========================================================================= Date: Sun, 3 Jan 1999 18:47:52 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM FAQ and Editorial Policy ====================================================== 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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: Mon, 4 Jan 1999 20:11:15 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NOAA Notes Changes in Bering Sea (fwd) Forwarded message: Contact: Joyce Gross, 202/482-8360, email: Joyce.W.Gross(\)hdq.noaa.gov DRAMATIC CHANGES IN BERING SEA ECOSYSTEM NOTED BY NOAA Scientists are seeking wide review, distribution of data via Internet Many rarely observed conditions occurred in the Bering Sea during the summers of 1997 and 1998, including extensive die-offs of seabirds, rare algal blooms, unanticipated low salmon runs, warmer than usual ocean temperatures, and altered ocean currents and atmospheric conditions. These changes prompted scientists from NOAA, the federal agency that protects and predicts the nation's marine resources and atmospheric environment, to convene an international workshop in Seattle, Wash. "People whose livelihood depends on the Bering Sea need to know if these are fleeting anomalies or persistent large-scale changes," said James Balsiger, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Alaska Fisheries Science Center. "Scientists want to determine the cause of these unusual conditions and their portent for the future of this national resource." The eastern Bering Sea provides almost half of the fish and shellfish caught in the United States. Most of the catch comes from the continental shelf, a broad, shallow area larger than the state of California, that borders Alaska's western coast. Besides producing abundant fish and shellfish, the shelf also supports large numbers of resident and migratory birds and marine mammals. A prominent theme of the workshop was the implication of recent environmental changes on the management of living marine resources. Reports from those attending the workshop will now be available via the Internet for a broader review and comment by U.S. and world environmental scientists. "We wanted to bring together scientists, environmentalists, administrators, resource managers, native Alaskans, representatives of the fishing industry, and others at this crucial time," said Eddie Bernard, director of NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle. "During the workshop, more than 75 participants shared information, proposed reasons for these environmental changes, and suggested future research needs. They also discussed ways to use Internet technology to report news and facilitate communication." Workshop participants reported information related to the environmental occurrences. Atmospheric processes in 1997, partially in response to El Nino, caused clearer skies, calmer seas, and warmer sea temperatures than normal in the eastern Bering Sea. "The warmest water temperatures ever recorded on the eastern Bering Sea shelf occurred during the summer of 1997," said Phyllis Stabeno, an oceanographer at the Seattle lab. The most striking event was the appearance of extensive areas of milky, aquamarine water over most of the shelf in 1997. The water's unusual color was caused by a massive bloom of coccolithophores (a type of nontoxic, microscopic marine plant). These blooms have never before been observed in the Bering Sea for extended periods. The coccolithophores replaced the normal summer plankton community. This replacement made profound, but not well understood, effects on the rest of the food chain. Despite different atmospheric conditions in 1998, the bloom recurred. Other recent changes in the ecosystem included unprecedented mortality of short-tailed shearwaters and unsuccessful reproduction rates for kittiwakes (both common seabirds frequenting the area during summer). Salmon runs were far below expected levels. The fish were smaller than average, and traditional migratory patterns seemed altered. There was an unusual sighting of Pacific white-sided dolphins in Bristol Bay, and large numbers of baleen whales appeared on the shelf. Taken together, these events show how responsive the ecosystem is to climate and suggest that climate change would have a strong effect on the ecosystem. Although these unusual conditions did not seem to have an immediate effect on the groundfish of the area, they may impact future abundance. NOAA Fisheries surveys in 1997 and 1998 located fewer young-of-the-year pollock than in previous years. However, other studies conducted in 1998 suggest that young pollock, in fact, were quite abundant but located further onto the shelf than usual. This displacement could derive from transport of pollock larvae northeastward from their spawning area due to windy conditions during spring. Ramifications of these recent changes won't be known for several years until the young pollock mature into adult fish and are harvested. An important task is to determine linkages between the unusual conditions and the Bering Sea's bountiful resources of salmon and pollock. Workshop participants agreed that focused, long-term, integrated research is needed, and recommended the recently written Draft Science Plan for the Bering Sea Ecosystem. Incorporating traditional knowledge from native communities into the information available to research programs is also vital, scientists acknowledged. Participants discussed the challenge of preserving the diverse populations of fish, marine mammals, and birds in this highly variable environment. NOAA scientists are seeking review and input from scientists throughout the globe. A summary of the workshop will be available December 31 on the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean web site http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/bering/. A chat room for timely exchange of information will be incorporated into the web site, as recommended by workshop participants. For general Bering Sea information, including the Draft Science Plan for the Bering Sea Ecosystem, please consult the web site. For specific information, contact Allen Macklin, FOCI Coordinator, NOAA/PMEL, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Wash. 98115-0070, 206-526-6798 (voice), 206-526-6485 (fax), macklin(\)pmel.noaa.gov (e-mail). NOTE: All NOAA press releases, and links to other NOAA material, can be found on the Internet at http://www.noaa.gov/public-affairs. Constituents who wish to be added to our press release distribution list, or who wish to switch from fax to e-mail delivery, can send an e-mail to the individual listed above or fax to (202) 501-2953. Do not use the reply function of your e-mail program because your message does not go to the contact person. Subject: Job Announcement ------ Attached is a job announcement, FYI. Please direct all queries to the original sender, "Walter Pearson" . Thanks, Caryn >>From whp(\)erwda.gov.ae Sun Jan 3 02:08:48 1999 >X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 5.2 >Date: Sun, 03 Jan 1999 15:06:53 +0500 >From: "Walter Pearson" >To: caryn_sullivan(\)hotmail.com >Subject: TO: Ms. Caryn Self Sullivan > >TO: Ms. Caryn Self Sullivan=09 > Publisher of Call of the Siren > >Dear Ms. Sullivan: > >We are seeking qualified researchers to conduct a dugong study in the United Arab Emirates. We would appreciate it if you would post the following job announcement on your good web site. Please feel free to distribute to whomever it would be of interest. ERWDA has a web site at http://www.erwda.gov.ae for those that are intersted in finding out more about ERWDA....=20 >Best Regards, >Walter H. Pearson, Ph.D. >Head, Marine Environmental Research Center >ERWDA > JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - ERWDA-98-004 Researcher for Dugong/Seagrass Projects The Marine Environmental Research Center (MERC) of the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seeks an experienced Ph.D.-level researcher to lead resear= ch and conservation projects for dugong and/or seagrasses. MERC conducts applied research in water quality, endangered species (sea turtles and dugongs), critical habitats (seagrasses, corals, and mangroves), fisherie= s, and marine environmental assessment. The duties and responsibilities of the position include: =B7 Overall responsibility for the design, conduct, analysis, interpretat= ion, and reporting of the projects =B7 Proactive management of the projects to ensure timely delivery of research products within budget =B7 Direct supervision of research assistants and technical support perso= nnel in field and laboratory research. =20 =B7 Development of strategic plans to enable the projects to become progr= ams =B7 Support of the policies, rules, and regulations of the ERWDA, the Secretary-General, and MERC. =20 The researcher works with the Head of Center and other researchers on joint MERC projects and in the strategic planning of MERC=92s development. The researcher is stationed at ERWDA=92s Maqtaa Site in Abu Dhabi but spe= nds considerable time in the field. =20 =20 Minimum qualifications for the position include: =20 =B7 A Ph.D. in marine biology, marine ecology, wildlife management, marin= e science, marine conservation, or equivalent field =B7 A minimum of five year=92s research or conservation experience beyond= the Ph.D. =B7 Specific research experience in dugong or manatee research or in trop= ical seagrass research =B7 Ability to conduct field research in tropical coastal waters (small b= oat operations) =B7 Ability to write and speak English clearly and concisely =B7 Computer literate in Word, Excel, Access, and internet =B7 Knowledge and skills for field sampling in marine systems and associa= ted laboratory analyses=20 =B7 Data compilation and analysis skills =B7 Ability to lead field teams in harsh environments Preference is given to candidates with experience in research diving and applied research concerning both endangered tropical marine species and seagrasses. Knowledge of the Arabian Gulf is an advantage. Applicants must be able to qualify for resident visas. Salaries are based on qualifications. Housing allowances are available. Please send a letter = of interest in announcement ERWDA-98-004, C.V. with copies of validated degrees & certificates, and a list (or letters) of references to Personnel Officer Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency Office of the Secretary General P.O. Box 45553 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Applications may also be sent via email to cv(\)erwda.gov.ae and followed by airmail submission. Applications are due by 27 JAN 99. Unless specifically requested by ERWDA, submissions by FAX are not accepted. ERWDA=92s website is at http://www.erwda.gov.ae =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- Caryn Self Sullivan, Graduate Student, Texas A&M University Ethology Lab, Mail Stop 2258, College Station, TX 77840 Marine Acoustics Lab, 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77553 E-mail: caryn_sullivan(\)hotmail.com Snail mail: 200 Stonewall Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Pager/Voice mail: 800-577-7468 pin# 358-8292 Home phone: 540-373-8205; Fax: 540-373-6035 http://members.aol.com/caryn1001/index.html/homepage.html =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: Tue, 5 Jan 1999 04:27:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: job posting Job Opportunity 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, 1999, to August 31, 2000 (11 months). The successful candidates will be responsible for teaching seven Elderhostels, each for 12 days, and containing as many as 36 mature individuals. In addition, the resident directors will assist approximately 35 visiting professors by giving guest lectures to their classes and accompanying them on field trips. They will maintain the running seawater system and all the equipment, and will participate in our ongoing research program. HUML is in its 19th 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-foot, twin-engine dive boat, and a SCUBA shop with compressors. HUML is surrounded by an extraordinary array of habitats, from the three-kilometer coral reef just offshore to miles of pristine rocky shores with extraordinary zonation, to a nearby mangrove swamp. 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 coves, and other spectacular sites. The salary for the 11-month position is $16,000 ($8,000 for each co-director), plus 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 Department of Biology 114 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549-1140 516-463-5520; FAX 516-463-5112 bioehk(\)hofstra.edu Subject: recent marine mammal publications This is a listing of recent marine mammal publications. The Marmam editors and I would appreciate NOT receiving requests for copies of the papers. Thank you. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov *********************** Comparison of elements in bottlenose dolphins stranded on the beaches of Texas and Florida in the Gulf of Mexico over a one-year period. Meador, JP; Ernest, D; Hohn, AA; Tilbury, K; Gorzelany, J; Worthy, G; Stein, JE. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. January 1999 v36 i1 p87-98 Lateral suppression of rhythmic evoked responses in the dolphin's auditory system. Popov, VV; Supin, AY; Klishin, VO. HEARING RESEARCH. December 1998 v126 i1-2 p126-134 PCBs and chlorinated pesticides in clinically healthy Tursiops truncatus: Relationships between levels in blubber and blood. Reddy, M; Echols, S;Finklea, B; Busbee, D; Reif, J. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. November 1998 v36 i11 p892-903 Fluxes of biogenic carbon in the Southern Ocean: roles of large microphagous zooplankton. Le Fevre, J; Legendre, L; Rivkin, RB. JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS. November 1998 v17 i1-4 p325-345 Paleontology - Cetacean creation. Wong, K. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. January 1999 v280 i1 p26-+ ] Vanadium accumulation in pinnipeds. Saeki, K; Nakajima, M; Noda, K; Loughlin, TR; Baba, N; Kiyota, M; Tatsukawa, R; Calkins, DG. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. January 1999 v36 i1 p81-86 Population growth of Antarctic fur seals: Limitation by a top predator, the leopard seal?. Boveng, PL; Hiruki, LM; Schwartz, MK; Bengtson, JL. ECOLOGY. December 1998 v79 i8 p2863-2877 Ambient temperature does not affect the tactile sensitivity of mystacial vibrissae in harbour seals. Dehnhardt, G; Mauck, B; Hyvarinen, H. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY. November 1998 v201 i22 p3023-3029 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs in sea lion (Otaria flavescens) skin biopsies from two South-western Atlantic populations. Jimenez, B; Gonzalez, MJ; Hernandez, LM; Eljarrat, E; Rivera, J; Fossi, MC. CHEMOSPHERE. February 1999 v38 i3 p507-515 Accumulation pattern of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) found stranded along coastal California, USA. Nakata, H; Kannan, K; Jing, L; Thomas, N; Tanabe, S; Giesy, JP. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. Fall 1998 v103 i1 p45-53 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1999 12:46:05 -0500 From: Nicole LeBoeuf Subject: 4th Quarter 1998 MMPA Bulletin The NMFS Office of Protected Resources has just published the 4th Quarter 1998 edition of the MMPA Bulletin. The articles in this issue include: Marine Mammal Commission Annual Meeting IWC Annual Meeting in Oman Forensic Workshop in Sausalito Analytical Quality Assurance Program Remembering Dr. Kenneth Norris Agreement on Care of Captive Marine Mammals NMFS Acoustic Workshop NOAA Joins National Watchable Wildlife Program NMFS Hears from Stakeholders: LFA Whale Watching Ethics Forum Reducing Entanglement Video Available Protected Resources Profile: Roger Gentry, PhD >From the Editors The MMPA Bulletin can be found in PDF format 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 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: Wed, 6 Jan 1999 10:21:52 +0000 From: Simon Berrow Subject: Hector's beaked whale Hector's beaked whale stranded in the Falkland Islands We have a suspected Hector's beaked whale Mesoplodon hectori stranded on West Falkland in the South Atlantic. The individual reported to John Smith at the Falklands Museum in Stanley is a female measuring c9m and is very fresh. If confirmed then this will be one of only 7 or so documented strandings of this species and certainly in the best condition. If any readers know of any strandings (or sightings ?) of this species I would be very interested to hear from them. The animal will under go a full post-mortem and results of course made available. Many thanks for your interest. Any information to: Dr Simon Berrow, British Antarctic Survey, Marine Life Sciences Division, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OET, UK. Tel: +1223 221611 Fax: +1223 221259 E-mail: sdbe(\)pcmail.nerc-bas.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1999 13:14:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: potential GIS workshop, Maui conference (fwd) From: Ellen Hines -- Graduate Student We are presently organizing a proposal for a workshop for the Maui conference of the Society of Marine Mammology next November, and are looking for researchers who are interested in creating the workshop format. Loosely, the workshop will be sponsored by myself and Dave Duffus from the Whale Research Lab at the University of Victoria, and Mark Zacharias from the Land Use Coordination Office of British Columbia among others. We would like to create a forum for discussing uses and techniques for Geographic Information Systems and remotely sensed imagery in marine mammal research. ..within the context of exploring relations between marine mammal behaviour and physical and biological ecosystem parameters. We envision the discussion to encompass what tools and techniques are being used and what can be done in the future. We would like people who have had experience working with these technologies to present their research. Please respond to Ellen Hines (ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca) I will be in the fiel d from Jan 11 through Feb 24, or Dave Duffus (dduffus(\)office.geog.uvic.ca). Subject: Review panel -- CRS draft report on MMPA reauthorization issues MARMAM Colleagues: I'm seeking volunteers for an expert panel to review and provide comments on a draft 11-page report for Congress that I have just completed discussing various issues that may be presented/discussed during reauthorization of the Marine Mammal Protection Act during the 106th Congress later this year. I should have this product ready to distribute for review around January 20th. Draft Abstract: "The current authorization of appropriations for the Marin e Mammal Protection Act expires at the end of FY1999. The issue for the 106th Congress will be whether, and if so under what conditions, to reauthorize and amend the Act to reflect and address the concerns of various interest groups. To identify relevant details, the Congressional Research Service queried commercial fishing, scientific research, public display, animal welfare, and environmental interests to identify issues that they may bring before Congress or believe others might offer during the reauthorization debate. This document presents these issues, including modifications to managing the interactions between marine mammals and commercial fishing operations, concerns related to the public display community (institutions holding marine mammals for public education and entertainment), modifications to the subsistence use of marine mammals by Native Americans, and a collection of miscellaneous management and scientific measures." I'm seeking reviewers who are able to review this draft and return comments back to me no later than February 15, 1999. I'm looking for individuals who can help me better define the various positions on issues presented, clarify factual background on these issues, and identify additional issues of concern. If interested in being considered for this review panel, please e-mail me a few sentences stating briefly your qualifications for serving on this expert panel. I anticipate selecting about 8-10 individuals to serve on this panel who are relatively current on marine mammal issues and represent a spectrum of constituencies and interests. 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 on my expert panels in the past; your continued and excellent critiques of my products have been extremely beneficial to Congress!! Gene Buck, Senior Analyst Congressional Research Service gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 04:24:32 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: FW: 4th International Wildlife Law Conference: Program` (fwd) Apologies for cross listings. Fourth 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 regimes to protect endangered species of flora and fauna. Longer versions of many of the papers presented at the conference will be published in a special symposium issue of the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy. Additional information about the conference, as well as past conferences, can be found at: http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife/ 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: * Blackwell Science Ltd. * IOS Press * Island Press * Kluwer Law International * Lupus Publications * 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 International 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, The Republic of China's Role in the Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; * Irene Lye Lin Heng, Honorary Legal Advisor, Nature Society of Singapore & Deputy Director, Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, Implementation of CITES in Singapore; * 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 (topic 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 * Alberto Costi, Oxford University, Current Trends in the Implementation of Regional Wildlife Treaty Regimes in Central & Eastern Europe; * Sandra Jen, Bern Convention Secretariat, Environment Conservation & Management Division, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, "The Pan-European Example, the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats;" * Charles Chester, Ph.D. Candidate, International Environment and Resource 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 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: Fourth International Wildlife Law Conference, Saturday, March 20, 1999 Washington College of Law, American University, Washington, DC. 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." Wil Burns, Managing Editor Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 2124 Kittredge Street, Suite 805 Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 JIWLP(\)earthling.net http://www.kluwerlaw.com/cgi-bin/journal.pl Subject: Job opportunity: MMS Alaska Environmental Studies (fwd) From: Charles Greene The following notice is posted for Dr. Cleveland Cowles, MMS Alaska: Subject: Re: Job Opening with MMS Alaska Environmental Studies Date: 1/4/99 11:03 PM I would appreciate your passing this information along to individuals interested in a Wildlife Biologist or Marine Ecologist position with the Dept. of Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS) Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region, Anchorage Alaska. The position is in the Environmental Studies Section. The vacancy announcement opened 12/9/98 and closes 1/25/99. This position is an interdisciplinary Marine Ecologist, GS-408-12 or Wildlife Biologist, GS-486-12, paying $43,876 plus 25% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The announcement can be obtained from USAJOBS at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. The position is listed as governmentwide, nationwide and open competitive (Previous Federal experience is not required). I've exerpted below a few highlights of the Vacancy Announcement: DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES The incumbent participates broadly in the activities of the Environmental Studies Section including the planning, procurement, and administration of environmental studies and environmental assessments needed for the prediction and management of impacts on environments affected by Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas activities; prepares statements of work or contract specifications related to marine ecology information needs; develops and proposes methods, techniques, and procedures to be used during data collection, analysis interpretation and protrayal of technical data. . . BASIS OF RATING Applicants will be rated on the basis of education and experience appropriate to this position as identified in the Supplemental Qualifications Statement. Only education or experience acquired by the filing deadline will be considered. The SQS questions used to rate applications are based on the following evaluation criteria: - knowledge of a wide range of scientific concepts, principles, and practices related to marine ecology, wildlife biology, or other closely related fields such as vertebrate ecology, physiology, biometrics, advanced statistics, experimental design, physical oceanography, marine acoustics, wildlife or ocean resource management. - ability to meet and deal with a variety of individuals to coordinate studies and plans Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/08/99 (updated daily) New info and changes since 12/30/98 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/07/99 double bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {FL Manatees. On Jan. 6, 1999, FL officials announced that 66 manatees had been killed by boats in 1998 -- a record high number for this cause of death.} {{Altogether, a total of 231 manatees were found dead in 1998, the third highest worst mortality year on record.}} {On Jan. 6, 1999, scientists from 10 federal and state agencies formed into 20 teams were scheduled to conduct their annual aerial survey of overwintering manatees, with 5 additional teams conducting a ground survey. This survey is scheduled during cold weather when manatees congregate in warm-water outflows from 17 power plants and 2 paper mills as well as 3 natural springs. As of Jan. 5, 1999, eight manatee deaths had already been reported in 1999.} [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] {Canadian Sealing. On Jan. 6, 1999, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the 1999 harp seal quota would be 275,000 animals, the same as in 1998. Mr. Anderson announced that a C$2 million aerial survey of the harp seal population would be conducted this spring as a basis for developing the government's future seal management strategy. The last survey in 1994 resulted in an estimate of 4.8 million harp seals. In addition, broader studies and consultations are planned on better determining the influence of seals on cod stocks. The 1999 hooded seal quota will also remain unchanged from 1998 at 10,000 animals. On Jan. 5, 1999, the Newfoundland government released a study, commissioned by its Fisheries Minister John Efford, suggesting the harp seal population could sustain a massive one-time cull of 2 million seals or a moderately increased hunt of 400,000 seals over several decades.} [Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun] Gray Whale Migration. On Jan. 3, 1999, Kodiak Island, AK, residents reported hundreds of gray whales massing off Narrow Cape, rather than migrating to California and Mexico. Warmer than usual water temperatures are the suggested cause of the abnormal behavior.} [Assoc Press] 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 {{Maritime Safety Committee of 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. {{After receiving and considering the research team's report, the Committee will decided whether to add the controversial site to its "World Heritage in Danger" list. Such action may be considered at the Committee's next meeting in Morocco in November 1999.}} [Reuters, Dow Jones News, personal communication] 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] 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: Review of the live capture of marine mammals in Canada The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has asked me to conduct a review of the marine mammal live capture programme in Canada, and to provide recommendations respecting its relevance to DFO's role in marine mammal management. Views on marine mammal management, public interest in this group of animals, DFO's mandate for ocean management, and technology for the study of wild marine mammals have all developed rapidly in the last few years. In light of these changes, DFO needs to re-evaluate the role the live capture and holding programme has in its management activities. Live captures of marine mammals are currently possible for clinical treatment, research, or education, although there has been a ban on beluga whale captures for export since l992. Initially DFO developed a live capture programme for belugas in l967 to promote public understanding and support for the management and conservation of Arctic cetaceans through education and public awareness. Some permits have been given for other species for research or clinical purposes. There has been no live capture of cetaceans in Canada since l992; some seal captures have been permitted. I would be most happy if you would care to provide your views on this topic during the consultation process. I am particularly interested in information which you could provide which identifies costs and benefits of such captures. and the animals subsequent captivity. The report will include specific recommendations on which your input would be very helpful. These are: - the potential benefits of live capture as a fishery for Canadians; - the potential benefits of live capture to the science and management of marine mammals in the wild; - the potential benefits of research findings on captive animals as compared to those on wild animals; - the educational and awareness benefits of captive marine mammals; - the standards for captive marine mammals in Canada, and the welfare of captive animals maintained under these standards; - the views of public interest groups regarding live capture and captivity; - standards required for research use, public education to increase support for conservation and management; - the contribution of marine mammals to the attractiveness and viability of aquaria programmes. I intend to make submitted written opinions and information part of my final report as an appendix, with authors permission. Thus, I would appreciate it if you would provide a written presentation of your information. This can take any form you wish. I would be happy to discuss your written document with you by phone (709-753-5495), or at tenatively scheduled consultation meetings in Ottawa (25-26 Jan.), Winnipeg (1-3 Feb.) or Vancouver (8-ll Feb.) More details on the meetings will be available later; an early expression of interest by those interested in attending would be appreciated. I have been given a deadline of 28 February for a draft report; my final report must be completed by 31 March. So time is short. If you would care to discuss the study with me, or wish suggestiongs concerning your submission, pleas call, fax (709-737-2450) or e-mail (jlien(\)morgan.ucs.mun.ca) me. I'll look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your consideration. Jon Lien Department of Psychology and Ocean Sciences Centre Whale Research Group 230 Mount Scio Road Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's, Newfoundland AlC 5S7 Canada Phone (709) 753-5495 wk. (709) 895-2068 hm. Mobil (709) 685-0710 Fax (709) 737-2450 e-mail jlien(\)morgan.ucs.mun.ca ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1999 12:08:47 -0300 From: Gustavo Thompson Subject: Diving time pattern in coastal & river dolphin ------ Dear marmems, I am looking for information about diving time pattern and associated behavior of small coastal and river dolphins around the world, that inclu= de porpoises (i.e.; Vaquita, Spectacled, Harbour, Burmeister's, Finless, and Dall's porpoises) and river dolphin, platanistoidea, (Ganges, Amazon, In= dus and Chinese river dolphins). I preferred information of free-ranging specimens, also information from captive specimens will be welcome. I am interested in all kind of information (papers, articles, report, or perso= nal communication). I want to improve the comparison and discussion of diving time data from free-ranging La Plata River dolphin If you study someone of then, know or have information about, please cont= act me, send me a copy of the information, or let me know to the following E-mail or address . Thanks in advance,=20 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 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 09:05:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NAMMCO Newsletter (fwd) Forwarded message: From: nammco-sec(\)nammco.no (NAMMCO Secretary) =20 --------------------------------------------------- NEWS UPDATE FROM THE SECRETARIAT DECEMBER 1998 NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THE SECRETARIAT Two new leading members of staff will join the Secretariat in the new yea= r. The Council has appointed Grete K. Hovelsrud-Broda as new General Secreta= ry,=20 and she will take up the position as head of the Secretariat from mid=20 February 1999. Grete Hovelsrud-Broda has a PhD in social anthropology fro= m=20 the University of Brandeis in the USA. Originally from Norway, Dr=20 Hovelsrud-Broda has most recently been employed as marine policy fellow a= t=20 the Marine Policy Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the USA= .=20 Her research has focused on the socio-economics of resource use in the=20 circumpolar north, with field work in a sealing community in East Greenla= nd,=20 and she has written and lectured widely on issues related to internationa= l=20 co-operation in the field of conservation and management of natural resou= rces. Former General Secretary, Kate Sanderson, left NAMMCO in September after=20 five years heading the Secretariat. She has returned to the Faroe Islands= ,=20 where she has taken up a position as adviser in the newly formed Departme= nt=20 of Foreign Affairs in the Faroese Government.=20 Daniel Pike from Canada has been appointed to the position of Scientific=20 Secretary and will begin with the Secretariat in Troms=F8 in early Januar= y.=20 Daniel Pike comes to NAMMCO from his present position as director of=20 wildlife management with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, based in = the=20 eastern Canadian arctic town of Iqaluit. With a Master of Science from th= e=20 University of Manitoba, Daniel Pike has extensive experience both as a fi= eld=20 biologist and in administration of scientific research and resource=20 management in the Canadian arctic. The Scientific Secretary is responsibl= e=20 for the coordination of the work of the NAMMCO Scientific Committee and i= s=20 series editor of NAMMCO Scientific Publications. Sidsel Gr=F8nvik, who began as Scientific Secretary in August 1997, retur= ned=20 to her permanent position in the research section of the University of=20 Troms=F8 administration in August this year.=20 NAMMCO's Administrative Assistant, Tine Richardsen, who has been with the= =20 Secretariat since January 1997, has been taking care of business in this=20 interim period. Despite the reduced staffing situation since October, NAM= MCO=20 activities have continued, and planning for a number of important meeting= s=20 and other activities scheduled for the new year is well under way. NAMMCO SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS - VOLUME 1: RINGED SEALS IN THE NORTH ATLA= NTIC The first volume in the new series NAMMCO Scientific Publications is now=20 published.=20 Ringed Seals in the North Atlantic presents an overview of the most curre= nt=20 scientific knowledge about the ringed seal. The thirteen papers in the=20 volume begin with a broad assessment of the distribution, abundance and=20 biology of the species, followed by regional overviews of ringed seal=20 populations in the North Atlantic and western Siberia, as well as the=20 remnant populations of the Baltic. The relationship between northern peop= les=20 and ringed seals is elaborated through regional descriptions of catch=20 history and exploitation. Other papers describe our present knowledge of=20 aspects of ringed seal biology, including reproduction, movements, diet a= nd=20 the accumulation of contaminants. Volume 1 is edited by Dr Mads Peter Heide-J=F8rgensen, senior scientist w= ith=20 the Greenland Nature Research Institute and current Chairman of the NAMMC= O=20 Scientific Committee, and Dr Christian Lydersen, research scientist with = the=20 Norwegian Polar Institute. The Scientific Committee's assessment of ringe= d=20 seals was conducted through a special Working Group in 1996, which includ= ed=20 scientific experts from all NAMMCO member countries. The Working Group al= so=20 benefited greatly from the contributions of scientists from Canada and th= e=20 Russian Federation, whose work is also contained in this volume. The purpose of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series is to make=20 available, in published, peer-reviewed form, scientific papers which have= =20 contributed to the work carried out by the NAMMCO Scientific Committee.=20 Further information on how to order Volume 1 and future volumes of NAMMCO= =20 Scientific Publications will be distributed in the new year and made=20 available on the NAMMCO website.=20 MEETINGS IN 1999=20 The NAMMCO Workshop on Hunting Methods will be held from 9-11 February i= n=20 the Greenland Cultural Centre - Katuaq - in Nuuk. The aim of the forum is= to=20 provide for an exchange of information between marine mammal hunters,=20 veterinarians and other experts as well as an evaluation of different=20 methods of hunting and an examination of possibilities for further=20 enhancement of efficiency and safety in hunting. The Workshop will be=20 chaired by Dr Knud Nielsen, former Chairman of the Danish Veterinary Coun= cil=20 and retired vice-head of research at the Royal Danish Veterinary College.= =20 The Scientific Committee Working Group on the Population Status of Beluga= =20 and Narwhal in the North Atlantic will meet in Oslo, Norway from 1 - 3=20 March. The Working Group will address the request from the Council for=20 advice on the population status of these species, and scientific experts=20 from NAMMCO member countries as well as Canada, the Russian Federation, t= he=20 USA (Alaska) and the UK have been invited to attend. The meeting will be=20 chaired by Dr =D8ystein Wiig, of the Department of Zoology, University of= Oslo. The Annual Meeting of the Scientific Committee will be hosted by the=20 Greenland Institute of Natural Resources in Nuuk, Greenland from 13-15=20 April, under the Chairmanship of Mads Peter Heide-J=F8rgensen. =20 The NAMMCO International Symposium on Harbour Porpoises in the North=20 Atlantic will be held on board the coastal ship from Bergen to Troms=F8,=20 Norway from 10-14 September and will be convened by Prof. Tore Haug of th= e=20 Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Troms=F8. The Symposium is intended to provide a forum for the presentation of resu= lts=20 of recent research on harbour porpoises, involving experts working on thi= s=20 species throughout its North Atlantic range. The background for the=20 Symposium is the NAMMCO Council's request to the Scientific Committee for= a=20 comprehensive assessment of the harbour porpoise in the North Atlantic.=20 The first Call for papers and pre-registration has now been distributed, = and=20 the deadline for final registration and submission of final abstracts wil= l=20 be 1 July 1999.=20 The Annual meeting of NAMMCO - NAMMCO/9 is scheduled to be held in=20 Reykjavik, Iceland from 5-8 October.=20 The Ninth Meeting of NAMMCO, which will be hosted by the Government of=20 Iceland, will include meetings of the Council and general Management=20 Committee, and will be preceded by a meeting of the Management Committee=20 Working Group on By-Catch of Marine Mammals. The Chairman of the Council=20 (1998/99) is Arn=F3r Halld=F3rsson, Iceland, and the Chairman of the Mana= gement=20 Committee (1998/99) is Kaj P. Mortensen, Faroe Islands. NAMMCO ON THE WEB - www.nammco.no The NAMMCO website can now be accessed at http://www.nammco.no. The site = is=20 still under construction and will be further developed in the new year, b= ut=20 it already contains some general information about NAMMCO, as well as new= s=20 items and an overview of meetings in 1999. Add it to your list of bookmar= ks=20 and check regularly for further updates. =20 ------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Tine Richardsen Administrative Assistant NAMMCO University of Troms=F8 N-9037 Troms=F8 NORWAY Phone: +47 77 64 59 08 Fax: +47 77 64 59 05 E-mail: nammco-sec(\)nammco.no ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: new critique of Dolphin Assisted Therapy boundary="------------85558BB696E4DB602FB8AB3D" --------------85558BB696E4DB602FB8AB3D Dear Subscribers, There have been some exchanges on MARMAM about Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) fairly recently. I would like to call your attention to a paper Scott Lilienfeld and I recently published in the journal Anthrozoos, which is abstracted below. Lori Marino, Ph.D. lmarino(\)emory.edu Marino, L. & Lilienfeld, S. (1998). Dolphin-assisted therapy: flawed data, flawed conclusions. Anthrozoos, 11(4), 194-200. Two reports by Nathanson, Castro, Friend, and McMahon (1997) and Nathanson (1998) on the short-term and long-term effectiveness of dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) for children with severe disabilities have recently appeared in Anthrozoos. The authors of these reports have concluded that DAT represents an effective therapeutic intervention for several disorders, e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and that DAT achieves positive results more quickly and more cost effectively than conventional long-term therapy. Nevertheless, a methodological analysis of these studies demonstrates that these studies violate several important criteria for methodological soundness and, thus, scientific validity. This plethora of serious threats to validity and flawed data analytic procedures render the findings of Nathanson and colleagues uninterpretable and their conclusions unwarranted and premature. Practioners of DAT and parents who are considering DAT for their children should be made aware that this treatment has yet to be put to an adequate empirical test. -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Department of Psychology 532 North Kilgo Circle Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-0372 --------------85558BB696E4DB602FB8AB3D Dear Subscribers,

    There have been some exchanges on MARMAM about Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) fairly recently.  I would like to call your attention to a paper Scott Lilienfeld and I recently published in the journal Anthrozoos, which is abstracted below.

Lori Marino, Ph.D.
lmarino(\)emory.edu

Marino, L. &  Lilienfeld, S. (1998). Dolphin-assisted therapy: flawed data, flawed conclusions. Anthrozoos, 11(4), 194-200.

    Two reports by Nathanson, Castro, Friend, and McMahon (1997) and Nathanson (1998) on the short-term and long-term effectiveness of dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) for children with severe disabilities have recently appeared in Anthrozoos. The authors of these reports have concluded that DAT represents an effective therapeutic intervention for several disorders, e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation,  and that DAT achieves positive results more quickly and more cost effectively than conventional long-term therapy. Nevertheless, a methodological analysis of these studies demonstrates that these studies violate several important criteria for methodological soundness and, thus, scientific validity. This plethora of serious threats to validity and flawed data analytic procedures render the findings of Nathanson and colleagues uninterpretable and their conclusions unwarranted and premature. Practioners of DAT and parents who are considering DAT for their children should be made aware that this treatment has yet to be put to an adequate empirical test.
 
 

--
Lori Marino, Ph.D.
Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program
Department of Psychology
532 North Kilgo Circle
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
(404) 727-7582
Fax: (404) 727-0372
  --------------85558BB696E4DB602FB8AB3D-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 11:11:44 +0000 From: "j.c.goold" Subject: JMBA Abstract The following paper was published in the latest edition of the JMBA. Reprints are available. Goold J.C. (1998). "Acoustic assessment of populations of common dolphin off the West Wales Coast, with perspectives from satellite infra-red imagery." Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 78(4), 1353-1364. ABSTRACT -------- Passive acoustic monitoring of common dolphins was conducted across a survey area of one thousand square nautical miles off the West Wales Coast during the months September, October, November and December 1995. Dolphin presence and distribution was assessed by a system of percentage acoustic contact. Results were compared with those from a seismic/dolphin survey during the same months of the previous year, and across the same survey area. Distributions of common dolphins within the survey area showed similar trends for both years, with a marked decrease in dolphin contacts between September and October of both years. These observations suggest offshore migration of common dolphin populations at the time of year. Sea surface temperature distribution across the entire region was visualised during two survey periods using infra-red satellite imagery. It is hypothesised from these observations that offshore migration of common dolphins coincides with a breakup of the Celtic Sea Front, a distinct oceanographic feature which crosses the survey area. -------------- Dr. John C. Goold PRIME Project Manager University of Wales Bangor School of Ocean Sciences Menai Bridge Anglesey. LL59 5EY. UK Tel. +44 (0)1248 383752 Fax. +44 (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: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 09:18:38 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Multiple Levels of Single-Strand Slippage at Cetacean Tri- and Tetranucleotide Repeat Microsatellite Loci - Abstract (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Genetics, Vol. 151, 285-296, January 1999, Copyright =A9 1999=20 Multiple Levels of Single-Strand Slippage at Cetacean Tri- and Tetranucleotide Repeat Microsatellite Loci=20 Per J. Palsb=F8lla,b, Martine B=E9rub=E9b, and Hanne J=F8rgensenb=20 a Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2525,=20 b Department of Population Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark=20 Corresponding author: Per J. Palsb=F8ll, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Deiniol Rd., Bangor, Gwyneed LL57 2UW, Wales., p.palsboll(\)bangor.ac.uk (E-mail)=20 Communicating editor: S. YOKOYAMA=20 Between three and six tri- and tetranucleotide repeat microsatellite loci were analyzed in 3720 samples collected from four different species of baleen whales. Ten of the 18 species/locus combinations had imperfect allele arrays, i.e., some alleles differed in length by other than simple integer multiples of the basic repeat length. The estimate of the average number of alleles and heterozygosity was higher at loci with imperfect allele arrays relative to those with perfect allele arrays. Nucleotide sequences of 23 different alleles at one tetranucleotide repeat microsatellite locus in fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus, and humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, revealed sequence changes including perfect repeats only, multiple repeats, and partial repeats. The relative rate of the latter two categories of mutation was estimated at 0.024 of the mutation rate involving perfect repeats only. It is hypothesized that single-strand slippage of partial repeats may provide a mechanism for counteracting the continuous expansion of microsatellite loci, which is the logical consequence of recent reports demonstrating directional mutations. Partial-repeat mutations introduce imperfections in the repeat array, which subsequently could reduce the rate of single-strand slippage. Limited computer simulations confirmed this predicted effect of partial-repeat mutations. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Per J. Palsboll School of Biological Sciences University of Wales Bangor =20 Deiniol Road Bangor, Gwynedd=20 LL57 2UW, Wales, UNITED KINGDOM Phone +44 (0)1248 38 22 96 Fax +44 (0)1248 37 16 44 Email p.palsboll(\)bangor.ac.uk Local directions: Brambell Building, 4th floor, Room E26=20 Subject: DAT Recorder Summary (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Scott Spitz Dear All, I want to thank everyone who replied to a request for information regarding the quality and durability of portable DAT recorders. I received a variety of responses from people around the globe using DATs for research on pinnipeds, cetaceans, and other animals. I've tried to summarize the comments below. A small disclaimer: these comments do not cover the range of DAT recorders available to consumers. If a particular make or model is not listed, it means that I did not receive comments on the product. The absence of a product does not mean that it is necessarily inferior to those listed here. I hope anyone interested in DAT recorders will find these comments helpful. The comments are organized by make and model in alphabetical order, so a variety of comments (sometimes conflicting) will be included from different sources for each model. DENON DTR-80P Used for several years recording humpback whale song. Very nice recordings and no problems. Not user friendly. HHB PDR 1000 Good quality. Easy to use. Balanced mic input. 12v use. Best around. HHB PortaDAT Built like a tank. Very reliable. Used by Hollywood & NGS. Excellent service. SONY DTC 10 PRO Very good. Very reliable. Balanced mic input. DC power adapter creates noise, so needs own 12v battery. SONY TCD-7 6 yr experience with this model. Frequency response is high. Distortion is non-existant. Clarity is exceptional. 2 channel. Light display. No quality loss in tapes. Interference from other electronic items, so needs its own 12v battery. AA's last <2 hr. SONY TCD-8 Several months with model in the field, and it seems sturdy. 44/22 khz option is nice. Similar to TCD-7 with minor improvements. Not robust. Tiny controls are difficult to operate. Not robust. Not professional quality. Bad for field use. Sound quality is excellent. Counter is inaccurate during playback. Dual mic input. TASCAM DA-P1 Much more reliable than the Sonys. More expensive, but worth the extra money. I have tried to summarize the comments accurately. After additional research comparing the Sony TCD-8 and Tascam (but not use), my opinion is that the Tascam has the benefit of being a truly professional recorder. While the Sony TCD-8 may be excellent, it appears to be more consumer grade than professional. The primary reason for the difference is the ability of the professional recorders to hold the allignment of the recording device better under heavy use. Misallignment is a common problem for portable DAT recorders. I did not find additional information on the Denon or HHB, so cannot comment on them further. Two responders recommended Minidisc recorders as an alternative with more reliable storage and lower price. Neither of them had actually used a minidisc recorder in the field. Another responder recommended HiFi. Several people had experienced random dropouts of data from the digital tapes themselves. One recommended solid performance from Maxell and HHB tapes. For further information, I found the web site of Terrapin tapes helpful. That site is located at www.ttapes.com. They summarize information on numerous recorders and provide links to other sites. Prices range from $300 American for minidiscs to $3000 for HHB recorders. Most DAT recorders fall in the lower-middle section of this range around $1000. Good luck to all who are interested in switching to digital audio recording and thanks again to everyone who responded. I hope I have been accurate in this summary. Sincerely, Scott Scott Spitz Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Lab 1129 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 (808)591-2121 Subject: job announcement The following job announcement is for a part-time position in San=20 Pedro, CA, with the American Cetacean Society. This is the only pai= d=20 position that the organization currently has. Please do not direct=20 inquiries to me or the Marmam editors, but note the contact address=20 listed below. ******************************************************** =20 JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Administrative Assistant =20 The American Cetacean Society seeks a part-time Administrative=20 Assistant to support general office and membership operations. The=20 Administrative Assistant reports to the President of the American=20 Cetacean Society's National Board and is responsible for a variety o= f=20 clerical and administrative tasks. Duties include serving as a=20 representative of the society, responding to inquiries and other=20 correspondence, maintaining filing system, receiving and posting al= l=20 society mail, coordinate facility usage, maintain data entry logs,=20 assisting board members, logistical coordination of board meetings,= =20 registration and assistance of society trips, and some fiscal and=20 budget assistance. Additionally, the Clerical Assistant will work wi= th=20 board members and chapter representative on other society projects, = as=20 assigned by the President.=20 =20 Qualifications: The Administrative Assistant should possess some=20 office and computer experience and be able to work independently. =20 Additionally, successful candidates will be able to pay exceptional=20 attention to detailed-oriented work, exercise good judgement, and=20 possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. The=20 Administrative Assistant must be flexible, self-motivated, organized= ,=20 and able to work with a diverse and dynamic organization. An=20 interest and background in marine biology or related science is an=20 asset.=20 =20 Schedule: This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position. Weekly=20 schedule is flexible. One evening per month required with occasiona= l=20 weekends and evening requirements. =20 Salary: $10.00 per hour =20 Please send r=E9sum=E9 to: Kim Milliken, President, National Board = of=20 Directors, American Cetacean Society, c/o Autry Museum of Western=20 Heritage, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Fax: =20 213.660.5721 No phone inquiries please. =20 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 15:13:19 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) The following are new marine mammal publications. Please do not request copies of these papers from the Marmam editors. Thank you. ***************************************************************** Analyses of mitochondrial genomes strongly support a hippopotamus-whale clade. Ursing, BM; Arnason, U. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. December 7, 1998 v265 i1412 p2251-2255 Seasonality and abundance of blue whales off Southern California. Larkman, VE; Veit, RR. CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE OCEANIC FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS REPORTS. October 1998 v39 p236-239 Blue whale habitat and prey in the California Channel Islands. Fiedler, PC; Reilly, SB; Hewitt, RP; Demer, D; Philbrick, VA; Smith, S; Armstrong, W; Croll, DA; Tershy, BR; Mate, BR. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY. Winter 1998 v45 i8-9 p1781-1801 Ontogeny of humoral immunity in northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) neonates. King, DP; Sanders, JL; Nomura, CT; Stoddard, RA; Ortiz, CL; Evans, SW. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. December 1998 v121 i4 p363-368 Elevated levels of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) in ringed seals from the Baltic Sea. Mattson, M; Raunio, H; Pelkonen, O; Helle, E. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY. September 1998 v43 i1 p41-50 Foraging of sea otter in limited water area (Glinka Bay, Mednyi Island, the Commander Islands): state of food resources. Ivanyushina, EA; Rzhavskii, AV; Zimenko, NP; Shevchenko, IN. ZOOLOGICHESKY ZHURNAL. October 1998 v77 i10 p1168-1176 From: Sara Wetmore Subject: US Northeast Student Chapter web site The web site for the US Northeast Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NESCSMM) is now accessible, contact http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/NESCSMM/ for more chapter information and registration for the February 19, 1999 meeting. Celine Godard and Sara Wetmore ___________________________________________________________________ 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 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 05:21:21 -0500 From: Nicolas Entrup Subject: Origin of captive Dolphins in the United Arab Emirates ? Monitoring the trade in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) originating from the Black Sea. The following information is urgently required: 1. origin of three bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) imported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) October 1998. Although CITES have confirmed the import which may have originated in Italy, some information is still missing: a. origin of the three bottlenose dolphins (possibly Black Sea); Any additional information about these animals (current location, status, sex, age,...) is welcomed. b. exporting country c. who the animals belong to 2. In 1997 two bottlenose dolphins were transferred to the Lebanon. In this case no information about the current location and status is available. With thanks for any information Regards Niki Entrup Campa!gning Office Entrup & Richter Schenkendorfg.13/1 1210 Vienna Austria Tel.Fax. + 43 1 272 39 35 Email: nentrup(\)compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 05:57:21 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Recent marine mammal publications This is another list of recent marine mammal publications.Please do not request copies of the papers from the Marmam editors. Thank you. ******************************************************************* Comparative studies on mammalian Hoxc8 early enhancer sequence reveal a baleen whale-specific deletion of a cis-acting element. Shashikant, CS; Kim, CB; Borbely, MA; Wang, WCH; Ruddle, FH. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. December 22, 1998 v95 i26 p15446-15451 Phenotypic and molecular characterization of a Brucella strain isolated from a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Clavareau, C; Wellemans, V; Walravens, K; Tryland, M; Verger, JM; Grayon, M; Cloeckaert, A; Letesson, JJ; Godfroid, J. MICROBIOLOGY-UK. December 1998 v144 part12 p3267-3273 The complete nucleotide sequence of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) mitochondrial genome. Kim, KS; Lee, SE; Jeong, HW; Ha, JH. MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION. October 1998 v10 i2 p210-220 (**the above-listed article contains pinniped info) Maritime adaptations in Hokkaido. Okada, A. ARCTIC ANTHROPOLOGY. October-November 1998 v35 i1 p340-349 Canine distemper virus in a Caspian seal. Forsyth, MA; Kennedy, S; Wilson, S; Eybatov, T; Barrett, T. VETERINARY RECORD. December 12, 1998 v143 i24 p662-664 Limited intra-specific variation in male grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) dominance relationships in relation to variation in male mating success and female availability. Twiss, SD; Anderson, SS; Monaghan, P. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. November 1998 v246 part3 p259-267 Early maritime traditions in the Bering, Chukchi and East Siberian Seas. Ackerman, RE. ARCTIC ANTHROPOLOGY. October-November 1998 v35 i1 p247-262 Adenocarcinoma of the lung in a steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Sato, S; Kitamura, H; Mori, M; Fukazawa, M; Takeda, M; Kadota, K. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. December 1998 v60 i12 p1349-1351 The development of maritime adaptations on the southern Northwest Coast of North America. Erlandson, JM; Tveskov, MA; Byram, RS. ARCTIC ANTHROPOLOGY. October-November 1998 v35 i1 p6-22 gearly(\)tiac.net, kopelman(\)pipeline.com, kthounhurst(\)rdc.noaa.gov, mdg(\)alpha.rwu.edu, mead.j(\)simnh.si.edu, odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu, pabsta(\)uncwil.edu, ptyack(\)whoi.edu, reynolje(\)eckerd.edu, rja(\)alpha.rwu.edu, rwells(\)mote.org, Trevor.Spradlin(\)noaa.gov, whitaker(\)umbc.edu Name: Timothy M. Scott, Ph.D. E-mail: Date: 01/15/99 Time: 13:20:35 Job Posting: Marine Mammalogy Faculty Position The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at Roger Williams University invites applications for a tenure track position in marine mammalogy at the assistant professor level. A Ph.D. in the biological sciences is required, prior teaching experience and a willingness to participate in undergraduate research are desired. Candidates will teach half-time in the biology/marine biology department and half-time in the university core science program. Biology teaching will include courses in introductory biology, aquatic ecology and a specialized course in marine mammalogy. Candidates with training in mammalian physiology and experience with GIS software applications are encouraged to apply. Roger Williams University is an independent, coeducational institution with 2100 full-time students in six undergraduate schools: Arts and Sciences, Business, Architecture, Engineering, Justice Studies and the University College for Continuing Education which enrolls 1700 part-time students. At the graduate level, the University enrolls 500 students in the School of Law. Largely a residential community with a strong teaching mission, the main campus is situated on a 130 acre campus in Bristol, RI on the shores of Mount Hope Bay, approximately 20 minutes from both Newport and Providence and about 50 minutes from Boston. For additional campus information visit the RWU web site (http:www.rwu.edu). The closing date for this position is February 19, 1999. To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV and the names and contact information for three academic referees to: Roger Williams University Office of Human Resources (Ref: Biology Position) One Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 Roger Williams University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 12:59:24 -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 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 wat ers. We are currently looking to fill 4 research internships for the summer of 1999 ( May 23 - August 28), as well as 4 for the fall semester of 1999 (August 22 - December 19), and 4 for the spring semester of 2000 (January 23 - May 28). Dates are subject to change. 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 are often involved in public education aboard commercial whale watching vessels. Fall and spring interns will also be more heavily involved in data processing and analysis. As a result, we are looking f or students with a blend of enthusiasm, scientific skills, and communication abilities. Much of our research work is conducted aboard commercial whale watching boats. Researchers are usually sent out in teams of two: a naturalist who is in charge of narrating the trip and overseeing data collection, and an intern who records and compiles sighting and behavioral data. Commercial whale watches are conducted a t least twice a day, seven days/week (weather permitting) during the summer (July and August), somewhat less frequently during the spring and fall. CRU is responsibl e for providing a research team for each whale watching trip. A typical day is ne arly twelve hours long, and occasionally everyone must work seven days a week, althou gh we attempt to give everyone one free day per week. The CRU also owns a smaller research vessel which we use as much as possible for dedicated research cruises. Interns will have a chance to participate in these research excursions as well. Interns will also have opportunities to get involv ed in the day-to-day workings of a non-profit research group. Finally, CRU attempts to get interns involved in various "opportunistic" events as well. In the past the se events have included: necropsies of deceased cetaceans, short outings to pinnipe d haul-out sites, disarticulation/rearticulation of museum specimens, attending lectures/symposiums, and so on. Interns also participate in weekly discussion/primary literature reading meetings and personal progress evaluations . A common apartment is used, and interns live together and share cooking and clea ning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as t his is conducive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is o ften a continuation of the day in the field. Therefore, it is essential that candida tes can combine these two areas. A fee of $1000 for the period will be charged to co ver housing, utilities, educational materials and supervision. A $200 non-refundable deposit will be due upon acceptance, and the remaining balance is due two weeks before your arrival. 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 cre dit 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. An applicant 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 hour 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. 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-late March. Internships are open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and to recent graduates. Please note that all internships/volunteerships for the following year will be chosen from this applicant pool! Application materials should be sent 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 contact CRU at (978) 281-6351 or visit our web site at www.cetacean.org David Morin Intern Coordinator david(\)cetacean.org From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: melon-headed whales, Caribbean (fwd) From: mignucci A new publication regarding melonhead whales from the Caribbean recently appeared in Mammalia (French journal of mammalogy). Reprints are available upon request to the first author. Mignucci-Giannoni, AA, MA Rodr=EDguez-L=F3pez, JJ P=E9rez-Zayas, RA Montoya-Ospina & EH Williams. 1998. First record of the melonhead whale (Peponocephala electra) for Puerto Rico. Mammalia 62(3):452-457. Melonhead whales (Peponocephala electra) are considered an oceanic tropical and subtropical species throughout the world. The species is well documented for the Pacific, but its geographical range for the Atlantic Ocean is poorly known. Thirty-one records have been reported for the Atlantic, with its northerntmost record from the United Kingdom and its southernmost record from Brazil. Only 8 records are known for the Caribbean Sea. We present a new record of the melonhead whale for the Atlantic and the Caribbean, in addition to documenting the first record from the island of Puerto Rico. On 17 August 1993 a 210-cm juvenile male P. electra stranded at Playa Los Veleros in Cayo Icacos (17=B058=B9N, 66=B054.5=B9W), 0.3 km E of Cabo San Juan (Fajardo) on the NE corner of Pue= rto Rico. The animal was found in a moderate state of decomposition and a full necropsy was conducted, including complete morphometrics, pathology, parasitology and food habits. 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 ext.(not yet), 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: Position Announcement: Coordinator, The Marine Mammal Center COORDINATOR: The Marine Mammal Center's Monterey Bay Operations field office seeks a full-time Coordinator to manage daily operations. Duties include: volunteer supervision, animal rescue and emergency medical care, and facilities and equipment maintenance. Requires organization, flexibility, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Animal care or veterinary technical experience preferred. Previous experience with marine mammals is a plus. Some weekends and holidays required. Please send resume and cover letter (with salary requirements) to: THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER Attention: Director of Human Resources Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sausalito, CA 94965 or fax: (415) 289-7376 Equal Opportunity Employer. Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands Sausalito Ca 94965 Tel: 415 289 7370 Fax: 415 289 7333 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 19:16:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Fisheries and Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/15/99 New info and changes since 1/08/99 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/14/99 double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS FL Manatees. On Jan. 11, 1999, the FL Dept. Of Environmental Protection released the results of the Jan. 6 survey ? 1,873 animals (1,025 on FL's west coast and 848 on FL's east coast). This compares to a count of 2,022 animals in 1998. Managers suggest the lower 1999 count reflects an unusually warm December rather than a decline in population. On Jan. 6, 1999, FL officials announced that 66 manatees had been killed by boats in 1998 -- a record high number for this cause of death. Altogether, a total of 231 manatees were found dead in 1998, the third highest mortality year on record. On Jan. 6, 1999, scientists from 10 federal and state agencies formed into 20 teams were scheduled to conduct their annual aerial survey of overwintering manatees, with 5 additional teams conducting a ground survey. This survey is scheduled during cold weather when manatees congregate in warm-water outflows from 17 power plants and 2 paper mills as well as 3 natural springs. As of Jan. 5, 1999, eight manatee deaths had already been reported in 1999. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Canadian Sealing. On Jan. 6, 1999, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the 1999 harp seal quota would be 275,000 animals, the same as in 1998. Mr. Anderson announced that a C$2 million aerial survey of the harp seal population would be conducted this spring as a basis for developing the government's future seal management strategy; {{a hooded seal survey is scheduled for 2000.}} The last survey in 1994 resulted in an estimate of 4.8 million harp seals. In addition, broader studies and consultations are planned on better determining the influence of seals on cod stocks, {{and to better estimate the number of seals that may be struck and lost.}} The 1999 hooded seal quota will also remain unchanged from 1998 at 10,000 animals. On Jan. 5, 1999, the Newfoundland government released a study, commissioned by its Fisheries Minister John Efford, suggesting the harp seal population could sustain a massive one-time cull of 2 million seals or a moderately increased hunt of 400,000 seals over several decades. [Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun, High North Alliance News] Gray Whale Migration. On Jan. 3, 1999, Kodiak Island, AK, residents reported hundreds of gray whales massing off Narrow Cape, rather than migrating to California and Mexico. Warmer than usual water temperatures are the suggested cause of the abnormal behavior. [Assoc Press] Steller Sea Lions. 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. After receiving and considering the research team's report, the Committee will decided whether to add the controversial site to its "World Heritage in Danger" list. Such action may be considered at the Committee's next meeting in Morocco in November 1999. [Reuters, Dow Jones News, personal communication] {Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. On Jan. 5, 1999, NMFS published notice that it was withdrawing its earlier proposal to list the Gulf of Maine//Bay of Fundy harbor porpoise population as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS found that such listing was not warranted at this time.}[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: New research tool - a self contained cetacean click logger The POD (POrpoise detector) is a self-contained sonar click logger that can run for 4 days at depths down to 200m. It listens to all marine sound and logs the decisions made by its signal processing system. The recorded data can be downloaded to a PC for viewing and analysis. Sonar click detections are made in three frequency bands, the highest being the very distinctive clicks of porpoises which the system identifies with very high accuracy. In tests around the UK the middle and lower frequency bands can detect clicks from bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins. The POD can be deployed by fishermen in the course of their normal work and returns with a record for each immersion of click counts and noise levels in each logging interval which can be set at 1 to 240 seconds. The data can be passed to a spreadsheet or stats program for further analysis. The POD has been developed by the Corwall Widlife Trust with support from the European Commission and the Body Shop Foundation, with the primary aim of furthering research on fishery bycatch of porpoises. Collaborative research on conservation issues with bodies or individuals ( who have some funding . . ) is welcome. More information on the POD can be viewed on http://www.chelonia.demon.co.uk Nick Dr Nick Tregenza Hon Research Fellow Institute of Marine Studies University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA tel +44 (0) 1736 711783 fax +44 (0) 8700554967 email ntregenza(\)chelonia.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 11:59:31 -0500 From: Bob Bowman Subject: Whale watching from Helicopters The National Park Service of the Dominican Republic has received a whale watching permit request from a company intending to offer whale watching trips from a helicopter in Samana Bay. The government and local managers are interested in information about the affects of helicopters on whales. Scientific citations and even anticdotal observations will be valuable in helping to form a policy. Literature references or statements from observers on this topic are urgently requested. They can be sent to me bbowman(\)acadia.net and I will forward all to the Park Service officials. Thank you for your help. ------------------------------------------------------- Bob Bowman Maine Project Director Center for Coastal Studies P.O. Box 398 12 Hibbard's Hill Road Mt. Desert, Maine 04660 207-244-7429 (phone) 207-244-9381 (fax) 207-460-2435 (mobile) bbowman(\)acadia.net ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 11:23:11 GMT From: HUGHES KELLY Organization: The University of Greenwich Subject: Abstract from MSc thesis - Status of the Harbour Porpoise in UK Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ The following is the abstract from an MSc thesis which may interest some of you. Copies are available from K.Hughes(\)greenwich.ac.uk. Depending on the number of requests, I may have to ask for a contribution to cover photocopying costs. ________________________________________________________ Hughes, K. 1998. The Status of the Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in UK waters. Masters thesis, University of Greenwich, London. March, 1998. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to review the status of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in UK waters. The introduction reveals the characteristics and life history of this species, establishes its=92 present range and reviews the changes in distribution that have occurred over the past century. Throughout Europe, evidence shows that the harbour porpoise has declined in certain areas: the Baltic, the Channel and the southern North Sea. Within its global range, there are areas in which it has become extinct, such as the Sea of Azov and areas where it is in danger of extinction, for example the inner Baltic. The human activities which have been associated with such changes and declines in the abundance of the harbour porpoise are also considered. In the past declining prey stocks were implicated with the reduced number of harbour porpoises in the northern North Sea in the 1980s and, in the Baltic, extensive hunting during the first half of the century probably initiated the decline in this region. Presently, by-catch in commercial bottom-set gillnet fisheries poses the most immediate threat to the UK harbour porpoise and long-term threats continue from marine pollution and climate change. In view of past, and continuing, declines in certain regions, it is important to understand the population structure of the harbour porpoise, especially for management purposes, and current information regarding our present state of knowledge is detailed. Data from porpoise mitochondrial DNA analysis supports the view of there being at least two separate populations round the UK: one in western Britain/Ireland and the other in the North Sea. Within these, the Celtic Sea and southern North Sea may be distinct sub-populations. The following chapter reviews the distribution and abundance of the harbour porpoise in UK waters. The information presented is intended to highlight the important regions for the harbour porpoise and to note any seasonal movements. This section is also important as a reference to areas and places referred to in subsequent chapters. It is evident that the harbour porpoise is not evenly distributed around the UK, with greatest concentrations occurring off the west coast of Scotland, the northern Isles and the northern and central North Sea. Seasonal movements occur with harbour porpoises moving into coastal waters during late spring and early summer, possibly to benefit from shelter during the breeding/calving period. In the North Sea, there appear to be two main groups of porpoises centred in the Danish and Scottish zones during the winter months and late Spring, after which they disperse and there is a general movement of porpoises into coastal waters of eastern Britain. Chapter 3 covers the threats to the harbour porpoise, including fisheries interactions, chemical and acoustic pollution, other forms of habitat degradation (e.g. coastal development) and climate change. These threats affect the harbour porpoise throughout its range and have been reviewed several times in the past. By-catch, in particular, is detailed incorporating recent information on the levels of by-catch and methods of control. Evidence from observer schemes established on commercial bottom-set gillnet fisheries shows that at least 7,000 and 2,200 porpoises are taken annually in the central North Sea and Celtic Sea respectively. Research into reducing by-catch has largely focused on the design of active acoustic alarms but although initial trials of such devices in the Danish cod bottom-set gillnet fishery were successful, long-term reduction of by-catch is likely to come from gear and fishery modifications. This work strongly advocates the United States approach in their development of =93Harbour Porpoise Take Reduction Teams=94 as one from which the UK should learn and implement in some form. Legislation and voluntary agreements which concern the protection of the harbour porpoise, or its habitat, are discussed in Chapter 4. The EC Habitats Directive and The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic And North Seas (ASCOBANS) are the most recent legal regimes which appear to protect this species, in addition to other small cetaceans. Their implementation and progress is discussed, and a critique of their effectiveness in protecting the porpoise and its habitat is given. ASCOBANS appears to provide the best chances for the protection of the harbour porpoise because it was designed specifically for cetaceans and addresses the full complement of threats, some of which, such as noise disturbance, are almost unique to cetaceans. The Habitats Directive requirement for Special Areas of Conservation for species (Annex II) and habitats (Annex I) has not been implemented in respect to the porpoise. Whilst recognising there are problems in managing sites for wide ranging marine species, there are sites which appear to fit the criteria of the directive and should be seriously considered for designation. The sites are namely south east Shetland and Strumble Head-Ramsey Sound. The previous chapter determines that the lack of, or inaccuracy of, data regarded the harbour porpoise has been noted as one of the main reasons for the apparent complacency with which the UK Government has implemented some aspects of European Law. Chapter 6 reviews the methods used to survey and monitor harbour porpoise populations, since the precision of these methods has a direct influence on that of the data, and critiques both visual and acoustic techniques. The most recent method for estimating absolute abundance was utilised during the SCANS survey and is a further adaptation of the =93Independent Observer=94 method using distance-sampling techniques. Whilst the field methodology is fairly straightforward, the analyses of the data are complex and hence this is not a technique available to all of us. The development of new software in the UK, expected to be ready for trial in 1999, should simplify the analyses considerably. Until the SCANS survey, cetacean distribution was documented as relative abundance, mainly as a result of the work by the Sea Birds at Sea Team and the Sea Watch Foundation. The chapter concludes with an outline of the roles of the methods in future management of harbour porpoise populations. Whilst baseline population estimates are essential to management, large scale surveys are probably needed infrequently since the time to detect change in cetacean populations is fairly long, unless the population is changing rapidly. Power analysis can be utilised to estimate the desired frequency of surveys . Relative abundance estimates are available for all months of the year and provide more ecological insights of the cetaceans by providing information, for example, on seasonal movements and breeding periods. The acoustic technique is useful for monitoring presence or absence of porpoises in an area, but without sightings data taken simultaneously, it provides little real information about relative densities since our knowledge of the acoustic behaviour of wild porpoises is scarce. The final chapter draws conclusions on the status of this species, what is being done to protect it, and how the future looks for this species in UK waters. A list of research and action recommendations. These are aimed at preventing further declines of the harbour porpoise in the very near future and on a long-term basis by safeguarding their habitats and minimising all threats in an attempt to maintain and restore harbour porpoise populations in regions where they were once known to flourish. Immediate measures are needed to limit by-catch even if it means temporary closures of fisheries. However, this should be avoided by trialing by-catch reduction methods immediately and in the long-term establishing effective HPTRTs and implementing a schedule of closed seasons/areas and gear modifications. An international approach has to be taken in order to limit pollution and climate change and the UK must meet all targets set out under the various legal regimes. Research programs, utilising stranded animals and making direct field observations, must continue to further our knowledge of this species. However, whilst research is essential for successful conservation, it is recognised that the harbour porpoise , like other wide ranging cetaceans , is extremely difficult to study and, on this basis, conservation measures should also be taken in light of the =93Precautionary Principle=94. ******************************************************** Kelly Hughes (MSc(Res)) Natural Resources Management Dept. Natural Resources Institute Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4TB. TEL: 01634 883090. FAX: 01634 883517 E-MAIL: K.Hughes(\)greenwich.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 16:28:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Boat-marmam interactions (fwd) From: Sound Eco Adventures Hello, I am a former US Fish and Wildlife Service seabird biologist who now operates small-boat ecotourism business in Prince William Sound, Alaska. I was delighted to discover your Marine Mammals Research and Conservation Discussion newsgroup, and I hope someone can help me with a project I am working on. I volunteered to do a "white paper" on interactions between boats (of all types) and marine mammals, to present at the annual meeting of the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association in March 1999. Opinions on this subject abound, but I would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has conducted studies, or who would direct me to knowledgeable parties who have. IMO, these are some of the sub-topics that need addressing: * Affects of different types and sizes of boats (from kayaks to larger tour boats) on marine mammals. Do the current NOAA MM watching guidelines discriminate against smaller boats? Are there any studies that indicate that there should be different regulations for different size/types of boats? * Affect of vessel noise on MM, both airborne and sub-surface. i.e., noise from engines, exhaust, PA systems, etc. * Affect of vessel wakes on MM, e.g., upon harbor seals and sea otters hauled out on icebergs near tidewater glaciers I'm in touch with folks with the National Park Service who are studying mm-boat interactions in Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords National Parks, but I am interested in getting as broad a perspective on this growing problem as possible. Any input from this newsgroup will be greatly appreciated. Cordially, Gerry Sanger Sound Eco Adventures PO Box 707 Whittier, Alaska 99693 USA Toll Free: 1-888-471-2312 Phone/Fax: (907) 472-2312 http://www.alaska.net/~sea/seasite.html Subject: Help with historical facts and figures In-Reply-To: <199901060802.AAA02141(\)ixmail1.ix.netcom.com> Dear Colleagues: I am currently working on a book dealing with a wide variety of animal behavior and training, including marine mammals. It is an explanation of training, captive/wild animal behavior to promote understanding of animals, their communication, conservation, and includes stories an examples of how they are different/similar to animals the general public can relate to. I find that I am in need of a couple of resources or clarification on some points: 1. Where and when was the first "marine mammal park" established? US? Other? 2. What marine mammals were exhibited? 3. Does my memory serve me correctly when I state that Marineland of the Pacific was originally operated by the scientific community (1954) ? If yes, what group? If no, who sold it to the Hollywood Park people? 4. I remember an orca situation occurring while I worked at Marineland, the same whale was involved in another incident in 1987 that shook up things for a bit at Sea World. Can anyone direct me to a resource can give me a non-emotional or non- commercially biased account of that incident? 5. I am looking to get in touch with two trainers I pestered as a teenager at Marineland: Art _______and the other trainer that worked with the walruses there. If anyone knows how I can please let me know or pass them my information listed below. Thanks in advance. Diana Guerrero Diana Guerrero AATT Ark Animals PO Box 1154 Escondido, CA 92033 arkabc(\)arkanimals.com http://www.arkanimals.com Appointments at 800.818.7387 24 Hour Information 760.599.3697 "We Take Over Where Noah Left Off!" ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 16:35:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request of literature on cetacean myology (musculature) (fwd) From: Rui Dear All I need information concerning the structure of cetacean musculature, but have been having a hard time to find references on that matter. I'm aware that there are hundreds of works on that issue, but most seem to be distributed from the last half of the XIX century and the late 20's (eg.: Stannius, Murie, Struthes, Boenninghauss, Hein, Howell, Huber and so on). I would appreciate if someone could give more recent, and easily found, references or even send copies of some of the older works. Any assistance will be gratefully recieved. Rui Prieto (mailto:rprieto(\)dop.uac.pt) _____________________ Dep. Oceanography and Fisheries Univ. Azores Cais Sta. Cruz; PT 9901-862 PORTUGAL Phone: + 351 (0) 92 292988 Fax: + 351 (0) 92 292659 http://www.uac.pt/dop Subject: Re: Whale watching from Helicopters Dear Marmamers, To date, I have received more than two dozen replies to my request for comments and citations about whale watching from helicopters, as is being proposed in a humpback breeding/calving area in the Dominican Republic. Most of the comments have been related to acoustics/behavior or have been accounts of personal observations of researchers in the field. They have all been very interesting and I believe will be useful to managers in the DR. Although one observer speculated that a humpback breached to possibly get a better look at a passing helicopter, most comments so far have ranged from shear horror at the thought to specific recommendations on altitude, distance and general behavior of the helicopters. I will compile and summarize all the responses in a posting to Marmam sometime next week. Many commenters have suggested that adherance to a set of strict regulations on height and distance could reduce disturbance to whales. I would be especially interested in hearing from managers, regulators or enforcement agencies with ideas on how (or if) this might be effectively accomplished. With thanks, Bob ------------------------------------------------------- Bob Bowman Maine Project Director Center for Coastal Studies P.O. Box 398 12 Hibbard's Hill Road Mt. Desert, Maine 04660 207-244-7429 (phone) 207-244-9381 (fax) 207-460-2435 (mobile) bbowman(\)acadia.net ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 18:52:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Veterinary Technician Job Posting (fwd) From: Thomas Offenbecher Veterinary Technician The Marine Mammal Center seeks a flexible, full time, Veterinary Technician for our Sausalito facility. The position requires a current Registered Veterinary Technician License and a minimum of 2 years experience. Duties include marine mammal medical care, volunteer supervision, 24 hour on-call rotation with nights and weekends. Minimal travel and outdoor environment. Please send resume and cover letter and cover letter (with salary requirements) to: The Marine Mammal Center Attention: Director of Human Resources Marin Headlands Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sausalito, CA 94965 Fax: 415-289-7376 Equal Opportunity Employer No phone calls please Subject: Re: Etymology of NE Pacific marine mammals ------ Thanks to the many people who responded to my posting regarding the etymology of marine mammal names. There are many versions in the scientif= ic and =93popular=94 literature and some interesting =93tales=94. Here is a summary of the replies; Using Latin/ Greek dictionaries may be helpful at times but it is not sim= ple and one has to go back and review the original descriptions of the variou= s authors. Names often used Latin and Greek root words and names changed frequently over time. Original authors contributed confusion including misspellings, misidentifications and mixed up specimens. Fortunately, there are some very good reviews of the literature and etymology- but they are not totally consistent (no surprise). ? Lyall Watson (1981) Whales of the world. E. P. Dutton. New York has sections on Classification and Local Names that provides a great deal of information for whales, dolphins and porpoises. ? Judith E. King ( 1983) Seals of the world. British museum (Natural History), London and Oxford University Press, Oxford The Sierra Club Handbook of Whales and Dolphins, Leatherwood, S. and R.R. Reeves (1983) has origin of names. Some are not the same as the above ref= =92s. I would be happy to send the revised list of names and etymology as messa= ge text / MS word 6.0 file. Cheers Rick Harbo rharbo(\)island.net Marine Images and Illustrations Nanaimo, B.C. -----Original Message----- From: Rick Harbo To: MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Date: Saturday, November 28, 1998 5:30 AM Subject: Etymology of NE Pacific marine mammals > am working on a field guide "From Whelks to Whales. A guide to 400 comm= on >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 a= nd >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 hon= or >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=3D(Gr.) a seal; vitulina=3D?from (L)vitul =3D 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=3D ? mir (L)=3D wonderful >augusti=3Dgreat / rostris=3Dsnout > >Eared seals >[y]STELLER SEA LION, Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776) >Eu=3Dgood/ metopias=3Dforehead (metop=3D(Gr.) brow) >jubatus=3Dmane > >[y]CALIFORNIA SEA LION, Zalophus californianus (Lesson,1828) >Za=3D(Gr.) very, prominent/ lophus=3D(Gr.)crest; californianus=3Dof Cali= fornia > >[]NORTHERN FUR SEAL, Callorhinus ursinus (Walbaum, 1792) >callo=3D(Gr.) beauty; rhin(us)=3D( Gr.)snout; ursinus=3D bear . This sea= l was >formerly Ursus marinus=3D sea bear. > >Whales >[]ORCA or KILLER WHALES, Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758) >Orcinus=3D ? >orca=3D (L)whale > >[Y] MINKE, Balaeanoptera acutorostrata Lacepede, 1804 >Balaean/optera=3D a whale/scout; acouto/rostra=3D sharp/snout > >[]GRAY, Eschrichtius robustus (Lilljegorg,1861) >Eschrichtius=3D >robustus=3D strong > > >[Y] HUMPBACK, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781) >Mega/ptera =3D (Gr.)large/ (Gr.)wing or fin ; nova/eangliae of New Engla= nd, >where it was first hunted in the eightteenth century > > >Dolphins-Porpoises >[]PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens Gill, 1865 > >Lag=3D(Gr.) hare/ rabbit; rhyncho (Gr.)=3D snout; obliquidens=3D oblique= , >?refering to stripes on the side > >[Y]HARBOUR PORPOISE, Phocoena phocoena Gill, 1865 >from Phocaen=3D(Gr.) porpoise > > >[y] 12 DALL'S PORPOISE, Phocoenoides dalli (True, 1885) >Phocoenoides=3D from (Gr)Phocaen=3D porpoise >dalli=3D 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 =3Dliving in water; lutris =3Dan otter > >[] 14 RIVER OTTER, Lontra canadiensis pacifica (Rhoads,1898) >Lontra=3D > > >Rick Harbo >rharbo(\)island.net >Nanaimo, B.C. > ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 19:03:44 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/22/99 New info and changes since 1/15/99 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/21/99 double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Greenpeace and IWC Observer Status. On Jan. 19-20, 1999, Japanese officials reportedly met with International Whaling Commission (IWC) officials in Cambridge, UK, seeking to have Greenpeace stripped of its observer status for IWC meetings. Japanese officials accused Greenpeace of terrorist activities against Japan's whaling fleet, citing the encounter in Noumea, New Caledonia, in early December 1998.}[Environment News Service] {Japanese Whaling. In mid-January 1999, Japan's whaling mothership, Nisshin Maru, was reported to have left Japan, after repairs, to resume whaling in the Antarctic.}[personal communication] {TX Dolphin Feeding/Petting Pool. On Jan. 15, 1999, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society was reported as sending a letter to the Texas State Aquarium at Corpus Christi, warning that a planned dolphin petting facility would be bad for dolphins and humans. The UK Society based its assertion on a recently completed four-month undercover investigation of the impacts of U.S. dolphin feeding/petting pools on captive dolphins and interacting humans.}[Environment News Service] FL Manatees. On Jan. 11, 1999, the FL Dept. Of Environmental Protection released the results of the Jan. 6 survey ? 1,873 animals (1,025 on FL's west coast and 848 on FL's east coast). This compares to a count of 2,022 animals in 1998. Managers suggest the lower 1999 count reflects an unusually warm December rather than a decline in population. On Jan. 6, 1999, FL officials announced that 66 manatees had been killed by boats in 1998 -- a record high number for this cause of death. Altogether, a total of 231 manatees were found dead in 1998, the third highest mortality year on record. On Jan. 6, 1999, scientists from 10 federal and state agencies formed into 20 teams were scheduled to conduct their annual aerial survey of overwintering manatees, with 5 additional teams conducting a ground survey. This survey is scheduled during cold weather when manatees congregate in warm-water outflows from 17 power plants and 2 paper mills as well as 3 natural springs. As of Jan. 5, 1999, eight manatee deaths had already been reported in 1999. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Canadian Sealing. On Jan. 5, 1999, the Newfoundland government released a study, commissioned by its Fisheries Minister John Efford, suggesting the harp seal population could sustain a massive one-time cull of 2 million seals or a moderately increased hunt of 400,000 seals over several decades. On Jan. 6, 1999, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the 1999 harp seal quota would be 275,000 animals, the same as in 1998. Mr. Anderson announced that a C$2 million aerial survey of the harp seal population would be conducted this spring as a basis for developing the government's future seal management strategy; a hooded seal survey is scheduled for 2000. The last survey in 1994 resulted in an estimate of 4.8 million harp seals. In addition, broader studies and consultations are planned on better determining the influence of seals on cod stocks, and to better estimate the number of seals that may be struck and lost. The 1999 hooded seal quota will also remain unchanged from 1998 at 10,000 animals. {On Jan. 20, 1999, court proceedings resumed in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, against 7 sealers accused of breaking various fishery regulations when killing harp seals. Defense attorneys, however, accuse the cameramen who filmed the sealers of misrepresenting their intentions and obtaining permits to film the seal hunt under false pretense.}[Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun, High North Alliance News] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. On Jan. 5, 1999, NMFS published notice that it was withdrawing its earlier proposal to list the Gulf of Maine//Bay of Fundy harbor porpoise population as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS found that such listing was not warranted at this time. [Fed. Register] Gray Whale Migration. On Jan. 3, 1999, Kodiak Island, AK, residents reported hundreds of gray whales massing off Narrow Cape, rather than migrating to California and Mexico. Warmer than usual water temperatures are the suggested cause of the abnormal behavior. [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: images of tool-using otters I'm hoping to get in contact with any researchers who have images of sea otters (and their stones) that they'd be willing to see published in a small nonprofit magazine. I'm unable to offer payment, only photo credit and much gratitude. Please respond directly to me at steelshard(\)tamu.edu, and thanks for your help! (Images of tool use by any other marine life also happily accepted.) J. M. Aguiar WFSC Grad Student Texas A&M ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 13:47:34 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent marine mammal publications (fwd) Recent marine mammal publications. Please do not request from Marmam editors. ********************** Simultaneous separation of coplanar and chiral polychlorinated biphenyls by off-line pyrenyl-silica liquid chromatography and gaschromatography. Enantiomeric ratios of chiral congeners. Ramos, L; Hernandez, LM; Gonzalez, MJ. ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. January 1, 1999 v71 i1 p70-77 The method was applied successfully to the analysis of the coplanar and atropisomeric polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in dolphin liver samples. *********** Morphology of the complex laryngeal gland in the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Smith, TL; Turnbull, BS; Cowan, DF. ANATOMICAL RECORD. January 1, 1999 v254 i1 p98-106 ************ Acoustic assessment of populations of common dolphin off the west Wales coast, with perspectives from satellite infrared imagery. Goold, JC. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. November 1998 v78 i4 p1353-1368 ************ Application of Leslie's model on a population of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis): Sensitivity study. Fifas, S; Goujon, M; Antoine, L. AQUATIC LIVING RESOURCES. November-December 1998 v11 i6 p359-369 ************ Cirral activity in the whale barnacle Cryptolepas rhachianechi. Achituv, Y. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. November 1998 v78 i4 p1203-1213 ************* Using aircraft in tandem formation to estimate abundance of harbour porpoise. Hiby, L; Lovell, P. BIOMETRICS. December 1998 v54 i4 p1280-1289 ************* Horvitz-Thompson estimators for double-platform line transect surveys. Borchers, DL; Buckland, ST; Goedhart, PW; Clarke, ED; Hedley, SL. BIOMETRICS. December 1998 v54 i4 p1221-1237 ************* Predation on cephalopods by Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella at two localities of the Scotia Arc, Antarctica. Daneri, GA; Piatkowski, U; Coria, NR; Carlini, AR. POLAR BIOLOGY. January 1999 v21 i1 p59-63 ************** Movements and diving behavior of weaned Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) pups. Burns, JM; Castellini, MA; Testa, JW. POLAR BIOLOGY. January 1999 v21 i1 p23-36 *************** Inter-specific infanticide in South American otariids. Cassini, MH. BEHAVIOUR. December 1998 v135 part8-9 p1005-1012 *************** Phase I and phase II enzyme activities in Ringed seals (Phoca hispida): characterization of hepatic cytochrome P450 by activity patterns, inhibition studies, mRNA analyses, and western blotting. Wolkers, J; Witkamp, RF; Nijmeijer, SM; Burkow, IC; de Groene, EM; Lydersen, C; Dahle, S; Monshouwer, M. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY. December 1998 v44 i1-2 p103-115 *************** Modern food sharing networks and community integration in the Central Canadian Arctic. Collings, P; Wenzel, G; Condon, RG. ARCTIC. December 1998 v51 i4 p301-314 ************** The first record of an Eocene (Lutetian) marine mammal from Israel. Goodwin, MB; Domning, DP; Lipps, JH; Benjamini, C. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY. December 1998 v18 i4 p813-815 ************** Otter-eating orcas. Garshelis, DL; Johnson, CB. SCIENCE. January 8, 1999 v283 i5399 p176-177 Otter-eating orcas - Response. Estes, JA. SCIENCE. January 8, 1999 v283 i5399 p177-177 Subject: contact address Dr. P.H.D. de Silva (fwd) From: Dr K C C VAN WAEREBEEK Dear MARMAM subscriber : I have been trying to contact our colleague P.H.D. de Silva of Sri Lanka, for some time now -without success. Randy Reeves (CSG Specialist Group) kindly gave me the following address from Steve Leatherwood's address book (National Aquatic Resources Agency, Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka). I have written twice, without reply, and I strongly suspect Dr. de Silva to have moved. I would be very grateful to anybody who could help me find his present address. Sincerely, Koen Van Waerebeek 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 Subject: contents - _Whale World_, Vol 1, i 2 The following is the list of contents for _Whale World_, Jan 1999, vol. 1, issue 2. This is posted upon request of Sean Whyte, publisher of _Whale World_. Please direct inquiries about the publication to him at the below-listed contact information. Thank you. The articles are illustrated with photographs. ************** Buurman, D. Dolphin encounters [about dolphin watching in Kaikoura, New Zealand]. Leverett, B. Hong Kong's pink dolphins. Robinson, K. Bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth, Scotland Patterson, R.S. A place called Frederick Sound [cetaceans in southeast Alaska] Birks, I. Gairloch, south-west Scotland...1998 update. Loates, H. Shetland - whales and dolphins. Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A. and R.J. Rosario-Delestre. Mass stranding of goosebeak whales in Puerto Rico. Rice, N. South Africa's whale haven. Anderson, C. Maldives: tropical cetacean paradise. Secchi, E.R., L.D. Rosa, and J. Cortesco. Whales in Antarctic waters: historical and scientific issues. ********************************* _Whale World_ is a publication produced by the non-profit UK-based Nature Alert. It is a benefit to Nature Alert members. Two copies a year are planned, approximately May and December [contents of issue 1 were previously posted to Marmam]. To receive Whale World please contact: Whale World Nature Alert P.O. Box 2060 Bath BA1 3YB England Tel/FAX: 01225 444929 International: +44 1225 444929 email: naturalert(\)aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:29:34 -0800 Reply-To: Len Thomas From: Len Thomas Subject: WORKSHOP: Distance sampling, June 1999, Colorado ------------------------------------------------- WILDLIFE POPULATION ASSESSMENT TRAINING WORKSHOPS DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF DISTANCE SAMPLING SURVEYS ------------------------------------------------- Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment University of St Andrews and Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit Workshop 1: June 14-17 Workshop 2: June 21-24 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Overview -------- Distance sampling is the most widely used method for estimating the abundance of wildlife populations. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The two identical 4-day workshops will be a blend of theory and practice, and participants will learn the new, windows version of the software Distance. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. In the latter part of each workshop, time is set aside for presentation of more advanced concepts and discussion of topics of common interest in smaller, informal groups. Further information ------------------- The workshop booklet is on the world-wide web at http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distanceworkshop/ If you would like a printed copy of this information or have any questions about the workshops, please contact Workshop Organizer Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Mathematical Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9SS Tel:+44 1334 463228 Fax: +44 1334 463748 Email: rhona(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 05:45:12 -0500 From: James E Barnett Subject: Request for information on 'hat tagging' of rehabilitated seals Dear Marmam subscribers, I am presently researching the value and potential side effects of using hat tags on rehabilitated grey seal pups, as a tool for the attempted estimation of distribution patterns and survival rates post release. Methods used in the U.K. to date have been primarily tags inserted in the webbing of one hind flipper. Standard tags for this purpose are produced by the Sea Mammal Research Unit and the numbers of tags provided to a given rehabilitator are held on their database. Numbers on found or seen tags are returned to SMRU via the Zoological Society of London, and thence to the rehabilitator. To date, limited information of interest or use to the rehabilitator has resulted from this tagging method. Returns are poor, and one of the many likely explanations for this is the lack of visibility of the tags on the live animal. Plastic cones, glued to the animal's coat, have now been attached to the heads of wild grey seal pups in Scotland, to monitor survival rates (work done by the Sea Mammal Research Unit). Similar tags have also been used on rehabilitated seal pups in Brittany, France (Oceanopolis) and have given useful information on distribution and survival rates. Some of the concerns expressed by other rehabilitators re. the use of such tags are the potential side effects of attachment (e.g. skin damage as the hat pulls off) and the likelihood that the seals will become targets for fishermen. Here, the argument is that, once fishermen knew that rehabilitated seals were carrying such tags, they would assume that any seals wearing them were tame and morre likely to approach and steal fish from their nets. I am very intested to learn of other seal rehabilitation organisations' experiences with such tags, in order that I can make as objective an assessment as possible as to the value and potential problems of their use, prior to discussing the matter with other seal rehabilitation organisations within the U.K.. Thank you in anticipation of your help. James Barnett Director and veterinarian, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, U.K. E-mail address : JamesB_vetlab(\)compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 18:17:10 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Sperm whales vs Megamouth (fwd) ------- Forwarded from ECS list ------- From: "Dipartimento Didattica" Dear all, '...... While looking for Cetaceans we encountered three individuals of Sperm Whale "attacking" a shark .......... an extremely rare specimen of Megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) .......' whoever is interested in this sighting and wants to know more, should visit the following website: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/research/IUCN/NewsMega12.htm In the website you'll also find some nice slides supporting this special event. Best wishes, Pietro Pecchioni Subject: BENEFITS DISPUTE DELAYS WHALE SANCTUARY >Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 09:01:31 -0800 >Subject: BENEFITS DISPUTE DELAYS WHALE SANCTUARY > >BENEFITS DISPUTE DELAYS WHALE SANCTUARY -- Vancouver Province, p. A11, >Canadian Press, 18/01/99 -- Canada is poised to create its first sanctuary >for bowhead whales, but the project has been delayed yet again by >bureaucratic problems with funding. The ideal of the marine preserve, >"Igalirtuuq," began in the early 1980s when the community of Clyde River >passed a vote calling for protection of the whale grounds off its shore. >The proposal has been met with several delays, many of which stem from the >signing of the 1994 Nunavut land-claims agreement, which stipulates that >any new parks must have an agreement on benefits for the local people. > Annelise Sorg ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 19:46:29 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: info needed on fecal hormone levels of fur seals (fwd) Forwarded message: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- From: guicela medina ruiz [mrvet1(\)medicosmix.com] I'm doing my thesis project on the determination of sex in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis), using scat or feces, and I need information about serum levels of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, and capture methods in males. I need this information to compare with feces samples using RIA. Thank you for your help! guicela medina santa isabel 465 pueblo libre lima 21 peru. _________________________________________________________ Subject: TX student chapter of SMM Howdy! A Texas Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) has been established for students. Brenda Jensen, Student Member-at-Large for the SMM, recently encouraged regional chapters to form in order to organize students in areas with strong marine mammal interests. Due to the number of Texas students enrolled in marine mammal science programs, participating in marine mammal related activities, and/or interested in marine mammals we feel that it is time to establish a student chapter. Membership is free and open to all students. Membership in the SMM is not required, but is encouraged. The preliminary goal of this chapter is to provide a forum for discussion among students from all areas of Texas. Topics of discussion will include student research, jobs related to marine mammals, and issues concerning marine mammals (Texas and global). Future meetings will feature talks by professionals in the field, student presentations, and workshops. We hope this chapter will give students the opportunity to learn more about marine mammal science and develop important associations with colleagues. A meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 1999 in Galveston. The agenda will be to define the goals for the chapter and to nominate a governing committee. All nominations will take place at the meeting. Nominated persons will be allowed time to speak. An email ballot will be sent after the meeting to everyone who expresses interest. A notice will be sent out soon on the date, location, and time for the meeting. We would like to start compiling an email address list of interested students. Please email txsmm(\)hotmail.com (if no email, phone one of us at (409) 845-5740) and let us know you would like to participate in this chapter. Also, we invite your suggestions for the goals and future activities of the TX Student Chapter of the SMM. Keep an eye out for the upcoming web page! Thanks! Lara Hinderstein Texas A&M University hinderst(\)tamug.tamu.edu Steve A. MacLean Texas A&M University smaclean(\)tamu.edu ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 11:53:38 -0800 From: "Christina M. Tombach" Subject: Internship Announcement! SEACR - Society for Ecological And Coastal Research, a Non-profit organization, currently has spaces open for summer internships starting June 1999. SEACR works in conjunction with scientists and researchers from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada; and from Queens University in Ontario, Canada. The research site is situated in breathtaking Clayoquot Sound, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interns will have the opportunity to assist on a variety of ecological and coastal marine research projects learning valuable research techniques and data manipulation. Current projects include studies on Gray Whale Site Fidelity, and Habitat Use. Habitat Use of Seabirds in the Sound, and Whale Prey Sampling. Clayoquot Sound is home to a variety of coastal marine fish, birds, and mammals. Animals who frequent the area include puffins, oystercatchers, gulls, bald eagles, sea lions and sea otters, harbor porpoise, killer whales, gray whales, and humpback whales. Black bears forage in the intertidal zone and are often visable from the boat. For complete details of the research projects, living conditions, application form and payment options please visit our web site: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/seacr-home.html ************************************** Christina M. Tombach Whale Research Lab University of Victoria ctombach(\)office.geog.uvic.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 20:49:11 -0500 From: "Kevin A. Roberts" Subject: Re: Request for elusive book Dear fellow MARMAMers, We are searching for a book published by CRC Press in Boca Raton, Florida in 1990, edited (or authored) by L.A. Dierauf and titled "CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine". We have contacted the publisher with no success, and would welcome any input on how to obtain a copy as soon as possible. Thank you in advance. Kevin Roberts ceti(\)aug.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 08:56:15 +0100 From: Andreas Boldt Subject: Whale/Bird Interactions ALutz(\)ores.ch Dear Subscribers An updated list of literature about interactions between marine mammals and seabirds is now available on the home page of the ORES Centre for Coastal Field Studies, Grandes Bergeronnes, Quebec: http://www.access.ch/ores/birdsbiblio.html Also, a short summary of the whale/bird project can be found (among other reports) on http://www.access.ch/ores/students Thanks to everybody who provided me with additional information on this topic. Andy Boldt +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Andreas Boldt boldt(\)aen.unibe.ch Ethology & Nature Conservation Department of Zoology University of Bern Laenggassstr. 27 CH-3012 Bern Switzerland Phone ++41 (0)31 631 34 53 Fax ++41 (0)31 631 34 51 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 22:30:08 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: genetic tracking of protected whale - article in _Nature_ (fwd) The most recent issue of _Nature_ has the below-listed article. A summary of the article is provided. Please do not request the article from the Marmam editors. Following the article is information on how to receive the weekly listing of the table of contents from _Nature_ via email. ******************************************* Genetic tracking of a protected whale FRANK CIPRIANO AND STEPHEN R. PALUMBI Nature, 397: 307-308 (28 January 1999 issue) Unusual circumstances have allowed us to trace the life of an individual whale, from its conception in the North Atlantic in 1964 to its sale as raw meat in Osaka, Japan, in 1993. We documented genetic polymorphisms in nuclear and mitochondrial genes of the Osaka meat and showed that they exactly matched those of a naturally occurring blue/fin whale hybrid harpooned near Iceland in 1989. This genetic match allowed us to trace the pathway of this individual from ocean to market. Such techniques can be useful in genetic monitoring programmes developed for the future regulation of the whaling industry and for international management of whale stocks. ********************************************* Nature - Table of Contents Now available at http://www.nature.com This table of contents alert contains the key highlights in this weeks edition of Nature. Visit Nature online to browse the full content of the current issue, including Opinion, News, Correspondence, Commentary and additional web-only features. Please note that complete full-text access to Nature is available to personal/student subscribers of the print edition. To purchase a subscription to the print edition, please visit: http://www.nature.com/subscribe/ Subject: Final Reminder for American Society of Mammalogists Meeting (fwd) Forwarded message: From: "Paul K. Anderson" The 1999 meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists takes place at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, June 20th to 24th. Deadline for abstracts is 1 March 1999. Starting on 1 February 1999 electronic registration and abstract submission will be available via a link from the ASM Web page . Electronic registration is encouraged. Abstracts may be submitted in hard copy on forms obtainable along with the information package for the meeting by writing to Dr. Stephen West, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195-2100, or Kristin Scheyer, Continuing Education Office, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle WA 98195-2100. Respective e-mail addresses are sdwest(\)u.washington.edu and kscheyer(\)u.washington.edu. Dr. West can be reached by phone at 206-685-7588 With sufficient interest, spoken and poster sessions will be set aside specifically for marine mammal contributions. If you wish your oral or poster presentation included in a MM session it should be clearly marked "FOR MARINE MAMMAL SESSION." This is ENTIRELY OPTIONAL. Those who wish to have their contributions included in other sessions ( e.g. behavior, evolution) are free to do so.. A feature of the meeting will be a symposium entitled "Marine Mammals: The Next Century." Speakers have been asked 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 Mammals Committee From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie Univ./Pacific Whale Foundation Subject: biases in estimating distance to whales A distance approach guideline or rule (e.g., 100 yards or 100 meters) is the primary tool used by government agencies around the world to mitigate potential impacts of vessels on cetaceans. I am trying to find any documentation of biases associated with estimating distances on the water, and how an individual's ability to estimate distance might vary with experience, age, sex, environmental factors, whale group size or behaviour etc. I have been in touch with a couple of researchers who have used range finders to evaluate distance estimation abilities, but I have not been able to find any published studies regarding this, or anyone who is investigating the specific contributing factors which influence perception of distance. We (the Pacific Whale Foundation) are conducting a study of individuals' abilities to estimate distance, to evaluate the efficacy of using distance as a management tool. We are using Bushnell Yardage Pro 800 laser range finders on board commercial whale watching boats which seek out humpback whales as well as several species of dolphins off the islands of Maui and Lanai, Hawaii. We are studying the ability of vessel captains, crew and passengers to estimate distance, and simultaneously recording information on the age, gender and experience of the volunteer observer, as well as various other factors (including environmental and whale-related factors). I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who is conducting similar research or who knows of any published references relevant to this subject. Thanks very much, Robin ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Post-doctoral fellow, Biology Dept., Dalhousie University Research Director, Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 USA. Phone (808) 879-8860 (work), 879-7061 (home). Fax 879-2615 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm http://www.pacificwhale.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 15:41:26 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Field, John" Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 1/29/99 (updated daily) New info and changes since 1/22/99 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 1/28/99 double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Questionable Whalemeat Trade? Two American scientists published an article in the Jan. 28, 1999, issue of Nature outlining how DNA analysis indicated that meat from a blue whale/fin whale hybrid killed in 1989 by Iceland under a scientific permit was sold in 1995 in a Osaka, Japan, market.}[Detroit Free Press, Fox News] Greenpeace and IWC Observer Status. On Jan. 19-20, 1999, Japanese officials reportedly met with International Whaling Commission (IWC) officials in Cambridge, UK, seeking to have Greenpeace stripped of its observer status for IWC meetings. Japanese officials accused Greenpeace of terrorist activities against Japan's whaling fleet, citing the encounter in Noumea, New Caledonia, in early December 1998. [Environment News Service] Japanese Whaling. In mid-January 1999, Japan's whaling mothership, Nisshin Maru, was reported to have left Japan, after repairs, to resume whaling in the Antarctic. [personal communication] TX Dolphin Feeding/Petting Pool. On Jan. 15, 1999, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society was reported as sending a letter to the Texas State Aquarium at Corpus Christi, warning that a planned dolphin petting facility would be bad for dolphins and humans. The UK Society based its assertion on a recently completed four-month undercover investigation of the impacts of U.S. dolphin feeding/petting pools on captive dolphins and interacting humans. [Environment News Service] FL Manatees. On Jan. 11, 1999, the FL Dept. Of Environmental Protection released the results of the Jan. 6 survey ? 1,873 animals (1,025 on FL's west coast and 848 on FL's east coast). This compares to a count of 2,022 animals in 1998. Managers suggest the lower 1999 count reflects an unusually warm December rather than a decline in population. On Jan. 6, 1999, FL officials announced that 66 manatees had been killed by boats in 1998 -- a record high number for this cause of death. Altogether, a total of 231 manatees were found dead in 1998, the third highest mortality year on record. On Jan. 6, 1999, scientists from 10 federal and state agencies formed into 20 teams were scheduled to conduct their annual aerial survey of overwintering manatees, with 5 additional teams conducting a ground survey. This survey is scheduled during cold weather when manatees congregate in warm-water outflows from 17 power plants and 2 paper mills as well as 3 natural springs. As of Jan. 5, 1999, eight manatee deaths had already been reported in 1999. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Canadian Sealing. On Jan. 5, 1999, the Newfoundland government released a study, commissioned by its Fisheries Minister John Efford, suggesting the harp seal population could sustain a massive one-time cull of 2 million seals or a moderately increased hunt of 400,000 seals over several decades. On Jan. 6, 1999, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the 1999 harp seal quota would be 275,000 animals, the same as in 1998. Mr. Anderson announced that a C$2 million aerial survey of the harp seal population would be conducted this spring as a basis for developing the government's future seal management strategy; a hooded seal survey is scheduled for 2000. The last survey in 1994 resulted in an estimate of 4.8 million harp seals. In addition, broader studies and consultations are planned on better determining the influence of seals on cod stocks, and to better estimate the number of seals that may be struck and lost. The 1999 hooded seal quota will also remain unchanged from 1998 at 10,000 animals. On Jan. 20, 1999, court proceedings resumed in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, against 7 sealers accused of breaking various fishery regulations when killing harp seals. Defense attorneys, however, accuse the cameramen who filmed the sealers of misrepresenting their intentions and obtaining permits to film the seal hunt under false pretense. [Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun, High North Alliance News] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. On Jan. 5, 1999, NMFS published notice that it was withdrawing its earlier proposal to list the Gulf of Maine//Bay of Fundy harbor porpoise population as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS found that such listing was not warranted at this time. [Fed. Register] Gray Whale Migration. On Jan. 3, 1999, Kodiak Island, AK, residents reported hundreds of gray whales massing off Narrow Cape, rather than migrating to California and Mexico. Warmer than usual water temperatures are the suggested cause of the abnormal behavior. [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: Aquatic Mammals - contents of 24.3 - 1998 Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, The following is posted as a courtesy to the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) and its journal editor - Dr. Paul Nachtigall. Provided are abstracts/summaries for articles that may be found in the most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammals_. This journal is a benefit of membership with the EAAM. Inquiries for the journal (including manuscript submission) should be directed to Dr. Paul Nachtigall, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734 USA (FAX 808-247-5831, email . Please do NOT direct reprint inquiries to the editors of the mailing lists or me (address of to whom correspondence should be directed for each article are provided). Thank you to all of you who've sent messages of appreciation for the postings. Sincerely, Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov ************************* Triossi, F., D.S. Pace, M.L. Terranova, and P. Renzi*. 1998. The development of suckling behavior in two captive-born calves of bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 75-83. *Dipartmento di Psicologia, Universita degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', via dei Marsi 78, I-00185 Roma, Italy (email: renzi(\)axcasp.caspur.it) Few contrasting results have been obtained on nursing patterns of newborn and infant dolphin calves, so that the development profile of this behaivor is still largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to observe, from birth to one year of age, the development of suckling behavior of two _Tursiops truncatus_ calves that were born three weeks apart in the same aquarium. Duration, frequency, lateralization, and day/night patterns of attempted (AS) and successful (SS) suckling episodes were scored. Observations followed this rationale: (a) 1st week: 20 hours/week; (b) 2nd-8th week: 20 hours/week; (c) 9th-16th week: 20 hours/2 weeks; (d) 17th-52nd week: 20 hours/3 weeks. Overall, the ontogenetic profiles were rather similiar in the two calves, and greater age-related changes were observed during the earlier compared to the later devlopment period. AS frequency was high in the first postpartum phase. It readily decreased to very low levels thereafter, when SS frequency sharply increased, so that by the third day of life the correct behavior had almost totally replaced the attempts. SS duration increased over th efirst few days of life, and showed what appeared as a phase of adjustment around the second month. A circadian pattern was found during the first week of life for successful suckling, whose frequency and duration were higher during the night than during the day time. As for the last months of observation, individual developmental trends of suckling frequency appeared to be fairly consistent with the different time-courses of weaning. Finally, no definite evidence for any nipple preference appeared. ***************** Lewis, M.N.* and C. Campagna. 1998. Flipping sand in elephant seals. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 85-90. *Centro Nacional Patagonico, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina Flipping sand to the dorsum with backward strokes of the foreflippers is one of the most conspicuous behaviours of elephant seals on land. Sand flipping (SF) has been described as a thermoregulatory behaviour, a response to skin irritation and a displacement activity during social conflict. We studied SF in breeding females and suckling pups of the southern elephant seal _Mirounga leonina_, during the 1991 and 1994 reproductive seasons, at Peninsula Valdes (PV), Argentina. At the temperate latitude of PV (42 S), elephant seals are exposed to higher temperatures and solar radiation than in other colonies. Females spend 9% of the non-resting time flipping sand. Sand flipping occurred in 73% of 145 focal animal samples (FAS) taken of different females during a wide range of weather conditions. Sand flipping did not occur in 12% of 57 FAS recorded during the most stringent thermal conditions. Lactating pups displayed SF at a higher frequency than their mothers and the behaviour was also poorly correlated with the thermal context. Sand flipping occurred during rainy days, at night and during conflict situations (e.g., female harassment by males). We found no single cause for SF. It apparently serves more than one function and may better respond to internal variables than to the external environment. ****************** Parsons, E.C.M. 1998. The behaviour of Hong Kong's resident cetaceans: the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin and the finless porpoise. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 91-110. *Current address: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Argyll, PA75 6NU, UK A series of behavioural surveys were conducted in Hong Kong upon resident populations of Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) and finless porpoises (_Neophocaena phocaenoides_). The surveys were carried out from land-based vantage points in areas of known cetacean abundance. Hump-backed dolphins were present year-round in the waters to the north of Lantau Island and to the south during the summer monsoon season. Seasonal changes in abundance were significantly correlated with water temperature (positively) and salinity (negatively). Changes in the outflow of the Pearl River influence hump-backed dolphin distribution in the western waters of Hong Kong. Finless porpoises were only sighted south of Lantau Island and were more frequently observed during the winter. Their abundance was correlated water temperature (negatively) and salinity (positively) and also with the number of reported neonatal porpoise strandings. Seasonal distribution appears to be linked with reproductive cycles and hydrography. Diurnal patterns and tidal state affect the abundance of both species. ***************** Marino, L. 1998. Brain growth patterns in the La Plata River dolphin (_Pontoporia blainvillei_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 111-116. *Neuroscience and Behavioral Biolgoy Program, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA There have been relatively few studies of brain growth in cetaceans despite the potential importance of these studies for understanding cetacean brain-behavior relationships and mammalian brain evolution in general. Among terrestrial mammals, and within the Primate Order most notably, high encephalization levels and long juvenile periods of dependency are associated with a prolonged period of brain development. In the present study, brain growth patterns in the La Plata River dolphin _Pontoporia blainvillei_, were examined. Results show that _P. blainvillei _ possesses a more mature brain throughout development than that previously reported for other odontocete species. Furthermore, the pattern of brain development in _P. blainvillei _ fits into the general pattern of association between adult EQ level and brain maturation in both cetaceans and primates. ****************** Harzen, S. 1998. Habitat use by the bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) in the Sado estuary, Portugal. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 117-128. *Blue Dolphin Research and Consulting, P.O. Box 9243, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA The habitat use of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in the Sado estuary, Portugal(38 29'N, 08 55'W) was studied throughout two periods (June to August 1986-87; May to December 1992-93). Land and boat based observations were conducted, and theodolite tracking and compass triangulation employed, to determine the position of the animals within the study area. Seven ecologically distinct areas, including open ocean, shallow coastal waters, channel areas and shallow waters inside the estuary, were surveyed in this study. Differences were attributed to water depth, water temperature, and currents, abundance of prey and levels of pollution (agricultural, industrial and urban waste water runoffs). The dolphins appear to come into the Sado estuary most often during the morning hours and with flood tide, swimming inward through the southern canal zone and foraging with the current. They may remain in this sub-area or extend to other sub-areas during morning hours. In the early afternoon, the animals can be frequently observed either the southern canal zone, the ship channel or the outside shallows, foraging, traveling or exhibiting non-directional movement. With the beginning of ebb tide, and through the hours of late afternoon, the dolphins gradually move towards the ship channel and the outside shallows, moving progressively downstream and eventually leaving the study area. Duing this slow exodus, the animals continue to forage, participate in social interaction or non-directional movements. ****************** Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange in Atlantic spotted dolphins (_Stenella frontalis_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 129-142. *Current address: Miyake-jima Nature Center, 4188 Tsubota, Miyake-mura, Miyake-jima, Tokyo 100-1211 Japan (email: dudzinsk(\)bio.mie-u.ac.jp) Atlantic spotted dolphins (_Stenella frontalis_) in the Bahamas use a variety of signals (contact behaviors, vocalizations, and postures) to exchange information. Affiliative contact was observed more often than other physical contact. Seven specific contact behaviors were most often observed: rubbing (17.6%), simple contact (13%), petting (12.4%), petting/rubbing (8.5%), contact position (7.3%), melon-to-genital contact (5.8%), and sand rubbing (28.3%). Each of these specific contacts varied according to dolphin age, sex, behavioral activity, and group type. Contact among individauls may be modified by posture, behavior, and internal and external referents: posturing by dolphins appeared to function specifically to indicate intent or message meaning in differing contexts. Age and sex differences were documented as related to initiator and receiver roles assumed by the dolphin. For example, dolphins more often exchanged rubs or pets with individuals of the same sex and age class. Physical contact and vocal type varied significantly, but at differing levels, with behavioral activity, group type and age. Tactile and vocal signals could be used concurrently, to maximize or enhance a message, or could be used separately, but with similiar functions. ******************* Karczmarski, L.* and V.G. Cockcroft. 1998. Matrix photo-identification technique applied in studies of free-ranging bottlenose and humpback dolphins. _Aquatic Mammals_ 24(3): 143-147. *Current address: Oceanic Society, Midway Island Station #2, P.O. Box 29460, Honolulu, Hawaii 96820-1860 No abstract was provided. Relying on a single feature may lead to misidentification. There are several other features which may help in the identification of individual dolphins. Identifying all distinctive marks from photographs and 'grading' them, results in a matrix of features ensuring correct identification. With respect to this, colour positives provide several advantages over black and white negatives. This technique was used during a study of bottlenose and humpback dolphin in the Algoa Bay region, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The method has proven particularly useful for humpback dolphins. ***************** Errata - p. 148 for article appearing in vol 24, issue 1: 'A survey of acoustic harassment device (AHD) use in the Bay of Fundy, NB, Canada' by D.W. Johnston and T.H. Woodley. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 14:24:48 -0600 From: Helen Nearing Subject: Duke Marine Lab summer course Duke University Marine Lab summer course: Marine Mammals 1999 Summer Term II (July 12 - August 13) Submit completed application and current transcript. For application see the Marine Lab's web site (address in signature below) or send complete mailing address to hnearing(\)mail.duke.edu. Tuition scholarships awarded on a competitive basis; scholarship application deadline is March 1. A 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. See http://www.env.duke/edu/marinelab/consbio.html for more information about Term II's Integrated Marine Conservation Program. summer tuition scholarships available 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.e.vnduke.edu/marinelab/marine.html ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 11:24:36 +0100 From: Daniel Pike Subject: Ringed Seals in the North Atlantic ------ The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) is pleased to presen= t Ringed Seals in the North Atlantic, the first volume in the new series NAMMCO Scientific Publications. The purpose of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series is to make available, in published, peer-reviewed for= m, scientific papers which have contributed to the work carried out by the NAMMCO Scientific Committee. NAMMCO was established by an agreement signe= d in 1992 between Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, with th= e purpose of contributing, through regional cooperation and consultation, t= o the conservation, rational management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic. The NAMMCO Scientific Committee provides scientific advic= e on marine mammal species and stocks in the North Atlantic in response to requests forwarded to it by the Council of NAMMCO. The ringed seal, or "natsiq", has always been of profound importance to t= he Inuit of the circumpolar north. Ringed seals can be hunted year-round, a= nd can provide most of the necessities of a nomadic people's life, including food, fuel for the production of heat and light, and skins for the fabrication of clothing, shelter and hunting tools. In the 20th century, the Inuit of Greenland and Canada were integrated into the international economy through their export of sealskins to other countries. In recent decades, however, this trade has been drastically reduced, with dire consequences for the economies of Inuit communities. Ringed Seals in the North Atlantic presents an overview of the most curre= nt scientific knowledge about the ringed seal. The volume begins with a bro= ad assessment of the distribution, abundance and biology of the species, followed by regional overviews of ringed seal populations. The relationship between northern peoples and the ringed seal is elaborated through regional descriptions of catch history and exploitation. Other papers describe our present knowledge of aspects of ringed seal biology, including reproduction, movements, diet and the accumulation of contamina= nts. This volume is edited by Dr Mads Peter Heide-J=F8rgensen, senior scientis= t with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources and current Chairman of the NAMMCO Scientific Commitee, and Dr Christian Lydersen, research scientist with the Norwegian Polar Institute. The Scientific Committee's assessment of ringed seals conducted through a special Working Group in 1996, which included scientific experts from all NAMMCO member countries (Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Norway). The Working Group also benefited greatly from the contributions of scientists from Canada and th= e Russian Federation, whose work is contained in this volume. Ringed Seals in the North Atlantic can be ordered through the NAMMCO Web Site at www.nammco.no. Information about future volumes of NAMMCO Scientific Publications will also be made available on the Web Site. Daniel Pike Scientific Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, University of Troms=F8,'9037 Troms=F8, Norway. Tel: +47 77 64 59 08 Fax: +47 77 64 59 05 Dan.Pike(\)nammco.no ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 15:29:21 +0000 From: Liz Murray Subject: joint statement on cetaceans in NE Atlantic Last summer, Greenpeace UK and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society carried out a dedicated, sightings survey of cetaceans in the offshore area known as the Atlantic Frontier, to the west and north west of Britain. The results have just been published in full and show the area to be really important for many cetacean species, containing a range of cetacean habitats. However, there is growing concern over the deep-sea oil drilling that is proceeding apace in this area, with little assessment of its impact on cetaceans and other marine life. We will be using the results of our survey to press the UK Government for greater cetacean protection in this area. The area has been put forward to the UK Government for consideration as a World Heritage Site (which would rank it alongside places like the Great Barrier Reef). A joint statement (text is below) has been put together highlighting the importance of the area for cetacean species and the threats to them from oil development. If you are able to sign up to the statement as a marine scientist/cetacean expert or on behalf of an organisation then please email me. It doesn't matter if you are not based in the UK (as you will see from the current list of signatories). We hope to release the statement in the UK at the end of February to help add pressure for action. If you want more information, please contact me. The results of the cetacean survey should be up on the Greenpeace UK website soon, although there have been some technical problems with the site that may hold that up. The address is www.greenpeace.org.uk. Greenpeace is also threatening to take the UK Government to court unless the EC Habitats Directive is properly implemented in the Atlantic Frontier. Greenpeace is arguing that the UK Government is failing to protect cetaceans from the impacts of oil licensing by not implementing the Directive up to 200 nautical miles offshore. If you want to know more about this, or could lend your support in some way then please contact me. thanks very much Liz Murray Campaigner, Greenpeace UK lizmurray(\)ednet.co.uk JOINT STATEMENT The waters of the Atlantic Frontier are the richest in Britain for cetaceans, as the survey carried out there this summer by Greenpeace and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society has helped show. The Atlantic Frontier is clearly important for a number of cetacean species, providing a range of different habitats supporting at least 21 species, and is beginning to be understood as a key migration, rearing and feeding area for some species. However, whilst knowledge about the cetaceans of the Atlantic Frontier is only gradually increasing, the area is already subject to oil exploration and production with little understanding of the full effects of this activity on the cetacean populations using the area. We the undersigned, being scientists specialising in the study of cetaceans, or representatives of concerned conservation groups, support the call for the waters of the Atlantic Frontier to be put forward as a World Heritage Site by the UK Government in recognition of the need to protect the valuable ecosystems of this area. CURRENT SIGNATORIES Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Greenpeace Young People's Trust for the Environment & Nature Earthkind Environmental Investigation Agency Scottish Wildlife Trust International Wildlife Coalition Friends of Cardigan Bay Arbeitsgruppe zum Schutz der Meeressaeuger (Schweiz) Agentur Wildtierschutz (Germany) Humane Society International (Latin America) The Humane Society of the US Deutsches Tierhilfswerk Europaeisches Tierhilfwerk Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphin (German Dolphin Conservation Society) Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Tierschutz/Pro Tier Fundacion Cethus (Argentina) Animal Welfare Institute Society for Animal Protective Legislation Guy Linley-Adams Orangutan Foundation ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 12:46:17 EST From: DolphRider(\)aol.com Subject: Position Openings Marine Animal Productions is now taking applications to fill various positions in the marine mammal department. Positions #1...Entry Level Trainer Position will entail working with dolphins and sealions, announcing presentations, and all daily duties. Requirements; College degree, public speaking, scuba certification, prior intership or volunteer work desirable. Position #2...Trainer Positions will entail training of both husbandry and presentation behaviors for dolphins and sealions. Also required will be show production, management, water quality and public speaking. Requirements; College degree, minimum 3 years prior training experience in marine mammals, husbandry training, orginizational and people skills, water quality experience and ability to relocate. Interested Applicants pease send resumes to; MAP c/o Timothy Hoffland PO Box 4078 Gulfport, MS 39502 OR email to Dolphrider (\) aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 09:44:57 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Manatee parasite papers (fwd) From: Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni Dear Marmamers: Two new publications regarding manatees in the Caribbean has appeared in the Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washingto and Veterinary Parasitology. Mignucci-Giannoni, AA, CA Beck, RA Montoya-Ospina & EH Williams. 1999. Parasites and commensals of the West Indian manatee from Puerto Rico. Journal of the Helminthological Society of Washington 66(1):67-69. Abstract: The parasite and commensal fauna of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) inhabiting the waters of Puerto Rico has not been described previously. Metazoan parasites and commensals were collected from dead manatees salvaged in Puerto Rico. Thirty-five manatees were examined between 1980 and 1998. Parasites and commensals were identified in 20 (57%) manatees and, included 3 species of helminths: one nematode (Heterocheilus tunicatus) and two digeneans (Chiorchis fabaceus and Cochleotrema cochleotrema). Two species of commensals were also associated with manatees: a barnacle (Chelonibia manati) and a fish (whitefin remora, Echeneis neucratoides). The three species of helminths found in manatees constitute the first records of these parasites and host relationships for the study area. The record of C. manati is the first for the Caribbean, and thus the species is not endemic to the Gulf of Mexico as previously described. The speculation that West Indian manatees closer to the center of their geographic distribution would have a greater diversity of parasites, was found not true for our insular specimens, but perhaps could be true for continental South American specimens. Mignucci-Giannoni, AA, EH Williams, GM Toyos-Gonzalez, J Perez-Padilla, MA Rodriguez-Lopez, MB Vega-Guerra, M Ventura-Gonzalez. (1999). Helminths from a stranded manatee in the Dominican Republic. Veterinary Parasitology 81(1):69-71.=20 Abstract: Endangered West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) are know to be parasitized by a number of helminths and ectoparasites. Records of parasitic associations exist for Florida, Mexico, Guyana, Brazil, Cuba and recently for Puerto Rico. Parasites of manatees in other Caribbean areas have not been documented, particularly from Hispaniola. We report on the occurrence of a species of nematode and of two trematodes from a 238-cm male manatee from Portillo (19 20=B9N, 69 35=B9W), Las Terrenas, in the Dominican Republic. Three species of helminths were collected, including the opisthotrematid Cochleotrema cochleotrema, the ascarid Heterocheilus tunicatus, and the paramphistomid trematode Chiorchis fabaceus. The documentation of these helminths constitute the first record of these parasites and host relationships for Hispaniola and the second for the northeastern Caribbean. Reprints will be available from the author at the address below. 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 ext.(not yet), Fax 787-751-5386 Emergencies 787-399-8432, 787-402-2337 (unit 990-0440) Email mignucci(\)caribe.net Webpage http://netdial.caribe.net/~mignucci/ From: Andy Williams Subject: Intern opportunity boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0046_01BE4D09.6DB55F80" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0046_01BE4D09.6DB55F80 charset="iso-8859-1" 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. Students will be expected to contribute to the costs of their = accomodation and food at a cost of =A3100 plus a =A340 non-refundable = deposit to secure the place. Opportunities will exist throughout the next 12 months anyone interested = should reply including a 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 =20 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 ------=_NextPart_000_0046_01BE4D09.6DB55F80 charset="iso-8859-1"

