail from the south coast of England to the north coast of Spain throughout the year. Sightings are divided into 3 regions of the Bay with different topography (continental shelf, shelf edge, and pelagic= ). The report includes a systematic list of all cetacean species, describin= g spatial and temporal distribution and notes on behaviour. Text is enlivened by graphs, illustrations and photographs. =20 We are selling the Report 'at cost' in the hope that it will generate further interest in the cetaceans of the Bay and encourage more people to carry out surveys. Although we now have a sketchy knowledge of the distribution of cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay, it is hoped that with increased surveying and improved methodology during the next few years we can learn more about this very rich area for cetaceans. =20 The '1997 Bay of Biscay Cetacean Report' is available in the U.K. including postage at =A34.50, or at =A35.00 to overseas customers. Pleas= e make cheques payable to 'Dylan Walker' and send to :=20 Dylan Walker 149F Suffolk Square=20 Norwich=20 Norfolk=20 U.K.=20 NR2 2BW =20 If you are interested in conducting a survey in the Bay of Biscay or have previous sightings records I would also like to hear from you. My E-mail address is: Eurowhale(\)hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 02:45:00 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Recent marine mammal publications Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications recently posted to marmam are not included. Please do not contact marmam or marmam editors about reprints. Thank you. Abollo, E., et al. 1998. Long-term recording of gastric ulcers in cetaceans stranded on the Galician (NW Spain) coast. Dis. Aquat. Org. 32(1):71-73. Alaska Fisherman's Journal. 1998. Greenpeace vs. NMFS: enviros target fishing to protect the Steller. Alaska Fisherman's J. 21(6):14. Bianucci, Giovanni. 1997. A new find of Hemisyntrachelus (Cetacea, Delphinidae) from Piacenzian sediments of Rio Stramonte (Northern Apennines, Italy). Revista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia 103(2):259-262. Bloch, Dorete. 1998. The hunting of sea mammals: sustainable use of a resource and research needs. Electronic Conference on Research and Biodiversity, Contribution of the Day - Thursday, 14th May 1998, Guests' contributions, 1p. Bogstad, Bjarte, Kjellrun Hiis Hauge and yvind Ulltang. 1997. MULTSPEC - a multi-species model for fish and marine mammals in the Barents Sea. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:317-341. Boyle, Glenn J. 1997. Studying prey selection by seals: the utility of prey preference experiments. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:115-117. Campagna, Claudio, et al. 1998. Diving behaviour and foraging ecology of female southern elephant seals from Patagonia. Aquat. Mamm 24(1):1-11. Cawthorn, M. W. 1997. Meat consumption from stranded whales and marine mammals in New Zealand: public health and other issues. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. (Conservation advisory science notes: 164) 23p. Childerhouse, Simon and Nick Gales. 1998. Historical and modern distribution and abundance of the New Zealand sea lion Phocarctos hookeri. New Zealand J. Zool. 25:1-16. Contantine, Rochelle and C. Scott Baker 1997. Monitoring the commercial swim-with-dolphin operations in the Bay of Islands. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. (Science for conservation: 56) 59p. Couperus, A. S. 1997. Interactions between Dutch midwater trawl and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) southwest of Ireland. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:209-218. Crespo, Enrique A., et al. 1997. Direct and indirect effects of the highseas fisheries on the marine mammal populations in the northern and central Patagonian coast. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:189-207. Dial, Roman and Jonathan Roughgarden. 1998. Theory of marine communities: the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Ecol. 79(4):1412-1424. Dufault, Susan and Hal Whitehead. 1998. Regional and group-level differences in fluke markings and notches of sperm whales. J. Mammal. 79(2):514-520. Evans, Kip. 1998. Endangered right whale sighted in sanctuary. News from the Monterey Bay Natl. Mar. Sanctuary Spring:3. Fertl, D. and S. Leatherwood. 1997. Cetacean interactions with trawls: a preliminary review. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:219-248. Frost, Kathryn J., et al. 1998. Monitoring, habitat use, and trophic interactions of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Restoration project 97064 annual report. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK. (Annual report to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Restoration study 97064. 1998 annual report) 148p. Goold, John C. and Peter J. Fish. 1998. Broadband spectra of seismic survey air-gun emissions, with reference to dolphin auditory thresholds. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103(4):2177-2184. Griffin, R. B. 1997. Relationships between odontocete distributions and zooplankton community structure along the southern edge of Georges Bank. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:27-36. Hammill, M. O., et al. 1997. Estimated fish consumption by hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:249-257. Hammill, M. O., et al. 1998. Pup production and population trends of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 55(2):423-430. Hassani, Sami, Loc Antoine and Vincent Ridoux. 1997. Diets of albacore, Thunnus alalunga, and dolphins, Delphinus delphis and Stenella coerulaeoalba, caught in the Northeast Atlantic albacore drift-net fishery: a progress report. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:119-123. Haug, Tore, et al. 1997. On the variation in size and composition of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) forestomach contents. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:105-114.. Hauksson, Erlingur and Valur Bogason. 1997. Comparative feeding of grey (Halichoerus grypus) and common seals (Phoca vitulina) in coastal waters of Iceland, with a note on the diet of hooded (Cystophora cristata) and harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:125-135. Hauksson, Erlingur and Valur Bogason. 1997. The occurrence of vagrant seals in Iceland, in 1989-94. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:47-54.. Heath, Martha E. 1998. Gray whales in cold water. Sci. 280(5364):658. Comment on Heyning and Mead, Science 278(5340):1138-1139 (1997). Henderson, Shirley. 1997. Makah and Inuit to resume whaling. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 34(12):989. Heyning, John E. and James G. Mead. 1998. Gray whales in cold water. Sci. 280(5364):658-659. Reply to Heath, Science 280(5364):1138 (1998). Horning, Markus. 1992. Die Ontogenese des Tauchverhaltens beim Galapagos Seebren Arctocephalus galapagoensis (Heller 1904) [Ontogeny of diving behavior in Gal pagos fur seals Arctocephalus galapagoensis (Heller 1904)]. Ph.D. University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany. 101p. In German. Johnston, D. W. and T. H. Woodley. 1998. A survey of acoustic harassment device (AHD) use in the Bay of Fundy, NB, Canada. Aquat. Mamm 24(1):51-61. Kastak, David and Ronald J. Schusterman. 1998. Low-frequency amphibious hearing in pinnipeds: methods, measurements, noise, and ecology. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103(4):2216-2228. Kenney, Robert D., et al. 1997. Estimates of prey consumption and trophic impacts of cetaceans in the USA northeast continental shelf ecosystem. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:155-171. Kolz, A. Lawrence and Richard E. Johnson. 1997. In-water electroshock techniques to repel aquatic mammals and birds, p. 203-215 In: J. Russell Mason, editor, Repellents in wildlife management: proceedings of a symposium. National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO. 443p. Mangel, Marc and P. V. Switzer. 1998. A model at the level of the foraging trip for the indirect effects of krill (Euphausia superba) fisheries on krill predators. Ecol. Modelling 105(2,3):235-256. Marine Conservation News. 1997/98. International Whaling Commission update. Mar. Conserv. News 9(4):7. McCowan, B., D. Reiss and C. Gubbins. 1998. Social familiarity influences whistle acoustic structure in adult female bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquat. Mamm 24(1):27-40. Messenger, Sharon L. and Jimmy A. McGuire. 1998. Morphology, molecules, and the phylogenetics of cetaceans. Syst. Biol. 47(1):90-124. Miller, Edward H., Andrew R. J. Stewart and Garry B. Stenson. 1998. Bacular and testicular growth, allometry, and variation in the harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus). J. Mammal. 79(2):502-513. Moses, Elizabeth and John T. Finn. 1997. Using Geographic Information Systems to predict North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) habitat. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:37-46. Nilssen, K. T., et al. 1997. Seasonal variation in body condition of adult Barents Sea harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:17-25. Notarbartolo Di Sciara, Giuseppe and Jonathan Gordon. 1997. Bioacoustics: a tool for the conservation of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea. Mar. Freshwater Behav. Physiol. 30(2):125-146.. lafsdttir, Droplaug and Erlingur Hauksson. 1997. Anisakid (Nematoda) infestations in Icelandic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus Fabr.). J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:259-269. Pain, Stephanie. 1998. Fellini with flippers [underwater photography by Hawaiian monk seal]. New Sci. 158(2129):32-35. Popov, V. V. and V. O. Klishin. 1998. EEG study of hearing in the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis. Aquat. Mamm 24(1):13-20. Reeves, Randall R. 1998. Conservation status of the Indus River dolphin in Pakistan. IBI Reports No. 8:1-9. Renjun, Liu, et al. 1998. Analysis on the capture, behavior monitoing and death of the baiji (Lipotes vexillifer) in the Shishou semi-nature reserve at the Yangtze River, China. IBI Reports No. 8:11-21. Robinson, Sue. 1998. Researchers go to beach in R.I. to eye blue whale. Natl. Fisherman 79(2):9. Scott, Emily E. and Quentin H. Gibson. 1997. Ligand migration in sperm whale myoglobin. Biochem. 36(39):11909-11917. Shelton, Peter A., et al. 1997. Quantifying some of the major sources of uncertainty associated with estimates of harp seal prey consumption. Part II: Uncertainty in consumption estimates associated with population size, residency, energy requirements and diet. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:303-315. Shima, Michiyo. 1996. A study of the interaction between walleye pollock and Steller sea lions in the Gulf of Alaska. Ph.D. University of Washington. 196p. Sigurjnsson, Jhann and Gsli A. Vkingsson. 1997. Seasonal abundance of and estimated food consumption by cetaceans in Icelandic and adjacent waters. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:271-287. Skaug, Hans J., et al. 1997. Do minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) exhibit particular prey preferences? J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:91-104.. Stamation, K. A., P. D. Shaughnessy and A. J. Constable. 1997. Status of Australian fur seals, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus (Carnivora: Otariidae) at Cape Bridgewater, Victoria. Aust. Mammalogy 20:63-70. Steele, John H. 1997. Oceanography as a career. Oceanogr. 10(3):145-146.. Stef nsson, Gunnar, Jhann Sigurjnsson and Gsli A. Vkingsson. 1997. On dynamic interactions between some fish resources and cetaceans off Iceland based on a simulation model. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:357-370.. Stenson, G. B., M. O. Hammill and J. W. Lawson. 1997. Predation by harp seals in Atlantic Canada: preliminary consumption estimates for Arctic cod, capelin and Atlantic cod. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:137-154. Taylor, Rowland H. 1996. Distribution, abundance and pup production of the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri Lesson) at the Bounty Islands. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. (Science for conservation: 32) 14p. Todd, Sean, et al. 1997. Use of biopsy samples of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) skin for stable isotope (13C) determination. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:71-76. Trapezov, O. V. 1997. Domestication as a possible mode of biodiversity conservation (through the example of river otter Lutra lutra L. 1758). Russ. J. Genetics 33(8):990-994. Tynan, Cynthia and Douglas P. DeMaster. 1997. Predictions of Antarctic climatic and ecological response to global warming and ozone depletion. Rep. Int. Whaling Comm. 47:949-954. Vkingsson, Gsli A. 1997. Feeding of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) off Iceland - diurnal and seasonal variation and possible rates. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:77-89. Wade, Paul R. 1997. A revised gray whale analysis using both southbound total population counts and northbound calf counts. International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee Document, SC/49/AS24, 16p. +figures. Warren, William G., Peter A. Shelton and Garry B. Stenson. 1997. Quantifying some of the major sources of uncertainty associated with estimates of harp seal prey consumption. Part I: Uncertainty in the estimates of harp seal population size. J. Northwest Atl. Fish. Sci. 22:289-302. Wong, John 1997. Chinese resident dolphins: Chinese white dolphin with finless porpoise & baiji. Green Power, [Hong Kong]. 44p. Wrsig, Bernd, et al. 1998. Behaviour of cetaceans in the northern Gulf of Mexico relative to survey ships and aircraft. Aquat. Mamm 24(1):41-50. Subject: Directory of Marine Mammal Specialists (Medit. and Black Sea) The Tethys Research Institute is compiling the new edition of the UNEP-RAC/SPA Directory of Marine Mammal Specialists (Mediterranean and Black Sea). If you feel that your name should be included in the list, or you want to notify any correction or change of address, please complete the following form and send it to: venicedp(\)tin.it (Sabrina Ferretti, Tethys Research Institute) Should you know of any marine mammal specialist working in the Mediterranean and Black Sea who is unlikely to get this message, please provide Sabrina with her/his e-mail address, mailing address, or telephone. Please note that this directory only includes marine mammal specialists working in the Mediterranean and Black Sea , not any marine mammalogist. Please do not send any reply to my address. All best, Giovanni Bearzi ______________________________________________________ Directory of Marine Mammal Specialists (Mediterranean and Black Sea) ______________________________________________________ Last name: First name: Title: Position: Institution: Department: Address: Code: City: Country: Telephone: Fax: E.mail address: Working language(s): Data: Areas of interest By taxon (please, delete the taxon in which you are not interested): Cetaceans Monk seal By geografic area(s): By subject (please, delete the subjects in which you are not interested, leave a maximum of four subjects): Acoustic Anatomy By-catches Conservation Ecology Ethology Evolution Feeding Genetics Histology Legislation Locomotion Morphology Parasites Pathology Physiology Population Reproduction Sightings Strandings Toxicology __________________________________________________ Venice Dolphin Project / Tethys Research Institute c/o Thetis SpA Castello 2737/f, I-30122 Venezia, Italy tel. + 39 0412406340 e-mail: venicedp(\)tin.it Tethys Research Institute: http://www.tethys.org __________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 22:17:01 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Arctic Seas: Currents of Change (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 07 Jul 1998 12:50:39 -0600 From: "David St. Aubin" ARCTIC SEAS: CURRENTS OF CHANGE October 21-24, 1988 To mark the International Year of the Ocean, Sea Research Foundation, Inc., in p artnership with Icebridge Forum, will host a symposium highlighting our current understandi ng of the Arctic marine environment and the nature and consequences of changes to that ecosystem. The symposium will consist of plenary sessions with a multi-disciplinary charact er that spans physical, biological and sociological disciplines. Research needs will be explored in panel discussion and a special forum on the role of science in the north. Prese ntations and discussions will appear in a published proceedings. The United Nations Educatio n, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) and its Intergovernmental Oceanographi c Commission (IOC) have recognized the symposium as an event in support of its International Year of the Ocean initiative. The meeting will be held in coastal Mystic, Connecticut, home of the new Mystic Aquarium and the future Institute for Explor ation exhibit center, and at nearby Connecticut College in New London. Schedule and Location of Events: October 21: Registration and Welcome - 5:00-8:00 pm - Mystic Hilton October 22: Registration - 8:00-9:00 am - Dana Hall, Connecticut College, New London, CT Climate, Ice and Ocean - 9:00 - 5:30 - Dana Hall - Connecticut College Forum - The Role of Science in the North - 7:30 - 9:00 - Mystic Aquarium October 23: Productivity - 8:30-12:30 - Dana Hall, Connecticut College Ecology of Marine Mammals and Birds - 2:00 -5:30 - Mystic Hilton Films - 7:30 - 9:30 - Mystic Aquarium October 24: Mystic Hilton Contaminants - 8:30 - 11:30 Development and Human Resources - 12:30-4:30 Banquet - 6:00 - 8:00 Program details will be posted on the Mystic Aquarium website - http//www.mysticaquarium.org Travel Directions (distances from Mystic): by air - Nearest airports with wide commercial airline access are Providence, Rhode Island (40 miles), and Hartford, Connecticut (65 miles). USAir has a commuter service linking Philadelphia with Groton/New London Airport (7 miles). Ground transportation to Mystic requires car rental. by road - Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Hilton are located at Exit 90 on Interstate 95. Follow signs to the Aquarium; the Hilton is located directly across Coogan Blvd. from the Aquarium. by rail - Amtrak service from Boston or New York stops in New London (10 miles). Local Transportation: Bus service will be provided between the Mystic Hilton and Connecticut College before and after the Program on October 22 and 23. Accommodation: Mystic Hilton, 20 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-572-0731 FAX: 860-572-0328 Reservations: 1-800-HILTONS Room Rates: $125 plus 12% tax (single or double) NOTE: RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 23, 1998, TO ENSURE RATE AND AVAILABILITY. Duration of stay is assumed to be October 21-23. An early check-out fee of $25 will be applied unless the hotel is advised at or before check-in that of any change in the specified length of stay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION FORM NOTE: REGISTRATION WILL BE LIMITED TO 200 PARTICIPANTS. EARLY RESPONSE WILL INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF ATTENDING Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Telephone _____________________________ FAX ____________________________ email ___________________________ Payment Type: o Check (payable to Sea Research Foundation) o Credit Card Type _____________________________ Card Number ______________________________ Expiration Date _________________ Program Registration: Regular - $100.00 Student - $35.00 (proof of enrollment required) Banquet - $25.00 (per individual) Conference Fees ______________ Banquet Tickets _______________ Total ___________________ Please mail Registration Form with payment to: Gayle Sirpenski Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-572-5955, ext. 108 FAX: 860-572-5969 email: gsirpenski(\) mysticaquarium.org David St. Aubin Conference Convenor dstaubin(\)mysticaquarium.org Subject: Manatee/Dugong photo request (fwd) Photo request: INNERSPACE VISIONS. Owner Doug Perrine. Deadline ASAP. NO CALLS. NO PIX. FAX, EMAIL or SEND descriptions of coverage. Rates: negotiable. Project: book on manatees & dugongs. Wants: 1) West African (NOT West Indian) manatee. 2) Amazonian manatee. 3) Miskito or Rama Indians hunting manatees (West Indian). # FAX: 808 329-6659 email: perrine(\)kona.net Organization: The University of Greenwich Subject: CANOCO SOFTWARE Dear all, I have recently started my PhD which involves, broadly, looking at habitat use by the cetaceans off the west coast of Scotland with a view to aiding fisheries management and assesment/mangement of threats to cetaceans from offshore activities. Part of the work will involve correlating oceanographic parameters with cetacean distribution and relative densities and, on the statistical side, canonical correspondance anlysis (CCA) will be an important technique. My literature search has put me in touch with some researchers in the States who have used the CCA software called CANOCO, and I have asked them whether they could supply me with a copy of the program. The response was to contact the person who designed the software, C. F. Ter Braak in the Netherlands, but my correspondance has been returned due to, I think, a wrong address. Do any of you know where I can get a copy of CANOCO? Or can anyone offer advice as to other specialist CCA software? I know that "regular" statistics programs such as SPSS, do have a function to carry out CCA but specialist software, I believe, makes interpreting the output of any analyses easier. I would appreciate any information on this. Many thanks Kelly Hughes Natural Resources Institute (NRI) Natural Resources Management Department Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4TB E-MAIL: HK22(\)GRE.AC.UK ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 14:32:27 -0300 From: "Stobo, Wayne" Subject: unknown seal tag Content-type: text/plain Hi Marmamers: I'm trying to determine the tagging origin of a young harbour seal found dead recently on Sable Island, off the east coast of Canada. It had tags in each hind flipper. The tags are 5.5 cm long, and 1.5 cm wide, with no address or identification. In one flipper the tag was yellow and numbered 0056 on both sides. The tag in the other flipper was yellow 0056 on one side, and green 0118 on the other side. If anyone knows the history of this animal, please contact me at the address below. Thanks. Cheers, Wayne Dr. W.T. Stobo Marine Fish Division Bedford Institute of Oceanography P.O. Box 1006 Dartmouth, N.S. Canada B2Y 4A2 phone: (902) 426-3316 FAX: (902) 426-1506 email: StoboW(\)mar-mpo.gc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 17:23:34 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS: Daily Summary - 7/10/98 - (fwd) The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 17:29:51 -0400 Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 7/10/98 New info and changes since 7/2/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 7/9/98 double bracketed {{...}} >Marine Mammals > . > {International Dolphin Competition. On July 7, 1998, GIC Global >Intertainment Corp. (Vancouver, BC, Canada) announced that a two-day >international dolphin racing and jumping competition would be held in >February >1999 at a Caribbean location to be announced later in 1998. Dolphins trained >for shows and other entertainment venues are to compete. Although wagers >are to be taken on the competition, the sponsor states the event is designed >to raise international awareness of dolphins and a portion of the proceeds >are >to be donated to several dolphin funds.} [GIC Global Intertainment Corp. >press >release] > . > {Dolphin Feeding. On July 2, 1998, NMFS filed charges on five counts >of harassing wild dolphins against a FL boat rental company, two crew >members, and a boat owner. This action is reported as being the first >charges >filed for violating regulations against feeding wild dolphins.} [Assoc Press, >NOAA press release] > . > Sea Lion Seizures. On June 29, 1998, NOAA scientists announced >that the late May 1998 seizures and deaths of at least 62 CA sea lions in >Monterey Bay, CA, was caused by domoic acid toxin from a harmful algal >bloom that was concentrated in anchovies and sardines upon which the sea >lions fed. [NOAA press release, Reuters] > . > Seawolf Shock Tests. In mid-June 1998, the U.S. Navy concluded in a >final environmental study that explosive shock tests of the Seawolf >submarine, >scheduled for the year 2000, would be less of a threat to marine mammals if >conducted off Jacksonville, FL, rather than off Norfolk, VA. [Assoc Press] > . > Japanese Whaling. On June 17, 1998, the Japanese whaling ship >Nisshin Maru returned to the port of Ishinomaki after having killed 100 minke >whales during scientific research whaling in the northwestern Pacific. About >300 tons of whalemeat were scheduled to be unloaded on June 18, to be >stored in Ishinomaki until November 1998 when it would be distributed across >Japan for consumption. [Dow Jones News] > . > Keiko. Materials for floating pen construction are scheduled to be >shipped to Iceland in mid-June 1998, with Keiko likely to follow in September >1998. On June 16, 1998, officials of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation >announced that Klettsvik, a bay near Heimay in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, >had been chosen as the location in southeastern Iceland where the sea pen >for Keiko would be constructed. Materials for construction of Keiko's >floating >sea pen are to be airlifted from the United States to Iceland on June 18. >[Assoc Press, Reuters, Dow Jones News, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press >release] > . > Steller Sea Lion Protection. On June 14, 1998, the North Pacific >Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) imposed catch restrictions on the >Atka mackerel fishery in an effort to provide benefits for endangered Steller >sea lions. Environmental groups had sued NMFS in April 1998, seeking to >halt all trawling for Atka mackerel in Steller sea lion critical habitat. >The new >restrictions will gradually shift 60% of the current Atka mackerel harvest >taken >inside critical habitat to areas outside such habitat over a 4-year period. >[Assoc Press] > . > Beluga Whale Park. On June 12, 1998, Canada is scheduled to >officially inaugurate its first marine park, the joint federal-provincial >Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, offering protection to beluga whales. >[World Wildlife Fund Canada press release] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. For additional information >on items in this summary or their sources, Members and congressional >staff may call Gene Buck (CRS-ENR) at 7-7262 or send a fax to 7-7289. >This summary is available daily or weekly (each Friday) via e-mail to >Members and congressional staff; requests from Members and >congressional staff to be added to the daily or weekly distribution list >may be e-mailed to "gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov". > Subject: A live-stranding dolphin Hi everybody, We have a live stranding rough-toothed dolphin in a portable pool and still alive for the moment. We are intently and anxiously looking forward to your suggestions and comments for taking care of her at your earliest convenience. She was first found unbalanced on July 6, 1998 and she regained her balance yesterday ( July 8th). The depth of the water in the pool is about one feet. Her temperature is raising to 38.1C today (July 9th), her breath rate is from 9 to 15 per 5 mins, and heart beat is increasing to 100 beats per minute or so. The earlier temperature yesterday (July 8th) was around 36.9-37.6C and heart rate was from 40 to 60 per minute. Attached is her existing situation from the blood sampled at July 8th night, Routine Item Unit Result Hb g/dL 18 RBC 1000000/uL 5.3 MCV fl 106.8 MCH pg 34 MCHC g/dL 31.8 Leukocyte differential count WBC /uL 155100 Platelets 175000/uL Mode: whole blood HGB 18.0 d/ul HCT 56.6% MCV 106.8 fl MCH 34.0 pg MCHC 31.8 g/dl PLT + 175000/ul RBC RDW-CV 15.4% PLT PDW + 24.4 fl MPV + 14.6 fl P-LCR + 60.5 % Biochemistry Item Unit Result Albumin g/dL 3.0 ALKP U/L 10 ALT(SGPT) U/L 200 AST(SGOT) U/L 181 BUN mg/dL 66 Creatine mg/dL 1.2 Glucose mg/dL 357 TP g/dL 6.8 Thank you very much for your patience and help, Best regards, Ann Chen For Dr. Lien-Siang Chou Master student Ann Chen, hemcc(\)ms12.hinet.net Professor Lien Siang Chou Department of Zoology Natioanl Tiawan University Taipei, Taiwan Fax: 886-2-2363-9902 Phone: 886-2-2363-1331 E.mail: chouls(\)ccms.ntu.edu.tw ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 19:45:19 -0400 From: Mike Williamson Subject: WhaleNet Guide to Whales (humpbacks) In-Reply-To: <11D770207A42D1119F0C00805F9A969C021EB0E0(\)msgmarbio01.bio.dfo.ca> The WhaleNet guide to Whales and Marine mammals of the North Atlantic Ocean can be reviewed at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/CDROMintro.html This CDROM contains the humpback whale catalogue of 900+- humpbacks, software to photo-identify individual humpbacks, the sighting histories of the individuals (the expanded database is on WhaleNet at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/humpcat.html), and information on 20 other marine mammals. Mike Williamson WhaleNet ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Michael Williamson Principal Investigator-WhaleNet Associate Professor-Science Wheelock College, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215 voice: 617.734.5200, ext. 256 fax: 617.734.8666, or 978.468.0073 "Mother, Mother Ocean, I have heard your call, Wanted to sail upon your waters, since I was three feet tall" Jimmy Buffett ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 09:36:54 +1000 From: Trish and Wally Franklin Subject: Internship opportunity, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. The Oceania Project is undertaking a ten year study of the Area V Humpbacks that visit Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia during August, September and October each year. The study, now in its 7th year, is being conducted in collaboration and conjunction with the Queensland Deaprtment of Environment. An Internship Program is available for under-graduate and graduates who are enrolled in or who have completed a tertiary course related to marine mammals or the ocean environment. The program is also open to faculty staff from institutions offering such courses. The cost of a 5 night / 6 day participation is $850 Australian Dollars ( approximately $US 527), the costs include meals and berth aboard the expedition vessel and participation in feild work. Participants can join the expedition for one or more weeks. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and accomodation costs to and from Hervey Bay. General Information about The Oceania Project can be found at: http://www.oceania.org.au The Expedition operates for ten weeks from Sunday 9th August. General Information about the Expedition is at: http://www.oceania.org.au /expedition/expedition.html For more information contact Wally & Trish Franklin at: trish.wally(\)oceania.org.au ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Trish and Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia Email: trish.wally(\)oceania.org.au Phone: Local 02 6687 5677 International: +61 2 6687 5677 Fax: Local 02 6685 8998 International: +61 2 6685 8998 Mobile Phone: 0418 797326 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please visit The Oceania Project Web Site at: http://www.oceania.org.au If you would like to link to The Oceania Project Site from your Site use: The Oceania Project ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 04:55:53 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Shark attacks on Tursiops? (fwd) From: Mark Orams Dear Marmammers, In response to Jamison Smith's request for information detailing shark attacks on Tursiops, the following references from work conducted "downunder" are relevant: Corkeron, P.J., Morris, R.J. and Bryden, M.M. 1987 Interactions between bottlenose dolphins and sharks in Moreton Bay, Queensland. Aquatic Mammals 13(3), 111-114. Corkeron, P.J., Morris, R.J. and Bryden, M.M. 1987 A note on the healing of large wounds in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Aquatic Mammals 13(3), 96-98. Orams, M.B. and Deakin, R.B. 1997 Report on the healing of a large wound in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Research in the Southern Hemisphere Volume 1: Status, Ecology and Medicine. M. Hindell and C. Kemper (eds), 170-173. Surrey, Beatty and Sons, Chipping, Norton. Regards Mark B. Orams, PhD Centre for Tourism Research Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Ph (64 9) 441 8129 Fax (64 9) 441 8109 Subject: recent articles (fwd) The following are some recently published marine mammal articles. Please do not hit reply for reprints, see the address for the corresponding author listed after each article ********************* Trace metal pollution in Hong Kong: Implications for the health of Hong Kong's Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (Sousa chinensis) Parsons, ECM SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, June 18, 1998 v214 i1-3 p175-184 (10) The territorial waters of Hong Kong are highly contaminated with anthropogenic pollutants, including trace metals. Hong Kong's population of Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (Sousa chinensis) inhabits an area where a high volume of sewage waste discharge and the close proximity of contaminated mud pits mean a considerable potential for trace metal contamination. Trace metal concentrations in the muscle tissue of fish caught from areas of high dolphin abundance are notable. However, in order to gauge the amount of trace metal consumed by dolphins, whole fish must be analysed. Whole fish from areas of high dolphin abundance have considerably higher trace metal loads than muscle tissue alone. Considering the consumption of prey items by dolphins, a daily intake of trace metals was estimated as As, 410-518; Cd, 34-44; Co, 4-5; Cr, 40-50; Cu, 44-56; Hg, 51-66; Mo, 22-27; Ni, 19-24; Pb, 320-403; Se, 99-125 and Zn, 388-490 (mu g kg(-1) body wt. per day). Concentrations of arsenic, chromium, lead, molybdenum and nickel in dolphin tissues were an order of magnitude lower than in prey items, suggesting these elements may be excreted by this species. Mercury concentrations in dolphin tissues were, however, an order of magnitude higher than in prey items and could be considered potentially health threatening (mau: 906 mu g kg(-1) dry wt.). Hong Kong's Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin population has a high dietary intake of trace metals which may, especially in the case of mercury, be a cause for concern. Reprints Parsons, ECM SEAQUEST 7 HIGHFIELD WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3NX ENGLAND ************************* Monk seal mortality: virus or toxin? Osterhaus, A; vandeBildt, M; Vedder, L; Martina, B; Niesters, H; Vos, J; vanEgmond, H; Liem, D; Baumann, R; Androukaki, E; Kotomatas, S; Komnenou, A; AbouSidi, B; Jiddou, AB; Barham, MEO VACCINE, May-June 1998 v16 i9-10 p979-981 (3) During the past few months, more than half of the total population of about 300 highly endangered Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) on the western Saharan coast of Africa, died in a mysterious disease outbreak(1). Epizootiological and postmortem findings were reminiscent of similar outbreaks amongst pinniped and cetacean species in recent years, which were caused by an infection with newly discovered morbilliviruses (for review see Osterhaus et al.(2)). Virological, as well as toxicological, analysis performed on tissue samples collected from relatively fresh carcasses during the outbreak indicate that infection with a virus closely related to dolphin morbillivirus (DMV), possibly originating from affected dolphins in the same ar en, was the primary cause of the outbreak. Therefore it is concluded that vaccination with a safe and effective non-replicating vaccine should be considered as a management tool in thc conservation of Mediterranean monk seals. Reprints Osterhaus, A ERASME UNIV HOSP INST VIROL, DR MOLEWATERPL 50 ROTTERDAM NL-3015 GE NETHERLANDS ************************ Ultrasonographic evaluation of the effects of exogenous gonadotropins on follicular recruitment and ovulation induction in the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Robeck, TR; McBain, JF; Mathey, S; Kraemer, DC JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE, March 1998 v29 i1 p6-13 (8) Transabdominal ultrasonography and serum steroid concentrations were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous gonadotropin administration on ovarian activity of two anestrous bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The gonadotropin used for follicular recruitment was PG600, which has 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 200 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) activity per 5 ml. Ovulation induction was attempted with hCG. PG600 was administered in two doses of 20 ml (1,600 IU eCG and 800 IU hCG) and 12.5 ml (1,000 IU eCG and 500 IU hCG), respectively, 48 hr apart on days 0 and 2. On day 6, 1,500 IU of hCG was administered. Progesterone and total immunoreactive estrogens were determined before and after the gonadotropin administration. Bilateral ovarian ultrasonographic exams were performed daily on days 4-9 and on day 22. Serum immunoreactive estrogen concentrations were greater than the pretreatment concentrations after day 4 for both dolphins and remained elevated for the rest of the study. Serum progesterone concentrations rose above 1 ng/ml 2 days after hCG treatment and remained elevated for the rest of the study. Small antral follicles (<0.5 cm) were initially observed bilaterally in both dolphins on day 4. In both animals on day 9, there were >12 follicles/ovary, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 cm. By day 22, the multiple follicles ranged from 0.5 to 4.5 cm in diameter. No ultrasonographic evidence of luteal formation was observed. The results indicate that 1) transabdominal ultrasonography can be used to detect and follow follicle growth in bottlenose dolphins; 2) bottlenose dolphins are sensitive to exogenous gonadotropins (multiple follicular recruitment of follicles occurred); and 3) until further ultrasonographic studies can be conducted to evaluate the effects of titrated doses of exogenous gonadotropins, these protocols should be considered unsuitable for ovulation induction. ********************** Paralytic phycotoxins in monk seal mass mortality Costas, E; LopezRodas, V VETERINARY RECORD, June 6, 1998 v142 i23 p643-644 (2) no abstract provided on the Internet service Reprints Costas, E UNIV COMPLUTENSE FAC VET MADRID E-28040 SPAIN ************************ Malignant seminoma with metastasis and herpesvirus infection in a free-living sea otter (Enhydra lutris) Reimer, DC; Lipscomb, TP JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE, March 1998 v29 i1 p35-39 (5) In winter 1990, an adult male sea otter (Enhydra lutris) was found dead along the eastern shore of Prince William Sound, Alaska. Necropsy findings included an enlarged retained left testicle with a twisted spermatic cord, enlarged left sublumbar lymph node, emaciation, dental attrition, oral papules and ulcers, and luminal intestinal hemorrhage associated with numerous acanthocephalids. A malignant seminoma was present in the left testicle and left sublumbar lymph node. Additionally, herpesvirus like intranuclear inclusion bodies were found in oral, esophageal, and corneal epithelial cells. Virions consistent with a herpesvirus were found in esophageal epithelium. Dental attrition, severe intestinal acanthocephaliasis, the malignant seminoma, and emaciation were considered contributing factors in causing death. The herpesviral disease was probably secondary to the debilitation and stress. This is the first report of malignant seminoma with metastasis in a sea otter. *********************** Agenesis of a radius in a polar bear cub (Ursus maritimus) Lanthier, C; Dupuis, J; Pare, J JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE, March 1998 v29 i1 p65-67 (3) A polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cub, delivered by a cesarean section, was diagnosed with congenital agenesis of the radius on the basis of clinical presentation and radiology. A specific etiology could not be ascertained. Agenesis of the radius has not been previously reported in any nondomestic species. Subject: new Whalewatcher issue The American Cetacean Society (a non-profit organization) has a new issue of _Whalewatcher_, Spring/Summer 1998. Table of Contents: Baird, R. Studying diving behavior of whales and dolphins using suction-cap attached tags. Fertl, D.C., B. Wursig, and K.D. Mullin. Exploring new frontiers: the Gulf of Mexico's cetaceans. Weinrich, M. Baleen whale migrations: how real are they? Also included is information on whale watching trips. Please direct inquiries regarding this issue to: The American Cetacean Society National Headquarters P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733 acs(\)pobox.com http://www.acsonline.org Guidelines for manuscript submissions for consideration for publication are available thru the editor, Sue Hayter at: gsh32(\)aol.com For those of you who have put off submission of materials for inclusion in the Leatherwood tribute issue, this is a reminder that materials need to be sent by 1 Sept. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 04:42:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: WDCS Report - Cetaceans in Captivity (fwd) The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) now has a new report available which may be of interest to members of MARMAM. "A Review of the Scientific Justification for Maintaining Cetaceans in Captivity" By Sue Mayer, BSc, BVSc PhD, MRCVS. February 1998. Please e-mail Miss Frances Clarke on fclarke(\)wdcs.org to receive a copy. It is not printed so we will be sending copies out via e-mail only. --------------------------------------------------- Summary . Increasingly, zoos and marine parks are arguing that research is an important part of their role and that knowledge acquired in this way is essential for conserving cetaceans in the wild. This report reviews the research that has been conducted on whales and dolphins in captivity. It documents the information that has been gathered on haematology and blood chemistry; disease; physiology; experimental psychology and cognition; behaviour; reproduction; captive breeding; and environmental protection. The report questions the relevance of these studies to free-living whales and dolphins, their conservation and the justification for experiments on captive animals. . Normal ranges for haematology and blood biochemistry have been established for the majority of commonly held whales and dolphins. Whilst these data are useful for monitoring the health of captive animals, their relevance to free-living animals is limited because captivity leads to alterations in basic haematology and blood biochemistry. In addition, considerable individual variation exists in haematology and blood biochemistry such that individual baselines are needed to interpret their significance and this is not feasible for wild animals. . Some similarities exist between the types of disease seen in captive and wild cetaceans. Bacterial pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in both categories. However, important differences exist which make captive animals a poor model for disease in free-ranging populations. For example, captive animals do not carry a parasite burden as they are routinely treated with anthelmintics. In contrast, parasitic disease is ubiquitous in wild cetaceans. In addition, knowledge from captive studies of disease has given little insight into the recent outbreaks of morbillivirus disease and large scale mortality of some species of dolphins. . Exercise and respiratory physiology has been studied using animals trained to undertake tasks in a pool or to accompany boats to sea. Whilst these have provided interesting knowledge about comparative physiology, they have been limited by the physical dimensions of pools (precluding studies on diving) together with the relatively sedentary life style and abnormal diet of captive animals. If such data were to be used uncritically in management programmes, it could be misleading. . Experimental psychology and cognition has dominated the research agenda on captive cetaceans. Bottlenose dolphins have been the primary species for these studies because of their relatively small size and ease with which they can be trained. Research on the visual, auditory and echolocation systems has been driven, in large part, by the US Navy?s interest in the application of such knowledge to improving underwater detection systems. These studies have revealed that dolphins have extensive cognitive abilities and sophisticated sensory systems for exploring their environment. However, the extrapolation of this information to conservation issues, such as entanglement in nets, is limited by the barren acoustical and visual environment of captivity. This is further constrained by the large element of learning that takes place in the use of these senses. Learning in captivity may give a false impression of animals? abilities in the wild. . The social organisation of animals in captivity is controlled by dominance hierarchies. In contrast, the situation in natural environments is more dynamic and aggressive behaviours are much less a feature of the description of free-living cetaceans. Confinement also results in stereotyped behaviours such as uni-directional circling of the pool. Studies of the behaviour of wild animals have been used to improve the conditions of animals kept in captivity by indicating appropriate group size and sex composition. However, studies of behaviour in captivity do not seem to have the potential to improve the conservation of wild cetaceans in the same way as they are too artificial. . Zoos and marine parks have improved their survival and breeding records for some species such as the bottlenose dolphin and orca. Other species, such as the river dolphins, have extremely poor survival records in captivity. Basic reproductive data on calving intervals and age at sexual maturity has been obtained for some species. It would be dangerous to apply this information directly to the conservation and management of wild populations as it may overestimate their reproductive capacities. Feeding has a marked effect on these parameters and the unnatural composition and idealised nature of zoo diets mean that animals may be growing more quickly and reproducing earlier and more frequently than in the natural environment. . The captive bred populations which exist to date cannot be considered as self-sustaining populations. No scientifically based plans to conserve genetic diversity exist. If a plan were to be designed to maintain 90% of the genetic diversity of the original population over 200 years this could require several thousands of animals to be kept. Rather than having any such justifiable target, breeding programmes have consciously and unconsciously selected for an a captivity adapted population which may soon be better thought of as ?domesticated?. . It has been suggested that the knowledge gained from species which breed well in captivity could be used in developing captive breeding plans for endangered species such as the baiji. However, species behave very differently in captivity and what is appropriate to one species may be misleading for others. Comparing the rather robust bottlenose dolphin to the shy baiji may prove counterproductive. Understanding a species? ecology and behaviour in the wild to shape conservation efforts will provide more relevant knowledge. . Some research has been conducted which aspires to be directly relevant to addressing environmental harm including oil pollution and entanglement in fishing gear. The effects of oil pollution have been studied on captive bottlenose dolphins which show that there is little physical evidence of harm but that animals try to avoid oil sheens if possible. This has been interpreted as meaning oil spills are of little significance to dolphins. However, such information may be of little use to the policy maker who should know of the considerable harm that oil spills have on other wildlife. . Experiments to attempt to reduce the problem of entanglement in fishing gear have taken place. The extent to which porpoises can detect nets of different thickness and whether they can be deterred using sound or reflectors has been investigated, for example. Noise as a deterrent shows the most promise but the same sorts of experiments have been conducted directly in the wild. These studies are obviously more realistic and have also detected effects on prey, something not identified in laboratory studies. . The report concludes that the physically restricted conditions of captivity, together with animals? behaviour being learnt in a unnatural environment, the small numbers of highly trained animals involved and the changing genetic basis of the captive cetacean population means that the scientific basis for captive animals acting as a models of wild animals is in increasing doubt. The increased sophistication of studies on free-living animals and the greater relevance of data from those studies further throws the justification for research on captive cetaceans into doubt. Yours sincerely, Fran Clarke email: fclarke(\)wdcs.org Campaigns Co-ordinator Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Alexander House James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT, UK Tel: +44 1225 334511 Fax: +44 1225 480097 Subject: Filippo the bottlenose dolphin FILIPPO THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN A lone "sociable" bottlenose dolphin has been regularly observed in the Gulf of Manfredonia (Puglia, SE Italy) over the last three years, and since May 1998 started to interact with human swimmers - Mr. Marcello Cavallo reports. The >2.5m male dolphin allows people to approach and touch him underwater, and seems to recognize individual humans and boats. Sexual arousal is not uncommon during such interactions, the dolphin seemingly enjoying physical contact with humans. As reported by Mr. Cavallo, the dolphin interactions with human swimmers can be slightly harmful, as the animal likes to bite arms or feet, which can cause minor wounds. This behavior can increase as the dolphin gets excited and playful. Therefore, swimming with the dolphin should be discouraged and/or properly regulated. Although the dolphin - nicknamed "Filippo" - appears to like interacting with humans, measures should be taken in order to prevent any event that may result in harmful contacts, also to avoid the spreading of a "dolphin psychosis". Moreover, any harassment to the dolphin must be prevented, and the dolphin behavior and movements should be carefully monitored. Members of the "Adventure Club Foggia", lead by Mr. Cavallo, are volunteering in order to ensure protection to the dolphin and people alike. At the end of June, Filippo had net filaments around its beak, that were immediately removed by Mr. Cavallo and collegues. Previous reports of dolphins slaughtered by humans, usually because the animals are claimed to damage fishing gear, are not uncommon. Such reports in Italy include the "sociable" dolphin who used to play with swimmers near Scauri (Gaeta) in the mid 80s - found dead with wounds inflicted by means of a pricker. Last year "Filippo" the bottlenose dolphin used to swim in the Manfredonia Gulf with a smaller and darker mate, that was found stranded along the sandy coast of Siponto - Mr. Cavallo reports. The chance to study a wild bottlenose dolphin in its natural environment represents a unique research opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Moreover, the presence of such a sociable dolphin may provide a number of benefits to the local economy, as shown by the dolphin nicknamed "Fungie" in Dingle Bay, Ireland (check pages 232-236 in Roger Payne's "Among whales", C. Scribner's Sons, New York). We hope that the situation can be properly managed, in the very interest of the dolphin and people alike, preventing any harm to either species, and discouraging any ignorance-driven action (including the taking of the dolphin, as proposed by the local captive industry). Any suggestion and contribution would be appreciated. Students or volunteers interested in monitoring the dolphin or conducting non-invasive studies may contact me at the address below. The Venice Dolphin Project / Tethys Research Institute would provide advisorship and literature support to a biology student willing to do its thesis on Filippo's behavioral ecology. Giovanni Bearzi Director, Venice Dolphin Project / Tethys Research Institute Italian National Contact Person, European Cetacean Society __________________________________________________ Venice Dolphin Project / Tethys Research Institute c/o Thetis SpA Castello 2737/f, I-30122 Venezia, Italy tel. + 39 0412406340 e-mail: venicedp(\)tin.it Tethys Research Institute: http://www.tethys.org Venice Dolphin Project: http://space.tin.it/scienza/gbearzi __________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 04:37:46 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Recent CAMMS update (fwd) MARMAMER's, Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science (CAMMS) was created to help keep researchers apprised of recent marine mammal publications. The June references have been uploaded and are available for your perusal at http://virtual-mktg.com/schiroa Starting in June, all new references on the search results page will include the type of publication, e.g. Article in Journal, Chapter in book, Presentation at meeting, etc. Also the date added will be included on each new reference so that users can search for new references only. Below are a few of the over 100 references added for 19980606 and 19980623. To view the new references only, enter these dates in the search field and select "or" for the boolean operator. Jan Herrmann and I than you for all your help and encouragement. Thanks Andy Schiro CAMMS1(\)mailexcite.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shelden, K. E. W. 1998 The bowhead whale: a case study for the development of criteria for classification on the list of endangered and threatened wildlife. MMA, University of Washington, 137 pages --------------------------------- Martin, A. R.; daSilva, V. M. F. 1998 Tracking aquatic vertebrates in dense tropical forest using VHF telemetry. Marine Technology Society Journal 32: 82-88 As part of a broad study of river dolphins and caimans in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, transmitters in the radio frequency range 173-174 MHz were deployed on thirty-six animals over a four-year period. Tracking was carried out both by hand and using automatic, scanning, directional receiving stations situated above the forest canopy. Results were initially poor, due largely to equipment failure in such a hot, humid environment and inexperience of the scientific personnel in attempting such a study in dense rainforest. However, with modified equipment and greater experience, radio telemetry became a powerful and benign research tool without which the study would have been very substantially weakened. Although performance teas poorer than in open habitat, careful design of the receiver network, aided by field-testing of signal range under various conditions, provided knowledge of the whereabouts of most tagged animals for most of the time. After four deployments, expectations of at least 9-months tag longevity and receiving stations remaining functional 90 percent of the time are realistic, but success is critically dependent on adequate manpower for monitoring and data-collection. Although an excellent source of information in its own right, radio telemetry of cetaceans yields the greatest insights when combined with intense observational fieldwork. AR Martin, Univ St Andrews, Sch Ecol & Environm Biol, Gatty NERC, Sea Mammal Research Unit, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland ---------------------------------- Jenkins, L.; Romanzo, C. 1998 Makah whaling: aboriginal subsistence or a stepping stone to undermining the commercial whaling moratorium? Colorado J. Int. Environ. Law Policy 9: 71-114 ---------------------------------- Sisak, M. M. 1998 Animal-borne GPS and the deployment of a GPS based archiving datalogger on Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Marine Technology Society Journal 32: 30-36 The adaptations of a terrestrial animal-borne GPS (Global Positioning System) to a marine application are detailed, including pressure housing design and sensor suites provided to maximize fix acquisition success. Deployment of the Marine Archiving GPS (MAG) units on Hawaiian monk seal signifies the first deployment of a commercially available GPS based data logger on marine mammals. Capture, attachment and recovery procedures employed for the MAG unit are described and collected data presented. Eight geographic position fixes were obtained, five of which are suggested to be ''at sea'' positions. Trends in miniaturization of GPS will lead to smaller more capable animal-borne GPS unit and a second generation of the MAG unit currently awaiting deployment in Hawaii is described MM Sisak, Lotek Marine Technol, St Johns, NF, Canada --------------------------------- Yoshida, H.; Shirakihara, K.; Kishino, H.; Shirakihara, M. 1997 A population size estimate of the finless porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides, from aerial sighting surveys in Ariake Sound and Tachibana Bay, Japan. Researches on Population Ecology 39: 239-247 We estimated the population size of the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Ariake Sound and Tachibana Bay of western Kyushu, southwestern Japan, from aerial sighting surveys using line transect methods. All 12 surveys were conducted from May 1993 to May 1994 (8 in Ariake Sound and 4 in Tachibana Bay). In addition to these, 14 surveys were also carried out to obtain information on porpoise occurrence in Tachibana Bay (5 surveys) and in neighboring Sumo Nada (5) and Yatsushiro Sound (4). In Ariake Sound, 225 porpoise groups (369 animals) were detected during all flights totalling 1,694.4 km. In Tachibana Bay, a total of 997.8 km was surveyed and 55 (290 animals) were sighted. However, no sightings were recorded in Sumo Nada (distance searched = 148.7 km) and Yatsushiro Sound (208.4 km). In Ariake Sound, few sightings were recorded from waters shallower than 5 m in depth. In Tachibana Bay all animals were detected from waters of less than 50 m depth. The population size was estimated as 1,983 animals in Ariake Sound (95% CI = 1,382-2,847), 1,110 in Tachibana Bay (95% CI = 642-1,920), and 3,093 in the 2 waters (1.3 individuals/km(2), 95% CI = 2,278-4,201). H Yoshida, Natl Res Inst Far Seas Fisheries, 5-7-1 Orido, Shimizu, Shizuoka, 424, Japan ----------------------------------- Marzin, C. G. 1996 Alternative management options for the recovery of the California sea otter population: an interdisciplinary approach. MMA, University of Washington, 142 pages ----------------------------------- Spalding, M. J. 1998 Workshop on legal aspects of whale watching, Punta Arenas, Chile. The Journal of Environment and Development 7: 184 ----------------------------------- Connor, R. C.; Mann, J.; Tyack, P. L.; Whitehead, H. 1998 Social evolution in toothed whales. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 13: 228-232 Two contrasting results emerge from comparisons of the social systems of several odontocetes with terrestrial mammals. Researchers have identified remarkable convergence in prominent features of the social systems of odontocetes such as the sperm whale and bottlenose dolphin with a few well-known terrestrial mammals such as the elephant and chimpanzee. In contrast, studies on killer whales and Baird's beaked whale reveal novel social solutions to aquatic living. The combination of convergent and novel features in odontocete social systems promise a more general understanding of the ecological determinants of social systems in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, as well as the relationship between relative brain size and social evolution. Subject: Aquaculture entanglements There appears to be increasing interest and investment in starting aquaculture operations in coastal waters; floating pens for farmed salmon is one of several possible examples. This is an issue that federal and state agencies are going to have to deal with increasing frequency in the future; consequently, information on the environmental impacts of such operations is very much needed. I am aware of many of the issues involved, such as pollution, preemption of space, transmission of disease, and loss of farmed fish into the wild. Currently, I am interested in gathering any information, from anywhere in the world, on entanglements of either cetaceans or sea turtles in aquaculture facilities. This information is being gathered as background in order to better assess risks involved with proposed aquaculture projects that come before federal or state agencies for permitting or review. I would very much appreciate any information on cetacean or turtle entanglements in aquaculture facilities (of any kind). Information can be published or unpublished as long as it is reliable. Many thanks. Phil Clapham NE Fisheries Science Center Woods Hole, Massachusetts phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 09:32:24 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine environment course in Spain (fwd) MARINE ENVIRONMENT COURSE IN SPAIN Dear all, The Foundation for the Conservation and Recuperation of Marine Animals and the Campus Universitari de la Mediterrania are organising a course titled "VIDA EN LOS OCEANOS: ACTUALIDAD Y DEBATE". (Ocean life: current situation and discussion) The course will take place from 14 to 18 of September in Vilanova i la Geltr=FA, near Barcelona, Spain. The language of the course will be spanish= =2E=20 The programme are available at next web site: http://usuarios.intercom.es/cram/ For more details and registration you can contact the administrative secretary: CAMPUS UNIVERSITARI DE LA MEDITERRANIA Pla=E7a de la Vila,8 08800 Vilanova i la Geltr=FA (Barcelona), SPAIN Tel: 34 93 292 06 06 Fax: 34 93 415 87 90 e-mail: picm0000(\)correu.gencat.es http://www.gencat.es/cm Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 10:02:13 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 7/17/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 7/10/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 7/16/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Whale Radio. On July 22, 1998, radio station CJKW will begin live broadcasting of underwater audio from microphones located in the vicinity of killer whale "rubbing" beaches, where these whales congregate, near Robson Bight, northeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. These broadcasts will also be transmitted to the Vancouver Aquarium's killer whale underwater viewing gallery.} [Vancouver Aquarium press release, Assoc Press] . {Canadian Bowhead Whaling. In mid-July 1998, Canadian Inuit from Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, were scheduled to begin their hunt for a bowhead whale from the species' eastern arctic population, believed to number about 700 animals.} [Assoc Press] . International Dolphin Competition. On July 7, 1998, GIC Global Intertainment Corp. (Vancouver, BC, Canada) announced that a two-day international dolphin racing and jumping competition would be held in February 1999 at a Caribbean location to be announced later in 1998. Dolphins trained for shows and other entertainment venues are to compete. Although wagers are to be taken on the competition, the sponsor states the event is designed to raise international awareness of dolphins and a portion of the proceeds are to be donated to several dolphin funds. [GIC Global Intertainment Corp. press release] . Dolphin Feeding. On July 2, 1998, NMFS filed charges on five counts of harassing wild dolphins against a FL boat rental company, two crew members, and a boat owner. This action is reported as being the first charges filed for violating regulations against feeding wild dolphins. [Assoc Press, NOAA press release] . Sea Lion Seizures. On June 29, 1998, NOAA scientists announced that the late May 1998 seizures and deaths of at least 62 CA sea lions in Monterey Bay, CA, was caused by domoic acid toxin from a harmful algal bloom that was concentrated in anchovies and sardines upon which the sea lions fed. [NOAA press release, Reuters] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: International Dolphin Competition (full press release) Dear list members Some subscribers expressed surprise and disbelief at the excerpt from the CRS weekly marine mammal summary entitled "International Dolphin Competition". The full press release and contact information are therefore given below. Vancouver-based subscribers have also checked with the company: Global Intertainment Corp. Phone number 604 688-6888. They confirmed these details. MARMAM editors -------------------------------------------------------------- 3 DOWJONES 07-07-98 11:18 AET 49 LINES Live From the Caribbean: The "First Ever" Dolphin Races; Event Will Be Broadcast Worldwide Over the Internet; Online Bets Accepted VANCOUVER, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 1998--Combine the spectacle of Sea World, the betting adrenalin of Churchill Downs and the global reach of the Internet, and what do you get? The first annual International Dolphin Races, a dolphin racing and jumping competition to be held in the Caribbean next February. The contest will be beamed into cyberspace via live feed technology and will give viewers the opportunity to bet on their favorite contestants from anywhere in the world. Sponsored by GIC Global Intertainment Corporation (NASDAQ OTC:GGNC) and its subsidiary, www.cyberbetz.com, the weeklong event will feature animals trained for use in dolphin shows and other entertainment venues. Each dolphin will pre-qualify with lap times and jump measurements, and odds will be calculated based on those trials. Two days will be devoted to the competitions, and the remainder of the week will feature hourly non-competitive shows similar to those seen at Sea World. The event is designed to raise international awareness of dolphins. A portion of the proceeds from the wagers and on-site admission fees will be donated to the dolphin wild life fund, save the dolphin fund in addition to a number of children's charities. Internet participants will be able to place bets with a credit card at www.cyberbetz.com in a manner similar to other electronic commerce transactions. "This is the first event of its type to be held anywhere in the world, and we expect it to become an annual attraction that will provide both entertainment and educational value," said James Chu, President and CEO of GIC Global Intertainment Corporation. "It will not only offer a new outlet to feed consumers' appetite for sporting events, but it will also help broaden the public's appreciation of the unique capabilities of dolphins." GIC is currently negotiating with corporate sponsors and establishing relationships with major cruise lines, airlines, hotels and television media to provide maximum exposure. The precise dates and location of the show will be announced later this year. GIC Global Intertainment Corporation is a high technology entertainment and marketing company specializing in Internet gaming. The company currently markets a Vegas-style Virtual Casino and a full Internet Sports Book that allows bettors to place online wagers on the top ten horse races in the world, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and golf. The firm is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and is traded on the NASDAQ OTC under the symbol GGNC, (www.ggncwins.com). GIC's www.cyberbetz.com subsidiary is an offshore Internet Sports Book and Casino located in Roseau in the Commonwealth of Dominica. CONTACT: S&S Public Relations Steve Simon, 847/291-8421 ext. 237 stevesspr.com Subject: web archive for MARMAM A new web archive for MARMAM (including all messages from June 2, 1998 and the monthly logs dating back to January 1995) has been set up at: http://www.escribe.com/science/marmam/ (There is a link to this on the MARMAM homepage: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm) This archive can be searched by keyword and will return a list of messages containing that keyword. For long messages (such as the monthly logs) - the "find" command under Edit will speed up searching within the message. This archive should provide a useful tool for list users trying to find information previously submitted to MARMAM. To contact the archive manager, please email: info(\)escribe.com. MARMAM editors marmamed(\)uvic.ca Subject: New beluga paper ------ Dear Marmamers, Here is a new paper that some of you may be interested in. UNFORTUNATELY= , WE HAVE ONLY HAVE ABOUT 5 REPRINTS LEFT. I will send them out to the fir= st 5 or so people that ask for a reprint and apologize in advance for all unanswered following requests=20 Gauthier, J.M., =C9. Pelletier, C. Brochu, S. Moore, C.D. Metcalfe, and P. B=E9land. 1998. Environmental contaminants in tissues of a neonate St. Lawrence beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). Marine Pollution Bulletin 36(1): 102-108. ABSTRACT Tissue samples of brain, kidney, liver and blubber from a neonate St. Lawrence beluga whale were analyzed for ortho and non-ortho polychlorinat= ed biphenyls (PCB) congeners, organochlorine (OC) compounds, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) congeners and total mercury. As g-globulins, which indicate presence of colostrum, were not found in serum of the live neonate, it was unlikely that there had been lactationa= l transfer of environmental contaminants to the neonate. No PCDFs were detected. Of the PCDD congeners, only OCDD was found in all tissues; ranging from 12 pg/g lipid in brain to 1138 pg/g in liver. Concentration= s of SPCB (sum of 25 ortho and 4 non-ortho PCBs) and SDDT were lowest in brain (1.7 and 0.7 ug/g lipid, respectively), intermediate in kidney (4.= 1 and 2.3 ug/g) and highest in liver (8.8 and 3.5 ug/g) and blubber (17.6 a= nd 2.2 ug/g). PCB 126 was the predominant non-ortho congener. Toxic equivalent 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations (TEQs) (pg/g lipid) were: mono-ort= ho > non-ortho PCBs > PCDDs. Major individual OC compounds were DDE, HCB, oxychlordane and cis-nonachlor. Similar PCB and OC patterns were found f= or different tissues, with the exception of a-HCH in brain. Total mercury w= as detected in liver, kidney and brain at concentrations of 49-145 ng/g (wet weight). Concentrations of PCBs, OCs and mercury in the neonate were low= er than or in the lower range of those found in published data on female adu= lt beluga whales of the St. Lawrence, and this is probably due to absence of lactational transfer of contaminants in the neonate. Proportions of lowe= r chlorinated PCBs, HCB and HCH compounds were greater in the neonate than = in these female whales, which may indicate preferential gestational transfer of these compounds. =20 Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Julie Gauthier Julie Gauthier (=E9tudiante au Ph.D. student) Universit=E9 du Qu=E9bec =E0 Montr=E9al D=E9partement des Sciences Biologiques C. P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville Montr=E9al, Qu=E9bec, Canada, H3C 3P8 tel: 514 987 3000 (ext. 8287 or 3787) fax: 514 987 4647 email: c2656(\)er.uqam.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 04:05:04 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: sperm whale response to playback (fwd) From: Michel Andre Sperm Whale Behavioural Response after the Playback of Artificial Sounds.1997 Andre, M., Terada, M. and Watanabe, Y. Rep.Int.Whal,Commn.47:499-504 (SC/48/NA13). Abstract Shipping has been responsible recently for many collisions with cetaceans in the Canary Islands, particularly sperm whales which are present throughout the years in these waters. A series of experiments, including the playback of artificial sounds of different frequencies, was conducted to test a system designed to try and deter sperm whales from occupying the ferry routes. The main purpose of these preliminary tests was to observe the behavioural responses of the whales and try to assess the potential of this method to protect both the whales and the ferries. The results showed that the whales did not react to low frequency playbacks which suggests that sperm whales from an area which has heavy vessel traffic have a high tolerance for noise. Developing a solution to the problem of accidental collisions, lies in a better understanding of the hearing sensitivity of the local populations of whales in order to determine whether a warning or scaring sound could have a long term effect to keep them apart efficiently from the ferries without harming them or inducing them to leave a valuable area. Dr. Michel Andre University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria TrasMontana, 35416 Arucas,;;;;Gran Canaria;Canary Islands;Spain email;internet: mandre(\)infovia.ulpgc.es tel;work: +34-928 45 10 96 tel;fax: +34-928 45 11 41 Subject: dissertation abstract - humpback whale bioacoustics (fwd) Mercado, E., III (1998). Humpback whale bioacoustics: From form to function. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Hawaii, Honolulu. This thesis investigates how humpback whales produce, perceive, and use sounds from a comparative and computational perspective. Biomimetic models are developed within a systems-theoretic framework and then used to analyze the properties of humpback whale sounds. First, sound transmission is considered in terms of possible production mechanisms and the propagation characteristics of shallow water environments frequented by humpback whales. A standard source-filter model (used to describe human sound production) is shown to be well suited for characterizing sound production by humpback whales. Simulations of sound propagation based on normal mode theory reveal that optimal frequencies for long range propagation are higher than the frequencies used most often by humpbacks, and that sounds may contain spectral information indicating how far they have propagated. Next, sound reception is discussed. A model of human auditory processing is modified to emulate humpback whale auditory processing as suggested by cochlear anatomical dimensions. This auditory model is used to generate visual representations of humpback whale sounds that more clearly reveal what features are likely to be salient to listening whales. Additionally, the possibility that an unusual sensory organ (the tubercle) plays a role in acoustic processing is assessed. Spatial distributions of tubercles are described that suggest tubercles may be useful for localizing sound sources. Finally, these models are integrated with self-organizing feature maps to create a biomimetic sound classification system, and a detailed analysis of individual sounds and sound patterns in humpback whale ``songs'' is performed. This analysis provides evidence that song sounds and sound patterns vary substantially in terms of detectability and propagation potential, suggesting that they do not all serve the same function. New quantitative techniques are also presented that allow for more objective characterizations of the long term acoustic features of songs. The quantitative framework developed in this thesis provides a basis for theoretical consideration of how humpback whales (and other cetaceans) might use sound. Evidence is presented suggesting that vocalizing humpbacks could use sounds not only to convey information to other whales, but also to collect information about other whales. In particular, it is suggested that some sounds currently believed to be primarily used as communicative signals, might be primarily used as sonar signals. This theoretical framework is shown to be generalizable to other baleen whales and to toothed whales. I hope to make a postscript version of this disseration electronically available within the next few months. Eduardo Mercado III mercado(\)hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 05:57:56 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS: Weekly Summary-7/24/98 (fwd) From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} > >Marine Mammals > . > Whale Radio. On July 22, 1998, radio station CJKW will begin live >broadcasting of underwater audio from microphones located in the vicinity of >killer whale "rubbing" beaches, where these whales congregate, near Robson >Bight, northeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. These >broadcasts will also be transmitted to the Vancouver Aquarium's killer whale >underwater viewing gallery. [Vancouver Aquarium press release, Assoc Press, >Reuters] . {Keiko. In mid-July 1998, construction of the 250-foot long sea >pen that is to hold Keiko was completed in Klettsvik Bay, Vestmannaeyjar, >Iceland. On July 21, 1998, the Icelandic news media received copies of a >letter to the Free Willy Keiko Foundation threatening to kill Keiko using >poisoned fish.} [Assoc Press] > . > Canadian Bowhead Whaling. In mid-July 1998, Canadian Inuit from >Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, were scheduled to begin their hunt for a bowhead >whale from the species' eastern arctic population, believed to number about >700 animals. {On July 21, 1998, Inuit of Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, Canada, >struck and killed a 43-foot bowhead whale in Cumberland Sound. This whale >is thought to be part of a Davis Strait/Baffin Bay subpopulation numbering >about 350 animals.} [Assoc Press, High North Alliance News] > . > International Dolphin Competition. On July 7, 1998, GIC Global >Intertainment Corp. (Vancouver, BC, Canada) announced that a two-day >international dolphin racing and jumping competition would be held in >February >1999 at a Caribbean location to be announced later in 1998. Dolphins trained >for shows and other entertainment venues are to compete. Although wagers >are to be taken on the competition, the sponsor states the event is designed >to raise international awareness of dolphins and a portion of the proceeds >will >be donated to several dolphin funds. [GIC Global Intertainment Corp. press >release] > . > Dolphin Feeding. On July 2, 1998, NMFS filed charges on five counts >of harassing wild dolphins against a FL boat rental company, two crew >members, and a boat owner. This action is reported as being the first >charges >filed for violating regulations against feeding wild dolphins. [Assoc Press, >NOAA press release] > . > Sea Lion Seizures. On June 29, 1998, NOAA scientists announced >that the late May 1998 seizures and deaths of at least 62 CA sea lions in >Monterey Bay, CA, was caused by domoic acid toxin from a harmful algal >bloom that was concentrated in anchovies and sardines upon which the sea >lions fed. [NOAA press release, Reuters] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. > From: Chip Deutsch Subject: Abstract - Manatees This is a re-posting of an abstract that had been posted along with others from a recent issue of the Marine Technology Society Journal. The abstract included an incomplete address which has caused problems for those attempting to request reprints. Reprints can be requested from me by regular mail or e-mail. Chip Deutsch ============================================== Deutsch, C. J., R. K. Bonde, and J. P. Reid. 1998. Radio-tracking manatees from land and space: Tag design, implementation, and lessons learned from long-term study. Marine Technology Society Journal 32(1): 18-29. ABSTRACT West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) were tracked along the Atlantic coast of Florida and Georgia (N = 83 manatees, n = 439 tag deployments, 1986 - 1996) and in eastern Puerto Rico (N = 8, n = 43, 1992 - 1996) using conventional and satellite-based radio- telemetry systems. A floating radio-tag, attached by a flexible tether to a padded belt around the base of the tail, enabled us to track manatees in saltwater environments. The tag incorporated VHF (very high frequency) and ultrasonic transmitters for field tracking and tag recovery, and an Argos satellite-monitored transmitter for remote tracking. We located each animal in the field about twice per week, received more than 60,000 good-quality Argos locations, and recovered tags in over 90% of deployments. The tag was designed to detach from the belt when entangled to prevent injury or drowning, and this often led to premature termination of tracking bouts. We had considerable success, however, in retagging belted manatees without recapture (97% of 392 retagging events). Most individuals were radio- tagged more than once (median = 3.0, maximum = 43) for a median total duration of 7.5 months (maximum = 6.8 years). Data obtained through Argos have been valuable in addressing questions relating to long-distance movements, site fidelity, and identification of high-use areas. Fine-scale analyses of manatee habitat use and movements may require restricting the data set to the highest location quality or developing new analytical techniques to incorporate locational error. Field tracking provided useful ancillary data on life-history parameters, but sample sizes were small and survival estimates imprecise. Modification of the existing tag design to include Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality, with its finer spatial and temporal resolution, will offer new opportunities to address critical research and management problems facing this endangered species. ====================================================== Address Reprint Requests to: Dr. Chip Deutsch Sirenia Project, USGS-BRD 412 NE 16th Ave., Rm. 250 Gainesville, FL 32601 E-mail: Chip_Deutsch(\)usgs.gov ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 06:44:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: captive dolphin research (fwd) From: I read with great interest the recent summary regarding research and conservation involving captive dolphins. Because I am involved in the "interesting" but of "limited use" comparative physiology studies on dolphins, I felt compelled to say a few words from the other side of the scientific pool. It would be a marvelous world if I could watch dolphins slipping through the waves and know that they were safe from harm. The truth is I know that this is not the case. Over-fishing, pollution, gill nets, and global temperature shifts are having severe impacts on cetaceans. We see the manifestation of these impacts nearly every day in the hundreds of whales and dolphins beaching themselves along coasts throughout the world. I've stood there shaking my head with the rest saying what a shame. I've paid my $25 to environmental organizations and pasted a "Save the Whales" bumper sticker on my car. I've tried with hundreds of others to push the stranded animals back into the oceans that disgorged them in the first place. None of these emotional responses did a thing to save one dolphin or one whale. They didn't provide any insight into the underlying problems and did little more than add a bit of salve to my feelings. Instead, I have chosen to do something that could make a difference. After 20 years of work with and around marine mammals I have come to the conclusion that there is only one thing that will save them: research. Only by knowing these animals, their vulnerabilities and what they need to make it in an ever-changing ocean environment will conservation take place. We should use every opportunity to obtain that knowledge. Our laboratory was designed to conduct basic research on animals that had been placed in captivity years before I had even finished school. But these dolphins and many others in a variety of aquariums have provided invaluable information on their sensory, thermoregulatory, cardiovascular and energetic biology. Without this simple information we would be left with no tools to affect a change. We should be ashamed of our ignorance when it comes to marine mammal biology. The summary did make one very important point - the need for research to lead to cetacean conservation. All too often scientists are side tracked. What many do not realize is that the sidetrack science is usually a necessity of funding. It would also be a marvelous world if there was unlimited money dedicated simply to the goal of marine mammal research and conservation. There is no such thing. Instead, scientists scrounge to find money from a variey of sources including industry, the government and the military. Conservation research has to be done on the side; the price is that conservation can only take place in very small steps that is admittedly too slow for all of us (including many species of cetaceans and pinnipeds). If a person or a group really wanted to be effective, really cared about dolphins and marine mammals, and really wanted to see conservation happen then they would dedicate themselves to creating a productive, stable funded research environment. They would petition their government representatives and demand the allocation of money for supporting marine mammal research. They would develop a Marine Mammal Conservation Research Center dedicated to bringing the best scientific minds, resources and facilities to the problem of preserving marine mammals. They would bring the three groups required for conservation, Researchers, the Public and the Government, to bear on the problem. Through these positive acts we can make a difference. Without them we are guilty of loving marine mammals to death. It has been 20 years since the first Earth Day and we are past the Environmental teenage years. It is time to mature in our attitude about what is needed to preserve the marine environment. Knowledge borne out of dedicated, hard work is desperately need - not shaking heads and fingers or tears. It is the Year of the Ocean. I attended the Ocean Summit in Monterey and heard no words to support marine mammal conservation. This is the time to educate people about the real needs of our marine animals. Terrie M. Williams, PhD University of California, Santa Cruz ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 08:59:03 -0400 From: william rossiter Subject: Your response to Dolphin Races Member's inquiries and comments on MARMAM regarding the International Dolphin Competition suggest that many have concerns about the issue. Preliminary contacts with the principles indicate a significant lack of knowledge about cetaceans, conflicting information about plans, and misleading statements (for example, the charities to benefit from this endeavor, the "Dolphin Wildlife Fund" and "Save the Dolphins Fund", do not exist). The promoters appear reluctant to believe that many, particularly marine mammal scientists, might object to the concept. For those who want to communicate directly with the principles please contact: Mr. James Chu GIC Global Entertainment Suite 1500, 885 West Georgia Street Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3E8 CANADA TEL: (604) 688-6888 FAX: (604) 683-8125 S&S Public Relations 400 Skokie, Suite 200 North Brook, Illinois 60062 USA May I suggest that the promoters initial responses were ill-prepared as they were surprized to find any evidence that there might be opposing views. They might be expected to have formulated a more convincing response by now, but whether it is reality based or mere promotion must be yours to judge. William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-544-8617 71322.1637(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1998 08:47:49 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent marine mammal publications Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications recently posted to MARMAM are not included. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Thank you. ----------------------------------------------------- Aguilar, Alex, et al. 1997. Los cet=E1ceos del Parque Nacional de Coiba (Panam=E1) [Cetaceans of Coiba National Park], p. 75-103 In: Santiago Castroviejo and Mauricio Velayos, editors, Flora y fauna del Parque Nacional de Coiba (Panam=E1): inventario preliminar [Flora and fauna of Coiba National Park (Panama): preliminary investigations]. Agencia Espa=F1ola de Cooperaci=F3n Internacional, Madrid, Spain. In Spanish with English abstract. Aono, Sayaka, et al. 1997. Persistent organochlorines in minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and their prey species from the Antarctic and the North Pacific. Environ. Pollut. 98(1):81-89.=20 Berrow, Simon D., Brian Holmes and Oliver R. Kiely. 1996. Distribution and abundance of bottle-nosed dolphins Tursiops truncatus (Montagu) in the Shannon Estuary. Biol. Environ. 96B(1):1-9.=20 Best, P. B., et al. 1998. Winter distribution and possible migration routes of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the southwest Indian Ocean. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 162:287-299.=20 Boreman, John. 1998. The role of the American Fisheries Society in bycatch issues. Fisheries 23(6):28.=20 Boutiba, Zitouni. 1996. Disappearing species: the case of the monk seal in Algeria, p. 191-204 In: Will D. Swearingen and Abdellatif Bencherifa, editors, The North African environment at risk. Westview Press, Boulder, CO. Calzada, Nuria and Alex Aguilar. 1996. Flipper development in the Mediterranean striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Anat. Rec. 245:708-714.=20 Carrs, D. N., D. A. Elston and H. S. Morley. 1998. The effects of otter (Lutra lutra) activity on spraint production and composition: implications for models which estimate prey-size distribution. J. Zool. 244(2):295-302.=20 Cerchio, Salvatore and Priscilla Tucker. 1998. Influence alignment on the mtDNA phylogeny of Cetacea: questionable support for a Mysticeti/Physeteroidea clade. Syst. Biol. 47(2):336-344.=20 Connor, Richard C., et al. 1996. Patterns of female attractiveness in Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins. Behaviour 133(1-2):37-69.=20 Costa, Daniel P., Nicholas J. Gales and Daniel E. Crocker. 1998. Blood volume and diving ability of the New Zealand sea lion, Phocarctos hookeri. Physiol. Zool. 71(2):208-213.=20 Croll, D. A. and B. R. Tershy. 1998. Penguins, fur seals, and fishing: prey requirements and potential competition in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Polar Biol. 19(6):365-374.=20 Crowder, Larry B. and Steven A. Murawski. 1998. Fisheries bycatch: implications for management. Fisheries 23(6):8-17.=20 Cruwys, Elizabeth and Pamela B. Davis. 1995. Moulting juvenile male southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina (L.) at Hannah Point, Walker Bay, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands. Polar Res. 14(3):329-333.=20 De Guise, Sylvain, et al. 1997. Immune functions in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas): evaluation of natural killer cell activity. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 58(3-4):345-354.=20 Department of the Navy and National Marine Fisheries Service. 1998. Shock testing the Seawolf submarine: final environmental impact statement. Department of the Navy, North Charleston, SC. v.p. VM880 Sh73 1998. Diab, Mark C. 1998. Economic utility of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) implications for Arctic archaeology. J. Archaeol. Sci. 25(1):1-26.=20 Fasick, Jeffry I. and Phyllis R. Robinson. 1998. Mechanism of spectral tuning in the dolphin visual pigments. Biochem. 37(2):433-438.=20 Flores-Ram=EDrez, Sergio, et al. 1996. Spatial and temporal changes in the cetacean community structure at Bah=EDa de La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico (1988-1991). Ciencias Marinas 22(2):151-173.=20 Florez Ram=EDrez, Sergio, et al. 1997. Avistamientos del rorcual tropical, Balaenoptera edeni (Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) y temperatura del agua, en Baja California Sur, Mexico [Balaenoptera edeni (Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) sightings and water temperature in southern Baja California, Mexico]. Rev. Biol. Trop. 45(3):1209-1214.=20 Frost, Kathryn J., Lloyd F. Lowry and Jay M. Ver Hoef. 1997. Monitoring the trend of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, p. 1-19 In: Kathryn J. Frost, et al., editors, Monitoring, habitat use, and trophic interactions of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Annual report to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Restoration Study 97064. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, AK.=20 Gay, Joel. 1998. Crude behavior [Exxon Valdez oil spill]. Natl. Fisherman 79(3):20-21.=20 Georgette, Susan, et al. 1998. The subsistence harvest of seals and sea lions by Alaska Natives in the Norton Sound-Bering Strait Region, Alaska, 1996-97. Final report NOAA Grant No. NA66FX0476. Prepared for the National Marine Fisheries Service. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsitence, Juneau, Alaska. (Technical Paper No. 242) 79p.=20 Goldberg, Kim. 1997/98. Canada and the International Whaling Commission. Can. Mar. Mammal J. 3:3-7.=20 Gotthardt, Tracey. 1998. Diving behavior of harbor seals in southcentral Prince William Sound, 1994-1997, p. 118-147 In: Kathryn J. Frost, et al., editors, Monitoring, habitat use, and trophic interactions of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Annual report to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Restoration Study 97064. Alaska Department of Fsih and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, AK.=20 Hern=E1ndez, Mauro, et al. 1998. Did algal toxins cause monk seal mortality? Nature 393(6680):28-29.=20 Hindell, Mark A. and Mary-Anne Lea. 1998. Heart rate, swimming speed, and extimated oxygen consumption of a free-ranging southern elephant seal. Physiol. Zool. 71(1):74-84.=20 Hoelzel, A. R., M. Dahlheim and S. J. Stern. 1998. Low genetic variation among killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the eastern North Pacific and genetic differentiation between foraging specialists. J. Hered. 89(2):121-128. Holt, Sidney. 1998. Whaling and the 'Irish Proposal'. Oryx 32(2):84. Comment on Simmonds, M. 1998. Oryx 32(1):3-4.=20 Holt, W. V., P. M. Bennett and V. Volobouev. 1996. Genetic resource banks in wildlife conservation. J. Zool. 238(3):531-544.=20 Horning, Markus and Fritz Trillmich. 1997. Ontogeny of diving behaviour in the Gal=E1pagos fur seal. Behaviour 134(15-16):1211-1257.=20 Iverson, Sara J., et al. 1998. The use of fatty acid signatures to investigate foraging ecology and food webs in Prince William Sound, Alaska: harbor seals and their prey, p. 38-117 In: Kathryn J. Frost, et al., editors, Monitoring, habitat use, and trophic interactions of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Annual report to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Restoration Study 97064. Alaska Department of Fsih and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, AK.=20 Jacques, Thierry G. and Richard H. Lambertsen, editors. 1997. Sperm whale deaths in the North Sea: science and management. l'Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique (Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium), Brussels, Belgium. (Bulletin de l'Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique. Biologie. Vol. 67 - Supplement) 133p. QL737 .C435 Sp36 1997. Janak, Karel, et al. 1998. Methyl sufonyl polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichlorethene in gray seal tissues determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and atomic emission detection. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 17(6):1046-1055.=20 Johnson, Terry. 1998. The whaling trade. Can. Geogr. 118(1):37-38. Kiem, Thai Van. 1996. The cult of the whale. Vietnamese Studies 121:145-172. Kooyman, G. L. and P. J. Ponganis. 1998. The physiological basis of diving to depth: birds and mammals. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 60:19-32.=20 Kozhova, Olga M. and Eugene A. Silow. 1998. The current problems of Lake Baikal ecosystem conservation. Lakes & Reservoirs: Res. Manage. 3(1):19-33. Kronman, Mick. 1998. Shellfish-snacking otters eating at Calif. fishermen: migrating mammals haven't been relocated. Natl. Fisherman 79(3):7. Larivi=E8re, Serge. 1998. Lontra felina [marine otter]. Mammalian Species 575:1-5. Larivi=E8re, Serge and Lyle R. Walton. 1998. Lontra canadensis [North American river otter]. Mammalian Species 587:1-8.=20 LeMoine, Genevieve M. and Christyann M. Darwent. 1998. The walrus and the carpenter: Late Dorset ivory working in the High Arctic. J. Archaeol. Sci. 25(1):73-83.=20 Lieben, Ivan J. 1997. Political influences of USFWS listing decisions under the ESA: time to rethink priorities. Environ. Law 27(4):1323-1371.=20 Lowry, Lloyd F. and Kathryn J. Frost. 1998. Tagging of harbor seals in Prince William Sound with satellite-linked depth recorders, 1996-1997, p. 20-37 In: Kathryn J. Frost, et al., editors, Monitoring, habitat use, and trophic interactions of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Annual report to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Restoration Study 97064. Alaska Department of Fsih and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, AK. Maluf, N. S. R. and J. J. Gassman. 1998. Kidneys of the killerwhale and significance of reniculism. Anat. Rec. 250(1):34-44.=20 Mass, A. M., et al. 1997. Ganglion layer topography and retinal resolution of the Caribbean manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris. Doklady Biol. Sci. 355(3):392-394.=20 Mattlin, R. H., N. J. Gales and D. P. Costa. 1998. Seasonal dive behaviour of lactating New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri). Can. J. Zool. 76(2):350-360.=20 Melnikov, V. V., M. A. Zlensky and V. V. Bychkov. 1997. Seasonal migrations and distribution of bowhead whale in waters of Chukotka. Biologiia Moria 23(4):199-208. In Russian with English title and abstract.=20 Mignucci-Giannoni, Antonio A., et al. 1997. First osteological collection of marine mammals for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Caribb. J. Sci. 33(3-4):288-292.=20 Mori, Yoshihisa. 1998. The optimal patch use in divers: optimal time budget and the number of dive cycles during bout. J. Theor. Biol. 190(2):187-199. Motluk, Alison. 1998. A breakdown in communications [International Whaling Commission]. New Sci. 158(2136):14.=20 Motluk, Alison. 1998. From harpoon to plate: A DNA database could prevent the illegal export of whalemeat. But who will control it? New Sci. 158(2136):14. Murayama, Tsukasa and Hiroaki Somiya. 1998. Distribution of ganglion cells and object localizaing ability in the retina of three cetaceans. Fish. Sci. 64(1):27-30. Needham, D. J. 1997. The role of stones in the sea lion stomach: investigations using contrast radiography and fluoroscopy, p. 164-169 In: M. Hindell and C. Kemper, editors, Marine mammal research in the Southern Hemisphere. Volume 1: Status, ecology and medicine. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton. Ochoa, Jos=E9 Lu=EDs, et al. 1997. Toxic events in the northwest Pacific coastline of Mexico during 1992-1995: origin and impact. Hydrobiologia 352:195-200. Ohizumi, Hiroshi and Nobuyuki Miyazaki. 1998. Feeding rate and daily energy intake of Dall's porpoise in the northeastern Sea of Japan. Proc. NIPR Symp. Polar Biol. 11:74-81.=20 Palsboll, Per Jakob, Mads Peter Heide-Jorgensen and Rune Dietz. 1997. Population structure and seasonal movements of narwhals, Monodon monoceros, determined from mtDNA analysis. Heredity 78(3):284-292. Petrov, E. A. 1997. Current distribution of Baikal seal Pusa sibirica (Pinnipedia, Phocidae). Zool. Zh. 76(10):1202-1209. In Russian with English title and abstract. Petrov, E. A., A. V. Voronov and M. K. Ivanov. 1997. Numbers, breed distribution and hunting of Pusa sibirica (Pinnipedia, Phocidae). Zool. Zh. 76(7):858-864. In Russian with English title and abstract.=20 Pfeiffer, P. and B. M. Cuik. 1998. Energy metabolism of underwater swimming in river-otters (Lutra lutra L.). J. Comp. Physiol. B 168(2):143-148. Preen, Anthony. 1998. Marine protected areas and dugong conservation along Australia's Indian Ocean coast. Environ. Manage. 22(2):173-181.=20 Schmitten, Rolland A. 1998. An agenda for bycatch. Fisheries 23(6):6. Schrank, J. Donald, et al. 1996. Arteries of the foreflipper of the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) as represented by contrast arteriography. Biol. Bull. 191(2):301-302.=20 Scott, Andrew. 1998. Killing them softly. Have we become a threat to the orcas? Waters Spring/Summer:10-14.=20 Shaffer, S. A., et al. 1997. Diving and swimming performance of white whales, Delphinapterus leucas: an assessment of plasma lactate and blood gas levels and respiratory rates. J. Exp. Biol. 200(24):3091-3099.=20 Simmonds, Mark. 1998. Agreement for small cetaceans. Oryx 32(1):13. Simmonds, Mark. 1998. Compromise at the IWC. Oryx 32(1):3-4.=20 Simmonds, Mark. 1998. Whaling and the 'Irish Proposal'. Oryx 32(2):84-85. Reply to Holt.=20 Simmonds, Mark and Christopher Stroud. 1998. Whither whaling? Nature 392(6676):541.=20 Stasch, Rupert. 1996. Killing as reproductive agency: dugong, pigs, and humanity among the Kiwai, circa 1900. Anthropos 91(4/6):359-379. Tamura, Tsutomu, Yoshihiro Fujise and Kenji Shimazaki. 1998. Diet of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata in the northwestern part of the North Pacific in summer, 1994 and 1995. Fish. Sci. 64(1):71-76.=20 Tollit, D. J., et al. 1998. Variations in harbour seal Phoca vitulina diet and dive-depths in relation to foraging habitat. J. Zool. 244(2):295-302. Troy, S., D. Middleton and J. Phelan. 1997. On capture, anaesthesia and branding of adult male New Zealand fur seals Arctocephalus forsteri, p. 179-183 In: M. Hindell and C. Kemper, editors, Marine mammal research in the Southern Hemisphere. Volume 1: Status, ecology and medicine. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton.=20 Tynan, Cynthia T. and Douglas P. DeMaster. 1997. Incorporating climate change effects into the process for evaluating management regimes for aboriginal subsistence whaling. Rep. Int. Whaling Comm. 47:619-624.=20 Vlessides, Michael. 1998. License to whale. Can. Geogr. 118(1):24-34. Warren, Brad. 1998. Fishermen meet mammal advocates. Pac. Fish. 19(6):17. Webb, Paul M., et al. 1998. Heart rate and oxygen consumption of northern elephant seals during diving in the laboratory. Physiol. Zool. 71(1):116-125. Yoshida, Hideyoshi, et al. 1997. A population size estimate of the finless porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides, from aerial sighting surveys in Ariake Sound and Tachibana Bay, Japan. Res. Popul. Ecol. 39(2):239-247. Zadalsky, S. V. 1997. Spatial structure and size of the sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus Schreb., 1776) population on the Yam Islands. Russ.J. Ecol. 28(6):471-473. In Russian.=20 Subject: Fw: Request: dolphins Could someone at Marmam help Per Ole Syvertsen ? Per Ole Syvertsen at EuroBirdnet: >Dear EuroBirdnetters, > >I have a request which is a little off the main issue of this list server. >For the last four weeks we have been enjoying the presence of one common >dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and one striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) >in the harbour area of Oslo. The common dolphin is not a common animal >along the Norwegian coast although a number of documented records do exist. >The striped dolphin is the first one documented from Norwegian waters. >Preparations for a paper describing this exciting and very entertaining >visit is underway. In that connection I would like to call for info on the >occurrence of southern dolphins (common, striped or bottlenosed [Tursiops >truncatus]) in the North Sea area, particularly during recent years. Both >published and unpublished info would be appreciated (main papers that are >easily located by a standard literature search is not a problem, it is less >widely distributed references I would need help to find). > >Please respond directly to me. > > >Per Ole Syvertsen > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >Per Ole Syvertsen >Division of Zoology, Dept. of Biology, University of Oslo >P.O.Box 1050 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway > >Phone (+47) 2285 4795, Fax (+47) 2285 4605 >E-mail p.o.syvertsen(\)bio.uio.no >---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message forwarded to marmam by: ----------------------------------------------------- Olli Haukkovaara tel.(work): +358 - (0)3 - 57 66 605 tel.(GSM): +358 - (0)40 - 502 502 3 FAX: +358 - (0)3 - 57 66 570 or 57 66 488 X.400: G=Olli S=Haukkovaara P=vlk A=mailnet C=fi internet: Olli.Haukkovaara(\)vlk.fi ----------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 03:56:22 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications: acoustics (fwd) From: Gianni Pavan Dear MARMAM Editors, I would like to inform you the following papers have been recently published (only the first of them has an abstract): PAVAN G., BORSANI J.F., 1997. Bioacoustic research on cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea. Mar. Fresh. Behav. Physiol., 30: 99-123. ABSTRACT In recent years new impetus has been put into cetacean research in the Mediterranean Sea. From 1988 to 1994 research cruises were organized by our laboratory and the Tethys Research Institute within the seas surrounding the Italian peninsula and islands. Recordings of underwater sounds produced by cetaceans and other ethological and zoogeographical data were collected and analyzed with the use of instruments and techniques mainly developed by the Laboratory of Marine Bioacoustics, which was conceived by the University of Pavia and financed by the Inspectorate of Sea Defence of the Italian Ministry of the Environment. Specific instruments and software packages were developed, including a high-quality towed array of hydrophones, with its own amplifier and filtering unit, a portable Digital Signal Processing Workstation (DSPW) with real time analysis and file processing capabilities and an Interactive Digital Sound Library (IDSL). Cetacean sounds were recorded in their natural environment from auxiliary sailing vessels up to 26m long; sounds from six odontocete and one mysticete species were recorded, analyzed, catalogued and organized in a sound library in order to allow flexible and specific access to sound information for research and other purposes such as environmental monitoring, species identification, censusing activities and educational applications. Pavan G., Priano M., Manghi M., Fossati C., 1997. Software tools for real-time IPI measurements on sperm whale sounds. Proc. Underwater Bio-Sonar and Bioacoustics Symposium. Proc. I.O.A., 19 (part 9), Loughborough, UK: 157-164. Priano M., Pavan G., M Manghi M., Fossati C., 1997. The Cetacean Sound Library of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioacoustics and Environmental Research of the University of Pavia. Proc. Underwater Bio-Sonar and Bioacoustics Symposium. Proc. I.O.A., 19 (part 9), Loughborough, UK: 245-249. Kind regards, Gianni Pavan -------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Gianni Pavan Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Universita' degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24 27100 PAVIA, ITALIA Tel/Fax +39-0382-525234 Email gpavan(\)telnetwork.it Web http://www.unipv.it/~webcib/welcome.html -------------------------------------------------------------- Personal Home Page at http://www.telnetwork.it/~gpavan and http://members.xoom.com/gpavan Subject: Re: Your response to Dolphin Races (fwd) From: David Lusseau You may also want to try to contact the vice-president of GIC: Darren Little doc(\)ggncwins.com Once again he seems prompt to answer questions, and do not understand why people may be opposed to their project. Sincerely, David Lusseau ----------------------------------------- From: rhobson(\)micron.net (Rick Hobson) I would like to thank William W. Rossiter for his posting of his concerns about the dolphin races. I would have to wonder if, depending upon which Carribean Island chosen for the 'races,' their might not be a host of legal and logistical problems involved with simply getting the dolphins there? I simply cannot see any major marine park taking the risks with its animals to ship them off, regardless of the photo-ops. Ethically... well, this falls more into the realm of personal opinion... but dolphin races is almost as unthinkable as hauling a bunch of cheetahs to a greyhound coursing track and letting them race for fun and profit. I wonder what Roger Payne thinks of all this? I will indeed contact Mr. Chu and lodge my complaint as a concerned citizen of the planet. -Rick Hobson/Wolf Education and Research Center www.wolfcenter.org At 8:59 AM 7/25/98, william rossiter wrote: >Member's inquiries and comments on MARMAM regarding the International >Dolphin Competition suggest that many have concerns about the issue. >Preliminary contacts with the principles indicate a significant lack of >knowledge about cetaceans, conflicting information about plans, and >misleading statements (for example, the charities to benefit from this >endeavor, the "Dolphin Wildlife Fund" and "Save the Dolphins Fund", do not >exist). The promoters appear reluctant to believe that many, particularly >marine mammal scientists, might object to the concept. > >For those who want to communicate directly with the principles please >contact: > >Mr. James Chu >GIC Global Entertainment >Suite 1500, 885 West Georgia Street >Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3E8 CANADA >TEL: (604) 688-6888 >FAX: (604) 683-8125 > >S&S Public Relations >400 Skokie, Suite 200 >North Brook, Illinois 60062 USA > >May I suggest that the promoters initial responses were ill-prepared as >they were surprized to find any evidence that there might be opposing >views. They might be expected to have formulated a more convincing response >by now, but whether it is reality based or mere promotion must be yours to >judge. > >William W. Rossiter >President >Cetacean Society International >P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA >ph/fx 203-544-8617 >71322.1637(\)compuserve.com >http://elfi.com/csihome.html Subject: unusual humpback tag observed in Newfoundland, Canada Hi all, I'd like to pass on some information on behalf of a member of the public who contacted our lab. This observer spotted what he believed to be a tag hanging from the back of a humpback whale, midway between the dorsal fin and posterior end of the gape of the mouth. The 'tag' is described as being approx. 2 cm in diameter and maybe 8 cm long (note, the dimensions may be underestimated), orange in colour with a cream/white coloured end. The whale was seen at St. Vincent's beach, Newfoundland (approx. 46 deg 40 min North, 53 deg 40 min West)) on July 8, 1998. Anyone who has further information concerning this 'tag' should contact me by email; I can then relay the observer's contact details to you. Sean Sean Todd, Ph.D., Whale Research Group, Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Nfld., Canada, A1B 3X9. "Fundamentally the marksman aims at himself" Zen in the Art of Archery ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 15:47:36 -0400 From: Noelle Eckley Subject: POPs in marine mammals: need info. I am looking for information sources on measured levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine mammals around the world, particularly in developing countries and in the southern hemisphere. I am currently working on a project at US EPA's Office of International Activities which seeks to collect data from as many geographical areas as possible indicating the levels of POPs in marine mammals. We plan to compile this data in a visual format as background information for the UNEP negotiations on a global POPs treaty. I have searched through much of the published scientific literature and readily available sources. However, since I am particularly interested in finding data on developing countries and the southern hemisphere (where published literature is not as abundant), I was wondering if there were any additional sources (e.g. unpublished data, governmental data, etc.) which are available on this topic. The chemicals which I am collecting data on are the 12 selected for global negotiation by UNEP (DDT, PCBs, dioxins, furans, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex). If anyone has any of this data or knows of other sources I should examine, I would appreciate your input. Thanks, Noelle Eckley ------------------------------------------------------------- Noelle Eckley Office of International Activities U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 401 M St., SW (Mail Code 2660R) Washington, DC 20460 (202) 564-1238 (ph) (202) 565-2409 (fax) eckley.noelle(\)epa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 08:35:10 -0500 Reply-To: aromero(\)herald.infi.net From: aldemaro romero Organization: InfiNet Subject: Abstract: Exploitation of cetaceans in Venezuela ABSTRACT Romero, A.; A. I. Agudo & S. M. Green. 1997. Exploitation of Cetaceans in Venezuela. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn 47:735-746. Cetacean exploitation in the Caribbean is poorly documented but appears to be more widespread than previously recognised. We surveyed the literature, examined historical records and conducted field studies to ascertain the nature and extent of exploitation in Venezuelan waters. We found records indicating practices dating to pre-Columbian times. There is evidence that at least 11 of the 20 cetacean species found in the area have been taken. The species most frequently mentioned are Delphinus capensis (25%), Tursiops truncatus (23%), and Inia geoffrensis (16%). Harpooning and netting (94% combined) are the most frequently noted capture methods. Reports of the methods of capture and the uses of animals taken are associated with the period of the records, with captures by harpooning and usage for bait being the most prevalent since 1961. Two of the most likely determinants of use of a species, its species-typical size and its appearance in coastal and fresh waters as opposed to pelagic ranging, were examined. Exploitation of a species is independent of its size but it is associated with its ranging patterns, pelagic species being less likely to be taken. The records examined do not allow the determination of whether the extent of use by fisheries has any effect on local cetacean populations. Reprint requests should be sent to: Aldemaro Romero, Ph.D. Director and Associate Professor Environmental Studies Program Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105-1899 romero(\)macalester.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 13:57:27 -0400 From: "Dr.Antonio A.Mignucci-Giannoni" Subject: Mass stranding of beaked whales in Puerto Rico A mass stranding of 5 goosebeak whales (Ziphius cavirostris) occurred Wednesday night and Thursday (29 and 30 July 1998) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Caribbean Stranding Network, a local non-profit scientific and conservation organization based at the Metropolitan University in San Juan, attended to the strandings, which involved 1 adult female and 4 males (1 adult, 3 juveniles). The largest animal measured 18 feet, while the smallest was about 14 feet in length. Local agencies, including Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Civil Defense and Commonwealth, Municipal and Maritime Police, aided the CSN in handling the stranding emergency. CSN personnel with over a dozen volunteer and intern college-students from Puerto Rico's Metropolitan University, University of Puerto Rico, Interamerican University and Long Island University-Southampton College, spent over 24 hours tending to the stranding cases. Most of the animals were externally in good shape, outside scratches from being stranded in the rocks. The female, the first to strand, was found in worst shape. The two last animals to strand did so alive, but after rescuing and examining the animals, the decission was made by the CSN and Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources to euthanize them given their condition, logistical difficulties in moving/transporting the animals (either back to sea or to a pool), and the slim possibilities of a successful rehabilitation. They were euthanized humanely by injection to the heart under the guidance of CSN attending veterinarian Cesar Ruiz. Necropsies were conducted on each animal, documenting gross findings, taking tissues for histopathology and collecting parasites from the blubber, stomach, liver and kidneys. Skin tissue was collected for future genetic work. The large male was found to have stalked barnacles attached to its front teeth, and signs of a cookie-cutter shark bite. All animals were found to have squid beaks and deep-water shrimp in their stomachs. The skull of each animal was collected for the CSN scientific collection; the remainders of the carcasses were buried, or in two of the cases towed out 15 miles to sea. While a number of single strandigns of Ziphius have been recorded in Puerto Rico, this is the third mass stranding of goosebeak whales in the northeastern Caribbean. In 1965/1966, an epizootic event occured in the south and eastern coast of Puerto Rico when 11 Ziphius stranded in La Parguera, Patillas and eastern coast of the island between December 1965 and March 1966. In February 1991, 4 goosebeaks stranded in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Scientific Coordinator-Caribbean Stranding Network Associate Professor-Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 38030 San Juan PR 00937 USA Tel & Fax 787-767-8009 Emergencies 787-399-8432, 787-402-2337 (unit 990-0440) Email mignucci(\)caribe.net Webpage http://netdial.caribe.net/~mignucci/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 11:49:07 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 7/31/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 7/24/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 7/30/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Makah Whaling. On July 22, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard published proposed regulations in the Federal Register establishing a 500-yard buffer zone around Makah whaling vessels. Although no public hearing is scheduled, the Coast Guard is accepting public comment on the proposed rule for 45 days.} [Federal Register, Seattle Times] . Whale Radio. On July 22, 1998, radio station CJKW will begin live broadcasting of underwater audio from microphones located in the vicinity of killer whale "rubbing" beaches, where these whales congregate, near Robson Bight, northeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. These broadcasts will also be transmitted to the Vancouver Aquarium's killer whale underwater viewing gallery. [Vancouver Aquarium press release, Assoc Press, Reuters] . Keiko. In mid-July 1998, construction of the 250-foot long sea pen that is to hold Keiko was completed in Klettsvik Bay, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. On July 21, 1998, the Icelandic news media received copies of a letter to the Free Willy Keiko Foundation threatening to kill Keiko using poisoned fish {{or poisoning water in Keiko's pen. Icelandic media report that Keiko is scheduled to arrive in Iceland on Sept. 10, 1998.}} [Assoc Press, Reuters] . Canadian Bowhead Whaling. In mid-July 1998, Canadian Inuit from Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, were scheduled to begin their hunt for a bowhead whale from the species' eastern arctic population, believed to number about 700 animals. On July 21, 1998, Inuit of Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, Canada, struck and killed a 43-foot bowhead whale in Cumberland Sound. This whale is thought to be part of a Davis Strait/Baffin Bay subpopulation numbering about 350 animals. [Assoc Press, High North Alliance News] . International Dolphin Competition. On July 7, 1998, GIC Global Intertainment Corp. (Vancouver, BC, Canada) announced that a two-day international dolphin racing and jumping competition would be held in February 1999 at a Caribbean location to be announced later in 1998. Dolphins trained for shows and other entertainment venues are to compete. Although wagers are to be taken on the competition, the sponsor states the event is designed to raise international awareness of dolphins and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to several dolphin funds. [GIC Global Intertainment Corp. press release] . Dolphin Feeding. On July 2, 1998, NMFS filed charges on five counts of harassing wild dolphins against a FL boat rental company, two crew members, and a boat owner. This action is reported as being the first charges filed for violating regulations against feeding wild dolphins. [Assoc Press, NOAA press release] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Oceanic Society: Job Announcement (fwd) From: Birgit Winning JOB ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: Research Director, Oceanic Society One-year, contract position. Three-quarter time option. May lead to permanent employment SALARY: Commensurate with experience GENERAL FUNCTION: Oceanic Society is seeking an enthusiastic individual to oversee the Society's research goals and objectives through the following responsibilities: 1) engaging in field research and producing appropriate reports, 2) engaging in non-partison analysis and making results available to the general public or governmental bodies, 3) supervising graduate students in the field as assigned by the Executive Director, as well as reviewing student proposals and research results. The position involves approximately 50% field time and 50% at office headquarters in San Francisco. The Oceanic Society funds research worldwide through its Expeditions program utilizing short-term volunteers to support the cost and labor of research. QUALIFICATIONS: Commitment to environmental education and volunteer supported field research as a tool for environmental protection. Applicant should have most or all of the following qualificaitions: 1. Advanced degree in biology, preferably marine mammal science. 