The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme is a = non-profit,=20 voluntary
organisation that is undertaking long term pelagic cetacean = surveys.

A volunteer is sought for between one and two weeks to = assist=20 with some of
the data input that needs to be undertaken = urgently.

No=20 payment is offered but accomodation will be arranged and this should = be
seen=20 by students as an opportunity to gain experience of this kind=20 of
work.
 
Students will be expected to contribute to the costs = of their=20 accomodation and food at a cost of  £100 plus a £40=20 non-refundable deposit to secure the place.
 
Opportunities will exist throughout the next 12 = months anyone=20 interested should reply including a CV to  Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-= Dolphin.org.uk

Consideration=20 will be given to the succesful applicant undertaking field
work with = the=20 project if suitable.
 
 
Andy=20 Williams
Biscay Dolphin Research Programme
8 Gibson Close Lee on=20 Solent
Hampshire 
ENGLAND  PO13 8JD
Tel +44 (0)1705=20 552631
Fax +44(0)1705 341576
e-mail Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-= Dolphin.org.uk
Visit=20 us at http://www.Biscay-Dolphin.org.u= k
 
Department of = Environmental=20 Science
University of East London
Romford=20 Rd
London
ENGLAND
------=_NextPart_000_0046_01BE4D09.6DB55F80-- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 15:58:36 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [FAQ also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] Funding Support: MARMAM has recently received financial support (toward expenses of running the editorial email account) from: International Marine Mammal Association (IMMA) Cetacean Society International Many thanks to these two organisations for their continued support. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 >> NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for >> Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: >> - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including >> contact details and website address). >> - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing >> details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of >> speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for >> further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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 February 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 04:10:36 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Beluga's decline won't halt Inlet lease sale (fwd) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 99 12:11:26 -0000 From: aschiro Beluga's decline won't halt Inlet lease sale The Anchorage Daily News Thursday, January 28, 1999 By JON LITTLE Daily News Peninsula Bureau SOLDOTNA - A state oil and gas lease sale spanning the Cook Inlet basin is on track for April, despite calls to delete key tracts near river mouths that are important to the region's declining population of beluga whales. The number of Cook Inlet belugas dropped from an estimated high of 1,000 earlier this decade to a 1998 count of 347, leading the National Marine Fisheries Service to explore whether the animals qualify for federal protection. The federal agency told the state in a letter last summer that the population has reached the point that belugas need extra care. Steven Pennoyer, Alaska administrator for the agency, asked the state to withdraw oil and gas tracts in areas seen as critical to beluga survival - the outlets of 15 major upper Inlet fish streams such as the Kenai, Chickaloon, Drift, Kustatan and Susitna rivers. Whales feed on hooligan and salmon entering the streams each spring and summer, and they may molt and give birth in the relatively warm waters, said Brad Smith, who oversees fisheries service whale research in Cook Inlet. However, the state Department of Natural Resources chose to keep the tracts on the table for the April 21 lease sale. The department determined that subsistence hunting, not oil drilling, was the chief reason for the whale population decline. About 70 Inlet belugas are killed by hunters each year. "Post-sale activities are not expected to have any significant adverse effect on beluga whales or their habitat," the agency wrote in its best-interest finding for the lease sale. The state's finding also noted that the fisheries service is conducting a winterlong review of the status of Inlet belugas. The service is expected to decide this spring whether to pursue listing the belugas for special protection under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. If that occurs, state leasing rules still can change, according to the best-interest finding. Division of Oil and Gas officials involved in the decision were on leave Wednesday and not available for comment. The state's refusal to withdraw sensitive tracts from its lease sale infuriates Bob Shavelson, director of Cook Inlet Keeper, a group that monitors water quality and advocates for the environment. "I thought it was amazing that the state could ignore such important information," he said. "When people identify with Cook Inlet, the beluga whale is one of the first things that comes to mind, and the fact that the state can't even refine a lease sale to accommodate such an important resource is remarkable." Shavelson said his group does not think Gov. Tony Knowles is meeting his pledge to tap Alaska's resources without harming the environment. "We feel the state's refusal to refine this huge sale area is a textbook case of doing it wrong." Not much is known about belugas, but scientists believe they may have the most advanced sonar of any sea mammals. Sensitive to disturbance, they steer clear of small boats cruising near Anchorage, according to the fisheries service. "To date we don't have any indication that oil and gas development has caused harm or killed any belugas, but we have observed a redistribution north from the middle Inlet to the northern district in the last 20 years," Smith said. "That at least coincides in time with some of the development of the Inlet, but there's a lot of other factors you could juggle in there." The estimate of 347 belugas currently living in the Inlet is based on a mathematical formula applied to counts of surfacing whales taken during overflights, Smith said. The formula accounts for whales that may be submerged. The agency is comfortable that there were 280 to 440 of the animals in the Inlet last year, he said. The fisheries service began counting the whales in 1994 and has charted a downward trend, Smith said. Scientists believe the count began as the population already was in decline. The average population over the last five years is about 500. While Alaska waters support some 45,000 belugas, the genetically distinct Inlet population is the only one on the decline, scientists have said. Subject: Florida student chapter meeting info. (fwd) From: Lizz Singh The information for the next meeting of the Florida student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy can be found on our website: http://ompl.marine.usf.edu/mmsg This meeting will be held at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg from February 12-14, 1999. The schedule of the student meeting allows all participants to also attend the Florida Forum on Ocean Conservation, held February 12-13. Highlights of the student conference include guest speakers from the Florida Marine Research Institute and National Marine Fisheries Service. Tours of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Florida Marine Research Institute laboratories, including the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory will be given. Students presentations are encouraged, and a discussion group will be held to debate the feeding of wild dolphins. This meeting is free and open to all interested parties. There is a nominal registration fee for the Florida Forum on Ocean Conservation, where Dr. Carl Safina will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Dr. Sylvia Earle and Governor Jeb Bush (invited). Please see the website for more information and directions. Also, if other regional student groups would like to add their link to our page, please contact our webmistress Linae Boehme (lboehme(\)marine.usf.edu or email her at the website). Lizz Singh University of South Florida Department of Marine Science lizz(\)marine.usf.edu Subject: recent publications (fwd) There follows some recent marine mammal publications. Please do not request from Marmam editors. Thanks. ****************************** Effect of the Queensland Shark Control Program on non-target species: whale, dugong, turtle and dolphin: a review. Gribble, NA; McPherson, G; Lane, B. MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH. Fall 1998 v49 i7 p645-651 Interannual changes in body fat condition index of minke whales in the Antarctic. Ichii, T; Shinohara, N; Fujise, Y; Nishiwaki, S; Matsuoka, K. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. Fall 1998 v175 p1-12 Occurrence patterns, habitat associations, and potential prey of the river dolphin, Inia geoffrensis, in the Cinaruco river, Venezuela. McGuire, TL; Winemiller, KO. BIOTROPICA. December 1998 v30 i4 p625-638 Stenurus minor (Metastrongyloidea : Pseudaliidae) infections of the cranial sinuses of the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena. Faulkner, J; Measures, LN; Whoriskey, FG. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. July 1998 v76 i7 p1209-1216 Multiple levels of single-strand slippage at cetacean tri- and tetranucleotide repeat microsatellite loci. Palsboll, PJ; Berube, M; Jorgensen, H. GENETICS. January 1999 v151 i1 p285-296 Meningoencephalitis due to a sarcocystis neurona-like protozoan in Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi). Lapointe, JM; Duignan, PJ;Marsh, AE; Gulland, FM; Barr, BC; Naydan, DK; King, DP; Farman, CA; Huntingdon, KAB; Lowenstine, LJ. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY. December 1998 v84 i6 p1184-1189 Hookworms (Uncinaria sp.) in Juan Fernandez fur seal pups (Arctocephalus philippii) from Alejandro Selkirk Island, Chile. Sepulveda, MS. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY. December 1998 v84 i6 p1305-1307 Remotely releasable instruments for monitoring the foraging behaviour of pinnipeds. Andrews, RD. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. Fall 1998 v175 p289-294 Subject: Sheep as a prey item in killer whales ? Dear members, I am the webmaster of an educational web site dealing with the killer whale biology. A few weeks ago a visitor e-mailed me telling that he watched a TV documentary showing a killer whale beaching to catch a sheep (or a small mammal as a kid or a lamb). Unfortunately he could not remember precise details neither about the location where this behavior has been shot nor about the documentary title. I reviewed all the literature available to me about orca diet and never read sheep or goat to be documented as prey items. Hoping you heard about that, I would be glad to get any information you could offer. Main reviewed literature : - DAHLHEIM Marilyn E. & HEYNING John E., 1998. Killer whale Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758). RIDGWAY Sam H., Ed. Handbook of marine mammals. Vol. 6. New York, Academc Press. - MATKIN Craig O. & SAULITIS Eva L., 1994. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) biology and management in Alaska. Washington D.C., Marine Mammal Commission. - GUINET Christophe, 1991. Socio-icologie des orques (Orcinus orca) de l'Archipel Crozet: une itude comparative. Marseille, France, Universiti d'Aix-Marseille III, Ph.D. Thesis. - KIRKEVOLD Barvara C. & LOCKARD Joan S., Ed., 1986. Behavioral biology of killer whales. New York, Alan R. Liss, Inc., Zoo Biology Monographs. Sincerely yours, Eric PONCELET, M.B. E-mail : poncelet(\)essi.fr Web : http://orca.citeweb.net ----------------------------------------------------------- Centre de Recherche sur les Mammifhres Marins (CRMM) Institut de la Mer et du Littoral Port des Minimes - 17000 La Rochelle, France Til. : +33 (0)5 46 44 99 10 - Fax : +33 (0)5 46 44 99 45 E-mail : crmm(\)univ-lr.fr - Web : http://crmm.univ-lr.fr ----------------------------------------------------------- Submitted: February 3rd 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Feb 1999 13:03:23 -0800 From: "William F. Perrin" Subject: New book on marine mammal systematics sdwartz(\)umslvma.umsl.edu MARINE MAMMALS OF THE WORLD, SYSTEMATICS AND DISTRIBUTION by Dale W. Rice (Special Publication Number 4 of the Society for Marine Mammalogy) is now available through Allen Press. Many years in the making, the book is 231 pages long and deals with the taxonomy and geographic range of 36 species of pinnipeds, 83 of cetaceans and 5 of sirenians, as well as the aquatic fissiped carnivora, and contains more than 1,200 references. This work is the standard for taxonomic usage in the journal Marine Mammal Science. A quote from John Heyning of the Los Angeles County Museum: "This overview is an exceptional reference for anyone trying to put their study into an up-to-date evolutionary framework. Every serious scholar of marine mammalogy should have this extraordinary reference prominently situated in their library." Jim Mead of the Smithsonian says, "This volume started out as the 4th edition of the List of Marine Mammals of the World. The first three editions were primarily listings of the recognized species with capsular treatments of their natural history. Dale Rice is an avid reader of the technical literature on cetaceans and had the experience to appreciate its relevance. He found it difficult to confine himself to the 'list' treatment and the current book is the result. Dale is one of the few scientists whose interests and expertise are broad enough to do such a critical review of the knowledge of cetacean biology. As a past president of the Society for Marine Mammalogy I am extremely pleased that we can publish this book." To order: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- The Society for Marine Mammalogy P.O. Box 1897 Lawrence, KS 66044, U.S.A. Tel: 1-800-627-0629; Fax: 785-843-1274 Please send me _____ copies of Special Publication Number 4 (\) $20.00 + $5.00 (North America) or $10.00 (International) shipping and handling Name_______________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ State/Prov.____________Country_____________ZIP/Postal Code__________ [check one] purchase order_____ Check payable to Society for Marine Mammalogy Mastercard______, Visa______: _____-_____-_____-_____ (card number) Expiration date (mo/yr)______________ Signature______________________________________________ Further inquiries can be addressed to Bill Perrin at wperrin(\)ucsd.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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, 4 Feb 1999 11:26:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: More details (fwd) From: Gregory Donovan <101455.1360(\)compuserve.com> Dear all Late last year I drew your attention to the establishment of a new journal, the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. This is just to update this and include subscription information. As you can see, there is a 15% subscription discount for members of the European Cetacean Society and the Society for Marine Mammalogy. More information, including the Guide for Authors and an order form can be obtained from the IWC web site: : http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice. You are encouraged both to submit suitable papers for consideration and, of course, to subscribe! INTRODUCTION This peer-reviewed Journal has been established to publish papers on those matters of most importance to the conservation and management of whales, dolphins and porpoises, and in particular papers that are relevant to the tasks of the IWC Scientific Committee. These will include papers on: * population assessment and trends * population dynamics * population biology * taxonomy * risk averse management strategies * direct and indirect exploitation * environmental changes and threats in the context of cetaceans * scientific aspects of whale watching and sanctuaries The language of the Journal is English. The aim of the Journal is to publish high quality original papers that advance scientific knowledge significantly and that can contribute to the wise conservation and management of cetacean species. Publisher: International Whaling Commission, Cambridge, UK ISSN: 1561-0713 Format: 295mm x 210mm, double column, hard-wearing softback Index: included in the December issue - both by author and subject Periodicity: Three times per year - April, September, December Supplement: This will contain the full Report of the Scientific Committee Annual Subscription: #100 [US$175; individual (Note: ca. 15% discount for members of ECS and SMM - rates therefore: #60 or US$105 or Individual issues: #25 [US$40; Supplement only: #40 [US$70; Slainte Greg Donovan Editor *************************************************************************** Journal Of Cetacean Research and Management International Whaling Commission The Red House, 135 Station Road Impington, Cambridge CB4 9NP, UK Tel: +44-1223-233971 Fax: +44-1223-232876 e-mail (Journal): IWCJournal(\)CompuServe.com e-mail (Subscriptions): subscriptions(\)iwcoffice.org Web page: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice Subject: Re: New publication concerning toxicology in beluga whales (fwd) From: Julie Gauthier "Dear Marmamers, I had sent a message about a new publication concerning toxicology in beluga whales entitled: "Mercury-induced micronuclei in skin fibroblasts of beluga whales.Gauthier, J.M.; Dubeau, H.; Rassart, E. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. December 1998 v17 i12 p2487-2493". I got over 70 reprint requests. I was not expecting so much. My thesis supervisor is not able to pay for postage for all of these. =20 Before I got the brakes put on on my sending spree, I had time to send out reprints to: Richard Sears Randy Wells Kerrie Brekett William Perrin John Calambokidis David St-Aubin Lena Measures St=E9phane Lair Richard Bailey Robin Baird Andr=E9 Castonguay I could send reprints ONLY to the other people who have NO WAY of tocopying the paper themselves. Please email me again if this is your situation. I apologize greatly for this inconvenience, Best wishes to all, 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 From: Jan Hannah Organization: IMMA Inc. Subject: New field guide: Seals of Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern US The International Marine Mammal Association (IMMA) has recently published a field guide entitled "Seals of Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States". This 33 page colour guide introduces readers to the six seal species found along the east coast of North America: harp, hooded, harbour, grey, ringed and bearded. Photographs and illustrations are used to highlight distinguishing characteristics of adults and juveniles in order to aid in their identification in the field. The guide begins with a general introduction to pinnipeds, followed by an introduction to the six seal species of the east coast, how to act around them in the wild, hints to help identify seals in their natural habitat and general life history information about each species. The field guide ends with a brief section on strandings and stranding contacts. This guide is intended for use by stranding networks, universities and colleges, scientists, naturalists, and tourists, and is available through IMMA for $5.95 (Canadian) per copy plus postage. Please visit our website at http://www.imma.org to view portions of the field guide and for more ordering information, or contact admin(\)imma.org. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 6 Feb 1999 11:09:52 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cetacean DNA from bone samples (fwd) Forwarded from ECS-mailbase. Please note contact information below when replying. ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________ Subject: Cetacean DNA Author: Dr Jacqui Mulville at ~smtp Date: 2/4/99 2:43 PM Hello, I am an archeaologist working with whale bone recovered from sites in western scotland. I am interested in identifying all of my whale bone, much of which has been worked or fragmented so that all morphological criteria for identification has been removed. I know that whale DNA has been studied for the purpose of identifying whale meat, but someone has suggested to me that it may be possible to identify whalebone to species using DNA. Has anyone heard of this being undertaken. Who in the UK (or europe)knows about the idenfification of whale species from DNA? Also, although I have identified some of my material using the BM(NH) collections does anyone know of any reference books useful in the identification of whale skeletal material, many books deal with skulls but few examine skeletal morphology in detail. Thanks. Jacqui Mulville ---------------------- Dr Jacqui Mulville Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1RB Tel:01703-594197 http://www.arch.soton.ac.uk/ J.A.Mulville(\)soton.ac.uk Subject: New legislation on cetaceans approved in the Azores (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 19:48:14 -0100 Dear All, Sorry for any cross-posting between MARMAM and ECS. On January 28, the Regional Government of the Azores approved a new legislation to regulate the whale watching activity and any other involving the observation of cetaceans. The general rules took in account the results of the Montecastelo-di-Vibio and Martinica Workshops (see bibliography below), and a long discussion phase with whale watching operators, scientific specialists, the population and Government. The law now approved covers several aspects of the licensing of activities, observation, filming and photographing, research and other cases. In summary, the approach of cetaceans must obey some rules, either regarding the distance as well as the direction, speed and time spent near the animals. The distances vary with situation but, as a general rule, it must not be less than 50 m in any case. The approach must be done from behind, leaving a free zone in front of the animals of at least 180:, by only one boat at time. Other boats may be in the vicinity, but not closer than 200m. Each boat must stay no longer than 30 min. with the same animal/group. Aircrafts must not fly under 300 m above the cetaceans for observation. No scuba diving is allowed with any cetacean, and snorkelling is allowed only with a list of delphiniids. Observation with submersibles, subaquatic-scooters, kayaks, boards, Jet-skis and similar platforms is not permitted, as well as during the night. Companies dedicating to whale watching must apply for a permit, stating amongst other things, the characteristics of the boats to be used. Recreational observation has to give priority to commercial tour operators, researchers and licensed photo/filming crews. The natural photographers and researchers must apply for a special permit if their work need exceptions to the rules. No harassing, behavioural manipulation or feeding are allowed in any case, except under special license, only for research purposes. These are only a few highlights on the new law, and are not intended to serve as guide for any research/commercial application. One should also bear in mind that there are other legislation concerning marine mammals in Portugal, that should not to be disregarded when planning any work in the Portuguese waters. These are the cases of Berna and Washington (CITES) conventions and Habitats Directive, of which Portugal is signatory. Please don't direct any inquiries to me. One possible way of getting further information is through the Tourism Bureau: DIRECGCO REGIONAL DE TURISMO Rua Ernesto Rebelo, n: 14 9900 - Horta - Portugal Tel.: +351 (92) 200500 Fax.: +351 (92) 200501 References: #IFAW, 1995. Report of the Workshop on the Scientific Aspects of Managing Whale-Watching, Montecastelo di Vibio, Italy. 40 pages. #IFAW, 1996. Report of the Workshop on the Special Aspects of Watching Sperm-Whales, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica. 36 pages. Rui Prieto _____________________ Dep. Oceanography and Fisheries Univ. Azores Cais Sta. Cruz; PT 9901-862 PORTUGAL Phone: + 351 (0) 92 292988 Fax: + 351 (0) 92 292659 http://www.uac.pt/dop Subject: Course on Dolphins in Eilat, Israel (fwd) From: Reef Lab Basic Course in Dolphin Behaviour and Dolphin-Assisted Therapy General Information The Dolphin Reef Eilat, Israel, offers a unique chance to observe the impressive social life and the striking behavioural accomplishments of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The mixed group of ten dolphins, containing individuals of both sexes and all age classes, including six dolphins born here in Eilat, shows a big repertoire of social interactions. The dolphins are living in a spacious enclosure, separated from the open sea only by a large meshed net. As no separations are imposed on the animals, and as they have continuous access to the open sea via two gates, they were able to establish a well structured social system, with sophisticated interaction patterns between all individuals. Besides this, a very special dolphin-human bond has developed over the years. This relationship is integrated in a program of dolphin-assisted therapy with children suffering from various mental and physical problems. The Dolphin Reef is hosting a scientific research facility that deals with various aspects of dolphin behaviour and communication, named the International Laboratory of Dolphin Behaviour Research. The work of the lab is strictly non-invasive, meaning that no experiments are carried out here, which could possibly harm or harass the animals. For the third year now, the members of the laboratory are offering an educational course that includes an introduction to both dolphin behaviour and dolphin-human interaction. Course Details The course will be carried out over a period of one week. The next course dates are: Course #6 08. - 14. March, 1999 Course #7 03. - 09. May, 1999 There will probably be another course in October 1999. The courses will introduce you to the following topics: + Dolphin behaviour and communication. + Methods of behavioural data sampling and analysis. + Marine mammal physiology and ecology. + Dolphin conservation and rehabilitation. + Marine ecology. + Dolphin-human interaction, including dolphin-assisted therapy. + Psychological aspects of therapy with the aid of dolphins. + Case studies from the therapy project in Eilat. The course will consist of seminars and practical sessions scheduled throughout the day, presented by the scientists of the lab as well as invited experts. It is open to students age 18 and above, with no special prerequisites concerning scientific experience. To ensure individualised instructions the number of participants will be limited to a maximum of ten persons. A certificate of attendance will be handed over at the end of the course. A successful participation will be a crucial prerequisite for different matters, e.g. participation in the volunteer program. If you are interested in the course, or for further information (accommodation, fees, etc), please feel free to contact us. Frank Veit & Elke Bojanowski. International Laboratory of Dolphin Behaviour Research, c/o Dolphin Reef, Southern Beach, P.O.Box 104, Eilat 88100, Israel, Tel: +972-7-6341 868; Fax : +972-7-6375 921; email: Reeflab(\)isdn.net.il Subject: Residency in Wildlife Health, New Zealand (fwd) From: "Norman, Richard" Position Announcement RESIDENT IN WILDLIFE HEALTH (Massey University and Auckland Zoo) Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences Motivated veterinary graduates with some clinical experience and a demonstrated interest in wildlife health are invited to apply for the position of Resident in Wildlife Health. You will be based at the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where you will pursue coursework, research and participate in the wildlife diagnostic and teaching programs of the Pathobiology and Infectious Diseases management groups. The position will involve a 3 month placement at Auckland Zoo working in the zoo's clinical, research and conservation programs. The residency is supported in part by funding from the Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand's Marine Environment Protection program and the Department of Conservation, and the resident will share some responsibilities for providing services to these. You will be expected to pursue a suitable postgraduate qualification. Enquiries of an academic nature should be addressed to Richard Norman, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife Health, IVABS, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand (Ph. +64 6 350 6117 Fax. +64 6 350 5636 Email: R.Norman(\)massey.ac.nz). A statement of your career goals should accompany your Curriculum Vitae. An information package including the Conditions of Appointment can be obtained from the Human Resources Section (telephone +64 6 350 5299 or email HRS(\)massey.ac.nz). Applications, including a full Curriculum Vitae and the names, addresses and facsimile numbers of three referees should be sent to "Academic Vacancies", Human Resources Section, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand before the closing date specified. Reference Number 13/99L must be quoted. Closing Date : 12th March 1999 The Massey University web page address is http://www.massey.ac.nz General information about Palmerston North can be found on the Web at http://www.pncc.govt.nz -------------end of announcement------------------- Addendum for MARMAM list: Massey University has contracts with our Department of Conservation to examine all stranded whales on the New Zealand coast, and this program has been running for about two years under the auspices of the Massey University Cetacean Investigation Centre. Massey's activity in stranding investigation, stranding response and also welfare of whales at slaughter has been running for many years, initially under the late David Blackmore and now under the Danish graduate Per Madie. Massey has a separate contract to examine all bycatch marine mammals reported from fisheries in New Zealand. This has involved necropsy work on large numbers of New Zealand fur seals A. forsteri, and smaller numbers of delphinids including Hectors dolphins Cephalorhynchus hectori. A third area of contracted investigation has been into the epidemic deaths of Hooker's sea lions Phocarctos hookeri. My colleague Dr Padraig Duignan, whose PhD research was at Guelph on seal morbillivirus, is in the middle of a 6 week expedition to the subantarctic Auckland Islands with a team which includes Dr Frances Gulland from the Sausalito Marine Mammal Centre, monitoring this species for a recurrence of the disease. I moved to New Zealand to join Massey in September last year. My area of research is in parasitic disease in fur seals and penguins (a zookeeper friend suggested penguins are honorary marine mammals?). The post will be by no means a residency in marine mammal pathology because we have many other areas of activity in wildlife health including projects on endangered birds and terrestrial vertebrate pests. However the resident can expect significant exposure to the marine mammal programs here. Richard J. de B. Norman BVSc, MVS, MACVSc, MRCVS. Senior Lecturer in Wildlife Health Institute of Veterinary, Animal & Biomedical Sciences (IVABS) Massey University Private Bag 11222 Palmerston North New Zealand Phone (direct) +64 (0)6 350 6117 Phone +64 (0)6 356 9099 ext. 6117 Fax +64 (0)6 350 5636 Email: R.Norman(\)massey.ac.nz Organization: ITGE Subject: MARiNET, a Spanish-language list of MARINE RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENT ------ --=20 Dear marine collegues: Enclose information of the new spanish-language list MARiNET, full information at URL at http://tierra.rediris.es/marinet/informacion.html=20 MARiNET, a SPANISH-language list of MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND RESEARCH topics focused as a platform point to disseminate information within the IBEROAMERICAN countries.=20 Homepage of the MARiNET list can be found at URL: http://tierra.rediris.es/marinet/informacion.html Sugerences or comments, please send a email to the list owner: Luis Somoza (luis.somoza(\)itge.es) adressed at Marine Geology Dv., Geological Survey of Spain http://www.teleline.es/personal/lsomoza/home.html=20 MARiNET aim is to auspicie a useful electronic tools to link citizens interested in preserving marine environment and governement organisations dedicated to marine research and managenment. The main scientific discussion topics pursuits within MARiNET are the next: marine research trends, past and future; ecological man-induced and natural disasters affecting beach, marsh, estuary, r=EDa, delta and bay coastal environments; heavy metals concentrations and mine/urban/industrial waste pollution in coastal areas; Submarine national parks and marine reserves; Marine research in the Antarctica, ecological impacts; Artificial reefs; Oceanic geostrophic currents; Primary marine productivity; Fishering stocks; Marine mamals; Organic matter transfer processes; benthic living organism near oil and gas seeps; Aquiculture; Submarine canyons and upwelling currents; Cables wire, slopes and environment problems; Marine resources; Extreme living organisms; Submarine vulcanism; Hidrate methane released and climate changes; Oil platforms future and contamination levels; Sea level and climate change (past and future); Geographic Informations Sytems (GIS) and Satelite uses in Oceanography; New marine technologies; The Sea: Science and Mitology (The Bermudas Triangle, The Atlantida, Tartessos, etc); Open Channel Services (AlertMAR) to ecological marine disaster; Oceanographic cruises information; meetings and congress.=20 To suscribe to the list send a message to: LISTSERV(\)LISTSERV.REDIRIS.ES with the following text in the body: SUBSCRIBE MARINET tunombre tusapellidos MARiNET es un FORO en ESPA=D1OL de MEDIO AMBIENTE e INVESTIGACIONES MARINAS de =E1mbito IBEROAMERICANO.La p=E1gina principal de informaci=F3n de MARiNET la puede= s encuentrar en http://tierra.rediris.es/marinet/informacion.html Si tienes sugerencias, comentarios o dudas mandame un correo a Luis Somoza (luis.somoza(\)itge.es) Geolog=EDa Marina, ITGE, http://www.teleline.es/personal/lsomoza/home.html=20 MARiNET tiene como objetivo fundamental propiciar la interacci=F3n electr=F3nica coordinada entre=20 personas interesadas en preservar el medio-ambiente marino y profesionales de Universidades, Organismos P=FAblicos de Investigaci=F3n, Empresas, Entidades e Instituciones p=FAblicas y privada= s dedicadas a la gesti=F3n e investigaci=F3n del mar. En definitiva, el objetivo es constituir un marco comun donde los cient=EDficos y, en general, los investigadores -en el sentido m=E1s amplio del t=E9rmino- dedicados al Medio Ambiente e Investigaciones Marinas puedan reunirse electr=F3nicamente, dar su opini=F3n, presentar y debatir propuestas. Asimismo, se cuenta con servicio de alerta de impactos medio-ambientales AlertMAR, para todo aquel, que sin pertener a MARiNET quiera testificar cambios, contaminaci=F3n e impactos en el entorno marino.=20 Los TEMAS CIENTIFICOS que se pretenden abordar cubren todos el espectro de INVESTIGACIONES MARINAS, significando los siguientes: futuro, l=EDneas y proyectos de la investigaci=F3n marinas; Impactos ambientales y erosion de zonas costeras (playas, marismas, estuarios, rias, deltas, bah=EDas); Niveles base de metales pesados y contaminaci=F3n org=E1nica en zonas costeras (vertidos mineros, industriales, urbanos, etc. ); Parques Nacionales y reservas submarinas; Investigaci=F3n marina en la Ant=E1rtida; Arrecifes artificiales; Artes de pesca e impactos ambientales; Recursos e investigaci=F3n en las Zonas Econ=F3micas Exclusivas ZEE; Corrientes oce=E1nicas; Fluctuaciones en productividad primaria marina; Interacci=F3n entre organismos bent=F3nicos y fondos marinos; Organismos pel=E1gicos, migraciones y corrientes oce=E1nicas; Control de "stocks" en pesquer=EDa; mamiferos marinos; Problematica medio-ambiental de los niveles de capturas; Acuicultura; Ca=F1ones submarinos, mega-deslizamientos submarinos, cableados telef=F3nico e instalaci=F3n de gaseoductos submarinos; recursos naturales no renovables en los fondos oceanicos: hidrotermalismo, gases hidratados, petroleo, etc.; el papel de los gases hidratados en el cambio clim=E1tico; detecci=F3n de contaminaci=F3n y control de plataform= as petrol=EDferas; cambio clim=E1tico y nivel del mar (el Fen=F3meno del Ni=F1o, Gota Fr=EDa en el Mediterr=E1neo); Sistemas de Informaci=F3n Geogr=E1fica (SIG) en Oceanograf=EDa; Teledetecci=F3n en Oceanograf=EDa;Arqueolog=EDa submarina y problem=E1tic= a de los "pecios" submarinos; metodos geofisicos de detecci=F3n de pecios; nuevas tecnolog=EDas de investigaci=F3n marinas (robots, estaciones), buques oceanogr=E1ficos, etc.; linea abierta de observaci=F3n de impactos medio-ambientales en zonas costeras y plataformas continentales AlertMAR; El Mar, Leyendas y Ciencia (El Triangulo de las Bermudas, Tartessos, Atl=E1ntida)= ; Noticias sobre congresos, campa=F1as oceanogr=E1ficas , proyectos, etc.=20 Para suscribirse manda un email a: LISTSERV(\)LISTSERV.REDIRIS.ES con el siguiente texto en el cuerpo del mensaje: SUBSCRIBE MARINET tunombre tusapellidos ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 10:33:38 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Suchman, Cynthia" Marine Mammals: Most Recent Developments -- 2/8/99 (updated daily) Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division Congressional Research Service New info and changes since 1/29/99 are bracketed {...} New info and changes since 2/4/99 double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS Questionable Whalemeat Trade? Two American scientists published an article in the Jan. 28, 1999, issue of Nature outlining how DNA analysis indicated that meat from a blue whale/fin whale hybrid killed in 1989 by Iceland under a scientific permit was sold in 1995 in a Osaka, Japan, market. [Detroit Free Press, Fox News] {North Atlantic Right Whale Population. In late January 1999, NMFS and New England Aquarium officials announced concern for north Atlantic right whales, after only two females with calves were spotted off the coast of GA and north FL. This compares to 17 calves born in 1997 and 6 in 1998. However, no north Atlantic right whales have been killed in ship collisions during their last two migrations.}[New York Times, Boston Herald] Greenpeace and IWC Observer Status. On Jan. 19-20, 1999, Japanese officials reportedly met with International Whaling Commission (IWC) officials in Cambridge, UK, seeking to have Greenpeace stripped of its observer status for IWC meetings. Japanese officials accused Greenpeace of terrorist activities against Japan's whaling fleet, citing the encounter in Noumea, New Caledonia, in early December 1998. [Environment News Service] Japanese Whaling. In mid-January 1999, Japan's whaling mothership, Nisshin Maru, was reported to have left Japan, after repairs, to resume whaling in the Antarctic. [personal communication] TX Dolphin Feeding/Petting Pool. On Jan. 15, 1999, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society was reported as sending a letter to the Texas State Aquarium at Corpus Christi, warning that a planned dolphin petting facility would be bad for dolphins and humans. The UK Society based its assertion on a recently completed four-month undercover investigation of the impacts of U.S. dolphin feeding/petting pools on captive dolphins and interacting humans. [Environment News Service] FL Manatees. On Jan. 11, 1999, the FL Dept. Of Environmental Protection released the results of the Jan. 6 survey ? 1,873 animals (1,025 on FL's west coast and 848 on FL's east coast). This compares to a count of 2,022 animals in 1998. Managers suggest the lower 1999 count reflects an unusually warm December rather than a decline in population. On Jan. 6, 1999, FL officials announced that 66 manatees had been killed by boats in 1998 -- a record high number for this cause of death. Altogether, a total of 231 manatees were found dead in 1998, the third highest mortality year on record. On Jan. 6, 1999, scientists from 10 federal and state agencies formed into 20 teams were scheduled to conduct their annual aerial survey of overwintering manatees, with 5 additional teams conducting a ground survey. This survey is scheduled during cold weather when manatees congregate in warm-water outflows from 17 power plants and 2 paper mills as well as 3 natural springs. As of Jan. 5, 1999, eight manatee deaths had already been reported in 1999. {{On Feb. 19, 1999, Tampa Bay?s Manatee Awareness Coalition is scheduled to begin a 3-year Manatee Watch campaign, cosponsored by Tampa Bay Watch and the FL Marine Research Institute and intended to inform boaters of manatee habitat in Tampa Bay and reduce manatee deaths from boat collisions. The Coalition is proposing new manatee protection zones to keep manatees and speeding boats apart.}}[Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Canadian Sealing. On Jan. 5, 1999, the Newfoundland government released a study, commissioned by its Fisheries Minister John Efford, suggesting the harp seal population could sustain a massive one-time cull of 2 million seals or a moderately increased hunt of 400,000 seals over several decades. On Jan. 6, 1999, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the 1999 harp seal quota would be 275,000 animals, the same as in 1998. Mr. Anderson announced that a C$2 million aerial survey of the harp seal population would be conducted this spring as a basis for developing the government's future seal management strategy; a hooded seal survey is scheduled for 2000. The last survey in 1994 resulted in an estimate of 4.8 million harp seals. In addition, broader studies and consultations are planned on better determining the influence of seals on cod stocks, and to better estimate the number of seals that may be struck and lost. The 1999 hooded seal quota will also remain unchanged from 1998 at 10,000 animals. On Jan. 20, 1999, court proceedings resumed in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, against 7 sealers accused of breaking various fishery regulations when killing harp seals. Defense attorneys, however, accuse the cameramen who filmed the sealers of misrepresenting their intentions and obtaining permits to film the seal hunt under false pretense. [Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun, High North Alliance News] Gulf of Maine Harbor Porpoise. On Jan. 5, 1999, NMFS published notice that it was withdrawing its earlier proposal to list the Gulf of Maine//Bay of Fundy harbor porpoise population as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS found that such listing was not warranted at this time. [Fed. Register] Gray Whale Migration. On Jan. 3, 1999, Kodiak Island, AK, residents reported hundreds of gray whales massing off Narrow Cape, rather than migrating to California and Mexico. Warmer than usual water temperatures are the suggested cause of the abnormal behavior. [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: TX student chapter of SMM meeting Howdy: The TX student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will hold its first meeting on Friday, February 26th, 1999 in Galveston, TX. The meeting will take place in the CLB Auditorium, Room 100 from 6-8pm. Directions are as follows: 45S into Galveston turns into Broadway. Turn left on 51st and continue across the bridge to Pelican Island. The first entrance on the right will lead into the A&M campus. Take the right fork in the road and then the first left into the faculty parking lot where parking after 5pm is allowed. The CLB Auditorium is the 2 story building on the left. More detailed directions and a map can be found on the web page which should be up and running next week. We will put out a notice with the web site address. The tentative schedule for the meeting includes an introduction to the chapter, a discussion of goals, committee nominations, and a possible surprise speaker (we're working on it!). We would like to require that nominated persons be present at the meeting so they are able to tell the chapter of their interest and background. We also ask that committee members be students. If you are unable to make the meeting and would like to be considered for nomination, please contact us at txsmm(\)hotmail.com with your intent. The committee will consist of 7 members with 2 seats reserved for grad students, 2 for undergraduates, and 3 wild card spots. Terms will last one year. The reason for a committee this large is the number of members- 70 and counting! We have decided to include non-students as members of this chapter because of their potential interest in becoming a student of marine mammal science and /or participating in related research. Again, membership in the Society for Marine Mammalogy is not a requirement for this chapter. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Please contact us with any questions you may have. Thanks! Lara Hinderstein Steve MacLean Texas A&M University txsmm(\)hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 17:06:48 -0800 Reply-To: stricker(\)gvn.net From: Fran Stricker Organization: Animal Protection Institute Subject: International Dolphin Competition canceled ------ The Global Intertainment Corporation (GIC), a Canadian Internet gaming company, has canceled their dolphin racing and jumping competition scheduled for this month in the Caribbean. In response to inquiries from the Animal Protection Institute, GIC wrote =93we have dropped our interes= t in Dolphin Racing and will not be pursuing this issue any further.=94 Shawn Balaghi, GIC=92s Operation Manager indicated they received a large amount of letters asking GIC to reconsider sponsoring this event. Fran Stricker Marine Mammal Program Coordinator Animal Protection Institute P.O. Box 22505 Sacramento, CA 95822 stricker(\)gvn.net www.api4animals.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 23:07:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: National Geographic TV Special - Dolphins: The Wild Side (fwd) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TELEVISION Presents the NBC Premiere Broadcast DOLPHINS: THE WILD SIDE Saturday, February 13, 1999 8:00 pm (Please check your local listing) Narrated by: Stacy Keach Photographed and Directed by: Paul Atkins Produced by: Grace Niska Atkins Associate Producer: Anne Marie Hammers Edited by: Emmanuel Mairesse Written by: Kevin McCarey Music by: the insects "Supremely adapted to their water world, the dolphin family is comprised of a variety of warm-blooded, intelligent animals that have managed to exploit virtually every acquatic habitat. This Special reveals the most up-to-date understanding of dolphins and shows us behavior that is often astonishing and even shocking. For most people, thoughts of dolphins bring to mind the beloved bottlenose -- the friendly "Flipper" of television. But the popular image obscures the fascinating and complex truth about dolphins. Far from cute, cuddly playthings, they are truly wild animals. Intelligent and sometimes friendly, yes -- but they are also devious, aggressive and even brutal. They are social hunters that have had to develop a complex balance of cooperation and conflict to survive in an often harsh, alien world." "Dolphins: The Wild Side,: a new National Geographic Special airing on NBC, Saturday, February 13 at 8:00pm ET (check local listings) Subject: WhaleNet available in English, Spanish, French & German WhaleNet now has pages available in French, Spanish, and German as well as English. More pages will be forthcoming in these languages as time permits. WhaleNet is an interdisciplinary, student-centered, interactive educational program focused on whales, the marine habitat, and environmental studies. WhaleNet uses advanced technologies, satellite monitoring data, and telecommunications to enhance environmental awareness, develop interest in science and improve skills in problem solving and critical thinking. The program provides a range of high interest "hands-on" materials and supplementary curricular activities. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 23:11:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: pingers (fwd) Forwarded message: I'm in the microelectronics business. I'm interested in the possibility of building pingers that have the following two features: 1. lower cost to the fishermen 2. greater effectiveness for the dolphins In aid of the above goals, can anyone help me with information regarding A. who currently sells fish-net pingers B. where I might find an annotated database of dolphin calls (I should be so lucky to find something that translates to "There's a net here") Douglas Kerns electronic sensors and instrumentation d_kerns(\)alumni.caltech.edu Subject: Current Contents: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy Marine Sanctuary List , Intenviron-L , Infoterra , Indonesia Discussion List , Indian Environmental Issues , Fishfolk , Fisheries Social Science Network , Fish & Wildlife Management , Environmental Law List , Elephant-L Discussion List , Econet-Marine Issues , CITES Discussion List , ASIL International Environmental Law Section , Aquatic Discussion List , Africa Discussion List Contents of Volume 1:2 Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy * Kevin Kennedy, The GATT-WTO System: Environmental Friend or Foe?: * Leslie Johnston & Eric Dannenmaier, Sustainable Use of Wildlife: The Role of Private Contracts as a Conservation Tool; * Karen Simpson, The Fiftieth Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission; * Howard S. Schiffman, The Dispute Settlement Mechanism of UNCLOS: A Potentially Important Provision for Marine Wildlife Management; * Steve Charnovitz, World Trade Organization "Turtle" Decision Makes Progress; * Documents: * Declaration by the Science, Technology and Research Commission of the Organization of African Unity, Task Force on Community Rights and Access to Biological Resources; * OAU Draft Legislation on Access to Biological Resources and Community Rights; * Resolutions of the 50th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission Wil Burns, Managing Editor Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 2124 Kittredge Street, Suite 805 Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 JIWLP(\)earthling.net http://www.kluwerlaw.com/cgi-bin/journal.pl ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 14:15:39 +0100 From: Green Volunteers Subject: Green Volunteers 1999 GREEN VOLUNTEERS The World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation REF: THE 1999 EDITION OF GREEN VOLUNTEERS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED Dear MARMAM friends, The 1999 updated edition of GREEN VOLUNTEERS, the World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation, has been published. The guide contains about 170 projects and organizations worldwide where people can volunteer for short or long term. Many projects concern Marine Mammals. We tried to select as many as possible low cost projects. We also tried to focus more and more on small conservation projects in developing countries. The Guide is an excellent resource for students and researchers for finding new research and experience 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, or on our web page, please contact us at greenvol(\)iol.it ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 08:49:41 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Announcement for new chapter (fwd) We would like to announce that a new tri-state (Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana) student chapter for the Society of Marine Mammalogy has been established. This chapter is intended to serve and to inform those interested in marine mammal issues in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. This chapter is based at the University of Southern Mississippi. Any questions and/or comments regarding the development of this chapter and its future activities should be addressed to Heather Hill at: hdolphin18(\)aol.com. Links will be available through the USM Department of Psychology web page and the Marine Life Oceanarium web page. More information regarding future activities and specific web site addresses will be available soon. Heather Hill hdolphin18(\)aol.com Subject: WHALE WATCHING PUT ON WATCH WHALE WATCHING PUT ON WATCH -- Vancouver Province, p. A31, Charlie Anderson, 14/02/99 -- Ed Lochbaum, marine mammal coordinator for the federal department of fisheries and oceans, is convening a workshop in Victoria in April bringing together ecotourism operators, environmentalists, scientists, government and tourist agencies, because the province's ecotourism industry is showing signs of having reached its limit, both in size and its impact on the wildlife that is its bread and butter. Operators have already drawn up a code of whale-watching conduct that is far clearer and more strict than any U.S. or Canadian marine rules, but the industry remains self-regulated. Posted by Annelise Sorg ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 04:54:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new Tethys Research Institute web site The Tethys Research Institute Home Page at has been dramatically improved. Besides the Institute's extensive activity report (1986-present) and its scientific contributions, the site contains features that may be of interest to readers: - information and guidelines for internships with the Tethys Research Institute - information on cetacean research courses and volunteer programs in the Mediterranean Sea - a list of about 4,800 literature titles included in the Tethys' "Venice Marine Mammal Library" - links to marine mammal resources. ______________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi bearzi(\)tin.it Tethys Research Institute / Venice Dolphin Project c/o Thetis SpA, Castello 2737/f, 30122 Venezia, Italy tel. +39 0412406336; fax +39 0415210292 http://www.tethys.org ______________________________________________ Subject: CRS Weekly summary to U.S. Congress, 2/12/99 (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 09:38:44 -0500 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 FL Manatees. On Feb. 19, 1999, Tampa Bay?s Manatee Awareness Coalition is scheduled to begin a 3-year Manatee Watch campaign, cosponsored by Tampa Bay Watch and the FL Marine Research Institute and intended to inform boaters of manatee habitat in Tampa Bay and reduce manatee deaths from boat collisions. The Coalition is proposing new manatee protection zones to keep manatees and speeding boats apart. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] {{West Coast Seal and Sea Lion Report. On Feb. 11, 1999, NMFS sent an 18-page report to Congress and released a supporting 84-page scientific document on management conflicts related to rapidly increasing populations of west coast harbor seals and California sea lions. This report states that, where these seals or sea lions are preying on salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act or proposed for such listing, state and federal managers, under strict federal guidelines and as a last resort, should be permitted to kill these animals. The report similarly recommends killing animals causing repeated, serious conflicts with human activity, if individual animals fail to respond to deterrence. Attention to development of additional safe and effective deterrents is also recommended. The report recommended that Congress consider reinstating authority for fishermen to kill a seal or sea lion to protect catch or gear if the animal cannot be deterred.}}[NMFS press release] {Exxon Valdez Spill Recovery. On Feb. 9, 1999, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council issued a report on progress with recovery nearly 10 years after the spill in Prince William Sound, AK. Only 2 of nearly 2 dozen species of affected animals are considered fully recovered ? river otters and bald eagles. Species listed as recovering include pink salmon, mussels, sockeye salmon, common murres, clams, Pacific herring, sea otters, black oystercatchers, and marbled murrelets. Species showing little or no signs of recovery include common loon, cormorants, harbor seals, harlequin ducks, killer whales, and pigeon guillemots. Recovery status is unkown for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden trout, Kittlitz?s murrelet, and rockfish.}[Assoc Press, Anchorage Daily News] {Dolphin Transport Via Ambulance. In early February 1999, a Flagler County, FL, paramedic was suspended for 2 shifts for violating county policy by transporting a beached dolphin by ambulance to a temporary tank at a nearby fire station, until officials from Sea World arrived to treat the animal.}[Naples Daily News] {North Atlantic Humpback Whale Population. In early February 1999, the 6-nation Years of the North Atlantic Humpback project reported an estimated north Atlantic humpback whale population of 10,600 animals ? almost twice the 1980s estimate of 5,505 animals. This is the result of a 6-year study initiated by the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA.}[Boston Globe] Questionable Whalemeat Trade? Two American scientists published an article in the Jan. 28, 1999, issue of Nature outlining how DNA analysis indicated that meat from a blue whale/fin whale hybrid killed in 1989 by Iceland under a scientific permit was sold in 1995 in a Osaka, Japan, market. [Detroit Free Press, Fox News] North Atlantic Right Whale Population. In late January 1999, NMFS and New England Aquarium officials announced concern for north Atlantic right whales, after only two females with calves were spotted off the coast of GA and north FL. This compares to 17 calves born in 1997 and 6 in 1998. However, no north Atlantic right whales have been killed in ship collisions during their last two migrations. [New York Times, Boston Herald] Canadian Sealing. On Jan. 20, 1999, court proceedings resumed in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, against 7 sealers accused of breaking various fishery regulations when killing harp seals. Defense attorneys, however, accuse the cameramen who filmed the sealers of misrepresenting their intentions and obtaining permits to film the seal hunt under false pretense. [Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun, High North Alliance News] Greenpeace and IWC Observer Status. On Jan. 19-20, 1999, Japanese officials reportedly met with International Whaling Commission (IWC) officials in Cambridge, UK, seeking to have Greenpeace stripped of its observer status for IWC meetings. Japanese officials accused Greenpeace of terrorist activities against Japan's whaling fleet, citing the encounter in Noumea, New Caledonia, in early December 1998. [Environment News Service] Japanese Whaling. In mid-January 1999, Japan's whaling mothership, Nisshin Maru, was reported to have left Japan, after repairs, to resume whaling in the Antarctic. [personal communication] TX Dolphin Feeding/Petting Pool. On Jan. 15, 1999, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society was reported as sending a letter to the Texas State Aquarium at Corpus Christi, warning that a planned dolphin petting facility would be bad for dolphins and humans. The UK Society based its assertion on a recently completed four-month undercover investigation of the impacts of U.S. dolphin feeding/petting pools on captive dolphins and interacting humans. [Environment News Service] 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 publication (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 12:39:29 -0600 From: Andrew Schiro To: marmam(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Subject: new publication Hunting Behavior of a Marine Mammal Beneath the Antarctic Fast Ice R. W. Davis*, L. A. Fuiman, T. M. Williams, S. O. Collier, W. P. Hagey, S. B. Kanatous, S. Kohin, M. Horning. Science 283(5404):993 - 996 The hunting behavior of a marine mammal was studied beneath the Antarctic fast ice with an animal-borne video system and data recorder. Weddell seals stalked large Antarctic cod and the smaller subice fish Pagothenia borchgrevinki, often with the under-ice surface for backlighting, which implies that vision is important for hunting. They approached to within centimeters of cod without startling the fish. Seals flushed P. borchgrevinki by blowing air into subice crevices or pursued them into the platelet ice. These observations highlight the broad range of insights that are possible with simultaneous recordings of video, audio, three-dimensional dive paths, and locomotor effort. *Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77553, USA. Subject: N Atlantic humpback whales Fred Serchuk A couple of notes on, and one minor correction to, the recent CRS summary, regarding North Atlantic humpback whales: The new estimate of abundance is indeed 10,600, but it's worth noting that the 95% c.i. is pretty tight: 9,300 to 12,100. This was recently published by Smith et al. (1999, Mar Mammal Sci 15: 1-32), and it is broadly consistent with a male-only mark-recapture estimate calculated using genotype data (Palsboll et al. 1997, Nature 388: 767-769). These estimates come from the Years of the North Atlantic Humpback (YONAH) project, which was a seven-nation (not six) effort. Also, I should point put that YONAH was not initiated solely by the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), but by a collaboration involving CCS, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (Woods Hole) and the Sea Mammal Research Unit (UK). Phil Clapham -- 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: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 11:34:06 -0500 From: Lori Marino Subject: 20/20 show on DAT boundary="------------0550D15388A66026558F0CE6" --------------0550D15388A66026558F0CE6 Dear colleagues, The news show 20/20 will be airing a segment on the pros and cons of dolphin-assisted therapy this Monday, Feb. 22 at 8 PM eastern time. The show will feature the arguments put forth by Scott Lilienfeld and myself in our recent critique of DAT in Anthrozoos as well as proponents of DAT. Lori Marino lmarino(\)emory.edu -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Department of Psychology 532 North Kilgo Circle Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-0372 --------------0550D15388A66026558F0CE6 Dear colleagues,

    The news show 20/20 will be airing a segment on the pros and cons of dolphin-assisted therapy this Monday, Feb. 22 at 8 PM eastern time.  The show will feature the arguments put forth by Scott Lilienfeld and myself  in our recent critique of DAT in Anthrozoos&n bsp; as well as proponents of DAT.

    Lori Marino
    lmarino(\)emory.edu
--
Lori Marino, Ph.D.
Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program
Department of Psychology
532 North Kilgo Circle
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
(404) 727-7582
Fax: (404) 727-0372
  --------------0550D15388A66026558F0CE6-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 09:42:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: WHALE WATCHING PUT ON WATCH (fwd) From: Christopher John Comeau In regard to the "code of conduct" drawn up by the whale watching industry in and near Victoria, B.C., they do indeed have "Association Guidelines". The problem is that many association members do not follow their own guidelines. Fox guarding the henhouse. I have spent the past 6 summers living on San Juan Island and I have personally witnessed dozens of blatant violations of both the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and the "Association Guidelines." The Victoria boats are by far the worst violators. They can be seen screaming across Haro Strait, loaded up with tourists in red, yellow, and orange survival suits every single day between April and October. They are notorious for engaging in a whale watching behavior referred to as "Leapfrogging" whereby they startegically place their boats in the path of the travelling Orca so that their passengers can get picture postcard shots and the drivers can make TIPS. The Whale Watching Industry in and near Victoria, B.C. and the San Juan Islands will continue to engage in this type of behavior as long as there is no National Marine Fisheries personnel stationed in the area. The mere presence of an NMFS officer watching the boat/whale interaction on the west side of San Juan Island would be enough of a deterent to force compliance to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. There are now more whale watch tour operators than there are whales in this region! I hope that you actually accomplish something in April. Past gatherings of the Whale Watch Association members has resulted in nothing but empty promises and fingerpointing and excuses from greedy operators. Organization: CONI - Librarianship Development Services http://www.ring.net/coni Subject: research questionnaire Dear Sirs, My name is Branka Turcin. I am a student at the Faculty of Economics. I would like to ask You if You could fill in my questionnaire which I will use in my research concerning only non-profit organizations, which are dealing with marine mammals in any aspect of their work. I would like my questionnaire to indicate whether the NGOs which are (in any of their aspect) dealing with marine mammals are using the "Strategic management process" (S. M. P.) and whether they aware of it. In short, S. M. P. is the process by which an organization formulates its objectives, generate alternatives (potential strategies which could lead to achieving the set objectives), evaluates and chooses the strategy (from the set alternatives), implements the strategy and reviews the results. Thank You very much in advance. Sincerely, Branka Turcin Zvonimira Rogoza 20 10000 Zagreb Republic of Croatia Phone/fax: 385 1 604 33 52 e-mail: vturcin(\)alf.tel.hr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- QUESTIONNAIRE (Note: please answer with YES or NO or comment where appropriate and "forward" or "reply to" the questionnaire back to my e-mail) 1. Do You use strategic management process (S. M. P.) regarding Your work in general? 2. Do You use S. M. P. specifically when dealing with preserving marine mammals? If 1. or 2. or both are YES please proceed to questions 5 and 6. If the answers to both questions are NO please answer questions 3. and 4 only. 3. You do not use S. M. P. because You: (please answer to both a and b) a) are not aware of the S. M. P. b) are aware, but find it inappropriate/ineffective 4. Do You plan to use S. M. P.? 5. Have You introduced the S. M. P. together with the beginning of the existence of Your organization? 5. 1. If YES, have You decided to use S. M. P. in order to: (please answer to all a, b, c, d) a) become long-term oriented Organization b) successfully fulfill the purpose of the Organization c) successfully complete a project d) other: 5. 2. If NO, have you introduced S. M. P. later on in order to: (please answer to all a, b, c) a) improve the work of Your Organization in general b) achieve goal(s) set by some project(s) c) other: 6. (optional) Are You aware that You are using the S. M. P.? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- - end of message - ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 08:53:01 -0000 From: doreteb(\)sleipnir.fo Subject: Re: Tagged white-sided dolphins Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ TAGGED WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS FOUND IN THE FAROE ISLANDS After a whaling upon 10 white-sided dolphins in the Faroes at 18 September 1994, two tags were found, one sitting on one of the dolphins and the other WAS FOUND the day after on the beach. I have first received the tags now more than 4 years later. If anybody knows about these tags, they are welcome to contact me for further details on: DORETEB(\)NGS.FO The tags are red and about 20 cm long. They are numbered: 1. 0091164 DFO/MPO NFLD 91 2. G92 DFO SALMON NFLD Sincerely, yours Dorete Bloch, PhD Museum of Natural History FO-100 T=F3rshavn Faroe Islands ###################################################### Dorete Bloch Museum of Natural History FO-100 T=F3rshavn, Faroe Islands Telephone: +298 31 85 88, Fax: +298 31 85 89 E-mail: doreteb(\)ngs.fo ##################################################### ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 19:40:13 -0500 From: Lori Marino Subject: Change in scheduling of 20/20 show on DAT! Dear colleagues, My previous message indicated that the 20/20 show on DAT would be aired this Monday. I've just been informed that the schedule for that segment has now changed. The show's producers will let me know when the air date is confirmed. This will probably be some time in the next couple of weeks. I will pass on that information to all of you in another MARMAM announcement. Thank you and my apologies for the misinformation. Cheers, Lori Marino lmarino(\)emory.edu ========================================================================= Thu, 18 Feb 1999 09:53:26 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 11:13:47 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl To: marmamed(\)uvic.ca Subject: recent 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. ***************** Pitfalls in the categorization of behaviour: a comparison of dolphin whistle classification methods. Janik, VM. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. January 1999 v57 part1 p133-143 Individual recognition in wild bottlenose dolphins: a field test using playback experiments. Sayigh, LS; Tyack, PL; Wells, RS; Solow, AR; Scott, MD; Irvine, AB. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. January 1999 v57 part1 p41-50 Registration of kinematics of swimming of dolphins by filming. Yanov, VG. BIOFIZIKA. November-December 1998 v43 i6 p1087-1096 [in Russian] Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans and non-ortho- and mono-ortho-chlorine substituted polychlorinated biphenyls in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) from Sable Island, Nova Scotia, in 1995. Addison, RF; Ikonomou, MG; Stobo, WT. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. April 1999 v47 i3 p225-240 Fractals, sea-ice landscape and spatial patterns of polar bears. Ferguson, SH; Taylor, MK; Born, EW; Messier, F. JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY. November 1998 v25 i6 p1081-1092 Subject: new web page **Now available ** The Minerals Management Service (U.S. Dept of Interior) has revised its web page on Gulf of Mexico whales and dolphins and the 'GulfCet' program, not only making it more user-friendly, but also updating information - included are photographs of 26 of the 28 cetacean species with occurrence in the Gulf of Mexico. The GulfCet page may be found at: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/marmam/gulfcet4.html For those new to Marmam, the Minerals Management Service offers free Gulf of Mexico whale and dolphin posters and a teacher's guide. Information for obtaining those can be easily located at the website; the teacher's guide may even be downloaded. Any questions/comments may be directed to: Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 11:44:24 -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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS FL Manatees. On Feb. 19, 1999, Tampa Bay?s Manatee Awareness Coalition is scheduled to begin a 3-year Manatee Watch campaign, cosponsored by Tampa Bay Watch and the FL Marine Research Institute and intended to inform boaters of manatee habitat in Tampa Bay and reduce manatee deaths from boat collisions. The Coalition is proposing new manatee protection zones to keep manatees and speeding boats apart. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] {{Gray Whale Migration. On Feb. 18, 1999, Mexican television reported that 3 adult gray whales had died of unknown causes at the Magdalena Bay breeding lagoon in northwestern Mexico. In addition, 2 other gray whales were reported dead earlier this year on the coast of western Sinaloa state. These mortalities were reported as exceeding normal conditions. Also, gray whales were reported to have arrived a month later than usual at their breeding lagoons, with reports of migration taking them much further south than usual.}}[CNN] {Large Whale Protection. On Feb. 16, 1999, NMFS published final regulations in the Federal Register to implement a large whale take reduction plan. These regulations close whale habitat to some types of fishing gear when whales are present, prohibit certain fishing practices that increase the risk of whale entanglement, fund gear research to develop fishing gear less likely to entangle whales, conduct outreach to inform fishermen of entanglement problems, and operate a Whale Disentanglement Network to locate and disentangle whales caught in fishing gear.}[Fed. Register, NOAA press release] West Coast Seal and Sea Lion Report. On Feb. 11, 1999, NMFS sent an 18-page report to Congress and released a supporting 84-page scientific document on management conflicts related to rapidly increasing populations of west coast harbor seals and California sea lions. This report states that, where these seals or sea lions are preying on salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act or proposed for such listing, state and federal managers, under strict federal guidelines and as a last resort, should be permitted to kill these animals. The report similarly recommends killing animals causing repeated, serious conflicts with human activity, if individual animals fail to respond to deterrence. Attention to development of additional safe and effective deterrents is also recommended. The report recommended that Congress consider reinstating authority for fishermen to kill a seal or sea lion to protect catch or gear if the animal cannot be deterred. [NMFS press release] Exxon Valdez Spill Recovery. On Feb. 9, 1999, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council issued a report on progress with recovery nearly 10 years after the spill in Prince William Sound, AK. Only 2 of nearly 2 dozen species of affected animals are considered fully recovered ? river otters and bald eagles. Species listed as recovering include pink salmon, mussels, sockeye salmon, common murres, clams, Pacific herring, sea otters, black oystercatchers, and marbled murrelets. Species showing little or no signs of recovery include common loon, cormorants, harbor seals, harlequin ducks, killer whales, and pigeon guillemots. Recovery status is unkown for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden trout, Kittlitz?s murrelet, and rockfish. [Assoc Press, Anchorage Daily News] Dolphin Transport Via Ambulance. In early February 1999, a Flagler County, FL, paramedic was suspended for 2 shifts for violating county policy by transporting a beached dolphin by ambulance to a temporary tank at a nearby fire station, until officials from Sea World arrived to treat the animal. [Naples Daily News] North Atlantic Humpback Whale Population. In early February 1999, the 6-nation Years of the North Atlantic Humpback project reported an estimated north Atlantic humpback whale population of 10,600 animals ? almost twice the 1980s estimate of 5,505 animals. This is the result of a 6-year study initiated by the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA. [Boston Globe] Questionable Whalemeat Trade? Two American scientists published an article in the Jan. 28, 1999, issue of Nature outlining how DNA analysis {{suggested}}that meat from a blue whale/fin whale hybrid killed in 1989 by Iceland under a scientific permit {{may have been}}sold in 1995 in a Osaka, Japan, market. [Detroit Free Press, Fox News, personal communciation] North Atlantic Right Whale Population. In late January 1999, NMFS and New England Aquarium officials announced concern for north Atlantic right whales, after only two females with calves were spotted off the coast of GA and north FL. This compares to 17 calves born in 1997 and 6 in 1998. However, no north Atlantic right whales have been killed in ship collisions during their last two migrations. [New York Times, Boston Herald] 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: THESIS OF BEHAVIOR IN HUMPBACK WHALES Content-type: text/plain My name is Isabel Cristina Avila Jiminez, I4m finishing my studies in marine biology at the Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Now I4m working on my thesis on the behavior of southern hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the breeding grounds in the Pacific coast of Colombia. My research is conducted through the Fundacisn Yubarta, an organization that has been studying whales and dolphins in Colombia since 1986. During the season from September to December groups of whales were followed visually from the boat for as long as possible. In general the nearest group with calves were selected at different times. Whales were allocated to the same group if they were within 100 m of one another, heading the same direction, and coordinating blowing, diving, surfacing or movements (Whitehead 1981). The individual members of a group were identified as soon as possible from the shape and markings of their dorsal fins and flukes. Calves could immediately be recognized as such from their substantially smaller size, and their mothers from their consistent proximity to the calf. The escort or the escorts were the animals that were with the mother and her calf ( Whitehead 1981; Floors-Gonzales 1989, Baker et .al. 1993). All the watches on the Pacific coast were conducted in daylight. The flukes and the dorsal fins were photographed and we took videos too. For each photograph taken the following information was recorded: date, time, and place, groups size and class of individual. The photographic data (with the help of the video) were processed and repopulated in a catalogue. In addition of the photos and videos, during each surfacing of the group I recorded its direction, the relative position of individuals within the group and any observed activities (behavior). Some activities considered were: breach, flittering, lobelia, lunge, spyhop, roll, sideflukes, fluke-up, and blow (Whitehead 1991). Behavior was recorded using the ad libitum method described by Altman (1974). The categories of behavior (two main: state and event) proposed by Altman (1974) and Martin and Bateson (1986) were used. While making these records the focal animal sample described by Altman (1974) and Martin and Bateson (1986) were also applied. This method provides the opportunity to make an analysis of the group structure and the activities of individuals during the observation period. Now I4m doing the analysis and the organization of my data. The general subject of my research is: "To study the surface behavior of the humpback whales in groups with calves (mother-calf, mother-calf-escort, mother-calf-escorts) in a reproductive area at the Pacific Coast of Colombia in 1998 season". Additional objectives include: To establish an ethogram in this kind of groups (with calves); to summarize the occurrence of the different kinds of behaviors in the different classes of individuals, that conform this groups; and with the help of the photoidentification, to know "who" makes what kinds of behavior and how many times in the period of observation. I need information that can help me in the analysis and the discussion of my research. I4d like to enlist the help of the MARMAM community in the following: 1. Establish contact with scientists in other areas of the world who have conducted similar kinds of research and , 2. Request literature and other relevant information. I4d like to emphasize that here in Colombia we don4t have access to many journals or books, but now I have the following bibliography: ALCOCK J. 1997. Animal Behavior: An evolutionary approach. Sixth edition. Sunderland Massachusetts, Sinauer Associates Inc. ALTMAN J. 1974. Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behavior . 49:227-267. BAKER C.S., A. PERRY AND L.M. HERMAN. 1987. Reproductive histories of female humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae in the North Pacific. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 41:103-114. BAKER C.S. and L.M. HERMAN. 1984. Aggressive behavior between humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the Hawaiian wintering grounds. CAN.J.ZOOL. Vol 62:1922-1937. CARDWARDINE M. 1995. Whales, dolphins and porpoises. Dorling Kindersley limited. London. ELLIS R. 1996. The book of whales. Sixth printing. Alfred A. Knopf. New York. U.S.A. FLOREZ-GONZALES L. 1989. La yubarta durante su ciclo reproductivo en el parque Gorgona: Caractermsticas de la poblacisn y conformacisn de las manadas. Tesis profesional. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogota. 119. FLOREZ-GONZALES L., J. CAPELLA, I.C. TOBON, G. A. BRAVO Y B. RENGIFO. 1993. Algunos aspectos de la estructura social y patrones de migracisn de las yubartas o ballenas jorobadas, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski 1781) de la isla Gorgona, Pacifico Colombiano. Fundacisn Yubarta- Colciencias Cod. 6282-09=001-92:51p GLOCKNER-FERRARI D.A. and M.J. FERRARI. 1990. Reproduction in the humpback whale (megaptera novaeangliae) wintering in Hawaiian waters. CAN.J.ZOOL. 62:1922-1937. HERMAN L.M. AND R.C. ANTINOJA. 1977. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Hawaiian breeding waters: population and pod characteristics. Sci. Rep. Whales. Res. Inst. 29: 59-85. MARTIN P. AND P. BATESON. 1986. Measuring behavior: An introductory guide. Cambridge University Press. U.S.A. PAYNE R. 1995. Among whales. Ed. Scribner. New York. U.S.A. THOMAS P.O. 1986. Methodology for behavioral studies of cetaceans: Right whale mother-infant behavior. REP.INT.WHAL.COMMN. (Special issue 8). Pp.113-119. WILSON E. 1975. Sociobiology: The abridged edition. Belknap Hardvard. U.S.A. WHITEHEAD H.P. 1981. The Behavior and ecology of the Humpback whale in the Northwest Atlantic. Dissertion submitted to the University of Cambridge for the degree of Doctor of philophy. Department of zoology, Downing Street. Cambridge. W\RSIG B. 1987. El comportamiento de las ballenas. Investigacisn y ciencia. 141(6):78-86. Thank You for Your cooperation, Isabel Cristina Avila Jiminez Apartado aereo: 166, Cali, Colombia. E-mails:isavila(\)biologia.univalle.edu.co isavila99(\)hotmail.com Please write me to the both e-mail addresses. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 18:45:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: National Marine Fisheries Service Sea Lion Recommendation (fwd) From: "William P. [Bill] Russell" The National Marine Fisheries Service has reported to congress on: IMPACTS OF CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS AND PACIFIC HARBOR SEALS ON SALMONIDS AND WEST COAST ECOSYSTEMS The full report is on the web at: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/1press/020999_1report.htm Many will support some parts of the recommendation and oppose others. Of course many will oppose any modification of the MMPA. A key recommendation that I support is: ---begin quote Congress should consider a new framework that allows state and federal resource management agencies to immediately address conflicts involving California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals. This framework should provide a streamlined approach for federal and state resource management agencies to take necessary and appropriate action with pinnipeds that are involved in resource conflicts. The framework should provide procedures for lethal removal of California sea lions or Pacific harbor seals where these species are impacting severely depleted salmonids, such as those listed under the ESA. ---end quote A recommendation I am less willing to endorse is ---begin quote 2 Congress should reconsider authorizing the use of intentional lethal taking of California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals until such time that effective non-lethal methods are developed for their specific situation. Prior to the 1994 Amendments to the MMPA, commercial fishers were allowed to kill certain pinnipeds as a last resort in order to protect their gear or catch. Although the 1992 NMFS legislative proposal recognized that there was a need for such authority in certain situations, this authority was not included in the 1994 Amendments to the MMPA. It was replaced with authority to use deterrence measures that do not kill or seriously injure marine mammals. Non-lethal authority has proven to be of little use because no effective long-term deterrence methods are known. Conflicts between fishers and pinnipeds have become more frequent, and the economic losses due to pinnipeds have increased. This has also placed increased pressure on federal and state resource agencies to take action to resolve the problems. ---end quote 2 There is a large quantity of backup material and argument on these issues at the cited web site. William P. [Bill] Russell brussell(\)mail.coos.or.us P.O. Box 2029 http://www.coos.or.us/~brussell Bandon, OR 97411 http://www.coos.or.us/~sea 541-347-3683 voice http://www.clynx.org/ 541-347-6303 fax "Who stands so tall as one who stoops to help a child?" Subject: Re: Whale Watching Put On Watch (fwd) From: Monica Smith In reference to Christopher Comeau comments re Whale Watching Put On Watch. A method deployed by the Department of Conservation to monitor the observing of regulations in New Zealand marine mammal watching, is to send undercover staff on the marine tours as fare paying passengers. These undercover observers note the behaviour of skippers around the marine mammals and write a report, a copy of which is sent to the operator. Although this does not prevent all breaches of the New Zealand Marine Mammal Regulations by operators, it definitely acts as a deterent. Maybe the authorities in Vancouver could consider a similar approach. Posted by Dennis Buurman Manger Dolphin Encounter info(\)dolphin.co.nz Subject: Chemical lightsticks and marine mammals I am currently working on an Environmental Assessment (EA) of a proposed search and rescue training area in the Gulf of Mexico. Associated with the proposed action is the use of lightsticks during night training. In light of this (no pun intended) I am requesting information on the fate and effects of chemical lightsticks (aka: chemiluminescent lights, Chem Lites, chemical lights) in the marine environment. Lightsticks are currently used by a number of individuals and groups in addition to search and rescue operations (e.g., as fish attractants by fisherman). I wish to find any information (published or unpublished reports) on their potential effects on marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles (e.g., ingestion) and their accumulation on beaches or in open water. I am especially interested in their use and fate in the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Rick Spaulding Senior Biologist/Project Manager TEC 1111 Chapala St., Suite 100 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805)564-4940, x23 Fax: (805)564-4988 Email: rlspaulding(\)tecinc.com Subject: bottlenose dolphin/fishery interactions (fwd) From: Mario Dear Marmamers, I am conducting research on bottlenose dolphin and fishery interactions in Eastern Sicily ( Mediterranean ) for my thesis. The study is manly focused on the feeding strategies dolphins employ when trammel gillnets and/or little drift net are present. Because of the difficulties I encountered here in Sicily in finding recent bibliographical material, any personal experience and/ or specific reference to published material regarding my subject of study would be greatly helpful for the analysis and discussion for my thesis thank you for your help Letterio Mario Tringali Viale Mario Rapisardi, 210 Catania ( Sicily ) 95123- ITALY e-mail letterio(\)videobank.it Subject: Summer Course Announcement (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: John Reynolds To: MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I would be grateful if you would announce two summer courses to the MARMAM mailing list. Thanks very much. John Reynolds ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW SUMMER COURSES IN MARINE MAMMALOGY BIOLOGY OF MARINE MAMMALS (MSN 431) AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS (MSN 432) Dates: 6-30 July 1999 (Orientation: July 5) Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL; Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL Prof. of Record: Dr. John E. Reynolds, III Faculty - Anticipated: Dr. Gordon Bauer (New College) Ms. Meghan Bolen (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection) Dr. Guy Bradley (Eckerd College) Dr. Sentiel Rommel (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection) Dr. Dan Rubenstein (Princeton University) Dr. Peter Tyack (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute) Dr. Ted Van Vleet (University of South Florida) Dr. Randall Wells (Chicago Zoological Society; Mote Marine Lab) Academic Credit: Undergraduate credit will be given by Eckerd College, and graduate student credit by University of South Florida. See attached information on graduate credit. Due to the intensity of the course, 2 course credits, equivalent to 7 semester hours will be awarded. One course credit will be for Biology of Marine Mammals, the other for Conservation of Marine Mammals. Costs: $3,000 per student, which includes room and board, tuition (undergraduate credit), books and supplies, admission to Sea World, and boat field trip expenses. Description: The combined courses provide a thorough and intensive forum in which students can learn about marine mammals and their conservation from some of the top marine mammalogists and other scientists in the country. Specifically, the courses provide the following: a) an opportunity to observe or to work with a wide variety of marine mammal species either in the wild or in captivity; b) fundamental principles of behavioral ecology, evaluation, communication, cognition, functional morphology and physiology; c) application and illustration of these principles using various marine mammal species; d) hands-on opportunities to engage in field and laboratory techniques used in marine mammal research; e) opportunities to learn about the threats posed by environmental contaminants; f) the chance to get to know a number of leading marine mammal scientists and educators; and g) exposure to and discussion of policy and conservation efforts involving marine mammals. Evaluation: Based on exams, laboratory and field reports, and participation. For Further Information: Contact Dr. John E. Reynolds, III Telephone: 727-864-8431 e-mail: reynolje(\)eckerd.edu Subject: BlowTimer: a simple event-timing software __BlowTimer__ A simple software for timing surfacing intervals or any other instantaneous event can be downloaded from the Tethys Research Institute web site Continuous sequences of short surfacing intervals may be difficult to time precisely with a chronometer. This minimalist software enables precise timing of surfacing cycles (or any other instantaneous event) by just pressing the enter key. BlowTimer creates a text file including all the timed intervals, divided into 3-min sessions. Each 3-min sample includes 1) "sample number" (year_month_day_h_min); 2) initial time; 3) final time; and 4) timed surfacing intervals. BlowTimer also enables to add numbered note marks (by using the tab key) whenever a note has to be added to particular surfacings or events. These data can be relatively easily imported from a dedicated database. Alternatively, you can open the text file with a word processor and modify your data format to facilitate further analysis. As BlowTimer scripts have not been protected, computer wizes may want to try to adapt the current programming to their needs. BlowTimer is an HyperCard-based "stack", and therefore *it can only be used on Macintosh computers*. In order to use BlowTimer, an English version of HyperCard is needed. If you don't have it, you may still try with a free version of HyperCard_Player, that can be downloaded from the web (link from the BlowTimer web page). BlowTimer is freeware. ____________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi bearzi(\)tin.it Tethys Research Institute / Venice Dolphin Project c/o Thetis SpA Castello 2737/f; I-30122 Venezia, Italy ph. +39 0412406336; fax +39 0415210292 http://www.tethys.org ____________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 10:21:21 +0100 From: "Dirk R. Neumann" Organization: Massey University Subject: Volunteers wanted for dolphin fieldwork x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS WANTED ...for a study on the behavioral ecology of Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and their interactions with tourism operations in New Zealand. I am looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers with a background in mammalogy and animal behavior to assist me during part of the upcoming field season (October 1999 to April 2000). This would be the perfect opportunity for you to get some hands-on experience, if you are thinking of pursuing a degree and/or career in marine mammal research. THE FIELDWORK ...will consist mainly of taking our 5.5m, 90 hp research boat offshore in search of dolphins. We will conduct focal group follows and collect data on pod size, location, movement patterns, as well as behavioral states and events. Variables whose effect on the dolphins behavior will be assessed include boat presence, boat noise, and the actions of tourists swimming with the dolphins. Besides assisting with data collection, volunteers will also be expected to help with boat maintenance, data entry, and photo-identification analysis. APPLICANTS MUST ...feel confident in a small open boat 20 miles from the nearest coastline in moderately rough sea conditions and not mind getting splashed. ...be able to swim. ...have a strong interest in marine mammal research and conservation. ...be enthusiastic and dedicated about their work and be good team players. ...be available for a minimum of one month (up to a maximum of two months) during the period October 15, 1999 - April 15, 2000. ...be able to finance their flight to New Zealand and pay for their own accommodation during their stay. Unfortunately, this study is operated on an extremely tight budget, and I will not be able to give volunteers any kind of financial reimbursements for their help. APPLICANTS SHOULD ...have some boating experience. ...have a strong academic background in mammalogy, and/or marine Biology, and/or observational studies on animal behavior. Applicants who hold a degree - or are currently enrolled - in Biology or a related discipline will be preferred. Expertise in ichthyology would also be highly valued. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED ...in becoming a volunteer research assistant and observing dolphins close-up, please send me the following : * Current Resume and CV * 2 letters of recommendation (at least one of them by academic staff) * Statement of purpose (Why you are interested in the position, and what you hope to get out of it) * Period of time during which you would be available. PLEASE AIR-MAIL THE ABOVE TO : Dirk Neumann 2 Cooks Lookout Whitianga New Zealand DEADLINE : MAY 1, 1999 ! IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ...or would like to find out more before applying, do not hesitate to contact me at the following e-mail address : D.R.Neumann(\)massey.ac.nz THANKS ! - Dirk Dirk Neumann PhD Candidate Massey University at Albany New Zealand ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 11:39:34 -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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {APHIS Proposed Regulations. On Feb. 23, 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed Animal Welfare Act regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity. The proposed regulations were developed by developed by the Marine Mammal Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee in a series of meetings beginning in September 1995 and continuing through July 1996. Public comment on the proposed regulations is being taken through Apr. 26, 1999.}[Fed. Register] {La Jolla Children?s Pool. On Feb. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice that the City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking authorization to disturb a colony of harbor seals to reclaim and renovate La Jolla?s Children?s Pool swimming area. This pool has been closed to swimming since September 1997, when contamination by seal feces made the pool unsafe. Public comment on permit authorization will be accepted through Mar. 24, 1999.}[Sacramento Bee, NOAA press release] FL Manatees. On Feb. 19, 1999, Tampa Bay?s Manatee Awareness Coalition is scheduled to begin a 3-year Manatee Watch campaign, cosponsored by Tampa Bay Watch and the FL Marine Research Institute and intended to inform boaters of manatee habitat in Tampa Bay and reduce manatee deaths from boat collisions. The Coalition is proposing new manatee protection zones to keep manatees and speeding boats apart. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Gray Whale Migration. On Feb. 18, 1999, Mexican television reported that 3 adult gray whales had died of unknown causes at the Magdalena Bay breeding lagoon in northwestern Mexico. In addition, 2 other gray whales were reported dead earlier this year on the coast of western Sinaloa state. These mortalities were reported as exceeding normal conditions. Also, gray whales were reported to have arrived a month later than usual at their breeding lagoons, with reports of migration taking them much further south than usual. {On Feb. 20, 1999, the Group of 100 (a Mexico City environmental organization) called on the Mexican government to investigate the recent epidemic of gray whale deaths, suggesting that the cyanide-based fluorescent dye NK-19 used by drug smugglers or pollution from mining operations may be responsible for the whale deaths. On Feb. 22, 1999, the Contra Costa Times reported the Mexican news agency as saying that fishermen had found 9 gray whales dead in recent weeks in Magdalena Bay.} {{On Feb. 24, 1999, Mexican officials were reporting 6 dead gray whales (2 adults and 4 calves) in Magdalena Bay, with all deaths due to natural causes.}}[CNN, Contra Costa Times, BBC News, Reuters] Large Whale Protection. On Feb. 16, 1999, NMFS published final regulations in the Federal Register to implement a large whale (i.e., right, humpback, fin, and minke whales) take reduction plan. These regulations close whale habitat to some types of fishing gear when whales are present, prohibit certain fishing practices that increase the risk of whale entanglement, fund gear research to develop fishing gear less likely to entangle whales, conduct outreach to inform fishermen of entanglement problems, and operate a Whale Disentanglement Network to locate and disentangle whales caught in fishing gear. [Fed. Register, NOAA press release, Bangor Daily News] West Coast Seal and Sea Lion Report. On Feb. 11, 1999, NMFS sent an 18-page report to Congress and released a supporting 84-page scientific document on management conflicts related to rapidly increasing populations of west coast harbor seals and California sea lions. This report states that, where these seals or sea lions are preying on salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act or proposed for such listing, state and federal managers, under strict federal guidelines and as a last resort, should be permitted to kill these animals. The report similarly recommends killing animals causing repeated, serious conflicts with human activity, if individual animals fail to respond to deterrence. Attention to development of additional safe and effective deterrents is also recommended. The report recommended that Congress consider reinstating authority for fishermen to kill a seal or sea lion to protect catch or gear if the animal cannot be deterred. [NMFS press release] Exxon Valdez Spill Recovery. On Feb. 9, 1999, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council issued a report on progress with recovery nearly 10 years after the spill in Prince William Sound, AK. Only 2 of nearly 2 dozen species of affected animals are considered fully recovered ? river otters and bald eagles. Species listed as recovering include pink salmon, mussels, sockeye salmon, common murres, clams, Pacific herring, sea otters, black oystercatchers, and marbled murrelets. Species showing little or no signs of recovery include common loon, cormorants, harbor seals, harlequin ducks, killer whales, and pigeon guillemots. Recovery status is unkown for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden trout, Kittlitz?s murrelet, and rockfish. [Assoc Press, Anchorage Daily News] Dolphin Transport Via Ambulance. In early February 1999, a Flagler County, FL, paramedic was suspended for 2 shifts for violating county policy by transporting a beached dolphin by ambulance to a temporary tank at a nearby fire station, until officials from Sea World arrived to treat the animal. [Naples Daily News] North Atlantic Humpback Whale Population. In early February 1999, the 6-nation Years of the North Atlantic Humpback project reported an estimated north Atlantic humpback whale population of 10,600 animals ? almost twice the 1980s estimate of 5,505 animals. This is the result of a 6-year study initiated by the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA. [Boston Globe] 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: Population Viability Analysis Conference Announcement (fwd) -------Forwarded from Mammal-l email list------------- Author: standleyw at ~smtp Date: 2/26/99 1:06 PM A conference entitled "Population Viability Analysis: Assessing Models for Recovering Endangered Species" sponsored by the University of California Berkeley and the Western Section of the Wildlife Society will be held 15-16 March 1999 in San Diego, CA. at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) has become an important tool for assessing risks to endangered species, but has been criticized for the unrealistic ways that models have been applied in management and policy decisions. This conference will focus on issues in the development and application of demographic and genetic PVA models for conserving threatened and endangered species. Themes of conference sessions include conceptual issues in the development of PVA models, integrating theory and practice in the use of PVA, applications of PVA to conservation problems, and the future of PVA. The meeting will consist of presentations by invited speakers including M. Souli, R. Lande, M. Gilpin, M. Boyce, B. Taylor, F. Allendorf, I. Hanski, S. Harrison, K. Ralls, D. Doak, S. Pimm, H. Possingham, R. Lacy, G. Belovsky, R. Waples, P. Hedrick, S. Haig, S. Beissinger, S. Mills, C. Walters, J. Walters, Paul Wade, M. Shaffer, and D. McCullough. There will be 100 contributed papers in addition to the invited speakers. For information on the scientific program, contact Steven R. Beissinger (510-643-3038; beis(\)nature.berkeley.edu) or Dale R. McCullough (510-642-8462; mcculla(\)nature.berkeley.edu). For information on logistics and registration, contact William Hull (510-465-4962; whull(\)cgbd.org) or visit the conference web site http://www.cccweb.com/tws-west/pva ******************************************************** Bill Standley; standleyb(\)wildlifer.com Wildlifer.Com; http://www.wildlifer.com Bill's Wildlife Sites; http://www.wildlifer.com/wildlifesites/ ******************************************************** Subject: recent publications (fwd) Induction of micronuclei in vitro by organochlorine compounds in beluga whale skin fibroblasts. Gauthier, JM; Dubeau, H; Rassart, E. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS. February 2, 1999 v439 i1 p87-95 Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) stranded in South Uist: first record in UK waters. Bones, M; Neill, B; Reid, B. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. December 1998 v246 part4 p460-461 Cajal-Retzius cells and other calretinin containing neurons in cetacean cerebral cortex. Revishchin, AV. DOKLADY AKADEMII NAUK. November 1998 v363 i3 p412-414 (in Russian) An evaluation of strip-transect aerial survey methods for monitoring manatee populations in Florida. Miller, KE; Ackerman, BB; Lefebvre, LW; Clifton, KB. WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN. Fall 1998 v26 i3 p561-570 Hunting behavior of a marine mammal beneath the Antarctic fast ice. Davis, RW; Fuiman, LA; Williams, TM; Collier, SO; Hagey, WP; Kanatous, SB; Kohin, S; Horning, M. SCIENCE. February 12, 1999 v283 i5404 p993-996 An additional case of leptospirosis in a harbor seal. Stevens, E; Lipscomb, TP; Gulland, FMD. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES. January 1999 v35 i1 p150-150 Antibodies against Leptospira interrogans in California sea lion pups from Gulf of California. Godinez, CR; de Romillo, BZ; Aurioles-Gamboa, D; Verdugo-Rodriguez, A; Rodriguez-Reyes, EA; De la Pena-Moctezuma, A. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES. January 1999 v35 i1 p108-111 Phylogenetic relationships of otters (Carnivora : Mustelidae) based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences. Koepfli, KP; Wayne, RK. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. December 1998 v246 part4 p401-416 Superalliance of bottlenose dolphins. Connor,RC; Heithaus, MR; Barre, LM. NATURE 397. No 6720. (18 February 1999) Postmortem findings in a finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) calf stranded in Hong Kong. Parsons, ECM; Bossart, GD; Kinoshita, RE. VETERINARY RECORD. January 16, 1999 v144 i3 p75-76 Subject: A Belated Reaction to Nat'l Geographic's DOLPHINS: THE WILD SIDE From: Joel Bellucci First, a quick introduction. My name is Joel Bellucci and I'm directing a photo-ID study of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Estero Bay, FL. I'm also President of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and soon-to-be graduate student at the University of South Florida. I thought that "Dolphins: The Wild Side" contained some of the most beautiful and illustrative footage I've ever seen. I was pleased that the lesser known and undoubtedly less popular aggressive side of dolphins was shown on network television. Now, having said that, I have to express my disappointment in one aspect of the program. The segment on dolphin-feeding in Shark Bay, Australia was very poorly handled. The footage of an adult female Tursiops - with calf in tow - accepting a handout was accompanied by the narration, "If there's a lesson here for the calf, it's that a dolphin must always be inventive in finding food. For out in the wild, it's no easy task." I'm not one to be easily surprised, but *that* made my jaw drop. It almost made it sound as if feeding wild dolphins is doing them a favor. There was no mention that feeding wild dolphins in the United States is illegal, nor was there a mention of the radical change in behavior that habituation to handouts causes in the animals. This is a serious conservation issue and it's not getting better. For several years, I've been spending a great deal of time and effort to educate the local public about the unfortunate consequences of feeding and otherwise interacting with wild dolphins. I advocate an observe-from-a-safe-distance-preferably-with-a-good-pair-of-binoculars philosophy. I found it very frustrating that an organization with as good a reputation as National Geographic seems to have would be so irresponsible. Months of hard work can so easily be undone with just a few minutes of national television. Very sincerely, Joel Bellucci President, Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Southwest Region Director, Project Pod photo-ID study dolphman(\)peganet.com http://www.cetaceans.org ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 11:13:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Education Intern Opening (fwd) From: Laura Schrum Gulf World Marine Park is pleased to announce an education/conservation intern opening for the summer of 1999. This internship is designed to involve students with the educational needs of a marine mammal facility. Active involvement with development of new programs and revising already existing activities will give participants invaluable experience. Objective: The aim of this internship is to provide support with tasks involving the development/revising of educational programs at Gulf World. This internship will also include assisting the members of the Marine Mammal Department with ongoing educational programs. Qualifications: A background in Experiential Education with an interest in marine mammals. Length of Internship: Three months is the minimum stay with a flexible work week and commitment to at least 40 hours a week. For further information call Gulf World Marine Park at 850-234-5271 ext. 15 or send resumes to: Gulf World Marine Park, c/o Barb Losch, Marine Mammal Department, 15412 West Highway 98-A, Panama City Beach, FL 32407. e-mail las(\)panama.gulf.net Subject: Upcoming ICES Theme Session Content-type: MULTIPART/ALTERNATIVE; BOUNDARY="Boundary_(ID_irkph+agfNJpmgxgGGO7Lg)" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --Boundary_(ID_irkph+agfNJpmgxgGGO7Lg) Greeting: This message is to alert you to a theme session we are organizing as part of the ICES Annual Science Conference:"Microprocessors and Things that Swim in the Oce an: Smart Tags in the Study of Marine Life." ICES advertises the Conference to n umerous institutes around the world, but we are trying to target experts in the area of "smart" tags. We have posted a web page that describes the session that also provides a list anticipated participants. We will update this list as the s ession takes shape. http://www.wh.whoi.edu/ices_conference/ If you are interesting in participating in this session, please contact one us a t the address below, or contact ICES directly (http://www.ices.dk/). Co-Conveners: Dr.K Friedland (USA, friedlandk(\)forwild.umass.edu) Dr. G. Arnold (UK, G.P.Arnold(\)cefas.co.uk) Dr.G Stenson (Canada, stenson(\)athena.nwafc.nf.ca) Dr. L Karlsson (Sweden, lars.karlsson(\)lfi.se) --Boundary_(ID_irkph+agfNJpmgxgGGO7Lg)

Greeting:
 
This message is to alert you to a theme session we are organizing as part of the ICES Annual Science Conference:"Microprocessors and Things that Swim in the Ocean: Smart Tags in the Study of Marine Life." ICES advertises the Conference to numerous institutes around the world, but we are trying to target experts in the area of "smart" tags. We have posted a web page that describes the session that also provides a list anticipated participants. We will update this list as the session takes shape.
 
 
If you are interesting in participating in this session, please contact one us at the address below, or contact ICES directly (http://www.ices.dk/).
 
Co-Conveners:
Dr.K Friedland (USA, friedlandk(\)forwild.umass.edu)
Dr. G. Arnold (UK, G.P.Arnold(\)cefas.co.uk)
Dr.G Stenson (Canada, stenson(\)athena.nwafc.nf.ca)< /DIV>
Dr. L Karlsson (Sweden, lars.karlsson(\)lfi.se)
--Boundary_(ID_irkph+agfNJpmgxgGGO7Lg)-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 10:30:32 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: marine mammal immunological reagents From: Melanie Cushion I am looking for marine mammal immunological reagents, specifically = anti-whale, sea lion, manatee IgG or Ig M. Are there commercial sources = for these? Research laboratories? I am surveying marine mammal populations for the presence of the lung pathogen, Pneumocystis carinii. Little is understood about this family of eukaryotic organisms, but recently genetic analyses have placed them in the fungal kingdom. They are unique fungi, having no ergosterol, double membranes, and a family of surface antigens that resembles those of the trypanosomes. It is clear that these organisms exhibit species specificity- that is, every mammalian species has at least one Pneumocystis specific to it. I work withthe rodent forms of the organism- Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. carinii and ratti. Pneumocystis causes a lethal pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts, as in AIDS patients, but appears to exist as a commensal in immunologically intact mammals. I am searching for the presence of Pneumocystis in marine mammals to 1) understand better its phylogenetic placement and evolutionary path; and 2) understand more about its natural history. The life cycle of these organisms are poorly understood. It appears that the infective particle/spore is transmitted through the air. Some people think there may be an environmental cycle, but I don't. The presence of Pneumocystis in marine mammals would set that theory to rest. I also hypothesize that the organisms co-evolved with their mammalian host. To prove this, I intend to overlay the evolutionary tree of Pneumocystis over that of mammals. I will detect the presence of Pneumocystis in marine mammal lungs by use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeted to Pneumocystis specific genes. I intend to supplement these studies with Western blots using marine mammal sera to detect the presence of Pneumocystis specific antigens, thus verifying the exposure to Pneumocystis. I will need anti-whale IgG or IgM for detection of Pneumocystis specific antibodies on immunoblots. I currently have 24 whale/marine mammal lung samples that I am amplifying. I will receive at least 12 sera samples from whales. Thank you. Melanie T. Cushion, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases 231 Bethesda Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45267-0560 Telephone: (513)861-3100 ext.4417/4419 Fax: (513)475-6415 e-mail: Melanie.Cushion(\)Uc.Edu Subject: MARMAM editorial policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [FAQ also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] Funding Support: MARMAM has recently received financial support (toward expenses of running the editorial email account) from: International Marine Mammal Association (IMMA) Cetacean Society International Many thanks to these two organisations for their continued support. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 >> NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for >> Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: >> - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including >> contact details and website address). >> - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing >> details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of >> speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for >> further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated March 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 09:39:02 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Bill to provide funding for Stranding Centers (fwd) From: Marine Mammal Stranding Center During the spring session of the 106th Congress a Bill to provide aid to Stranding Centers will be reintroduced in conjunction with the revaluation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Bill assigned the number S2199 at the 105th Congress, will provide for the allotment 5 million dollars in annual operating grants. Stranding Centers will be eligible to receive up to 100,000 dollars conditioned by a 25 percent non-federal matching grant. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine New Jersey worked closely with New Jersey State Senator Robert Torricelli to help create legislation that would defer the cost of stranding activities. The Rescue Fund would be administered by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the criteria for eligibility will be determined by NMFS in partnership with stranding facilities. If you have questions pertaining to this bill you may Contact Robert Schoelkopf at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (609) 266-0538, or e-mail us at mmsc(\)bellatlantic.net. Or if you would like to support the Bill please contact your local US representative. Subject: need address help I am looking for the most recent address for Dr. A Agudo from Venezuela. I sent a letter earlier this year, the following address is no longer valid: A. Agudo Apdo Postal 3201-Carmelitas Caracas 1010-A Venezuela If someone has a more current snail mail address, or an email address, please contact me directly. Sincerely Dagmar Fertl [Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov] ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 05:16:04 PST From: Merel Dalebout Subject: Reprints of 1998 publications now available Content-type: text/plain The Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Evolution at the University of Auckland is pleased to make available reprints of the following articles and reports published or submitted in 1998. Reprint requests should be sent to C.S. Baker at the signature address or email to: (note "Reprint Request" in the subject header); Visit our Website at "http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/staff/bakerscott.html" Baker, C. S., L. Flsrez-Gonzalez, B. Abernethy, H. C. Rosenbaum, R. W. Slade, J. Capella, and J. L. Bannister. 1998. Mitochondrial DNA variation and maternal gene flow among humpback whales of the Southern Hemisphere. Marine Mammal Science, 14:721-737. Baker, C. S., L. Medrano-Gonzalez, J. Calambokidis, A. Perry, F. B. Pichler, H. Rosenbaum, J. M. Straley, J. Urban-Ramirez, M. Yamaguchi, and O. v. Ziegesar. 1998. Population structure of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variation among humpback whales in the North Pacific. Molecular Ecology, 7:695-708. Constantine, R., I. Visser, D. Burman, R. Buurman, and B. McFadden. 1998. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation on dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Marine Mammal Science, 14:324-329. Dalebout, M. L., A. v. Helden, K. V. Waerebeek, and C. S. Baker. 1998. Molecular genetic identification of southern hemisphere beaked whales (Cetacea: Ziphiidae). Molecular Ecology, 7:687-694. Lento, G. M., M. Haddon, G. K. Chambers, and C. S. Baker. 1998. Genetic variation, population structure and species identity of Southern Hemisphere fur seals, Arctocephalus spp. Journal of Heredity, 88:202-208. Lento, G. M., M. L. Dalebout, and C. S. Baker. 1998. Species and individual identification of whale and dolphin products for sale in Japan by mtDNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite profiles. Unpublished report SC/50/RMP15 to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, Oman. Patenaude, N., C.S.Baker, and N. J. Gales. 1998. Observations of southern right whales on New Zealand's subantarctic wintering grounds. Marine Mammal Science, 14:350-355. Pichler, F., S. Dawson, E. Slooten, and C. S. Baker. 1998. Geographic isolation of Hector's dolphin populations described by mitochondrial DNA sequences. Conservation Biology, 12:676-682. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 19:07:23 -0000 From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?S=F3nia_Matias?= Subject: California sea lion infomations boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0035_01BE61BB.3D9B0220" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0035_01BE61BB.3D9B0220 charset="iso-8859-1" My name is S=F3nia Paula Matias, I'm finishing my studies in biology at the Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal. Now I'm working on my thesis on the maternal investment, mother-pup recognition = and pup's growth of (Zalophus californianus) with a group captive in the = Lisbon zoo. I need information that can help me in the analysis and the discussion of my research. I'd like to enlist the help of the MARMAM community in the following: 1. Establish contact with scientists in other areas of the world who have conducted similar kinds of research, 2. Request literature and other relevant information. I'd like to emphasize that here in Portugal we don't have access to many references = about these species. I already get these references: Gisiner,R; Schusterman,R.J. (1991) California sea lion pups play an = active role in reunions with their mothers., Animal Bahavior 41:364-366 Higgins,L.V et al (1988) Behavioral and Physiological Measurements of = Maternal Investment in the Steller Sea Lion, Eumetopias jubatus., Marine = Mammal Science, 4(1):44-58 Waring,G.H. (1984) Behavioral patterns of a breeding population of sea = lions (Zalophus californianus) in confinement., Acta Zool. Fennica, = 171:243-244 Odell,D.K. (1975) Breeding Biology of the California sea lion, Zalophus = californianus., Rapp. P.-v. Re=FAn. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer.,169:374-378 Hanggi,E.B. (1992) The importance of vocal cues in mother-pup = recognition in a California sea lion., Marine Mammal Science., = 8(4):430-432 Vela,B.M. (1992) Births and growth models of the sea lions and their = application in the management of this resource.,Ciencias MarinasI, = 18(1):109-123 Peterson,S.R.;Bartholomew,G.A. (1967) The natural history and behavior = of the California sea lion., The American Society of Mammalogists, = special publication no.1 Thank You for Your cooperation, S=F3nia Paula Matias Casal Maria do Carmo - Cotovia - 2970 Sesimbra Portugal e-mail: casalmariacarmo(\)mail.telepac.pt soniamatias(\)hotmail.com ------=_NextPart_000_0035_01BE61BB.3D9B0220 charset="iso-8859-1"

My name is S=F3nia Paula Matias, I'm finishing my studies = in
biology at the=20 Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal. Now I'm
working on my thesis on the = maternal investment, mother-pup recognition and pup's growth of = (Zalophus=20 californianus) with a group captive in the Lisbon zoo.

I need information that can help me in the analysis and the = discussion
of=20 my research. I'd like to enlist the help of the MARMAM community = in
the=20 following:

1. Establish contact with scientists in other areas of = the=20 world who
have conducted similar kinds of research,

2. Request = literature and other relevant information. I'd like to
emphasize that = here in=20 Portugal we don't have access to many references about these = species.

I already get these references:

Gisiner,R; Schusterman,R.J. (1991) California sea lion pups play an = active=20 role in reunions with their mothers., Animal Bahavior = 41:364-366

Higgins,L.V et al (1988) Behavioral and Physiological = Measurements of=20 Maternal Investment in the Steller Sea Lion, Eumetopias jubatus., = Marine Mammal Science, 4(1):44-58

Waring,G.H. (1984) Behavioral patterns of a breeding population of = sea lions=20 (Zalophus californianus) in confinement., Acta Zool. = Fennica,=20 171:243-244

Odell,D.K. (1975) Breeding Biology of the California sea lion, = Zalophus=20 californianus., Rapp. P.-v. Re=FAn. Cons. Int. Explor.=20 Mer.,169:374-378

Hanggi,E.B. (1992) The importance of vocal cues in mother-pup = recognition in=20 a California sea lion., Marine Mammal Science., 8(4):430-432

Vela,B.M. (1992) Births and growth models of the sea lions and their=20 application in the management of this resource.,Ciencias MarinasI,=20 18(1):109-123

Peterson,S.R.;Bartholomew,G.A. (1967) The natural history and = behavior of the=20 California sea lion., The American Society of Mammalogists, = special=20 publication no.1