2. Excellent written and verbal communicaiton skills. 3. Goal oriented with proven ability to establish priorities and meet project deadlines. 4. Must be self-directed and self-motiviated. 5. Proven leadership skills and ability to supervise staff. 6. Attention to details as well as the larger picture imperative. Applicants are requested to submit a detailed letter on how their skilld and experience meet the qualification listed above, along with a cover letter, complete resume, salary history and references, to The Oceanic Society, Fort Mason Center, Building E, San Francisco, CA 94123, Attention: Executive Director. Applications must be recieved by 30 August 1998. Fax: 415/474-3395. Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list ++ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM ++ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? 5. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 6. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? ++ 8. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 12. Useful websites 13. Other email discussion lists 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of June 1998 there were over 3,400 subscribers from 60 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information on these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. The MARMAM account cannot deal with attachments and any messages with attachments will not be sent. All information should therefore be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ______________________________________________________________ ++ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - THOSE UNRELATED TO MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION - ANIMAL RIGHTS CALLS FOR ACTION - "COMMUNICATION" BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - "CASUAL" REQUESTS for information that is easily available elsewhere. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). - INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION: information requests without details as to why this is being requested. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. - COMMON EVENTS: news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - REQUESTS FOR SMALL NUMBERS OF SPECIFIC ITEMS (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - OPINION STATEMENTS OFFERING LITTLE OR NO NOVEL INFORMATION. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. - CRITICISMS OF RESEARCHER'S STATEMENTS QUOTED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. - RHETORIC: messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES - JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 5. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). Two searchable websites hold archived MARMAM postings: Links to both of these can be found via the MARMAM homepage http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm http://www.escribe.com/science/marmam/ This archive includes all messages from June 2 1998 and the monthly logs dating back to January 1995. The archive can be searched by keyword and will return a list of files (messages) containing that keyword. For long messages (i.e., the monthly logs) - using the "find" command (under "Edit") will speed up searching within the message. http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive contains all messages from November 1997. To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. The archive manager is Quyen Lam __________________________________________________________________ 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 12. Useful websites Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ______________________________________________________ 13. Other email discussion lists Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Sara Ellis, Shannon Gowans or Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated July, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 2 Aug 1998 15:18:19 -0500 From: acorema Subject: Request of video footage of whales & dolphins for Marine Center ------ As a cetologist, I am working on conservation of Peruvian whales and dolphins; as education is an important part of our efforts, my base institution, Areas Costeras y Recursos Marinos, opened a Marine Informati= on Centre at the coastal town of Pisco, southern Peru. Within our educationa= l projects we want to build a "virtual dolphinarium" or " a window to the open sea" where people can get a closer look to whales and dolphins. Th= e idea is to use a TV set with video projection capability (up to 100 inche= s) behind a strong glass piece simulating either a "tank" or a "window to th= e open sea" (interpretation of this is up to the reader's viewpoint). In th= is way, visitors can see different species of whales and dolphins without expending much money. What we need are the materials to project, i.e., videos of underwater views of cetaceans as seen through the window of a dolphinarium or through the bow-bubble of research vessels, or filmed by divers. Videos on bottlenose dolphins will be great, as this is themost common species here;also,large whales would be impressive, especially fo= r children. The reason for requesting this to MARMAM subscribers is that any of thes= e materials can be obtained in Peru. We do not have dolphinaria or underwater research on cetaceans. There is a need for educational program= s on cetaceans in Peru, because here dolphins are used for food. In contras= t with other countries, the curricula at Peruvian schools and Biology Faculties does not include whales and dolphins; myself I did'nt know abo= ut cetacean until I left the University and found one porpoise by accident. This example points to the need for education, and highlights the importance of our Centre in Peruvian cetacean conservation. I thank all people that can help on this effort Julio C. Reyes ACOREMA Av. San Mart=EDn 1471, Pisco PERU e-mail: acorema(\)mail.cosapidata.com.pe ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 12:30:22 PDT From: Caryn Self Sullivan Subject: Sirenia website As part of the research for my MSc thesis, I have put together a rather extensive collection of Sirenia links on my homepage at: http://members.aol.com/caryn1001/index.html/homepage.html I invite marmamers interested in sirenians to visit, send feedback and comments, and recommend additional links. Cheers, Caryn Caryn Self Sullivan Graduate Student Texas A&M University caryn_sullivan(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 7 Aug 1998 07:12:00 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: sea otter research (fwd) From: christopher hakes Hi, My name is Christopher Hakes and I am a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems here at Uvic. I am endeavouring to find any and all info available on the rehabilitation of the sea otter on the coast of Vancouver Island. As I say, any and all info would be greatly appreciated, or the means to acquire it. Much of the info I am finding is only very cursory info, what I really require are base-line surveys, population assessments, definitive goals and the means to achieve them etc. Any ideas? My home address is - 3908 Benson Rd. Victoria, B.C. V8N 4K2 (250) 477-4132 Thank-you for any assistance that you can offer, Christopher Hakes. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 16:24:27 -0400 From: Suzanne Bolton Subject: NMFS JOBS - Part 1 CTURTLE(\)LISTS.UFL.EDU, czm(\)ecology.bio.dfo.ca PART ONE OF THREE Due to the difficulty many have in downloading attachments, three job announcements will be provided in three installments. This first segment is the introductory material and the information common to the National Marine Fisheries Service application process. Please direct your questions to the Personnel Office listed in the announcement since I am not directly involved in the selection process. I will apologize in advance for multiple listings but we are try to seek qualified candidates in an extensive search. BASIC INFORMATION Positions are currently available in the Research Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service. The following are extracts of downloads from the NOAA website: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/ There are 3 positions: (1) a person to coordinate Sea Grant and NMFS fisheries research (and related duties), working within Sea Grant; (2) a person to advance NMFS stock assessment methods and overall quality (there are separate announcements for a statistician or biologist for this one position); and (3) a person to advance the use of technology in NMFS research programs. Applicants should visit the website to ensure they have all the needed information. Please forward to all potentially interested parties. COMMON INFORMATION FOR APPLICATIONS: Application Address: NOAA HRMO, OFA45 FAX (301) 713-0974 NESDIS/NMFS/OAR Human Resources Div. 1315 East-West Highway, 11348 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3285 ----------------------------------------------------------------- **SPECIAL NOTICE** Veteran's Preference Provisions - The Defense Authorization Act of November 18, 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Defense Authorization Act of November 18, 1997, extended veterans' preference to persons who served on active duty during the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992. The law grants preference to persons otherwise eligible and who served on active duty during this period, regardless of where the person served or for how long. The law also authorizes the Secretary of each military department to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Bosnia during the period November 20, 1995, to a date to be determined. The award of the Medal is qualifying for veterans' preference. More information on veterans' preference is available in the VetGuide that may be found on the United States Office of Personnel Management web site at www.opm.gov. ----------------------------------------------------------------- *Demonstration Project. Effective March 29, 1998, the DOC Personnel Management Demonstration Project took effect. This project replaces the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under the project, positions are classified by career path, pay plan, and pay band. The following charts show how each of the 4 Career Paths correspond to the GS grades: ________________________________________________________________ Career Path | PP | Pay Bands ________________________________________________________________ Scientific & Engineering | ZP | I | II | III | IV | V ----------------------------------------------------------------- Corresponding | GS | 1-6 | 7-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15 ________________________________________________________________ Sci. & Engnr. Technician| ZT | I | II | III | IV | V ----------------------------------------------------------------- Corresponding | GS | 1-4 | 5-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 | 13 ________________________________________________________________ Administrative | ZA | I | II | III | IV | V ----------------------------------------------------------------- Corresponding | GS | 1-6 | 7-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15 ________________________________________________________________ General Support | ZS | I | II | III | IV | V ----------------------------------------------------------------- Corresponding | GS | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-8 | 9-10 ________________________________________________________________ Salary increases within pay bands occur thorough the pay-for- performance system only. --------------------------------------------------------------- APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Provide the following information: a. The vacancy announcement number, position title, and grade level(s); b. Your full name, social security number, day and evening phone numbers, mailing address, country of citizenship, veterans preference, reinstatement eligibility, and highest Federal civilian grade ever held on a permanent basis; c. The name, city and state of high schools attended and date of diploma or GED; d. The name, city and state of colleges/universities attended, majors, type and date of degrees; e. The job titles, duties and accomplishments, salaries, employers' names and addresses, supervisors' names and phone numbers, starting and ending dates, and hours per week of any paid or non-paid work experience that relates to this vacancy; f. A statement as to whether or not we may contact your current supervisor; and g. Any job-related training courses, special skills, certificates and licenses, honors, or awards. 2. Use a resume, Optional Application for Federal Employment form (OF-612), Application for Federal Employment (SF-171), or any other written format, and send it to the Application Address. 3. Meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date. 4. Ensure that the application is postmarked by the closing date and received within the Human Resources office within three work days. Applications transmitted by facsimile machine are acceptable but must be received by the closing date. This agency bears no responsibility for ensuring that our machines are available for receipt of applications or for the quality of the copies. Note: Department of Commerce Career Transition Assistance Program eligibles may apply at any time until a certificate of eligibles is issued. 5. Apply at your own expense. Applications mailed in government postage-paid envelopes will not be accepted. 6. Submit a copy of your DD-214 if you are a candidate without status who claims veterans' preference. 7. Submit a copy of Standard Form 15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying your disability if you are a candidate without status who claims 10-point veterans' preference. The form may be obtained from Federal human resources offices. ----------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL INTEREST INSTRUCTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)eligibles: a. CTAP eligibles must submit a copy of their specific RIF notice and documentation from their agency reflecting the promotion potential of their most recent Federal position. b. CTAP eligibles will be given selection priority if rated well-qualified by meeting the critical quality ranking factors (as identified by an asterisk on each announcement). To be rated well-qualified candidates must meet or exceed the fully satisfactory level (or equivalent) of the crediting plan. 2. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: a. Must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notification of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that they cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that their disability annuity has been terminated ; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that they are retired under 6 U.S.C. 8837(h) or 8456; and b. Will be given selection priority if rated well qualified by meeting the critical quality ranking factors (as identified by an asterisk on this announcement). To be rated well qualified candidates must meet or exceed the fully satisfactory level (or equivalent) of the crediting plan. 3. Current and former Federal employees are encouraged to: a. Submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal; and b. Include a copy of their last Notice of Personnel Action, SF-50. 3. Handicapped, disabled veteran, VRA and other eligibles for noncompetitive appointments under special appointing authorities must clearly specify this eligibility on their applications and be prepared to show proof upon request. ----------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Applicants must meet the citizenship requirements defined in the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act. New appointees must present proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. 2. Any required investigations and clearances must be completed before a selectee is placed in the position. 3. Male selectees born after December 31, 1959, must certify their Selective Service registration status using forms available at most Federal agency human resources offices. 4. Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. 5. You will not be notified of vacancy outcomes and we cannot return you application. 6. Salaries shown for this vacancy include locality pay. Applicants interested in relocating to a different geographic location should be aware that their salary is subject to change. 7. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the type and quality of job related experience, training, and awards (indicate dates received) and are encouraged to submit a supplementary statement addressing how they meet the quality ranking factors. 8. Those selected from outside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment, OF-306. 9. If no well-qualified DOC CTAP eligibles apply for this vacancy, first consideration may be given to permanent NOAA employees with competitive status. 10. Status applicants who wish to be considered under both Merit Assignment and Competitive Appointment procedures must submit two (2) applications. When only one (1) application is received, it will be considered under Merit Assignment only. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Department of Commerce (DOC) does not condone or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 8 Aug 1998 04:15:25 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NMFS JOBS - Part 2 PART TWO OF THREE (available from the NOAA website: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/) FEDERAL -- OPEN TO EVERYONE 1. FISHERY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST [The title is an artifact of the classification system. This is a fishery research coordination and management position. Please read the position description] OPEN PERIOD 07/24/1998 - 08/26/1998 SERIES/GRADE: ZP-0401-04/05 SALARY: $ 55,969 TO $ 101,142, ANNUAL PROMOTION POTENTIAL: ZP-05 ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: H/NMF/980075.KC DUTY LOCATIONS: 0001 SILVER SPRING, MD HIRING AGENCY: COMMERCE, Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin REMARKS: EQUIVALENT TO GS-14/15. OPEN TO STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA. CONTACT: NOAA HUMAN RESOURCES MGMT OFFICE 1315 EAST WEST HIGHWAY RM 11323 SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 U. S. Department of Commerce VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Opening Date: 07/22/98 Closing Date: 08/26/98 Position Title: Fishery Management Specialist Series & Grade: ZP-0401-IV/V (Equiv.to GS-13/14/15) Duty Station: Silver Spring, MD Vacancy Number: H/NMF/980075.KC ----------------------------------------------------------------- Organization: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & COORDINATION DIVISION ----------------------------------------------------------------- Area of Consideration: STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE, PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA Work Schedule: Full-time Type of Appointment: Permanent Number of Vacancies: One Service: Competitive Promotion Potential: ZP-V Salary Range: $55,969 to $101,142 per year Starting salaries may be set anywhere within the pay range of a pay band ----------------------------------------------------------------- Duties: Serves as the coordinator within the National Sea Grant Office for coastal and marine research activities related to fisheries issues, including program development and evaluation; maintains an overview of current Sea Grant fisheries research and outreach activities, identifies research needs related to sustainable development of coastal resources, and develops cooperative activities with appropriate government programs, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners; has primary responsibility for coordinating fisheries research programs and their priorities between and within NMFS and the National Sea Grant College Program; serves as program officer for state Sea Grant programs, including oversight and evaluation of university-based research and outreach activities. Qualifications: Basic Requirement: A) Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR B) A combination of education and experience, coursework as shown in A, plus appropriate experience at the next lower (band) level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is that which identifies and administers national and international marine and aquaculture research activities. Time-in-grade (band) requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Selective Placement Factors: Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a supplemental sheet describing how their experience and education relates to each selective placement factor: (1)Knowledge of and skill in the research of U.S. coastal and marine fisheries issues to serve as an authoritative source of information on the latest developments and trends in the field. Quality Ranking Factors (* = critical) *(1) Knowledge of fisheries research operations, policy and personnel;(2) Knowledge of and skill in working with the academic fishery science community; (3) Ability to communicate technical and scientific material to a variety of audiences concisely, in person and in writing. (4) Skill in interacting with senior-level management officials and academic leadership on a multitude of issues. ******************************************************************* 2. BIOLOGIST, FISHERY [Stock assessment specialist. Statistical series posting for same position follows as job number 3] OPEN PERIOD 07/15/1998 - 08/21/1998 SERIES/GRADE: ZP-0482-03/04 SALARY: $ 39,270 TO $ 85,978, ANNUAL PROMOTION POTENTIAL: ZP-04 ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: H/NMF/980060.KC DUTY LOCATIONS: 0001 SILVER SPRING, MD HIRING AGENCY: COMMERCE, Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin REMARKS: EQUIVALENT TO GS-11/12/13/14. OPEN TO STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA. READVERTISEMENT OF H/NMF/980060.KC THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED SHOULD REAPPLY FOR CONSIDERATION. CONTACT: NOAA HUMAN RESOURCES MGMT OFFICE 1315 EAST WEST HIGHWAY RM 11323 SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 U. S. Department of Commerce VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) *Demonstration Project Position* ----------------------------------------------------------------- Opening Date: 07/15/98 Closing Date: 08/21/98 Position Title: Fishery Biologist (Management) Series & Grade: ZP-0482-III/IV(Equiv. to GS-11/12/13/14) Duty Station: Silver Spring, MD Vacancy Number: H/NMF/980060.KC ----------------------------------------------------------------- Organization: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & COORDINATION DIV. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Area of Consideration: STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA ----------------------------------------------------------------- Work Schedule: Full-time Type of Appointment: Permanent Number of Vacancies: One Service: Competitive Promotion Potential: ZP-IV Salary Range: $39,270-$85,978 per year Starting salaries may be set anywhere within the pay range of a pay band. Note: Readvertisement of H/NMF/980039.KC Those who previously applied should reapply for consideration ----------------------------------------------------------------- Duties: The incumbent is responsible for organizing and directing the development of fishery stock assessment models and systems. Participates in the development of research and quality assurance protocols and policies. Provides policy guidance to the Director regarding stock assessment programs. Participates on review panels to ascertain the analysis and methodology used by NMFS scientists to support fishery management decisions; provides programmatic advice on stock assessment issues in cooperation with NMFS regions, centers and other elements, as appropriate. Conducts long-range planning, evaluates current management programs and recommends adjustments to achieve program goals. Qualifications: Basic Requirements: A) Degree in biological sciences that included at least 6 semester hours in aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and at least 12 semester hours in animal sciences in subjects such as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entromology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields or B) A combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences (at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in the animal sciences plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirements, the incumbent must have one year of specialized experience in stock assessment methodology with an emphasis in sampling protocols, design and fisheries statistics equivalent to the next lower level in the Federal service. Time-in-grade (band) requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Selective Placement Factors: *(1)Knowledge of and skill in the theories, principles and methods of Fishery Stock Assessment methodology; (2) Skill in developing, improving and operating quantitative stock assessment models; (3) Ability to provide consultation on fishery stock assessment methods, findings, and issues. Quality Ranking Factors (* = critical): (1) Skill in developing and improving computer models to evaluate and advance their usefulness for stock assessments; (2) Ability to organize peer review panels and review analyses and make recommendations on methodology and policy on the science supporting the management of living marine resources; (3) Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing sufficient to author, edit, and present position papers, reports, budget documentation and correspondence of both a highly technical and non-technical nature. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 16:28:43 -0400 From: Suzanne Bolton Subject: NMFS JOBS - Part 3 czm(\)ecology.bio.dfo.ca, oceantech(\)ucsd.edu PART THREE OF THREE (available from the NOAA website: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~webvas/) FEDERAL -- OPEN TO EVERYONE 3. STATISTICIAN (BIOLOGY) [Stock assessment specialist. This is statistical series posting for same position as job number 2, above] OPEN PERIOD 07/15/1998 - 08/21/1998 SERIES/GRADE: ZP-1530-03/04 SALARY: $ 39,270 TO $ 85,978, ANNUAL PROMOTION POTENTIAL: ZP-04 ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: H/NMF/980061.KC DUTY LOCATIONS: 0001 SILVER SPRING, MD HIRING AGENCY: COMMERCE, Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin REMARKS: OPEN TO STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA. EQUIVALENT TO GS-11/12/13/ 14. CONTACT: NOAA HUMAN RESOURCES MGMT OFFICE 1315 EAST WEST HIGHWAY RM 11323 SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 U. S. Department of Commerce VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) *Demonstration Project Position* ----------------------------------------------------------------- Opening Date: 07/15/98 Closing Date: 08/21/98 Position Title: Statistician (Biology) Series & Grade: ZP-1530-III/IV (Equiv.to GS-11/12/13/14) Duty Station: Silver Spring, MD Vacancy Number: H/NMF/980061.KC ----------------------------------------------------------------- Organization: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & COORDINATION DIV. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Area of Consideration: STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE, PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA ----------------------------------------------------------------- Work Schedule: Full-time Type of Appointment: Permanent Number of Vacancies: One Service: Competitive Promotion Potential: ZP-IV (Equivalent to GS-13/14) Salary Range: $39,270 to $85,978 per year Starting salaries may be set anywhere within the pay range of a pay band. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Duties: The incumbent is responsible for organizing and directing the development of fishery stock assessment models and systems. Participates in the development of research and quality assurance protocols and policies. Provides policy guidance to the Director regarding stock assessment programs. Participates on review panels to ascertain the analysis and methodology used by NMFS scientists to support fishery management decisions; provides programmatic advice on stock assessment issues in cooperation with NMFS regions, center and other elements, as appropriate. Conducts long-range planning, evaluates current management programs and recommends adjustments to achieve program goals. Qualifications: Applicants must have completed A) A full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree which included 15 semester hours in statistics (or in mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours were in statistics), and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology, etc. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements should be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods, e.g., courses that included studies in research methods in psychology or economics such as test and measurements or business cycles, or courses in methods of processing mass statistical data such as tabulating methods or electronic data processing; OR B) A combination of education and experience - courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience should have included a full range of professional statistical work such as (a) sampling, (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data, and (c) applying statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlation, analysis of variance, and tests of significance. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience in stock assessment methodology with an emphasis in sampling protocols, design and fisheries statistics, equivalent to the next lower level in the Federal service. Time-in-grade (band) requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Selective Placement Factor: (1) Knowledge of and skill in the theories, principles and methods of Fishery Stock Assessment methodology; (2) Skill in developing, improving and operating quantitative stock assessment models; (3) Ability to provide consultation on fishery stock assessment methods, findings, and issues. Quality Ranking Factors (* = critical): *(1) Skill in developing and improving computer models current legislative issues and the impact of legislation on fisheries research, management programs and policy development; (2) Ability to organize peer review panels and review analysis and make recommendations on methodology and policy on the science supporting the management of living marine resources; (3) Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing sufficient to edit, prepare and present position papers, reports, budget documentation and correspondence of both a highly technical and non-technical nature. ******************************************************************* 4. OCEANOGRAPHER [Engineers, physicists and others working on the application of advanced technology to the study of the oceans and fisheries can qualify]. OPEN PERIOD 07/24/1998 - 08/26/1998 SERIES/GRADE: ZP-1360-03/04 SALARY: $ 39,270 TO $ 85,978, ANNUAL PROMOTION POTENTIAL: ZP-04 ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: H/NMF/980059.KC DUTY LOCATIONS: 0001 SILVER SPRING, MD HIRING AGENCY: COMMERCE, Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin REMARKS: READVERTISEMENT OF ANNOUNCEMENT H/NMF/980037.KC. THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED SHOULD REAPPLY FOR CONSIDERATION. APPOINTMENT IS SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION. EQUIVALENT TO GS-11/12/13/14. CONTACT: NOAA HUMAN RESOURCES MGMT OFFICE 1315 EAST WEST HIGHWAY RM 11323 SILVER SPRING, MD 20910 U. S. Department of Commerce VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Opening Date: 07/22/98 Closing Date: 08/26/98 Position Title: Oceanographer Series & Grade: ZP-1360-III/IV (Equiv.to GS-11/12/13/14) Duty Station: Silver Spring, MD Vacancy Number: H/NMF/980059.KC ----------------------------------------------------------------- Organization: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & COORDINATION DIVISION ----------------------------------------------------------------- Area of Consideration: STATUS, NON-STATUS & DOC CTAP APPLICANTS NATIONWIDE, PLUS ICTAP APPLICANTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUTING AREA Work Schedule: Full-time Type of Appointment: Permanent Number of Vacancies: One Service: Competitive Promotion Potential: ZP-IV Salary Range: $39,270 to $85,978 per year Starting salaries may be set anywhere within the pay range of a pay band Note: Readvertisement of H/NMF/980038.KC Those who previously applied should reapply for consideration. Appointment is subject to successful completion of background investigation. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Duties: The incumbent serves as overall Office coordinator for advanced technology applications to biological oceanography and resource assessments. Integrates physical oceanographic analysis with elements of living marine resource management; provides advice and coordination of fishery oceanography programs and Large Marine Ecosystem initiatives. Develops recommendations for integrating physical oceanographic data collection, analysis, and modeling into NMFS Science programs. Qualifications: Basic Requirement: A) Degree in a major study of at least 24 semester hours in oceanography or a related discipline such as physics, meteorology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, geology, or biology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of oceanography, physics, geophysics, chemistry, mathematics, meteorology, computer science, and engineering sciences; OR B) A combination of education and experience - coursework as shown in A, plus appropriate experience at the next lower level (band) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is that which provides advice and assistance in incorporating relevant issues of oceanographic research into scientific strategy. Time-in-grade (band) requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Selective Placement Factors: Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a supplemental sheet describing how their experience and education relates to each selective placement factor. (1) Knowledge of multiple advanced technologies and their applications to oceanography and living marine resource assessments. (These advanced technologies could include hydroacoustics, remote sensing, LIDAR and acoustic tomography. (2) Knowledge of physical oceanography, meteorology, physics, mathematics and biology as applied toward the study of large- scale ocean fisheries dynamics. Quality Ranking Factors (* = critical): *(1)Knowledge of the principles of oceanography and marine ecosystem structure and functions as they relate to fisheries issues; *(2) Ability to organize and lead interdisciplinary teams working on fisheries oceanography and marine ecosystem issues in both domestic and international settings; *(3) Knowledge of research programs in oceanography and fisheries, and how advanced technology is currently being applied; (4) Ability to communicate effectively to author, edit, and present position papers, reports, budget documentation and correspondence of both a highly technical and non-technical nature in person and in writing. ********************* ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 7 Aug 1998 09:55:29 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Leatherwood special issue This is a reminder that the American Cetacean Society is compiling stories and photographs of Steve Leatherwood for a special issue of _Whalewatcher_ which will be a tribute to Steve. There are no guidelines for submissions. Photographs will be returned. If you have copies of photos taken by Steve, we are interested in those as well. Suggested written material includes stories about Steve (personal/field). We hope to illustrate the diversity of Steve's contribution to marine mammal research and conservation efforts. The deadline for submission of materials is 1 Sept. Extensions of the deadline can be arranged by the Whalewatcher editor (see address below). If you have not previously contacted the American Cetacean Society regarding submission of materials for inclusion in this special issue, please do so. If you know someone who does not subscribe to Marmam or ECS-mailbase, we would very much appreciate it if you would let them know about this project and ask for their participation. Thank you. Sue Hayter, Whalewatcher editor (gsh32(\)aol.com) Dagmar Fertl, helping to coordinate efforts (Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov) ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 8 Aug 1998 09:01:24 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summaries to US Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} . {Dolphin Assessment Cruises. On July 31, 1998, the first of seven NMFS dolphin research cruises to be conducted in the next three years departed from San Diego for the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to determine the abundance of spotted and eastern spinner dolphins. These are the first assessments of these dolphin stocks in more than a decade and data obtained will help determine whether intentional encirclement of dolphins with purse seines harms these animals.} [Assoc Press] . {Norwegian Whaling. On July 31, 1998, Norwegian authorities announced that 608 minke whales had been killed from the 671-whale quota by a fleet of 34 whaling vessels. The final take when the season ends in mid-August is projected to be 620-630 animals.} [High North Alliance News] . Makah Whaling. On July 22, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard published proposed regulations in the Federal Register establishing a 500-yard buffer zone around Makah whaling vessels. Although no public hearing is scheduled, the Coast Guard is accepting public comment on the proposed rule for 45 days. [Federal Register, Seattle Times] . Whale Radio. On July 22, 1998, radio station CJKW will begin live broadcasting of underwater audio from microphones located in the vicinity of killer whale "rubbing" beaches, where these whales congregate, near Robson Bight, northeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. These broadcasts will also be transmitted to the Vancouver Aquarium's killer whale underwater viewing gallery. [Vancouver Aquarium press release, Assoc Press, Reuters] . Keiko. In mid-July 1998, construction of the 250-foot long sea pen that is to hold Keiko was completed in Klettsvik Bay, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. On July 21, 1998, the Icelandic news media received copies of a letter to the Free Willy Keiko Foundation threatening to kill Keiko using poisoned fish or poisoning water in Keiko's pen. {U.S. and} Icelandic media report that Keiko is scheduled to {leave OR on Sept. 9, 1998, and} arrive in Iceland on Sept. 10, 1998. {{The Free Willy Keiko Foundation has requested that}} {Keiko be flown to Iceland nonstop aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft, with costs reimbursed by the Free Willy Keiko Foundation.} {{A decision by the U.S. Air Force is anticipated in mid-August 1998. United Parcel Service will provide ground transportation for Keiko between the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the plane as well as in Iceland between the plane and a barge that will take Keiko to his sea pen in Vestmannaeyjar.}} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Canadian Bowhead Whaling. In mid-July 1998, Canadian Inuit from Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, were scheduled to begin their hunt for a bowhead whale from the species' eastern arctic population, believed to number about 700 animals. On July 21, 1998, Inuit of Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, Canada, struck and killed a 43-foot bowhead whale in Cumberland Sound. This whale is thought to be part of a Davis Strait/Baffin Bay subpopulation numbering about 350 animals. [Assoc Press, High North Alliance News] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: FSLMMC D.O. position (fwd) From: Danaworks(\)aol.com The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center (FSLMMC), a non-profit organization providing medical care and rehabilitation to rescued seals and sea lions in Orange County, is seeking to fill the position of Director of Operations. Founded in 1971, FSLMMC is a non-profit (501c-3) organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release back to the wild of sick and injured seals and sea lions that inhabit Orange County beaches. FSLMMC has a volunteer staff of 60 extensively trained Animal Care Specialists, and up to 15 Docents. In addition to our animal rescue & rehabilitation program, FSLMMC hosts educational presentations for classes of all ages at our facility, hosts educational summer camps for children, and also operates an outreach program to provide educational presentations on Orange County's marine wildlife to classrooms throughout Southern California. Responsibilities of the position of Director of Operations include: - overseeing daily animal care operations; - managing paid and volunteer staff; - overseeing inventory of medical supplies, operating materials and equipment; - maintaining professional relationships with all Stranding Network members, all media, and all corporate, institutional & individual sponsors; - overseeing all communications with all veterinary consultants; - overseeing all administrative and financial functions relating to operations of Center; - overseeing and maintaining staff training, maintaining all personnel files; - overseeing all promotional functions relating to the Center; - overseeing educational programs; - overseeing development (fundraising) programs including grant writing, solicitation of private and corporate donations; - maintaining open communications between board of directors, shift supervisors and volunteer staff regarding every aspect of program. Qualified applicants will: - Have experience in marine mammal care; - Demonstrate experience and strengths in business administration; - Demonstrate experience and skills in supervision & management of staff; - Demonstrate strengths in educational concepts as they relate to FSLMMC program; - Have experience in administering non-profit organizations (ecology/wildlife), including track record with development (fund raising); - Have earned a B.S. degree (M.S. preferred). The salary range for this position is between $25,000 and $35,000 per year, commensurate with skills and experience. Candidates who are interested in applying for this position should send a resume with cover letter to FSLMMC Board Member Diane Swarts at: 15619 Brookhurst St., Westminster, CA 92683. Tel: 714-839-9882 (days) or 949-642-5567 (evenings). Subject: request papillomaviral citation(s) (fwd) From: John Griffith I am a free-lance writer. I have checked a good number of dead ends and near misses and hope this is not too mundane, but I need help finding citation(s) of the following: Aside from a paper by Gregory Bossert in Marine Mammal Science, April 1996, does anyone have documentation of papillomaviral papillomatosis in a killer whale (Orcinus orca)? If so, is there documentation in (A.) captive or (B.) wild killer whales? "Not all papillomas are known to be viral in origin, and the etiologic diagnosis of pipillomatosis is difficult because the virus will not usually grow in tissue culture and is not easily demonstrated microscopically (Olsen 1987, Bernard et al. 1994)," Bossert, pg 274 Marine Mammal Science, 12(2). Bossert notes viral etiology was confirmed in cetacean papillomas in only three cases via electron microscopy. "Viral particles consistent with papovavirus were found in sperm whale genital papillomas (Lambertsen et al. 1987), harbor porpoise cutaneous papillomas (Geraci et al. 1987), and beluga whale gastric papillomas (DeGuise et al. 1994)." Pg. 275 Marine Mammal Science 12(2). His report documented the first cutaneous papillomaviral-like papillomatosis in a killer whale. Please send citation(s) to me, John Griffith, via e-mail address below. Thank you. lingcod(\)harborside.com Subject: Dolphin Races Article THE VANCOUVER COURIER, Sunday, August 9, 1998 Gudrun Will, Staff writer SCIENTISTS, ANIMAL WELFARE GROUPS CONDEMN VENTURE Internet firm gambles on dolphin race A local Internet gambling company's plan to hold a dolphin racing and jumping competition in the Caribbean appals marine mammal researchers and conservationists. GIC Global Intertainment Corporation continues to announce the event for February 1999, despite being swamped with protest letters from around the world. According to the company's press release, the competition will "offer a new outlet to feed consumers' appetite for sporting events and help broaden the public's appreciation of the unique capabilities of dolphins." Dr. Lawrence Dill, professor of biological science at Simon Fraser University, said that he first thought the plan was a joke. But information poster on an Internet marine mammal discussion group proved it to be a serious proposal. "I'm disgusted and embarrassed that the idea is coming out of Vancouver," he said. "There are far better ways to heighten awareness of dolphins than through a public spectacle for betting. It's one of the stupidest ideas I've heard in a long time." He has sent GIC a protest letter. Researchers, Dill added, work to change the public perception of animals like dolphins from that of "circus clowns" to creatures worthy of respect. He is working on an Australia-based dolphin research project and conducting local research on killer whales, which are related to dolphins. Dolphins jump and race naturally, he acknowledged, but not in a competitive format. GIC plans to use animals trained for dolphin shows. "Each dolphin will pre-qualify with lap times and jump measurements, and odds will be calculated on those trails," the press release says. But GIC president James Chu said he is not yet negotiating with any aquarium for the use of the mammals. Asked how the dolphins would induced to race, he guessed it could be done the same way dogs are raced; by placing a female at the end of the course run by males. Chu said he's not putting on the competition for profit, but to get people around the world to appreciate the intelligence of dolphins. "Did you know restaurants in the Caribbean serve dolphin?" he asked. He got the idea for the competition from swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean, he added. "People should know they're highly intelligent mammals - they can perform as horses." He waved off the protest letters and calls by arguing that not everybody can afford to go into the wild and watch dolphins 'natural behaviour'. Annelise Sorg, director of the local Coalition For No Whales In Captivity, said Chu just doesn't get it. He was unfamiliar with the worldwide movement against captive animals when she spoke to him. GIC's press release mentions donating a portion of competition proceeds to the "dolphin wild life fund, save the dolphin fund" - but no such organization exists, Sorg said. Chu offered her funds, she added. "I laughed so hard." Both Sorg and Dill believe no reputable conservation group would accept money from such an event. A letter on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States written by marine mammal scientist Naomi A. Rose - one of about 20 Sorg has directed to GIC - backs up that position. Rose also writes: "Nothing could be more exploitative and counter to the conservation principles that permeate the community of scientists and activists who study and protect these animals than racing them and wagering on the outcome." Clint Wright, curator of marine mammals at the Vancouver Aquarium, had serious doubts about the education value of GIC's proposal. He said the aquarium would never allow its animals to be used for such an event. "It's not something we would support. It sounds kind of wacky to me." - END - Annelise Sorg, Director COALITION FOR NO WHALES IN CAPTIVITY 102 - 1365 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6H 3Y8 Tel: (604) 736-9514 Fax: (604) 731-2733 E-mail: annelise(\)direct.ca ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 06:15:12 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Amazonian manatee in Colombia (fwd) My name is Ruby Montoya (e-mail: mariovelas(\)aol.com). I am writing on behalf of The Omacha Foundation, a non-profit organization based on Colombia. The Omacha Foundation work on conservation, education and research of marine mammal in the Amazon. They have an emergency. The Foundation Omacha rescued two young Amazonian manatees. The first animal was rescued in July 2. The Caribbean Stranding Network inmediately sent a rehabilitation protocol. The animal is a male, with 107 cm of length and approximately 20 kg of weight. Currently the animal is improving, he is receiving 800 ml of milk preparation every day and he increased 2.5 pounds during the last week of July. The second animal was recently rescued on July 30th in the border with Peru, and it is in very bad condition. The animal looks malnourished and has "fungal-like" infections all over its body. The Foundation Omacha does not have a pool or any rehabilitation equipment. They are taking care of the manatees in a small earthen pond. Foundation members need wets suits (even used or old ones) to properly care for the animals. They are running out of funds for milk and medicines to take care of the animals. Any help, medicines, money, or equipment donation (even if it is used and old) would be immensely appreciated. Any donation may be sent to: Fundacion Omacha A. A. 20089 Santafe de Bogota, Colombia You may contact Timothy, Omacha Foundation, in Bogota for further details at: e-mail: Thimothyross(\)compuserve.com Thank you very much for your help in this matter, Sincerely, Ruby Montoya Subject: National Marine Mammal Lab's Web site has moved (fwd) The web site of the National Marine Mammal Laboratory has been moved to http://NMML.AFSC.NOAA.GOV/ There are push pages for some of the major starting points off of the old web site but since we could not cover all of them, anyone having links to the old site should update them as soon as possible. Please direct any comments to Chris.Boucher(\)NOAA.GOV. -cb. Subject: Ocean Yearbook Call for Papers (fwd) > > > OCEAN YEARBOOK CALL FOR PAPERS > >For nearly 20 years, Ocean Yearbook has published leading edge articles, >reports and reference materials devoted to the issues and concerns >affecting the world's oceans. Marine biologists, oceanographers, and >specialists in foreign policy, ocean development, coastal zone management, >international law, and strategic studies around the world have found the >Ocean Yearbook an invaluable tool for research on this vital global >resource. Editorship of the Ocean Yearbook, published by the University >of Chicago Press, is a cooperative effort of the International Ocean >Institute and Dalhousie Law School. > >The Ocean Yearbook editors invite submissions for Volume 15. Articles or >comments on one or more of the following topics will be considered for >publication: Living Resources of the Ocean; Non-living Ocean Resources; >Transportation and Communications; Environment; Coastal Management; >Military Activities; Regional Developments; Training and Education; >Literature Review. > >The deadline for the submission of manuscripts is October 30, 1998. >Manuscripts should be between 4,000 and 20,000 words in length, written in >English, typed and doubled-spaced on letter-size (8.5 x 11) paper, with >full bibliographic citations in the form of footnotes (Chicago style). >Citation guidelines are available on request from the Assistant Editor. >Manuscripts should be sent either by e-mail (use WordPerfect 6.0 or >MS-Word attachment format), or sent by mail along with a diskette version >in an IBM-PC compatible format (WordPerfect 6.0 or MS-Word). Please note >that manuscripts are refereed before acceptance. While every effort is >made to respond rapidly to authors, the review process can take up to two >months. > >Please submit manuscripts or any inquiries to: > >Mary Hamblin, Assistant Editor >Ocean Yearbook >Dalhousie University Law School >6061 University Avenue >Halifax, Nova Scotia >CANADA B3H 4H9 >Tel: 1 902 494-3495 >Fax: 1 902 494-1316 >E-mail: ocean.yearbook(\)dal.ca > >Editors: Elisabeth Mann Borgese > Aldo Chircop > Moira L. McConnell > Joseph R. Morgan Subject: recent abstracts Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications recently posted to MARMAM are not included. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Thank you. Evidence for infanticide in bottlenose dolphins: An explanation for violent interactions with harbour porpoises? Patterson, IAP; Reid, RJ; Wilson, B; Grellier, K; Ross, HM; Thompson, PM PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, July 7, 1998 v265 i1402 p1167-1170 Most harbour porpoises found dead on the north-east coast of Scotland show signs of attack by sympatric bottlenose dolphins, but the reason(s) for these violent interactions remain(s) unclear. Post-mortem examinations of stranded bottlenose dolphins indicate that five out of eight young calves from this same area were also killed by bottlenose dolphins. These data, together with direct observations of an aggressive interaction between an adult bottlenose dolphin and a dead bottlenose dolphin calf, provide strong evidence for infanticide in this population. The similarity in the size range of harbour porpoises and dolphin calves that showed signs of attack by bottlenose dolphins suggests chat previously reported interspecific interactions could be related to this infanticidal behaviour. These findings appear to provide the first evidence of infanticide in cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). We suggest that infanticide must be considered as a factor shaping sociality in this and other species of cetaceans, and may have serious consequences for the viability of small populations. Reprints Thompson, PM UNIV ABERDEEN DEPT ZOOL, LIGHTHOUSE FIELD STN CROMARTY FIRTH, ROSS SHIRE IV11 8YJ SCOTLAND ********************************************* Genetic differentiation between parapatric 'nearshore' and 'offshore' populations of the bottlenose dolphin Hoelzel, AR; Potter, CW; Best, PB PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, July 7, 1998 v265 i1402 p1177-1183 The existence of nearshore and offshore populations of the bottlenose dolphin has been documented throughout its range. In several cases the two regional forms have been shown to be morphologically distinct, although there is considerable overlap for most characters. The populations off the eastern coast of North America have been the subject of a long-term programme of research on their distribution and movements. In this study, we compare mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers between dolphins classified as either nearshore or offshore type. These putative populations were found to be distinct at both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers. Further, the level of variation among the nearshore dolphins was reduced compared with the offshore population. A broader geographical comparison suggests a shared lineage between offshore dolphins from the western North Atlantic and both offshore and nearshore dolphins from the eastern Atlantic. These results are consistent with local differentiation based on habitat or resource specialization in the western North Atlantic, and suggest differences in the character of the nearshore/offshore distinction in different parts of the world. Reprints Hoelzel, AR UNIV DURHAM DEPT BIOL SCI, SOUTH RD DURHAM DH1 3LE ENGLAND ***************************** Ethogram of the bottlenose dolphin, with special reference to solitary and sociable dolphins Muller, M; Boutiere, H; Weaver, ACF; Candelon, N VIE ET MILIEU-LIFE AND ENVIRONMENT, June 1998 v48 i2 p89-104 A synthesis of existing information on the ethogram of the bottlenose dolphin has been made as a framework for the comparison of gregarious and solitary individuals studied in different regions. This method was used to verify the efficiency of the ethogram as a tool to compare interspecific behaviour. The main objective of the study was to elaborate a standardised ethogram with precise descriptions and graphical representations of all the patterns which have been identified. In total, 123 patterns have been described, including new patterns which have been observed in the solitary and sociable individuals that have appeared in increasing number in many countries around the world. The standardised ethogram, established during this study, is proposed as a tool for ethological field work on dolphins. We believe it can ensure greater compatibility of observations made in different study areas. Reprints Muller, M OBSERV OCEANOL LAB ARAGO, BP 44 BANYULS SUR MER F-66651 FRANCE ****************************** Paradoxical lateral suppression in the dolphin's auditory system Popov, VV; Supin, AY; Klishin, VO DOKLADY AKADEMII NAUK, May 1998 v360 i1 p128-131 [in Russian] Reprints Popov, VV AN SEVERTSOV ECOL & EVOLUT PROBLEM INST MOSCOW RUSSIA ****************************** GC/MS analysis of PCB congeners in blood of the harbor seal Phoca vitulina from San Francisco Bay Young, D; Becerra, M; Kopec, D; Echols, S CHEMOSPHERE, August 1998 v37 i4 p711-733 (23) Here we report a validated technique for quantifying up to 20 specific PCB congeners in 1-2 g samples of whole blood with a detection limit below 1 ng/g (ppb) wet weight. Specimens were analyzed from 14 harbor seals sampled in south San Francisco Bay, California during 1991-1992. Ratios of specific congeners to PCB-153, and other aspects of congener pattern, agreed with published values for PCB's detected in seal blood. PCB-153 constituted 30 percent of our Sigma PCB values. The mean Sigma PCB concentration for the San Francisco Bay seals was 50 ppb, about three times the average level reported for blood of captive seals fed exclusively on fish from the Baltic's PCB-contaminated Dutch Wadden Sea. Such experimental populations have exhibited depressed reproductive success and impaired immune function. These findings support concerns about the ecological effects of PCB contamination in San Francisco Bay. Reprints Young, D US EPA WESTERN ECOL DIV, 2111 SE MARINE SCI DR NEWPORT, OR 97365 USA ****************************** Thyroid hormones as biomarkers in grey seals Hall, AJ; Green, NJL; Jones, KC; Pomeroy, PP; Harwood, J MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, June 1998 v36 i6 p424-428 Changes in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) serum thyroid hormones with age, sex and during lactation were investigated. Concentrations were related to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) uptake and exposure in pups and females. There was no effect of sex or stage of lactation on either free or total thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3), but significant age-related variability was seen. Pups had significantly higher concentrations of total T-4 than adults (p < 0.0001) and serum levels declined with age. In general, there was no significant relationship between PCB exposure to pups through female milk or between PCB blubber concentrations and thyroid hormone levels, when the effect of age was controlled for. However, the ratio T-3:T-4 was significantly correlated with the concentration of one congener, CB169 (p = 0.048), when stage of lactation was used as a covariate, In conclusion, serum thyroid hormone levels may be less useful biomarkers of contaminant exposure in seals than other biochemical measures. Although concentrations vary predictably with age, other factors, such as condition and nutritional status, may compromise their usefulness in assessing contaminant-induced hormone disruption in pinnipeds, Reprints Hall, AJ UNIV ST ANDREWS GATTY MARINE LAB, NERC, SEA MAMMAL RES UNIT ST ANDREWS, FIFE KY16 8LB SCOTLAND ****************************** Increase in the abundance of New Zealand fur seals at the Catlins, South Island, New Zealand Lalas, C; Murphy, B JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND, June 1998 v28 i2 p287-294 Distribution and abundance of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) were assessed along the 100 km of the Catlins coastline (46 degrees 23' S, 169 degrees 46' E to 46 degrees 40 degrees S, 168 degrees 58'E), south-eastern tip of South Island, New Zealand. Our surveys began in 1978 but were irregular and mainly qualitative until comprehensive counts were made in four consecutive summers from 1993/94 to 1996/97. The only rookeries (breeding colonies) were at Nugget Point (46 degrees 27'S, 169 degrees 49' E) where breeding began in 1979 or 1980. Four annual direct counts of live pups indicated that the annual exponential rate of increase in pup numbers averaged 19% with a total of 310 pups in 1996/97. Nugget Point accounted for 60% of the total of almost 2000 seals more than 1-year old counted along the Catlins coast during a survey in January 1994. Elsewhere, only three haul-outs (non-breeding colonies) held aggregations of at least 20 seals ashore per 100 m of shoreline in summer. We termed these locations ''major haul-outs'' and consider them to be probable sites for future rookeries because they satisfy the main environmental criteria favoured by breeders. Reprints Lalas, C BOX 31 DUNEDIN NEW ZEALAND ****************************** Diet composition and trophic levels of marine mammals Pauly, D; Trites, AW; Capuli, E; Christensen, V ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE, June 1998 v55 i3 p467-481 Standardized diet compositions were derived for 97 species of marine mammals from published accounts of stomach contents as well as from morphological, behavioural and other information. Diet was apportioned among eight categories of prey types (benthic invertebrates, large zooplankton, small squids, large squids, small pelagic fishes, mesopelagic fishes, miscellaneous fishes and higher invertebrates). Trophic levels were estimated for each species of marine mammals and compared with published estimates derived using stable isotope ratios. Trophic levels ranged from 3.2-3.4 in baleen whales and sea otters, to 3.8-4.4 in most pinnipeds and odontocete whales, to 4.5-4.6 in killer whales. Such information can be used for ecosystem modelling and related studies. Reprints Pauly, D UNIV BRITISH COLUMBIA FISHERIES CTR VANCOUVER, BC V6T 1Z4 CANADA ****************************** Phylogeny of the Carnivora (Mammalia): Congruence vs incompatibility among multiple data sets Flynn, JJ; Nedbal, MA MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION, June 1998 v9 i3 p414-426 The purpose of this study was to determine the higher-level phylogenetic relationships among Carnivora, using a conditional data combination (CDC) approach to analyzing multiple data sets. New nucleotide sequences (851 base pairs from intron I of the transthyretin gene) among 22 representatives of the 11 families of Carnivora were generated and analyzed in concert with, and comparison to, other mitochondrial and morphological character data. Conditional data combination analyses of the four independent data sets (transthyretin intron I, cytochrome b, partial 12S rRNA, and morphology) indicate that the phylogenetic results derived from each generally agree, with two exceptions. The first exception, signal heterogeneity in comparisons involving transthyretin and morphology, provides an example where phylogenetic conclusions drawn from total evidence analyses may differ from conclusions drawn from CDC analyses. The second exception demonstrates that while a CDC method may reject the null hypothesis of homogeneity for a particular partition, including that partition in combined analyses, may nevertheless provide an overall increase in phylogenetic signal, in terms of nodal support for most associations, without altering the topology derived from the combined homogeneous data partitions. Phylogenetic reconstruction among the feliform families supports a sister-group relationship between the hyaenas (Hyaenndae) and mongooses (Herpestidae) and places the African palm civet (Nandinia) as basal to all other living Feliformia. Among the caniform families, CDC analyses strongly support the previously enigmatic red panda (Ailurus) as a monotypic lineage that is sister to Musteloidea sensu stricto (mustelids plus procyonids), in.addition to pinniped monophyly and a sister-group relationship between the walrus and sea lions. Reprints Flynn, JJ FIELD MUSEUM NAT HIST DEPT GEOL CHICAGO, IL 60605 USA Subject: La Plata dolphin (fwd) From: Gustavo Thompson Dear marmammemrs, The article "Distribution, Movements and Conservation of the La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in Anegada Bay, Argentina" written by G. Thompson & P. Bordino, has been published in the summer issue of the Bottlenose Dolphin Quartely Newsletter published by International Wildlife Coalition c/o Friends of the Ocean. Although this is not a scientific article, it has the first photos ever published of free-ranging La Plata dolphin. A limit number of copies are available upon request to Gustavo Thompson (gustavo(\)bg.fcen.uba.ar) Lic. Gustavo Thompson gustavo(\)bg.fcen.uba.ar Dto. Ciencias Biologicas Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires Ciudad Universitaria =96 Pab.II 1428, Buenos Aires Argentina=20 Lic. Gustavo Thompson Dpto. Cs. Biologica Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II 1428 Buenos Aires ARGENTINA ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 11:02:41 -0400 From: "Prof. Keith Ronald" Subject: New Marine Mammal Management Course A DISTANCE EDUCATION offered for the first time for anyone, anywhere at any time having a strong interest in the curiously specialized Marine Mammals. The course may be taken for general interest or for credit up to and including graduate level. The Anatomy, Physiology, Intra-and Interspecific Interactions, (including those with humans), Behavior, Captive and Free-living Health Problems, Stranding, Worldwide Distribution, Commercial Utilization (sustainable and non-sustainable) will be studied in Small and Large Cetaceans, Seals, Sea Lions, Fur Seals, Walrus, Manatees, and Polar Bears. Registration commences September 15,1998 for the October 1 to December 15 term. The course fee of $1266.00 includes the complete illustrated manual. Materials will be distributed by October 1,1998 from the Oceanographic Center , Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania, Florida USA 33304. SEE http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html E-mail -dodge(\)ocean.nova.edu Tel.1-800-39ocean; 1-954-920-1909; Fax.1-954-921-7764. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1998 11:49:29 -0400 From: Richard Wallace Subject: Seeking sources of out-of-print scientific books Conslink , Bene Hello All: I am compiling a list of sources of out-of-print scientific and academic books and would appreciate your input. Sources include used book dealers, out-of-print book search services, or any other source for purchasing hard-to-find scientific and academic titles. I would be grateful if you would send to me any recommendations you might have. I will then post the list to the group. Thank you very much! Cheers, Rich Wallace _______________________________________ Richard L. Wallace School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Yale University "One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries." -- A.A. Milne ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1998 04:22:21 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Stromwater Runoff From Airports (fwd) Miami Dade County plans to develop a large commercial international airport, almost the size of New York's JFK, within the proverbial "stone's throw" of Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The South Florida Water Mangement District attemped to issue stormwater permit that would have allowed the stormwater, with some treatment, to be dischared into Biscayne National Park -- Sierra Club legally challenged the permit. There will be a hearing sometime next year and I am looking for studies relating to airport stormwater's effect on marine mammals. The studies will be added to the public record for the ongoing Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on Miami Dade County's airport plans. I was unable to find any publications, current scientific papers or reports at the University of Miami library. Regards, Barbara Lange Sierra Club Miami Group Miami, Florida blange(\)bellsouth.net Subject: Whales, dolphins and porpoises of the eastern north pacific by (fwd) I am seeking help in obtaining the book Whales dolphins and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific by Leatherwood. It is in print and should be available in the UK, however, I have been trying to get it for 2 months without success. The UK wholesalers have no copies and cannot tell me when it can be delivered and the US publishers refer me to the UK wholesalers! Does anyone have a copy they would sell or is there a book shop in the Florida area that has a copy. I have friends going to Florida on Sunday and they could go to any bookshop in mid and South Florida to buy the book for me. Andy Williams Andysmlr(\)athene.co.uk Andy Williams Biscay Dolphin Research Programme 10 Gibson Close Lee on Solent PO13 8JD Hampshire England Durlston Dolphin Research Programme Durlston Country Park Swanage Dorset BH19 2JL England Dept of Environmental Science University of East London London England E15 4LZ Tel +44 (0) 1705 552631 Fax +44 (0) 1705 341576 e-mail Andysmlr(\)athene.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 02:31:08 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Water Chemistry and Captive Marine Mammals (fwd) To all, I am interested at looking at how water chemistry levels in the following areas: metals - zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and nickel organics - chlorine, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphorous as well as ozone, hardness, d.o., temperature, pH, salinity, etc. How do each one of these areas affects pinnipeds both in captive animals vs. wild animals as well as what levels of each of the tests can captive and wild animals tolerate before showing signs of sickness. I hope this elaboration can be considered for discussion. Thank you very much. Charles S. Harding charlesh(\)alaskasealife.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 02:35:22 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Disease and captive animals ************************ International Cetacean Transportation Four Tursiops, originally wild captured in Cuba, were eventually housed i= n open water sea-pens in Spain. All four were recently exported Costa Rica, and again held in open water sea-pens. Two of those animals recently died= . =20 The European Cetacean Organization asks; Are potentially deadly viral=20 and bacterial contamination being exported/imported? Have all those exporting cetaceans undertaken rigorous medical investigations before transport? Have they undertaken ANY? Have permitting authorities demanded independent proof of a clean bill of heal= th BEFORE granting import or export permits? =20 If the exported tursiops were carriers of the Morbillivirus, or any othe= r pathogen, has it now been exported to Costa Rica? Only time will tell, bu= t if the worst happens and Costa Rica's marine environment and wildlife is decimated, as happened off European and American coastlines. Who will be=20 to blame? In the USA rigorous pre-release medical checks are demanded on any captiv= e cetacean prior to release. But what is required for captive cetaceans bei= ng transferred overseas? Military animals which may have been on "overseas postings", long term captives and newly captured cetaceans are regularly moved around the world. Are we also exporting viral and bacterial contamination? There are many members of MARMAM who can and should be doing something. E= CO asks; WHAT? If nothing else we sincerely hope to elicit discussion within those bodies who are able to take positive action=85before=20 it is too late!=20 Doug Cartlidge Executive Director European Cetacean Organisation =20 Doug Cartlidge European Cetacean Organisation 7 Meadway Court The Boulevard Worthing, BN13 1PN England Tele/fax; (44) 1903 241 264 email; dougc(\)mistral.co.uk homepage; http://www3.mistral.co.uk/dougc/ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1998 17:02:45 -0700 From: Rod Palm Subject: Sperm Whale Tooth aging Does anyone know of anyone who does sperm whale tooth aging? We are a non-profit grass roots community organization that conducts primary research into the marine ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound. We recently found a dead bull sperm whale on the west coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. We would like to find out its age by aging some of the teeth that were with it. We have some methodology for doing it ourself but would like to try find someone else to do it first. We have looked and tried to contact as many people as we know that could help us including: Jim Mead, marine mammal curator, Smithsonian in Washington, DC, John Heyning LA county Natural History Museum, marine mammal curator, and the National Marine Mammal Lab in Seattle, WA. If anyone knows of someone who can do it or has some methodology for us please let us know. Thank you. Corey Peet for Strawberry Isle Research Society Strawberry Island, Box 213, Tofino, B.C., V0R-2Z0 Phone (250)725-3958 e-mail sisle(\)island.net http://www.island.net/~sisle/rshindex.htm ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 09:41:10 -0500 From: "Naomi A. Rose" Subject: Re: captive dolphin research I read Dr. Terrie Williams' response to WDCS' captive marine mammal research report with great interest and some dismay. Her defense of research, as if it were the only way to save marine mammals, is understandable given her chosen work. However, I must assume that Dr. Williams has never worked in the advocacy field nor been deeply involved in trying to turn information into policy, given her dismissal of advocacy as an effective tool to protect marine mammals. On 07/25/98 06:44:06 Terrie Williams wrote: > It would be a marvelous world if I could watch dolphins >slipping through the waves and know that they were safe from harm. >The truth is I know that this is not the case. Over-fishing, >pollution, gill nets, and global temperature shifts are having severe >impacts on cetaceans. We see the manifestation of these impacts >nearly every day in the hundreds of whales and dolphins beaching >themselves along coasts throughout the world. Dr. Williams lists here a number of problems *known* to be having serious impacts on marine mammals and the oceans in general, yet then goes on to say we don't know enough to make decisions designed to address them. This list is quite informative to me (and I recognize that research provided the information -- all I'm saying is that *more* research is not necessarily the answer to these problems). Over-fishing, pollution, gill nets, global temperature shifts -- all of these things can *already* be addressed because we know they are having impacts. We could close certain fisheries and strictly regulate others; we could strictly regulate and control pollution sources (and ban the use of certain pollutants) and prohibit the construction and development of additional sources; we could ban gill nets or at least regulate their use to avoid areas and species that result in high marine mammal entanglement; we could control and minimize (and eventually eliminate) the use of petroleum-based fuels. But I realize this list of solutions sounds naive and unrealistic and I am not in fact saying that these solutions would ever be implemented in the "real world." My point is, the question is not "what can we do to minimize the impacts of these anthropogenic threats on marine mammals?" If it were, common sense would be more useful than future research. Unfortunately, the question is "what can we do to minimize impacts on *industry* while doing what we can to conserve marine mammals and their habitat?" People, isolated from the environment and natural processes, and commerce always come first when formulating policy. The environment always seems to come a distant second. The ultimate problem is not lack of information. The ultimate problem is the ever-growing human population. > I've stood there shaking my head with the rest saying what a >shame. I've paid my $25 to environmental organizations and pasted a >"Save the Whales" bumper sticker on my car. I've tried with hundreds >of others to push the stranded animals back into the oceans that >disgorged them in the first place. None of these emotional responses >did a thing to save one dolphin or one whale. They didn't provide any >insight into the underlying problems and did little more than add a >bit of salve to my feelings. Instead, I have chosen to do something >that could make a difference. Dr. Williams' conclusion that supporting environmental organizations never saved one dolphin or one whale is extraordinary. Again, I must assume that she has never been involved in what such organizations do. If scientists truly believe that policy-makers would make effective and protective conservation policy if only they had the right information, then it is time to come down from the ivory tower. Politicians and bureaucrats make decisions based primarily on constituent or special interest pressure (and this pressure is all too often proportional to the amount of money available to bring it to bear). If industry and other consumptive users of natural resources are the only special interests pressuring policy-makers, then policy-makers will favor them when decisions and policy are made. Environmental organizations pressure policy-makers on behalf of the environment (and the people who want it protected) -- they do in fact use information provided by researchers (as does industry), but in the end, that information is secondary to the blood, sweat, and tears (and yes, money, made up of as many of those $25 contributions as possible) that environmental organizations put into countering the pressure of those special interests whose activities damage the environment. Dr. Williams' $25 saved far more than one whale or dolphin, because it bought passage of laws, regulations, and international treaties that protect these animals and their habitat. > After 20 years of work with and around marine mammals I have >come to the conclusion that there is only one thing that will save >them: research. I am fully in support of research. I recognize its value. I was, after all, trained as a scientist. However, I also recognize the value of advocacy. I think both are needed (advocacy *more* than research in the end, because in the end, politics has more influence on how conservation policy is formulated than scientific information -- sad, but true). >But these dolphins and many others in a variety of >aquariums have provided invaluable information on their sensory, >thermoregulatory, cardiovascular and energetic biology. Without this >simple information we would be left with no tools to affect a change. >We should be ashamed of our ignorance when it comes to marine mammal >biology. I totally agree that our ignorance is shameful. I also agree that most positive changes in conservation policy have come about as the result of research bringing to light information regarding how human activities affect the environment. But who brings that information to the attention of policy-makers? It is very rarely the scientists themselves. It is usually advocacy organizations. And unfortunately, there comes a time when more information can be counter-productive to conservation and protection. Policy-makers often abuse science, by delaying or postponing important decisions until *more* research has been conducted. Dr. Williams' examples, including over-fishing and global climate changes, are cases in point. In fact, Dr. Williams' entire post seems to ignore the Precautionary Principle, a key concept in effective conservation. We don't *need* to know everything there is to know about something before making decisions to conserve and protect it. If we did, as all scientists well know, we'd never make any decisions at all to protect the environment, because we will never know *everything*. We already know enough about the effects of over-fishing and global climate change to make some decisions -- but those decisions aren't being made, because policy-makers say we need to know yet more (and then don't always fund the necessary research). Policy-makers far too often ride roughshod over the Precautionary Principle and unfortunately when scientists say that only research will save wildlife, this can be twisted to the advantage of the very forces that harm the marine environment and its inhabitants. >Instead, scientists scrounge to find money from a variey of sources >including industry, the government and the military. One of those industries is undoubtedly the public display industry. I find it interesting that Dr. Williams would describe obtaining research funding from this source as "scrounging." Given the obvious wealth of for-profit marine park facilities and their purported commitment to conservation and research, I am surprised they are not considered an especially abundant source of funding by the research community. Environmental organizations also support research. However, they usually have few funds available (most of their funding goes to advocacy activities) and they rarely support basic research. They tend to support research that has practical applications to conservation. This should hardly surprise anybody. I would also note that there is vitally important applied research going unaddressed by captive research and public display facilities. For example, most captive dolphins are bottlenose dolphins and this species is dying in nets and stranding on beaches in the mid-Atlantic in numbers well in excess of PBR (potential biological removal, a Marine Mammal Protection Act concept that determines how many animals can die annually from human causes while still allowing a population to reach and maintain optimum sustainable levels). No research has been funded to study efficacy of gear modification to reduce bycatch. Money is almost non-existent. The very institutions that keep bottlenose dolphins in captivity are a logical source of funding and research subjects to help answer these questions. Yet, with few exceptions, they are not. > If a person or a group really wanted to be effective, really >cared about dolphins and marine mammals, and really wanted to see >conservation happen then they would dedicate themselves to creating a >productive, stable funded research environment. If advocacy organizations put all their funds toward creating such a stable, funded research environment, consumptive users of resources would find little opposition to their lobbying efforts, toward policy-makers and for public opinion. I am not saying that supporting research should not be a key function of advocacy organizations, but I refer again to the Precautionary Principle. The primary job of advocacy organizations is to see that decisions are made *as soon as* enough information is available to draw reasonable conclusions. We are already at this point for a number of issues -- focusing on more research merely delays prompt, effective action. >They would petition their government >representatives and demand the allocation of money for supporting >marine mammal research. Many environmental organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, already do this. >They would develop a Marine Mammal Conservation >Research Center dedicated to bringing the best scientific minds, >resources and facilities to the problem of preserving marine mammals. I suspect there are environmental organizations whose mandates, policies, and constituencies would favor this proposal. I hope somebody representing them is reading Marmam. >They would >bring the three groups required for conservation, Researchers, the >Public and the Government, to bear on the problem. Through these >positive acts we can make a difference. Without them we are guilty of >loving marine mammals to death. And I would argue that we could very easily end up studying marine mammals to death. At some point, there is enough information. Throwing more research money and time at a problem will not necessarily solve it. Yet the consumptive users of natural resources and their supporters now regularly claim regulatory and legislative decisions must not be made until we know "more" about an issue. And there is no consensus among stake-holders as to what constitutes "more" or "enough" information. And decisions get put off again and again while debate over these definitions rages on. >It is time to mature in >our attitude about what is needed to preserve the marine environment. >Knowledge borne out of dedicated, hard work is desperately need - not >shaking heads and fingers or tears. It is inaccurate to imply that advocacy organizations base their actions only on emotions and assigning blame. And nobody should assume that policy-makers base their decisions only on fact. Nothing is based more on emotion, assigning blame, and melodrama than politics. Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Scientist The Humane Society of the United States narose(\)ix.netcom.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 16 Aug 1998 14:37:51 -0700 From: Elizabeth Ann Mitchell Subject: sperm whale/longline fishery interactions Hello, I am currently working on a project concerning sperm whale interactions with a demersal longline fishery in the Gulf of Alaska. Sperm whales have been associated with the sablefish fishery for many years in the Gulf of Alaska, often approaching vessels upon retrieval of gear and following vessels from set to set. When I first observed this as a fisheries observer in 1992, they appeared around the vessel for days but did not cling to it as they seem to do now. At that time and up until just 2 years ago, the fishermen that I spoke with claimed that they were not feeding directly off the line, but on the discards. This was what I was observing as well--sperm whales aggregating in the trail of discarded offal. However, this last year, the attitude of the fishermen has changed from a sense of awe at their presence to discouragement and hostility at the noticeable difference in catch when sperm whales are present. "Not many people can say they have to compete with sperm whales to make a living", so aptly put by one skipper. Although I have not encountered physical hostility toward the whales (guns), I fear fishermen may begin to take there own form of deterrents, if a non-harming method is not discovered to deter the whales. At present many fishermen say it is not as bad as the situation with killer whales in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands, where whole lines are stripped, leaving the "trash fish" on the line and taking the prized target species. However, now they believe that the sperm whales are learning. What worries me is that I don't believe sperm whales will be deterred. One fisherman attempted to deter them by turning up his sounder full blast. Although he succeeded in getting them to all dive immediately, they remained in the vicinity and mauled fish continued to come up. It has been suggested to me that sperm whales become habituated to noise and that incessant noise may cause permanent damage. At present, regulations on deterrents are being developed and should become final this year (?). Currently, any method may be used as long as no harm is done. Who will define the "harm" on such aspects as hearing damage, etc? I know there are longline fisheries in other areas (South Africa, Chile, Peru, South Atlantic to name a few) where these interactions are occurring. I would deeply appreciate any suggestions on where to proceed with this problem. I would especially like to hear from those from other areas who have experience with this type of interaction--fishermen and scientists alike. Thank you very much for any advice. Elizabeth Mitchell Elizabeth Mitchell P.O. Box 933 Eugene, Oregon 97440 U.S.A. Tel: 541/338-7939 e-mail: emitch(\)efn.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1998 02:56:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summaries to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Congressional Research Service. Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 8/14/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 8/7/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 8/13/98 double bracketed {{...}} >Marine Mammals > . > {Wasteful Walrus Harvest. On Aug. 12, 1998, federal prosecutors >reported that six Alaskan Natives were considering a plea agreement after >charges of illegal walrus harvesting were dropped on July 15, 1998. The six >were accused of wasting meat from about 10 of 33 walrus killed during a May >1997 hunt, when only the heads and tusks were taken.} [Assoc Press] > . > Dolphin Assessment Cruises. On July 31, 1998, the first of seven >NMFS dolphin research cruises to be conducted in the next three years >departed from San Diego for the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to determine >the abundance of spotted and eastern spinner dolphins. These are the first >assessments of these dolphin stocks in more than a decade and data >obtained will help determine whether intentional encirclement of dolphins >with >purse seines harms these animals. [Assoc Press] > . > Norwegian Whaling. On July 31, 1998, Norwegian authorities >announced that 608 minke whales had been killed from the 671-whale quota >by a fleet of 34 whaling vessels. The final take when the season ends in >mid-August is projected to be 620-630 animals. [High North Alliance News] > . > Makah Whaling. On July 22, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard published >proposed regulations in the Federal Register establishing a 500-yard buffer >zone around Makah whaling vessels. Although no public hearing is >scheduled, the Coast Guard is accepting public comment on the proposed >rule for 45 days. [Federal Register, Seattle Times] > . > Whale Radio. On July 22, 1998, radio station CJKW will begin live >broadcasting of underwater audio from microphones located in the vicinity of >killer whale "rubbing" beaches, where these whales congregate, near Robson >Bight, northeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. These >broadcasts will also be transmitted to the Vancouver Aquarium's killer whale >underwater viewing gallery. [Vancouver Aquarium press release, Assoc Press, >Reuters] > . > Keiko. On July 21, 1998, the Icelandic news media received copies of >a letter to the Free Willy Keiko Foundation threatening to kill Keiko using >poisoned fish or poisoning water in Keiko's pen. U.S. and Icelandic media >report that Keiko is scheduled to leave OR on Sept. 9, 1998, and arrive in >Iceland on Sept. 10, 1998. The Free Willy Keiko Foundation has requested >that Keiko be flown to Iceland nonstop aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 >Globemaster III transport aircraft, with costs reimbursed by the Free Willy >Keiko Foundation. A decision by the U.S. Air Force is anticipated in >mid-August 1998. United Parcel Service will provide ground transportation >for >Keiko between the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the plane as well as in >Iceland between the plane and a barge that will take Keiko to his sea pen in >Vestmannaeyjar. [Assoc Press, Reuters, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press >release] > . > Canadian Bowhead Whaling. On July 21, 1998, Inuit of Pangnirtung, >Baffin Island, Canada, struck and killed a 43-foot bowhead whale in >Cumberland Sound. This whale is thought to be part of a Davis Strait/Baffin >Bay subpopulation numbering about 350 animals. [Assoc Press, High North >Alliance News] > . > Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information >sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible >for the accuracy of the various news items. For additional information >on items in this summary or their sources, Members and congressional >staff may call Gene Buck (CRS-ENR) at 7-7262 or send a fax to 7-7289. >This summary is available daily or weekly (each Friday) via e-mail to >Members and congressional staff; requests from Members and >congressional staff to be added to the daily or weekly distribution list >may be e-mailed to "gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov". > Subject: Sources of Out-of-Print and Hard to Find Scientific Books (Results) Comments: To: Bene , Conslink Hi All: Much thanks to everyone who sent along information on their favorite sources of out-of-print and otherwise hard to find scientific and technical books. Here's the list, divided into a few useful (I hope) categories but otherwise in no particular order. I've checked on many, but not all of these sources, and I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information or the reliability of any source. Cheers, Rich _______________________________________ Richard L. Wallace School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Yale University ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sources of out-of-print, rare, or otherwise hard to find books: Patricia Ledlie Bookseller, Inc. One Bean Road P.O. Box 90 Buckfield, Maine 04220 Ph/fax (207) 336-2778 ledlie(\)maine.com www.ledlie.com Raymond M. Sutton, Jr. 430 Main Street Williamsburg, KY 40769 606-549-3464 606-549-3469 fax suttonbks(\)2geton.net Buteo Books 3130 Laurel Road Shipman, VA 22971 (804) 263-9671 (tel) (804) 263-4842 (fax) 1-800- 722-2460 (orders) allen(\)buteobooks.com Advanced Book Exchange http://www.abebooks.com Interloc Used Books http://www.interloc.com MX BookFinder http://www.mxbf.com/ Bibliofind http://www.bibliofind.com WATKINS NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS Larry and Connie Watkins 7036 State Highway 29 Dolgeville, NY 13329 USA 1-518-568-2280 bearsend(\)telenet.net E.W. Classey Ltd. P.O. Box 93 Faringdon Oxon SN7 7DR England 01367 244700 (tel) 01367 244800 (fax) Florda and Fauna Books 121 First Ave. South Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 623-4727 (tel) (206) 623-2001 (fax) Bev's Books Beverly Bowers P.O. Box 39 Heber, AZ 83958 1-888-535-3575 (toll free) bevsbook(\)interloc.com Powell's Books 1005 W. Burnside Portland OR 97209 Tel: (503) 228-4651 Fax: (503) 228-4631 http://www.powells.com John Ptak Science Books www.access.digex.net/~jfptak/ Gary Wayner Natural History Books 1002 Glenn Blvd, SW Fort Payne, Alabama 35967-8413 U.S.A Phone: (256) 845-7828 Fax: (256) 845-2070 gwayner(\)wayner.com http://www.wayner.com STEVE GRENARD 57 Clay Pit Rd Staten Island NY 10309 10718-227-6234 Ashworth Books http://www.ulster.net/~ahab/ Koelz Scientific Books http://www.koeltz.com Moby Dick Antiquariat mobydick(\)antiquebook.nl (info only - no orders to this email address) The Book Broker http://www.bookbroker.com/ Le Tour du Monde 9 rue de la Pompe 75116 Paris France tel: 331 42 88 73 59 fax: 331 42 88 58 06 Jean-pierre BAWIN Rue du Pont, 15 B-4000 LIEGE Belgium Tel : 04/221.13.40 Jean LHOEST Rue du Pont, 9 B-4000 LIEGE Belgium Tel-Fax : 04/222.11.26 UMI Out-of-Print Books on Demand University Microfilms International 300 N Zeeb Rd Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 800-521-0600 or 313-761-4700 Here are some names forwarded to me without contact information: Phyllis Parkinson Peacock Books Massachusetts Frank Mikesh Books Walnut Creek, CA John Johnson Books Vermont Noriko Ciochon Books Iowa Snowy Egret Books Minnesota Harrell Books Friday Harbor, WA Here are some more specialized bookstores: Alaskan Heritage Bookshop P. O. Box 22165 Juneau, Ak. 99802 phone or fax (907)-789-8450 akrare(\)alaska.net (specializes in Alaska and arctic subjects) Fungal Cave Books 1943 SE Locust Ave Portland OR 97214 Tel: (503) 239-4321 (specializes in mycological literature) The American Botanist agbook(\)mtco.com (specializes in agriculture-related subjects) Rhode Island Natural History Survey C. E. Education Center 3 East Alumni Avenue, U.R.I. Kingston, RI 02881 (401) 874-5800 RINHS(\)uriacc.uri.edu (Rhode Island and regional subjects) Bluntisham Books Oak House, East Street, Bluntisham Huntingdon PE17 3LS United Kingdom Tel/fax: +44 1487 840449 (specializes in polar and whaling books) Brain Books http://www.brainbooks.com/ (Specializes in neurology, neuroscience, & psychology) And of course: http://www.amazon.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1998 09:31:06 +0100 From: Frances Clarke Subject: WDCS Sci/Captivity Report The Whale and Dolphin Conservation recently posted a message announcing the availability of a new report "A Review of the Scientific Justifications for Maintaining Cetaceans in Captivity". May 1998. Sue Mayer. We have now sent out over 200 copies of this to MARMAM members. We intend to publish this report and would like to include comments from the scientific and conservation community within the report. Therefore, anyone with comments please could they send them by the end of September. We may also create a discussion web-page on the report. WDCS will obviously seek permission from individuals before we publish. Please send comments to fclarke(\)wdcs.org Many thanks and we look forward to any responses. Fran Clarke Campaigns Co-ordinator Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Alexander House, James St. West, Bath, UK. Tel: 01225 334511 Fax: 01225 480097 http://www.wdcs.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1998 02:38:00 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent marine mammal articles Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications recently posted to MARMAM are not included. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Thank you. Detectability analysis in transect surveys. Beavers, SC; Ramsey, FL JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT, July 1998 v62 i3 p948-957 ****************************** Heavy metals in dolphins stranded on the French Atlantic coast. Holsbeek, L; Siebert, U; Joiris, CR. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, July 3, 1998 v217 i3 p241-249 Heavy metal concentrations (total and organic Hg, Ti, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) were determined in the muscle, liver and kidney of 36 dolphins stranded on the French Atlantic coast between 1977 and 1990: 29 common dolphins Delphinus delphis, live bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus and two striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba. Total Hg concentration in the liver increased with age, while relative methylmercury concentration decreased, reflecting the existence of a slow demethylation process. To a lower extent, a similar pattern was observed in the kidney and muscle. No age-related increase was found for other heavy metals, although the highest levels for Cd and Cr were always found in adults. No difference in contamination could be detected between the 1977-1980 and 1984-1990 periods. ****************************** Homologies between human and dolphin chromosomes detected by heterologous chromosome painting. Bielec, PE; Gallagher, DS; Womack, JE; Busbee, DL CYTOGENETICS AND CELL GENETICS, July-August 1998 v81 i1 p18-25 Human chromosome-specific probes for the entire karyotype were hybridized to metaphase spreads of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, to directly compare the evolutionary conservation of chromosomal segments between these two distantly related species. All human chromosomal paints, except the Y probe, hybridized to Tursiops counterparts, and every dolphin chromosome was painted except for the smallest submetacentric pair. In our analysis, 36 segments of conserved synteny common to the human and dolphin genomes were identified. The distribution of conserved chromosomal segments and the specific rearrangement patterns found between the two genomes are presented and discussed. ****************************** Sediment community structure around a whale skeleton in the deep Northeast Pacific: Macrofaunal, microbial and bioturbation effects. Smith, CR; Maybaum, HL; Baco, AR; Pope, RH; Carpenter, SD; Yager, PL; Macko, SA; Deming, JW. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY, April-June 1998 v45 i1-3 p335-364 ****************************** Studies on thermal denaturation profiles of holo- and reconstituted myoglobins from bonito and sperm whale. Chanthai, S; Ogawa, M; Tamiya, T; Tsuchiya, T. FISHERIES SCIENCE, June 1998 v64 i3 p411-414 ****************************** Geographic variation in South Pacific humpback whale songs. Helweg, DA; Cato, DH; Jenkins, PF; Garrigue, C; McCauley, RD. BEHAVIOUR, February 1998 v135 part1 p1-27 Every winter, (male) humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) produce long complex songs. Song content is dynamic and singers incorporate changes as they occur, thus song is shared through cultural transmission. We compared songs recorded in winter migratory termini in Tonga, New Caledonia, Eastern Australia, and on migration paths off Eastern Australia and New Zealand, in the winter of 1994. Seven themes were shared by all regions, with an additional two themes shared by all but Tonga. Differences in regional variants were most pronounced between Tongan and Eastern Australian song. New Caledonian and Kaikouran song were more similar to songs from Eastern Australia rather than Tonga. These regional differences were stable across the season. The results suggest some migratory exchange among widely separate wintering regions of Area V, consistent with tag recovery data, but the time and location at which song sharing occurs remains speculative. Subject: Books The following used books are available thru the latest catalogue (no. 58) from Donald E. Hahn Natural History. Charge cards are welcome (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) when ordering by phone and FAX. Phone 520-634-5016, FAX 520-634-1217. You will need to provide the catalog number (see above) and the item number when placing your purchase. Please do not ask the Marmam editors for more information. What is presented here is all that was provided with the catalogue. Books listed here do not imply endorsement by the Marmam editors. ************************** 1460. Bertram, C. 1963. In search of mermaids - the manatees of Guiana. $14 1465. Bruemmer, F. The narwhal. Unicorn of the sea. $30 1468. Burton, R. 1973. The life and death of whales. $16 1488. DeGraaf, A.S. 1967. Anatomical aspects of the cetacean brain stem. $29 1491. Domning, D.P. 1977. Observations on the myology of Dugong dugon. $6 1521. Horwood, J. 1987. The sei whale: population biology, ecology, and management. $39 1522. Howell, A.GB. 1930. Aquatic mammals - their adaptations to life in the water. $15 1530. Katona, S.K. et al. 1980. Humpback whales: a catalogue of individuals identified in the western North Atlantic Ocean by means of fluke photographs. $26 1531. Katona, S.K. et al. 1983. A field guide to the whales, porpoises and seals of the Gulf of Maine and eastern Canada: Cape Cod to Newfoundland. $19 1542. Layne, J.N. 1965. Observations on marine mammals in Florida waters. $5 1544. Lilly, J.C. 1961. Man and dolphin. $17 1546. Martin, F. 1960. Sea bears: the story of the fur seal. $14 1559. Pryor, K. 1975. Lads before the wind. $9 1565. Sanderson, I.T. 1956 (1958) Follow the whale. $19 1575. Slijper, E.J. 1958 (1962 translated from Dutch) Whales. $45 Subject: Ken Norris I thought that Marmam and ECS subscribers would like to know, if you haven't already heard, that Ken Norris passed away on Sunday, 16 August. I don't have any information past what was posted to the web page about his health updates. If you would like to send a message to the family, the web site asked to please address it to: 1987 Smith Grade, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Subject: tetrodotoxic fish in marine mammal diets I am an archaeologist trying to interpret a prehistoric seal butchering site within a rock shelter in southern Australia. The seals are mainly juveniles who were either scavenged dead from the beach or clubbed to death at an adjacent haul-out location. The animals present seem to be divided between southern elephant seals and Australian fur seals (A. pusillus), or possibly New Zealand fur seals (A. forsteri). The range of fish species present within the cave deposits are consistent with those consumed by seals rather than those produced by human fishing activities. Diodontidae (porcupinefish) are also present. These inhabit the adjacent waters and can be seasonally very toxic to humans. My question is: are seals or other marine mammals known to purposely or inadvertently consume these or other tetrodotoxic fish? The literature is silent on this issue. One difficulty is that southern elephant seals have since been exterminated from those portions of their range, which overlap with that of tetrodotoxic fish species. I am told these big-gutted opportunistic feeders will eat "just about anything". Is it possible they were consuming porcupinefish? Any thoughts you could provide on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, E.J. Bassett slcejb(\)dames.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1998 11:32:09 +0200 From: Frank Schweikert Subject: Job announcement In-Reply-To: ALDEBARAN Marine Research and Broadcast is an europwide organization for modern and attractive communication of marine science, operating the research & Broadcast vessel ALDEBARAN. Job Announcement: For a two year marine Children TV Production we are looking as sson as possible for a male or female (marine-) biologist and talented manager with diving experience. Main motivation should be to inform a wide public about marine scientific contents and their interactions between humans and the biosphere. Applicants should furthermore have experience in micro- or underwater photography and -filming, and should have probably a license for boats. We expect activities in finding interesting marine themes for our multimedia productions for TV, radio and internet, and in organizing the scientific technique and small Research projects. For a above average engagement we will offer an unusual and most attractive place of work on board our research and broadcast vessel ALDEBARAN. Applicants should speak fluently German. Pleas forward this message to all interested persons. For more details have a look to our internet www.aldebaran.org. ------------------------------------------------------------------- \|/ --- ALDEBARAN Marine Research & Broadcast, (in der HH Speicherstadt:) Dienerreihe 2 Block W, 20457 Hamburg Tel. +49 40 -32 57 21 0, Fax +49 40 -32 57 21 21 Internet: http://www.aldebaran.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1998 21:04:32 -0400 From: forescdo Subject: Environmental Career(s) Info-- survey results available JOBPLACE(\)NEWS.JOBWEB.ORG, landtrust(\)indiana.edu, FOREST(\)LISTSERV.FUNET.FI, majordomo(\)cedar.univie.ac.at, ENVIRONMENT-L(\)cornell.edu, rivernet-info(\)igc.org, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU Dear folks, This past May I asked many of you for your favorite environmental career resources. My request went out to about a dozen listservs. About 60 persons from around the world replied. I have taken their responses and collated them according to the following categories: 1. PUBLICATIONS TO SUBSCRIBE TO 2. PRINT MATERIALS / BOOKS 3. PUBLISHERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CAREER INFORMATION 4. JOB VACANCY LISTING SOURCES a. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES b. LISTSERVS c. WEB SITES, INCLUDING URL NAMES AND ADDRESSES 5. OTHER HELPFUL SOURCES & COMMENTS" If you would like me to e-mail you a set of my results, please send me a reply to this message, and I'll send you the 10 pages that will come to you in ASCII format. I hope this information will be helpful to many of you. It will eventually be incorporated into my office's web site: www.yale.edu/forescdo. Peter Otis YALE SCHOOL OF FORESTRY & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CAREER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 205 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511-2189 Tel: 203.432.8920 +++ FAX: 203.432.5942 http://www.yale.edu/forescdo-- Email:cdo2(\)pantheon.yale.edu Peter Otis, Director ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1998 14:48:55 -0400 From: Keith Ronald Subject: New M3 Distant Course Just over a week ago we announced the NEW DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE (Anyone, Anywhere, at any Time) MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT Course.The deadline for registration is SEPTEMBER 15 for the OCTOBER FIRST to DECEMBER 15th term. Please contact Dodge(\)ocean.nova.edu at the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University for further registration details. This course will be dedicated to the memory of the late Ken Norris. It is of interest (at least to us) that we are receiving inquiries daily, but also in the last 9 days we have received active inquiries from Japan (2), China, Hong Kong, U.K., Portugal, Spain, Chile (2), Mexico, Brazil, Malta, Iceland, France, Denmark, Australia (4), Israel, and almost as distant- Canada (4); Hawaii, Alaska (2), and 25 other States (67), not surprisingly marine mammals are of global interest. Please remember the September 15th deadline. Professor Keith Ronald, Coordinator ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1998 14:19:31 -0700 From: Rixanne Wehren Subject: Gray whales Ahoy! In-Reply-To: <199808130002.RAA32345(\)norm.island.net> Hello, I wonder if anyone is doing radio-tracking of the Gray whales that migrate to the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California Sur, Mexico every year. Our group in Mendocino, CA, USA, and a colleague in Victoria, BC, Canada would like to do a collaborative project on migration up the Pacific Coast. If you know of any Marmam biologist who is interested in this phenomenon, please let me know. As you may know, San Ignacio Lagoon, an international biosphere reserve, is threatened with a huge salt industry development. Rixanne Rixanne Wehren GeoGraphics / Coastal Land Trust PO Box 340, Albion, CA 95410 707-937-2709 (M-F 8-12 am) FAX 937-4520 rixanne(\)mcn.org "My profession? Curiosity. More widely known as 'geography'." ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1998 10:02:15 PDT From: anna marie hall Subject: gray whale meeting Hello all, I have organized a public meeting open to all who are opposed to the Makah gray whale hunt schedualled to begin on October 1, 98. The meeting will be at the James Bay Community School Center at 140 Oswego St. Victoria, BC on August 29, 1998 from 7-9 pm. This is intended to be an informational meeting with a variety of speakers followed by a Q&A session. A $2.00 donation is appreciated to help offset the costs a little. Hope we get a good turn out. Anna Hall Anna Hall ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 02:20:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent abstracts _________________________________________________ Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications recently posted to MARMAM are not included. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Thank you. Clustering and aggregations of minke whales in the Antarctic feeding grounds Kasamatsu, F; Ensor, P; Joyce, GG MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES, March-April 1998 v168 p1-11 Information on the degree of clustering and aggregation behavior of whales is extremely limited. To obtain such information within various survey areas would not only be of help in understanding cetacean ecology, but also in optimizing the survey design in order to obtain abundance estimates with minimal variance. The clustering and aggregation patterns of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata were examined using the data derived from systematic sighting surveys in 3 major feeding grounds in Antarctic waters. Distribution patterns showed that minke whales clustered in the Antarctic feeding grounds but were relatively randomly distributed within the aggregations, with the possibility that schools within the aggregation tend to avoid each other. Higher clustering was observed in areas within bays (Ross Sea and Prydz Bay) than in areas of open water (Weddell Sea). Mean school sizes were positively correlated with density. Aggregation patterns in relation to density and abundance in Antarctic waters are presented ************************* Occurrence of butyltin compounds in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) Yang, F; Chau, YK; Maguire, RJ APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, August-September 1998 v12 i8-9 p651-656 Fifty-two beluga whale samples (Six liver samples, and 46 blubber samples including ones from different depths of the fat layer) from the St Lawrence River, Canada, were analyzed for butyltin compounds (mono-, di-, and tri-butyltin) with a view to investigating the occurrence and contamination of butyltin in these;animals, A special procedure was also developed for the determination of butyltin compounds in blubber samples with high lipid content (up to 95%), Total-butyltin concentrations in liver samples were found to be much higher than those in the blubber samples. The concentrations of butyltin compounds in blubber samples were observed to Be related to their lipid content. Concentration levels of butyltin species in beluga whale were compared with those in other marine vertebrates in other parts of the world. The presence of butyltin compounds in liver and blubber samples suggests the accumulation of these toxicants by beluga whale. ************************* Luteinized ovarian cysts in Mediterranean striped dolphins Munson, L; Calzada, N; Kennedy, S; Sorensen, TB JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES, July 1998 v34 i3 p656-660 The morbillivirus epizootic during 1990 to 1992 in Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) off the Mediterranean coast of Spain diminished these populations directly through mortalities, and indirectly through loss of normal fecundity High levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) also were detected in stranded animals. In addition to high numbers of abortions during the epidemic, unusual cystic structures were noted in the ovaries of structures were identified as multiple luteinized cysts from their gross and histomorphologic characteristics, No morbillivirus antigens were detected in tie lesions by immunohistochemistry Because luteinized cysts occur when ovulation is impeded, either an effect of morbillivirus or PCB's on hypothalamic/pituitary function or an effect of PCB's on ovarian responsiveness are proposed as pathogenic mechanisms These cysts may impede population recovery from the epidemic if similar cysts occurred on surviving dolphins. ************************* Coccidioidomycosis in a bottlenose dolphin Reidarson, TH; Griner, LA; Pappagianis, D; McBain, J JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES,July 1998 v34 i3 p629-631 A stranded bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gilli) succumbed to a pulmonary infection of Coccidioides immitis. The dolphin initially presented with mild inspiratory dyspnea that rapidly worsened over 48 hr to include buoyancy abnormalities and finally death. At necropsy, caseous nodules were observed throughout the lungs and perihilar lymph nodes. On histological examination of tissues, double walled organisms containing endospores characteristic of C. immitis were observed in lung, perihilar lymph nodes, and brain. Pyogranulomatous infiltrates were observed in the lung and perihilar lymph nodes only. A DNA Gen-Probe test performed on a purified isolate confirmed infection by C. immitis. Serum was positive for antibodies to C. immitis at a titer of 1:128 and was negative for all known marine morbilliviruses. Although there have been reports of C. immitis infections in free ranging marine wildlife, including California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and sea otters (Enhydra lutris), this is the first reported case of coccidioidomycosis in a cetacean. ************************* Autumn food habits of harbor porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, in the Gulf of Maine Gannon, DP; Craddock, JE; Read, AJ FISHERY BULLETIN, July 1998 v96 i3 p428-437 This study describes the stomach contents of 95 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) killed in groundfish gill nets in the Gulf of Maine between September and December, 1989-94. The importance of prey was assessed by frequency of occurrence, numerical proportion, and proportion of ingested mass. Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) was the most important prey, occurring in 78% of noncalf porpoise stomachs and contributing 44% of ingested mass. Pearlsides (Maurolicus weitzmani), silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis), and red and white hake (Urophycis spp.) were common prey items. There were no significant differences among diets of sex and maturity groups, but the calf diet differed significantly from adults in number of Atlantic herring eaten and the total mass of food consumed. At four to seven months of age, calves were eating pearlsides, small silver hake, and euphausiids (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) while still nursing. ********************** Methylmercury and total mercury in tissues of arctic marine mammals Wagemann, R; Trebacz, E; Boila, G; Lockhart, WL SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, July 11, 1998 v218 i1 p19-31 Concentrations of methylmercury, total mercury and selenium in marine mammal tissues were determined in liver, muscle, skin (muktuk) and blubber of belugas, ringed seals and narwhal, using atomic absorption and capillary gas chromatography with ECD detection. Mean MeHg levels in the types of tissues analysed, except blubber, generally exceeded the Canadian Federal Consumption Guideline for mercury in fish (0.5 mu g/g wet wt.). A spatial trend of higher MeHg levels in western compared to eastern Arctic belugas and ringed seals was found which followed a similar trend observed for total mercury. Factors which could explain this trend are discussed. Robust linear regression of MeHg on total Hg and MeHg on age of animals was performed and a strong correlation between the two variables was found in each case. The ratio of MeHg to total mercury as indicated by the regression coefficients was close to one for muscle and skin (muktuk) while for liver it was < 1. The mean percentage of MeHg in the liver of marine mammals was 3-12% of the total Hg in this tissue depending on species and location. It is postulated that the formation and deposition of mercuric selenide in the liver is part of the demethylation process in this tissue. This is based on the relatively low fraction of MeHg in the liver not withstanding the fact that the predominant form of mercury taken up via food is MeHg. The long half-life for total mercury and the relatively short half-life for MeHg in this organ are in accord with this postulate as is the 1:1 stoichiometric relationship between mercury and selenium in the liver. ******************** Estimation of hunter compliance with the Marine Mammal Marking, Tagging, and Reporting Program for walrus Burn, DM. WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN, Spring 1998 v26 i1 p68-74 The harvest of Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) by Alaska Natives has been monitored since 1988 by the Marine Mammal Marking, Tagging, and Reporting Program (MTRP) administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). I compared MTRP data with information from the Walrus Harvest Monitoring Project (WHMP) to estimate the level of compliance with the MTRP in Diomede, Gambell, and Savoonga, 3 major villages where walrus hunting occurs in Alaska. During the 1994 and 1995 spring harvests of walrus, estimated maximum compliance in Diomede was 99 and 99%; in Gambell, 77 and 64%; and in Savoonga, 69 and 66%, respectively. OF those tusks that were ragged, >50% were tagged within the required 30-day period, with the majority of those tagged within 1-2 weeks. Walrus calves generally were unreported to the MTRP. Estimates of the walrus harvest from MTRP data should be considered biased low. Continued information and education efforts are necessary to improve understanding and acceptance of this program. *********************** Genetic variability in Guadalupe fur seals Bernardi, G; Fain, SR; GalloReynoso, JP;FigueroaCarranza, AL; LeBoeuf, BJ. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY, July-August 1998 v89 i4 p301-305 The Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) population underwent one or two severe bottlenecks due to commercial sealing in the late 19th century. Since then the protected population has been growing steadily around their only rookery, Isla de Guadalupe, Mexico. We probed both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes using multilocus nuclear DNA profiling and mitochondrial DNA sequencing to estimate the level of genetic variability of the present population. Unlike other pinniped populations that have experienced similar historical bottlenecks, such as Hawaiian monk seals and northern elephant seals, high levels of genetic variability were found. *********************** Molecular population genetics of the southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina Slade, RW; Moritz, C; Hoelzel, AR; Burton, HR GENETICS, August 1998 v149 i4 p1945-1957 Southern elephant seals breed on sub-Antarctic islands and have a circumpolar distribution. We assayed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) variation in the three main populations in the south Atlantic, south Indian, and south Pacific oceans, and a smaller continental population in South America. Population structure of mtDNA was strong and not consistent with isolation by distance. The nDNA loci, although less informative, were consistent with the mtDNA results. Geographic structure appears to be dominated by historical processes, not contemporary gene flow. Uncorrected levels of nucleotide diversity for mtDNA control region I (2.86%) and nDNA (0.09%) were similar to those in humans and mice. Mutation rates for control region I (75 x 10(-9) substitutions per site per year) and nDNA (1.23 x 10(-9)) were similar to those in other mammals. Female effective population size and total effective population size were roughly equal at similar to 4 x 10(4), indicating a twofold greater rate of drift for mtDNA. Effective breeding sex ratio of four to five females per male was estimated from nucleotide diversity and mutation rates for mtDNA and nDNA, and was much less than behavioral observations would suggest. There was no evidence for selection at any of the assayed loci. ********************* Isolation of reptilian calicivirus crotalus type 1 from feral pinnipeds Barlough, JE; Matson, DO; Skilling, DE; Berke, T; Berry, ES; Brown, RF; Smith, AW. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES, July 1998 v34 i3 p451-456 Ten virus isolates were obtained from three species of marine mammals sampled on San Miguel Island (California, USA) and 1,200 km north on Rogue Reef (Oregon, USA) during tagging operations in 1986-87. Seven of these 10 were derived from 30 sampled Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus pups, while two of 10 were isolated from one of 19 sampled California sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus pups, and the remaining isolate was derived from 30 sampled northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) pups. All 10 isolates were identified as belonging to a single serotype, reptilian calicivirus Crotalus type 1 (RCV Cro-1), previously isolated from both healthy and diseased snakes and frogs in a California zoologic collection. The marine samples also showed that nine of 30 Steller sea lion pups, one of 19 California sea lion pups and zero of 30 fur seal pups were producing type specific neutralizing antibodies to RCV Cro-1. This represents the first reported instance of the isolation from marine sources of a calicivirus originally isolated from a terrestrial species. Subject: SICB Denver meeting: abstract deadline extended. Hi Gang, The Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SCIB--formerly American Society of Zoologists) is holding it's annual meetings in Denver, 6-10 January. The original abstract deadline date of August 14 has been extended to Monday, August 24, in order to allow those of you just returning from summer research trips the opportunity to submit an abstract for the Denver meeting. Denver promises to be one of our most exciting meetings in years, with nine symposia (including: Environmental Endocrine Disrupters--from genes to ecosystems; Evolutionary Origin of Feathers; Animal Consciousness--historical, empirical, and theoretical perspectives; Starfish; Comparative Vertebrate Reproduction), plus the tribute symposium for Alan Kohn on Invertebrate Biology. This is in addition to our regular contributed paper and poster sessions. **GRAD STUDENTS** The society helps defray the costs of attendance for graduate students, and offers best student paper awards in each of several divisions (e.g., Animal Behavior, Ecology, Vertebrate Morphology, Systematics, etc.). Please pass this on to any interested party. You can submit your abstract online. Go to the following website: http://www.sicb.org and follow links. (Click on , then ). > > > Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology > 401 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-4267 > Tel: 800/955-1236, ext. 3667 or 312/527-6697; Fax: 312/321-3700 > E-mail: sicb(\)sba.com; WWW: http://www.sicb.org > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Future Meeting Dates: > January 6-10, 1999, Denver, CO > January 4-8, 2000, Atlanta, GA > January 3-7, 2001, Chicago, IL > *************************************************************** Dr. Peter D. Smallwood Department of Biology phone: 804-289-8803 University of Richmond phax: 804-289-8233 Richmond, VA 23173 email: psmallwo(\)richmond.edu =============================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 16:08:35 -0400 From: Richard Wallace Subject: More sources of out-of-print and hard to find books Hi All, In response to the list I posted last week, I received several corrections and additions. Here they are. Cheers, Rich _______________________________________ Richard L. Wallace School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Yale University Three updated and corrected sources from the first list: Steve Grenard 57 Clay Pit Rd Staten Island NY 10309 1-718-227-6234 grenard(\)con2.com John Johnson Natural History Books RD 1, Box 513 No. Bennington, VT 05257-9743 802-442-6738 Noriko I. Ciochon Natural History Books 1025 Keokuk Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Tel 319-354-9088 Additional sources of out-of-print and hard to find scientific and technical books: Donald E. Hahn Natural History Books Box 1004 Cottonwood, AZ 86326-1004 Tel 520-634-5016, Fax 520-634-1217 Aquila Natural History Books Rechtstraat 72 NL-6221 EL Maastricht The Netherlands Tel and Fax 31 043 3251044 Maggs Bros Ltd 50 Berkeley Square London W1X 6EL UK Tel 0171 493 7160, Fax 499 2007 Rudolph Wm. Sabot 6821 Babcock Ave. No. Hollywood, CA 91605 Tel 818-982-4911, Fax 818-982-1619 Edward J. Lefkowicz, Inc. P.O. Box 630 Fairhaven, MA 02719 Tel 508-997-6839 Literature of Latin America, Lola Books Viamonte 976, piso 2, "D" Buenos Aires (Cap. Fed.) Post Code: 1053 Argentina Phone: +54/1/372-2787 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 16:01:11 +0200 Reply-To: geraldine.lacave(\)skynet.be From: "geraldine.lacave" Subject: IMATA CONFERENCE ------ The 26th Annual International Marine Animal Trainers Association Conferen= ce will be held at the Montechoro Hotel in Albufeira, Portugal from 7-12 November 1997. ZooMarine-PORTUGAL will host the meeting. For more information please contact G=E9raldine Lacave at Dolphinarium Brugge, Alfons de Baeckestraat 12, 8200 Brugge, Belgium, Tel: +32 50 38 3= 8 38 Fax: +32 50 38 23 43 E-mail: geraldine.lacave(\)skynet.be or visit the IMATA website (under construction) at http://www.imata.org. ----- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 13:10:47 -0700 From: Joan Goddard Subject: Makah whaling/WCW Dear marmamers... The forthcoming Makah whale hunt is generating interest among marmam subscribers, and I would like to offer some resources for information on aboriginal whaling and related issues. The World Council of Whalers (WCW) supports aboriginal whaling although it is not involved directly with the Makah. A news release to marmam dated March 6, 1998 (and appearing later?) outlined the WCW's position. The contact numbers given in the press release, however, have been changed. Anyone wanting information from WCW can reach them by phone or fax at (250) 652-8352, by e-mail at , or at their website, The Seattle Times published on Sunday, August 23, an op-ed article entitled "The Makah manifesto" written by Keith A. Johnson, president of the Makah Whaling Commission. This article gives a comprehensive overview of the Makah whaling plans. It can be accessed on the web at The current issue of NATIVE PEOPLES MAGAZINE published in cooperation with a number of museums including the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, D'Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian History, and the Heard Museum, has an article by Bill Hess on the Alaska Eskimo bowhead hunt entitled "Gifts from the Whales." As volunteer coordinator of communications for the World Council of Whalers, I will be monitoring media coverage of aboriginal whaling issues, and will be glad to correspond with anyone interested. Joan Goddard jgoddard(\)tnet.net ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 17:19:35 -0700 Reply-To: Cawoodrow(\)btinternet.com From: Craig Woodrow Subject: Documentary Research I am currently researching the communication and behavioural patterns of several species of animals for the possibility of making a one hour four part documentary series for British television. One of the areas of communication and behaviour that I am researching is in that of dolphins. Unfortunately the information available to me here is rather limited and on the advice of the zoological library I was hoping that someone might be able to assist me. The proposed documentary will cover primarily the scientific aspects of dolphin behaviour and more importantly their methods of communication. This will cover all aspects of their communication ranging from how they receive and send information to their body language and behavioural patterns. I was hoping that you might be able to help me with my work or if not possibly put me in contact with other scientists and researchers who also study dolphin communication. We need to know of the most current research that is being performed on dolphin communication along with any new findings, experiments and theories that are helping to discover and understand the complexity of these magnificent mammals. We are trying to find new discoveries in dolphin communication. For example is there any new research on dolphin 'language'? Do certain whistles mean 'turn left' or 'turn right'? We are also interested in the air bubble rings that dolphins create. What do these mean? Are they a form of courtship or does one size mean X while another size mean Y? What new form of communication (if any) has been discovered? How is dolphin 'language' read or measure does their level of sound frequency vary vastly from humans if so how and why? How do dolphins communicate? Do they have different wavelengths specifically designed to travel efficiently through water over long distances if they do how do these work? We are also interested in scientific autopsy of dolphins. How does the human brain differ from that of the dolphins? Especially the area that deals with communication. Are there any connections or relations between human and dolphin brains or in the way that we analyse information, speech, sound etc? Through scientific autopsies do we have a better understanding of dolphin perception? How does a dolphin view the world? (Black and white, colour, a combination of both or is it a form of infrared etc?) Due to the study of a dolphin's retina is it possible to see the world through the eyes of a dolphin to experience how the world is viewed and possibly even analysed? We want to shed new light on dolphins and the world they live in. Although many excellent documentaries have been made on dolphins we are hoping to go a step further and understand the dolphin not only from an external point of view but also from an internal one. If it would be possible to speak or e-mail any experts in the field of dolphin communication that would greatly help the development of the documentary. I do hope that you can help us with our documentary series and should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me. My e-mail address is Cawoodrow(\)btinternet.com or you can call or fax me on 0181 255 9536 (England). Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely Craig Woodrow Researcher ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 03:13:04 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Graduate veterinarian training with Bowheads From: "Todd O'Hara" Wildlife Biology Graduate Training for a Veterinarian The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is offering graduate training for a veterinarian leading to a Doctoral degree in Wildlife Biology. The successful candidate will possess a D.V.M. or V.M.D. from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and must obtain licensure to practice in the State of Alaska. Preference will be given to individuals who have 2 or more years of experience in exotic and/or mixed animal practice. Completion of 1 or more years in an internship or residency program in zoo medicine, pathology, or laboratory animal medicine is desirable but not required. The resident will be enrolled as a Doctoral student in the graduate program of the Department of Biology and Wildlife, UAF. The area of research will be a fully funded project on the health assessment of Inuit harvested bowhead whales. This is a collaborative project with native subsistence hunters and researchers (Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Alaska). Course work is at the discretion of the graduate student and the graduate committee. Course emphasis will be on ecology, population biology, conservation biology, wildlife management and biostatistics. These subjects are crucial for wildlife research and tend to be the most common deficiencies in a veterinarian's training. In addition to scholarly research the successful candidate will be expected to participate in this University's Animal Care Program. The following activities will ensure a broad base of experience required of a university/research veterinarian: 1) Clinical and diagnostic duties as outlined by this University's animal care program. Although the resident will assist the University veterinarian, there is a requirement for independent work. Accommodation will be made for an introductory period, course-work, and research time required by the resident. The University of Alaska Fairbanks has approximately 500 research animals. Over 95% of the species are captive wildlife (muskoxen, caribou, Arctic ground squirrels, geese, various passerines, black bear, Arctic fox, etc.). 2) Assist the University's attending veterinarian with the UAF formal training program in animal care and use. 3) Be a member of the UAF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. 4) Provide advice and guidance for students, faculty, and staff regarding animal care and veterinary protocols for laboratory based and field research (assignments set by the attending veterinarian). 5) Assist in the supervision of staff when carrying out preventive medicine programs for UAF animals. The stipend is $20,000.00 per year with a tuition waiver. All research costs including project-associated travel are fully funded. The program starts January 4, 1999 (or earlier). The resident will be supported under this program for a maximum of 4 years. Interested individuals must contact John Blake prior to September 30, 1998. Final selection will be made by November 15. John Blake UAF Attending Veterinarian PO Box 757000 Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000 Phone (907) 474-5188 e-mail ffjeb(\)uaf.edu. To formally apply for this position you must submit a "Graduate Application for Admission" form with a $35.00 non-refundable fee to Admissions and Records, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Please phone or make contact by e-mail prior to submitting a formal application. Instructions for graduate application for admission and the application form are available at this website: http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/~biolwild.organizations/index.htm Information about UAF and Fairbanks is accessible from the UAF home page: http://www.uaf.edu/ From: "J.M. Aguiar" Subject: revised WFSC jobs board In-Reply-To: <19980825200817246.AAA169(\)rich.rockbridge.net> The Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences job board at Texas A&M has been updated to improve visitor access and navigation of our employment listings. The main page remains at its original URL: http://wfscnet.tamu.edu/jobs.htm and we invite you to stop by and look over the renovations, including a new category for GIS and computing positions. The site lists a number of openings in the marine sciences, and we would like to be able to offer more in the future. Please submit any job announcements to jaguiar(\)wfscgate.tamu.edu--thank you, and please give us a visit! ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1998 13:04:30 +0200 From: Christina Lockyer Subject: FW: International dolphin races - some practical information william rossiter This letter from the European Cetacean Society is forwarded to MARMAM because the information therein originally came to our attention via MARMAM and subscribers may be interested to know how we, at ECS, are advising our members. ______________________________________________________________ > -----Original Message----- > From: Christina Lockyer > Sent: 12. august 1998 12:33 > To: 'european cetacean society' > Subject: International dolphin races - some practical information > > Dear ECS members and friends, > > Recently, as you may know, we have been informed about the planned > event of International Dolphin Races for sometime in February 1999. > Below we include the original message from MARMAM for your > information. > > " CRS weekly marine mammal summary entitled "International > Dolphin Competition". The full press release and contact information > are therefore given below. > > Vancouver-based subscribers have also checked with the company: Global > Intertainment Corp. Phone number 604 688-6888. They confirmed these > details. > > MARMAM editors > -------------------------------------------------------------- > > 3 DOWJONES 07-07-98 11:18 AET 49 LINES > > Live From the Caribbean: The "First Ever" Dolphin Races; Event > Will Be > Broadcast Worldwide Over the Internet; Online Bets Accepted > > VANCOUVER, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 1998--Combine the > spectacle of Sea World, the betting adrenalin of Churchill Downs > and the > global reach of the Internet, and what do you get? The first > annual > International Dolphin Races, a dolphin racing and jumping > competition to > be held in the Caribbean next February. The contest will be > beamed into > cyberspace via live feed technology and will give viewers the > opportunity > to bet on their favorite contestants from anywhere in the world. > Sponsored by GIC Global Intertainment Corporation (NASDAQ > OTC:GGNC) > and its subsidiary, www.cyberbetz.com, the weeklong event will > feature > animals trained for use in dolphin shows and other entertainment > venues. > Each dolphin will pre-qualify with lap times and jump > measurements, and > odds will be calculated based on those trials. Two days will be > devoted > to the competitions, and the remainder of the week will feature > hourly > non-competitive shows similar to those seen at Sea World. > The event is designed to raise international awareness of > dolphins. A > portion of the proceeds from the wagers and on-site admission > fees will > be donated to the dolphin wild life fund, save the dolphin fund > in > addition to a number of children's charities. Internet > participants will > be able to place bets with a credit card at www.cyberbetz.com in > a manner > similar to other electronic commerce transactions. > "This is the first event of its type to be held anywhere in the > world, > and we expect it to become an annual attraction that will provide > both > entertainment and educational value," said James Chu, President > and > CEO > of GIC Global Intertainment Corporation. "It will not only offer > a new > outlet to feed consumers' appetite for sporting events, but it > will also > help broaden the public's appreciation of the unique capabilities > of > dolphins." > GIC is currently negotiating with corporate sponsors and > establishing > relationships with major cruise lines, airlines, hotels and > television > media to provide maximum exposure. The precise dates and location > of > the show will be announced later this year. > GIC Global Intertainment Corporation is a high technology > entertainment and marketing company specializing in Internet > gaming. The > company currently markets a Vegas-style Virtual Casino and a full > Internet Sports Book that allows bettors to place online wagers > on the > top ten horse races in the world, football, basketball, baseball, > hockey, > soccer and golf. The firm is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, > and is > traded on the NASDAQ OTC under the symbol GGNC, > (www.ggncwins.com). > GIC's www.cyberbetz.com subsidiary is an offshore Internet > Sports Book > and Casino located in Roseau in the Commonwealth of Dominica. > CONTACT: S&S Public Relations > Steve Simon, 847/291-8421 ext. 237 > stevesspr.com " > > While the legality of such an event may not be in question (note > however, that in the UK, the event would be illegal if the charities > named did not exist), it is clear that many of you have very strong > feelings about the ethics and appropriateness of such an event. The > stated motive " to raise international awareness of dolphins " appears > barely credible in this context, and the competetive aspects of the > event raise questions about potential stress on the animals and other > more ethical matters regarding fund-raising and who will benefit apart > from the organisers and those placing bets. The use of dolphins for a > speculative money-making venture without any reference to independent > monitoring of their welfare, indicates a profound lack of concern for > the impact of the scheme on dolphins. Such an event is a new departure > in the entertainment world, and while horseracing may be acceptable, > the rules and guidelines for this are long-established and the animals > concerned are bred especially for these purposes. The ECS Board > members are currently discussing the appropriateness of an official > response and how to react in the most effective way. We think that the > idea of global dolphin racing is ill-conceived because the organisers > almost certainly have little knowledge about cetaceans. Therefore, we > should first like to obtain more detailed information from GIC on the > planning, how they came up with the idea, and provide caution based on > facts and experience. Meanwhile we would like to advise you that > should you hold objections to this event, you should write to the > following person: > > Mr. James Chu > GIC Global Entertainment > Suite 1500, 885 West Georgia Street > Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3E8 CANADA > TEL: (604) 688-6888 > FAX: (604) 683-8125 > > with a copy to Darren Little, vice-president of GIC > (doc(\)ggncwins.com). > > William W. Rossiter, President of the Cetacean Society International, > in Georgetown, USA, writes, " ECS member's inquiries and comments > regarding the International Dolphin > Competition suggest that many have concerns about the issue. > Preliminary > contacts with the GIC principles above indicate a significant lack of > knowledge about > cetaceans, conflicting information about plans, and misleading > statements > (for example, the charities to benefit from this endeavor, the > "Dolphin > Wildlife Fund" and "Save the Dolphins Fund", do not exist). The > promoters > appear reluctant to believe that many, particularly marine mammal > scientists, might object to the concept. " > > We think that this summarises the situation quite well, and therefore > persons with knowledge of cetacean husbandry, professional > fund-raising and experience with captive cetaceans are especially > qualified to present their opinions to GIC. Any letter written to GIC > will have more impact if it contains reference to known facts and > examples on these subjects. > > It has also been suggested that letters written to the media covering > such an event may be very effective in getting across dissatisfaction > with such an event. > > The ECS Board would greatly appreciate hearing reactions from the > membership and information relevant to the situation, and also copies > of any letters sent to GIC. > > Many thanks for your attention. > > Sincerely, > > Christina Lockyer > Chairman, ECS - chl(\)dfu.min.dk > and > ECS Board Members - ecs-board(\)mailbase.ac.uk > > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 14:35:16 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstracts - Aquatic Mammals, 24(2) The following abstracts are from the latest issue of Aquatic Mammals, vol 24(2). These are posted on behalf of the European Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, and as a favor to the editor, Dr. Paul Nachtigall. The journal is a benefit of membership with EAAM. Please direct inquiries regarding the journal (including manuscript submission) to the editor and not to me. Dr. Nachtigall may be reached at: Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734 USA; fax 808-247-5831, . Reprints are not available thru the journal editor, Marmam or ECS-mailbase editors, or me; the address of the corresponding author of each article is provided below (when email addresses were provided with the paper, those are also given here). Thank you for your continued interest in the posting of abstracts. Sincerely, Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************************************************************** Tremel, D.P.*, J.A. Thomas, K.T. Ramirez, G.S. Dye, W.A. Bachman, A.N. Orban, and K.K. Grimm. 1998. Underwater hearing sensitivity of a Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens. Aquatic Mammals 24(2): 63-69. *Laboratory of Sensory Biology, Western Illinois University Regional Center, Moline, IL 61265, USA Using a Descending Staircase Method, we measured the underwater hearing sensitivity of a Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) from 75 Hz through to 150 kHz. The dolphin, housed at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, stationed in an underwater hoop and responded to hearing a 2-second sinewave with a go/no-go response. The dolphin had a u-shaped audiometric curve, similar to other mammals, with best sensitivities from 2 kHz to 128 kHz (e.g., <90 dB re 1 uPa). The lowest measurable sensitivities were 145 dB at 100 Hz and 131 dB at 140 kHz. Below 8 kHz and above 100 kHz, this dolphin's underwater hearing was similar to other odontocetes. At 16 kHz and 64 kHz the hearing was less sensitive, similar to Inia geoffrensis, Lipotes vexillifer and Grampus griseus. ********************************************************************** Visser, I.N. 1998. Prolific body scars and collapsing dorsal fins on killer whales (Orcinus orca) in New Zealand waters. Aquatic Mammals 24(2): 71-81. The Orca Project, RD3, Whangarei, New Zealand An account is given of adult male killer whales (Orcinus orca) in New Zealand waters, where two whales have prolific scars caused by conspecifics and seven whales have collapsing, collapsed or bent dorsal fins (23% of the observed New Zealand adult male killer whale population). ********************************************************************** Pfeiffer, C.J.* and V. Viers. 1998. Microanatomy of the marsupium, juveniles, eggs and cuticle of cyamid ectoparasites (Crustacea, Amphipoda) of whales. Aquatic Mammals 24(2): 83-91. *carlsan(\)vt.edu Preliminary ultastructural findings are presented for the first time on three species of amphipod whale lice, Cyamus boopis, C. scammoni and C. erraticus with particular reference to developmental structures, i.e., marsupium, eggs, juveniles and also the adult cuticle. The inner integumental surface of the marsupium presented a cobblestone appearance, with finger-like setae linning the edges of the marsupial oostegites. Unhatched eggs were spheroid with a microgranular surface. Juveniles of undetermined instar stage were elongated with well developed dactyli and a cluster of multiple sensilla at the tips of the antennae. Other small sensilla were observed elsewhere on the body. Numerous spicuticular pores, some releasing secretory material, were seen on the cyamid surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy of the cuticle of the adult amphipods demonstrated an architecture typical for crustaceans with multiple, microfibrillar lamellae of the exocuticle and endocuticle traversed by both pore canals and electron dense fibers. Large numbers of small pores opened through the epicuticle. These morphological findings illustrated both specialized adaptations of cyamids, as well as a general conformation to the Malacostracan configuration. ********************************************************************** Muller, M.*, M.Z. Battersby, D. Buurman, M. Bossley, and W. Doak. 1998. Range and sociability of a solitary bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus in New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 24(2): 93-104. *Observatoire Oceanologique, Laboratoire Arago, BP 44, 66651 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France. . Trends in abundance, distribution, and daily activities of southern sea otters, Enhydra lutris nereis, in Elkhorn Slough, a California estuary, were studied. During 66 boat-based surveys, between June and October 1994 and 1995, sea otters were counted and their location, sex, direction of movement, behavior, and degree of grizzling (an indicator of age) were recorded. During 3 night-time surveys in 1995, presence/absence patterns of sea otters were determined. An influx of sea otters into the estuary occurred between November 1994 and January 1995. Mean number of otters in 1995 (mean+-std=24.6+-5.7) was six times greater than in 1994 (mean+-std=4.2+-3.1). No significant effects of tide, or time of day, on abundance patterns were detected. Otters present in the estuary were mostly juvenile males. They were distributed along the estuary with different densities, the highest densities occurring within a resting area, where otters tended to congregate in rafts. Feeding occurred with higher frequency in areas closer to the open ocean. Clams of two different species, the Washington (Saxidomun nuttallii), and the gaper (Tresus nuttallii) were the main prey. Some individuals may use the estuary on a regular basis, since one tagged otter was observed during 58% of the surveys. The estuary was also used at night. ********************************************************************** Secchi, E.R.* and T. Vaske Jr. 1998. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) sightings and depredation on tuna and swordfish longline catches in southern Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 24(2): 117-122. *Laboratorio de Mamiferos Marinhos, Museu Oceanografico "Prof. Eliezer C. Rios", Universidade do Rio Grande, Cx, P. 379 CEP 96200-970, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. Observations of killer whale (Orcinus orca) depredation on tuna and swordfish longline fisheries in southern Brazil were made during nine cruises on board tuna boats, from August 1987 to August 1991. During the austral winter, fisheries occur in south and southeast Brazil, mainly in the latitudes between 30S and 35S and from November to March they are carried out off the Brazilian northeast coast. Killer whales and sharks commonly attack hooked tuna (Thunnus spp.) But killer whales seem to prefer the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) reducing the fishermen's profits. In the southern region, more than 50% of the daily swordfish catch may be lost due to killer whale depredation, and occasionally it may reach almost 100%. Killer whales avoid the head and, on some occasions, the vertebral column and fins, eating preferentially the flesh. They rip the body of the fish and leave torn borders, while sharks leave clear-cut bites which are relatively small. Killer whales were sighted in groups of one to en animals, the solitary animals being always males. ********************************************************************** Zhou, K.*, J. Sun., A. Gao, and B. Wursig. 1998. Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer) in the lower Yangtze River: movements, numbers [sic] threats and conservation needs. Aquatic Mammals 24(2): 123-132. *Department of Bilogy, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210024, People's Republic of China Five boat surveys were conducted along a 500 km section of the Yangtze River between Zhenjiang and Hukou in 1989-1991. Seven individual baiji were photographically identified in 84 photographs based on natural markings. There were 7 sightings of baiji in May 1989, 4 sightings in March 1990 and 6 sightings in Paril-May 1990, resulting in total counts of 9, 7 and 11 individuals respectively. Photographic identifications and sighting records showed that baiji groups made both local and long-range movements. The largest recorded range of a recognizable baiji was 200+ km from the initial sighting location. Estimated population size was about 30 individuals in the 500 km range in the Yangtze River, and population density is similar throughout this habitat section, there may only be 100 baiji remaining in the river. Concentration of manpower and resources to speed up the completion of semi-natural reserve projects are urgently needed if baiji are to survive beyond the start of the 21st century. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 11:30:59 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Gulf of Mexico meeting - includes marine mammals Two sessions involving marine mammals will be at the meeting described below (marked with **). It is open to the public. For more information on the activities of the Minerals Management Service, which will better explain why the various sessions, go to: http://www.mms.gov and click on Environmental Information ******************************************************************* The 1998 Information Transfer Meeting (ITM) will be the eighteenth to be hosted by the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region of the Minerals Management Service (MMS). This year's 3-day meeting, December 8 - 10, will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Airport, located at 901 Airline Drive in Kenner, Louisiana. There is no registration fee for the meeting, but MMS requests that you register in advance. Register now and avoid last minute problems! The purpose of the ITM is to encourage information exchange among participants about current research accomplishments, or issues of concern to the MMS and the Gulf of Mexico researchers. Presentations at the ITM generally pertain to the MMS Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas program as well as regional, environmental, social, or economic concerns. The meeting is attended by scientists, managers, and representatives from Government, academia, industry, environmental groups, and the general public. Sessions for the 18th ITM will include: Oil Spill Response, Research, Regulations, and Drills NOx Impacts and Controls in the Central Planning Area Atmospheric Sciences Fisheries Management and Biology Seafloor Monitoring **GulfCet II (Distribution and abundance of Gulf of Mexico cetaceans) Overview and Status of MMS's Deepwater Strategy Studies Reports and Research Initiatives Mississippi/Alabama Continental Shelf Pinnacle Trend Monitoring Study **Pressure Wave Effects on Marine Organisms: Assessment and Mitigation Coastal Studies and Characterization Physical Oceanography Fisheries Associations with Platforms Geographic Information System (GIS) Activities Deepwater Environmental Assessment Findings Defining Social and Economic Issues for the Year 2000 and Beyond For more information regarding technical issues, contact: Ms. Debra Vigil (MS 5430) Environmental Studies Section Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 (504) 736-2406 FAX (504) 736-2901 E-mail: debra.vigil(\)mms.gov For more information regarding registration, contact: Ms. Anne O'Heren Jakob Office of Conference Services University of New Orleans Room 122, Education Building Lakefront New Orleans, Louisiana 70148 (504) 280-6680 FAX (504) 280-7317 E-mail: confmc(\)uno.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 04:11:34 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: captive dolphin research (fwd) From: One last comment and a suggestion regarding Marine Mammal Conservation and Research: The responses to my initial posting have been extremely interesting (although I am the first to admit that I did not write it to withstand the scrutiny of dissection). The overall issue is, how do we best ensure the survival of marine mammal species. Based on the various responses it is apparent that there is a huge cohort of very enthusiastic people looking for their next steps into constructive marine conservation. Unfortunately, we must first get past old images. And we all suffer from bad press: All scientists/researchers are considered isolated from the real conservation issues. All environmental/advocacy groups are considered radical. All government agencies are considered ineffective. My suggestion is to take the strengths of each of these groups to finally get something done. Use the scientists to provide cold, hard facts. Use the environmental groups to interpret the issues for the public. Use the representatives in government agency positions to effect a change in policy. Individually, each of these groups have made some contribution towards preserving marine wildlife. Think what would happen if we pooled the resources and energies of those truly interested in a better marine environment. How do we make this happen? I'd like to offer this final suggestion to the marine mammal community. Work together. A starting point would be to get representatives from each of these groups together in one place. The next Marine Mammal Conference in Hawaii 1999 would be a good venue. A meeting, symposium or workshop on Moving Marine Mammal Conservation into the Next Milenium (the timing certainly would be right) should be organized. It would be interesting to finally face the key issues of marine mammal conservation. For example 1. What research information is needed from the scientific community? 2. How do we effect a change for marine conservation? -do we protect species or habitat? -are marine sanctuaries the answer? 3. What are the roles of the public, education, and environmental communities? 4. How do we fund the conservation of large species? 5. How does the next generation keep the momentum going? 6. Most importantly, what are the milestones needed to reach our goal of marine mammal conservation? I have said before that it would take hard work not tears to make marine mammal conservation happen. It is not as easy as buying a "Save the Whales" bumper sticker, it is not as fun as field work with the animals, it is not as emotionally satisfying as rescuing a stranded whale on a beach. However, working together will do more for the marine environment and the wonderful animals that inhabit the seas than any one of us could do alone. I offer this suggestion as a positive step towards that goal. Terrie Williams UCSC Subject: newsclip - polar bears (fwd) Drifting pollution affecting Arctic wildlife August 17, 1998 By Environmental News Network staff (ENN) -- The warming of the Canadian Arctic region over the last two decades could be making life worse for polar bears, according to research published recently in New Scientist magazine. Researchers Nick Lunn and Dennis Andriashek of the Canadian Wildlife Service have been studying polar bears around Churchill on the shores of Hudson Bay in Canada. Their study is one of the most detailed audits of any wild animal population anywhere, according to the magazine. Twice a year, in March and September, Lunn and Andriashek go bear-tagging. Recently, their research has revealed that the bears they study have been growing thinner and there are fewer new cubs. The researchers are blaming changes in the offshore ice for these effects and say a catastrophe may be imminent. Polar bears spend much of their lives on the ice floes along the Canadian coast. They feed mainly on young ringed seals and life is generally easy. But as the ice melts and they are forced onto land, finding food gets more difficult. With the food scarcity, adult bears may lose as much as a third of its body weight over the summer, according to the article. This weight loss affects their reproduction. Annual births per adult dropped from 0.99 to 0.84 from the early 1980s to now. During the same period, average weight for the bears also declined according to New Scientist. Some scientists theorize that the bears are being affected by pollutants such as PCBs, which travel to polar regions in the atmosphere and then accumulate in the food chain. Last year, researchers in Norway's remote Svalbard islands reported they found seven female polar bears with vestigial male organs. Research team leader Andrew Derocher believed the anomaly may have been caused by toxic chemicals. The Svalbard archipelago are at a crossroads of air and ocean currents bringing pollution from distant industrial sites in Europe, North America and even Asia. PCBs dissolve readily in animal fat, such as blubber, and stay there. A polar bear's favorite food is seal blubber. However, the level of PCBs -- polychlorinated biphenyls -- in the Svalbards is at least 2.5 times higher than in Canada's polar bear territory, Derocher said. Ian Stirling, head of the Churchill research program, believes that instead of PCBs, a more likely explanation is the melting of ice floes in the Canadian region. "The final weeks before the ice melts in Hudson Bay are a critical time for the bears -- and possibly the key to their continued survival. Adult bears out on the ice do most of their feeding at this time," according to New Scientist. "Stirling estimated that if the ice broke up even one week earlier than normal, typical female fears would come ashore 10 kilograms lighter and return at the end of the summer 34 kilograms lighter. They would produce and wean fewer cubs. In the short term, global warming could be good for bears further north, says Stirling, because the break-up of permanent ice would provide a better habitat for seals. But round Hudson Bay, he believes the bears could already be on a knife-edge. "The first impact (of warming) on polar bears will be felt at their southern limit, in Hudson Bay," he says. Subject: ABSTRACTS: DDT/PCBS in Hong Kong Dolphins & Finless porpoises in Asia Comments: To: MARMAM Editors Below are abstracts of two recent papers on Asian cetaceans. Addresses for reprint requests are attached. Parsons, E.C.M. and Chan, H.M. 1998. Organochlorines in Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Hong Kong. In The Marine Biology of the South China Sea III (ed. B. Morton), pp. 423-437. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Abstract: Blubber samples from eight Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and eleven finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides)stranded between 1993 and 1996, in Hong Kong waters, were collected for organochlorine analysis. Levels of total PCB were low (0.19 m g.g-1 to 125 m g.g-1 in S. chinensis and 0.47 to 17.3 m g.g-1 in N. phocaenoides) and are similar to those typically recorded from other cetaceans. PCB concentrations in calves (<1 year old) were generally half those of the adults. PCBs were also detected in a sample of milk extracted from the stomach of a calf. The concentrations of PCB in this sample were similar to those in the blubber sample of the calf itself (2.49 m g.g-1 vs 2.32 m g.g-1). Profiles of the major PCB congeners were similar between the two species. Levels of chlorinated benzene, hexachlorocyclohexanes, dieldrin, chlordane and mirex were low, generally below 1 m g.g-1 lipid. Total DDT levels, however, were quite high. The median level of total DDT was 26.7 m g.g-1 for S. chinensis and 50.3 m g.g-1 for N. phocaenoides. The relatively low DDE/DDT ratios suggest that there may have been relatively recent releases of DDT into the marine environment. The relatively high DDT levels may be a cause of concern regarding the health of the animals. The high neonatal mortality rate observed in Hong Kong's cetaceans may partly be attributed to their compromised immune functions due to organochlorine exposure. Further studies are required to identify the effects of organochlorine exposure on the resident cetacean populations in Hong Kong. Parsons, E.C.M and Wang J.Y. 1998. A review of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from the South China Sea. In The Marine Biology of the South China Sea III (ed. B. Morton), pp. 287-306. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Abstract: The finless porpoise occurs in coastal and estuarine waters of the South China Sea, ranging from Taiwan in the north to Indonesia in the south. Morphological differences between the South China Sea and other populations, notably the presence of a wide dorsal groove, have led to suggestions that South China Sea animals may be a separate sub-species (Neophocaena phocaenoides phocaenoides). Finless porpoises show age-related coloration changes. In Hong Kong calves are blue-grey with white patches and adults are dark grey, almost black. Their mating system appears to be promiscuous and, considering their body and testis size, males probably rely on sperm competition rather than intra-sexual competition. The reproductive season in southern China is from November to March and studies in Hong Kong indicate a high level of infant mortality during this period. Finless porpoises, like other coastal cetaceans, are threatened by a range of human activities, especially pollution, fisheries interactions and habitat loss. The incidence of reported mortalities appears to be increasing in areas such as Hong Kong and anthropogenic activities are believed to be a contributing factor. Please send reprint requests to: E.C.M. Parsons, The Scottish Cetacean Research Programme, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, 28 Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Argyll PA75 6NU, Scotland. Email: delphis(\)btinternet.com ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998 06:30:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Opening for Medical Technologist (fwd) From: Gabrielle Merritt Medical Technologist The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation & release of marine mammals. The Center seeks an experienced and proactive team player to work in our clinical diagnostic laboratory for the marine mammals. The postion requires a BS or an equivalent, a current Clinical Laboratory License, and a minimum of 2 years experience. Duties include the overall management of Microbiology and Clinical laboratory operations, plus volunteer training and supervision. Please send resume, cover letter with salary requirements to: The Marine Mammal Center Attention: Director of Human Resources Marin Headlands, GGNRA Sausalito, California 94965 Fax: 415-289-7333 Equal Opportunity Employer Subject: Thyroid development in porpoises (fwd) A stranded harbour porpoise neonate was recently posted with no evidence of colostral ingestion, multiple acute pulmonary hemorrhages and superficial, cutaneous lacerations. One striking histologic lesion was the complete lack of colloid within collapsed and multifocally, hyperplastic thyroid follicles. In humans and anecdotally, select animal species, deficiency of thyroid hormones has been associated with reduced, neonate viability. In new born lambs, impaired surfactant production, anemia, and reduced numbers of synaptic junctions within the brain have been reported. Although the proximate cause of death is likely hypoglycemia and attendant hypothermia, the possible contribution of congenital goiter cannot be entirely discounted. Would any investigators in the feild be aware of the significance of this observation in marine mammal neonates and is there is any information regarding thyroid development within porpoises? Thank you Stephen Raverty, Veterinary Pathology, MAF Stephen Raverty Subject: CRS Weekly summary(fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 13:03:27 -0400 From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 8/28/98 New info and changes since 8/14/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 8/27/98 double-bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {{NAMMCO Meeting. On Sept. 1-4, 1998, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) will hold its annual meeting in Oslo, Norway. The anticipated agenda includes reports on assessment of the central north Atlantic minke whale stock, updated information on harp and hooded seal populations, economic implications of marine mammal-fishery interactions, NAMMCO international observation scheme, and the future of sealing.}} [High North Alliance News] . {South Pacific Whaling Sanctuary. On Aug. 25, 1998, the 29th South Pacific Forum, meeting in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, adopted a joint Australia-New Zealand proposal to ban commercial whaling in the South Pacific Ocean. Delegates from Palau sought unsuccessfully to have Forum dialogue partners, such as Japan, also vote on the resolution. Japan reportedly sought to defeat the sanctuary resolution by cabling the Forum Secretariat suggesting that large whale populations could deplete fishery resources available for human consumption.} [Dow Jones News, Assoc Press] . {Harbor Porpoise Lawsuit. On Aug. 21, 1998, the Center for Marine Conservation and the Humane Society of the United States filed suit in U.S. District Court (DC) against the U.S. Department of Commerce, claiming federal managers have failed to protect harbor porpoise along the north Atlantic coast from fishermen's gillnets and have not prepared a take reduction plan for harbor porpoise. These groups allege that NMFS regulations, allowing gillnets to be fished during the fall in the Gulf of Maine as long as acoustic devices were used to theoretically allow harbor porpoise to avoid them, have not reduced porpoise mortalities sufficiently.} [Assoc Press] . {Makah Whaling. On Aug. 21, 1998, WA Governor Gary Locke announced that WA state National Guard troops will be deployed during the late August 1998 Makah Days tribal festival in Neah Bay, WA, to preclude or better control any disturbances by anti-whaling protesters.} [Assoc Press] . Keiko. The Free Willy Keiko Foundation has requested that Keiko be flown to Iceland nonstop aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, with costs reimbursed by the Free Willy Keiko Foundation. A decision by the U.S. Air Force is anticipated in mid-August 1998. United Parcel Service will provide ground transportation for Keiko between the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the plane as well as in Iceland between the plane and a barge that will take Keiko to his sea pen in Vestmannaeyjar. {{On Aug. 27, 1998, the U.S. Air Force formally announced that it has agreed to transport Keiko from Oregon to Iceland using a C-17 cargo transport, with the Free Willy Keiko Foundation paying the estimated $200,000 to $300,000 cost.}} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Wasteful Walrus Harvest. On Aug. 12, 1998, federal prosecutors reported that six Alaskan Natives were considering a plea agreement after charges of illegal walrus harvesting were dropped on July 15, 1998. The six were accused of wasting meat from about 10 of 33 walrus killed during a May 1997 hunt, when only the heads and tusks were taken. [Assoc Press] . Dolphin Assessment Cruises. On July 31, 1998, the first of seven NMFS dolphin research cruises to be conducted in the next three years departed from San Diego for the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to determine the abundance of spotted and eastern spinner dolphins. These are the first assessments of these dolphin stocks in more than a decade and data obtained will help determine whether intentional encirclement of dolphins with purse seines harms these animals. [Assoc Press] . Norwegian Whaling. On July 31, 1998, Norwegian authorities announced that 608 minke whales had been killed from the 671-whale quota by a fleet of 34 whaling vessels. The final take when the season ends in mid-August is projected to be 620-630 animals. {On Aug. 17, 1998, the Norwegian minke whale season concluded with a total catch of 624 whales, with about 950 metric tons of whale meat landed. Whalers received about $4 per kilogram for their catch.} [High North Alliance News] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list ++ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM ++ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? 5. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 6. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? ++ 8. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 12. Useful websites 13. Other email discussion lists 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of June 1998 there were over 3,400 subscribers from 60 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information on these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. 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In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. ______________________________________________________________ ++ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - THOSE UNRELATED TO MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION - ANIMAL RIGHTS CALLS FOR ACTION - "COMMUNICATION" BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - "CASUAL" REQUESTS for information that is easily available elsewhere. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). - INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION: information requests without details as to why this is being requested. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. - COMMON EVENTS: news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - REQUESTS FOR SMALL NUMBERS OF SPECIFIC ITEMS (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - OPINION STATEMENTS OFFERING LITTLE OR NO NOVEL INFORMATION. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. - CRITICISMS OF RESEARCHER'S STATEMENTS QUOTED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. - RHETORIC: messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES - JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 5. How do I reply to individual messages? 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As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). Two searchable websites hold archived MARMAM postings: Links to both of these can be found via the MARMAM homepage http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm http://www.escribe.com/science/marmam/ This archive includes all messages from June 2 1998 and the monthly logs dating back to January 1995. The archive can be searched by keyword and will return a list of files (messages) containing that keyword. For long messages (i.e., the monthly logs) - using the "find" command (under "Edit") will speed up searching within the message. http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive contains all messages from November 1997. To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. The archive manager is Quyen Lam __________________________________________________________________ 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 12. Useful websites Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ______________________________________________________ 13. Other email discussion lists Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Sara Ellis, Shannon Gowans or Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated July, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1998 14:08:17 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: African marine mammal website Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase readers, With the help of marine mammal scientists in the United States and abroad, a website on the marine mammal species that can be found in African waters was created. The pages are designed to be public-friendly and include information on the description, biology, current threats to these species. Whenever possible, information about localized research and/or species distribution in Africa has been included. If you would like to contribute information, especially pertaining to specific research findings in Africa or would like to submit photographs to be included in the pages, please feel free to contact Brent Hall at bshall(\)snet.net. The African marine mammals web site is now online at: http://elfi.com/csiafrica.html ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 09:01:57 -0300 From: "David M.F. Chapman" Subject: Recent Article: The Elusive Decibel Hello from Nova Scotia, Canada MARMAM subscribers may be interested to learn of a recent 3-page Technical Note by David M.F. Chapman and Dale D. Ellis, entitled "The Elusive Decibel: Thoughts on Sonars and Marine Mammals", published in Canadian Acoustics 26(2) 29-31 (June, 1998). There is no abstract, but the introductory paragraph reads... "A few years ago, there was considerable controversy over the effects of a proposed global acoustic experiment designed to measure the temperature of the world's oceans . The focus of concern was the possible effect of the acoustic signals on whales and other marine life. There is continued interest in the effects of underwater sound on marine animals, according to a recent news item in The Economist based on related scientific correspondence in Nature . The thesis is that loud signals from experimental sonars harm marine mammals, or at least harass them enough to unacceptably alter their behaviour patterns. In the various discussions of this important issue that can be found in the press and on the internet, one often sees questionable comparisons being made, such as the acoustic output of a naval sonar being compared with the noise from a jet aircraft. Some misunderstandings between professionals in different fields can be traced to the multiple uses of the term "decibel". Acoustical terms can be confusing, even for experts. It is not at all surprising that well-intentioned articles sometimes fail to present situations clearly. By definition, the decibel is a relative unit, not an absolute unit with a physical dimension; unless the standard of comparison is cited, the term "decibel" is to all intents and purposes useless. The confusion is not helped by the use of the decibel to specify distinctly different physical quantities, or the same physical quantity with different reference levels. Some reporters-and even some scientists-are getting their "apple" decibels mixed up with their "orange" decibels, as it were." Those with no access to Canadian Acoustics may request a copy from the authors by writing to David M.F. Chapman Defence Research Establishment Atlantic PO Box 1012 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada B2Y 3Z7 or by sending email to dave.chapman(\)drea.dnd.ca Please specify your preference for a paper reprint or an electronic version in .pdf format readable using Adobe Acrobat. regards Dave Chapman DREA (902) 426-3100 x 228 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 05:50:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract on Manatees (fwd) A. I. Garcia-Rodriguez, B. W. Bowen, D. Domning, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni, M. Marmontel, R. A. Montoya-Ospina, B. Morales-Vela, M. Rudin, R. K. Bonde, and P. M. McGuire. 1998. Phylogeography of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus): How many populations and how many taxa? Molecular Ecology 7(9): 1137-1150. ABSTRACT To resolve the population genetic structure and phylogeography of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), mitochondrial (mt) DNA control region sequences were compared among eight locations across the western Atlantic region. Fifteen haplotypes were identified among 86 individuals from Florida, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil. Despite the manatee's ability to move thousands of kilometres along continental margins, strong population separations between most locations were demonstrated with significant haplotype frequency shifts. These findings are consistent with tagging studies which indicate that stretches of open water and unsuitable coastal habitats constitute substantial barriers to gene flow and colonization. Low levels of genetic diversity within Florida and Brazilian samples might be explained by recent colonization into high latitudes or bottleneck effects. Three distinctive mtDNA lineages were observed in an intraspecific phylogeny of T. manatus, corresponding approximately to 1) Florida (U.S.A) and the West Indies; 2) the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean rivers of South America; and 3) the northeast Atlantic coast of South America. These lineages, which are not concordant with previous subspecies designations, are separated by sequence divergence estimates of d=0.04-0.07, approximately the same level of divergence observed between T. manatus and the Amazonian manatee (T. inunguis, n= 16). Three individuals from Guyana, identified as T. manatus, had mtDNA haplotypes which are affiliated with the endemic Amazon form T. inunguis. The three primary T. manatus lineages and the T. inunguis lineage may represent relatively deep phylogeographic partitions which have been bridged recently due to changes in habitat availability (after the Wisconsin glacial period, 10 thousand years BP), natural colonization, and human-mediated transplantation. Please address Reprint Requests to: Angela Garcia USGS-Biological Resources Division Sirenia Project 412 NE 16th Av, Room 250 Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352)372-25-71 Fax: (352)374-80-80 e-mail: Garcia(\)nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu Subject: newsclip - Makah Indians and gray whales Despite protests, Indian tribe plans to resume whaling August 29, 1998 From Correspondent Rusty Dornin NEAH BAY, Washington (CNN) -- For the first time in 70 years, the Makah Indians will be hunting gray whales. After October 1, the Makah tribe will have the green light to hunt five of the mammoth mammals. But as the date approaches, environmental groups have protested. Tensions are so high that during the tribe's annual celebration this weekend the Washington governor called out the National Guard just in case there was trouble. The 2,000-member tribe lives on a reservation on the tip of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. But no protesters showed, a relief to many tribal members who say they want to be left alone to observe what they consider a central part of their tribal culture. "It's bringing our tradition back and our culture back to our people for our children so they can learn (how) our ancestor did it," one tribe member told CNN. The International Whaling Commission approved the Makah hunt last year. The commission allows limited whaling by some native groups that can successfully demonstrate that whaling is done for cultural or subsistence reasons, and not for commercial sale of whale meat. But environmental groups also said the Makah, who haven't hunted whales in more than seven decades, can no longer claim to subsist on whale meat. Critics also say allowing the tribe to kill for cultural reasons and not for ubsistence will open the door for Japan and Norway to resume whaling. "This isn't a hunt that's going to kill just four or five gray whales," said Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. "The repercussions of this will have an effect on tens of thousands of whales that will be killed by the Japanese and Norwegians." Critics like Watson plan to protest the hunt, but the Coast Guard wants protesters to stay at least 500 yards from hunters. Other anti-whaling groups and a Washington congressman who seek to stop the hunt threatened in response to include the Coast Guard in their lawsuit. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has rammed and sunk pirate whaling ships. On the Makah hunt, the society says it won't go near the canoes. Instead, the group plans to lay down a curtain of sound that will frighten gray whales away from the area. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 06:13:17 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Arctic Seas: Currents of Change (fwd) From: David St. Aubin Dear Colleague: This is an invitation and final announcement for the upcoming symposium ARCTIC SEAS: CURRENTS OF CHANGE, to be held October 21-24 in Mystic, CT. Convened to mark the International Year of the Ocean, the symposium will cover a range of topics relating to changing physical, biological, and sociological conditions associated with chang es in the Arctic seas. Program and registration details may be viewed on the website of Mystic Aquarium at http://www.mysticaquarium.org (under the Research heading). The forum promises an exciting blend of new information from the most recent studies of surface heat balance to the perspectives gained from decades-long studies on polar bears, ringed seals, and marine birds. Additional attractions include films on the Arctic, and a closing banquet featuring HIH Princess Takamado of Japan as the speaker. I encourage those who are interested to submit their registration materials as soon as possible since attendance will be restricted by the capacity of the venues. We look forward to seeing you in Mystic in October. Sincerely, David J. St. Aubin Director of Research and Veterinary Services Mystic Aquarium, Mystic CT dstaubin(\)mysticaquarium.org Subject: Naomi Rose's recent posting I was disheartened by Naomi Rose's recent response to Dr. Terrie Williams' letter regarding research on captive animals. It highlighted the current polarization between the advocacy community and researchers, a polarization that keeps those of us interested in marine animal conservation from working together effectively. I would like to comment on a couple of the specific issues that Ms. Rose raised: First, she states that the solution to the 'known' problem of incidental takes in gillnets is action - close or regulate fisheries. That solution will lead to other problems, which will then require research to solve (e.g., added pressure on other fisheries; marine mammal interactions at fish farms, creating the need for effective deterrents; development of new fishing methods). =20 Second she implies that no useful information relevant to bycatch problems has been obtained from captive animal research. This is simply untrue: 1. For the last half century, investigators from many laboratories have been studying cetacean sonar and other marine mammal perceptual systems in the captive environment. This information is needed to solve many environmental impact problems. Examples are efforts to make nets more 'visible' to cetaceans, efforts to determine how much disturbance is too much, efforts to prevent cetacean-ship collisions. I am an expert in the area of animal noise effects, and I cannot do my job without data from captive studies of animal hearing, behavioral responses to noise, and physiological effects of noise. =20 2. The available information on actual takes in gillnets is not clear cut, as she implies ("gill nets=85can 'already' be addressed because we know they are having effects"). The data on actual takes and the mechanism of taking is actually woefully inadequate - there aren't even good counts of the takes of harbor porpoise, a species being hit particularly hard by gillnets. To many people, this lack of information makes us seem like doomsayers rather than informed advocates. We need better ways of keeping track of animals, an effort that requires both laboratory and field efforts. =20 3. It remains to be seen whether even Americans can afford to close a lot of fisheries for the benefit of marine mammals. I'd say that the dangerous declines in some populations of marine mammals in the last half century speak eloquently to this issue - lack of information usually forces us to wait until animals are in trouble before we change our practices (e.g., harbor porpoises), presuming that we can agree that fisheries have anything to do with losses in the first place (e.g., Stellar's sea lions). =20 Whatever the case in North America, fishery closures are usually impossible in other parts of the world. We need better ways to monitor individual animals in the presence of nets and better methods for guiding them out of danger. Captive animal studies are and will always be an essential part of developing such techniques. =20 The details of interactions between cetaceans and gillnets are being actively studied in at least three separate efforts. These programs are showing why animals become entangled and why so-called 'alarm' devices are effective under some conditions but not others. I know of three such efforts - my own work on pingers at Sea World of California, those of Dr. Kastelein and Dr. Goodson and their coworkers in Europe, and work at Seaworld on Australia's Gold Coast. The results of these studies complement field studies.=20 4. Effective, benign, long term deterrents for marine mammals around attractive food sources (e.g., fish farms, fish ladders) are difficult to design. Some of those presently advocated may have as yet undetected effects on animal hearing. We need to study the safety of these devices, although, so far, no one has been willing to pay for it. It is also likely that effective deterrents or warning devices are being overlooked because our knowledge of marine mammal perception is still very poor. At present, captive studies are still the best way of obtaining such information. =20 I'm sure others could come up with similar examples from their own areas. =20 Ms. Rose argues that, contrary to Dr. William's statements, researchers are well funded. She then points to the "well-funded" non-profits associated with marine parks. I work for a non-profit associated with a marine park. Three quarters of my funding comes from working very hard to get money from outside sources. When I look at the funding provided for human-related health problems relative to that for wildlife health problems, I am embarrassed to be a member of the human race. Much more money for research should, in fact, come from all kinds of private sources, including advocacy groups. Human advocacy groups take this need for research as a given when fighting to cure diseases like cancer - why can't animal advocacy groups take it as a given when they're dealing with the little-understood ills that humans are visiting on the environment? One other small point - private sources might be much more willing to step up to the plate and fund research on environmental impact problems if the advocacy groups didn't spend so much time criticizing research. =20 I agree with Dr. Williams wholeheartedly that the key to altering people's image of our relationship to other species is research. I also agree with the sense of urgency in Dr. William's letter. Maybe she didn't put it strongly enough. We're in the middle of what Niles Eldredge (1) calls the Sixth Extinction, the greatest extinction event since the Cretaceous and the most rapid extinction event in the Earth's 4.5 billion year history. Even in the U.S, habitat loss and modification continue unabated, and are now extending into the marine environment - to me, this is evidence that political action alone is not having the appropriate effect. Neither the research community nor the advocacy community can effectively address the problem alone - advocacy groups need the best information available, researchers need political support to get funding, and all of us need to advocate environmental action.=20 Of course data from captive animals is an important part of this cooperative effort. So, let's focus on the real task at hand - making a powerful and effective case for wildlife by every means at our disposal. (1) Eldredge, N. 1998a. Life in the balance. Natural History, June 1998, Volume 107 (5): 42-53. Ann E. Bowles, Ph.D. Senior Staff Biologist Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute 2595 Ingraham Street San Diego, CA 92109 619-226-3870 (phone) 619-226-3944 (FAX) annb1(\)san.rr.com(e-mail) ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 23:54:50 +0100 From: Edward Brown Subject: Abstract of recent article on harbour seal diet Brown, E.G. & Pierce, G.J. (1998) Monthly variation in the diet of harbour seals in inshore waters along the southeast Shetland (UK) coastline. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 167:275-289. ABSTRACT: We studied the diets of harbour seals Phoca vitulina along the southeast Shetland (UK) coastline by analysing prey remains found in faeces (N = 733) at haul-out sites. A total of 44325 fish otoliths were recovered. Sandeel (Ammodytidae) otoliths were the most numerous (38704), followed by Gadidae (4707). Otoliths were measured and experimentally derived digestion coefficients were applied (correcting for digestion in the seal's gut) to estimate the size of ingested prey fishes. Gadids accounted for an estimated 53.4% of the annual diet by weight, sandeels 28.5% and pelagic fishes 13.8%. The dominant gadid fishes were whiting Merlangius merlangus (25.3%) and saithe Pollachius virens (11.1%). The range of species observed in the diet was similar to that recorded in other areas of the UK. One exception to this was garfish Belone belone accounting for 34.1% of the diet in September (1996), which is a species not previously reported for harbour seal diets in UK waters. There were strong seasonal patterns in the contribution of sandeels and gadids, with sandeels being important in spring and early summer, and gadids in winter. Pelagic species (mainly herring Clupea harengus, garfish and mackerel Scomber scombrus) were important in late summer and autumn. Observed seasonal patterns are similar to those previously recorded for harbour seal diets in the Moray Firth area of Scotland and appear to coincide with changes in prey availability. A comparison of the utility of using only otoliths to estimate seal diet with all identifiable structures showed that using otoliths alone underestimated the contribution of pelagic fish and overestimated the importance of gadids and sandeels. KEY WORDS: Harbour seal . Phoca vitulina . Otoliths . Shetland . Diet . Seasonal variation Requests for reprints should be sent to: Edward G. Brown 9 Twageos Road Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0BB Scotland UK or Email: e.brown(\)zetnet.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 20:04:06 -0500 From: Ark Animals Subject: Resource assitance request (2) I am in need of some professional assistance. In recent discussions with another animal behaviorist (marine animal specialist), we both found ourselves at a loss for citation material related to descriptions of animal behavioral postures and "expressions." I noticed a similar request in >MARMAM Digest - 25 Aug 1998 to 26 Aug 1998 >Cawoodrow(\)btinternet.com >Craig Woodrow >Researcher I am looking for citations discussing nuances of behavior in a variety of marine mammals; posturing (ie., body tension), and changes positions of eyes, ears, mouth, fins/flukes, vibrissae, tail, etc., I would appreciate any assistance on this matter. References will be used in an upcoming book, and for my students in a general "Understanding Animal Behavior" course. The course is not marine animal specific and covers a history of animal behavior, discussions of different types of animal training techniques, the differences in working with a variety of species (both non-domestic and domestic), realistic expectations from animals, proper animal etiquette, determining needs of animals, methods of animal communication, learning to read animal behavior, and referrals/references to related books/journals. Please send these directly to me at arkabc(\)arkanimals.com and I will gladly post the final list on MARMAM or send them directly upon request. Regards, Diana Guerrero http://www.arkanimals.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 13:13:47 -0700 From: Paul Tontz Subject: Echolocation ontogeny in Tursiops In-Reply-To: <199809030148.SAA35580(\)unix4.UVic.CA> Could you please post the following questions on behalf of a fellow professor. Due to remote location she is unable to access a library. I have tried researching the topic myself and was unable to find what she was looking for. If anyone may be able to help please let know! She is interested in the following questions: 1) At what age (days, month or life stage) do Tursiops or harbour porpoises begin to produce click trains? 2) At wha age do they appear to be using echolocation capabilities effectively? Observations or unpublished notes would be very meaningful. Thanks again, Paul Tontz P.S. you can reply to either ptontz(\)yahoo.com or Directly to : Dr. Gardner schavez(\)lapaz.cromwell.com.mx Paul "Pablo" Tontz 4055 John St. San Diego CA 92106 home phone: (619) 226-1151 email: ptontz(\)acusd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Sep 1998 12:27:22 -0400 From: "Cyndi T. Thomas JAX 904/448-4330 Ext. 230" Subject: Job Opportunity Announcement Job Opportunity Announcement Florida Department of Environmental Protection Endangered and Threatened Species Section OPS Research Staff Location: Jacksonville, FL Salary: $9.25/hour Desired Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; marine mammal aerial survey experience; knowledge of computer data entry programs; experience with grant proposals, report writing and budgets; 35mm photographic experience; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; organizational and planning skills. This position is a State of Florida OPS (Other Personal Services) position. Please send a State of Florida application and cover letter to: Cyndi Thomas Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Marine Research Institute NE Field Station 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200 Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904)448-4300 ext. 229/FAX (904)448-4366 thomas_ct(\)jax1.dep.state.fl.us The application deadline date is: September 22, 1998 Description of Job Duties: This is a year-round position which consists of a flexible 40 hour work week during the right whale season (Dec-Mar) based upon the aerial survey schedule. Participate as the lead observer for the FDEP coastal right whale aerial survey team. This will consist of overseeing scheduling of flights and observers, coordinating with the flight contractor, compiling flight logs and submitting invoices. Responsible for organization and maintenance of all survey data, ensuring that all data is entered into dBase/Access and verified. Organize all right whale slides from the surveys and assist in preliminary analysis of slides to determine identification. Maintenance of survey equipment. During the off-season the right whale assistant will assist the principal investigator in drafting summary reports, writing grant and research proposals, drafting grant summary reports, and drafting research efforts for publication. Presentations will be developed and presented. The opportunity to assist with other types of cetacean and manatee research and stranding situations will be offered as time allows. This job is an OPS position, which is considered temporary and does not provide health benefits. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 18:26:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Course: Marine Mammals of California (fwd) From: Jim Curland Jim Curland, Friends of the Sea Otter science director, will be teaching a 4 week "Marine Mammals of California" course at Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA. Class is lecture (Tuesday, 6:30pm-8:30pm) and lab (Saturday, 8am-3pm) starting on September 22nd. There is still availability in the class. Students will be involved with some examples of hands-on research such as sea otter behavioral studies, etc. I am not charging for this course. However, the school, Monterey Peninsula College, charges whatever the fees are for taking a 4 week course. The course can be taken for college credit. This 4 week course will give the students an insight into the natural history, identification, behavior, ecology, etc. on marine mammals of California. Call Jim Curland for more information at (831) 373-2747. Subject: Evidence of infanticide amongst bottlenose dolphins Subject: Evidence of infanticide amongst bottlenose dolphins Dear Colleagues, Some weeks ago, I posted details of a paper recently published by a team of researchers studying bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth, north-east Scotland (Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, vol. 265, pp1167-70. Please contact Dr. Paul Thompson at: lighthouse(\)abdn.ac.uk for reprints) which claimed to present the first evidence of 'infanticide' among cetaceans. I requested comments, personal observations and recent references from colleagues on the subject of infanticide among mammals generally, and cetaceans specifically. There follows a selection of responses from subscribers. Many thanks to those who responded. I am still collecting data on this subject and may be contacted at the address below. Vanessa Williams Conservation Manager Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) Alexander House, James St West, Bath, BA1 2BT, UK. Fax: +44 125 480 097 email: vanessaw(\)wdcs.org From: Richard Connor (rconnor(\)umassd.edu) We have not observed infanticide in many years of observing wild bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia. However, the mating system of the Shark Bay dolphins strongly suggests the possibility. See Connor et al. 1996. Behaviour 133:37-69. Abstract Hormonal profiles of captive individuals show that bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are seasonally polyestrous, but little is known of reproductive behavior among free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. In Shark Bay, Western Australia, we have documented for the first time patterns of female attractiveness that may correspond to multiple estrous cycles. Male bottlenose dolphins in stable alliances of 2-3 individuals form temporary consortships with individual females. Consortships often are established and maintained by aggressive herding. Consortships are associated with reproduction and are a useful measure of a female's attractiveness. Following reproduction, females may become attractive to males when their surviving calf is about 2 - 2 1/2 years old or within 1-2 weeks of losing an infant. Individual females are attractive to males for variable periods extending over a number of months, both within and outside of the main breeding season. The duration of attractive periods is greater during breeding season months than during the preceding months. Males often are attracted to females for periods exceeding the reported duration of rising estrogen levels during the follicular stage of the estrous cycle. Males occasionally have consorted or otherwise been attracted to females in several unusual contexts, including late pregnancy, the first two weeks after parturition, and the day after the loss of a nursing infant. Individual females were consorted by up to 13 males during the season they conceived, supporting predictions of a promiscuous mating system in bottlenose dolphins. Thus, consorting is a strategy by males to monopolize females, but not a completely successful one. Multiple cycling by female bottlenose dolphins may be a strategy to avoid being monopolized by particular males. Given the duration and agonistic nature of many consortships, the benefits to females of such a costly strategy are not obvious. Multiple cycling may reduce the risk of infanticide by males or allow females to mate with preferred males after being monopolized by less desirable males. Best, richard connor >From Liz Smith (ljsmith(\)utmb.edu) I am studying a small population of bottlenose dolphins in the waters near the west end of Galveston island, Texas. On several occasions, calves have been noted in the midst of very active social groups, where the potential for injury (intended or unintended) was apparent.This week, we observed a single young calf that was tossed (becoming airborne) three or four times, also from a social group.Interestingly, the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network recovered a 2-3 day old calf from a beach in this vicinity in April. A necropsy report by Dr. Daniel Cowan indicates that the animal died with a tension pneumothorax secondary to a lung laceration. An overlying rib was nearly torn from its articulation with the spine, though not fractured. Dr.Cowan felt the injury was caused by shearing forces from a strong blow.The lack of external evidence of trauma is against a blow by a hard object such as a boat. It was speculated that the injury may have been caused by an adult dolphin. It appears plausible that at least some of these infant dolphin deaths may not be "intentional" as the term "infanticide" implies. Linda-Jane Smith, MD Texas A&M University at Galveston U. of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston We have seen similar cases of infanticide in Texas. The most recent one was on April 20,1998. It was a 109cm male weighing 16.4 kg which had ruptured rt. lung. Another case occured on October 14, 1994 which was a 145cm female weighing 93 kg, also had a ruptured lung (due to broken ribs). For the Pathology Reports on these animals see: http://www.tmmsn.org/pathology/ pathology.html Cheers, Lance Clark State Operations Coordinator Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 5001 Avenue U, Suite 105C Galveston, TX 77551-5926 Office 409-740-4455 Fax 409-744-1358 CLARKL(\)tamug.tamu.edu >From Paulo Flores (paflores(\)mbox1.ufsc.br) This is a very interesting piece of work and I will keep even more attention to "our" tucuxi dolphins here to see anything that is possibly related to this behaviour. Though in 8 years of study, no calves have been found stranded with internal injuries or external marks of attacks by other tucuxis, and also calves observed do not bear tooth rakes as adults do. In other studied areas in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Parana coast, Bahia and Ceara) no events such as those described for the Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins have been documented. I believe that, if this behaviour occurs amongst the tucuxi dolphin in the marine environment, it is very rare. Paulo Flores, B.Sc. International Wildlife Coalition/Brasil C.P. 5087, Floripa, SC, Brasil 88040-970 e-mail paflores(\)mbox1.ufsc.br >From John Barra (johnbarra(\)sympatico.ca) Noted your posting in Marmam. Wondered if it could be determined if the young dolphins were killed intentionally or in the "frenzy of the moment" - e.g. got in the way during an attack on porpoises. Barra Gots. From:Jim Moore (jjmoore(\)ucsd.edu) Hi - just saw your MARMAM posting. I'm just finishing a paper on "social pathology" as an explanation for infanticide and related phenomena in rats and langurs; bottom line is that the sexual selection hypothesis seems robust and human "disturbance" not 'directly'implicated. However, in the same special issue of journal 'Primates' Elizabeth Sterck has a paper arguing for a more sophisticated version of the social pathology hypothesis (for langur monkeys).She has a similar one out in 1998, see refs below: Sterck, E. H. M. (1998). Female dispersal, social organization, and infanticide in langurs: are they linked to human disturbance? Am. J. Primatol. 44: 235-254. Sterck, E. H. M., Watts, D. P. & van Schaik, C. P. (1997). The evolution of female social relationships in nonhuman primates. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 41: 291-309. Jim Moore Anthropology Dept 0532 UCSD La Jolla CA 92093-0532 jjmoore(\)ucsd.edu (jmt(\)aquarium.org) Your comments on cetacean infanticide are very interesting. I have 32 years of zoo experience working with infants of many species; cats, bears, dogs in particular. In the 60's many specimens were "wild caught" meaning that they were captured out of the wild. Those animals suffered SOOO much more stress from captivity than captive-born animals suffer in general. Animals are like people in that each is an individual. Individuals do not suffer from stress equally. Some are more susceptible than others. If the mother animal had to share her denning area with her male mate, then for sure she would kill her young unless the male killed them first. If she did not feel secure with her denning area even tho her mate was not present, she would still kill her young. I have had many successes in getting mothers to rear their young by altering the denning area to make it more secure..Every wild animal that I've worked with is suseptible to infanticide unless great care is taken to keep "mom" feeling secure. It is only my opnion, but I believe infanticide is a natural reaction to stress of one sort or another. However with African lions, it is a genetic control. when an old dominant male is displaced by a younger dominant male, that younger male kills all of the infants and juveniles in the pride which have been sired by the displaced male, so that the females will come into estrus and he can breed his own offspring, which in fact equals survival of the fittest. Judy Tuttle Curator Marine Mammals Oregon Coast Aquarium ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 15:45:02 +0000 From: Patti Haase Subject: baiji conservation measures MARMAMers, I am looking for current information on the success (or failure) of conservation measures used on the baiji, the Chinese river dolphin. Unfortunately, all of the references I can locate date only to the start of the implementation of these measures and do not report on their current status (e.g. that of: habitat reserved for them outside of the main traffic of the Changjiang River near Shishou, additional habitat dredged for breeding ground near Tongling, capture of baiji for breeding programs and river sections patrolled by government agencies to protect the dolphin (Xinluo Region in Honghu)). I would be very grateful if someone could direct me to relevant literature or simply inform me as to the current status of the baiji and what effect the protective measures have had. Thank you very much for your time. Patti Haase Department of Marine Science University of Otago P.O. Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand patti.haase(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz 643 473 6033 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1998 20:53:14 -0700 From: pete schroeder Subject: Fw: cabin pressure during Keiko's flight/other medical concerns ---------- From: j pete schroeder To: marmam Cc: J Pete Schroder Subject: Fw: cabin pressure during Keiko's flight/other medical concerns Date: Monday, September 07, 1998 7:34 PM ---------- From: j pete schroeder To: press(\)keiko.org Cc: J Pete Schroder Subject: cabin pressure during Keiko's flight/other medical concerns Date: Monday, September 7, 1998 7:20 PM To whom it may concern, I was one of the two veterinarians that transported Shamu one and two, on the same commercial flight, (Flying Tiger), in the late 60's. I also was the sole veterinarian on more marine mammal transports than I can count from 1967 to 1991, including the transport of a Grampus from Boston to Hawaii. The cabin pressure when transporting a marine mammal is critical; their physiology has evolved to dive to great pressures. Please forward the names of the four veterinarians to me so we may discuss cabin pressure, temperature, and monitoring during the upcoming flight. Also of critical interest is the temperature differential between Keiko's present enclosure water and the water in which he will be placed in Iceland. Has the thermoneutral zone of this Orca been determined during his stay in Newport, and is a protocol established for his care in the event he suffers hypothermia? It has been reported that the wind chill factor can exacerbates the tendency of captive Orca's to float in place, freezing the dorsal fin of some captive Orcas. Is a report available documenting serology results of Keiko's blood listing protective titers against Morbillivirus and other diseases he may face in the wild. If he has no immunity to diseases he may encounter, he is at risk and conversely, is he carrying a disease to the wild population to which they have no resistance. An Orca from Icland died of complacations from an unusual parasite, at Ocean Park in Hong , several years ago. What resistance will Keiko have to this parasite, assuming he has been parasite free since his captivity. Since Keiko has had skin lesions in the past that appear to be reasonably healed while at Newport, is there concern that his immune system has recovered sufficently to enable him to withstand the stressors associated with a transport and new water? These stressors are many and I am interested in the protocol being applied to assess his immune status and well being. I know it's late in this process to be asking these questions, hopefully they have all been considered long ago, and hopefully I will receive answers asap. J. Pete Schroeder DVM jpsmmra(\)olypen.com ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 05:01:46 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 9/11/98 New info and changes since 8/28/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 9/10/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals . {Acoustic Harassment. On Sept. 9-11, 1998, NMFS has scheduled a workshop discussion in Silver Spring, MD, by a panel of independent experts on technical aspects of the problem of marine mammals and anthropogenic noise.} [Fed. Register] . {Swim-With-The-Dolphin Program Regulations. On Sept. 4, 1998, the Dept. of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published regulations in the Federal Register establishing standards for swim-with-the-dolphin programs.} [Fed. Register, Reuters] . {Exporting Live Polar Bears from Canada. On Sept. 3, 1998, the Canadian province of Manitoba adopted new regulations to restrict the export of live polar bears. Such exports will be limited to orphan cubs with an approval process for zoos wishing to import bears. Zoos would have to meet certain requirements for approval. Manitoba would seek damages from zoos found to be abusing polar bears.} [Reuters] . NAMMCO Meeting. On Sept. 1-4, 1998, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) will hold its annual meeting in Oslo, Norway. The anticipated agenda includes reports on assessment of the central north Atlantic minke whale stock, updated information on harp and hooded seal populations, economic implications of marine mammal-fishery interactions, NAMMCO international observation scheme, and the future of sealing. [High North Alliance News] . South Pacific Whaling Sanctuary. On Aug. 25, 1998, the 29th South Pacific Forum, meeting in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, {discussed} a joint Australia-New Zealand proposal to ban commercial whaling in the South Pacific Ocean. Delegates from Palau sought unsuccessfully to have Forum dialogue partners, such as Japan, included in any vote on the resolution. Japan reportedly {criticized} the sanctuary resolution in cables to the Forum Secretariat suggesting that large whale populations could deplete fishery resources available for human consumption. [Dow Jones News, Assoc Press, Japan Whaling Assoc press release] . Harbor Porpoise Lawsuit. On Aug. 21, 1998, the Center for Marine Conservation and the Humane Society of the United States filed suit in U.S. District Court (DC) against the U.S. Department of Commerce, claiming federal managers have failed to protect harbor porpoise along the north Atlantic coast from fishermen's gillnets and have not prepared a take reduction plan for harbor porpoise. These groups allege that NMFS regulations, allowing gillnets to be fished during the fall in the Gulf of Maine as long as acoustic devices were used to theoretically allow harbor porpoise to avoid them, have not reduced porpoise mortalities sufficiently. [Assoc Press] . Makah Whaling. On Aug. 21, 1998, WA Governor Gary Locke announced that WA state National Guard troops will be deployed during the late August 1998 Makah Days tribal festival in Neah Bay, WA, to preclude or better control any disturbances by anti-whaling protesters. [Assoc Press] . Norwegian Whaling. On Aug. 17, 1998, the Norwegian minke whale season concluded with a total catch of 624 whales, with about 950 metric tons of whale meat landed. Whalers received about $4 per kilogram for their catch. [High North Alliance News] . Keiko. The Free Willy Keiko Foundation has requested that Keiko be flown to Iceland nonstop aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, with costs reimbursed by the Free Willy Keiko Foundation. A decision by the U.S. Air Force is anticipated in mid-August 1998. United Parcel Service will provide ground transportation for Keiko between the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the plane as well as in Iceland between the plane and a barge that will take Keiko to his sea pen in Vestmannaeyjar. On Aug. 27, 1998, the U.S. Air Force formally announced that it has agreed to transport Keiko from Oregon to Iceland using a C-17 cargo transport, with the Free Willy Keiko Foundation paying the estimated $200,000 to $300,000 cost. {On Sept. 10, 1998, Keiko arrived in Heimaey, Iceland, after a 9-hour non-stop flight aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane.} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] . Wasteful Walrus Harvest. On Aug. 12, 1998, federal prosecutors reported that six Alaskan Natives were considering a plea agreement after charges of illegal walrus harvesting were dropped on July 15, 1998. The six were accused of wasting meat from about 10 of 33 walrus killed during a May 1997 hunt, when only the heads and tusks were taken. [Assoc Press] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: The Makah Affair The Makah Affair This might be my last chance to discuss the Makah Tribal whaling issue before it commences. Unless, of course, reason prevails. Here are my thoughts on this less than reasonable situation. Since the introduction of the Moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986 certain groups of people for a variety of reasons have either ignored the moratorium or laboured to defeat it. The reasons are numerous but there stands in opposition one thing that is undeniable and that is the International Whaling Commission (IWC) only recognises one excuse to kill whales and that is in cases where a genuine hardship exists within an aboriginal subsistence community. The Chairman's Report to the 49th [1997] Annual Meeting of the IWC stated "..a broad consensus was reached to accept the amendment of Schedule paragraph 13(b)(2).. This included the addition of the wording.." whose traditional subsistence needs have been recognised" ..(Agenda Item 10.3.3.2) In 1997 the IWC rejected the Makah Indian application for a kill quota of Gray whales. This occurred because in the eyes of the Commission the Makah did not meet the requirement ie. the commission did not recognise that the Makah needed to subsist on whales. This year, the IWC was prepared for another Makah attempt to obtain a quota but while setting this years Gray whale quota the IWC did not mention who may do the taking. This oversight led the U.S. delegation to mistakenly believe it could arrange with any other member a portion of the catch limit set by the IWC for aborigines. Knowing, the Commission understood that if more than one operation seeks to utilise a resource, they may reach agreement outside the Commission, the U.S. delegation bargained a portion of the Russian Gray whale quota for the Makah Indians. But in doing so the U.S. delegation ignored a very important part of the rule. The Secretary of the IWC, Mr, Ray Gambell explains: "In this situation any Government involved could arrange with any other an allocation of the catch within the overall catch limit set by the IWC for aborigines whom it considers satisfy the criteria set out in the Schedule." The criteria being the IWC Schedule paragraph 13(b)(2).. which, by amendment, includes the wording.. " whose traditional subsistence needs have been recognised". Clearly, by repeated rejection, the Makah Tribe's traditional subsistence needs were NOT substantiated. So, to what extent are the Makah Indians recognised? Makah Tribal leaders believe the hunt will give the tribe a renewed sense of purpose and pride and it has been touted as a means of reviving the tribe's cultural heritage. One tribe member told CNN: "It's bringing our tradition back and our culture back to our people for our children so they can learn how our ancestors did it." Amalie Jessen of Greenland at a recent Makah meeting stated: "We have always supported the request of the Makah (to whale) ever since it came to the International Whaling Commission. It is both a cultural and a nutritional issue." "It is not a question of whaling, it is a question of being in your own land, of having your own traditions and culture. If we are told by others about how to live, our traditions and cultures will disappear." says Hans Jacob Hermansen of the Pilot Whalers Association of the Faeroe Islands. [Quotes from: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Mar 11, 1998] So, the Makah expect to hunt whales for traditional and cultural purposes and in defence cite an 1855 treaty that grants them the right to hunt whales. The United States government recognises the Treaty but the International Whaling Commission only recognises traditional subsistence whaling! If the Makah succeed in hunting Gray whales in October the event will effectively add "culture" to "subsistence" as an allowable excuse to kill Gray whales. By precedent, member countries of the IWC will be able to defy international rules and do their own recognising, negotiating and allocating quotas to kill whales. A truly deplorable situation since cultural claims are more easily substanciated than subsistence needs. While the 5 whale quota the Makah demand is small it has become widely known that a dozen or more tribes are ready to use the Makah precedent to advance their own claims. Tribal cousins to the Makah on Vancouver Island have announced that they too would like to return to whaling. All this attention if directed towards the only population of Gray whales in the world will have a dramatic effect on its stability. This is a group of whales trying to survive in today's world. A world which pollutes their water and restricts their movement. A world which completely extinguished 2 of their 3 great populations. Yes, the only remaining group of Gray whales is recovering. But by no means has it recovered! It is agreed that it is currently at the level it was prior to modern whaling but that was the population size 100 years ago. With a growth rate of 3% per annum there should be over 345,000 Gray whales in this group now, not 21,000! Here is one thing that is for certain. If Gray whales are ever destined to populate the Western Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean again they must come from this one stock. This is the group that indigenous tribes are now threatening to hunt. In other words, if we can leave the Gray whales alone, one day their descendants will seek out and populate other oceans just like they did many years ago. Regards, Graham. ------------------------------------- Graham_J._Clarke - "WHALES IN DANGER" ------------------------------------------ WWW Home Page - http://whales.magna.com.au/ ------------------------------------------------- Sydney - AUSTRALIA - email: gclarke(\)magna.com.au ICQ Pager: 9456336 ----------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Sep 1998 13:38:32 -0400 Reply-To: sbyoung(\)capecod.net From: sbyoung Subject: research and advocacy In Anne Bowles' response to Naomi Rose's posting, I believe that there are some misunderstandings with regard to the dynamic between advocates and researchers. I do not believe that Dr. Rose meant to imply, as Dr. Bowles seems to have assumed, that there is a 'current polarization' between advocacy and research. Advocates need and support research. This support is in two forms. Advocates regularly use the data generated by researchers to argue for conservation and for further government funding of research. The Humane Society of the US (HSUS) has served on almost all of the NMFS take reduction teams. In these efforts we work closely with fishermen, scientists and managers to develop strategies that allow fisheries to operate yet reduce mortality of animals that is occurring at unacceptable levels. We have been able to develop workable strategies with industry because, in many cases data ARE available and the problem is quite clear. Dr. Bowles mentioned harbor porpoises, which were the subject of two different take reduction teams; estimates of harbor porpoise mortality, on the east coast at least, are fairly robust and at over 1,500 animals a year is three times the NMFS PBR for the stock. In the take reduction teams, on which I have served on behalf of the HSUS, non-governmental scientists and advocates unite to defend or promote collection of data generated by both government (population and mortality estimates) and non-governmental research (telemetry studies on porpoises, gear research, right whale abundance and trend information, etc.). Advocates are often the voices for scientists who are concerned about jeopardizing their 'objectivity' when arguing for conservation. Although, as Dr. Williams pointed out in her posting, there is some tension between pro and anti-captivity rhetoric, for the most part there is no polarization between most advocacy groups and researchers. The greatest amount of carping about field research comes largely from user groups. Also, while the primary mission of advocacy groups is advocacy they also fund research on a limited basis. Dr. Bowles suggests that advocacy groups should fund research activities. I believe that quite a number do. For example the HSUS is the primary supporter of immunocontraceptive research in wildlife and the International Fund for Animal Welfare supports primary research on pinnipeds in Canada and also operates a research vessel that is currently doing acoustic studies in the Bay of Fundy. The Whale Dolphin Conservation Society, whose original posting began this discussion, funds field research in a number of countries. To use the example of human research that Dr. Bowles has raised, the National Cancer Society primarily serves to educate and to lobby for additional funding and research. Though they also fund research, most cancer research is government funded. Increasingly the user groups are called upon to fund education and research, since they are the financial beneficiaries of activities which have forced a need for research and education. This would seem only fair. Yet, without knowledge gained from advocacy groups, the public cannot pressure politicians to take action that may cost them campaign contributions. Similarly, with marine conservation issues, user groups should step up to the plate. Yet, with take reduction teams as an example, it is not the users that pay for gear, deterrent, or ecosystem research, it is the government. And the government only funds this research when advocacy groups are able to educate the public to pressing concerns and they, in turn, press politicians to take stands that may cost them campaign contributions from user groups with large and well funded political actio committees. I do not believe that there is any considerable friction between most researchers and most advocacy groups. The main friction is the over the goal of advocacy and how it can best be done, and this friction occurs largely within the advocacy community itself. For example: Issues of controversy rage about what advocacy is necessary with regard to sound in the sea, and in defining dolphin safe tuna. Conflict over balancing animal needs and economic issues is a political conflict. Then there are controversies over the forum for education: Does seeing animals in captive situations translate to concern about ecosystem issues? What is the value of whale watching? Are boycotts the best method of achieving results? Should education be concentrated on children, the voting public, politicians themselves? No one would argue that we need less in-fighting. One of the best ways to avoid it is to actually listen to what is actually being said and to look for commonalities of purpose rather than focus on differences in approach. I also think that there is a general acknowledgement that there have been some important questions that have been addressed in captive facilities. But I do not believe that the battle is over whether or not research is important to conservation, rather it is over the focus of the research and on spending priorities in times of limited funding. Much important research can only be done outside of captive situations and it is often more difficult and expensive, and generally even more poorly funded than that at captive facilities (I note the precarious funding base for field research on North Atlantic right whales, which are arguably one of the most beleagered of species). Most of the vexing questions that face the ocean's residents (and ourselves in the end) need the combined talents of advocates and conservation biologists (researchers) everywhere who advocate for their own and other researcher's data and especially for use of the precautionary principle where data are lacking. Sharon Young Marine Mammal Consultant The HSUS (508)833-0181 sbyoung(\)capecod.net ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 08:13:32 -0400 From: Phil Clapham Subject: Gray whale populations Graham Clarke's posting on the Makah contains one rather large error: the statement that the eastern gray whale represents the only remaining population of this species. The western gray whale remains extant, despite a 1970's paper announcing its extinction (Bowen 1974). The population size is clearly small; the current guess is around 250 individuals (Berzin 1990, Vladimirov 1994) but no good numbers are available. It is clearly not abundant. Western gray whales summer (at least some do) in the Okhotsk Sea, where they are currently the subject of a joint U.S.-Russian study off Sakhalin Island. Western grays were hunted into the 1960's by Korea (Kato & Kasuya 1997), and very likely illegally by the Soviet Union. This relatively recent exploitation at least partly explains the lack of recovery of the population, which stands in sharp contrast to the full recovery of the eastern stock (by the way, it's highly unlikely that the latter would reach >300,000 animals - there's such a thing as carrying capacity!) One of the most pressing questions regarding the western gray whale is where it breeds, and whether problems exist at this end of its range. No one knows the location of breeding grounds, or even if these animals are dependent upon coastal lagoons for calving (like their eastern counterparts). Henderson (1990) examined whaling records and suggested that gray whales may breed along the coast of China, but currently there are too few data to address this question. A pity, because if western grays are indeed dependent upon coastal lagoons, it is quite possible that habitat degradation or other human-related problems represent a major impediment to this population's recovery. None of this affects the various issues raised by the Makah controversy; but readers should know that the eastern gray whale is not the only population of the species left. Indeed, the western population is among the most critically endangered of all whale stocks worldwide - if the guesstimates are in the ballpark, it's on a par with northern right whale populations. It deserves far greater attention from scientists and conservationists than it has so far received. Phil Clapham Northeast Fisheries Science Center Woods Hole, Massachusetts phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov Literature cited ---------------- Berzin, A.A., Vladimirov, V.L. & Doroschenko, N.V. (1990) Aerial surveys to determine the distribution and number of polar whales and beluga whales in the Sea of Okhotsk in 1985- 1989. In: Berzin, A.A. (ed.), Questions relating to the rational exploitation of marine mammals in the far eastern seas, pp. 22-34. TINRO, Vladivostock, USSR Vol 112 [Environment Canada translation 4083779, 109 pp.] Bowen, S.L. (1974) Possible extinction of the Korean stock of the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). Journal of Mammalogy 55, 208-209. Henderson, D. A. (1990) Gray whales and whalers on the China coast in 1869. Whalewatcher, 24, 14-16. Kato, H. and Kasuya, T. (1997) Catch history of the Asian stock of gray whales by modern whaling with some notes on migrations. Reports of the International Whaling Commission, Special Issue, 17 (in press). Vladimirov, V.L. (1994) Recent distribution and abundance level of whales in Russian far-eastern seas. Russian Journal of Marine Biology, 20, 1-9. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 18:41:05 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: David Gaskin (fwd) From: Andy Read Dr. David Edward Gaskin, Professor of Zoology at the University of Guelph in Ontario Canada, passed away September 13th of liver cancer. He is survived by his wife Maureen and two sons. David received an undergraduate degree in Zoology at the University of Bristol in 1961. In 1962 he took a position as whale biologist for the government of New Zealand. He completed his Ph.D. at Massey University in New Zealand in 1965 and then served as a biologist for the FAO, studying sei whales on Japanese whaling vessels in the Antarctic. In 1968, he accepted a position as Assistant Professor at the Department of Zoology, University of Guelph. David remained at the University of Guelph for the remainder of his career, where he conducted research and taught courses on marine ecology. His research interests were extremely varied, ranging from the feeding ecology of whales to the systematics of crambid moths. In 1969, David began a long-term field program studying the ecology of marine mammals and seabirds in the Bay of Fundy. This program, which continues today, led to significant advances in our understanding of the ecology of upper trophic level predators in coastal systems, and particularly of the harbour porpoise. David wrote several monographs on whales, dolphins, porpoises and moths, including The Ecology of Whales and Dolphins, published in 1982. He served on many committees and working groups, including the Canadian Committee on Whales and Whaling and the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. David was also a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London. In honour of David's contribution to the teaching program at the University of Guelph, the Department of Zoology will offer the Gaskin Medal in Marine and Freshwater Biology annually to an outstanding undergraduate student. Those interested in contributing to the establishment of this award should send contributions, made payable to the University of Guelph, to Dr. Paul Hebert c/o Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1. Friends and colleagues will celebrate his life at a memorial service to be held at the University of Guelph Arboretum Friday, September 18th at 2:00 PM. Subject: CRS 1999 Graduate Intern Recruit Program fishhabitat(\)mail.orst.edu, fishfolk(\)mitvma.mit.edu, marbio(\)mote.org, sherman(\)nasw.org, fish-sci(\)segate.sunet.se, afs-l(\)wyoming.com Interested parties: Information on summer intern recruitment for the Congressional Research Service's 1999 Graduate Recruit Program has been posted at: http://lcweb.loc.gov/crsinfo/99grad.html Note that specific recruitment is being undertaken to hire a "natural resources policy analyst." Please make this information available to interested and qualified graduate students. Gene Buck, gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 10:12:15 -0400 From: Lucy Keith CH SC 758-7404 Subject: Job Opportunity Announcement Job Opportunity Announcement Florida Department of Environmental Protection Endangered and Threatened Species Section OPS Research Staff (no benefits) Location: Port Charlotte, FL Pay Rate: $8.50/hour (40 hours/week) Apply To: Lucy Keith Florida Department of Environmental Protection Southwest Field Station 1481-G Market Circle Port Charlotte, FL 33953 (941) 255-7402 (941) 255-7400 FAX keith_l(\)epic7.dep.state.fl.us To Start: Available Immediately Desired Qualifications: A Bachelors degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year's professional experience or a Master's degree in one of the biological sciences. Preference will be given to those applicants with a working knowledge of marine mammal biology. Ability to work independently and accurately record data in the field. Ability to trailer and operate boats up to 22 feet in length safely and to back trailers safely and accurately. Ability to swim with sufficient skill to save one's life in the event of an emergency. Knowledge of basic camera operation, including zoom lenses and polarizing filters. Knowledge of word processing and database software. Possession of a valid drivers license. Ability to pass a boater's safety course within six months of being hired. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Brief Description of Job Duties: Assist the manatee salvage program by recovering manatee carcasses from a multiple county area and transportation of the carcasses to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory for necropsy. Perform field necropsies as needed. Assist with rescues of injured manatees. Assist the west coast telemetry project by tracking tagged manatees and recording data. Photograph and sketch manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather habitat areas on the west coast for the scar photo identification program. Operate a computer and software such as spreadsheets and word processing. Complete paperwork including travel, purchase orders, time sheets, reports on manatee carcasses and rescues, telemetry data and technical reports. Assist with manatee outreach programs requiring presentations for local groups and agencies. Perform tasks such as general cleaning of equipment and office, vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance, data entry, and other tasks as assigned by the Marine Research Associate. Think logically and apply problem-solving techniques, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility. This is a State of Florida OPS (Other Personnel Services) position which does not provide health benefits. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 19:27:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New Journal: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy (fwd) From: "JIWLP" New Journal: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy The Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy is a new journal of Kluwer Law International that focuses on legal and political issues concerning the human's race's interrelationship with, and management of, wildlife species, their habitats, and the biosphere. This includes analysis of the efficacy of international and regional wildlife treaty regimes, as well as national legislation and regulations, the impact of judicial decisions at both the national and international level, and the interface of legal and political institutions with other sectors in society that have a substantive impact on the management and conservation of species and ecosystems. Issue 1:1 has recently been released and its contents are listed below: * Michael Bowman, Conflict or Compatibility? The Trade, Conservation and Animal Welfare Dimensions of CITES; * Stuart Harrop & David Bowles, Wildlife Management, the Multilateral Trade Regime, Morals and the Welfare of Animals; * Brendan Moyle, The Bioeconomics of Illegal Wildlife Harvesting: An Outline of the Issues; * William C.G. Burns, The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Areas: The Regional Response to the Threats Facing Cetaceans; * Kristen Fletcher, The 49th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission: Prelude to the Next Fifty Years; * Alex Dehgan, Determining Lusaka's Potential; * Eguenia Naro-Maciel, The Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles: An Historical Overview; * Documents: Lusaka Agreement, Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles. If you are interested in receiving a sample copy of the Journal and subscription information, please contact the Managing Editors at: JIWLP(\)earthling.net. --------------------------------------------- The Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, a new journal of Kluwer Law International, is currently seeking articles for Volume 2 (1999). Guidelines are included below. If you have additional questions, please contact the Managing Editors. Guidelines for Submissions: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy I. Overview The Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy welcomes the submission of articles of timely interest in the context of international wildlife law and policy, or relating to national or local issues that may have relevance beyond the purely national context. In making publication decisions the Journal must take into account a number of concerns. We must consider not only our overall vision for the Journal, but also balance and variety among pieces, coverage of topics of current interest, and issue length. Additionally, the Journal can only publish pieces that have not been previously published. A manuscript posted on a personal or institutional homepage or FTP site on the Internet constitutes a preprint and will not be considered as published. However, if a manuscript is available as part of an electronic publication such as a journal, technical series, or some electronic entity to which a library can subscribe, the Journal will deem the manuscript have been published. The Journal also will not consider papers currently under review at other journals or that duplicate or overlap with parts of larger manuscripts that have been submitted to publishers. Members of the Board of Editors will be delighted to discuss drafts and proposed contributions. Please feel free to contact us at the address listed at the end of this document. II. Format * Pieces should be submitted in the form of two double-spaced, typewritten manuscripts. If possible, authors should also submit the contribution on diskette in IBM compatible format (preferably in Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect). Manuscripts and disks cannot be returned unless a self-addressed postage-paid envelope is submitted with the manuscript. Authors of manuscripts accepted for publication will also be required to submit camera-ready copy of graphs or other types of figures. Instructions will be provided upon acceptance; * Footnotes should be double-spaced, numbered sequentially throughout the text, and, preferably, should appear at the bottom of the page. The format of footnotes should comply with The Harvard Law Review Association's The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (16th ed. 1996) or another recognized system of citation; * Manuscripts submitted for the main articles section of the Journal should not exceed 17,000 words, unless authorized by a member of the Board of Editors in advance. Manuscripts for the Current Developments section of the Journal should generally be between 2000-4000 words. Book reviews should fall between 1000-2000 words; * To facilitate blind review, the manuscript should include a detachable cover sheet with the title of the piece and the author's name, title, institutional affiliation and contact information (address, telephone, fax, e-mail). In the case of multiple authors, the page should also designate a contact person for the purpose of communications by members of the Journal's staff. The second page of the manuscript should also include the article's title at the top, but not the name of the author(s); * An abstract of not more than 150 words and a statement of academic and/or professional affiliations should be included with the manuscript on the second page. III. The Peer Review Process * All submissions are peer-reviewed by two reviewers from the Journal's Editorial Board, or independent referees selected by the Board of Editors to review manuscripts outside the purview of expertise of any member of the Editorial Board; * The Journal utilizes a "double blind" review process, i.e., authors are not told who reviewed their papers and reviewers/referees are not apprised of the author's identity during the review process. Upon request, reviewers/referees will be informed of the identity of an author(s) after a manuscript has been accepted and may contact the author(s) about the manuscript; * Decisions on submissions shall be communicated to the author(s) within 2-3 months unless difficulties in obtaining reviewers/referees necessitate a longer period of time. Under such circumstances, the author(s) will be contacted and informed of the delay and the revised time line for review of the manuscript. IV. Copyright Guidelines * Prior to publication, the author(s) must transfer copyright for the manuscript to the Journal. Authors will be sent the Journal's copyright form if and when their manuscript is accepted for publication. It is the author's responsibility to ensure that a signed paper copy of the agreement is returned to the Journal's office, listed at the end of this document; * In the case of multiple authors, the transfer form must be signed by each author; * After publication, the author(s) will have the right to quote from, reprint, translate, or reproduce their article in any book or article he/she may later write. In addition, the author(s) shall have the right to photocopy and print the article for her/her own use. If the author(s) reprints, translates, or photocopies the work, the original copyright notice, as it appears in the Journal, must be included. V. Submission of Pieces * All pieces, other than book reviews, should be submitted to the Journal's main office: Wil Burns, Managing Editor Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 1563 Solano Ave. #193 Berkeley, CA 94707 USA (510) 540-0980(Phone) (510) 452-9266 (Fax) JIWLP(\)earthling.net * Manuscripts in Microsoft Word or Corel Word Perfect format may instead be submitted to us by e-mail; * Book reviews should be submitted directly to the Journal's Book Review Editor: Dr. Brent S. Stewart Senior Research Biologist Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute 2595 Ingraham Street San Diego, CA 92109 (619) 226-3875 (Phone) (619) 226-3944 (Fax) stewartb(\)hswri.org Subject: newsclip - whalewatching and effects on whales Conservationists want whale-watching boats to slow down September 15, 1998 BOSTON (AP) -- Whale watching is as much a New England activity as eating creamy clam chowder, cracking open lobster or taking in the fall colors. That simple, innocent image has been hurt, however, by two recent accidents in which whales were rammed by high-speed whale-watching boats. he collisions, which killed a minke whale and injured a humpback whale, have prompted soul searching in a $24 million-a-year industry dedicated to celebrating Earth's largest mammal. Some marine conservationists argue that the business must be better regulated and that boat captains should be forced to slow down in areas where whales feed. "I still feel horrible," said Capt. Bill Sanchez of the Millennium catamaran, which hit the humpback whale last month. "I can still feel that bump when it hit the ship. I never wanted to hurt any of these animals." "Something should be done about the speed limits because right now, there are none," Sanchez said. On August 2, the 120-foot Millennium -- one of the newest high-speed catamarans -- struck and injured a 2-year-old humpback whale off Stellwagen Bank, at the northern tip of Cape Cod. Sanchez said he sped up to about 21 mph because he thought there were no whales in the area. On Saturday, the 80-foot-long Whale Watch cruise ship struck and killed a 20-foot minke whale while on its way back to Cape Cod's Barnstable Harbor, according to Mason Weinrich of the Cetacean Research Unit in Gloucester. Horrified passengers said the whale's body was gored and bloody when it emerged in the boat's wake. Officials from the company that owns the boat did not return phone calls seeking comment on Monday. The U.S. Coast Guard has scheduled a meeting next week that will focus on the shared interest between boats and those who seek to protect marine mammals. Federal regulations require that whale-watch vessels stay at least 100 feet from whales and never approach them head-on. But often that is difficult when some ships can reach speeds of more than 40 mph. "There are currently restrictions on how close the boats can get to endangered species," said Lt. Joe Duffy of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Division. "But there are no restrictions on how fast the boats can go." National regulations for whale-watching tour companies were proposed in the early 1990s but many New England companies rejected the idea, saying they already had adequate guidelines, according to Nina Young, a research scientist for the Center for Marine Conservation, based in Washington, D.C. "Because the New England congressional delegation was very strong back then, those whale-watching regulations were withdrawn," Young said. "Now is a good time to revisit the whole question." Weinrich said setting speed limits of about 13 mph in areas such as Stellwagen Bank, a protected marine sanctuary, would be a good place to start. Still, he acknowledged, such restrictions may be hard to enforce. This summer has been one of the busiest seasons for more than 20 whale-watching companies in New England. Passengers typically pay an average of $24 for a half-day trip to encounter humpbacks, minke and fin whales. Whale watching as a commercial activity began in North America in 1955 along the Southern California coast. New England has since grown to account for nearly half of all whale-watching tours on the continent, according to the New England Whale Watching Association. "There is a growing trend in New England to use bigger and faster ships, but are we really looking at what impact it will have?" Young said. "We really need to ask ourselves if it is necessary to get from one place to another at such a pace that it jeopardizes people and animals." ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 15:55:57 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: (Fwd) White Shark Research Volunteer Program Many of the techniques used to study white sharks are the same as those used by cetacean researchers. The following may therefore be of interest to any students trying to gain research experience. MARMAM editors ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: "Michael Chr. SCHOLL" Dear Shark Friends, This is an update and reminder concerning the Research Voluntary Program (RVP) that the White Shark Research Institute (WSRI) has just launched on the 1st of August 1998. There are no breaks scheduled at this stage and this is a all year round program welcoming academic people for a mimimum period of one month. This program is reserved for University students and people with an academic degree. Some basic information has been outlined further in this message, and please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information and an application form. At present five students are on the program for the month of August: Charlotte from France, Laure from Switzerland, Emma from the United Kingdom, Mike from Switzerland and Morgan from Oklahoma (USA). One month ago, on the 11th of August, the field team just broke its own record in daily sightings: 21 different Great White Sharks were observed around the boat! The sizes ranged from 2.5 to over 4.5 meters in total length. For 1998, there are still a few openings left for October, November and December. Please do not hesitate to contact us now for 1999 as the vacant places are getting booked rapidly. I thank you for your attention and interest, and I hope to hear from you in the future. Friendly yours, On behalf of the WSRI RVP Michael Chr. SCHOLL P.S. Please inform your students or friends about this program as we believe this is a great opportunity for students to gain experience in field research work for their curriculum, as well as being an extremely thrilling and exciting experience itself... White Shark Research Institute Field Research Program Research Voluntary Program (RVP) Introduction The SAWSRI (South African White Shark Research Institute) is conducting population dynamics and structure studies on the Great White shark (Carcharodon carcharias). The work is almost exclusively field related and labor intensive, and recently the research has been expanding into more fields to complete the overall project. In order to increase the research productivity, SAWSRI is now offering the opportunity to academic students of joining and assisting the research in the field. FAQ #1: What kind of work will be conducted? The work will be almost exclusively field related, and will be conducted from our mobile field unit. The field research work includes the following: - data collection on free swimming sharks - recording environmental conditions - dart tagging - tissue sampling - photo identification - exploration of new shark sites - radio tracking (under investigation) FAQ #2: What will be expected from participants? Participants will be expected to work as a field data collection team under the guidance and supervision of the WSRI field unit leader who will be responsible for the participants and all work conducted. Participants will be expected to give their best in all aspects of the day to day activities involved with data collection and research on sharks, as well as within a working team. Participants will for the period, work completely under the auspices of the WSRI, and will subsequently have to maintain the protocol and standards set by the WSRI and the field unit leader. FAQ #3: What can a participant learn and gain? Responsibilities will be rotated so that each participant will have the opportunity of conducting tasks on a regular basis. Depending on the personnal aptitudes, the first week of the stay will mainly be a training week in order to be able to work efficiently. The team will be involved in all the research fields under investigation at the moment: - Record the information on the sharks - Tagging and tissue sampling of free swimming great white sharks - Handling and manipulation of the sharks while tagging/sampling - Sexing and sizing the identified sharks - Record environmental data - Handling the bait and chum - Photographic identification - Telemetry tracking (under investigation) Moreover, the participants will have to work and live as a team at all time, and will also have the following duties involved with the research: - Handling of the unit boat and skippering the craft at sea - Baiting and chumming - Equipment, boat and station maintenance - Computer assisted data input - Shore based activities FAQ #4: Who may apply? Biology students and other related academics will be given priority. People with no academic formation will have to apply and present credits of similar experiences and/or professional knowledge. FAQ #5: How long is the program? Participants will have to stay for a minimum of one month. Subsequently, participants wishing to stay longer than this initial stage, will have to apply for a period of supplementary month or week units (i.e. 1 month + n weeks). This program has started on the 1st of August 98, and after that people interested may apply to join at any open date (preferably from the 1st of the month). The team will have a maximum of five participants on the team at any one time. More Information? For all additional pertinent information concerning this program, and for application forms and procedures, please contact the RVP at: WSRI Research Voluntary Program (RVP) Michael Chr. SCHOLL P.O. Box 1258 Gansbaai 7220 South Africa Fax +27 21 556 15 32 E-Mail WSRI-RVP(\)Kingsley.co.za Michael Chr. SCHOLL White Shark Research Institute (WSRI) Research Division & Research Voluntary Program (RVP) P.O. Box 1258 Gansbaai 7220 South Africa E-Mail WSRI-RVP(\)Kingsley.co.za Subject: 2nd unusual humpback tag seen in Newfoundland waters Hi all, Just want to report the sighting of a tagged mother-calf humpback pair off Renews, Newfoundland, Canada: the mother was tagged with a blue streamer through the dorsal fin. Sighting was some time ago - in July - the observer has only just contacted us. We are not familiar with this kind of tag, and were wondering if someone out there could help us out. Anyone who knows the origin of this tag or needs further information please reply by email. Sean Sean Todd, Ph.D., Whale Research Group, Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Nfld., Canada, A1B 3X9. "The only zen you find on the top of the mountains is the zen you bring up there" Robert M. Pirsig ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 07:32:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Inuit whaling book (fwd) From: M Freeman A new book on whaling has just been published: Inuit, Whaling, and Sustainability. M.M.R. Freeman, L. Bogoslovskaya, R.A. Caulfield, I. Egede, I.I. Krupnik and M.G. Stevenson. (1998). 208 pages, map, photos, glossary, appendices, index. Table of contents: Forword by Aqqaluk Lynge, President ICC./Introduction: A Book on Inuit Whaling?/The Importance of Inuit Whaling Today/Whaling by Inuit: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow/ Human Rights and the International Whaling Commission/ A Review of Whaling Management Regimes/ Challenges to the Sustainable Use of Whales by Inuit/ Securing the Future of Inuit Whaling/ Epilogue: Inuit and Whales. (From the publisher's flyer: "... based on extensive ethnographic, ecological, and policy research sponsored by the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, it presents Inuit perspectives on the intergral role whales play in cultural, economic, philosophical, and nutritional aspects of Inuit life...") Hardcover, ISBN 0-7619-9062-3 $52.00 Papercover, ISBN 0-7619-9063-1 $24.95 AltaMira Press is a division of Sage Publications. Subject: 1999 Research Internships With OMI Dr. Marsha Green asked that this information be posted on your website. If there is any format that we need to follow, please let us know. Marsha can be reached at her e-mail address: marshag(\)joe.alb.edu. OCEAN MAMMAL INSTITUTE: RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS 1999 "SCIENCE PROTECTING NATURE" P.O. BOX 14422 Reading, PA 19612 610-670-7386 phone and fax 800-226-8216 RESEARCH: SCIENCE PROTECTING NATURE: The field of animal studies has reached a turning point. We no longer have the luxury of studying animals just to learn more about them. Now we must learn more about them to help protect them. Their survival and the health of our environment depends on our ability to understand the interdependence between humans and the natural world. The Ocean Mammal Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to doing ecologically-sensitive research on marine animals and their interactions with humans.Our research results are applied directly to protecting ocean mammals. * OMI's past research on the impact of parasail boats on humpback whales ensured legislative protection from thrillcraft for the whales in Maui. * OMI's current research on the impact of boats and underwater noise pollution on whale and dolphin communication will assist governmental agencies in developing protection plans for the endangered humpback whale. * OMI's groundbreaking research on the impact of whales and dolphins on the human immune system will help us more clearly understand their impact on us. * Your participation in the research will allow you to renew and redefine your relationship with the natural world. JOIN US AS A RESEARCH INTERN AS WE PIONEER THE WAY IN THE MOST IMPORTANT FIELDS OF STUDY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND ECOPSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION: EMBRACING THE EARTH As a research intern with OMI you will: * Study the biology and behavior of whales and dolphins while you observe and record their spectacular behaviors from a shore station and from boats. * Learn and apply the principles of field research design as you participate in our ongoing field study on the impact of boats on the behavior of the humpback whale. * Gain a personal understanding of the politics of protecting endangered species. * Work shoulder to shoulder with dedicated and knowledgeable scientists in a team effort to gather data to be used by government agencies around the world as they develop whale and dolphin protection plans. * Learn about current research on whales and dolphins around the world and related conservation issues. * Be introduced to the field of Ecopsychology which studies the relationship between humans and the natural world. RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: LEARN THROUGH EXPERIENCE * FIELD RESEARCH ON THE HAWAIIAN HUMPBACK WHALE - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1999 * * Two-thirds of the North Pacific population of humpback whales come to Maui each winter to mate and give birth. Help us with our pioneering vessel impact research in this critical whale habitat for one, two or three weeks in January 1999. If you participate in this ongoing field research project for three weeks, college course credit is available. Activities include lectures, readings, videos, discussions and, of course, data collection in the field. Shore-based data collection involves tracking whales and boats with a theodolite and recording whale behaviors. Boat-based tasks include recording social sounds of the whales with a hydrophone and recording their surface behaviors. This is a rare opportunity to help with research that will have a direct impact on the protection of the endangered humpback whale. * January 4-26,1999 OR January 30 to February 20, 1999 * COST: $1400 for three weeks, $ 799 per week - includes tuition and accommodations (Accommodations are four people in an apartment with one bedroom and one sofa bed) * FIELD RESEARCH ON THE HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHIN - JUNE/JULY 1999 * * Study #1: In this pioneering research we will study the impact of swimmers and boats on the dolphins in a beautiful, untouched area of Hawaii. These dolphins feed at night and rest during the day. As the popularity of swimming with dolphins increases, we must be sure that in our enthusiasm to be with the dolphins, we are not creating stress for them. Our results will help address this important issue. * Study #2: Is designed to answer the following questions about dolphin choice and their impact on the human immune system: Do dolphins spend more time in a test area when swimmers are present or absent? If dolphins approach the test area when swimmers are present, does it affect the swimmer's immune system? * June 1 to 22, 1999 OR June 22 to July 11, 1999 * COST: $ 799 per week, $ 1600 for 3 weeks - includes tuition and accommodations (Accommodations are in a house with communal cooking.) * OMI RESEARCH INTERNSHIP REGISTRATION FORM * PLEASE MAIL THIS FORM AND YOUR DEPOSIT TO: OCEAN MAMMAL INSTITUTE P.O. BOX 14422 READING, PA 19612 Phone and fax: 610-670-7386 800-226-8216 www.oceanmammalinst.com YES, I Would Like To Register For: Field Research On The Hawaiian Humpback Whales and Dolphins ______January 4 to 26, 1999 ______January 30 to February 20, 1999 ______I plan to attend for three weeks. ($1600) If attending for three weeks, do you want to apply for college credit? _________Yes ________No ______I plan to attend for one or two weeks.($799/week) The dates I plan to attend are______. ** Don't forget to enclose your $350 deposit.** ** Full payment is due 60 days before departure.** Field Trip On The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin ______June 1 to June 21, 1999 ______June 22 to July 11, 1999 ______I plan to attend for three weeks.( $1600) ______I plan to attend for one or two weeks.($799/week) The dates I plan to attend are_______. ** Don't forget to enclose your $350 deposit.** ** Full payment is due 60 days before departure.** CANCELLATION POLICY: If cancellation is received in writing 60 days before departure, your deposit less an administrative fee of $50.00 will be refunded. If cancellation is received less than 60 days before departure, your deposit less an administrative fee of $100.00 will be refunded if your space on the trip is filled. HAVE YOU ALWAYS DREAMED OF WORKING WITH WHALES AND DOLPHINS? YOU CAN JOIN OUR TEAM OF SCIENTISTS, NATURALISTS AND RESEARCH INTERNS COLLECTING DATA IN THE FIELD TO HELP PROTECT MARINE MAMMALS. RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1999, HUMPBACK WHALES. Join our research team in the wintering grounds of the humpback whale in Maui. While training as a research intern or as a student enrolled in our college course, you will witness the spectacular behaviors of these whales in breeding season. You will rotate working with our land-based team, tracking whales and boats with binoculars and theodolites to determine the effects of vessel traffic and our boat-based team recording behaviors and underwater social sounds of the whales. College credit available. RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: JUNE AND JULY 1999, SPINNER DOLPHINS. Join our research team on the big island of Hawaii. This study takes place in a pristine bay in the heartland of the ancient Hawaiian civilization. IMPORTANT UPDATE: ON SEPTEMBER 18, 1999 AT 9:00 A.M. OMI'S LAWSUIT CONCERNING THE IMPACT ON HUMBACK WHALES OF THE U.S. NAVY'S TESTING OF LFA SONAR WILL BE HEARD IN FEDERAL COURT IN WASHINGTON D.C. DETAILS OF THAT HEARING WILL FOLLOW. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 14:01:17 -0300 Reply-To: v_vallejm(\)entelchile.net From: Veronica Isabel Vallejos Marchant Subject: Abstract Cetaceans Observations in Chilean Waters Aguayo, A., R. Bernal, C. Olavarria, V. Vallejos & R. Hucke-Gaete. 1998. Cetacean observations carried out between Valparamso and Easter Island, Chile, in the winters of 1993, 1994 and 1995. Revista de Biologia Marina y Oceanografia 33 (1): 101-123. Abstract: The aim of this paper is to report the different species of cetaceans sighted between Valparamso and Easter Island (Rapa Nui), during five cruises made during winter seasons of 1993 to 1995, to explain their spatial distribution during the winter months.The cetacean species sighted were: Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, Balaenoptera physalus quoyi, Balaenoptera borealis schlegelii, Balaenoptera edeni, Balaenoptera bonaerensis, Megaptera novaeangliae australis, Physeter catodon, Ziphius cavirostris, Mesoplodon densirostris, Orcinus orca, Pseudorca crassidens, Globicephala melas edwardii, Delphinus delphis, Tursiops truncatus, Lissodelphis peronii and Lagenorhynchus obscurus.The distribution of the records showed three subareas of animal concentration. First, between 112: and 91: W. Second, between 90: and 77: W. Third, between 76: W and Valparamso (71037' W). The possible indicative species of each subarea were: Subarea 1. B. bonaerensis, M. densirostris, P. crassidens and Z. cavirostris. Subarea 2. B. borealis schlegelii, B. edeni and M. novaeangliae australis. Subarea 3. G. melas edwardii, L. peronii and L. obscurus. The first records of the following cetaceans species in the study area are: B. musculus intermedia, B. bonaerensis, M. densirostris and Z. cavirostris in the waters of the first subarea; B. musculus intermedia and B. edeni in the waters of the second subarea. The species mostly sighted was P. catodon (1.65 sight per day), which also had the wider range of distribution during those winter seasons, followed by B. physalus quoyi (1.27), D. delphis (1.01), B. bonaerensis (0.89), T. truncatus (0.76) and B. borealis schlegelii (0.51). However, as it was expected, the most abundant species, expressed in animals per day, was the small odontocetes D. delphis (212.78) and T. truncatus (54.55), followed by P. catodon (3.91). Reprint requests should be sent to: Anelio Aguayo Instituto Antartico Chileno Casilla 16521, Correo 9, Santiago, Chile Fax: (56-2) 232 04 40 e-mail: aaguayo(\)inach.cl ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 20:58:55 -0400 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy - Update The latest issue (vol. 6, no. 3) of the SMM Newsletter is available on the SMM web page. http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ The newsletter contains the latest information on the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (Maui, Hawaii, USA - November 1999) and a request for bids for the venue for the 2003 Biennial Conference. ----------------- Members of the Society are encouraged to complete and return the conference questionnaire found in the Summer 1998 (volume 6, number 2) of the Newsletter. ------- Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Sep 1998 14:20:05 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Weekly summary (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 21 Sep 1998 09:51:47 -0400 From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments New info and changes since 9/11/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 9/17/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals {Norwegian Whaling. On Sept. 14, 1998, Norwegian officials rejected an application from Iceland, filed in October 1997, requesting the Norwegian export of as much as 100 metric tons of minke whale blubber.} [High North Alliance News, Reuters] {Whale Watching Vessel Accidently Kills Whale. On Sept. 12, 1998, a whalewatching vessel operating out of Barnstable, MA, accidently struck and killed a 20-foot minke whale. Critics suggest excessive speed may have contributed to this accident. In a separate accident on Aug. 2, 1998, another high-speed whalewatching catamaran vessel hit and injured a humpback whale near Stellwagen Bank.} [Assoc Press] Acoustic Harassment. On Sept. 9-11, 1998, NMFS has scheduled a workshop discussion in Silver Spring, MD, by a panel of independent experts on technical aspects of the problem of marine mammals and anthropogenic noise. [Fed. Register] Swim-With-The-Dolphin Program Regulations. On Sept. 4, 1998, the Dept. of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published regulations in the Federal Register establishing standards for swim-with-the-dolphin programs. [Fed. Register, Reuters] Exporting Live Polar Bears from Canada. On Sept. 3, 1998, the Canadian province of Manitoba adopted new regulations to restrict the export of live polar bears. Such exports will be limited to orphan cubs with an approval process for zoos wishing to import bears. Zoos would have to meet certain requirements for approval. Manitoba would seek damages from zoos found to be abusing polar bears. [Reuters] NAMMCO Meeting. On Sept. 1-4, 1998, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) will hold its annual meeting in Oslo, Norway. The anticipated agenda includes reports on assessment of the central north Atlantic minke whale stock, updated information on harp and hooded seal populations, economic implications of marine mammal-fishery interactions, NAMMCO international observation scheme, and the future of sealing. [High North Alliance News] Keiko. On Aug. 27, 1998, the U.S. Air Force formally announced that it has agreed to transport Keiko from Oregon to Iceland using a C-17 cargo transport, with the Free Willy Keiko Foundation paying the estimated $200,000 to $300,000 cost. On Sept. 10, 1998, Keiko arrived in Heimaey, Iceland, after a 9-hour non-stop flight aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane. [Assoc Press, Reuters, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] South Pacific Whaling Sanctuary. On Aug. 25, 1998, the 29th South Pacific Forum, meeting in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, discussed a joint Australia-New Zealand proposal to ban commercial whaling in the South Pacific Ocean. Delegates from Palau sought unsuccessfully to have Forum dialogue partners, such as Japan, included in any vote on the resolution. Japan reportedly criticized the sanctuary resolution in cables to the Forum Secretariat suggesting that large whale populations could deplete fishery resources available for human consumption. [Dow Jones News, Assoc Press, Japan Whaling Assoc press release] Harbor Porpoise Protection. On Aug. 21, 1998, the Center for Marine Conservation and the Humane Society of the United States filed suit in U.S. District Court (DC) against the U.S. Department of Commerce, claiming federal managers have failed to protect harbor porpoise along the north Atlantic coast from fishermen's gillnets and have not prepared a take reduction plan for harbor porpoise. These groups allege that NMFS regulations, allowing gillnets to be fished during the fall in the Gulf of Maine as long as acoustic devices were used to theoretically allow harbor porpoise to avoid them, have not reduced porpoise mortalities sufficiently. {{On Sept. 16, 1998, NMFS published proposed regulations changing when, where, and how gillnet fishermen may fish in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, in an effort to reduce incidental harbor porpoise mortality from 2,000 animals annually to 400 animals. Expanded use of acoustic "pingers" will be required in the Gulf of Maine.}} [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] Makah Whaling. On Aug. 21, 1998, WA Governor Gary Locke announced that WA state National Guard troops will be deployed during the late August 1998 Makah Days tribal festival in Neah Bay, WA, to preclude or better control any disturbances by anti-whaling protesters. {A hearing on a lawsuit against the U.S. Dept. of Commerce challenging the Makah whaling has been scheduled for Sept. 17, 1998, before federal Judge Burgess in Tacoma, WA.} [Assoc Press, personal communication] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: recent articles with abstracts (fwd) Rostrum of a toothed whale: Ultrastructural study of a very dense bone. Zylberberg, L; Traub, W; DeBuffrenil, V; Allizard, F; Arad, T; Weiner, S BONE, September 1998 v23 i3 p241-247 The rostral bones of the toothed whale, Mesoplodon densirostris, consist mainly of hypermineralized secondary osteons and have yielded among the highest values for density (2.6 g/cm(3)) and mineral content (86.7%) yet reported for any bone. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy show parallel rods of mineral oriented along the length of the rostrum, These consist of platey crystals of carbonated hydroxyapatite, which, judging from electron diffraction, are extremely well and coherently aligned, The collagen component of the rostral bone consists largely of very thin fibrils aligned in longitudinal register to form tubular networks, The collagen fibrils are also aligned with the lengths of the mineral rods, which are apparently accomodated in the tubular spaces of the collagenous network. This peculiar ultrastructure clearly differs from the densely packed mineralized fibrils commonly observed in vertebrate lamellar osseous tissues, although histological examination has indicated some vestiges of ''normal'' primary bone surrounding the secondary osteons, Thus, the bone tissue in the rostrum is characterized by a remarkably sparse collagenous component. This ultrastructure can explain the high density, stiffness, and brittleness of the rostrum that have been observed. It also raises interesting questions about possible modes of crystal growth during ongoing mineralization in normal bone, and may have some relevance in the mechanical behavior of dense bones in pathological conditions. (Bone 23: 241-247; 1998) Reprints Zylberberg, L UNIV PARIS 07 ANAT COMPAREE LAB, CNRS, URA 1137, CASE 7077, 2 PL JUSSIEU, PARIS F-7525105 FRANCE *************************** Age-dependent accumulation of heavy metals in Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) from the Lake Baikal. Watanabe, I; Tanabe, S; Amano, M; Miyazaki, N; Petrov, EA; Tatsukawa, R ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY, October 1998 v35 i3 p518-526 Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Hg were determined in the liver, kidney, and muscle of 60 Baikal seals collected from Lake Baikal in 1992 to investigate age-dependent accumulation. Among essential elements, Fe concentrations in the muscle, liver, and kidney increased with age, suggesting development of diving ability. The concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Cu decreased with age, especially at immature stages. Toxic elements such as Hg and Cd decreased in adult males and thus the male-female difference was clearly observed in their concentrations, which differed from patterns usually found in marine mammals. Such accumulation patterns were due to difference in the feeding rates between males and females under low exposure to Hg and Cd. In addition, a greater excretion of Hg than that of Cd through molting and parturition was estimated. Reprints Tanabe, S. EHIME UNIV DEPT ENVIRONM CONSERVAT, TARUMI 3-5-7 MATSUYAMA, EHIME 7908566 JAPAN *************************** Prey and feeding patterns of resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Barros, NB; Wells, RS JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY, August 1998 v79 i3 p1045-1059 (15) Stomach contents of a resident community of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Sarasota Bay area of the westcentral coast of Florida were studied to examine potential factors leading to patterns of habitat use. Composition and size of prey were analyzed and correlated with feeding behavior of individual dolphins of known histories. Examination of stomach contents of 16 stranded dolphins revealed a diet composed exclusively of fish (greater than or equal to 15 species), most of which were associated with seagrasses in varying degrees. Observational records for less than or equal to 21 years showed that feeding typically occurred in shallow (2-3 m) waters and in the vicinity of seagrasses in 23% of cases. Dolphins usually fed alone or in small groups and on non-obligate schooling prey. The main species of prey were soniferous, an indication that passive listening may be important in detection of prey. The close agreement between species of fishes represented in stomach contents and habitat of prey, as indicated by observations of feeding, suggests that analysis of stomach contents is a reasonable approach for studying prey and feeding patterns of dolphins. Meadows of seagrass are one of the habitats of importance to dolphins in the Sarasota Bay area, and their protection is important for conservation of these animals. Reprints Barros, NB. HUBBS SEA WORLD RES INST, POB 691602 ORLANDO, FL 32869 USA ************************* Strandings of small cetaceans in Hong Kong territorial waters Parsons, ECM. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, August 1998 v78 i3 p1039-1042 Since official records were first initiated in 1973, there have been reports of 154 small cetacean strandings in Hong Kong territorial waters. The species Neophocaena phocaenoides (finless porpoise) and Sousa chinensis (Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin) accounted for 77% of these strandings. There are seasonal peaks in the number of reported strandings: Sousa chinensis is more frequently reported during the summer monsoon season and Neophocaena phocaenoides is more frequent in the winter. Almost a third of all finless porpoises stranded were calves. The number of reported small cetacean strandings in Hong Kong has increased dramatically in recent years; partially due to an increasing awareness of local cetaceans and possibly due to escalating levels of human disturbance and anthropogenic pollution. Reprints Parsons, ECM HEBRIDEAN WHALE & DOLPHIN TRUST 28 MAIN ST, ISLE OF MULL, ARGYLL PA75 6NU SCOTLAND ************************* Self-amplification of satellite DNA in vitro. Buntjer, JB; Lenstra, JA GENOME, June 1998 v41 i3 p429-434 (6) We describe a PCR-like reaction in which genomic DNA acts as a template as well as a primer. Interaction between genomic tandem repeat units leads to self-amplification of satellite DNA. This genomic self-priming PCR. (GSP-PCR) allowed the rapid amplification of species-specific tandem repeats of horse, cattle, dolphin, and chicken, A novel specific satellite of ostrich with a repeat unit of 60 bp was isolated using this method. Reprints Lenstra, JA. UNIV UTRECHT. INST INFECT DIS & IMMUNOL, POB 80165, UTRECHT NL-3508 TD, NETHERLANDS *********************** Fostering behavior and the effect of female density in Hawaiian monk seals, Monachus schauinslandi. Boness, DJ; Craig, MP; Honigman, L; Austin, S . JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY, August 1998 v79 i3 p1060-1069 Frequent nursing of pups by non-filial females (fostering) has been reported in Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) at French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern-Hawaiian Islands. We present data on the occurrence of fostering at Laysan Island,NWHI, and compare spatial patterns and behavior of seals at Laysan Island and East Island, French Frigate Shoals, to investigate the importance of density in frequency of fostering. Fostering was common at Laysan Island; 53% of 17 females nursed pups other than their own for some part of their lactation period. This level of fostering was significantly less than that at East Island, where ca. 90% of females fostered pups in 2 separate years (n = 30 in 1987 and 10 in 1989). Density of females was significantly lower at Laysan Island than East Island (0.5 versus 1.5 femaIes/1,000 m(2)), and nearest female neighbors were significantly farther away (58 versus 27 m) at Laysan Island. Stage of lactation at which fostering started, the total duration of foster care and the duration of fostering episodes did not differ between colonies. However, mean number of pups fostered per female at the denser colony (2.3 pups, East Island) was greater than at the less dense colony (1.3 pups, Laysan Island). No difference occurred between islands in relative frequency of aggressive interactions between females, which are known to result in females exchanging pups. High female density does appear to increase fostering frequency but not through female-female aggression as expected. Instead, high density increases the likelihood that separated females and pups will encounter another potential partner before reuniting. ************************** Memory monitoring by animals and humans. Smith, JD; Shields, WE; Washburn, DA . JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY-GENERAL, September 1998 v127 i3 p227-250 The authors asked whether animals and humans would use similarly an uncertain response to escape indeterminate memories. Monkeys and humans performed serial probe recognition tasks that produced differential memory difficulty across serial positions (e.g., primacy and recency effects). Participants were given an escape option that let them avoid any trials they wished and receive a hint to the trial's answer. Across species, across tasks, and even across conspecifics with sharper or duller memories, monkeys and humans used the escape option selectively when more indeterminate memory traces were probed. Their pattern of escaping always mirrored the pattern of their primary memory performance across serial positions. Signal-detection analyses confirm the similarity of the animals' and humans' performances. Optimality analyses assess their efficiency. Several aspects of monkeys' performance suggest the cognitive sophistication of their decisions to escape. Reprints. Smith, JD, SUNY BUFFALO, DEPT PSYCHOL, PARK HALL BUFFALO, NY 14260 USA ******************* Hulbert, Jr., R.C., R.M. Petkewich, G.A. Bishop, D. Bukry, and D.P. Aleshire. 1998. A new middle Eocene protocetid whale (Mammalia: Cetacea: Archaeoceti) and associated biota from Georgia. Journal of Paleontology 72: 907-927. Reprints: Hulbert. Dept of Geology and Geography, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, 30460-8149 A shallow-marine fossil biota was recovered from the Blue Bluff unit (formerly part of the McBean Formation) in the Upper Coastal Plain of eastern Georgia. Biochronologically significant mollusks (e.g., Turritella nasuta, Cubitostrea sellaeformis, Pteropsella lapidosa) and calcareous nannoplankton (e.g., Chiasmolithus solitus, Reticulofenestra umbilica, Cribocentrum reticulatum) indicate a latest Lutetian-earliest Bartonian age, or about 40 to 41 Ma. Georgiacetus vogtlensis new gensu and species is described from a well-preserved, partial skeleton. Georgiacetus is the oldest known whale with a true pterygoid sinus fossa in its basicranium and a pelvis that did not articulate directly with the sacral vertebrae, two features whose acquisitions were important steps toward adaptation to a fully marine existence. The posterior four cheek teeth of G. vogtlensis form a series of carnassial-like shearing blades. These teeth also bear small, blunt accessory cusps, which are regarded as being homologous with the larger, sharper accessory cusps of basilosaurid cheek teeth. Subject: Marine Mammals & Seismic Surveying (fwd) From: b.j.tarrant(\)cheerful.com Re. MARINE MAMMALS / SHARKS & IMPACT OF SEISMIC SURVEYS I am currently aboard a deep-water seismic vessel (6 streamers) heading from Bergen to Gabon, W. Africa to do a survey offshore there, searching for oil. I am new to this industry & have previously been involved with cetacean studies in the Canaries. I would be very interested to know the conclusions of the Workshop on Marine Mammals & Seismic Surveys, held in London earlier this year, and to know what species might be affected off Gabon, ca.2-3000m depth. I would also like opinions on repelling sharks. The Sonardyne acoustic pingers seem to attract sharks in tropical waters and the sharks then bite the streamer, causing damage and lost time. Particular buoys are shiny metal at each end, and the thought is that the sharks see this as a shoal of fish & attack. The plan is to paint the metal black. Any ideas / recomendations? Many thanks Ben Tarrant Subject: request for references or observations In-Reply-To: <199809220102.SAA42982(\)unix4.UVic.CA> Greetings colleagues and friends: I am looking for references for weaning behaviour in cetaceans, or any personal observations you might be willing to share. My literature research has turned up very little; I am currently preparing a note on this behaviour. I am also looking for references for bubble-blowing in cetaceans, specifically delphinids, another subject for which there seems to be little reference. We observed this behavior quite regularly in wild short-finned pilot whales, and I am currently researching its behavioral context. It may be that most observations have been made by people working with captive animals. I would appreciate this input, as well. Thank you! Sara Heimlich Hatfield Marine Science Center/Oregon State University sara.heimlich(\)hmsc.orst.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998 12:06:57 MEZ From: yediler(\)gsf.de Subject: monkseals Dear Marmamers, Let us introduce ourselves as the Cilician Basin Mediterranean Monk Seal Project, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. We are facing the imminent extinction of the Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) which is the most endangered mammal in Europe. The main problem facing the Monk Seal is the lack of fish on which they feed. After a few years of research we realized the fate of the seals is closely linked to that of the local fishermen. The fishermen of the region have themselves identified the problem, which along with their solutions are as follows: " We are a group of artisanal fishermen from Bozyazi, on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The waters in which we fish are inhabited by several species of endangered marine life, such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal; the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta); and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). In the past we lived alongside these creatures in peace, even though their numbers used to vastly outnumber those which they are today. However nowadays due to a decrease in the size of fish stocks there is increasing conflict with these animals. Not only is the size of each catch smaller but we suffer more damage to fishing gear as hungry seals attempt to steal fish trapped in gill nets or on long lines. There are no subsidies available from the Turkish government to compensate for this damage. As profits have been falling since the mid-eighties, it has become increasingly difficult to repair our damaged gear. The result has been a decrease in the number of seals as they are killed. We do not believe that short term measures such as compensation will help to save these species or our jobs in the long run. The answer to the problem lies with the trawlers that operate in this region. Not only do they remove large amounts of fish and the profits to far off cities, but due to the topography of the region can only fish, illegally, close to the coast. This destroys the juvenile nurseries, which are the key to restocking the fish populations. All our attempts to control the illegal fishing operation occurring in our waters have failed so far. This is because the coast guard consists of one boat, which is insufficient to patrol this huge region (150 n. miles). To reverse this situation and protect our endangered species and ecosystem, our plan is to acquire a powerful control boat. This would be manned by local government and municipality and used to patrol the region. We also want to set up a radio station so this boat can be in contact with all local fishing boats in the region. The locals can then report illegal activities to the control boat making it difficult for the illegal fishing activity to continue." We are sending this letter on their behalf, because although they are able to define their situation, they are unable to implement the solutions due to a lack of finance and are therefore looking for ideas to help find this funding. Ultimately this would help to secure the future of creatures such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Loggerhead Sea Turtle and Green Turtle and help restore the fragile marine ecosystem to that which it was. If you know of any organization that would be interested in this kind of funding, we would be extremely grateful if you could let us know. Please reply directly to one of the following addresses. gucu(\)ims.metu.edu.tr acemal(\)escortnet.com yours sincerely, Ali Cemal Gucu, Ph.D. Middle East Technical University Institute of Marine Sciences, P.O.Box 28. Erdemli 33731 Icel, Turkey Tel:+90 324 521 3434 Fax:+90 324 521 2327 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 20:12:13 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: newsclip - whalewatching and effects on whales (fwd) Forwarded message: From: NAMMACETA(\)aol.com I organized my first whale watch excursions in 1978, and took my first boat load of passengers to Stellwagen Bank in 1979. I have not missed a season since. That gives me a fairly decent historical perspective on the New England whale watching industry. Since the mid-1980s, the numbers of whale watching vessels using the Bank, as well as the sizes and speeds of those vessels, have not appreciably changed. If a whale watch vessel strikes a whale, there will be a rapid and predictable reaction. Most whale watch vessels carry 100-200 passengers. Obviously then, news of the strike will not be a secret, and may be in the media even before the vessel reaches its dock. That probably would not be the case with most other vessels. Speed limits on all vessels, no matter how tantalizing and well meaning that may be, are pointless without enforcement. And everyone who actually spends time on Stellwagen Bank knows that the idea is pointless. Nina Young may suggest revisiting the issue of regulations. I suggest that Ms.Young visit Stellwagen Bank. The diversity and numbers of vessels traversing Stellwagen Bank, day and night, day after day, month after month, traveling at various speeds is uncontrollable. Whale watch vessels are an easy, attractive and pointless target. Regulatory zealots, in search of a grand headline, may relish regulating 15-20 whale watch boats, and then leave untouched the tankers, freighters, tugs and barges, countless private boats, sportfishing boats, cigarette boats, commercial fishing boats, cruise ships, naval armadas, container vessels, etc., etc., ad nauseum, that we, who actually spend time on the Bank, observe on a daily basis. If someone actually has an inclusive, funded and practical program, I believe that we would all like to see it. Scott Mercer, New England Whale Watch, Inc. Subject: Ken Norris >From the Marine Mammal Society Newsletter, September 1998,=20 Vol. 6, No. 3 World Wide Web Page: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/=20 Two of the early guiding forces for the field of Marine Mammal Science, as well as founders of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, have passed away this summer following extended illnesses. Kenneth S. Norris, 74, naturalist and Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and first President of SMM died on 16 August. John H. Prescott, 63, Director Emeritus of the New England Aquarium, died on 30 June. Norris and Prescott worked and published together while at Marineland of the Pacific four decades ago, then subsequently pursued independent efforts aiding in the development of the field of Marine Mammal Science. Kenneth S. Norris Ken Norris was an extraordinary natural historian, with both a broad and detailed undertanding of biological and ecological processes. Ken earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Zoology from UCLA, and in 1959 he received his Doctorate in Zoology from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla. He was hired as the founding curator at Marineland of the Pacific in 1953, and returned to UCLA in 1959 to teach herpetology and continue his earlier research on desert reptiles. He continued to be interested in marine life while at UCLA, and he became involved as the founding scientific director of the Oceanic Institute in Hawaii during 1968 to 1971. Ken then joined the faculty of the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he served as director of the Center for Coastal Marine Studies (now the Institute of Marine Sciences) and chairman of the Environmental Studies Department. He retired from UCSC in 1990 to devote more time to his writing, and had just completed a draft of his most recent book, "Mountain Time," prior to his hospitalization. Ken's research interests were diverse, incorporating such topics as the movements and acoustic behavior of sand dunes, circadian rhythms in snakes, the function of color changes in reptiles and amphibians, water temperature effects on intertidal fish, as well as a host of topics revolving around the biology, behavior, and sensory systems of cetaceans. Many of his contributions, such as his ground-breaking confirmation of the use of echolocation by dolphins, his initial species description of the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), his development of methods for studying cetacean social behavior above and below the water's surface, and the scientifically-planned release of captive dolphins have led to widespread research initiatives and conservation efforts. Much of the history of the field of Marine Mammal Science is chronicled through Ken's numerous scientific publications, as well as five books: "Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises" (1966), "The Porpoise Watcher" (1974), "Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of the Spinner Dolphin" (1991), "Dolphin Societies: Discoveries and Puzzles" (1991, with K. Pryor), and "The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin" (1994, with B. W=FCrsig, R.S. Wells, and M. W=FCrsig). Ken's commitment to conservation was unwavering, and was not limited to marine issues. He was among the first to bring to the forefront the issue of large-scale dolphin mortality in tuna seine nets in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, and devoted much effort to studying and trying to resolve this issue. He helped to craft the landmark Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and served as a scientific adviser to the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. He was the founder of the University of California's Natural Reserve System, which began as seven university-owned reserves in 1965, and now includes 33 reserves encompassing 120,000 acres of protected natural habitat throughout California, providing opportunities and needs for undergraduate student research. In June, a $4 million endowment from the Packard Foundation to the Natural Reserve System was named the Kenneth S. Norris Endowment Fund for the California Environment, in recognition of Ken's leadership role. Ken Norris' legacy also includes a loyal cadre of graduate and undergraduate students continuing to work throughout the world. Ken much enjoyed teaching and interacting with students, and his curiosity and powerful insights inspired many to open their minds to see what nature could show them. He was passionate in his pursuit of knowledge, but scientifically dispassionate in his consideration of data. Ken was truly an innovative thinker. He had a knack for developing novel hypotheses and then assembling teams of researchers to test them, more often than not with the result of confirming his initial insights. Ken Norris is survived by his wife, Phyllis, their three daughters, and a son. Contributions in his memory may be made to the UC Natural Reserve System, UC Office of the President, 1111 Franklin St., Sixth Floor, Oakland, CA 94607, or UCSC's Long Marine Laboratory, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. A celebration of Professor Norris' life involving family, friends, colleagues, students and former students worldwide is being planned for 24 October. For further information contact Tim Stephens at UCSC at (831) 459-2495. Organization: Defence Research Establishment Atlantic Subject: The Elusive Decibel (article available on web site) Hello all! Firstly, thanks for all the interest in the article by myself and Dale Ellis, entitled "The Elusive Decibel: Thoughts on Sonar and Marine Mammals". We have had about 150 requests for the article, equally divided between paper copies and .pdf files. We have also received many favourable comments from a wide range of readers. Some have made detailed comments, which have provided much food for thought. In view of the continued interest in the article, the Canadian Acoustical Association (the publishersof Canadian Acoustics) have put the article on their web site: http://www.uwo.ca/hhcru/caa/links.html It is still in .pdf format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (or the equivalent web-browser plug-in) to read it. We will continue to repond to direct requests for the article sent to dave.chapman(\)drea.dnd.ca Thanks again! Dave Chapman Defence Research Establishment Atlantic Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 03:36:32 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Current advances in Marine Mammal Science From: Andrew Schiro Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science) (CAMMS) was developed to help = keep researchers informed of current marine mammal publications. CAMMS has gone through a major upgrade.=A0 It is now a truely searchable database.=A0 Users can now import references into a Reference Manager or = ProCite database in one step and import references into EndNote or other referenc= e managers from a text file.=A0 CAMMS 2 requires version 3 browsers or high= er, preferably Netscape Navigator v3 or later, Microsoft Internet Explorer v3= or later.=A0 The text browser 'Lynx' also appears to work. The new address is http://camms.tamug.tamu.= edu.=20 The old addresswill forward you to the current site for the next few week= s. Remember that we do this is an altruistic service. If you know of any new references (include any new reports, thesis, etc) that are not contained = here, e-mail them to me. Abstracts are great but not necessary. Also adding a f= ew keywords will help others find the reference. This new version of CAMMS is a cooperative project with the Marine Mammal Research Program (Texas A&M University).=A0 Thanks Bernd. Thanks also should go to Jan Herrmann for not only finding new references= but most importantly getting all of our new additions into the proper format.= =A0 Hopefully his job will be much easier now with the new software.=A0 CAMMS= is just as much his as mine. Please remember that CAMMS is a limited resource and researchers are encouraged to also search the library paper and electronic copies of Zoological Reco= rd, Biological Abstracts, etc. for relevant and useful references that date b= efore the beginning of this site. Andy Schiro Andrew Schiro 1341 Kentucky Lawrence KS, 66044 USA schiroa(\)midusa.net Subject: A memorial celebration and tribute to Ken Norris (fwd) Forwarded by: mothermac(\)aol.com (Diana McIntyre) A memorial celebration and tribute to Ken Norris is planned for Saturday, October 24, 1998 starting at 1pm at UC Santa Cruz. This is the first formal announcement at the request of the Norris family. The event will focus on joyous words, music, and inspiration. There will be opportunities to offer individual and group expressions and to reunite with freinds and colleagues. Additional details will follow as soon as possible. Please help us spread the word. Thank you. Lawrence D. Ford, PhD Institute for Sustainable Development Co-chair (with Gary Griggs) of the memorial planning group _____________________________________________________________________________ To help with event planning, please e-mail a short note to martha(\)zzyx.ucsc.edu. A brief message such as "I will attend" or "Four of us will attend" is all you need to send. __________________________________________ Subject: Whale skeleton preparation Calling all "Igor"-types ! I'm looking for information on how to prepare a minke whale skeleton for display. We're up to our eyeballs in a 30 foot long, 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. Any information anyone could send our way would be greatly appreciated. So far we've cleaned, separated and boiled the bones and we have them soaking in an industrial-strength floor stripper which seems to be dislodging the oil from within the bones quite nicely. We have been trying to accelerate the process and hope to finish the cleaning process within a few weeks. Questions remaining: How best to clean the baleen plates. Any tips on alternative ways to extract the oil from the bones and preserve them for display. Information regarding marine mamal skeleton preparation seems to be a scarce commodity and a well-guarded secret. Again, any leads would be greatly appreciated! Thanks to anyone who could help us along.. Ian Wyndlow for the GREMM, in Tadoussac, Quebec.Can. gremm(\)fjord-best.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 10:03:45 -0700 From: Ellen Hines -- Graduate Student Subject: request for information on humpbacks in Abrolhos, Brazil In my research on global whale conservation and ecotourism, I have come acroos some popular magazine coverage of the Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos, in the state of Bahia, in Brazil. I haven't been able to find literature on formal research being done on the humpback population or the emerging whale-w atching industry in the area. Does anyone on the list have any information? I will summarize what i receive. Ellen Hines Whale Research Lab University of Victoria Victoria BC, Canada ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 08:00:20 -0400 From: Gene Buck Subject: Correction and apology -- wrong URL for CRS Grad Recruit Program fishhabitat(\)mail.orst.edu, fishfolk(\)mitvma.mit.edu, marbio(\)mote.org, sherman(\)nasw.org, fish.sci(\)segate.sunet.se, afs-l(\)wyoming.com Interested parties: Sincere and deepest apologies for sending a wrong URL in my earlier message of Sept. 16th. The correct information is as follows: Information on summer intern recruitment for the Congressional Research Service's 1999 Graduate Recruit Program has been posted at: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/99grad.html Note that specific recruitment is being undertaken to hire a "natural resources policy analyst." Please make this information available to interested and qualified graduate students. Gene Buck, gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 18:20:25 +0200 From: Carles Carboneras Subject: CMS website renovated completely ukbirdnet(\)dcs.bbk.ac.uk, BIRDBAND(\)LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU The Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) is pleased to announce the complete renovation of its website. The site contains official documents and updated information on CMS activities and those of its related Agreements. These concern mainly the conservation of: - Bats in Europe - African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds - Small cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas - Cetaceans of the Mediterranean and Black Seas - Seals in the Wadden Sea - Siberian Cranes - Slender-billed Curlews Other relevant novelties include a new 'FAQ' section (on migration, animals, conservation and CMS), new 'Events/Meetings' section, renovated 'News' and 'Links' sections and also the possibility to request official documents online. All this in a new interface, with more graphics and in-built frames so as to make surfing speedier and more attractive. The renovation has concentrated on the English version; French and Spanish versions will follow in due course, as resources allow. The location of the website remains unchanged at http://www.wcmc.org.uk/cms. It is the result of a long-term co-operation with and the assistance from the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, for which the UNEP/CMS Secretariat is most grateful. A special effort is being put to keep the site up to date now and in the future and to provide useful information to the Parties, to interested professionals and to the general public. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are all welcome. In addition, we would like to invite webmasters to link their related websites to CMS and subsequently inform us, should they like to do so. Sincerely, Carles Carboneras ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Carles Carboneras Information Officer Convention on Migratory Species UNEP/CMS Secretariat United Nation Premises in Bonn Martin-Luther-King-Str. 8 D-53175 Bonn, Germany Tel. (49 228) 815 24 01 / 02 Fax. (49 228) 815 24 49 Internet: http://www.wcmc.org.uk/cms ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 18:27:06 -0700 From: Joe Olson Subject: First public discussion on Makah Whaling The first public discussion on the issue of the Makah gray whale hunt was held Wednesday, 23 September 1998 at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. The 4 members on the discussion panel were Makah tribal leaders Ben and Keith Johnson, Toni Frohoff of the Humane Society of the US and Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The debate was video taped for the television show "Town Meeting." The program will be shown on the Seattle television station KOMO, channel 4, on 27 September at 6:00pm. The show is also carried by the Prime Star Satellite system, so it can be seen throughout most of North America as well as other countries. Look for "KOMO TV" on Prime Star. Unfortunately, neither transcripts nor video copies of the show are available from the television station. I will be recording a video of the show for my records and have been given permission to make limited copies for other interested parties. Please contact me by e-mail if you would like a copy of the show and I'll make a copy free of charge. I just ask that you send me a blank VHS video tape. This is a good opportunity for those of us involved in marine mammal research and conservation to observe how the Makah and the general public are approaching to the whaling issue. ------------------------------- Joseph R. Olson Cetacean Research Technology 7309 26th Avenue NW Seattle, WA 98117 USA Telephone: +1 206-297-1310 mailto:olson(\)cetaceanresearch.com http://www.cetaceanresearch.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 14:19:42 EDT From: DUNNL(\)aol.com Subject: MYSTIC AQUARIUM VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS poets(\)calc.vet.uga.edu, stsmith7(\)vt.edu, dabt(\)mbl.edu ------ A STUDENT GUIDE TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS Introduction Since its inception in the mid 1970's the Veterinary Externship Program = of the Department of Research and Veterinary Services (RAVS) at Mystic Aquar= ium has welcomed scores of veterinary students from institutions worldwide. = Over the years the program has evolved as our needs and experiences have chang= ed. The current program places substantial emphasis on a student's research project which in some way utilizes our facilities, animal collection, dat= a bases or other assets to address a question which either the applying stu= dent or an Aquarium staff member has identified as of interest to our institut= ion. Most externship research projects require more than three and less than s= ix weeks. This includes a brief overview of aquarium operations through sho= rt (one to two day) rotations through our Laboratory, Aquatic Bird, Fish, Invertebrate and Marine Mammal Husbandry areas. We suggest that students interested in more clinical exposure in these areas schedule time in addi= tion to that required for the research project. Our program ordinarily accepts a maximum of eight students per year, and attempts to schedule them in a non-overlapping fashion. To accommodate t= he different methods whereby students are allocated blocks of time for preceptorships, externships etc., we accept students on a rolling admissi= ons basis. Applications for Summer externships ordinarily exceed available openings. You are encouraged to submit your application early. 1. Admission Procedures: Contact Dr. Dunn regarding your proposed resear= ch project and for assistance in planning the study. Avoid proposing a stud= y that involves invasive techniques on live animals unless you or a collaborating faculty member from your institution has some special exper= tise that might justify such procedures. All projects must be approved by our staff Research Review Committee and those involving invasive procedures m= ust be reviewed by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Studies done in collaboration with another institution may also require approval from that institution's IACUC prior to final approval by Mystic. Some research projects may be supervised by other staff members (e.g. laboratory or husbandry staff). If this is the case, you will be instruc= ted to contact these individuals to make certain that the needs of the projec= t can be met within the constraints of departmental operations. Planning and approvals take time. We therefore encourage students to begin the proces= s early, even before elective blocks have been scheduled by their college. Once the project details have been addressed and an acceptable time frame= has been established, contact the Intern/Extern Coordinator, Serena Bates at 860-572-5955 Ext. 204 to formally register for the program. The Coordina= tor can answer administrative questions and may have suggestions for locating housing. Extern Guide Page 2. 2. Research Proposal: Once a student's project has been accepted in principle, a detailed research proposal must be submitted to our Research Review Committee. Forms are available from the Intern Coordinator. The student should also provide a complete list of research expendables which= will be utilized during the course of the study. This should be submitted as = early as possible. 3. Duties: Conduct and complete the approved research project. As time = and conditions permit, assist the veterinary staff with clinical cases. If t= ime allows after completion of the project, rotate through the laboratory and various husbandry sections. Externs are asked to present a short (15-25 = min.) seminar on the project and its results for the staff. Students should pr= ovide copies of their written report to the Research and Education Departments. 4. Compensation: On a funds available basis, Mystic Aquarium may provide stipends to assist some veterinary externs with the cost of research expendables, housing and transportation. The determination of the amount awarded is based on a combination of factors including, but not limited t= o, the value of the extern's contribution to the Aquarium and its goals, the= cost of research expendables and the level of funding available to support the Aquarium's veterinary education program. Stipends usually do not exceed = $500. 5. Attire: Veterinary externs are expected to dress in the same manner a= s aquarium staff members. This consists of an aquarium uniform shirt and k= haki pants or shorts. Uniform shirts or sweatshirts are sometimes available f= or loan to students during their stay. If appropriately sized uniform items= are not available for loan, students must purchase required items. 6. Conduct: Mystic Aquarium is a public institution which is visited by hundreds of thousands of guests each year. To the public, veterinary ext= erns are indistinguishable from our staff. Since the appearance and activitie= s of externs reflect on our institution we expect the same high standards of conduct, presentation, and professionalism from our externs as we do from= our staff members. 7. Evaluations: Student evaluation: At the end of the externship the student=92s performance will be evaluated by his/her immediate supervisor= and by Dr. Dunn. The student will receive a copy of the evaluation. If your academic institution also requires an evaluation please make certain that= all necessary forms are turned in at the beginning of your externship. Some = state licensing authorities require special certification letters listing the details of the externship experience. If your state or school has any sp= ecial certification requirements please make certain that we are made aware of = this. Program evaluation: We request that each extern provide a written evaluation of their externship experience. This will enable us to identi= fy strengths and weaknesses in the program and enable us to improve the experience for future externs. Please contact: Dr. J. Lawrence Dunn MYSTIC AQUARIUM 55 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860 572-5955 ext. 103 Fax: 860 572-5969 e-mail: DUNNL(\)AOL.COM ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 08:55:22 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: A Bronze Age dolphin processing site in Oman (fwd) From: Chris(\)cwinkelb.demon.co.uk (Chris Mosseri-Marlio) Work is now almost complete on an archaeological assemblage of approximately 5000 cetacean fragments from Ra's al-Hadd, Oman. The species identified at the site include T. truncatus, D. delphis and one, possibly 2 stennelids. The location of the bones on a sandspit between the open ocean and a lagoon with a weir like structure may suggest that dolphins were being chased into the lagoon and then harvested as necessary. Butchery marks in stylohyals and first sternal ribs may indicate fat extraction and hide removal. The dolphin assemblage indicates that they were probably the most important meat resource on the site. The findings will be published in the British Museum's monograph on the site in the upcoming year. In trying to reconstruct the subsistence patterns from this period, it would be useful to know the nutritive values of dolphin meat. I would be grateful to hear from anyone having information on its vitamin, protein and mineral content, preferably from published referenced that could be cited in the report. Thank you. Chris Mosseri-Marlio Institute of Archaeology 31-34 Gordon Square London, England WC1H 0PY tel 00 44 1892 513963 fax 00 44 1892 518682 Subject: SE Florida Marine Mammal Survey from- Professor Keith Ronald (kronald(\)nsu.acast.nova.edu) Oceanographic Center Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania, Florida, 33304, USA. Adjunct Professor, Marine Mammals and Environmental Studies. After reviewing the literature and from personal obseravtions we are now trying to establish the distribution of all known marine mammals that are resident, transient (seasonal) in the S.E. Florida coastal waters. If you have anecdotal, personal or scientific sightings, it would be helpful if you would complete and return the short form below :- | Question: 1) I have seen ___, heard of ____, read of ____ in S.E. Florida waters: Small whales (dolphins, etc.) - Date: Species: Position: Lat. Long: 2) I have seen __, heard of ____,read of ____ in S.E. Florida waters: Large whales - Date: Species: Position: Lat. Long. 3) I have seen ___, heard of ____ read of ____. in S.E. Florida waters: Manatee - Date: Species: Position: Lat. Long. 4) I have seen ___, heard of ____, in S.E. Florida waters: Seals, sea lions (recognize that many would be exotics, but please let us know) - Date: Species: Position: Lat. Long. -We will bring all material together and it will supplement the information we have already gathered from the published literature, and be used to complete a research project on environmental effects natural and man-made on these species. I will post a summary of the results.Thank you for your help in this matter. Professor K. Ronald e-mail: kronald(\)nsu.acast.nova.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:07:04 +0200 Reply-To: "Dr. Vic Cockcroft" From: "Dr. Vic Cockcroft" Subject: Kogia sp stranded alive Dear Marmammers Once again I'm looking for help. A 2.7 m Kogia sp stranded alive this morning and the Port Elizabeth Museum is attempting to stabilise, treat and rehab the animal. However, they lack knowledge and experience re: this genus and proceedures for rehab. Please would anyone with any ideas, suggestions etc. (haematology values, treatments etc.) please contact them asap at: Sylvia Van Zyl svanzyl(\)icon.co.za Thanks in advance. Vic Cockcroft pemvgc(\)zoo.upe.ac.za cdsvgc(\)iafrica.com pemddy(\)zoo.upe.ac.za cdswhale(\)global.co.za Dr Vic Cockcroft & Debbie Young Southern Whale & Seal Centre For Dolphin Studies Box 1856 Plettenberg Bay 6600 South Africa Phone/Fax: 27 + 4457 + 9808 cell: 27 + 82 + 677 4742 / 83 + 655 + 6903 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 07:41:58 PDT From: Carolina Garcia Subject: Thesis on the web I sent an abstract some 2 months ago about the ecology of Sotalia and Tursiops in a colombian bay: GARCIA I., CAROLINA. 1998. Movimientos y uso de habitat de los delfines costeros Sotalia fluviatilis y Tursiops truncatus en la Bahma de Cispata, Atlantico Colombiano. Tesis de grado, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota. (Movements and habitat use of Sotalia fluviatilis and Tursiops truncatus in the Cispata Bay, Colombian Caribbean Coast) It is now available through the web at: http://wwwest.uniandes.edu.co/~an-parra/caro.htm The images links are not ready yet, but they should be by the end of the next week. Any trouble getting the images, please contact an-parra(\)uniandes.edu.co (Andres Parra). It is in spanish. Carolina Garcia garciacaro(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 05:31:30 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 4th IWLC: Revised Panels (fwd) From: "JIWLP" Apologies for cross-listings. The panels for the 4th Annual International Wildlife Law Conference have been revised; thus, the deadline for proposals has also been extended. Call For Papers/Preliminary Announcement: 4th Annual International Wildlife Law Conference The 4th Annual International Wildlife Law Conference will take place on March 20, 1999 at American University's School of Law in Washington, DC. The conference focuses on the effectiveness of wildlife treaties and national legislation in protecting endangered species of fauna and flora. The conference's sponsors are: the American Society of International Law's Wildlife Interest Section; the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University; the Environmental Law Society of the Washington College of Law at American University; Kluwer Law International; and the University of Nottingham School of Law. The three panels for the 1999 conference will be: * International legal efforts to conserve tigers; * The effectiveness of regional wildlife treaty regimes; * Case studies of implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species at the national level. Speakers will be afforded the opportunity to publish articles growing out of their presentations in a special symposium issue of the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to make a presentation, please send a brief abstract via e-mail, JIWLP(\)earthling.net, or fax to the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy: 510.452-9266 by October 10. Limited funding will be available for speakers traveling from overseas to Washington. Please also contact us if you wish to be placed on the mailing list for the conference program and registration materials. For additional information about the conference, including past programs, go to: http://eelink.net/~asilwildlife/index.htm Subject: marine mammal platelet research Hello Marmammers, I am a graduate student at the University of California Davis, and am studying marine mammal platelets for my thesis. Many marine mammals are deep divers, and as rapid decompression is known to affect (activate) platelets in terrestrial mammals, I am interested in finding out how diving mammal platelets are able to adapt to such extreme forces (decompression and extreme temperatures to which these mammals dive). My lab has done extensive studies on platelets, lipids, and membrane biophysics, all of which will be useful in my studies. My literature searches revealed only one other study on any marine mammal species and platelets (Aggregation of Killer Whale Platelets, Patterson et al; Thrombosis Research 1993), and I was wondering if anyone has any experience working with marine mammal platelets. Specifically, one of the problems I have run into is the high amount of lipid content in the platelet-rich plasma (from elephant and harbor seals), and I was curious as to whether this occurs in the PRP of all marine mammals, and how to seperate out the lipids. Any information and observations about marine mammal platelets is gratefully welcomed. Please respond to Cara Field at ( clfield(\)ucdavis.edu ). Thank you, Cara Field ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 05:40:27 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: faculty position (fwd) FACULTY POSITION IN PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY OR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY The Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, announces a tenure-track position to be filled at the Associate or advanced Assistant rank by September 1999. We seek an individual using quantitative and/or molecular approaches to integrate various biological sub-disciplines with ecology and evolution, such as physiological ecology (e.g., endocrine disrupters, physiological impact of environmental change, reproductive biology of endangered species, etc), conservation biology, or conservation genetics (e.g., genetic structure of small and/or fragmented populations, inbreeding depression, etc.). The individual is expected to develop a rigorous, externally funded research program, and to participate in directing graduate student (MS and PhD) research. Teaching duties will include participation in undergraduate/graduate courses in the area of ecology/evolutionary biology, data analysis, and the candidate's specialty. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree; postdoctoral experience will be advantageous. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, statement of research and teaching interests, and three letters of recommendation by November 1, 1998 to Search Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006. The University of Cincinnati is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. -- Guy N. Cameron Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006 VOICE: (513) 556-9700; -9740 FAX: (513) 556-5299 Email: g.cameron(\)uc.edu Subject: misc abstracts (fwd) Here are some recent marine mammal abstracts. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Contact information is provided below each abstract. Thank you. *********************************** Relationship between organochlorine contaminants and mixed function oxidase activity in skin biopsy specimens of Mediterranean fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Marsili, L; Fossi, MC; diSciara, GN; Zanardelli, M; Nani, B; Panigada, S; Focardi, S. CHEMOSPHERE. October 1998 v37 i8 p1501-1510 The relationship between organochlorine contaminants (PCBs and DDTs) and mixed function oxidase, benzo(a)pyrene monooxigenase activity (BPMO), was investigated in skin biopsy specimens from fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) of the Mediterranean Sea. Skin biopsy material sampled by a non invasive technique, is suitable for a wide range of chemical and biomarker analysis. In this study PCBs and DDTs were evaluated in subcutaneous blubber and MFO activity in epidermis. An interesting correlation was found in male specimens between the two variables. Reprints Marsili, L UNIV SIENA DIPARTIMENTO BIOL AMBIENTALE, VIA CERCHIA 3 SIENA I-53100 ITALY *********************************** Global matrilineal population structure in sperm whales as indicated by mitochondrial DNA sequences. Lyrholm, T; Gyllensten, U. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. September 7, 1998 v265 i1406 p1679-1684 The genetic variability and population structure of worldwide populations of the sperm whale was investigated by sequence analysis of the first 5'L 330 base pairs in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. The study included a total of 231 individuals from three major oceanic regions, the North Atlantic, the North Pacific and the Southern Hemisphere. Fifteen segregating nucleotide sites defined 16 mtDNA haplotypes (lineages). The most common mtDNA types were present in more than one oceanic region, whereas ocean-specific types were rare. Analyses of heterogeneity of mtDNA type frequencies between oceans indicated moderate (G(ST)=0.03) but statistically significant (p=0.0007) genetic differentiation on a global scale. In addition, strong genetic differentiation was found between potential social groups (G(ST)=0.3-0.6), indicating matrilineal relatedness within groups. The global nucleotide diversity was quite low (pi=0.004), implying a recent common mtDNA ancestry (<100 000 years ago) and a young global population structure. However, within this time period, female dispersal has apparently been limited enough to allow the development of global mtDNA differentiation. The results are consistent with those from observational studies and whaling data indicating stable social affiliations, some degree of area fidelity and latitudinal range limitations in groups of females and juveniles. Reprints Lyrholm, T STOCKHOLM UNIV DEPT ZOOL STOCKHOLM S-10691 SWEDEN *********************************** Dive form and function in belugas Delphinapterus leucas of the eastern Canadian High Arctic. Martin, AR; Smith, TG; Cox, OP. POLAR BIOLOGY. September 1998 v20 i3 p218-228 The underwater behaviour of 11 belugas or white whales was examined during summer using time-at-depth records relayed by satellite-linked data-loggers. Simultaneous tracking information was obtained for each whale. Eight distinct dive profiles were identified in submergences made to depths of >40 m. Four of these, together comprising 84% of these ''deep'' dives, were of a square profile. They were characterised by a continuous descent to a particular depth (usually the sea bed), a ''bottom phase'' at or near that depth, and a direct ascent to the surface. These dives are presumed to be made for benthic foraging. Other, much less common, dive shapes were ''V''-shaped, parabolic and trapezoidal. ''Shallow'' dives (15-40 m depth) were of a variety of shapes, short duration and high average horizontal speeds. Many probably occurred during periods of directed travel. This population of belugas treats most of the water column as dead space separating resources of oxygen and nutrition. Reprints Martin, AR SEA MAMMAL RES UNIT HIGH CROSS, MADINGLEY RD CAMBRIDGE CB3 0ET ENGLAND *********************************** Characterizing the graded structure of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) vocalizations. Murray, SO; Mercado, E; Roitblat, HL. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. September 1998 v104 i3 par 1 p1679-1688 The vocalizations from two, captive false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) were analyzed. The structure of the vocalizations was best modeled as lying along a continuum with trains of discrete, exponentially damped sinusoidal pulses at one end and continuous sinusoidal signals at the other end.;Pulse trains were graded as a function of the interval between pulses where the minimum interval between pulses could be zero milliseconds. The transition from a pulse train with no inter-pulse interval to a whistle could be modeled by gradations in the degree of damping. There were many examples of vocalizations that were gradually modulated from pulse trains to whistles. There were also vocalizations that showed rapid shifts in signal type-for example, switching immediately from a whistle to a pulse train. These data have implications when considering both the possible function(s) of the vocalizations and the potential sound production mechanism(s). A short-time duty cycle measure was developed to characterize the graded structure of the vocalizations. A random sample of 500 vocalizations was characterized by combining the duty cycle measure with peak frequency measurements. The analysis method proved to be an effective metric for describing the graded structure of false killer whale vocalizations. Reprints Murray, SO UNIV CALIF DAVIS CTR NEUROSCI DAVIS, CA 95616 USA *********************************** A comparison of human and killer whale platelet fatty acid composition. Patterson, WR; Leslie, MD; McGlasson, DL. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. June 1998 v120 i2 p247-252 Activation of blood platelets and their subsequent aggregation results from the interactions of several complex metabolic pathways. Considered to be of critical importance are the platelet lipids. Subsequent to platelet activation, several membrane lipids undergo hydrolysis and the free fatty acids are metabolized to prostanoids which mediate platelet function in response to vascular injury. It is conceivable then, that differences in platelet membrane fatty acid content could result in significant differences in platelet responses to aggregatory stimuli, especially between species. The objective of this study was to identify specific differences in fatty acid content between human and killer whale platelets. Blood was collected, washed platelets were prepared, and platelet fatty acids were extracted. Methyl esters of the extracted fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography and reported as relative concentrations. Analysis of the data revealed significant differences between the two species for several relevant fatty acids, i.e. 16:0 (P < 0.05), and 18:0, 18:1, 18.2, and 20:4 (P < 0.001). The differences in platelet fatty acid composition and concentration may explain at least some of the differences in platelet function which have previously been identified between these species. Reprints Patterson, WR UNIV TEXAS MED BRANCH, RES DEV SERV, 3-114 ADM BLDG, 301 UNIV BLVD GALVESTON, TX 77555 USA *********************************** Phantom echo generation: A new technique for investigating dolphin echolocation. Aubauer, R; Au, WWL. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. September 1998 v104 i3 part1 p1165-1170 In behavioral experiments where real targets are used to investigate dolphin echolocation, it is often very difficult to extract the relevant echo parameters that the animals use to discriminate or classify. The complex relationship between the physical dimensions and the reflection characteristic of real targets prevents separate control of various echo parameters of the stimuli presented in an echolocation experiment. A new echo simulation method presented in this paper avoids this problem. Dolphin echolocation sounds are transformed with the target impulse response into artificial echoes, which are played back to the animal. The phantom echo system is implemented on a digital signal processing board and gives an experimenter fully programmable control over the echo generating process and the echo structure itself. Echoes of several underwater targets were simulated to evaluate the quality of the method. A comparison of simulated echoes with the original echoes demonstrated very good agreement independent of the incident signal (cross-correlation coefficient >0.95). The method has tremendous potential for investigating animal echolocation and understanding biosonar signal processing. Reprints Aubauer, R NIV ERLANGEN NURNBERG INST ZOOL 2 ERLANGEN D-91058 GERMANY *********************************** Radionuclides (Cs-137 and K-40) in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from British and Irish coastal waters. Berrow, SD; Long, SC; McGarry, AT; Pollard, D; Rogan, E; Lockyer, C. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. August 1998 v36 i8 p569-576 Mean concentrations of Cs-137 and K-40 in harbour porpoise are presented. Concentrations of Cs-137 in porpoises originating from the Irish Sea were elevated relative to those from the Celtic Sea, Atlantic seaboard and the North Sea. Concentrations of K-40 were comparable between samples from all locations and similar to those reported elsewhere. Concentration factors (CF) determined for Irish Sea porpoise did not differ significantly from those measured for other regions. The dose arising from Cs-137 and K-40 was dominated by the internal component. As most of the total dose was attributable to the naturally occurring K-40, it is unlikely that the increased dose due to the anthropogenic input of radionuclides has a detrimental effect on the health of Irish Sea porpoise. Elevated concentrations of Cs-137 in porpoises from the Irish Sea suggest they may be resident in the area. Reprints Berrow, SD BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY SEA MAMMAL RES UNIT, HIGH CROSS, MADINGLEY RD CAMBRIDGE CB3 0ET ENGLAND *********************************** Gut length, food transit time and diving habit in phocid seals. Martensson, PE; Nordoy, ES; Messelt, EB; Blix, AS. POLAR BIOLOGY. September 1998 v20 i3 p213-217 The southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) has the ability to dive for 2 h and reach depths of 1200 m. This creature is also exceptional in having a small intestine that is 25 times body length. Krockenberger and Bryden advanced the hypothesis that the long small intestine has developed to compensate for the extended periods with reduced or even abolished intestinal blood perfusion during diving. To test this hypothesis we have measured small-intestinal lengths in crabeater (Lobodon carcinophagus), Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii), Ross (Ommatophoca rossi), leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx), harp (Phoca groenlandica), ringed (Phoca hispida) and hooded (Cystophora cristata) seals and related them to available data on their maximal dive duration. We found no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between intestinal length relative to body length and diving ability, but we found that small-intestinal internal area was significantly (P < 0.05) related to body length. A crude scanning electron microscopical examination of the small intestines of Weddell, crabeater, hooded and harp seals failed to reveal any gross anatomical differences between small-intestinal surfaces. This suggests that gut dimension in this variety of phocid species with widely differing diving ability is not related to diving habit, but is instead related to body size. The transit time of digesta was determined in two 1-year-old harp seals by use of radiopaque polyethylene rings of 4-mm diameter followed by X-ray examination, as markers for the solid phase passage, and chromium ethylene-diaminetetra acetic acid (Cr-EDTA) as marker for the liquid phase. The transit time for the Cr-EDTA marker was 6.9 h +/- 0.5 SE (range 4.5-8 h, n = 7), while 80% of the polyethylene markers appeared in the colon after 17.6 h +/- 1.0 SE (range 14-21.5 h, n = 6) and were sometimes retained in the colon for several hours before defecation. These transit times did not change significantly (P > 0.05) in response to repetitive diving over a period of 8 h. This indicates that the often-used Cr-EDTA is not a good measure for digesta passage time when used alone in seals, and that the hypothesis of Krockenberger and Bryden is most likely wrong. Reprints Martensson, PE UNIV TROMSO DEPT ARCTIC BIOL TROMSO N-9037 NORWAY ********************************** Effects of buoyancy on the diving behavior of northern elephant seals. Webb, PM; Crocker, DE; Blackwell, SB; Costa, DP; LeBoeuf, BJ. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY. August 1998 v201 i16 p2349-2358 Marine mammals experience radical seasonal changes in body composition, which would be expected to affect their buoyancy in the water, The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between such changes in buoyancy and diving behavior in northern elephant seals Mirounga angustirostris. This was achieved by modifying the buoyancy of 13 juvenile elephant seals translocated from Ano Nuevo State Reserve, CA, USA, and released at various sites in Monterey Bay, CA, USA. The buoyancy of each seal was calculated and was increased or decreased using syntactic foam or lead weights, and their diving behavior was recorded as they returned to Ano Nuevo, The seals were divided into three groups: increased buoyancy (B+), reduced buoyancy (B-) and control seals (Bc), Mean descent rates were 0.77+/-0.3 m s(-1) for the B+ seals, 0.82+/-0.2 m s(-1) for the control seals and 0.87+/-0.3 m s(-1) for the B- seals, and were significantly different. Mean ascent rates for the three treatments were 0.82+/-0.3 m s(-1) for the B+ seals, 0.86+/-0.3 m s(-1) for the control seals and 0.82+/-0.3 m s(-1) for the B- seals, All the B+ seals ascended faster than they descended, while four of the five B- seals descended faster than they ascended. There was a significant negative correlation between buoyancy and descent rate, with less buoyant seals descending faster than more buoyant seals. There was, however, no correlation between ascent rate and buoyancy. This suggests that seals may use negative buoyancy to drift passively during descent, but that all seals may swim continuously during ascent. There was a significant correlation between buoyancy and the drift descent rate of C-type drift dives, including upwards drift in the most buoyant seal. Buoyancy was not correlated with diving depth, trip duration, dive duration or surface-interval duration. This study demonstrates that buoyancy plays a significant role in shaping diving behavior in northern elephant seals and that elephant seals may adjust their behavior to suit their buoyancy, rather than adjusting their buoyancy to suit a dive, This study also validated the truncated cones method of calculating body composition in this species by comparing it with body composition determined using tritium dilution. Reprints Webb, PM UNIV CALIF SANTA CRUZ DEPT BIOL SANTA CRUZ, CA 95064 USA ********************************** Composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver of freshwater and marine ringed seals (Phoca hispida ssp.) differs largely due to the diet of the seals. Kakela, R; Hyvarinen, H. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. June 1998 v120 i2 p231-237 Fatty acid composition in the liver of four ringed-seal (Phoca hispida ssp.) populations, from ocean (Spitsbergen), brackish water (the Baltic Sea) and freshwater (Lake Saimaa and Lake Ladoga) were determined by gas liquid chromatography. The fatty acid compositions in liver were compared with those of the blubber of the seals, which largely reflect the fatty acid supply from marine or freshwater fish. When the ratios of 20:4n-6/20:5n-3 (arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid, AA/EPA, from 0.06 to 0.55) and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA (n-6/n-3, from 0.09 to 0.35) increased from the marine to freshwater blubber, the corresponding increase in these ratios in the total lipids of the liver was 10-fold or more (AA/EPA: from 1.2 to 13.5 and n-6/n-3: from 0.9 to 3.2). Thus, when available in the diet, AA is preferentially incorporated into the lipids of pinniped liver. Reprints Kakela, R UNIV JOENSUU DEPT BIOL, POB 111 JOENSUU FIN-80101 FINLAND ********************************** Sea otter decline. Henderson, S. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. August 1998 v36 i8 p565-565 no abstract or reprint address available. Subject: Input on MMPA issues for the 106th Congress (fwd) From: Gene Buck MARMAMers: This is a second notice (first notice was posted on MARMAM on 2/25/98) that the Congressional Research Service is collecting input and information to support discussion of reauthorization and amendment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act during the 106th Congress (1999-2000). We anticipate producing a report similar to what was prepared in 1993 for the last MMPA reauthorization debate -- CRS Report 93-185 ENR, The Marine Mammal Protection Act: Reauthorization Issues. This report identified a multitude of issues that might have/could have been considered during reauthorization debate and provided a brief background discussion of the concerns relating to each issue (see the example on "Documentary Films" appended at the end of this message). Some of you may recall my request for input in 1993 and may have provided helpful suggestions of issues that might arise during reauthorization. This input was extremely important in highlighting concerns and stimulating congressional discussion on a multitude of issues. I want to thank the 10 individuals who have already responded to my 2/25/98 request and provided input. The point of this message is to announce that I'm continuing to solicit input indentifying potential issues, that will help me prepare a background document for the 106th Congress. I'd like to hear from any and all of you who would like to comment or suggest issues (no identification of who contributed what issue will be provided -- anonymity of respondents is assured). Your response to this request can be as brief or as lengthy as you desire -- and please respond directly to me and not to the MARMAM list. My intent is to identify where folks may have reason to believe the MMPA could/should/might be amended to alter/improve how it currently works. Thus, it's most helpful for me if you clearly state what you believe is the problem/concern with the current MMPA and, if possible, how you believe this problem might be addressed. CRS reports are objective, non-partisan discussions of public policy issues; thus, input from all viewpoints is sought. Please pass this request for input along to other individuals or groups who may not see it on MARMAM, and could help to improve the inclusiveness of our draft. I anticipate beginning writing on this project next month (late October or early November), so any response or input would be helpful within the next few weeks. In addition, I anticipate posting a request later (probably late November or early December) to solicit several experts for a panel to review and comment on my draft report before I revise it and deliver it to Congress. Thanks again for your continued support and input. Gene Buck, Senior Analyst Congressional Research Service gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov fax: (202) 707-7289 Example of an issue section from CRS Report 93-185 ENR (remember this comments on the situation PRIOR to the 1994 MMPA amendments): Documentary Films =09Presently, it is questionable whether the MMPA provides a means for authorizing the potential take (e.g., harassment) of marine mammals in making documentary films. These films often are important educational tools, with the benefits of allowing this take possibly outweighing any harm. Therefore, advocates suggest amending the MMPA to specifically authorize NMFS and FWS to issue permits for the non-lethal take of marine mammals, including species designated as depleted, during documentary filming, when such taking would have negligible harm on the health or welfare of the affected individuals or populations.(1) Animal welfare groups, however, stress the need for sufficient regulation and oversight to prevent undue harassment of the subject animals. =09Opinion is mixed concerning whether Federal managers may already have the authority to issue permits allowing the take of marine mammals during production of documentary films under provisions in =A7104(c)(4), which may allow such takes for enhancing the survival or recovery of marine mammals. Additionally, some managers believe that takes that might occur during filming could also be allowed under =A7101(a)(5) of the Act (authorizing incidental small takes of marine mammals during specified activities, other than commercial fishing).(2) Others, however, questioned why these provisions haven't been used in this manner, if indeed such authority is clear. Administrative clarification on these points could help determine whether it may be helpful to amend the MMPA to address this concern. Footnotes: 1) Permits for the taking of endangered and threatened marine mammals could also be required under the authority of the ESA, which currently does not include any provision for documentary films. However, the enhancement permit authority under the ESA has been broadly construed and, in the eyes of the FWS and others, may suffice. 2) Some Federal managers disputed the potential use of this provision since the taking during filming would be direct, rather than incidental. Subject: MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list 2. Messages posted on MARMAM 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? 5. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 6. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 8. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 12. Useful websites 13. Other email discussion lists 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of September 1998 there were over 3,600 subscribers from 60 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform as possible (detailed below) but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information on these issues (ie. is not anti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg. slides, photographs) which will benefit marmam subscribers (eg. slides that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - A detailed subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are latekr posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. The MARMAM account cannot deal with attachments and any messages with attachments will not be sent. All information should therefore be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. NB. Many messages ask for information which would be of interest to many of the list subscribers. We therefore ask that a summary of responses is prepared and submitted back to the MARMAM list. Respondents to calls for information should therefore be aware that their response may be resubmitted to the entire list. Authors should therefore state that they do not wish their reply to go to the list, if this is the case. Summaries to the MARMAM list should fulfil other editorial criteria (relevent, concise, no flames, etc) ______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - THOSE UNRELATED TO MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION - ANIMAL RIGHTS CALLS FOR ACTION - "COMMUNICATION" BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - "CASUAL" REQUESTS for information that is easily available elsewhere. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). - INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION: information requests without details as to why this is being requested. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. - COMMON EVENTS: news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - REQUESTS FOR SMALL NUMBERS OF SPECIFIC ITEMS (eg. slides, photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - OPINION STATEMENTS OFFERING LITTLE OR NO NOVEL INFORMATION. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. - CRITICISMS OF RESEARCHER'S STATEMENTS QUOTED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. - RHETORIC: messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES - JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 5. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). Two searchable websites hold archived MARMAM postings: Links to both of these can be found via the MARMAM homepage http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm http://www.escribe.com/science/marmam/ This archive includes all messages from June 2 1998 and the monthly logs dating back to January 1995. The archive can be searched by keyword and will return a list of files (messages) containing that keyword. For long messages (i.e., the monthly logs) - using the "find" command (under "Edit") will speed up searching within the message. http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive contains all messages from November 1997. To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. The archive manager is Quyen Lam __________________________________________________________________ 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. _______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 12. Useful websites Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ______________________________________________________ 13. Other email discussion lists Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, Sara Ellis, Shannon Gowans or Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated October 1, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 04:40:51 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: dolphin object recognition (fwd) From: Louis M Herman Seeing through sound: Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) perceive the spatial structure of objects through echolocation. Herman, L. M.; Pack, A. A.; Hoffmann-Kuhnt, M. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY, 1998, v112, i 3, p292-305 Experiment 1 tested a dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) for cross-modal recognition of 25 unique pairings of 8 familiar, complexly shaped objects, using the senses of echolocation and vision. Cross-modal recognition was errorless or nearly so for 24 of the 25 pairings under both visual to echoic (V-E) matching and echoic to visual matching (E-V). First-trial recognition occurred for 20 pairings under V-E and for 24 under E-V. Echoic decision time under V-E averaged only 1.88 s. Experiment 2 tested 4 new pairs of objects for 24 trials of V-E and 24 trials of E-V without any prior exposure of these objects. Two pairs yielded performance significantly above chance in both V-E and E-V. Also, the dolphin matched correctly on 7 of 8 1st trials with these pairs. The results support a capacity for direct echoic perception of object shape by this species and demonstrate that prior object exposure is not required for spontaneous cross-modal recognition. Reprints Herman, L Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory 1129 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu HI 96814 USA lherman(\)hawaii.edu Subject: 3rd Quarter Edition of the MMPA Bulletin Vicki Cornish The NMFS Office of Protected Resources has just published the 3rd Quarter edition of the MMPA Bulletin. The articles in this issue include: Differentiating Serious and Non-Serious Injury Activists Charged in Dolphin Release Recent Stranding Events Contaminants and Biomonitoring Program 1998 List of Fisheries Small Takes of Marine Mammals MMAP Posters Available Bycatch Reduction Strategies Protected Resources Profile: Robyn Angliss NMFS Hears from Stakeholders: Seal Harassment >From the Editors The MMPA Bulletin can also be found in PDF format on the Office of Protected Resources web site at: www.nmfs.gov/tmcintyr/prot_res.html in the Electronic Reading Room or under the Marine Mammal Programs section. To obtain a copy of the MMPA Bulletin or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Nicole Le Boeuf at nicole.leboeuf(\)noaa.gov. You can also call 301-713-2322 or write to NOAA/NMFS/F/PR/2, Attn. MMPA Bulletin, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 15:22:55 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Pressure/acoustic effects and marine mammals A few weeks ago, I posted information regarding an upcoming information transfer meeting (ITM) that the Minerals Management Service (US Dept of Interior) will be running, that includes a 1/2 day session (Dec 9) on the GulfCet II study (Gulf of Mexico cetaceans) and a full day session on pressure effects on marine mammals and sea turtles (Dec 10). The latter session's agenda is complete, and I am posting it below, because I suspect there will be some of you interested in coming to New Orleans to attend the meeting (especially since we managed to escape Hurricane Georges' wrath). If more information is desired, please check the Marmam archives for the ITM specifics (or contact me directly, and do not send your request to the entire Marmam list). Sincerely, Dagmar Fertl Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ****************************** Acoustic/Pressure Wave Effects on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles An Overview on use of Explosives by the GOM Offshore Industry Dr. David Leidel, Haliburton Energy Services An Overview on use of Seismic Devices by the GOM Offshore Industry Mr. Jack Caldwell, Geco-Prakla Marine Mammal Acoustic Studies Conducted in the GOM Dr. William Evans, Texas A&M University Highlights of the 1998 London Workshop on Seismic & Marine Mammals Dr. Mark Tasker, Joint Nature Conservation Committee U. S. Navy Concerns and Research Initatives for Acoustic/Explosive Effects Dr. Robert Gisiner, Office of Naval Research The MMS High Energy Sesimic Survey (HESS) Panel Dr. Mark Pierson, MMS Pacific Regional Office NMFS Acoustic Criteria Workshop and Related Activities Dr. Roger Gentry, NMFS Office of Protected Resources Behavioral Responses of Marine Mammals to Acoustic Disturbance Dr. W. John Richardson, LGL Ltd., Environmental Research Associates Acoustic/Explosive Effects on Sea Turtles Dr. Molly Lutcavage, New England Aquarium Acoustic/Explosive Effects on Marine Mammals Dr. Darlene Ketten, Woods Hole Oceanograhic Institution Panel Discussion - Mitigation and Regulation of Effects Dr. Robert Hofman, Marine Mammal Commission Mr. Ken Hollingshead, National Marine Fisheries Service (MMS Rep.) Geological and Geophysical Section Mr. Dan Allen, Chevron Production Company ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 17:49:53 EDT From: Dana Friedman Subject: please post Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center (FSLMMC) in Laguna Beach= , California is looking to place a male California Sea Lion in an appropria= te captive facility for the balance of its life. =93Peeps=94 (NMFS tag # Z-98-04-12-101) stranded on April 12, 1998 in Sou= th Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach, CA in a state of dehydration and malnutriti= on, and was estimated to be approximately six months of age at time of strand= ing. Upon examination, the animal was found to have bilateral cataracts with constricted pupils, resulting in blindness. =93Peeps=94 can be an aggres= sive feeder but is easily out competed and intimidated by other animals in his pool. On some occasions he has been observed exhibiting side-to-side roc= king behavior. Interested facilities should respond to this inquiry by e-mailing FSLMMC Senior Animal Care Supervisor Michele Hunter (mhunter(\)tacobell.com) and/o= r FSLMMC Board of Directors member Dana Friedman (danaworks(\)aol.com). ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 09:21:59 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Sigma Xi Grant Deadlines from Mammal-L ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Sigma Xi Grant Deadlines Author: Susan Loeb at ~smtp Date: 9/28/98 3:53 PM Students planning on submitting applications for Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid should note that the deadlines have been changed to Oct. 15th and March 15th. Faculty etc., please pass this message on to any students who may be applying. Also, grant applications may be downloaded from their website and/or submitted directly on the web (http://www.sigmaxi.org/giar/guidelines.htm). Thanks Susan C. Loeb Southern Research Station Department of Forest Resources Clemson University Clemson, SC 29634-1003 Phone: (864) 656-4865 Fax: (864) 656-1407 Email: sloeb(\)clemson.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 23:06:51 -0400 From: David Lusseau Subject: Sea Launch: Rockets to be sent from an ocean-based launchpad Dear all, I was wondering if anybody had more information about the Sealaunch program: does anybody know if any potential impact(s) on marine mammals has been assessed? Here is what I know of the program (from an article in Ciel et Espace Sept. 98): The Sea Launch program will allow to launch rockets from the equator which will greatly diminish the energy necessary to place satellites in orbit. Launch site: Pacific Ocean, S. Archipelo of Kiribati (South of Hawai) The Rocket is Ukranian, the floating base is built by the firm Kvaerner (Norway), and the operation is helped (supervised?) by Boeing. The floating base will be harbored at Long Beach, Ca between launches. The first launch is forecasted for the end of 1998. During the launch the floating base is supposed to sink of 17 m (51 ft). I would greatly appreciate any more information. Sincerely, David Lusseau dlusseau(\)fit.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1998 15:48:57 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1998 17:44:04 -0400 From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 10/02/98 New info and changes since 9/25/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 10/01/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals Makah Whaling. A hearing on a lawsuit against the U.S. Dept. of Commerce challenging the Makah whaling was scheduled for Sept. 17, 1998, before federal Judge Burgess in Tacoma, WA. On Sept. 21, 1998, U.S. District Judge Franklin Burgess (Tacoma, WA) dismissed the lawsuit and ruled that the Makah gray whale hunt could proceed. The lawsuit by Australian, British, and American animal rights groups, coastal tourboat operators, kayakers, and U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf had challenged how federal agencies handled efforts to resume Makah whaling. {On Sept. 29, 1998, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans personnel met in Port Angeles, WA, with officials from U.S. agencies to discuss details relating to impending Makah whaling.} [Assoc Press, personal communication] Canadian Seals and Groundfish. On Sept. 16, 1998, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson outlined a 3-stage process for evaluating seal consumption of cod stocks: 1) a December 1998 meeting of marine mammal and fishery scientists to refine analytical methods; 2) incorporation of refinements in the next round of cod assessments; and 3) synthesis of knowledge of seal consumption and impacts on prey populations. [Canadian Press] Harbor Porpoise Protection. On Sept. 16, 1998, NMFS published proposed regulations changing when, where, and how gillnet fishermen may fish in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, in an effort to reduce incidental harbor porpoise mortality from 2,000 animals annually to 400 animals. Expanded use of acoustic "pingers" will be required in the Gulf of Maine. [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] Canadian Seal Industry. In mid-September 1998, the Canadian Northwest Territory entity Qikqtaaluk Corp. (Baffin Island) signed a letter of intent with a Chinese corporation in New York City outlining development strategies for marketing and exporting seal products to China. [Canadian Press] Norwegian Whaling. On Sept. 14, 1998, Norwegian officials rejected an application from Iceland, filed in October 1997, requesting the Norwegian export of as much as 100 metric tons of minke whale blubber. [High North Alliance News, Reuters] Whale Watching Vessel Accidently Kills Whale. On Sept. 12, 1998, a whalewatching vessel operating out of Barnstable, MA, accidently struck and killed a 20-foot minke whale. Critics suggest excessive speed may have contributed to this accident. [Assoc Press] Keiko. On Sept. 10, 1998, Keiko arrived in Heimaey, Iceland, after a 9-hour non-stop flight aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane. [Assoc Press, Reuters, Free Willy Keiko Foundation press release] Acoustic Harassment. On Sept. 9-11, 1998, NMFS has scheduled a workshop discussion in Silver Spring, MD, by a panel of independent experts on technical aspects of the problem of marine mammals and anthropogenic noise. [Fed. Register] Swim-With-The-Dolphin Program Regulations. On Sept. 4, 1998, the Dept. of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published regulations in the Federal Register establishing standards for swim-with-the-dolphin programs. [Fed. Register, Reuters] Exporting Live Polar Bears from Canada. On Sept. 3, 1998, the Canadian province of Manitoba adopted new regulations to restrict the export of live polar bears. Such exports will be limited to orphan cubs with an approval process for zoos wishing to import bears. Zoos would have to meet certain requirements for approval. Manitoba would seek damages from zoos found to be abusing polar bears. [Reuters] NAMMCO Meeting. On Sept. 1-4, 1998, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) will hold its annual meeting in Oslo, Norway. The anticipated agenda includes reports on assessment of the central north Atlantic minke whale stock, updated information on harp and hooded seal populations, economic implications of marine mammal-fishery interactions, NAMMCO international observation scheme, and the future of sealing. [High North Alliance News] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. For additional information on items in this summary or their sources, Members and congressional staff may call Gene Buck (CRS-ENR) at 7-7262 or send a fax to 7-7289. This summary is available daily or weekly (each Friday) via e-mail to Members and congressional staff; requests from Members and congressional staff to be added to the daily or weekly distribution list may be e-mailed to "gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov". Subject: Friendly Dolphin in Aruba Studied (fwd) From: "Dr.Antonio A.Mignucci-Giannoni" Friendly Dolphin in Aruba Studied Oranjestad, Aruba, 28 Sep 1998---For the past two weeks, a wild dolphin near the south central coast of Aruba, has been the main attraction in this southern Caribbean island. The lone dolphin first appeared on 15 September at Mangel Halto (Balashi) and immediately began interacting and playing with local swimmers. Soon, the word got around the island and hundreds flocked to see the toothed cetacean and swim with it. Local residents and government officials began patrolling the area to protect the dolphin and control the masses of residents and tourist alike which wanted to interact with the dolphin. In the need for guidance on how to better protect the animal, identified as a roughtooth dolphin (Steno bredanensis, a species common to the Caribbean), the Land Veeteelt Visserij Department, the local natural resources management agency, requested the assistance of the Caribbean Stranding Network (CSN), to assess the situation. The CSN is an international non-profit organization based in Puerto Rico, which works on research and conservation of endangered marine mammals, specifically whales, dolphins and manatees, and has assisted Venezuela, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica and British Virgin Islands in establishing similar marine mammal research and conservation programs. A team of five CSN personnel traveled to Aruba during the weekend, lead by Dr. Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni, professor of oceanography at the Universidad Metropolitana in San Juan, Puerto Rico. During their visit, the CSN personnel confirmed species identification and assess the behavior of the dolphin. In addition, two aerial surveys were flown around the island to search for any possible dolphin groups the dolphin could join once it leaves the estuarine lagoon (Spaans Lagoen) it now frequents. "The major findings of the brief study tell us that the animal is most probably a 'known' dolphin, which used to be captive in Colombia six years ago," said Dr. Mignucci. In the spring of 1990, eight roughtooth dolphins were captured by an aquarium in Islas del Rosario off Cartagena, Colombia, and kept captive for a number of months. The aquarium kept and trained one of the male dolphins, naming him Pirata, detailed Dr. Mignucci. The oceanographer explained that Pirata was trained for performances, and did so very amazingly and with great agility, but was somewhat mischievious compared to the other dolphins held captive at the aquarium. A number of times he broke the fence and gates keeping them captive. The aquarium owner decided sometime in the spring of 1992 to release the animal before any further damage or an accident with the other dolphins could occur. Dr. Mignucci recalls visiting Islas del Rosario and playing with Pirata in April 1990 while captive, espcially playing a game of tag and catch with a piece of cloth. The behavior was very particular as the dolphin, different that the other roughtooth dolphins kept, would pass the cloth from his mouth to his flippers and tail while passing close to the person in the enclosure in an attempt to get the swimmer to take the cloth away. Once the swimmer was able to grab the cloth, which was not easy, the dolphin will try to steal it from him at great speeds, starting the game all over again. "The dolphin at Spaans Lagoen, also a male roghtooth, behaves exactly in the same way, playing the game exactly with the same rules, as the animal in Islas del Rosario did eight years ago," explained Dr. Mignucci. He said that he is most positive that this dolphin is Pirata, which has leisurely traveled west of the Cartagena shores, during the past six years, probably interacting for brief periods of time with local dolphin schools along the way, and now visiting Aruban waters. The CSN recommended the Aruban authorities to continue monitoring the dolphin, and based on the fact that wild dolphins have been known at times to display aggressive behavior towards humans, for safety reasons, to prohibit and enforce people approaching the animal. Dr. Mignucci explained that dolphins, being wild animals, not only may exhibit sexual aggressive behavior, but also may cause zoonosis, which is the transmission of diseases between humans and animals, and vice-versa. "Our recommendations are that no swimming should be allowed and the access of boats and jet-skies near the animal be prohibited and enforced by government officials", said Dr. Mignucci. The marine biologist explained that great effort should be placed also in not feeding the dolphin, as this would reinforce his dependence on humans. "If these recommendations are enforced, the animal should slowly and on his own move out of the lagoon, which hopefully would allow him to find a school of dolphins to join and interact with," concluded Dr. Mignucci. Subject: captive dolphin locations Marmamers, I am trying to develop a masters thesis project regarding dolphin behavior and vocalizations. I have a preliminary outline of my project, and I have been searching the internet (including AZA pages) and have been unable to find a list of places where dolphins are in captivity and which species those dolphins are. I am looking to do my project on a species other than bottlenose dolphins, but I can't seem to find any resources to tell me what other species are being kept and where they are. I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me a resource for this information. Most aquaria and zoos on the web that keep dolphins do not specify what species they have. Thank you for the information. Sarah Courbis dolphinspice(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 04:45:09 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MAKAH related issues (fwd) Three messages related to the MAKAH hunt and cultural whaling have been compiled below: Newsclip - Recent update on the Makah Hunt Will Anderson - History of the Makah Hunt Newsclip - BC natives and cultutal whaling -MARMAM editors ------------------------------------------------------- From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) Subject: newsclip - Makah stay ashore on first day of whale hunting Makah, protesters stay ashore on first day of whale hunting season October 2, 1998 NEAH BAY, Washington (CNN) --The Makah did not venture into rolling seas on the day they could start hunting their first gray whale in 7= 0 years, reviving their ancient tradition. Anti-whaling activists had vowed to disrupt the hunt, but the day passed without incident Thursday as the Makah tribe kept its harpoon= s in storage. Rain pelted Neah Bay for several hours Thursday afternoon, and the eight tribal whalers did not even practice in their 32-foot hand-hew= n cedar canoe. Strong winds were expected to hit the coast again Friday. A diverse flotilla of protest ships waited offshore under the watchf= ul eye of the U.S. Coast Guard. Following their ancestors, the Makah plan to paddle out and strike first with a harpoon. In a departure from tradition, they will use a .50-caliber rifle to kill the whale and motorized boats to tow it home. The whale "is going to come to us when it's time," said Makah Whalin= g Commission chair Keith Johnson. "We're not pressured." The planned tribal hunt has sparked an international outcry from animal rights groups and anti-whaling activists. Some environmentalists have vowed to disrupt the hunt, leading the Makah = to closely guard their plans. The Makah, who have an 1855 treaty with the federal government specifically preserving their right to hunt whales, won approval fro= m the International Whaling Commission nearly a year ago to kill up to five whales a year over the next four years. A federal judge last month upheld the tribe's plans to harpoon, dismissing objections from tour boat operators, environmentalists an= d others. Tribal leaders hope the hunt will revive cultural pride, identity, a= nd connection to their roots. "It's bringing us together," said Johnson. "All of our songs and dances, everything in our culture has meaning directly related to th= e whale and the whale hunt." The 2,200-member tribe lives 120 miles from Seattle at the northwesternmost point of the continental United States. Their hunts ended 70 years ago as demand for whale oil brought the animals to th= e brink of extinction. Gray whales, which grow up to 50 feet and can weigh 40 tons, were placed on the first Endangered Species List in 1973. The population climbed back to about 22,000 and the whale was removed from the list in 1994, prompting the Makah to reassert whaling rights granted in t= he 1855 treaty. Conservation groups argue that the Makah should refrain from whaling given that they no longer have a subsistence need for the meat and blubber as their ancestors did. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society anchored its protest flagship = in plain sight of the main reservation village of Neah Bay. Sea Shepher= d founder Paul Watson said Pacific gray whales still deserve protectio= n. "These guys are so gentle, it's like shooting a puppy dog," said Watson. "I don't see how there's any honor in that." The Makah is the only tribe whose 19th century treaty with the U.S. government specifically preserved the right to hunt whales. Watson and other whaling opponents fear a successful Makah hunt will open the door to other peoples and nations with whaling histories to resume hunting for "cultural" reasons, most notably Japan, Norway, a= nd Iceland. ------------------------------------------------------------- From: Will Anderson October 3, 1998 Makah Cultural Whaling The Path To Commercial Whaling The Makah tribe=92s bid to resurrect the killing of whales under the authority of a one hundred forty-three year old treaty is a path for both the Makah and other =93cultural=94 whalers to resume the slaughter o= f whales around the globe. This is happening by design, not accident. This is the path to commercial whaling. The Administrative Process =B7 The gray whale is removed from the endangered species list in 1994 upon the petition of the Makah tribe acting through the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Makah Fisheries Director David Sones said, =93It wa= s important to free up funding for new species that are endangered (Peninsula Daily News, 6/16/94).=94 =B7 In May, 1995 the Makah tribe sent a letter to the United Sates Department of Commerce requesting assistance in obtaining a quota of gray whales from the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The letter specifically states that the Makah reserve the right to commercial whaling. At this point, it should be noted that the ancestors of the Makah were commercial whalers, trading whale products to both other tribes and the European settlers in the region. Historically, the Makah are on record as taking advantage of a passing steam-driven tug to tow in four gray whales they had killed. Earlier, in the 1800=92s, many Makah left whaling to pursue commercial sealing in the north Pacific. They purchased the schooner Swan specifically for the purpose of going into business as commercial sealers. When a treaty was signed between the US, Russia and Japan to prohibit the unregulated killing of the depleted fur seals, some Makah continued sealing, illegally, until courts forced them to cease.=20 =B7 In 1996, the US revises its domestic regulations governing whaling by aboriginal tribes to accommodate the Makah plans to kill whales. The US quietly changes the previous criteria which determine who qualifies for aboriginal quotas. Previous to the change, both cultural AND subsistence needs had to be demonstrated. The revised regulations changed one word by replacing =93and=94 with =93or.=94 The criteria now reads cultural OR subsistence. This major policy shift opened the door to cultural whaling in the US, and by example, around the world. It was done without an environmental impact statement, hearings or public notice stating the true impact.=20 =B7 At the 1996 IWC meeting in Scotland, the US delegation is forced to withdraw its Makah quota request in the face of international opposition. The Makah do not meet the IWC criteria which included both cultural and subsistence justification. =B7 In February of 1997, the World Council of Whalers (WCW) was established by Makah relatives, the Nuu-chah-Nulth, on Vancouver Island, Canada with twenty-percent of the startup funds coming from Japan and Norway. The WCW represents twenty political nations; it is an alliance of cultural whalers who are both aboriginal and non-aboriginal. Their members include Japan, who for years has been attempting to get a cultural whaling quota for four villages, Norway, and nations from Scandinavia to the Caribbean. Their publicly stated purpose is to support and engage in cultural commercial whaling. They each believe in a right to kill whales for cultural purposes in the absence of nutritional need. The WCW has company. A number of alliances, including The High North Alliance and the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, have the same general goals. =B7 In October, 1997, the US by-passes the question of whether the Makah qualify under IWC subsistence criteria by making a side-deal with Russia to exchange bowhead whales from the US Inuit quota for a number of gray whales from Russia=92s quota. The Makah request is never voted upon on a stand-alone basis. Over a dozen countries object. The US declares the Makah request was approved, despite the fact that the Russian quota was for people =93whose cultural and subsistence needs have been recognized.=94 The US has now extended its domestic version to the international arena: cultural whaling without nutritional subsistence need is now the new standard. The Makah =93quota=94 is 20 gray whales killed or 33 wounded, whichever comes first over a period of five years. =B7 In preparation for the Makah hunt, the Coast Guard proposed a Rule that excludes protesters and those wishing to document the killing from coming within 500 yards of a Makah whaling vessel. The final Rule maintained that exclusion zone despite hundreds of comment letters opposing it and requesting public hearings. The Coast Guard waited to release their Rule until October 1, 1998, the first day of the official Makah whaling season. This, despite the fact that the Makah, who had promised to not hunt the resident population of gray whales, were set to hunt them anyway. The Coast Guard hurried the public comment period to help the Makah hunt resident gray whales. Only resident gray whales are in Washington in October and November. Even if they wait to kill in December, the Makah will likely kill pregnant females who are the first to migrate south from the high north Pacific. The years-long orchestration of the Makah hunt and the creation of a new category of whale killing, =93cultural whaling,=94 comes from the Office = of Environmental Quality, headed by Vice-President Al Gore, according to Mother Jones magazine (October, 1998). The extra-ordinary effort by the Clinton-Gore administration has many environmentalists worried that the future will soon see the resumption of commercial whaling, initially by cultural whalers. It would not be surprising to this writer to see the Makah next seek to downlist the more-edible (and still on the endangered species list) humpback whales which are recovering.=20 Additionally, recent efforts at CITES to put all protection authority in the hands of the IWC, coupled with GATT/NAFTA trends that lessen, and even remove, domestic authority for protecting species, may spell the end of the era in which whales are protected from commercial whaling. This formula threatens all wildlife =2E Will Anderson Wildlife Advocate The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Lynnwood, WA www.paws.org ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: WhaleSave Subject: Whaling Editorial/Vancouver=20 Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 08:20:16 -0700 Friday 2 October 1998 OPINION Michael Smyth: Listen to the people: No whaling The Province Michael Smyth The Province CP / It's time for Premier Glen Clark to tell his his negotiators that h= is government will not ratify any treaty that allows whale hunting. Province readers understandably reacted with anger and outrage this week over the proposed whale hunt by Washington state natives. Get ready to get even angrier, because B.C. natives are negotiating with your provincial and federal governments to stage a similar slaughter off = our own coast. The right to hunt whales is a key demand of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council on Vancouver Island. They want that "right" enshrined in a treaty with the province and Ottawa. And with a final treaty expected to be signed some time next year, time i= s running out on the politicians wavering in the face of political correctness. "We want to protect our right to a whale hunt," Nuu-chah-nulth co-chief Francis Frank told me yesterday. "We want that protected in our treaty. It's a very simple statement." Although the treaty negotiations are secret, sources say the whale-huntin= g issue is contained in a framework document introduced at the bargaining table. Your federal and provincial negotiators are frozen in their tracks. With = the Nuu-chah-nulth claiming a "cultural and spiritual right" to kill whales, they're afraid to speak up and say No. Fortunately, British Columbians are doing the speaking for them: No whali= ng in B.C. Period. It's time for Premier Glen Clark to send an unequivocal message to his negotiators: That his government will not ratify any treaty that will all= ow whale hunting in this province. Clark has taken considerable heat for giving natives too much in the Nisg= a'a deal. Let's hope he takes the opportunity to show he can be firm and decisive w= hen aboriginal demands are clearly unacceptable. Whale hunting is an abomination that went out the window a long time ago. With all due respect to Frank, his claims to a cultural right to kill the= se animals is empty rhetoric. Do we tolerate cannibalism and human sacrifices by indigenous people who practised such "spiritual" atrocities in the ancient past? Of course not. Human sensibilities evolve. And the sins of the past shoul= d be left in the past. Besides, does anybody really believe this has anything to do with culture and spirituality when whale meat sells in Japan for $30 a pound? It's no coincidence that the head of the World Council of Whalers is a Nuu-chah-nulth man and its head office is located on Vancouver Island. The group's goal: A new, worldwide commercial whaling industry. Don't let the blood money be spilled in our waters, Premier Clark. Do the right thing -- and say No. Messages for Michael Smyth: Voice mail: (604) 605-2004 E-mail: msmyth(\)direct.ca =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D Annelise Sorg CANADIAN MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION SOCIETY 102 - 1365 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6H 3Y8 Tel: (604) 736-9514 Cel: (604) 838-3642 Fax: (604) 731-2733 E-mail: annelise(\)direct.ca Subject: tetrodotoxic fish and gastroliths I recently posted a query regarding the presence of tetrodotoxic fish remains at an early Holocene archaeological site in southern Australia. At this location the primary (initial phase) butchering of juvenile elephant and fur seals was occurring. I requested information on any examples of tetrodotoxic fish consumption by marine mammals. The MARMAM editors have asked me to summarize any responses I received. I received 12 responses. Seven expressed interest or suggested relevant resources but had no specific information or opinions on the issue. Four responders suggested, based on negative evidence, that marine mammals probably would not consume tetrodotoxic fish. A single response provided information that some, at least, do. Gwen D. Goodman-Lowe (Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, email: glowe(\)hawaii.edu) has carried out a long-term study on the diet of Hawaiian monk seals. She found that tetrodonts from the families Tetraodontidae and Diodontidae each comprised 4.4% and 1.1% of the overall diet. For juveniles, tetrodonts comprised an even larger percentage, perhaps because these fish are easier to catch. Her article describing this data is currently in press in Marine Biology. These results raise many questions about the adaptive physiology of tetrodotoxin ingestion by sea mammals in general. For the time being, I am considering that the many tetrodont bones identified at my site may be the result of ingestion by and later butchering of juvenile elephant or fur seals. Additional information or thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated. On another note I am trying to recognize gastroliths from archaeological contexts and use these as an indicator of the primary butchering of seals. This will be especially useful at open sites where there has been bone diagenesis over time. To make this work I will need to characterize the size of known gastroliths and, microscopically, the acid etching that should be present on the surface of many of them. These can then be compared to similar pebbles not used as gastroliths. For this reason I am seeking the loan of gastroliths and assemblages of gastroliths for nondestructive analysis. I would also appreciate any information on gastroliths, advice on how to obtain them, and a critique of my research goals. Thank you very much for your help. Everett Bassett slcejb(\)dames.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 04:47:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent abstracts (fwd) Here are some recent marine mammal publications. Addresses are given below each abstract. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Thank you. -------------------------------------------------------- A new Middle Eocene protocetid whale (Mammalia: Cetacea: Archaeoceti) and associated biota from Georgia. Hulbert, RC; Petkewich, RM; Bishop, GA; Bukry, D; Aleshire, DP. JOURNAL OF PALEONTOLOGY. September 1998 v72 i5 p907-927 A shallow-marine fossil biota was recovered from the Blue Bluff unit (formerly part of the McBean Formation) in the Upper Coastal Plain of eastern Georgia. Biochronologically significant mollusks (e.g., Turritella nasuta, Cubitostrea sellaeformis, Pteropsella lapidosa) and calcareous nannoplankton (e.g., Chiasmolithus solitus, Reticulofenestra umbilica, Cribocentrum reticulatum) indicate a latest Lutetian-earliest Bartonian age, or about 40 to 41 Ma. Georgiacetus vogtlensis new genus and species is described from a well-preserved, partial skeleton. Georgiacetus is the oldest known whale with a true pterygoid sinus fossa in its basicranium and a pelvis that did not articulate directly with the sacral vertebrae, two features whose acquisitions were important steps toward adaptation to a fully marine existence. The posterior four cheek teeth of G. vogtlensis form a series of carnassial-like shearing blades. These teeth also bear small, blunt accessory cusps, which are regarded as being homologous with the larger, sharper accessory cusps of basilosaurid cheek teeth. Reprints Hulbert, RC GEORGIA SO UNIV DEPT GEOL & GEOG STATESBORO, GA 30460 USA ********************************* Organochlorine contaminants in northeast Atlantic minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Kleivane, L; Skaare, JU. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. July-September 1998 v101 i2 p231-239 Blubber samples of 72 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were obtained from the northeast Atlantic in July and August 1992, and evaluated for organochlorine contamination. The following organochlorines were determined: the industrial chemicals PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and the organochlorine pesticides DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes), HCHs (hexachlorocyclohexaneb), HCB (hexachlorobenzene) and CHLs (chlordanes). The concentrations of Sigma PCB (sum of concentrations of 18 PCB congeners) and Sigma DDT (sum of concentrations of p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDD) ranged from 06-20.8 and 0.5-14.8 mu g g(-1) lipid weight, with mean concentrations at 3.8 and 2.5 mu g g(-1) lipid weight, respectively. The mean concentrations of HCB, the chlordane metabolites oxychlordane, cis-chlordane and trans-nonachlor, and the HCH isomers (alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH) were all < 1 mu g g(-1) lipid weight. Significantly higher concentrations of the three major pollutants (Sigma PCB, Sigma DDT and Sigma CHL) were found in mature males as compared to mature females and juveniles of both sexes. No such relationship was found for Sigma HCH and HCB. Stomach contents of northeast Atlantic minke whales indicate considerable heterogeneity in the diet when comparing different years, seasons and geographical areas. However, without knowing more about the minke whale migration pattern, or possible geographical segregation with age and sex, the interchemical variation of organochlorines between sampling areas may not reflect true geographical differences. Reprints Skaare, JU NATL VET INST POB 8156 DEP OSLO N-00331 NORWAY ********************* The complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the pig (Sus scrofa). Ursing, BM; Arnason, U. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION. September 1998 v47 i3 p302-306 The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the pig, Sus scrofa, was determined. The length of the sequence presented is 16,679 nucleotides. This figure is not absolute, however, due to GTACACGTGC in the control region of different molecules. A phylogenetic study was performed on the concatenated amino acid and nucleotide sequences of 12 protein-coding genes of the mitochondrial genome. The analysis identified the pig (Suiformes) as a sister group of a cow/whale clade, making Artiodactyla paraphyletic. The split between pig and cow/whale was molecularly dated at 65 million years before present. Reprints Ursing, BM LUND UNIV DEPT GENET, DIV EVOLUT MOL SYSTEMAT LUND S-22362 SWEDEN ******************** Enantioselective gas chromatography mass/spectrometry of methylsulfonyl PCBs with application to arctic marine mammals. Wiberg, K; Letcher,R; Sandau, C; Duffe, J; Norstrom, R; Haglund, P; Bidleman, T. ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. September 15, 1998 v70 i18 p3845-3852 Four different commercially available cyclodextrin (CD) capillary gas chromatography (GC) columns were tested for the enantioselective separation of nine environmentally persistent atropisomeric 3- and selected columns contained cyclodextrins with various cavity diameters (beta- or gamma-CD), which were methylated and/or tert-butyldimethylsilylated (TBDMS) in the 2,3,6-O-positions. The beta-CD column with TBDMS substituents in all of the 2,3,6-O-positions was by far the most selective column for the MeSO2-CBs tested. Enantiomers of congeners with 3-MeSO2 substitution were more easily separated than those with 4-MeSO2 substitution. The separation also seemed to be enhanced for congeners with the chlorine atoms on the non-MeSO2-containing ring and clustered on one side of the same ring. The 2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-TBDMS-beta-CD was found to give somewhat better selectivity than the corresponding gamma-CD, in comparison between the two columns, which were identical in all other respects. Enantioselective analysis of arctic ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and polar bear (Ursus maritimus) adipose tissue revealed a strong dominance of certain enantiomers, For example, the enantiomer ratio (ER) of 3-MeSO2-CB149 was 0.32 and <0.1 in ringed seal blubber and polar bear fat, respectively. These low ER values are indicative of highly enantioselective formation, enantioselective metabolism, enantioselective transport across cell membranes, or a combination of the three in both species. Comparable results for the enantiomeric analysis of MeSO2-CBs in biotic tissue extracts were obtained using two highly selective mass spectrometric techniques, ion trap mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and electron capture negative ion low-resolution mass spectrometry. Reprints Wiberg, K UMEA UNIV INST ENVIRONM CHEM UMEA SE-90187 SWEDEN ************************ Subject: 1999 ECS conference (fwd) >From ECS-List sent by: "Jan Willem Broekema" The ECS website has been updated with news on the 1999 conference. http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs ECS 1999 Annual Conference 6 - 8 April, 1999, Valencia "Conservation" Preliminary information The 1999 ECS annual conference, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM), will be held in Valencia (Spain) on 6-8 April 1999 (Tuesday - Thursday). Registration will start on the preceding Monday 5 April, which is Easter Monday. These dates are fixed by availability of suitable buildings. Location The Palau de la Musica, which is close to varied hotels, restaurants and gardens, in Valencia. Scientific Committee To design and distribute the call for contributions; select contributions; organise their review; assemble the abstracts book; find and invite key speakers; plan talks programme; assemble final timetable. Members to be Peter Evans, Emer Rogan, Greg Donovan, Juan Antonio Balbuena (chair), Jaume Forcada, Christina Lockyer, Anne Collet. Further information As time progresses, information will be provided on giving talks, subscription dates and fees, hotel and travel accomodation, workshops to be held, abstracts, posters, banquets and awards. Last information The information below is just to give a rough idea - the ECS accepts no obligations on the basis of the information provided here! Anything may change. Fees In Spanish pesetas - full members early 16k, late 22k, on-site 30k; students early 7k, late12k, on-site 15k; non-members early 30k, late 35k, on-site 50k. (Early = early subscriptions, k=1.000 pts). Closing date for early registration is 1st of December. Abstracts In by Monday, Nov 2nd, answer known by 1st December. Subject: Abstract: Ontogenesis on the sperm whale brain (fwd) From: Michaela Haas- Rioth Ontogenesis of the Sperm Whale Brain. Oelschlaeger, H.A., Kemp, B. J. Comp. Neurol. 1998, 199: 210-228 The development of the sperm whale brain (Physeter macrocephalus) was investigated in 12 embryos and early fetuses to obtain a better understanding of the morphological and physiological adaptations in this most exotic cetacean concerning locomotion, deep diving, and orientation. In male adult sperm whales, the average absolute brain mass and the relative size of the telencephalic hemisphere are the largest within the mammalia, whereas the ratio of the brain mass to the total body mass is one of the smallest. In the early sperm whale fetus, the rostral part of the olfactory system (olfactory nerves and bulbs) is lost, whereas the nervus terminalis seems to persist. Several components of the limbic system show signs of regression (hippocampus, fornix, mamillary body). In contrst, some components of the auditory system (trapezoid body, inferior colliculus) show marked enlargement in the early fetal period, thereby reflecting their dominant position in the adult. The cerebellum and pons grow slower than in most smaller toothed whales. The pyramidal tract develops poorly (reduction of the limbs), whereas marked growth of the striatum and inferior olive may be related to the animal4s locomotion via trunk and tail. In the early fetal period, the trigeminal, vestibulocochlear, and facial nerves are the dominant cranial nerves (besides the vagus nerve). Whereas the number of axons in the vestibulocochlear nerve is high in adult, toothed whales and their diameters are considerable, the trigeminal nerve of the sperm whale may be the thickest of all cranial nerves and has the largest number of axons (innervation of the huge forehead region). A similar situation seems to exist for the facial nerve: It innervates the blowhole musculature that surrounds the very large spermaceti organ and melon (generation and emission of sonar clicks). Reprints Oelschlaeger, HA, Dept. Anatomy, Faculty Human Medicine, UNIV Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Email: Oelschlaeger(\)em.uni-frankfurt.de Michaela Haas-Rioth Prof. Dr. H.A. Oelschlaeger Dept. Anatomy Faculty of Human Medicine University of Frankfurt am Main Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt am Main Germany Phone: 0049-69-6301-6045 / -6046 FAX: 0049-69-6301-4168 Email: Oelschlaeger(\)em.uni-frankfurt.de Subject: Hawaii Student Chapter for SMM Aloha MARMAMer's - Following the lead set by Leah Gerber and Brenda Jensen, former and current Students-At-Large for the Society for Marine Mammalogy, students in Hawaii have set up a formal Hawaiian Islands Student Chapter for SMM which is now open for membership. This chapter has been designed with the underlying purpose of bringing the many students of marine mammalogy in the state of Hawaii together to encourage communication, sharing, networking, and mutual support. In Hawaii, new principal investigators and expanding interests have brought students to the state to study every diverse aspect of the marine mammals that inhabit the islands, either in captivity or in the wild. The plan of the chapter is to bring these students together, holding regular meetings in which students will present current research, discuss ideas and results, and keep in touch with each other as the year progresses. Membership is open to all students, including undergraduates and graduates, as well as others working with marine mammals but just are not students yet. Please visit the Chapter Web Site, at http://www.hawaii.edu/smmhsc, to get the full picture! To join the chapter, link to the Membership page and fill out the Membership form. All students in Hawaii should join! The first meeting is in the planning stages, and if you have suggestions or want to help out, contact Jen Philips, Chapter Organizer, at jphilips(\)soest.hawaii.edu. Aloha - Jen Philips __________________________________ Jennifer D. Philips jphilips(\)soest.hawaii.edu Marine Mammal Research Program HIMB, University of Hawaii at Manoa PO Box 1106 Kailua, HI 96734 voice: (808) 247-5063 fax: (808) 247-5831 __________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 16:31:06 -0200 From: Margherita Zanardelli Subject: ONE STEP FORWARD FOR MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS On 29 September the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary came one step closer to life after the Italian Government officially agreed on a proposal which will be shortly forwarded to France and the Principality of Monaco. The proposal involves the establishment of an international protected area for cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea, approx. 100.000 km2 wide, comprised between the continental coast of Italy, Monaco and France, Corsica, and northern Sardinia. A permanent frontal system is the cause of primary production levels exceptional for Mediterranean offshore waters, which support a major biomass of krill, Meganyctiphanes norvegica. Eight cetacean species inhabit the area, including a large population of striped dolphins and some thousands fin whales (most of the Mediterranean population), which congregate there during summer to feed. Aims of the Sanctuary will be, among other things, to monitor cetacean population trends, facilitate the enforcement of existing legislation to curb pollution, regulate a budding whale watching industry, and increase awareness among the general public. Driftnets should no longer pose a significant threat to cetaceans in the area, as this fishing method is being phased out from European waters by the European Commission. The concept of a cetacean sanctuary in the international waters of the Ligurian Sea was first proposed by the Tethys Research Institute in 1989. However, the process was stalled by formidable difficulties, not least the current absence of EEZ from the Mediterranean Sea. "For today's important result - a homage from Italy to the International Year of the Oceans - we should be grateful for the energetic action of Representative Sauro Turroni and of Hon. Valerio Calzolaio, Undersecretary of the Environment, and to a very effective awareness campaign undertaken by WWF - said Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, who first worked out the idea ten years ago. We know that Prince Rainier of Monaco is a great supporter of the Sanctuary. Now we can only hope that France will respond with equal enthusiasm". Margherita Zanardelli President, Tethys Research Institute ************************************************ Margherita Zanardelli Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, I-20121 Milano, Italy tel. (+39) 0272001947 - fax (+39) 0272001946 e-mail: marghez(\)tin.it - tethys(\)tethys.org Tethys Research Institute: http://www.tethys.org ************************************************ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 13:23:40 -0400 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)IS.Dal.Ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Abstract: Dall's porpoise reactions to tagging attempts Hanson, M.B., and R.W. Baird. 1998. Dall's porpoise reactions to tagging attempts using a remotely-deployed suction-cup tag. Marine Technology Society Journal 32(2):18-23. Abstract Remotely-deployable non-invasive (suction-cup attached) tags to record underwater behavior of cetaceans have recently been developed. How useful these tags are for applications on a broad range of species has yet to be documented. However, we attempted to use such tags to study the diving behavior of Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) in the trans-boundary area of British Columbia and Washington state, and report here on the feasibility of the technique, including the reactions of Dall's porpoise to tagging attempts. Tagging activities were undertaken in August 1996, while porpoises were bow-riding on a small vessel. We made 15 tagging attempts, and 13 resulted in tag contact with a porpoise. No reactions were observed for the two misses, nor for 2 of the 13 hits. Of the 11 cases when tag reactions were observed, porpoises returned to continue bowriding almost immediately in 7 cases, suggesting no long-term effect. Short-term reactions observed included a flinch (9 of 13 hits), tailslap (1 of 13 hits) and high speed swimming away from the vessel (4 of 13 hits), with some hits resulting in more than one type of reaction. Three of 13 hits resulted in successful tag attachment. One tag remained attached for 41 minutes, providing the first diving behaviour data for this species. Rates of descent and ascent, as well as swimming velocity, were relatively high only for the first 6-8 minutes after tag attachment, suggesting a reaction to tagging that lasted approximately 8 minutes. Reprints may be obtained from either author (Brad Hanson - Brad.Hanson(\)noaa.gov; Robin Baird - rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca). ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 14:08:52 -0400 Reply-To: sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca From: Shannon Gowans Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Head butting in male bottlenose whales This summer, during research on northern bottlenose whales we encountered two mature males which were engaged in a fairly stereotyped behaviour of circling each other and then heading towards each other, meeting underwater and bumping heads. This behaviour had not been previously observed in 10 years of studying northern bottlenose whales. I have searched through the literature for any other instances of headbutting in male marine mammals and only found a few very brief mentions of this behaviour in harbour seals, pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins (see list of references at end). Scarring indicates this might happen in narwhals, although tusks would make this behaviour somewhat different. Most of these references do not give any information on the context of these interactions. Has anyone else observed this behaviour in other marine mammals? In what context (ie what gender involved, any other individuals present, what time of year). I will post a summary of responses to the list, and hope to use this information in an upcoming publication. References Bigg, MA, 1981. Harbour seals. In Handbook of Marine mammals volume 2. pp.1-27. Felix, F. 1997. Organization and social structure of the coastal bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Aquatic Mammals, 23: 1-16. Gerson, HB and Hickie, JP. 1985. Head scarring on male narwhals (Monodon monoceros): evidence for aggressive tusk use. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 63: 2083-2087 Reilly, SB. 1978. Pilot whale. In Marine mammals of the Eastern North Pacific and Arctic waters. Edited by D. Haley. Pacific Search Press. pp 112-119. =========================================================== Shannon Gowans PhD candidate Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4J1 sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 11:54:55 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal programs at the American Society of Mammalogists meeting (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 11:24:19 From: Paul K. Anderson The 1999 meetings of the American Society of Mammalogists will take place at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, from June 20th to 24th. As in the past two years there will be spoken and poster sessions set aside for marine mammal contributions. SUBMISSION OF PAPERS FOR THESE SESSIONS IS ENTIRELY OPTIONAL AND THOSE WHO DESIRE TO HAVE THERIR MARINE MAMMAL MATERIAL INCLUDED IN OTHER SESSIONS (E.G. BEHAVIOUR, ANATOMY) ARE FREE TO DO SO. It is anticipated that this option will be clearly indicated on the abstract form. In addition to the sessions devoted to marine mammal research, the ASM Marine Mammal Committee has organized a symposium entitled "Marine Mammals: The Next Century." The symposium attempts to foresee trends and problems for the world's marine mammals in the context of human development for a hundred years into the future. The speakers and their topics will be: Dr. Ben Zuckerman, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of California at Los Angeles - "The Human Niche: Demography, Technology and Economy to 2100." Dr. John Harwood, Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biological and Medical Sciences, University of St.. Andrews -"Seas and Rivers: Marine Mammal Environments to 2100," Dr. Douglas Demaster, - Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service National Marine Mammal Laboratory, and President of the Society for Marine Mammalogy -"Predation and Competition: The impact of fisheries to 2100." Dr. Lee M. Talbot, - Program on Environmental Science and Public Policy, Department of Biology, George Mason University. -"Conservation Agendas, Their Evolution and Consequences to 2100" The day and time of the symposium will be announced when the Program for the Annual Meeting has been finalized. Paul K. Anderson Chair, ASM Marine Mammal Committee Subject: RESCUE / REHABILITATION VETERINARIAN ------ I would like to post the following Job Announcement: RESCUE / REHABILITATION VETERINARIAN AVAILABLE: DECEMBER, 1998 RESPONSIBILITIES: =B7 MANAGES THE PROGRAM OF VETERINARY CARE FOR THE AQUARIUM=92S RESCUE/REHABILITATION PROGRAM INCLUDING CETACEAN, PINNIPED, AND SEA TURTLE CRITICAL AND REHABILITATIVE HEALTH CARE. =20 =B7 PROMOTES AND CONDUCTS CLINICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS, DEVELOPS AND INSTIT= UTES POLICIES PROMOTING DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND HEALTH OF STRANDED MARINE ANIMALS. =B7 OBTAINS GRANTS / RESOURCES. =B7 INSTITUTIONAL SPOKES PERSON ON RESCUE / REHABILITATION MEDICINE. =20 QUALIFICATIONS: =B7 MUST POSSESS A DVM/VMD DEGREE. ADVANCED DEGREE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE= S DESIRABLE. =B7 AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF EXPERIENCE IN AQUATIC, STRANDING OR WILDLIFE MED= ICINE. =B7 ELIGIBLE FOR LICENSURE IN MASSACHUSETTS. =B7 RESEARCH BACKGROUND AND AS WELL AS GRANT-WRITING ABILITIES DESIRABLE. =B7 BACKGROUND IN PUBLIC SPEAKING AND COMPUTER EXPERIENCE PREFERRED.=20 SEND LETTER/RESUME TO: DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM CENTRAL WHARF, BOSTON, MA 02110. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER VALUING DIVERSITY AND A DRUG FREE WORK PLACE=20 _______________________________________ M. Andrew Stamper D.V.M., Dipl. A.C.Z.M. Head Veterinarian New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110-3399 TEL: 617-973-5273 FAX: 617-723-6027 e-mail: astamper(\)neaq.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1998 11:09:44 -0500 From: Andrew Schiro Subject: CAMMS update Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science (CAMMS) was developed to help keep researchers informed of current marine mammal publications. The current update covers the dates of 27 Sept and 07 Oct. and users can now search for references by the addition date. Instructions are available at http://camms.tamug.tamu.edu. Attached are a few of the 132 references added to CAMMS. Andy Andrew Schiro 1341 Kentucky Lawrence KS, 66044 USA schiroa(\)midusa.net ************************************ Yang,F.; Chau,Y.K.; Maguire,R.J. 1998.Occurrence of butyltin compounds in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). Applied Organometallic Chemistry 12(8-9):651-656. Fifty-two beluga whale samples (Six liver samples, and 46 blubber samples including ones from different depths of the fat layer) from the St Lawrence River, Canada, were analyzed for butyltin compounds (mono-, di-, and tri-butyltin) with a view to investigating the occurrence and contamination of butyltin in these;animals, A special procedure was also developed for the determination of butyltin compounds in blubber samples with high lipid content (up to 95%), Total-butyltin concentrations in liver samples were found to be much higher than those in the blubber samples. The concentrations of butyltin compounds in blubber samples were observed to Be related to their lipid content. Concentration levels of butyltin species in beluga whale were compared with those in other marine vertebrates in other parts of the world. The presence of butyltin compounds in liver and blubber samples suggests the accumulation of these toxicants by beluga whale. Venegas,C.C. 1997. Estimation of population density by aerial line transects of Commerson's dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersonii in the Strait of Magellan, Chile. Anales del Instituto de la Patagonia Serie Ciencias Naturales 24:41-48. Results of an aerial sampling of Commerson's dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersonii carried on during early summer (1989-1990) at the eastern sector of the Strait of Magellan are reported. The methodology employed was the estimation of densities by mean of line transects. During two days 79 transects were flown, corresponding to 1,320 km. Because of previous studies indicating the existence of significant differences between the densities of the narrows and the wide parts, the sampling between both sectors was stratified. The total estimated numbers within the study area was of 718 +- 196 individuals. These outputs seems promising for the current state of conservation of the species, as compared with those gotten previously by the author; however, one must bear in mind that those previous results were obtained during autumn, period of possible post summer migrations. On the other hand, when comparing them with those gotten during summer by other authors, the figures of the present study do not even reach up to one fourth of the estimated in that season. Due to the high variability of these figures, it is suggested a higher frequency of monitoring studies on this population of dolphins. Troisi,G.M.; Haraguchi,K.; Simmonds,M.P.; Mason,C.F. 1998. Methyl sulphone metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in cetaceans from the Irish and the Aegean Seas. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 35(1):121-128. The levels of PCBs and PCB methyl sulphone metabolites were determined in the blubber of six species of cetaceans that originated from the Irish Sea and the Aegean Sea (Mediterranean). Burdens ranging from 2.80 to 27.80 mu g g(-1) (lipid weight) total PCBs and 0.03 to 0.58 mu g g(-1) (lipid weight) total methyl sulphones were recorded. The highest cetacean methyl sulphone burden (0.58 mu g, g(-1)) was in an Irish Sea harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Methyl sulphone isomer formation capacity, as determined by PCB:MSF ratios, varied considerably between species as follows: harbour porpoise (1:10) > pilot whale (Globicephalus melas), white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhyncus acutus) (1:50) > common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), and striped dolphin (Stenella coerueoalba), (1:100), and was related to interspecific variation in PCB methyl sulphone formation capacity. Solntseva,G.N. 1998. Razvitie organov slukha i ravnovesiia u predstavitelia ushastykh tiulenei--sivucha (Eumetopias jubatus). [Development of organs of hearing and balance in representatives of eared seals (Eumetopias jubatus)]. Dokl. Akad. Nauk. 358(1):140-144. Pozas,P. 1997. Impacto del turismo sobre los calderones tropicales en Tenerife. [The impact of tourism on the short-finned pilot whale in Tenerife.] Quercus 131:16-19. Spanish with English summary Bianucci,G.; Sarti,G.; Catanzariti,R.; Santini,U. 1998. Middle Pliocene cetaceans from Monte Voltraio (Tuscany, Italy). Biostratigraphical, paleoecological and paleoclimatic observations. Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia 104(1):123-129. The historic collection of fossil odontocetes (Cetacea) from Monte Voltraio, near Volterra (Tuscany, Italy) has been examined and lithostratigraphical and biostratigraphical investigations on the find locality have been carried out. The Monte Voltraio outcrop is referred to the Middle Pliocene, in particular to Globorotalia aemiliana and Discoaster tamalis zones. The odontocete remains are assigned to the families Kogiidae (Kogia pusilla) and Delphinidae (Globicephala? etruriae and two indeterminate specimens which might belong to Hemisyntrachelus and Stenella giulii). The Middle Pliocene cetacean fauna from the Mediterranean basin (Monte Voltraio and Rio Stramonte associations) includes extinct taxa or extant taxa no longer represented in this basin. The disappearance of these taxa may be linked with the Pliocene and/or Quaternary climatic deteriorations (e.g. the climatic crisis at about 2.6-2.4 MA). ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 06:43:00 +1000 From: Tony Stokes Subject: New Dugong web site Hi Marmamers, The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has recently posted information about the 16 new dughong sanctuaries and other details of the animal on it web site at . regards Tony Stokes Manager, Conservation Planning GBRMPA t.stokes(\)gbrmpa.gov.au ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 19:56:06 -1000 From: Michael M Kliks PhD Subject: Volunteers to work on parasites of Hawaiian monk seal VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO WORK ON PARASITES OF HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL Aloha MARMAMERS: I have an immediate need for student volunteers who are interested in marine mammal health issues. In particular, at the present time I need assistance examining GI tract materials from the Hawaiian monk seal. This work would involve collecting, sorting, counting, and preparing permanent study mounts of helminth and protozoan parasites from the GI tract. There would also be some library and literature research, data entry and report preparation work. Of course, I would provide all of the on-the job training necessary to perform this work. The main work site would be the NMFS Kewalo Laboratory. Volunteer hours could be scheduled for weekdays, weekends and/or evenings. Those interested should contact me at the telephone number or email address (mmkliks(\)aloah.net )below and/or send a brief resume of their relevant experiences, academic background and professional goals. Michael M. Kliks, PhD CTS Foundation 3081 G. Paty Drive Honolulu, HI 96822 VOICE 808-988-7203; FAX 808-988-5161; Email: <---- End Forwarded Message ----> Michael M. Kliks, PhD 3081 G. Paty Drive Honolulu, HI 96822 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 10:06:19 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Weekly marine mammal summary to the U.S. congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 10:19:42 -0400 The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 10/09/98 New info and changes since 10/02/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 10/08/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals {Manatee Mortality. On Oct. 7, 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection biologists announced that a total of 201 dead manatees had been counted in the first 9 months of 1998. Biologists reportedly believe the larger death toll is related more to a growing manatee population than any new threats to manatee survival.} [Assoc Press, Orlando Sentinel, Reuters] {Anti-Whaling Report. On Oct. 2, 1998, the Humane Society of Canada released a report outlining 25 scientific, legal, and humane reasons why they believe killing of whales should end. The document reportedly accuses Japanese interests of inflaming the controversy by providing support to Native American groups.} [Humane Society of Canada press release] Makah Whaling. A hearing on a lawsuit against the U.S. Dept. of Commerce challenging the Makah whaling was scheduled for Sept. 17, 1998, before federal Judge Burgess in Tacoma, WA. On Sept. 21, 1998, U.S. District Judge Franklin Burgess (Tacoma, WA) dismissed the lawsuit and ruled that the Makah gray whale hunt could proceed. The lawsuit by Australian, British, and American animal rights groups, coastal tourboat operators, kayakers, and U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf had challenged how federal agencies handled efforts to resume Makah whaling. On Sept. 29, 1998, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans personnel met in Port Angeles, WA, with officials from U.S. agencies to discuss details relating to impending Makah whaling. {In early October 1998, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) filed a federal lawsuit challenging U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring all vessels to stay at least 500 yards from the Makah whaling canoe and requested a restraining order to halt whaling until the matter is resolved.} [Assoc Press, personal communication] Canadian Seals and Groundfish. On Sept. 16, 1998, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson outlined a 3-stage process for evaluating seal consumption of cod stocks: 1) a December 1998 meeting of marine mammal and fishery scientists to refine analytical methods; 2) incorporation of refinements in the next round of cod assessments; and 3) synthesis of knowledge of seal consumption and impacts on prey populations. [Canadian Press] Harbor Porpoise Protection. On Sept. 16, 1998, NMFS published proposed regulations changing when, where, and how gillnet fishermen may fish in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, in an effort to reduce incidental harbor porpoise mortality from 2,000 animals annually to 400 animals. Expanded use of acoustic "pingers" will be required in the Gulf of Maine. [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] Canadian Seal Industry. In mid-September 1998, the Canadian Northwest Territory entity Qikqtaaluk Corp. (Baffin Island) signed a letter of intent with a Chinese corporation in New York City outlining development strategies for marketing and exporting seal products to China. [Canadian Press] Norwegian Whaling. On Sept. 14, 1998, Norwegian officials rejected an application from Iceland, filed in October 1997, requesting the Norwegian export of as much as 100 metric tons of minke whale blubber. [High North Alliance News, Reuters] Whale Watching Vessel Accidently Kills Whale. On Sept. 12, 1998, a whalewatching vessel operating out of Barnstable, MA, accidently struck and killed a 20-foot minke whale. Critics suggest excessive speed may have contributed to this accident. [Assoc Press] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Update on Keiko After a month in his new digs, Keiko makes himself at home Trainers say the killer whale is more curious and aggressive, swimming li= ke a wild whale and even beginning to hunt Saturday, October 10 1998 By Katy Muldoon of The Oregonian staff http://www.oregonlive.com/todaysnews/9810/st101008.html One month ago today, two big names topped the news: Clinton and Keiko. One was in hot water, the other in cold. Little has changed. A month after his dramatic return to the brisk waters off Iceland, where = he was captured nearly two decades ago, the world's most famous killer whale apparently fares far better than his fellow newsmaker. He has easily weathered fierce storms, communicated with cousin species in the vicinity, snacked on passing fish and begun to swim in patterns mo= re common to wild whales than to those in captivity, arching his back dramatically and spending much time under water. "We're really enthusiastic about the progress he's made in a short period= of time," said Bob Ratliffe, executive vice president of the Free Willy Keik= o Foundation. "He's more active, more aggressive and more curious than in Newport." Keiko first gained international fame for his starring role in the 1993 W= arner Bros. movie "Free Willy." The feel-good film, while fictional, brought th= e whale's real-life plight to light: Aging and ailing, he swam in a too-sma= ll, too-warm tank in a Mexico City amusement park. It would have been his watery grave had whale lovers not rallied to his cause. Keiko moved in January 1996 to a far larger, colder pool at the Oregon Co= ast Aquarium in Newport, where for 2=87 years marine mammal experts improved his diet, toned his muscles, cured his ailments and readied him for the n= ext step. On Sept. 9, as TV viewers around the world watched, a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane picked him up and delivered him the following day to Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westmann Islands of Iceland. There, the well-trave= led orca was placed in a netted pen in a sheltered cove. Keepers -- 10 of them moved from Newport to Iceland to care for Keiko -- work toward boosting the whale's strength, stamina and skills. Their ultimate hope is to set the whale free in the waters where he was captured as a 2-year-old calf. However, the foundation, which owns the whale, says it will not release Keiko unless keepers thinks he has grown fierce enough to survive the rigors of life in the wild North Atlantic. Meanwhile, he's getting to know his new neighbors. During the last couple weeks, the foundation and an Icelandic bank have chartered tour boats to take about 1,000 Westmann Islands schoolchildren, 50 at a time, to the bay pen for a look at Keiko. "He spy hops and puts on quite a show for the kids," Ratliffe said, refer= ring to when Keiko raises his head from the water, perhaps just to look around. The whale's keepers are busy tightening the pens mooring lines, loosened not only by a September storm that packed winds in excess of 100 mph, but also another last weekend with 80 mph winds. Next week, they expect to have a salmon holding pen in place near Keiko's pen. The foundation has contracted with an Icelandic fisherman to provide live salmon and when the stock arrives, keepers will resume training the whale to eat live fish -- a project they started, with some success, in Newport. Hunting skills are paramount if Keiko ever is to be set free. Currently, he eats a daily diet of about 170 pounds of fish that has been frozen and thawed. This weekend, the staff expects researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to arrive in Iceland to continue work they began in Oregon. Scientists are recording Keiko's vocalizations, videotaping his behavior and recordi= ng the time and depth of his dives, among other projects. In the coming year, they plan to begin genetics testing on wild Icelandic killer whales -- a project that could help them identify Keiko's family members. All in all, he has fared better than the C-17 that delivered him to Icela= nd but busted its right side landing gear when it touched down on the Vestmannae= yjar runway. Contacted Friday, a U.S. Air Force spokeswoman could disclose neither the cause of the failure, which still is under investigation, nor= the cost of repairs. However, the matter was classified as a Class A flight mishap= , a designation used for incidents resulting in more than $1 million in losse= s. Posted by Annelise Sorg, Director COALITION FOR NO WHALES IN CAPTIVITY 102 - 1365 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6H 3Y8 Tel: (604) 736-9514 Cel: (604) 838-3642 Fax: (604) 731-2733 E-mail: annelise(\)direct.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 10:17:39 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Marine Mammal Science contents, Oct 1998 - notes The following notes appear in the latest issue of Marine Mammal Science. ************************* Orr, J.R., D.J. St. Aubin, P.R. Richard, and M.P. Heide-Jorgensen. 1998. Recapture of belugas, Delphinapterus leucas, tagged in the Canadian Arctic. Marine Mammal Science 14(4): 829-834. Ohizumi, H., M. Yoshioka, K. Mori, and N. Miyazaki. 1998. Stomach contents of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the pelagic western North Pacific. Marine Mammal Science 14(4): 835-844. Crespo, E.A., G. Harris, and R. Gonzalez. 1998. Group size and distributional range of the fransicana, Pontoporia blainvillei. Marine Mammal Science 14(4): 845-849. Brooks, L. and H.F. Anderson. 1998. Dental anomalies in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, from the west coast of Florida. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):849-853. Mogoe, T., Y. Fukui, H. Ishikawa, and S. Ohsumi. 1998. Effects of diluent composition and temperature on motility and viability after liquid storage and cryopreservation of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) spermatozoa. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):854-860. Pack, A.A., D.R. Salden, M.J. Ferrari, D.A. Glockner-Ferrari, L.M. Herman, H.A. Stubbs, and J.M. Straley. 1998. Male humpback whale dies in competitive group. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):861-873. Hodder, J., R.F. Brown, and C. Cziesla. 1998. The northern elephant seal in Oregon: a pupping range extension and onshore occurrence. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):873-881. Cobley, N.D. and G. Bell. 1998. Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) feeding on gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua). Marine Mammal Science 14(4):881-883. Ridoux, V., A.J. Hall, G. Steingrimsson, and G. Olafsson. 1998. An inadvertent homing experiment with a young ringed seal, Phoca hispida. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):883-888. Hatfield, B.B., D. Marks, M.T. Tinekr, K. Nolan, and J. Peirce. 1998. Attacks on sea otters by killer whales. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):888-894. Kvitek, R.G., P.J. Iampietro, and C.E. Bowlby. 1998. Sea otters and benthic prey communities: a direct test of the sea otter as keystone predator in Washington State. Marine Mammal Science 14(4):895-902. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 10:38:14 -1000 From: Adam Pack Subject: abstract/summary Male Humpback Whale Dies in Competitive Group A. A. Pack, D. R. Salden, M. J. Ferrari, D. A. Glockner-Ferrari, L. M. Herman, H. A. Stubbs, J. M. Straley (1998). Marine Mammal Science, 14 (4), 861-873. On 9 February 1996, we observed a dead adult male humpback whale in waters off Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. It had been a member of a competitive group of at least four whales approximately 1 h 40 min earlier, and evidence presented here suggests it died during the ongoing competitive activities. Three whales from this competitive group remained with the dead whale and directed a variety of behaviors toward it. One of these three, later identified as a male, remained with the dead whale for over four hours. Here, we summarize the events preceding and following the death of the whale and describe more fully the behaviors of the other whales toward it. Reprint requests can be sent to: Adam Pack, Ph.D. Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory 1129 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 email: pack(\)hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 10:05:17 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Marine Mammal Science contents, Oct 1998 - articles ------ J. V. Carretta, K. A. Forney, J. L. Laake. 1998. ABUNDANCE OF=20 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COASTAL BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS ESTIMATED FROM TANDE= M=20 AERIAL SURVEYS. Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 655-675 =20 We describe a tandem aerial survey method for bottlenose dolphins=20 (Tursiops truncatus) that uses two aircraft and independent observer= =20 teams to conduct consecutive surveys of the same coastal strip one=20 hour apart. Alternatively, one aircraft with one observer team surve= ys=20 the same coastal strip twice over several hours. Using mark-recaptur= e analysis, we corrected survey counts for visibility bias resulting=20 from missing dolphin groups at the surface and submerged groups.=20 Dolphin groups were considered "recaptured" when we determined that=20 both observer teams had detected the same group. This tandem method = is=20 highly useful for estimating abundance (and visibility bias) for=20 species where population closure may be assumed between flights. We=20 assumed population closure between flights and matched groups using=20 geographic location, group size, and expected travel rates. We deriv= e=20 a new variance estimator of population size which incorporates=20 group-size variability commonly encountered in cetacean surveys. Fro= m=20 six tandem surveys conducted from 1991 to 1994, we estimated the=20 abundance of southern California coastal bottlenose dolphins to be between 78 (95% CI 60-102) and 271 (240-306) animals,= =20 with an average of 140 (128-154). Variability in abundance estimates= =20 is likely due to seasonal and interannual movement of animals along=20 the California and Baja California coast. Abundance estimates from=20 tandem surveys averaged 53% higher than dolphin counts obtained from= =20 individual survey flights, demonstrating the importance of correctin= g=20 for visibility bias. *********************** M. D. Szymanski, A.Ya Supin, D. E. Bain, K. R. Henry, 1998. KILLER=20 WHALE (ORCINUS ORCA) AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIALS TO RHYTHMIC CLICKS.=20 Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 676-691. =20 Temporal auditory mechanisms were measured in killer whales (Orcinus= =20 orca) by recording auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) to clicks. Clic= ks=20 were presented at rates from 10/sec to 1,600/sec. At low rates, clic= ks=20 evoked an AEP similar to the auditory brainstem response (ABR) of=20 other odontocetes; however, peak latencies of the main waves were 3-3.7 msec longer than in bottlenose dolphins. Fourier=20 analysis of the ABR showed a prominent peak at 300-400 Hz and a=20 smaller one at 800-1,200 Hz. High-rate click presentation (more than= =20 100/ sec) evoked a rate-following response (RFR). The RFR amplitude=20 depended little on rate up to 400/sec, decreased at higher rates and became undetectable at 1,120/sec. Fourier analysis showed that=20 RFR fundamental amplitude dependence on frequency closely resembled=20 the ABR spectrum. The fundamental could follow clicks to around=20 1,000/sec, although higher harmonics of lower rates could arise at=20 frequencies as high as 1,200 Hz. Both RFR fundamental phase dependence on frequency and the response lag after a click train=20 indicated an RFR group delay of around 7.5 msec. This corresponds to= =20 the latency of ABR waves PIII-NIV, which indicates the RFR originate= s=20 as a rhythmic, overlapping ABR sequence. The data suggest the killer= =20 whale auditory system can follow high click rates, an ability that may have been selected for as a function of high-frequency=20 hearing and the use of rapid clicks in echolocation. ************************ J.D. Darling, K. E. Keogh, T. E. Steeves, 1998. GRAY WHALE=20 (ESCHRICHTIUS ROBUSTUS) HABITAT UTILIZATION AND PREY SPECIES OFF=20 VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C.. Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 692-720.=20 =20 Habitat utilization and prey species of Vancouver Island gray whales= =20 were investigated by (1) summarizing 26 yr of distribution and feedi= ng=20 data and (2) conducting intensive observations in Clayoquot Sound,=20 Vancouver Island, from 1989 to 1996. Whale distribution and movement= s=20 were monitored from March to November through systematic boat surveys and whale-watch sighting programs. Prey species were collect= ed=20 by suction hose and plankton net or determined through analysis of=20 fecal samples. Gray whales utilized virtually all of the southern we= st=20 coast of Vancouver Island over the 26-yr observation period.=20 Distribution, prey species, and feeding behavior showed marked=20 variability during any one season and between years. Some feeding=20 areas were used on an annual basis, others with >10-yr intervals between use. Feeding occurred in shallow sand or mud bays,= =20 eel grass beds, kelp beds, in the open water column, and at the=20 surface. Young whales appeared to utilize habitat and prey species=20 differently than adults. Main prey species included herring=20 eggs/larvae (Clupea harengus pallasi), crab larvae (Cancer magister=20 megalops, Pachycheles spp. zoea), mysids (Holmesimysis sculpta,=20 Neomysis rayii, Acanthomysis spp.), amphipods (Ampelisca spp., Atylu= s=20 borealis), and ghost shrimp (Callianassa californiensis). The=20 definition and relative importance of specific feeding grounds and t= he=20 study of human impacts on this population are complicated by its broad and variable use of habitat and prey species. ******************* C. S. Baker, L. Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, B. Abernethy, H. C. Rosenbaum, = R. W.=20 Slade, J. Capella, J. L. Bannister, 1998. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATI= ON=20 AND MATERNAL GENE FLOW AMONG HUMPBACK WHALES OF THE SOUTHERN=20 HEMISPHERE. Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 721-737.=20 =20 Samples of skin tissue were collected by biopsy darting from humpbac= k=20 whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in six seasonal habitats representin= g=20 three stocks and four regions: Groups IV (western Australia), V=20 western component eastern Australia), V eastern component (New Zeala= nd=20 and Tonga) and VI (the Antarctic Peninsula and Gorgona Island,=20 Colombia, South America) of the Southern Hemisphere. A variable=20 section of the mitochondrial DNA control region was amplified and=20 sequenced from 84 of these individuals, distinguishing a total of 48= =20 unique sequences (i.e., mtDNA nucleotypes). Phylogenetic=20 reconstructions suggested that these nucleotypes form three clades, corresponding to those previously described in a world-wide survey o= f=20 humpback whale mtDNA variation, although bootstrap support for two o= f=20 the clades was relatively low (<50%). An analysis of variance adapte= d=20 for molecular information showed significant differentiation of=20 nucleotypes among the three Groups (Stocks) and heterogeneity of haplotype diversity among the four regions. A pattern of interchange= =20 within and between oceanic basins was demonstrated by the presence o= f=20 shared identical nucleotypes among humpback whales in regions of the= =20 Southern and Northern Hemispheres. ******************* P. B. Best, H. Kishino, 1998. ESTIMATING NATURAL MORTALITY RATE IN=20 REPRODUCTIVELY ACTIVE FEMALE SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES, EUBALAENA=20 AUSTRALIS. Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 738-749.=20 =20 =20 =20 Cow-calf pairs of southern right whales on the South African coast=20 have been photographed in aerial surveys in October each year since=20 1979. In this paper 469 resightings of 177 individually identified=20 cows photographed in the first six years of surveys have been analyz= ed=20 in two ways to produce estimates of natural mortality rate. Both=20 methods assume that all females calve either two, three, or four yea= rs=20 after their previous calf. In Method A there is assumed to be no systematic trend with time in the probability of a female bein= g=20 photographed on each calving occasion. Natural logarithms of the=20 numbers photographed 2-4, 5-7, 8-10, etc. yr after being first seen=20 are regressed against time, the slope of which provides an estimate = of=20 natural mortality rate of 0.0255 =B1 0.0071. The intercept value for= =20 this regression provides an estimate of the detection probability, o= r=20 0.769 =B1 0.011. In Method B it is assumed that if a female has not = been=20 photographed for at least nine years then it is dead. Annual mortali= ty=20 estimates are obtained from the proportional reduction in the number= s=20 of females known to be alive at each three-year interval after being= =20 first photographed, up to at least 6-8 yr from the present. Method B= =20 produces an estimate of natural mortality of 0.0260 =B1 0.0190=20 (corrected to 0.0227 =B1 0.0192 using the average detection=20 probability). Both methods may be subject to various biases that ten= d=20 to inflate estimates of natural mortality. ************************* Jennifer M. Burns, Michael A. Castellini, DIVE DATA FROM SATELLITE=20 TAGS AND TIME-DEPTH RECORDERS: A COMPARISON IN WEDDELL SEAL PUPS.=20 Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 750-764.=20 =20 The diving behavior of juvenile Weddell seals, Leptonychotes=20 weddellii, was monitored simultaneously with time-depth recorders=20 (TDRs) and satellite-linked time-depth recorders (SLTDRs). Recovered= =20 TDRs provided a complete record of the depth and duration of all=20 dives, while data received from SLTDR tags via the ARGOS satellite=20 system were compressed into the number of dives in each of six depth= =20 or duration bins. The dive information from the two types of tags wa= s=20 compared to determine if data compression, processing, and=20 transmission influenced the data received. =20 While only half of the dive data collected by TDRs was also received= =20 from the SLTDR tags, the chance of receiving SLTDR data was=20 independent of when diving occurred, when data was transmitted, and=20 the subsequent dive activity. In addition, the number of dives in ea= ch=20 depth and duration bin was an accurate representation of the actual=20 dive behavior. Therefore, SLTDR tags were judged to provide data=20 qualitatively similar to that provided by TDRs. The accuracy of seal= =20 locations provided by Service ARGOS was estimated by comparison to=20 Global Positioning System (GPS) locations, and the average position=20 error found to be significantly greater than predicted by Service=20 ARGOS or reported in other studies (LC0 locations =B111.4 km, LC1 =B1= 5.0=20 km). ************************** W. D. Bowen, D. J. Boness, S. J. Iverson, 1998. ESTIMATION OF TOTAL= =20 BODY WATER IN HARBOR SEALS: HOW USEFUL IS BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE=20 ANALYSIS?. Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 765-777.=20 =20 We evaluated bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a means of=20 rapidly and inexpensively estimating total body water (TBW) of harbo= r=20 seals (Phoca vitulina). Deuterium oxide dilution was used to estimat= e=20 TBW in 17 adult females and 16 of their pups between birth and late=20 lactation. Isotope dilution was also used to determine TBW in 12 adult males early and 10 of these males late in the breeding season.= =20 At the same time, resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc) measurements we= re=20 taken using a tetrapolar, impedance plethysmograph (Model 101A, RJL=20 Systems). Seals were sedated with diazepam prior to taking BIA=20 measurements. Within-day duplicate Rs measurements on pups and adults, taken 2-240 min apart, differed by an average of 3.0% =B1 1.= 4%=20 (n =3D 42, CV =3D 102%). Movement of the seal during BIA measurement= s=20 caused variability in both Rs and Xc values. BIA measurements were=20 generally poor predictors of TBW. Rs was significantly correlated wi= th=20 TBW in pups only (Rs =3D 0.93, P =3D 0.001, n =3D 11). Bioelectrical= =20 conductor volume (length2/Rs) was significantly correlated with TBW=20 only in adult females (Rs =3D 0.63, P =3D 0.02, n =3D 14). We conclu= de that=20 BIA is not a reliable method of estimating TBW in wild harbor seals. ************************** H. Endo, H. Sasaki, Y. Hayashi, E. A. Petrov, M. Amano, N. Miyazaki,= =20 1998. MACROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE FACIAL MUSCLES IN THE BAIKAL=20 SEAL (PHOCA SIBIRICA). Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp.=20 778-788.=20 =20 This study was performed to determine if, as expected, the enlarged=20 eye of the Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) has an influence on the form= =20 and function of the skull and facial muscles. Macroscopic observatio= n=20 of these muscles demonstrated that the M. orbicularis oculi expands=20 around the palpebral fissure and that some facial muscles attach and insert in the M. orbicularis oculi, possibly supporting M.=20 orbicularis oculi function. We suggest that these muscles move the e= ye=20 and palpebral area and constitute a morphological and synergistic=20 facial muscle complex system. Further, the development of the M.=20 rectus lateralis around the sclera of the eye indicates that this=20 muscle is also involved in eye movement. ************************* J. Marcus, W. D. Bowen, J. D. Eddington, 1998. EFFECTS OF MEAL SIZE= =20 ON OTOLITH RECOVERY FROM FECAL SAMPLES OF GRAY AND HARBOR SEAL PUPS.= =20 Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 789-802.=20 =20 Recovered otoliths from pinniped feces provide valuable information = on=20 diet composition and prey size. We studied the effect of meal size o= n=20 otolith recovery from the feces of one harbor and eight gray seal=20 pups. Each of 11 experiments comprised a half-ration meal, a period = of=20 fecal collection, a 1.5- or double-ration meal again followed by a period of fecal collection. A significantly lower percentage of=20 Atlantic herring otoliths were recovered from half-ration meals (25%= =B1=20 12.5% in the harbor seal, 8.6% =B1 6.9% in eight gray seals) than fr= om=20 1.5- or double-ration meals (62.5% =B1 3.1 % in the harbor seal, 32.= 8% =B1=20 23.5% in gray seals). Meal size also significantly affected the percentage of Atlantic cod otoliths recovered from gray seal feces=20 (65.0% =B1 26.3% from half ration, 98.3% =B1 2.9% from 1.5 ration). = For=20 both size meals, recovered cod otoliths were more significantly erod= ed=20 than herring otoliths. The development of correction factors to=20 account for the effects of digestion will need to consider the=20 distribution of meal sizes of free-ranging pinnipeds. ************************* J. L. Garlich-Miller, R. E. A. Stewart, 1998. GROWTH AND SEXUAL=20 DIMORPHISM OF ATLANTIC WALRUSES (ODOBENUS ROSMARUS ROSMARUS) IN FOXE= =20 BASIN, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA. Marine Mammal Science: Vol. 14= ,=20 No. 4, pp. 803-818.=20 =20 Growth of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) was=20 investigated using morphological data collected in association with=20 Inuit subsistence walrus hunts. Four growth models were examined. Th= e=20 growth parameters of a constrained Richards model were used to=20 quantify growth and to test for sexual dimorphism. The asymptotic=20 length of male walruses (315.2 cm =B1 3.8 (SE), n =3D 103) was=20 significantly larger (t =3D 7.21, df =3D 191, P < 0.05) than the asymptotic length of females (276.6 cm =B1 3.4, n =3D 90). Sexual si= ze=20 dimorphism in adults was due to a longer growth period and a faster=20 growth rate in males. The predictive equation relating mass (M, kg) = to=20 standard length (SL, cm) was: Log10M =3D 3.74 + 2.68(Log10SL), n =3D= 25,=20 r2 =3D 0.98. There were no significant differences in the size of ma= le walruses from Foxe Basin collected in the 1950s and this study. Ther= e=20 were too few data to compare females. There were no significant=20 differences in size between walruses sampled in Greenland and Foxe=20 Basin in the 1980s and 1990s. Foxe Basin walruses were significantly= =20 larger than walruses sampled in northern Hudson Bay in the 1950s. Female Atlantic walruses sampled in Foxe Basin were larger than fema= le=20 Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) sampled in Alaska. *********************** C. V. Jay, T. L. Olson, G. W. Garner, B. E. Ballachey, 1998. RESPON= SE=20 OF PACIFIC WALRUSES TO DISTURBANCES FROM CAPTURE AND HANDLING=20 ACTIVITIES AT A HAUL-OUT IN BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA. Marine Mammal=20 Science: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 819-828.=20 =20 Observations were made on herds of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus=20 rosmarus divergens) to study their response during the capturing and= =20 handling of adult males in summer 1995 at a haul-out at Cape Peirce = in=20 southwestern Alaska. Three behaviors (alertness, displacement, and=20 dispersal) were quantified from 16 capture sessions. Herd sizes rang= ed from 622 to 5,289 walruses. Handling of an immobilized walrus=20 consisted of attempts to attach telemetry devices to the tusks and=20 collect various biological samples. Handling activities resulted in = an=20 average of about 10-fold or greater levels of behavior in alertness,= =20 displacement, and dispersal than during precapture and darting=20 periods. High levels of behavior usually occurred within the first 4= 5=20 min of handling. In 8 of 10 capture sessions, walruses returned to predisturbance levels of behavior within 40 min of cessation of the=20 handling disturbance. Alertness and displacement were moderately and= =20 negatively correlated with herd size during the handling period, whi= ch=20 may reflect an effect of a threshold distance from the point of=20 disturbance to responding individuals. Observations of walruses tagg= ed=20 with VHF radio transmitters indicated that the activities from a giv= en=20 capture session did not preclude tagged walruses from using the haul-out over a subsequent 11-wk monitoring period. Moreover,=20 non-tagged walruses continued to extensively use the haul-out during= =20 and after the period in which capture sessions were conducted. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 20:26:00 -0400 From: Lorena Lonergan Subject: Pilot Whale Survey Dear MARMAM readers, I am doing research on the status of the pilot whale to ascertain what the threats are facing the species and whether the current conservation measures in place for the species are adequate. This research will be used to learn what current expert consensus is for population trends in both the short and long finned pilot whale and whether existing conservation measures are adequate or not. Please contact me if your area of research is pilot whales. I would be grateful for any input, literature suggestions, contacts in the field and your reports and opinions about the long and short-finned pilot whales status. I am seeking any published articles, reports or books which focus on the pilot's current and historical population status and distribution. My additional goal is to gather the most up to date scientific data and research being done and survey you as researchers for input on what you feel are the strong areas of research focus and what you see as the unfulfilled research needs for this species. I would like to find out what a trend analysis for the Pilot Whale species would reveal and whether any extensive status reviews have been or are being conducted (in addition to the NMFS stock assessments). Any responses would be kept confidential, if desired. Likewise I am interested in learning what readers/researchers feel to be the current threats to the Pilots (such as overfishing and pollution), what conservation measures are in place globally or locally(US), and what conservation measures would you recommend to assure continued health in the species. My intentions are to use this information to tie together the body of research on Pilots and use that information to help conserve the species by making that information more available to whale conservationists. I would appreciate any contacts in the field of Pilot Whales, references or personal thoughts on this matter. With kind regards, Lorena Lonergan Norwell, Massachusetts jmoffice(\)wkap.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 15:43:20 +0200 From: Christina Lockyer Subject: Request for reprints of bycatch mitigation research ------ Dear All, 'Elimination of Porpoise Incidental Catches' (EPIC) is a new EU funded project which commenced in June 1998 for a period of two years. It is co-ordianated by the Danish Institute for Fisheries Research and involves three partner institutes: Loughborough University, United Kingdom, The Fjord and Belt centre, Denmark and Kolmarden Zoo, Sweden. The project aims at eliminating bycatch of harbour porpoises in set gillnets, and has the following five objectives (1) recording and analysing behaviour of harbour porpoises in controlled (enclosed) conditions, in relation to foraging, reaction to obstacles presented and acoustic stimuli; (2) recording and analysing behaviour of harbour porpoises in semi-controlled conditions in the wild, in terms of reaction to acoustic stimuli and other potential deterrent devices; (3) technical improvements of deterrent devices, signal processing, relevant analysis and engineering on the basis of new data and current research, (4) providing a report of bycatch rate for the harbour porpoise population(s) at risk in set gillnet fisheries in Danish waters through monitoring schemes, and of population structure and diet through biological sampling of bycatches; (5) a result database and bibliography of bycatch publications for disseminations via internet or on CD-ROM.=20 The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that deterrents can be effective in significantly reducing porpoise bycatches, and can be reliably manufactured in a way that is both acceptable and affordable to the fishing industry anywhere there is a problem of porpoise bycatch. I have been contracted to do a part of objective 5, the preparation of the database of publications relating to cetacean bycatch mitigation research. The database will ultimately be prepared for electronic access via internet or CD-ROM. In addition to the database, I shall obtain copies, preferable reprints, of all articles in the database. I will be most grateful to receive reprints (or good copies) of any paper(s) you have written related to bycatch mitigation research e.g. cetacean incidental catches/bycatch/interaction with fisheries, research on mitigation measures such as pingers and seal scrammers, underwater acoustic signals/sound from porpoises and dolphins, reactions to acoustic disturbance such as seismic testing and boat noise. The reprints/copies will be kept at the library of the Danish Institute for Fisheries Research. Please send the articles to Jette Jensen, c/o Christina Lockyer, The Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, Charlottenlund Slot, J=E6gersborg Alle, 2920 Charlottenlund. I have got a month to do this job, so as usual in this world when you ask people for favours: as soon as possible, please! I thank you in advance for your help. Best wishes, Jette Jensen NB PLEASE REPLY TO: jettejensen(\)compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 12:26:12 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: request for river dolphin field contacts (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- MARMAMers, I am currently applying for a grant which will allow me to travel around the world to study rivers inhabited by river dolphins and to examine the threats and conservation of these species. If awarded the grant I will be traveling from August 1999-August 2000. I am currently looking for field contacts in the following countries: China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela. I have been unable to find this information through the internet or publications as all material I found was dated. If anyone could give me information on possible contacts in these countries at the time I will be traveling, I would greatly appreciate it. Plese send responses to: cabana(\)ecology.coa.edu Thanks- Nicole Cabana College of the Atlantic 105 Eden St. Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Subject: AFS CALL FOR PAPERS ACN-L(\)acn.ca, coastnet(\)uriacc.uri.edu, coral-list(\)coral.aoml.noaa.gov, FWIM-L(\)listserv.vt.edu, ECOLOG-L(\)UMDD.UMD.EDU ------ 1999 American Fisheries Society August 29- September 2, 19999 Charlotte, North Carolina ALL FOR PAPERS "Integrating Fishery Principles from Mountain to Marine Habitats" Is Them= e of 1999 Annual Meeting Deadlines Symposia Proposals: 4 December 1998 Abstracts for Contributed Papers and Posters: 8 January 1999 Abstracts for Symposia Speakers: 12 February 1999 The American Fisheries Society (AFS) announces the first call for its 129= th Annual Meeting, to be held at the Adams Mark Hotel and Conference Center = in Charlotte, North Carolina. The meeting theme is "Integrating Fishery Principles from Mountain to Marine Habitats." In the last quarter of the twentieth century, public awareness of environmental issues has grown exponentially and increased the demand for healthy aquatic ecosystems. Fisheries scientists and managers have responded by broadening both the disciplinary and geographic scope of their work. The fisheries profession= al of today may have training in human dimensions, engineering, or veterinar= y medicine as well as in traditional fisheries subjects. Fisheries professionals frequently work in teams to address complex, large-scale issues involving entire ecosystems. Organizers of the 1999 Annual Meeting encourage all fisheries professionals to share their particular experienc= e and expertise. We also encourage participation by junior scientists and students representing the diversity of our profession. Contributed Papers and Posters The scientific program will include two types of sessions: contributed paper/poster sessions and symposia (including workshops or panel discussions). Oral presentations will be limited to 20 minutes; the recommended format is a 15-minute presentation using 2"x 2" slides follow= ed by a 5-minute question-and-answer period. In symposia sessions, 2 time sl= ots (total 40 minutes) may be used for a keynote speaker or panel. This flexibility will enable symposia organizers to develop the best program possible while permitting attendees to take advantage of various presentations in concurrent sessions. The Program Committee for the 1999 AFS Annual Meeting invites abstracts f= or contributed papers and posters. Abstracts must follow the required format and must be received by 8 January 1999. Submissions by e-mail or 3.5" diskette (MAC or DOS format) are highly encouraged.=20 Symposia Proposals for symposia will be accepted from individuals or groups. Topic= s should be related to the 1999 meeting theme or be of general interest to = AFS members. Symposium organizers will serve as session moderators and will b= e responsible for recruiting speakers and soliciting abstracts. Symposia proposals should be submitted by e-mail or 3.5" diskette and must be received no later than 4 December 1998. Proposals must comply with the format for symposia described here. Organizers of provisionally accepted symposia must submit a completed outline showing confirmed speakers and titles before final acceptance on or before 15 January 1999. Abstracts fo= r approved symposia speakers (in the same format as contributed papers) are due by 12 February 1999. Format for 1999 Symposia Proposals (1) TITLE: Brief but descriptive. (2) ORGANIZER(S): Provide name, address, phone, FAX, and e-mail for all organizers. Indicate by asterisk the name of the person who should be contacted regarding acceptance and scheduling of the proposed symposium. (3) DESCRIPTION: In 300 words or less, describe the problem addressed by = the proposed symposium, the objective of the symposium, and the impact the proposed symposium will have on AFS members and participants. (4) FORMAT: Indicate format and length of proposed symposium (for example= , a full-day session with 15 speakers followed by a 2-hour panel discussion; = a 2-hour session with 5 speakers). (5) MODERATOR: Identify who will serve as moderator for the symposium. (6) AUDIOVISUAL NEEDS: List anticipated audiovisual requirements (for example, a video cassette recorder projector or slide projector). Also, l= ist special seating requirements (for example, "After break a panel discussio= n with seating for 10 panel members will be needed"). (7) SPEAKERS AND TOPICS: Using the following column headings, provide the name, potential title or topic, and confirmed status for each speaker. Name Title/Topic Confirmed (yes/no) 1. 2. (8) SPONSOR(S): A sponsor is not required, but if applicable, indicate sponsorship. Format for Abstracts All abstracts for contributed papers, symposia, and posters must be submitted electronically using the format depicted in the accompanying example. Please keep titles brief but descriptive; list all authors, thei= r addresses, phone and FAX numbers, and e-mail addresses, and indicate the presenter with an asterisk. The body of the abstract is restricted to 200 words. If you are submitting a contributed paper or poster, indicate your preference for Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation, or Oral Presentati= on Preferred/Poster Presentation Acceptable. Poster submissions are highly encouraged due to limited space available in the program. A poster sessio= n will be scheduled to permit discussions between poster authors and attendees. Also, please indicate which of the categories best fits the concept of your abstract in the "Topic" line of the abstract. This will a= id the Program Committee in organizing contributed sessions and will prevent conflicts with concurrent talks. An Example Abstract for the 1999 AFS Annual Meeting C. Andrew Dolloff* (USFS-SRS Coldwater Fisheries Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321; 540/231-4864; FAX 540/213-7580; afs99(\)vt.edu) Robert F. Carline (USGS-BRD Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, School o= f Forest Resources, 113 Merkle Building, Pennsylvania State University, Sta= te College, PA 16802; 814/865-4511; FAX 814/863-4710; afs1998(\)psu.edu) Abstracts are used by the Program Committee to evaluate and select papers for inclusion in the scientific and technical sessions of the 1999 AFS Annual Meeting. An informative abstract contains a statement of the probl= em and its significance, study objectives, principal findings, and key conclusions. Abstracts should be 200 words or less and conform to the prescribed format.=20 Topic: Fisheries management Preference: Oral presentation preferred/poster presentation acceptable Author(s)=92 Status and Association to AFS: Name=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Status =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 AFS= Member 1. C. A. Dolloff professional yes 2. R. F. Carline professional yes General Topics for Contributed Papers and Posters Fisheries Management, Aquatic Communities and Ecosystems, Human Dimension= s of Fisheries, Policy, Education, Fish Health, Genetics, Physiology, Fish Culture, Habitat and Water Quality, Population Dynamics, Statistics and Modeling, Marine Fish Ecology, Freshwater Fish Ecology, Bioengineering, Other (please specify). Who to Contact Submit all materials (symposium proposals, contributed paper abstracts, a= nd poster abstracts) via e-mail to C. Andrew Dolloff at afs99(\)vt.edu. Format all submissions in WordPerfect=D4 (version 8.0 or earlier), Word=D4 (vers= ion 6.0 or earlier), or ASCII; use a standard 12-point font and left justificatio= n only. If you do not have access to e-mail, submit a 3.5" floppy disk or, = as a last resort, a hard copy to C. Andrew Dolloff, Department of Fisheries = and Wildlife, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321. Late submissions and facsimiles will not be accepted. The American Fisheries Society does not waive registration fees for symposia, workshop, or contributed session participants. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 04:25:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent marine mammal publications (fwd) Anti gravity - Whale weight watching. Mirsky, S. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. October 1998 v279 i4 p32-32 Whale ankles and evolutionary relationships. Thewissen, JGM; Madar, SI; Hussain, ST. NATURE. October 1, 1998 v395 i6701 p452-452 Observations on the utility of the semi-directive interview for documenting traditional ecological knowledge. Huntington, HP. ARCTIC. September 1998 v51 i3 p237-242 Seasonal variation in body condition and muscular lipid contents in northeast Atlantic minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata. Naess, A; Haug, T; Nilssen, EM. SARSIA. July-August 1998 v83 i3 p211-218 South African hydantoinases and hydantoinase-producing bacteria. Burton, SG; Dorrington, RA; Hartley, C; Kirchmann, S; Matcher, G; Phehane, V. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR CATALYSIS B-ENZYMATIC. September 15, 1998 v5 i1-4 sp iSI p301-305 Trends in organochlorine residue concentrations in ringed seal (Phoca hispida) from Holman, Northwest Territories, 1972-91. Addison, RF; Smith, TG. ARCTIC. September 1998 v51 i3 p253-261 From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Plastic ingestion and diet of harbour porpoise We recently necropsied a 95 cm harbour porpoise which was found dead on the Northumberland Strait (Gulf of St. Lawrence) coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Two things were particularly of interest. The porpoise had ingested a 5 cm x 7 cm piece of plastic, which was lodged in the posterior end of the esophagus. Immediately anterior to this were the remains of 18 recently ingested juvenile threespined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). I have found a number of references on harbour porpoise diet (citations below), none of which appear to mention feeding on threespined stickleback. Presumably at 95 cm, the animal was only recently weaned, and it was also visibly emaciated, thus it seems likely that it was feeding on fish not normally in the diet of the species. This might also explain the ingestion of plastic. Such plastic ingestion appear to be rare, not only in harbour porpoise, but in cetaceans in general (some citations below). I'm wondering whether any researchers have records of harbour porpoise ingestion of plastic, or feeding on threespined sticklebacks, or any references (published or unpublished) to plastic ingestion in other cetaceans other than those noted below. I'm also interested in the size of weaning for North Atlantic harbour porpoise, if anyone has any information on this. Thanks very much, Robin Harbour porpoise diet references Fontaine, P.-M., M.O. Hammill, C. Barrette, and M.C. Kingsley. 1994. Summer diet of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 51:172-178. Gannon, D.P., J.E. Craddock, and A.J. Read. 1998. Autumn food habits of harbor porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, in the Gulf of Maine. Fish. Bull., U.S. 96:428-437. Rae, B.B. 1965. The food of the common porpoise (Phocaena phocaena). J. Zool., Lond. 146:114-122. Rae, B.B. 1973. Additional notes on the food of the common porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). J. Zool., Lond. 169:127-131. Recchia, C.A., and A.J. Read. 1989. Stomach contents of harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena (L.), from the Bay of Fundy. Can. J. Zool. 67:2140-2146. Smith, G.J.D., and D.E. Gaskin. 1974. The diet of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (L.)) in coastal waters of Eastern Canada, with special reference to the Bay of Fundy. Can. J. Zool. 52:777-782. Smith, R.J., and A.J. Read. 1992. Consumption of euphausiids by harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) calves in the Bay of Fundy. Can. J. Zool. 70:1629-1632. Plastic ingestion references Barros, N.B., D.K. Odell, and G.W. Patton. 1990. Ingestion of plastic debris by stranded marine mammals from Florida. Page 746 in Proc. 2nd Int. Conf. Marine Debris, Honolulu, HI. NOAA Tech. Mem. NMFS 154. Kastelein, R.A., and M.S.S. Lavaleije. 1992. Foreign bodies in the stomach of a female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the North Sea. Aquat. Mammals 18:40-46. Tarpley, R.J., and S. Marwitz. 1993. Plastic debris ingestion by cetaceans along the Texas coast: two case reports. Aquat. Mammals 19:93-98. Whitaker, B.R., J.R. Geraci, and A. Stamper. 1994. The near-fatal ingestion of plastic by a pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps. Proc. Int. Assoc. Aquat. Anim. Med. 25:108. ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Biology Department, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Phone (902) 494-3723 Fax (902) 494-3736 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 11:43:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Tired of delays or rejection of your MARMAM submission? Are you tired of having your submission to the MARMAM list rejected, or delayed by days before it is sent out to the 3,400 + MARMAM subscribers? You can minimize the chance of rejection and speed up the process by reading and adhering to the following suggestions before you submit your next message to MARMAM: 1. Make sure your full name and e-mail address are included within the text of the message! 2. Include an explicit subject heading! (e.g., NOT "message to be posted" or "looking for information", but something more like "blue whale mating observed" etc...) 3. Justify your request or message, by explaining why you want the information, why the information is of interest, or providing some background (provide information for the subscribers, as well as requesting information from them). 4. Make sure you mention that you have already tried looking for this information and have been unable to find it, and/or give a list of references that you've checked that are relevant, but which do not have the information. 5. Make sure there are no attached files. 6. Make sure your message is not formatted too wide for some viewers. If in doubt, put in "hard-returns" at the end of each line or sentence. 7. Spell-check your submission before sending it to the list! 8. Do not include any unnecessary information in the body of the message (such as, e.g., "Please post this to MARMAM"). -------------------------------------------------------- A few other MARMAM notes: On a totally different subject, MARMAM subscribers who are looking for the e-mail address of another potential subscriber might be interested in an easier way of checking the MARMAM list for that person. This is the "Scan MARMAM" command. This command should be sent to: listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca and should say: scan marmam WXYZ (where WXYZ is replaced with the name of the person you are looking for, e.g. "scan marmam smith") Also, for individuals who are having difficulty subscribing or unsubscribing, requests for assistance with these tasks should now be sent to owner-marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca or marmam-request(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subject: Newswire mailing list relating to cetaceans In-Reply-To: <199810012258.PAA27376(\)unix3.UVic.CA> Announcement of general availability of cetacean news mailing list I have setup a mailing list, which has been running in test for some time now, which is ready for general subscription. The Cetacean news mailing list is setup for one way transmission of news regarding cetaceans that comes off various newswires. There is no posting to the list by its members, and only newswires will be sent to the list. Currently news is fed from New Zealand based newswires, which get feeds from worldwide newswires, including NZPA (New Zealand Press Association), AAP (Australian Associated Press), AP (Assoicated Press), KRT, AFP and Reuters. The newswire are not edited by myself, and any newswires relating to cetaceans are posted to the list. The number of postings to the list averages about 30-40 a month. The list is run by myself, in my spare time. The press releases submitted via this list are intended for personal use only. To join the list, send email to "majordomo(\)orcas.net" with the phrase "subscribe cetacean-news" in the body of the message. Please make sure the subscribe line is in the body of the message, and not the subject line. If you have any questions regarding the list, please feel free to contact me on the address below. Regards, Terry Hardie terry(\)orcas.net ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 11:47:20 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Twinning in odontocetes (fwd) Forwarded message: Dear MARMAM readers: We are working in a european project on marine mammals and we found a double gestation in a specimen of Delphinus delphis. The references we obtained concerning this subject were related to Mysticeti, and Sperm whales LOCKYER, C. Revew of Baleen Whale (Mysticeti) reproduction and implications for management. in PERRIN et al. 1984. Reproduction in whales, dolphins and porpoises. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. (Special Issue 6). pp:34-45. BEST, P.B. et al. Patterns of reproduction in Sperm whales, Physeter macrocephalus. in PERRIN et al. 1984. Reproduction in whales, dolphins and porpoises. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. (Special Issue 6). pp:56:57. Thus we would appreciate it someone could send us any information (references, etc.) about multiple gestations in dolphins or any Small Odontoceti. Many tanks in advance Angel Gonzalez tursion(\)nautilus.iim.csic.es Galiza NWSpain Subject: Sleep in whales (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Sean Todd Dear MARMAMers, A few years ago I was involved in a crossbow / humpback biopsy program up in Newfoundland. During this time I noticed a wide range of reactions to biopsy (in contrast to Mason Weinrich's 1991 work). However, one year we came across a whale that could be approached extremely closely prior to biopsy with no apparent reaction. We actually had to back off away from the whale so that the dart would not hit so hard from such a close distance. The whale still showed no reaction following the successful biopsy (some will react even if the dart misses and splashes nearby). Yet when we moved to the other side of the animal it quickly noticed us and moved away. This to me seems like classic support of the left side brain/right side brain sleep hypothesis in marine mammals, but I have found few others references to it. From my extensive searches the literature seems rather scant. Can any one out there help me with contacts or references in the field of the physiology/behaviour of sleep in marine mammals? Below is a lift of citations I have found so far, although some are difficult to get. Many thanks, Sean References found so far: (****indicates refs I am having trouble getting. Any help here would also be appreciated) FLANIGAN, W.F. (1974). Nocturnal behavior of captive small cetaceans. I. The bottlenose porpoise Tursiops truncatus. Sleep Res. 3, 84. FLANIGAN, W.F. (1975). More nocturnal observations of captive small cetaceans. I. The killer whale, Ornicus orca. Sleep Res. 4. 139. ****GRAYCAR, P. 1973. Periodicity of respiration as an indicator of activity in a captive beluga whale. Submitted for fulfilment of M. of Sci. degree, Long Island University. pp 51**** LILLY, J.C. (1964). Animals in aquatic environments. Adaptation of mammals to the oceans. In "Handbook of Physiology - Environment" (D.B. Dill, ed.), pp. 741 -747. American Physiological Society, Washington, D.C. MUKHAMETOV, L.M., SUPIN, A.Y., and POLYAKOVA, I.G. (1977). Interhemi- spheric asymmetry of the electroencephalografic sleep patterns in dolphins. Brain Res. 134, 581 -584. MUKHAMETOV, L.M. (1984). Sleep in marine mammals. Exp. Brain Res. Suppl. 8,227 -238. ****MUKHAMETOV, L.M., OLEKSENKO, S.I., and POLYAKOVA, I.G. (1987). Duration of EEG stages in dolphin cerebral hemispheres. Dokl. Akad.. Nauk. 294, 748 - 751. (In Russian)**** SHURLEY, J., SERAFETINIDES, E., BROOKS, R., ELSNER, R., and KENEY,D. (1969). Sleep in cetaceans. I. The pilot whale, Globicephala scarmmoni. Psychophysiology 6, 230. WEINRICH, M. T., LAMBERTSEN, R. H., BAKER, C. S., SCHILLING, M. R., and BELT, C. R. (1991). Behavioural responses of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southern Gulf of Maine to biopsy sampling. Report of the International Whaling Commission Special Issue 13, 91-97. _______________________ Sean Todd, Ph.D, Director of Scientific Studies, Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, US Subject: Sleep Regarding Sean Todd's query on sleep, a good review of this (and related matters) can be found in: Klinowska, M. 1986. Diurnal rhythms in Cetacea - a review. Rep. int. Whal. Commn., Special Issue 8: 75-88. Among other things, Klinowska's cites evidence from captive Tursiops studies of animals being literally "half asleep", i.e. apparently resting one hemisphere of the brain at a time while the other is awake. -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 tel (508) 495-2316 fax (508) 495-2066 Internet: phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 16:29:56 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Hawaii Sanctuary user's workshop (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Tom, A." Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary enforcement workshops: Come to evening workshops to learn about the biology and the federal regulations that protect the humpback whale, monk seals, dolphins, and sea turtles in Hawaii. Federal regulations specifically covered are those associated with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). Speakers at the workshops will be: Ms. Emily Gardner, State (DLNR), Mr. Victor Honda, NMFS Enforcement; Gene Nitta, NMFS Protected Species, and Mr. Allen Tom , Sanctuary Manager. Participants who successfully complete a workshop will receive a Federal Ocean Users' Handbook, and a certificate from NOAA and the Sanctuary Program. The workshops are scheduled as follows: Wednesday - November 4, 1998: Maui 7-9 pm Maui Sanctuary Office 726 South Kihei Road Thursday - November 19, 1998 - Lanai 7-9 pm Lanai Public Library Fraser Ave. Tuesday: December 1, 1998 - Honolulu 7-9 pm Keehi Small Boat Harbor meeting room Sand Island Access Road Thursday - December 3, 1998 - Kauai 7-9 pm Lihue Public Library 4344 Hardy St. Lihue, HI. Tuesday - December 9, 1998 - Kona 7-9 pm Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club meeting room Honokahou Harbor All workshops are free. To register: call 1-800-831-4888 or e-mail via: hihwnms(\)ocean,nos.noaa.gov Workshops are co-sponsored by the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Enforcement and the Office of Protected Species, and the National Marine Sanctuary program. Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to the U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 15:15:34 -0400 From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments New info and changes since 10/09/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 10/15/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals Manatee Mortality. On Oct. 7, 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection biologists announced that a total of 201 dead manatees had been counted in the first 9 months of 1998. Biologists reportedly believe the larger death toll is related more to a growing manatee population than any new threats to manatee survival. [Assoc Press, Orlando Sentinel, Reuters] {{Iceland and Whaling. In early October 1998, Icelandic Fisheries Minister Thorsteinn Palsson announced in Parliament that he would not be proposing to allow commercial hunting of large whales or minke whales in the next year. He also reported that the Fisheries Ministry is reviewing a request from the Marine Research Institute to conduct research on the economic consequences of not exploiting whale stocks, particularly minke whales, and the effects on fish stocks.}} [personal communication] Anti-Whaling Report. On Oct. 2, 1998, the Humane Society of Canada released a report outlining 25 scientific, legal, and humane reasons why they believe killing of whales should end. The document reportedly accuses Japanese interests of inflaming the controversy by providing support to Native American groups. [Humane Society of Canada press release] Makah Whaling. On Sept. 21, 1998, U.S. District Judge Franklin Burgess (Tacoma, WA) dismissed the lawsuit and ruled that the Makah gray whale hunt could proceed. The lawsuit by Australian, British, and American animal rights groups, coastal tourboat operators, kayakers, and U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf had challenged how federal agencies handled efforts to resume Makah whaling. On Sept. 29, 1998, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans personnel met in Port Angeles, WA, with officials from U.S. agencies to discuss details relating to impending Makah whaling. In early October 1998, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) filed a federal lawsuit challenging U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring all vessels to stay at least 500 yards from the Makah whaling canoe and requested a restraining order to halt whaling until the matter is resolved. [Assoc Press, personal communication] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. For additional information on items in this summary or their sources, Members and congressional staff may call Gene Buck (CRS-ENR) at 7-7262 or send a fax to 7-7289. Subject: Recent Publications - CAMMS (fwd) From: Andrew Schiro MARMAMER's Several CAMMS users have informed me of having problems accessing the site or are not seeing new information and links on the main page. This is time saving mechanism. Web browsers cache pages so that in the future they will not have to download the page again. I have updated the coding on CAMMS pages to instruct browsers to not cache the page. Next time you log in to CAMMS, refresh (reload) the page. This will get you to the newest page with the updated coding and you should never have a problem again. Andy Schiro schiroa(\)midusa.net Below are a few references recently obtained from the indexing services. These and many more can be found at http://camms.tamug.tamu.edu. This update is for 19981012. Enjoy Author: Moors, T.L. Year: 1997 Title: Is a 'menage a trois' important in dolphin mating systems? Behavioral patterns of breeding female bottlenose dolphins. University: University of California, Santa Cruz Pages: 95 Thesis Type: M.S. Author: Noren, D.P. Year: 1997 Title: Balancing the conflicting physiological demands of thermoregulation and diving in the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. University: University of California, Santa Cruz Pages: 49 Thesis Type: M.S. Author: Hanson, M.B.; Baird, R.W. Year: 1998 Title: Dall's porpoise reactions to tagging attempts using a remotely-deployed suction-cup tag. Journal: Marine Technology Society Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Pages: 18-23 Abstract: Remotely-deployable non-invasive (suction-cup attached) tags to record underwater behavior of cetaceans have recently been developed. How useful these tags are for applications on a broad range of species has yet to be documented. However, we attempted to use such tags to study the diving behavior of Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) in the trans-boundary area of British Columbia and Washington state, and report here on the feasibility of the technique, including the reactions of Dall's porpoise to tagging attempts. Tagging activities were undertaken in August 1996, while porpoises were bow-riding on a small vessel. We made 15 tagging attempts, and 13 resulted in tag contact with a porpoise. No reactions were observed for the two misses, nor for 2 of the 13 hits. Of the 11 cases when tag reactions were observed, porpoises returned to continue bowriding almost immediately in 7 cases, suggesting no long-term effect. Short-term reactions observed included a flinch (9 of 13 hits), tailslap (1 of 13 hits) and high speed swimming away from the vessel (4 of 13 hits), with some hits resulting in more than one type of reaction. Three of 13 hits resulted in successful tag attachment. One tag remained attached for 41 minutes, providing the first diving behaviour data for this species. Rates of descent and ascent, as well as swimming velocity, were relatively high only for the first 6-8 minutes after tag attachment, suggesting a reaction to tagging that lasted approximately 8 minutes. Author: Au, W.W.L.; Herzing, D.L. Year: 1998 Title: Real-time acquisition of echolocation signals by wild Atlantic spotted dolphin, Stenella frontalis utilizing hydrophone arrays with simultaneous underwater video. Date: 28 Nov 97 Type of Work: Technical Report Abstract: A technique using multi-element arrays of hydrophones with underwater video recording was developed as a tool to accurately measure echolocation signals of free-swimming dolphins. Two configurations of hydrophones, including a line array of three hydrophones spaced at 30 cm and a symmetrical star configuration of four hydrophones spaced at 45.7 Cm, were used. The arrays were held by a skin diver while dolphins oriented on the arrays. Video and acoustic signals were cabled back to the boat. A real-time analog/digital data acquisition system operating at 500 kHz was used to detect, digitize, and store echolocation signals. Spotted dolphin echolocation signals had bimodal frequency spectra with frequency peaks at 40-60 kHz, and 120-140 kHz. Peak to peak source levels up to 210 dB re 1 uPa were measured. Bandwidth clustered around 40 kHz. This system was productive as a portable field tool for acquiring and measuring, real-time, echolocation signals of free-ranging dolphins. (Image format) Notes: This product may be ordered by phone at 1-800-553-NTIS(6847) or (703) 605-6000; by fax at (703) 321-8547, or by email at orders(\)ntis.fedworld.gov. NTIS is located at 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Author: Richardson, W.J.; Greene, C.R.; Hanna, J.S.; Koski, W.R.; Miller, G.W.; Patenaude, N.J.; Smultea, M.A. Year: 1997 Title: Acoustic effects of oil production activities on bowhead and white whales visible during spring migration near Pt. Barrow, Alaska, 1991 and 1994 Phases: Sound propagation and whale responses to playbacks of icebreaker noise. Institution: Minerals Management Service Date: 28 Oct 97 Type of Work: Technical Report Abstract: This report deals primarily with data collected in the springs of 1991 and 1994. The specific objectives of the 1991 and 1994 phases of the project were similar to those in 1989-90, with the main exception being that top priority was given to work involved in playbacks of variable icbreaker sounds to bowhead whales. The 1991 and 1994 icebreaker playback data allow use to conclude that exposure to a single playback of variable icebreaker sounds can cause statistically but probably not biologically significant effects on the movements and behavior of migrating bowheads visible in the open water of nearshore lead systems during spring migration east of Pt. Barrow. Effects of an acutal icebreaker on migrating bowheads, especially mothers and calves, could be biologically significant in the Chukchi spring lead. Author: Shay, M.E. Year: 1998 Title: Cranial ossification of the Florida manatee(Trichechus manatus latirostris): developing a relative age scale. University: Eckerd College Pages: 43 Thesis Type: B.S. Author: Ward-Geiger, L.I. Year: 1997 Title: Blubber depth and body condition indices in the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) . University: University of South Florida Pages: 119 Thesis Type: M.S. Author: Hastings, K.K. ; Testa, J.W. Year: 1998 Title: Maternal and birth colony effects on survival of Weddell seal offspring from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Journal: Journal of Animal Ecology Volume: 67 Issue: 5 Pages: 722 Author: Addison, R.F.; Smith, T.G. Year: 1998 Title: Trends in organochlorine residue concentrations in ringed seal (Phoca hispida) from Holman, Northwest Territories, 1972-91. Journal: Arctic Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Pages: 253-261 Subject: Vacancy: Post Doc, Centre for Marine Conservation (fwd) Forwarded message (from CONSLINK): Sharon Tryon Program Operations Director Center for Marine Conservation 1725 DeSales St. NW, Suite #600 Washington, DC 20036 The Center for Marine Conservation is committed to protecting ocean environments and conserving the global abundance and diversity of marine life and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. No phone calls please. POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Post-Doctoral Position Marine Mammals Center for Marine Conservation The Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) invites applications for a post-doctoral position in the area of Marine Mammals in the Marine Wildlife Conservation Program. The successful candidate will focus on (1) planning for and conducting two workshops: one to develop a conservation strategy related to Hawaiian monk seal conservation and the other to develop a Pinniped Health Assessment for Hawaiian monk seals and Steller sea lions; (2) implementing a conservation strategy for Hawaiian monk seals in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service; (3) tracking and evaluating the effectiveness of a mandatory vessel reporting program under the International Maritime Organization for reducing ship strikes of northern right whales; (4) participating in the scientific review of population assessment and incidental take data on Atlantic marine mammals, including Gulf of Maine harbor porpoise; (5) researching and evaluating data regarding the occurrence of red tides and other possible sources of toxins linked to Florida manatee declines; (5) identifying the areas in which CMC can make a significant contribution to the marine mammal working groups of the Species Survival Commission and participating in those working groups on behalf of CMC; and (6) evaluating the implementation of the 1994 amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and, in coordination with the Research Scientist for Marine Mammals and the Vice President for Marine Wildlife Conservation, planning, designing, and developing strategies for the reauthorization of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1999. This researcher, in collaboration with CMC's Research Scientist for Marine Mammals, Vice President for Marine Wildlife Conservation and General Counsel, and other CMC and non-CMC scientists, will develop the scientific underpinnings and provide technical support for CMC's current and future work on marine mammals. The position will require compilation, review, and analysis of published literature, scientific writing and editing, experimental design, and protocol development. The successful applicant will reside in Washington, DC and be provided with office space at the Center for Marine Conservation for a period of two years. Space and privileges may also be available at an affiliated research institution. Applications will be reviewed as they are received with an anticipated starting date in December 1998 or as soon thereafter as feasible. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in marine biology with an emphasis on marine mammals or a closely related field or a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Candidates should also have a strong background in at least one of the following: marine mammal science, veterinary science, sensory physiology, or population biology. Demonstrated research experience and publication record on marine mammals is highly desirable. Applicants should send a letter of application which explains his/her interest and experience in this research area, a CV, and the names of three references (with contact information including email addresses). Applications should be sent via email to sharon_tryon(\)cenmarine.com, with Marine Mammal Post-Doc as the subject field, or by mail to: Sharon Tryon Program Operations Director Center for Marine Conservation 1725 DeSales St. NW, Suite #600 Washington, DC 20036 The Center for Marine Conservation is committed to protecting ocean environments and conserving the global abundance and diversity of marine life and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. No phone calls please. POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Post-Doctoral Position Threatened and Endangered Marine Species Center for Marine Conservation The Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) invites applications for a post-doctoral position in Threatened and Endangered Marine Species. The successful candidate will focus on: (1) organizing the technical elements for a scientific workshop on the application to marine species of the criteria for listing species as threatened on the IUCN Red List; (2) researching and writing, for publication, a monograph on threatened and endangered marine species, particularly those impacted by human activities; (3) identifying and investigating marine species that may warrant listing as threatened or endangered species pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act or as threatened on the IUCN Red List, or may qualify for listing on the CITES Appendices. The successful candidate, in collaboration with CMC's Vice President for Marine Wildlife Conservation and CMC and non-CMC scientists, will develop the scientific underpinnings and provide technical support for CMC's current and future work on threatened and endangered marine species in the U.S. and internationally. The position will require compilation, review, analysis and synthesis of published literature, scientific writing and editing, and conference organizing. The successful applicant will reside in Washington, DC and be provided with office space at the Center for Marine Conservation for a period of two years. Space and privileges may also be available at an affiliated research institution. Applications will be reviewed as they are received with an anticipated starting date in December 1998 or as soon thereafter as feasible. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in marine biology or a closely related field and should have a strong background in marine conservation biology or marine ecology, with a particular emphasis on population biology. Demonstrated research experience and publication record on threatened and endangered marine species is highly desirable. Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in plain English, through both oral and written communications, is essential. Understanding of U.S. and international policy processes in relation to threatened species is also highly desirable. Applicants should send a letter of application which explains his/her interest and experience in this research area, a CV, and the names of three references (with contact information including email addresses). Applications should be sent via email to sharon_tryon(\)cenmarine.com, with End. Marine Species Post-Doc as the subject field, or by mail to: Sharon Tryon Program Operations Manager Center for Marine Conservation 1725 DeSales St. NW, Suite #600 Washington, DC 20036 The Center for Marine Conservation is committed to protecting ocean environments and conserving the global abundance and diversity of marine life and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Subject: Paid Internship Opportunity On Maui Paid Internship Opportunity On Maui DUTIES: Manage Humpback photo ID program, onboard naturlist/ lecturer,disseminate information to press, education groups and public. QUALIFICATIONS: BS or better; strong natural science background; good communication and public speaking skills, must be legal to work in U.S.A. HOW TO APPLY: No calls please. Email (plain text only, do not attach file), mail, or fax resume to: Island Marine 113 Prison Street Lahaina, HI 96761 Attn: Andrew Wood-RE: Whale Internship FAX: 808.661.5792 ismarine(\)maui.net ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 15:40:48 EDT From: g8691bbeau(\)umbsky.cc.umb.edu Subject: looking for a chemical Dear MARMAMers, I am a PhD student at UMass Boston looking for suggestions on what chemical to use in my research. My project involves varying the fat content in the diet of a Mustelid (probably mink or ferret). These animals will receive a particular diet and also a steady input of some chemical. I will then be looking to monitor the metabolites of the chemical and steroid hormones in the feces and urine. My goal with this project is to establish a laboratory model for what effect lipophilic toxicants in marine mammals have on hormones involved in reproduction when these fat reserves are metabolized during migration. Due to laboratory constraints and my desire to diverge from the typical organochlorides studies (ie: PCB, DDT), the chemical should meet the following requirements: there should be evidence in the literature that the compound is a steroid hormone agonist or antagonist chemical should have a short clearance time (hours or days) it should not bioaccumulate at low doses or when administered over a short period of time it should be a chemical that marine mammals are exposed to directly or indirectly (through prey) or should be structurally or functionally related to one that does My best lead at this time is endosulfan and related insecticides. Contacts, literature, and other helpful info. or ideas should be sent to the address below: Britte Beaudette g8691bbeau(\)umbsky.cc.umb.edu THANK YOU! ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 12:27:08 -0400 From: Leslie Ward Subject: JOB OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT JOB OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FLORIDA MARINE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OPS RESEARCH STAFF Title : Research Staff Position This position is a State of Florida OPS (Other Personal Services) position which is considered temporary and does not provide health benefits. Location: FDEP/FMRI St. Petersburg, Florida (PINELLAS) Contact : Leslie Ward, Endangered and Threatened Species Section Pay Rate : $13.00 hourly /40 hrs per week DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the physical or natural sciences or geography and one year of related professional experience; or A master's degree in one of the physical or natural sciences or geography. DESIRED ENTRY-LEVEL KNOWLEDGE, SKILL(S) AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of a natural science or geography. Skilled in the use of GIS software, ARC/INFO and/or ArcView. Knowledge of UNIX preferred. Familiar with raster-based programs such as ERDAS/IMAGINE. Ability to create and modify ARC/INFO coverages from a variety of sources. Familiarity with ARC Macro Language (AML) and/or AVENUE (and/or Visual Basic) are highly desirable. Working knowledge of database management tools such as Microsoft Access, INFO or dBASE is required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: Utilizes ARC/INFO Geographic Information System (GIS) software to assist in creating and managing marine mammal related databases. Assist the FDEP Endangered and Treatened Species Research Program by building, maintaining, and analyzing right whale specific and ancillary environmental spatial datasets including sea surface temperature derived from AVHRR imagery. Generates vessel traffic coverages to show areas of higher risk to whales. Integrates spatial data to provide section researchers with information associated with marine mammal distributions and habitat utilizing ARC/INFO, ARCVIEW, and Imagine software. Locates and retrieves biological data from in-house and outside sources pertinent to the development of sectional component of the Marine Resource GIS. Organizes data verification process, including programming, plot production, correspondence, file updates, and archiving. The position provides technical assistance and problem solving support to FDEP staff in their use of GIS for natural resource decision-making. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility. Please send a State of Florida application and cover letter to: Leslie Ward Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Marine Research Institute 100 S.E. 8th Avenue St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5095 (727) 896-8626 X 1906/ FAX(727) 823-0166 leslie(\)fmri.usf.edu or ward_l(\)epic7.dep.state.fl.us Application deadline: November 6, 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 14:43:30 -0700 From: "William F. Perrin" Subject: special marine-mammal issue of Asian Marine Biology ASIAN MARINE BIOLOGY 14, 1997 [1998] (214pp) is a volume in memory of Stephen Leatherwood, guest-edited by Brian D. Smith and William F. Perrin. It contains an editorial by the journal editor Brian Morton, an obituary (by Smith, Perrin and Jefferson), a list of Steve Leatherwood's publications (by Jefferson and Smith) and contributed papers on marine mammals of Southeast Asia: Marine mammal survey techniques applicable in developing countries (Aragones, Jefferson and Marsh) Distribution, mortality, diet and conservation of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris Gray) in Lao PDR (Baird and Mounsouphom) Distribution and status of hump-backed dolphins, Sousa chinensis, in Australian waters (Corkeron, Morissette, Porter and Marsh) Preliminary investigation of marine mammal distribution, abundance and interactions with humans in the southern Sulu Sea (Dolar, Perrin, Yaptinchay, Jaaman, Santos, Alava and Suliansa) Conservation of inshore dolphins in Australia (Hale) Distribution and abundance of Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (Sousa chinensis Osbeck, 1765) in Hong Kong waters (Jefferson and Leatherwood) The finless porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides (G. Cuvier 1829): a summary of current knowledge and recommendations for conservation action (Reeves, Wang and Leatherwood) Investigations of marine mammals in Vietnam (Smith, Jefferson, Leatherwood, Ho, Chu and Le) Investigation of cetaceans in the Ayeyarwady River and northern coastal waters of Myanmar (Smith Thant, Lwin and Shaw) The Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris: a summary of current knowledge and recommendations for conservation action (Stacey and Leatherwood) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- The price of the volume is US$25. It is available from Hong Kong University Press, 14/F Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, PRC. Hong Kong University Press must be contacted for a quote on the cost of postage, which varies with area. Telephone (852) 25502703, Fax (852) 28750734, email hkupress(\)hkucc.hku.hk, website http://www.hkupress.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ William F. Perrin, Ph.D. Tel.(619) 546-7096 (office) Senior Scientist (619) 535-0840 (home) Editor, Marine Mammal Science FAX (619) 546-7003 Adjunct Professor, SIO/UCSD Southwest Fisheries Science Center Email wperrin(\)ucsd.edu (office) P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, CA 92038, USA dolarperri(\)aol.com (home) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 13:21:09 +0000 From: Luke Rendell Subject: Vocal mimicry in the wild Hi all, I'm a PhD student currently investigating a possible example of vocal mimicry in long-finned pilot whales and while there are plenty of captive studies (on bottlenose dolphin, see below) I've not been able to find any examples from the wild, apart from the mimicry implied by the existence of killer whale group dialects. By vocal mimicry I mean the production of sounds not normally found in the animals repertoire. Hence, I'm keen to hear from anyone who has personally observed possible examples of spontaneous vocal mimicry (of novel sound stimuli) from any cetacean in the wild, or who knows of any obscure references to it in the literature. Please e-mail to me at lrendell(\)is2.dal.ca and I will prepare a summary of all the responses I recieve for the list (provided respondees indicate their consent to this). Many thanks for your time and apologies for cross-postings from Bioacoustics-L, Cheers, Luke Literature I am aware of: Janik, VM & Slater, PJ (1995) Vocal Learning in Mammals, Adv. Study Behav. 26:59-99 - good review McCowan, B & Reiss, D (1995) Whistle contour development in captive-born infant bottlenose dolphins: Role of learning. J. Comp. Psych 109:242-60 Reiss, D & McCowan, B (1993) Spontaeneaous vocal mimicry and production by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) : Evidence for vocal learning. J. Comp. Psych 107:301-12 Sayigh, LS, Tyack, PL, Wells, RS & Scott, MD (1990) Signature whistles of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus : Stability and mother-offspring comparisons. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 26:247-60 Tyack, PL (1986) Whistle repertoires of two bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus : Mimicry of signature whistles? Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 18:251-7 Richards, DG, Woltz, JP & Herman, LM (1984) Vocal mimicry of computer generated sounds and labelling of objects by a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). J. Comp. Psych. 98:10-28 Ford, J.K.B. 1991:Vocal traditions among resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. Can. J. Zool. 69:1454-1483 Luke Rendell Dept of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 CANADA E-mail : lrendell(\)is2.dal.ca Tel : (902) 494 3723 WWW : http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/lr/luke.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 16:29:17 +0100 From: Louise Coles Subject: Research Technician for the Sea Mammal Research Unit. The Sea Mammal Research Unit based at the University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland requires a research technician for 2.5 years to carry out a study of grey seal populations on the North Sea Coast using photo identification. You should have an interest in wildlife photography and image processing and the ability to record detailed information under difficult field conditions. Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Technicians Grade C scale ie. =A311143 - =A312494 pro rata per annum. Please quote ref: KC034/ABE2/98. Closing Date: 19 November 1998. Applications and further particulars from Personnel Services, University of St. Andrews, College Gate, North Street, St. Andrews, Fife. KY16 9AJ. (Tel: 01334 462571, by fax: 01334 462570 or email Jobline(\)st-andrews.ac.uk). We regret that applications cannot be made by email. Louise Coles Sea Mammal Research Unit Gatty Marine Laboratory University of St. Andrews St. andrews Fife Ky16 8LB Tel: 01334 462628 Fax:01334 462632 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 11:19:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Weekly CRS summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 13:33:42 -0400 From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 10/23/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 10/16/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 10/22/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals {Omnibus Appropriations Bill. On Oct. 21, 1998, President Clinton signed the conference report on H.R. 4328, the FY1999 omnibus consolidated appropriations bill, into law, including provisions enacting the National Whale Conservation Fund Act (from S. 2172) and amending sec. 104(c)(5)(B) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to provide that receipts from polar bear import permits remain available to the Secretary, until expended, for cooperative research and management programs between Alaska and Russia.} [Congr. Record] Manatee Mortality. On Oct. 7, 1998, FL Dept. of Environmental Protection biologists announced that a total of 201 dead manatees had been counted in the first 9 months of 1998. Biologists reportedly believe the larger death toll is related more to a growing manatee population than any new threats to manatee survival. [Assoc Press, Orlando Sentinel, Reuters] Iceland and Whaling. In early October 1998, Icelandic Fisheries Minister Thorsteinn Palsson announced in Parliament that he would not be proposing to allow commercial hunting of large whales or minke whales in the next year. He also reported that the Fisheries Ministry is reviewing a request from the Marine Research Institute to conduct research on the economic consequences of not exploiting whale stocks, particularly minke whales, and the effects on fish stocks. [personal communication] Anti-Whaling Report. On Oct. 2, 1998, the Humane Society of Canada released a report outlining 25 scientific, legal, and humane reasons why they believe killing of whales should end. The document reportedly accuses Japanese interests of inflaming the controversy by providing support to Native American groups. [Humane Society of Canada press release] Makah Whaling. {In late September 1998, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson is reported to have issued a license to Makah whalers allowing them to pursue wounded gray whales into Canadian waters.} On Sept. 29, 1998, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans personnel met in Port Angeles, WA, with officials from U.S. agencies to discuss details relating to impending Makah whaling. In early October 1998, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) filed a federal lawsuit challenging U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring all vessels to stay at least 500 yards from the Makah whaling canoe and requested a restraining order to halt whaling until the matter is resolved. {On October 19, 1998, officials of The Humane Society of Canada filed formal complaints with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and with Canadian Immigration & Citizenship authorities, charging that Mr. Anderson had violated Canadian law by issuing a license to Makah whalers for allegedly illegal activities and without public consultation.} [Assoc Press, personal communication, The Humane Society of Canada press release] . Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: 2 Jobs, Manatee Research, Florida (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 17:28:25 -0400 (EDT) From: Bruce Ackerman STP 813/896-8626 ext.1912 2 Job Announcements Two positions in manatee research in southwest Florida. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Requires State of Florida Job Application Form. (Sorry for bizarre formatting) SUMMARY (DETAILS BELOW): Position Title: MARINE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FMRI Closing Date: 11/02/1998 Port Charlotte, Florida Salary Range: $29,910.96 to $49,712.52 (Applicants are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range) CONDUCTS RESEARCH ON MANATEES. RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MARINE MAMMAL PROGRAM IN THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPERVISORY, MAINTENANCE, AND FISCAL ACTIVITIES. COORDINATE MANATEE RESCUE OPERATIONS. COLLECTS CARCASSES FOR NECROPSY. Must have B.S. in Biological or Natural or Physical Sciences. Must be able to fly in small airplanes, and operate small boats. Must have experience with computers. Must be able to coordinate projects, supervise, and communicate eff ectively. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2) Position Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II Closing Date: 11/02/1998 St. Petersburg Florida Annual Salary Range: $25,116.48 to $41,022.24 (Applicants are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONDUCTS RESEARCH ON MANATEES. STATISTICAL ASSESSMENTS OF MARINE MAMMAL POPULAT IONS. MONITOR STATUS OF MANATEE POPULATION. CONDUCT MANATEE AERIAL SURVEYS AND MAINTAIN DATA. PARTICIPATE IN MANATEE FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS. Must have B.S. in Biological field. Must be able to fly in small airplanes. Must have experienc e with computers and statistics. Overall Project Descriptions DEP Florida Marine Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL http://www.fmri.usf.edu/ http://www.DEP.STATE.FL.US/psm/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DETAILS: Position Title: MARINE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-FMRI Position Number: 002681Class Code: 5062 Closing Date: 11/02/1998 Port Charlotte, Florida Location: CHARLOTTE County: CHARLOTTE Full Time. Pay Grade: 022 Pay Plan: 01Annual Salary Range: $29,910.96 to $49,712.52 (Applicants are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range) To apply, submit a State of Florida Employment Application to the individual who se name appears above by the application deadline: 24-Hour Job Line 850/487-0436 http://www.dep.state.fl.us/joa/ --- List of current job openings Contact Person: PERSONNEL OFFICE FL MARINE RESEARCH INSTITUTE 100 8TH. AVE. S.E. M.S. J2N-PRS ST. PETERSBURG, FL. 337015095 Phone: (727)896-8626 Fax (727)823-1066 Suncom: 523-1011 Announcement Type: Open Competitive Opportunity. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmativ e Action Employer. We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien work ers. Preference shall be given to certain veterans and spouses of veterans as pr ovided by chapter 295, Florida Statutes. If you need an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in the application/selection process, plea se notify the hiring authority in advance. The State of Florida does not tolerat e violence in the workplace. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Notes: RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAY TO DAY OPERATION OF THE MARINE MAMMAL PRO GRAM IN THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FIELD OFFICE INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPERVISORY , MAINTENANCE, AND FISCAL ACTIVITIES. COORDINATE MANATEE RESCUE OPERATIONS. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KNOWLEDGE OF: BIOLOGICAL OR WILDLIFE SCIENCES; TERMINOLOGY, PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES USED IN RESEARCH ON MARINE MAMMALS; METH ODS OF DATA COLLECTION; PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS; PERS ONAL COMPUTERS AND DATABASE SOFTWARE; MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES. ABILITY TO: COLLECT AND ANALYZE DATA; UTILIZE PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQ UES; UNDERSTAND AND APPLY APPLICABLE RULES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ; PREPARE WRITTEN REPORTS; PLAN, ORGANIZE AND COORDINATE WORK ASSIGNMENTS; COMMU NICATE EFFECTIVELY VERBALLY AND IN WRITING; SUPERVISE PEOPLE, ESTABLISH AND MAIN TAIN EFFECTIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS; SWIM WITH SUFFICIENT SKILL TO SAVE ONESELF IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY; SAFELY OPERATE VEHICLES, TRAILERS AND BOATS UP TO 22'; CONDUCT AERIAL SURVEYS, TRACKING AND RESEARCH FROM SMALL AIRPLANES; OBTAIN BOATER SAFETY CERTIFICATION; AND WORK ON-CALL. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or univer sity with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or ma thematics and two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or Two years of experience as a Marine Research Assistant - FMR I. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for one yea r of the required experience. A doctorate from an accredited college or universi ty with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can s ubstitute for the required experience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2) Position Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II Position Number: 002678 Class Code: 5034 Closing Date: 11/02/1998 St. Petersburg Florida Location: PINELLAS County: PINELLAS Full Time. Pay Grade: 019 Pay Plan:01 Annual Salary Range: $25,116.48 to $41,022.24 (Applicants are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Notes: CONDUCT RESEARCH ON & STATISTICAL ASSESSMENTS OF MARINE MAMMAL PO PULATIONS. MONITOR STATUS OF MANATEE POPULATION. CONDUCT AND ORGANIZE MANATEE AE RIAL SURVEYS AND MAINTAIN DATA. PARTICIPATE IN MANATEE FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KNOWLEDGE OF: ONE OF THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; AND PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS. ABILITY TO: COLLECT, ANALYZE AND MAINTAIN SCIENTIFIC DATA; CONDUCT AERIAL SURVEYS IN SMALL A IRPLANES; UTILIZE PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES; PLAN, ORGANIZE, AND COORDINATE WOR K ASSIGNMENTS; PREPARE WRITTEN TECHNICAL REPORTS; COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY VERBAL LY AND IN WRITING; ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE WORKING RELATION- SHIPS WITH OTHERS; SWIM WITH SUFFICIENT SKILL TO SAVE ONESELF IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY ; SAFELY OPERATE VEHICLES, TRAILERS AND BOATS UP TO 22'; COMPLETE A SMALL BOAT S AFETY COURSE WITHIN THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND MAINTAIN A VALID DRIVER'S LICENS E; AND WORK IN EXCESS OF 40 HOURS PER WEEK, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or univer sity with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or A master's degree fr om an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences. SPECIA L NOTES: Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet specifi c federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency. SPECIAL NOTE: Certain positions within this class require individuals to meet sp ecific federal or state regulations as identified by the employing agency. TO APPLY: SAME AS ABOVE ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CANNOT APPLY BY EMAIL Submitted by Dr. Bruce B. Ackerman Florida Marine Research Institute Florida Department of Environmental Protection 100 Eighth Ave. S.E. St. Petersburg FL 33701-5095 Phone 727-896-8626, ext. 1912 Fax 727-893-9176 ACKERMAN_B(\)EPIC7.DEP.STATE.FL.US Subject: Friends of Sea Lion Director of Operations position (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 15:34:40 EDT From: Danaworks(\)aol.com The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center (FSLMMC), a non-profit organization providing medical care and rehabilitation to rescued seals and sea lions in Orange County, California is seeking to fill the position of Director of Operations. Founded in 1971, FSLMMC is a non-profit (501c-3) organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release back to the wild of sick and injured seals and sea lions that inhabit Orange County beaches. FSLMMC has a volunteer staff of 60 extensively trained Animal Care Specialists, and up to 15 Docents. In addition to our animal rescue & rehabilitation program, FSLMMC hosts educational presentations for classes of all ages at our facility, and also operates an outreach program to provide educational presentations on Orange County's marine wildlife to classrooms throughout Southern California. Responsibilities of the position of Director of Operations include: - overseeing daily animal care operations; - managing paid and volunteer staff; - overseeing inventory of medical supplies, operating materials and equipment; - maintaining professional relationships with all Stranding Network members, all media, and all corporate, institutional & individual sponsors; - overseeing all communications with all veterinary consultants; - overseeing all administrative and financial functions relating to operations of Center; - overseeing and maintaining staff training, maintaining all personnel files; - overseeing all promotional functions relating to the Center; - overseeing educational programs; - overseeing development (fundraising) programs including grant writing, solicitation of private and corporate donations; - maintaining open communications between board of directors, shift supervisors and volunteer staff regarding every aspect of program. Qualified applicants will: - Have experience in marine mammal care; - Demonstrate experience and strengths in business administration; - Demonstrate experience and skills in supervision & management of staff; - Demonstrate strengths in educational concepts as they relate to FSLMMC program; - Have experience in administering non-profit organizations (ecology/wildlife), including track record with development (fund raising); - Have earned a B.S. degree (M.S. preferred). The salary range for this position is between $25,000 and $35,000 per year, commensurate with skills and experience. Candidates who are interested in applying for this position should send a resume with cover letter to FSLMMC Board Member Diane Swarts at: 15619 Brookhurst St., Westminster, CA 92683. Tel: 714-839-9882 (days) or 949-642-5567 (evenings). From: Sea Shepherd Subject: COMMERCIAL BASIS OF MAKAH WHALE HUNT REVEALED October 23, 1998 MAKAH GRAY WHALE HUNT TO BE FIRST STEP IN COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE *U.S. government documents reveal tribe's planned kills of porpoises, minke whales & sea lions; confirm Japanese, Norwegian involvement. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has obtained documentation revealing the plans of the Makah Tribal Council of Neah Bay, Washington, to start an industry based on the slaughter of marine mammals, with Japan and Norway as their clients. The documents, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Sea Shepherd Pacific Northwest Coordinator Michael Kundu, were received on October 20, pursuant to a request filed in mid-August. They date from the spring of 1995, when the Makah first approached government agencies about their intent to hunt California gray whales for "cultural and ceremonial" purposes. An e-mail dated April 3, 1995, from Michael Tillman, Deputy Commissioner at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center of the National Marine Fisheries Service, to NMFS colleague Margaret Hayes and several others, relates a conversation between Hayes and Makah legal representative John Arum, saying "Maggie informed me that Arum had told her that Japanese interests had approached the Makahs about selling whale meat to them. So I wasn't surprised when he asked me generally about commercial sale." A memo dated April 27, 1995, headed "Notes from the discussion of treaty rights during the April 1995 Pacific Scientific Review Group meeting" and hand-addressed "To: MFT (Michael F. Tillman) From: RLB (Robert L. Brownell, NMFS Region 4)" reads in part: "The Makah intend to harvest gray whales (starting in 1995), harbor seals (5 already taken), California sea lions, minke whales, small cetaceans such as harbor porpoise and Dall's porpoise, and potentially, in the future, sea otters. The Makah are planning to operate a processing plant so as to sell to markets outside the U.S. The Makah have started discussions with Japan and Norway about selling their whale products to both countries. The plant could be used to process the catches of other tribes as well. The Makah and other tribes plan to reduce local populations of harbor seals to one-half to one-third of current population.... There would be no limit placed on catches of California sea lions...." One week later, Makah Tribal Council Chairman Hubert Markishtum sent a formal proposal to the U.S. State Department and the National Oceanics and Atmospherics Administration notifying them of the Makah's proposal to re-establish "a ceremonial and subsistence whale hunt" as "a catalyst which would allow us to instill in our young people the traditional values which have held our people together over the centuries." "The true nature of the Makah's proposed 'cultural' whale hunt is now beyond dispute," said Paul Watson, president of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. "This is the wedge to open up a future large-scale factory killing enterprise, and the Makah's partners in the federal government knew it." ===================================== Sea Shepherd Conservation Society P.O. Box 628 Venice, CA. 90294 USA e-mail: seashepherd(\)seashepherd.org Web Site: http://www.seashepherd.org Tel: 310-301-SEAL(7325) Canada: 604-688-7325 Fax: 310-574-3161 ===================================== ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 06:53:43 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: beaked whale paper available Fertl, D., A.J. Schiro, S. Collier, and G.A.J. Worthy. 1997. Stranding of a Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) in southern Texas, with comments on stomach contents. Gulf of Mexico Science 1997(2): 92-93. This paper talks about a stranding of a Cuvier's beaked whale with emphasis on stomach contents that included squid beaks and allophagia (including a mango seed, corncob, etc.) Please direct reprint requests to: Dagmar Fertl Minerals Management Service U.S. Dept of Interior 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd New Orleans, LA 70123 USA ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 14:01:59 -0800 From: "Michael J. Rothe" Subject: 26th ANNUAL IMATA CONFERENCE PROGRAM ------ The 26th Annual International Marine Animal Trainers Association Conferen= ce will be held at the Montechoro Hotel in Albufeira, Portugal from 7-12 November 1998. ZooMarine-Portugal will host the meeting. The conference program may be viewed at http://www.imata.org/26thProgram.= html For more information please contact G=E9raldine Lacave at Dolphinarium Brugge, Alfons de Baeckestraat 12, 8200 Brugge, Belgium, Tel: +32 50 38 3= 8 38 Fax: +32 50 38 23 43 E-mail: geraldine.lacave(\)skynet.be, or visit the IMATA website (under construction) at http://www.imata.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 18:21:11 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Alaska groundfish SEIS - Steller sea lions (fwd) Forwarded message: ******* Since the late 1960s, the Steller sea lion population in western Alaska=20 (Prince William Sound through the Aleutian Islands) has plummeted 80-90=20 percent. In 1990, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)=20 designated the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. =20 In May, 1997, NMFS reclassified the species as endangered although no=20 new protective measures were recommended by the agency at that time.=20 OVERFISHING IN AN ECOSYSTEM CONTEXT JEOPARDIZES ALASKA MARINE WILDLIFE A broad pattern of declines in Steller sea lions, fur seals, harbor=20 seals and some fish-eating seabirds has been observed in regions of the=20 eastern Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska since the 1970s. = =20 All these declines in top predators are thought to be related to lack of=20 available prey and food limitation. Like canaries in a coal mine, these=20 species are telling us that something has gone terribly wrong in the=20 North Pacific food web =96 a region which has historically supported some= =20 of the largest marine mammal and seabird populations in the world. The most significant change in the recent history of the region came=20 with the introduction of large-scale trawl fishing in the 1960s, when=20 Japanese factory trawlers began targeting walleye pollock and other=20 "groundfish" in the eastern Bering Sea. The declines in Steller sea=20 lions coincide in the same times and areas with the expansion of=20 industrial trawl fisheries for important forage fishes such as pollock=20 and Atka mackerel. By contrast, in areas of Southeast Alaska where there=20 is no trawling for sea lion prey, the sea lion (and harbor seal)=20 populations have increased between the 1970s and 1990s. The grizzly=20 bear-sized Steller sea lion has the most direct competition with the=20 fisheries, consuming large numbers of fish of the same size targeted by=20 the trawl fleets. Despite the general scientific agreement that food limitation is driving=20 the continuing declines of sea lions and seals in western Alaska, the=20 Fisheries Service has allowed trawl fishery catches from sea lion=20 foraging areas to skyrocket since the 1970s. For instance, in the 1990s=20 50-70% of the giant Bering Sea pollock catch has become concentrated in=20 a relatively small but highly productive area of the southeastern Bering=20 Sea where the pollock spawn every year and where Steller sea lions were formerly most populous. This area was designated as critical foraging=20 habitat (defined as essential to survival and recovery of the species)=20 under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Failure to protect critical habitat by reducing the high levels of trawl=20 fishing in those areas is the reason why Greenpeace, American Oceans=20 Campaign and Sierra Club Alaska sued NMFS in April, 1998. Allowing=20 critical habitat to become ground zero for the largest fisheries in=20 North America means that foraging sea lions may be deprived of suitable=20 prey even if overall pollock or Atka mackerel abundance is estimated to=20 be high. This shift in focus to the localized timing and geographic=20 distribution of fishing is critical to any understanding of how=20 overfishing can occur in an ecosystem context. The agency's Final Rule listing critical habitat (August 1993)=20 designated zones out to 20 nautical miles (nm) around rookeries and=20 major haulouts (>200 animals) in Alaska, in the core foraging areas of=20 juveniles and nursing mothers. In addition, three large at-sea foraging=20 areas were established in the Shelikof Strait, eastern Aleutian Islands=20 and Seguam Pass area of the central Aleutians. The aquatic foraging areas are within the core of the Steller's=20 geographic range where sea lion abundance was greatest and where=20 declines have been greatest. These foraging areas are also the epicenters of spawning grounds for important sea lion prey, particularly=20 pollock and Atka mackerel, and the objects of intensive exploitation by=20 the commercial fisheries and sea lions alike. The Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on what Reasonable and=20 Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) are required under the ESA to eliminate=20 and/or reduce fishery impacts in Steller sea lion critical habitat. =20 Furthermore, NMFS has recently released the Groundfish Total Allowable=20 Catch (TAC) Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the=20 Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska for a 45 day public=20 comment period (until November 9). This SEIS is extremely myopic and=20 narrow, and hardly represents the ecosystem-based management that is=20 necessary for this region. Some problems: NMFS published its first notice concerning the EIS in March 1997. =20 Preparation of this Draft SEIS alone has taken NMFS approximately 18=20 months. Compared to the lengthy preparation time, it is unrealistic and=20 unfair to give the public the minimal period of 45 days to comment on=20 this Draft SEIS. Moreover, the subject matter of this Draft SEIS is (or should be)=20 extremely broad =97 the largest fisheries in North America, extending fro= m=20 the Aleutian Islands, through the Bering Sea, and into the Gulf of=20 Alaska. These fisheries raise many complex environmental issues and=20 their impacts are controversial. This is the first programmatic EIS=20 prepared for these fisheries in approximately 20 years. Under these=20 circumstances, giving the public such a constricted time to review this=20 document makes little sense. An extension of the comment period for the Draft SEIS is also warranted=20 in order for the agency to coordinate it's environmental reviews under=20 NEPA and ESA. Specifically, the Draft SEIS is incomplete without a=20 Section 7 Biological Opinion. The major federal action being reviewed=20 in this Draft SEIS very clearly "may affect" ESA listed species or their=20 critical habitats. Faced with such circumstances, NMFS itself states=20 that it should "provide a coordinated review and analysis of all=20 environmental requirements" where "consultation procedures under Section=20 7 may be consolidated with other statutes such as the National=20 Environmental Policy Act." 51 Fed. Reg. 19958-9 (1986). When such=20 reviews have been coordinated, "the results should be included in the=20 documents required by those statutes." 51 Fed. Reg. 19959 (1986). In=20 addition to these facts, the Draft SEIS simply cannot fully disclose and=20 analyze potential environmental effects of the groundfish fisheries=20 absent a biological opinion concerning ESA listed species. To proceed=20 on the current uncoordinated schedule violates the spirit and intent of=20 both NEPA and the ESA and, indeed, may lead to further supplementation=20 of NEPA processes once the outcome of the section 7 consultation is=20 known. Finally, the length of the Draft SEIS =97 about 700 pages =97 makes caref= ul=20 and thorough review almost impossible within 45 days. Based on a=20 preliminary review, it is believed that this Draft SEIS is fatally=20 inadequate in many respects, including its scope, range of alternatives,=20 and the adequacy of its analyses of the likely environmental imapcts of=20 these huge fisheries. Correcting these inadequacies likely will require=20 revisions to the Draft SEIS and further public comment on the revised=20 Draft. 40 C.F.R. =A7 1502.9.=20 This SEIS is being billed as a potential model for other US fisheries=20 and poses a dangerous precedent. Should this document be able to slide=20 through the narrow window the current 45 day public comment period=20 allows for, many other serious flaws in the SEIS may not be revealed. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE, CONTACT: Michael C. Barnette Marine Wildlife Program Leader American Oceans Campaign 201 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite C-3 Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 544-3526 email: aocfishman(\)hotmail.com aocmb(\)wizard.net Subject: recent publications (fwd) Scheiber, H.N. 1998. Historical memory, cultural claims, and environmental ethics in jurisprudence of whaling regulation. Ocean and Coastal Management 38/1: 5-40. Soviet catches of southern right whales Eubalaena australis, 1951-1971. Biological data and conservation implications. Tormosov, DD; Mikhaliev,YA; Best, PB; Zemsky, VA; Sekiguchi, K; Brownell, RL. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION. November 1998 v86 i2 p185-197 Killer whale predation on sea otters linking oceanic and nearshore ecosystems. Estes, JA; Tinker, MT; Williams, TM; Doak, DF. SCIENCE. October 16, 1998 v282 i5388 p473-476 Echolocation range of captive and free-ranging baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Akamatsu, T; Wang, D; Nakamura, K; Wang, K. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. October 1998 v104 i4 p2511-2516 A method for testing association patterns of social animals. Bejder, L; Fletcher, D; Brager, S. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. September 1998 v56 part3 p719-725 Characterization of dolphin acoustic echo-location data using a dynamical classification method. Kremliovsky, M; Kadtke, J; Inchiosa, M; Moore, P. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIFURCATION AND CHAOS. April 1998 v8 i4 p813-823 Ecology - Sea otter declines blamed on hungry killers. Kaiser, J. SCIENCE. October 16, 1998 v282 i5388 p390-391 Morbillivirus infections in aquatic mammals. Kennedy, S. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY. October 1998 v119 i3 p201-225 Is suckling behaviour a useful predictor of milk intake? A review. Cameron, EZ. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. September 1998 v56 part3 p521-532 Health status of young Alaska Steller sea lion pups (Eumetopias jubatus) as indicated by blood chemistry and hematology. Rea, LD; Castellini,MA; Fadely, BS; Loughlin, TR. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY. August 1998 v120 i4 p617-623 Population structure and gene flow of the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in the eastern Atlantic Arctic based on mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite variation. Andersen, LW; Born, EW; Gjertz, I; Wiig, O; Holm, LE; Bendixen, C. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. October 1998 v7 i10 p1323-1336 Premotor systems, language-related neurodynamics, and cetacean communication. Goldberg, G; Brooks, R. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES. August 1998 v21 i4 p517-518 Subject: Abstract Marmam readers wondering about the efficacy of non-invasive methods for collecting tissue-samples from large whales might find the following article of interest. Copies can be requested to E.Valsecchi(\)unsw.edu.au Molecular analysis of the efficiency of sloughed skin sampling in whale population genetics. Elena Valsecchi, Debbie Glockner-Ferrari, Mark Ferrari and William Amos. Molecular Ecology (1998) 7: 1419-1422 Abstract Sloughed whale skin contains enough DNA for genetic analysis, and offers a non-intrusive method for collecting tissue. Here, we examine the efficiency of sloughed skin sampling using 1460 samples collected from free-ranging humpback whales. Samples were sexed and screened for up to ten microsatellite markers. The vast majority of samples appear genetically compatible with field observations. About 1% of groups revealed more genotypes than whales, but we argue this is more likely to be due to unobserved whales than to contamination. Sloughed skin sampling is particularly effective when applied to active groups and offers a viable alternative to biopsy darting in regions where darting is either not permitted or otherwise undesirable. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Elena Valsecchi, PhD School of Biological Sciences tel. ++61 2 93852198 University of New South Wales fax ++61 2 93851558 Sydney NSW-2052 email: E.Valsecchi(\)unsw.edu.au Australia http://bioscience.babs.unsw.edu.au/sherwin/elena.htm *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 13:10:29 -0500 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy news The SMM web page was just updated. http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ Now available is Sirenews Number 30 (October 1998) and information on obtaining Marine Mammal Science (volumes 1-13) on a searchable, two CD set. Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 10:33:59 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: morbillivirus in a fin whale (fwd) Forwarded message: Dear Marmam On Nov. 1st 1997, a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranded along the Belgian coast. Main necropsy findings were chronic thombus of the portal vein, massive parasites infestation and emaciation. Microscopic investigations revealed syncytia in various tissues. Immunohistochemistry was positive for morbillivirus. In addition, anti-Canine Distemper Virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in blood and aggregates of viral material comparable to morbillivirus were observed in syncytia. It seems that is the first case of such disease in whales. First results have been published in a short communication: Lesions of morbillivirus infection in a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranded along the Belgian coast, Jauniaux T., Charlier G., Desmecht M., Coignoul F., Veterinary Record (1998), 143, 423-424. Jauniaux T E-mail : < Dept. of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Univ. of Liege, Bat. B43, Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liege, Belgium Phone: 32-4-366-4075; Fax: 32-4-366-4065 Subject: Draft Cetacean strategy, Great Barrier reef (fwd) The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has prepared a draft Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy to support the conservation of the over thirty species of cetaceans that may occur in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Policy specifies the manner in which the Authority proposes to manage the Marine Park for the conservation of cetaceans within its waters. It is intended to support related initiatives of the Australian Government, such as the new National Guidelines for Cetacean Observation, and to operate in harmony with the State of Queensland's whale and dolphin conservation legislation and management program. The draft policy is currently available for public review, and comments will be accepted until 20 November 1998. Publication of this draft presents the major opportunity for public comment and involvement. Comments are welcome from MARMAM subscribers. The draft document is available for downloading in Acrobat Reader format from the GBRMPA web site (http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/information/publications/dwp). Please note that while reasonable care has been taken with preparing the document, this is a draft and we cannot guarantee that it contains no errors or minor mistakes. Cheri Recchia Project Officer, Biodiversity, Conservation and World Heritage Group Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: c.recchia(\)gbrmpa.gov.au Organization: WHOI Subject: US Northeast Student Chapter for SMM Subject : US Northeast Student Chapter for SMM A US Northeast Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy has recently been created and all undergraduates, graduates and students-to-be are invited to join. The anticipated goal of the Chapter is to foster a student community through which individuals in the field of marine mammalogy will gather to share ideas, collaborate on projects, present their work and more. The Chapter can also provide a link between its members and the Student-At-Large representative for the Society for Marine Mammalogy (currently Brenda Jensen). The US Northeast region has been arbitrarily delimited as North of and including New York state. However, until additional US and Canada chapters on the East coast are initiated, other than the existing Florida Chapter, all are welcome to join. The first meeting of the Chapter will take place in Woods Hole, MA; the meeting is tentatively scheduled for early 1999. It will provide an opportunity for all interested students to express their needs and expectations of the Chapter and participate in its formal and final organization. The meeting will feature discussion of purpose statement, board member elections, presentations of student research, and keynote speakers, as well as informal activities. In the near future a Web site will be created. Contact Celine Godard at cgodard(\)whoi.edu or Sara Wetmore at Sara.Wetmore(\)noaa.gov for further information and enrollment, suggestions or comments. Thanks! Celine and Sara ______________________________________________________________________________ Celine Godard Sara Wetmore Biology Department Large Whale Biology Program Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Northeast Fisheries Science Center 45 Water Street 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Woods Hole, MA 02543 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 11:19:23 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Urgent Request for Porpoise Photos (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ----------=20 From: Mike Rensner =20 Colin Baxter Photography is a leading UK photographic publisher with an expanding list of books on single wildlife species, called the Worldlife Library. Each title is written by an acknowledged expert and draws on their research and personal experiences. They are illustrated with the best possible photographs, collected from around the world. We have a number of marine mammal titles in print and now urgently require pictures of the following species of porpoises for a forthcoming new title: Porpoises, by Andy Read: Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Burmeister=B9s Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis), Vaquita (Phocoena sinus), Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), Dall=B9s Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) and Spectacled Porpoise (Australophocoena dioptrica). Our preference is for live animals, at home in their marine environment. If you think you can help, please contact us as soon as possible. We offer a fair remuneration for all photographs published. Further information on the Worldlife Library Series is available at www.users.zetnet.co.uk/colin_baxter. Thank you, Mike Rensner Editorial Director Colin Baxter Photography The Old Dairy Woodlands Grantown on Spey Moray, PH26 3NA Tel 01479 873999 Fax 01479 873888 Subject: MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list 2. Messages posted on MARMAM 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? 5. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 6. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 8. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 12. Useful websites 13. Other email discussion lists 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of November 1998 there were over 3,400 subscribers from 60 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform and explicit as possible (detailed below), but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information on these issues (ie., is notanti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg., photographs) which will benefit MARMAM subscribers (eg., photographs that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - An appropriate subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. The MARMAM account cannot deal with attachments and any messages with attachments will not be sent. All information should therefore be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. NB. Many messages ask for information which would be of interest to many of the list subscribers. We therefore ask that a summary of responses is prepared and submitted back to the MARMAM list. Respondents to calls for information should therefore be aware that their response may be resubmitted to the entire list. Authors should therefore state that they do not wish their reply to go to the list, if this is the case. Summaries to the MARMAM list should fulfil other editorial criteria (relevent, concise, no flames, etc) ______________________________________________________________ 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - THOSE UNRELATED TO MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION - ANIMAL RIGHTS CALLS FOR ACTION - "COMMUNICATION" BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - "CASUAL" REQUESTS for information that is easily available elsewhere. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). - INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION: information requests without details as to why this is being requested. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. - COMMON EVENTS: news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) - REQUESTS FOR SMALL NUMBERS OF SPECIFIC ITEMS (eg., photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - OPINION STATEMENTS OFFERING LITTLE OR NO NOVEL INFORMATION. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. - CRITICISMS OF RESEARCHER'S STATEMENTS QUOTED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. - RHETORIC: messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES - JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 5. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). Two searchable websites hold archived MARMAM postings: Links to both of these can be found via the MARMAM homepage http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm http://www.escribe.com/science/marmam/ This archive includes all messages from June 2, 1998 and the monthly logs dating back to January 1995. The archive can be searched by keyword and will return a list of files (messages) containing that keyword. For long messages (i.e., the monthly logs) - using the "find" command (under "Edit") will speed up searching within the message. http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive contains all messages from November 1997. To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. The archive manager is Quyen Lam __________________________________________________________________ 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. To check for a particular subscriber, send the message: scan MARMAM WXYZ where WXYZ is the first or last name of the person in question. _______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 12. Useful websites Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ______________________________________________________ 13. Other email discussion lists Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, and Shannon Gowans) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated November 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 11:54:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Measuring Behavior '98 Conference Proceedings (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Wineke Schoo Measuring Behavior '98: Conference Proceedings available on-line In August of this year, the Measuring Behavior '98 conference was held in Groningen, The Netherlands. This meeting brought together almost 300 scientists who presented and discussed new methods and techniques in behavioral research. The proceedings of the conference, which comprise 358 pages in print, have recently been placed on the web. You can access them at http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm. The proceedings include some 150 summaries of presentations, with illustrations and links to other resources. Both an index by topic and an index by author are provided. We hope you will find it a useful source of information. Copies of the printed edition are still available too. The book comes as a handy spiral-bound volume and costs NLG 50,- (US$ 30) plus postage. Orders can be sent to the conference secretariat at the address below. Because of the small amount, we can only accept payment via credit card. Credit card number, cardholder's name and expiry date must be provided with the order. With kind regards, Wineke Schoo Chair, local organizing committee Measuring Behavior '98 Conference Secretariat P.O. Box 268 6700 AG Wageningen The Netherlands Phone: +31-317-497677 Fax: +31-317-424496 E-mail: mb98(\)noldus.nl Web: http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm Subject: University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees TWS-L(\)LISTSERV.VT.EDU Dear Folks, I would like to hear from non-lab researchers who have had problems with University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. Problems might include attempted jurisdiction over field studies, wondering why rats etc or models could not replace field species, questioning worth of field studies, lack of understanding of field studies, or endangereding field researchers with animal welfare requirements. The identities of all respondents will be kept confidential,unless otherwise indicated. I am interested to see if a pattern of problems exists with field studies that merits reworking of the law. At present the Animal Welfare Act is aimed at lab studies, leading to--at times--irrational guidelines when viewed from a field perspective. To preserve confidentiality, do not use the reply option and do make sure the response is addressed to me. If there is any response, I will summarize the results and post them. Many thanks--David Duffy Dr. David Duffy Professor of Botany/Unit Leader Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) Department of Botany University of Hawai'i Manoa 3190 Maile Way St. John 410 Honolulu, HI 96822-2279 phone: (808) 956-8218 fax: (808) 973-2936; (808) 956-3923 (backup) internet: dduffy(\)hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 17:56:20 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cetacean Mythology (fwd) From: "Dr Jason Cressey" Hello! I am currently researching the role of Dolphins, Whales and Porpoises in world mythology, with a particular emphasis on the world's indigenous peoples, for a book I am writing. Some areas/cultures seem to be very rich in Cetacean Folklore and myths (such as Oceania, which formed the basis for an article in a recent edition of the 'Rapa Nui Journal' (e-mail reprints are available upon request; see citation below). However, other areas of the world seem very sparse in folktales or local mythology that have a cetacean theme. If anyone has any stories, references, contacts or sources for this kind of material which relate to the following (or, indeed, other) areas, please contact me: Africa (all parts) Russia (and former Soviet Union) South America (not the Amazon region) Japan Scandinavia India South-East Asia (inc. Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar) In addition, legends or myths that you may be aware of from other regions that you feel are not particularly well known would be of great interest. Any leads, contacts or contributions which make it into the book will receive a complementary copy of the book upon publication, as a token of appreciation. Many Thanks Jason -------------------------- Dr Jason Cressey The POD - People, Oceans, Dolphins #304-1928 West 2nd Avenue Vancouver, BC Canada Fax: (604) 734 1108 E-Mail: Canadaorca(\)hotmail.com Web-site: http://www.premier1.net/~iamdavid/ocean.html Reference: 'Making a Splash in the Pacific: Dolphin and Whale Myths and Legends of Oceania' (Jason Cressey PhD), Rapa Nui Journal, Vol. 12 (3), September 1988, pp 75-84. (E-Mail copy available on request to the author) - Discusses the mythology and folklore connected to dolphins and whales in Australia, New Zealand, Kiribati, Hawai'i, Solomon Islands, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), French Polynesia and other islands of the Pacific. Outlines rituals, Deities, ceremonies and superstitions held by Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian peoples from ancient times to the present day. Concludes with a brief overview of the growth of modern ecotourism connected with whales and dolphins in the Pacific region. Subject: Abstract: Cetacean Parasites, Caribbean (fwd) From: Dr.Antonio A.Mignucci-Giannoni A new publication detailing the parasites of cetaceans in the Caribbean was recently published by the Journal of Parasitology. The citation and abstract follow: Mignucci-Giannoni, AA, EP Hoberg, D Siegel-Causey & EH Williams, Jr. 1998. Metazoan parasites and other symbionts of cetaceans in the Caribbean. J. Parasitol. 84(5):939-946. Abstract: The parasite fauna in cetaceans from the Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the larger Caribbean region is poorly known. We provide the first records for parasite biodiversity among a diverse assemblage of cetaceans from the Caribbean Sea. Internal and external parasites and commensals were collected from stranded whales and dolphins salvaged in Puerto Rico, the United States and British Virgin Islands, Jamaica and Venezuela between 1989 and 1997. A total of 47 individuals of 16 species of whales and dolphins (15 odontocetes and 1 mysticete) was examined. Overall, parasites and commensals were found in 34 (72.3%) animals, representing 13 species of odontocetes and 1 mysticete. Eighteen species of endoparasitic helminths were found, including 8 species of nematodes, 2 digeneans, 6 cestodes, and 2 acanthocephalans. Three species of whale-lice and 2 species of barnacles were also collected. Reprints may be obtained from the first author at the following address: PO Box 361715 San Juan PR 00936-1715 USA mignucci(\)caribe.net ************************* Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni Associate Professor-Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory, Universidad Metropolitana Scientific Coordinator-Caribbean Stranding Network Subject: evidence for monk seals in the West Indies (fwd) MARMAM subscribers might be interested in the following: Boyd, I.L., and M.P. Stanfield. 1998. Circumstantial evidence for the presence of monk seals in the West Indies. Oryx 32:310-316. Based on interviews with 93 fishermen in northern Haiti and Jamaica during 1997 an assessment was made of the likelihood that monk seals survive in this region of the West Indies. Fishermen were asked to select marine species known to them from randomly arranged pictures: 22.6 per cent (n=21) selected monk seals. This number was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than the number who selected control species (walrus, harbour seal, and sea-lion) that they were unlikely to have observed. However, it was not significantly different (n=19, P > 0.1) from the number who selected manatees, which are known to occur in the region in small numbers. More than 95 per cent of respondents also identified species that are known to occur commonly in the region. Further questioning of the 21 respondents who selected monk seals suggested that 16 (78 per cent) of them had seen at least one in the past 1-2 years. Those fishermen that were able to provide further descriptions gave information about size and colour that was consistent with many of these seals being monk seals. It is possible that the Caribbean monk seal is not extinct. I.L. Boyd, British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET UK Subject: Re: evidence for monk seals in the West Indies (fwd) At 10:18 AM 11/2/98 -0800, you wrote: >MARMAM subscribers might be interested in the following: > >Boyd, I.L., and M.P. Stanfield. 1998. Circumstantial evidence for the >presence of monk seals in the West Indies. Oryx 32:310-316. To all: Those interested in the above article may also wish to check the following website...http://www.tradewinds.vi/html/960909nc.html...for an account of a hooded seal stranding in St. John's US VI. Hooded and Harp seal strandings have increased greatly along the east coast of the US in the past decade. Although this may be an isolated incident (and I have not seen the full text of the above article, and do not know if photos of juvenile harp and hooded seals were used in the investigation) sightings of extralimital arctic seals may account for at least some of the sightings of phocids in this area. ge Greg Early Edgerton Research Laboratory New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, Mass 02110 617-973-5246 (phone) 617-723-6207 (FAX) gearly(\)neaq.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Nov 1998 09:58:07 +0000 From: Luke Rendell Subject: Re: Vocal mimicry in the wild Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Dear all, This is just a quick summary of the responses I received to my recent=20 enquiry concerning vocal mimicry (22nd Oct, Subj: Vocal mimicry in=20 the wild): Jan Herrmann provided the following useful=20 sources: Bauer, G. B. a. C. M. Johnson (1994): Trained motor imitation by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Percept Mot Skills 79, 1307-15 Issn: 0031-5125 Caldwell,MC; Caldwell,DK (1972): Vocal mimicry in the whistle mode by an atlantic bottlenosed dolphin. Cetology 9, 8p. Lilly,JC (1965): Vocal mimicry in tursiops: ability to match numbers and durations of human vocal bursts. Science 147(3655), 300-301. (**Ted Cranford also recommended Lilly's work on=20 mimicry**) Wang, D., B. W=FCrsig a. W. E. Evans (1995): Whistles of bottlenose dolphins from comparisons among populations. Aqu. Mam. 21, 65-77 Volker Deecke pointed out that resident=20 Northeast Pacific killer whales will sometimes mimic the calls of=20 other acoustic clans, and provided the following useful sources: Janik, VM and Slater, PJB (1995) Vocal Learning in Mammals, Adv. Study Behav. 26:59-99 Ford, J.K.B. 1991:Vocal traditions among resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. Can. J. Zool. 69:1454-1483. In addition, Peter Gill of Australocetus=20 Research, Denise Herzing < wilddolphin(\)igc.apc.org> of the Wild=20 Dolphin Project and Cathy Kinsman of the Whale Stewardship Project=20 all reported personal observations of mimicry in=20 common dolphin, spotted dolphin and beluga respectively. Hope this is useful, Many thanks to all responders! Luke Luke Rendell Dept of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 CANADA E-mail : lrendell(\)is2.dal.ca Tel : (902) 494 3723 WWW : http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/lr/luke.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 12:53:19 -0800 From: Scott Rehmus Subject: GIS Grants Available for Conservation Orgs ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRANTS FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS INTERESTED IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) October 20, 1998 NOTE: Do NOT reply to this email directly. Please refer to the CTSP web site for detailed information about grants. If you still have questions about how to apply for CTSP grants, please send email to: , including your phone number, and we will get back to you right away. The Conservation Technology Support Program (CTSP) announces the availability of guidelines for its 1999 CTSP Grants. CTSP is supported by donations of computer equipment from Hewlett Packard Company and of software from ESRI . U.S.-based non-profit, tax-deductible (501c3) conservation organizations may receive applications for grants of computer hardware (computers, printers, plotters and other devices) and mapping software by visiting the CTSP web site . If, after reviewing the guidelines, you wish to apply for a grant, you will be directed to send an email which will return the application to you. Completed grant proposals must be postmarked no later than midnight, January 7, 1999. Awards will be made by mid-April, 1999, and equipment/software packages will be delivered by June, 1999. CTSP makes approximately 50 grants per year, most of which include a powerful PC computer from Hewlett Packard and mapping software from ESRI (awards of advanced systems are also available to qualified groups). Over the last five years, CTSP has awarded 200 groups grants worth almost $4 million dollars. International organizations may be eligible for grants -- see the guidelines for details. CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROGRAM 201 Mission Street 4th Floor San Francisco CA 94105 ctsp(\)ctsp.org www.ctsp.org Fax: 415-979-0371 END ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Nov 1998 13:05:41 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: pressure effects on marine mammals (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) ****************** The following is a re-posting of information on the pressure effects on marine mammals and sea turtles that the Minerals Management Service is holding in New Orleans on 10 December (remember that on 9 December is the Gulf of Mexico cetacean research overview - GulfCet II). I am re-posting this message because I have received so many requests from people who haven't figured out how to use Marmam archives. Apologies to those of you seeing this for yet another time. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************* Minerals Management Service (MMS) 18th Gulf of Mexico Region Information Transfer Meeting (ITM), December 8-10, 1998, New Orleans Airport Hilton, Kenner, LA The ITM is a public meeting held to present information on offshore oil and gas issues and results of ongoing environmental studies to a general audience. Meeting results will be published and released as an MMS Report in the form of abstracts prepared by speakers. Since the ITM's intent is to provide useful information to a mixed audience, abstracts often do not represent the content expected from a professional symposium or society meeting. A block of rooms is being held at the New Orleans Airport Hilton, 901 Airline Drive. A single or double is $99.00, excluding taxes. Call 1-800-HILTONS or (504) 469-5000. For more information and to register (no fee), call the University of New Orleans (UNO) Office of Conference Services at 504-280-6680 (fax 504-280-7317, e-mail confmc(\)uno.edu). Information for all ITM sessions are available through UNO and will be posted on the MMS website: http://www.mms.gov. The preliminary agenda for the Acoustic/Pressure Wave Effects Session is: Acoustic/Pressure Wave Effects on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Co-Chairs Dr William Lang, Minerals Management Service Ms. Colleen Benner, Minerals Management Service Thursday Morning, December 10th Room: (To be determined) 8:30 Introduction to Session Dr. William Lang, MMS 8:40 An Overview on use of Explosives by the GOM Offshore Industry Dr. David Leidel, Haliburton Energy Services 9:15 An Overview on use of Seismic Devices by the GOM Offshore Industry Mr. Jack Caldwell, Geco-Prakla 9:45 Marine Mammal Acoustic Studies Conducted in the GOM Dr. William Evans, Texas A&M University 10:10 Break 10:25 Highlights of the 1998 London Workshop on Seismic & Marine Mammals Dr. Mark Tasker, Joint Nature Conservation Committee 10:50 U. S. Navy Concerns and Research Initatives for Acoustic/Explosive Effects Dr. Robert Gisiner, Office of Naval Research 11:10 The MMS High Energy Sesimic Survey (HESS) Panel Dr. Mark Pierson, MMS Pacific Regional Office 11:35 NMFS Acoustic Criteria Workshop and Related Activities Dr. Roger Gentry, NMFS Office of Protected Resources 12:00 Lunch 1:30 Behavioral Responses of Marine Mammals to Acoustic Disturbance Dr. W. John Richardson, LGL Ltd., Environmental Research Associates 2:00 Acoustic/Explosive Effects on Sea Turtles Dr. Molly Lutcavage, New England Aquarium 2:30 Acoustic/Explosive Effects on Marine Mammals Dr. Darlene Ketten, Woods Hole Oceanograhic Institution 3:00 Break 3:20 Panel Discussion - Mitigation and Regulation of Effects Dr. Robert Hofman, Marine Mammal Commission Mr. Ken Hollingshead, National Marine Fisheries Service Mr. Ron Brinkman, MMS Geological and Geophysical Section Mr. Dan Allen, Chevron Production Company Subject: new IWC journal (fwd) Forwarded message: This was posted to ECS and will probably be of interest to many Marm= am=20 subscribers. =20 =20 The International Whaling Commission has established a new journal:=20 "Journal Of Cetacean Research and Management". The philosophy behind= =20 the journal and instructions on how to submit manuscripts can be fou= nd=20 on the IWC homepage=20 ( http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice).=20 =20 Sl=E1inte =20 Greg Donovan Editor =20 ********************************************************************= ** ***** ************************ Journal Of Cetacean Research and Management International Whaling=20 Commission The Red House, 135 Station Road Impington, Cambridge CB4 9NP, UK =20 Tel: +44-1223-233971 Fax: +44-1223-232876 e-mail (Journal): IWCJournal(\)CompuServe.com e-mail (Personal):=20 101455.1360(\)CompuServe.com Web page: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice=20 Subject: recent marine mammal publications (fwd) The following are some recent papers published on marine mammals. Please do not contact the MARMAM editors for reprints. ---------------------------------------------------------- Serum cortisol levels in captive killer whale and bottlenose dolphin. Suzuki, M; Tobayama, T; Katsumata, E; Yoshioka, M; Aida, K. FISHERIES SCIENCE. August 1998 v64 i4 p643-647 In order to quantify serum cortisol levels in the killer whale Orcinus orca and the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, we have established a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) system. Two kinds of antisera against cortisol (i. e., cortisol-3-(O-carboxymethyl)-oxime-BSA (FKA404) and cortisol-21-succinil-BSA (FKA402)) were used for RIA. High performance liquid chromatography/RIA analysis of serum extract has revealed that FKA404 reacts more specifically with cortisol in the sera without remarkable crossreaction with other corticoids. The cortisol RIA system using FKA404 as an antiserum was validated. Intra and inter assay coefficient of variation were 1.9% and 3.2%, respectively. The minimum detectable quantity of cortisol was 0.052 ng/ml. The competition curves for serum samples of the two cetacean species were parallel to the standard curve. These results indicate that this system is suitable for the measurement of cortisol in the killer whale and the bottlenose dolphin. Serum cortisol levels (mean +/- SE) measured by the RIA with FKA404 was 3.8 +/- 1.8 ng/ml in bottlenose dolphins. In killer whales, serum cortisol levels in the morning were significantly higher (2.5 +/- 0.8 ng/ml) than those in the evening (1.5 +/- 0.5 ng/ml). This result in killer whales coincided with studies in diurnal terrestrial mammals including humans. ***************** Age structure and longevity in North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis and their relation to reproduction. Hamilton, PK; Knowlton, AR; Marx, MK; Kraus, SD. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. November-December 1998 v171 p285-292 Although there are a number of techniques for determining age in dead baleen whales, few exist for live. free-swimming animals.Photo-identification records of 374 cataloged individuals through 1996 were used to assess the age of first parturition, the age structure and the longevity of the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis. Nearly the entire population is identified and the majority of the whales have extensive sighting histories dating from 1980, with some earlier sightings dating as far back as 1935. The observed mean age at first parturition for females with complete sighting histories (n = 13) is 8.7 yr and the age at which whales are considered adults, based on the mean age of first observed parturition for all know-age females (n = 20), is 9 yr. Juveniles and calves constitute 26 to 31% of the population, considerably less than in other baleen whale species. One whale is at least 65 yr old, and reproductive histories of others span up to 29 yr. Although the 65 plus yr old whale is possibly reproductively senescent, her apparent lack of calving may be due to anthropogenic factors or to undocumented calvings. ***************** Isolation of fungal rDNA from bottlenose dolphin skin infected with Loboa loboi. Haubold, EM; Aronson, JF; Cowan, DF; McGinnis, MR; Cooper, CR. MEDICAL MYCOLOGY. October 1998 v36 i5 p263-267 Fungal-specific primers targeted for highly conserved genomic nucleic acid sequences were used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA from lobomycosis lesions in a bottlenose dolphin. Sequence alignments of this DNA possessed high homology to fungal ribosomal DNA sequences found in the genus Cladosporium. When used for in situ hybridization, the riboprobe transcribed from a cloned PCR-enerated fragment bound to Loboa loboi cells. These results support the hypothesis that L. loboi in dolphin tissue is a fungus. ****************** Distribution and abundance of and habitat use by harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, off the northern San Juan Islands, Washington. RaumSuryan, KL; Harvey, JT. FISHERY BULLETIN. October 1998 v96 i4 p808-822 Boat surveys along randomly placed line transects were conducted from June to August 1991 and June to October 1992 to determine distribution and abundance of and habitat use by harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) off the northern San Juan Islands, Washington. There were 301 sightings (average 4.4 sightings/h) of 526 harbor porpoise during 73 random boat surveys, with group sizes of 1 to 8 individuals (mean=1.87, SE=0.06, n=278). An estimated 299 harbor porpoise (1.26 porpoise/km(2), SE=0.20) were distributed in an aggregated pattern within a 237 km(2) area (10% of Washington Sound), indicating that a large proportion (30%) of harbor porpoise in Washington Sound occur in the northern San juan Islands. Harbor porpoise were distributed over a depth range from 20.1 to 235.0 m (mean=141.6 m, SE=2.43, n=275) and were observed more than expected (P<0.05) in depths greater than 125 m and over shallow slopes (<10%) and observed less than expected (P<0.05) in depths less than 75 m. Porpoise occurred at sea surface temperatures of 10.1 degrees to 16.3 degrees C and were sighted more frequently than expected (P<0.05) in water temperatures of 11 degrees to 12 degrees C. Boat surveys along fixed location transects indicated distribution was similar between 1991 and 1992. The occurrence of harbor porpoise in deep water, at cooler sea surface temperatures, over shallow sloping seafloor, and in tidally mixed regions (owing to currents and tide rips) within our study area may, collectively, affect prey distribution and associated harbor porpoise distribution. ********************* Gillnet passive acoustic deterrents: Investigating inter-reflector spacings with a harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena. Nakamura, K; Akamatsu, T; Goodson, AD; Kagoshima, K; Shimazaki, K. FISHERIES SCIENCE. August 1998 v64 i4 p648-649 ******************** Concentrations and biomagnification of 17 chlordane compounds and other organochlorines in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and herring from the southern Baltic Sea. Strandberg, B; Strandberg, L; Bergqvist, PA; Falandysz, J; Rappe, C. CHEMOSPHERE. October-November 1998 v37 i9-12 p2513-2523 Four species of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and one herring (Clupea harengus) sample from the southern Baltic Sea were analysed in an attent to study the concentration and biomagnification of 17 chlordane related compounds (CHLs) including 12 components present in technical chlordane, the toxic metabolites oxychlordane and cis-heptachlorepoxide and the photoconversion products photoheptachlor and two photo-cis-chlordanes. The concentration and biomagnification ability of CHLs were also compared to other organochlorines such as HCHs (hexachlorocyclohexanes), hexachlorobenzene, DDTs, dieldrin, mirex and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Of the CHLs analysed, 16 were detected in porpoise and 15 in herring including the photoconversion products. In both species the highest concentrations were found for PCBs and DDTs. The concentration of PCBs and CHLs in porpoise varied from 5700-16000 and 470-1250 ng/g lipid, and in herring from 1300 and 49 ng/g lipid, respectively. The biomagnification factor (BMF: concentration in organism/concentration in food; all lipid normalized) in porpoise was found to be high for CHLs followed by dieldrin and lowest for HCHs. Among the CHLs, a big variation of BMF (BMF range similar to 1-50) was found e.g. the nonachlorinated compounds biomagnified to the highest degree followed by cis-heptachlorepoxide, photoheptachlor and oxychlordane. *********************** Combined microwave-assisted extraction and gel permeation chromatography for the determination of chlorinated hydrocarbons in seal blubber and cod livers. Vetter, W; Weichbrodt, M; Hummert, K; Glotz, D; Luckas, B. CHEMOSPHERE. October-November 1998 v37 i9-12 p2439-2449 A fast and effective sample clean-up procedure for the quantitation of chlorinated hydrocarbons in seal blubber and cod livers is presented. Lipophilic sample ingredients are extracted by application of microwave energy. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was performed with ethyl acetate and cyclohexane as solvent. Without exchange of the solvent, the organochlorine compounds are separated from matrix coextractives by gel permeation chromatography. Traces of matrix remainders were separated on deactivated silica prior to GC/ECD analysis. In this study we focused on quantification of PCB 153, PCB 138, PCB 180, HCB, and p,p'-DDE. In seal blubber, the recovery rates for these organochlorines were >90% for the complete sample clean-up procedure. The standard deviation of the overall-method was within 5%. MAE of cod livers required softer conditions. After optimization of the MAE the organochlorine levels in cod liver were almost identical with those determined with another independent clean-up method. *********************** Levels and enantiomeric ratios of alpha-HCH, oxychlordane, and PCB 149 in blubber of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) from Iceland and further species. Klobes, U; Vetter, W; Luckas, B; Skirnisson, K; Plotz, J. CHEMOSPHERE. October-November 1998 v37 i9-12 p2501-2512 The chiral stationary phase beta-TBDM (35% heptakis(6-O-tert.-butyldimethylsilyl-2,3-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextr in in OV-1701) was applied to study the enantioenrichment of alpha-HCH, oxychlordane, and PCB 149 in blubber of two seal species from Iceland by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The examined habour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) showed alpha-HCH enantiomeric ratios (ER) > 1. The ER of PCB 149 was comparable in the two species from Iceland but for oxychlordane ER < 1 was observed in harbour seals while the oxychlordane ER in grey seals was > 1. In blubber of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes Weddelli) from the Antarctic we determined an alpha-HCH ER < 1 which is in contrast to the Icelandic seal species and a sample from Lake Baikal ************************ Levels of organochlorine and polycyclic aromatic compounds in harp seal beaters (Phoca groenlandica). Zitko, V; Stenson, G; Hellou, J. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. September 29, 1998 v221 i1 p11-29 Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, chlorobiphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were measured in blubber, liver, kidney and muscle of five male and five female, 8-month-old harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). Levels of organochlorine contaminants were lowest in muscle, nearly 100 times higher in blubber and intermediate in kidney and liver. Only 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran was detected in all liver and blubber samples (0.45 and 3.15 pg/g wet wt., respectively). Concentrations of chlorobiphenyls expressed as Aroclor 1254 were 3.8 and 8.2, 8.6 and 21.5, 23 and 73, and 945 and 890 ng/g wet wt. in the muscle, kidney, liver and blubber of female and male seals, respectively. p,p'-DDE, trans-nonachlor, oxychlordane and alpha-HCH were the additional predominant organochlorine compounds at 460 and 460, 415 and 530, 300 and 390, and 190 and 230 ng/g wet in the blubber of female and male seals, respectively. Concentrations of chlorobiphenyls and pesticides in muscle,liver and kidney were two-three times higher in males compared to females, whether expressed on a wet weight or a lipid weight basis, and approximately equal in blubber, even though the blubber layer of females was 30% thicker than that of males. Naphthalene and its C1-C3 homologues were detected in all tissues, generally at concentrations below 10 ng/g wet wt. The concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in blubber are considerably lower than those reported for juvenile seals from the same area 20 years ago. PCB and organochlorine pesticide concentrations and profiles are discussed in relation to those reported from other areas, as well as to sex and age of the seals. ****************** Structure-dependent separation method for non-ortho PCBs with matrix-integrated quality control: A multidimensional analytical approach. Kannan, N; Petrick, G; Bruhn, R; SchulzBull, DE. CHEMOSPHERE. October-November 1998 v37 i9-12 p2385-2393 A PYE 2-(1-pyrenyl)ethyldimethylsilylated silica gel] column HPLC in combination with MDGC-ECD has been developed for a sensitive and selective determination of toxic mono- and non-ortho ECBs in environmental samples. This technique was applied to environmental samples such as coastal water, suspended particulate material (SPM), coastal sediment, mussels, fish, bird and marine mammal. Determination of PCB 156 along with non-ortho congeners acted as matrix-integrated quality control parameter. This hyphenated technique offers one of the most sensitive way of determining non-ortho PCBs but also reveals the immense complexity of the coelution problem which unnoticed results in over estimation of toxic PCBs in the environmental samples. Subject: recent marine mammal references These are some recent marine mammal articles. Please do not contact the MARMAM editors regarding reprints. =================================================================== Documenting the bycatch of harbor porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, in coastal gillnet fisheries from stranded carcasses. Cox, TM; Read, AJ; Barco, S; Evans, J; Gannon, DP; Koopman, HN; McLellan, WA; Murray, K; Nicolas, J; Pabst, DA; Potter, CW; Swingle, WM; Thayer, VG; Touhey, KM; Westgate, AJ. FISHERY BULLETIN. October 1998 v96 i4 p727-734 We examined 107 harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) carcasses recovered from beaches in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina between 1994 and 1996 for evidence of entanglement in fishing gear. Stranded porpoises ranged in length from 102 to 128 cm, indicating that only juvenile porpoises are present in the nearshore waters of the Mid-Atlantic during winter. Of the 40 porpoises for which we could establish cause of death, 25 displayed definitive evidence of entanglement in fishing gear. Evidence of entanglement consisted primarily of line marks from nets; in four cases we were able to determine specifically that porpoises had become entangled in monofilament nets. These mortalities demonstrate the need for a directed observer program for coastal gillnet fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic. ====================================================================== William C.G. Burns, "The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS): A Regional Response to the Threats Facing Cetaceans," 1 Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 113-133 (1998). The article focuses on ACCOBAMS, a regional treaty adopted in 1996 under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals to protect cetacean species. The status of cetaceans in the Mediterranean and Black Seas is assessed, as well as the primary threats to their viability. The article outlines the major provisions of ACCOBAMS and assesses the likely efficacy of the treaty once it comes into effect. ============================================================== Paggi, L., Nascetti, G., Webb, S.C., Mattiucci, S., Cianchi, R., and L. Bullini. 1998. A new species of Anisakis Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda, Anisakidae) from beaked whales (Ziphiidae): allozyme and morphologyical evidence. Syst. Parasitol. 40/3: 161-174. ============================================================== Murray, B.W. and B.N. White. 1998. Sequence variation at the major histocompatibility complex DRB loci in beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhal (Monodon monoceros). Immunogenetics 48/4: 242-252. ================================================================== Nakata, H., S. Tanabe, R. Tatsukawa, Y. Koyama, N. Miyazaki, S. Belikov, and A. Boltunov. 1998. Persistent organochlorine contaminants in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from the Kara Sea, Russian Arctic. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 17/9: 1745-1755. ===================================================================== Martensson, P.-E., E.S. Nordoy, E.B. Messelt, and A.S. Blix. 1998. Gut length, food transit time and diving habit in phocid seals. Polar Biology 20/3: 213-217. ====================================================================== Martin, A.R., T.G. Smith, and O.P. Cox. 1998. Dive form and function in belugas Delphinapterus leucas of the eastern Canadian HIgh Arctic. Polar Biology 20/3: 218-228. Subject: "Ontogeny of Echolocation" summary and references Ontogeny of Echolocation Susan C. Gardner and Paul Tontz Center For Wetland Studies Baja California Sur, Mexico sfsbaja(\)balandra.uabcs.mx ptontz(\)yahoo.com Dear MARMAM community, Dr. Gardner and myself would like to personally thank all those who aided in the compilation of this summary and list of references. We feel the following information may be a helpful resource for those with any interest in cetacean echolocation ontogeny. Any comments or questions may be directed to the email addresses above. Again, your help was greatly appreciated! Sincerely, Dr. Susan Garder Paul A. Tontz Echolocation is a highly complex and sophisticated use of sound. Numerous observations indicate that the auditory system in cetaceans is fully developed at the time of birth. One trainer reported that during its second week, a captive raised calf was heard making clicks as it swam close to fish held by trainers (Chris Davis; Naval Research and Development, Biosystems Division, San Diego, CA, pers. com.). Other reports described two different bottlenose dolphins producing click trains directed at peoples hands at two months of age (Diane J. Blackwood, Cognitive Ecology & Bioacoustics, TX A&M, pers. comm.). In most cases, however, it is unclear whether young dolphins obtain information about their environment, either intentionally or inadvertently, from their early pulsed sounds. These early vocalizations may only be reflexive sounds which are the precursors to more developed echolocation signals. Their function may be as communicative and emotional signals rather than for echolocation purposes, since they are frequently observed in both playful and confrontational context (Overstrom, 1983; Reiss, 1988; Howard, 1995). Reiss (1988) reported apparent echolocation in bottlenose dolphin calves during the forth week postnatal. Contact-isolation calls and other low frequency vocalizations (3-10 kHz) were recorded immediately after birth. By the end of the second week, short duration clicks were emitted, which resembled adult echolocation signals, but were lower in frequency (below 4 kHz). It was not until approximately 5 weeks, however, that adult-like clicks to 16 kHz were produced with repetition rates and frequencies that varied with activity. Lindhard (1988) described echolocation-type clicks with a spectrum peak as high as 60 kHz produced by a two week old Tursiops. The author warns, however, that there were problems with identifying the source of the recordings since the young dolphin could not be isolated from the adults. At 7 weeks of age, clicks from the calf only peaked between 10 and 20 kHz. Adult-type clicks were produced after 9 months with peak energy as high as 120 kHz (Lindhard, 1988). This is similar to what has been reported with killer whales (Orcinus orca) in which by 8 months, a calf produced clicks of 11-17 kHz, similar to those used by adults for echolocation (Bowles, et al.,1988). In sperm whales (Physeter catodon), calves produce recognizable whale sounds soon after birth, but the click patterns develop in complexity and stereotypy with age (Watkins et al., 1988). Studies of this species found that the vocalizations from smaller calves included slightly noisy tonal components which were interpreted as the result of improperly formed clicks. In larger/older calves, the sounds appeared more organized in sequences and with stereotyped temporal patterns more similar to the communicative signals of adults (Watkins et al., 1988). However, the authors reported that none of the calves appeared to use their sounds in ways that were related to echolocation. Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned studies provide definitive data regarding the onset of truly functional echolocation. Information is lacking in general to indicate when calves are capable of receiving information about the environment from pulsed sound production. It is reasonable to speculate that echolocation isn't simply an innate skill, but that calves must learn it by mimicking adult and through a process of practicing pulsed sound production and discovering how to interpret the information they receive back. It has been suggested that the early stage of vocal acquisition in dolphins may be analogous to vocal learning for humans in which the young produced a wide variety of acoustically variable utterances made up primarily of infant separation and distress calls (Howard, 1995; McCowan and Reiss, 1995). Similarity theories have been suggested with the ontogeny of sound production in bats. Bats also show progressive shifts from lower to higher frequency pulses and begin producing adult-type echolocation sounds between 24-40 days (Moss, 1988). It is thought that communication between the mother and infant is an especially important means by which the young eventually develop the adult vocal repertoire. There appears to be an overlap in the use of sounds for communication and echolocation. Young bats initially begin using echoes as isolation signals and while engaged in social communication. As they grow older they reduce the use of isolation calls and gradually raise the frequency range of their calls closer to that of the adult repertoire. At the same time the pulse duration and repetition rate begin to more closely approximate those of adults (Moss, 1988). The ontogeny of dolphin whistle production follows similar patterns. In Tursiops, it has been shown that sounds are produced soon after birth, but communicative whistle sequences increase in complexity and stereotypy with age (Caldwell and Caldwell, 1979). Infants' early vocalizations were described as tremulous and not widely frequency modulated, potentially an indication of poor muscular coordination. Increases in stability and greater frequency modulation occurred over time, with most of the calves developing frequency-modulated stereotyped whistles within one to three months (Caldwell and Caldwell, 1979). In a similar study, McCowan and Reiss (1995) found that the complexity of the whistle structure substantially increased over the first 8 months, but only a some subset of the adult repertoire was produced by the end of the first year. Both studies indicate that infants are born with the ability to produce immature vocalizations, but that the capacity for emitting adult type sounds increases throughout development. Therefore, although the production of clicks that resemble echolocation pulses have been documented in very young animals, additional studies are needed to conclusively demonstrate functional echolocation in infants. Biochemical analyses have been conducted in order to contribute data for addressing this question by describing the physiochemical development of acoustical tissues in porpoises and dolphins (Gardner et al., in preparation). This alternate research approach will provide important information to support or refute the findings of bioacoustical studies. REFERENCES Bowles, A.E., W.G. Young ad E.D. Asper. (1988) Ontogeny of stereotyped calling of a killer whale calf, Orcinus orca, during her first year. Rit Fiskideildar 11 pp. 251-275. Caldwell, M.C., and D.K. Caldwell. (1979). The whistle of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Ontogeny. In H.E. Winn and B.L. Olla (eds.) Behavior of Marine Animals. Plenum, New York., Vol 3, pp. 369-410. Gardner, S. C., B. Nilsson, C. Krone, U. Varanasi. Developmental Biochemistry of Cetacean Acoustical Lipids (in preparation). National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Seattle, WA. USA Howard, C.J. (1995) Dolphin Chronicles. Bantam Books, New York. 304 pp. Lindhard, M. (1988). Apparent sonar clicks from a captive bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus when 2, 7, and 38 weeks old. In: Animal Sonar Processes and Performance, P.E. Nachtigall & P.W.B. Moore (Eds.), NATO ASI Series A, Vol. 156, New York: Plenum Press pp. 109-113. McCowan B., and D. Reiss (1995). Whistle contour development in captive-born infant bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Role of learning. Journal of Comparative Psychology. Vol 109, no. 3, pp. 242-260. Moss, C.F., (1988). Ontogeny of vocal signals in the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus. In: Animal Sonar Processes and Performance, P.E. Nachtigall & P.W.B. Moore (Eds.), NATO ASI Series A, Vol. 156, New York: Plenum Press pp. 109-113. Overstrom, N.A. (1983). Association between burst-pulse sounds and aggressive behavior in captive bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Zoo. Biol. 2:93-103. Reiss, D. (1988). Observations on the development of echolocation in young Bottlenose dolphins. In: Animal Sonar Processes and Performance, P.E. Nachtigall & P.W.B. Moore (Eds.), NATO ASI Series A, Vol. 156, New York: Plenum Press. pp. 121-127. Watkins, W.A., K.E. Moore, C.W. Clark, and M.E. Dahlheim. (1988). The sounds of sperm whale calves. In: Animal Sonar Processes and Performance, P.E. Nachtigall & P.W.B. Moore (Eds.), NATO ASI Series A, Vol. 156, New York: Plenum Press. pp. 99-107. == Paul Tontz 4055 John St San Diego CA 92106 (619) 226-1151 ptontz(\)acusd.edu ptontz(\)yahoo.com _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free (\)yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 14:38:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: vol. 6 - Handbook of Marine Mammals (fwd) Handbook of Marine Mammals- Volume 6 - The Second Book of Dolphins and Porpoises is available for online purchase at: http://www.apcatalog.com/cgi-bin/AP?ISBN=0125885067&LOCATION=US&FORM= FORM2 That address provides information on the book and gives the ordering link. For those of you without web access or perhaps you don't feel comfortable ordering online: Phone Numbers Domestic Customers To call from within the United States and Canada: 1-800-321-5068 To fax from within the United States and Canada: 1-800-874-6418 International Customers To call from within the United States: 1-800-341-9938 To call from outside the United States: 1-407-345-3800 To fax from outside the United States: 1-407-345-4060 By E-mail apbcs(\)harcourtbrace.com - Academic PressBook Customer Service Details from the web page follow: ISBN: 0125885067 September 1998 US Price: $99.95 Edited by S.H. Ridgway and R. Harrison GENERAL DESCRIPTION Some of the world's most beautiful, intelligent and highly adapted mammals inhabit our seas and oceans, and have stirred the human imagination for many centuries. As our knowledge of marine mammals grows, the need exists for a reliable and complete reference to the ecology and biology of these fascinating creatures. The Handbook of Marine Mammals series was founded with this in mind and now reaches its conclusion with this sixth and final volume. Within the pages of this classic series, scientists, conservationists and informed layperson alike can find the definitive review of all the world's whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and related species as well as sea otters and sea cows. Volume 6 covers the remaining dolphins and porpoises in a series of 17 chapters, each written by a specialist author with extensive personal research experience of the species. Each chapter provides a description of the species, and includes sections on the aspects of distribution and abundance, anatomy, physiology, behavior, reproduction, parasites and diseases and the impact of human activity on the animal's population and well-being. Numerous maps, photos and drawings illustrate the text. KEY FEATURES Concludes this major definitive series A standard reference work on all of the world's marine mammals, their anatomy, distribution, ecology, and behavior The most up-to-date research in a concise reference form Numerous photos of live and specimen animals, skulls, and anatomical details, plus distribution maps Text specifically deals with conservation and management issues CONTENTS: R.R. Reeves, C. Smeenk, C.C. Kinze, R.L. Brownell, Jr., and J. Lien, White-beaked Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus albirostris. R.R. Reeves, C. Smeenk, R.L. Brownell, and C.C. Kinze, Atlantic White-sided Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus acutus. R.L. Brownell, Jr., W.A. Walker, and K.A. Forney, Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens. R.L. Brownell, Jr., and F. Cipriano, Dusky Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obscurus. R.L. Brownell, Jr., E.A Crespo, and M. Donahue, Peale's Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus australis. R.L. Brownell, Jr., and M.A. Donahue, Hourglass Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus cruciger. R.S. Wells and M.D. Scott, Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. S. Kruse, D.K. Caldwell, and M.C. Caldwell, Risso's Dolphin, Grampus griseus. D.K. Odell and K. Miller McClune, False Killer Whale, Pseudorca crassidens. H.J. Bernard and S.B. Reilly, Pilot Whales, Globicephala. M.E. Dahlheim and J.E. Heyning, Killer Whale, Orcinus orca. A.J. Read, Harbour Porpoise, Phocoena phocoena. O. Vidal, R.L. Brownell, Jr., and L.T. Findley, Vaquita, Phocoena sinus. R.L. Brownell, Jr., and P.J. Clapham, Spectacled Porpoise, Phocoena dioptrica. R.L. Brownell, Jr., and P.J. Clapham, Burmeister's Porpoise, Phocoena spinipinnis. T. Kasuya, Finless Porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides. W.J. Houck and T.A. Jefferson, Dall's Porpoise, Phocoenoides dalli. Subject: monk seal field position announcement (fwd) From: Brenda Becker Two different field positions (field camp leader #700049 & assistants #700048) are attached for work in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for 3-6 mos. studying the Hawaiian monk seal. All research sites are remote, and most are primitive camps. There are two different starting dates of the field camps: Feb. 16 (Laysan & Lisianski Islands) and about May 1 (French Frigate Shoals, Pearl & Hermes Reef, and Kure Atoll) with nearly all positions ending mid-August. The first 3 wks of employment are in Honolulu to receive training and pack for the camp and the last 2 wks in Honolulu to clean-up gear and work on data. Transportation from Honolulu to the field site and food and lodging in the field are provided. Important, please indicate your dates of availability in the cover letter. Copies of official transcripts are also required. These positions are open to citizens of the United States and NAFTA countries. Foreign nationals may be hired only if there are no qualified U.S./NAFTA applicants. BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT - ID#700048. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), 8 Regular, Full-Time, Limited Term, RCUH Non-Civil Service positions. Post is located on an isolated Northern Hawaiian Island, and is a limited appointment of 3-6 months. Continuation is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. Minimum Monthly Salary: $1,727.00. Duties: Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp; conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls; assists with rehabilitation of immature seals; responsible for relocating of all field equipment and supplies at the end of camp; collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: High School plus two (2) years college level training which included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of marine biology, biology, fishery oceanography or other marine environmental field from an accredited four (4) year college or university. Field or laboratory experience in marine biology or related field. Experience with handling of wildlife. Computer experience with word processing, spread-sheets, databases, statistics, or graphics. Good communication skills. Must be able to withstand very hot climate and work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 lbs. of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessel. Desirable Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography, or other Marine environmental field. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of MS-DOS in computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Inquiries: Glenda Hensley, (808) 956-8083. Application Requirements: Send cover letter (note ID#) with narrative on your qualifications for the position and dates of availability, resume with salary history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references, and copy(ies) of diploma(s) and/or certificate(s) used to qualify for position to the Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall, D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822. Closing Date: December 2, 1998. EEO/AA employer. BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - ID#700049. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), Regular, 3 Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service, located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Post located on an isolated Northern Hawaiian Island for a limited appointment of three to six months. Continuation is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance and availability of funds. Minimum Monthly Salary: $1,869.00. Duties: Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp; conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls; assists with rehabilitation of immature seals; required to lead and supervise other field personnel; responsible for relocating of all field equipment and supplies at the end of camp; edits data and prepares annual reports; collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: High school plus three (3) years college level training which included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of marine biology, biology, fisheries oceanography or other marine environmental field from an accredited four (4) year college or university. Field or laboratory experience in marine biology or related field. Experience with handling of wildlife. Computer experience with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistics, or graphics. Good communication skills (both written and oral), and computer data entry skills. Must be able to work outdoors for long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 lbs. of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 lbs.) and able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessel. Desirable Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography, or other marine environmental field. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of MS-DOS in computers, and previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Inquiries: Glenda Hensley, 808-956-8083. Application Requirements: Send cover letter (note ID#) with narrative on your qualifications for the position and dates of availability, resume with salary history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references, and copy(ies) of diploma(s), and/or certificate(s) used to qualify for the position to the Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole St., Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822. Closing Date: December 2, 1998. EEO/AA Employer. Further questions may be directed to: Brenda Becker email: Brenda.Becker(\)noaa.gov phone (808) 983-5714 Chad Yoshinaga email: Chad.Yoshinaga(\)noaa.gov (808) 983-5717 John Henderson email: John.R.Henderson(\)noaa.gov (808) 983-5712 Subject: Intern Position Announcement Interns needed for behavioral research on bottlenose dolphins in the lower Florida Keys and in the vicinity of Panama City, Florida. Research being conducted is for a Masters thesis project through the University of Alabama. Project will run from November 1998 through December 1999. Position duration can be short or long, depending on the choice of the intern. Position is volunteer, but accommodation may be provided. Data collection will be boat based. Work involved will include the following: Piloting small 18 foot vessel, collecting data using video recorders, data entry. Qualifications: Prefer students with background in the biological sciences and goals to continue on with this type of education. Experience with word processing and spreadsheet applications, as well as previous experience with camera equipment and or work piloting boats a plus, but not a requirement. If interested please contact: Jennifer Lewis jennifer.lewis(\)mail.ua.edu (813) 914-7804 Jennifer S. Lewis 11617 N. 50th St. #C Tampa, Florida 33617 (813) 914-7804 jennifer.lewis(\)mail.ua.edu www.bama.ua.edu/~lewis021/jlewis.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 02:38:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ECS Conference!! (fwd) The Thirteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society will take place in Valencia, Spain on 5-8 April 1999, hosted by the University of Valencia in its celebration of the five centuries of its foundation. The main theme of the meeting will be "Marine Mammal Conservation for the New Millennium" but, as usual, papers on all aspects of the biology of cetaceans and other marine mammals will be included in the programme. Information (First Announcement and Abstract Form) is available in the ECS home page http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/index.htm or in the Conference web site http://bioweb.uv.es/cursos/ecs.htm See you in Valencia, Toni Raga ECS 1999 Conference Organiser Departamento de Biologia Animal Universitat de Valencia c/ Dr. Moliner 50 E-46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain phone: + 34 96 398.32.21 fax: + 34 96 386.43.72 e-mail: ecs99valencia(\)uv.es http://bioweb.uv.es/cursos/ecs.htm ****************** Please, note that the deadline for abstarcts contributions is the next 20 November 1998. ********************************************************************* Juan Antonio Raga Departamento de Biologia Animal Phone +34.96.3864375 Universitat de Valencia Fax +34.96.3864372 Dr. Moliner 50 E-mail toni.raga(\)uv.es E-46100 Burjasot, Valencia Spain ********************************************************************* Subject: blue whale recovery plan (fwd) Listed in the 23 October Federal Register is the availibility of NMFS' final recovery plan for the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific stocks of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Submit a request to: Chief, Marine Mammal Division Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East- West HIghway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA The plan may also be found at: www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/cetacean/blue.html Subject: New England Whale-Watch Guidelines The Center for Coastal Studies and Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary invite you to participate in an all-day forum on Whale-Watching Ethics to facilitate a public policy review of the New England whale-watching guidelines. Wednesday, January 6, 1999 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Massachusetts Maritime Academy 101 Academy Drive Bourne, Massachusetts Panel topics include discussions of how effective the guidelines have been in protecting whales, industry compliance, enforcement, operating practices, the need for regulation, and current scientific knowledge about the interaction of whales and whale-watching boats. Forum Chair: Rear Admiral John L. Linnon, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired) Panelist will include representatives from: -National Marine Fisheries Service -Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary -United States Coast Guard -Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute -New England Aquarium -Center for Coastal Studies -International Fund for Animal Welfare -The whale-watching industry To register for the January 6, 1999 Whale-Watching Ethics Forum contact Joanne Jarzobski at 508/487-2038 or email at solution(\)coastalstudies.org Registration includes lunch and a copy of the forum proceedings. Registration and payment received by December 16th is $25. After December 16th is $40. Please make checks payable to CSI Forum and send to: Center for Coastal Studies ATTN: CSI Forum 59 Commercial St Box 1036 Provincetown, MA 02657 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 13:52:20 +0000 From: sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca Subject: Headbutting in cetaceans Headbutting in cetaceans Here is a summary of the responses I received in response to my request, related to an observation of 2 male northern bottlenose whales headbutting each other. Thanks again to everyone who responded. Please contact me if you have any more accounts or would like more information. Shannon Gowans sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca Humpback whales There are several references describing aggressive interactions among humpback whales in competitive groups. Individuals do crash heads and head-charge although other aggressive behaviors are also involved. Baker and Herman 1984. Can. J. Zool. 62: 1992-1937 Baker and Herman 1984. Cetus 5: 14-16 Clapham et al. 1992. Behaviour. 122: 182-194 Tyack and Whitehead. 