Thank You for Your cooperation,

S=F3nia Paula Matias

Casal Maria do Carmo - Cotovia -

2970 Sesimbra

Portugal

e-mail: casalmariacarmo(\)mail.telepac.pt

soniamatias(\)hotmail.com

------=_NextPart_000_0035_01BE61BB.3D9B0220-- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 16:49:30 -0800 Reply-To: "Calambokidis(\)CascadiaResearch.org" From: John Calambokidis Organization: Cascadia Research Subject: New marine mammal web site and literature Cascadia Research, a non-profit research organization that has conducted marine mammal research for 20 years, has updated its web site and now has a new home page URL (www.CascadiaResearch.org). The site has a number of items of general interest to marine mammal researchers including: 1. List of close to 100 published articles and technical reports, including extended abstracts of many reports. 2. Complete text of two reports on Cascadia's long-term research on humpback and blue whales off the U.S. west coast (HTML file) and on gray whales in the Pacific Northwest (Adobe Acrobat pdf file). 3. A description of a research expedition currently underway to identify breeding areas for blue and humpback whales off Central America. This section includes regularly updated daily logs from the researchers and research findings to date. 4. Information on a gray whale adoption program. 5. Background on Cascadia Research personnel, research projects, and opportunities for internships. Other organizations should feel free to link to this site. Email addresses for several Cascadia personnel have also changed including: John Calambokidis Calambokidis(\)CascadiaResearch.org Gretchen Steiger Gsteiger(\)CascadiaResearch.org Lisa Schlender Lschlender(\)CascadiaResearch.org Best, John Calambokidis Research Biologist Cascadia Research 218 1/2 W Fourth Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 New email address: Calambokidis(\)CascadiaResearch.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 13:40:44 -0500 From: Phil Clapham Subject: Humpback whale calf length data For a review of length at birth and weaning in humpback whale calves, I would appreciate any reliable data (unpublished or otherwise) from confirmed calf strandings of this species, or of near-term foetal lengths. In addition, the following publications are being utilized, and any additions to the list are welcome: Chittleborough 1954, 1958, 1965 Matthews 1937 Nishiwaki 1959 Ingebrigtsen 1929 Swingle et al. 1993 True 1904 Many thanks. Phil Clapham -- 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, 5 Mar 1999 08:19:22 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: anti-whale & dolphin immunoglobulins (fwd) From: Melanie Cushion I received many responses to my inquiry concerning anti-marine mammal immunoglobulins and I would like to thank the community. From one of those responses, I received a commercial source that carries such products and would like to share it with your community. The message below carries this information. Once again, thanks to you and the marine mammal community. Bethyl (http://www.bethyl.com/) makes the following products: A180-102 Rabbit anti-Dolphin IgG-heavy & light chain $40.00/2 ml A180-102A Rabbit anti-Dolphin IgG-heavy & light chain affinity purified $50.00/1 mg A180-102F Rabbit anti-Dolphin IgG-heavy & light chain FITC $80.00/1 mg A180-102P Rabbit anti-Dolphin IgG-heavy & light chain HRP $95.00/1 mg A180-103 Rabbit anti-Dolphin Whole Serum $35.00/2ml A180-100 Rabbit anti-White Whale IgG-heavy & light chain $40.00/2 ml A180-101 Rabbit anti-White Whale Whole Serum $35.00/2ml Melanie T. Cushion, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases 231 Bethesda Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45267-0560 Telephone: (513)861-3100 ext.4417/4419 Fax: (513)475-6415 e-mail: Melanie.Cushion(\)Uc.Edu Subject: Summary of responses to 'hat tagging' of rehabilitated seals (fwd) From: James E Barnett Thank you to all those who reponded to my request for information on this subject. In all, I received 7 responses from individuals and organisations with specific information to impart. A number of people also gave me information, second hand, gleaned from other institutions. Here is a summary of the information received. Potential values of 'hat tags' Hat tags are more easily read at sea, with the aid of a scope or binoculars, than the more traditional hind flipper tags. Hat tags are substantially cheaper than radio tags and, particularly, satellite tags. It has been suggested by one researcher that hat tags are less likely to become entangled in gill nets than hind flipper tags. In summary, hat tags are a cheap and efficient method of collecting data on dispersal and, to a lesser extent, survivability of rehabilitated seals post release, potentially providing a great deal of information for limited cost. This is obviously of value to rehabilitators, who wish to prove that releases are successful, and also that released animals do not have a negative impact on the wild population. Potential side effects of hat tags, and possible means of alleviating them: One seal sanctuary has reported a number of injuries associated with satellite tags glued onto the heads of seals, and is concerned over the possibility of similar side effects occurring with hat tags. Small skin lesions have indeed been observed at the edges of some hat tags, i.e. at the edges of the rigid material. It has been suggested that this effect may be lessened by glueing the tag on to a soft material before glueing it to the head of the seal. One researcher has used neoprene in this manner for the attachment of radio tags. It has also been suggested that the use of a resin that is softer following complete polymerisation may lessen the risk of such lesions occurring. Two researchers, with significant experience in following seals tagged in this manner, have observed many seals after they have lost their hat tags, and have only rarely observed skin damage on the heads of these animals. It was suggested by one researcher that these injuries occurred when some force had pulled the hat tag off. It is possible that the glue may come into contact with the skin prior to setting. This has been seen in at least one seal recaptured following release with a hat tag. It has been suggested that this can be avoided by using a viscous glue and only tagging animals that have adequate pelage on the head, i.e. no evidence of alopecia. Some mild burning of the skin has been seen with the polymer reaction of expoxy resins during the application of tags to harbour seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina). A number of researchers are using a metal superbonder with a much reduced polymerisation time (approx. 30 secs.) to reduce the likelihood of this occurring : the product is Loctite 422 (see Jefferies and others, 1993). One seal sanctuary has expressed concern over the additional drag that may be imposed on released seals tagged in this manner. Another seal sanctuary tagged grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) in a pool several days before release, in order to observe any negative effects on the seals. No effect on diving and feeding was seen, nor any evidence of discomfort or distress. How well this equates with the likely effects in the sea, post release, is difficult to quantify. The possibility of increased attention from fishermen could not be ruled out, and certainly the increased visibility of seals with hat tags has concerned one seal sanctuary for this reason. Some researchers voiced the opinion that seals, regardless of tags, will be a target for fishermen who have the inclination to shoot seals. Another stated that there are both wild and rehabilitated seals wearing hat tags in a number of locations in the U.K. now, and thus fishermen will not know the origin of tagged animals. The information gleaned from this exercise will help greatly a U.K. seal sanctuary in its deliberations over whether to use this method of tagging. Thank you again to all those who passed on their knowledge and experience. If any other rehabilitators or researchers now feel compelled to add their own experiences to the debate, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below. Reference : Jeffries, S., Brown, R., Harvey, J.T. (1993). Techniques for capturing, handling and marking harbour seals. Aquatic Mammals. 19(1) 21-25. James Barnett Director and veterinarian, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, U.K. E mail address : JamesB_vetlab(\)compuserve.com Subject: used books available The following books are advertised in the most recent catalogue (61) from Donald Hahn Natural History Books. There is no website for this catalog or bookseller. The following are marine mammal books. The item number is provided. You will need to include that with the book title, as well as catalogue number. Titles listed do not imply endorsement for the book itself. Prices are in U.S. dollars. Please direct inquiries about these books ONLY to the bookseller. Donald E Hahn Natural History Books Box 1004 Cottonwood, AZ 86326-1004 Ph: 520-634-5016 FAX: 520-634-1217 VISA, Mastercard, American Express can be used when ordering ************************* 1341. Allen, J.A. 1881 (1977). Preliminary list of works and papers relating to the mammalian order Cete & Sirenia (1495-1840). $17 1343. Allen, J.A. 1890. On the eared seals (Otariadae) with detailed descriptions of the North Pacific speices bound with account of the Habitats of the Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) by C. Bryant $29 152. Ash, C. 1962. Whaler's eye. $22 1353. Augee, M.L. (ed). !988. Marine mammals of Australasia: field biology and captive management. $19 1359. Belkovich, V.M. (ed) 1987. Behavior and bioacoustics of cetaceans. (In Russian) $22 1407. Gaskin, D.E. 1982 (1985) The ecology of whales and dolphins. $22 (moderate amount of underlining in book) 1426. Hershkovitz, P. 1966. Catalog of living whales. $25 1436. Howell, A.B. 1930. Aquatic mammals, their adaptations to life in the water. $55 1437. Howland, C.S. 1957. Whale hunters aboard the "Grey Gold" $24 1445. Kaufman, G.D. and P.H. Forestell. 1986 (1993) Hawaii's humpback whales. $15 1448. Kleinenberg, S.E. et al. 1964. Belukha (Delphinapterus leucas). A practical mongraphic investigation of the species. (In Russian) $42 1449. Kooyman, G.L. 1981. Weddell seal, consummate diver. $27 1460. Mackintosh, N.A. 1965. The stocks of whales. $25 1507. Scheffer, V.B. and J.W. Slipp. 1948. The whales and dolphins of Washington State with a key to the cetaceans of the west coast of North America. $10 1508. Scheffer, V.B. 1962. Pelage and surface topography of the northern fur seal. $25 1519. Slijper, E.J. 1976. Whales and dolphins. $17 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 03:59:15 -0500 From: "Joel T. Bell" Subject: fisheries impacts and prey availability I'm currently a graduate student at Duke University exploring the impacts of over-fishing on marine mammal populations. Specifically, I'm interested in impacts that result from the depletion of prey species or a change in the prey structure due to the over-exploited commercial fisheries around the word. I've found a fair amount of information on this subject relating to the decline of Stellar sea lion stocks. Are there any other species of marine mammals for which lack of prey has been implicated as having an impact? Any citations or references would be greatly appreciated as well as any information regarding prey availability and marine mammal stocks in general. ******************************************************* Joel T. Bell joel.bell(\)duke.edu Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Coastal Environmental Management Program ******************************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 1999 18:51:51 +1000 From: c r i o b e Subject: Re: request for information ------ Ia orana outou ("Greetings everyone", in Tahitian), A student here, Frederique Thomere, is interested in Moorea's spinner dolphins and any pollutants (pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, sulphates, heavy metals) and any bacteria, viruses, or fungi that may be = in our waters and that may somehow affect the dolphins. Are there any data whatsoever on any the above mentioned items occurring in tissue samples taken from spinner dolphins in other regions = in the world? How about ETP spinners? I would think that some analyzes mus= t have been made on ETP animals. Is there a general bibliography on cetaceans and pollutants, a bibliography that we can easily access or obtain a copy? Thanks for any info you can provide. Please send messages with m= y name as the email subject, and also a copy with Frederique's name at this same email address. Mauru'uru roa ("Many thanks"), Michael Poole, Ph.D., Director Marine Mammal Research Program Centre de Recherches Insulaires et OBservatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOB= E) Tel/Fax: 689 56 14 70 =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 CRIOBE B.P. 1013, Moorea Polyn=E9sie fran=E7aise Tel : (689) 56 13 45 Fax : (689) 56 28 15 E.mail : criobe(\)mail.pf ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 13:52:15 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine mammal show transcripts (fwd) From: Grace Bottitta Hello I am a graduate student. I would like to do a comparison of the information dispensed at aquariums concentrating on marine mammals shows. I have decided to start with marine mammal show transcripts from various aquariums -large and small, private and commerical. I have already received a few, but I really need more to make it worthwhile. I have also recieved negative replies from the larger corporate aquariums. If interested - please send me a copy of a marine mammal show transcript or other material if your aquarium does not have shows. Thank you in advance, Grace Bottitta == Grace E. Bottitta Trent University,WEGS *(705) 750-1033 (home) Peterborough, ONT K9J 7B8 *(705) 748-1263 computer lab Canada *(705) 748-1026 fax Subject: CRS Weekly summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Mar. 3, 1999, a coalition of conservation groups and a former whale hunter filed a 40-page petition with NMFS asking that Cook Inlet beluga whales be listed under the Endangered Species Act as an endangered species.}[Anchorage Daily News] {Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 3, 1999, seven sealers appeared in court in Gander, Newfoundland, on charges that they sealed in a whelping patch or pupping area in 1998. An additional 7 sealers are scheduled to appear in court on various charges in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on Mar. 22, 1999. Sealers are being prosecuted by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans for sealing activities captured on videotape by animal rights activists.}[Canadian Press] APHIS Proposed Regulations. On Feb. 23, 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed Animal Welfare Act regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity. The proposed regulations were developed by developed by the Marine Mammal Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee in a series of meetings beginning in September 1995 and continuing through July 1996. Public comment on the proposed regulations is being taken through Apr. 26, 1999. [Fed. Register] La Jolla Children?s Pool. On Feb. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice that the City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking authorization to disturb a colony of harbor seals to reclaim and renovate La Jolla?s Children?s Pool swimming area. This pool has been closed to swimming since September 1997, when contamination by seal feces made the pool unsafe. Public comment on permit authorization will be accepted through Mar. 24, 1999. [Sacramento Bee, NOAA press release] FL Manatees. On Feb. 19, 1999, Tampa Bay?s Manatee Awareness Coalition is scheduled to begin a 3-year Manatee Watch campaign, cosponsored by Tampa Bay Watch and the FL Marine Research Institute and intended to inform boaters of manatee habitat in Tampa Bay and reduce manatee deaths from boat collisions. The Coalition is proposing new manatee protection zones to keep manatees and speeding boats apart. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Mexican Whale/Sea Lion Mortalities. On Feb. 18, 1999, Mexican television reported that 3 adult gray whales had died of unknown causes at the Magdalena Bay breeding lagoon in northwestern Mexico. In addition, 2 other gray whales were reported dead earlier this year on the coast of western Sinaloa state. These mortalities were reported as exceeding normal conditions. Also, gray whales were reported to have arrived a month later than usual at their breeding lagoons, with reports of migration taking them much further south than usual. On Feb. 20, 1999, the Group of 100 (a Mexico City environmental organization) called on the Mexican government to investigate the recent epidemic of gray whale deaths, suggesting that the cyanide-based fluorescent dye NK-19 used by drug smugglers or pollution from mining operations may be responsible for the whale deaths. On Feb. 22, 1999, the Contra Costa Times reported the Mexican news agency as saying that fishermen had found 9 gray whales dead in recent weeks in Magdalena Bay. On Feb. 24, 1999, Mexican officials were reporting 6 dead gray whales (2 adults and 4 calves) in Magdalena Bay, with all deaths due to natural causes. {On Feb. 26, 1999, Mexican authorities reported that as many as 16 gray whales have died along the northwestern Mexican coast since January 1999, including 4 in Magdalena Bay. On Feb. 28, 1999, Mexican scientists reported that the decomposing bodies of 180 sea lions had been found in the northern Gulf of California in mid-February 1999. In addition, a 17th gray whale mortality was reported in Sinaloa state. On Mar. 1, 1999, gray whale mortality was reported as 20 animals -- 7 in the Gulf of California and 13 in breeding lagoons on Baja California?s west coast.}[CNN, Contra Costa Times, BBC News, Reuters, Chicago Tribune] Large Whale Protection. On Feb. 16, 1999, NMFS published final regulations in the Federal Register to implement a large whale (i.e., right, humpback, fin, and minke whales) take reduction plan. These regulations close whale habitat to some types of fishing gear when whales are present, prohibit certain fishing practices that increase the risk of whale entanglement, fund gear research to develop fishing gear less likely to entangle whales, conduct outreach to inform fishermen of entanglement problems, and operate a Whale Disentanglement Network to locate and disentangle whales caught in fishing gear. [Fed. Register, NOAA press release, Bangor Daily News] West Coast Seal and Sea Lion Report. On Feb. 11, 1999, NMFS sent an 18-page report to Congress and released a supporting 84-page scientific document on management conflicts related to rapidly increasing populations of west coast harbor seals and California sea lions. This report states that, where these seals or sea lions are preying on salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act or proposed for such listing, state and federal managers, under strict federal guidelines and as a last resort, should be permitted to kill these animals. The report similarly recommends killing animals causing repeated, serious conflicts with human activity, if individual animals fail to respond to deterrence. Attention to development of additional safe and effective deterrents is also recommended. The report recommended that Congress consider reinstating authority for fishermen to kill a seal or sea lion to protect catch or gear if the animal cannot be deterred. [NMFS press release] Exxon Valdez Spill Recovery. On Feb. 9, 1999, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council issued a report on progress with recovery nearly 10 years after the spill in Prince William Sound, AK. Only 2 of nearly 2 dozen species of affected animals are considered fully recovered ? river otters and bald eagles. Species listed as recovering include pink salmon, mussels, sockeye salmon, common murres, clams, Pacific herring, sea otters, black oystercatchers, and marbled murrelets. Species showing little or no signs of recovery include common loon, cormorants, harbor seals, harlequin ducks, killer whales, and pigeon guillemots. Recovery status is unkown for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden trout, Kittlitz?s murrelet, and rockfish. [Assoc Press, Anchorage Daily News] Dolphin Transport Via Ambulance. In early February 1999, a Flagler County, FL, paramedic was suspended for 2 shifts for violating county policy by transporting a beached dolphin by ambulance to a temporary tank at a nearby fire station, until officials from Sea World arrived to treat the animal. [Naples Daily News] North Atlantic Humpback Whale Population. In early February 1999, the 6-nation Years of the North Atlantic Humpback project reported an estimated north Atlantic humpback whale population of 10,600 animals ? almost twice the 1980s estimate of 5,505 animals. This is the result of a 6-year study initiated by the Center for Coastal Studies, Provinceto, MA. [Boston Globe] 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: forwarded response to Natl Geo video on dolphins (fwd) This is a forwarded message. Please direct correspondence to Paul and Grace Atkins at: moanaprods(\)aol.com ******************************************* Greetings. I'm the director of the National Geographic Special "Dolphins: The Wild Side" which aired recently on NBC. I was a biologist before becoming a wildlife filmmaker, and I have a master's degree and 7 years of research towards a doctorate in zoology from University of Hawaii. Producer Grace Atkins, associate producer Anne Marie Hammers, and I spent two years in the field observing and filming the natural behavior of various species of dolphins for this film. We have a noninterference policy and do not advocate feeding any wild animals, much less dolphins. So we were rather dismayed that Joel Bellucci felt our film - because of a brief hand-feeding scene in Shark Bay, Australia - was irresponsible and encouraged the feeding of wild dolphins. We intended the message of that sequence, and indeed the overall premise of the film, to have exactly the opposite effect. It's understandable how one sequence and a few lines of narration could be misunderstood if taken out of context. Since many of you have probably not seen the film, here's the context. In Shark Bay we illustrate the research of Dr. Richard Conner by showing a female bottlenose, Nicky, being aggressively herded by a male alliance. We then follow Nicky as she leads her calf to be hand fed at Monkey Mia. The narration and visuals make two basic points during this hand-feeding scene: the activity is monitored and controlled by park rangers because it is potentially harmful to both dolphins and humans - in fact, we emphasize that dolphins can be aggressive and may bite people if touched. The second point is an ironic comment on our attitudes and preconceived notions about dolphins -- while "new agers" and others may have an almost religious fervor about these animals, the dolphins are concerned mainly with survival, ie "getting a fish". After the hand feeding is over, the narrator says: " If there's a lesson here for the calf, it's that a dolphin must always be inventive in finding food. For out in the wild, it's no easy task." This is certainly not meant to be an endorsement of giving handouts to dolphins, or a suggestion that they need our assistance in getting food! Viewed in context, this narration serves as a transition to the next sequence, which is about the inventive and sometimes risky feeding strategies that dolphins apparently learn and utilize in the wild. Another filmmaker might take a more explicit approach in mentioning laws against feeding dolphins and so on. Frankly, I don't think the soapbox approach is that effective in reaching the public on conservation issues anymore. We prefer to enlighten and entertain with stories about the natural history of the animals, and feel that this reaches a wider audience and ultimately promotes conservation more effectively. I would be surprised and certainly disappointed if our film promotes close physical contact between the public and dolphins. Our premise was to portray dolphins as wild animals rather than friendly, cuddly playthings. We emphasized the predatory and sometimes violent aspects of dolphin behavior. We carefully avoided showing any humans - whether scientists or otherwise - freely and joyfully swimming underwater in the company of dolphins, an image that pops up in practically every other dolphin film ever made. And the overall message of the film was clearly this: we should not attempt to humanize or romanticize dolphins, but respect them for what they are - wild predators. We would be very interested in comments from other marmamers who saw the film. To the extent that this opens debate, it must be a positive thing for dolphins. Sincerely, Paul Atkins Subject: recent m.m. publications (fwd) 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. Quantitative tools for comparing animal communication systems: information theory applied to bottlenose dolphin whistle repertoires. McCowan, B; Hanser, SF; Doyle, LR. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. February 1999 v57 part2 p409-419 Myoglobin in pelagic small cetaceans. Dolar, MLL; Suarez, P; Ponganis, PJ; Kooyman, GL. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY. February 1999 v202 i3 p227-236 Tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol in sediment and food webs from the Baltic south coast Falandysz, J; Strandberg, B; Strandberg, L; Rappe, C ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, February 15, 1999 v33 i4 p517-521 Evolutionary applications of MIRs and SINEs. Buchanan, F; Crawford, A; Strobeck, C; Palsboll, P; Plante, Y. ANIMAL GENETICS. February 1999 v30 i1 p47-50 Sighting of a South African fur seal on a beach in south-western Gabon. Thibault, M. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY. March 1999 v37 i1 p119-120 Comparison of organochlorine contaminants among sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations in California and Alaska Bacon, CE; Jarman, WM; Estes, JA; Simon, M; Norstrom, RJ ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY, March 1999 v18 i3 p452-458 Subject: killer whale capture proposed in Norway for shipment to Japan (fwd) Source: Norwegian newspaper "Nordlys", Date: 09-03-99 Translated by: Anton Krag, Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge (The Norwegian Federati= on for Animal Protection) JAPANESE TO CAPTURE LIVE ORCAS FROM LOFOTEN Troms=F8: A group of Japanese want to capture six killer whales and send = them by air to an amusement park in Japan. The probable place of capture is Lofoten and Vester=E5len. The Norwegian Trade Council has helped the Japanese to get started. A delegation of 4 people is to arrive in Norway next week with a hectic programme. They are to investigate if it is possible to import live orcas to Japan. A large aquarium is under construction in Nagoy, which is to be ready in the year 2001. This is where the whales will be placed if all goes as planned. The Japanese will have meetings with the Norwegian Ministery of Fisheries, research institutions and whalers. Richard Pedersen from, the Norwegian Trade Council, has organised the meeting for the Japanese. -"They are coming to find out if Norwegian laws and regulation will allow success. It is most likely that the orcas will = be captured from Vester=E5len in Lofoten. The transport distance is not particularly long from an airport in the North of Norway, with the same Aeroflot cargo planes that send salmon." Neither the Ministery of Fisheries, nor the Ministery of Enviroment, are particularly happy with the problems they face. -"The authorities have be= en rather reserved, but say that in theory it is not impossible. The whalers have assured us that it is not unfeasable to catch orcas", says Pedersen. The Japanese will be going to Lofoten to meet whaler Jan Kristiansen. Steinar Bastesen is also to meet the Japanese. -"Nets, seditives or cornering them in a fjord can be techniques used to catch the whales", sa= ys Bastesen. Orcas have never been caught alive in Norway before. ___________________________________________________________________ Comments on this capture could be sent to: Norwegian Trade Council Drammensveien 40 0243 Oslo Norway tlf. + 47 22 92 63 00, fax. + 47 22 92 64 00 e-mail: oslo(\)ntc.no www.ntc.no Ministery of Fisheries Postboks 8118 Dep 0032 Olso Norway tlf. + 47 22 24 90 90, fax. + 47 22 24 95 85 e-mail: postmottak(\)fid.dep.telemax.no Ministery of Enviroment Postboks 8013 Dep 0030 Oslo Norway tlf. + 47 22 24 90 90, fax. + 47 22 24 95 60 e-mail: postmottak(\)md.dep.no Ministery of Agriculture Postboks 8007 Dep 0030 Oslo Norway tlf. + 47 22 24 90 90, fax. + 47 22 24 95 55 e-mail: postmottak(\)ld.dep.no Subject: Abstract:Techniques for analyzing vertebrate social structure (fwd) The following paper may be of interest to those studying cetacean (and other) social organizations. Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) Whitehead, H. and S. Dufault. 1999. Techniques for Analyzing Vertebrate Social Structure Using Identified Individuals: Review and Recommendations. Advances in the Study of Behavior 28: 33-74. Summary: The objective of this chapter has been to help ethologists choose appropriate methods for the analysis of vertebrate social structures. We examined 88 studies of non-human vertebrate social structure in which animals were individually identified and interactions or associations between pairs of animals were recorded. Most studies were of 'fission-fusion' type societies and concerned mammals, especially ungulates, primates and cetaceans. In these studies the fundamental data consisted of observations of behavioral `interactions', or `associations' defined by spatial or temporal proximity, and/or presence in the same group. Data from different sampling periods were then combined into one or more measures of `relationship' for each pair of animals. Most frequently, just one measure of relationship was calculated, an `association index'. There are difficulties in choosing a suitable association index. To represent the social structure of the population, matrices of association indices, or other measures of relationship, were displayed using cluster analyses, sociograms, multidimensional scaling and other techniques. The temporal patterning of pairwise interactions or associations, an important element of relationships, and thus of social structure, generally received only superficial treatment. Among our recommendations for future studies are: records of interactions are preferable to those of associations; when used, associations should be defined on the basis of the likelihood of interaction; association can be determined by presence in the same group but groups should be defined so that most interactions take place within them; the temporal patterning of interactions or associations should be an important part of such analyses; a multivariate representation of several measures of relationship may be useful; and it is often instructive to compare the distribution of measures of relationship, or some other statistic, with that expected from 'null' models of social structure. Subject: T H E M O N A C H U S G U A R D I A N (fwd) 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 11 March 1999 Dear Colleagues, This is to let you know that we are now inviting submissions for the May edition of The Monachus Guardian. The following brief guide to the various sections of the journal may prove useful to contributors: > Cover Story / In Focus / Perspectives Proposals for feature articles should be addressed to the editor by 30 March. > Monachus Science Proposals for submissions to Monachus Science should be addressed to the editor by 30 March. > International News / Regional News The Monachus Guardian should receive standard news items no later than 15 April. Please contact the editor in the event of urgent breaking news beyond this deadline. > Recent Publications Lists recent and forthcoming papers, articles, books, reports etc. relevant to Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. Submissions deadline: 15 April. > Monachus Library As a separate service of monachus.org, submissions (e.g. abstracts, entire papers, reports and other publications) may be made to the Monachus Library at any time. > Merchandise & Fund Raising Organisations wishing to submit news of recently-produced merchandise (e.g. posters, postcards, T-shirts, calendars etc) should ensure that all relevant information, including photographs and illustrations, is supplied to The Monachus Guardian by 15 April. > Letters to the Editor May be submitted at any time. We look forward to hearing from you William M. Johnson editor(\)monachus.org The Monachus Guardian, Library and Network can be accessed at the following address: http://www.monachus.org IMMA Inc., 1474 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1L 1C8. Fax. 001 519 767 0284 We are attempting to provide suitable field research equipment requested by a Brazillian researcher. Your recommendations are requested for a reasonable ( = cheap?) source of reticule binoculars, between 7x50 and 8x30 (what would be the optimum for ship and shore use?) and reasonably sturdy. We will also be supplying a GPS unit, which now come in a variety of prices and abilities. Has anyone found a good reason to go for a GPS unit with upscale features or are the basic models adequate? The gadgets must be hand delivered in Rio on March 25th, along with many other items; any timely suggestions will be welcome. Thanks, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 09:51:06 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Canadian Marine Mammal Journal and Directory (fwd) From: Kate Ottnad This notification was originally posted in the spring of 1998. A more detailed notification is included here in case people missed the original because of field seasons. Thank you. Kate Ottnad Subject: Fall 1998 publication: The Canadian Marine Mammal Journal and Directory 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. 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. The cost of the Directory and shipping to the United States is: 1 copy $5.25 US funds or $6.75 Can funds 2 copies $9.50 US or $12.00 Can. The cost of the Directory including shipping to places other than North America is: 1 copy $5.50 US funds or $7.00 Can funds 2 copies $9.75 US or $12.50 Can Shipping is via Canada Post, parcel service. That means it may take a while (1-3 weeks?) to reach you. We can accept payment as either a cheque in US funds or a money order in Canadian funds. Please make the cheque/money order payable to West Coast Whale Research Foundation. Send your mailing address and the cheque to: West Coast Whale Research Foundation c/o K. Ottnad #3 920 Tobruck Ave. North Vancouver, BC CANADA V7P 1V8. Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to US congress (fwd) From: "Suchman, Cynthia" 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 {{Monterey Bay War Games. On Mar. 11, 1999, the CA Coastal Commission unanimously rejected a Navy and Marine Corps report suggesting that gray whales and sea otters in Monterey Bay would not be affected by major military exercises, part of the Urban Warrior Advanced Warfighting Experiment, involving a 250-Marine beach landing in Monterey on Mar. 13, 1999. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NMFS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had granted approval to the military.}}[Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury News] {Iceland and Commercial Whaling. On Mar. 10, 1999, Iceland's parliament voted 37-7 to approve a resolution calling on the Icelandic government to make all necessary preparations to resume commercial whaling as soon as possible, or at least by Dec. 31, 2000.}[High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Mar. 3, 1999, a coalition of conservation groups and a former whale hunter filed a 40-page petition with NMFS asking that Cook Inlet beluga whales be listed under the Endangered Species Act as an endangered species. [Anchorage Daily News] Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 3, 1999, seven sealers appeared in court in Gander, Newfoundland, on charges that they sealed in a whelping patch or pupping area in 1998. An additional 7 sealers are scheduled to appear in court on various charges in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on Mar. 22, 1999. Sealers are being prosecuted by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans for sealing activities captured on videotape by animal rights activists. [Canadian Press] APHIS Proposed Regulations. On Feb. 23, 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed Animal Welfare Act regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity. The proposed regulations were developed by developed by the Marine Mammal Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee in a series of meetings beginning in September 1995 and continuing through July 1996. Public comment on the proposed regulations is being taken through Apr. 26, 1999. [Fed. Register] La Jolla Children's Pool. On Feb. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice that the City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking authorization to disturb a colony of harbor seals to reclaim and renovate La Jolla's Children's Pool swimming area. This pool has been closed to swimming since September 1997, when contamination by seal feces made the pool unsafe. Public comment on permit authorization will be accepted through Mar. 24, 1999. [Sacramento Bee, NOAA press release] FL Manatees. On Feb. 19, 1999, Tampa Bay's Manatee Awareness Coalition is scheduled to begin a 3-year Manatee Watch campaign, cosponsored by Tampa Bay Watch and the FL Marine Research Institute and intended to inform boaters of manatee habitat in Tampa Bay and reduce manatee deaths from boat collisions. The Coalition is proposing new manatee protection zones to keep manatees and speeding boats apart. [Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Naples Daily News] Mexican Whale/Sea Lion Mortalities. On Feb. 18, 1999, Mexican television reported that 3 adult gray whales had died of unknown causes at the Magdalena Bay breeding lagoon in northwestern Mexico. In addition, 2 other gray whales were reported dead earlier this year on the coast of western Sinaloa state. These mortalities were reported as exceeding normal conditions. Also, gray whales were reported to have arrived a month later than usual at their breeding lagoons, with reports of migration taking them much further south than usual. On Feb. 20, 1999, the Group of 100 (a Mexico City environmental organization) called on the Mexican government to investigate the recent epidemic of gray whale deaths, suggesting that the cyanide-based fluorescent dye NK-19 used by drug smugglers or pollution from mining operations may be responsible for the whale deaths. On Feb. 22, 1999, the Contra Costa Times reported the Mexican news agency as saying that fishermen had found 9 gray whales dead in recent weeks in Magdalena Bay. On Feb. 24, 1999, Mexican officials were reporting 6 dead gray whales (2 adults and 4 calves) in Magdalena Bay, with all deaths due to natural causes. On Feb. 26, 1999, Mexican authorities reported that as many as 16 gray whales have died along the northwestern Mexican coast since January 1999, including 4 in Magdalena Bay. On Feb. 28, 1999, Mexican scientists reported that the decomposing bodies of 180 sea lions had been found in the northern Gulf of California in mid-February 1999. In addition, a 17th gray whale mortality was reported in Sinaloa state. On Mar. 1, 1999, gray whale mortality was reported as 20 animals -- 7 in the Gulf of California and 13 in breeding lagoons on Baja California's west coast. {On Mar. 10, 1999, Greenpeace and at least 50 Mexican environmental organizations filed a criminal complaint with Mexico's attorney general, accusing the Mexican Government of not enforcing environmental measures thus allowing concentrated brine discharges from a Mexican-Japanese joint venture salt company to damage a Baja California reserve and its gray whales and sea turtles.}[CNN, Contra Costa Times, BBC News, Reuters, Chicago Tribune, Assoc Press] Large Whale Protection. On Feb. 16, 1999, NMFS published final regulations in the Federal Register to implement a large whale (i.e., right, humpback, fin, and minke whales) take reduction plan. These regulations close whale habitat to some types of fishing gear when whales are present, prohibit certain fishing practices that increase the risk of whale entanglement, fund gear research to develop fishing gear less likely to entangle whales, conduct outreach to inform fishermen of entanglement problems, and operate a Whale Disentanglement Network to locate and disentangle whales caught in fishing gear. [Fed. Register, NOAA press release, Bangor Daily 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: Goosebeak Whale Strandings (fwd) From: NATURE ALERT Following the interest, from several sources, in an article on Goosebeak whale strandings by Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni and Paul Rosario-Delestre which was published in vol. 1 edition 2 of "Whale World" magazine, please find the article posted below Dr Kevin Robinson Contributing Editor, Whale World magazine NATURE ALERT ************************************************* Mass Stranding of Goosebeak Whales in Puerto Rico By Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni and Paul J. Rosario-Delestre A mass stranding of five goosebeak whales (Ziphius cavirostris) occurred on July 29 and 30 1998 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Caribbean Stranding Network (CSN), a local non-profit scientific and conservation organisation based at the Universidad Metropolitana in San Juan, attended the stranding which involved one adult female and four males. Goosebeak whales are a cosmopolitan cetacean belonging to the family of beaked whales. They are an offshore species, commonly known to strand throughout the world, but rarely in large numbers. The largest animal in the stranding measured 5.3 m while the smallest was about 4.5 m in length. Local agencies aided the CSN in handling the emergency. CSN personnel with over a dozen volunteers and intern college-students spent over 24 hours tending to the stranded animals. Most of the animals were externally in good shape, apart from scratches caused by being stranded on the rocks. The female, the first to strand, was found in the worst shape. The two last animals to strand did so alive but, after rescuing and examining the animals, the decision was made by the CSN and Puerto Rico=92s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources to euthanise them, given their condition, logistical difficulties, and the slim possibilities of their successful rehabilitation. At present there are no facilities in Puerto Rico to rehabilitate large cetaceans. 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 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 either buried or towed out to sea. Whilst a number of single strandings of Ziphius have been recorded in Puerto Rico, this is the third multiple stranding of goosebeak whales in the north-eastern Caribbean. In 1965, an epizootic event occurred in the south and eastern coast of Puerto Rico when 11 Ziphius stranded in La Parguera, Patillas on the eastern coast of the island, between December 1965 and March 1966. In February 1991, four goosebeaks stranded in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. The event in Puerto Rico is probably the fourteenth mass stranding recorded world-wide for this species. Dr. Antonio. A. Mignucci-Giannoni is the Scientific Co-ordinator for the CSN and is Associate Professor at the Universidad Metropolitana in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Paul Rosario is a student at the Interamerican University in San Juan, working on a research project on beaked whales in the Caribbean. For further information contact: P0 Box 361715, San Juan, PR 00936, USA. Tel. & Fax. (787) 767 8009. E-mail: mignucci(\)caribe.net Web Page: http://netdial.caribe.net/~mignucci/ ************************************************* WW is a publication produced by the non-profit, UK-based organisation Natur= e Alert. It is a benefit to Nature Alert members and is a 50/50 colour and B/= W magazine with feature articles and superb photography. Annual membership costs 10 pounds sterling to either UK or overseas supporters who receive 2 editions of WW a year. Inquiries/applications for membership should be addressed to: Whale World Nature Alert P.O. Box 2060 Bath BA1 3YB England UK Tel/Fax: + 44 1225 444929 email: naturalert(\)dial.pipex.com Subject: Reticule binoculars CSI is grateful for the responses to our request for suggestions for reticule binoculars. The MARMAM editors requested fedback from those responses for general information. >From a limited and rapid sampling everyone seems to like the Funjinon 7x50 binocular, and the Polaris model seems to be the first choice of people who have someone else buy them (~US$649). There are other models. The bottom end Mariner model also has a reticule, some armor and waterproofing, and lens coatings, but at ~US$199 there must be significant differences. Does it depends on who is buying versus using them or am I missing the point?. They are reportedly available from West Marine and Boat U.S., but the prices above represent quotes from E&B Discount Marine at 1-800-262-8464. If there are other or better choices please share them with us. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 12:21:57 -0600 From: Burton Ayles Subject: Beaufort Sea Conference 2000- A conference in Inuvik, Canada Sept 1999 on the Renewable resources of the Beaufort Sea. For posting on MARMAM Beaufort Sea Conference 2000- A conference in Inuvik, Canada Sept 1999 on the Renewable resources of the Beaufort Sea. Beaufort Sea Conference 2000. Inuvik, NT. September 15-18, 1999. BSC2000 is a conference to review our current understanding of the renewable resources viz., whales, seals and polar bears, the ocean environment and anadromous and marine fish, of the Beaufort Sea and the factors that impact on those resources viz., new technologies, industrial impacts, co-management and ocean management systems and to develop a vision of the future that will help us to manage those resources for the benefit of present and future generations. There will be invited key note presentations on the state of the resources i.e. whales, seals and polar bears etc. and on Inuvialuit use of those resources. There will be special workshop sessions on the factors that effect the resources i.e. new technologies, industrial impacts etc. Scientific posters and exhibits on the resources or the factors to be addressed in the workshops are welcomed. BSC2000 will involve participation by the Inuvialuit community as well as the scientific and resource management communities. BSC 2000 is sponsored by the Invuialuit Fisheries Joint Management Committee, the Arctic Institute of North America, Aurora Research Institute and the Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For more information contact http://www.ucalgary.ca/aina/bsc2000.html or BSC2000 Conference Secretariat, c/o Camille Campbell, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Cresecent, Winnipeg, R2M 2X3, (204) 983-5095, Fax (204) 984-2401, e-mail campbellc(\)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Posted by Burton Ayles, Inuvialuit Fisheries Joint Management Committee and Chair Program Committee, BSC2000 e-mail address aylesb(\)escape.ca ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 12:25:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent m.m. publications (fwd) 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. Estimating size and assessing trends in a coastal bottlenose dolphin population. Wilson, B; Hammond, PS; Thompson, PM. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS. February 1999 v9 i1 p288-300 Comment on: Butyltin residues in sediment, fish, fish-eating birds, harbour porpoise and human tissues from the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea (Kannan and Falandysz 1997). Robinson, S; Volosin, J; Keithly, J; Cardwell, R. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. January 1999 v38 i1 p57-61 Response to the comment on: Butyltin residues in sediment, fish, fish-eating birds, harbour porpoise and human tissues from the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. Kannan, K; Falandysz, J. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. January 1999 v38 i1 p61-63 Bronchoscopic and serologic diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary infection in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Reidarson, TH; Harrell, JH; Rinaldi, MG; McBain, J. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. December 1998 v29 i4 p451-455 Disseminated histoplasmosis in an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Jensen, ED; Lipscomb, T; Van Bonn, B; Miller, G; Fradkin, JM; Ridgway, SH. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. December 1998 v29 i4 p456-460 Appeal against Makah gray whale hunt. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. January 1999 v38 i1 p5-5 Trace metal and organochlorine concentrations in a pygmy Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) from the South China Sea. Parsons, ECM; Chan, HM; Kinoshita, R. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. January 1999 v38 i1 p51-55 Phylogenetic and functional affinities between whale-fall, seep and vent chemoautotrophic communities. Smith, CR; Baco, AR. CAHIERS DE BIOLOGIE MARINE. Fall 1998 v39 i3-4 p345-346 Inclusion of Cetaceans within the order Artiodactyla based on phylogenetic analysis of pancreatic ribonuclease genes. Kleineidam, RG; Pesole, G; Breukelman, HJ; Beintema, JJ; Kastelein, RA. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION. March 1999 v48 i3 p360-368 Hematology and chemistry reference values for free-ranging harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and the effects of hemolysis on chemistry values of captive harbor seals. Morgan, L; Kumaresan, S; Thomas, C; MacWilliams, P. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. December 1998 v29 i4 p394-400 Causes of erroneous white blood cell counts and differentiation in clinically healthy young northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Goldstein, T; Johnson, SP; Werner, LJ; Nolan, S; Hilliard, BA. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. December 1998 v29 i4 p408-412 Bioaccumulation of toxic organic compounds and their isomers into the organism of seals in west-Estonian archipelago biosphere reserve. Roots, O; Talvari, A. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT. February 1999 v54 i3 p301-312 Blood chemistry and hematology of gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups from birth to postweaning. Hall, AJ. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. December 1998 v29 i4 p401-407 Parasites and commensals of the West Indian manatee from Puerto Rico Mignucci-Giannoni, AA; Beck, CA; Montoya-Ospina, RA; Williams, EH JOURNAL OF THE HELMINTHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, January 1999 v66 i1 p67-69 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 17:37:58 -0500 Reply-To: brault(\)umbsky.cc.umb.edu From: Solange Brault Organization: UMass Boston Subject: North Atlantic Right whale survival paper >From Solange Brault, Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston brault(\)umbsky.cc.umb.edu The following paper has just appeared. Caswell, H., M. Fujiwara, and S. Brault. 1999. Declining survival probability threatens the North Atlantic right whale. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 96:3308-3313. Abstract The North Atlantic northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is considered the most endangered large whale species. Its population has recovered only slowly since the cessation of commercial whaling, and numbers about 300 individuals. We applied mark-recapture statistics to a catalog of photographically identified individuals, to obtain the first statistically rigorous estimates of survival probability for this population. Crude survival decreased from about 0.99 per year in 1980 to about 0.94 in 1994. We combined this survival trend with a reported decrease in reproductive rate into a branching process model to compute population growth rate and extinction probability. Population growth rate declined from about 1.053 in 1980 to about 0.976 in 1994. Under current conditions the population is doomed to extinction; an upper bound on the expected time to extinction is 191 years. The most effective way to improve the prospects of the population is to reduce mortality. The right whale is at risk from entanglement in fishing gear and from collisions with ships. Reducing this human-caused mortality is essential to the viability of this population. The paper is available at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/96/6/3308 or write for reprints to: Hal Caswell Biology Department MS 34 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole MA 02543 USA hcaswell(\)whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 12:40:50 -0800 From: "James V. Carretta" Subject: Availability of NMFS Stock Assessment Reports Dear Marmam: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is required to publish Stock Assessment Reports for all stocks of marine mammals within U.S. waters, to review new information every year for strategic stocks and every 3 years for non-strategic stocks, and to update the stock assessment reports when significant new information becomes available. Pacific stock assessment reports published by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC/NMFS) are now available on the World Wide Web through the Southwest Fisheries Science Center Homepage (http://swfsc.ucsd.edu) through the 'Publications' link. Reports may be accessed directly through http://swfsc.ucsd.edu/sars/. In addition, reports from SWFSC and other NMFS centers (Alaska and Atlantic regions) are now available in PDF format through the NMFS Office of Protected Resources Home Page at http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/mammals/sa_rep/sar.html. Pacific stock assessments published in 1997 contain information on all marine mammal stocks which occur in EEZ waters of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. The 1998 Pacific report contains significant new information on 7 marine mammal stocks in California, Oregon, and Washington waters (harbor seal, northern fur seal, harbor porpoise, Mesoplodont beaked whales, and minke whale). REFERENCES Barlow, J., K. A. Forney, P. S. Hill, R. L. Brownell, Jr., J. V. Carretta, D. P. DeMaster, F. Julian, M. S. Lowry, T. Ragen, and R. R. Reeves. 1997. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 1996. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-248. 223pp. Barlow, J., P.Scott Hill, K.A. Forney, and D.P. DeMaster. 1998. U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments: 1998. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-258. 40pp. ******************************************** James V. Carretta Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service P.O. Box 271 La Jolla, CA 92038 ph. (619)-546-7181 FAX (619)-546-5653 email: jcarretta(\)caliban.ucsd.edu OR Jim.Carretta(\)noaa.gov "If I had the choice of knowing the truth or searching for the truth, I'd take the search"- Walker Percy ******************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 11:41:44 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: 1/20/99 Post, Additional Literature Assistance & Incident Contact (fwd) From: Ark Animals The following results to my 1/20/99 inquiry are for your review. Please find two additonal related requests for assistance included within. > Subject: Help with historical facts and figures > > Dear Colleagues: > I am currently working on a book dealing with a wide variety of animal > behavior and training, including marine mammals. It is an explanation of > training, captive/wild animal behavior to promote understanding of > animals, their communication, conservation, and includes stories an > examples of how they are different/similar to animals the general > public can relate to. > I find that I am in need of a couple of resources or clarification on > some points: > > 1. Where and when was the first "marine mammal park" established? US? > Other? 1938 Marine Studios of Florida > 2. What marine mammals were exhibited? 1938 Variety, but performing Tursiops was of note 1913 First captive Tursiops New York Aquarium 1860 First captive cetaceans exhibited USA PT Barnum Museum New York > 3. Does my memory serve me correctly when I state that Marineland of the > Pacific was originally operated by the scientific community (1954) ? Yes. > What group? If no, who sold it to the Hollywood Park people? Not answered. > 4. I remember an orca situation occurring while I worked at Marineland, > the same whale was involved in another incident in 1987 that shook up > things for a bit at Sea World. Can anyone direct me to a resource can > give me a non-emotional or non- commercially biased account of that > incident? Could the MARMAM person that volunteered to fax me a summary of the 1987 killer whale incident please email me again? I have recently changed my fax number and computer, and have lost your contact email address. David Self was the trainer Orky held on the bottom of the tank. Cliff _______ ??????pulled him out of the tank. The other trainer's name at the scene, Smith Clark maybe? > 5. I am looking to get in touch with two trainers I pestered as a > teenager at Marineland: Art _______and the other trainer that worked > with the walruses there. If anyone knows how I can please let me know > or pass them my information below. Art Thomas Andy Sorich Currently I am in need of some additional assistance to references in the literature related specifically to vocalizations for the gray whale (Eschricthius robustus). I have not been able to source any literature on this subject to date. Dr. Bowles is the only name I have sourced and I have yet to hear back from her. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again for your assistance on this matter. Diana Guerrero Diana Guerrero AATT Ark Animals PO Box 1154 Escondido, CA 92033 arkabc(\)arkanimals.com http://www.arkanimals.com Appointments at 800.818.7387 24 Hour Information 760.599.3697 "We Take Over Where Noah Left Off!" ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 10:07:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Lutra 41 (1/2) (fwd) ------------forwarded from ECS-list---------------- From: "Jan Willem Broekema" Recently Lutra, issue 41, part 1-2, has been published. Lutra is the magazine of the Benelux Society for the Study and Protection of Mammals VZZ. P. 't Hart & J.S. van der Kamp describe 'Cephalic Presentation observed in a White-beaked Dolphin, *Lagenorhynchus albirostris*'. In the article the authors assume that this is the probable cause of death of the mother, as may have been the case in earlier strandings. M.J. Addink & C. Smeenk publish 'The Harbour Porpoise *Phocoena phocoena* in Dutch coastal Waters: analysis of stranding records for the period 1920-1994'. Strandings are statistically compared to year, time of year (season), coastal area, length and age distributions, sex. Several conclusions on the North Sea population are based on the observations. Both articles are in English. For more information, please contact the VZZ at zoogdier(\)bigfoot.com or by mail (telephone) at Bureau VZZ, Oude Kraan 8, NL-6811 LJ Arnhem, The Netherlands (+31- (0)26-370.53.18) --- Jan Willem Broekema European Cetacean Society; Computer Support Group http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs Subject: CRS Weekly summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- 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 {North Pacific Gray Whales. On Mar. 16-17, 1999, U.S. and Mexican scientists met at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory to review gray whale research, and released estimates that the North Pacific gray whale population was about 26,600 animals -- a substantial increase from the 22,200 animals estimated in 1995-96 surveys.}[San Jose Mercury News] {North Atlantic Right Whales. On Mar. 16, 1999, a report by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Univ. of MA was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicating that North Atlantic right whales are dying at a faster rate (about 7% of the population each year) than they can reproduce, bringing the population closer to extinction.}[Canadian Press] {Ocean Futures. On Mar. 16, 1999, officials of the Free Willy Foundation and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Institute of Santa Barbara, CA announced their merger as a new entity to be known as Ocean Futures. The merged entity will focus on educating about ocean pollution, and fostering a conservation ethic. In addition the group will use the Internet to communicate updates on Keiko.}[Portland Oregonian] {FL Manatees. On Mar. 13, 1999, FL volunteers counted 2,353 manatees, including 1,397 on FL?s west coast -- significantly more than the FL total of 1,873 animals that was counted in January 1999.}[Naples Daily News] Monterey Bay War Games. On Mar. 11, 1999, the CA Coastal Commission unanimously rejected a Navy and Marine Corps report suggesting that gray whales and sea otters in Monterey Bay would not be affected by major military exercises, part of the Urban Warrior Advanced Warfighting Experiment, involving a 250-Marine beach landing in Monterey on Mar. 13, 1999. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NMFS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had granted approval to the military. {{In response, the military dropped plans for the beach landing.}}[Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury News] Iceland and Commercial Whaling. On Mar. 10, 1999, Iceland?s parliament voted 37-7 to approve a resolution calling on the Icelandic government to make all necessary preparations to resume commercial whaling as soon as possible, or at least by Dec. 31, 2000. [High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] {Caribbean Humpback Whale Kill. On Mar. 6, 1999, British tourists witnessed whalers off Mustique, in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, harpoon a humpback whale calf and subsequently harpoon and kill the calf?s mother. Killing of suckling calves or females accompanied by a calf is reported as contrary to International Whaling Convention standards. St. Vincent, an International Whaling Commission member, is allowed to kill 2 humpback whales each year for non-commercial use.}[BBC News] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Mar. 3, 1999, a coalition of conservation groups and a former whale hunter filed a 40-page petition with NMFS asking that Cook Inlet beluga whales be listed under the Endangered Species Act as an endangered species. [Anchorage Daily News] Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 3, 1999, seven sealers appeared in court in Gander, Newfoundland, on charges that they sealed in a whelping patch or pupping area in 1998. An additional 7 sealers are scheduled to appear in court on various charges in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on Mar. 22, 1999. Sealers are being prosecuted by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans for sealing activities captured on videotape by animal rights activists. {{In early March 1999, Newfoundland Fisheries Minister John Efford released a video showing thousands of dead, gutted cod, blaming harp seals for the mortality and calling for an increased harp seal quota. On Mar. 18, 1999, animal protection activists responded, releasing two reports suggesting that cold water may have killed the cod, which were then gutted by birds seeking cod livers.}}[Canadian Press] APHIS Proposed Regulations. On Feb. 23, 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published proposed Animal Welfare Act regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity. The proposed regulations were developed by developed by the Marine Mammal Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee in a series of meetings beginning in September 1995 and continuing through July 1996. Public comment on the proposed regulations is being taken through Apr. 26, 1999. [Fed. Register] La Jolla Children?s Pool. On Feb. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice that the City of San Diego's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking authorization to disturb a colony of harbor seals to reclaim and renovate La Jolla?s Children?s Pool swimming area. This pool has been closed to swimming since September 1997, when contamination by seal feces made the pool unsafe. Public comment on permit authorization will be accepted through Mar. 24, 1999. [Sacramento Bee, NOAA press release] Mexican Whale/Sea Lion Mortalities. On Feb. 22, 1999, the Contra Costa Times reported the Mexican news agency as saying that fishermen had found 9 gray whales dead in recent weeks in Magdalena Bay. On Feb. 24, 1999, Mexican officials were reporting 6 dead gray whales (2 adults and 4 calves) in Magdalena Bay, with all deaths due to natural causes. On Feb. 26, 1999, Mexican authorities reported that as many as 16 gray whales have died along the northwestern Mexican coast since January 1999, including 4 in Magdalena Bay. On Feb. 28, 1999, Mexican scientists reported that the decomposing bodies of 180 sea lions had been found in the northern Gulf of California in mid-February 1999. In addition, a 17th gray whale mortality was reported in Sinaloa state. On Mar. 1, 1999, gray whale mortality was reported as 20 animals -- 7 in the Gulf of California and 13 in breeding lagoons on Baja California?s west coast. On Mar. 10, 1999, Greenpeace {{and four other U.S. and Mexican}}environmental organizations filed a criminal complaint with Mexico?s attorney general, accusing the Mexican Government of not enforcing environmental measures thus allowing concentrated brine discharges from a Mexican-Japanese joint venture salt company to damage a Baja California reserve and its gray whales and sea turtles. {On Mar. 12, 1999, the Mexico?s Group of 100 announced that 50 dead gray whales had been found near Baja California, with 18 dead whales in the Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro lagoons. The cause of whales? deaths has not been determined.}[CNN, Contra Costa Times, BBC News, Reuters, Chicago Tribune, 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: Intern opportunity In-Reply-To: <98Dec12.080304hwt.148479(9)(\)relay1.Hawaii.Edu> WAIKIKI AQUARUM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL CONSERVATION, RESEARCH AND TRAINING BACKGROUND The Hawaiian monk seal is the second most endangered marine mammal in the United States, with a decline in population size of a rate of 5-6% per annum for the past decade. Reasons for this decline are poorly understood, although starvation of pups and juveniles, as well as entanglement from marine debris, appear to be affecting monk seal survival. Waikiki Aquarium has an active research program with this endangered species. Three male Hawaiian monk seals are featured in our 80,000 gallon outdoor exhibit. Daily presentations to visitors at the Monk Seal Pool describe the biology, behavior, and ecology of this rare species. Under our research permit, we are studying a number of aspects of monk seal physiology and variations resulting from seasonality, molt, and reproductive status. We have recently implemented a renovated training program to prepare the monk seals for voluntary compliance in their research and veterinary care. MONK SEAL INTERNSHIPS The Monk Seal internship program at Waikiki Aquarium is designed to provide an unparalleled opportunity for participants to learn the basic principles of marine mammal husbandry, training, and research. In addition, participants may be involved in aquarium maintenance, collection, and feeding of exhibit organisms. College credit may be arranged in advance with the University of Hawaii or the applicant's home institution. The intensive nature of the monk seal training program requires that applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hrs per week (10 training sessions) for 6 to 12 months. Preference is given to undergraduates or recent graduates with biology, zoology, or marine science training. Previous experience with aquariums and large animals is helpful but not required. Applicants must be able to lift 40 pounds and be willing to perform cleaning and husbandry tasks. Internship Opportunities will entail: Assistance with daily husbandry and training of Hawaiian monk seals, including preparation of animal diets and feeding; cleaning of exhibit area; delivery of public presentations on monk seals; observation of animal training and participation in daily feedback with professional marine mammal trainers; data collection and entry into computer data base; cleaning, maintenance, and feeding of exhibit tanks. Interns are expected to demonstrate consistency, dedication, competency and the ability to meet stringent training standards. Specific inquiries may be made to Kimberly Krusell, Monk Seal Program Manager (923-9741) or via email to: krusell(\)hawaii.edu APPLICATION Please send requests for application packets to: Human Resources Department Monk Seal Program Waikiki Aquarium 2777 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 20 Mar 1999 09:43:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Changes to Canada's COSEWIC may impact listing of marine mammals (fwd) Editor's Note: The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) is the Canadian body responsible for reviewing, evaluating and listing species at "risk" (threatened, endangered) in Canada. Over the last 15 years, the COSEWIC Fish and Marine Mammal Subcommittee has reviewed and listed the majority of marine mammal species found in Canadian waters (these reports and listings have all been published in the journal Canadian Field-Naturalist). For species listed as threatened or endangered such evaluations are repeated at regular intervals (5 or 10 years). The message below outlines how this review and evaluation process may be compromised by changes to voting rights in the annual COSEWIC meetings (which take place in April of each year). ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Canada's long-standing process for developing the national list of species at risk of extinction is being degraded. Please have your organization sign-on to this important letter regarding the need for impartiality in the listing of species at risk. A credible endangered species list is a fundamental first step in preventing biodiversity loss in Canada. For 21 years, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has been working to annually update Canada's list of species at risk of extinction. Key to the Committee's success has been its foundation in science-based expertise. The Committee includes a number of independent scientists, representatives of the conservation community, and federal, provincial, and territorial government scientists. This diverse and balanced composition of government and non-government expertise has ensured an effective, impartial process for designating species at risk. Unfortunately, recent changes to COSEWIC's structure will upset this balance and impede its ability to function as an impartial committee. In September 1998, Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial wildlife ministers decided to remove the voting rights from the Chairs of the scientific sub-committees, who are largely academic scientists. Should these changes be implemented, all voting positions will be filled by those employed or selected by government. Traditionally based on sound science, the assessment of extinction risk for species could well become, or be seen to become, subject to political influence. We understand there is still an opportunity to comment on these proposed changes to COSEWIC. Please demonstrate your organization's support for an impartial COSEWIC by signing-on to the letter below. Sign-on is being sought from organizations (private companies, associations, NGOs, academic departments, etc.), the representative of these organizations who deals with conservation matters, and members of COSEWIC and its scientific sub-committees. PLEASE sign-on to the letter below by faxing or e-mailing the name of your organization, and your name and title (where applicable) to: e-mail fax (613) 562-3117 The deadline for sign-on is April 06, 1999. PLEASE pass this letter onto other organizations interested in this matter. Thank you! Prepared by the Canadian Nature Federation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and World Wildlife Fund ----LETTER TO WILDLIFE MINISTERS--- Dear wildlife ministers, We, the undersigned, agree that the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) must operate as an independent scientific authority in determining the national list of species at risk of extinction. We are proud of COSEWIC's achievements in its 21 years of operation. What makes COSEWIC function effectively is that it has brought together government, non-government, and academic sectors in a partnership process to designate the status of species at risk in Canada. The presence of these three groups has served to provide an appropriate balance of views, thus ensuring that decisions have been made based on sound science. The result has been a credible list of species at risk that serves as an essential first step towards protecting the nation's biological diversity. We are therefore deeply concerned about your recent decision to remove the right to vote on the status of species from the Chairs of the scientific subcommittees. We believe that their participation as full voting members is essential to ensuring COSEWIC's real and perceived impartiality, and to maintaining broad-based acceptance for the Committee's vital work. Recognizing that wildlife ministers are committed to the effective conservation of endangered species, and recognizing COSEWIC's fundamental role in this process, we urge you to ensure that the Chairs of the scientific sub-committees participate as full voting members in the newly structured COSEWIC. Sincerely, *************************************** Marc Johnson Endangered Species Program Coordinator Canadian Nature Federation/Federation canadienne de la nature 1 Nicholas St, Suite 606, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7 (613) 562-3447 ext.227 Fax (613) 562-3371 Subject: results from the IDCPA survey of dolphins in the ETP (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nicole LeBoeuf The National Marine Fisheries Service wishes to advise you of the availability, on the Internet, of research results from the International Dolphin Conservation Program survey of dolphins in the Eastern Tropical Pacific conducted by its Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The information is presented on the following website: http://swfsc.ucsd.edu/IDCPA/IDCPAfront.html. New information made available for the first time is included in the document, "Preliminary estimates of 1998 abundance of four dolphin stocks in the eastern tropical Pacific" by Tim Gerrodette. Previously published information is also presented, including research vessel estimates of absolute abundance for 1979-1990, tuna vessel observer data (TVOD) estimates of annual mortality, and indices of relative abundance (produced by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission) for various years up to 1997. These previously published estimates are presented along with the new estimates to make available all the abundance and mortality estimates used in the Initial Finding required by the International Dolphin Conservation Program Act. Subject: grad student/whale acoustics (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Chris Taggart GRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITY: ACOUSTIC MONITORING OF WHALES: Researchers in the Oceanography Department at Dalhousie University are working in collaboration with others in the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA) to begin a pilot study related to passive underwater acoustic monitoring of whale vocalizations in the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy regions. The researchers are looking for a graduate student (MSc candidate with the possibility of PhD) to begin working on the project that will challenge them to show initiative in crossing boundaries between ocean acoustics, signal processing, and whale ecology and behaviour. Interested students who are Canadian citizens (absolute requirement), have a sound (no pun intended) training in physics and/or mathematics and/or statistics and who have a keen interest and/or knowledge in whale conservation should send, by e-mail: 1) a SHORT summary CV; 2) a statement of academic training and standing; and 3) a statement of interest to any of: Francine Desharnais, Defence Research Establishment Atlantic Alex Hay, Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University Christopher Taggart, Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Non-purulent meningoencephalomyelitis of a Pacific striped dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). The first evidence of morbillivirus infection in a dolphin at the Pacific Ocean around Japan. Uchida, K; Muranaka, M; Horii, Y; Murakami, N; Yamaguchi, R; Tateyama, S. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. February 1999 v61 i2 p159-162 Observations on the occurrence of Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris, in the Mahakam River, east Kalimantan, Indonesia. Kreb, D. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SAUGETIERKUNDE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN BIOLOGY. February 1999 v64 i1 p54-58 Daylight behaviour of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Karczmarski, L; Cockcroft, VG. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SAUGETIERKUNDE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN BIOLOGY. February 1999 v64 i1 p19-29 Whale origins. O'Leary, MA. SCIENCE. March 12, 1999 v283 i5408 p1641-1642 Whale origins - Response. Heyning, JE. SCIENCE. March 12, 1999 v283 i5408 p1642-1643 Sex-biased dispersal in sperm whales: contrasting mitochondrial and nuclear genetic structure of global populations. Lyrholm, T; Leimar, O; Johanneson, B; Gyllensten, U. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. February 22, 1999 v266 i1417 p347-354 Ship fire prevents whale hunt. Henderson, S. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. February 1999 v38 i2 p68-68 A risk-management approach to a mycotic disease potential in captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). Young, SJF; Huff, DG; Stephen, C. ZOO BIOLOGY. January-February 1999 v18 i1 p5-16 Mitigation of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) by-catch in the gillnet fishery in the lower Bay of Fundy. Trippel, EA; Strong, MB; Terhune, JM; Conway, JD CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES, January 1999 v56 i1 p113-123 Concentration of omega 3-polyunsaturated fatty acids of seal blubber oil by urea complexation: optimization of reaction conditions. Wanasundara, UN; Shahidi, F. FOOD CHEMISTRY. April 1999 v65 i1 p41-49 Stock discrimination of Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in the eastern Canadian Arctic using lead isotope and element signatures in teeth Outridge, PM; Stewart, REA CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES, January 1999 v56 i1 p105-112 Anderson, P.K. 1998. Shark Bay dugongs (Dugong dugon) in summer. II: Foragers in a Halodule-dominated community. Mammalia 62/3: 409-425. Langford, I.H., A. Kontogianni, M.S. Skourtos, S. Georgiou, and I.J. Bateman. 1998. Multivariate mixed models for open-ended contingent valuation data: willingness to pay for conservation of monk seals. Environ. Resour. Econ. 12: 443-456. Fifas, S., M. Goujon, and L. Antoine. 1998. Application of Leslie's model on a population of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis): sensitivity study. Aquatic Living Resources 11: 359-369. Augier, H., S. Gulbasdian, and G. Ramonda. 1998. Heavy metal contents of the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus and the bottle-nosed dolphin Tursiops truncatus beached on languedoc-roussillon seaside (Mediterranean, France). Toxicol. Environ. Chem. 67: 147-152. Anderson, P.K. 1998. Shark Bay dugongs (Dugong dugon) in summer. II: Foragers in a Halodule-dominated community. Mammalia 62/3: 409-425. Langford, I.H., A. Kontogianni, M.S. Skourtos, S. Georgiou, and I.J. Bateman. 1998. Multivariate mixed models for open-ended contingent valuation data: willingness to pay for conservation of monk seals. Environ. Resour. Econ. 12: 443-456. Fifas, S., M. Goujon, and L. Antoine. 1998. Application of Leslie's model on a population of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis): sensitivity study. Aquatic Living Resources 11: 359-369. Augier, H., S. Gulbasdian, and G. Ramonda. 1998. Heavy metal contents of the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus and the bottle-nosed dolphin Tursiops truncatus beached on languedoc-roussillon seaside (Mediterranean, France). Toxicol. Environ. Chem. 67: 147-152. Subject: Midwest Student Chapter SMM meeting announcement The first meeting of the Midwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will be held on April 17th, 1999 at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. All students, prospective students, and interested parties are invited to attend. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 11am. Dr. Jeanette A. Thomas will be the featured guest speaker. The goal of the meeting will be to outline and define Chapter goals, elect board members, and discuss topics of interest. To register for the meeting or additional information, please contact the Midwest Student Chapter by E-mail at MMSChicago(\)aol.com. The deadline for registration is April 6. Look forward to seeing you in April. Cordially, Amy Nester Megan Cope Mersedeh Jilili Angie Carter ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 18:02:41 +1200 From: David Lusseau Subject: dolphin-watching activities comparison In-Reply-To: <199903231933.HAA26534(\)arwen.otago.ac.nz> Dear marmamers, I am just starting my PhD at the University of Otago and will be working on the effect(s) of dolphin-watching activities on bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland, New Zealand. We have been developing an interest in comparing the responses of marine mammals to tourism depending on the population ecology, activity level, and so on. I have been trying to contact research groups working on the effect(s) of tourism (or boat traffic) on marine mammals to have some feedback on the feasibility of such a comparison (compatibility of research design and questions asked) and on their interest. I am primarily looking for people working with bottlenose dolphins, but we are also looking forward to interspecific comparisons. If you are interested in participating in such a comparison please contact me directly at lusda563(\)student.otago.ac.nz . Any comments, suggestions, and criticism would also be greatly welcome. Cheers, David David Lusseau Department of Zoology University of Otago PO Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand lusda563(\)student.otago.ac.nz ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 09:48:30 -0500 From: Keith Ronald Subject: Marine Mammal Management 3 KEVIN(\)copper.ocean.nova.edu, melissa dore , barra gots The Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University wishes to announce the offering of three distance education courses. One Marine Mammal Management will be offered for the third time in the spring term (April 5 to June 22). Registration is now open and will close April 5 1999. In the first two offerings of this three credit course candidates have been drawn from Asia, Europe and UK, Australasia, The Channel Islands, USA and Canada. The course's global aspect is a useful background for several professions as well as those with a strong interest in this curiously unknown group of animals. Please see http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Professor Keith Ronald Keith Ronald (kronald(\)ocean.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: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 13:26:10 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: education director of non-profit organization (fwd) The Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit marine education and research organization based in Maui, Hawaii. Information on the Foundation can be found at www.pacificwhale.org. The Foundation is seeking a Director of Education for our award-winning marine education programs for children and adults. Responsibilities include managing and coordinating ongoing education programs, developing marine science curriculum and interpretive displays, training and supervision of 25 staff naturalists, and development of new programs. Masters degree and minimum two years experience in supervising similar programs required. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Please send resume and letter of introduction; no phone calls please. Education Department Pacific Whale Foundation 101 N. Kihei Road Kihei, Maui, HI 96753 education(\)pacificwhale.org Subject: La Jolla seal debate/ Med monk seals There is a local debate going on regarding the dredging of a breakwater-protected beach that has become a haulout site for maybe 50 or so harbor seals. The seals feces have led to high bacterial counts in the water, resulting in closure of the beach to swimmers. The breakwater creates a mouth to the pocket beach that is _about_ 50m across, and the 'bay' is maybe 30-50m deep (depending on tides) (these are rough guesstimates). The locality is open coast, with heavy surge outside the 'bay'. QUESTION: at a City Council hearing this week, a speaker in favor of the dredging suggested that the seals themselves are at risk due to the concentration of animals in a sheltered area, and stated in support of this that a factor in the Mediterannean monk seal die-off several years ago was their concentration in a similarly small, sheltered houlout area. I don't recall any mention of spatial concentration of monk seals being implicated in that event; is there any basis for the statement/concern? Many thanks for any clarification, cheers Jim -------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Moore Dopeler effect: the tendency of stupid ideas Anthro 0532 to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly. UCSD La Jolla CA 92093 ERROR MESSAGE: fax 619 534-5946 Yesterday it worked jjmoore(\)ucsd.edu Today it is not working http://weber.ucsd.edu/~jmoore/ Windows is like that ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 05:00:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent m.m. 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. Dolphin interleukin-8 receptor Map position 18q25-26. Bielec, P; Gallagher, D; Womack, J; Taylor, J; Davis, S; Busbee, D. CHROMOSOME RESEARCH. December 1998 v6 i8 p661-661 Dino dolphin - Carve out a set of paddles, rework the tail, add a bit of shark and lots of speed, and what have you got?. Douglas, K. NEW SCIENTIST. March 6, 1999 v161 i2176 pA14-A14 Comments on "broadband spectra of seismic survey air-gun emissions, with reference to dolphin auditory thresholds" [J Acoust Soc Am 103,2177-2184(1998)]. Ridgway, SH; Carder, DA; Kamolnick, T; Schlundt, CE; Elsberry, W; Hastings, M. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. March 1999 v105 i3 p2047-2048 Response to "comments on 'broadband spectra of seismic survey air-gun emissions with reference to dolphin auditory threshold'" [J Acoust Soc Am 105,2047-2048(1999)]. Goold, JC; Fish, PJ. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. March 1999 v105 i3 p2049-2050 Identification of 19 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) from the Atlantic. Lindstrom, G; Wingfors, H; Dam, M; von Bavel, B. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. April 1999 v36 i3 p355-363 Monophasic group B Salmonella species infecting harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) inhabiting Scottish coastal waters Foster, G; Patterson, IAP; Munro, DS VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY, March 12, 1999 v65 i3 p227-231 Factors associated with habitat use by the Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus), in Quintana Roo, Mexico (Mammalia) Axis-Arroyo, J; Morales-Vela, B; Torruco-Gomez, D; Vega-Cendejas, ME REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL, September 1998 v46 i3 p791-803 (In Spanish) Comparative genomics: tracking chromosome evolution in the family Ursidae using reciprocal chromosome painting. Nash, WG; Wienberg, J; Ferguson-Smith, MA; Menninger, JC; O'Brien, SJ. CYTOGENETICS AND CELL GENETICS. Fall 1998 v83 i3-4 p182-192 Subject: CRS Weekly summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 15:25:55 -0500 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 {Southern Sea Otters. On Mar. 22, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft report on southern sea otters, concluding that a relocation plan aimed at translocating a sea otter population to San Nicolas Island had failed. The draft report recommended that no additional effort be expended on this relocation program, and that other means be found to promote recovery of the southern sea otter. The FWS anticipates developing new guidelines for managing southern sea otters by the end of 1999.}[Assoc Press] {MA Dolphin Strandings. On Mar. 18-23, 1999, a total of 50 white-sided dolphins stranded on Cape Cod MA, with 46 of them eventually dying. Cause of the stranding was unknown.}[Assoc Press, Boston Herald, Reuters] North Pacific Gray Whales. On Mar. 16-17, 1999, U.S. and Mexican scientists met at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory to review gray whale research, and released estimates that the North Pacific gray whale population was about 26,600 animals -- a substantial increase from the 22,200 animals estimated in 1995-96 surveys. [San Jose Mercury News] North Atlantic Right Whales. On Mar. 16, 1999, a report by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Univ. of MA was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicating that North Atlantic right whales are dying at a faster rate (about 7% of the population each year) than they can reproduce, bringing the population closer to extinction. [Canadian Press] Ocean Futures. On Mar. 16, 1999, officials of the Free Willy Foundation and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Institute of Santa Barbara, CA announced their merger as a new entity to be known as Ocean Futures. The merged entity will focus on educating about ocean pollution, and fostering a conservation ethic. In addition the group will use the Internet to communicate updates on Keiko. [Portland Oregonian] FL Manatees. On Mar. 13, 1999, FL volunteers counted 2,353 manatees, including 1,397 on FL's west coast -- significantly more than the FL total of 1,873 animals that was counted in January 1999. [Naples Daily News] Monterey Bay War Games. On Mar. 11, 1999, the CA Coastal Commission unanimously rejected a Navy and Marine Corps report suggesting that gray whales and sea otters in Monterey Bay would not be affected by major military exercises, part of the Urban Warrior Advanced Warfighting Experiment, involving a 250-Marine beach landing in Monterey on Mar. 13, 1999. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NMFS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had granted approval to the military. In response, the military dropped plans for the beach landing. [Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury News] Iceland and Commercial Whaling. On Mar. 10, 1999, Iceland's parliament voted 37-7 (12 abstentions and 7 absent) to approve a resolution calling on the Icelandic government to make all necessary preparations to resume commercial whaling as soon as possible, or at least by Dec. 31, 2000. [High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] Caribbean Humpback Whale Kill. On Mar. 6, 1999, British tourists witnessed whalers off Mustique, in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, harpoon a humpback whale calf and subsequently harpoon and kill the calf's mother. Killing of suckling calves or females accompanied by a calf is reported as contrary to International Whaling Convention standards. St. Vincent, an International Whaling Commission member, is allowed to kill 2 humpback whales each year for non-commercial use. [BBC News] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Mar. 3, 1999, a coalition of conservation groups and a former whale hunter filed a 40-page petition with NMFS asking that Cook Inlet beluga whales be listed under the Endangered Species Act as an endangered species, {{implement emergency conservation strategies for this species, and implement emergency regulations to regulate Native hunting of the whales.}}[Anchorage Daily News, Environmental News Network] Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 3, 1999, seven sealers appeared in court in Gander, Newfoundland, on charges that they sealed in a whelping patch or pupping area in 1998. An additional 7 sealers are scheduled to appear in court on various charges in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on Mar. 22, 1999. Sealers are being prosecuted by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans for sealing activities captured on videotape by animal rights activists. In early March 1999, Newfoundland Fisheries Minister John Efford released a video showing thousands of dead, gutted cod, blaming harp seals for the mortality and calling for an increased harp seal quota. On Mar. 18, 1999, animal protection activists responded, releasing two reports suggesting that cold water may have killed the cod, which were then gutted by birds seeking cod livers. [Canadian Press] Mexican Whale/Sea Lion Mortalities. On Mar. 1, 1999, gray whale mortality was reported as 20 animals -- 7 in the Gulf of California and 13 in breeding lagoons on Baja California's west coast. On Mar. 10, 1999, Greenpeace and four other U.S. and Mexican environmental organizations filed a criminal complaint with Mexico's attorney general, accusing the Mexican Government of not enforcing environmental measures thus allowing concentrated brine discharges from a Mexican-Japanese joint venture salt company to damage a Baja California reserve and its gray whales and sea turtles. On Mar. 12, 1999, the Mexico's Group of 100 announced that 50 dead gray whales had been found near Baja California, with 18 dead whales in the Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro lagoons. The cause of whales' deaths has not been determined. [CNN, Contra Costa Times, BBC News, Reuters, Chicago Tribune, 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: Dolphins & Underwater blasting This message was sent to me today, can anyone be of assistance? Please contact Ada directly. Thanks, Rich Mallon-Day ======================================== Dear Mr Mallon, My name is Ada. I am a consultant working for an environmental consulting company in Hong Kong. Recently I am involved in a construction project in which underwater blasting will be used. Near the construction site, Chinese White Dolphin are active. In order to protect these dolphin, some mitigation measures will be used such as air-bubble curtain and definition of surveillance zone (lethal zone). If any dolphin is observed in the zone before discharge, the blasting will be postponed. Now we have to devise a table listing under certain charge weight of dynamite what lethal distance should be assigned. Since I am not a specialist in this field, I want to get your advice on the problem. Do you have any reference information on delineation of the lethal zone with respect to charge weight? Should you have this information, please email me at my office (at(\)ermhk.com) or fax me at (852)2368-1727. Thank you for your kind attention. Regards Ada Tso ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 17:37:53 +0100 From: Samantha Strindberg Subject: Distance Sampling _________________________________ D I S T A N C E S A M P L I N G _________________________________ --------------------------------- The book 'Distance Sampling: Estimating Abundance of Biological Populations' by Buckland, Anderson, Burnham and Laake is now available again, after going out-of-print. It can be downloaded for free from http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distancebook/ Alternatively a hard copy can be ordered from Rhona Rodger, rhona(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk (for further information, see above www site). You can also download software Distance (also free) from this site. Distance Sampling chapter titles: 1 Introductory concepts 2 Assumptions and modelling philosophy 3 Statistical theory 4 Line transects 5 Point transects 6 Extensions and related work 7 Study design and field methods 8 Illustrative examples Steve Buckland _______________________________________________________________________ Stephen T. 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.st-and.ac.uk _______________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 12:13:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Whale Fossil Identification Help needed (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 02:29:07 +1100 From: timd_huang Hello, there, I recently dug out a whale vertabra fossil, from a late Miocene formation. The diameter of the vertabra is 25 cm in one direction, and 20 cm in the other axis. From this end of a rib to the end of the other rib is 81 cm (including the central vertabra), and the spinal bone is 29 cm. I am wondering what kind of whale could this be? By the way, as far as we know, this probably is the oldest mammal ever found in Taiwan, and is the number 4 whale fossil ever found here. The other three were from the formation of about 2 million years. Any information or expert you can direct me to will be very appreciated. Smiles, Timothy Huang 389, Sec. 2, JrShan Road, Taipei, Taiwan 111, Rep. of China Tel 886-2-2841-4552 Fax 886-2-2841-4552 web: http://www.apple.com.tw/RockComp From: Bossley Subject: Dolphins & thermal effluent The South Australian government has approved the building of a new power station which will emit heated water to an estuarine environment extensively used by bottlenose dolphins, including mothers with young calves. Neither the government nor I have been able to locate literature which has a bearing on this proposal. I am particularly interested in any information (published or otherwise) which might relate to the effects of this hot water on the spatial use and health of the dolphins. Please respond directly to: bossley(\)olis.net.au Many thanks Mike Bossley ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 03:31:20 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Whale Fossil Identification (fwd) From: ewan fordyce This is a short comment on identification of fossil Cetacea. Re the posting from Timothy Huang, it is difficult to identify fossil cetacean postcranial bones without point by point comparison with describ= ed or reference material. For now, given its size, his fossil is probably a larger mysticete - balaenopterid or "cetothere," or a physeterid; see below. To review the identification of fossils in general, fossils are usually fragmentary, and must be identified from much less material than for a modern [extant] species. For geologically young material, say up to 2-3 million years old, guides to osteology of living species are pretty usefu= l for identification at family and generic level. Probably the single most comprehensive title is: *Van Beneden, P. J., and Gervais, P. 1868-80. Ost=E9ographie des c=E9ta= c=E9s vivants et fossiles, comprenant la description et l'iconographie du squelette et du syst=E8me dentaire de ces animaux; ainsi que des document= s relatifs =E0 leur histoire naturelle. Arthus Bertrand, Paris. 2 volumes= , Text 634 pp., and Atlas 64 pls. This volume is not very accessible, however. Other 19th century accounts of living species often give good illustrations - for example the importa= nt papers by Flower, including: *Flower, W. H. 1868. On the osteology of the cachalot or sperm-whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Transactions of the Zoological Society of Lond= on 6 (6): 309-372. Perhaps the best guide to that older literature is: *Hershkovitz, P. 1966. Catalog of living whales. Smithsonian Instituti= on Bulletin 246: 1-259. Other notable sources of information on osteology include the now-discontinued Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute, Tok= yo (contains some useful species' accounts), and the readily available Handbook of Marine Mammals (Academic Press; patchy mention of osteology). Back beyond the Pliocene, beyond about 5 million years, cetacean faunas include a wide range of extinct genera and even families (for review see e.g. Fordyce & Barnes 1994, The evolutionary history of whales and dolphins. Annual review of earth and planetary science 22: 419-455). Re Timothy Huang's query, large fossil cetaceans include species in the ill-defined archaic mysticete group Cetotheriidae. As normally cited, th= is is a paraphyletic and probably polyphyletic group of mysticetes, large an= d small, which clearly are not balaenids or balaenopterids. Literature on cetotheres includes *Barnes, L. G., and McLeod, S. A. 1984. The fossil record and phyletic relationships of gray whales. Pages 3-32 in M.L. Jones, S. L. Swartz, an= d S. Leatherwood, (editors), The gray whale: Eschrichtius robustus. Academic Press, Orlando. 600 p. [mention of problems of cetotheres] *Kellogg, A. R. 1925. Additions to the Tertiary history of pelagic mammals on the Pacific coast of North America. II. Fossil cetotheres fr= om California. Carnegie Institution of Washington Publication 348: 35-56. [guide to early literature on cetotheres] *Kellogg, A. R. 1969. Cetothere skeletons from the Miocene Choptank Formation of Maryland and Virginia. United States National Museum Bullet= in 294: 1-40. [taxonomic work; one of many by Kellogg] *McLeod, S. A. et al. 1993. Evolutionary relationships and classification. Pages 45-70 in Burns, J. J. et al. (editors), The bowhe= ad whale. Society for Marine Mammalogy, Lawrence, Kansas. 787 p. Once the search can be narrowed to a particular taxon, more-obscure specialised literature will be needed. An accessible source is the bibliography of fossil vertebrates - http://eteweb.lscf.ucsb.edu/bfv/bfv_form.html See also Richard Hulbert's guide to archaeocetes - http://www2.gasou.edu:80/facstaff/rhulbert/georgiacetus.htm With identification of fossils in mind, how many species of cetacean have existed? - how many do we have to chose from? At least by the end of the Oligocene, about 23 million years ago, taxonomic diversity may have been comparable with that of today, with 70+ species. The fossil record hints at species' longevities of less than 5 million years, and most modern species range back no more than the late Pliocene, 2-3 million years. Hundreds of species are involved; those fossils already known include man= y in families and genera that are now extinct. Finally, while most fossils are fragmentary, some are well-preserved, and yield enormously valuable information about the age of clades, ecological diversity and lifestyle, geographic distribution etc. These fossils, the actual remains of cetacean history, provide an important independent chec= k on inferences from molecular and anatomical studies of living species. R. Ewan Fordyce Associate Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NZ fax 64-3-479-7527, tel 64-3-479-7510 home 64-3-473-0463 web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/Geology/ Subject: Hawaii Marine Mammal Courses To Whom It May Concerned Please announce these two summer courses to the MARMAM Mailing list. Thank you, Jan Ostman-Lind, Ph.D. University of Hawaii Hilo Marine Science Summer Program is offering two Marine Mammal Courses during the summer of 1999. MARE 394M BIOLOGY OF MARINE MAMMALS A 3-unit lecture course covering a wide range of topics: taxonomy and distribution, oceanographic influences, evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, acoustics and human impact. This upper division course is designed for students with a background in college level biology but no previous education in marine mammalogy. The course will survey all groups of marine mammals, but will mainly deal with cetaceans and pinnipeds. At the end of the course the students will have a well rounded appreciation for the constraints marine mammals operate under, and for some of the adaptations that allow them to thrive in their various habitats. Each student will produce a term paper, make a poster presentation and complete two tests. Course taught by Dr. Jan Ostman-Lind MARE 399 MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH METHODS In this 3-unit Independent Studies course each student will produce a research proposal that could serve as a basis for a future thesis. The student will pose a question and then research the literature to find previous work that relate to the question and suggest ways of answering it. Students will also be exposed to a wide range of research methods used to study marine mammals. The class will meet once per week to discuss assigned research papers and the proposals in progress. Course taught by Dr. Jan Ostman-Lind and Ania Driscoll-Lind. COST: Out of state students $390/course For Registration and further information about these and other Marine Science Courses taught at the University of Hawaii (\) Hilo Summer Program in Marine Science contact: Summer Program in Marine Science University of Hawaii at Hilo-CCECS 200 W. Kawili St. Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-4091 Phone (808) 974-7664 e-mail corinne(\)Hawaii.edu Web site: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kmec/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 00:21:57 -0500 From: "Joel T. Bell" Subject: SMM Southeast Student Chapter Announcing the Southeast Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy We are organizing a student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) for the Southeast United States. The region will include (but not be limited to) the states of North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia. The purpose of this group is to bring together students of the region who study marine mammals, and to provide opportunities for meeting, networking, learning, and presenting research. Undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and students-to-be are invited to join. Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting contact information from interested students. Anyone interested in joining can send an email to: se_smm(\)hotmail.com Feel free to forward this message to anyone who may be interested. ******************************************************* Joel T. Bell Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Coastal Environmental Management Program ******************************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 13:20:04 -0500 From: Karl Erdlitz <76063.3347(\)compuserve.com> Subject: Ocean Mammal Institute Internship June 1999 ; name="OMI/Research Internship June'99" =HDNIETBL ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 07:36:57 -0500 From: Mike Kreger Subject: Water Quality for Captive Marine Mammals: USDA symposium proceedi ngs In 1992, US Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service held a symposium on water quality of marine mammals in captivity. The proceedings have just been published as Technical Bulletin No. 1868. Chapters discuss saltwater, ozonation, ultraviolet sterilization, chlorination, copper and other algicides, coliform testing, filtration and sterilization maintenance, sirenians, polar bears, habitat design, life support systems, information resources, and regulatory standards under the Animal Welfare Act. For a free copy, send your mailing address via email to: Animal Welfare Information Center National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705 Tel: (301) 504-6212 Fax: (301) 504-7125 Email: awic(\)nal.usda.gov http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 12:28:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Gulf of Mexico Protected Species Wkshp - June 1999 (fwd) Forwarded message: June 15-16, 1999 New Orleans, Louisiana The Minerals Management Service (MMS) conducts all leasing and resource management functions on the Outer Continental Shelf. The MMS funds scientific research to effectively manage and protect the environment. The Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Species Workshop will review the state of knowledge for marine species (marine mammals and sea turtles) in the Gulf of Mexico protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and identify critical information needs for MMS. The workshop will include formal presentations, a panel discussion, and public comment to review information since the last MMS workshop on this topic, convened in August 1989. Additional information on the workshop may be found at: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/studies/mpswkshp.html LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS The New Orleans Airport Hilton 901 Airline Drive Kenner, Louisiana (504) 469-5000 or (800) HILTONS A block of rooms is being held for "Marine Protected Species Workshop" participants at a rate of $99.00 per night, excluding taxes. Please make your own hotel reservations by May 14, 1999. A limited number of rooms are available at these special rates, so we encourage you to make your lodging reservations as early as possible. REGISTRATION To register on the Internet go to: http://conferences.uno.edu Participants must register, although there are no registration fees. For additional information call Patricia Arteaga (504) 280-6680 or send an E-mail to parteaga(\)uno.edu Subject: 27th ANNUAL IMATA CONFERENCE The 27th Annual International Marine Animal Trainers Association Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Hotel, Chicago, IL from 6-10 December 1999. The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo and the John G. Shedd Aquarium are co-hosting the 1999 conference. For more information please contact Greg Dye at The Brookfield Zoo - Seven Seas, Brookfield IL 60513 USA, Phone: (708) 485-0263 x442, Fax: (708) 485-3140, E-mail: hudsondye(\)ameritech.net or visit the IMATA website at http://www.imata.org. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 17:39:29 -1000 From: Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory Personal Acct Subject: Dolphin Internship Opportunity Fall 1999 DOLPHIN INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION FOR POSTING ON MARMAM Academic internship positions currently are available with the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory for the fall semester 1999. For more than 25 years, Dr. Louis Herman, founder and director of the laboratory, has pioneered research examining the span of cognitive capabilities in the bottlenose dolphin. Through research at this world renowned facility, four resident dolphins have demonstrated numerous cognitive skills, including: cross-modal matching abilities, concept formation, imitation, signal detection, and comprehension of video representations. Interns will gain hands-on experience with cognitive behavior research techniques, including data entry and analysis, tankside tasks, video recording and literature search and review. Interns also are involved with animal training and husbandry procedures, administration, conservation and education programs, and lab maintenance. The fall semester internship runs from August 16, 1999 through January 28, 2000. The application deadline is April 9, 1999. The internship is unpaid, and interns work full-time, Monday through Friday, and alternate Saturdays. There is no cost for participation. Intern applicants must have at least two years of college experience, and applications are judged competitively. Complete applications consist of a statement of intent, a resume, official transcripts from all universities attended, and three letters of recommendation. If you are interested in applying for an internship position, or would like more information, address inquiries to the Internship Coordinator at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory, 1129 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI, 96814. Telephone: (808) 591-2121. Fax: (808) 597-8572. Email: kbmml(\)hawaii.edu. Also, please visit our website to learn more about the laboratory and its research and education programs at: www.dolphin-institute.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- kbmml(\)hawaii.edu Please include the word "internship" in the Subject header of any replies. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 09:33:18 +0100 From: "Kai F. Abt" Subject: Request for information on grey seal breeding sites/seasons Dear colleagues, for a study of factors determining the time of pupping in the grey seal, I am collecting data on the birth season within the whole range of the species. A model has been developed to explain geographic variation in the pupping season and thereby identify relevant factors. The study is also promising to provide valuable clues on population structure. The required information comprises i) the location of the breeding site and ii) an estimate of the peak/median pupping date, ideally together with the spread or range. Several grey seal populations are currently expanding their range, and there may be quite a few small and/or new breeding colonies for which data exist (e.g. by voluntary work), but are not readily available to researchers. Such data are, however, of greatest interest. I would greatly appreciate you supporting this study by providing unpublished information or quoting relevant theses, reports etc. Crude estimates of peak pupping (early/mid/late month) may be sufficient. Thank you in anticipation, Kai Abt ********************************************* Kai F. Abt FTZ Westkueste Hafentoern D-25761 Buesum GERMANY Tel: +49(0)4834 604280 +49(0)431 333425 Fax: +49(0)4834 6772 E-mail: kabt(\)ftz-west.uni-kiel.de ********************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 14:15:30 +0000 From: Shannon Gowans Subject: Persistence of fetal folds and bent dorsal fin in calves I am trying to determine the calving seasonality of northern bottlenose whales based on sightings of individuals with fetal folds or folded over dorsal fins. This technique has been used to study calving seasonality in several cetacean species (e.g. Jefferson, 1989; Fernandez and Hohn 1998), however I have been unable to find any documentation regarding how long these features persist in cetaceans. If these features last only a short time period (1 to several months) then it should be possible to roughly estimate when individuals were born, however if these features last longer, then it will be difficult to assign a season to the births. The only reference which I have been able to find on fetal folds describes the skin structure within the bands, but does not mention in the abstract, the length of time that young dolphins posses fetal folds (Kastelein et al 1990). Unfortunately the university library has been unable to locate a copy of this reference, so I can only go by the abstract. I would appreciate any information, published or not on the longevity of fetal folds and bent over dorsal fins. I will send a summary of the responses back to the list. Thank you for your cooperation, Shannon References cited: Fernandez,S, Hohn, AA. 1998. Age, growth, and calving season of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, off coastal Texas. Fish. Bull. 96: 357-365 Jeffereson, TA. 1989. Calving seasonality of Dall's porpoise in the eastern North Pacific. Marine Mammal Science. 5:196-200. Kastelein,RA, Dokter,T, and Zwart,P. 1990. The sucking of a bottlenose dolphin calf (Tursiops truncatus) by a foster mother, and information on transverse birth bands. Aquatic Mammals 16:134-138. Shannon Gowans PhD candidate Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca phone: (902)494-3723 fax: (902)494-3736 http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 16:02:44 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 14:50:20 -0500 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 {{Nunavut Premier-Elect. On Mar. 29, 1999, Paul Okalik, the Premier-Elect of Nunavut, Canada's new Inuit territory, complained at his first press conference about the U.S. ban on importing seal products and suggested that Canadian officials should try to persuade the United States to modify the Marine Mammal Protection Act.}}[Assoc Press] {La Jolla Children's Pool. On Mar. 29, 1999, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to reject dredging and erect barriers to protect harbor seals at La Jolla's Children's Pool from harassment by humans. Humans will continue to be barred from swimming.}[Los Angeles Times] Southern Sea Otters. On Mar. 22, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft report on southern sea otters, concluding that a relocation plan aimed at translocating a sea otter population to San Nicolas Island had failed. The draft report recommended that no additional effort be expended on this relocation program, and that other means be found to promote recovery of the southern sea otter. The FWS anticipates developing new guidelines for managing southern sea otters by the end of 1999. [Assoc Press] MA Dolphin Strandings. On Mar. 18-23, 1999, a total of 50 white-sided dolphins stranded on Cape Cod MA, with 46 of them eventually dying. Cause of the stranding was unknown. [Assoc Press, Boston Herald, Reuters] North Pacific Gray Whales. On Mar. 16-17, 1999, U.S. and Mexican scientists met at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory to review gray whale research, and released estimates that the North Pacific gray whale population was about 26,600 animals -- a substantial increase from the 22,200 animals estimated in 1995-96 surveys. [San Jose Mercury News] North Atlantic Right Whales. On Mar. 16, 1999, a report by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Univ. of MA was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicating that North Atlantic right whales are dying at a faster rate (about 7% of the population each year) than they can reproduce, bringing the population closer to extinction. [Canadian Press] Ocean Futures. On Mar. 16, 1999, officials of the Free Willy Foundation and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Institute of Santa Barbara, CA announced their merger as a new entity to be known as Ocean Futures. The merged entity will focus on educating about ocean pollution, and fostering a conservation ethic. In addition the group will use the Internet to communicate updates on Keiko. [Portland Oregonian] FL Manatees. On Mar. 13, 1999, FL volunteers counted 2,353 manatees, including 1,397 on FL's west coast -- significantly more than the FL total of 1,873 animals that was counted in January 1999. [Naples Daily News] Monterey Bay War Games. On Mar. 11, 1999, the CA Coastal Commission unanimously rejected a Navy and Marine Corps report suggesting that gray whales and sea otters in Monterey Bay would not be affected by major military exercises, part of the Urban Warrior Advanced Warfighting Experiment, involving a 250-Marine beach landing in Monterey on Mar. 13, 1999. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NMFS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had granted approval to the military. In response, the military dropped plans for the beach landing. [Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury News] Iceland and Commercial Whaling. On Mar. 10, 1999, Iceland's parliament voted 37-7 (12 abstentions and 7 absent) to approve a resolution calling on the Icelandic government to make all necessary preparations to resume commercial whaling as soon as possible, or at least by Dec. 31, 2000. [High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] Caribbean Humpback Whale Kill. On Mar. 6, 1999, British tourists witnessed whalers off Mustique, in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, harpoon a humpback whale calf and subsequently harpoon and kill the calf's mother. Killing of suckling calves or females accompanied by a calf is reported as contrary to International Whaling Convention standards. St. Vincent, an International Whaling Commission member, is allowed to kill 2 humpback whales each year for non-commercial use. [BBC News] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Mar. 3, 1999, a coalition of conservation groups and a former whale hunter filed a 40-page petition with NMFS asking that Cook Inlet beluga whales be listed under the Endangered Species Act as an endangered species, implement emergency conservation strategies for this species, and implement emergency regulations to regulate Native hunting of the whales. [Anchorage Daily News, Environmental News Network] Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 3, 1999, seven sealers appeared in court in Gander, Newfoundland, on charges that they sealed in a whelping patch or pupping area in 1998. An additional 7 sealers are scheduled to appear in court on various charges in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on Mar. 22, 1999. Sealers are being prosecuted by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans for sealing activities captured on videotape by animal rights activists. In early March 1999, Newfoundland Fisheries Minister John Efford released a video showing thousands of dead, gutted cod, blaming harp seals for the mortality and calling for an increased harp seal quota. On Mar. 18, 1999, animal protection activists responded, releasing two reports suggesting that cold water may have killed the cod, which were then gutted by birds seeking cod livers. [Canadian Press] Mexican Whale/Sea Lion Mortalities. On Mar. 1, 1999, gray whale mortality was reported as 20 animals -- 7 in the Gulf of California and 13 in breeding lagoons on Baja California's west coast. On Mar. 10, 1999, Greenpeace and four other U.S. and Mexican environmental organizations filed a criminal complaint with Mexico's attorney general, accusing the Mexican Government of not enforcing environmental measures thus allowing concentrated brine discharges from a Mexican-Japanese joint venture salt company to damage a Baja California reserve and its gray whales and sea turtles. On Mar. 12, 1999, the Mexico's Group of 100 announced that 50 dead gray whales had been found near Baja California, with 18 dead whales in the Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro lagoons. The cause of whales' deaths has not been determined. [CNN, Contra Costa Times, BBC News, Reuters, Chicago Tribune, 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: Re: Whale Fossil identification - photo Dear MARMAM members, from: Timothy Huang "I recently dug out a whale vertabra fossil, from a late Miocene formation. The diameter of the bertabra is 25 cm in one direction, and 20 cm in the other axis. From this end of a rib to the end of the other rib is 81 cm (including the central vertabra), and the spinal bone is 29 cm. I am wondering what kind of whale could this be? . . ." Timothy has provided me with a good photo of his find. All those interested in his discovery are invited to view the image at: http://whales.magna.com.au/published/fossil/ Please send comments and suggestions to: Timothy Huang cc. gclarke(\)magna.com.au 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, 2 Apr 1999 03:03:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent m.m. 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. Thule Eskimo bowhead whale interception strategies. Savelle, JM; McCartney, AP. WORLD ARCHAEOLOGY. February 1999 v30 i3 p437-451 ************************************************************** New adaptive strategies in the Saqqaq culture of Greenland, c.1600-1400 BC. Mobjerg, T. WORLD ARCHAEOLOGY. February 1999 v30 i3 p452-465 ************************************************************** Phylogenetic analysis of the 5-Aminolevulinate synthase gene. Duncan, R; Faggart, MA; Roger, AJ; Cornell, NW. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. March 1999 v16 i3 p383-396 The evolution of 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALS) was studied by acquiring sequence data and generating phylogenetic trees. Gene sequences were already available for a variety of vertebrates (which have both a housekeeping and an erythroid form of the gene), fungi, alpha-proteobacteria, and one protist and one protostome. In order to generate representative trees, ALS sequence data were acquired from Various deuterostomes and protostomes. The species and tissues selected for study were beluga whale liver hagfish blood, sea urchin gonadal tissue, cuttlefish hepatopancreas, horseshoe crab hepatopancreas, and bloodworm blood. The new sequences and those previously published were examined for the presence of heme-regulatory motifs (HRMs) and iron-responsive elements (IREs). The HRMs are present in almost all eukaryotic species, which suggests their fundamental role in the regulation of ALS. The IREs are present in all vertebrate erythroid forms of ALS, which indicates that in those animals,expression of the erythroid form of the enzyme and, hence, hemoglobin production can be influenced by the intracellular content of iron. The new sequences were aligned with previously reported ALS sequences, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The resulting trees provided evidence regarding the timing of the gene duplication event that led to the two forms of the ALS gene in vertebrates. It appears that the housekeeping and erythroid forms of ALS probably arose before the divergence of hagfish from the deuterostome line leading to the vertebrates. The data also add to the evidence indicating that alpha-proteobacteria are the nearest contemporary relatives of mitochondria. ************************************************************** Conservation of marine mammals in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India. Dhandapani, P; Alfred, JRB. INDIAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCES, September-December 1998 v27 i3-4 p506-508 Marine mammals of Indian coastal and exclusive economic zones are represented by diverse species of cetacea and one species of sirenia. While the coastal waters accommodate the rare cetacean, Orcaella brevirostris and the endangered sirenian, Dugong dugon, the international waters and the EEZ are dominated by both toothed and baleen plate possessing cetaceans represtented by five species of dolphins and twelve species of whales. It is suggested that India, being a non-whaling country, must play a leading role by implementing programes not only towards protection of marine mammals but also by extending a ten year moratorium for whaling and further by establishing in situ conservation programmes for species dwelling along the coastal zone. ************************************************************** Shameless creatures: An ethnozoology of the Amazon river dolphin. Cravalho, MA. ETHNOLOGY. Winter 1999 v38 i1 p47-58 The rural population of Brazilian Amazonia of mixed African, European, and indigenous ancestry possesses a rich corpus of beliefs and practices concerning the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). Some of these dolphins are believed capable of transforming into human beings at night and causing harm to humans on land. In general, the beliefs about these animals are isomorphic with understandings about human conduct and express preoccupations of these people, as well as explain some episodes of illness. Dolphin narratives encountered in the village which was the focus of this study are more conservative than some in a larger-scale study by Slater (1994). ***************************************************************** Dolphin, albatross and commercial fishing: Australia's response to an unpalatable mix. Bache, SJ; Evans, N. MARINE POLICY. May 1999 v23 i3 p259-270 Australia's experience with bycatch policy has been both brief and varied. By far the greatest governmental effort has been devoted to developing policy in relation to the bycatch of dolphins and albatrosses. Although four main factors were common to the development of policy in both examples, the relative influence exerted in each case differed because of the characteristics of dolphin and albatross bycatch, International and domestic influences were equally significant in the development of bycatch policy toward both species. The greatest difference was observed in the relationship between science and NGOs, though. Albatross bycatch policy in Australia was most influenced by science, whereas environmental NGOs were instrumental in action to protect dolphins from driftnet fishing. One implication from this observation is that policy development catalysed by NGO action is less likely to achieve a consensus resolution than policy driven by science. ***************************************************************** The dolphin's grammatical competency: Comments on Kako (1999). Herman, LM; Uyeyama, RK. ANIMAL LEARNING & BEHAVIOR. February 1999 v27 i1 p18-23 Kako (1999) reviews the evidence for syntactic competencies in several animal species exposed to artificial language systems, emphasizing the importance of core syntactic properties such as argument structure and closed-class items. We present evidence from our dolphin studies for the acquisition of the closed-class functionality of demonstratives, prepositions, conjunctions, and locatives. Sensitivity to argument structure is also evidenced by wholly untrained and consistent interpretations of the dolphin to probes of anomalous syntactic structures. These results are generated within our comprehension-based paradigm, which enables us to provide convincing objective evidence for the development and generalization of concepts by the dolphin subject. Demonstrations of animal language competencies may illuminate certain aspects of human linguistic competence by suggesting that the particular modeled subsets can derive from general cognitive mechanisms, rather than language-specific ones. ****************************************************************** Geographical differences in organochlorine contaminants in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from the western North Atlantic. Westgate, AJ; Tolley, KA. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES, Fall 1999 v177 p255-268 ****************************************************************** Thyroid hormones in grey seal pups (Halichoerus grypus). Woldstad, S; Jenssen, BM. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY. February 1999 v122 i2 p157-162 The aim of the present study was to describe the changes in thyroid hormone status in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups from birth to weaning and moulting. Plasma concentrations of total thyroxine (tT(4)) were highest the first two days after birth, thereafter dropping to a lower, but stable level. This pattern may reflect a high transfer rate of maternal thyroxine prepartum, prior to parturition, or postpartum via colostrum, or it may be caused by active secretory thyrocytes in late foetal stage. Total triiodothyronine (tT(3)) concentrations were lowest in neonatal pups, and increased as a function of age, indicating that deiodination of T-4 to T-3 increases as a function of age. Plasma concentrations of free thyroxine (fT(4)) did not vary as a function of age. All hormone concentrations were higher than previously reported in adults, probably reflecting the important role of these hormones in regulating their high rates of metabolism and tissue synthesis and the growth of their juvenile pelage. Since polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been reported to affect plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones in seals, the information on thyroid hormone concentrations and dynamics reported in grey seal pups from a pristine Norwegian coastal environment provide valuable reference material for future studies on pups from more polluted areas. ****************************************************************** Diet, provisioning and productivity responses of marine predators to differences in availability of Antarctic krill. Croxall, JP; Reid, K; Prince, PA. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. Fall 1999 v177 p115-131 Knowledge of relationships between prey availability and predator performance is the key to using predators as indicators of the state of marine systems and to assessing potential consequences of competition between natural predators and man for common resources. Fluctuations in the abundance of Antarctic krill are believed to have a substantial influence on the reproductive performance of krill-dependent top predator species in the Southern Ocean; few quantifications of such interactions exist. At South Georgia, for 2 years in which acoustic surveys revealed a major difference in krill abundance, we compared diet, provisioning of offspring and breeding success in 4 main predator species (2 penguins, 2 albatrosses, with supporting data from Antarctic fur seal) whose dependence on krill typically ranges from 20 to 90%. The 4-fold difference in krill biomass between 1986 (ca 30 g m(-2)) and 1994 (ca 7 g m(-2)) was accompanied by (1) an 88 to 90% reduction in the mass of krill in predator diets (and some increase in the fish component), (2) greater prey diversity for most species, (3) reduced diet overlap between species and (4) a switch from krill to amphipods in macaroni penguin but no major dietary change in other species. Rates of provisioning of offspring decreased by 90% in gentoo penguin and 40 to 50% in the other 3 species; this was due to reduced meal size in penguins (by 90% in gentoo and 50% in macaroni) and to doubling of foraging trip duration in albatrosses. Breeding success was reduced by 50% in grey-headed albatross (the species least dependent on krill), by 90% in black-browed albatross and gentoo penguin (only 3 to 4% of eggs producing fledged chicks) but by only 10% in macaroni penguin, presumably reflecting its ability to switch to small prey unprofitable for the other species. However, all species (except for black-browed albatross), particularly macaroni penguin, produced fledglings significantly lighter than usual, probably affecting their subsequent survival. Some effects on adult survival could also be inferred. Our results show a coherent, though complex, pattern of within and between species similarities and differences. These mainly reflect the degree of dependence on krill, the feasibility of taking alternative prey and constraints on trip duration and/or meal size imposed by foraging adaptations (especially relating to travel speeds and diving abilities, whereby flightless divers and pelagic foragers differ markedly). The generality of these principles are explored through comparison with other studies, particularly of Shetland seabirds. ****************************************************************** Krill population dynamics at South Georgia 1991-1997, based on data from predators and nets. Reid, K; Watkins, JL; Croxall, JP; Murphy, EJ. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. Fall 1999 v177 p103-114 Central to understanding krill population dynamics is knowledge of their population structure. To examine this we used length-frequency distributions from 142 wk of sampling (n = 23996 krill) of 3 predator species breeding at South Georgia and 12 wk of sampling (n = 10252 krill) from scientific nets from the same area over the summers of 1991-1997. In comparing the 5 years for which both predator and net samples were available, despite differing selectivities and spatio-temporal circumscriptions, both predators and nets were sampling the same overall krill population. Greatest similarity resulted from comparing net samples with samples from Antarctic fur seals and macaroni penguins combined; least temporal variation occurred in predator samples from late summer (March). From the 7 yr predator time series, within-year variation was greatest in 1991 and 1994, both years of low krill biomass at South Georgia. In both of these years large krill dominated during December but were completely replaced by small krill by February. The mean length of the March krill population showed a regular increase from 1991 to 1993, fell to a minimum in 1994 and thereafter increased steadily to 1997. Using these data in conjunction with putative size/age-group cohorts in the length-frequency distribution. we suggest that years of high mean krill length reflect failure of small krill to recruit into the population,producing a period of low krill biomass in the following year. Similar recruitment failure in the same years was evident in krill populations in the Antarctic Peninsula region to the south, indicating large-scale events. This supports suggestions of periodic fluctuations in krill production and recruitment which may relate directly to physical phenomena such as cycles in the distribution and extent of sea ice. ******************************************************************** William CG Burns, 1999. From harpoon to the heat: The International Whaling Commission and Climate Change. 5(3) Leiden International Law Journal. No Abstract available. Subject: 13th Biennial Conference - Maui (fwd) Date: Fri, 2 Apr 1999 11:02:12 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Nachtigall UPDATE - APRIL 2, 1999 (**ABSTRACT DEADLINE 1 JUNE 1999**) SOCIETY FOR MARINE MAMMALOGY 13TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE MAUI, HAWAII NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 3, 1999 As previously announced in the last three Society for Marine Mammalogy Newsletters, the thirteenth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals will be held on Maui, Hawaii at the newly renamed Outrigger Wailea Hotel in Wailea, Hawaii. Preconference workshops are scheduled to begin on Saturday November 27th and run through November 28th. Conference (actual on site) registration will occur on Sunday November 28th. The meeting will begin the morning of the 29th of November and continue on through Friday December 3rd. The special conference hotel rate will be good for three days prior to, and three days following, the meeting. This year's banquet will be a Hawaiian Luau AIR TRAVEL PLANS - MAKE THEM EARLY It is important to plan and schedule your trip well in advance of the meeting because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday November 25th. Flights around that time are typically very fully booked. Maui can be reached by either direct flights to Kahului Maui from the continental U.S. or flights to Honolulu connecting to Kahului Maui. Interisland flights are particularly busy during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Wailea and Kihei are about 17 miles from Kahului. WORKSHOPS and SYMPOSIA As previously announced, the deadline for applications for workshops and symposia passed on 1 March 1999. In order to allow as many submitted papers and posters as possible, the board of the society voted to limit the number of symposia to no more than five. A variety of topics are under consideration but no new suggestions for topics can currently be accepted. Workshops will be held on November 27th and 28th during the two days prior to the actual conference. Symposia are imbedded within the conference. ELECTRONIC ABSTRACT SUBMISSION The primary place to submit abstracts is via the interactive website . Author information and text of the abstract should both be typed into the self-explanatory webpage. Abstracts will only be accepted up until JUNE 1, 1999 in order to permit peer review evaluation of all abstracts. HOTEL The first announcements indicated that the meeting would be held at the Aston Wailea Resort Hotel. That hotel has changed its name and is now the Outrigger Wailea Resort Hotel. Its address is: 3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, Maui Hawaii 96753. If you are calling from North America, the toll free number for making reservations is 1 (800) 367-2960. The direct number is (808) 879-1922. Hotel room rates range from $134.00 for garden view rooms to $159.00 for ocean view rooms. There will be no additional charge for a third or fourth person per room. It seems likely that the garden view rooms will fill fast so it may be prudent to make reservations early. If you call to make reservations make sure that you let the person know that you are associated with this meeting. The room rates are substantially lower than the resort's normal rate and the hotel has agreed to offer the same prices for three days prior to and three days after the meeting. You may want to take a look at the hotel via the web. If so, you can access it via but DO NOT MAKE RESERVATIONS ON LINE. If you do you WILL NOT receive the negotiated conference discount rates. PREREGISTRATION Please be encouraged to preregister for the meeting for additional savings. The later you register, the more expensive it will be. Registration forms and information are available via the websites. The registration website is linked to both the abstract submission site: http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract and the Conference home page:http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/Maui.html . Unlike the abstract submission forms, the preregistration forms are not interactive and will require that you download and mail them. Please make sure to follow the preregistration directions. Preregistration is being handled by Ms. Terry Odell in Florida (todell(\)fbs.net). Please mail the preregistration forms to her at: Ms. Terry Odell Marine Mammal Conference PO Box 692042 Orlando, FL 32869-2043 USA STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS The Society for Marine Mammalogy encourages student participation in its 13th Biennial Conference and has committed funds in the form of Student Travel Grants to help defray the travel expenses associated with the Maui meeting. Students must be currently enrolled in a degree granting program at a recognized college or university AND be a current member or have submitted an application for membership of the SMM. The grant applicant must be the first author of an abstract submitted to the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. While the travel grants are not specifically merit based, the student MUST HAVE AN ABSTRACT THAT HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND ACCEPTED for presentation (either verbal or poster) at the meeting. This means that students will not know whether funding will be available for them until after the acceptance notices have been mailed out. Further information and application blanks are available at: . VENDORS Vendors wishing to conduct business at the meeting are urged to contact Ms. Naomi McIntosh at for specific information. Conference Chair: Gene Nitta, Pacific Islands Protected Species Program. Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA. Tel (808) 973-2987: FAX (808) 973-2941, Eugene.Nitta(\)noaa.gov Scientific Chair: Paul E. Nachtigall, Marine Mammal Research Program, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii. P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734, USA. Tel (808) 247-5297, FAX (808) 247-5831. E-mail nachtig(\)nosc.mil -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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(\)nosc.mil' -------------------------------------- Subject: Sound recording from manatee ------ I'm a marine ecologist at Tenerife University defining a research proposa= l leading to PhD on the acoustic behaviour of the West Indian manatee.=20 In all the literature I have reviewed only found a paper by Dr Au at Kalu= a (Hawaii) on manatee's vocalisation, with little information regarding the specificities of sampling sounds from this marine mammal. I have no more access to other data base nor expertise for extending my search. Could anyone provide me with some further references on manatee vocalisat= ions? Also if you have any experience in recording sounds from Trichechus spp, please could you give some suggestions on the equipment you used? Thank you. Lavanda ----------------------------------------- batanga(\)apdo.com Salvatore Lavanda Research Assistant La Laguna University 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife Canary Islands, SPAIN telephone 34 609 939201 References from Professor Jorge Nu=F1ez-Fraga: janunez(\)ull.es ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 4 Apr 1999 22:49:52 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ ====================================================== MARMAM EDITORIAL POLICY AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ====================================================== [FAQ also found at http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm] Funding Support: MARMAM has recently received financial support (toward expenses of running the editorial email account) from: International Marine Mammal Association (IMMA) Cetacean Society International Many thanks to these two organisations for their continued support. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 February 1999 there were over 3,500 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 (e.g, 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., 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 NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details and website address). - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated March 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 5 Apr 1999 15:32:07 +0100 Reply-To: Len Thomas From: Len Thomas Subject: WORKSHOP: Distance sampling, June 1999, Colorado "fish-sci(\)seagate.sunet.se" , "population-biology(\)net.bio.net" , "computational-biology(\)net.bio.net" , "ornith-l(\)uafsysb.uark.edu" , "ecs-all(\)mailbase.ac.uk" , "ecolog-l(\)umdd.umd.edu" , "consbio(\)u.washington.edu" , "biometry(\)med-stat.gwdg.de" , "anzstat(\)qut.edu.au" , "groupe_mas(\)paris.polytechnique.fr" , "stat-l(\)vm1.mcgill.ca" , "allstat(\)mailbase.ac.uk" ---------------------------------------------- DEADLINE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION IS APRIL 30TH! ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- WILDLIFE POPULATION ASSESSMENT TRAINING WORKSHOPS DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF DISTANCE SAMPLING SURVEYS ------------------------------------------------- Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment University of St Andrews and Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Workshop 1: June 14-17 Workshop 2: June 21-24 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Overview -------- Distance sampling is the most widely used method for estimating the abundance of wildlife populations. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The two identical 4-day workshops will be a blend of theory and practice, and participants will learn the new, windows version of the software Distance. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. In the latter part of each workshop, time is set aside for presentation of more advanced concepts and discussion of topics of common interest in smaller, informal groups. Instructors ----------- Stephen Buckland David Borchers Len Thomas Bruce Lubow. The workshop instructors are at the forefront of research into distance sampling methods, and development of software to apply the new methods. They have extensive experience teaching distance sampling, including previous workshops taught in the UK, USA, Norway, and New Zealand. Cost ---- Course fees are US$1000, or US$750 for registered students. This covers tuition, course materials and workshop banquet. For registrations received after April 30th, a late-registration supplement of US$100 will apply. To allow individual attention to be given to each person during each workshop, the number of participants is restricted to 30. Places will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Further information ------------------- The workshop booklet is on the world-wide web at http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distanceworkshop/ Registration forms are available at that site. If you would like a printed copy of this information or have any questions about the workshops, please contact Workshop Organizer Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Mathematical Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9SS Tel:+44 1334 463228 Fax: +44 1334 463748 Email: rhona(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk Alternative contact: Steve Buckland +44 1334 463787 steve(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 5 Apr 1999 23:28:53 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Joint IMS, UAF Faculty/Science Director, ASLC Position (fwd) ********************************************************** FACULTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT-EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT Associate Professor/Professor, Marine Science Institute of Marine Science, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (SFOS), UAF and Research Director, Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) Responsibilities: SFOS invites applications from marine mammal biologists to fill a dual position as Associate Professor or Professor of Marine Science and Research Director, ASLC. The faculty portion of the position will involve graduate student supervision (M.S. and Ph.D.), research supported with external funds, and University and professional service. The role of Research Director at the ASLC requires oversight of the scientific programs, interfacing with the public education programs, and representing the Center in external affairs. Qualifications: Earned Doctorate in Marine Biology or related field. We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in research and higher education. Significant experience in laboratory based studies in areas such as medicine, physiology, biochemistry, and endocrinology and/or in field based operations that are directly applicable to the captive situation are essential. The incumbent's research program will be supported by external funds, and therefore, a record of successful grantsmanship is critical. Familiarity with the U. S. Marine Mammal Protection Act is needed for successful cooperation with marine mammal management and rehabilitation agencies in Alaska. The Research Director for the ASLC must have a strong background in marine biology and be able to oversee a broad program which includes work with marine invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals. Oversight includes achieving program balance by working to bring a broad base of research teams to the SeaLife Center; participation in the Animal Care and Use Committee; public relations; participation in interdepartmental program development and supervision of research staff. Representing the Center at external scientific, private, foundation, and agency meetings also will be required. The Research Director serves on behalf of the University of Alaska to ensure scientific quality in the research programs, and in this capacity reports to the Dean of SFOS, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Location: Based in Seward, Alaska with frequent travel to Fairbanks, Alaska. Salary: $45,780 to $80,000 per year plus benefits, depending on qualifications. Position is tenure-track in SFOS, UAF. Closing Date: Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 1999. Contact:Please send professional resume, a statement of background and scientific interest, and the names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of 5 referees to Dr. A. J. Paul, Chair, Search Committee, c/o Office of the Dean, SFOS, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220 Direct Inquiries: Dr. A. J. Paul, (907) 224-5261 voice, (907) 224-3392 fax, or ffajp(\)uaf.edu. The University of Alaska is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution. In our efforts to diversify, we encourage applications from women and members of culturally diverse groups. Candidates must be eligible for employment under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Your application for employment with UA is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. This is a bargaining union position. Roberta Miller School of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks P.O. Box 757220-7220 Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220 rmiller(\)ims.uaf.edu (907) 474-7210 (907) 474-7386 (Fax) Subject: New England Aquarium - lecture series (fwd) From: kmallory(\)neaq.org (ken mallory) New England Aquarium Spring, 1999 Lowell Lecture Series SOUNDS OF THE SEA - Their Importance To The Animals That Live There And How We Can Better Understand The Effects Of Human Introduced Sounds The rapid rise of sounds we humans have introduced in the oceans and in our coastal zones increasingly concerns marine mammal biologists. This Lowell Lecture series is intended to create a better understanding of the physics and environmental role of underwater sound as well as some of the issues now facing the scientific and regulatory communities. In April, the New England Aquarium opened a new special exhibit in our Exploration Center called Sounds of the Sea. The spring 1999 Lowell Lecture series is devoted to this theme and this exhibit. Lectures are Wednesday or Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Aquarium's conference center, which is part of the Education Center at the foot of the Boston Harbor garage. Each presentation is free to the general public thanks to the support of the Lowell Institute. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance tickets are available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope indicating the lectures of your choice and the number of tickets requested, by sending a FAX to Lowell Lectures at 617-367-6615, or an e-mail to kmallory(\)neaq.org. April 14: THE ONCE AND FUTURE PING: The Development of Acoustic Methods to Reduce Fishery/Marine Mammal Conflicts Scott Kraus, Director of Research, Edgerton Research Laboratory, New England Aquarium A large scale double-blind experiment was conducted off the coast of New Hampshire in the autumn of 1994 within an operational groundfish gillnet fishery. The results indicated that acoustic deterrent devices (ADD's, also known as pingers) spaced every 95 meters along a gillnet would reduce harbor porpoise catches by an order of magnitude over "un-pingered" nets. This talk will raise questions about how pingers work, the upside and downside of their use as a management tool for reducing marine mammal deaths, and how they might be deployed in the future. April 22: WHALE VOICES FROM THE DEEP OCEAN What could they be telling us? Chris Clark, I. P. Johnson Director of Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Senior Scientist, Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University The large whales produce a great variety of sounds and songs, and these seem to be different between coastal and deep ocean species. Recent access to Navy arrays indicates the enormous scales over which whales might be communicating. Are the different sounds they make an adaptation to their different environments, and what does this tell us about the whales' dependence on sound for survival? What are the implications of society's increased demands to probe the ocean with sound for research, exploration, exploitation and defense? April 29: ARE WHALES HARMED WHEN HUMANS INTRODUCE LOUD SOUNDS INTO THE OCEAN? Peter Tyack, Ph.D., Associate Scientist, Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine mammals rely upon sound to communicate and to explore their environment. At the same time, humans are introducing an ever-growing number of ever-louder noises into the sea. Too much noise could degrade the quality of critical marine mammal habitats, potentially masking natural sounds or even causing animals to avoid an area around the sound source. Tyack will review U.S. policy regulating ocean noise and will describe recent playback experiments to study how whales respond to loud low frequency noise source. MAY 6: MAN-MADE NOISE IN THE OCEANS: IRRELEVANT OR IRREPARABLE? Darlene Ketten, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass.; Harvard Medical School Marine mammals, and whales in particular, present an interesting hearing paradox. On one hand, marine mammal ears physically resemble land mammal ears and it is likely hearing damage occurs by similar mechanisms in both groups; i.e., from increases in ambient noise. On the other hand, marine mammals evolved in a relatively high noise environment, which may mean they have "tougher" inner ears that are less subject to hearing loss. What is our current understanding of the hazards from a hearing view point that man-made noise in the oceans is expected to produce? MAY 13: ATOC (Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate) and the Future of Acoustics in Ocean Exploration Arthur B. Baggeroer, Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations Chair in Ocean Sciences, Depts. of Ocean and Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Oceanographers have used sound for many important discoveries in ocean science, so scientists were more than surprised when the Heard Island Feasibility Test (HIFT) and the subsequent Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate were met with such strong opposition. This talk will discuss the controversy surrounding the (ATOC) program to measure changes in ocean temperature and some of the popular misconceptions about ambient sound in the ocean. It is not a silent world! We also will explore the future of acoustics in ocean exploration and how it is one of the most effective methods for "imaging" the ocean. SPECIAL TALK MONDAY, JULY 19 BY WALTER MUNK, of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on ATOC. Write or call for more information. Ken Mallory Voice: (617) 973-5295 Editor-in-Chief Fax: (617) 367-6615 Publishing Programs E-mail: kmallory(\)neaq.org New England Aquarium Address: Central Wharf, Boston MA 02110 Subject: Abstract: killer whale acoustics and neural networks From: Volker Deecke Quantifying complex patterns of bioacoustic variation: Use of a neural network to compare killer whale (Orcinus orca) dialects. Deecke, VB.; Ford, JKB.; Spong, P, JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. April 1999 v105 i4 p2499-2507. A quantitative measure of acoustic similarity is crucial to any study comparing vocalizations of different species, social groups, or individuals. The goal of this study was to develop a method of extracting frequency contours from recordings of pulsed vocalizations and to test a non-linear index of acoustic similarity based on the error of an artificial neural network at classifying them. Since the performance of neural networks depends on the amount of consistent variation in the training data, this technique can be used to assess such variation from samples of acoustic signals. The frequency contour extraction and the neural network index were tested on samples of one call type shared by 9 social groups of killer whales. For comparison, call similarity was judged by 3 human subjects in pairwise classification tasks. The results showed a significant correlation between the neural network index and the similarity ratings by the subjects. Both measures of acoustic similarity were significantly correlated with the groups' association patterns, indicating that both methods of quantifying acoustic similarity are biologically meaningful. An index based on neural network analysis therefore represents an objective and repeatable means of measuring acoustic similarity, and allows comparison of results across studies, species, and time. Volker Deecke ---------------------------------------------------------------- School of Environmental & Evolutionary Biology E47 Bute Bldg., University of St. Andrews St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS Scotland, UK Phone: +44-1334 476161 ext. 3615 (Office) or ext. 3009 (Lab) Fax: +44-1334-463600 Subject: Marine Mammals Ashore, CD-ROM From: Valerie Lounsbury NOW AVAILABLE Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings, CD-ROM version, J.R. Geraci and V.J. Lounsbury, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (A cooperative project of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, National Marine Fisheries Service, and National Ocean Service) This CD-ROM is an updated version of Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings, published in 1993 and now out of print. The book was designed to provide marine mammal stranding network participants with the information necessary to understand and deal with strandings: an overview of marine mammal biology, behavior, and health; guidelines for response and rescue operations; advice for dealing with the media and the public; and protocols for collecting data and specimens. The electronic version features the original book in Adobe Acrobat portable document format (PDF) with full search, cut-and-paste, and print capabilities. Additional materials include: updates on important topics and procedures, supplementary sample and data collection protocols, directories of organizations involved in marine mammal rehabilitation and research, and a multimedia overview of the CD-ROM contents and project goals. (US and Canada: $18.00 US/ Other: $20.00 US. Prices include airmail delivery.) Further information and order forms are available at: http://www.aqua.org/animals/conservation/cdrom.html OR contact: ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 4 Apr 1999 19:29:26 -0400 Reply-To: oblankh(\)entelchile.net From: Olivia Melanie Blank Hidber Subject: Information about diseases in pinnipedia Our group is working in a reproduction colony of the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) in Cape Sirreff, Livingston Island, (South Shettland Island), Antarctic. In my case (I am a Veterinary), I'm looking for identify the diseases which affect the animals from this colony and in this moment, I'm looking for same literature about pathology or diseases in the Antarctic animals, especially in Antarctic fur seals. I'm special interesting in some information about parasitological diseases, inmunological evidences of viral or bacterial infection and brucelosis in marine mammals in general (pinnipedia). In my country, it is sometimes very difficult to obtain some scientific review, so, I would also appreciate any reports, "separatas" from the published works, abstracts, or otherwise, on such effects. All material will be credited fully in the future publication of our works and we will send to the MARMAM community our abstract. Many thanks Olivia Blank Hidber E-mail: oblankh(\)entelchile.net F: 56 (02) 2791844- 56 (02) 2055174 Rafael Prado 271, Quqoa, Santiago Chile. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 10:10:16 +1000 Reply-To: Lisa.Ford(\)env.qld.gov.au From: Lisa Ford Organization: Department of Environment Subject: Marine mammal taxonomy The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has developed a database of Queensland Fauna and Flora for internal use by staff. The officers developing the database have experienced difficulty in identifying a standard text for cetacean taxonomy. Can anyone help? Please reply to lisa.ford(\)env.qld.gov.au Thanks Lisa Ford -- +----------------------------------------+ Lisa Ford Planning and Research Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Tel: (07)-3225-1976 Fax: (07)-3227 6386 E-mail:Lisa.Ford(\)env.qld.gov.au ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Apr 1999 11:12:31 +0200 From: Patric Jenzer Subject: Request for material from recent strandings of E. robustus ; name="cc:Mail" Dear subscriber, For the progress of my paper on the symbiotic interaction between Gray Whales (E. robustus) and its hostspecific barnacle Cryptolepas rhachianecti I would very much appreciate if anyone could give me access to collected skin samples of recently stranded specimens of E. robustus for mostly non-destructive purposes. If you are able to help please contact me by sMail: Patric Jenzer VERTEBRATE LAB University of Basel Claramattweg 8 CH-4057 Basel Switzerland by eMail: patric.jenzer(\)ubs.com Kind regards, Patric Jenzer. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 16:28:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. In early April 1999, Trustees for Alaska filed an administrative appeal to the Secretary of Commerce asking that a draft plan to co-manage Cook Inlet beluga whales be released. Environmentalists and some subsistence hunters complain that they have not been party to negotiations on this plan. Negotiations were initiated in mid-March 1999 on a 2-year interim co-management agreement, hoping to conclude the agreement before subsistence hunting begins in May 1999. On Apr. 7, 1999, 7 environmental groups filed a motion with the AK Superior Court to block an Apr. 21, 1999 Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale unless changes are made to protect beluga whales.}[Anchorage Daily News] {IWC Annual Meeting. On Apr. 1, 1999, Brazilian officials announced that Brazil plans to make a proposal at the late May 1999 International Whaling Commission's annual meeting in Grenada that a whale sanctuary be created in the South Atlantic. In early April 1999, British officials announced that provisional agenda for the 1999 annual IWC meeting includes a proposal by Japan to abolish the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary as well as a proposal by Australia to create a new sanctuary in the South Pacific.}[Agence France-Press, Nando Media, The Independent (UK)] Nunavut Seal Exports. On Mar. 29, 1999, Paul Okalik, the Premier-Elect of Nunavut, Canada's new Inuit territory, complained at his first press conference about the U.S. ban on importing seal products and suggested that Canadian officials should try to persuade the United States to modify the Marine Mammal Protection Act. {On Apr. 1, 1999, an Inuit joint-venture, Natsiq Development Corporation, announced plans to revive commercial ringed seal hunts, with an annual harvest of as many as 24,000 animals. The intended market was identified as health-conscious Asians. In addition to sealskins, meat will be processed into food products and fat will be rendered into dietary supplement oils. While pilot harvesting might begin in summer 1999, a processing plant would not begin construction until spring 2000.}[Assoc Press, Environment News Service] La Jolla Children's Pool. On Mar. 29, 1999, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to reject dredging and erect barriers to protect harbor seals at La Jolla's Children's Pool from harassment by humans. Humans will continue to be barred from swimming. [Los Angeles Times] {World Council of Whalers. On Mar. 27-30, 1999, participants from 2`1 nations participated in the second General Assembly of the World Council of Whalers in Reykjavik, Iceland. Panels discussed whaling management, trade issues, and communication; individuals shared information on whaling and whale use.}[High North Alliance News] Southern Sea Otters. On Mar. 22, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft report on southern sea otters, concluding that a relocation plan aimed at translocating a sea otter population to San Nicolas Island had failed. The draft report recommended that no additional effort be expended on this relocation program, and that other means be found to promote recovery of the southern sea otter. The FWS anticipates developing new guidelines for managing southern sea otters by the end of 1999. [Assoc Press] MA Dolphin Strandings. On Mar. 18-23, 1999, a total of 50 white-sided dolphins stranded on Cape Cod MA, with 46 of them eventually dying. Cause of the stranding was unknown. [Assoc Press, Boston Herald, Reuters]] Canadian Sealing. On Mar. 18, 1999, animal protection activists responded to Newfoundland Fisheries Minister John Efford's statements blaming harp seals for cod mortality, releasing two reports suggesting that cold water may have killed the cod, which were then gutted by birds seeking cod livers. [Canadian Press] North Pacific Gray Whales. On Mar. 16-17, 1999, U.S. and Mexican scientists met at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory to review gray whale research, and released estimates that the North Pacific gray whale population was about 26,600 animals -- a substantial increase from the 22,200 animals estimated in 1995-96 surveys. [San Jose Mercury News] North Atlantic Right Whales. On Mar. 16, 1999, a report by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Univ. of MA was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicating that North Atlantic right whales are dying at a faster rate (about 7% of the population each year) than they can reproduce, bringing the population closer to extinction. [Canadian Press] Ocean Futures. On Mar. 16, 1999, officials of the Free Willy Foundation and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Institute of Santa Barbara, CA announced their merger as a new entity to be known as Ocean Futures. The merged entity will focus on educating about ocean pollution, and fostering a conservation ethic. In addition the group will use the Internet to communicate updates on Keiko. [Portland Oregonian] FL Manatees. On Mar. 13, 1999, FL volunteers counted 2,353 manatees, including 1,397 on FL's west coast -- significantly more than the FL total of 1,873 animals that was counted in January 1999. [Naples Daily News Gray Whale Mortalities. On Mar. 12, 1999, the Mexico's Group of 100 announced that 50 dead gray whales had been found near Baja California, with 18 dead whales in the Ojo de Liebre and Guerrero Negro lagoons. The cause of whales' deaths has not been determined. {Between mid-March and early April 1999, numerous dead gray whales were found off California, including 3 in the San Francisco Bay area, at least two in the San Diego area, and several in the Los Angeles area.}[CNN, BBC News, Reuters, 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: more dolphin memory & humpback whale bioacoustics abstracts Mercado, E., III, Uyeyama, R. K., Pack, A. A., & Herman, L. M. (1999). Memory for action events in the bottlenosed dolphin. Animal Cognition 2:17-25. We investigated whether a bottlenosed dolphin's ability to recall and repeat actions on command would immediately generalize to actions performed with specified objects. The dolphin was tested on her ability to repeat 18 novel behaviors performed with potentially interchangeable objects specified using an artificial gestural language. Such "action events" were correctly repeated at above chance levels, indicating that the dolphin had access to memories of those events. Performance levels were, however, lower than in previous tests. The dolphin appeared to have difficulty recalling which object an action was performed with. Previous research has demonstrated that animals can recall features of their environment and features of their actions independently of one another. The results of this study demonstrate (1) that the dolphin's concept of repeating extends beyond simply accessing memories of movement patterns, and (2) that dolphins' memories of past events incorporate representations of both self-performed acts and objects, locations, or gestural instructions. Mercado, E., III, Kuh, A. (1998). Classification of humpback whale vocalizations using a self-organizing neural network. Proceedings of IJCNN'98, 1584-1598. This paper describes a system for classifying vocalizations of humpback whales based on a source-filter model of sound production combined with a self-organizing feature map. Individual vocalizations were characterized in terms of their pitch, duration, noisiness, and formant structure using a combination of linear prediction, cepstral processing, and manual measurements. Vectors characterizing a sample of 242 sounds were then classified using a self-organizing feature map. The neural network partitioned vocalizations into categories that matched perceptually based classifications. Reprints of these two papers can be downloaded from http://www.cmbn.rutgers.edu/~mercado/pubs.html As promised in a previous posting, my dissertation, entitled "Humpback Whale Bioacoustics: From Form to Function" is now available online and can also be obtained at the web site mentioned above. If you have any questions, suggestions, critiques, or compliments, regarding this research, I would be interested in hearing them. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Eduardo Mercado III, Postdoctoral Fellow Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Rutgers University Phone:(973) 353-1080 x3226 197 University Ave. Fax: (973) 353-1272 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Email: mercado(\)pavlov.rutgers.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 10 Apr 1999 05:55:46 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) Active touch performance in the Antillean manatee: evidence for a functional differentiation of facial tactile hairs Bachteler, D; Dehnhardt, G ZOOLOGY-ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS, Winter 1999 v102 i1 p61-69 Harpoons fly in whale wars - reply. Palumbi, S; Cipriano, F. NATURE. April 1, 1999 v398 i6726 p366-366 Harpoons fly in whale wars. Macnow, A. NATURE. April 1, 1999 v398 i6726 p365-366 The long goodbye - Saving a whale from hunting doesn't always keep extinction at bay. Knight, J. NEW SCIENTIST. March 20, 1999 v161 i2178 p4-4 Effects of the arrangement of a distal catalytic residue on regioselectivity and reactivity in the coupled oxidation of sperm whale myoglobin mutants. Murakami, T; Morishima, I; Matsui, T; Ozaki, S; Hara, I; Yang, HJ; Watanabe, Y. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. March 17, 1999 v121 i10 p2007-2011 Declining survival probability threatens the North Atlantic right whale. Caswell, H; Fujiwara, M; Brault, S. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. March 16, 1999 v96 i6 p3308-3313 Salt works blamed for whale deaths. CHEMISTRY & INDUSTRY. March 15, 1999 i6 p205-205 Molecular cloning and phylogenetic analysis of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) and grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) interleukin 2.St-Laurent, G; Beliveau, C; Archambault, D. VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY. March 1, 1999 v67 i4 p385-394 Traditional knowledge of the ecology of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in the eastern Chukchi and northern Bering Seas, Alaska. Huntington, HP. ARCTIC. March 1999 v52 i1 p49-61 Immobilisation of pinniped species Lynch, MJ; Tahmindjis, MA; Gardner, H AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, March 1999 v77 i3 p181-185 Light and electron microscopical observations an the terminal airways and alveoli of the lung of the SA (Cape) fur steal Arctocephalus pusillus. Wessels, JC; Chase, CC. ONDERSTEPOORT JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH. December 1998 v65 i4 p253-262 From: William Megill Organization: Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation 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. The programme is now in its fifth year of operation. Research & instruction are carried out from a 40' reconverted fishboat 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 navigation and boat operation 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; grey & humpback whale swimming biomechanics; orca social structure & acoustic behaviour; white-sided dolphin social & acoustic behaviours; conservation issues. This year we have teamed up with the University of California at Davis to offer a new, two-week course through their University Research Expeditions Program. Topics covered in that course will be more or less the same, but in more detail. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in other CERF research projects underway along the southern Central Coast, including subtidal, intertidal and rainforest biodiversity studies, as well as some behavioural ecology research on the insects of the Bramham Archipaelago. Arrangements haven't been finalised yet, but it might be possible to arrange university transfer credit through UC Davis for the programme. Contact us for more details. Cost: Adults: $1400 (CAD) $1075 (USD) Students: $1275 (CAD) $995 (USD) UREP: $1185 (USD) Dates: June 27 - July 3, 4-17*, 17-23, 25-31 July 31 - August 6, 8-14, 15-28*, 28 - September 3, 3-10. * UREP dates . For more information, contact: Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation 2648 Tennis Cr., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2E1 tel: (604) 224-4729 or 1-877-223-2373 (toll-free) fax: (815) 327-0183 email: info(\)cerf.bc.ca http://cerf.bc.ca/index.asp ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 17:22:49 +0100 From: "S.Gubbay" Subject: Cetacean/oil spill contingency plans CETACEANS/OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLANS We are in the process of trying to improve coverage of cetaceans in oil spill contingency plans in the UK as well as for the Moray Firth (east coast of Scotland) in particular, which has a resident group of bottlenose dolphins. This has so far involved reviewing the literature on the subject on how cetaceans react to and are affected by oil (see below for main references used) and any existing guidelines from other areas. The next stage will be developing and then trialing draft guidelines in a workshop which will involve the various local organisations which would be involved in any spill response in the Moray Firth. We have been unable to track down much guidance on dealing with living cetaceans in the event of a spill and would therefore appreciate hearing about any examples where cetaceans have been specifically dealt with in oil spill contingency plans. In particular, any evaluations of potential impacts on cetaceans of use of dispersants, or on the potential for discouraging cetaceans from approaching oil spills? If you can help, please reply to Sue Gubbay; sgard(\)mayhill.u-net.com Thanks Sue Gubbay CETACEANS AND OIL POLLUTION 5. Baines, M.E., Pierpoint, C.J.J. & Earl, S.J. (1997) A cetacean sighting database for Wales and an evaluation of impacts on cetaceans from Sea Empress oil spill. Report to Countryside Council for Wales 6. Brownell, R.L. (1971) Whales, dolphins and oil pollution. In: Biological and Oceanographic Survey of the Santa barbara Channel Oil Spill 1969-1970. Vol 1. Biology and Bacteriology. In Straughan, D (Ed) Sea Grant Publ.No.2. Vol.1. Allan Hancock Found. Univ. Southern California. Pg. 255-276. 7. Dahlheim, M.E. & Matkin, C.O. (1994) Assessment of injuries to Prince William Sound Killer Whales. Ch.9. Pg.163-171. In; Loughlin, T.R. (Ed) Marine Mammals and the Exxon Valdez. Academic Press, London. 8. Evans, P.G.H. (1994) Assessment of the effects of the Braer oil spill upon Harbour Porpoises in the Shetland Islands. Report to WWF. Sea Watch Foundation. 2pp. 9. Geraci, J.R. (1990) Physiologic and toxic effects on cetaceans. Sea Mammals and Oil: Confronting the Risks. (Eds: Geraci, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J.) pp. 167-197. Academic Press. Toronto. 10. Geraci, J.R., Aubin, D.J. & Reisman, R.J. (1983) Bottlenose dolphins can detect oil. Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Science. 40:1515-1522. 11. Goodale, D.R., Hymen, M.A., Winn, H.E. (1981) Cetacean responses in association with the Regal Sword oil spill. Cetacean and turtle Assess. Program, University of Rhode Island, Annu.Rep 1979 XI, p1-6 U.S. Dept of the Interior, Washington DC. 12. Harvey, J.T., & Dahlheim, M.E. (1994) Cetaceans in Oil. Ch.15. Pg257-264. In; Loughlin, T.R. (Ed) Marine Mammals and the Exxon Valdez. Academic Press, London. 13. Law, R.J., & Whinnett, J.A. (1992) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Muscle tissue of harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from UK waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 24:183-191. 14. Matkin, C.O., Ellis, G.M., Dahlheim, M.E. & Zeh, J. (1994) Status of Killer Whales in Prince William Sound. 1985-1992. Ch.8. pg 141-162. In; Loughlin, T.R. (Ed) Marine Mammals and the Exxon Valdez. Academic Press, London. 15. Moscrop, A. (1993) An assessment of threats to marine cetaceans resulting from the degradation of their habitats. Masters degree research report. University of Greenwich, London. 16. Owen, R.E. (1984) Oil spill from the British tanker Alvenas. Natl.Mar.Fish Serv., Southeast Fish.Cent., Miami, Florida (unpublished report) Bottlenose dolphins swimming in oil 17. Penrose, R. (1977) Sea Empress Oil Spill. West Wales review of marine mammal strandings from the west Wales coast 1991-96. Report to Countryside Council for Wales. 18. Smith, T.G., Geraci, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J. (1983). The reaction of bottlenose dolphins. Tursiops truncatus, to a controlled oil spill. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 40:1522-1527. 19. Shane, S.H. & Schmidly, D.J. (1978) The population biology of the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus in the Aransas Pass Area of Texas. REP.No. MMC-76/11. US Marine Mammal Commission, Washington D.C. 20. Smith, T.G., Gerace, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J. (1983) Reaction of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus to a controlled oil spill. Can.J.Fish.Aquat.Sci. 40.1522-1525. 21. St.Aubin, D., J., Geraci, J.R., Smith, T.G. & Friesen, T.G. (1985) How do bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, react to oil films under different light conditions. Can.J.Fish.Aquat.Sci. 42(3): 430-436. 22. Von Ziegesar, O., Miller, E., & Dahlheim, M.E. (1994) Impacts on humpback whalees in Prince William Sound. Ch.10. Pg 173-191. In; Loughlin, T.R. (Ed) Marine Mammals and the Exxon Valdez. Academic Press, London. 23. Wursig, B. (1990) Cetaceans and oil: ecological perspectives. In. Geraci, J.D. & St.Aubin (eds) (1990) Sea mammals and oil: confronting the risks. Academic Press. P129-165. 24. Wursig, B. & Smultea, M.A. (?) Bottlenose dolphin reactions to the Mega Borg oil spill. Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A & M University, Galveston. MARINE MAMMALS AND OIL POLLUTION 25. Bergey, M. (1979) The Ixtoc Oil Spill - Effects on Marine Mammals and Turtles. Report by author aboard Res.Verssel Oregon II on 22-day shrimp tagging expedition. 26. Brownell, R.L. (1971) Whales, dolphins and oil pollution. In: Biological and Oceanographic Survey of the Santa Barbara Channel Oil Spill. 1969-1970. Straughan, D. (Ed) Sea Grant Publ. No.2 Vol.1. pp 225-276. Allan Hancock Found. Univ.South.Calif.Los Angeles Co. 27. Calkins, D.G. (1979) Marine mammals of Lower Cook Inlet and the Potential for Impact from Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Transport. Final Rep. Outer Continental Shelf Environ. Asses. Program, Res. Unit 243. Pp171-264. U.S. Departemnt of Commerce U.S. Dept of the Interior, Anchorage, Alaska. 28. Cowles, C.J., Hansen, D.J. & Hubbard, J.D. (1981) Types of Potential Effects of Offshore Oil and Gas Development on Marine Mammals and Endangered Species of the Northern Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Tech.Pap No.9. Bur.Land Manage., Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Reg., Anchorage. 29. Engelhardt, F.R. (1983) Petroleum effects on marine mammals. Aquat.Toxicol. 4:199-217. 30. Geraci, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J. (1980) Offshore petroleum resource development and marine mammals. A review and research recommendations. Marine Fisheries Review, 42.1-12. 31. Geraci, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J. (Eds) (1982) Study of the Effects of Oil on Cetaceans. Contract No. AA 551-CT9-29. U.S. Department of Interior, Bur. Land Manage., Washington. 32. Geraci, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J. (1987) Effects of offshore oil and gas development on marine mammals and turtles. In. Boesch, D.F. & Rabalais, N.N. (Eds) Long-term environmental effects of offshore oil and gas development. Evsevier Applied Science, London. 33. Geraci, J.R. St.Aubin, D.J. (1985) Expanded Studies of the Effects of Oil on Cetaceans. Final Report. U.S. Dept of the Interior, Bur.Land Manage. Washington D.C. 34. Geraci, J.R. & St.Aubin, D.J. (1990) Sea Mammals and Oil: Confronting the Risks. Academic Press, Toronto. 35. Griffiths, D.J., Oritsland, N.A., & Ortisland, T. (1987) Marine mammals and petroleum activities in Norwegian watrs. Number 1. Rapporteur Og Meldinger Fra Fiskeridirktoratets Havforningsinstitutt, B.Bergen. 179pp. 36. Hansborough, J.F. et al., (1985) Hydrocarbon contact injuries. J.Trauma 25(3) 250-252. 37. Hansen, D.J. (1985) The Potential Effects of Oil spills and other chemical pollutants on marine mammals occurring in Alaskan Waters. Rep.MMS 85-0031. U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Reg., Anchorage. 38. Johnson, L. (1983) Assessment of the effects of oil on Arctic marine fish and marine mammals. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 1200. 39. Loughlin, T.,R. (1994) Tissue hydrocarbon levels and the number of cetaceans found dead after the spill. Ch.20. Pg.359-376. In; Loughlin, T.R. (Ed) Marine Mammals and the Exxon Valdez. Academic Press, London. 40. Penrose, R. (1997) Sea Empress Oil Spill (SEOS) - West Wales. Review of Marine Mammal Strandings from the West Wales coast 1991-1996. Report to the Sea Empress Environmental Evaluation Committee. 41. Prieur, D., & Hussenot, E. (1978) Marine mammals stranded during the Amoco Cadiz oil spill. Extrait de Penn ar Bed. 11(94) 361-364. 42. St.Aubin, D.J., Geraci, J.R., Lounsbury, V.J. (1996) Rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals: an anlysis of current views and practices. Proceedings of a Workshop held in Des Plaines, Illinois, 3-5 December 1991. US Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-8. July, 1996. 43. Wilkinson, D.M. (1996) National Contingency Plan for Response to Unusual Marine Mammal Mortality Events. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-9. September, 1996. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 10:47:21 -0400 Reply-To: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca From: Sascha Hooker Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Abstract: northern bottlenose whale diving behaviour Hooker, S. K., & R. W. Baird. 1999. Deep-diving behaviour of the northern bottlenose whale, Hyperoodon ampullatus (Cetacea: Ziphiidae) Proceedings of the Royal Society, London B. 266: 671-676. Abstract: Using suction-cup attached time-depth recorder/VHF radio tags, we have obtained the first diving data on northern bottlenose whales, the first such data on any species within the family Ziphiidae. Two deployments in 1997 on northern bottlenose whales in a submarine canyon off Nova Scotia demonstrated their exceptional diving ability, with dives approximately every 80 min to over 800 m (maximum 1453 m), and up to 70 min in duration. Sonar traces of non-tagged, diving bottlenose whales in 1996 and 1997 suggest that such deep dives are not unusual. This combined evidence leads us to hypothesize that these whales may make greater use of deep portions of the water column than any other mammal so far studied. Many of the recorded dives of the tagged animals were to, or close to, the sea floor, consistent with benthic or bathypelagic foraging. A lack of correlation between dive times and surface intervals suggests that the dives were predominately aerobic. Please contact either author for reprints: Sascha K. Hooker Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4J1, Canada Robin W. Baird Research Director, Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753, USA For a copy of this abstract, or details of other recent and forthcoming publications from our research group, see http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/labpub.htm ======================================================================= 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 ======================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 16:03:25 +0200 From: Ursula Verfuss Subject: Volunteer position available Sorry for cross posting! ... VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANT I am looking for volunteer assistance for a study on the echolocation behaviour of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). This position will be offered for periods of at least four weeks during May 1999 to January 2000. The involved project combines basic and bycatch-related studies on the echolocation behaviour of porpoises especially during fish catch. The investigations are carried out on two harbour porpoises held in a semi-natural environment at the Fjord & Belt Centre in Kerteminde, Denmark. Volunteers will also get the opportunity to get insights or even being involved in other ongoing projects carried out on the porpoises. The volunteer will be involved in data gathering and analysis, including * assisting in planning's and preparations for research sessions * recording behavioural observations during sessions * assisting at pool side * processing video and sound recordings * handling data * analysing sound and video recordings The volunteer should be * interested in marine mammals and bioacoustics * computer literate (PC: Windows 95, Excel...) * willing to work on weekends / several days in a row * a team worker as well as autonomous player Due to the semi-natural environment of the porpoise pool the study requires a high degree of flexibility (planning of research sessions can only be made the very day, the daily schedule can change from one minute to the other), working on weekends, and possibly several days in a row. The work contains outside work (which can be nice (they do have sun in Denmark), but might be sometimes harder due to temperature, rain etc.). The volunteer will have the great opportunity to get involved in research carried out with porpoises, and to gain experience in bioacoustics and carrying out a project. Unfortunately, no payment and no accommodation can be provided. A room for 1.900,- Danish Kroner per month might be available. Applicants should send a statement of objectives, curriculum vitae, a letter of recommendation, and the time period they are interested in to my Fjord & Belt Centre address below. For the time period of May / June, please contact me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE via email: ursula.verfuss(\)uni-tuebingen.de If you have any further questions, please contact me any time via email! Hope to see you in Kerteminde, Ursula Verfuss """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Ursula Verfuss Fjord- & Belt Centre University of Tuebingen porpoise project Dept. of Animalphysiology Margrethes Plads 1 Auf der Morgenstelle 28 5300 Kerteminde 72076 Tuebingen Denmark Germany phone: +45 6532 2349 +49 (0)7071 29 7 8877 fax: +45 6532 4264 +49 (0)7071 29 2618 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 22:15:52 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: cyamid record from Kogia breviceps Forwarded message: From: "David S. Janiger" Martin, Joel W. and John E. Heyning. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 98(1):26-38. 1999. First record of Isocyamus kogiae Sedlak-Weinstein, 1992 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Cyamidae) from the Eastern Pacific, with comments on morphological characters, a key to the genera of the Cyamidae, and a checklist of cyamids and their hosts. * Research and Collections Branch, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007. Abstract: The cyamid amphipod species Isocyamus kogiae Sedlak-Weinstein, 1992, is reported for the first time from southern California, extending the known range of the species from Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia, to the north-eastern Pacific. Additional descriptive notes are provided based on a single adult male taken from a pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps (de Blainville, 1838), stranded near San Diego, California. Morphological differences between this specimen and the description of the type series are discussed. A revised key to the six currently recognized genera of the family Cyamidae is provided, as well as a checklist of all described species of the family, their cetacean hosts, and the ranges of those hosts. Subject: World Council of Whalers Marmam subscribers should be interested to note the recent gathering of persons supportive of sustainable whaling in Reykjavik, Iceland for the Second General Assembly of the World Council of Whalers. Participants from 21 countries met March 27-30 to discuss whaling and whale utilization in Canada, four Caribbean nations, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Russia and Tonga. They included representatives of whaling communities, legal experts, government officials, parliamentarians and scientists. The assembly was welcomed by Iceland's Foreign Minister, Hon. Halldor Asgrimsson, followed by a vide-taped message from US Congressman Richard Pombo (R-CA). Both stressed the importance of applying sustainable management techniques to marine resources, preserving cultural identities and bringing the true story of whales and whalers to the public. The Fisheries Minister of the Faroe Islands, Hon. Jorgen Niclasen, himself a whaler, and Mr. Arnor Halldorsson, Chairman of the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, both spoke of the importance of rational whale management for the protection of marine biodiversity and the future of the fishing industry. Following reports from the world's whaling communities, expert panels discussed regional management of marine resources, trade, and communications issues. Resolutions addressed the desperate plight of the Chukotkan whaling communities in Russia, diet-related health problems in Tonga, the Eastern Canadian Arctic bowhead hunt, Iceland's March 1999 parliamentary resolution to resume whaling, and trade problems related to the US Marine Mammal Protection Act. The World Council of Whalers, dedicated to the sustainable use of marine wildlife and the empowerment of whaling cultures and nations, was created in February 1997 to provide an international forum for cooperation and the exchange of information among the world's whaling peoples, and to serve as the voice of whaling cultures before domestic and international policy-making bodies. Chief Tom Mexsis Happynook, Chairman of the World Council of Whalers, said at the close of the Iceland meeting, "With the world's whale populations steadily increasing, the world's endangered whaling cultures will survive. Foremost among the world's issues for the coming millennium is the ability to feed a growing human population while maintaining bio-diversity on Planet Earth. We must feed our people and preserve our cultures within the framework of sustainable use of nature's resources. Whaling is an important part of both." For more information, contact either Joan Goddard or the World Council of Whalers office ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 22:21:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Carnegie job opportunity (fwd) Forwarded message: Please direct inquiries to contact person below. This is forwarded from Mammal-L. Subject: Carnegie job opportunity Author: "Richard W. Thorington; Jr." at ~smtp Date: 4/13/99 7:47 AM MAMMAL COLLECTION ASSISTANT The Section of Mammals at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History invites applications for a full-time collection assistant to begin work in the Spring of 1999. The Section holdings include traditional voucher specimens, frozen tissues, library, and archives. Duties include general collection maintenance activities, user-services, assisting in public programs, the potential to assist in research activities, and general office services. Salary is dependent on applicant's qualifications; starting minimum is $16, 195 per annum plus benefits. Qualifications are a BS or BA in biology or museum science with experience or coursework in mammalogy and working knowledge of general office equipment, including computers. Successful applicant should be well organized, detail oriented, able to work with minimum supervision and to lift and move upto 25 lbs. For questions regarding this position, call (412) 665-2611 or see our web site at WWW.CLPGH.ORG/CMNH/MAMMALS. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae plus three letters of reference to Human Resources, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EOE. Richard W. Thorington, Jr. Department of Vertebrate Zoology THORINGT(\)NMNH.SI.EDU NHB-390, Smithsonian Institution Voice: 202-357-2150 Washington D.C. 20560-0108 Fax: 202-786-2979 Subject: New Web Page A new web site highlighting the research of the North Pacific Universities Marine Mammal Research Consortium can be found at http://www.marinemammal.org . The Consortium conducts research on the relation between fisheries and marine mammals in the North Pacific Ocean and Eastern Bering Sea. The following can be found on our web: CONSORTIUM Mission Committees Funding Staff RESEARCH Background Biology and Distribution Nutritional Stress Energetics Disease Predation Over Fishing Shooting and Entanglement Human Disturbance Ecosystem Change NORTHERN FUR SEALS OTHER RESEARCH SITE LINKS PUBLICATIONS Journals The following journal publications require Adobe Acrobat Reader to preview, which is available to download free from the Adobe Website. If you would like the full version of the publication, please send an e-mail to consortium(\)zoology.ubc.ca with the title of the journal article you are requesting. Changes in the distribution and size of juvenile walleye pollock as indicated by seabird diets at the Pribilof Islands and by bottom trawl surveys in the eastern Bering Sea. G.L. Hunt, Jr., A.S. Kitaysky, M.B. Decker, D.E. Dragoo, and A.M. Springer. 1997. In: R.D. Brodeur, P.A. Livingston, T.R. Loughlin, and A.B. Hollowed (eds.), Ecology of juvenile pollock. NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS 126: 125-139. [2 page abstract] Competition between fisheries and marine mammals for prey and primary production in the Pacific Ocean. Trites, A.W., D.Pauly, and V. Christensen. 1997. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science 22: 173-187. [ 2 page abstract ] Heat Increment of Feeding in Steller Sea Lions David A. Rosen, and Andrew W. Trites. 1997. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 3:877-881. [2 page abstract] The role of pinnipeds in the ecosystem. Trites, A.W. 1997. In Pinniped populations, eastern north Pacific: status, trends and issues Eds. G. Stone, J. Goebel and S. Webster. Pages 31-39. [2 page abstract] Prerecruit Walley Pollock, Theregra chalcogramma in Seabird Food Webs of the Bering Sea Alan M. Springer. 1997. U.S. Dep. Commer. NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS 126198-201. [2 page abstract] Assessing the use of hard parts in faeces to identify harbour seal prey: results of captive feeding trials. Cottrell, P.W., Trites, A.W. and E.H. Miller. 1996. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 74: 875-880. [2 page abstract] Concepts and Issues in Marine Ecosystem Management. P.A. Larkin. 1996. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 6: 139-164. [2 page abstract] Changes in the abundance of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska from 1956 to 1992: how many were there? Trites, A.W., and P.A. Larkin. 1996. Aquatic Mammals 22:153-166. [2 page abstract] Pamela Rosenbaum Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia Room 18, Hut B-3, 6248 Biological Sciences Road Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4 Phone: (604) 822-8181, Fax: (604) 822-8180 http://www.marinemammal.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 14:09:41 -0400 From: "Brenda A. Jensen" Subject: SMM Student web page Doug Demaster , Carol Fairfield , Kit Kovacs , Paul Nachtigall , Dan Odell , Bill Perrin , John Reynolds , Glenn VanBlaricom , Dan Odell , John Bengston , Gene Nitta ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Dear STUDENTS of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, I'm happy to bring to your attention a web page devoted to the student membership of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM): http://www.whoi.edu/SSMM You can also reach it from the SMM home page: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm You'll find announcements and updates about student-related issues from the SMM Board of Governors, deadlines and announcements pertaining to the Maui Biennial, the list of contact information for all of the Student Regional Chapters, and more! Thanks to all who have contributed their efforts and ideas so far. I welcome all suggestions in order to make this page as useful as possible to the students of the SMM. Cheers, Brenda Jensen bjensen(\)whoi.edu (Student Member-at-Large, SMM Board of Governors) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 14:17:09 -1000 Reply-To: khunter(\)maui.net From: Kris Hunter Subject: internship announcement ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Island Marine Center, is a marine conservation, research and education program It's parent company operates three vessels off Maui, Hawaii. The program consists of whale & dolphin watching trips, snorkel trips, and scuba diving trips. We are currently seeking volunteer interns for our 1999 Hawaiian spinner dolphin watching season. Internships are with the Research and Education department and consist of collecting field data on the Hawaiian Spinner dolphins, Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphin populations (and other local species of cetaceans). Data collection is conducted on board commercial dolphin watching vessels. Other duties may include: assisting with education programs in local hotels and schools; computer data entry; analyzing digitally recorded acoustical data from hydrophones; and photo analysis. Internships are unpaid, although assistance to locate housing can arranged. Interns must commit to at least 20 hours a week and at least six weeks in duration. Priority is given to applicants who can work full time and stay for longer periods of time. The dolphin program will run from May 15th to December 15th, 1999. Assistance with receiving credit for the internship is provided. In addition to the dolphin research, the Island Marine Center is also conducting coral reef research (in conjunction with Hawaii Pacific University). We will be collecting baseline data via transact lines and quadrants at our various dive and snorkel destinations. The coral reef internship requires that participants be PADI Open Water Certified (or other national recognized certification). Participants should either own scuba gear or be prepared to rent the equipment they need. Island Marine Center will provide scuba tanks, weights, mask, and fins. As in the dolphin program, interns must commit to at least 20 hours a week and at least six weeks in duration. Priority is given to applicants who can work full time and stay for longer periods of time. Priority is also given to divers holding advanced certifications. Participants meeting the requirements for both internship programs are encouraged to experience both research opportunities. Internship applicants should posses the following: Motivation and enthusiasm for marine life and the marine environment 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 Knowledge of photography is very helpful Ability to get along well with a wide variety of people To apply for either internship, please send us a resume or c.v. and a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying. Internships are open to undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, and other professionals who can add to the program. Application materials should be sent ASAP to: Island Marine Center 113 Prison Street Lahaina, HI 96761 phone: 808-667-6165 fax: 808-661-5792 ATTN.: Kris Hunter research(\)whalewatchmaui.com khunter(\)maui.net www.whalewatchmaui.com If sending your resume via email please do NOT send as attached file. (Cut and paste your resume in your reply) Kris Hunter Director of Research and Education Island Marine Center ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 17:19:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summaries 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} {{HI Whale Watching and Research Violations. On Apr. 15, 1999, NMFS announced that a HI whale watching and research operation had been assessed a $13,000 civil penalty for 7 civil violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act occurring between January and May 1998. Charges include failing to allow inspection of research records by providing falsified documents, unauthorized approached to humpback whales, failure to include research data in annual reports, allowing unauthorized personnel to operate a research vessel, and failure to keep accurate and complete research records.}}[NOAA press release] {{Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 12, 1999, Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the Newfoundland seal quota would be maintained at 275,000 animals for the 1999 season.}} {On Apr. 13-15, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans was scheduled to hold hearings on issues relating to the East Coast seal hunt, including receipt of a scientific report commissioned by the Newfoundland government concluding that the seal herd is not threatened by the undetermined number of seals that are killed each year but not retrieved nor recorded. The Committee anticipates providing recommendations about the hunt to Fisheries Minister David Anderson.}{{On Apr. 14, 1999, the Canadian Sealers Association urged Newfoundland's Fisheries Minister John Efford to curtail his campaign to increase the seal harvest quota, fearing that the notion of a cull could severely depress seal product prices and destroy the C$25 million sealing industry.}}[Canadian Press] {HI Diesel Spill. On Apr. 10, 1999, a commercial fishing vessel grounded on a reef of Kauai's east coast. On Apr. 13, 1999, this vessel broke up, spilling about 16,000 gallons of diesel fuel into waters inhabited by monk seals and green sea turtles.} [Assoc Press] {Canadian Marine Mammal Capture Policy. In early April 1999, a marine mammal scientist submitted a commissioned study for the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans on policy options regarding marine mammal captures.} [National Post] {Seal Sanctuary Appeal. In early April 1999, a government appeals committee found in favor of residents of Islay, Scotland, who had filed an appeal of a proposed site of special scientific interest for designation by Scottish Natural Heritage to protect around 600 common seals in on a maze of rocky islets ? the South East Islay Skerries. Local fishermen were concerned that the site designation and protection for seals would harm commercial fishing interests. This was the first successful appeal of a site designation since 1991.}[Daily Telegraph] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. In early April 1999, Trustees for Alaska filed an administrative appeal to the Secretary of Commerce asking that a draft plan to co-manage Cook Inlet beluga whales be released. Environmentalists and some subsistence hunters complain that they have not been party to negotiations on this plan. Negotiations were initiated in mid-March 1999 on a 2-year interim co-management agreement, hoping to conclude the agreement before subsistence hunting begins in May 1999. On Apr. 7, 1999, 7 environmental groups filed a motion with the AK Superior Court to block an Apr. 21, 1999 Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale unless changes are made to protect beluga whales. {On Apr. 9, 1999, NMFS announced the receipt of several petitions -- to declare beluga whales depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and to declare these whales endangered under the Endangered Species Act -- and the determination that such actions may be warranted. On Apr. 12, 1999, a group of about 15 Native beluga hunters formed a competing Alaska Native Marine Mammal Hunter Committee to protest ongoing beluga whale management activities and seek official recognition.}[Anchorage Daily News, Fed. Register] IWC Annual Meeting. On Apr. 1, 1999, Brazilian officials announced that Brazil plans to make a proposal at the late May 1999 International Whaling Commission's annual meeting in Grenada that a whale sanctuary be created in the South Atlantic. In early April 1999, British officials announced that provisional agenda for the 1999 annual IWC meeting includes a proposal by Japan to abolish the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary as well as a proposal by Australia to create a new sanctuary in the South Pacific. [Agence France-Press, Nando Media, The Independent (UK)] Nunavut Seal Exports. On Mar. 29, 1999, Paul Okalik, the Premier-Elect of Nunavut, Canada's new Inuit territory, complained at his first press conference about the U.S. ban on importing seal products and suggested that Canadian officials should try to persuade the United States to modify the Marine Mammal Protection Act. On Apr. 1, 1999, an Inuit joint-venture, Natsiq Development Corporation, announced plans to revive commercial ringed seal hunts, with an annual harvest of as many as 24,000 animals. The intended market was identified as health-conscious Asians. In addition to sealskins, meat will be processed into food products and fat will be rendered into dietary supplement oils. While pilot harvesting might begin in summer 1999, a processing plant would not begin construction until spring 2000. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] La Jolla Children's Pool. On Mar. 29, 1999, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to reject dredging and erect barriers to protect harbor seals at La Jolla?s Children?s Pool from harassment by humans. Humans will continue to be barred from swimming. [Los Angeles Times] World Council of Whalers. On Mar. 27-30, 1999, participants from 2`1 nations participated in the second General Assembly of the World Council of Whalers in Reykjavik, Iceland. Panels discussed whaling management, trade issues, and communication; individuals shared information on whaling and whale use. [High North Alliance News] Southern Sea Otters. On Mar. 22, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft report on southern sea otters, concluding that a relocation plan aimed at translocating a sea otter population to San Nicolas Island had failed. The draft report recommended that no additional effort be expended on this relocation program, and that other means be found to promote recovery of the southern sea otter. The FWS anticipates developing new guidelines for managing southern sea otters by the end of 1999. [Assoc Press] MA Dolphin Strandings. On Mar. 18-23, 1999, a total of 50 white-sided dolphins stranded on Cape Cod MA, with 46 of them eventually dying. Cause of the stranding was unknown. [Assoc Press, Boston Herald, Reuters] Gray Whale Mortalities. Between mid-March and mid-April 1999, an unusually high number of dead gray whales washed ashore in California -- including 3 in the San Francisco Bay area, possibly four in the San Diego area, and several in the Los Angeles area. {{In addition, four mortalities have been reported in Washington state.}}[Reuters, Assoc Press, Seattle Herald] 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 population in the Adriatic Sea (fwd) From: Hrvoje Gomercic Dear MARMAM members, I want inform you, that you can find report "Estimation of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Population in the Croatian Part of the Adriatic Sea" on Internet address: http://mavef.vef.hr/~gomercic/dolphin/ The study was done in winter period by four aircraft (single-engine high-wing monoplanes). Conclusions of the study are: On 27 December 1998 we saw 16 different bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) schools comprising a total number of 80 different adult dolphins and 8 cubs in 45.8% of the total surface area of the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. >From this data we calculated that on this surface area (14,507.4 km2) there were 114 adult bottlenose dolphins and 12 cubs in 26 dolphin schools. We calculate that in the whole of the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea (31,660 km2) there were 40 bottlenose dolphin schools comprising a total of 218 specimens (202 adult animals and 16 cubs). In the winter period in question, dolphin cubs accounted for 10% of the population, while 31.3% of dolphin schools had one or more cubs that were smaller by about one-third of their body length compared to adults. Average school size was 5.5. The estimated abundance of bottlenose dolphins in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea is: in inshore waters 10.75/1,000 km2, and in offshore waters 3.3/1,000 km2. Only one sighted bottlenose dolphin school was in offshore waters, 19.0 km from the nearest coast, but 5 hours and 40 minutes later this school was sighted in inshore waters. All other sighted bottlenose dolphin schools were in internal waters, or less than 5 km from the coast. Not one specimen of any other marine mammal species was observed. Your comments and questions you can send on E-mail address: gomercic(\)rudjer.irb.hr Hrvoje Gomercic From: Jennifer Saitz Organization: The Blue Submarine Subject: Education Coordinator for Friends of the Sea Lion The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center (FSLMMC) is a non-profit organization providing medical care and rehabilitation to rescued seals and sea lions in Orange County. Information on the center can be found at fslmmc.org. Friends of the Sea Lion is seeking a full-time Education Coordinator to run the educational programs at the center. The Coordinator will manage and improve existing programs as well as develop new programs. Responsibilities include overseeing current educational programs, developing new curriculum and interpretive displays, training and supervision of education volunteers, recruitment of new volunteers, solicitation of private and corporate donations and web site management. Qualified applicants will: Have experience in marine science education; Have experience with staff management and supervision; Have experience in administration of non-profit organizations; Have some fund raising experience; Have minimum 2 years related experience; 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 qualifications and experience. Please send resume and cover letter to: Diane Swarts 700 Victoria Unit D3 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-642-5567 Inquiries: bluesub(\)earthlink.net (Jennifer Saitz) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 10:39:34 -0400 Reply-To: web(\)ceps.nasm.edu From: Vicki Portway Organization: CEPS/NASM Subject: SMM Mid-Atlantic Student Chapter SMM Mid-Atlantic Student Chapter, USA A Mid-Atlantic Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy is now forming. This chapter will be open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as prospective graduate students in marine mammal-related studies. Because the Northeast US and Southeast US student chapters have already formed, the Mid-Atlantic chapter will draw members primarily from Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. However, members are also welcome from Ohio, West Virginia and other areas convenient to the Mid-Atlantic region. The purpose of the Mid-Atlantic student chapter is to create a regional network for exchanging information on topics of interest to student that study marine mammals. The main goals of the chapter are to 1) facilitate communication among students 2) disseminate information about seminars,research,educational and career opportunities in the region, 3) hold meetings to provide students the opportunity to present their research, and 4) foster communication between students and professionals working in the Mid-Atlantic region. At this time, we would like to survey interest and potential membership in order to plan chapter activities. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Mid-Atlantic chapter, or if you have questions, please send an e-mail to either Vicki Portway (vportway(\)ceps.nasm.edu) or Dee Allen (allen.dee(\)nmnh.si.edu). Please include your full mailing address, student status, and university/institution affiliation. Vicki Portway Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560-0315 USA E-mail:vportway(\)ceps.nasm.edu Dee Allen Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Washington, DC 20560 USA E-mail: allen.dee(\)nmnh.si.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 16:48:46 +0100 From: Mike Rensner Subject: Urgent Request for Grey Whale Photographs 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 Grey Whales for a forthcoming new title: Grey Whales, by Jim Darling Our preference is for live animals, at home in their marine environment. Pictures which would appeal to a general readership rather than strictly scientific. 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 mike.rensner(\)zetnet.co.uk Mike Rensner Editorial Director Colin Baxter Photography The Old Dairy Woodlands Grantown on Spey Moray, PH26 3NA Tel 01479 873999 Fax 01479 873888 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 08:19:45 -0700 From: Pamela Rosenbaum Subject: Bering Sea Report A report titled "Ecosystem change and the decline of marine mammals in the Eastern Bering Sea: testing the ecosystem shift and commercial whaling hypotheses" was recently completed. It is authored by A.W Trites, P.A. Livingston, M.C. Vasconcellos, S. Mackinson, A.M. Springer, and D. Pauly. A pre-publication copy of the final report can be obtained from http://www.marinemammal.org/pdfs/bering.pdf. REPORT SUMMARY Some species in the Bering Sea underwent large changes between the 1950s and the 1980s. Among the best documented are the declines of Steller sea lions and northern fur seals, and the possible increase and dominance of ground fish - pollock and large flatfish. A frequently proposed explanation is that human exploitation of top predators and/or a shift in the physical oceanography altered the structure of the eastern Bering Sea ecosystem. We employed two inter-related software packages (Ecopath and Ecosim) to describe quantitatively the eastern Bering Sea ecosystem during the 1950s, before large-scale commercial fisheries were underway, and during the 1980s, after many marine mammal populations had declined. We grouped the hundreds of species that make up the Bering Sea ecosystem into 25 functional groups. Our mass-balance ecosystem models showed that most of the top predators (trophic level IV) declined from the 1950s to the 1980s. They included Steller sea lions, seals, sperm whales, deep-water fish and other demersal fishes. The only top predators to increase were large flatfish such as arrowtooth flounder. At the mid-trophic level (III), baleen whales and pelagic fishes declined, while small flatfish, pollock, and walrus and bearded seals increased. Based on our model assumptions, pollock contributed over 50% of the total flow of energy at the mid trophic levels during the 1980s compared to only 10% in the 1950s model. In contrast, pelagic fishes contributed nearly 50% of the flow in the 1950s. At trophic level IV, no one species dominated the flow of energy during the 1950s. However, large flatfish contributed over 60% of the total energy flow in the 1980s model. Large flatfish and adult pollock that dominate the Bering Sea in the 1980s appear to be significant competitors of seals. Large flatfish are also competitors of Steller sea lions and there are large overlaps in the diets of pollock and baleen whales. Changes in the biomass of marine mammals appear to have little effect on the biomass of other groups in the Bering Sea. Reductions in prey abundance can quickly reduce marine mammal populations, but marine mammals are unable to quickly recover when abundant food becomes available. Our models suggest that Steller sea lion populations would be larger if adult pollock and large flatfish were lower in abundance due to competitive release of important prey. Most impacts on the modeled ecosystem can be associated with changing the biomass of lower trophic levels. Total catch in the eastern Bering Sea rose from 0.33 to 2.62 t.km-2 between the 1950s and the 1980s. Exploitation during the 1950s used 47% of the net primary production, with most of it flowing through the harvested whales. Shifting the emphasis from exploiting marine mammals in the 1950s to catching fish in the 1980s lowered the amount of primary production required to sustain harvests to 6%. Some ecosystem indices derived from our ecosystem models indicate that the eastern Bering Sea was more mature in the 1950s than in the 1980s. However, we are less certain about the actual state of the Bering Sea in the 1950s due to the relative paucity of data from that time. The ecosystem indices for both the 1950s and 1980s models suggest that the Bering Sea is relatively resilient and resistant to perturbations. Removing whales from the 1950s ecosystem had a positive effect on pollock by reducing competition for food. However, whaling alone is insufficient to explain the 400% increase in pollock biomass that may have occurred between the 1950s and the 1980s. Nor can commercial fisheries account for these observed changes. The magnitude of changes that occurred in the biomass of all the major groups in the eastern Bering Sea cannot be explained solely through trophic interactions. We suggest that other factors comprising a regime shift, such as changes in water temperature or ocean currents may have been at play. Pamela Rosenbaum Pamela Rosenbaum Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia Room 18, Hut B-3, 6248 Biological Sciences Road Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4 Phone: (604) 822-8181, Fax: (604) 822-8180 http://www.marinemammal.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 14:45:51 +0300 From: Paula-Joao Faria Subject: Cetacean Alloparental Behaviour + Cetaceans/Primates Bibliography Dear Listers: I am currently preparing the project for my PhD dissertation. I am looking for material on cetacean alloparental behaviour, and on joint studies on cetaceans and primates (with enfasis on a behavioural perspective). So far, i have the folowing references: Allman, John (1998). EVOLVING BRAINS, Scientific American Library/WH Freeman, Chapter 7 Connor RC, Mann J, Tyack PL & Whitehead H (1998). Social evolution in toothed whales. TRENDS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. 13: 228-232 Mann J (1993). Parallels between dolphins and primates: Development and behavior. WHALEWATCHER. 27(1): 12-15 Marino L (1998). A comparison of encephalization between odontocete cetaceans and anthropoid primates. BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 51(4): 230-238 Marino L (1998). Quantifying brain-behavior relations in cetaceans and primates. TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION 13(10): 408 (Letter) Marino L (1996). What can dolphins tell us about primate evolution? EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY 5(3): 81-85 Marino LA (1996). Brain-behavior relationships in cetaceans and primates: Implications for the evolution of complex intelligenc. DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS INTERNATIONAL B56(10): 5823 Marino L; Reiss D; Gallup GG Jr (1994). Mirror self-recognition in bottlenose dolphins: Implications for comparative investigations of highly dissimilar species. Pp. 380-391 in SELF-AWARENESS IN ANIMALS AND HUMANS: DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVES. Parker, S.T., ed. Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press Smuts BB; Smuts RW (1993). Male aggression and sexual coercion of females in nonhuman primates and other mammals: Evidence and theoretical implications. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 22: 1-63 Taylor CK; Saayman G.S. (1972). The social organisation and behaviour of dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)and baboons (Papio ursinus): Some comparisons and assessments. ANNALS OF THE CAPE PROVINCIAL MUSEUMS. 9(2): 11-49 Tomasello M; Call J (1997). PRIMATE COGNITION. New York, Oxford Univ Press, ix, 517 pp Whitehead, H. & Dufault, S. (1999). Techniques for Analyzing Vertebrate Social Structure Using Identified Individuals: Review and Recommendations. ADV. STUD. BEH. 28: 33-74. Wilson CG; Yeider S Sea lions and rhesus monkeys as a mixed species display (1976). AAZPA [AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOLOGICAL PARKS AND AQUARIUMS] REGIONAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. Pp. 124-128 I am finding it difficult to uncover more material, especially concerning cetacean alloparental behaviour. Any further references or bibliography would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, Paula-Joao Faria regah(\)netvision.net.il ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:15:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Whale origins (vol 283, pg 1641, 1999). O'Leary, MA. SCIENCE. April 9, 1999 v284 i5412 p264-264 Immune functions in the fisher rat fed beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) blubber from the contaminated St. Lawrence estuary. Lapierre, P; De Guise, S; Muir, DCG; Norstrom, R; Beland, P; Fournier, M. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. February 1999 v80 i2 part2 pS104-S112 Mate choice among sympatric fur seals: female preference for conphenotypic males. Goldsworthy, SD; Boness, DJ; Fleischer, RC. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY. March 1999 v45 i3-4 p253-267 Morphology, age and survival of adult male New Zealand fur seals, Arctocephalus forsteri, in South Australia. Troy, SK; Mattlin, R; Shaughnessy, PD; Davie, PS. WILDLIFE RESEARCH. Spring 1999 v26 i1 p21-34 Abundance, distribution and status of the New Zealand sea lion, Phocarctos hookeri. Gales, NJ; Fletcher, DJ. WILDLIFE RESEARCH. Spring 1999 v26 i1 p35-52 Subject: Aquatic Mammals - New Editor I am happy to announce that Dr. Jeanette Thomas was unanimously elected, by the members of the European association for Aquatic Mammals at their annual meeting, as the new editor of the journal AQUATIC MAMMALS. Dr. Thomas will take over as editor with the first issue of volume 26 in 2000. Please direct further correspondance concerning AQUATIC MAMMALS to Dr. Thomas at or DR. JEANETTE A. THOMAS LABORATORY OF SENSORY BIOLOGY WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY REGIONAL CENTER 3561 60TH STREET MOLINE, IL 61265 USA TEL: 309-762-9481, EXT 262 FAX: 309-762-6989 -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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(\)nosc.mil' -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 13:34:25 -0700 Reply-To: Joseph Mortenson From: Joseph Mortenson Subject: Americorps position announcement, involving working with harbor seals ------ Please reply to Amber Mace, address below or e-mail: ajmfmsa(\)jps.net AMERICORPS WATERSHED STEWARDS PROJECT MEMBER POSITION DESCRIPTION WSP MEMBER: Americorps Member PLACEMENT SITE: Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association WSP MENTOR: Maria Brown Orientation: Member will learn about the National Marine Sanctuary Program, Gulf of th= e Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (FMSA), and the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association function, structure, and role in preserving our nation=B9s marine resources. Topics include: National Marine Sanctuary Association organization and activities, FMSA activities, personnel policies, time accounting, driving, safety, specific project goals and objectives, and the role of members within the FMSA. Members will write = a report summarizing their experiences and accomplishments, receive periodi= c performance counseling, and participate in a written evaluation at the en= d of the member experience. Training: Members will receive formal training in monitoring methodologies and techniques, harbor seal natural history, bay and lagoon ecology, and volunteer management from professional personnel of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Point Reyes National Seashore, and = the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association. Training takes place twice a we= ek for a month. Members receive field supervision and on the job training i= n harbor seal monitoring techniques including: identifying and categorizing harbor seal behavior, computer software utilization, data analysis, and report writing and publishing. In addition the member will gain knowledge= in a variety of areas of natural resource biology and management. Physical Requirements: 1. Ability to hike moderate distances over rough terrain. 2. Ability to carry up to 25 pounds of monitoring and personal equipment. 3. Ability to communicate effectively. Fall-Winter Duties: Develop educational materials about salmon and pinniped (seal and sea lio= n) interactions, watershed processes, and sound multiple-use practices. Develop a salmon life cycle exhibit for the Gulf of the Farallones Nation= al Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center. Staff the Visitor Center one day per we= ek and educate visitors about watersheds and salmon. Assist with coordination of Central California harbor seal monitoring committee. Assist with recruiting SEALS (Sanctuary Education Awareness a= nd Long-term Stewardship) volunteers, scheduling volunteer orientations, and acquiring monitoring equipment. Attend and assist with all SEALS trainin= g sessions. Responsible for scheduling and monitoring at Tomales Point site. Work wi= th 1-2 volunteers during each survey and possibly camp overnight for dawn surveys. Assists in checking SEALS monitoring groups at Bolinas Lagoon. Fill in as needed for monitoring at Bolinas site. Manage SEALS monitorin= g and interpretation equipment. Spring-Summer Duties: Educate community members about salmon and pinniped (seal and sea lion) interactions, watershed processes, and sound multiple-use practices. Present watershed slide show to school groups. Staff the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association booth at environmental, educational, and fishing fairs. Educate visitors about watersheds and salmon. Enter Tomales Point survey data. Assist with volunteer appreciation even= t. Continue to coordinate Tomales Point monitoring site. Assist with Bolina= s Lagoon site. Analyze Tomales Point data. Assist with writing the SEALS annual report. Write a paper for publication. Update SEALS section on t= he FMSA web site. Information collected and analyzed from the SEALS program will be used to develop management strategies and evaluate multiple-use in the Gulf of th= e Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Part-time: 900 hours Full-time: 1,700 hours Stipend: call the Americorps office GFNMS housing stipend: $150/month paid at end of term Educational Award: $4,725 full-time member, $2363 part-time member Benefits: medical insurance and child care. **************** Amber Mace Visitor Center and Interpretive Programs Manager Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association The Presidio, PO Box 29386 San Francisco, CA 94129 (415) 561-6625 (415) 561-6616 (Fax) http://www.farallones.org **************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999 04:30:13 EDT Reply-To: StephSande(\)aol.com From: Stephanie Sanderson Subject: Call for grey or harbour seal milk sample >From stephsande(\)aol.com Dear Marmaners, As part of my MSc in wild animal health at London Zoo I am designing a new milk formula for raising orphaned grey and harbour seals. The RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital has rehabilitated 60-100 seal pups a year over the last 10 years and used various liquid diets including a home made 'fish soup', multimilk and zoologic 30/55 milk replacer. Weight gain on these diets is often poor, averaging about 1kg/week for a 10kg pup (12kg /week expected in the wild). I beleive that part of this discrepancy is due to the low fat content of the powdered formulas used (about 14% fat as fed vs aprox 50% fat in mothers' milk). I have trialled a new formula based on powdered milk and double (heavy) cream with added lactase. This is 42% fat and has almost doubled weight gain but is still far short of that achieved in the wild. The main side effect of feeding was very greasy stools, verging on diarrhoea. This suggests that the pups are unable to efficiently digest or absorb the fat source I am providing them with and I would like to compare fatty acid composition of my new diet and mothers' milk inorder to refine the formula. 1. Does anyone have a grey or harbour seal milk sample I could analyse? I would need about 10ml (for analyisis in June/July or Aug). I have already tried the Sea Mammal Research Unit but due to a freezer accident they have lost all their samples. 2. Alternatively does anyone know of a fatty acid breakdown for harbour or grey seal milk? I only have one published analysis of northern elephant seal milk (Puppione DL et al. 1996 Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Vol 114B (1) pp53-57 Chylomicron Triacylglycerol Fatty Acis in Suckling Northern Elephant Seals Resemble The composition and the Distribution of Fatty Acids in Milk Fat) Any help/ information gratefuly received! Stephanie Sanderson S.Sanderson MA VetMB MRCVS 2 Caroline Close LONDON W2 4RW ENGLAND Tel/Fax +44 171 229 8533 email: stephsande(\)aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999 10:26:51 +1000 From: Lisa Kingma Subject: seals in captivity: honours project Hello everyone, My name is Lisa Kingma and I am doing my honours at the University of New England, Australia. My project is to study the behaviour of seals and sea lions in captiviy. At the moment I'm having trouble finding some relevant information on my topic, and am hoping that some of you people can help. Honours only runs for the length of a year, so it it pretty urgent that I find some information. The species I am studying are Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals and California sea lions. I have 6 Aust. sea lions, 3 NZ fur seals and 1 Cal. sea lion to study. They are kept in pools approx. 2m deep and of varying diameters (one pool is 9m across, another is 7m long but 3m wide, and another is a triangle shape with sides approx. 2m long). The pools have an enclosed haul out area made of concrete, with a few tables and mats to lay on. There are also 'toys' such as milk crates, plastic bottles and pieces of wood in the pools for them to play with. The seals are often swapped around in the different pools, and are put into pools with other seals of the same and of different species. There are 2 males ( the Cal. sea lion and an Aust. sea lion), which are never put in the same enclosure together. Most of the seals perform various tricks in two daily shows, one in the morning(10.30) and one in the afternoon(2.15). My aim is to determine whether the seals display excitement or anticipatiuon before a show, by observing their behaviour. I will also be looking for displays of stereotypic behaviour, and will try to determine whether interactions with the human handlers acts as a form of environmental stimili. At the moment I am still working on my method for sampling, and if anyone has any suggestions they will be most welcome! As mentioned earlier I am also looking for information. I have found only (few) passing references to 'anticipation' in seals or sea lions within papers based on dolphin studies. Most information on stereotypic behaviour relates to the welfare of primates or pigs and cattle. And information on human-animal interactions is mostly about how to handle pigs and cattle before they get slaughtered. I am looking for information on these topics relevant to captive performing seals and sea lions. If you know of anything published or your own observations and comments I would greatly appreciate a message from you! I have left a list of some papers I have found, if anyone is interested, at the end of my message. Thanks for your help! Lisa Kingma University of New England Zoology Dept. Armidale NSW 2351 My e-mail is: lkingma(\)metz.une.edu.au Some references: Spontaneous activities of captive performing dolphins (tursiops truncatus) Galhadro, Appleby, Waran & Santos. Animal welfare 1996 5: 373-389. Spatial movement patterns and behaviour of two captive bottlenose dolphins (tursiops truncatus): absence of stereotyped behaviour or lack of definition? Gygax. Appl. anim. behav. sc. 1993. 38: 337-334. Zoo husbandry and research: an integrated approach. Rice. 1999. envirolink. org (off the internet). The response of sows to novel visual, olfactory, auditary, and tactile stimuli. Huston, Dickenson, Wilkinson & Luxford. 1993. Appl. anim. behav. sci. 35: 255- 266. Stereotypies: a critical review. Mason. 1991. Animal behaviour 41: 1015-1037. Life in a variable world: behaviour, welfare, and environmental design. Appleby. 1997. Appl. anim. behav. sci. 54: 1-19. Using inexpensive feeding equipment and techniques for primate enrichment. Pastorello. 1999. envirolink.org (off the internet). Animal boredom- a model of chronic suffering in captive animals and its consequences for environmental enrichment. Wemelsfelder. 1999. psyeta. org (off the internet). Effects of predictable vs unpredictable feeding schedules on chimpanzee behaviour. Bloomsmith & Lambeth. 1995. Appl. anim. behav. sci. 44: 65-74 Space and behaviour in captive dolphins. Gygax. 1997. Marine mammal science. 13(3): 531-533. Effect of pool features on the behaviour of two bottlenose dolphins. Bassos & Wells. 1996. Marine mammal science. 12(2): 321-324. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999 03:36:28 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Summer Course Announcement (fwd) From: Jenifer Hurley California State University Monterey Bay is offering the following 4-week summer course (June 7- July 2) for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS (ESSP 395) This 3 credit course explores career directions and current topics working with marine mammals. It wil= l provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will be primarily lecture, however, will include live experiences with the marine=20 mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs and in the surrounding areas. Topics covered will include practical knowledge of captive marine mammal husband= ry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one da= y at Moss Landing Marine=20 Labs assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. The= y will also develop a resume and application packet based on researching a specific job of interest, go through a mock interview and oral examinatio= n, and there will be one written exam. SYLLABUS Introduction: Overview of careers working with marine mammals (i.e.: research, training, education, naturalist, veterinary medicine) and description of course structure. Marine Mammals: General overview of taxonomy and natural history of marin= e mammal species (i.e.: pinnipeds, cetaceans, sirenia, and other misc.) Research With Marine Mammals: Overview of general research topics in mari= ne mammal science (i.e.: sensory perception, basic ecology, diving, physiology, cognition, fisheries interactions) Field Research: Overview of the experience working in the field (techniqu= es of handling animals, working in remote locations, instrumentation, translocation and ice hole paradigms) Captive Research: Overview of working with animals brought into laborator= y- historic and current practices Physiology: Description of the unique adaptations of marine mammals and how this makes them interesting and difficult research and husbandry subjects (i.e.: lung collapse, blood parameters, breathold capacity, thermoregulation) Basic Husbandry: How to care for marine mammals in captivity (i.e.: food, vitamins, water quality) Veterinary Care: Medical careers working with marine mammals (rehab and veterinary) and common medical problems of marine mammals Training: Overview of philosophy and methodology of training marine mammals (i.e.: captivity issues, why train? and the aquarium industry) Training: Basic Communication and Motivation Tools: How to explain to animal what you want them to do (i.e.: operant conditioning, bridge and target techniques) and get them to want to cooperate (i.e.: reinforcement and aggression) Education: Careers in educating the public about marine mammals (i.e.: aquarium industry, naturalist positions, what should the public know?) Current Topics with Marine Mammals: What is hot in the news about marine mammals (i.e.: Free Willy, manmade underwater sounds, manatees and boats, oil spills, drift netting, etc.) COST: $367.00 Enrollment limited. To register please contact: Dr. Jenifer Hurley Director of Research and Training =96S.L.E.W.T.H.S. Moss Landing Marine Labs P.O. Box 450 Moss Landing, CA 95039 V: (831)-633-7262 Email: jhurley(\)mlml.calstate.edu Subject: Volunteers Required for Summer 99 (fwd) From: Steve Hartley Volunteers Through the summer season the centre relies on volunteers who offer their time to man the centre in return for time spent as an observer on the boat trips that run from between 2 hours and 5 days [ ashore nightly in various harbours ]. Work in the centre involves opening the centre every morning, keeping the centre clean and tidy, advising and informing the public and banking monies from donations . Whilst on the boat time is spent keeping a watch out for cetaceans, recording the effort and logging any sightings and also keeping the passengers informed about the wildlife encountered. Accommodation is supplied in the form of a caravan on the local holiday park for which the volunteers are expected to contribute towards The Wildlife Centre The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre was established on the waterfront of New Quay in September 1996. The Centre offers interpretative displays describing the biology, behaviour, distribution and conservation of a variety of marine mammals, seabirds and other marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay and the surrounding Irish Sea. It supports various land and sea based research projects; those currently running are focused primarily on bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the local area. This Centre has been made possible by Environment Wales, with funding from the Welsh Office, Antur Teifi and the co-ordination of the Sea Watch Foundation. It also has the support of The Countryside Council for Wales, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Ceredigion Heritage Coast Section, Friends of Cardigan Bay, Dyfed Wildlife Trust, whilst many volunteer helpers assist with staffing and field programmes. The Centre is closely involved with the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has served as a venue for a number of local Topic Group meetings. The Cardigan Bay Forum now operates its office, reference library and website from the Centre. Cardigan Bay Cardigan Bay, which dominates the west coast of Wales, has a spectacular and varied coastline from magnificent sea cliffs to rolling sand dunes and stretches for over 150 miles from Bardsey Island in the North to Strumble Head in the South. Most of the coastline is designated Heritage Coast and is home to Britains first marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The sheltered waters of Cardigan Bay and the deeper waters of St. George's Channel play host to a wide range of marine animals, with 14 species of cetaceans recorded since 1980 along the coasts or in near shore waters. The 6 main species being:- bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise, common dolphin, Risso's dolphin, long finned pilot whale and killer whale - are either present all year round or are sighted as seasonal visitors to the Bay. Other cetaceans that have been sighted include minke whale, fin whale, humpback whale, pygmy sperm whale, Blainville's beaked whale, striped dolphin, Atlantic white-sided dolphin and white beaked dolphin. Other marine animals that have been sighted include basking sharks, porbeagle sharks, sun fish, and leatherback turtles. Atlantic grey seals use the secluded rocky shores as breeding grounds and are present all the year round. The Bay is nationally important for its year round resident population of bottlenose dolphins, that number approximately 130 individuals, which makes it unique in England and Wales, the only other recognised resident population being in the Firth of Forth in North East Scotland. The area is also rich in bird life, with the sea cliffs being home to a number of nationally important sea bird colonies. Some species that are regularly seen, both out at sea and along the sea cliffs include; gannets, shearwaters, guillemots, razorbills, oyster catchers, puffins, shags, cormorants, choughs, herons, buzzards, peregrin falcons, kites and kestrels. Further Details can be found on our website; http://www.marine.wildlife.centre.freeservers.com/ All Enquires should be sent to ; cardiganbaymarinewildlife(\)tianet.com or Steve Hartley Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales UK Tel/Fax +44 01545 560032 Subject: Funding for Soviet collaborations (fwd) From: Suzanne Thompson Suzanne Thompson SABIT, Department of Commerce 202/482-0073 SABIT (Special American Business Internship Training) is an innovative grant program that provides funding to U.S. organizations to conduct stateside training for scientists from the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union (NIS). SABIT helps gifted scientists from the NIS apply their knowledge and skills to peaceful scientific research and development in the civilian sector. Through May 31, 1991, U.S. businesses and organizations in both the for-profit and non-profit communities are invited to apply for SABIT grants to host English-speaking NIS scientists for periods from three to six months. U.S. host organizations provide visas, medical insurance, and the actual hands-on training. SABIT reimburses round-trip international airfare, $30 per diem, and up to $500 per month for lodging. Organizations that are awarded grants may select one or more NIS scientists from SABIT's pool of highly qualified candidates. Currently, SABIT has an internship candidate from Ukraine who would like to train in computerized oceanographic analysis. Also, U.S. applicants may propose their own NIS candidates for internships. SABIT internships are rewarding experiences for both interns and training hosts. New ideas, technologies, and applications are exchanged, and lasting ties created, offering many opportunities for continued collaboration and innovation. Over 60% of SABIT grantees develop business relationships with their interns, including joint ventures, distributorships, and long-term shared research projects. And since 1992, SABIT-facilitated relationships have generated $166 million in U.S. exports. For more details or to receive a packet, please contact Suzanne Thompson, SABIT Marketing Consultant, by phone (202-482-0073), fax (202-482-2443), or e-mail (suzanne_thompson(\)ita.doc.gov). Also, see our Web site, at www.mac.doc.gov/sabit/sabit.html. Subject: marine mammal action plans Dear marmam readers and colleagues, As part of an initiative involving the formulation of national action plans for marine protected species, conducted by the Italian Central Institute for Applied Marine Research (ICRAM), we am interested in comparing our efforts with those carried out by other countries. We are therefore writing to you to enquire about the existence of specific Action/Recovery plans for marine mammals in other countries of the world. We are particularly aware of specific recovery plans for individual cetacean and pinniped species put forth by the National Marine Fisheries Service in the United States but to date, we do not know of other similar documents in other parts of the world. Are any of the readers aware of national action plans, endorsed by the respective ministries of their countries and designed specifically for protected marine species and in particular for cetaceans and pinnipeds? We would be most grateful if you would let us know by contacting us at the below listed address: mogiulia(\)tin.it Thank you very much in advance for your co-operation Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara Giulia Mo Marine Protected Species Framework Programme Central Institute for Applied Marine Research (ICRAM) via di Casalotti 300 - 00166 Roma, Italy tel. +39 - 06 - 61570444, fax +39 -06 - 61550581 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 11:31:18 -0400 From: Sharon Tryon Subject: Marine Mammal Fellowship position annoucement The following position is immediately available as a two-year fellowship. All responses should be sent to Sharon L. Tryon, email: stryon(\)dccmc.org. Applications may also be mailed to: Center for Marine Conservation, 1725 DeSales St., NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. No phone calls please. Although there is currently no closing date we wish to fill this position as soon as possible. Marine Mammal Fellow, Position Announcement: Basic Function: 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. Specific Responsibilities: Planning for and conducting one workshop to develop a pinniped health assessment using health-related research conducted on Hawaiian monk seals and Steller sea lions for populations of wild pinnipeds; Implementing a conservation strategy for Hawaiian monk seals in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service; Tracking and evaluating the effectiveness of a mandatory vessel reporting program under the International Maritime Organization for reducing ship strikes of northern right whales; Participating in the scientific review of population assessment and incidental take data on Atlantic and Pacific marine mammals, including gulf of Maine harbor porpoise and Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea harbor seals; Researching and identifying areas where CMC can effectively contribute to manatee conservation and assisting CMC attorneys in evaluating biological opinions and Section 7 consultations for the Florida manatee; and 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. Qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master of Science, although preference will be given to candidates with 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 US and international policy processes in relation to threatened species is also highly desirable. This is a two-year fellowship. Sharon L. Tryon, Director of Operations Center for Marine Conservation 1725 DeSales Street, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 (202)857-5561, fax 872-0619 website: cmc-ocean.org email: stryon(\)dccmc.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 11:24:09 -0400 From: Lori Marino Subject: 20/20 show on DAT finally is airing! Dear colleagues, The ABC news show 20/20 will be airing a segment on the pros and cons of dolphin-assisted therapy this Sunday, April 25th. at 9 PM Eastern time. The show will feature the arguments put forth by Scott Lilienfeld and myself in our recent critique of DAT in Anthrozoos as well as proponents of DAT. Lori Marino lmarino(\)emory.edu -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Department of Psychology 532 North Kilgo Circle Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-0372 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1999 10:09:54 -0500 From: Sasha Drobyshevsky Subject: marine mammals photo-identification boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0025_01BE8BDF.1A443C80" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0025_01BE8BDF.1A443C80 charset="iso-8859-5" Dear MARMAM members, We are in the process of developing software for automatic = photo-identification of dolphins and other marine mammals. It is a joint = project of Texas A&M University at Galveston and the University of Texas = Medical Branch. To help us make our future product as useful as = possible, we would like to have comments or suggestions from potential = users of such a system. We would appreciate your response to the = following questions if you have an interest in photo-identification.=20 No need to respond if you're not interested, or to answer questions that = you don't want to answer. This survey is not a research study, we are = simply seeking broader input than we already have. Are you doing photo-identification of individual animals? What species do you work with? What geographical areas are you interested in? How many identified individuals do you have now? How many individuals will you have when you consider your catalog = complete and current? How many images do you accumulate and process per day/month/season? What features do you use to identify individuals (such as notches, color variations)? Do you use computers now for this task? If so, what kind of computers = and software? Are you interested in automating the task with computers if you don't do = so already? Do you have a computer that could be used? What kind?=20 Do you have a way to put pictures into the computer, such as a scanner = or a digital camera? If you are doing something systematic to identify individuals, such as = storing images or fin tracings in an organized collection, what do you = do?=20 Any other questions, comments, suggestions, requests?. Please send your responds to Sasha Drobyshevsky, email: = drobyshs(\)tamug.tamu.edu ------=_NextPart_000_0025_01BE8BDF.1A443C80 charset="iso-8859-5"
Dear MARMAM members,
 
We are in the process of developing software for automatic=20 photo-identification of dolphins and other marine mammals. It is a joint = project=20 of Texas A&M University at Galveston and the University of Texas = Medical=20 Branch. To help us make our future product as useful as possible, we = would like=20 to have comments or suggestions from potential users of such a system. = We would=20 appreciate your response to the following questions if you have an = interest in=20 photo-identification.

No need to respond if you're not = interested, or to=20 answer questions that you don't want to answer. This survey is not a = research=20 study, we are simply seeking broader input than we already = have.

Are you=20 doing photo-identification of individual animals?
What species do you = work=20 with?
What geographical areas are you interested in?
How many = identified=20 individuals do you have now?
How many individuals will you have when = you=20 consider your catalog complete and current?
How many images do you = accumulate=20 and process per day/month/season?
What features do you use to = identify=20 individuals (such as notches, color
variations)?
Do you use = computers now=20 for this task? If so, what kind of computers and software?
Are you = interested=20 in automating the task with computers if you don't do = so
already?
Do you=20 have a computer that could be used? What kind?
Do you have a way to = put=20 pictures into the computer, such as a scanner or a digital camera?
If = you are=20 doing something systematic to identify individuals, such as storing = images or=20 fin tracings in an organized collection, what do you do?
Any other=20 questions, comments, suggestions, requests?.
 