1983 Behaviour 83: 1-23 Killer whales Male resident killer whales in BC went through a bit of a 'fad' of headbutting in the mid 1980's which is described in Naomi Rose's thesis. This behaviour has not been seen since, or elsewhere in the wild. There is mention of the behaviour in captive killer whales as well. Rose, N. 1992. The social dynamics of male killer whales, Orcinus orca, in Johnstone strait, British Columbia. Ph.D. thesis. University of California, Santa Cruz. Martinez, DR and Klinhammer, E. 1978. A partial ethogram of the killer whale (Orcinus orca L) Carnivore 13:13-27 Narwhals Sylverman, HB 1979. Social organization and behaviour of the narwhal (Monodon monocerus) in Lancaster Sound, Pond Inlet and Trembley sound, NWT. MSc thesis. McGill University, Montreal Spotted and bottlenose dolphins Male spotted and bottlenose dolphins engage in aggressive head to head confrontations that sometimes end in head on collisions. Herzing, DL and Johnson, CM. 1997. Interspecific interactions between Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bahamas, 1985-1995. Aquatic Mammals 23: 85-99 Herzing, DL. 1996. Vocalizations and associated underwater behavior of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Aquatic Mammals 22: 61-79 Pilot and sperm whales I also received anecdotal accounts of head butting in sperm and pilot whales. Shannon Gowans PhD candidate Biology Department, Dalhousie University Halifax NS, B3H 4J1 Email: sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 03:50:46 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Immediate short term help needed (fwd) From: Andy Williams The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme is a non-profit, voluntary organisation that is undertaking long term pelagic cetacean surveys. A volunteer is sought for between one and two weeks to assist with some of the data input that needs to be undertaken urgently. No payment is offered but accomodation will be arranged and this should be seen by students as an opportunity to gain experience of this kind of work. Please reply with a short CV to Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-Dolphin.org.uk Consideration will be given to the succesful applicant undertaking field work with the project if suitable. Andy Williams Biscay Dolphin Research Programme 8 Gibson Close Lee on Solent Hampshire ENGLAND PO13 8JD Tel +44 (0)1705 552631 Fax +44(0)1705 341576 e-mail Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-Dolphin.org.uk Visit us at http://www.Biscay-Dolphin.org.uk Department of Environmental Science University of East London Romford Rd London ENGLAND Subject: Mixed pods of various dolphin species (references) (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Dear all, (Sorry for cross-postings with ECS-all) I am preparing a note on some observations of mixed pods of three dolphin species (striped, common, Risso's), so I am looking for references concerning the phenomenon of mixed pods in general and its possible biological meanings, as well as for references with similar sightings. If you have published something relevant could you let me know or directly send me a reprint? If you are aware of major references can you please e-mail them to me? I apologize for my request but conventional means of finding the above information are not available in my country, e.g. local libraries do not subscribe to specialized journals such as MMS, Mammalia, Aquatic mammals, etc. and relevant papers in general marine biology journals are very scarce. (I should add that laboratories working on cetology or primatology are also inexistant) Thank you in advance for your help, Alexandros ________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Institute of Marine Biological Resources National Centre for Marine Research Agios Kosmas GR-166 04 Hellenikon GREECE tel : ++301 / 9821354 fax : ++301 / 9811713 Personal address: Terpsichoris 21 16671 VOULIAGMENI GREECE tel : ++301 /8962730 fax : ++301 /8960108 e-mail : afrantzis(\)mail.otenet.gr ________________________________________________________ Subject: Beluga and narwhal quotas in the Canadian Arctic (fwd) Nunavut Edition Headline News November 12, 1998 Fisheries minister lifts beluga, narwhal quotas Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that he's lifting beluga quotas for Iqaluit and Kimmirut next year. DWANE WILKIN Nunatsiaq News IQALUIT Federal fisheries minister David Anderson has relaxed small whale harvesting quotas in Nunavut on the condition that hunters help monitor beluga and narwhal populations. Anderson told the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board this week that he will accept the board's recommendation that beluga quotas in Iqaluit and Kimmirut be lifted next year, provided that hunters work with fisheries officials to assess the real impact of hunting on southeast Baffin beluga stocks. The minister has also agreed to the wildlife board's proposed three-year management plan for narwhal, which will see quotas lifted in every community, also subject to a number of conditions. But although the board reiterated demands for expanding the territory's share of the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay turbot quota, the best the minister could offer was a promise that Nunavut would get any future increase in quota for the northern region. Greenland and Canada currently share evenly a total allowable catch (TAC) of 11,000 tonnes per year. "We hope to continue work on increasing that TAC, and if any increase in TAC does takes place, it'll be possible to make the changes immediately to accommodate the Nunavut fishery," Anderson said. Prior to boarding a flight to Pangnirtung, where he was scheduled to tour the Pangnirtung Fisheries processing plant, the minister said he would approve the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board's proposed changes to narwhal and beluga quotas. Dan Pike, executive director of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, described the changes as a "real movement of responsibility to the local level." No open season But the changes do not imply that wildlife authorities have declared an open season on belugas and narwhals, Pike cautioned. "It's a lifting of quotas if communities can fulfill certain conditions," Pike said. "One goes along with the other, that's a real critical thing to understand. Nobody's talking about just lifting quotas across the board." Changes to the whale hunting regulations will require that all communities adopt a reporting system that will enable wildlife officials to properly monitor the actual number of beluga and narwhals killed each season. This means providing an accurate estimate of the number of animals that are wounded during a hunt, but which manage to escape, presumably to die later. "When you're talking about the science and you don't have the information on how many animals are killed, the number of animals landed is less important that the overall number of animals who die, even if they're not recovered," Anderson said. "So we're trading off certainty in terms of numbers landed, for better information on stock." Hunters and trappers organizations (HTO) must now come to some agreement as to how such a reporting system will function. HTOs will control narwhal In the case of narwhals, each community HTO will be responsible for bringing in a set of local bylaws to control hunting in their own areas. The bylaws would be expected to establish specific non-quota requirements for narwhal hunting, such as appropriate hunting methods and possession limits. "We want them to ensure the conservation of narwhal and ensure that there's not going to be a tremendous increase in harvest. It's up to them to devise specific rules for their communities," Pike said. Knowledge of beluga populations has increased significantly since 1991, when quotas were first imposed on Iqaluit and Kimmirut.. At the time, Pike said, it was believed that there was one stock of beluga shared between Iqaluit, Kimmirut and Pangnirtung. But new information suggests that hunters from each of these communities have been harvesting separate population groups. Although total absolute numbers are not known, "there's no evidence whatsoever that populations hunted by Iqaluit and Kimmirut have been reduced or depleted," Pike said. More importantly, the wildlife board argued, the quotas themselves do not limit the harvest, since hunters from Iqaluit and Kimmirut rarely reach those quotas. Iqaluit has never reached its annual quota of 35 beluga since it was imposed in 1991, and Kimmirut's summer quota of 20 animals has only been reached once. "We're not expecting to see any increase in harvesting, since people are presumably taking as many beluga as they want or can access now," Pike said. Subject: Duke Marine Lab summer course Duke University Marine Lab summer course, Marine Mammals (BIO 126L/ENV 226L) 1999 Summer Term II, July 12 - August 13 Submit completed application and updated transcript. For application and information about fees and Marine Lab summer tuition scholarships, see the Marine Lab's web site http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/marine.html The Summer Term II core course BIO 109/ENV 209 (Conservation Biology and Policy) may be taken with Marine Mammals. Students are encouraged (but not required) to take both courses. International scholarships are available for BIO 109/ENV 209 only. See http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/mlterm2.html for more information about BIO 109/ENV 209. Note: our area code has changed Helen Nearing, Coordinator, Academic Programs Duke Univ Marine Laboratory; 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd Beaufort NC 28516; 252/504-7502; fax 504-7648 http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/marine.html ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 22:17:11 +1100 From: Graham Clarke Subject: Japanese Research Whaling 1998 Dear Member's, Here is the latest on Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. New whale kill cloaked as science Date: 11/11/98 By ANTHONY HOY - Sydney Morning Herald Japan has launched a concerted assault on Southern Ocean whale stocks with the dispatch from its main whaling port of an upgraded "scientific research" whaling fleet headed by a new $20 million chase ship. Nisshin Maru, Japan's first new whaling vessel launched in 26 years, is steaming at full power from the port of Shimonoseki towards the Antarctic's Ross Sea, to be in position in time to intercept the pods of whales completing their northern migration via Australia's coastline. Owned jointly by three of Japan's largest fishing corporations - Maruha, Kyoku and Nippon Suisan - Nisshin Maru spearheads an unabashed Japanese campaign to reopen the Antarctic whale sanctuary to commercial whaling. Operating under a cloak of science, it will deliver an estimated 500 whales weighing in total around 2,000 tonnes and valued at more than $80 million to Tokyo's fish market in the spring of 1999. According to the Japanese Government, the Yushin Maru is a "scientific vessel". But according to the Japanese press, the huge ship is "a symbol for the reopening of whaling" - a claim borne out by the emotional farewell by 500 flag-waving whaling industry workers and supporters as the ship powered out of Japanese waters. Japan's "scientific" whaling program began in 1987, immediately it was forced by the United States to withdraw its objection to a 1985-86 moratorium on commercial whaling. Australia's Minister for the Environment, Senator Hill, said: "We believe the killing of whales is unjustifiable. "It is time the international community stopped talking about a moratorium on commercial whaling and instead adopted a permanent international ban on commercial whaling." By 1996-97, according to official Japanese data, the catch of 1,995 tonnes from the Antarctic was wholesaled through Tokyo for 3.5 billion yen, with a retail value three times as high. In Japan, DNA testing of whale meat on sale in fish markets has proved that some of this meat is not from minke whales taken as part of Japan's "scientific" catch and subsequently offered for human consumption but comes from entirely protected species. An International Whaling Commission scientific review of Japan's Antarctic whaling research has concluded that the results of the whaling program are not required for management, that science is being used as an excuse to catch whales for the commercial market and that the program makes a mockery of science. In February, Japan once again shrugged off attempts to bring its whaling under international control, claiming "a unique social and cultural significance not found in commercial whaling operations elsewhere, especially for a number of coastal towns". By rejecting Irish proposals to allow Japan's coastal towns to start whaling on a limited scale while banning whaling on the high seas, Japan has signalled its true intentions and resolve to resume high seas industrial whaling using factory ships, according to conservationists. Regards, Graham. ------------------------------------- Graham_J._Clarke - "WHALES IN DANGER" ------------------------------------------ WWW Home Page - http://whales.magna.com.au/ ------------------------------------------------- Sydney - AUSTRALIA - email: gclarke(\)magna.com.au ICQ Pager: 9456336 ----------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 07:50:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: newsclip - NMFS and sea lion protection (fwd) NMFS accused of waffling on sea lion protection November 16, 1998 (ENN) -- Two environmental groups charge that the federal agency responsible for fisheries is waffling on making the changes necessary to ensure the survival of the Steller Sea Lion. Campaign and Greenpeace say the National Marine Fisheries Service knows the groundfish trawl fisheries off Alaska are jeopardizing endangered sea lions but is caving in to pressure from the fishing industry. Under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, eight regional councils were established in the U.S. to manage local fisheries. The act was passed principally to address heavy foreign fishing, promote the development of a domestic fleet and link the fishing community more directly to the management process. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages the fishery for the coast of Alaska, is meeting this week to make decisions regarding next year's fishery management. NMFS has responsibility under the Endangered Species Act to protect the Steller sea lion. The agency has released several proposals for redistributing the fisheries but has yet to make a final recommendation. No one disagrees that the Steller sea lion is in trouble. The population has declined by 80 to 90 percent since the 1960s and the most recent sea lion survey indicates that their numbers continue to plunge throughout western Alaska. The Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska historically have supported some of the largest and most diverse concentrations of marine mammals and seabirds in the world. Steller seal lions, seals and seabirds all have declined dramatically since the 1960s. All of these declines appear to be related to food limitations. The Steller sea lion was listed as a threatened species in 1990. During the period between 1990-1992, NMFS created a series of buffers around the sea lion rookeries to try to protect them from the impacts of the commercial groundfish fishery. However, a 1992-93 analysis conducted by A. York and Dr. R. Merrick of the National Marine Mammal Laboratory indicated that if the population trend continued there was a very high probability that sea lions would be extinct in Alaska from Prince William Sound westward within 100 years. In 1997, after a continued and precipitous decline in numbers, NMFS reclassified the western population of sea lions, from Prince William Sound westward, as an endangered species. The Sierra Club, American Oceans Campaign and Greenpeace filed a lawsuit in April which charged the agency with failing to protect the Steller's designated critical foraging habitats. All evidence indicates that the declines in sea lions, seals and other predators coincides with the development of high-volume trawl fisheries in the same times and areas. In the Bering Sea, record levels of 50-70 percent of the pollock catch and over 80 percent of the Atka mackerel catch, are taken from designated critical foraging habitat for Steller sea lions. The catches have occurred increasingly Complicating the picture is a piece of legislation -- the American Fisheries Act -- which was tacked on to the Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by Congress in mid-October. The bill, which was widely supported in its original form, would have removed factory trawlers from Alaska waters. During the last minute negotiations, a compromise was struck by Sen. Slade Gorton, the senator for Washington where the trawler fleet is based, and only a token number of trawlers will be removed from the fishery, according to Paul Clarke, Greenpeace spokesman. The compromise package also calls for the reallocation of the pollock fishery so that the nearshore fleet would receive a larger percentage. The environmental groups want a greater distribution of the fishery in both time and space in addition to a reduction in total allowable catch. Right now the fishery season is short and intense, and increasingly has taken place during the difficult fall and winter months, when sea lions are more likely to be food stressed -- pups are learning to forage on their own and heavy nutritional demands are placed on nursing and pregnant females. In addition, the fishery is estimated to have extracted as much as 50 percent of the pollock surveyed in that area in recent years and the spawning stock of pollock is also steadily declining. "It's time for NMFS to step in and do their job," said Clarke, who is attending the meeting. "NMFS needs to make a determination that the fishery is managed first to protect the environment and marine mammals, and not primarily for the economic benefit of the fishing industry." NMFS must submit a decision by Dec. 16 to the judge hearing the lawsuit. According to Clarke, who is attending the meeting, NMFS plans to send its recommendations to the fishery management council during the first week of December. From there it would seem that the fate of the Steller sea lion may lie in the hands of the council or the judge. Subject: Marine Mammal Management II The first offering of the Distance Education course Marine Mammal Management is underway. Participants are in Australia, Hong Kong, Great Britain, USA and Canada. Because of the global response and continuing enquiries the Oceanographic Center has decided the course will be offered again in the "winter " term (January 4 - March 26,1999). Registration is open now and will close December 28. Please see the website: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam/html for full details of the program. Application may be by e-mail Please see the website: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/admission_forms.html Professor Keith Ronald, Course Coordinator, Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University. Keith Ronald (kronald(\)nsu.acast.nova.edu) Oceanographic Center Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania, Florida, 33304, USA. Adjunct Professor, Marine Mammals and Environmental Studies. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 07:55:19 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: newsclip - marine life protected in Peru (fwd) =20 November 13, 1998 =20 (ENN) -- Peru's coastal wildlife will receive some much-needed help=20 after a devastating El Ni=F1o year that just about wiped out severa= l=20 marine species living around the southern beaches.=20 =20 The Peruvian government has authorized the Wildlife Conservation=20 Society to help manage the Punta San Juan reserve, a remote, 133-acr= e=20 peninsula 300 miles south of Lima, where earlier this year thousands= =20 of starving sea lions washed ashore to die.=20 =20 Beginning late last year, Patricia Majluf, a WCS associate=20 Conservation Zoologist who has studied Punta San Juan since 1979,=20 began recording massive die-offs of fur seals, sea lions, Humboldt=20 penguins, guanay cormorants and Peruvian boobies due to a lack of=20 anchovies and sardines which were driven into deeper waters by El=20 Ni=F1o's warmer temperatures. Majluf believes that with wildlife=20 populations at near historic lows, protected areas like Punta San Ju= an=20 will become critical to the preservation of entire species.=20 =20 Of the 180,000 sea lions that lived on Peru's Pacific coast before E= l=20 Ni=F1o arrived late last year, only 30,000 remain, said Majluf.=20 =20 According to a March 30 article by the Associated Press, biologists=20 found 3,000 dead sea lions just in the San Juan reserve, where 9,000= =20 to 15,000 sea lions usually live.=20 =20 "After the severe El Ni=F1o we just went through, the populations of marine birds and mammals of Peru have been seriously depleted and require increased protection to allow them to recover," Majluf said= .=20 =20 The agreement grants WCS authority to safeguard the site for the nex= t=20 eight years and to establish a conservation, training and research=20 center there. Most importantly, the Peruvian agency in charge of=20 extracting guano will now coordinate its activities with WCS to=20 minimize disturbances to local wildlife. Guano, a valuable=20 fertilizer,is produced from the excrement of marine birds.=20 =20 "We still have a long way to go before we get full control of the=20 site, but this is a good first step toward improving the conservatio= n=20 status of this very important marine wildlife reserve," said Majluf.= =20 =20 Punta San Juan is one of nearly 300 field projects operated by WCS a= s=20 part of its international conservation program.=20 =20 For more information, contact Stephen Sautner, WCS, (718)220-5197, email: ssautner(\)wcs.org. Subject: recent m.m. publications (fwd) Anatomic site and interanimal variability in morphologic characteristics of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) skin likely to affect dermal absorption studies. Colbert, A; Stoskopf, M; Brownie, C; Scott, GI; Levine, J. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH. November 1998 v59 i11 p1398-1403 Objective-To investigate anatomic site and interanimal variability in dolphin skin for use in development of models for cutaneous absorption studies. Sample Population-Skin from 30 healthy free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (17 males and 13 females grouped by age) and 10 captive males between 13 and 19 years old. Procedure-Biopsy specimens were collected from the 10 male dolphins at 3 anatomic sites and from the 30 dolphins at 1 site specimens were evaluated by light microscopy. Stratum externum thickness, minimal depth to the vasculature, and maximal epidermal depth were measured at 4 locations on 4 sequential sections. Comparisons of replicate measurements for 3 skin characteristics were made within and among anatomic sites, between dolphins of the same sex and approximate age, and across males and females of various ages. Results-The stratum externum in male dolphins was thicker. Differences attributable to age and anatomic site were not significant.Variation attributable to differences in stratum externum thickness between dolphins was significant. Differences among body sites within the same dolphin were significant but were not consistent from dolphin to dolphin. Mean stratum externum thickness was not different between males of the 2 cohorts, but mean maximal epidermal depth and mean minimal depth to the vasculature were different. Variances within the 2 male cohorts were not significantly different. Conclusions-Studies affected by stratum externum thickness should eliminate the effect attributable to sex difference by using dolphins of the same sex or grouping analytical data by sex. Precision could be improved without increasing the total number of dolphins by collecting more than 1 sample/dolphin. *********************** Time and energy constraints in pinniped lactation. Boyd, IL. AMERICAN NATURALIST. November 1998 v152 i5 p717-728 Previous reviews have recognized patterns of lactation in pinnipeds divided along phylogenetic lines. This study extended previous models of lactation in pinnipeds by explicitly taking into account all the energetic costs to mothers. Based on an analysis of time-energy budgets, the feasible lactation strategy for a species can be shown to depend on body mass. Due to increased metabolic costs of maintenance, species with a large body mass cannot normally sustain lactation by foraging during lactation unless they have access to rich local prey resources. Consequently, large pinnipeds must normally sustain lactation from body reserves. This disadvantage is compensated in large pinnipeds by freedom to forage in support of offspring at greater range whereas small pinnipeds are restricted to foraging within the locality of the pupping colony. In the absence of correlations between major life-history variables and body mass in pinnipeds, the principal patterns of lactation are likely to be different solutions to the trade-off between foraging on a relatively rich prey resource at long range and foraging on a poorer prey resource within a restricted range.Hence phylogeny may be less important than adaptation in the evolution of pinniped lactation. *************************** Characterization of a harbor seal class I major histocompatability complex cDNA clone. Zhong, JF; Harvey, JT; Boothby, JT. IMMUNOGENETICS. November-December 1998 v48 i6 p422-424 ********************* Eliminating driftnets from the North Pacific Ocean: US-Japanese cooperation in the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission, 1953-1993. Walsh, VM. OCEAN DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL LAW. October-December 1998 v29 i4 p295-322 Japanese negotiators agreed to eliminate driftnet fishing for salmon in the North Pacific Ocean by the end of 1992. The Japanese high seas fishing fleet for salmon had been an economically valuable yet environmentally destructive operation for four decades. The Japanese government progressively phased out lucrative Japanese salmon fishing operations in the North pacific, apparently capitulating to U.S. pressure. No U.S. enforcement with punitive sanctions proved necessary, however. Specific characteristics of the international market created the possibility of an environmentally benign international agreement. International integration of the market for fisheries products was made possible by the high market value of salmon in the United States and in Japan. In the 1970s, foreign direct investment from vertically integrated, Tokyo-based fishing firms into canning and processing operations in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest facilitated US-Japanese agreement. The high existence (nonuse) value of marine mammals in the United States was also an important factor. ***************************** Whale of an appetite - Orcas are preying on the sea otters of the Aleutians. Irion, R. NEW SCIENTIST. October 24, 1998 v160 i2157 p25-25 Lesions of morbillivirus infection in a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranded along the Belgian coast. Jauniaux, T; Charlier, G; Desmecht, M;Coignoul, F. VETERINARY RECORD. October 10, 1998 v143 i15 p423-424 ************************ The construction and display of the first full-scale model of a blue whale: The Newfoundland connection. Sanger, CW; Dickinson, AB. ACADIENSIS. Fall 1998 v27 i1 p67-84 ************ Context-specific use suggests that bottlenose dolphin signature whistles are cohesion calls. Janik, VM; Slater, PJ. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. October 1998 v56 part4 p829-838 *************************** Levels and enantiomeric ratios of chlorinated hydrocarbons in livers of arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) and adipose tissue and liver of a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) sampled in Iceland. Klobes, U; Vetter, W; Glotz, D; Luckas, B; Skirnisson, K; Hersteinsson, P. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. September-October 1998 v69 i1 p67-81 Subject: Re: Mixed pods of various dolphin species (references) (fwd) Cheers All, While I know little regarding mixed cetacean pods, the phenomenon of multi-species aggregations and schooling is not isolated to marine mammals. In my studies of elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, & skates) at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico, I have recorded multi-species aggregations of scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini), spotted eagle rays (Aetobatis narinari), several requiem shark species including tiger (Galeocerdo cuvieri) and sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), and manta rays (Manta birostris). Several of these species exhibit polarized group swimming together (S. lewini & A. narinari), with other species swimming about singularly, yet well within a 50 m radius of these schools. similar aggregations among pelagic teleost fishes is common over these banks. I suspect such aggregations of multiple marine species is more common than we have previously realized. Cheers, Jeff Childs Marine Vertebrate Ecologist Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University College Station, Texas jchilds(\)falcon.tamucc.edu -----Original Message----- From: MARMAM Editors [SMTP:MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA] Sent: Thursday, November 19, 1998 11:54 AM To: marmamed(\)UVic.CA; MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Subject: Mixed pods of various dolphin species (references) (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Dear all, (Sorry for cross-postings with ECS-all) I am preparing a note on some observations of mixed pods of three dolphin species (striped, common, Risso's), so I am looking for references concerning the phenomenon of mixed pods in general and its possible biological meanings, as well as for references with similar sightings. If you have published something relevant could you let me know or directly send me a reprint? If you are aware of major references can you please e-mail them to me? I apologize for my request but conventional means of finding the above information are not available in my country, e.g. local libraries do not subscribe to specialized journals such as MMS, Mammalia, Aquatic mammals, etc. and relevant papers in general marine biology journals are very scarce. (I should add that laboratories working on cetology or primatology are also inexistant) Thank you in advance for your help, Alexandros ________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Institute of Marine Biological Resources National Centre for Marine Research Agios Kosmas GR-166 04 Hellenikon GREECE tel : ++301 / 9821354 fax : ++301 / 9811713 Personal address: Terpsichoris 21 16671 VOULIAGMENI GREECE tel : ++301 /8962730 fax : ++301 /8960108 e-mail : afrantzis(\)mail.otenet.gr ________________________________________________________ Organization: Oceanic Resource Foundation Subject: Request for articles The Oceanic Resource Foundation publishes a quarterly newsletter, Currents, devoted to issues concerning the protection of the marine environment. We currently distribute 2000+ copies to researchers and environmental groups in over 30 countries.We are seeking articles for future issues from individuals involved in marine mammal research and conservation. The next issue will be published in January 99. Should any interested parties wish to review the publication, you may view the most recent past issues in Adobe Acrobat Reader pdf file format on the ORF website at www.orf.org. Please click on Currents. We also have a direct link to the free Reader software download if needed. Articles may be from 500-1500 words submitted in either WP, MS Word, ASCII text, or RTF text format via email. Photos are encouraged and are best sent in jpeg format. For any additional information or to receive a copy of Currents, please contact Greg at gcarter(\)orf.org or call 888-835-9478. -- Greg L. Carter Oceanic Resource Foundation gcarter(\)orf.org Celebrate the Year of the Ocean 1998 http://www.orf.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 00:26:57 -0800 From: David Duffy Subject: Marine Mammals and the 1997/98 El Nino ------ I have been asked to give a talk at AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) on the effects of the 1997-1998 El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event on marine mammals and seabirds. I'd appreciate hearing from people whose study animals experienced such effects or EQUAL= LY from those who expected such effects (based perhaps on earlier ENSO event= s) but did not encounter them. I would also appreciate any reports, published, in press (especially), grey, or otherwise, on such effects. All material will be credited fully in the talk. Many thanks Professor David Duffy Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Botany University of Hawaii Manoa Honolulu HI 96734 email: dduffy(\)hawaii.edu or david_duffy(\)sprynet.com A summary of our existing information for the 97/98 ENSO event can be fou= nd at http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/ENSO.html Most of the marine mammal literature on ENSO can be found in Fritz Trillmich's Pinnipeds & El Ni=F1o Responses to Environmental Stress, ISBN= : 0387536345 / Springer-Verlag New York ; Series: Ecological Studies Vol. 8= 8, 1991 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 03:48:32 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship Announcement (fwd) From: David Morin The Cetacean Research Unit is a non-profit research organization, comprised of approximately 10 people involved with the study of behavior, ecology, and natura l history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off Cape Ann, MA. Primar y concentration is on an individually identified population of some several hundre d humpback whales that spend portions of the spring, summer, and fall in these wat ers. We are currently looking to fill 2 research internships for the spring semester of 1999 (January 24 - May 30). Interns are responsible for collecting, organizing, transcribing, and analyzing data dealing with the behavior and identification of N. Atlantic cetaceans. This may involve extensive dark room or computer work (traning provided). Some days are nearly twelve hours long, and occasionally everyone must work seven days a week, although we attempt to give everyone one f ree day per week. As a result, we are looking for students with a blend of enthusia sm, scientific skills, and communication abilities. A common apartment is used, with interns living together and sharing cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A fee of $500 (1/2 no rmal fee) for the period will be charged to cover housing and food costs. An applica nt for an internship should have the following: * A background in biology * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days in the field or lab (sometimes 12 hours or more) In order to formally apply for an internship, please send us a curriculum vitae or resume, a cover letter detailing your reason for applying, one letter of referen ce, and a transcript. Internships are open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and to recent graduates. Application materials should be sent ASAP to: Cetacean Research Unit P.O. Box 159 Gloucester MA 01930-0159 ATTN. David Morin/Intern Coordinator Thank you for your interest. If you have any further questions, feel free to vi sit our web site for general info at www.cetacean.org. If after visiting our web si te you still have questions, please contact us at 978-281-6351. David Morin Cetacean Research Unit Intern Coordinator david(\)cetacean.org Subject: Puerto Rico Student Chapter of SMM PUERTO RICO AND VIRGIN ISLAND STUDENT CHAPTER OF SMM We recently created a Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to join. The anticipated goal of the chapter is to foster a student community through which individuals in the field of marine mammalogy will gather to share ideas, collaborate on projects, present their work and more. The Chapter can also help provide a link between its members and the Student-At-Large representative for the Society for Marine Mammalogy. The first meeting of the Chapter will take place in San Juan (Puerto Rico) at the Metropolitan University in Cupey. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Friday December 4 at 6:00 pm. in the Ana G. Mendez building room 305. It will provide an opportunity for all interested students to express their needs and expectations of the Chapter and participate in its formal and final organization. The meeting will feature discussion of purpose statement, member enrollment, board member nominations, as well as informal activities. Please contact Jose Perez at feresa(\)hotmail.com for further information, enrollment, suggestions or comments. _______________ Jose J. Perez-Zayas Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 361715 San Juan PR 00936-1715 (787)755-5434 feresa(\)hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 19:52:27 -0800 From: JIWLP Subject: 4th Annual International Wildlife Law Conference Norman Myers , Brendan Moyle , Mideastenviro List , Phyllis Meckel , Matano-Al , Marinakis-Yorgos , Ken Manaster , Alan Macnow , Liebel-Sandra , Land Resources & Economics List ------ Apologies for cross listings. Fourth Annual International Wildlife Law Conference: Program/Registration The annual International Wildlife Law Conference brings together members = of the academic, governmental, non-governmental and student communities to address critical issues related to the role of international legal regim= es to protect endangered species of flora and fauna. Longer versions of man= y of the papers presented at the conference will be published in a special symposium issue of the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy. Where: The host for the conference is the Washington College of Law, American University, 4801 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Parking is prohibited on area residential streets, however is available in the law school's underground pay lot, accessible from Massachusetts Ave. The law school is also readily accessible from the Tenleytown Metro Station via American University's shuttle. When: March 20, 1999, 9:30am-5:30pm, reception to follow. Sponsors: * American Society of International Law's Wildlife Interest Section; * Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy; * Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University; * Environmental Law Society of the Washington College of Law at American University; * Kluwer Law International; * University of Nottingham School of Law. Book Exhibits: The following publishers will exhibit books and journals in the fields of wildlife law and international environmental law at the conference: =95 IOS Press =95 Island Press =95 Kluwer Law International =95 Lupus Publications =95 Oceania CLE credits will be available for attendees of the conference. PROGRAM 9:00am-11:30am Panel 1 - Case Studies of Implementation of the Convention on Internation= al Trade in Endangered Species at the National and Regional level. Moderator: David Favre, Dean, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University * Mark Austen, International Legal Advisor, International Fund for Animal Welfare, London, England, CITES and the European Union; * Alexander Dehgan, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, CITES in the Developing Nation Context: Madagascar Case Profile; * Professor Govindasamy Agoramoorthy, Department of Wildlife Conservation= , National Pingtung University of Science & Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan, T= he Republic of China's Role in the Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; * Dr. Valentin Bou, Lecturer in Public International Law, Institute of International Law, School of Law, Valencia, Spain, Implementation of CITES in Spain; * Dr. Joni E. Baker, Lecturer, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, A Substantive Theory of the Relative Efficiency of Environmental Treaty Compliance Strategies: The Case of CITES. 11:30-1:00pm Lunch (on your own) 1:00-3:00pm Panel 2: International Legal Efforts to Conserve Tigers Moderator: William P. Weiner, Faculty of Law, Thomas M. Cooley School of = Law * Steven R. Galster, Director, Global Survival Network, Washington, DC & Karen V. Elliot, Co-Director, Global Survival Network, Phoenix program, Washington, DC, Regional Efforts to Implement CITES Protection for Tiger; * Debbie Banks, Environmental Investigation Agency, London, England (topi= c to be announced), * Corey Meacham, author, San Diego, California, How the Tiger Lost its Stripes. 3:00-3:30pm Afternoon break (refreshments served) 3:30-5:30pm Panel 3: Regional Wildlife Treaty Regimes: Problems and Prospects Moderator, Howard S. Schiffman, Adjunct Faculty, International Programs, New York University School of Continuing Education * William C.G. Burns, Managing Editor, Journal of International Wildlife = Law & Policy, Berkeley, California, "The Agreement on the Conservation of Bat= s in Europe: On a Wing and a Prayer?", * Sandra Jen, Bern Convention Secretariat, Environment Conservation & Management Division, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, "The Pan-European Example, the Convention on the Conservaiton of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats"; * Charles Chester, Ph.D. Candidate, International Environment and Resourc= e Policy, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Boston, Massachusetts, "Regional NGO Diplomacy in Biodiversity Conservation." 5:30-6:30pm Reception for speakers and attendees. Registration may be effectuated by printing out the form below and mailin= g it to the following address: Professor David Favre, Detroit College of La= w - Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Checks should be made out to "Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University." For additional information, contact us at: JIWLP(\)earthling.net. ________________________________________________________________ Registration Form: Fourth Annual International Wildlife Law Conference, Saturday, March 20, 1999 Washington College of Law, American University Name: ____________________________________________ Organization: _____________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: __________________________ State: _______ Postal Code: ___________ Country _______________ Phone: ________________ Fax: _________________ E-mail: ________________ Fees (Check One): Regular _____ ($55.00 until March 1st, $60.00 thereafter) Student _____ ($25.00) CLE Credits _____ ($15.00) State ____________________ Please mail to: Professor David Favre, Detroit College of Law - Michigan State University, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (Favre(\)pilot.msu.edu). Checks should be made out to "Detroit College of = Law at Michigan State University." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 11:34:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent m.m. publications (fwd) Female pseudohermaphrodite polar bears at Svalbard. Wiig, O; Derocher, AE; Cronin, NM; Skaare, JU. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES. October 1998 v34 i4 p792-796 During research on polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard in April 1996, we captured two yearlings with a normal vaginal opening and a 20 mm penis containing a baculum. The penis was located caudal to the location in a normal male and was concealed within the vaginal opening by a single pair of labia. The urethral opening was situated laterally about 5 mm from the distal end of the penis. Neither of the yearlings showed signs of a Y chromosome, so both bears were regarded as female pseudohermaphrodites.On separate occasions in two bears, we recorded aberrant genitalia morphology with a high degree of clitoral hypertrophy in Svalbard, which we also classified as female pseudohermaphroditism. The observed rate of female pseudohermaphroditism in this area was 1.5% (4/269). Pseudohermaphroditism in this polar bear population could result from excessive androgen excretion by the mother caused by a tumor, or it could be a result of endocrine disruption from environmental pollutants. ******************** Morbillivirus infection in stranded common dolphins from the Pacific Ocean. Reidarson, TH; McBain, J; House, C; King, DP; Stott, JL; Krafft, A; Taubenberger, JK; Heyning, J; Lipscomb, TP. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES. October 1998 v34 i4 p771-776 From August 1995 to August 1997, six of 18 common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) that stranded along beaches of southern California (USA) tested antibody positive for dolphin morbillivirus (DMV). Titers ascertained by virus neutralization ranged from 1:50 to 1:910 while those determined by ELISA ranged from 1:80 to 1:195. The first individual to strand survived and was released back into the Pacific Ocean 14 mo later. Histopathologic examination of tissues from the other five dolphins did not reveal lesions characteristic of morbilliviral disease; however, morbilliviral RNA was detected in three of the five by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing. This is the first report of morbilliviral infection in any marine mammal species in the northern hemisphere of the Pacific Ocean. These data indicate that DMV, or a closely related morbillivirus, is present in the Pacific Ocean and infection of common dolphins may not be associated with morbillivirus disease. ********************* Molecular cloning of bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) MHC class I cDNA. Shirai, K; Sakai, T; Oike, T. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. October 1998 v60 i10 p1093-1096 Using polymerase chain reaction, bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) major histocompatibility complex (DoLA) class Ia chain cDNA was cloned and sequenced. Predicted amino acid sequences of DoLA class I alpha chain have cystein residues for intradomain disulfide bond formation and N-linked glycosylation sites, suggesting that DoLA class I alpha chain molecules construct alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 domain structures. Similarity of DoLA class I alpha chain cDNA to land mammal MHC class I alpha chain cDNA was 90.4% in cattle, 90.2% in horse, 89.4% in sheep, and 87.8% in human. This investigation suggests that DoLA is closely related to land mammals. *********************** Morbillivirus downregulation of CD46. Galbraith, SE; Tiwari, A; Baron, MD; Lund, BT; Barrett, T; Cosby, SL. JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY. December 1998 v72 i12 p10292-10297 There is evidence that CD46 (membrane cofactor protein) is a cellular receptor for vaccine and laboratory-passaged strains of measles virus (MV). Following infection with these MV strains, CD46 is downregulated from the cell surface, and consequent complement-mediated lysis has been shown to occur upon infection of a human monocytic cell line. The MV hemagglutinin (H) protein alone is capable of inducing this downregulation. Some wild-type strains of MV fail to downregulate CD46, despite infection being prevented by anti-CD46 antibodies. In this study we show that CD46 is also downregulated to the same extent by wild-type, vaccine, and laboratory-passaged strains of rinderpest virus (RPV), although CD46 did not appear to be the receptor for RPV. Expression of the RPV H protein by a nonreplicating adenovirus vector was also found to cause this downregulation. A vaccine strain of peste des petits ruminants virus caused slight downregulation of CD46 in infected Vero cells, while wild-type and vaccine strains of canine distemper virus and a wild-type strain of dolphin morbillivirus failed to downregulate CD46. Downregulation of CD46 can, therefore, be a function independent of the use of this protein as a virus receptor. ********************** Premotor systems, language-related neurodynamics, and cetacean communication (corrected version of 126BQ). Goldberg, G; Brooks, R. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES. August 1998 v21 i4 p517-& The frame/content theory of speech production is restricted to output mechanisms in the target article; we suggest that these ideas might best be viewed in the context of language production proceeding as a coordinated dynamical whole. The role of the medial premotor system in generating frames matches the important role it may play in the internally dependent timing of motor acts. The proposed coevolution of cortical architectonics and language production mechanisms suggests a significant divergence betweenprimate and cetacean species corresponding to major differences in areal differentiation trends in cerebral cortex. ****************** Prehistoric marine mammal hunting on California's northern Channel Islands. Colten, RH; Arnold, JE. AMERICAN ANTIQUITY. October 1998 v63 i4 p679-701 Prehistoric marine mammal hunting is of interest to archaeologists worldwide because these animals were exploited by a wide range of coastal societies. Sorting out file roles of particular groups of fauna in prehistoric economies requires detailed attention to the analysis of the entire faunal assemblage. Although marine mammals typically provided large quantities of fat and protein and were desirable pi ey, they were not always central to the diets of the groups that exploited them, particularly in temperate zones. To evaluate effectively rite importance of marine mammal exploitation, scholars should calculate the relative contribution of these animals to the economy, identify changes in hunting techniques, determine the relationship between fauna and other aspects of society, assess changing environmental conditions, and consider alternate explanations for those relationships. A large body of research research oil the northern Channel Islands of California demonstrates that fishing was relatively more important than marine mammal exploitation in subsistence and in stimulating sociopolitical and technological developments. Recent attempts to credit marine mammal hunting as a driving force in the invention of the plank canoe and the evolution of a chiefdom in the Santa Barbara Channel area misunderstand environmental factors and site histories in this region. Rather than assuming that a pan-Pacific Coast set of traditions existed to exploit these taxa, we see evidence of local and regional differences rooted in variable cultural settings, physiographic and oceanographic conditions, and available technologies. Data fr om the Santa Barbara Channel are used to explore the relationships among marine mammal use, sociology cal change, and environmental change. ***************** Isolation of Mycoplasma species from a patient with seal finger. Baker, AS; Ruoff, KL; Madoff, S. CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES. November 1998 v27 i5 p1168-1170 The etiologic agent of seal finger (speck finger) is unknown. Seal finger occurs after a seal bite, and the symptoms include acute pain, swelling, discharge, and, in some cases, there is joint involvement. The discovery of Mycoplasma species in epidemics of seal disease prompted attempts to link seal finger to mycoplasma. Mycoplasma species were isolated in cultures of a specimen from the finger of an aquarium trainer who was bitten by a seal and of a specimen from the front teeth of the biting seal. The two Mycoplasma isolates were identical biochemically; they were serum-dependent and hydrolyzed arginine. The isolates were susceptible to tetracycline but resistant to erythromycin. By growth inhibition and immunofluorescent antibody tests, both strains were identified as Mycoplasma phocacerebrale, a mycoplasma isolated in an epidemic of seal disease occurring in the Baltic Sea. The patient's infection was treated successfully with tetracycline. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which a mycoplasma has been associated with seal finger. ******************** Diet of the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) from the Northwestern Hawaiian islands during 1991 to 1994. GoodmanLowe, GD. MARINE BIOLOGY. October 1998 v132 i3 p535-546 This study provides the first detailed description of the diet of the Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslanid. A total of 940 fecal and regurgitate samples were collected from the beaches of five islands in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) between 1991 and 1994. Some samples were collected from known ages and sexes of seals. Prey were identified from all available hard parts and identified to the lowest possible taxa. Teleosts were the most represented prey (78.6%) followed by cephalopods (15.7%) and crustaceans (5.7%). Of the teleosts, 31 families were identified, 30 of which are prevalent reef-associated fishes. The most common families found were marine eels, Labridae, Holocentridae, Balistidae, and Scaridae. Of the cephalopods, 7 octopus species and 21 squid species were identified, representing coastal, benthic, and offshore-mesopelagic species. A significant difference was seen in both the teleost and cephalopod components of the diet of the Hawaiian monk seal among the years 1991 to 1994 among the islands in the NWHI chain, and among juvenile, subadult, adult female and adult male seals. Some overlap was seen between the diet of the Hawaiian monk seal and the commercial fisheries that currently exist in the NWHI. These findings indicate that Hawaiian monk seals are opportunistic predators that feed on a wide variety of available prey. **************** Reproduction in the male Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus: age at puberty and annual cycle of the testis. Stewardson, CL; Bester, MN; Oosthuizen, WH. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. September 1998 v246 part1 p63-74 Seasonal changes in the reproductive anatomy and histology of the male Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus were examined. Studies were based on 99 specimens collected between Algoa Bay on the south-east coast of South Africa, and Cape Frio, Namibia, during 1974 to 1990. Reproductive organs are briefly described. The presence of sperm in the seminiferous and epididymal tubules indicates that males attain puberty between 3 and 4 years of age. Quantitative measurements of testis weight,testis volume, and the diameter of the seminiferous and epididymal tubules were analysed on a monthly basis and spermatogenesis documented. Although some males may remain in breeding condition until March, the absence of spermatozoa in the epididymis during February to June, when mean testis mass and mean tubule diameter reached a minimum, clearly showed reproductive quiescence following the rut. Four stages of spermatogenesis were observed: (1) inactive (February/March-June); (2) early spermatogenesis (July); (3) late spermatogenesis (July/August-December/January); and (4) epithelial regression (February-June). Individual variation between males, possibly differences in social status and body condition, may influence the duration of spermatogenesis, hence the overlap in duration between epithelial regression and inactivity. It appears that photoperiod may act as an obligatory proximate factor initiating spermatogenesis 3-4 months before the relatively short breeding season from November to December. Subject: Kogia in South America: new publication ------ Dear colleages: The following paper was recently published in the Colombian Academy of Sc= iences Journal, regarding a review of the genus Kogia in South America. Mu=F1oz-Hincapi=E9 MF, Mora-Pinto DM, Palacios DM, Secchi ER, Mignucci-Gi= annoni AA. 1998. First osteological record of the dwarf sperm whale in Co= lombia, with notes on the zoogeography of Kogia in South America. Rev. Ac= ad. Colomb. Cienc. 22(84): 433-444. Abstract The dwarf and pygmy sperm whale (Kogia spp.) are known to occur in pelagi= c waters of all tropical and temperate oceans, but their record in South = America is fragmentary. We reviewed the literature for records of both sp= ecies in South America as part of documenting the first osteological reco= rd of the dwarf sperm whale (K. simus) in Colombia. The new Colombian spe= cimen is only the sixth recorded so far from the Pacific coast of mainlan= d South America, and the first osteological voucher of the species for Co= lombia. The biological information of the two species in South America ha= s increased in recent years as a result of increased presence of research= ers in the region. A total of 21 records of K. breviceps, 23 of K. simus = and 5 of Kogia sp. were studied, to analyze the species=B9 zoogeography. = Both whale species were found in most coastal nations of the Caribbean, A= tlantic and Pacific, but appear to be rare in Uruguay, Argentina and Chil= e. No records exist for Venezuela, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and French= Guiana. Most of the records were in waters north of the Tropic of Capric= orn (23.5=B0S); differences in tropical distribution observed when compar= ing the latitudes of records from the east coast with the west coast are = probably related to the prevailing currents and water masses. The distrib= ution of both species of Kogia appears to be tied to the warmer water mas= ses, and characterized as tropical pelagic, ranging as far south as 15=B0= S on the Pacific coast and 33=B0S on the Atlantic coast. Copies of reprints may be obtained by contacting Milton Mu=F1oz at or by snail mail at Department of Marine Sciences, Uni= versity of Puerto Rico, PO Box 908 Lajas PR 00667 USA. Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Scientific Coordinator-Caribbean Stranding Network Associate Professor-Universidad Metropolitana Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory PO Box 361715 San Juan PR 00936 USA Tel 766-1717 x6479, Tel 787-767-8009, Fax 787-751-5386 Emergencies 787-399-8432, 787-402-2337 (unit 990-0440) Email mignucci(\)caribe.net Webpage http://netdial.caribe.net/~mignucci/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 09:46:21 -0500 From: Keith Ronald Subject: Marine mammal management correction Incorrect website posted in Marmama on November 20, 98 of announcement of the Second offering by Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center of MMM in the "winter" term of 1999. Please correct. Apologies http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Professor Keith Ronald , Coordinator Keith Ronald (kronald(\)nsu.acast.nova.edu) Oceanographic Center Institute of Marine and Coastal Studies Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania, Florida, 33304, USA. Adjunct Professor, Marine Mammals and Environmental Studies. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 10:40:59 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Assessing behavioral impacts workshop report (Monaco) (fwd) Forwarded message: Greetings - Several colleagues and I have been having difficulty in obtaining copies of a report from the workshop titled, "Assessing Behavioral Impacts of Human Activities on Marine Mammals" organized by Kelly Allman at the last WMMSC conference in Monaco. Several of us have tried to contact Kelly at "kallman(\)dnai.com" but with no success. If anyone has a copy of the report that he or she would be willing share or borrow, we would be grateful. If I can confirm that such a report exists, and if it is available, I will post this information on MARMAM. Thank you, -- Toni Frohoff, Ph.D. 321 High School Rd., NE #374 Bainbridge Isl., WA 98110 USA Phone: 206-780-2532/FAX: 206-780-5162 Email: frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com Subject: Etymology of NE Pacific marine mammals am working on a field guide "From Whelks to Whales. A guide to 400 common invertebrates, fishes, marine mammals and marine plants of the Pacific Northwest". Whenever possible, I have included Etymology in the species descriptions, as I believe it adds valauble and interesting historical and scientific information. I have used a couple of dictionaries for the common root words and combining forms that describe unique features of the animal. Many names are in honor of a person. I would appreciate references or assistance on the names of the marine mammals listed below. Many have been "solved'. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Etymology of latin names of marine mammals: Earless seals []HARBOUR SEAL, Phoca vitulina richardsi Linnaeus,1758 Phoca=(Gr.) a seal; vitulina=?from (L)vitul = a calf richardsi: in honor of Capt. G. H. Richards, of the HMS Heacate, who collected some of the first specimens in this region. []NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL, Mirounga angustirostris (Gill, 1866) ** mirounga= ? mir (L)= wonderful augusti=great / rostris=snout Eared seals [y]STELLER SEA LION, Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776) Eu=good/ metopias=forehead (metop=(Gr.) brow) jubatus=mane [y]CALIFORNIA SEA LION, Zalophus californianus (Lesson,1828) Za=(Gr.) very, prominent/ lophus=(Gr.)crest; californianus=of California []NORTHERN FUR SEAL, Callorhinus ursinus (Walbaum, 1792) callo=(Gr.) beauty; rhin(us)=( Gr.)snout; ursinus= bear . This seal was formerly Ursus marinus= sea bear. Whales []ORCA or KILLER WHALES, Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758) Orcinus= ? orca= (L)whale [Y] MINKE, Balaeanoptera acutorostrata Lacepede, 1804 Balaean/optera= a whale/scout; acouto/rostra= sharp/snout []GRAY, Eschrichtius robustus (Lilljegorg,1861) Eschrichtius= robustus= strong [Y] HUMPBACK, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781) Mega/ptera = (Gr.)large/ (Gr.)wing or fin ; nova/eangliae of New England, where it was first hunted in the eightteenth century Dolphins-Porpoises []PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens Gill, 1865 Lag=(Gr.) hare/ rabbit; rhyncho (Gr.)= snout; obliquidens= oblique, ?refering to stripes on the side [Y]HARBOUR PORPOISE, Phocoena phocoena Gill, 1865 from Phocaen=(Gr.) porpoise [y] 12 DALL'S PORPOISE, Phocoenoides dalli (True, 1885) Phocoenoides= from (Gr)Phocaen= porpoise dalli= after William H. Dall, US Geological Survey, US National Museum, began to collect specimens from the Pacific NW in 1865, and published checklists into the 1920's. Otters [y] 13 SEA OTTER, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758) Enhydra =living in water; lutris =an otter [] 14 RIVER OTTER, Lontra canadiensis pacifica (Rhoads,1898) Lontra= Rick Harbo rharbo(\)island.net Nanaimo, B.C. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 05:17:19 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cultural Selection and Genetic Diversity in Matrilineal Whales (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) Below is the Abstract of a recent article "Cultural Selection and Genetic Diversity in Matrilineal Whales". For a summary of the work and the reactions of some scientists see the "News" item: "DNA Suggests Cultural Traits Affect Whales' Evolution" by Gretchen Vogel (Science Nov 27 1998: 1616. ) Whitehead, H. 1998. Cultural Selection and Genetic Diversity in Matrilineal Whales. Science Nov 27 1998: 1708-1711. ABSTRACT: Low diversities of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have recently been found in four species of matrilineal whale. No satisfactory explanation for this apparent anomaly has been previously suggested. Culture seems to be an important part of the lives of matrilineal whales. The selection of matrilineally transmitted cultural traits, upon which neutral mtDNA alleles "hitchhike," has the potential to strongly reduce genetic variation. Thus, in contrast to other nonhuman mammals, culture may be an important evolutionary force for the matrilineal whales. Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4J1. E-mail: hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca Subject: Re: Etymology of NE Pacific marine mammals In-Reply-To: <199811281326.FAA18604(\)ibis.prod.itd.earthlink.net> Rick: You wrote: >I have used a couple of dictionaries for the common root words and combining >forms that describe unique features of the animal. I recommend that you be VERY careful with that approach to defining the etymology of Latin names. An etymology is, by definiftion, the origin of the names, not necessarily simply a dictionary definition of roots, prefixes, suffixes, and tenses. One interesting aspect of Marine Mammal Etymology is the number of mistakes the original authors made including misspellings and mixed up specimens. One of the most amazing is Basilosaurus, a group of common archaeocetes (ancient whales). The name means "king of the reptiles." Despite author's the mistake in misidentifying the critter on the CLASS level, the name has priority. The story of the etymology should include the original author's intent (including which definition of a root word he used). For example, you deduced for the elephant seal . . . >** mirounga= ? mir (L)= wonderful; augusti=great / rostris=snout . . . and missed that the original author Latinized the Australian aboriginal name for the southern elephant seal, "miouroung." Also on the specific name the original author chose the Latin < for narrow (not augusti for great -- you got the "n" upside down). Angustus draws attention to the narrower snout in the northern elephant seal compared with the southern elephant seal. You have a similar problem with PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens Gill, 1865 >Lag=(Gr.) hare/ rabbit; rhyncho (Gr.)= snout; obliquidens= oblique, >?refering to stripes on the side The author started with < for like a bottle, hence "bottlenose." Gill combined obliqui (slanted) with dens (teeth) referring to the slanting teeth, and has nothing to do with stirpes. I hope you see the need to go to the original authors for an etymology. Most of the items you listed contained errors. Linnaeus never saw a killer whale, but he named it from rumors he had heard about a demon dolphin. He named it < which means, dolphin demon. When the new genus was established that original notion was followed giving the taxonomic name a meaning of "demon from hell." Most authors get that one wrong. Be careful if you want your publication to avoid criticisms on fundamental errors such as this. Do you have a technical editor who can catch such things? Cheers, Pieter Folkens animalbytes(\)earthlink.net \\| \| Y _ ,~------------------------/ \___^___^._ | ~ ~.~ ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.'~`^--^_,''/ | (\) _ ~,~.~'~.~,~'~.~,~.~ ~ ~ ~ ~.~ { \_________ \_l ~,~,~,~,~,~'.~.____'-----'__` \ ~ ~ `----------------------\__'--' ` `\ ~ ~ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 1 Dec 1998 03:47:54 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Assessing behavioral impacts workshop report (Monaco) Greetings- The report for the workshop is in existence, but has not yet been sent out. Kelly Allman is sending me the report and I will be sending it out to workshop participants as soon as I get it from her. The report will also be posted on the internet and an address will be posted on MARMAM as soon as it is set up. Sorry for the delay. Alison ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alison M. Sanders Department of Biology-Markowitz Lab San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Ave San Francisco, CA 94112 (415)338-6947 asanders(\)SFSU.EDU Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 1 Dec 1998 11:42:06 -0500 From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 11/30/98 New info and changes since 11/20/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 11/25/98 double bracketed {{...}} Marine Mammals {{Norwegian Whaling. On Nov. 27, 1998, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries Peter Angelsen announced that the 1999 Norwegian minke whale quota would be 753 animals. This is an increase from the 1998 quota of 671 animals, of which 624 were taken. On Nov. 27, 1998, the annual meeting of the Norwegian Whalers' Union convened in the Lofoten Islands, with the agenda focused on interactions between marine mammals and fisheries. Also scheduled for this meeting was the first screening of a new documentary film on Norwegian minke whaling.}} [High North Alliance Web News] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Nov. 19, 1998, NMFS published notice in the Federal Register announcing a status review of Cook Inlet beluga whales to determine whether their status warrants a change in designation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act or listing under the Endangered Species Act. Public comment is solicited by Jan. 19, 1999. [Fed. Register, Assoc Press] Marine Mammals and the Russian Military. On Nov. 17, 1998, Russian Naval officials announced the early November 1998 closing of their Far East base at Vityaz Bay, where beluga whales and dolphins reportedly were trained for combat purposes including detection of enemy divers. Remaining beluga whales were transferred to a civilian research center on the Black Sea. [Assoc Press] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise Lawsuit Settlement. In mid-November 1998, NMFS and conservation groups concluded an agreement settling a federal lawsuit charging that NMFS had not been protecting Gulf of ME harbor porpoises. The agreement provides that NMFS develop a plan by Dec. 1, 1998, that will likely require fishermen install electronic "pingers" on gillnets to reduce entanglement of Gulf of ME harbor porpoises over a wider area and for longer times and that NMFS consider listing harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In addition, the settlement may result in closure to gillnet fishing of at least one additional area. [Assoc Press] Mexican Salt Project. On Nov. 11, 1998, a coalition of 26 environmental and animal protection groups sent an open letter to Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo asking him to halt plans for expanding a joint Mexican and Mitsubishi Corp. salt plant near San Ignacio Lagoon on Baja California -- an important breeding area for gray whales. {{On Nov. 30, 1998, environmental groups announced that a discussion of concerns for the Mexican salt project has been placed on the agenda of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Kyoto, Japan, on Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 1998.}} [Reuters, Dow Jones News] Monk Seal Protection. On Nov. 9, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard unloaded 6 tons of discarded fishing nets in Honolulu that had been collected during a cooperative federal-state-private cleanup operation from coral reefs inhabited by endangered monk seals near French Frigate Shoals in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. NMFS will work to identify the sources of net debris. [Assoc Press] Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 6, 1998, Japan's fleet of 5 whaling vessels, including Japan's first new whaling vessel (Yushin Maru) built in 26 years, departed for research whaling in the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean from the port of Shimonoseki. On Nov. 15, 1998, the Japanese whaling industry and the Japanese government supported a rally in Tokyo encouraging lifting of the International Whaling Commission's ban on commercial whaling. {On Nov. 19, 1998, a fire broke out on the Japanese whaling mothership Nisshin Maru, now drifting about 600 miles southeast of Brisbane, Australia. With a crew of 115, the vessel was enroute to whaling in the Antarctic. The effect of the fire on the research whaling cruise is unknown. On Nov. 25, 1998, the Nisshin Maru was reportedly returning to Japan for repairs under its own power.} On Nov. 27-Dec. 5, 1998, a documentary film about Japanese coastal whaling for pilot whales and Baird's beaked whales -- "Whalers and the Sea" -- is scheduled to be screened at the Athenee Francais Culture Center, Chiyoda, Tokyo. This is reported to be the first movie to feature Japanese coastal whaling. {{On Nov. 28, 1998, fires on the Nisshin Maru were finally extinguished. Due to wiring damage, the vessel is disabled and will be towed to New Caledonia for makeshift repairs before returning to Japan for more substantial restoration. On Nov. 30, 1998, the owners of the Nisshin Maru reported their intention to resume downscaled research whaling this winter season after vessel repairs are completed.}} [Reuters, Yomiuri Shimbun, Assoc Press, Dow Jones News] Supreme Court Rejects MA Appeal. On Nov. 2, 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court, without comment, rejected an appeal by the state of MA on a 1995 lawsuit charging that MA violated federal law by not doing enough to protect endangered whales from commercial fishing gear. In 1996, U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock had ordered MA to devise a plan to restrict, modify, or eliminate the use of lobster gear, gillnets, and other fixed fishing gear when whales were present in MA waters. [Reuters, Assoc Press] Makah Whaling. On Nov. 1, 1998, a violent confrontation occurred at the Neah Bay marina between Makah individuals and anti-whaling protesters, with four protesters being arrested by tribal police and their inflatable boat confiscated. On Nov. 2, 1998, the Makah Tribal Council issued a permit allowing tribal whalers to begin hunting gray whale. The permit remains valid for 10 days. On Nov. 18, 1998, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society agreed to withdraw its two protest vessels by Nov. 23, 1998, in exchange for a meeting with Makah Tribe officials, which is scheduled for Nov. 23. On Nov. 18, 1998, the Fund for Animals, et al. filed an appeal with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, on Judge Franklin Burgess's Sept. 21, 1998, District Court dismissal of the parties' lawsuit challenging the legality of federal approval for the Makah whaling. [Assoc Press, personal communication, The Humane Society of Canada press release, Fund for Animals press release, Reuters] Steller Sea Lions. On October 23, 1998 (Seattle, WA) and October 26, 1998 (Anchorage, AK), NMFS held public meetings to discuss reasonable and prudent alternatives that may be required for AK pollock fisheries to protect Steller sea lions and their habitat if NMFS should determine that the fishery jeopardizes the continued existence of Steller sea lions or adversely modifies their critical habitat. In early November 1998, two Kodiak, AK, residents pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to shooting Steller sea lions. Facing maximum penalties of one year in jail and a $100,000 fine, both individuals will be sentenced in early 1999. [Fed. Register, Assoc Press] NC Dolphin Strandings. Between Oct. 7, 1998 and Nov. 5, 1998, ten bottlenose dolphin strandings (with five deaths caused by commercial fishing nets) were reported on southern NC beaches. This compares to normally 1 to 2 strandings per month, except during fall 1997 when 8 dolphins were stranded, with 5 killed by commercial fishing nets -- possibly by the gillnet and stationary net fishery for spot and croaker that occurs from mid-October to late November. [Assoc Press] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Bottlenose dolphin Officer Position Date: 2 December 1998 Bottlenose Dolphin Project Officer. Moray Firth Scotland An independent monitoring project -based at the Moray Firth Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay, Scotland requires a project officer for the 1999 season. The post is a voluntary position, at present, though assistance with accommodation and food maybe available. The post offers the opportunity to work with a localised photo I.D. project and other monitoring studies which aims to gain information about movements and group structures of dolphins using the southern Moray Firth coast area. This unique opportunity offers the individual the chance to enhance their skills and knowledge of working with cetaceans in northern latitudes. Duties will include monitoring work, both shore & sea based, together with up dating records and improving existing working procedures of this long term project. In addition the project officer will be required to carry out other functions related to the support of the project, public presentations and support work for environmental charities involved with the project. Ideally the post holder will be suitably qualified and already have some experience of working with a cetacean monitoring project. The field season will begin in May and end in Sept. Knowledge of boat handling would be an advantage, though not essential. An ability to be able to work with others and communicate effectively is essential. Closing date for applications is the 15th Feb 1999. Interested individuals should e-mail the Wildlife Centre mfwc(\)dial.pipex.com for further details and an application form. Alternatively write, attaching a C.V. to :- The Moray Firth Wildlife Centre Spey Bay Fochabers Moray IV32 7PJ From: Kristin Hunter Subject: internship announcement Island Marine, a conservation whale watch company, is currently seeking volunteer interns for the 1998/1999 humpback whale watch season. Island Marine operates three vessels off Maui, Hawaii with 5 whale watch programs per day. Internships are with the Research and Education department and consist of collecting field data on the North Pacific humpback whale population (and other local species of cetaceans) on board whale watch vessels, assisting with education programs in local hotels and schools, computer data entry, and photo analysis. Internships are unpaid, although assistance to locate housing can be arranged. Interns must commit to at least 20 hours a week and at least one month in duration. Priority is given to applicants who can work full time and stay longer periods of time. Whale season runs from December 15, 1998 to May of 1999. Assistance with receiving credit for the internship is provided. Internship applicants should posses the following: Motivation and enthusiasm for marine mammals Dedication to hard and often tedious work A science background Knowledge of research methods Excellent communication skills, oral & written Knowledge of computer programs is very helpful Ability to get along well with a wide variety of people To apply for the internship, please send us a resume or c.v. and a cover letter detailing your reason for applying. Internships are open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students. Application materials should be sent ASAP to: Island Marine 113 Prison Street Lahaina, HI 96761 fax: 808-661-5792 ATTN.: Kris Hunter Thank you for your interest. If you have any further questions, please contact Kris Hunter at Island Marine 808-667-6165 or email khunter(\)maui.net. Also, please browse Island Marine s web page at Kris Hunter Director of Research and Education Island Marine ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 07:51:59 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Recent marine mammal neurology papers Here are some recent marine mammal publications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list and there are many other recent publications. Publications recently posted to MARMAM are not included. Please do not contact MARMAM or the MARMAM editors about reprints. Thank you. Manger, P., Sum, M., Szymanski, M., Ridgway, S., and Krubitzer, L. 1998. Modular subdivisions of dolphin insular cortex: Does evolutionary history repeat itself? Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 10(2), 153-166. Marino, L. 1998. A comparison of encephalization between odontocete cetaceans and anthropoid primates. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 51, 230-238. Oelschlager, H.H.A., Kemp, B. 1998. Ontogenesis of the Sperm whale brain. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 399, 210-228. Szymanski, M.D., Supin, A. Ya., Bain, D.E., and Henry, K.R. 1998. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) auditory evoked potentials to rhythmic clicks. Marine Mammal Science, 14(4), 676-691. Terabayashi, T. and Y. Kawanishi. 1998. Naturally occurring ganglioside lactones in Minke whale brain. Carbohydrate Research, 307 (3-4), 281-290. From: "Brenda A. Jensen" Organization: WHOI Subject: attn: students of SMM ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Dear STUDENTS of (or interested in) the Society for Marine Mammalogy, I am the recently elected Student Member-at-Large for the 1998-2000 Society for Marine Mammalogy Board of Governors. By way of introduction, I live in Massachusetts, USA, and I am a graduate student at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. As stated in the SMM Constitution and Bylaws (printed in the back of your Membership and Policy Directory), I am a voting member of the Board of Governors, and my charge is to "be a spokesperson for the concerns and goals of the student members of the Society." The SMM is a group of productive, proactive, and concerned intellectuals, and the student members are no exception. Students form a substantial proportion of the SMM membership, so you DO have a voice and your concerns ARE valued by the Society as a whole. So with that said, I welcome your input! Feel free to contact me by email anytime. Longtime Marmam subscribers may recall an initiative by Leah Gerber, the first student to serve on the SMM Board, to start Regional Student Chapters of the SMM in areas where there were enough students that wanted to undertake such a project. The purpose of such chapters would be to communicate research, share information about future jobs, and establish a community among marine mammal students from different schools. When Leah first proposed Regional Student Chapters 2 years ago, the interest was GLOBAL. Since then, chapters have become established or are forming in the US regions of Florida, Hawaii, New England, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. I would like to encourage more groups to form, particularly in regions outside the USA! We are each other's current and future colleagues, and we can be an important resource to each other now! You do not have to be an SMM member to participate in SMM Student Chapters, but please note that Chapter participation does not grant SMM membership status for purposes of the Biennial Conference or the journal Marine Mammal Science. The SMM Board of Governors recently adopted the following policy for initiating student chapters: 1) The Student Member-at-Large is to encourage and be involved in the formation of the Regional Student Chapters. 2) Students intending to start an SMM Regional Chapter should contact the Student Member-at-Large so that the Board of Governors can be made aware of the new Chapter 3) Regional chapters should submit any web pages or documents to the Student Member at Large for review by the SMM Board of Governors before they are published or distributed. This is to ensure consistency with established SMM policy. The best way for me to communicate information about the SMM Student Chapters and other issues to SMM students is the post them on a web site- look for a Student SMM link coming soon to the SMM home page: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ Thanks for your interest. If you are interested in starting up or participating in a Regional Chapter, let me know. If you are involved in a regional student group that I did not mention above, please contact me. I look forward to working with you! Brenda Jensen bjensen(\)whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Dec 1998 04:04:41 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Volunteers Wanted (fwd) From: Kevin Robinson The Cetacean Research Unit (CRU) is a non-profit, voluntary research organisation that is undertaking long term studies of the behaviour, ecology, and natural history of whales and dolphins in the exposed coastal waters of the southern Moray Firth, NE Scotland. Primary concentration is on an individually identified population of some one hundred bottlenose dolphins that spend portions of the spring, summer, and autumn in these waters, and current studies focus on the importance in conservation terms of the southern Moray Firth to these animals. We are presently looking for volunteers (for 2 weeks at a time or possibly longer) to assist the research team with the collection, organisation, transcription and analyses of data during the 1999 field season which will run from 1 Apr =96 30 Sep. As a volunteer with CRU, you will have the opportunity to learn about these animals and their environment through first hand experience, working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable research team. You will learn and apply the principles of field research design as you participate in our ongoing field studies, and will gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive this kind of research. The most important qualifications required of applicants are enthusiasm, the ability and willingness to learn and work under often difficult field conditions, and the open-mindedness and sense of humour to work, live and communicate well with other people of mixed nationality and background. Qualifications in biology may be useful to the applicant, but are by no means a requirement for application. However, due to the nature of the work, volunteers will need to be both physically fit and healthy and, as a guideline, should be able to swim at least 200 metres and walk along steep coastal paths to reach land observation points. Volunteers will be required to contribute to food and household costs (usually =A320-30 per person per week) and share basic domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning. Accommodation will be provided with the rest of the team in a fully furnished property, but you will need to be flexible when it comes to sleeping arrangements as single bedrooms will not be available. With respect, preference will be given to non-smoking applicants. Interested persons should send a cover letter, detailing their reason for applying and their availability, accompanied by an objective character reference from and contact details for this referee. Students and recent graduates may see this as an opportunity to gain field experience working with marine mammals. It may even be possible to accommodate dissertation proposals if suitable supervision and funding can be arranged. Application details including your full address, telephone/fax numbers and email should be sent to: Cetacean Research Unit "The Cottage" Upper Dallachy, Spey Bay=20 Fochabers Moray. IV32 7PW SCOTLAND=20 ATTN. Dr Kevin Robinson Thanks for your interest. Successful applicants will be notified in due course. =20 Kevin Robinson Research Co-ordinator Cetacean Research Unit e-mail: kpr1(\)dial.pipex.com Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [Also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] This message will be sent out monthly - new additions or recent changes are marked + *Please save this message for future reference!* Topics: EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list 2. Messages posted on MARMAM ** 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? 5. How do I reply to individual subscribers? 6. How do I subscribe/unsubscribe/temporarily signoff? 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? 8. How do I retrieve old postings to MARMAM? 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? 12. Useful websites 13. Other email discussion lists 14. Who do I contact with my questions or concerns? ===================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY 1. The MARMAM list MARMAM is an edited e-mail discussion list which focuses on marine mammal research and conservation. The list was established in August 1993 and as of November 1998 there were over 3,400 subscribers from 60 different countries. Anyone may subscribe to the list. Editors of the MARMAM list work on a volunteer basis. At any one time there may be between three and five editors. We have endeavoured to make the editorial policy as uniform and explicit as possible (detailed below), but there may be some individual editor variation in the standard of messages sent to the list. _______________________________________________________________ 2. Messages posted on MARMAM A wide spectrum of message types are found on MARMAM, all related to marine mammal research and/or conservation. MARMAM endeavours to provide unbiased information on these issues (ie., is notanti-whaling or anti-hunting per se). Commonly seen messages include: - requests for information regarding current or recent research projects, publications, or research techniques - current or previously unreported unusual news events - meeting announcements - job or volunteer opportunities - abstracts from scientific papers or reports - books/techniques/products announcements - requests for products (eg., photographs) which will benefit MARMAM subscribers (eg., photographs that will be of widespread use or for payment) - brief summaries of meetings or conferences related to marine mammals, including resolutions passed Before sending a message to MARMAM, please read the following. An increasing number of messages are being sent to the list which require modification by the authors or the Editors. As the Editors moderate the list on a volunteer basis, there is often limited time available to help with or to facilitate such modifications. We ask that before sending a message to the list, the author ensure that: - An appropriate subject heading is included - Your name and e-mail address are included in the body of the message - Your message is interesting enough to go to 3000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. The MARMAM account cannot deal with attachments and any messages with attachments will not be sent. All information should therefore be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. As editing the list is a volunteer job and there are often too many messages to easily deal with, messages which are inproperly formatted (e.g., missing a subject heading, missing the senders name and e-mail address in the body of the message, or formatted too wide for a computer screen) or those full of typos may not be sent to the list. In most cases the author will be contacted regarding resubmitting their message, but at times of high volume, this may not always be done. NB. Many messages ask for information which would be of interest to many of the list subscribers. We therefore ask that a summary of responses is prepared and submitted back to the MARMAM list. Respondents to calls for information should therefore be aware that their response may be resubmitted to the entire list. Authors should therefore state that they do not wish their reply to go to the list, if this is the case. Summaries to the MARMAM list should fulfil other editorial criteria (relevent, concise, no flames, etc) ______________________________________________________________ ** 3. Messages not posted on MARMAM Examples of messages not posted to the MARMAM list include: - THOSE UNRELATED TO MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION - ANIMAL RIGHTS CALLS FOR ACTION - "COMMUNICATION" BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - "CASUAL" REQUESTS for information that is easily available elsewhere. A specific request, with a brief description of what the information is to be used for, is most likely to stimulate feedback from other subscribers. If the author lives in a country where limited library resources are available and is conducting original research, exceptions to this rule may be made (though the message author must state that they have no easy access to library resources). - INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION: information requests without details as to why this is being requested. Messages which include only an information request without providing any background information justifying the request and demonstrating that available means to obtain this information have been exhausted, will not be posted. - COMMON EVENTS: news reports of common events (e.g. strandings of common species of marine mammals, deaths of captive animals, etc) **- MEDICAL REPORTS ON CAPTIVE ANIMALS FOR HELP IS BEING SOUGHT - REQUESTS FOR SMALL NUMBERS OF SPECIFIC ITEMS (eg., photographs) that would be better directed to individuals working on the species in question. - OPINION STATEMENTS OFFERING LITTLE OR NO NOVEL INFORMATION. Messages of a duplicative nature which do not contribute new information are generally not posted to the list. Exceptions include event-related postings, such as conference information, job openings, and surveys. New subscribers are strongly encouraged to monitor MARMAM for a period before submitting messages to the list, or to review recent archived messages, to reduce the number of duplicative submissions. - CRITICISMS OF RESEARCHER'S STATEMENTS QUOTED IN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, unless they are corrections from the person being quoted. - 'FLAMES'. Messages which are derogatory or serve to insult rather than contribute to the discussion at hand are not posted to the list. - RHETORIC: messages with some substance surrounded by a lot of rhetoric - HUMOUROUS ANECDOTES - JOB/ VOLUNTEER POSITION/ INTERNSHIP WANTED. Requests for employment or volunteer opportunities are not posted to the list. Persons seeking such positions are encouraged to monitor MARMAM for opportunities, which they can apply to directly. Students interested in careers in marine mammal science are encouraged to consult the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 'Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science', which can be found at the Society for Marine Mammalogy's website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/strat.htm **- JOB OFFERS FOR ANIMAL TRAINERS OR FOR NATURALISTS ON WHALE WATCH BOATS ===================================================== MARMAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. How do I post messages to the list? All messages meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Messages should include the sender's name and e-mail address within the body of the text, and a detailed subject heading. ______________________________________________________________ 5. How do I reply to individual messages? Messages meant soley for a particular subscriber and not for MARMAM may be sent directly to that subscriber using his or her e-mail address, which will appear in the header of the message and/or in the body of the message. Subscribers are asked to include their e-mail address within the body of their messages, as not all subscribers receive headers including this information with their messages. If your reply is of general interest to the subscribers, please reply to the list, otherwise you should reply directly to the individual posting the original message. NOTE: Many subscribers will find that use of the 'reply' option will reply to MARMAM, not to the intended recipient. Please check your header when using the 'reply' option. ______________________________________________________________ 6. How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe/ temporarily signoff? All messages not meant for MARMAM subscribers should be sent to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca). As the list-server is an automated service, it is important that commands be sent without errors or extraneous text. To subscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" which says: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastnamename To unsubscribe, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca" saying: signoff marmam If you want to temporarily discontinue your subscription without signing off the list, send the message: set marmam nomail to continue it, send the message: set marmam mail NOTE: If your email address is going to change and you will lose access to your old address please unsubscribe that address from marmam, and then subscribe under your new address. If you no longer have access to the email account from which you subscribed, send a brief message to mamamed(\)uvic.ca, providing the email addess that you no longer have access to, and the editors will delete this address from the list. You can then subscribe from your new address. _______________________________________________________________ 7. How do I receive MARMAM postings as a single daily digest rather than as individual messages? To receive marmam messages daily as a single file, send a message to "listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca", saying set marmam digests To change this setting to individual messages, send the message: set marmam mail _______________________________________________________________ 8. How do I retrieve messages previously sent to MARMAM? All MARMAM messages since 1995 are archived and are retrievable by sending the message: get marmam logxxyy to the listserver (listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca), where xx = year and yy = month (e.g. get marmam log9601). Two searchable websites hold archived MARMAM postings: Links to both of these can be found via the MARMAM homepage http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm http://www.escribe.com/science/marmam/ This archive includes all messages from June 2, 1998 and the monthly logs dating back to January 1995. The archive can be searched by keyword and will return a list of files (messages) containing that keyword. For long messages (i.e., the monthly logs) - using the "find" command (under "Edit") will speed up searching within the message. http://www.reference.com/cgi-bin/pn/listarch?list=MARMAM(\)uvvm.uvic.ca This archive contains all messages from November 1997. To search this archive back to 11/97, change the date range at the bottom of the "Advanced Search" page. The archive manager is Quyen Lam __________________________________________________________________ 9. How do I find out who subscribes to MARMAM? A list, sorted by country, of all current subscribers to the list may be retrieved along with their e-mail address' by sending the command: review marmam country to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca The list of subscribers can then be imported into a spreadsheet or wordprocessing package where a "find" command can be used to locate a particular subscriber. To check for a particular subscriber, send the message: scan MARMAM WXYZ where WXYZ is the first or last name of the person in question. _______________________________________________________________ 10. How do I get help using listserver commands? A list of common commands for different listserver functions (subscribing, retrieving files, etc.) is obtainable by sending the message: help to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca. A more detailed list of listserver commands may be obtained by sending the message: info refcard to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 11. Why did my MARMAM subscription stop? Your subscription may be cancelled if your email is undeliverable. This can happen, for example, if your in-box is full or if your server is down for a period of time. When this happens the marmamed account will receive error messages, and those whose accounts bounce back are either automatically deleted from the list or manually deleted by the list Editors every once in a while. If you find that you receive no MARMAM messages for a few days, try subscribing to the list again. ______________________________________________________________ 12. Useful websites Detailed below are some World Wide Web Marine Mammal related links. Many of these contain further links to other sites. The Society for Marine Mammalogy: "http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/" The National Marine Mammal Laboratory Homepage: "http://nmml01.afsc.noaa.gov/" The Acoustical Society of America: "http://asa.aip.org/" The European Cetacean Society: "http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs.htm" International Whaling Commission: "http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice" WhaleNet "http://whale.wheelock.edu/" ______________________________________________________ 13. Other email discussion lists Some other email lists that may be relevent to marine mammals include the following. (Lists on a variety of topics which may vary in relevence are included - the editors take no responsibility for the content of these and are included here for reference only.) Lists are shown as topic, listserver and mailing list name. To subscribe send a message to the appropriate listserver with the message "subscribe " Bioacoustics: listproc(\)cornell.edu, Bioacoustics-L Biotelemetry: LISTSERV(\)BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL, biotelem Conservation network: listserv(\)sivm.si.edu, conslink Ecology, Ecological Society of America: listserv(\)umdd.umd.edu, ecolog-l Fish and Wildlife Information Management: listserv(\)listserv.vt.edu, FWIM-L Fisheries and Social Science: listserv(\)mitvma.mit.edu, fishfolk Marine Studies and Information: listserv(\)ccgc.tc.gc.ca, marine-l Mammal: LISTSERV(\)SIVM.SI.EDU, Mammal-l (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ______________________________________________________________ 14. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Sascha Hooker, and Shannon Gowans) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated December 1998 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Dec 1998 05:20:54 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" The following is the weekly CRS marine mammal summary provided to the U.S. congress, by Eugene H. Buck, Senior Analyst Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 12/04/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 11/30/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 12/03/98 double bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {{Canadian Sealing. On Nov. 23, 1998, Toronto's The Globe and Mail reported that a forthcoming issue of Marine Mammal Science will publish the results of a study by a University of Guelph scientist concluding that Canada's annual seal hunt is not sustainable, due to the large number of seals killed but lost and not counted. As much as 40% more animals actually may be killed than are caught and processed.}} [The Globe and Mail] Culture in Whales is Genetic. An article in the Nov. 27, 1998, issue of Science reported that the ability of whales to communicate and socialize using long-distance sonar signaling has a genetic basis in mitochondrial DNA, and constitutes the first evidence for passing cultural behavior across generations in species other than humans. [Reuters] Norwegian Whaling. On Nov. 27, 1998, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries Peter Angelsen announced that the 1999 Norwegian minke whale quota would be 753 animals. This is an increase from the 1998 quota of 671 animals, of which 624 were taken. On Nov. 27, 1998, the annual meeting of the Norwegian Whalers' Union convened in the Lofoten Islands, with the agenda focused on interactions between marine mammals and fisheries. Also scheduled for this meeting was the first screening of a new documentary film on Norwegian minke whaling. [High North Alliance Web News, Reuters, Assoc Press] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Nov. 19, 1998, NMFS published notice in the Federal Register announcing a status review of Cook Inlet beluga whales to determine whether their status warrants a change in designation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act or listing under the Endangered Species Act. Public comment is solicited by Jan. 19, 1999. [Fed. Register, Assoc Press] Marine Mammals and the Russian Military. On Nov. 17, 1998, Russian Naval officials announced the early November 1998 closing of their Far East base at Vityaz Bay, where beluga whales and dolphins reportedly were trained for combat purposes including detection of enemy divers. Remaining beluga whales were transferred to a civilian research center on the Black Sea. [Assoc Press] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. In mid-November 1998, NMFS and conservation groups concluded an agreement settling a federal lawsuit charging that NMFS had not been protecting Gulf of ME harbor porpoises. The agreement provides that NMFS develop a plan by Dec. 1, 1998, that will likely require fishermen install electronic "pingers" on gillnets to reduce entanglement of Gulf of ME harbor porpoises over a wider area and for longer times and that NMFS consider listing harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In addition, the settlement may result in closure to gillnet fishing of at least one additional area. {On Dec. 1, 1998, NMFS announced measures modifying when, where, and how New England and Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishermen may fish so as to better protect harbor porpoise. Six areas in the Gulf of Maine will be closed to gillnetting, with some exceptions for gillnets equipped with sound-emitting pingers. In the mid-Atlantic region, area closures and gear modification will be used. NMFS will decide by Jan. 4, 1999, whether to list harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.} [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] Mexican Salt Project. On Nov. 11, 1998, a coalition of 26 environmental and animal protection groups sent an open letter to Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo asking him to halt plans for expanding a joint Mexican and Mitsubishi Corp. salt plant {{in the El Vizcaino world heritage site}} near San Ignacio Lagoon on Baja California -- an important breeding area for gray whales. On Nov. 30, 1998, environmental groups announced that a discussion of concerns for the Mexican salt project has been placed on the agenda of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Kyoto, Japan, on Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 1998. {On Dec. 2, 1998, the World Heritage Committee agreed to dispatch a research team to investigate the situation at Mexico's El Vizcaino site, with a report of findings anticipated sometime in 1999. The Committee declined to add the controversial site to its "World Heritage in Danger" list.} [Reuters, Dow Jones News] Monk Seal Protection. On Nov. 9, 1998, the U.S. Coast Guard unloaded 6 tons of discarded fishing nets in Honolulu that had been collected during a cooperative federal-state-private cleanup operation from coral reefs inhabited by endangered monk seals near French Frigate Shoals in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. NMFS will work to identify the sources of net debris. [Assoc Press] Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 6, 1998, Japan's fleet of 5 whaling vessels, including Japan's first new whaling vessel (Yushin Maru) built in 26 years, departed for research whaling in the Southern (Antarctic) Ocean from the port of Shimonoseki. On Nov. 15, 1998, the Japanese whaling industry and the Japanese government supported a rally in Tokyo encouraging lifting of the International Whaling Commission's ban on commercial whaling. On Nov. 19, 1998, a fire broke out on the Japanese whaling mothership Nisshin Maru, now drifting about 600 miles southeast of Brisbane, Australia. With a crew of 115, the vessel was enroute to whaling in the Antarctic. The effect of the fire on the research whaling cruise is unknown. On Nov. 25, 1998, the Nisshin Maru was reportedly returning to Japan for repairs under its own power. On Nov. 27-Dec. 5, 1998, a documentary film about Japanese coastal whaling for pilot whales and Baird's beaked whales -- "Whalers and the Sea" -- is scheduled to be screened at the Athenee Francais Culture Center, Chiyoda, Tokyo. This is reported to be the first movie to feature Japanese coastal whaling. On Nov. 28, 1998, fires on the Nisshin Maru were finally extinguished. Due to wiring damage, the vessel is disabled and will be towed to New Caledonia for makeshift repairs before returning to Japan for more substantial restoration. On Nov. 30, 1998, the owners of the Nisshin Maru reported their intention to resume downscaled research whaling this winter season after vessel repairs are completed, {{possibly by early January 1999.}} [Reuters, Yomiuri Shimbun, Assoc Press, Dow Jones News] Steller Sea Lions. In early November 1998, two Kodiak, AK, residents pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to shooting Steller sea lions. Facing maximum penalties of one year in jail and a $100,000 fine, both individuals will be sentenced in early 1999. {On Nov. 9, 1998, NMFS published proposed regulations in the Federal Register that would divide the Aleutian Island Atka mackerel catch into two seasons, reduce the percent of Atka mackerel catch taken from Steller sea lion critical habitat over a 4-year period; and expand the no-trawl zones around several rookeries into a year-round closure. This action seeks to minimize fishery-induced depletions of Atka mackerel, a primary prey species for Steller sea lions, and to avoid potential jeopardy to the continued existence of Steller sea lion populations. On Dec. 9-10, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to spend 12 hours discussing the results of consultations within NMFS over how to manage commercial fisheries to minimize harm to Steller sea lions, and to consider any necessary Council action on the issue.} [Fed. Register, Assoc Press, personal communication, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund press release] Supreme Court Rejects MA Appeal. On Nov. 2, 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court, without comment, rejected an appeal by the state of MA on a 1995 lawsuit charging that MA violated federal law by not doing enough to protect endangered whales from commercial fishing gear. In 1996, U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock had ordered MA to devise a plan to restrict, modify, or eliminate the use of lobster gear, gillnets, and other fixed fishing gear when whales were present in MA waters. [Reuters, Assoc Press] Makah Whaling. On Nov. 1, 1998, a violent confrontation occurred at the Neah Bay marina between Makah individuals and anti-whaling protesters, with four protesters being arrested by tribal police and their inflatable boat confiscated. On Nov. 2, 1998, the Makah Tribal Council issued a permit allowing tribal whalers to begin hunting gray whale. The permit remains valid for 10 days. On Nov. 18, 1998, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society agreed to withdraw its two protest vessels by Nov. 23, 1998, in exchange for a meeting with Makah Tribe officials, which is scheduled for Nov. 23. On Nov. 18, 1998, the Fund for Animals, et al. filed an appeal with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, on Judge Franklin Burgess's Sept. 21, 1998, District Court dismissal of the parties' lawsuit challenging the legality of federal approval for the Makah whaling. {On Nov. 30, 1998, the Makah Tribal Council called a closed meeting to discuss tourism-enhancing alternatives to whaling. After discussion, a decision was made to proceed with whaling.} [Assoc Press, personal communication, The Humane Society of Canada press release, Fund for Animals press release, Reuters] NC Dolphin Strandings. Between Oct. 7, 1998 and Nov. 5, 1998, ten bottlenose dolphin strandings (with five deaths caused by commercial fishing nets) were reported on southern NC beaches. This compares to normally 1 to 2 strandings per month, except during fall 1997 when 8 dolphins were stranded, with 5 killed by commercial fishing nets -- possibly by the gillnet and stationary net fishery for spot and croaker that occurs from mid-October to late November. [Assoc Press] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: recent marine mammal publications (fwd) Comparative kinematics and hydrodynamics of odontocete cetaceans: Morphological and ecological correlates with swimming performance. Fish, FE. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY. October 1998 v201 i20 p2867-2877 Mercury-induced micronuclei in skin fibroblasts of beluga whales. Gauthier, JM; Dubeau, H; Rassart, E. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. December 1998 v17 i12 p2487-2493 Harbor porpoise and fisheries: An uncertainty analysis of incidental mortality. Caswell, W; Brault, S; Read, AJ; Smith, TD. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS. November 1998 v8 i4 p1226-1238 Prevalence and intensity of the ectoparasite Echinophthirius horridus on harbour seals (Phoca vitulina): effects of host age and inter-annual variability in host food availability. Thompson, PM; Corpe, HM; Reid, RJ. PARASITOLOGY. October 1998 v117 part4 p393-403 Do harp seals Phoca groenlandica exhibit particular prey preferences?. Lindstrom, U; Harbitz, A; Haug, T; Nilssen, KT. ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE. October 1998 v55 i5 p941-953 Invasions of harp seals Phoca groenlandica ERXLEBEN to coastal waters of Norway in 1995: Ecological and demographic implications. Nilssen, KT; Haug, T; Oritsland, T; Lindblom, L; Kjellqwist, SA. SARSIA. October-November 1998 v83 i4 p337-345 Anisakid nematodes in the common seal (Phoca vitulina L.) in Icelandic waters. Olafsdottir, D; Hauksson, E. SARSIA. October-November 1998 v83 i4 p309-316 Antigenic and nucleotide characterization of a herpesvirus isolated from Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsii). King, DP; Parselles, R; Gulland, FMD; Lapointe, JM; Lowenstine, LJ; Ferrick, DA; Stott, JL. ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY. July-August 1998 v143 i10 p2021-202 ****the following reprint includes pinniped information****** Immunogenetic evidence for the phylogenetic sister group relationship of dogs and bears (Mammalia, Carnivora: Canidae and Ursidae) - A comparative determinant analysis of carnivoran albumin, C3 complement and immunoglobulin mu-chain. Schreiber, A; Eulenberger, K; Bauer, K. EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL IMMUNOGENETICS. Fall 1998 v15 i3 p154-170 ********** Trace metals in seabirds, Steller sea lion, and forage fish and zooplankton from central California. Sydeman, WJ; Jarman, WM. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. October 1998 v36 i10 p828-832 *****It would appear that there is a new marine mammal book as well. The following are chapters in a recently published book from Plenum Press.******* Phylogenetic and morphometric reassessment of the dental evidence for a mesonychian and cetacean clade. OLeary, MA. EMERGENCE OF WHALES. 1998 p133-161 Homology and transformation of cetacean ectotympanic structures. Luo, ZX. EMERGENCE OF WHALES. 1998 p269-301 Biomechanical perspective on the origin of cetacean flukes. Fish, FE. EMERGENCE OF WHALES. 1998 p303-324 Cetacean origins - Evolutionary turmoil during the invasion of the oceans. Thewissen, JGM. EMERGENCE OF WHALES. 1998 p451-464 Evolution of thermoregulatory function in cetacean reproductive systems. Pabst, DA; Rommel, SA; McLellan, WA. EMERGENCE OF WHALES. 1998 p379-397 -------------------- The most recent issue of _Natural History_ (12/98-1/99) has an article by Bob Pitman and Susan Chivers on the observations of killer whales attacking a group of sperm whales off the coast of California, "Terror in black and white", pages 26-29. Subject: UC Davis Wildlife Medicine Symposium Announcement The UC Davis Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Medicine Club presents the 5th Annual WILDLIFE MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM Saturday, January 23, 1999 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 170 Schalm Hall: Medical Sciences Complex, UC Davis 8:30-9:00 WELCOME AND COFFEE 9:00-9:55 Dr. Sam Ridgway Senior Scientist, Animal Care, Navy Marine Mammal Program, San Diego VETERINARY MEDICINE IN THE NAVY MARINE MAMMAL PROGRAM 10:00-10:55 Dr. Leslie Woods Pathologist, California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Service - Davis AVIAN NECROPSY TECHNIQUES 10:55-11:10 BREAK 11:15-12:10 Dr. Walt Cook Wildlife Veterinarian, Wyoming Game and Fish Department BRUCELLOSIS IN FEEDGROUND ELK OF WYOMING - INVESTIGATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 12:10 - 1:10 LUNCH 1:15-2:10 Dr. Linda Lowenstine Professor, Veterinary Pathology, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS (HABS): EFFECTS ON MARINE MAMMALS 2:15-3:10 Dr. Flo Tseng Staff Veterinarian and Director of Research, International Bird Rescue Research Center TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN SEABIRDS 3:10 - 3:25 BREAK 3:30-5:00 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION FORUM: DEABATING THE PROS AND CONS Moderator: Dr. Jonna Mazet Panelists: Dr. Dan Anderson, Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Dr. Ben Gonzales, Dr. Flo Tseng ALL ARE WELCOME AND ADMISSION IS FREE. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER BY 1/9, at dafauquier(\)ucdavis.edu or 1805 Donner Ave. #1, Davis, CA 95616. If you would like to order proceedings or t-shirts and can't attend the symposium, please contact the above email address for more information. Directions: Take Interstate 80 towards Sacramento, take Route 113 North towards Woodland. Exit at Hutchinson Dr./UC Davis and turn right. Take the first right into the Medical Sciences Complex. Follow signs to parking and lecture hall. The Wildlife Medicine Symposium is proudly sponsored by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, SCAVMA, ASPCA, W.B. Saunders Co., AAWV, and Purina. PRE-REGISTRATION FORM DUE 1/9: Please email or send the following information to the address mentioned above (dafauquier(\)ucdavis.edu). NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: AFFILIATION: Complete Symposium information will be on our website soon at: http://www.asucd.ucdavis.edu/organizations/other/wildlifemedic ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 01:08:12 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: used books available Please do not direct inquiries for the below message to the Marmam editors. The following used books are available thru Donald E. Hahn Natural History books, catalogue 59. When ordering, you may use VISA, Mastercard, or American Express. Phone (USA) 520-634-5016 or FAX 520-634-1217. There is *no* web address. You will need to provide the catalogue number as well as the item number listed with each of the following books. ********************** 1275. Allen, K.R. 1980. Conservation and management of whales. $15 1294. Bullen, F.T. 1899 (1927) The cruise of the "Cachalot" round the world after sperm whales. $22 1342. Harriosn, R.J. and J.E. King. 1965. Marine mammals. $15 1353. Holt, S. and N.M. Young. 1990. Guide to review of the management of whaling. $10 1359. Kenyon, K.W. 1969 (1975) The sea otter in the eastern Pacific Ocean. $19 1360. Kenyon, K.W. 1969. The sea otter in teh eastern Pacific Ocean $29. 1370. Laws, R.M. (ed) 1993 Antarctic seals, research methods nad techniques. $55 1396. Montague, A. and J.C. Lilly. 1963. The dolphin in history. $16 1399. Norris, K.S. 1991. Dolphin days. The life and times of the Hawaiian spinner dolphin. $19 (autographed) 1400. Norris, K.S. (ed) 1966. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises. $60 1423. Sanderson, I.T. 1993. A history of whaling. $22 1444. True, F.W. 1910. An account of the beaked whales of the family Ziphiidae in the collection of the United States National Museum with remarks on some specimens in other American museums. $55. Subject: Whale & Dolphin Conservation Project web site (fwd) From: Peter Kotovodov Dear friends and colleagues, I would like to invite you to our website at http://www.interbook.net/personal/delfinc/ There you can find information about the Whale and Dolphin Conservation & Research Project at Canary Islands. In volunteer section at http://www.interbook.net/personal/delfinc/volunteer.html you can find info about the volunteer opportunities at the project. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Project Coordinator Ed Bentham at edb(\)huron.ac.uk Thank you for your attention and sorry for my poor English. Best regards Peter Kotovodov Proyecto Ambiental Tenerife mailto:pekot(\)envirolink.org http://www.interbook.net/personal/delfinc/ Subject: professional societies: website request I'm compiling a list of links to professional societies dealing with the biological and environmental sciences; when completed the list will be added to the WFSC Jobs Board as an aid to job-seekers. If anyone is able to recommend sites relating specifically to aquatic life, it would be greatly appreciated: marine mammals, of course, but also organizations focusing on other taxa in both the marine and freshwater realm. Societies devoted to other aspects of oceanography are also welcome--inclusion is the watchword. I'll post the results and the URL of the new page when completed. Thanks! J.M. Aguiar WFSC Jobs Board, Texas A&M http://wfscnet.tamu.edu/jobs.htm ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1998 15:02:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Protection for the Gully, Canada (fwd) X-mailer: Pegasus Mail for Win32 (v2.54) From: Hal Whitehead The Gully, a submarine canyon off Nova Scotia, and an important habitat for a number of species of Cetacea, especially northern bottlenose whales, has been designated as a pilot marine protected area. Excerpts from the Press Release of Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (http://www.gfc.dfo.ca/communic/maritime/1998e/m98042.htm) are included below: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Thursday 3 December - "David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, ... announced that the Sable Gully, located 200 km offshore of Nova Scotia east of Sable Island, has been selected as Atlantic Canada's first pilot Marine Protected Area (MPA) under Canada's Oceans Act. "Minister Anderson stated "this pilot designation is based on advice I have received from a multi-stakeholder group tasked with developing a Sable Gully Conservation Strategy. It is clear to me that the Sable Gully is an ecologically significant marine area which we need to learn more about. .."For a number of years, the ecology of the Gully has attracted the attention of government agencies, various industry groups and non-government organizations. The Gully is the largest undersea canyon in eastern Canada, and is considered an important habitat for a wide diversity of marine life, including over 200 vulnerable northern bottlenose whales. " ----------------------------------- For more information on the research undertaken by Hal Whitehead's Lab on the northern bottlenose whales in the Gully, please visit the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm Subject: Mesoplodon bahamondi, etc. I am in the process of copy-editing a children's book on newly described species. The publisher has been sitting on the ms for over a year, so I am taking the opportunity to see if I am still up to date. I would therefore greatly appreciate it if anyone on MARMAM could help me with a few points I have been unable to confirm: 1. Is it still uncertain whether Mesoplodon bahamondi represents a good species, and in particular whether it is, or is not, the same as Mesoplodon species "A"? If the latter, has species "A" been identified yet? 2. Is Longman's Beaked Whale still known only from two skulls? 3. Am I correct in assuming that M. bahamondi is the most recently described cetacean species, and that no further ones are waiting in the wings? Many thanks! -- Ronald I. Orenstein Phone: (905) 820-7886 International Wildlife Coalition Fax/Modem: (905) 569-0116 1825 Shady Creek Court Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 3W2 mailto:ornstn(\)home.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 03:42:12 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Monk seal newsletter (fwd) From: Dave Johnston T H E M O N A C H U S G U A R D I A N The international newsletter dedicated to the Mediterranean, Hawaiian & Caribbean monk seals 8 December 1998 Dear Colleagues, WWW.MONACHUS.ORG This is to let you know that IMMA Inc. has now published the December issue of THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, a biannual electronic journal offering news and in-depth reports on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. Highlights of the current issue include: > Navigating the Monk Seal Maze - A Guide for the Layperson: A satirical look at the recent United Nations Environment Programme conference in Arta, Greece... > New Discoveries in Cilicia: Researchers discover a hitherto unknown population of Mediterranean Monk Seals along Turkey's Mediterranean Coast... > Midway's Monk Seals: A reduction in human disturbance, coinciding with the closure of Midway's Naval Base, has encouraged monk seals to recolonise the atoll. But with ecotourism now developing on Midway, will this success story prove short-lived? > The Life & Times of Q39: A diary of events surrounding the persecution of a yearling Hawaiian monk seal on Maui... > Monachus Science: Scientific papers detailing rehabilitation efforts on Madeira's Desertas Islands, habitat research in Croatia's Vis archipelago in the Adriatic, and an essay on historical biogeography and phylogenetic relationships among modern monk seals... > Plus... International and Regional News... Recent Publications... Your Letters... etc. Current and back issues of THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN are also available from the Library, and may either be viewed on-line, or downloaded as single files in PDF, Word 97 or (text only) RTF formats. Should you have any suggestions or comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at the following email address: editor(\)monachus.org Similarly, we look forward to hearing from you if you experience any difficulty in accessing this service. With Best Wishes, William M. Johnson editor(\)monachus.org Dave Johnston djohnsto(\)imma.org Subject: On Mesoplodon bahamondi and other beaked whales... ------ On 9 December Ronald Orenstein from the International Wildlife Coalition made some questions about Mesoplodon bahamondi and other beaked whales of the genus. I am the senior author of the description of M. bahamondi, and would like to pass on some thoughts: The description of M. bahamondi (published at the Bolet=EDn del Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Chile) was based on the single, broken, immature skull of a beaked whale stranded at Juan Fernandez Island, Chile= .=20 It took about five years of studies, comparison with congeneric and activ= e correspondence with the few experts in Mesoplodon before I decided to go ahead with the description, despite the observations from some colleagues that I was going astray because I did not have what it is suppossed to be the only key character for describing Mesoplodon species: the skull of an adult male with intact teeth. Long ago, and this is recognized by the experts, the identification of beaked whales went further than looking at= =20 the teeth of adult males. I confirmed this during my studies, and when applied to the material available to me, it was possible to tell apart species making careful observations of the neurocranium. I used the ventr= al aspect of the orbital region, because I found it was consistent through t= he sample I examined. But other characters showed to be useful, and I am currently working on that.=20 I know there have been many critics, but it should be noted that similar critics could be made for Longman=B4s beaked whale Mesoplodon (Indopacetu= s) pacificus, still known from just two skulls (without teeth) and even so i= s included in the lists of recognized cetaceans by the IWC, IUCN, etc, thanks to the careful description of the skull made by J.C. Moore. If we described a new species of beaked whale it was because we recognized it a= s a new taxon, and as such should be described.=20 The possible relationship ofM. bahamondi with "Species A" was made on distributional grounds only, but regarding distribution Mesoplodon always give us surprises. Therefore, th= e identity of "Species A" is still unknown. So, Mesoplodon bahamondi can be considered the most recently described cetacean species of the genus. Julio C. Reyes acorema(\)mail.cosapidata.com.pe ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 08:42:44 +0000 From: Hal Whitehead/Linda Weilgart Subject: Male mating strategies From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) The following "letter to the editor" (which was inititiated by an abstract posted on MARMAM) was recently published: Whitehead H (1998) Male mating strategies: models of roving and residence. Ecological Modelling 111:297-298 It does not have an abstract, but here is the first paragraph: "In the past eight years there have been three fairly substantial attempts to model the relative benefits of `roving' (or `searching' or `roaming') between groups of females and `residence' (or `harem-holding' or `staying') with a female group as alternative male mating strategies (Whitehead, 1990; Sandell and Liberg, 1992; Magnusson and Kasuya, 1997). As none of these papers cite each other, it is worth summarizing the similarities and differences in their methods and conclusions. In particular, I note the importance of the relationship between the receptive period of the females and the travel time of males--a result common to all three studies, differences between female-based and male-based models, the effects of female group size, and the possibility of evolutionarily stable mixed strategies." ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1998 06:14:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publication on harbor porpoise and effects of bycatch (fwd) From: Solange Brault The following paper has just appeared: Harbor Porpoise and Fisheries: An Uncertainty Analysis of Incidental Mortality by Hal Caswell Solange Brault Andrew J. Read Tim D. Smith Ecological Applications 8:1226-1238 (1998). Abstract The harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the western North Atlantic is subject to mortality due to entanglement in gillnets. Such incidental mortality threatens a population if it is too large relative to the potential population growth rate. Critical values for incidental mortality have been established by the International Whaling Commission and the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. As in many situations in conservation biology, use of these critical values depends on demographic calculations that are based on uncertain data. It is important to report not only estimates of demographic parameters, but also the uncertainty in those estimates. Here, we use a Monte Carlo approach to evaluate uncertainty in population size, incidental mortality, and population growth rate of harbor porpoise. To describe survival, we used model life tables derived from other mammals with similar life histories. By randomly sampling the space of model life tables and the distributions of estimated fertility and age at first reproduction, we produced a probability distribution that characterizes the uncertainty in the potential population growth rate. The median estimate for the potential annual rate of increase lambda is approximately 1.10. Combining this information with the uncertainty of incidental mortality and of population size, we estimate the probability that the rate of incidental mortality exceeds the critical values established by the various management agencies; this probability ranges from 0.46 to 0.94. We conclude that recent incidental mortality rates are a threat to harbor porpoise populations. The methods developed here are applicable to other situations where demographic analyses must be based on uncertain data. For reprints, contact Hal Caswell Biology Department MS-34 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole MA 02543 USA Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 12/11/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 12/04/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 12/10/98 double bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Right Whale Protection. On Dec. 7, 1998, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization voted unanimously to strengthen protection for northern right whales by requiring, beginning July 1, 1999, that commercial ships entering this whale's calving (coastal FL and GA) and feeding (offshore of MA) grounds to report by radio to the U.S. Coast Guard for the latest information on whale locations and collision avoidance with these animals.} [White House press release, NOAA press release] Mexican Salt Project. On Nov. 30, 1998, environmental groups announced that a discussion of concerns for the joint Mexican and Mitsubishi Corp. salt project in the El Vizcaino world heritage site near San Ignacio Lagoon on Baja California had been placed on the agenda of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Kyoto, Japan, on Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 1998. On Dec. 2, 1998, the World Heritage Committee agreed to dispatch a research team to investigate the situation at Mexico's El Vizcaino site, with a report of findings anticipated sometime in 1999. The Committee declined to add the controversial site to its "World Heritage in Danger" list. [Reuters, Dow Jones News] Culture in Whales is Genetic. An article in the Nov. 27, 1998, issue of Science reported that the ability of whales to communicate and socialize using long-distance sonar signaling has a genetic basis in mitochondrial DNA, and constitutes the first evidence for passing cultural behavior across generations in species other than humans. [Reuters] Norwegian Whaling. On Nov. 27, 1998, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries Peter Angelsen announced that the 1999 Norwegian minke whale quota would be 753 animals. This is an increase from the 1998 quota of 671 animals, of which 624 were taken. On Nov. 27, 1998, the annual meeting of the Norwegian Whalers' Union convened in the Lofoten Islands, with the agenda focused on interactions between marine mammals and fisheries. Also scheduled for this meeting was the first screening of a new documentary film on Norwegian minke whaling. [High North Alliance Web News, Reuters, Assoc Press] Canadian Sealing. {On Nov. 16, 1998, NOAA officials met with Canadian officials and constituents interested in amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the import of Canadian seal skins into the United States. NOAA officials indicated that it was unlikely the Administration would support such an amendment.} On Nov. 23, 1998, Toronto's The Globe and Mail reported that a forthcoming issue of Marine Mammal Science will publish the results of a study by a University of Guelph scientist concluding that Canada's annual seal hunt is not sustainable, due to the large number of seals killed but lost and not counted. As much as 40% more animals actually may be killed than are caught and processed. [The Globe and Mail, personal communication] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Nov. 19, 1998, NMFS published notice in the Federal Register announcing a status review of Cook Inlet beluga whales to determine whether their status warrants a change in designation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act or listing under the Endangered Species Act. Public comment is solicited by Jan. 19, 1999. [Fed. Register, Assoc Press] Makah Whaling. On Nov. 18, 1998, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society agreed to withdraw its two protest vessels by Nov. 23, 1998, in exchange for a meeting with Makah Tribe officials, which is scheduled for Nov. 23. On Nov. 18, 1998, the Fund for Animals, et al. filed an appeal with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, on Judge Franklin Burgess's Sept. 21, 1998, District Court dismissal of the parties' lawsuit challenging the legality of federal approval for the Makah whaling. On Nov. 30, 1998, the Makah Tribal Council called a closed meeting to discuss tourism-enhancing alternatives to whaling. After discussion, a decision was made to proceed with whaling. [Assoc Press, personal communication, The Humane Society of Canada press release, Fund for Animals press release, Reuters] Marine Mammals and the Russian Military. On Nov. 17, 1998, Russian Naval officials announced the early November 1998 closing of their Far East base at Vityaz Bay, where beluga whales and dolphins reportedly were trained for combat purposes including detection of enemy divers. Remaining beluga whales were transferred to a civilian research center on the Black Sea. [Assoc Press] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. In mid-November 1998, NMFS and conservation groups concluded an agreement settling a federal lawsuit charging that NMFS had not been protecting Gulf of ME harbor porpoises. The agreement provides that NMFS develop a plan by Dec. 1, 1998, that will likely require fishermen install electronic "pingers" on gillnets to reduce entanglement of Gulf of ME harbor porpoises over a wider area and for longer times and that NMFS consider listing harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In addition, the settlement may result in closure to gillnet fishing of at least one additional area. On Dec. 1, 1998, NMFS announced measures modifying when, where, and how New England and Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishermen may fish so as to better protect harbor porpoise. Six areas in the Gulf of Maine will be closed to gillnetting, with some exceptions for gillnets equipped with sound-emitting pingers. In the mid-Atlantic region, area closures and gear modification will be used. NMFS will decide by Jan. 4, 1999, whether to list harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 15, 1998, the Japanese whaling industry and the Japanese government supported a rally in Tokyo encouraging lifting of the International Whaling Commission's ban on commercial whaling. On Nov. 19, 1998, a fire broke out on the Japanese whaling mothership Nisshin Maru, now drifting about 600 miles southeast of Brisbane, Australia. With a crew of 115, the vessel was enroute to whaling in the Antarctic. The effect of the fire on the research whaling cruise is unknown. On Nov. 25, 1998, the Nisshin Maru was reportedly returning to Japan for repairs under its own power. On Nov. 27-Dec. 5, 1998, a documentary film about Japanese coastal whaling for pilot whales and Baird's beaked whales -- "Whalers and the Sea" -- is scheduled to be screened at the Athenee Francais Culture Center, Chiyoda, Tokyo. This is reported to be the first movie to feature Japanese coastal whaling. On Nov. 28, 1998, fires on the Nisshin Maru were finally extinguished. Due to wiring damage, the vessel is disabled and will be towed to New Caledonia for makeshift repairs before returning to Japan for more substantial restoration. On Nov. 30, 1998, the owners of the Nisshin Maru reported their intention to resume downscaled research whaling this winter season after vessel repairs are completed, possibly by early January 1999. {On Dec. 7, 1998, four Greenpeace protesters chained themselves to two Japanese whaling vessels in the port of Noumea, New Caledonia. On Dec. 8, 1998, the Greenpeace protesters unchained themselves after a 28-hour protest, and the Japanese vessels departed New Caledonia for Japan.} [Reuters, Yomiuri Shimbun, Assoc Press, Dow Jones News] Steller Sea Lions. On Nov. 9, 1998, NMFS published proposed regulations in the Federal Register that would divide the Aleutian Island Atka mackerel catch into two seasons, reduce the percent of Atka mackerel catch taken from Steller sea lion critical habitat over a 4-year period; and expand the no-trawl zones around several rookeries into a year-round closure. This action seeks to minimize fishery-induced depletions of Atka mackerel, a primary prey species for Steller sea lions, and to avoid potential jeopardy to the continued existence of Steller sea lion populations. {On Dec. 4, 1998, NMFS released its biological opinion on interactions between north Pacific fisheries and Steller sea lions, requiring the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to develop more restrictive regulations on when and where pollock may be caught. NMFS recommended subdividing harvest seasons to spread fishing over a longer time each year, and expanding the no-trawling zones around sea lion rookeries.} On Dec. 9-10, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to spend 12 hours discussing the results of consultations within NMFS over how to manage commercial fisheries to minimize harm to Steller sea lions, and to consider any necessary Council action on the issue. [Fed. Register, Assoc Press, personal communication, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund press release, Reuters, NOAA press release] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: CAMMS Update (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Andrew Schiro Dear MARMAMER's Current Advances in Marine Mammal Science (CAMMS) was developed to help keep researchers informed of current marine mammal publications. The current update covers the dates of 11 November and 08 December and users can now search for references by the addition date. Instructions are available at http://camms.tamug.tamu.edu. Attached are a few of the 183 references added to CAMMS on 9 Dec 1998. Andy Andrew Schiro 1341 Kentucky Lawrence KS, 66044 USA schiroa(\)midusa.net **************************** Reference Type: Thesis Record Number: 2 Author: Bernt, K.E. Year: 1998 Title: PCBs and organochlorine pesticides found in harbour and grey seals f= rom the St Lawrence Estuary, Quebec, Canada. University: University of Waterloo City: Waterloo, Ontario Pages: 76 Thesis Type: M.Sc. Abstract: Blubber samples from harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) captured in the St Lawrence Estuary were analysed for PCBs and OC pesticides. Contaminant concentrations in harbour seals that inhabit the Estuary year-round, were examined for variation with age, sex, capture location and year of capture. These levels were compared to concentrations measured in grey seals captured during their shorter, summer-residency period in the Estuary, and to published data for other marine mammals that utilise the Estuary. Organochlorine contaminants were found to accumulate in a similar manner in harbour and grey seals, with PCBs being most prominent, followed by SDDT, SCHLOR, SHCH and HCB. Concentrations of SPCB, SDDT, SCHLOR and mirex were significantly higher in harbour seals (17=B14.0 ppm, 4.7=B10.6 ppm, 1.3=B10.2 ppm, 0.14=B10.03 p= pm) than in grey seals (5.7=B12.2 ppm, 2.1=B10.6 ppm, 0.4=B10.1 ppm, 0.06=B10.0= 5 ppm), while concentrations of SHCH and HCB were similar in harbour (0.1=B10.01 ppm, 0.01=B10.001 ppm) and grey seals (0.09=B10.02 ppm, 0.02=B10.008 ppm). = The concentrations of SPCB, SDDT and SCHLOR increased with age in harbour and grey seals until sexual maturity. After this time they continued to increase in males and plateaued in females. Mirex concentrations increased with age in both sexes although mature females had lower concentrations than mature males. SHCH concentrations decreased with age in males and females of both species. Trends in HCB concentrations in relation to age were less clear; levels of this contaminant appeared to be relatively constant in both species. No significant differences were detected in contaminant concentrations based on year of sampling or location of capture. The patterns of PCBs and OC pesticide accumulation in harbour and grey seals were examined by principal components analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis and analysis of variance. Harbour and grey seal samples were grouped distinctively within the PCA. Harbour seal samples also displayed differences based on gender and maturity. Generally speaking, mature males had the highest contaminant concentrations while immature animals had the lowest. Concentrations in mature females were intermediate, and not significantly different than in immature animals. Interspecies comparisons showed that PCB concentrations were higher in harbour seals (male: 54 =B1 25 ppm, female: 14 =B1 3.9 ppm) than in either grey seals (male: 5.6 =B1 5.2 ppm, female: 6.6 =B1 5.9 ppm) or harp seals (male: 2.0 ppm, female: 1.8 =B1 0.9 ppm) that visit the Estuary seasonally. Differences among these species appear to be related to the amount of time they spend in the Estuary and perhaps also to dietary differences. PCB concentrations in harbour seals (male: 11 to 82 ppm, female: 8.3 to 22 ppm) were lower than those seen in beluga whales (male: 8.3 to 412 ppm, female: 8.8 to 83 ppm) which also reside in the Estuary year-round. These differences were consistent with the pattern observed for most OC pesticides and appear to be largely attributable to the significantly higher mean age of the whales. PCB and OC pesticide concentrations in harbour seals from the Estuary were generally higher than in those from other regions of North America; comparable to, or higher than values for harbour seals from the NE Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea; and lower than those from the Wadden and Baltic Seas. Evidence from captive feeding studies and field studies suggest that harbour seals from the St Lawrence Estuary are at risk of experiencing contaminant-induced immune function impairment and may be susceptible to contaminant-induced reproductive impairment. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 15 Author: Dietz, R.; Norgaard, J.; Hansen, J. C. Year: 1998 Title: Have Arctic marine mammals adapted to high cadmium levels? Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Pages: 490-492 Keywords: ADAPTATION; CADMIUM; MERCURY Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 14 Author: Fossi, M.C.; Marsili, L. Year: 1997 Title: The use of non-destructive biomarkers in the study of marine mammals= =2E Journal: Biomarkers Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Pages: 205-216 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 13 Author: Goldberg, G.; Brooks, R. Year: 1998 Title: Premotor systems, language-related neurodynamics, and cetacean communication. Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Pages: 517-518 Keywords: COMMUNICATION; NEUROLOGY Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 12 Author: Herring, P. J. Year: 1998 Title: Bioluminescence - Dolphins glow with the flow. Journal: Nature Volume: 393 Issue: 6687 Pages: 731 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 11 Author: Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A.; Hoberg, E.P.; SiegelCausey, D.; Williams, E.H. Year: 1998 Title: Metazoan parasites and other symbionts of cetaceans in the Caribbean= =2E Journal: Journal of Parasitology Volume: 84 Issue: 5 Pages: 939-946 Keywords: PARASITE; PUERTO RICO Abstract: The parasite fauna in cetaceans from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the larger Caribbean region is poorly known. We provide the first records for parasite biodiversity among a diverse assemblage of cetaceans from the Caribbean Sea. Internal and external parasites and commensals were collected from stranded whales and dolphins salvaged in Puerto Rico, the United States and British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and Venezuela between 1989 and 1997. A total of 47 individuals of 16 species of whales and dolphins (15 odontocetes and 1 mysticete) was examined. Overall, parasites and commensals were found in 34 (72.3%) animals, representing 13 species of odontocetes and 1 mysticete. Eighteen species of endoparasitic helminths were found, including 8 species of nematodes, 2 digeneans, 6 cestodes, and 2 acanthocephalans. Three species of whale-lice and 2 species of barnacles were also collected. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 10 Author: Nakamura, K.; Akamatsu, T.; Goodson, A.D.; Kagoshima, K.; Shimazaki, K. Year: 1998 Title: Gillnet passive acoustic deterrents: Investigating inter-reflector spacings with a harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena. Journal: Fisheries Science Volume: 64 Issue: 4 Pages: 648-649 Keywords: GILLNETS; PHOCOENA PHOCOENA; REPELLENT Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 9 Author: Piatote, B.H. Year: 1998 Title: Fighting for Native Rites: Renewal of the Makah Whale Hunt. Journal: Native Americas Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Pages: 38 Notes: Native Americas Online - under construction http://nativeamericas.a ip.cornell.edu/Default.html Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 1 Author: Popov, V. V.; Supin, A. Ya; Klishin, V. O. Year: 1997 Title: Paradoxical lateral suppression in the dolphin's auditory system. Journal: Doklady Akademii Nauk Volume: 360 Issue: 1 Pages: 128-131 Keywords: ACOUSTIC STIMULATION; AUDITORY; AUDITORY PATHWAYS; DOLPHIN; ECHOLOCATION; EVOKED POTENTIALS; PHYSIOLOGY Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 8 Author: Scheiber, H.N. Year: 1998 Title: Historical memory, cultural claims, and environmental ethics in jurisprudence of whaling regulation. Journal: Ocean and Coastal Management Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Pages: 5-40 Keywords: HISTORY; WHALING Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 7 Author: Shuntov, V. P. Year: 1997 Title: Data on interannual variations in distribution of whales and dolphins in the North-Western Pacific. Journal: Zoologicheskii Zhurnal Volume: 76 Issue: 5 Pages: 590-596 Keywords: dolphin; fish; whale Abstract: Distribution of whales and dolphins in the Far-Eastern seas and in the North-Western Pacific is considered. In 1995 abundance of whales and dolphins (752 specimens) was intermediate between their numbers in unusually warm 1991 (909 specimens) and unusually cold 1993 (682 specimens). An increase in the numbers of large toothed whales and a decrease in that of whalebone whales were reported in 1995. Decreasing the dolphin abundance since 1991 is related to cessation of sardine migration to the Russian waters. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 6 Author: Sinha, R.K. Year: 1998 Title: Status and conservation of Ganges River dolphin in Bhagirathi-Hooghl= y River systems in India. Journal: International Journal of Ecology and Environment Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Pages: 335 Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 5 Author: Sydeman, W.J.; Jarman, W.M. Year: 1998 Title: Trace metals in seabirds, Steller sea lion, and forage fish and zooplankton from central California. Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin Volume: 36 Issue: 10 Pages: 828-832 Reference Type: Book Section Record Number: 4 Author: Thewissen, J.G.M. Year: 1998 Book Title: The emergence of whales: Patterns in the origin of cetacea. Editor: Thewissen, J.G.M. Publisher: Plenum Press Pages: 492pp Keywords: EVOLUTION; PHYLOGENY Abstract: This is the only current in-depth interdisciplinary review of whale origins to present all available fossil records and bring together the vastly different outlooks of evolutionary biology -- from molecular systematics to paleontology, and from functional morphology to isotope geochemistry. The Emergence of Whales shows evolutionary problems approached from multiple angles and with different techniques. Readers are given an unparalleled view of the current fossil record for the whale's extraordinary change from an inconspicuous land mammal to the modern whale. Contents: Synopsis of the Earliest Cetaceans: Pakicetidae, Ambulocetidae, Remingtonocetidae, and Protocetidae (E.M. Williams). Middle to Late Eocene Basilosaurines and Dorudontines (M.D. Uhen). Molecular Evidence for the Phylogenetic Affinities of Cetacea (J. Gatesy). Are Cetaceans Highly Derived Artiodactyls? (M.C. Milinkovitch et al.) Phylogenetic and Morphometric Reassessment of the Dental Evidence for a Mesonychian and Cetacean Clade (M.A. O'Leary). Relationships of Cetacea to Terrestrial Ungulates and the Evolution of Cranial Vasculature in Cete (J.H. Geisler, Z. Luo). Middle Eocene Cetaceans from the Harudi and Subathu Formations of India (S. Bajpai, J.G.M. Thewissen). Postcranial Osteology of the North American Middle Eocene Protocetid Georgiacetus (R.C. Hulbert, Jr.). Homology and Transformation of Cetacean Ectotympanic Structures (Z. Luo). Biomechanical Perspective on the Origin of Cetacean Flukes (F.E. Fish). Implications of Vertebral Morphology for Locomotor Evolution in Early Cetacea (E.A. Buchholtz). Structural Adaptations of Early Archaeocete Long Bones (S.I. Madar). Evolution of Thermoregulatory Function in Cetacean Reproductive Systems (D.A. Pabst et al.). 3 additional chapters. Index. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 3 Author: Wiig, O.; Derocher, A. E.; Cronin, N. M.; Skaare, J. U. Year: 1998 Title: Female pseudohermaphrodite polar bears at Svalbard. Journal: Journal of Wildlife Diseases Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Pages: 792-796 Keywords: PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM; REPRODUCTION; SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO; URSUS MARITIMUS Abstract: During research on polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard in April 1996, we captured two yearlings with a normal vaginal opening and a 20 mm penis containing a baculum. The penis was located caudal to the location in a normal male and was concealed within the vaginal opening by a single pair of labia. The urethral opening was situated laterally about 5 mm from the distal end of the penis. Neither of the yearlings showed signs of a Y chromosome, so both bears were regarded as female pseudohermaphrodites. On separate occasions in two bears, we recorded aberrant genitalia morphology with a high degree of clitoral hypertrophy in Svalbard, which we also classified as female pseudohermaphroditism. The observed rate of female pseudohermaphroditism in this area was 1.5% (4/269). Pseudohermaphroditism in this polar bear population could result from excessive androgen excretion by the mother caused by a tumor, or it could be a result of endocrine disruption from environmental pollutants. Subject: marine mammal books for sale (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Larry & Connie Watkins Hello, Attached is a current list of marine mammal books that I have available. Thanks, Larry Watkins -- WATKINS NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS Larry and Connie Watkins 7036 State Highway 29 Dolgeville, NY 13329 USA 1-518-568-2280 EMAIL: bearsend(\)telenet.net A full list of our inventory can be veiwed on our Homepage at: http://www.bibliofind.com/cgi-bin/texis.exe/search.vor/dcat.html?deale rid=335d71 91fe Dealers in natural history books since 1968. We actively buy and sell in all fields including mammalogy, ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, and related sciences. ----------------------------------------------- 006402, Ackerman, D., 1991, THE MOON BY WHALE LIGHT AND OTHER ADVENTURES AMONG BATS, PENGUINS, CROCODILIANS AND WHALES [N5]New York, Random House, wraps, 240 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, UNCORRECTED PAGE PROOF, 15.00 006376, Ainley, D. et al., 1980, BEACHED MARINE BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WEST COAST: A MANUAL FOR THEIR IDENTIFICATION [E]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 207 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, drawings, 1st edition, 12.00 000377, Alpers, Antony, 1961, DOLPHINS. THE MYTH AND THE MAMMAL [E3]Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company, cloth, chipped, 268, 8vo, good, black & white photos, first, 12.00 003193, Andrews, R. C., 1914, MONOGRAPHS OF THE PACIFIC CETACEA. I. - THE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE (RHACHIANECTES GLAUCUS COPE) [I]New York, American Museum Nat. History, wraps, 60 pp., folio, contents good, covers loose, spine cover torn, untrimmed, plates, photos, drawings, 1st, 150.00 004329, Archives due Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle, 1929, ARCHIVES DUE MUSEUM NATIONAL D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE, SIXIEME SERIE [B6]Paris, Museum National D'Histoire, cloth, 133 pp., folio, very good, ex-library marks, color plates, 1st, several articles: walrus, cranes, color plates of orchids, corals of the Galapagos, insect wing veination, 40.00 004685, Bonner, W., 1968, BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY SCIENTIFIC REPORTS NO. 56. THE FUR SEAL OF SOUTH GEORGIA [C6]London, British Antarctic Survey, wraps, 87 pp., folio, very good - fine, b & w photos, 1st, 25.00 006382, Bonner, W., 1982, SEALS AND MAN. A STUDY OF INTERACTIONS [E4]Seattle, University of Washington Pre, wraps, 170 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 16.00 006557, Bower, W., 1925, ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES IN 1923 [BX19]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 140 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 12.00 004074, Bruemmer, F., 1972, ENCOUNTERS WITH ARCTIC ANIMALS [D6]New York, American Heritage Press, cloth, 254 pp., folio, very good to fine, lacks dust jacket, color and b & w photos, 1st, 25.00 001827, Burger, J. (ed.), 1988, SEABIRDS & OTHER MARINE VERTEBRATES. COMPETITION, PREDATION, AND OTHER INTERACTIONS [Q6]New York, Columbia University of Press, cloth, fine, 340, 8vo, as new, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 22.00 001714, Burton, R., 1975, THE LIFE AND DEATH OF WHALES [D5]New York, Universe Books, cloth, fine, 159, 8vo, very good plus, B & W photos, drawings, 3rd printing, 10.00 004335, Cahalane, V. (ed.), 1970, ALIVE IN THE WILD [Q2]Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Prentice Hall, cloth, 244 pp., large 8vo, very good to fine, very good to fine dust jacket, drawings, 1st, 15.00 006891, Cervantes, F. et al (ed.), 1991, CONTRIBUCIONES MASTOZOOLOGICAS EN HOMENAJE AL DR. BERNARDO VILLA RAMIREZ [F4]Mexico City, Universidad Autonoma Metro., wraps, 231 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, b & w photos, maps, 1st edition, a volume to honor Dr. Bernardo Villa-R., IN SPANISH, summaries English, 20.00 004610, Coffey, D., 1977, DOLPHINS, WHALES AND PORPOISES. AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SEA MAMMALS [J2]New York, MacMillan Publishing Company, cloth, 223 pp., 8vo, very fine in fine dust jacket, color and b & w photos, 1st U.S. Ed, 20.00 003111, Comp, T. (ed.), 1989, BLUEPRINT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. A PLAN FOR FEDERAL ACTION [F4]Salt Lake City, NV, Howe Brothers, wraps, 335 pp., 8vo, as new, 1st, published at $13.95, 12.00 001462, Day, D., 1989, THE ENVIRONMENTAL WARS. REPORTS FROM THE FRONT LINES [B1]New York, St. Martin's Press, cloth, fine, 310, 8vo, as new, 1st edition, published at $19.95, 12.50 003388, Delyamure, S., 1968, HELMINTHOFAUNA OF MARINE MAMMALS (ECOLOGY AND PHYLOGENY) [Q3]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, wraps, 522, 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 2nd edition, translated from Russian by Israel Program for Scientific Translation, 25.00 001090, Ellis, R., 1980, THE BOOK OF WHALES [A6]New York, Alfred A. Knopf, cloth, very good, 202, folio, as new, very fine color plates, 1st edition, 20.00 006807, Evans, P, 1987, THE NATURAL HISTORY OF WHALES & DOLPHINS [C5]New York, Facts On File, cloth, 343 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, very good fine dust jacket, color photos, drawings, 1st edition, 25.00 002568, Evans, P., 1990, WHALES [H6]London, Whittet Books, cloth, 136, 8vo, as new, drawings, 1st edition, a good basic book on whales, 12.00 000486, Fay, F., 1982, ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY OF THE PACIFIC WALRUS, ODOBENUS ROSMARUS DIVERGENS ILLIGER [S1]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 279 pp., 8vo, as new, b & w photos, 1st, North American Fauna No. 74, 20.00 003380, Field, S., 1941, PAPERS ON MAMMALOGY PUBLISHED IN HONOR OF WILFRED HUDSON OSGOOD [T4]Chicago, Field Museum Natural History, wraps, 396 pp., 8vo, very good, cover edges a little worn, b & w photos, 1st, 40.00 006939, Fraser, F., 1966, GUIDE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING OF STRANDED WHALES, DOLPHINS AND PORPOISES ON THE BRITISH COASTS [BX21]London, British Museum, wraps, 34 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 10.00 006840, Gaston, A. et al., 1985, A NATURAL HISTORY OF DIGGES SOUND [BX21]Ottawa, Canadian Wildlife Service, wrappers, 63 pp., 4to, very good - fine, b & w photos, 1st edition, 10.00 001100, Gatenby, G. (ed.), 1983, WHALES. A CELEBRATION [B6]Boston, Little, Brown and Company, cloth, fine, 233, 4to, as new, color and b & w photos, 1st edition, 35.00 000787, Gentry, R. & G. Kooyman, 1986, FUR SEALS. MATERNAL STRATEGIES ON LAND AND AT SEA [BB5]Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, cloth, fine, 291, 8vo, as new, graphs, charts, 1st edition, 25.00 002388, Gormley, G., 1990, ORCAS OF THE GULF. A NATURAL HISTORY [L2]San Francisco, Sierra Club Books, wraps, 205, 8vo, fine, graphs & charts, 1st edition, 15.00 001524, Gray, W., 1964, FRIENDLY PORPOISES [B5]New York, A. S. Barnes and Company, cloth, very good-fine, 142, 8vo, very good - fine, b & w photos, 1st edition, 10.00 005441, Hatt, R., 1934, THE AMERICAN MUSEUM CONGO EXPEDITION MANATEE AND OTHER RECENT MANATEES [BX14]New York, American Museum Nat. History, wraps, 33 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, drawings, b & w plates, 1st, 12.00 003405, Hershkovitz, P., 1966, CATALOG OF LIVING WHALES [J1]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, wraps, 259 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, b & w photos, maps, 1st, 35.00 000621, Hewer, H. R., 1974, BRITISH SEALS [N3]New York, Taplinger Publishing Company, cloth, fine, 256, 8vo, as new, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 15.00 002021, Howell, A. B., 1930, AQUATIC MAMMALS. THEIR ADAPTATIONS TO LIFE IN THE WATER [E4]Springfield, IL, Charles C. Thomas Publisher, cloth, 338 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, 54 drawings, photos, 1st, scarce first edition of a classic monograph on marine mammals, 55.00 007088, Howell, A. B., 1970, AQUATIC MAMMALS. THEIR ADAPTATIONS TO LIVE IN THE WATER [R2]New York, Dover Publications, wraps, 338 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, 54 illustrations, 2nd edition, reprint of the 1930 classic, 15.00 003687, Ivy, B., 1986, WILDERNESS CANADA. A PORTRAIT OF CANADA'S WILDLIFE [D6]Rexdale, Ontario, Discovery Books, cloth, 144 pp., 4to, very fine in fine dust jacket, color and b & w photos, 1st, 20.00 004405, Jameson, W., 1958, THE WANDERING ALBATROSS [H4]London, Rupert Hart- Davis, cloth, 99 pp., 8vo, very fine in fine dust jacket, b & w photos, 1st, 20.00 006414, Jones, P. et al., 1978, THE WHALE MANUAL [K]San Francisco, Friends of the Earth, wraps, 155 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 3rd printing, 10.00 003504, Kellogg, R., 1932, A MIOCENE LONG-BEAKED PORPOISE FROM CALIFORNIA [BX10]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, wraps, 15 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, 4 b & w plates, 1st, 10.00 004153, Kellogg, R., 1968, FOSSIL MARINE MAMMALS FROM THE MIOCENE CALVERT FORMATION OF MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. PARTS 5-8 [BX12]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, wraps, 98 pp., folio, very good - fine, b & w plates, maps, 1st, 20.00 002511, Kenyon, K., 1969, THE SEA OTTER IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN [BX2]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 352 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, b & w plates, maps, 1st edition, North American Fauna No. 68, 20.00 005463, Kenyon, K., 1969, THE SEA OTTER IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN [R2]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 352 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, signed by the author, b & w plates, maps, 1st edition, North American Fauna No. 68, 25.00 005572, King, J., 1962, SOME OF THE AQUATIC MODIFICATIONS OF SEALS [BX15]London, British Museum, 8 pp., 4to, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, includes 8 other reprints by the author and a signed letter, 20.00 002142, King, J. E., 1964, SEALS OF THE WORLD [O1]London, British Museum, wraps, 154 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, b & w photos, maps, 1st edition, 15.00 006930, Kleinenberg, S. et al., 1969, BELUGA (DELPHINAPTERUS LEUCAS). INVESTIGATION OF THE SPECIES [P2]Jerusalem, Israel Program Sci. Trans., wraps, 376 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 2nd edition, translated from Russian, 45.00 005601, Klumov, S., 1939, THE WHITE WHALE OF THE SOVIET NORTH (STOCKS AND FISHERIES) [BX16]Moscow, Institute of Marine Fisherie, wraps, 78 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, browning to outer wrappers, b & w photos, 1st edition, in Russian with English summary, 10.00 007043, Lawrence, B. & W. Schevill, 1956, THE FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE DELPHINID NOSE [BX21]Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, wraps, 77 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, b & w plates, figures, 1st printing, 15.00 005468, Lawrence, B. & W. Schevill, 1965, GULAR MUSCULATURE IN DELPHINIDS [BX15]Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, wraps, 65 pp., 4to, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st, 10.00 004066, Laws, R. (eds.), 1993, ANTARCTIC SEALS. RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNIQUES [F2]New York, Cambridge University Press, cloth, 390 pp., 8vo, very fine in fine dust jacket, drawings, 1st, published at $120.00, 45.00 004390, Leatherwood, S. et al., 1976, WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES OF THE WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. A GUIDE TO THEIR IDENTIFICATION [P6]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 177 pp., 4to, as new, illustrated, 1st, 15.00 002201, Lines, W., 1991, TAMING THE GREAT SOUTH LAND. A HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF NATURE IN AUSTRALIA [K4]Berkeley, University of California Pre, cloth, fine dj, 337, 8vo, as new, b & w photos, 1st edition, 16.00 003398, Lomniewski, K., 1973, PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY [O6]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, cloth, fine dj, 316 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 2nd edition, translated from Polish by Israel Program for Scientific Translation, 30.00 006459, Loughrey, A., 1959, PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE ATLANTIC WALRUS, ODOBENUS ROSMARUS ROSMARUS (LINNAEUS) [BX5]Ottawa, Canadian Wildlife Service, wraps, 123 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, 1st edition, 12.50 006520, Martin, F., 1946, THE HUNTING OF THE SILVER FLEECE. EPIC OF THE FUR SEAL [M1]New York, Greenburg Publisher, cloth, 328 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, very good fine dust jacket, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 20.00 000834, Martin, F., 1960, SEA BEARS. THE STORY OF THE FUR SEAL [O1]New York, Chilton Company, cloth, fine, 201, 8vo, very good plus, b & w photos, 1st edition, 15.00 004404, Matthews, L., 1977, PENGUIN. ADVENTURES AMONG THE BIRDS, BEASTS AND WHALERS OF THE FAR SOUTH [H4]London, Peter Owen, cloth, 165 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, very good - fine dust jacket, b & w photos, 1st, 20.00 001429, Matthews, L. H., 1978, THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE WHALE [A1]New York, Columbia University of Press, cloth, very good-fine, 219, 8vo, very good - fine, b & w photos, 1st edition, 25.00 001413, McIntyre, J., 1974, MIND IN THE WATERS. A BOOK TO CELEBRATE THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF WHALES AND DOLPHINS [D6]New York, Scribners, wraps, 240, 4to, very good plus, color and b & w photos, 1st edition, 20.00 000809, McNally, R., 1981, SO REMORSELESS A HAVOC. OF DOLPHINS, WHALES AND MEN [C4]Boston, Little, Brown and Company, cloth, fine, 268, 8vo, as new, b & w photos, 1st edition, 14.00 006746, Mead, J., BEAKED WHALES OF THE GENUS MESOPLODON [BX19]New York, Academic Press, wraps, 81 pp., 8vo, a reprint of a chapter from HANDBOOK OF MARINE MAMMALS, VOL. 4, b & w photos, 10.00 002083, Minasian, S. et al., 1984, THE WORLD'S WHALES. THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE [M5]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, cloth, 224 pp., 4to, fine in fine dust jacket, fine color photos, 1st edition, published at $27.95, 25.00 004582, Miyazaki, N., 1986, CATALOGUE OF MARINE MAMMAL SPECIMENS [BX14]Tokyo, National Science Museum, wraps, 151 pp., 12mo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st, introduction in Japanese, many skull photos, 12.00 000356, Mowat, Farley, 1984, SEA OF SLAUGHTER [E1]Boston, Atlantic Monthly Press, cloth, very good plus, 438, 8vo, very good plus, no illustrations, 2nd printing, 22.00 001464, Nakamura, T., 1984, GENTLE GIANT. AT SEA WITH THE HUMPBACK WHALE [B2]San Francisco, Chronicle Books, wraps, 66, 8vo, as new, very fine color photos, 1st edition, 12.00 003872, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1977, INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION'S DELETION OF NATIVE EXEMPTION FOR THE SUBSISTENCE HARVEST OF BOWHEAD WHALES [K6]Washington, U. S. Depart. Commerce, wraps, 400 pp., 4to, very good - fine, b & w photos, maps, 1st, two volumes, 25.00 003449, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1978, THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972. ANNUAL REPORT. APRIL 1, 1977, TO MARCH 31, 1978 [T]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 183 pp., 4to, very good - fine, 1st, 15.00 001263, Orr, R. & R. Helm, 1989, MARINE MAMMALS OF CALIFORNIA. NEW AND REVISED EDITION [G2]Berkeley, University of California Pre, cloth, 93, 12mo, as new, color photos, drawings, Revised, 14.00 005794, Osgood, W. et al., 1915, THE FUR SEALS AND OTHER LIFE OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS, ALASKA, IN 1914 [M6]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 175 pp., 4to, contents very good, outer covers soiled, b & w photos, maps, 1st edition, several fold-out maps, 65.00 005386, Paine, S., 1993, THE WORLD OF THE SEA OTTER [R6]San Francisco, Sierra Club Books, cloth, 132 pp., 8vo, very fine in fine dust jacket, color photos, 1st, 25.00 005725, Paine, S., 1995, THE WORLD OF THE ARCTIC WHALES. BELUGAS, BOWHEADS, AND NARWHALS [W2]San Francisco, Sierra Club Books, cloth, 116 pp., 8vo, very fine in fine dust jacket, color photos, drawings, 1st edition, 24.00 005163, Pedersen, A., 1966, POLAR ANIMALS [W3]New York, Taplinger Publishing Company, cloth, 188 pp., 8vo, very good to fine, very good to fine dust jacket, b & w photos, maps, 1st U.S. Ed, 15.00 001243, Perry, R., 1967, THE WORLD OF THE WALRUS [E4]New York, Taplinger Publishing Company, cloth, 162 pp., 8vo, very good to fine, lacks dust jacket, b & w photos, 1st, 20.00 000826, Peterson, R. S. & G. Bartholomew, 1967, THE NATURAL HISTORY AND BEHAVIOR OF THE CALIFORNIA SEA LION [H4]Lawrence, KS, American Society Mammalogist, cloth, fine, 79, 8vo, as new, b & w photos, 1st edition, 25.00 005897, Rand, R., 1956, THE CAPE FUR SEAL (ARCTOCEPHALUS PUSILLUS). ITS GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MOULT [BX17]Pretoria, The Government Printer, wraps, 52 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, drawings & maps, 1st edition, 15.00 005896, Rand, R., 1959, THE CAPE FUR SEAL (ARCTOCEPHALUS PUSILLUS). DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE AND FEEDING HABITS... CAPE PROVIDENCE [BX17]Pretoria, The Government Printer, wraps, 75 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, graphs & charts, 1st edition, 15.00 004351, Raven, H., 1942, ON THE STRUCTURE OF MESOPLODON DENSIROSTRIS, A RARE BEAKED WHALE [BX13]New York, American Museum Nat. History, wraps, 27 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 1st, 10.00 000838, Rice, D. & A. Wolman, 1971, THE LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY OF THE GRAY WHALE (ESCHRICHTIUS ROBUSTUS) [O]Lawrence, KS, American Society Mammalogist, cloth, fine, 142 pp., 8vo, very good plus, B & W photos, drawings, 1st edition, 25.00 000285, Robertson, R. B., 1954, OF WHALES AND MEN [C3]New York, Alfred A. Knopf, cloth, 299, 8vo, very good plus, b & w photos, 1st edition, 10.00 003400, Romanov, N., 1967, ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ON POPULATION DYNAMICS, BEHAVIOR AND DISTRIBUTION OF FISH, MARINE MAMMALS, COMMERICAL... [O6]Washington, Smithsonian Institution, wraps, 168 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 2nd edition, translated from Russian by Israel Program for Scientific Translation, 20.00 006636, Sanderson, I., 1956, FOLLOW THE WHALE [U5]Boston, Little, Brown and Company, cloth, 423 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, dust jacket sun-faded, chipped, drawings, maps, photos, 2nd printing, 15.00 002492, Scheffer, V. B., 1958, SEALS, SEA LIONS AND WALRUSES [R5]Stanford, CA, Stanford University Press, cloth, 179, 8vo, very good - fine, lacks dust jacket, b & w plates, maps, 1st edition, 25.00 004787, Scheffer, V. B., 1962, PELAGE AND SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE NORTHERN FUR SEAL [K1]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, 206 pp., 8vo, very good plus, original cloth bound edition, b & w plates, maps, 1st, North American Fauna No. 64, 25.00 002502, Scheffer, V. B., 1962, PELAGE AND SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE NORTHERN FUR SEAL [BX2]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 206, 8vo, very good plus, b & w plates, maps, 1st edition, North American Fauna No. 64, 20.00 004348, Scheffer, V., 1970, THE YEAR OF THE SEAL [N6]New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, cloth, 205 pp., 8vo, very good to fine, very good to fine dust jacket, drawings, 1st, 12.00 001228, Schevill, W. (ed.), 1975, THE WHALE PROBLEM. A STATUS REPORT [N6]Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, cloth, 419 pp., 8vo, very good to fine, very good to fine dust jacket, graphs & charts, 2nd printing, 30.00 004368, Shapiro, I. & E. Stackpole, 1959, THE STORY OF YANKEE WHALING [Q5]New York, Golden Press, cloth, 153 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, illustrated, 1st, juvenile title, 15.00 003406, Simpson, G. G., 1945, THE PRINCIPLES OF CLASSIFICATION AND A CLASSIFICATION OF MAMMALS [K2]New York, American Museum Nat. History, wraps, 350 pp., 4to, very good - fine, some sun fade to spine, 1st edition, a scarce classic, 75.00 004844, Simpson, G. G., 1945, THE PRINCIPLES OF CLASSIFICATION AND A CLASSIFICATION OF MAMMALS [O3]New York, American Museum Nat. History, cloth, 350 pp., 4to, very good - fine, bound in black cloth, 1st, a scarce classic, 90.00 000734, Small, G. L., 1976, THE BLUE WHALE [K2]New York, Columbia University of Press, cloth, 248, 8vo, very good plus, b & w photos, 6th printing, 22.50 002332, Spence, B., 1980, THE STORY OF WHALING. HARPOONED [H4]New York, Crescent Books, cloth, fine dj, 192, 8vo, very good - fine, 200 b & w photos, 1st edition, 12.00 003560, Stefansson, V., 1927, THE FRIENDLY ARCTIC. THE STORY OF FIVE YEARS IN POLAR REGIONS [Y]New York, MacMillan Publishing Company, cloth, 784 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, B & W photos, drawings, 2nd printing, folded map in pocket at rear of book, 125.00 004872, Sterling, K. (ed.), 1974, CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL LITERATURE OF AMERICAN MAMMALS [R1]New York, Arno Press, cloth, 562 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, reprint editio, a compilation of significant articles, 35.00 003107, Stewart, F. (ed.), 1995, THE PRESENCE OF WHALES. CONTEMPORARY WRITINGS ON THE WHALE [E3]Anchorage, AK, Alaska Northwest Books, wraps, 319 pp., 8vo, as new, b & w photos, 1st, published at $15.95, 12.00 004601, Strahan, R. (ed.), 1983, THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM COMPLETE BOOK OF AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS. THE NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INDEX OF AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE [C6]London, Angus & Robertson, cloth, 530 pp., folio, very fine in fine dust jacket, color and b & w photos, 1st, outstanding work with dozens of color photos, 75.00 000124, Tiede, T. & J. Findleton, 1986, THE GREAT WHALE RESCUE [A1]New York, Pharos Books, cloth, fine dj, 151 pp., 8vo, very good plus, First, 10.00 004587, Tomich, P., 1969, MAMMALS IN HAWAII. A SYNOPSIS AND NOTATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY [J4]Honolulu, Bishop Museum Press, cloth, 238 pp., 8vo, very fine, b & w photos, maps, 1st, 25.00 005957, Tomich, P., 1969, MAMMALS IN HAWAII. A SYNOPSIS AND NOTATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY [J4]Honolulu, Bishop Museum Press, cloth, 238 pp., 8vo, very fine, b & w photos, maps, 1st, 25.00 000235, Tonnessen, J. & A. Johnsen, 1982, THE HISTORY OF MODERN WHALING [P1]Berkeley, California University Press, cloth, very good, 798, 8vo, very good plus, drawings, b & w photos, reprinted, 50.00 006383, Townsend, C., 1931, THE FUR SEAL OF THE CALIFORNIA ISLANDS WITH NEW DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL MATTER [E4]New York, New York Zoological Society, cloth, 14 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, colored frontis, photos, 1st edition, 15.00 005874, U. S. Department of Commerce, 1977, INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION'S DELETION OF NATIVE EXEMPTION FOR THE SUBSISTENCE HARVEST OF BOWHEAD WHALES [B5]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 201 pp., 4to, very good - fine, slight soiling to outer covers, b & w photos, 1st, Final Environmental Impact Statement, 15.00 004165, U. S. National Museum, 1971, CROSS-INDEXED LISTING OF FOSSIL MARINE MAMMALS IN THE COLLECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY... [M5]Washington, U. S. National Museum, spiral, 182 pp., 4to, very good - fine, typed text, spiral bound, 1st, pages typed on one side only, 20.00 005621, U. S. Senate, 1895, FUR SEAL ARBITRATION. PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRIBUNAL OF ARBITRATION, CONVENED AT PARIS UNDER THE TREATY... [BX16]Washington, U. S. Government Printing, wraps, 136 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, spine chipped, 1st edition, 10.00 002435, Vaizey, W., 1928, PEEPS AT NATURE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE. CREATURES THAT SWIM [L1]London, A. & C. Black, Ltd., cloth, slight stain, 48, 12mo, very good plus, very fine color plates, 1st edition, 20.00 003110, Ward, N., 1995, STELLWAGEN BANK. A GUIDE TO THE WHALES, SEA BIRDS, AND MARINE LIFE OF THE STELLWAGEN BANK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY [F4]Camden, ME, Down East Books, wraps, 232 pp., 8vo, as new, fine color photos, 1st, published at $14.95, 12.00 007039, Watson, A., 1926, WHALING EXHIBITS OF THE OLD DARTMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. [BX21]New Bedford, MA, Old Dartmouth Historical Soc, wraps, 51 pp., 8vo, very good - fine, b & w photos, 2nd printing, 15.00 005842, Wheeler, J., 1934, ON THE STOCK OF WHALES AT SOUTH GEORGIA [BX14]Cambridge, England, Cambridge University Press, wraps, 19 pp., folio, very good - fine, slight soil to covers, SIGNED BY AUTHOR, 1st edition, 15.00 000940, Whitehead, H., 1990, VOYAGE TO THE WHALES [C4]Post Mills, VT, Chelsea Green Publishing, cloth, fine, 195, 8vo, as new, color photos, 1st edition, 15.00 000225, Wood, F., 1973, MARINE MAMMALS AND MAN. THE NAVY'S PORPOISES AND SEA LIONS [Q5]Washington, Robert B. Luce, Inc., cloth, very good, 264, 8vo, very good plus, b & w photos, drawings, first, 15.00 003458, Woodburne, M., 1969, SYSTEMATICS, BIOGEOGRAPHY, AND EVOLUTION OF CYNORCA AND DYSEOHYUS (TAYASSUIDAE) [BX10]New York, American Museum Nat. History, wraps, 88 pp., 4to, very good - fine, graphs & charts, 1st, 20.00 006511, Wynne, K., 1992, GUIDE TO MARINE MAMMALS OF ALASKA [R2]Fairbanks, AK, University of Alaska Press, spiral, 75 pp., 8vo, fine, as new, SPIRAL BOUND, dozens of color photos, 2nd printing, book printed on extra thick paper for durability in the field, 15.00 006819, Zeiller, W., 1992, INTRODUCING THE MANATEE [N5]Gainesville, FL, University Press of Florida, cloth, 151 pp., 8vo, as new, b & w photos, 1st edition, 20.00 Subject: Four new publications from the Caribbean (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Dear colleages: Four new publications are available from the Caribbean regarding marine mammals. Following please find the references and abstracts. Reprints from articles in the Caribbean Journal of Science will be available via the journal's web page (http://mayaweb.upr.clu.edu/artssciences/cjs/). Copies of the article in Environmental Pollution may be obtained by contacting the author via email at mignucci(\)caribe.net. Mignucci-Giannoni AA. 1998. Zoogeography of cetaceans off Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Caribbean Journal of Science 34(3-4): 173-190. Abstract: A zoogeographical analysis of cetaceans in the waters of Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and British Virgin Islands was conducted to document the different species found, and to relate their occurrences to patterns of ocean floor topography. A total of 2,016 sighting records was entered into a specially formatted database system, and analyzed for distributional and temporal patterns. Species included 13 odontocetes and four mysticetes. The hypothesis that the spatial distribution of cetaceans is highly correlated to the area's bathymetric relief, whether high or low, was generally supported. Through the use of a relative slope index measure, each sighting was characterized by depth classes (shelf, shelf edge, or offshore), and by sea floor relief. Mignucci-Giannoni AA. 1998. Marine mammal captivity in the northeastern Caribbean, with notes on the rehabilitation of stranded whales, dolphins and manatees. Caribbean Journal of Science 34(3-4):191-203. Abstract: Marine mammals have been of interest to zoos and aquaria since the middle of the eighteenth century. With increasingly successful captive maintenance since the 1960s, a greater demand for captive whales, dolphins, manatees and sea lions has developed, at times threatening local populations. This study documents captivity records in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Eight species have been kept captive for research, rehabilitation, or public display, including 16 Tursiops truncatus, 2 Stenella frontalis, 1 Steno bredanensis, 1 Stenella longirostris, 1 Grampus griseus, 1 Physeter macrocephalus, 9 Trichechus manatus, and 12 Zalophus californianus. Five manatees as well as five cetaceans have been rescued and kept for rehabilitation, of which three manatees have been successfully returned to sea. Jimenez-Marrero NM, I M=E9ndez-Matos, RA Montoya-Ospina, EH Williams, L Bunkley & AA Mignucci-Giannoni. Rangos de referencia de inmunoglobulina G en individuos de tres poblaciones del manati (Trichechus manatus). 1998. Caribbean Journal of Science 34(3-4):313-315. Abstract: Un aspecto clinico muy util para establecer el estado de salud de un animal, y como su medio ambiente lo afecta es la concentracion de inmunoglobulinas. Para detectar estas fluctuaciones en el sistema inmunologico, es necesario conocer los niveles normales de inmunoglobulinas en individuos de poblaciones naturales. En este estudio determinamos las concentraciones de inmunoglobulina G (IgG) en individuos de tres poblaciones de manaties (Trichechus manatus) de Puerto Rico, Colombia y Florida. Se utilizo una placa de 12 fosas de inmunodifusion radial (RID) para IgG humana. Los aros de precipitacion del suero de manati fueron m=E1s tenues que los de humanos= =2E =20 La curva de la concentracion de IgG pura de manati tomada con sus respectivos diametros de precipitacion en el RID, esta definida por la siguiente ecuacion: y=3D9.21-43.68x+13.95x2. Todas las concentraciones de IgG se calcularon usando la ecuacion antes descrita y la tabla de referencia de RID para IgG humana. Los valores de concentracion de IgG obtenidos para las poblaciones estudiadas pueden servir como base para estudios inmunologicos futuros y para el diagnostico de animales inmuno-deprimidos. Estos valores tambien pueden ser utiles para aquellos que se dedican a la rehabilitacion de manaties enfermos. En algunos casos, los niveles de inmunoglobulinas pueden utilizarse para corroborar el diagnostico de enfermedades y observar su progreso. El establecimiento de un sistema sencillo, practico y poco costoso para medir la concentracion de IgG en suero de manaties es particularmente importante para los investigadores que a menudo confrontan deficiencias presupuestarias. Nuestros resultados permiten validar el uso del sistema de RID dise=F1ado para humanos para ser utilizado con suero sanguineo de manaties. Mignucci-Giannoni, AA. 1998. Assessment and rehabilitation of wildlife affected by an oil spill in Puerto Rico. Environmental Pollution 104(2):323-333. Abstract: On 7 January 1994, the barge Morris J. Berman spilled approximately 3.6 million liters of oil off Punta Escambr=F3n in Sa= n Juan, Puerto Rico. This resulted in the contamination of extensive areas, impacting on natural resources along more than 48 km of Puerto Rico's north shore. Thousands of dead and live oiled organisms washed ashore. Dead wildlife were collected opportunistically, and examined for the presence of oil and identified. Live wildlife was cleaned and treated at a temporary triage facility. A total of 5,687 organisms of over 152 species were collected, including cnidarians, annelids, crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, fishes, birds and sea turtles. Mollusks and echinoderms were noticeably more affected than other species. Four species classified as endangered or threatened were also affected. A significant impact was observed on the live specimens presented for medical treatment, including shore crabs, birds and sea turtles. Only 63% of these were successfully rehabilitated. Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Scientific Coordinator-Caribbean Stranding Network Associate Professor-Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 361715 San Juan PR 00936 USA Tel 766-1717 x6479, Tel 787-767-8009, Fax 787-751-5386 Emergencies 787-399-8432, 787-402-2337 (unit 990-0440) Email mignucci(\)caribe.net Webpage http://netdial.caribe.net/~mignucci/ Subject: Pinniped Species Information Pages Dear Fellow MARMAMers, My apologies if you have also received this message from another source. I am pleased to announce that information pages on each of the pinniped species have now been placed on the Seal Conservation Society's web site. There are separate web pages for each of the 33 living pinniped species, as well as for the extinct Caribbean monk seal. Additional sections are also contained within each page, where relevant, for recognised subspecies. Each information page has been compiled from research papers, reports, media sources, and input from specialists in the particular pinniped species and subspecies. Images of each species are also incorporated in the text. The pages contain the following sections: . *** DISTRIBUTION AND NUMBERS *** . *** STATUS *** - the current conservation status of the species and the threats that the species faces. . *** LIFESTYLE *** - an overview of the species' biology and ecology. . *** STATISTICS *** - additional useful facts and figures. The index page for the pinniped species information pages can be found on the Society's web site at . Please note that this page initially takes a little time to load due to the number of images which it contains. The intention is to keep these pages updated on an ongoing basis, so any updates, news and feedback will therefore be most welcome in the months and years to come. I hope that the pages will be a useful resource for you all. My best wishes, Peter Haddow ------------------------- Peter Haddow Seal Conservation Society The Manse Methlick Aberdeenshire United Kingdom AB41 7DS Tel/Fax: +44-(0)1651-806215 E-mail: p.haddow(\)abdn.ac.uk Web: http://www.greenchannel.com/tec/seals.htm ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 09:55:08 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: notes - Marine Mammal Science, vol 15(1) - 1999 The following is the list of notes and letters that appear in the latest issue of Marine Mammal Science. Please do not send requests for items listed below to Marmam editors. Thank you. ************** Rogers, T.L. and S.M. Brown. 1999. Acoustic observations of Arnoux's beaked whale (_Berardius arnuxii_) off Kemp Island, Antarctica. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 192-198. Rendell, L.E. and J.C.D. Gordon. 1999. Vocal response of long-finned pilot whales (_Globicephal melas_) to military sonar in the Ligurian Sea. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 198-204. Wursig, B., W.R. Koski, and W.J. Richardson. 1999. Whale riding behavior: assisted transport for bowhead whale calves during spring migration in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 204-210. Waite, J.M., M.E. Dahlheim, R.C. Hobbs, S.A. Mizroch, O. von Ziegesar-Matkin, J.M. Straley, L.M. Herman, and J. Jacobsen. 1999. Evidence of a feeding aggregation of humpback whales (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) around Kodiak Island, Alaska. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 210-220. Visser, I. 1999. Benthic foraging on stingrays by killer whales (_Orcinus orca_) in New Zealand waters. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 220-227. Fertl, D., L.T. Pusser, and J.J. Long. 1999. First record of an albino bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) in the Gulf of Mexico, with a review of anomalously white cetaceans. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 227-234. Gulland, F.M.D., M. Haulena, S. Elliott, S. Thornton, and L. Gage. 1999. Anesthesia of juvenile Pacific harbor seals using propofol alone and in combination with isoflurane. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 234-238. Maravilla-Chavez, M.O. and M.S. Lowry. 1999. Incipient breeding colony of Guadalupe fur seals at Isla Benito del Este, Baja California, Mexico. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 239-241. Lanthier, C., R.E.A. Stewart, and E.W. Born. 1999. Reversible anesthesia of Atlantic walruses (_Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus_) with carfentanil antagonized with naltrexone. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 241-249. Marsh, H., C.A. Beck, and T. Vargo. 1999. Comparison of the capabilities of dugongs and West Indian manatees to masticate seagrasses. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 250-255. *********** LETTERS *********** Terhune, J.M., and W.C. Verboom. 1999. Right whales and ship noise. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 256-258. *********** MEMORIES *********** J.H. Prescott F.T. Awbrey Subject: Marine Mammal Science abstracts - vol 15(1) - 1999 Smith, T.D., J. Allen, P.J. Clapham, P.S. Hammond, S. Katona, F. Larsen, J. Lien, D. Mattila, P.J. Palsboll, J. Sigurjonsson, P.T. Stevick, and N. Oien. 1999. An ocean-basin-wide mark-recapture study of the North Atlantic humpback whale (_Megaptera novaeangliae_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 1-32. Although much is known about the humpback whale, _Megaptera novaeangliae_, regional studies have been unable to answer several questions that are central to the conservation and management of this endangered species. To resolve uncertainties about population size, as well as the spatial and genetic structure of the humpback whale population in the North Atlantic, we conducted a two-year ocean-base-wide photographic and biopsy study in 1992-1993. Photographic and skin-biopsy sampling was conducted of animals in feeding and breeding areas throughout most fo the range of this species in the North Atlantic, from the West Indies breeding grounds through all known feeding areas as far north as arctic Norway. A standardized sampling protocol was designed to maximize sample sizes while attempting to ensure equal probability of sampling, so that estimates of abundance would be as accurate and as precise as possible. Druing 666 d at sea aboard 28 vessels, 4,207 tail fluke photographs and 2,326 skin biopsies were collected. Molecular analyses of all biopsies included determination of sex, genotype using six microsatellite loci, and mitochondrial control region sequence. The photographs and microsatellite loci were used to identifiy 2,998 and 2,015 individual whales, respectively. Previously published results from this study have addressed distribution, migration, and genetic relationships. Here, we present new estimates of total abundance in this ocean using photographic data, as well as overall and sex-specific estimates using biopsy data. We identify several potential sampling biases using only breeding-area samples and report a consistent mark-recapture estimate of oceanwide abundance derived from photographic identification, using both breeding and feeding-area data, of 10,600 (95% confidence interval 9,300-12,100). We also report a comparable, but less precise, biopsy-based estimate of 10,400 (95% confidence interval of 8,000-13,600). These estimates are significantly larger and more precise than estimates made for the 1980s, potentially reflecting population grwoth. In contrast, significantly lower and less consistent estimates were obtained using between-feeding-area or between-breeding-area sampling. Reasons for the lower estimates using the results of sampling in the same areas in subsequent years are discussed. Overall, the results of this ocean-basin-wide study demonstrate that an oceanwide approach to population assessment of baleen whales is practicable and results in a more comprehensive understanding of population abundance and biology than can be gained from smaller-scale efforts. ****************************** Griffin, R.B. 1999. Sperm whale distributions and community ecology associated with a warm-core ring off Georges Bank. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 33-51. Sperm whale (_Physeter macrocephalus_) sighting rate in the vicinity of a thermal front on the eastern boundary of a Gulf Stream warm-core ring was five times greater than the pooled rate in the remainder of the study area. No sperm whales were sighted within the ring away from frontal boundaries. Sperm whale distribution patterns associated with the ring were examined using hydrographic and zooplankton data. Hydrographic structure and zooplankton densities and community composition differed between the high-use region and the remainder of the study area, suggesting that mesoscale patterns in the biological and physical environments regulate sperm whale habitat usage. Satellite thermal images indicated cool water associated with the eastern front was shelf or slope water entrained from the Scotian Shelf to the north. Interaction of the warm-core ring with the shelf or slope water is probably indirectly responsible for greater sperm whale presence on the eastern boundary of the ring, providing suitable habitat for their squid prey. Entrainment of shelf water by warm-core rings occurs frequently, providing potential sperm whale habitat in the vicinity of the rings. Surveys of warm-core rings and other Gulf Stream features are needed to improve accuracy of sperm whale population estimates. ******************************* Koopman, H.N., A.J. Westgate, and A.J. Read. 1999. Hematology values of wild harbor porpoises (_Phocoena phocoena_) from the Bay of Fundy, Canada. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 52-64. Clinical hematology values were determined for 29 harbor porpoises (_Phocoena phocoena_) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Erythrocyte values exhibited narrow ranges, but there was a high degree of individual variability in counts of white blood cells. Total white cell counts ranged from 2l.6 to 15.5 x 10^9/liter, with an overal mean of 6.5+-2.7 x 10^9/liter. There were significant differences among reproductive classes in mean values of total red blood cells, hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCHC) and total monocyte count. Wild harbor porposies had fewer white blood cells, lower relative total number of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and higher percentages of monocytes adn eosinophils than reported in the literature for captive porpoises. Compared to published values for other odontocetes, the hemograms of harbor porpoises were most similar to those of Pacific white-sided dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus acutus_). These hematology data represent a baseline from free-ranging harbor porpoises that can be used as a reference for long-term monitoring of the health of this population and as a tool for rehabilitation facilities. *************************** Lesage, V., C. Barrette, M.C.S. Kingsley, and B. Sjare. 1999. The effect of vessel noise on the vocal behavior of belugas in the St. Lawrence River Estuary, Canada. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 65-84. During June-July 1991, we monitored the vocal behavior of belugas before, during, and after exposure to noise from a small motorboat and a ferry to determine if there were any consistent patterns in their vocal behavior when exposed to these two familiar, but different sources of potential disturbance. Vocal responses were observed in all trials and were more persistent when whales were exposed to the ferry than to the small boat. These included (1) a progressive reduction in calling rate from 3.4-10.5 calls/whale/min to 0.0 or <1.0 calls/whale/min while vessels were approaching; (2) brief increases in the emission of falling tonal calls and the three pulsed-tone call types; (3) at distances <1 km, an increase in the repetition of specific calls, and (4) a shift in frequency bands used by vocalizing animals from a mean frequency of 3.6 kHz prior to exposure to noise to frequencies of 5.2-8.8 kHz when vessels were close to the whales. ****************************** Gauthier, J. and R. Sears. 1999. Behavioral response of four species of balaenopterid whales to biopsy sampling. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 85-101. Behavioral responses to biopsy sampling of four species of northwestern Atlantic balaenopterid whales summering in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec, from 1990 to 1995 were studied to determine if this technique was an important disturbance to the whales. A total of 447 biopsy samples were taken using a small punch-type biopsy tip fired from a crossbow. Biopsies were successfully taken from 91.2% of the whales approached. Whales displayed no reaction to 45.2% of the successful biopsy attempts. Whales that responded to biopsy sampling typically resumed their normal behavior immediately or within a few minutes. Most humpback whales displayed a hard tail flick, and the majority of fin and blue whales submerged following biopsy sampling. Significantly different frequencies and intensities of responses were found between whale species. Minke and humpback whales were found to be more sensitive to biopsy sampling than fin and blue whales. Response frequencies were similar between females and males for all species, with the exception of fin whales where females had a higher response frequency than males. Biopsy sample length, i.e., penetration depth, did not explain variations in response intensity but may influence response frequency to biopsy sampling. Group size, geographical region, and number of biopsies taken per whale were not factors that explained variation in behavioral responses. The biopsy technique was found to be an efficient method for obtaining high-quality whale skin and blubber samples with limited behavioral disturbance to balaenopterid whales. ****************************** Mann, J. 1999. Behavioral sampling methods for cetaceans: a review and critique. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 102-122. Behavioral scientists have developed methods for sampling behavior in order to reduce observational biases and to facilitate comparisons between studies. A review of 74 cetacean behavioral studies published from 1989 to 1995 in _Marine Mammal Science_ and _The Canadian Journal of Zoology_ suggests that cetacean researchers have not made optimal use of available methodology. The survey revealed that a large proportion of studies did not use reliable sampling methods. _Ad libitum_ sampling was used most often (59%). When anecdotal studies were excluded, 45% of 53 behavioral studies used _ad libitum_ as the predominant method. Other sampling methods were continuous, one-zero, incident, point, sequence, or scan sampling. Recommendations for sampling methods are made, depending on identifiability of animals, group sizes, dive durations, and change in group membership. ************************ Krone, C.A., P.A. Robisch, K.L. Tilbury, J.E. Stein, E.A. Mackey, P.R. Becker, T.M. O'Hara, and L.M. Philo. 1999. Elements in liver tissues of bowhead whales (_Balaena mysticetus_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 123-142. Livers from 20 bowhead whales taken in subsistence hunts at Barrow, Alaska, were analyzed for essential and non-essential elements. Concentrations fo essential elements wre similar to those found in other cetaceans. Non-essential element concentrations were generally comparable to other baleen whales and very low compared to most odontocetes. One deviation from this pattern was a relatively high level of hepatic cadmium that may be related to specific dietary factors of this krill-dependent species. No sex-related differences were found in element concentrations. Hepatic cadmium and mercury increased with animal length, and signficant positive interelement correlations were found between copper/zinc and mercury/selenium. We found a mercury-to-selenium ratio much lower (1:40) than the frequently reported ratio of one to one. The data suggests that further studies of the postulated mercury-detoxifying role of selenium are warranted. ************************* Lowry, M.S. 1999. Counts of California sea lion (_Zalophus californianus_) pups from aerial color photographs and from the ground: a comparison of two methods. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 143-158. Pups on San Nicolas Island were counted by two methods; counts by observers on the ground were compared to counts from aerial photographs taken with a 126-mm-format camera with image motion compensation. No difference was detected between photographic counts and ground counts (P=0.367) when ground counters had unobstructed views. However, ground counts were significantly lower when areas with obstructed views were included in the analysis (P<0.001). For areas with unobstructed viewing conditions, no difference was detected between counts by the two methods for rock substrates (P=0.140), sand substrates (P=0.468), or mixed rock-and-sand substrates (P=0.968). No differences were found among three replicate aerial photographic censuses (P=0.432), but a significant difference was found between two replicate ground censuses (P=0.037). Total counts obtained from the aerial photographs were more precise (CV=0.042) than counts obtained on the ground (CV=0.078). Less variability in counts was found between photographic counters than for ground counters. ***************************** Galimberti, F. and L. Boitani. 1999. Demography and breeding biology of a small, localized population of southern elephant seals (_Mirounga leonina_). _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 159-178. Southern elephant seals have been studied in depth in most of their breeding range. One notable exception is the Falklands Islands population. We present data on demography and breeding biology of elephant seals of Sea Lion Island, the main breeding site of this species in the Falklands. Sea Lion Island shelters a small, localized population of southern elephant seals (516 breeding females in 1995 and 518 in 1996). Comparison with the few available census data collected prior to our study suggests that the population has been stable in the short term (1989-1996). Females produced pups at maximum rate and pup mortality was low (2.13%). Breeding sex ratio was strongly unbalanced, with about 14 females per breeding male and 47 females per harem-holding males at peak haul-out. Survival rate between breeding seasons was very similar to that recorded in other populations and was in accordance with clinical variation with latitude. Sex ratio at birth was balanced, and no significant weight dimorphisms at weaning between sexes was detected (males: 135.4 kg; females: 132.0 kg). Weaning weight was correlated with size class of the mother. ************************** Garlich-Miller, J.L., and R.E.A. Stewart. 1999. Female reproductive patterns and fetal growth of Atlantic walruses (_Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus_) in Foxe Basin, Northwest Territories, Canada. _Marine Mammal Science_ 15(1): 179-191. We examined the reproductive tracts of 79 female Atlantic walruses (_Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus_) caught in July and August by Inuit hunters in northern Foxe Basin, NWT, Canada. We found no evidence of past or present ovulation in animals less than 5 yr old, but the poor representation of juvenile and adolescent animals precluded statistical analysis of the average age of maturity. The ovulation frequency of 64 mature females (0.52) indicated biennial ovulation, while the pregnancy rate (0.33) and birth rate (0.30) suggested that females give birth once every three years. The sex ratio of 17 fetuses was not significantly different from 1:1. Fetuses increased 2.9 mm d^-1 in crown-rump length and 0.12g^1/3d^-1 in mass over the range of collection dates. Based on the inverse regressions of fetal growth, implantation occurred in late June-early July. Subject: 2 Abstracts on humpback whales These two papers will be published later this month in Marine Ecology Progress Series 175. Reprints will not be available until late May but requests should be sent to the addresses below. Salvatore Cerchio Museum of Zoology, Bird Division University of Michigan 1109 Geddes Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079 email: sal(\)umich.edu ******************************************************************** Cerchio S, CM Gabriele, TF Norris and LM Herman. 1998. Movements of humpback whales between Kauai and Hawaii: implications for population structure and abundance estimation in the Hawaiian Islands. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 175: 13-22 Identification photographs of individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were used to investigate movements of whales between the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Hawaii (approximately 500 km apart) during the winter and spring months of 1989, 1990 and 1991. A total of 1,072 individuals were identified, with 40 individuals being sighted off both islands. There were 15 documented transits between islands within seasons; nine whales traveled northwest (from Hawaii to Kauai), whereas six whales traveled southeast (Kauai to Hawaii). Simulation data indicated that this proportion of transit directions did not deviate from that expected by random (P = 0.76); therefore, there was no directional trend to movement through the islands. The shortest observed transit was 8 days, indicating that whales can move throughout the island chain in short periods. Males were significantly over-represented in inter-island recaptures (P << 0.001), and we suggest that males actively engaged in courtship behaviors are more wide-ranging. Whales did not show a significant trend to be captured off the same island in different years (P = 0.08 for Kauai, P = 0.12 for Hawaii); however, recaptures were few, power was relatively low, and one test approached significance. The observed number of within-season, between-island recaptures was significantly less than expected as determined by random simulations (P = 0.013 for Kauai, P = 0.008 for Hawaii), indicating that during a season, whales are more likely to be recaptured off the same island as initially captured. There was also evidence suggesting that sub-groups of whales moved among the islands in loose aggregations: within seasons, the number of pairs of individuals captured off both islands within seven days of each other was significantly greater than expected in random simulations (P = 0.038). We conclude that complete random mixing of whales among the islands is unlikely, and should not be assumed in the context of mark-recapture abundance estimation. Larger samples with greater coverage of the Hawaiian Islands and higher recapture probability will be needed to elucidate movement patterns of the population. Cerchio S. 1998. Estimates of humpback whale abundance off Kauai, 1989-1993: evaluation of biases associated with sampling the Hawaiian population. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 175: 23-34. Identification photographs of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), collected off Kauai during 1989 to 1993, were used to estimate population abundance off the Hawaiian Islands. A total of 790 different individuals (988 different observations) were identified during the study. Several mark-recapture procedures were applied to the data, using closed population models (Chapman's modified Petersen, weighted mean of the Petersen, Darroch's MLE, and Chao's Mt, Mh, and Mth estimators) and an open population model (Fisher-Ford estimator). The majority of population estimates were between 2,000 and 5,000 animals with broad and overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Inconsistencies in pair-wise Petersen estimates and poor fit to the Fisher-Ford model indicated that the population of individuals was not identical each sampling occasion. As a primary example of this, it is suggested that individuals captured in 1992 had a lower probability of capture in other years. Possibly the greatest problems in estimating abundance of this population dealt with temporary emigration and non-random mixing of the population between sampling occasions. After considering the range of estimates, and potential biases in the data set, I suggest that the abundance of humpback whales off the Hawaiian Islands is likely close to 4,000 individuals, and most probably between 3,000 and 5,000. These estimates are considerably greater than those generated in the late 1970's and early 1980's, and if accurate, would indicate growth of the population over the past decade; however, it is strongly recommended that more representative and precise estimates be obtained for management purposes. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 02:00:00 GMT From: Mike Meyer Subject: Tagged Pilot Whale off South Africa FROM: Rob Leslie, Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Cape Town rwleslie(\)sfri.wcape.gov.za SUBJECT: Tagged Longfin Pilot Whale observed off South Africa On 1 December 1998 I observed a tagged animal in a large group (ca 50 animals) of longfin pilot whales (Globicephala melaena). The tag was a red rectangle (ca 7*10 cm) with white marks (number?) and was behind and to the right of the dorsal fin. I think that the tagged animal was female. It was smaller, paler and lacked the large white mark posterior to the dorsal fin and the dorsal fin was smaller than in the mature males. It was in a group with a calf that appeared to be associated with it. Unfortunately I did not see the tag well enough to read the number. I was so surprised to see a tag that it took some time for the evidence from my eyes to penetrate. The sighting was about 120 nm north west of Cape Columbine, South Africa in about 1300 m of water. I will get the lat/long of the sighting position later. For now, the position can be estimated relative to Cape Columbine (33 S and 18 E). If anybody has any info on possible tagging of longfins please copy any replies sent to the net to me directly at rwleslie(\)sfri.wcape.gov.za as I an not on this list. Thanks Rob Leslie Mike Meyer 5th Floor, Foretrust House Martin Hammerschlag ave Cape Town Sea Fisheries Research Institute Private bag X2 Roggebaai 8012 South Africa EMAIL: MMEYER(\)SFRI.WCAPE.GOV.ZA Fax No: +27-21-252920 Office Phone: +27-21-4023173 Home Phone: +27-21-7902675 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1998 09:20:03 +0100 From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?C=E9cile?= Vincent Subject: ECS SEAL WORKSHOP Dear all, The thirteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society will take place in Valencia, Spain, on 5-8 April 1999. A workshop on seals will be held on 5 April on the following topic : " RESEARCH ON SMALL VERSUS LARGE SEAL POPULATIONS IN EUROPEAN WATERS, OPPOSITE OR COMPLEMENTARY APPROACHES ? " >From the critically endangered monks to the continuously expanding greys, European seal populations display highly diversified conservation statuses. To what extent can methods applied to and information obtained from large vs small seal populations help understanding other situations ? The workshop is intended to gather seal people representing as diversified situations as possible in order to answer this question. The workshop should include the presentation of case studies fromm the Barents Sea to the Mediterranean Sea as well as round tables on the following aspects : population estimates, role in the ecosystems, conservation/management, behaviour. The case study presentations should be synthetic, concentrating on the situation of the seals under study, the conservation/management issues delt with , and the research strategy developed (therefore 10-15 mn per talk). Each round table should be introduced by one longer talk exploring how population size affects the issues being addressed, the applicability of the methods, the type of results expected, etc. Time will be afforded to extensive discussion amongst participants. It is planned to have the case study presentations in the morning and the three round tables in the afternoon. Attendance will be limited, so that people interested in attending the workshop should contact Vincent Ridoux as soon as possible (best before late january). Seal Workshop Contact Person : Vincent Ridoux University of La Rochelle, FRANCE Tel : +33 (0)5 46 51 39 22 Fax : +33 (0)5 46 51 39 42 e-mail : vridoux(\)univ-lr.fr ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 20:33:01 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Weekly summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 13:38:19 -0500 From: "Field, John" Note: Last week's CRS summaries were delayed due to extremely high email volume on Capitol Hill, most of which had absolutely nothing to do with fisheries or marine mammals. Happy Holidays all. Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 12/18/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 12/11/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 12/17/98 double bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Southern Sea Otters. In mid-December 1998, U.S. Fish and Wildlife managers announced the results of annual fall surveys of southern sea otters, with their population count declining to 1,937 otters along about 200 miles of CA coast. This is about a 12% decline from last year's census, and continues a gradual decline observed since 1995. During 1998, about 200 otters (most of them dead) were reported stranded on beaches, the highest number in 13 years.} [Assoc Press] Right Whale Protection. On Dec. 7, 1998, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization voted unanimously to strengthen protection for northern right whales by requiring, beginning July 1, 1999, that commercial ships entering this whale's calving (coastal FL and GA) and feeding (offshore of MA) grounds to report by radio to the U.S. Coast Guard for the latest information on whale locations and collision avoidance with these animals. [White House press release, NOAA press release] Steller Sea Lions. On Dec. 4, 1998, NMFS released its biological opinion on interactions between north Pacific fisheries and Steller sea lions, {{finding that commercial fishing was harming sea lion recovery and}} requiring the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to develop more restrictive regulations on when and where pollock may be caught. NMFS recommended subdividing harvest seasons to spread fishing over a longer time each year, and expanding the no-trawling zones around sea lion rookeries. On Dec. 9-10, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to spend 12 hours discussing the results of consultations within NMFS over how to manage commercial fisheries to minimize harm to Steller sea lions, and to consider any necessary Council action on the issue. {On Dec. 13, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) voted 8-2 to recommend that NMFS place more stringent restrictions on when and where pollock trawlers can fish and how much they can catch in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea to better protect Steller sea lions. The NPFMC recommended new no-fishing zones around sea lion rookeries, closure of the Aleutian Island pollock fishery, catch reductions of as much as 20% in critical sea lion habitat, and measures to spread fishing in the Bering Sea across a longer time period each year by scheduling four sub-seasons. Some pollock industry individuals estimate the changes will cost the fishing industry between $24 million and $100 million annually.} [KTUU Channel 2 News (Anchorage), Anchorage Daily News, Fed. Register, Assoc Press, personal communication, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund press release, Reuters, NOAA press release] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. On Dec. 1, 1998, NMFS announced measures modifying when, where, and how New England and Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishermen may fish so as to better protect harbor porpoise. Six areas in the Gulf of Maine will be closed to gillnetting, with some exceptions for gillnets equipped with sound-emitting pingers. In the mid-Atlantic region, area closures and gear modification will be used. NMFS will decide by Jan. 4, 1999, whether to list harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] Mexican Salt Project. On Nov. 30, 1998, environmental groups announced that a discussion of concerns for the joint Mexican and Mitsubishi Corp. salt project in the El Vizcaino world heritage site near San Ignacio Lagoon on Baja California had been placed on the agenda of the World Heritage Committee meeting in Kyoto, Japan, on Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 1998. On Dec. 2, 1998, the World Heritage Committee agreed to dispatch a research team to investigate the situation at Mexico's El Vizcaino site, with a report of findings anticipated sometime in 1999. The Committee declined to add the controversial site to its "World Heritage in Danger" list. [Reuters, Dow Jones News] Makah Whaling. On Nov. 30, 1998, the Makah Tribal Council called a closed meeting to discuss tourism-enhancing alternatives to whaling. After discussion, a decision was made to proceed with whaling. [Assoc Press] Culture in Whales is Genetic. An article in the Nov. 27, 1998, issue of Science reported that the ability of whales to communicate and socialize using long-distance sonar signaling has a genetic basis in mitochondrial DNA, and constitutes the first evidence for passing cultural behavior across generations in species other than humans. [Reuters] Norwegian Whaling. On Nov. 27, 1998, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries Peter Angelsen announced that the 1999 Norwegian minke whale quota would be 753 animals. This is an increase from the 1998 quota of 671 animals, of which 624 were taken. On Nov. 27, 1998, the annual meeting of the Norwegian Whalers' Union convened in the Lofoten Islands, with the agenda focused on interactions between marine mammals and fisheries. Also scheduled for this meeting was the first screening of a new documentary film on Norwegian minke whaling. [High North Alliance Web News, Reuters, Assoc Press] {APHIS Investigates Marineland. In late November 1998, the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspected marine mammal facilities and practices at the financially troubled Marineland facility in northeast FL. In mid-December 1998, officials of the facility learned that APHIS, based on the earlier inspection, had decided to conduct an investigation into unstated concerns at the facility. The APHIS inspection>report of the facility is to be released in mid-December 1998.} [Tampa Tribune] Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 25, 1998, the Nisshin Maru was reportedly returning to Japan for repairs under its own power. On Nov. 27-Dec. 5, 1998, a documentary film about Japanese coastal whaling for pilot whales and Baird's beaked whales -- "Whalers and the Sea" -- is scheduled to be screened at the Athenee Francais Culture Center, Chiyoda, Tokyo. This is reported to be the first movie to feature Japanese coastal whaling. On Nov. 28, 1998, fires on the Nisshin Maru were finally extinguished. Due to wiring damage, the vessel is disabled and will be towed to New Caledonia for makeshift repairs before returning to Japan for more substantial restoration. On Nov. 30, 1998, the owners of the Nisshin Maru reported their intention to resume downscaled research whaling this winter season after vessel repairs are completed, possibly by early January 1999. On Dec. 7, 1998, four Greenpeace protesters chained themselves to two Japanese whaling vessels in the port of Noumea, New Caledonia. On Dec. 8, 1998, the Greenpeace protesters unchained themselves after a 28-hour protest, and the Japanese vessels departed New Caledonia for Japan. [Reuters, Yomiuri Shimbun, Assoc Press, Dow Jones News] Canadian Sealing. On Nov. 16, 1998, NOAA officials met with Canadian officials and constituents interested in amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow the import of Canadian seal skins into the United States. NOAA officials indicated that it was unlikely the Administration would support such an amendment. On Nov. 23, 1998, Toronto's The Globe and Mail reported that a forthcoming issue of Marine Mammal Science will publish the results of a study by a University of Guelph scientist concluding that Canada's annual seal hunt is not sustainable, due to the large number of seals killed but lost and not counted. As much as 40% more animals actually may be killed than are caught and processed. {{The study suggests that, rather than the last year's kill quota of 275,000 harp seals, a quota between zero and 90,000 seals would pose less risk to the harp seal population.}} [The Globe and Mail, personal communication, Toronto Sun] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy Winter '98 newsletter (fwd) Forwarded message: From: "Daniel K. Odell" Contents of Volume 6, number 4 National Marine Mammal Lab Creates an Education Web Site Membership Committee Update Membership Directory Changes Thirteenth Biennial Conference Update - Maui Request for Bids for 2003 Biennial Conference Site World Marine Mammal Science Postconference Questionnaire Results (1998) Other Conferences and Workshops Full newsletter available at http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy Subject: Abstracts: false killer whale acoustics (fwd) Forwarded Message From BIOACOUSTICS-L: From: Scott Murray The following two papers were published recently in the Journal of Acoustical Society of America. Reprint requests should be directed to: smurray(\)itd.ucdavis.edu Scott Murray Inst. of Theoretical Dynamics 1 Shields Ave. UC Davis Davis, CA 95616 -------------------------------------------------------------- Murray, S.O., Mercado, E., & Roitblat, H.L. (1998) Characterizing the graded structure of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) vocalizations. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 104, pp. 1679-1688. The vocalizations from two, captive false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) were analyzed. The structure of the vocalizations was best modeled as lying along a continuum with trains of discrete, exponentially damped sinusoidal pulses at one end and continuous sinusoidal signals at the other end. Pulse trains were graded as a function of the interval between pulses where the minimum interval between pulses could be zero milliseconds. The transition from a pulse train with no inter-pulse interval to a whistle could be modeled by gradations in the degree of damping. There were many examples of vocalizations that were gradually modulated from pulse trains to whistles. There were also vocalizations that showed rapid shifts in signal type--for example, switching immediately from a whistle to a pulse train. These data have implications when considering both the possible function(s) of the vocalizations and the potential sound production mechanism(s). A short-time duty cycle measure was developed to characterize the graded structure of the vocalizations. A random sample of 500 vocalizations was characterized by combining the duty cycle measure with peak frequency measurements. The analysis method proved to be an effective metric for describing the graded structure of false killer whale vocalizations. Murray, S.O., Mercado, E., & Roitblat, H.L. (1998) The neural network classification of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) vocalizations. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 104, pp. 3626-3633. This study reports the use of unsupervised, self-organizing neural network to categorize the repertoire of false killer whale vocalizations. Self-organizing networks are capable of detecting patterns in their input and partitioning those patterns into categories without requiring that the number or types of categories be predefined. The inputs for the neural networks were two-dimensional characterization of false killer whale vocalizations, where each vocalization was characterized by a sequence of short-time measurements of duty cycle and peak frequency. The first neural network used competitive learning, where units in a competitive layer distributed themselves to recognize frequently presented input vectors. This network resulted in classes representing typical patterns in the vocalizations. The second network was a Kohonen feature map which organized the outputs topologically, providing a graphical organization of pattern relationships. The networks performed well as measured by (1) the average correlation between the input vectors and the weight vectors for each category, and (2) the ability of the networks to classify novel vocalizations. The techniques used in this study could easily be applied to other species and facilitate the development of objective, comprehensive repertoire models. Subject: harbour porpoises in the North Sea (fwd) ------- Forwarded from In Lutra 40-2 (the magazine of the Benelux Society for Research and Protection of Mammals VZZ) R.H. Witte, H.J.M. Baptist & P.V.M. Bot describe a sudden increase in count numbers of harbour porpoises P. phocoena in the Dutch part of the North Sea. For 13 years an aerial monitoring programme of seabirds and marine mammals has been carried out in this area. The data presented here show a small increase in numbers in 1993 and a sudden increase in 1995 which is still evident February 1997. The increase is from ~10 units/1000km2 of survey to more than 20-40 units. For more information, contact the editors of Lutra at zoogdier(\)dikvoet.com --- Jan Willem Broekema European Cetacean Society; Computer Support Group http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs Subject: Midwest Student Chapter of SMM Attention Midwest Students! A U.S. Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Marine Mammalogy has been established. This Chapter includes (but is not limited to) the following states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. Until further "land-locked" Chapters are formed, all are invited to join. The preliminary objectives of this Chapter are to serve as a forum for students (prospective, undergraduate and graduate students) to interchange ideas, present their research, formulate discussions and establish associations within the marine mammal community. The Chapter will also be an opportunity to further one's knowledge of marine mammal science through guest speakers, student presentations and lectures. In addition, you will now be able to meet other students with similiar interests, create friendships, and have some fun!! The first meeting of the Midwest Regional Student Chapter of SMM will be held in Chicago, Illinois and is tentatively scheduled for February, 1999. The first meeting will consist of board member elections and discussion/formalization of the intent and goals of the Chapter. Please contact Amy Nester at MMSChicago(\)aol.com for further information on how to join. Other continental Chapters include the N.E. Regional Student Chapter and the Florida Chapter. All Chapters provide a link to the Student Member-at-Large representative, Brenda Jensen. Looking forward to a great year. Amy Nester Laboratory of Sensory Biology Western Illinois University ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 17:29:59 -0500 From: Lizz Singh Subject: Florida SMM chapter student meeting The next meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy's Florida student chapter will be held at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. It will be held February 12-14, 1999. Student group events will be held on Friday Feb. 12th and Sunday Feb. 14th. Students are encouraged to attend the Florida Forum on Ocean Conservation on Saturday Feb. 13th, also held on the USF campus. For more information, please contact: Lizz Singh University of South Florida Marine Science Dept. lizz(\)marine.usf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 19:41:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: DAT Recorders (fwd) From: Scott Steven Spitz Dear all, Researchers at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in Hawaii are interested in upgrading our equipment for recording humpback whale song. We are specifically interested in purchasing a DAT recorder to be used aboard our small research boats. We would greatly appreciate information on the performance of a variety of makes/models, if it is available, based on personal/professional experience. We would be pleased to provide a review of the information received for the general use of all subscribers. Thank you all very much in advance for your assistance. Happy holidays, Scott Spitz Subject: recent m.m. publications (fwd) From: Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) These are some recent marine mammal references. Please do not contact the MARMAM editors for reprints. The use of a microsomal in vitro assay to study phase I biotransformation of chlorobornanes (toxaphene (R)) in marine mammals and birds - Possible consequences of biotransformation for bioaccumulation and genotoxicity. Boon, JP; Sleiderink, HM; Helle, MS; Dekker, M; van Schanke, A; Roex, E; Hillebrand, MTJ; Klamer, HJC; Govers, B; Pastor, D; Morse, D; Wester, PG; de Boer, J. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-PHARMACOLOGY TOXICOLOGY & ENDOCRINOLOGY. November 1998 v121 i1-3 p385-403 Comparative analysis of calcium-binding protein-immunoreactive neuronal populations in the auditory and visual systems of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Glezer, II; Hof, PR; Morgane, PJ. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL NEUROANATOMY. October 1998 v15 i4 p203-237 Dolphin beta-glucocerebrosidase, map position 1q22. Bielec, P; Gallagher, D; Womack, J; Taylor, J; Davis, S; Busbee, D. CHROMOSOME RESEARCH. August 1998 v6 i5 p425-425 Molecular timing of primate divergences as estimated by two nonprimate calibration points. Arnason, U; Gullberg, A; Janke, A. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION. December 1998 v47 i6 p718-727 Complete mitochondrial genome of a neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis, and a new hypothesis of the relationships of bats to other eutherian mammals. Pumo, DE; Finamore, PS; Franek, WR; Phillips, CJ; Tarzami, S; Balzarano, D. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION. December 1998 v47 i6 p709-717 An integrated approach to the foraging ecology of marine birds and mammals. Croll, DA; Tershy, BR; Hewitt, RP; Demer, DA; Fiedler, PC; Smith, SE; Armstrong, W; Popp, JM; Kiekhefer, T; Lopez, VR; Urban, J; Gendron, D. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY. March-April 1998 v45 i7 p1353-+ Masked hearing thresholds of a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) in icebreaker noise. Erbe, C; Farmer, DM. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY. March-April 1998 v45 i7 p1373-1388 A small towed beamforming array to identify vocalizing resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) concurrent with focal behavioral observations. Miller, PJ; Tyack, PL. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY. March-April 1998 v45 i7 p1389-1405 Long-range acoustic detection and localization of blue whale calls in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Stafford, KM; Fox, CG; Clark, DS. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. December 1998 v104 i6 p3616-3625 The diet of the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella at Harmony Point, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands. Casaux, R; Baroni, A; Carlini,A. POLAR BIOLOGY. December 1998 v20 i6 p424-428 The influence of body size and sex on the characteristics of harbour seal foraging trips. Thompson, PM; Mackay, A; Tollit, DJ; Enderby, S; Hammond, PS. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. June 1998 v76 i6 p1044-1053 Genetic variability and population decline in Steller sea lions from the Gulf of Alaska. Bickham, JW; Loughlin, TR; Calkins, DG; Wickliffe, JK; Patton, JC. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY. November 1998 v79 i4 p1390-1395 Bioacoustical oceanography: an introduction. Greene, CH; Fristrup, KM; Stanton, TK; Gisiner, R; Tipper, RC. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY. March-April 1998 v45 i7 p1151-1153 A programmable acoustic recording tag and first results from free-ranging northern elephant seals. Burgess, WC; Tyack, PL; Le Boeuf, BJ; Costa, DP. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY. March-April 1998 v45 i7 p1327-1351 Effects of in vitro exposure of beluga whale leukocytes to selected organochlorines. DeGuise, S; Martineau, D; Beland, P; Fournier, M. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART A. December 11, 1998 v55 i7 p479-493 Chronology of the late Turolian deposits of the Fortuna basin (SE Spain): implications for the Messinian evolution of the eastern Betics. Garces,M; Krijgsman, W; Agusti, J. EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS. November 1998 v163 i1-4 p69-81 Foraging behaviour and diet of lactating female southern sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in the Falkland Islands. Thompson, D; Duck, CD; McConnell, BJ; Garrett, J. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. October 1998 v246 part2 p135-146 Subject: New publication concerning toxicology in beluga whales ------ Dear Marmamers, Here is a new publication concerning toxicology in beluga whales. We hav= e about 50 reprints available. Mercury-induced micronuclei in skin fibroblasts of beluga whales. Gauthier, J.M.; Dubeau, H.; Rassart, E.=20 ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. December 1998 v17 i12 p2487-2493 Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) inhabiting the St. Lawrence estuary are highly contaminated with environmental contaminants and have a high incidence of cancer. Environmental contaminants may be partly responsibl= e for the high incidence of cancer observed in this population. DNA damage plays an important role in the development of cancer. The micronuclei assay was used to test the genotoxic potentiel of mercury compounds in sk= in fibroblasts of an arctic beluga whale. Both mercuric chloride (Hg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) induced a highly significant (p<0.001) increase of micronucleated cells. Statistically significant increases in micronucleated cells were observed for 0.5, 5 and 20 ug/ml Hg and 0.05, 0= .5 and 2 ug/ml MeHg when compared to controls. concentrations of 0.5, 5 and 20 ug/ml induced a two-, three- and fourfold increase of micronucleated cells, respectively. Treatment with MeHg was an order of magnitude more potent in inducing micronuclei and in inhibiting cell proliferation than Hg. Although results of this in vitro study do not imply that mercury compounds are involved in the etiology of cancer in St. Lawrence beluga whales, significant increases in micronuclei frequency were found at low concentrations of MeHg (0.05 and 0.5 ug/ml) that are believed to be comparable to concentrations present in certain whales of this population. Please address reprint request to me at this email address: Thank you,=20 Julie Gauthier Julie Gauthier (=E9tudiante au Ph.D. student) Universit=E9 du Qu=E9bec =E0 Montr=E9al D=E9partement des Sciences Biologiques C. P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville Montr=E9al, Qu=E9bec, Canada, H3C 3P8 tel: 514 987 3000 (ext. 8287 or 3787) fax: 514 987 4647 email: c2656(\)er.uqam.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 15:46:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Shetland Sea Mammal Group Report Available (fwd) From: Edward Brown The Shetland Sea Mammal Group Annual Report for 1997 has recently been published and is available to interested individuals or groups. The publication includes: - the cetacea systematic list for 1997 (summary of sightings) and articles regarding - A Beluga sighting at Unst, Shetland by Bob Jones, Shetland - Photo-identification of North Atlantic killer whales by Paul Fisher & Edward Brown, Shetland Sea Mammal Group - The otters of Shetland (conservation aspects, status) - A population of National Importance by Jim Conroy, Institute for Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory - a review of marine mammals observed, caught or stranded over the past two centuries in faroese waters by Dorete Bloch, Museum of Natural History, Faroe I slands. colour plates: 2 x otters; 7 x killer whales; 1 x beluga; 1 x minke whale For more details to join the Shetland Sea Mammal Group please contact Edward Brown, e.brown(\)zetnet.co.uk All members receive the Annual Report free. Enquiries for the Annual Report (non-members) to Pete Ellis, pmellis(\)zetnet.co.uk Shetland cetacean records: paulr.fisher(\)zetnet.co.uk --- Apologies for cross posting. Edward G. Brown 9 Twageos Rd Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0BB Tele/Fax +44 1595 693582 Email e.brown(\)zetnet.co.uk Subject: Weekly marine mammal summary to US congress(fwd) From: "Field, John" Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 12/30/98 (updated daily) New info and changes since 12/18/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 12/29/98 double bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS Southern Sea Otters. In mid-December 1998, U.S. Fish and Wildlife managers announced the results of annual fall surveys of southern sea otters, with their population count declining to 1,937 otters along about 200 miles of CA coast. This is about a 12% decline from last year's census, and continues a gradual decline observed since 1995. During 1998, about 200 otters (most of them dead) were reported stranded on beaches, the highest number in 13 years. [Assoc Press] Right Whale Protection. On Dec. 7, 1998, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization voted unanimously to strengthen protection for northern right whales by requiring, beginning July 1, 1999, that commercial ships entering this whale's calving (coastal FL and GA) and feeding (offshore of MA) grounds to report by radio to the U.S. Coast Guard for the latest information on whale locations and collision avoidance with these animals. [White House press release, NOAA press release] Japanese Whaling. On Dec. 7, 1998, four Greenpeace protesters chained themselves to two Japanese whaling vessels in the port of Noumea, New Caledonia. On Dec. 8, 1998, the Greenpeace protesters unchained themselves after a 28-hour protest, and the Japanese vessels departed New Caledonia for Japan. [Reuters, Yomiuri Shimbun, Assoc Press, Dow Jones News] Steller Sea Lions. On Dec. 4, 1998, NMFS released its biological opinion on interactions between north Pacific fisheries and Steller sea lions, finding that commercial pollock fishing was likely to jeopardize sea lion recovery and requiring the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to develop more restrictive regulations on when and where pollock could be caught. NMFS recommended subdividing harvest seasons to spread fishing over a longer time each year, and expanding the no-trawling zones around sea lion rookeries. On Dec. 9-10, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council is scheduled to spend 12 hours discussing the results of consultations within NMFS over how to manage commercial fisheries to minimize harm to Steller sea lions, and to consider any necessary Council action on the issue. On Dec. 13, 1998, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) voted 8-2 to recommend that NMFS place more stringent restrictions on when and where pollock trawlers can fish and how much they can catch in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea to better protect Steller sea lions. The NPFMC recommended new no-fishing zones around sea lion rookeries, closure of the Aleutian Island pollock fishery, catch reductions of as much as 20% in critical sea lion habitat, and measures to spread fishing in the Bering Sea across a longer time period each year by scheduling four sub-seasons. Some pollock industry individuals estimate the changes will cost the fishing industry between $24 million and $100 million annually. {{On Dec. 18, 1998, NMFS notified the NPFMC that it was able to accept most of its recommendations for emergency regulations, except for certain measures addressing the summer and fall Bering Sea pollock fishery.}} {On Dec. 18. 1998, U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilley (Seattle, WA) held a status hearing on the lawsuit by a coalition on environmental groups seeking to force the federal government to increase protection for Steller sea lions. These groups seek to convince Judge Zilley to halt all fishing until their concerns are addressed. The next hearing before Judge Zilley on this case is scheduled for Feb. 22, 1999.} [KTUU Channel 2 News (Anchorage), Anchorage Daily News, Fed. Register, Assoc Press, personal communication, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund press release, Reuters, NOAA press release] Mexican Salt Project. On Dec. 2, 1998, the World Heritage Committee agreed to dispatch a research team to investigate the situation at Mexico's El Vizcaino site, location of a joint Mexican and Mitsubishi Corp. salt project near San Ignacio Lagoon on Baja California, with a report of findings anticipated sometime in 1999. The Committee declined to add the controversial site to its "World Heritage in Danger" list. [Reuters, Dow Jones News] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. On Dec. 1, 1998, NMFS announced measures modifying when, where, and how New England and Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishermen may fish so as to better protect harbor porpoise. Six areas in the Gulf of Maine will be closed to gillnetting, with some exceptions for gillnets equipped with sound-emitting pingers. In the mid-Atlantic region, area closures and gear modification will be used. NMFS will decide by Jan. 4, 1999, whether to list harbor porpoise as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. [Assoc Press, NMFS press release] APHIS Investigates Marineland. In late November 1998, the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspected marine mammal facilities and practices at the financially troubled Marineland facility in northeast FL. In mid-December 1998, officials of the facility learned that APHIS, based on the earlier inspection, had decided to conduct an investigation into unstated concerns at the facility. The APHIS inspection report of the facility is to be released in mid-December 1998. [Tampa Tribune] Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items. Subject: NMFS position announcement (fwd) From: Irma Lagomarsino The National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Regional Office, is searching for a candidate to fill a position as a Team Leader for marine mammals and sea turtles. This is not a scientific research position. Among many duties, this position will assist in guiding our California marine mammal stranding program, ETP dolphin conservation program, take reduction program, expanding pinniped management program, and coastal project review program. Please refer to the NOAA job announcment site (www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs) for information on the position and how to apply. The position opens on December 31, 1998 and closes on January 21, 1999, and will be located in Long Beach, California, U.S.A.. From: Celine Godard Organization: WHOI Subject: US Northeast Student Chapter meeting The US Northeast Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NESCSMM) invites you to attend its first meeting scheduled for February 19, 1999 in Woods Hole, MA. The meeting will begin at 9:00 am and adjourn at 4:30 pm. The meeting will include the following 6 speakers: Dr. Darlene Ketten, Dr. Michael Moore, and Dr. Peter Tyack of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dr. Phil Clapham of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Dr. Solange Brault of the University of Massachusetts Boston, and Sharon Young of the Humane Society of the United States. During lunch, students will also have the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of the speakers. In the afternoon, students will have the option to give short 5-10 minute presentations of their research/marine mammal interests. Following this, chapter organization will be discussed and interested candidates for election will have the opportunity to introduce themselves. Election will take place in the future via an email ballot. Please contact us if you are interested in chapter membership or in attending the meeting. Thank you, Celine and Sara Celine Godard Sara Wetmore Woods Hole Oceanographic Northeast Fisheries Institution Science Center Woods Hole, MA 02543 Woods Hole, MA 02543 (508) 289-3472 (508) 495-2253 cgodard(\)whoi.edu Sara.Wetmore(\)noaa.gov