Please send your responds to Sasha = Drobyshevsky,=20 email: drobyshs(\)tamug.tamu.edu
------=_NextPart_000_0025_01BE8BDF.1A443C80-- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999 10:23:06 -1000 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Organization: Dalhousie Univ./Pacific Whale Foundation Subject: B.C. "resident" killer whales listed as "threatened" by COSEWIC The 1999 annual meeting of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) was held last week. At this meeting the Committee voted to list the "resident" population of killer whales in British Columbia as "threatened" and the "transient" population as "vulnerable". The abstract of the report evaluating this species is below, and much of the relevant text can be found at: http://is.dal.ca/whitelab/rwb/kwstatus.htm A link to the COSEWIC web page giving evaluation criteria is also included. Baird, R.W. 1999. Status of killer whales in Canada. Contract report to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. Killer whales can be found in all three of Canada's oceans, as well as occasionally in Hudson Bay and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Little is known about their occurrence or biology in the Atlantic or Arctic, but killer whales appear to be uncommon in most parts of these areas. In the Canadian Arctic and western Atlantic small numbers were killed historically in commercial whaling operations (or shot incidentally to such operations), and small numbers have been documented taken by natives. Predictable concentrations of killer whales are found in British Columbia (B.C.), and populations in B.C.'s nearshore waters are among the most well-known populations of cetaceans world-wide. Killer whales off the Pacific coast can be classified into two distinct "types" or "forms" (termed residents and transients), which differ in diet (residents feed on fish, transients feed on marine mammals), morphology, genetics and behaviour. The exact taxonomic relationship between these two types is unclear, though some authors have termed them "races", others consider them separate species. Regardless, from both a scientific and management perspective these populations should be treated as distinct. Within B.C. waters residents appears to be sub-divided into three geographic communities or populations (termed the "northern" and "southern" residents, and "offshore" killer whales), based on association patterns, genetics and morphology. Relatively little is known of the "offshore" population of killer whales. All populations (including transients and the three resident populations) are small (in the low hundreds), and have low potential rates of increase. No trend information is available for "offshore" or transient killer whales. The "northern" resident population has been growing steadily in size since the 1970s (when live-capture fisheries stopped and shooting declined), while the "southern" resident population has been growing only sporadically, and is currently smaller than the pre-live-capture population estimate from the 1960s. Given the small population sizes and their low potential rates of growth, killer whales are potentially at risk from anthropogenic influences in two primary ways: due to immunotoxic affects of persistent toxic chemicals (levels in "southern" residents are three times higher than levels known to cause immunotoxicity in harbour seals), and due to a reduction in prey availability. It is also possible that the large and growing commercial and recreational whale watching industry on the west coast may be having an impact, though such impacts are as yet unclear. In terms of natural factors, periodic events such as mass strandings or entrapments in narrow inlets or ice have the potential to drastically reduce local populations. Since virtually all of these factors should impact killer whales throughout Canadian waters, all populations, at the least, should be classified by COSEWIC as Vulnerable, that is, as "species of special concern because of characteristics which make them especially sensitive to human activities or natural events". As the "southern" resident population is extremely small (89 individuals in 1998), has declined by 10% in the last three years due to an increase in mortality rates (primarily of adult females), is more subject to anthropogenic influences than other populations, and these influences are not expected to decrease in the foreseeable future, it should be listed as Threatened by COSEWIC. Further research, particularly on Arctic, Atlantic and "offshore" populations, is clearly needed. ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Post-doctoral fellow, Biology Dept., Dalhousie University Research Director, Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 USA. Phone (808) 879-8860 (work), 879-7061 (home). Fax 879-2615 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm http://www.pacificwhale.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 15:32:07 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Dolphin Decision. In late April 1999, Secretary of Commerce William Daley is expected to rule whether the use of tuna seines to surround dolphins may have a significant adverse effect on dolphin populations in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.} [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals press release] {Northern Right Whales. On Apr. 15, 1999, officials of MA's Dept. Of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement issued a first-ever "right whale alert" warning boaters and vessel operators to slow to less than 15 knots and avoid about 20 right whales feeding in eastern Cape Cod Bay and Provincetown. On Apr. 20, 1999, a dead female right whale was discovered near Wellfleet, MA; this female had been one of the 325-whale population's better breeders, having produced at least 6 offspring since 1974. Cause of death has not yet been determined.} [Boston Globe, Boston Herald] HI Whale Watching and Research Violations. On Apr. 15, 1999, NMFS announced that a HI whale watching and research operation had been assessed a $13,000 civil penalty for 7 civil violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act occurring between January and May 1998. Charges include failing to allow inspection of research records by providing falsified documents, unauthorized approached to humpback whales, failure to include research data in annual reports, allowing unauthorized personnel to operate a research vessel, and failure to keep accurate and complete research records. [NOAA press release] Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 12, 1999, Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the Newfoundland seal quota would be maintained at 275,000 animals for the 1999 season. On Apr. 13-15, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans was scheduled to hold hearings on issues relating to the East Coast seal hunt, including receipt of a scientific report commissioned by the Newfoundland government concluding that the seal herd is not threatened by the undetermined number of seals that are killed each year but not retrieved nor recorded. The Committee anticipates providing recommendations about the hunt to Fisheries Minister David Anderson. On Apr. 14, 1999, the Canadian Sealers Association urged Newfoundland's Fisheries Minister John Efford to curtail his campaign to increase the seal harvest quota, fearing that the notion of a cull could severely depress seal product prices and destroy the C$25 million sealing industry. {On Apr. 20, 1999, Newfoundland provincial court judge Robert Fowler rejected an edited copy of much-publicized videotape collected by an animal protection group in a trial against 7 sealers charged with illegal hunting. The judge criticized the photographer for lying to obtain an observer's permit to view the hunt, and the animal protection group for loose evidentiary handling. The trial was adjourned until May 5, 1999.} [Canadian Press] HI Diesel Spill. On Apr. 10, 1999, a commercial fishing vessel grounded on a reef of Kauai's east coast. On Apr. 13, 1999, this vessel broke up, spilling about 16,000 gallons of diesel fuel into waters inhabited by monk seals and green sea turtles. [Assoc Press] Canadian Marine Mammal Capture Policy. In early April 1999, a marine mammal scientist submitted a commissioned study for the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans on policy options regarding marine mammal captures. [National Post] Seal Sanctuary Appeal. In early April 1999, a government appeals committee found in favor of residents of Islay, Scotland, who had filed an appeal of a proposed site of special scientific interest for designation by Scottish Natural Heritage to protect around 600 common seals in on a maze of rocky islets ? the South East Islay Skerries. Local fishermen were concerned that the site designation and protection for seals would harm commercial fishing interests. This was the first successful appeal of a site designation since 1991. [Daily Telegraph] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. In early April 1999, Trustees for Alaska filed an administrative appeal to the Secretary of Commerce asking that a draft plan to co-manage Cook Inlet beluga whales be released. Environmentalists and some subsistence hunters complain that they have not been party to negotiations on this plan. Negotiations were initiated in mid-March 1999 on a 2-year interim co-management agreement, hoping to conclude the agreement before subsistence hunting begins in May 1999. On Apr. 7, 1999, 7 environmental groups filed a motion with the AK Superior Court to block an Apr. 21, 1999 Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale unless changes are made to protect beluga whales. On Apr. 9, 1999, NMFS announced the receipt of several petitions -- to declare beluga whales depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and to declare these whales endangered under the Endangered Species Act -- and the determination that such actions may be warranted. On Apr. 12, 1999, a group of about 15 Native beluga hunters formed a competing Alaska Native Marine Mammal Hunter Committee to protest ongoing beluga whale management activities and seek official recognition. {On Apr. 20, 1999 AK Superior Court Judge Sigurd Murphy issued a stay, deleting 5 tracts from a Apr. 22, 1999, Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale to protect beluga whales. The stay also precluded future leasing of 65 other tracts identified as important for these whales.} [Anchorage Daily News, Fed. Register, Reuters] {Swim With Dolphin Regulation Suspension. On Apr. 2, 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published notice in the Federal Register that it was suspending enforcement of Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards relating to "swim-with-the-dolphins" (SWTD) programs. APHIS announced that it was soliciting public comment on all aspects of the suspended regulations and on all human/marine mammal interactive programs, with comments due by June 1, 1999. Particular concerns relate to the applicability of SWTD regulations to shallow water interactions with dolphins.} [Fed. Register] IWC Annual Meeting. On Apr. 1, 1999, Brazilian officials announced that Brazil plans to make a proposal at the late May 1999 International Whaling Commission's annual meeting in Grenada that a whale sanctuary be created in the South Atlantic. In early April 1999, British officials announced that provisional agenda for the 1999 annual IWC meeting includes a proposal by Japan to abolish the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary as well as a proposal by Australia to create a new sanctuary in the South Pacific. [Agence France-Press, Nando Media, The Independent (UK)] Nunavut Seal Exports. On Mar. 29, 1999, Paul Okalik, the Premier-Elect of Nunavut, Canada's new Inuit territory, complained at his first press conference about the U.S. ban on importing seal products and suggested that Canadian officials should try to persuade the United States to modify the Marine Mammal Protection Act. On Apr. 1, 1999, an Inuit joint-venture, Natsiq Development Corporation, announced plans to revive commercial ringed seal hunts, with an annual harvest of as many as 24,000 animals. The intended market was identified as health-conscious Asians. In addition to sealskins, meat will be processed into food products and fat will be rendered into dietary supplement oils. While pilot harvesting might begin in summer 1999, a processing plant would not begin construction until spring 2000. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] La Jolla Children's Pool. On Mar. 29, 1999, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to reject dredging and erect barriers to protect harbor seals at La Jolla's Children's Pool from harassment by humans. Humans will continue to be barred from swimming. [Los Angeles Times] World Council of Whalers. On Mar. 27-30, 1999, participants from 2`1 nations participated in the second General Assembly of the World Council of Whalers in Reykjavik, Iceland. Panels discussed whaling management, trade issues, and communication; individuals shared information on whaling and whale use. [High North Alliance News] Gray Whale Mortalities. Between mid-March and mid-April 1999, an unusually high number of dead gray whales washed ashore in California -- including 3 in the San Francisco Bay area, possibly four in the San Diego area, and several in the Los Angeles area. {{In addition, eight mortalities}}have been reported in Washington state since January 1999. {{On Apr. 19, 1999, marine mammal scientists met in Seattle, WA, sharing information and preliminarily determining that the recent mortalities do not indicate that a problem exists.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press, Seattle Herald, Sacramento Bee] 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: Dolphin eye irritations - help needed We are seeking help and advice in regards to eye irritations in bottlenose dolphins. Underwater World in Perth is the home of four Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins, who live in a large open water pen, situated in a small boat harbour. They have resided in this enclosure for the past eight years. All of our dolphins are currently suffering from an eye irritation, causing them to constantly hold their eye lids closed. This is the fourth time we have experienced this problem. It has occurred in the following months: September 95 September 98 January 99 April 99 (current) The condition always affects all animals. When we notice the irritation in one dolphin, the remaining animals have the infliction within 24 hours. On all occasions, the condition has cleared without any treatment after about 4 days. However, we have not been able to establish a cause, and are concerned about the recent increase in occurrence, possibly leading to permanent eye damage. The water in our harbour is tested on a regular basis for coliforms, and levels have appeared stable. At this stage, no other water tests have been carried out, nor any other action taken. We would like to know if others have seen this problem in their animals, and would welcome suggestions for the best approach in sourcing, treating and preventing this problem from recurring. Thanks in advance, Gloria Jackson Senior Marine Mammal Specialist gloria(\)underwater.co.au Underwater World Hillarys Boat Harbour Hillarys WA 6025 Australia Ph: +(61) (8) 9447-7500 Fax: +(61) (8) 9447-7856 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Apr 1999 14:58:11 +0200 Reply-To: humpback(\)mweb.co.za From: Stradbroke Humpback Survey 99 Organization: East Coast Humpback Surveys Subject: Observers required- Australian Humpback Survey A shore-based survey of the East Australian humpback whale population will be conducted at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia from 24 May to 29 August 1999, during the whales' northward migration. We are inviting applications for observers to help carry out the project. Surveys have been conducted since 1980 as part of a long-term monitoring programme funded by Environment Australia (Commonwealth government). This population was severely depleted by commercial whaling earlier this century and remains at a fraction of its original population size. The last survey, conducted in 1996, gave a population estimate of approximately 3000 and a rate of annual increase of 12% over the period 1981-1996. The survey is entirely shore-based and runs daily from 0700 to 1700h in all weather conditions except heavy rain. Teams of two to four observers take shifts on the headland. Each observer is on watch for a total of five hours a day, divided into one three hour watch and one two-hour watch. The observers scan the sea with binoculars and the naked eye, and record details of humpback whale sightings and other marine mammals (dolphins, dugongs) and also maintain half-hourly weather recordings. In the evenings observers check the data collected and enter the data into a computer database. No prior experience is required, and all training will be provided. We ask that first-time observers come for a minimum of two weeks, but preference will be given to those who can stay for longer. Observers need to have a keen interest in the subject, and to be able to work as part of a team, and live in a communal environment. Observers will receive food and accommodation but will not receive any renumeration, or any contribution towards transport or other expenses. For more information, see the survey website: http://members.xoom.com/whale_survey Applications, including a brief CV and an indication of when you would be available, should be submitted by email: humpback(\)mweb.co.za (DO NOT RESPOND DIRECTLY TO MARMAM) Miranda Brown PhD & Martin Field MA East Coast Humpback Survey 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Apr 1999 15:50:50 +0000 From: Shannon Gowans Subject: Longevity of fetal folds and bent dorsal fins Summary of responses on the longevity of folded over dorsal fins and fetal folds in young cetaceans I posted a message to Marmam about the longevity of folded over dorsal fins and fetal folds in young cetaceans, as I wanted to use observations of animals with these features to identify calving seasonality in northern bottlenose whales. Here is a summary of the responses I received. Folded over dorsal fins: All of the responses indicated that dorsal fins straightened over very short time periods and may be useful for identifying very young animals and indicating calving seasonality. Most responses about the persistence of folded over dorsal fins came from studies on captive animals. The only published reference came from Tavolga and Essapian (1957) who state that the dorsal fin in bottlenose dolphins becomes upright within hours. This observation was confirmed by several other trainers of bottlenose dolphins, who had observed in total over 20 births. There were also rare cases when the dorsal fin never straightened but remained bent throughout life and may be a congenital problem. The straightening (firming up of the dorsal) occurs as the collagen in the fin cools after birth. Killer whales also are born with folded over dorsal fins and observations in captivity the dorsal fins straightened within hours. Observations in the wild of a calf approximately 2 hours old also had its fin stiffened. In contrast, bent dorsal fins of northern bottlenose whales are curved over and not as floppy as reported in killer whales and bottlenose dolphins,. Bent dorsal fins also may last longer in northern bottlenose whales. I have one young animal (birthdate unknown) who was photographically identified 9 days apart and its dorsal was still folded on the later date. However most young animals had straight dorsals. Fetal folds: The longevity of fetal folds were much more variable and therefore it is difficult to use the presence of fetal folds to identify potential birth dates. Kastelein et al (1990) state that the fetal folds last 6 weeks in bottlenose dolphins. Several trainers from other facilities also indicated that they had observed a similar time frame. However fetal folds on bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth of Scotland are still visible a year after birth (Wilson, 1995). Observations on southern right whales from birth till approximately 3 months indicate that most animals have lost the fetal folds within 2 weeks of birth and few if any possess fetal folds 4-5 weeks after birth. Observations of Sowerby's beaked whales had less prominent fetal folds later on in the summer and it was estimated that fetal folds lasted approximately 4 months. Similarly observations of dense beaked whales indicated that calves approximately 6 months old did not have fetal folds. Fetal folds in Hector's dolphins lasted approximately 6 months (Slooten and Dawson, 1988). Hope this information is useful. If anyone has further observations, or would like more detail on any of this information please contact me. Thank you to everyone who responded. Shannon Literature cited Kastelein RA, Dokter T, Zwart P (1990) The suckling of a bottlenose dolphin calf (Tursiops truncatus) by a foster mother, and information of transverse birth bands. Aquat Mamm 16:134-138 Tavolga M.C., Essapian F.S.; 'The behavior of the bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Mating, pregnancy, parturition and mother-infant behabvior', Zoologica, 1957, 42, 11-31. Slooten E, Dawson SM (1988) Studies on Hector's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus hectori: a progress report. Rep int Whal Commn (special issue) 9:325-338; Wilson B (1995) The ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth, Scotland: a population at the northern extreme of the species' range. Ph.D. Dissertation, Aberdeen Shannon Gowans PhD candidate Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 sgowans(\)is2.dal.ca phone: (902)494-3723 fax: (902)494-3736 http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/index.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 13:02:27 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: GIS & Remote Sensing workshop in Maui (fwd) A workshop on Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing is being organized for November 1999 in Hawaii. The workshop will be held on the Sunday (November 28) just prior to the Society of Marine Mammology conference in Maui. The workshop will focus on GIS uses and techniques and remotely sensed imagery in marine mammal research within the context of exploring relationships between marine mammal distribution and behavior and physical and biological ecosystem parameters. We envision the discussion to encompass what tools and techniques are being used and what can be done in the future. We would like people who have had experience working with these technologies to present their research. It is our intention also to provide as broad a representation of marine mammal taxa as possible in these presentations. The workshop format will consist of presentations of major case studies and posters. Case studies will describe long-term successful research programs that integrate all of the issues listed below. Posters should address current projects, and address one or more of the following issues: integration of data sources (GIS, remote sensing, GPS) survey design research design metadata/data quality analysis/visualization Please submit an abstract (deadline July 1) describing your presentation to: Ellen Hines Whale Research Lab Geography Department University of Victoria PO Box 3025 Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3P5 (250)472-4746 Fax (250)721-6216 ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html 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 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 April 1999 there were about 3,500 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. 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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. Note: You must be a subscriber to the list in order to access the subscription list. _______________________________________________________________ 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 15:50:46 -0500 From: Helen Nearing Subject: Duke Marine Lab summer course Duke University Marine Lab summer course: Marine Mammals 1999 Summer Term II (July 12 - August 13) Submit completed application and current transcript. For application see the Marine Lab's web site (address in signature below) or send complete mailing address to hnearing(\)duke.edu. A 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. See http://www.env.duke/edu/marinelab/consbio.html for more information about Term II's Integrated Marine Conservation Program. 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: Mon, 3 May 1999 20:32:20 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions.} [personal communication] {FL Manatees. In late April 1999, the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection proposed boating regulations to better protect manatees in Lee County, the last of 13 FL counties considered critical to manatees to be so regulated. The proposed rule generally requires boaters to slow to minimum-wake speed outside marked channels either seasonally or year-round. On Apr. 29, 1999, an all-day public workshop is scheduled to convene in Ft. Myers, FL, to consider a number of manatee management issues, including the pros and cons of promoting manatee concentrations by discharging warm water and the affects of this on boaters.} [Naples Daily News, MSNBC/WBBH Ft. Myers] Dolphin Decision. {{On Apr. 29, 1999, Secretary of Commerce William Daley was expected to issue a rule that would allow fishermen to use of tuna seines to surround dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, after determining that there is insufficient evidence that such fishing has a significant adverse effect on dolphin populations. Tuna caught in this manner may be labeled "dolphin-safe" as long as no dolphins are observed to be killed or seriously injured.}} [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals press release, Assoc Press] Northern Right Whales. On Apr. 15, 1999, officials of MA's Dept. Of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement issued a first-ever "right whale alert" warning boaters and vessel operators to slow to less than 15 knots and avoid about 20 right whales feeding in eastern Cape Cod Bay and Provincetown. On Apr. 20, 1999, a dead female right whale was discovered near Wellfleet, MA; this female had been one of the 325-whale population's better breeders, having produced at least 6 offspring since 1974. {{Although cause of death has not yet been determined, scientists conducting the necropsy reported on Apr. 22, 1999, that the whale had a fractured right jaw and tongue ulcers. On Apr. 27, 1999, scientists reported preliminary necropsy results, indicating that dead whale had been struck by a ship, breaking 5 vertebrae and the jaw.}} [Boston Globe, Boston Herald] {Faroe Islands Pilot Whales. On Apr. 15, 1999, the German food distribution company ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. announced that it would cease doing business with Faroe Islands at the expiration of its current contract for frozen salmon fillets, in protest of the annual pilot whale kill in the Faroe Islands.} [Environment News Service] HI Whale Watching and Research Violations. On Apr. 15, 1999, NMFS announced that a HI whale watching and research operation had been assessed a $13,000 civil penalty for 7 civil violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act occurring between January and May 1998. Charges include failing to allow inspection of research records by providing falsified documents, unauthorized approached to humpback whales, failure to include research data in annual reports, allowing unauthorized personnel to operate a research vessel, and failure to keep accurate and complete research records. [NOAA press release] Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 12, 1999, Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the Newfoundland seal quota would be maintained at 275,000 animals for the 1999 season. On Apr. 13-15, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans was scheduled to hold hearings on issues relating to the East Coast seal hunt, including receipt of a scientific report commissioned by the Newfoundland government concluding that the seal herd is not threatened by the undetermined number of seals that are killed each year but not retrieved nor recorded. The Committee anticipates providing recommendations about the hunt to Fisheries Minister David Anderson. On Apr. 14, 1999, the Canadian Sealers Association urged Newfoundland's Fisheries Minister John Efford to curtail his campaign to increase the seal harvest quota, fearing that the notion of a cull could severely depress seal product prices and destroy the C$25 million sealing industry. On Apr. 20, 1999, Newfoundland provincial court judge Robert Fowler rejected an edited copy of much-publicized videotape collected by an animal protection group in a trial against 7 sealers charged with illegal hunting. The judge criticized the photographer for lying to obtain an observer's permit to view the hunt, and the animal protection group for loose evidentiary handling. The trial was adjourned until May 5, 1999. [Canadian Press] HI Diesel Spill. On Apr. 10, 1999, a commercial fishing vessel grounded on a reef of Kauai's east coast. On Apr. 13, 1999, this vessel broke up, spilling about 16,000 gallons of diesel fuel into waters inhabited by monk seals and green sea turtles. [Assoc Press] Canadian Marine Mammal Capture Policy. In early April 1999, a marine mammal scientist submitted a commissioned study for the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans on policy options regarding marine mammal captures. [National Post] Seal Sanctuary Appeal. In early April 1999, a government appeals committee found in favor of residents of Islay, Scotland, who had filed an appeal of a proposed site of special scientific interest for designation by Scottish Natural Heritage to protect around 600 common seals in on a maze of rocky islets ? the South East Islay Skerries. Local fishermen were concerned that the site designation and protection for seals would harm commercial fishing interests. This was the first successful appeal of a site designation since 1991. [Daily Telegraph] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. In early April 1999, Trustees for Alaska filed an administrative appeal to the Secretary of Commerce asking that a draft plan to co-manage Cook Inlet beluga whales be released. Environmentalists and some subsistence hunters complain that they have not been party to negotiations on this plan. Negotiations were initiated in mid-March 1999 on a 2-year interim co-management agreement, hoping to conclude the agreement before subsistence hunting begins in May 1999. On Apr. 7, 1999, 7 environmental groups filed a motion with the AK Superior Court to block an Apr. 21, 1999 Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale unless changes are made to protect beluga whales. On Apr. 9, 1999, NMFS announced the receipt of several petitions -- to declare beluga whales depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and to declare these whales endangered under the Endangered Species Act -- and the determination that such actions may be warranted. On Apr. 12, 1999, a group of about 15 Native beluga hunters formed a competing Alaska Native Marine Mammal Hunter Committee to protest ongoing beluga whale management activities and seek official recognition. On Apr. 20, 1999 AK Superior Court Judge Sigurd Murphy issued a stay, deleting 5 tracts from a Apr. 22, 1999, Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale to protect beluga whales. The stay also precluded future leasing of 65 other tracts identified as important for these whales. [Anchorage Daily News, Fed. Register, Reuters] Swim With Dolphin Regulation Suspension. On Apr. 2, 1999, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published notice in the Federal Register that it was suspending enforcement of Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards relating to "swim-with-the-dolphins" (SWTD) programs. APHIS announced that it was soliciting public comment on all aspects of the suspended regulations and on all human/marine mammal interactive programs, with comments due by June 1, 1999. Particular concerns relate to the applicability of SWTD regulations to shallow water interactions with dolphins. [Fed. Register] IWC Annual Meeting. On Apr. 1, 1999, Brazilian officials announced that Brazil plans to make a proposal at the late May 1999 International Whaling Commission's annual meeting in Grenada that a whale sanctuary be created in the South Atlantic. In early April 1999, British officials announced that provisional agenda for the 1999 annual IWC meeting includes a proposal by Japan to abolish the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary as well as a proposal by Australia to create a new sanctuary in the South Pacific. [Agence France-Press, Nando Media, The Independent (UK)] Nunavut Seal Exports. On Apr. 1, 1999, an Inuit joint-venture, Natsiq Development Corporation, announced plans to revive commercial ringed seal hunts, with an annual harvest of as many as 24,000 animals. The intended market was identified as health-conscious Asians. In addition to sealskins, meat will be processed into food products and fat will be rendered into dietary supplement oils. While pilot harvesting might begin in summer 1999, a processing plant would not begin construction until spring 2000. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] Gray Whale Mortalities. Between mid-March and mid-April 1999, a number of dead gray whales washed ashore in California -- including 3 in the San Francisco Bay area, possibly four in the San Diego area, and several in the Los Angeles area. In addition, eight mortalities have been reported in Washington state since January 1999. On Apr. 19, 1999, marine mammal scientists met in Seattle, WA, sharing information and preliminarily determining that the recent mortalities do not indicate that a problem exists. [Reuters, Assoc Press, Seattle Herald, Sacramento Bee] {Harbor Porpoise Mortality Event. Between early March and mid-April 1999, at least 162 harbor porpoise have been reported dead along the Atlantic coast between NC and ME. Mortality appears to have declined sharply since mid-April. This is more than triple last year's total mortality of 51 animals. Cause of the mortality has not been determined. NMFS, the Smithsonian Institution, Duke Univ., and other institutions are planning to convene a workshop to review this event in early June 1999.} [Baltimore 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: ICES conference From: Garry Stenson This is just a reminder that during the upcoming Annual Science Conference sponsored by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) there will be a special theme session entitled " Microprocessors and Things that Swim in the Ocean: Smart Tags in the Study of Marine Life" The Co-Conveners are: Dr.K Friedland (USA, friedlandk(\)forwild.umass.edu), Dr. G Arnold (UK, G.P.Arnold(\)cefas.co.uk), Dr.G Stenson (Canada, stenson(\)athena.nwafc.nf.ca), and Dr. L Karlsson (Sweden, lars.karlsson(\)lfi.se) Innovation in computer technology has made it possible to attach increasingly smaller and more sophisticated microprocessor based tags to fishes and marine mammals. Using these tags, scientists can collect data on a wide range of environmental and physiological parameters. By facilitating the collection of data from individuals during periods and in areas where other methods might be ineffective or impractical, data logging and telemetry tags are expanding our ability to analyse important aspects of the animal's ecology and study behaviour on both daily and seasonal time scales. As tags become smaller and less expensive, the suite of candidate species and life history stages suitable for tagging increases. The Theme Session will focus on new developments in tag technology and how these innovations are being applied to fisheries and ecology problems of interest to the ICES scientific community. This session will be an excellent opportunistic to show how scientists are taking advantage of improvements in microprocessor and telemetry technology to expand our understanding of the behaviour and biology of marine organisms. Many marine mammal scientists are leaders in this field and this session is an excellent opportunity to illustrate the work being carried out to an international body of scientists who primarily study marine fish and invertebrates. For more information on this session and the entire program of the meeting you can check out the ICES web site at http://www.wh.whoi.edu/ices_conference/ The session will be held during the 100th Anniversary Conference of ICES 29 September - 2 October 1999 in Stockholm Sweden . Unfortunately time is short and preliminary abstracts are due at the ICES headquarters May 3. They can be emailed to the ICES Secretariat at abs.asc(\)ices.dk. On behalf of the co-conveners we hope to see you there. Garry Stenson De pt. of Fisheries and Oceans St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada +1 709 772-5598 (voice) +1 709 772-4105 (fax) Subject: ASIL Willdife Group Discussion List The American Society of International Law's Wildlife Interest Group has established an announcement list for new content added to the site. If you wish to receive such announcements, including information on several upcoming bibliographies, and the proceedings from the 4th International Wildlife Law Conference, please sign up on the site: www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife. Wil Burns, Co-chair American Society of International Law Wildlife Interest Group 2124 Kittredge Street, Suite 805 Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 ASILWildlife(\)pacbell.net www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 03:55:33 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Baiji breeding programm ? (fwd) From: "Nicolas Entrup" Hi, in the March 99 edition of the German diving magazine "Unterwasser" = ("Underwater") Dr.Helmut Maegdefrau, zoologist at the Nuernberg Zoo, is = quoted as follows: "Furthermore, it would be possible to save highly = endangered species such as the Chinese River Dolphin through an Ex-Situ = breeding programme which is prevented by animal rights activists and = their policy (demands)". After contacting Dr.Maegdefrau twice, without any success, asking to = provide evidence for such a statement, I want to bring this quotation to = your attention, as this statement is based on the following assumption: - Captive breeding would save the Chinese River Dolphin, Baiji (Lipotes = vexillifer) from extinction; Therefore I am asking the following: Is anyone aware of a project to capture the few remaining Baijis and = distribut them to various facilities ? Does any such programme exist or has ever existed ?=20 If so, who is in support of and involved in such a project and based on = what information, experience and knowledge ? Is there any experience in keeping the Baiji Ex-Situ (list of animals = held, mortality rate, breeding record....)? Thankful for any information you can provide on this matter. With kind regards Niki Entrup Campa!gning Office Entrup & Richter Schenkendorfg.13 A - 1210 Vienna Tel.Fax. + 43 1 27 239 35 Email: nentrup(\)coer.de Organization: WHOI Subject: Room sharing for Maui Biennial ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Splitting the cost of hotel rooms at the Outrigger Wailea Resort, Maui, will be one of the best ways to economize for the 13th Biennial Meeting on the Biology of Marine Mammals. In order to facilitate this, we have set up a bulletin board-like email service. If you are looking to share a room at the conference, send the information requested below to: Mauiroom99(\)aol.com Please include: Full name: Email address: Gender: Smoking preference (if any): Are you a student? Optional additional information: ________ On a weekly basis, the information submitted to the list will be emailed to everyone who submitted their information to the list. You may then contact other people on the list at your own initiative. Once you have found roommates and no longer wish to receive the list, send another message to the same address with the subject "REMOVE". Please use this procedure as a substitute for sending roommate requests to MARMAM. Regardless, do not delay making reservations at the hotel! You should still do this as soon as possible (your deposit is fully refundable if you cancel more than 10 days prior to arrival). Other conference information is available at http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/conf1999a.htm Brenda Jensen (SMM student member-at-large) bjensen(\)whoi.edu Jennifer Philips Heck (Hawaii student chapter) jphilips(\)hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 10:34:57 -0800 From: Whale Research Lab Subject: Internships with Gray Whales & SeaBirds Internship Announcement! Assist with Marine Ecological Research while working with Grey whales and SeaBirds in beautiful Clayoquot Sound British Columbia! There are only a few spots still available! SEACR - Society for Ecological And Coastal Research, a Non-profit organization, currently has spaces open for summer internships starting May 31, 1999 - August 1999. SEACR works in conjunction with scientists and researchers from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada; and from Queens University in Ontario, Canada. The research site is situated in breathtaking Clayoquot Sound, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interns will have the opportunity to assist on a variety of ecological and coastal marine research projects learning valuable research techniques and data manipulation. Current projects include studies on Gray Whale Site Fidelity, and Habitat Use. Habitat Use of Seabirds in the Sound, and Whale Prey Sampling. Clayoquot Sound is home to a variety of coastal marine fish, birds, and mammals. Animals who frequent the area include puffins, oystercatchers, gulls, bald eagles, sea lions and sea otters, harbor porpoise, killer whales, gray whales, and humpback whales. Black bears forage in the intertidal zone and are often visible from the boat. For complete details of the research projects, living conditions, application form and payment options please visit our web site: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/seacr-home.html Please feel free to post or distribute this message to those who might be interested. Whale Research Lab whalelab(\)office.geog.uvic.ca http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html SEACR - Society for Ecological And Coastal Research http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/seacr-home.html ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 03:47:44 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: California Coastal Comm Workshop (fwd) From: XBQT68A(\)prodigy.com (DIVER JAY R MURRAY) Subject: California Coastal Comm LFA workshop Important Public Hearing Notice California Coastal Commission Workshop on Offshore Underwater Acoustics Commission workshop on offshore underwater acoustics and results of the U.S. Navy Low Frequency Active (LFA) Sonar Phase 1 and 2 research efforts studying effects of LFA sonar on marine mammal feeding and migration behavior near San Nicolas Island (Phase 1) and Big Sur )Phase 2). Hearing Date and Location: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 Time: Meeting begins at 9:00am Item: W11 Place: Flamingo Resort Hotel 2777 Fourth St, Santa Rosa, CA Tel.# 707-545-8530 Hearing Procedures People wishing to testify on this matter may appear at the hearing or may present their concerns by letter to the Commission on or before the hearing date. Copies of all correspondence will be provided to the Commission if received a minimum of three working days prior to the public hearing. Written comments may be of any length: oral testimony may be limited to 5 minutes or less for each speaker, depending on the number wishing to be heard. No one can predict how quickly the Coastal Commission will complete items or how many will be postponed to a later date. The Commission begins each session at the time listed and considers each item in order, except in extraordinary circumstances. Staff at the appropriate Commission office can give you more information prior to the hearing date and you can call the staff at the hearing location for last minute information. Questions regarding the report or the hearing procedure should be directed to Mark DeLaplaine at (415) 904-5200 Subject: Greenpeace challenges UK Gov over Habitats Directive I thought the Marmam list might be interested to see this... GREENPEACE UK PRESS RELEASE For immediate release 30th April 1999 GREENPEACE GRANTED FULL HEARING TO CHALLENGE GOVERNMENT'S OIL THREAT TO WILDLIFE Greenpeace today received notice that it had won the right to challenge the Government in court for failing to protect whales, dolphins and other marine species from the impacts of oil exploration on the Atlantic Frontier. Greenpeace is seeking to defend the Atlantic Frontier from oil exploration in order to protect the biodiversity of the area and to protect the climate from further expansion of fossil fuel reserves. In the court papers, received today, High Court Judge Mr Justice Jowitt granted Greenpeace a full High Court hearing to judicially review future oil licensing on the basis of the Government's failure to implement the European Habitats Directive in the Atlantic Frontier. The Judge stated that there are substantive issues in Greenpeace's case that need to be addressed in court and has given the Government 42 days to respond to the evidence. Peter Melchett, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK said: "For years the Government has tried to stop us, but this case will now be put before the courts and the public. The Government is meant to act as custodian of our natural resources but instead they give their industry mates carte blanche to destroy Britain's greatest wilderness. "We intend to expose the contradiction at the heart of Government policy. Their environmental policy says we should cut down the use of fossil fuels to protect the climate and wildlife, while their energy policy tells the fossil fuel industry to go and dig as much oil as they can regardless of the consequences," he said. Greenpeace argues that future oil licensing is illegal until the Government protects the whales, dolphins and other wildlife of the Atlantic Frontier under the European Habitats Directive. The Atlantic Frontier to the North West of Britain is a vital habitat for many species of large whale on the brink of extinction, such as the blue and fin whale, which Greenpeace argues are likely to be harmed by further oil industry activity. News of this judicial review will undoubtedly cause concern in the oil industry over the future of oil licensing. "The outcome of this case will have a bearing on every decision the Department of Trade and Industry makes regarding oil licensing on the Atlantic Frontier. This should cool John Battle's ardour for licensing on the Atlantic Frontier," said Melchett. A date has not yet been set for the hearing but it is likely to be either at the end of July or in September. The hearing is expected to last around five days. More/2.... ......Greenpeace legal challenge/2 Peter Melchett said: "This decision today takes us one step closer to the questions which terrify New Labour. When will they put climate protection ahead of short-term oil interests and stop expanding the fossil fuel reserve? Why destroy Britain's greatest ocean wilderness, the Atlantic Frontier, for the sake of oil we can never afford to burn?" The main environmental non-Governmental organisations in the UK support Greenpeace's case. These include The World Wide Fund for Nature, Friends of the Earth Scotland and International, The Wildlife Trusts, The Environmental Investigation Association, Friends of Cardigan Bay. Notes to correspondents: Available from the Greenpeace Press Office: 1. Briefing on the case and its stages. 2. Briefing on the legal chronology. 3. Habitats Directive: All cetacean species are listed under Annex IV that states that: "Member States shall take requisite measures to establish a system of strict protection for the animal species listed in Annex IV (a) in their natural range, prohibiting: * Deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration * Deterioration or destruction of breeding sites or resting places" 4. Details of the case brought by Greenpeace UK in 1997: Greenpeace's application for leave to Judicially review the grant of oil licenses by DTI was heard in the High Court in October 1997. Greenpeace argued that the UK Government had acted illegally by failing to take account of the Habitat's Directive prior to the granting of oil licenses. The case argued for protection for a species of deep-water coral known as Lophelia pertusa. The Government and third parties - those oil companies licensed to develop the Atlantic Frontier during the 17th licensing round - mounted an attack on Greenpeace on the grounds that it had delayed in bringing its case before the court. They argued that Greenpeace should have come to court at least one or two years earlier despite the fact that the licenses were only granted in April 1996. The Judge deliberated for a week before refusing Greenpeace leave on the grounds of delay. He believed Greenpeace ought to have come to Court in November 1995 when the Government had first announced its intentions to offer licenses in the Atlantic Frontier. He felt that to allow Greenpeace to continue with its case would unfairly impact on oil companies who had spent considerable sums of money preparing their applications for an oil license. He did not test the merits of the case. For further information please contact the Greenpeace Press Office on 0171-865 8285, 8256/7/8 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Liz Murray Greenpeace tel: 0131 662 4676 email: lizmurray(\)ednet.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 19:23:59 +0100 From: Dylan Walker Subject: A new cetacean sighting and stranding network in the UK. Hello Marmamers, I have great pleasure in announcing a new e-mail message network which aims to collect records of live and stranded cetaceans from around the U.K. The network, called UKCetnet, aims to improve the number of recorded sightings of cetaceans from around the British Isles. It is hoped that scientists, field naturalists and members of the general public will subscribe to UKCetnet in order to add their records and find out what is happening around the UK. All records admitted will be archived and all members will receive messages detailing the latest cetacean sightings from around the country. The network offers a great opportunity to improve coverage around Britain with the possibility of following apparent trends in cetacean abundance and distribution as they happen. Although the network is set up for British sightings, we welcome interested members from abroad and would like to hear of your sightings too. If you would like to subscribe to UKCetnet then you can do so at the following site: http://www.onelist.com Alternatively send your e-mail to myself at the address below and I will add you to the list. I look forward to hearing from you. Dylan Walker Marine Surveyor Aberdeen Walker_d(\)jncc.gov.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 5 May 1999 09:41:24 +0800 Reply-To: Xianfeng Zhang From: Xianfeng Zhang Organization: Inst. of Hydrobiology, CAS Subject: Re: Baiji breeding programm ? Dear Niki Entrup, Here are some message for your reference. > in the March 99 edition of the German diving magazine "Unterwasser" = > ("Underwater") Dr.Helmut Maegdefrau, zoologist at the Nuernberg Zoo, is = > quoted as follows: "Furthermore, it would be possible to save highly = > endangered species such as the Chinese River Dolphin through an Ex-Situ = > breeding programme which is prevented by animal rights activists and = > their policy (demands)". I would like to say that there is still a possibility to do so, but we do not have much time to do "saying" or "talking" only, we should act as soon as possible. > After contacting Dr.Maegdefrau twice, without any success, asking to = > provide evidence for such a statement, I want to bring this quotation to = > your attention, as this statement is based on the following assumption: > > - Captive breeding would save the Chinese River Dolphin, Baiji (Lipotes = > vexillifer) from extinction; It is believed that there is no possibility to save the dolphin in the open Yangtze River (In-Situ) because of the expanding human activities, such as overfishing, transportation, pollution, and water conservancy construction. There are two recommended measures to save the dolphin, to translocate them from the open river to an oxbow lake, so called a "semi-natural reserve", and to breed the dolphin in a fully captive facility, both of which are belonged to Ex-Situ programs. > Therefore I am asking the following: > > Is anyone aware of a project to capture the few remaining Baijis and = > distribut them to various facilities ? > > Does any such programme exist or has ever existed ?=20 > > If so, who is in support of and involved in such a project and based on = > what information, experience and knowledge ? There is male baiji, named "Qi Qi" (pronounced as 'chee chee' in Chinese), has lived in captivity for more than 19 years since January 12, 1980. We Chinese researchers and conservationists,together with colleagues from Japan, Hong Kong, the United States, and other areas, have tried over ten years since 1986. Because of the lack of funds, the capture efforts had been paused for three years. > Is there any experience in keeping the Baiji Ex-Situ (list of animals = > held, mortality rate, breeding record....)? There were two baiji, one male and one female, to be caught and to be moved to captivity in Wuhan, Institute of Hydrobiology, in 1986. The male was an old one, and lived only two and half months in captivity. The female was a small girl and lived together with Qi Qi for two and half years. Another old female was caught and moved to the "semi-natural" reserve in late 1995, and lived there for half a year. On the other hand, there have been more ten Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) to be successfully caught and move to the "semi-natural" reserve during the past years. The porpoises are living well in the oxbow. Another pair of the porpoise have been successfully kept in captivity since late 1996. Experience on raring, disease preventing and treating, and training has been gained through the above activities. Some basic researches on behavior, breeding, population monitoring etc have been carried out. Best regards, =================================== Xianfeng Zhang Associate Professor & Vice Director Dept. of River Dolphin Res. Secretary General Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation (WBCF) Inst. of Hydrobiology The Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, PR China Tel: 8627-87800371; 87801331; 87804692(H) Fax: 8627-87800371; 87875132 Email: dolphin(\)wipm.whcnc.ac.cn (Office) wbcf(\)public.wh.hb.cn (WBCF-Office) zhangx(\)ihb.ac.cn (Personal) ===================================== ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 7 May 1999 18:32:22 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Weekly summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions. [personal communication] {Norwegian Whaling. On May 3, 1999, the Norwegian commercial whaling season opened, with a quota of 753 minke whales. A total of 36 vessels are licensed to participate in the hunt. To better monitor trade in whale products, DNA samples will be obtained from each whale killed. The whaling season ends Aug. 1, 1999.} [High North Alliance News, BBC News] {Disease Concerns. On Apr. 30, 1999, scientists held a briefing at the Univ. of Miami to discuss the emergence of new diseases affecting marine mammals ? two cancers affecting FL dolphins, a flu strain infecting New England harbor seals, viruses killing thousands of dolphins and Arctic seals, a fungal disease attacking FL dolphins, leptospirosis in CA sea lions, and "Mediterranean fever" appearing in FL dolphins as well as CA seals and porpoises.} [Assoc Press] {International Whaling Commission. On Apr. 30, 1999, the IWC's Scientific Committee Working Groups on Aboriginal Management Whaling Procedures and North Pacific Bryde's Whale Trials began meeting in Grenada, preparatory to the IWC's 51st annual meeting. The full Scientific Committee will meet May 3-15, and a Whale Killing Methods Workshop will convene May 17-19. The annual meeting will be held May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada.} [High North Alliance News] {Japanese Whaling. In late April 1999, the Japanese whaling fleet returned from Antarctic waters and the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, after killing 389 minke whales for scientific research.} [Environment News Service] FL Manatees. In late April 1999, the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection proposed boating regulations to better protect manatees in Lee County, the last of 13 FL counties considered critical to manatees to be so regulated. The proposed rule generally requires boaters to slow to minimum-wake speed outside marked channels either seasonally or year-round. On Apr. 29, 1999, an all-day public workshop is scheduled to convene in Ft. Myers, FL, to consider a number of manatee management issues, including the pros and cons of promoting manatee concentrations by discharging warm water and the affects of this on boaters. [Naples Daily News, MSNBC/WBBH Ft. Myers] Dolphin Decision. On Apr. 29, 1999, Secretary of Commerce William Daley issued a rule that would allow fishermen who use of tuna seines to surround dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to be labeled such tuna as "dolphin-safe" as long as no dolphins are observed to be killed or seriously injured. This decision was taken after U.S. managers determined that there was insufficient evidence that such fishing had a significant adverse effect on dolphin populations. [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals press release, Assoc Press, NOAA press release] Northern Right Whales. On Apr. 15, 1999, officials of MA's Dept. Of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement issued a first-ever "right whale alert" warning boaters and vessel operators to slow to less than 15 knots and avoid about 20 right whales feeding in eastern Cape Cod Bay and Provincetown. On Apr. 20, 1999, a dead female right whale was discovered near Wellfleet, MA; this female had been one of the 325-whale population's better breeders, having produced at least 6 offspring since 1974. Although cause of death has not yet been determined, scientists conducting the necropsy reported on Apr. 22, 1999, that the whale had a fractured right jaw and tongue ulcers. On Apr. 27, 1999, scientists reported preliminary necropsy results, indicating that dead whale had been struck by a ship, breaking 5 vertebrae and the jaw. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald] Faroe Islands Pilot Whales. On Apr. 15, 1999, the German food distribution company ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. announced that it would cease doing business with Faroe Islands at the expiration of its current contract for frozen salmon fillets, in protest of the annual pilot whale kill in the Faroe Islands. [Environment News Service] HI Whale Watching and Research Violations. On Apr. 15, 1999, NMFS announced that a HI whale watching and research operation had been assessed a $13,000 civil penalty for 7 civil violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act occurring between January and May 1998. Charges include failing to allow inspection of research records by providing falsified documents, unauthorized approached to humpback whales, failure to include research data in annual reports, allowing unauthorized personnel to operate a research vessel, and failure to keep accurate and complete research records. [NOAA press release] Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 12, 1999, Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that the Newfoundland seal quota would be maintained at 275,000 animals for the 1999 season. On Apr. 13-15, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans was scheduled to hold hearings on issues relating to the East Coast seal hunt, including receipt of a scientific report commissioned by the Newfoundland government concluding that the seal herd is not threatened by the undetermined number of seals that are killed each year but not retrieved nor recorded. The Committee anticipates providing recommendations about the hunt to Fisheries Minister David Anderson. On Apr. 14, 1999, the Canadian Sealers Association urged Newfoundland's Fisheries Minister John Efford to curtail his campaign to increase the seal harvest quota, fearing that the notion of a cull could severely depress seal product prices and destroy the C$25 million sealing industry. On Apr. 20, 1999, Newfoundland provincial court judge Robert Fowler rejected an edited copy of much-publicized videotape collected by an animal protection group in a trial against 7 sealers charged with illegal hunting. The judge criticized the photographer for lying to obtain an observer's permit to view the hunt, and the animal protection group for loose evidentiary handling. The trial was adjourned until May 5, 1999. {{On May 5, 2999, Crown prosecutors told Judge Fowler they will make a second attempt to enter videotape evidence of alleged illegal sealing activities. The trial will resume on Sept. 27, 1999.}}{On May 5, 1999, Canada's Fisheries Resource Conservation Council released a report urging Fisheries Minister David Anderson to reduce the Atlantic seal herd by as much as half to protect groundfish stocks. The Council believes that scientific evidence indicates the groundfish stocks will continue to be jeopardized if the seal population remains at its current level. The Council also recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans establish a limited number of "experimental seal exclusion zones" in key Atlantic coast fishing areas to protect spawning or juvenile cod.}{{On May 6, 1999, Fisheries Minister Anderson reported to the House of Commons Fisheries Committee that he would support a significant reduction of the East Coast seal herd if he saw scientific evidence to justify such action.}} [Canadian Press] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Apr. 12, 1999, a group of about 15 Native beluga hunters formed an Alaska Native Marine Mammal Hunter Committee to protest ongoing beluga whale management activities and seek official recognition. On Apr. 20, 1999 AK Superior Court Judge Sigurd Murphy issued a stay, deleting 5 tracts from a Apr. 22, 1999, Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale to protect beluga whales. The stay also precluded future leasing of 65 other tracts identified as important for these whales. [Anchorage Daily News, Fed. Register, Reuters] HI Diesel Spill. On Apr. 10, 1999, a commercial fishing vessel grounded on a reef of Kauai's east coast. On Apr. 13, 1999, this vessel broke up, spilling about 16,000 gallons of diesel fuel into waters inhabited by monk seals and green sea turtles. [Assoc Press] Gray Whale Mortalities. Between mid-March and mid-April 1999, a number of dead gray whales washed ashore in California -- including 3 in the San Francisco Bay area, possibly four in the San Diego area, and several in the Los Angeles area. In addition, eight mortalities have been reported in Washington state since January 1999. On Apr. 19, 1999, marine mammal scientists met in Seattle, WA, sharing information and preliminarily determining that the recent mortalities do not indicate that a problem exists. [Reuters, Assoc Press, Seattle Herald, Sacramento Bee] Harbor Porpoise Mortality Event. Between early March and mid-April 1999, at least 162 harbor porpoise have been reported dead along the Atlantic coast between NC and ME. Mortality appears to have declined sharply since mid-April. This is more than triple last year's total mortality of 51 animals. Cause of the mortality has not been determined. NMFS, the Smithsonian Institution, Duke Univ., and other institutions are planning to convene a workshop to review this event in early June 1999. [Baltimore 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: Current Contents: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy Netcoast , Lynda Warren , Intenviron-L , Infoterra , ILSA-L , Human Dimensions of Wildlife , Fisheries Social Science Network , Environmental Law List , Environmental Issues List , CITES Discussion List , Charles Ford , ASIL International Environmental Law Section , Aquatic Discussion List , rave(\)uni-duesseldorf.de, bionet(\)igc.org, info(\)icsea.or.id, nyoung(\)uidaho.edu, pfdoran(\)ecology.u-net.com, milton.freeman(\)ualberta.ca, tparris(\)fas.harvard.edu, SBolton(\)2nature.org ------ To obtain a review copy of the Journal, please contact us. Volume 1:3 Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy (1999) Contents Main Articles The Genie in the Bottle: The International Regulation of Genetically Modified Organism -Scott Hall Biosafety Resources on the Internet - Journal Staff Current Developments The Agreements on International Humane Trapping Standards -Background, Critique and the Texts - Stuart R Harrop The New Belgian law on the Protection of the Marine Environment - An Cliq= uet & Frank Maes Legal Actions Taken in Brazil for the Conservation of Cetaceans - Liliane Lodi & Andr=E9 Barreto The Independent Review of CITES - Robert Hepworth Documents Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards Between the European Community, Canada and the Russian Federation Press Release, Food & Agriculture Organization, FAO Concerned About Sever= e Declines in Shark Stocks - International Plan of Action Calls for Sustainable Management FAO, Report of the Consultation on the Management of Fishing Capacity, Sh= ark Fisheries and Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries Wil Burns, Managing Editor Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 2124 Kittredge Street, Suite 805 Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 JIWLP(\)earthling.net www.wkap.nl/journalhome.htm/1388-0292 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 11:09:22 -0500 Reply-To: info(\)human-dolphin.org From: Denis Richard Organization: Human Dolphin Institute Subject: Internship opportunities HUMAN DOLPHIN INSTITUTE'S INTERNSHIP/SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM 1999 The Human Dolphin Institute is a Conservation Society, registered as a non profit 501(C)3 corporation in the state of Florida. It is dedicated to the better understanding of humans, dolphins, and their relationship. With marine biology research, public education and community work, it is helping people to become more aware of the priceless beauty of the ocean's natural environment. Our organization has developed four major programs: I. Marine Conservation Program II. Community Environmental Education Program III. Child Empowerment Program IV. Eco-Volunteer Research Trips The Human Dolphin Institute has just created a new program, which will link all of the Institute's activities together by opening its doors to representatives of different educational institutions, charitable organizations and businesses. HDI is initiating a partnership with the community by promoting cooperative projects. The first project is Hdi's Internship/sponsorship Program (ISP). In an effort to lower the cost of our "Child Empowerment Program" and to make it less exclusive and more easily available to a wider variety of families, the Human Dolphin Institute is launching it's Internship/Sponsorship Program (ISP) during the summer of 1999. The ISP serves two purposes: 1. It gives graduate students in various disciplines ranging from marine biology to ethology, psychology and other human sciences the opportunity to participate in the development a unique pilot program. They will spend three exciting months observing, assisting and learning from a team of pioneering dolphin researchers, marine biologist, veterinarian, environmental conservationists and therapists. 2. This Internship/Sponsorship Program generates a trust fund for those emotionally and mentally dysfunctional children whose families cannot afford the "Child Empowerment Program". Internship fees exceeding our costs will be applied towards scholarships for those children. The balance will be assumed by the proceeds of fundraising events and direct private or corporate donations. Interns will assist in research, help facilitate dolphin encounters for disabled children (*) and demonstrate their acquired knowledge through supervised teaching, therapeutic activities, community environmental education (**) and conservation projects (***). They will attend a 36-hours of seminars. In addition, they will also enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in their free time (****). A limited number of 6 internship positions is available for 1999. For more information and for an application, please contact Denis Richard at (850) 230 6030 or at . For more information, please refer to our web site: (*) (**) (***) (****) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 07:47:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: [Fwd: Summer Course Announcement] (fwd) ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW SUMMER COURSES IN MARINE MAMMALOGY BIOLOGY OF MARINE MAMMALS (MSN 431) AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS (MSN 432) Dates: 6-30 July 1999 (Orientation: July 5) Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL; Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL Prof. of Record: Dr. John E. Reynolds, III Faculty - Anticipated: Dr. Gordon Bauer (New College) Ms. Meghan Bolen (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection) Dr. Guy Bradley (Eckerd College) Dr. Sentiel Rommel (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection) Dr. Dan Rubenstein (Princeton University) Dr. Peter Tyack (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute) Dr. Ted Van Vleet (University of South Florida) Dr. Randall Wells (Chicago Zoological Society; Mote Marine Lab) Academic Credit: Undergraduate credit will be given by Eckerd College, and graduate student credit by University of South Florida. See attached information on graduate credit. Due to the intensity of the course, 2 course credits, equivalent to 7 semester hours will be awarded. One course credit will be for Biology of Marine Mammals, the other for Conservation of Marine Mammals. Costs: $3,000 per student, which includes room and board, tuition (undergraduate credit), books and supplies, admission to Sea World, and boat field trip expenses. Description: The combined courses provide a thorough and intensive forum in which students can learn about marine mammals and their conservation from some of the top marine mammalogists and other scientists in the country. Specifically, the courses provide the following: a) an opportunity to observe or to work with a wide variety of marine mammal species either in the wild or in captivity; b) fundamental principles of behavioral ecology, evaluation, communication, cognition, functional morphology and physiology; c) application and illustration of these principles using various marine mammal species; d) hands-on opportunities to engage in field and laboratory techniques used in marine mammal research; e) opportunities to learn about the threats posed by environmental contaminants; f) the chance to get to know a number of leading marine mammal scientists and educators; and g) exposure to and discussion of policy and conservation efforts involving marine mammals. Evaluation: Based on exams, laboratory and field reports, and participation. For Further Information: Contact Dr. John E. Reynolds, III Telephone: 727-864-8431 e-mail: reynolje(\)eckerd.edu Subject: Japan to Expand hunt for Baird's beaked whales (fwd) Note: The species referred to below is the Baird's beaked whale (Berardius bairdii). ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- 10-May-99 11:27 pm Regular International JAPAN TO EXPAND HUNT FOR BOTTLENOSE WHALES Tokyo, May 9 AP - Japan has decided to lift a ban on hunting bottlenose whales in the Sea of Japan and will allow ships to kill as many as eight there this year, an official from the forestry and fisheries ministry said today. Japan had limited hunting of bottlenose whales to the Pacific Ocean, off the country's eastern coast, but will now allow ships to pursue whales in waters off the western coast of Japan's main northern island of Hokkaido. Ships will be allowed to hunt the marine mammals there until the end of June, said the ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Japanese whalers have not hunted bottlenose whales in the Sea of Japan since 1972. The bottlenose whale falls outside the jurisdiction of the International Whaling Commission, but Japan voluntarily limited its catch to 54 animals from four areas off the Pacific coast last year, the official said. Japan will continue to limit the catch in the Pacific to 54 animals, he said. The decision to expand whaling to the Sea of Japan was made earlier this year, the official said. Commercial whaling on the high seas has been banned since 1986. But a small fleet of Japanese ships continues to kill whales along the nation's coasts, and hundreds of whales are hunted at sea each year in what the government calls a research program. The program has been criticised because meat from whales killed for research is sold for profit by professional whalers. Japan says bottlenose whales are plentiful in coastal waters in both the Pacific and Sea of Japan. Anti-whaling groups argue that its difficult to make reliable counts of the animals and that they should not be hunted because they are intelligent. Two whaling ships left port in the Hokkaido city of Hakodate, 681km north-east of Tokyo, today, for Sea of Japan waters, Japanese news reports said. The hunt is part of research to determine whether Sea of Japan waters are capable of sustaining whaling, the ministry official said. Subject: Dolphin bycatch in purse-seining in Australia? This news story reports a purse-seining trial and an unusual Ministerial response to the resultant dolphin bycatches in Queensland. Thought this would be interesting especially for Australian's. It introduces a range of broader questions and issues too, not the least are the implications of the proposed new federal biodiversity legislation that specifically offers protection to all cetaceans. Regards Sali Bache ---- Sorry for cross postings ---- > Tuesday, May 11, 1999 - Sydney Morning Herald > > Fisheries board sacked over dolphin carnage > > By MURRAY HOGARTH, Environment Editor > > Revelations of dolphin deaths and maimings in an experimental fishery led > to the sacking yesterday of the entire board of the Queensland Fisheries > Management Authority. > > At least nine dolphins died and 76 were injured between May and October > last year, during a pilchard netting trial off the Sunshine Coast which > was supervised by the authority. > > Allegations against its staff have since been referred to Queensland's > Criminal Justice Commission and the State Ombudsman by a local general > practitioner and sport-fishing enthusiast, Dr Evan Jones. > > The Office of the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions also has been > asked to advise the Minister for the Environment, Senator Hill, whether > the Whale Protection Act has been breached. > > The pilchard trial used "purse-seine" nets, a controversial technique > banned in about 90 per cent of the world's fisheries, and not generally > allowed in Queensland. > > Purse-seine netting involves surrounding an entire school of the target > catch and then drawing the net closed below them, trapping everything > inside. Dolphins, which feed on the pilchards, can either panic and drown, > or be hurt while escaping. > > The dolphin scandal was exposed by Dr Jones, environmentalists and the big > recreational fishing organisation Sunfish. They accused the authority of > misleading the Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, Mr Henry > Palaszczuk, over the deaths. > > The Queensland Cabinet took an urgent vote yesterday to remove the > authority's five-member board. Mr Palaszczuk promised it was "the first > step" in an overhaul of fisheries management. > > One board member, the chairman of the Queensland Commercial Fishermen's > Organisation, Mr Ted Loveday, made public his resignation before the > sackings. > > His resignation letter to Mr Palaszczuk, dated May 6, cited the > "incidental drowning" of nine dolphins and other concerns over the > pilchards trial as his reasons for quitting. > > But Mr Loveday said the board had been unaware of the deaths until > February, and maintained that its actions would withstand any scrutiny. > > The dolphin deaths occurred while an official observer from the fisheries > authority was aboard a specially fitted vessel, the San Antone > Visiting Associate Public Policy Program The Australian National University Canberra A.C.T. 0200 Australia ph +61 (02) 6279 8942 fax +61 (02) 6249 5555 sali.bache(\)anu.edu.au -------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 11:00:27 -0700 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: MAUI ABSTRACT DEADLINE- 9JUNE REMINDER ANNOUNCEMENT Abstracts are due for the Thirteenth Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy by the NINTH OF JUNE. You have LESS THAN ONE MONTH to submit your abstract to: http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/ Please submit your abstract AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The interactive abstract submission website will be very busy and the University of Hawaii server may become overloaded as the deadline approaches. The Thirteenth Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will take place starting with workshops on the 27th (Saturday) and 28th (Sunday) of November. Registration and The Icebreaker Reception will take place on SUNDAY THE 28TH OF NOVEMBER. Papers will begin on MONDAY MORNING. -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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(\)nosc.mil' -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 12 May 1999 20:40:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Short Course (fwd) From: Whitlow Au Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Short Course A special bioacoustics short course sponsored by the Acoustical Society of America and the Society of Marine Mammology will be conducted prior to the Thirteenth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. The 1-1/2 day short course will be held on November 27-28, at the Outrigger Wailea Hotel in Maui, Hawaii, the site of the marine mammal conference. The first day will consists of tutorials presented by members of the Acoustical Society of America, and the second day will be devoted to hot-topics. Some of the subject that will be covered in the tutorials phase of the short course include techniques and principles of underwater sound measurements, production and acquistion, hearing loss damage in mammals, techniques for the localization of calling animals, effects of noise on marine mammals, dB to dB and sound intensity measurments. Topics that will be convered during the second day Hot Topics phase will include marine mammal observations and acoustics associated with the 1998 Low Frequency Active sonar, advanced technique in small portable instrumentation for marine mammals, applicaton of acoustic tracking techniques, effects of noise on animals, and the curret status of NMFS acoustic criteria. Presenters will be well known individuals that are experts in their respective field of marine bioacoustics. They include Dr. Whitlow Au - Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Dr. Ann Bowles - Hubb Sea World Research Institute Dr. William Burgess - Greenerdige Sciences Dr. Christopher Clark - Cornell University Dr. Adam Frankel - Cornell University Dr. Roger Gentry - National Marine Fisheries Service Dr. Charles Greene - Greeneridge Sciences Dr. Mardi Hastings - Ohio State University Dr. James Miller - University of Rhode Island Dr. John Richardson - LGL Ltd Dr. Peter Tyack - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Information on registration will be provided at a later date. Whitlow W. L. Au Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, HI 96734 (808) 247-5026 (808) 247-5831 - fax email:au(\)spawar.navy.mil Subject: Recent CJZ articles The following abstracts are from two recent articles from Canadian Journal of Zoology. Despite their publication date, they have only just appeared in print. Please do not reply to MARMAM for reprint requests - suitable contacts are provided. Correlates to seasonal changes in metabolism in Atlantic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor). D.A.S. Rosen and D. Renouf. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 76:1520-1528 contact: rosen(\)zoology.ubc.ca Abstract: This study tested the hypothesis that seasonal variation in resting metabolic rate (RMR) was more closely related to changes in total energy use than to energy intake. It also quantified the extent to which variation in metabolism contributed to changes in total energy expenditure. RMR, gross energy intake, and body mass and composition were measured in 6 captive Atlantic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) over 16 months. Gross energy intake during the year (across all seals) averaged 25.4 + 4.1 MJ/d (mean + SD). The energy used by the seals (Eused; a composite measure of energy expenditure from ingested energy and tissue catabolism) averaged 19.2 + 3.4 MJ/d. RMR averaged 11.2 + 1.5 MJ/d during the year, while mass-corrected metabolism declined with age. The seals displayed significant changes in both absolute and mass-corrected metabolism during the year. Overall, Eused was a stronger predictor of changes in metabolism than either gross energy intake or body mass. Mass-corrected metabolic rate was more closely related to Eused than was absolute metabolism. Energy changes in metabolism during the year (range = 6.9 + 1.9 MJ/d) were minor compared with those in Eused (27.8 + 7.3 MJ/d). These results suggest that seasonal changes in metabolism were a response to, or facilitated by, concurrent changes in Eused, but were not the cause of variation in Eused. Rather, variation in both RMR and Eused was the result of changes in other bioenergetic components of the seals' energy budget, such as activity. Dietary specialization in two sympatric populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in coastal British Columbia and adjacent waters. J.K.B. Ford, G.M. Ellis, L.G. Barrett-Lennard, A.B. Morton, R.S. Palm, and K.C. Balcomb III. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 76:1456-1471 contact: ford(\)zoology.ubc.ca Abstract: Two forms of killer whale (Orcinus orca), resident and transient, occur sympatrically in coastal waters of British Columbia, Washington State, and southeastern Alaska. The two forms do not mix, and differ in seasonal distribution, social structure, and behaviour. These distinctions have been attributed to apparent differences in diet, although no comprehensive comparative analysis of the diets of the two forms has been undertaken. Here we present such an analysis, based on field observations of predation and on the stomach contents of stranded killer whales collected over a 20-year period. In total, 22 species of fish and 1 species of squid were documented in the diet of resident-type killer whales; 12 of these are previously unrecorded as prey of O. orca. Despite the diversity of fish species taken, resident whales have a clear preference for salmon prey. In field observations of feeding, 96% of fish taken were salmonids. Six species of salmonids were identified from prey fragments, with chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) being the most common. The stomach contents of stranded residents also indicated a preference for chinook salmon. On rare occasions, resident whales were seen to harass marine mammals, but no kills were confirmed and no mammalian remains were found in the stomachs of stranded residents. Transient killer whales were observed to prey only on pinnipeds, cetaceans, and seabirds. Six mammal species were taken, with over half of observed attacks involving harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). Seabirds do not appear to represent a significant prey resource. This study thus reveals the existence of strikingly divergent prey preferences of resident and transient killer whales, which are reflected in distinctive foraging strategies and related sociobiological traits of these sympatric populations. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 13 May 1999 17:17:16 -0700 From: Fred Sharpe Subject: Humpback whale pec flipper pigmentation Hello, I have been studying the manner in which humpback whales use a number of unusual tactics to manipulate the behavior of schooling prey. Of particular interest has been the manner in which humpbacks use their long pectoral flippers to assist in the capture of herring. For those of you who are fortunate enough to work in areas where it is possible to conduct underwater observations, I would appreciate a bit of guidance on the species pigmentation patterns. It has been reported that 30% of the North Pacific humpbacks have white that extends to the top of their flippers. This seems to be considerably higher then what I observe in the SE Alaskan population. Is there any recent data on this phenomenon? >From observing vertically lunge-feeding groups in SE Alaska, it is clear that animals with dark pigmentation on the flukes and belly can possess extensive areas of white on both the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the pec flippers. My question is: to what extent does the pigmentation pattern on the flipper (both ventral and dorsal surface) covary with the pigmentation pattern on the underside of the flukes and belly? Has anyone ever observed a humpback possessing pec flippers with all dark pigmentation the entire ventral surface? For whales in which limited pigmentation occurs on the flipper's ventral surface; does the white patch tends to occur reliably in a certain location on the flipper? (i.e., near the base, center, or the tips of the fin?) It is my understanding that the North Atlantic population has a much greater percentage of white on the flippers, while in southern oceans the pecs are essentially all white. Any anecdotal observations of flippers being brandished, waved or otherwise moved in the context of feeding on fish schools or crustacean prey would be appreciated. One further request. I am currently looking for a photograph to illustrate the manner in which the white patches on the flippers can contrast against a dark background. This photograph would be used in a peer-reviewed publication, and I would gratefully acknowledge its use A video image of reasonable quality would also be suitable. thanks for the help, Fred Sharpe <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <"}}}}}}}><{ Behavioral Ecology Research Group Dept. of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC V5A 1S6 Canada phone: (604) 291-4374 Lab 291-5864 Office fax: (604) 291-3496 email: fsharpe(\)sfu.ca Alaska BC Whale Foundation webpage: http://www.biol.sfu.ca/berg/whale/abcwhale.html ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 12 May 1999 08:59:32 -0400 From: Mike Williamson Subject: Blubber/Skin Tissue request In-Reply-To: <9905110641.AA29701(\)www1.wheelock.edu> We are looking for soft tissure samples (skin/blubber) from a baleen whale that is at least 25 cm square. We are working with a polymer lab who will try to reproduce this tissue which will then be available for research, research for new tag attachment methods, and educational display. This tissues can be frozen samples or from a fresh stranding. The research program is scheduled to begin June 14. Any assistance will be appreciated. We do have the NMFS permit for these tissues. Michael Williamson PI WhaleNet ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Michael Williamson Principal Investigator-WhaleNet Associate Professor-Science Wheelock College, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215 voice: 617.734.5200, ext. 2256 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: Wed, 12 May 1999 18:09:16 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Aquatic Mammals - newest issue The following is a list of abstracts for articles appearing in the latest issue of _Aquatic Mammals_. The journal is from the European Association for Aquatic Mammals; this posting is done as a courtesy to EAAM and its journal editor. Please direct further correspondance concerning AQUATIC MAMMALS to Dr. Thomas at or DR. JEANETTE A. THOMAS LABORATORY OF SENSORY BIOLOGY WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY REGIONAL CENTER 3561 60TH STREET MOLINE, IL 61265 USA TEL: 309-762-9481, EXT 262 FAX: 309-762-6989 Please do not direct reprint requests to me or the Marmam editors. Addresses for contacting authors are provided with each article. Thank you to all of you who have shown interest in _Aquatic Mammals_ and other publication postings. Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ****************************************************************** Jaquet, N.* and H. Whitehead. 1999. Movements, distribution and feeding success of sperm whales in the Pacific Ocean, over scales of days and tens of kilometers. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 1-13. *Department of Marine Sceince, Otago University, P.O Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand Movement patterns of groups of female and immature sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), which were followed over periods of 0.5-2.5 days in the South Pacific, were correlated with defecation rates to investigate foraging behavior, estimate the probable size of patches of prey and the distances between them. Relationships between evironmental measures and the distribution and feeding success of groups of sperm whales were also examined. Feeding success and movement pattern swere highly variable between groups. Groups with low feeding success moved in a rather straight line while those with high feeding success usually zigzaggged over areas about 25-40 km across. As groups with low feeding success traveled in a straight line for 100 to 240 km, distances between 'good quality' patches of prey seemed to be on the order of at least 100 km. Both the mean swimming speed and the proportion of time the whales spent foraging showed no significant correlation with either feeding success or movement patterns, suggesting that the groups keep searching for food while traveling in a straight line. There was no relationship between the feeding success of a group and the measures of sub-surface biomas or an index of underwater relief measured along its track. This could be explained by either space or time lags between peaks in secondary productivity and peaks in prey density, and/or by some groups of sperm whales feeding on spawning squid. ********************************************************************** Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A.*, R.A. Montoya-Ospina, J.J. Perez-Zayas, M.A. Rodriguez-Lopez, and E.H. Williams Jr. 1999. New records of Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) for the Caribbean. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 15-19. *Departamento de Ciencias y Teconologia, Universidad Metropolitana, SUAGM, P.O. Box 21150 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00928 Fraser's dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei) are found in oceanic tropical waters around the world, but only seventeen records are known from the entire Atlantic Ocean. Five of these are from the Caribbean. We present two new records of Fraser's dolphin for the Caribbean and the first records for the Puerto Rican bank. The first stranding, a subadult male, occurred at Guanica Bay, while the second, a female calf, occurred in Ponce, both on Puerto Ricos' south coast. The animals stranded singly and in a fresh state of decomposition. Post-mortem examinations were carried out on both specimens and histopathology analyes were conducted, determining natural cause of death for both animals. Endoparasites collected and identified from one of the specimens included Phyllobothrium dephini, Monorygma grimaldii and Tetrabothrious forsteri. Stomach contents of the subadult included squid beaks and shrimp. Skeletal remains were collected for the University of Puerto Rico Marine Mammal Osteological Collection. ********************************************************************** Secchi, E.R.* and S. Zarzur. 1999. Plastic debris ingested by a Blainville's beaked whale, Mesoplodon densirostris, washed ashore in Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 21-24. *Laboratorio de Mamiferso Marinhos, Museu Oceanografico 'Prof. Eliezer C. Rios', Cx. Postal 379, CEP 96200-970, Rio Grande-RS, Brasil No abstract provided. Summary follows. On 27 February 1993, a 419 cm adult female Blainville's beaked whale was found washed ashore in southern Brazil. Stomach analysis revealed the presence of blueish bundle of plastic threads, ocupying a large part of the main stomach chamber. Suggested causes for the ingestion are provided. ********************************************************************** Hall, A.J.,* S.T. Licence, and P.P. Pomeroy. 1999. The response of grey seal pups to intradermal phytohaemagglutin injection. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 25-30. *Sea Mammal Research Unit, NERC, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, U.K. The intradermal injection of phytohaemagglutin (PHA) into the rear flipper web of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups resulted in an acute, dose-dependent inflammatory response which was maximal between 12 and 24 hr post injection. The reaction was characterized macroscopically by swelling and, in some individuals, by induration and erythema and microscopically in two animals by a perivascular to diffuse inflammatory cell infiltrate, which comprised of polymorphs and mononuclear cells. In 1991 and 1992 26 weaned pups were injected with 50 and 100 ug PHA dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and of these, 23 individuals responded to both doses. The magnitude of the response was significantly higher at the 100 ug dose. No animals responded to control injections of PBS. A second study in 1995 indicated there was also a significant age-related response, which was higher in post (n=16) than in pre-weaned pups (n=19). The magnitude of the response was significantly and linearly related to body mass. ********************************************************************** Gendron, D.*, S. Lanham, and M. Carwardine. 1999. North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) sighting south of Baja California. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 31-34. *CICIMAR-IPN, Laboratorio de Mamiferos Marinos, A.P. 592, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, C.P. 23000 On 20 February 1996, during an aerial survey along the Baja California Peninsula, we observed a single right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) at 23 02'N 109 30'W, south of the southern point of the peninsula. This is the third sighting reported south of California, US and extends the known range of this species 540 km south. A review of the right whale's seasonal distribution along the southwestern coast of North America based on all sightings reported to date suggests a pattern of migration to lower latitudes in winter. ********************************************************************** Guan, S.*, A. Takemura, and T. Koido. 1999. An introduction to the structure of humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, song off Ryukyu Islands, 1991/1992. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 35-42. *present address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Fisheries, 4401 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203 USA Humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, songs were recorded off Ryukyu Islands, Japan, during the 1991 and 1992 winter-spring breeding seasons. Each song was composed of six fundamental themes, each theme was composed of six fundamental themes, each theme was constructed by repeating certain phrases, which were composed of a series of units emitted in a particular sequence. Sixteen different units were recognized among songs recorded during the research period. Among them 13 units were found in 1991 and 14 in 1992 with 11 being shared in both seasons. Besides six fundamental themes, we also found 3 optional themes, themes did not usually occur in a typical full song, in our two-year sample. The average song duration was 7.76 (+-1.181) min in 1991 and 11.94 (+-4.62) min in 1992. A visual comparison of sound spectrograms of humpback whale songs from this research with those of Hawaii and Eastern Pacific waters showed remarkable similarity in acoustical characteristics, supporting the notion of overlapping of the humpback population throughout the North Pacific Ocean. ********************************************************************** Goldstein, T.*, S.P. Johnson, A.V. Phillips, K.D. Hanni, D.A. Fauquier, and F.M.D. Gulland. 1999. Human-related injuries observed in live-stranded pinnipeds along the central California coast 1986-1998. Aquatic Mammals 25.1: 43-51. *The Marine Mammal Center, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 94965 USA From January 1986 to September 1998, of a total of 6196 live stranded pinnipeds including California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) admitted to a rehabilitation center on the cetnral California coast, 464 (7.5%) had human-related injuries. Three hundred and six (5%) had lesions caused by gunshots, 107 (1.7%) had lesions caused by entanglement with manmade marine debris (includes active or discarded fishing nets and monofilament line, packing straps, plastic bags, rope and rubber o-rings), 46 (0.7%) had injuries caused by fishing tackle and 5 (0.1%) had boat propeller damage. The majority of human-interaction injuries seen in these pinnipeds involved yearling California sea lions that stranded in Monterey Bay. June was the peak month for admission of animals with these injuries. Wounds casued by gunshots most commonly occurred in California sea lions. The most effective way of diagnosing gunshot cases was by radiography. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 14 May 1999 00:36:41 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent m.m. publications (fwd) 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. How dolphins use their blubber to avoid heat stress during encounters with warm water. Heath, ME; Ridgway, SH. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY. April 1999 v45 i4 pR1188-R1194 Age, growth, and reproductive patterns of Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) in the central North Pacific Ocean. Ferrero, RC; Walker, WA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p273-313 Dietary studies of marine mammals using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of teeth. Walker, JL; Macko, SA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p314-334 The diets of modern and historic bottlenose dolphin populations reflected through stable isotopes. Walker, JL; Potter, CW; Macko, SA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p335-350 Retinal topography and visual acuity in the riverine tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). Mass, AM; Supin, AY. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p351-365 Occurrence, distribution, site fidelity, and school size of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off San Diego, California. Defran, RH; Weller, DW. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p366-380 Range characteristics of Pacific coast bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Southern California Bight. Defran, RH; Weller, DW; Kelly, DL; Espinosa, MA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p381-393 Local abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the nearshore waters of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Barco, SG; Swingle, WM; McLellan, WA; Harris, RN; Pabst, DA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p394-408 Skin swabbing for genetic analysis: Application to dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus). Harlin, AD; Wursig, B; Baker, CS; Markowitz, TM. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p409-425 Diel variation in migration rates of eastern Pacific gray whales measured with thermal imaging sensors. Perryman, WL; Donahue, MA; Laake, JL; Martin, TE. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p426-445 Pinniped population dynamics in central California: Correlations with sea surface temperature and upwelling indices. Sydeman, WJ; Allen, SG. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p446-461 Steller sea lion status and trend in Southeast Alaska: 1979-1997. Calkins, DG; McAllister, DC; Pitcher, KW; Pendleton, GW. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p462-477 Distribution and population size of the southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens) in central and southern Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina. Reyes, LM;Crespo, EA; Szapkievich, V. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p478-493 Monitoring the trend of harbor seals in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Frost, KJ; Lowry, LF; VerHoef, JM. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p494-506 Agonistic behavior in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in relation to the availability of haul-out space. Neumann, DR. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p507-525 A portable broadband data acquisition system for field studies in bioacoustics. Au, WWL; Lammers, MO; Aubauer, R. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p526-531 Sightings and possible identity of a bottlenose whale in the tropical Indo-Pacific: Indopacetus pacificus?. Pitman, RL; Palacios, DM; Brennan, PLR; Brennan, BJ; Balcomb, KC; Miyashita, T. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p531-549 Distribution of dolphins in Galapagos waters. Smith, SD; Whitehead, H. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p550-555 Mitochondrial DNA used to identify an extralimital beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) from Nova Scotia as originating from the St. Lawrence population. Gladden, JGB; Brodie, PF; Clayton, JW. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p556-558 Behavior of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) upon entanglement in a gill net. Weinrich, M. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p559-563 Predation on a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) by a killer whale (Orcinus orca) and a possible case of competitive displacement. Pyle, P;Schramm, MJ; Keiper, C; Anderson, SD. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p563-568 Lethal tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) attack on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops sp.) calf: Defense and reactions by the mother. Mann, J; Barnett, H. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p568-575 Age-related changes in hematocrit, hemoglobin, and plasma protein in Juan Fernandez fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii). Sepulveda, MS; Ochoa-Acuna, H; Homer, BL. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p575-581 Notes on the southernmost records of the Guadalupe fur seal, Arctocephalus townsendi, in Mexico. Aurioles-Gamboa, D; Hernandez-Camacho,CJ; Rodriguez-Krebs, E. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p581-583 A remote release mechanism to recover time-depth recorders from marine mammals. Hammill, MO; Lesage, V; Lobb, G; Carter, P. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p584-588 Quality of satellite telemetry locations of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). Goulet, AM; Hammill, MO; Barrette, C. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p589-594 Ringed seal (Phoca hispida) breeding in the drifting pack ice of the Barents Sea. Wiig, O; Derocher, AE; Belikov, SE. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p595-598 Interactions between northern elephant seals and vehicles near Point Piedras Blancas, California. Hatfield, BB; Rathbun, GB. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p598-600 The application of immuno-assays for serological detection of morbillivirus exposure in free ranging harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and sea otters(Enhydra lutris) from the western coast of the United States. Ham-Lamme, KD; King, DP; Taylor, BC; House, C; Jessup, DA; Jeffries, S; Yochem, PK; Gulland, FMD; Ferrick, DA; Stott, JL. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p601-608 Use of the remote Sahul Banks, northwestern Australia, by dugongs, including breeding females. Whiting, SD. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p609-615 David Edward Gaskin 1939-1998. Read, AJ; Koopman, HN; Westgate, AJ. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. April 1999 v15 i2 p616-618 Thermoregulation during swimming and diving in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Noren, DP; Williams, TM; Berry, P; Butler, E. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY. March 1999 v169 i2 p93-99 Review on persistent organic pollutants in the environment of Greenland and Faroe Islands. Fromberg, A; Cleemann, M; Carlsen, L. CHEMOSPHERE. June 1999 v38 i13 p3075-3093 Molecular cloning and characterization of CD4 in an aquatic mammal, the white whale Delphinapterus leucas. Romano, TA; Ridgway, SH; Felten, DL; Quaranta, V. IMMUNOGENETICS. May 1999 v49 i5 p376-383 Identification of 19 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) from the Atlantic. Lindstrom, G; Wingfors, H; Dam, M; von Bavel, B. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. April 1999 v36 i3 p355-363 First paleoparasitological analysis of a midden in the Aleutian Islands (Alaska): Results and limits. Bouchet, F; Lefevre, C; West, D; Corbett, D. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY. April 1999 v85 i2 p369-372 Target detection by an echolocating harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Kastelein, RA; Au, WWL; Rippe, HT; Schooneman, NM. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. April 1999 v105 i4 p2493-2498 Ethical considerations in marine mammal management. Brown, SR. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. April 15, 1999 v214 i8 p1175-1177 The changing world of marine mammal regulations. Kohn, BA. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. April 15, 1999 v214 i8 p1183-1186 Ankle morphology of the earliest cetaceans and its implications for the phylogenetic relations among ungulates. Thewissen, JGM; Madar, SI. SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY. March 1999 v48 i1 p21-30 Variability in reactions of Pacific harbor seals, Phoca vitulina richardsi, to disturbance. Suryan, RM; Harvey, JT. FISHERY BULLETIN. April 1999 v97 i2 p332-339 Concentration of omega 3-polyunsaturated fatty acids of seal blubber oil by urea complexation: optimization of reaction conditions. Wanasundara, UN; Shahidi, F. FOOD CHEMISTRY. April 1999 v65 i1 p41-49 Immobilisation of pinniped species. Lynch, MJ; Tahmindjis, MA; Gardner, H. AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL. March 1999 v77 i3 p181-185 A multivariate analysis of phenotype and paternity in male harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, at Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Coltman, DW; Bowen, WD;Wright, JM. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY. March-April 1999 v10 i2 p169-177 The Florida manatee: On the verge of extinction?. Bossart, GD. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. April 15, 1999 v214 i8 p1178-1183 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions. [personal communication] {{Whale Watching Guidelines. On May 13, 1999, NOAA and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary announced revised voluntary guidelines for whale watching off New England. Commercial and recreational vessels are directed to reduce vessel speed when within 2 miles of sighted whales, the number of vessels allowed close to whales is reduced, and lookouts are required to be posted on vessels entering or leaving known whale areas.}} [Assoc Press] {Japanese Dall's Porpoise Hunt. On May 13, 1999, the Environmental Investigation Agency, a British-based environmental group, released a report on the Japan's annual kill of Dall's porpoise, believed to be in excess of 18,000 animals a year. Concerns are raised that such an annual mortality may be unsustainable and lead to the species' decline, that kills are under-reported, that lactating females and calves are being targeted, and that porpoise meat is being fraudulently sold as whale products.} [The Independent (UK), The Times (London)] {Seabrook Nuclear and Seals. On May 11, 1999, officials of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant (NH) announced that they would install barriers, by September 1999, to prevent seals from entering its underwater intake pipes. Environmental groups had protested after plant officials confirmed that more than 60 seals had become trapped and died in the plant's underwater tunnels.} [Boston Globe] {Makah Whaling. On May 10, 1999, the Makah tribe issued/activated a 10-day whaling permit for its whalers and announced that hunting gray whale could begin. Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded 2 protest vessels and seized one of them, as they were within the 500-meter exclusion zone around the whalers; two protesters were arrested for investigation of assault. On May 10, 1999, the first harpoon thrown at a gray whale missed its target.} [Seattle Times, Environment News Service, Assoc Press] Norwegian Whaling. On May 3, 1999, the Norwegian commercial whaling season opened, with a quota of 753 minke whales. A total of 36 vessels are licensed to participate in the hunt. To better monitor trade in whale products, DNA samples will be obtained from each whale killed. The whaling season ends Aug. 1, 1999. [High North Alliance News, BBC News] Disease Concerns. On Apr. 30, 1999, scientists held a briefing at the Univ. of Miami to discuss the emergence of new diseases affecting marine mammals ? two cancers affecting FL dolphins, a flu strain infecting New England harbor seals, viruses killing thousands of dolphins and Arctic seals, a fungal disease attacking FL dolphins, leptospirosis in CA sea lions, and "Mediterranean fever" appearing in FL dolphins as well as CA seals and porpoises. [Assoc Press] International Whaling Commission. On Apr. 30, 1999, the IWC's Scientific Committee Working Groups on Aboriginal Management Whaling Procedures and North Pacific Bryde's Whale Trials began meeting in Grenada, preparatory to the IWC's 51st annual meeting. The full Scientific Committee will meet May 3-15, and a Whale Killing Methods Workshop will convene May 17-19. The annual meeting will be held May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. [High North Alliance News] Japanese Whaling. In late April 1999, the Japanese whaling fleet returned from Antarctic waters and the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, after killing 389 minke whales for scientific research. {On May 10, 1999, Japan announced that it would allow hunting of bottlenose whales in the Sea of Japan, with vessels allowed to kill as many as 8 whales before June 30, 1999. Two whaling vessels left port for the Sea of Japan. In addition, Japan will continue allowing 54 bottlenose whales to be killed in Pacific coastal waters, as was done in 1998. Bottlenose whales are not under the jurisdiction of the International Whaling Commission.} [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] FL Manatees. In late April 1999, the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection proposed boating regulations to better protect manatees in Lee County, the last of 13 FL counties considered critical to manatees to be so regulated. The proposed rule generally requires boaters to slow to minimum-wake speed outside marked channels either seasonally or year-round. On Apr. 29, 1999, an all-day public workshop is scheduled to convene in Ft. Myers, FL, to consider a number of manatee management issues, including the pros and cons of promoting manatee concentrations by discharging warm water and the affects of this on boaters. [Naples Daily News, MSNBC/WBBH Ft. Myers] Dolphin Decision. On Apr. 29, 1999, Secretary of Commerce William Daley issued a rule that would allow fishermen who use of tuna seines to surround dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to be labeled such tuna as "dolphin-safe" as long as no dolphins are observed to be killed or seriously injured. This decision was taken after U.S. managers determined that there was insufficient evidence that such fishing had a significant adverse effect on dolphin populations. [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals press release, Assoc Press, NOAA press release] Northern Right Whales. On Apr. 20, 1999, a dead female right whale was discovered near Wellfleet, MA; this female had been one of the 325-whale population's better breeders, having produced at least 6 offspring since 1974. Although cause of death has not yet been determined, scientists conducting the necropsy reported on Apr. 22, 1999, that the whale had a fractured right jaw and tongue ulcers. On Apr. 27, 1999, scientists reported preliminary necropsy results, indicating that dead whale had been struck by a ship, breaking 5 vertebrae and the jaw. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald] Canadian Sealing. On Apr. 20, 1999, Newfoundland provincial court judge Robert Fowler rejected an edited copy of much-publicized videotape collected by an animal protection group in a trial against 7 sealers charged with illegal hunting. The judge criticized the photographer for lying to obtain an observer's permit to view the hunt, and the animal protection group for loose evidentiary handling. The trial was adjourned until May 5, 1999. On May 5, 2999, Crown prosecutors told Judge Fowler they will make a second attempt to enter videotape evidence of alleged illegal sealing activities. The trial will resume on Sept. 27, 1999. On May 5, 1999, Canada's Fisheries Resource Conservation Council released a report urging Fisheries Minister David Anderson to reduce the Atlantic seal herd by as much as half to protect groundfish stocks. The Council believes that scientific evidence indicates the groundfish stocks will continue to be jeopardized if the seal population remains at its current level. The Council also recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans establish a limited number of "experimental seal exclusion zones" in key Atlantic coast fishing areas to protect spawning or juvenile cod. On May 6, 1999, Fisheries Minister Anderson reported to the House of Commons Fisheries Committee that he would support a significant reduction of the East Coast seal herd if he saw scientific evidence to justify such action. [Canadian Press] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Apr. 20, 1999 AK Superior Court Judge Sigurd Murphy issued a stay, deleting 5 tracts from a Apr. 22, 1999, Cook Inlet oil and gas lease sale to protect beluga whales. The stay also precluded future leasing of 65 other tracts identified as important for these whales. [Anchorage Daily News, Reuters] Gray Whale Mortalities. On Apr. 19, 1999, marine mammal scientists met in Seattle, WA, sharing information and preliminarily determining that the recent gray whale mortalities along the Pacific coast do not indicate that a problem exists. [Seattle Herald] 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: Dolphin Field Research Opportunity Dolphin Field Research Opportunity Midway Atoll Spinner Dolphin Project. Seasonal, contract position. Fall '99/one month, Spring '00/3 months Responsibilities: Implement an on-going study of spinner dolphin ecology, focusing on population biology and potential impacts of human activities. Work with short-term volunteers, conduct volunteer training and education classes, liaise with on-site agencies. Qualifications: Requires MS or Ph.D. and/or significant experience with the study of wild cetaceans. Must enjoy working with and teaching people from varied backgrounds. Knowledge of photo-identification methods and shore-based tracking a plus. Salary dependent on experience. Submit cover letter and resume to: James Gilardi, Research Director The Oceanic Society Fort Mason Center, Building E San Francisco, CA 94123. FAX (415) 474-3395 gilardi(\)oceanic-society.org If you submit your materials by e-mail, please include the appropriate information in the body of the e-mail message, not as an attachment. No calls please. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 15 May 1999 15:01:57 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Slaughter of dugongs (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Leane Makey To fellow MARMAMs I would like to bring to your attention further dugong deaths which have occured in the southern Great Barrier Reef (Cooktown to Hervey Bay). Since the implementation of Dugong Protection Areas in the southern GBR the number of dugong deaths has been greater than 1, which is the level to which the population in this area can sustain (source: Dugong scientists). The actual figures for the number of deaths is unknown but management agencies have been estimating it around 26 to 28, which is significantly greater than 1! The local NGOs (non-government organisations), such as environmental groups and recreational fishing groups, are greatly concerned about the continued slaughter of dugongs occurring in a World Heritage Area. I call on you for ideas for what we (local NGOs) can do to effectively highlight the continued slaughter of dugongs, particularly highlighting that each death is one step closer to extinction?? Media releases don't seem to be working as they say the same thing each time we hear about a death. I would greatly appreciate your feedback, and examples of what you have used or done in such a situation as this. Thank you. Leane Makey Cairns and Far North Environment Centre Queensland Australia Subject: more new publications (fwd) Bone fluoride concentrations in beluga whales from Canada. Mikaelian, I; Qualls, CW; De Guise, S; Whaley, MW; Martineau, D. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES. April 1999 v35 i2 p356-360 Abiotrophia balaenopterae sp. nov., isolated from the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Lawson, PA; Foster, G; Falsen, E; Sjoden, B; Collins, MD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY. April 1999 v49 part2 p503-506 Baleen whales: conservation issues and the status of the most endangered populations. Clapham, PJ; Young, SB; Brownell, RL. MAMMAL REVIEW. March 1999 v29 i1 p35-60 Identification of the first harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) calving ground in the North Sea Sonntag, RP; Benke, H; Hiby, AR; Lick, R; Adelung, D JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH, May 1999 v41 i3 p225-232 Photographic identification of the New Zealand sea lion: a new technique McConkey, SD NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH, March 1999 v33 i1 p63-66 Cytochrome P450-mediated enzyme activities and polychlorinated biphenyl accumulation in harp seal (Phoca groenlandica). Wolkers, J; Burkow, IC; Monshouwer, M; Lydersen, C; Dahle, S; Witkamp, RF. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. July 1999 v48 i1 p59-72 Net dispersal of harbour seals within the Wadden Sea before and after the 1988 epizootic. Ries, EH; Traut, IM; Brinkman, AG; Reijnders, PJH. JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH. May 1999 v41 i3 p233-244 The distribution of manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the coastal waterways of Tortuguero, Costa Rica Smethurst, D; Nietschmann, B BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION, August 1999 v89 i3 p267-274 (8) From: Dave Johnston Subject: THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN The international newsletter dedicated to the Mediterranean, Hawaiian & Caribbean monk seals Dear Colleagues, This is to let you know that IMMA Inc. has now published the May 99 issue of The Monachus Guardian, a biannual electronic journal offering news and in-depth reports on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at http://www.monachus.org Highlights of the current issue include: > Bahtiye Mursaloglu, 1918-1999. Cem O. Kirag, Ilksen D. Bas and Keith Ronald reflect upon one woman's efforts to save the monk seals of Turkey > "He didn't eat the seal, did he?" A Judge's reaction to the persecution of a Hawaiian monk seal... > Action & Action Plans, by Giulia Mo. Why sporadic sightings may mean that monk seal conservation in Italy is not a lost cause > The Historical Presence of Monk Seals in the Tuscan Archipelago, by Luigi Guarrera. A survey of former monk seal habitat in Italy's Tuscan archipelago... > The Old Woman Who Swallowed the Fly, by William M. Johnson. Why Hawaiian monk seal conservation bears an uncanny resemblance to an English nursery rhyme... > Monachus Science 1: W. M. Johnson & D. M. Lavigne. 1999. [Abstract]. Monk Seals in Antiquity. The Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) in Ancient History and Literature. Mededelingen. No. 35. The Netherlands Commission for International Nature Protection. In Press. > Monachus Science 2: H. G|gl|soy, G. Mo, Y. Savas, C. Sigismondi. Feasibility study for daily monitoring of a potential breeding cave for the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus. > Plus International, Hawaiian and Mediterranean 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 IMMA Inc. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 May 1999 11:17:43 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) Trace element concentrations in the tissues of cetaceans from Hong Kong's territorial waters. Parsons, ECM. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION. March 1999 v26 i1 p30-40 An adult-like sonar wave shape from a rehabilitated orphaned harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Kamminga, C; Engelsma, FJ; Terry, RP. OPHELIA. March 1999 v50 i1 p35-42 PIXE analysis of trace elements in northern fur seal teeth. Arai, N; Mitani, Y; Sakamoto, W; Yoshida, K; Mokuno, Y; Baba, N. NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION B-BEAM INTERACTIONS WITH MATERIALS AND ATOMS. April 1999 v150 i1-4 p267-271 Seal survey in the Great Australian Bight region of Western Australia. Dennis, TE; Shaughnessy, PD. WILDLIFE RESEARCH. May-June 1999 v26 i3 p383-388 Seasonal variation in the diet of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) at Otago peninsula, New Zealand. Fea, NI; Harcourt, R; Lalas, C. WILDLIFE RESEARCH. May-June 1999 v26 i2 p147-160 Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pup production at the Inishkea Island Group, Co. Mayo, and Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry. Kiely, O; Myers, AA. BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT-PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY. December 1998 v98B i2 p113-122 Subject: New Version of Pinniped Reference Database Dear Fellow MARMAMers, This is just a short note to let you know that I have produced a new updated version, 2.6, of the Seal Conservation Society's Pinniped Reference Database. The database, which now contains over 13,000 references to pinniped-related research papers, reports, books and other publications, can be downloaded from the Society's web site at . It replaces version 2.5 of the database (released in January 1998) and contains over 1,000 extra references. My sincere thanks to all of those who have provided me with copies of their publications and also those who have otherwise assisted with the production of the database. If anyone using the database notices that publications of theirs are missing then I would be grateful if they could send me details so that these publications can be included in the next version of the database. Best wishes, Pete ------------------------- Peter Haddow Seal Conservation Society 25 Lerwick Road Aberdeen United Kingdom AB16 6RF Tel: +44-(0)1224-696362 Fax: +44-(0)1224-683488 E-mail: p.haddow(\)abdn.ac.uk Web: http://www.greenchannel.com/tec/seals.htm ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 04:07:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Max speed of Humpback Whale? (fwd) As part of my Ph.D. Thesis, I an examining the interaction between humpback whales and their schooling prey. Compared to other gulp-feeders, such as fin whales, humpbacks are known to attack fish schools with fast, rushing approaches (Watkins and Schevill 1979). While I have been able to obtain a couple of measurements of lunging velocities using sonar, I would very much appreciate any additional estimates. Surely there must be instances where observers have been able to estimate the speed of a humpback on final approach to a lunge or breach. In particular, situations were an adult humpback is traveling below the surface and parallel to a vessel (where vessel speed is known), and then abruptly turning up vertically for a breach. I have been able to find some references to speed in the literature, however most are associated with traveling humpbacks, and not maximum performance associated with attacking prey or breaching Any estimates on the max speed of humpbacks, particularly adults, would be appreciated. Thanks Fred Sharpe >> <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <"}}}}}}}><{ Behavioral Ecology Research Group Dept. of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC V5A 1S6 Canada phone: (604) 291-4374 Lab 291-5864 Office fax: (604) 291-3496 email: fsharpe(\)sfu.ca Alaska BC Whale Foundation webpage: http://www.biol.sfu.ca/berg/whale/abcwhale.html Subject: Behavioural frequencies in adult humpback whale groups (fwd) From: FUNDACION COLOMBIA NUESTRA Dear MARMAM members: I am a student of Marine Biology at the "Universidad del Valle" in Cali, Colombia. At moment I =B4am doing my thesis about behaviour in adult humpback whale groups. Directed by the " Fundaci=F3n Yubarta" I intend to study the frecuencies of behaviour, focusing on differences during the reproductive season, possibly related to synchonization of the oestrus cycle. My objective is to search for a peak in the frecuencies of behaviour in a specific moment of this reproductive period in the Colombian Pacific coast. In my bibliographycal research I didn=B4t find much information about this phenomenon in whales. I=B4m writing in order to find more tools for my discussion. I=B4m interested in reading about behaviour around the oestrus synchronization in other mammals also. It would be very useful to contact somebody who has worked with this subject or to find more up-to-date bibliography about the reproductive and hormonal cycles of the humpback whales. The following is my actual bibliography. For all your help, I will be extremely grateful. Sincerely, Osana Osana Bonilla-Findji: email: fcn(\)emcali.net.co P.O. Box: Apartado Aereo 11328, Cali, Colombia. BIBLIOGRAPHY - Altmann, J. 1974. Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behaviour 49, 327-367. - Baker, C.S., L.M. Herman & W.S. Stifel. 1981. Agonistic behavior in humpback whales: Evidence for male-male competition. In Proceeding of the 4th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. San Francisco, CA, december 14-18, 1981. p 7.(Abstr). - Baker,C.S., L.M. Herman, B.G. Bays & W.S. Stifel. 1982. The impact of vessel traffic on the behavior of humpaback whales in Southeast Alaska:. 1981 season. Final report to the National Marine Mammals Laboratory, Seattle, WA. - Baker,C.S., L.M. Herman, B.G. Bays & B.Bauer.1983. The impact of vessel traffic on the behavior of humpaback whales in Southeast Alaska:. 1982 season. Final report to the National Marine Mammals Laboratory, Seattle, WA. - Baker, C. S., & L.M. Herman. 1984a. Aggressive behavior between humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliaewintering in Hawaiian waters. Can. J. Zool. 62: 1922-1937. Baker,C.S.,Fl=F3rezGonz=E1lez,L.,Abernethy,B.,Rosenbaum,H.C.Slade,R.W.,Cape= lla,J.J. y J.L.Bannister. 1998. Mitochondrial DNA variation and maternal gene flow among humpback whales of the southern hemisfere. Marine Mammal Science 14 (4): 721-737. - Bravo,G.A., Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L., y J.Capella. 1994. Natalidad y frecuencia estacional de cr=EDas de ballena jorobada, Megaptera novaeanglia= e en el Pac=EDfico Colombiano. Resumen en: Anais da 6=AA Reuniao de Trabalho = de Especialistas em Mamiferos Aqu=E1ticos da America do Sul. Universidade Federal de Santa Catalina. Florianopolis, Brazil. - Capella,J.J., Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez L. y G.A.Bravo.1994. Residencia e histo= ria de reavistamientos de ballenas jorobadas, Megaptera novaeangliae, en el Pacifico Colombiano. Resumen en: Anais da 6=AA Reuniao de Trabalho de Especialistas em Mamiferos Aqu=E1ticos da America do Sul. Universidade Federal de Santa Catalina. Florianopolis, Brazil - Capella,J.J., Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez L. y G.A.Bravo.1995. Site fidelity and seasonal residence of humpback whale around Isla Gorgona, a breeding ground in the Colombian Pacific. Abstract, Eleventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Orlando, Florida. - Capella, J.J.,Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L., Falk, P., Celis,G. E I. Tob=F3n.19= 97. =BFCu=E1ntas jorobadas llegan al Pac=EDfico Colombiano ?. Res=FAmenes: 1er. Congreso de Biolog=EDa de la Conservaci=F3n, 3er,. Simposio sobre Biodiversidad y Conservaci=F3n de ecosistemas de monta=F1a. Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia . - Capella, J.J., Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L., Falk,P., y G.A. Celis-Villa. 1998= a. Population Size of southeastern pacific humpback whale stock, is it recovering ?. Abstract en: The World Marine Mammals Science Conference. Monaco, 20-24 January. P 23. - Capella, J.J., Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L., Falk,P., y G.A. Celis-Villa. 1998= b. Varamientos y enmalles recientes de la ballena jorobada en el Pacifico de Colombia. Efecto antr=F3pico ?. Abstract en: 8=AA Reuniao de trabalho de Especialistas em Mamiferos Aqu=E1ticos da Am=E9rica do Sul e 2=BA Congresso= da Sociedade Latinoamericana de Especialistas em Mamiferos Aqu=E1ticos- SOLAMAC. Olinda, Brazil. p 38 - Celis, G. 1995. Estudio de la poblaci=F3n de ballenas jorobadas (Megapter= a novaeangliae) en la bah=EDa de M=E1laga, pac=EDfico colombiano. Temporada d= e reproducci=F3n de 1994. Tesis.pregrado; Universidad de Antioquia, Medell=ED= n, Colombia. - Clapham, P.J., P.J. Palsboll, D.K., Matilla. y O. Vasquez. 1992. Composition and dynamics of humpback whale competitive groups in the West Indies. Behaviour 122: 182-194. - Clapham, P.J. 1993. Social organization of humpback whales on a North Atlantic feeding ground. Symp. Zool. Soc.Lond.No 66: 131-145. -Clapham, P.J. 1994. Maturational changes in patterns of association in male and female humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae. J.Zool. Lond. (234): 265-274. - Clapham,P.J. 1996. The social and reproductive biology of humpback whales: an ecological perspective. Mammal Rev. Vol 26, No. 1, 27-49. - Chittleborough, R.G. 1954. Studies on the ovaries of the humpback whale, Megaptera nodosa (Bonaterre), on the western Australian Coast. Aust. J. Mar. Fresh. Res. 5(1). - Chittleborough, R.G. 1955. Puberty, physical Maturity and relative growth of the female humpback whale, Megaptera nodosa (Bonaterre), on the western Australian Coast. Aust. J. Mar. Fresh. Res. 6 (3). - Chittleborough, R.G. 1955. Aspects of reproduction in the male humpback whale, Megaptera nodosa (Bonaterre). Aust. J. Mar. Fresh. Res. 6 (1): 1-29. - Chittleborough, R.G. 1958. The breeding cycle of the female humpback whale, Megaptera nodosa (Bonnaterre). Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 9: 1-18. - Chu,K.C. y S.Nieukirk. 1988. Dorsal fin scars as an indicator of age, sex and social status in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Can.J.Zool. 66: 416-420. - Darling, J.D. 1983. Mating behavior of "Hawaiian" humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).- Proceeding of the Fifth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Boston, MA. Soc. for Marine Mammalogy,p 21. - Dawbin, W.H. 1966. The seasonal migratory cycle of humpback whales. In Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Edited by K.S.Norris. University of California Pres, Berkeley, pp 145-170. - Dawbin, W.H. 1983. Soaked in sound- ethereal songs of moans, clicks and whistles. Aust. Nat. Hist 21(2): 55-58. - Farner, D.S. and J.R. King.1973. Reproduction in birds,in: Avian Biology. Vol. III: 79-89. Academic Press, Inc. New York. - Farner, D.S. and J.R. King.1973. Ecological Aspects of periodic reproduction ,in: Avian Biology. Vol.I :343-353, 359-363.Academic Press, Inc. New York. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L. 1989. La yubarta o ballena jorobada Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski) (Mammalia: Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) durante su ciclo reproductivo en el Parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona (Pac=EDfico Colombiano) : Caracter=EDsticas de la poblaci=F3n y conformaci=F3n de las manadas. Tesis de Magister. Universidad Nacional, Bogot=E1, Colombia. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L. 1991. Humpback Whales Megaptera novaeangliae in t= he Gorgona Island, Colombian Pacific Breeding waters: Population and ods characteristics. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 30 (2): 291-295. Brisbane. 119p. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L. y J.J.Capella. 1993.Las ballenas. P 36-47. En Ley= va P. (Ed.).Colombia Pac=EDfico. Fondo FEN, Santa F=E9 de Bogot=E1. 396 pp. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L. , Capella, J., Haase, B., Bravo, G.A., F=E9lix, F= =2E, y T. Gerrrodette.1995. Movements of southern hemisphere humpback whale within eastern tropical waters winter 1986-1993. Resumen en : Eleventh Biennal Conference on the Biolology of Marine Mammals. Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L., Capella, J.J., Bravo, G.A., Falk., P.E., Rengifo= , B.,Tob=F3n, I.C., Barraquer, I., Ferr=E9, M. y G.C=E9lis. 1997a. Estudio de= la ballena yubarta Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski 1781)en el Pac=EDfico Colombiano, aspectos poblacionales, de estructura social y de conservaci=F3n. Informe Colciencias proyecto C=F3digo 6282-09-034-93. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L., Capella, J.J., Falk., P.E. y G. Celis-Villa.1997= b. Abundancia y Tasa reproductiva de la ballena yubarta en e =E1rea de M=E1lag= a y alrededores. Pac=EDfico Colombiano. Informe final proyecto Fundaci=F3n Yubarta- Banco de la Rep=FAblica. - Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez, L. , Capella, J., Haase, B., Bravo, G.A., F=E9lix, F= =2E, y T. Gerrrodette.1998. Changes in winter destinations and the northernmost record southeastern Pacific humpback whales. Marine Mammals Science, 14 (1): 189-196. -Gaskin,D.E. 1982. The ecology of whales and dolphins. Heinemann, London, England. 459p. - Helweg,D.A.,y L.M. Herman. 1994.Diurnal Patterns of Behaviour and Group Membership of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Wintering in Hawaiian Waters. Ecology 98: 298-311. - Herman, L.M., &R.C. Antinoja. 1977. Humpback whales in the Hawaiian breeding waters: Population and pods characteristics. Sci. Rep. Whales Res. Inst. Tokyo, 29: 59-85. - Hurtado, L.A. y Z. Ojeda. 1992. Aspectos biol=F3gicos de la yubarta Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski 1781) durante su ciclo reproductivo en el Parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona, Pac=EDfico Colombiano. Observaciones correspondientes al periodo julio a noviembre de 1991. Tesis de pregrado. Universidad Nacional. 61pp -Keverne, B. 1983. Endocrine determinants and constraints on sexual behaviour in monkeys, in: Mate choice. 407-417. Edited by Patrick Bateson. Cambridge University Press. - Martin, P y P. Bateson.1986. Measuring Behaviour. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge. 200pp. - Matilla, D.K.Clapham, P.J., Katona, S.K. y G.S. Stone.1989. Population composition of humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae) on Silver Bank. 1984. Can. J. Zool. 72: 1898-1907. - Matilla, D.K., P.J. Clapham., O. Vasquez & R.S. Bowman. 1994. Ocurrence population, composition and habitat use of the humpback whale in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic. Can. J. Zool. 72: 1898-1907. - Mobley, J.R. y L.M. Herman. 1985. Transience of social affiliations among humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the Hawaiian wintering grounds. Can. J. Zool. 63: 762-772. - Payne, R.S. y S. McVay. 1971. Songs of the humpback whales. Science 173: 585-597. - Rengifo, B. 1994. Aspectos de la estructura social y estimaci=F3n poblacional de la ballena jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae) en el Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, en 1992. Tesis pregrado. Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia. - Rosenbaum, H.C., Clapham,P.,Allen,J.,Jenner-N.M., Jenner,C.,Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez,L., Urb=E1n,J.,Ladr=F3n,P., Mori,K., Yamaguch= i,M., y C.S. Baker. 1995. Geographic variation in ventral fluke pigmentation of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae populations worldwide. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. Vol. 124: 1-7. - Silber, G.K. 1986. The relationship of social vocalizations to surface behavior and aggression in the Hawaiian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliaae). Can. J. Zool. 64: 2075-2080. - Soler, G. 1996. Estructura grupal de la ballena jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae) en la Isla Gorgona, Pac=EDfico colombiano. Un an=E1lisis intraestacional, temporada reproductiva 1994. Tesis de Grado. Universidad de los Andes, Bogot=E1, Colombia. - Stone, G.S., Fl=F3rez-Gonz=E1lez,L. y S. Katona. 1990.Whale migration record. Nature Vol. 346.No 6286.p 705. - Tyack, P. 1981. Interactions between singing Hawaiian humpback whales and conspecifics nearby. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 8: 105-116. - Tyack, P. y H.Whitehead. 1983.Male competition in large groups of wintering humpback whales(Megaptera novaeangliae). Behaviour 83: 132-154. - Weinrich, M. y A. E., Kuhlberg.1991. Short-term association patterns of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) groups on their feeding grounds in the southern Gulf of Maine. Can. J. Zool. 69(12): 3005-3011. - Whitehead, H.P. 1981. Behavior and ecology of Northwest Atlantic humpback whales. Unpublished Ph D. Thesis, University of Cambridge, England. a.. Whitehead, H. y M.J. Moore. 1982. Distribution and movements of West Indies humpback whales in winter. Can. J. Zool. 60: 2203-2211. a.. Wilson, E.O. 1975. Sociobiology. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions. [personal communication] {Canadian Whaling. On May 17, 1999, British Columbia Premier Glen Clark announced that he would not sign any treaty with First Nations that includes the right to hunt whales. Only one group, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, have reportedly expressed an interest in whaling.} [Canadian Press] {{U.S. Opinion Poll on Whaling. On May 14-15, 1999, the firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare) polled 610 U.S. voters, finding that more than 80% oppose killing whales, with 61% saying they strongly opposed killing whales and 55% supportive of U.S. trade sanctions against nations that kill whales.}} [International Fund for Animal Welfare press release] Whale Watching Guidelines. On May 13, 1999, NOAA and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary announced revised voluntary guidelines for whale watching off New England. Commercial and recreational vessels are directed to reduce vessel speed when within 2 miles of sighted whales, the number of vessels allowed close to whales is reduced, and lookouts are required to be posted on vessels entering or leaving known whale areas. [Assoc Press] Japanese Dall's Porpoise Hunt. On May 13, 1999, the Environmental Investigation Agency, a British-based environmental group, released a report on the Japan's annual kill of Dall's porpoise, believed to be in excess of 18,000 animals a year. Concerns are raised that such an annual mortality may be unsustainable and lead to the species' decline, that kills are under-reported, that lactating females and calves are being targeted, and that porpoise meat is being fraudulently sold as whale products. [The Independent (UK), The Times (London)] Seabrook Nuclear and Seals. On May 11, 1999, officials of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant (NH) announced that they would install barriers, by September 1999, to prevent seals from entering its underwater intake pipes. Environmental groups had protested after plant officials confirmed that more than 60 seals had become trapped and died in the plant's underwater tunnels. [Boston Globe] Makah Whaling. On May 10, 1999, the Makah tribe issued/activated a 10- day whaling permit for its whalers and announced that hunting gray whale could begin. Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded 2 protest vessels and seized one of them, as they were within the 500-meter exclusion zone around the whalers; two protesters were arrested for investigation of assault. On May 10, 1999, the first harpoon thrown at a gray whale missed its target. {On May 15, 1999, Makah whalers threw harpoons twice at gray whales, possibly striking one whale but failing to penetrate it's hide. On May 15, 1999, the U.S. Coast Guard seized 4 whale protest boats for investigation of alleged unsafe operation. One vessel may be charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, after allegedly striking a whale. On May 16, 1999, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced maximum fines of $50,000 and 5 years in jail as felony penalties for interfering with Makah whalers. On May 17, 1999, Makah whalers harpooned and shot a 3-year-old, 30-foot, juvenile female gray whale north of Cape Alava, near their Neah Bay, WA reservation.} {{Two protesters were arrested during this hunt. On May 22, 1999, the Makah joined with neighboring tribes to celebrate their first successful whale hunt since the 1920s.}} [Los Angeles Times, Canadian Press, ABC News, Seattle Times, Environment News Service, Assoc Press] Canadian Sealing. On May 5, 1999, Crown prosecutors told Judge Fowler they will make a second attempt to enter videotape evidence of alleged illegal sealing activities. The trial will resume on Sept. 27, 1999. On May 5, 1999, Canada's Fisheries Resource Conservation Council released a report urging Fisheries Minister David Anderson to reduce the Atlantic seal herd by as much as half to protect groundfish stocks. The Council believes that scientific evidence indicates the groundfish stocks will continue to be jeopardized if the seal population remains at its current level. The Council also recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans establish a limited number of "experimental seal exclusion zones" in key Atlantic coast fishing areas to protect spawning or juvenile cod. On May 6, 1999, Fisheries Minister Anderson reported to the House of Commons Fisheries Committee that he would support a significant reduction of the East Coast seal herd if he saw scientific evidence to justify such action. [Canadian Press] Norwegian Whaling. On May 3, 1999, the Norwegian commercial whaling season opened, with a quota of 753 minke whales. A total of 36 vessels are licensed to participate in the hunt. To better monitor trade in whale products, DNA samples will be obtained from each whale killed. The whaling season ends Aug. 1, 1999. [High North Alliance News, BBC News] Disease Concerns. On Apr. 30, 1999, scientists held a briefing at the Univ. of Miami to discuss the emergence of new diseases affecting marine mammals ? two cancers affecting FL dolphins, a flu strain infecting New England harbor seals, viruses killing thousands of dolphins and Arctic seals, a fungal disease attacking FL dolphins, leptospirosis in CA sea lions, and "Mediterranean fever" appearing in FL dolphins as well as CA seals and porpoises. [Assoc Press] International Whaling Commission. On Apr. 30, 1999, the IWC's Scientific Committee Working Groups on Aboriginal Management Whaling Procedures and North Pacific Bryde's Whale Trials began meeting in Grenada, preparatory to the IWC's 51st annual meeting. The full Scientific Committee was scheduled to meet May 3-15, and a Whale Killing Methods Workshop was scheduled to convene May 17-19. The annual meeting is scheduled to convene May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. {{On May 20, 1999, the Revised Management Scheme (RMS) Working Group met. Discussion was conducted on Japan's draft 1998 text on inspection and observation, with no agreement reached. Japan offered to revise its proposal, based upon comments. Japan announced that it would propose that the IWC make management decisions incorporating the RMS this year.}} [High North Alliance News] Dolphin Decision. On Apr. 29, 1999, Secretary of Commerce William Daley issued a rule that would allow fishermen who use of tuna seines to surround dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to be labeled such tuna as "dolphin-safe" as long as no dolphins are observed to be killed or seriously injured. This decision was taken after U.S. managers determined that there was insufficient evidence that such fishing had a significant adverse effect on dolphin populations. [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals press release, Assoc Press, NOAA press release] Northern Right Whales. On Apr. 27, 1999, scientists reported preliminary necropsy results, indicating that dead female right whale discovered near Wellfleet, MA, had been struck by a ship, breaking 5 vertebrae and the jaw. {{On May 22, 1999, a right whale was discovered about 60 miles offshore of MA with what appeared to be fishing gear caught in its mouth. On May 23, 1999, scientists tagged the animal with a satellite beacon so it could be located by a team that would attempt to remove the fishing gear.}} [Boston Globe, Boston Herald] Japanese Whaling. In late April 1999, the Japanese whaling fleet returned from Antarctic waters and the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, after killing 389 minke whales for scientific research. On May 10, 1999, Japan announced that it would allow hunting of bottlenose whales in the Sea of Japan, with vessels allowed to kill as many as 8 whales before June 30, 1999. Two whaling vessels left port for the Sea of Japan. In addition, Japan will continue allowing 54 bottlenose whales to be killed in Pacific coastal waters, as was done in 1998. Bottlenose whales are not under the jurisdiction of the International Whaling Commission. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] FL Manatees. In late April 1999, the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection proposed boating regulations to better protect manatees in Lee County, the last of 13 FL counties considered critical to manatees to be so regulated. The proposed rule generally requires boaters to slow to minimum-wake speed outside marked channels either seasonally or year-round. On Apr. 29, 1999, an all-day public workshop is scheduled to convene in Ft. Myers, FL, to consider a number of manatee management issues, including the pros and cons of promoting manatee concentrations by discharging warm water and the affects of this on boaters. [Naples Daily News, MSNBC/WBBH Ft. Myers] 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: Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Species Workshop, notice 2 Marine Protected Species Workshop - Gulf of Mexico 15-16 June 1999 New Orleans, Louisiana The Minerals Management Service conducts all leasing and resource management functions on the Outer Continental Shelf. The MMS conducts scientific research to effectively manage and protect the environment. The Gulf of Mexico Protected Species Workshop will review the state of knowledge for marine species (marine mammals and sea turtles) in the Gulf of Mexico protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act,and identify critical information needs for MMS. The workshop will include formal presentations, a panel discussion, and public comment to review information since the last MMS workshop on this topic, convened in August 1989. More information on this workshop may be found at: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/studies/mpswkshp.html The website contains information on registration (free), location and accomodations, and the full slated agenda. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 04:15:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ABSTRACTS: marine mammal conservation (fwd) From: "Richard Wallace" Both of these articles use marine mammal recovery programs as case studie= s in discussions of policy analysis methods. The first analyzes an event in the Hawaiian monk seal recovery program and the latter analyzes the respo= nse to the 1996 Florida manatee die-off. Cheers, Rich Wallace Clark, T.W. and R.L. Wallace. 1998. Understanding the human factor in endangered species recovery: An introduction to human social process. Endangered Species Update 15(1):2-9. Biologists often take a technical view of species recovery, overlooking t= he necessity of attending to the human factor. The Hawaiian monk seal and grizzly bear in Yellowstone region cases illustrate negative consequences= to a recovery program when social process is overlooked, unattended to, or ignored. Understanding human social process in practical terms is essenti= al as species will be recovered only if human social process can be made to effectively support restoration. A practical model of social process (i.e= ., participants, their perspectives, situations, values, strategies, outcome= s, and effects) is described and a method to realistically =93map=94 it is introduced. Also, seven kinds of public participation in species recovery are described. It is recommended that more attention be given to social process dimensions of species recovery at the same time that biological issues are addressed and that the public be involved in support of specie= s conservation. Wallace, R.L. and T.W. Clark. 1999. Solving problems in endangered speci= es conservation: An introduction to problem orientation. Endangered Species Update 16(2):28-34. Addressing endangered species problems successfully is a complex task tha= t involves knowledge of the problem itself and its context. This paper is t= he fifth in an ongoing series in Endangered Species Update aimed at improvin= g knowledge and analytical skills in endangered species conservation. In endangered species programs, problem-solving decisions and on-the-ground management are complicated and affected by numerous considerations. We illustrate complexities of problem solving in endangered species programs= , using the Florida manatee recovery program as an example, and describe a practical approach for analyzing problems in endangered species conservation. This problem oriented approach to decision making can help researchers, managers, analysts, other professionals, and interested peop= le to better understand and develop recovery alternatives that are in the be= st interests of endangered species conservation. Subject: 1st Quarter 1999 Edition of the MMPA Bulletin The NMFS Office of Protected Resources has published the 1st Quarter 1999 edition of the MMPA Bulletin. The articles in this issue include: Mandatory Ship Reporting System for Right Whales The Importance of Post-Release Monitoring Marine Mammals Ashore CD-ROM 1999 List of Fisheries Cook Inlet Beluga Status Review Hawaiian Monk Seal Entanglement Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take Reduction Plan West Coast Pinniped Report to Congress Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan >From the Editors The MMPA Bulletin can be found in PDF format on the Office of Protected Resources web site at: http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/mammals/bulletin.html To obtain a hard 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/PR2, Attn. MMPA Bulletin, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 04:58:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ankylosing spondylitis in whales Dear Marmam: I am a physician who was working on a ship in Antarctic waters last year. I encountered a whale skeleton at a former Norweigen whaling station last used in 1924 (so they say) which showed evidence to my medical eye of a metabolic bone disease which in humans is called ankylosing spondylitis, where osteophytes cause bony growths in between the vertebrae causeing pain and restricted movenment. the naturalist on our voyage (more of a penguin fellow) thought it was most likely a Blue whale because of its size and skull shape. It was indeed the largest whale skeleton that I have seen and the largest at this bone dump where I counted at least 40 skeletons scattered on the beach. My question is this: Has metabolic bone disease been identified in whales? Do they get arthritis which is normally only seen in weight bearing mammals? Ankylosing spondylitis is a single gene loci in humans which corresponds to a specific HLA type. I would be interested in corresponding more with anyone out there who might know more or be able to recommend whre I could get further info. I have taken a series of photos but am not set up to scan these for internet distribution. I wondered if this finding might merit a case report, and if so to where? The skeleton showed bony fusion between C1-2, which i know is normal in larger mammals, but also between two thoracic and two of whale I would call lumbar vertebrae. I have done a Biological Abstracts search, a Medline search and also an internet search and turned up nothing thus far, apart from an address for MARMAM. My address is Dr. W. Wilson 10-2833 Oak St. Vancouver V6H 2K4 Phone 604-734-7907 prefered email address is wwilson(\)sfhr.hnet.bc.ca Yours truly W.Wilson MD MSC CCFP ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com From: "Research Dept." Organization: Pacific Whale Foundation Subject: Maui whale and dolphin watching, wildlife related links Coming to Maui for the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, to be held November 28-December 3, 1999? The Pacific Whale Foundation has set up a web site with links to various Maui-based marine mammal and other wildlife related sites, as well as general information on Maui. These sites include the Haleakala National Park, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Maui Ocean Center, Whale Center of the Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, a number of bird research projects, and links to various marine mammal research and educational organizations which work on Maui. These links can be found at: http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/mauilink.html Suggestions for additional links should be sent to: research(\)pacificwhale.org The Pacific Whale Foundation is also providing a 50% discount to all conference participants on its whale and dolphin watching trips, as well as snorkeling trips, during the conference, as well as in the week before and after the conference. Information on these trips can also be found at the above link. Species of marine mammals which might be seen on these trips include humpback whales, spinner dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins or bottlenose dolphins. For information on these trips, write to: ecoadventures(\)pacificwhale.org ================================================================ Research Department Pacific Whale Foundation 101 North Kihei Road Kihei, Hawaii 96753 USA Phone (808) 879-8811 Fax (808) 879-2615 E-mail: research(\)pacificwhale.org http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 13:13:43 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Context-specific use suggests that bottlenose dolphin signature whistles are cohesion calls (vol 56, pg 829, 1998). Janik, VM; Slater, PJB. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. May 1999 v57 part5 p1173-1173 Molecular genetic diversity and evolution at the MHC DQB locus in four species of pinnipeds. Hoelzel, AR; Stephens, JC; O'Brien, SJ. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. May 1999 v16 i5 p611-618 Hypospadias in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Stamper, MA; Norton, T; Spodnick, G; Marti, J; Loomis, M. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. March 1999 v30 i1 p141-144 Rickets in two hand-reared polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs. Kenny, DE; Irlbeck, NA; Eller, JL. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. March 1999 v30 i1 p132-140 Effects of in vitro hemolysis on serum biochemistry values of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Morgan, LW; Van Bonn, W; Jensen, ED;Ridgway, SH. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. March 1999 v30 i1 p70-75 Brucella-induced abortions and infection in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Miller, WG; Adams, LG; Ficht, TA; Cheville, NF; Payeur, JP;Harley, DR; House, C; Ridgway, SH. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. March 1999 v30 i1 p100-110 Formation of a five-coordinate hydroxide-bound heme in the His93Gly mutant of sperm whale myoglobin. Das, TK; Franzen, S; Pond, A; Dawson, JH; Rousseau, DL. INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. May 3, 1999 v38 i9 p1952-1953 Body measurements on 40 species of mammals from French Guiana. Richard-Hansen, C; Vie, JC; Vidal, N; Keravec, J. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. April 1999 v247 part4 p419-428 The following are from a recently published book, published by: A A BALKEMA, PO BOX 1675, 3000 BR ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Adaptive line transect survey for harbor porpoises. Palka, D; Pollard, J. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p3-11 An aerial survey method to estimate sea otter abundance. Bodkin, JL; Udevitz, MS. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p13-26 Comparison of aerial survey procedures for estimating polar bear density: Results of pilot studies in Northern Alaska. McDonald, LL; Garner,GW; Robertson, DG. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p37-51 Determining the optimum interval for abundance surveys. Wade, PR; DeMaster, DP. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p53-66 Review of previous Pacific walrus surveys to develop improved survey designs. Gilbert, JR. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p75-84 Correcting for missed observations in a shore-based count of whales. Zeh, JE. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p127-136 Distance sampling with independent observers: Reducing bias from heterogeneity by weakening the conditional independence assumption. Laake, J. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p137-148 Modeling variability in replicated surveys at aggregation sites. Udevitz, MS. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p167-177 The objective identification of duplicate sightings in aerial survey for porpoise. Hiby, L. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p179-189 Sightability of right whales in coastal waters of the southeastern United States with implications for the aerial monitoring program. Hain, JHW; Ellis, SL; Kenney, RD; Slay, CK. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p191-207 Trackline detection probability for long-diving whales. Barlow, J. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p209-221 Bayesian population dynamics modeling using uncertain historical catch, surveyed abundances, and biological priors. Givens, GH. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p225-237 Biological indices for monitoring population status of walrus evaluated with an individual-based model. Chivers, SJ. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p239-247 A comparison of statistical methods for fitting population models to data. Wade, PR. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p249-270 The population management plan for the New Zealand sea lion. Manly, BFJ; Walshe, K. MARINE MAMMAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS. Spring 1999 p271-283 Subject: Humpback Whale Catalog on CD-ROM In-Reply-To: <9905282034.AA24174(\)www1.wheelock.edu> The Humpback Whale catalog for the Gulf of Maine population is available. CD includes software with which one can identify a particular humpback whale from the fluke pattern and natural history information on 20 marine mammals common to the Gulf of Maine area. Wholesale pricing is available. I formation can be accessed at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/CDROMintro.html 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, 30 May 1999 21:34:51 -0400 From: Mike Williamson Subject: Graduate Summer Course In-Reply-To: <9905282034.AA24174(\)www1.wheelock.edu> Information on a summer course (August 2-13 in Newburyport, Massaschusetts) focusing on marine mammals but including many other related disciplines can be seen at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/Ed654_page.html Michael Williamson WhaleNet/Wheelock College ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: Tue, 18 May 1999 10:05:38 -0400 From: Richard Wallace Subject: Seeking Beddington et al.'s "Marine Mammals and Fisheries" Hi All, I am seeking a copy of Beddington, Beverton, and Lavigne's 1985 book "Marine Mammals and Fisheries" (London: George Allen & Unwin). I have been searching for this book, through out-of-print book searches and on-line sources of hard to find books, for more than three years without luck, and thought I'd make a plea on to you. If you have a copy of this book that you can part with for reasonable cost, or know of where one might be available, I would be grateful for any information you can provide. Thank you very much! Sincerely, Rich Wallace ________________________________________ Richard L. Wallace Doctoral Candidate School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Yale University c/o P.O. Box 1087 Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 463-7330 rwallace(\)rockbridge.net ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 1 Jun 1999 09:44:45 -0400 From: Phil Clapham Subject: New papers The following two papers have been published recently. Request for reprints should be sent to me at the address below. Clapham, P.J., Young, S.B. & Brownell, R.L. Jr. 1999. Baleen whales: conservation issues and the status of the most endangered populations. Mammal Review 29: 35-60. Most species of baleen whales were subject to intensive overexploitation by commercial whaling in this and previous centuries, and many populations were reduced to small fractions of their original sizes. Here, we review the status of baleen whale stocks, with an emphasis on those that are known or thought to be critically endangered. Current data suggest that, of the various threats potentially affecting baleen whales, only entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes may be significant at the population level, and then only in those populations which are already at critically low abundance. The impact of some problems (vessel harassment, and commercial or aboriginal whaling) is at present probably minor. For others (contaminants, habitat degradation, disease), existing data either indicate no immediate cause for concern, or are insufficient to permit an assessment. While the prospect for many baleen whales appears good, there are notable exceptions; populations that are of greatest concern are those suffering from low abundance and associated problems, including (in some cases) anthropogenic mortality. These include: all Northern Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis), Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) of the Okhotsk Sea and various eastern Arctic populations, western Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus), and probably many Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) populations. We review the status of these populations and, where known, the issues potentially affecting their recovery. Although Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) were also heavily exploited by whaling, existing data indicate strong recovery in most studied populations of these species. Clapham, P.J. & Mead, J.G. 1999. Megaptera novaeangliae. Mammalian Species 604: 1-9. (No abstract - this is the species account for the humpback whale in the American Society of Mammalogists' Mammalian Species series). -- 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: Tue, 1 Jun 1999 12:22:06 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Whalewatcher - table of contents The following is forwarded on behalf of the American Cetacean Society. ********************************************************************** The latest issue of _Whalewatcher_, journal of the American Cetacean Society is now available. The Fall/Winter 1998 issue (vol. 31, no 2) has the following contents: Tyack, P. The LFA Sonar Experiments and Humpback Whales in Hawaii Weilgart, L. and H. Whitehead. Questions and Concerns about the LFA Sonar Experiments. Dudzinski, K. The Best-Kept Secret in Dolphin Swim Programs in Japan. Hetzel, B. and L. Lodi. Investigating a Mass Stranding of Rough-Toothed Dolphins in Brazil. Wursig, B. Thoughts About Ken Norris. ACS Staff. Remembering John Prescott. The Leatherwood tribute issue is still in preparation stage, but ACS hopes to have it published soon. For information on this publication, please contact the headquarters office: ACS P.O. Box 1781 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 ph:310-548-6279 Email: acs(\)pobox.com www.acsonline.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1999 13:48:11 EDT From: Katy Penland Subject: ACS address correction Dear All: Thanks to Dagmar Fertl for posting the contents of the latest issue of Whalewatcher. However, one small address correction. ACS' headquarters address is P.O. Box 1391 and Whalewatcher Editor is P.O. Box 1781. Thank you! <> Katy Penland President American Cetacean Society ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1999 08:28:07 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New book on Transient Killer Whales (fwd) From: Meg Pocklinton UBC Press and the University of Washington Press have recently co-published a book that may be of interest to some Marmam subscribers: "Transients: Mammal-Hunting Killer Whales of British Columbia, Washington, and Southeastern Alaska", written by John K.B. Ford and Graeme M. Ellis, describes the natural history and behaviour of transient killer whales, including their diet and hunting tactics, vocalizations, social structure, and distribution patterns. It also contains a catalogue of identification photographs and notes on over 200 individual transients identified from Washington to southeastern Alaska. The 96-page book can be obtained from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (1-800-663-0562 between 10:00-18:00 Pacific Time), or online from http://www.clamshell.org (E-mail: clamshell(\)vanaqua.org) or http://www.amazon.com =AF----------------------------------------------------------------------- Meg Pocklington Marine Mammal Research Department Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre www.killerwhale.org Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summaries 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions. [personal communication] Canadian Whaling. On May 17, 1999, British Columbia Premier Glen Clark announced that he would not sign any treaty with First Nations that includes the right to hunt whales. Only one group, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, have reportedly expressed an interest in whaling. [Canadian Press] U.S. Opinion Poll on Whaling. On May 14-15, 1999, the firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare) polled 610 U.S. voters, finding that more than 80% oppose killing whales, with 61% saying they strongly opposed killing whales and 55% supportive of U.S. trade sanctions against nations that kill whales. [International Fund for Animal Welfare press release] Whale Watching Guidelines. On May 13, 1999, NOAA and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary announced revised voluntary guidelines for whale watching off New England. Commercial and recreational vessels are directed to reduce vessel speed when within 2 miles of sighted whales, the number of vessels allowed close to whales is reduced, and lookouts are required to be posted on vessels entering or leaving known whale areas. [Assoc Press] Japanese Dall's Porpoise Hunt. On May 13, 1999, the Environmental Investigation Agency, a British-based environmental group, released a report on the Japan's annual kill of Dall's porpoise, believed to be in excess of 18,000 animals a year. Concerns are raised that such an annual mortality may be unsustainable and lead to the species' decline, that kills are under-reported, that lactating females and calves are being targeted, and that porpoise meat is being fraudulently sold as whale products. [The Independent (UK), The Times (London)] Seabrook Nuclear and Seals. On May 11, 1999, officials of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant (NH) announced that they would install barriers, by September 1999, to prevent seals from entering its underwater intake pipes. Environmental groups had protested after plant officials confirmed that more than 60 seals had become trapped and died in the plant's underwater tunnels. [Boston Globe] Northern Right Whales. {{On May 10, 1999, a right whale was spotted about 70 miles east of Nantucket, MA, entangled in fishing gear. On May 12, 1999, a second entangled whale was spotted.}} On May 22, 1999, a third right whale was discovered about 60 miles offshore of MA with what appeared to be fishing gear caught in its mouth. On May 23, 1999, {{the Coast Guard cutter Diligence assisted scientists in tagging}} one of the entangled animals with a satellite beacon so it could be located by a team that would attempt to remove the fishing gear. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal] Makah Whaling. On May 10, 1999, the Makah tribe issued/activated a 10- day whaling permit for its whalers and announced that hunting gray whale could begin. Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded 2 protest vessels and seized one of them, as they were within the 500-meter exclusion zone around the whalers; two protesters were arrested for investigation of assault. On May 10, 1999, the first harpoon thrown at a gray whale missed its target. On May 15, 1999, Makah whalers threw harpoons twice at gray whales, possibly striking one whale but failing to penetrate it's hide. On May 15, 1999, the U.S. Coast Guard seized 4 whale protest boats for investigation of alleged unsafe operation. One vessel may be charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, after allegedly striking a whale. On May 16, 1999, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced maximum fines of $50,000 and 5 years in jail as felony penalties for interfering with Makah whalers. On May 17, 1999, Makah wha! lers harpooned and shot a 3-year-old, 30-foot, juvenile female gray whale north of Cape Alava, near their Neah Bay, WA reservation. Two protesters were arrested during this hunt. On May 22, 1999, the Makah joined with neighboring tribes to celebrate their first successful whale hunt since the 1920s. [Los Angeles Times, Canadian Press, ABC News, Seattle Times, Environment News Service, Assoc Press] Japanese Whaling. On May 10, 1999, Japan announced that it would allow hunting of bottlenose whales in the Sea of Japan, with vessels allowed to kill as many as 8 whales before June 30, 1999. Two whaling vessels left port for the Sea of Japan. In addition, Japan will continue allowing {{54 Baird's beaked whales}} to be killed in Pacific coastal waters, as was done in 1998. {{Baird's beaked whales}} are not under the jurisdiction of the International Whaling Commission. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service, personal communication] Canadian Sealing. On May 5, 1999, Crown prosecutors told Judge Fowler they will make a second attempt to enter videotape evidence of alleged illegal sealing activities. The trial will resume on Sept. 27, 1999. On May 5, 1999, Canada's Fisheries Resource Conservation Council released a report urging Fisheries Minister David Anderson to reduce the Atlantic seal herd by as much as half to protect groundfish stocks. The Council believes that scientific evidence indicates the groundfish stocks will continue to be jeopardized if the seal population remains at its current level. The Council also recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans establish a limited number of "experimental seal exclusion zones" in key Atlantic coast fishing areas to protect spawning or juvenile cod. On May 6, 1999, Fisheries Minister Anderson reported to the House of Commons Fisheries Committee that he would support a significant reduction of the East Coast seal herd if he saw scientific evidenc! e to justify such action. [Canadian Press] International Whaling Commission. On May 3-15, 1999, the IWC's full Scientific Committee was scheduled to meet, and a Whale Killing Methods Workshop was scheduled to convene May 17-19. The annual meeting is scheduled to convene May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. On May 20, 1999, the Revised Management Scheme (RMS) Working Group met. Discussion was conducted on Japan's draft 1998 text on inspection and observation, with no agreement reached. Japan offered to revise its proposal, based upon comments. Japan announced that it would propose that the IWC make management decisions incorporating the RMS this year. {On May 24, 1999, the IWC voted 22-9 (3 abstentions) to reject a Japanese motion that Greenpeace be banned as observers at the IWC meeting. In addition, a Japanese request that indigenous peoples in northern Japan be allowed to kill 50 minke whales annually was defeated by a vote of 12-15 (7 abstentions). On May 25, 1999, the IWC approved a resolution on humane whaling pr! actices, asking whaling nations to provide detailed data on how whales are killed and the effectiveness of different techniques. On May 26, 1999, the IWC voted 21-10 (3 abstentions) to adopt a resolution calling on the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to not act on an anticipated Japanese request to downlist minke and Bryde's whales in CITES Appendices of protected species, allowing international trade in whale products from these species to resume.} {{On May 27, 1999, during consideration of a resolution requesting Japan to furnish the IWC with data on Dall's porpoises and reduce its kill of this species, delegates of 8 nations left the meeting in protest, claiming that the IWC lacks competence for managing dolphins and porpoises. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 18-6 with 2 abstentions.}} [High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] Norwegian Whaling. On May 3, 1999, the Norwegian commercial whaling season opened, with a quota of 753 minke whales. A total of 36 vessels are licensed to participate in the hunt. To better monitor trade in whale products, DNA samples will be obtained from each whale killed. The whaling season ends Aug. 1, 1999. [High North Alliance News, BBC 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: article on cetacean bone disease Fordyce, R. E. and Watson, A. G. 1998. Vertebral pathology in an Early Oligocene whale (Cetacea: ?Mysticeti) from Wharekuri, North Otago, New Zealand. Pages 161-176 in K.I. Grimm, M.C. Grimm, and M. Morlo, (eds), Festschift zum 70. Geburtstag von Karlheinz Rothausen. (Mainzer naturwissenschaftliches Archiv, Beihefte, 21) Naturhistoriches Museum Mainz, Mainz. 186 p Abstract Large post-thoracic vertebrae from a fossil whale from New Zealand (Wharekuri Greensand, Globigerina (Subbotina) angiporoides zone, basal Oligocene, ~32-34 Ma) represent one of few Early Oligocene Cetacea known worldwide. The fossil is perhaps a mysticete; it is interpreted as older than neonate, but skeletally immature, and ~6 m long. Vertebrae show an unusual mix of congenital anomaly and infection-related features: an incomplete vertebral arch ("spina bifida"), proliferative bone interpreted as the result of persistent low-level infection (chronic periostitis), and bilateral asymmetry. Vertebrae and ribs show marked osteosclerosis ("pachyostosis") similar to that of Eocene Archaeoceti. Ribs show compact layers of dense lamellar osteonic bone, without cancellous bone or a free medullary cavity. The presence of compact dense bone indicates slow swimming speeds in shallow water. Reprints available from R. Ewan Fordyce, Department of Geology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NZ fax 64-3-479-7527, web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/Geology/ OR Alastair G. Watson, Department of Anatomy, Pathology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 email awatson(\)okstate.edu, fax 405-744-8263 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Jun 1999 09:02:26 -0400 From: william rossiter Subject: Whales in Asia ------ Dear MARMAMers, The following is a detailed request for whale populations and whalewatch potentials in Asia, well beyond the scope of our organization's resources and knowledge. Naturally the request, from a publication, has an unnatura= l deadline as well. We assume that all questions will be material for the article unless you find the flaws. Please reply direcly to Stephanie Pfennigwerth for Asia Reader's Digest, email address above. Thank you, =20 William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> FORWARDED REQUEST >>>>>>>>>>> My name is Stephanie Pfennigwerth and I am a researcher working for the Asian edition of Reader's Digest magazine. I have been assigned to fact-check a short article called "The Whales of Asia." Fact-checking is = a routine procedure=8Bwe do this for every article we publish=8Band it is conducted to ensure the accuracy of the text. I wonder if you could pleas= e help me with some questions relating to the whales around Japan, the Philippines and the Maldives. Most of the questions could perhaps be answered with a simple =8Cyes=B9 or =8Cno,=B9 but please feel free to mak= e as many comments as you wish. * Is it true to say that some of the best whale watching areas in Asia ar= e around Pamilacan Island in the western Philippines, the northern Pacific Ocean along Japan's east coast and the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean? * Is it true that Japan is host to a variety of whales that migrate from the Arctic circle to breed? * Can Blue, Sperm, Humpback and Northern Right whales be seen around the Ogasawara Islands? * Can these whales also be seen around the Okinawa Islands, south of the Ogasawara Islands? * When is the best time to see Humpbacks around Okinawa=8Bbetween Decembe= r and March? * When is the best time to see Humpbacks around Ogasawara=8Bbetween Febru= ary and April? * Do Sperm whales visit these Japanese islands from late August to November? * Is it true that Blue and Bryde's whales can be seen off the Maldives between February and May each year? Do these whales migrate from the Arabian Sea? Are they "attracted by rich plankton blooms brought inshore by ocean currents"? (Do they eat plankton?) * Is Pamilacan Island (in the Sulu Sea) a designated marine mammal sanctuary?=20 * Is it possible to see Melon-headed, Short-finned Pilot, Blainville's beaked, Sperm, Pygmy Sperm, Bryde's and Pygmy Killer whales around Pamilacan Island? * Do you know if fishermen on the island now operate whale-watching tours= ? * The article says that whale sightings in Southeast Asia are rare. The heavy marine traffic and shallow, polluted waters of the South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand and Java Sea deter whales from breeding in the central Pacific and Indian Oceans. Do you agree with this statement? I would be grateful if you could please send your replies as soon as possible=8Bpreferably by next Monday, June 7. If you have any queries, pl= ease do not hesitate to contact me at stephpf(\)ozemail.com.au. If you would prefer to telephone or fax your replies, please dial=20 61 2 9564 6421. Thank you very much for your assistance, Mr Rossiter. I'm lucky to have seen many whales -- Southern Rights, Pilots, Seis, Minkes, Humpbacks, Orcas -- and I was especially privilaged to witness the breech of a humpback whale in the Antarctic Peninsula last December. He leapt straight up out of the water -- perpendicular, like a rocket -- turned 360 degrees, then crashed back into the sea and ice. That sight will stay with me for the rest of my lif= e. Yours sincerely, Stephanie Pfennigwerth for Asia Reader's Digest ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Jun 1999 22:05:21 -0400 From: Keith Ronald Subject: DISTANCE LEARNING.MARINE MAMMALS. We are pleased to announce that due to an enthusiastic response to the 3 credit MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT distance education course, that it will be offered again in the summer term (July 7 to Sept 17) by the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University. This course can be taken anywhere in the world by any interested person. The brief summer course schedule outlined below may be of use to those who cannot utilize the Web Site listed. JULY 7, 1999 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (Distance Education) Chapter Topic 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals. 2. Marine mammal management 3. Introduction to the cetaceans 4. Beluga whales and "toxic soups" 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use. 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance. 7. Orca, of killers and Keikos. 8. Pilots, beachings and acoustics. ASSIGNMENT ONE DUE August 3, 1999 (35% of final grade). 9. Introduction to the pinnipeds 10. Monk seals -Caribbean, sustainability lost. -Hawaiian, unilateral hope. -Mediterranean, Strabo to terrorism. 11. Californian sea-lion, Big Sur and survival. 12. Harp seal, 150,000 penile selections? 13. Introduction to the sirenids 14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore. 15. Polar bear, the Inuit, success and hope. 16. Marine Mammal Conservation and Future Management, and the three sciences, biological, sociological and political. ASSIGNMENT TWO DUE September 10, 1999 (65% of final grade) NEXT COURSE OFFERING WILL BE SEPTEMBER 27,1999 Please Visit the web site:- http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Professor Keith Ronald, Coordinator Keith Ronald (kronald(\)ocean.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: Sun, 6 Jun 1999 08:03:41 -0700 Reply-To: ford(\)zoology.ubc.ca From: John Ford Subject: Whales impailed on ships' bows On June 4, I examined a mature fin whale that was discovered dead and wrapped over the bulbous projection of the bow of a cruise ship as it entered Vancouver harbour. The very fresh state of the carcass suggests the whale was struck while alive rather than as a dead 'floater'. I recall hearing of similar events of whales stuck on ships' bows elsewhere in the past, but have no details. I'd appreciate hearing from any Marmam subscribers who may have information on such incidents. My email is ford(\)zoology.ubc.ca Many thanks John Ford ============================================== John K.B. Ford, PhD Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre P.O. Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 and Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia Telephone: 604-659-3428 Fax: 604-659-3515 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1999 08:37:03 -0700 From: Dianne Taylor-Snow Subject: Thomas Henningsen 3 June 1999 Dear MARMAM subscribers, I would like to enlist your help in locating a current e-mail address, telephone number and/or mailing address for Thomas Henningsen. I have exhausted all searches for current information. Thomas worked at the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, Peru studying inia geoffrensis. I owe him money for photo images and would like very much to get it to him. Thank you all in advance for your help. Sincerely, Dianne Taylor-Snow dts(\)psnw.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 05:44:20 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 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 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 April 1999 there were about 3,500 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 (e.g, 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., 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 NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details and website address). - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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 or inflame 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. Note: You must be a subscriber to the list in order to access the subscription list. _______________________________________________________________ 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 11:17:11 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Spanish driftnet fishing and incidental catches in the western Mediterranean. Silvani, L; Gazo, M; Aguilar, A. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION. August 1999 v90 i1 p79-85 Still dolphin friendly?. Cohen, P. NEW SCIENTIST. May 15, 1999 v162 i2186 p22-22 Computer models for masked hearing experiments with beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). Erbe, C; King, AR; Yedlin, M; Farmer, DM. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. May 1999 v105 i5 p2967-2978 Passive acoustic methods applied to fin whale population density estimation. McDonald, MA; Fox, CG. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. May 1999 v105 i5 p2643-2651 New species of protocetid archaeocete whale, Eocetus wardii (Mammalia : Cetacea) from the middle Eocene of North Carolina. Uhen, MD. JOURNAL OF PALEONTOLOGY. May 1999 v73 i3 p512-528 Stable isotope analyses of the pelagic food web in Lake Baikal. Yoshii, K; Melnik, NG; Timoshkin, OA; Bondarenko, NA; Anoshko, PN; Yoshioka,T; Wada, E. LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY. May 1999 v44 i3 p502-511 Cone spectral sensitivity in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and implications for color vision. Crognale, MA; Levenson, DH; Ponganis, PJ; Deegan,JF; Jacobs, GH. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. November 1998 v76 i11 p2114-2118 Reproductive performance of female Steller sea lions: an energetics-based reproductive strategy? Pitcher, KW; Calkins, DG; Pendleton, GW CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE, November 1998 v76 i11 p2075-2083 (9) Reconstructing lead isotope exposure histories preserved in the growth layers of walrus teeth using the SHRIMP II ion microprobe Stern, RA; Outridge, PM; Davis, WJ; Stewart, REA ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, May 15, 1999 v33 i10 p1771-1775 (5) Subject: Workshops - Maui Thirteenth Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy ABSTRACTS DUE JUNE 9 Maui Workshop Announcement Workshops are going to be held immediately prior to the Maui 13th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Maui on the Saturday and Sunday (November 27 and 28). If you would like to attend one of the workshops, please contact the workshop organizer directly for registration and time information. Acoustics Shortcourse - Whitlow W.L. Au (au(\)nosc.mil) Dolphin Swim Programs - Kathleen Dudzinski (dudzinsk(\)bio.mie-u.ac.jp) Research and Monitoring in Marine Sanctuaries - Jan Roletto(jan.roletto(\)noaa.gov) Use of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Marine Mammal Science - Ellen Hines (ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca) Please notify workshop organizers as soon as possible if you plan to attend so that space can be made available for you. Additionally, a Student Affairs Workshop is planned during Tuesday evening November 30. The Student affairs workshop is being planned by Brenda Jensen (bjensen(\)whoi.edu) and Jen Philips (jphilips(\)hawaii.edu) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 04:08:39 -0700 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Polar Bear Exhibit. On June 2, 1999, the Detroit Zoo broke ground for a new $13 million, nearly 4-acre, polar bear exhibit, that will eventually house as many as 10 animals.} [Detroit Free Press] {Gray Whale Mortalities. As of June 1, 1999, at least 65 dead gray whales have been reported dead along the Mexican coast so far this year, with an additional 20 in CA, 7 in BC, and possibly as many as 16 in WA. Scientists speculate that the poor nutritional (emaciated) condition of these dead whales indicates that the population may exceed the food available in the Bering Sea causing the whales to starve.} [Assoc Press, Seattle Times] Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions. [personal communication] Canadian Whaling. On May 17, 1999, British Columbia Premier Glen Clark announced that he would not sign any treaty with First Nations that includes the right to hunt whales. Only one group, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, have reportedly expressed an interest in whaling. [Canadian Press] U.S. Opinion Poll on Whaling. On May 14-15, 1999, the firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare) polled 610 U.S. voters, finding that more than 80% oppose killing whales, with 61% saying they strongly opposed killing whales and 55% supportive of U.S. trade sanctions against nations that kill whales. [International Fund for Animal Welfare press release] Whale Watching Guidelines. On May 13, 1999, NOAA and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary announced revised voluntary guidelines for whale watching off New England. Commercial and recreational vessels are directed to reduce vessel speed when within 2 miles of sighted whales, the number of vessels allowed close to whales is reduced, and lookouts are required to be posted on vessels entering or leaving known whale areas. [Assoc Press] Japanese Dall's Porpoise Hunt. On May 13, 1999, the Environmental Investigation Agency, a British-based environmental group, released a report on the Japan's annual kill of Dall's porpoise, believed to be in excess of 18,000 animals a year. Concerns are raised that such an annual mortality may be unsustainable and lead to the species' decline, that kills are under-reported, that lactating females and calves are being targeted, and that porpoise meat is being fraudulently sold as whale products. [The Independent (UK), The Times (London)] Seabrook Nuclear and Seals. On May 11, 1999, officials of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant (NH) announced that they would install barriers, by September 1999, to prevent seals from entering its underwater intake pipes. Environmental groups had protested after plant officials confirmed that more than 60 seals had become trapped and died in the plant's underwater tunnels. [Boston Globe] Northern Right Whales. On May 10, 1999, a right whale was spotted about 70 miles east of Nantucket, MA, entangled in fishing gear. On May 12, 1999, a second entangled whale was spotted. On May 22, 1999, a third right whale was discovered about 60 miles offshore of MA with what appeared to be fishing gear caught in its mouth. On May 23, 1999, the Coast Guard cutter Diligence assisted scientists in tagging one of the entangled animals with a satellite beacon so it could be located by a team that would attempt to remove the fishing gear. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal] Makah Whaling. On May 10, 1999, the Makah tribe issued/activated a 10- day whaling permit for its whalers and announced that hunting gray whale could begin. Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded 2 protest vessels and seized one of them, as they were within the 500-meter exclusion zone around the whalers; two protesters were arrested for investigation of assault. On May 10, 1999, the first harpoon thrown at a gray whale missed its target. On May 15, 1999, Makah whalers threw harpoons twice at gray whales, possibly striking one whale but failing to penetrate it's hide. On May 15, 1999, the U.S. Coast Guard seized 4 whale protest boats for investigation of alleged unsafe operation. One vessel may be charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, after allegedly striking a whale. On May 16, 1999, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced maximum fines of $50,000 and 5 years in jail as felony penalties for interfering with Makah whalers. On May 17, 1999, Makah wha! lers harpooned and shot a 3-year-old, 30-foot, juvenile female gray whale north of Cape Alava, near their Neah Bay, WA reservation. Two protesters were arrested during this hunt. On May 22, 1999, the Makah joined with neighboring tribes to celebrate their first successful whale hunt since the 1920s. [Los Angeles Times, Canadian Press, ABC News, Seattle Times, Environment News Service, Assoc Press] Japanese Whaling. On May 10, 1999, Japan announced that it would allow hunting of bottlenose whales in the Sea of Japan, with vessels allowed to kill as many as 8 whales before June 30, 1999. Two whaling vessels left port for the Sea of Japan. In addition, Japan will continue allowing 54 Baird's beaked whales to be killed in Pacific coastal waters, as was done in 1998. Baird's beaked whales are not under the jurisdiction of the International Whaling Commission. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service, personal communication] Canadian Sealing. On May 5, 1999, Crown prosecutors told Judge Fowler they will make a second attempt to enter videotape evidence of alleged illegal sealing activities. The trial will resume on Sept. 27, 1999. On May 5, 1999, Canada's Fisheries Resource Conservation Council released a report urging Fisheries Minister David Anderson to reduce the Atlantic seal herd by as much as half to protect groundfish stocks. The Council believes that scientific evidence indicates the groundfish stocks will continue to be jeopardized if the seal population remains at its current level. The Council also recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans establish a limited number of "experimental seal exclusion zones" in key Atlantic coast fishing areas to protect spawning or juvenile cod. On May 6, 1999, Fisheries Minister Anderson reported to the House of Commons Fisheries Committee that he would support a significant reduction of the East Coast seal herd if he saw scientific evidenc! e to justify such action. [Canadian Press] International Whaling Commission. On May 3-15, 1999, the IWC's full Scientific Committee was scheduled to meet, and a Whale Killing Methods Workshop was scheduled to convene May 17-19. The annual meeting is scheduled to convene May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. On May 20, 1999, the Revised Management Scheme (RMS) Working Group met. Discussion was conducted on Japan's draft 1998 text on inspection and observation, with no agreement reached. Japan offered to revise its proposal, based upon comments. Japan announced that it would propose that the IWC make management decisions incorporating the RMS this year. On May 24, 1999, the IWC voted 22-9 (3 abstentions) to reject a Japanese motion that Greenpeace be banned as observers at the IWC meeting. In addition, a Japanese request that indigenous peoples in northern Japan be allowed to kill 50 minke whales annually was defeated by a vote of 12-15 (7 abstentions). On May 25, 1999, the IWC approved a resolution on humane whaling pra! ctices, asking whaling nations to provide detailed data on how whales are killed and the effectiveness of different techniques. On May 26, 1999, the IWC voted 21-10 (3 abstentions) to adopt a resolution calling on the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to not act on an anticipated Japanese request to downlist minke and Bryde's whales in CITES Appendices of protected species, allowing international trade in whale products from these species to resume. On May 27, 1999, during consideration of a resolution requesting Japan to furnish the IWC with data on Dall's porpoises and reduce its kill of this species, delegates of 8 nations left the meeting in protest, claiming that the IWC lacks competence for managing dolphins and porpoises. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 18-6 with 2 abstentions. {On May 28, 1999, delegates approved, by consensus, the renewal of an annual quota of 2 humpback whales for St. Vincent and the Grenadine! s.} [High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] Norwegian Whaling. On May 3, 1999, the Norwegian commercial whaling season opened, with a quota of 753 minke whales. A total of 36 vessels are licensed to participate in the hunt. To better monitor trade in whale products, DNA samples will be obtained from each whale killed. The whaling season ends Aug. 1, 1999. [High North Alliance News, BBC 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: Bioacoustics Short Course in Maui ASA/SMM Bioacoustic Short Course This is the latest in the development of the bioacoustics short course to precede the Marine Mammal Conference in Maui. REGISTRATION INFORMATION IS FORTH COMING - PERHAPS IN A MONTH. ________________________ November 27, 1999: Tutorial Introduction to ASA: Charles Schmid 1. Underwater Acoustics Measurement & Projection - Whit Au 2. Hearing loss and damage in mammals - Somebody from ASA 3. Introduction to localization of sources - Jim Miller from ASA 4. Effects of noise on marine mammals - John Richardson & Charles Green 5. DB to dB and intensity measurments - Mardi Hastings November 29, 1999: More Tutorials 1. Advanced technique in portable instrumentation - Bill Burgess 2. Application of acoustic tracking - Adam Frankel 3. Auditory damage in whales - Darlene Ketten Hot Topics 1. LFA experiment: whale acoustic response - Chris Clark 2. LFA experiment: observation of whale response - Peter Tyack 3. Noise that annoy animals-Ann Bowles 4. Current status of NMFS acoustic criteria - Roger Gentry 5. Concluding Remarks, Charles Schmid Whitlow W. L. Au Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, HI 96734 (808) 247-5026 (808) 247-5831 - fax email:au(\)spawar.navy.mil ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 10:13:38 -0400 From: Richard Ellis Subject: Sperm whale evolution I have tried the traditional sources (including the 1998 volume on "The Emergence of Whales," edited by Hans Thewissen), but I can find hardly anything on the fossil history of sperm whales. Is this because there have been no proto-Physeterid fossils found, or because I cannot find the references? Richard Ellis 17 East 16th Street New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212)243-6950 Fax: (212)243-6932 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 19:00:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Sperm whale evolution (fwd) From: ewan fordyce Richard Ellis asked about the fossil history of sperm whales. The fossil record is reasonable from the Pleistocene (e.g. Kemper et al. 1996) back to about the Early Miocene (~22 Million years). Early Miocene sperm whales include Diaphorocetus (Patagonia), Aulophyseter (late Early Miocene; California), and Orycterocetus (Calvert Formation of Chesapeake bay, later Early to early Middle Miocene, ~16-20 Myr). The fossils show characteristic sperm whale features such as the deep cranial basin, broad based rostrum, rather large high-crowned tusk-like teeth, simplified sinus for the pterygoid sinus on the skull base, periotic (earbone) with an enlarged ossicle, and "twisted" tympanic bulla (earbone). Publications on these genera include technical papers by Lydekker (1894 - figure), and Kellogg (1931, 1965); generally these are not so user-friendly unless the reader is pretty familiar with bones. An old but accessible article which gives an excellent short introduction to these fossils is Kellogg's 1928 review of the history of whales. For figures of fossil skulls, see also Raven & Gregory 1937. There are a few reports of sperm whales from the Oligocene Epoch, that is, older than Miocene. The most important of these fossils is Ferecetotherium, from the Caucasus, described by Mchedlidze (1984). Originally, Mchedlidze interpreted Ferecetotherium as an archaic mysticete (see e.g. his line diagrams), and this idea was reinforced as part of the recent "sperm whales as mysticetes" debate. However, Barnes (1985) noted that Mchedlidze's published figures of Ferecetotherium illustrate a sperm whale - it has distinctive features including large peglike homodont teeth, a large panbone in the lower jaw, and a periotic profile similar to that of many later forms. The geological age of Ferecetotherium is uncertainly Late Oligocene - between 23 and 30 M y ago. Sooner or later, someone will find better early physeterid fossils with better geological age control - probably preserved in deep-water sedimentary rocks. In the absence of a dense fossil record, we can speculate that sperm whales originated early in Oligocene time, maybe 30-34 M yr ago, as part of a rapid evolutionary radiation of odontocetes. Recent papers which comment on fossil sperm whales include those in symposium volumes edited by Berta and Demere (1994) and Barnes et al. (1995). Many recent articles have discussed the broader relationships of sperm whales, generally not from the perspective of fossils. Some molecular work concluded that sperm whales and rorquals are closely related (e.g. Milinkovitch 1985), casting doubt on odontocete monophyly. However, other molecular studies (e.g. Shimamura et al. 1997) and morphological work (Heyning 1997) indicate that sperm whales are part of the odontocete radiation. Heyning placed sperm whales alone as the basal group of living odontocetes, whereas Muizon (1991) placed sperm whales and beaked whales (Ziphiidae) into the one basal clade. R. Ellis commented >I have tried the traditional sources (including the 1998 volume on "The Emergence of Whales," edited by Hans Thewissen) . . . Thewissen's volume provides an excellent guide to the early evolution of Cetacea - mostly involving the shift to water. It reveals less about the radiation of mysticetes and odontocetes. Barnes, L. G. 1985. [Review: Mchedlidze, G.A. 1984. General features of the paleobiological evolution of Cetacea.]. Marine mammal science 1: 90-93. =20 Barnes, L. G., Inuzuka, N., and Hasegawa, Y. editors. 1995. =20 Evolution and biogeography of fossil marine vertebrates in the Pacific realm. The Island Arc 3 (4 - for 1994): 243-537. =20 Berta, A. and Dem=E9r=E9, T. eds. 1994. Contributions in marine mammal paleontology honoring Frank C. Whitmore, Jr. Proceedings of the San Diego Museum of Natural History 29: 1-268.=20 Heyning, J. E. 1997. Sperm whale phylogeny revisited: analysis of the morphological evidence. Marine Mammal Science 13 (4): 596-613.=20 Kellogg, A. R. 1931. Pelagic mammals from the Temblor formation of the Kern River region, California. Proceedings of the Californian Academy of Science, series 4, 19: 217-297.=20 Kellogg, A. R. 1968 Fossil marine mammals from the Miocene Calvert formation of Maryland and Virginia. Part 2. The Miocene Calvert sperm whale Orycterocetus. United States National Museum Bulletin 247(2): 47-63. Kemper, C., Pledge, N., and Ling, J. K. 1996. Subfossil evidence of strandings of the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus in Gulf of St Vincent, South Australia. Records of the South Australian Museum 29 (1): 41.=20 Lydekker, R. 1894. Contributions to a knowledge of the fossil=20 vertebrates of Argentina. Part II. Cetacean skulls from Patagonia.=20 Annales del Museo de La Plata 1893 2: 1-14.=20 Mchedlidze, G. A. 1984. General features of the paleobiological evolution of Cetacea. Amerind, New Delhi/Smithsonian-NSF. 136 p.=20 Milinkovitch, M.C. 1995. Molecular phylogeny of cetaceans prompts revision of morphological transformations. Trends in ecology and evolution 10 (8): 328-334.=20 Muizon, C. de. 1991. A new Ziphiidae (Cetacea) from the Early Miocene of Washington State (USA) and phylogenetic analysis of the major groups of odontocetes. Bulletin du Mus=E9um Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, 4 s=E9rie 12 C (3-4): 279-326. Raven, H. C. and Gregory, W. K. 1937. The spermaceti organ and nasal passages of the sperm whale (Physeter catodon) and other odontocetes.=20 American Museum novitates 677: 1-18.=20 whales form a clade within even-toed ungulates. Nature 388 (6643):666-670. R. Ewan Fordyce Associate Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NZ fax 64-3-479-7527, tel 64-3-479-7510 home 64-3-473-0463 web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/Geology/ Subject: Request for full reference help After several months & looong searches, I have contacted various people on the MARMAM subscribers list, done web searches and telnetted - all to no avail. I am referencing this paper in my thesis, but the person I received it from does not know the full citation. It is possibly a report. Can someone please help with the rest of the reference? Braund, S.R., S.W. Stoker and J.A. Kruse. 1988. Quantification of subsitence and cultural need for bowhead whales by Alaska Eskimos. thank you very much Joline Lalime-Bauer (Joline.Lalime-Bauer(\)jcu.edu.au) "Never compare yourself to the best others can do" ******************************************************** Ms. Joline M. Lalime-Bauer School of Tropical Environment Studies & Geography James Cook University Townsville Qld 4811 AUSTRALIA Ph: 61-7-4781 6932 Fx:61-7-4781 4020 Mobile: 0414-959826 e-mail: Joline.Lalime-Bauer(\)jcu.edu.au webpage: http://hardy.tesag.jcu.edu.au/~pjml/jmlb.htm ******************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 21:04:18 +0900 From: "Kathleen M. Dudzinski" Subject: Dolphin Swim Workshop Update Dolphin Swim Workshop Update Workshop Co-Organizers: Kathleen Dudzinski Toni Frohoff Trevor Spradlin The following is an update of the information we have available regarding the Dolphin Swim Program Workshop. The workshop is scheduled for 28 November 1999 - the day before the conference proper begins. It will begin at 08:00 AM and run till 4:00 PM with one hour for a lunch break. (We are currently looking into the option of having a box lunch available for order in advance.) We are currently entertaining options for co-sponsorship of this workshop; however at present time, the registration fee is estimated at $25 (with a $10 late fee for registration after 1 October 1999) and shall be handled by Toni Frohoff. Please contact her for registration information and where and how to send fee remittance. The workshop will be presented in two sessions with six invited presentations per session followed by an hour open discussion per session and ending the day with an hour overall open discussion. The morning program will focus on management and regulatory issues with information from research as it pertains to management. The afternoon session will focus on research issues related to swim programs and their potential implications for guiding management issues. Space is limited to about 150 participants for this workshop and thus registration may not be available the day of the workshop. People interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early. We are also preparing a URL site for periodic updates regarding this workshop. When ready, this workshop website will be linked to the conference website. When this information is available, we will alert you via MARMAM. Our sincere thanks to those of you who have already sent us inquiries regarding details of the workshop. Thank you for understanding that this will be the first reply to all of you. To those of you who have already sent a note to Kathleen or Toni, you will receive more details for registering early next week (~15 June). Thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you at the conference and at the workshop. The latter promises to provide a forum for a lively debate on Dolphin Swim Programs. Cheers Kathleen Dudzinski dudzinsk(\)bio.mie-u.ac.jp Miyake-jima, Japan ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 03:58:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cuvier's beaked whale photo-id catalogue (fwd) Forwarded from ECS-mailbase ------------------------forwarded message----------------------- From: "Andy Williams" Apologies to those of you who receive this as a cross posting. In August 1999 Biscay Dolphin Research Programme will start its fifth year of survey in the Bay of Biscay. During that time we have recorded Cuvier's beaked whales on many occasions. We have noted that they are only present at certain times of the year and in association with particular topographical features. We are now starting a programme to examine whether there is any site fidelity during the period of their presence or whether there are returners amongst the animals year on year. We have over 35 photographs of individuals with 6 individuals identifiable from scarring and other markings. We are looking to compare our photo's with any other photographs of Cuvier's beaked whale dorsal surfaces taken in the north east Atlantic. Should anyone wish to participate in this catalogue project please e-mail your replies to Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-Dolphin.org.uk If there are sufficient people with photos we will try and arrange a workshop to compare techniques and discuss results. Andy Williams Biscay Dolphin Research Programme 6 Manor Way Lee on the Solent Hampshire PO13 9JH England Tel/fax +44 (0)1705 552631 e-mail Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-Dolphin.org.uk Visit us at www.Biscay-dolphin.org.uk Department of Mathematics and Environmental Science University of East London Romford Road, London England Subject: CRS Weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {MMPA Hearings. On June 10, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled a hearing on H.R. 1934, proposing to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to establish a Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act.} [personal communication] {{NJ Dolphin Safe Zone. On June 8, 1999, the Wildwood Crest (NJ) Environmental Commission enacted a "dolphin-safe zone" extending 200 feet from the water's edge, where gillnet fishing and boat/personal watercraft speeding is prohibited when dolphins are present.}} [Assoc Press, Philadelphia Inquirer] {{Canadian Sealing. On June 8, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Fisheries Committee issued a 35-page report, noting that Atlantic coast harp seal population has tripled in the last 15 years and recommending that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans conduct experimental harvests and establish seal-exclusion zones in northeastern Newfoundland and the southern and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. In addition, the Committee recommended convening a panel of eminent persons to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge on seal and cod interactions and develop a long-term management strategy. The report also urges the Canadian federal government to work toward eradicating trade barriers to seal products in the United States.}} [Canadian Press] {{Lake Baikal Seal Mortalities. In early June 1999, Russian media reported 78 deaths of freshwater seals (nerpa) in Lake Baikal. No cause of death has been identified.}} [Environment News Service] Polar Bear Exhibit. On June 2, 1999, the Detroit Zoo broke ground for a new $13 million, nearly 4-acre, polar bear exhibit, that will eventually house as many as 10 animals. [Detroit Free Press] Gray Whale Mortalities. As of June 1, 1999, at least 65 dead gray whales have been reported dead along the Mexican coast so far this year, with {{possibly as many as 32 in CA, 7 in BC, and possibly as many as 18 in WA. In addition the number of whale calves migrating north this spring is the lowest ever recorded.}} Some scientists speculate that the poor nutritional (emaciated) condition of these dead whales indicates that the population may exceed the food available in the Bering Sea causing the whales to starve. Others consider the mortality natural. [Assoc Press, Seattle Times, Canadian Press, Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee] {Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On May 24, 1999, NMFS published an interim final rule requiring marking and reporting of beluga whales harvested in Cook Inlet by AK Natives. Public comments will be accepted through June 23, 1999.} [Fed. Register] Northern Right Whales. On May 22, 1999, a right whale was discovered about 60 miles offshore of MA with what appeared to be fishing gear caught in its mouth. On May 23, 1999, the Coast Guard cutter Diligence assisted scientists in tagging an entangled whale with an Argos satellite tracking beacon so it could be located by a team that would attempt to remove the fishing gear. {On June 1, 1999, NMFS announced the availability of revised whale watch guidelines for vessel operations off New England. These guidelines provide vessel speed recommendations, decrease the number of vessels that should be near whales, and recommend using lookouts near known whale aggregation areas. At the Boston Harbor U.S. Coast Guard Base on June 28, 1999, NOAA anticipates announcing the July 1, 1999 implementation of the mandatory ship reporting system to protect North Atlantic right whales.} [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Fed. Register, personal communication] Steller Sea Lion Hearing. On May 20, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on Steller sea lions. [personal communication] Canadian Whaling. On May 17, 1999, British Columbia Premier Glen Clark announced that he would not sign any treaty with First Nations that includes the right to hunt whales. Only one group, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, have reportedly expressed an interest in whaling. [Canadian Press] Makah Whaling. On May 15, 1999, Makah whalers threw harpoons twice at gray whales, possibly striking one whale but failing to penetrate it's hide. On May 15, 1999, the U.S. Coast Guard seized 4 whale protest boats for investigation of alleged unsafe operation. One vessel may be charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, after allegedly striking a whale. On May 16, 1999, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced maximum fines of $50,000 and 5 years in jail as felony penalties for interfering with Makah whalers. On May 17, 1999, Makah whalers harpooned and shot a 3-year-old, 30-foot, juvenile female gray whale north of Cape Alava, near their Neah Bay, WA reservation. Two protesters were arrested during this hunt. On May 22, 1999, the Makah joined with neighboring tribes to celebrate their first successful whale hunt since the 1920s. [Los Angeles Times, Canadian Press, ABC News, Seattle Times, Environment News Service, Assoc Press] U.S. Opinion Poll on Whaling. On May 14-15, 1999, the firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare) polled 610 U.S. voters, finding that more than 80% oppose killing whales, with 61% saying they strongly opposed killing whales and 55% supportive of U.S. trade sanctions against nations that kill whales. [International Fund for Animal Welfare press release] International Whaling Commission. On May 3-15, 1999, the IWC's full Scientific Committee met, and a Whale Killing Methods Workshop convened on May 17-19. The annual IWC meeting began on May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. On May 20, 1999, the Revised Management Scheme (RMS) Working Group met. Discussion was conducted on Japan's draft 1998 text on inspection and observation, with no agreement reached. Japan offered to revise its proposal, based upon comments. Japan announced that it would propose that the IWC make management decisions incorporating the RMS this year. On May 24, 1999, the IWC voted 22-9 (3 abstentions) to reject a Japanese motion that Greenpeace be banned as observers at the IWC meeting. In addition, a Japanese request that indigenous peoples in northern Japan be allowed to kill 50 minke whales annually was defeated by a vote of 12-15 (7 abstentions). On May 25, 1999, the IWC approved a resolution on humane whaling practices, asking whaling nations to provide ! detailed data on how whales are killed and the effectiveness of different techniques. On May 26, 1999, the IWC voted 21-10 (3 abstentions) to adopt a resolution calling on the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to not act on an anticipated Japanese request to downlist minke and Bryde's whales in CITES Appendices of protected species, allowing international trade in whale products from these species to resume. On May 27, 1999, during consideration of a resolution requesting Japan to furnish the IWC with data on Dall's porpoises and reduce its kill of this species, delegates of 8 nations left the meeting in protest, claiming that the IWC lacks competence for managing dolphins and porpoises. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 18-6 with 2 abstentions. On May 28, 1999, delegates approved, by consensus, the renewal of an annual quota of 2 humpback whales for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. [High North Alliance News, 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: Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Centre, France (CERMAM) (fwd) From: planete.sauvage(\)wanadoo.fr 1 - Creation=20 A year ago, the Plan=E8te Sauvage ("Wild Planet") zoo built facilities fo= r a delphinarium. The project was aborted, and these facilities were then handed to our non-profit organisation, Le Monde de Gai=EFa ("Gaia's World= "). We signed a convention with the owner of the zoo to use these facilities for a new project, the CERMAM (European center for marine mammal rehabilitation). These facilities, now renamed Cit=E9 Marine ("Marine Cit= "), thus constitute the first operational site of our CERMAM project. The Cit= =E9 Marine is a remarkable example of collaboration between a private company= , research centers and associations for nature conservation. The CERMAM will manage three facilities : a.. The Cit=E9 Marine=20 b.. The Dolphins Sanctuary on a Mediterranean island=20 c.. Atlantis for the stranded seals on the French Atlantic coastline.= =20 2 - Objectives=20 The Cit=E9 Marine has the following objectives:=20 1.. Take care of stranded dolphins found on French beaches. 2.. Temporarily accommodate dolphins coming out of delphinariums for evaluation before directing them to a rehabilitation program or put them in semi-freedom in the Dolphins Sanctuary. 3.. Act as an education and information center. 3 - Means The convention we signed gives "Le Monde de Gai=EFa" the opportunity to b= e an european leader in conservation and protection of marine mammals: The zoo makes available its personnel and its infrastructures. The superficies is 2417 m2 in four tanks for a volume of almost 12000 m3. These facilities use seawater treated with ozone and bromine. We can accept between 6 and 10 dolphins. These facilities are located near the Atlantic coastline and constitute a wonderful tool for the scientists interested in the rehabilitation process. 4 - Concepts 4.1. General concepts=20 The public will discover the animals only through underwater observation rooms to avoid interactions that could interfere with the rehabilitation process. The observations could be direct, through portholes with one-way glass or indirect, with video cameras under and over the water. There wil= l be no show for the visitors, but oral presentations of the rehabilitation process and the opportunity to watch the dolphins when we will feed them with live fishes. The dolphins will be hosted in our facilities only temporarily before orientation towards specialised sites. 4.2. Stranded dolphins=20 Within the framework of the French Stranding Network, leaded by the CRMM (Marine Mammal Research Center (CRMM) in La Rochelle, France : http://crmm.univ-lr.fr/), the CERMAM is now able to take care of any dolphin stranded alive on the French coasts. These dolphins will not be visible to visitors during the phase of intensive care. The stranded dolphins will be taken care of as follows:=20 1. Transportation from stranding site to the CERMAM (either fully organised with CERMAM means or by sharing costs and organisation with local correspondents). 2. Housing in the hospital tank : feeding, search for eventual contagiou= s and/or infectious diseases, intensive care. 3. Transfer in the main pool: monitoring and feeding. Verification of th= e ability to capture live fish. Eventually, participation in research programs if they do not interfere with the rehabilitation process. 4. Transfer to the release site for the final step of rehabilitation. Eventually, radio or satellite tracking after the final release. 4.3. Dolphins coming from delphinaria and aquaria . The CERMAM wishes to offer an alternative to small basins in zoos for dolphins retired from delphinaria and seaworlds, when they are ill or old= , or when these center are closing or overpopulated. The dolphins will be in the thanks of the Cit=E9 Marine only for a temporarily and if our scientific committee consider that it is too dangerous to release a particular dolphin, he will at least be housed at our Mediterranean Sanctuary. Once in the Cit=E9 Marine, the dolphins will be submitted to a rigoros individual scientific evaluation, in order to be objective and transparen= t when setting the aims of the process applied to each dolphin: 1.. First evaluation and monitoring of the dolphin's abilities. 1.. Quarantine phase : research of contagious and/or infectious diseases, application of relevant treatments. 2.. Transfer to the main pool : evaluation of the orientation criteria. These historical, medical and behavioural parameters will allow us to decide of the future of each dolphin. At this stage, dolphins will only be visible through portholes for the public. 3.. If the group of experts considers the criteria satisfying, orientation towards a rehabilitation program in the dolphin=92s native waters, following a protocol that ensures adequate reconditioning from human dependence, and with a post-release tracking to ensure that the animal has regained the skills to survive in the wild. 4.. If not, transfer of the animal in a sea pen in the Mediterranean Sea (Dolphins Sanctuary of the CERMAM).=20 Note : It is unclear whether a captive dolphin can successfully return to the wild and forage for food, avoid predators and socially interact with wild dolphins. A prudent protocol is required to decide which dolphins ar= e suitable candidates for release in the wild, and also we have to make a post-release tracking to ensure the dolphin is really able to survive in the wild. Tarik CHEKCHAK Executif director of the Cermam - Cit=E9 Marine Parc Plan=E8te Sauvage La Chevalerie, 44710 Port St P=E8re Tel. et Fax.: (33) 2 40 31 54 08 E-mail : tarik.chekchak(\)wanadoo.fr Subject: harbor seal photos needed We recently began a mark-recapture study using computer-assisted matching of photographs to examine survival of Alaskan harbor seals. We are using photographs of the head and neck and extracting the pelage pattern from specific regions to identify individual seals from one year to the next. Although several studies have determined that pelage patterns of individual harbor seals are consistent over the course of a few years, we would like to confirm with our technique that pelage patterns are consistent throughout the lifespan of the animal. We are particularly interested in testing that pelage patterns are consistent from the natal year to the age of sexual maturity. To accomplish this, we are looking for photographs of individual harbor seals (especially pups or known-age seals) taken over successive years. This would allows us to statistically demonstrate that pelage patterns are good markers for identifying individuals over many years, and validate a method for following seals without having to handle and tag them. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has photo series of individual harbor seals, or from others working with captive harbor seals that would be interested taking some photos for us. Thank you, Kelly Hastings Harbor Seal Project Alaska Department of Fish and Game 333 Raspberry Road Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 267-2106 khasting(\)fishgame.state.ak.us ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1999 05:28:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: biochemical composition of spermaceti (fwd) From: "h-kimura" "Detailed Composition of Oil in a Head of a Sperm Whale" What is a detailed content and alkyl balance of free fatty alcohols and free fatty acids which are not consumed for the biosynthesis of spermaceti as a main storage liquid ester waxes, especially cetylpalmytate, in a head of a sperm whale like ? Because the coexistence of the two materials, free fatty alcohols and fatty acids with cetylpalmytate is one of the important factors influencing the physical properties of spermaceti. Biosynthesis of the ester waxes such as spermaceti or Jojoba oil are reported(1-3). In the biosynthesis of the ester waxes, free fatty alcohols as one of the components of ester waxes are required and they must be produced. On this matter, it is reported that biosynthesis of the free fatty alcohols are proceeded with action of acyl reductase, by the stepwise reduction of very long chain fatty acids(VLCFA) with a chain length of C30-C34(1,3). On the other hand, fatty acyl-CoAs are the sourse for fatty acids as another starting materials for biosynthesis of ester waxes. The main ester wax of spermaceti is cetylpalmytate, which is formed from cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. However, in the synthetic pathway abovefor the fatty alcohols, VLCFAs with a chain length of C30-C34 are the main source for the biosynthesis of fatty alcohols. in this case, needed cetyl alcohol for the spermaceti is not synthesized biochemically. Therefore, from the stand point of organic reactions, fatty alcohols, formed in the pathway above, with a chain length of C30-C34 cannot be a source for cetyl alcohol, and thus, VLCFAs must be decomposed into the shorter length units, especially palmitic acid(C16) for the biosynthesis of cetyl alcohol as one of the components for spermaceti. A detailed biosynthetic mechanism, from VLCFAs, for the biosynthesis of the free fatty alcohols with a chain length of C10, C12, C14, C16, C18 or so is required because the coexistence of these free fatty alcohols as well as free fatty acids with ester waxes is one of the important factors influencing the physical properties of the ester waxes such as spermaceti and Jojoba oil. Hiroshi Kimura hkimura0(\)silver.ocn.ne.jp references 1. T.R.Slabas, Biochemist, Feb., 11(1997). 2. K.Kayama, INFORM, 9(9), 886(1997). 3. H.M.davies, Proceedings for "Engineering New Oilseed Crops from raprseed", in a homepage, www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1996/v3-299.html Subject: NOAA Press Release NOAA 99-R134 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stephanie Dorezas (301/713-2370 or Stephanie.Dorezas(\)noaa.gov) 6/10/99 ACTIVISTS FINED $59,500 IN SUGARLOAF DOLPHIN RELEASE Former "Flipper" dolphin trainer Richard O'Barry, and his associate Lloyd A. Good III, have been found guilty of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act for releasing two captive dolphins off the Florida coast in May that were not prepared to survive in the wild and sustained life-threatening injuries. O'Barry, Good, and their respective corporate entities were ordered to pay civil penalties totaling $59,500, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today. Judge Peter A. Fitzpatrick, a U.S. Administrative Law Judge, fined 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., have been fined civil penalties of $40,000 for illegally "taking" by harassment and illegally transporting each of the dolphins -- the maximum penalty provided by law. The Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary was fined an additional $19,500 for failing to notify NOAA Fisheries prior to the transport of the dolphins. The defendants have 30 days in which to appeal the case. "This case involved the reckless and intentional release of two captive dolphins by over-zealous activists who had not prepared the animals to survive in the wild," said NOAA prosecuting attorney Joel LaBissonniere. "We are very pleased with the judge's decision in this case. The judge's ruling supports our position that the release of captive dolphins to the wild needs to be conducted according to peer-reviewed scientific protocols and authorized pursuant to a MMPA scientific research permit, in order to protect the health and welfare of the animals." O'Barry and Good released the two dolphins, named "Luther" and "Buck," approximately six miles off the coast of Key West, Fla., on May 23, 1996. The day after the dolphins were released, Luther appeared in a congested Key West marina with deep lacerations, approaching people, and begging for food. Buck, found two weeks after his release over 40 miles away, had similar deep lacerations and was emaciated NOAA Fisheries determined that the dolphins were in need of medical attention. With the help of members of the southeast marine mammal stranding network, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Marine Patrol, NOAA Fisheries successfully rescued the animals and provided veterinary care. The two dolphins had been collected from the wild off the coast of Mississippi during the 1980's, and were in captivity for almost 10 years. They were initially in the U.S. Navy's marine mammal program, and were transferred to the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary in 1994 as part of a project that intended to return them to the wild. Although the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary obtained the necessary authorizations to have the dolphins on public display, a scientific research permit was never obtained or even requested prior to the release. Releasing captive marine mammals to the wild can be hazardous to both the released animal and wild marine mammal populations if conducted improperly and without appropriate safeguards. Issues of concern include: (1) the ability of released animals to adequately forage and defend themselves from predators; (2) any behavioral patterns developed in captivity that could affect the social behavior of wild animals, as well as the social integration of the released animals; and (3) disease transmission and/or unwanted genetic exchange between released animals and wild stocks. According to NOAA Fisheries, any marine mammal release should be conducted with a MMPA scientific research permit to protect the health and welfare of marine mammals. The MMPA scientific research permit is required to ensure that humane protocols be in place that maximize the release's chance of success, and provide for long-term follow-up monitoring and emergency contingency plans in case it is necessary to rescue a released animal. "Releasing captive dolphins to the wild has been romanticized in recent years, and has been promoted as a noble pursuit. However, the injuries these dolphins suffered and their obvious dependence on humans highlights the need for any release project to be conducted responsibly and scientifically," said NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources Director Hilda Diaz-Soltero"This decision sends a strong message that the abuse and abandonment of dolphins will not be tolerated." NOAA Fisheries is an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and conservation. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 14:25:20 +0200 From: Sabrina Ferretti Subject: diving pattern of common dolphins Dear All, I am an Italian Biology student and I am doing my graduation thesis on the diving behaviour of bottlenose and common dolphins in the eastern Ionian Sea (Greece). I should greatly appreciate to receive any kind of informations about dive duration and respiration patterns of common dolphins. I found these references in literature: Evans, W.E. 1971. Orientation behavior of Delphinids: radio telemetric studies. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 188:142-160. Evans, W.E. 1994. Common dolphin, white-bellied porpoise Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758. Handbook of Marine Mammals, vol 5:191-223. Pilleri, G., Knuckey, J. 1969. Behaviour patterns of some Delphinidae observed in the western Mediterranean. Z.Tierpsychol. 26:48-72. I know that literature on this argument is not abundant, so it would be really helpful if some of you can help me also with personal observations. Thank you very much in advance. Best regards, Sabrina Ferretti venicedp(\)tin.it _______________________________________ Sabrina Ferretti 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: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 11:38:46 EDT From: Katy Penland Subject: Another Whalewatcher correction Dear MARMAMers: Re: Whalewatcher, journal of the American Cetacean Society Because of the flood of requests we've received regarding the latest issue, I want to clear up a misunderstanding arising from the June 2 announcement regarding its availability. The most recent issue of Whalewatcher is never for sale, it is an ACS-member benefit only. We do have many back issues of the journal available -- for sale to anyone -- and you are invited to contact ACS' national office for more information and availability (310-548-6279). (The website information on back issues is in the process of being updated.) If you'd like to join ACS in order to receive the latest Whalewatcher plus the next two issues this year, as well as the quarterly newsletter Spyhopper (next issue July '99), please check out our website (www.acsonline.org), which has detailed information on membership categories. Upon joining, you will receive this most recent issue whose table of contents was posted on June 2. Thanks very much. Katy Penland President American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 310-548-6279 acs(\)pobox.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 09:29:14 +0200 Reply-To: jmalonso(\)mundivia.es From: Josep M Alonso Subject: Course on Cetacean Bio-Sonar and Communication Dear all, I send you some information about the course CETACEAN BIO-SONAR AND COMMUNICATION: MECHANISMS AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR that will be held from the 9th to the 13th of august 1999. The course will take place in Vilanova i la Geltrz (Barcelona), and it's organised by the Mediterranean Universitary Campus (Politechnical University of Catalonia). The course program will be as follows: Lectures (L, 2 hours) and practical demonstrations (P, 2 hours) involving the students4active participation. Monday L. Bio-acoustics: general concepts on cetacean acoustic signals L. Anatomy of the skull. Bones conforming the splacno and neurocraneum. Bonny basement of the upper respiratory tract and of the ear and adjacent spaces. P. Demonstration of research techniques used in cetacean acoustic studies. Tuesday L. Bio-sonar in odontocetes L. Anatomy of the upper respiratory tract. Structure of the nasal sac system. Morphology of the sound production and emission related structures. P. Bio-sonar and active vocal communication in some odontocete species. Wednesday L. Functionality of the upper respiratory tract: production and emission of sounds. Behaviour of the nasal sac system. Mechanisms of pneumatic closure. L. Communication and echolocation. P. Exploration and study of the nasal region. Functionality of the nasal sac system. Thursday L. Anatomy of the ear. Para-otic sinuses. Mandibular acoustic channel. L. Functionality of the ear: sound reception. Differences between species. P. Exploration and study of the ear. Friday L. Hearing and acoustic signal production damages. Acoustic pollution: mechanisms and consequences. Cetacean bio-sonar as a conservation tool. P. Echolocation demonstration exercises and implication of acoustic trauma. P. Tissue behaviour against sound transmission. Lecturers Michel Andri, PhD. Marine Mammal Research Unit, Department of Morphology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. Eduard Degollada, DVM, PhD. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain. Course Director Josep M. Alonso, DVM. Mundo Marino Foundation (The official language of the course will be Spanish) More information about registration can be obtained from the website http://www.gencat.es/icm/ email picm0000(\)correu.gencat.es Tel. 34 93 292 0606 Fax. 34 93 415 8790 Josep M. Alonso Course Director jmalonso(\)mundivia.es ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 04:12:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. The open lead - In Alaska the sacred whale hunt continues. Hess, B. NATURAL HISTORY. June 1999 v108 i5 p88-88 Sperm whale social units: variation and change. Christal, J; Whitehead, H; Lettevall, E. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. August 1998 v76 i8 p1431-1440 cDNA cloning and functional expression of the dolphin retinal rod Na-Ca plus K exchanger NCKX1: Comparison with the functionally silent bovine NCKX1. Cooper, CB; Winkfein, RJ; Szerencsei, RT; Schnetkamp, PPM. BIOCHEMISTRY. May 11, 1999 v38 i19 p6276-6283 Anatomy of the cranial nerve foramina in the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). Yamagiwa, D; Endo, H; Nakanishi, I; Kusanagi, A; Kurohmaru, M; Hayashi, Y. ANNALS OF ANATOMY-ANATOMISCHER ANZEIGER. May 1999 v181 i3 p293-297 Aerial surveys of cetaceans in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 1995 and 1996. Kingsley, MCS; Reeves, RR. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. August 1998 v76 i8 p1529-1550 Genetic evidence for limited trans-Atlantic movements of the harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena. Rosel, PE; Tiedemann, R; Walton, M. MARINE BIOLOGY. May 1999 v133 i4 p583-591 Convective oxygen transport and tissue oxygen consumption in Weddell seals during aerobic dives. Davis, RW; Kanatous, SB. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY. May 1999 v202 i9 p1091-1113 Haulout patterns of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in the Baltic Sea. Sjoberg, M; McConnell, B; Fedak, M. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. March 1999 v5 i1 p37-47 Subject: Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop - Revised Update Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop Co-Organizers: Kathleen Dudzinski Toni Frohoff Trevor Spradlin Greetings, The following is a revised update of the information posted last week regarding the Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop to be held at the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Maui. This message is to clarify that the focus of the workshop is on swim-with-the-dolphin programs with FREE-RANGING dolphins and dolphin eco-tourism. If any formal presentations about captive swim programs are to be made at this workshop, they will be brief and limited to discuss ways in which research on captive swim programs can be applied to studying interactions with free-ranging dolphins. In summary, we intend to limit any discussion of interactive programs at captive display facilities to topics of research rather than policy or ethics. In addition, we want to specify that the only "lively debate" which we plan to facilitate will be that on different research methodology and management methods. Again, we do not intend to facilitate any debate which focuses on ethical issues at this workshop. Lastly, please contact Toni Frohoff with specific questions or comments about the workshop. Otherwise, we ask that people interested in the workshop wait until we post registration instructions on MARMAM. The workshop agenda is still in the planning stages, and will be finalized soon. We are also preparing a URL site for periodic updates regarding this workshop. When ready, this workshop website will be linked to the conference website. When this information is available, we will alert you via MARMAM. As a reminder, the workshop is scheduled for 28 November 1999 - the day before the conference proper begins. It will begin at 08:00 AM and run till 4:00 PM with one hour for a lunch break. (Box lunches will be available for a fee those who order them when they pre-register for the conference). We will have a table out front from 07:00 AM for registration before the workshop begins. We are currently entertaining options for co-sponsorship of this workshop; however at present time, the registration fee is estimated at $25 (with a $10 late fee for registration after 1 October 1999) and shall be handled by Toni Frohoff. The workshop will be presented in two sessions with six invited presentations followed by an hour of discussion per session. The day will end with an hour of open discussion. The morning session will focus on management and regulatory issues with information from research as it pertains to management. The afternoon session will focus on research issues and their potential implications for guiding and responding to management issues. Space is limited to about 150 participants for this workshop and thus registration may not be available the day of the workshop. People interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early. Our sincere thanks to those of you who have already sent us inquiries regarding details of the workshop. Thank you for understanding that this will be the first reply to all of you. To those of you who have already sent a note to Kathleen or Toni, you will receive more details for registering soon. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you at the conference and at the workshop. Sincerely, Toni Frohoff ------------ Toni Frohoff, Ph.D. TerraMar Research 321 High School Rd. NE #374 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA Phone: 206-780-2532 FAX: 206-780-5162 Email: frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 04:23:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: National Marine Sanctuary workshop on marine mammal research and monitoring (fwd) From: jan roletto Workshop on Marine Mammal Research & Monitoring in the National Marine Sanctuaries Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 28 November 1999 The National Marine Sanctuary Program and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (NMS), Cordell Bank NMS, Gulf of the Farallones NMS and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS are sponsoring a workshop to review and promote marine mammal research and monitoring in the 12 National Marine Sanctuaries. The workshop shall take place at the Thirteenth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Outrigger Wailea Hotel, Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, 28 November, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM with a late afternoon reception, just prior to the Conference Ice Breaker at the Outrigger Wailea Hotel. The purpose of the workshop is to bring together National Marine Sanctuary Managers and Research Coordinators with marine mammalogists who are conducting research within the Sanctuaries. We will discuss potential multi-Sanctuary projects, sources of funding for multi-Sanctuary projects, services and equipment for researchers through the Sanctuaries, consolidating small levels of funding, help in funding and support for writing up data, publishing documents in Technical Memoranda, and letters of support. Pre-registration cost for the workshop and afternoon reception is $20 per person; day of the workshop registration cost is $25. Please mail pre-registration form to: Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary Foundation 113 Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109 For further information on pre-registration and registration forms you may contact: Sarah Fangman, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 805-884-1473, sarah.fangman(\)noaa.gov AGENDA 0900 - 0910: Introduction of Workshop hosts and review of the agenda. 0910 - 0930: Introduction of NMS national program, our strategic goals and how they fit-in with current and future marine mammal research goals; review of national goals to monitor marine mammals. 0930 - 0915: NMFS marine mammal monitoring programs; potential links with the National Marine Sanctuaries (tentative). 0915 - 1015: NMS site presentations; overview of each sanctuary s monitoring and research programs as they relate to marine mammal science; publications; potential funding; collaborations; in-kind funding; research and monitoring gaps; the need for additional information for management and education purposes. 1015 - 1035: BREAK 1035 - noon: Completion of NMS site presentations. noon - 1330 LUNCH 1330 - 1345 Review procedures for the afternoon, announcements and messages. 1345 - 1515 Break-out regional groups; presentations of local research (non-NMS research, limit comments and presentations to 5-10 min.); develop potential collaborative research and monitoring projects to aid the sanctuaries in closing information gaps; develop a list of future projects and potential researchers to help close information gaps and implement education and management programs. A moderator and rapporteur will be provided for each regional group. 1515 - 1535: BREAK 1535 - 1630: Review and develop a mini-report to present regional abstracts. 1630 - 1715: Rapporteurs (ten minutes each) present regional overviews of current marine mammal research in each NMS, which projects occur in multiple NMS, a review of funding sources from the NMSs, including in-kind funding, grant applications, student internships, and potential contracts, potential collaboration. 1715-1815: Late afternoon reception, pupus and no-host beverages. 1900: Ice Breaker Reception for Biennial Conference. For further information regarding registration you may contact: Sarah Fangman, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 805-884-1473, sarah.fangman(\)noaa.gov For further information regarding workshop agenda you may contact: Jan Roletto, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 415-561-6622, jan.roletto(\)noaa.gov For further information regarding workshop site information you may contact: Naomi McIntosh, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, 808-397-2651, naomi.mcintosh(\)noaa.gov Workshop on Marine Mammal Research & Monitoring in the National Marine Sanctuaries Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 28 November 1999 Registration Form Name:__________________________________________________________________ Affiliation: _______________________________________________________________ Title: ___________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime phone:_____________________ Fax: _________________________________ Email address: ____________________________________________________________ Current research activities/responsibilities/interests: _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Region you are interested: Pacific Alaska NW SW NE SE Gulf Coast (circle all that apply) Enclosed is a check for $________________, workshop registration, made out to Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Deadline for cancellation is 1 November 1999. No refunds will be issued after 1 November 1999. Mail registration form and check to: Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary Foundation 113 Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Subject: Thanks for reference help Thanks to all those who replied to my request for help on the reference, both with suggestions or the actual reference. And to all who would also like to know what it is, I have included it here, as well as, some information on updates. (provided by Sonja Kroman, Milton Freeman, Mats Ris & Allen McCartney) Braund, S.R., S.W. Stoker and J.A. Kruse. 1988. Quantification of subsistence and cultural need for bowhead whales by Alaska Eskimos. International Whaling Commission Report TC/40/AS2, prepared for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. (Some more info provided by Michael Tillman) The document below was a report submitted by the U.S. government to the 40th annual meeting of IWC in 1988. It should be cited as an unpublished report which could be obtained from the IWC Secretariat. It should be cited something like: Braund, S.R., S.W. Stoker, and J.A. Kruse. 1988. Quantification of subsistence and cultural need for bowhead whales by Alaska Eskimos. Document TC/40/AS2, submitted to the IWC AboriginalSubsistence Whaling Subcommittee, May 1988. (unpublished). 64pp. Incidentally, there have been updates of this report over the years, the latest being submitted to the 1994 meeting. (and from Mats Ris) Braund, Stephen & Stoker, Sam & Kruse, John (1988). Quantification of Subsistence and Cultural Need for Bowhead Whales by Alaska Eskimos. IWC Meeting Document (IWC/40/AS2). Available from The International Whaling Commission, Cambridge, UK. Note that "IWC/40/AS2" is the official IWC document number. The report was submitted by the U.S. government delegation to the 1988 Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Sub-Committee of the IWC. However, Stephen Braund & Associates have also produced some follow-up reports on the same matter: Braund, Stephen & Stoker, Sam & Kruse, John (1990). Quantification of subsistence and cultural need for bowhead whales by Alaska Eskimos. In: Fifth Conference on the Biology of the Bowhead Whale: Extended Abstracts and Panel Discussions. Edited by Thomas Albert. Barrow: The North Slope Borough & Department of Wildlife Management. pp 141-149. Braund, Stephen & Associates (1994). Quantification of Subsistence and Cultural Need for Bowhead Whales by Alaska Eskimos: 1994 Update Based on 1992 Alaska Department of Labor Data. IWC Meeting Document (IWC/46/AS6). Available from The International Whaling Commission, Cambridge, UK. sincerely, Joline Lalime-Bauer ******************************************************** Ms. Joline M. Lalime-Bauer School of Tropical Environment Studies & Geography James Cook University, Townsville Qld 4811 AUSTRALIA Ph: 61-7-4781 6932 Fx:61-7-4781 4020 Mobile: 0414-959826 e-mail: Joline.Lalime-Bauer(\)jcu.edu.au webpage: http://hardy.tesag.jcu.edu.au/~pjml/jmlb.htm ******************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 23:24:57 +1000 From: criobe Subject: pilot whales strike yacht ------ Hello Marmammers, Two weeks ago I received, through our Sighting and Stranding network here, an interesting report from the crew of a 57' fiberglass sloop that is circumnavigting the globe as part of the Milennium Odyssey. The crew reported that, while their boat was cruising under sale = at 9 knots, it was approached by a group of pilot whales that either head-struck or tail-whacked the boat, violently, 10-15 times within two minutes. The crew, fearing for their safety, started the diesel motor, revved it loudly in neutral, and the pilot whales left the scene. I seem to remember hearing in the past about some reports of pelagic killer whales striking and sometimes sinking sailing yachts. Didn't someone look at correlations with boat hulls (fiberglass, steel, fero-cement; single hull, multi-hull), colors of anti-fouling paint, etc. Do any of you have information on incidents between pilot whales or kille= r whales and sailing yachts? Thanks for anything you have on this subject. Michael Poole, Ph.D., Director Marine Mammal Research Program Centre de Recherches Insulaires et OBservatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOB= E) =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 CRIOBE B.P. 1013, Moorea Polyn=E9sie fran=E7aise Tel : (689) 56 13 45 Fax : (689) 56 28 15 E.mail : criobe(\)mail.pf ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999 04:28:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: killer whale predation on franciscanas (fwd) From: Daniel Danilewicz Ott, P.H. and Danilewicz, D.S. 1998 Presence of franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei, in the stomach of a killer whale, Orcinus orca, stranded in southern Brazil.=20 Mammalia, 62(4): 605-609. No abstract. First paragraph follows: Stomach-content studies of marine mammals have been an important tool for the understanding of relationships between these species and their ecosystems. The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is known to have the most diverse feeding habits among odontocete cetaceans, preying upon a wide variety of items, including several marine mammal species (Heyning and Dahlheim 1988; Jefferson et al. 1991). This note reports the presence of remains of three franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) found in the stomach of a killer whale stranded in southern Brazil. Please contact the following address for reprints: gemars(\)netmarket.com.br Grupo de Estudos de Mam=EDferos Aqu=E1ticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS) = =20 Rua Felipe Neri, 382/203 - Porto Alegre, RS 90440-150 Brazil ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 12:29:50 -0700 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: Maui Biennial Meeting Update UPDATE THIRTEENTH BIENNIAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY FOR MARINE MAMMALOGY, MAUI HAWAII, 28 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER 1999. ABSTRACTS The deadline for abstract submittal has passed. Current indications are that the meeting will be well attended. The on-line abstract submission format seems to have worked very well. As of June 11, 1999 846 abstracts have been submitted. They are currently under review. The amount of good work available to be presented seems to have far exceeded available presentation opportunities. WORKSHOPS Workshops are going to be held immediately prior to the Maui 13th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Maui on the Saturday and Sunday (November 27 and 28). The registration for the individual workshops is handled separately from that of the actual meeting. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, please contact the workshop organizer directly for registration and time information. Acoustics Shortcourse - Whitlow W.L. Au (au(\)nosc.mil) Wild Dolphin Swim Programs - Kathleen Dudzinski , Toni Frohoff and Trevor Spradlin(dudzinsk(\)bio.mie-u.ac.jp) Research and Monitoring in Marine Sanctuaries - Jan Roletto(jan.roletto(\)noaa.gov) Use of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Marine Mammal Science - Ellen Hines (ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca) Please notify workshop organizers as soon as possible if you plan to attend so that space can be made available for you. Additionally, a Student Affairs Workshop is planned during Tuesday evening November 30. The Student affairs workshop is being planned by Brenda Jensen (bjensen(\)whoi.edu) and Jen Philips (jphilips(\)hawaii.edu) REGISTRATION Please preregister for the meeting . Preregistration to receive the reduced rate must be completed prior to 15 September. Registration after that date will cost considerably more. The preregistration pages are linked to the Conference home page:http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/Maui.html. Please log on to this site for instructions and forms for preregistration. If you click your mouse on the colored words "CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORMS" it should take you to the instructions. At the bottom of the instructions you need to click on the colored words "GO TO THE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM (ADOBE PDF)" to take you to the actual registration form. The form is interactive and you can fill out the form while it is on your computer screen and then print the filled out form, sign it, and fax it to Terry Odell at (407) 345-5397. Please make sure that you follow the preregistration instructions. Conference preregistration is being handled by Ms. Terry Odell. She can be reached by e-mail at todell(\)fbs.net. Please be aware the your $35.00 ticket for the Icebreaker reception is included in the registration price. You can buy additional icebreaker tickets for friends and spouses. STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THEIR CURRENT STUDENT ID IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT REGISTRATION REDUCED PRICE. Badge pick up for preregistered participants and conference (on site) registration will begin on Sunday November the 28th. The Icebreaker reception is scheduled for that Sunday evening right after registration. Don't forget to sign up for the Luau and dance that will be held Friday evening in lieu of a banquet. If you would like to preregister but do not have web access please contact Terry Odell at: Ms. Terry Odell Marine Mammal Conference PO Box 692042 Orlando Florida 32869-2043 USA Wailea Beach, very near the hotel, was recently selected as the current best of all of the U.S. beaches by a national magazine. Don't forget to make airline reservations soon and also make reservations for the hotel by filling out the room reservation request available on the conference webpage . Download and print the hotel room reservation request and fax it to: OUTRIGGER WAILEA RESORT FAX 808 875-4878 Or call them at 1 800 367-2960 or 808 879-1922. They must be told that you are attending this meeting in order for you to receive the substantially decreased room rates. Conference Chair: Eugene Nitta Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office Pacific Islands Protected Species Program National Marine Fisheries Service 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 USA Telephone: (808) 973-2987, FAX (808) 973-2941, Eugene.Nitta(\)noaa.gov Scientific Chair: Paul E. Nachtigall Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology University of Hawaii P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734 USA Telephone: (808) 247-5297, FAX (808) 247-5831, nachtig(\)nosc.mil -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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(\)nosc.mil' -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 12:05:29 -0300 From: Diego =?iso-8859-1?Q?Rodr=EDguez?= Subject: New publications Copies of the following articles are available; please send enquiries directly to me. Thanks a lot! Diego=20 RODR=CDGUEZ,D. and R.BASTIDA. 1998. Four hundred years in the history of pinniped colonies around Mar del Plata, Argentina. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 8: 721-725. ABSTRACT: Historical records show the area of Mar del Plata (380 05'S/570 32'W, Argentina) as inhabited by extensive seal colonies; the present stu= dy describes the evolution of their size and location from the 16th century = to the present. Southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens Shaw 1800), South Ameri= can Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis Zimmerman 1783) and southern elephant s= eal (Mirounga leonina Linnaeus, 1758) colonies, which consisted of between 80,000 and 165,000 animals, were subject to no commercial harvest, and on= ly small local catches were performed by transient aboriginal groups. During the second half of the 19th century coastal zones were rapidly colonized = by man and by the turn of the century, the pinniped rookeries finally dissapeared. Such a dramatic decline was not only due to spatial competit= ion with man, but also to the indirect effect of pinniped overexploitation in other areas of the Southwestern Atlantic. No seal colonies were recorded = in Mar del Plata during the 20th century until the mid sixties, when small non-breeding groups of sea lions and fur seals established themselves in = the area. The seal rookeries decline in Mar del Plata provides an interesting example of how human activity may severely affect the conservation of pinniped colonies, even with no direct action through massive catches. =09 BERNARDELLI,A., R.BASTIDA, J.D.LOUREIRO, H.MICHELIS, M.I.ROMANO, A.CATALD= I and E.F.COSTA. 1996. Tuberculosis in sea lions and fur seals from the Southwestern Atlantic coast. Revue Scientifique et Technique de la Office International des Epizooties: 15(3): 985-1005. ABSTRACT: Diverse pathological conditions causing strandings and/or death= of sea lions and fur seals on the northern coast of the Buenos Aires Provinc= e, are being studied.Tuberculosis was diagnosed in six cases of strandings, involving two otariid seal species (one Otaria flavescens and five Arctocephalus australis) between March 1989 and December 1992. Necropsie= s were performed on all six cases. Granulomatous lesions were observed in t= he prescapular and hepatic lymph nodes. Lesions were also seen in lungs, pleura, liver, spleen and peritoneum. Bacteriological isolation was attempted from all samples. The isolates were identified as belonging to = the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Some showed characteristics consisten= t with M.bovis, while others demostrated properties of M.tuberculosis. Geno= mic DNA from strains were analyzed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using IS6110, a genetic marker found only in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Using this IS6110 probe, similar fingerprints were obtained, suggesting a common source of infection. However, the pattern of DNA differed from DNA patterns of M.bovis isola= ted from humans and cattle in Argentina, which contains mainly a unique 1.9 k= bp band. These results suggest that mycobacteria isolated from wild seals fo= rm a different grouping inside the M.tuberculosis complex. This is the first time that tuberculosis is detected in wild seals from the Southwest Atlan= tic Coasts. _____________________________________ Dr.DIEGO RODRIGUEZ Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Casilla de Correos 43, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Email dhrodri(\)mdp.edu.ar FAX +54 223 4753150 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 18 Jun 1999 13:42:17 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Norwegian Whaling. On June 12, 1999, a British Greenpeace volunteer received a broken arm and possible other injuries and two other volunteers were arrested and fined after a collision occurred between a Greenpeace inflatable dinghy and a Norwegian coast guard vessel as Greenpeace acted to impede a Norwegian whaling vessel from killing minke whales. As of June 15, 1999, Norwegian whalers had killed 294 minke whales of their 753-whale quota. Poor weather is blamed for the slower hunt this year.} [Reuters, Assoc Press] {Steller Sea Lions. On June 13, 1999, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council approved additional measures to protect endangered Steller sea lions, including recommending lower pollock quotas during the winter roe season. However, the Council declined NMFS advice and chose not to close the pollock fishery in nearshore areas close to several sea lion haulout sites.} [Anchorage Daily News] {Activists Fined for Dolphin Release. On June 10, 1999, NMFS announced that several activists had been found guilty of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act in May 1996 by recklessly releasing 2 captive dolphins off the FL coast that were not prepared to survive in the wild. The activists were ordered to pay civil penalties totaling almost $60,000.} [NOAA press release, Reuters] MMPA Hearings. On June 10, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled a hearing on H.R. 1934, proposing to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to establish a Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. [personal communication] NJ Dolphin Safe Zone. On June 8, 1999, the Wildwood Crest (NJ) Environmental Commission enacted a "dolphin-safe zone" extending 200 feet from the water's edge, where gillnet fishing and boat/personal watercraft speeding is prohibited when dolphins are present. [Assoc Press, Philadelphia Inquirer] Canadian Sealing. On June 8, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Fisheries Committee issued a 35-page report with 15 recommendations, noting that Atlantic coast harp seal population has tripled in the last 15 years. The Committee recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans conduct experimental harvests and establish seal-exclusion zones in northeastern Newfoundland and the southern and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. In addition, the Committee recommended convening a panel of eminent persons to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge on seal and cod interactions and develop a long-term management strategy. The report also urges the Canadian federal government to work toward eradicating trade barriers to seal products in the United States. [Canadian Press] Lake Baikal Seal Mortalities. In early June 1999, Russian media reported 78 deaths of freshwater seals (nerpa) in Lake Baikal. No cause of death has been identified. [Environment News Service] Polar Bear Exhibit. On June 2, 1999, the Detroit Zoo broke ground for a new $13 million, nearly 4-acre, polar bear exhibit, that will eventually house as many as 10 animals. [Detroit Free Press] Gray Whale Mortalities. As of early June 1999, at least 65 dead gray whales have been reported dead along the Mexican coast so far this year, with possibly as many as 32 in CA, 7 in BC, and possibly as many as 18 in WA. In addition the number of whale calves migrating north this spring is the lowest ever recorded. Some scientists speculate that the poor nutritional (emaciated) condition of these dead whales indicates that the population may exceed the food available in the Bering Sea causing the whales to starve. Others consider the mortality natural. [Assoc Press, Seattle Times, Canadian Press, Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee] International Whaling Commission. The annual IWC meeting began on May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. On May 24, 1999, the IWC voted 22-9 (3 abstentions) to reject a Japanese motion that Greenpeace be banned as observers at the IWC meeting. In addition, a Japanese request that indigenous peoples in northern Japan be allowed to kill 50 minke whales annually was defeated by a vote of 12-15 (7 abstentions). On May 25, 1999, the IWC approved a resolution on humane whaling practices, asking whaling nations to provide detailed data on how whales are killed and the effectiveness of different techniques. On May 26, 1999, the IWC voted 21-10 (3 abstentions) to adopt a resolution calling on the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to not act on an anticipated Japanese request to downlist minke and Bryde's whales in CITES Appendices of protected species, allowing international trade in whale products from these species to resume. On May 27, 1999, during consideration of a resolution requesting Japan to furnish the IWC with data on Dall's porpoises and reduce its kill of this species, delegates of 8 nations left the meeting in protest, claiming that the IWC lacks competence for managing dolphins and porpoises. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 18-6 with 2 abstentions. On May 28, 1999, delegates approved, by consensus, the renewal of an annual quota of 2 humpback whales for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. [High North Alliance News, Assoc Press] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On May 24, 1999, NMFS published an interim final rule requiring marking and reporting of beluga whales harvested in Cook Inlet by AK Natives. Public comments will be accepted through June 23, 1999. [Fed. Register] Northern Right Whales. On May 22, 1999, a right whale was discovered about 60 miles offshore of MA with what appeared to be fishing gear caught in its mouth. On May 23, 1999, the Coast Guard cutter Diligence assisted scientists in tagging an entangled whale with an Argos satellite tracking beacon so it could be located by a team that would attempt to remove the fishing gear. On June 1, 1999, NMFS announced the availability of revised whale watch guidelines for vessel operations off New England. These guidelines provide vessel speed recommendations, decrease the number of vessels that should be near whales, and recommend using lookouts near known whale aggregation areas. At the Boston Harbor U.S. Coast Guard Base on June 28, 1999, NOAA anticipates announcing the July 1, 1999 implementation of the mandatory ship reporting system to protect North Atlantic right whales. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Fed. Register, personal communication] Makah Whaling. On May 17, 1999, Makah whalers harpooned and shot a 3- year-old, 30-foot, juvenile female gray whale north of Cape Alava, near their Neah Bay, WA reservation. Two protesters were arrested during this hunt. On May 22, 1999, the Makah joined with neighboring tribes to celebrate their first successful whale hunt since the 1920s. [Los Angeles Times, Canadian Press, ABC News, Seattle Times, Environment News Service, 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: Spaghetti-tagged Fin Whale in the Azores An apparently fully grown fin whale carrying a red spaghetti tag on its right side just ahead of the dorsal fin has been observed in the Azores on two occasions this year by Lisa Steiner, a zoologist/whale watch operator. Does anyone know of a tagging program in the N.Atlantic that might have applied this tag? I will forward any responses to Lisa Steiner who is still in the field. Many Thanks, Jonathan Gordon (Jgordon(\)ifaw.org) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 07:18:41 -1000 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Subject: Abstract: Sowerby's beaked whales in the Gully Hooker, S.K., and R.W. Baird. 1999. Observations of Sowerby's beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens) in the Gully, Nova Scotia. Canadian Field-Naturalist 113: 273-277. ABSTRACT Little is known about most members of the family Ziphiidae, the beaked whales. Sowerby's Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon bidens) is known from only a handful of sightings and strandings; few descriptions of group composition or surfacing behaviour are available. During 1997 and 1998, groups of Sowerby's Beaked Whales were observed in The Gully, a submarine canyon off eastern Canada, on four occasions. Sightings were in water depths of between 550 and 1500 m. Group size varied from 3 to 8-10 individuals. A mixed composition group was observed on one occasion, consisting of at least two female-calf pairs and two to four adult males (based on the presence of visible teeth and extensive scarring). Another group consisted of three quite heavily-scarred and therefore presumably male animals. Whales were observed to dive for between 12 and 28 minutes. Blows were either invisible or relatively inconspicuous. During all surfacings the long beak projected from the water well before the rest of the head or back was visible. While surfacing behaviour was generally unremarkable, one individual tail-slapped repeatedly. Abstract and figure (showing surfacing behaviour of these whales, 141kB) can be viewed at: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/sh/bidens.htm Reprints can be obtained from either author: Sascha Hooker - shooker(\)is2.dal.ca Robin Baird - rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Post-doctoral fellow, Biology Dept., Dalhousie University Research Director, Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 USA. Phone (808) 879-8860 (work), 879-7061 (home). Fax 879-2615 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 23:33:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Risso Dolphin 18 miles inland (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Gavin Gerrard Hello all, The following is an account of a dolphin stranding I videotaped on Monday 14th June. I would very much welcome your feedback on why this mammal might have come up river so far and also if the rescue response could have been improved. Here is the account; Risso Dolphin stranded 18 miles inland. On Monday 14th June, members of the local Civil Defence, Parks and Wildlife Service, South Eastern Fisheries Board and Marine Mammal Rescue team attended the scene of a stranded Risso Dolphin in the River Nore, outside Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Inistioge is located 18 miles inland and the dolphin was seen to be swimming weakly in fresh water ranging from five feet to a cut twelve feet in depth. The dolphin was identified as a Risso about nine feet in length and it's breathing rate was timed at two breaths per minute. Under advisement, it was decided to encourage the animal to return to the open sea through the two river systems of the Nore and the Barrow. Four boats from the South Eastern Fisheries Board and Civil Defence were used to slowly encourage the animal to make its way downstream. Occasionally the animal would turn about and head upstream but it would eventually be turned back using paddles and oars beaten in the water or on the boats to create noise to discourage this behaviour. After two hours approximately two and a half miles had been covered with the risso's breathing rate monitored at a steady two per minute. It was also noticed that the two breaths would from time to time be taken in quick succession over the one minute period. The dolphin moved all across the river travelling along both banks as the well as towards the centre. At one point the risso disappeared for longer than a minute and was observed in difficulties in some riverside vegetation. It submerged from view and after a few tense moments was spotted in open water further down river. However it was not long before it disappeared again and this time could only be detected by the sound of its breathing from a side channel. It was at this time that a RIB carrying members of the Customs and Excise Water Unit and Waterford Harbour Sub-Aqua Club moved in and provided vital assistance in what became a full rescue operation. Agreeing that attempting to guide the now stressed dolphin back out though the thick vegetation would be extremely hazardous, it was decided that it should be lifted from the water into a boat. Whilst stressed the risso did not become physically agitated and was lifted without difficulty into a zodiac. It was observed that it had sustained a number of superficial wounds to the head and lower body. Whilst at this point it was late evening, a drenched cloth was placed over the dolphin's torso with great care taken not to let water enter the blowhole. The journey by boat to the sea would have taken at least two hours so it was decided to transfer the dolphin to a waiting pick-up truck at The County Wexford town of New Ross, and drive it to a slipway on the County Waterford coast at Dunmore East. At New Ross members of the Irish Seal Sanctuary were able to provide assistance, and upon examination it was determined the mammal was male and somewhat undernourished. At this point Vaseline was applied to the risso's body for the journey to the coast. Transit to Dunmore East was rapid, aided along by a police escort. Four members of the "care team" stayed with the dolphin on the back of the pick-up, constantly dousing it in water. The risso's breathing rate increased to twelve breaths per minute, dropping back to nine towards the end of the journey. At the slipway, again the dolphin was lifted into the water without any physical agitation and after approximately twenty minutes was released to swim slowly away. Minutes later the risso was spotted in the harbour area parallel to the slipway swimming strongly and surfacing about twice a minute. The following morning reports came back stating that the risso had been sighted between half-five and half-seven in the morning, heading out to sea past Dunmore Head. Gavin Gerrard The Marine Mammal Rescue Team Home Address; 44 Beaumont Avenue Churchtown Dublin14 Ireland Ph:(Home) 00353 1 2989215 (TV3) 00353 1 4193333 (direct line) 00353 1 4193450 (mobile) 00353 88 2103435 Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Organochlorines in stranded pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) from the coast of Massachusetts. Tilbury, KL; Adams, NG; Krone, CA; Meador, JP; Early, G; Varanasi, U. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. July 1999 v37 i1 p125-134 High percentage of butyltin residues in total tin in the livers of cetaceans from Japanese coastal waters. Le, LTH; Takahashi, S; Saeki, K; Nakatani, N; Tanabe, S; Miyazaki, N; Fujise, Y. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. June 1, 1999 v33 i11 p1781-1786 High affinity binding of red tide neurotoxins to marine mammal brain. Trainer, VL; Baden, DG. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY. July 1999 v46 i2 p139-148 Optimal management of multiple renewable resource stocks: An application to Minke whales. Horan, RD; Shortle, JS. ENVIRONMENTAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS. June 1999 v13 i4 p435-458 Exposure of marine mammals to genotoxic environmental contaminants: Application of the P-32-postlabeling assay for measuring DNA-xenobiotic adducts. Reichert, WL; French, BL; Stein, JE. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT. June 1999 v56 i3 p225-239 Epidermal diseases in bottlenose dolphins: impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors. Wilson, B; Arnold, H; Bearzi, G; Fortuna, CM; Gaspar, R;Ingram, S; Liret, C; Pribanic, S; Read, AJ; Ridoux, V; Schneider, K; Urian, KW; Wells, RS; Wood, C; Thompson, PM; Hammond, PS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. May 22, 1999 v266 i1423p1077-1083 Distributional patterning of mammals on the Wessel and English Company islands, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. Woinarski, JCZ; Palmer, C; Fisher, A; Southgate, R; Masters, P; Brennan, K. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. May-June 1999 v47 i1 p87-111 Discarding practices and marine mammal by-catch in the Celtic Sea herring fishery. Berrow, SD; O'Neill, M; Brogan, D. BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT-PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY. August 1998 v98B i1 p1-8 Organochlorines in stranded pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) from the coast of Massachusetts. Tilbury, KL; Adams, NG; Krone, CA; Meador, JP; Early, G; Varanasi, U. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. July 1999 v37 i1 p125-134 In for the krill - A seal boom takes its tool on the islands of the Southern Ocean. MacKenzie, D. NEW SCIENTIST. June 5, 1999 v162 i2189 p26-26 Subject: reminder about abstract deadline for GIS/RS workshop Please note that the deadline for abstracts for the workshop on using Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing for marine mammal research is approaching. The workshop will be held on Sunday, November 28, from 8:30 until 5:30, at the Aston Wailea Resort Hotel. Registration materials will be ready soon and posted on the web. The address will be sent to all interested parties and distributed on Marmam. For your information, here is the original description of the workshop and call for abstracts. A workshop on Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing is being organized for November 1999 in Hawaii. The workshop will be held on the Sunday (November 28) just prior to the Society of Marine Mammology conference in Maui. The workshop will focus on GIS uses and techniques and remotely sensed imagery in marine mammal research within the context of exploring relationships between marine mammal distribution and behavior and physical and biological ecosystem parameters. We envision the discussion to encompass what tools and techniques are being used and what can be done in the future. We would like people who have had experience working with these technologies to present their research. It is our intention also to provide as broad a representation of marine mammal taxa as possible in these presentations. The workshop format will consist of presentations of major case studies and posters. Case studies will describe long-term successful research programs that integrate all of the issues listed below. Posters should address current projects, and address one or more of the following issues: integration of data sources (GIS, remote sensing, GPS) survey design research design metadata/data quality analysis/visualization Please submit an abstract (deadline July 1) describing your presentation to the address below. Attachments and faxes will be accepted as well. Thanks, Ellen Ellen Hines Whale Research Lab Dept.of Geography University of Victoria PO Box 3025 Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3P5 (250)472-4746 Fax: (250)721-6216 ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 07:34:20 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: recent publication - cetaceans and remoras Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase readers, The following paper is available upon request: Fertl, D. and A.M. Landry, Jr. 1999. Sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) on a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and a review of other cetacean-remora associations. Marine Mammal Science 15(3): 859-863. The paper talks about one of the first records of sharksucker (a species of remora) on a cetacean, as well as reviews what is known about cetacean-remora associations by providing a list of cetacean hosts for remoras. It has typically been assumed that any remora seen attached to a whale or dolphin is the species - whalesucker. The authors discuss the need for caution when making this assumption, since remoras typically cannot be identified to species without actually having them in hand to key them out. Please direct inquiries to the address below: Dagmar Fertl Minerals Management Service 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd New Orleans, LA 70123 I'll be happy to put reprints in the mail as soon as they have arrived from the publisher. Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 17:41:16 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Press Release - Study on American perceptions on marine mammals (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Press release issued June 21, 1999: STUDY REVEALS AMERICAN PERCEPTIONS OF MARINE MAMMALS Most Americans Favor Preservation Over Commercial Exploitation WASHINGTON - The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today released findings of a nationwide study representing the first comprehensive overview of how Americans view marine mammals. Overall, the study, conducted by Stephen R. Kellert of Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, indicates that Americans: oppose commercial whaling; support the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing interests; have serious concerns about captive display of marine mammals in zoos and aquariums; support the limitation of various economic activities in the ocean that harm marine mammals; and support the various goals of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act as well as the scientific and policy oversight responsibilities of the Marine Mammal Commission. The Kellert Study surveyed 1,000 residents throughout the United States based on: age; education; place of residence; gender; knowledge of marine mammals; visits to zoos or aquariums; and membership in an environmental organization, among other things. The study holds a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percent. "This study confirms what we at The Humane Society of the United States have long known: Americans are concerned about marine wildlife and want to ensure its preservation," said Dr. John Grandy, senior vice president of wildlife protection at The HSUS. "These findings clearly indicate that marine mammals possess considerable support among the majority of Americans today." Specific conclusions from the report include: Commercial Whaling Widespread opposition is expressed among most Americans (70%) toward commercial whaling under any circumstance. Alaskan residents, the elderly, those less educated, those who know less about marine mammal issues, those who fish and those without memberships to environmental organizations are generally less opposed to killing whales. Seventy percent of Americans morally object to killing whales and do not favor harvesting whales because of their presumed intelligence. Protection of Marine Mammals Over Commercial Fishing Interests Ninety percent of Americans support protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing interests, even if it results in higher consumer prices. Alaskan residents, the elderly, those less educated, those who know less about marine mammal issues and those who fish are slightly less supportive of marine mammal protection The most preferred strategies for mitigating conflicts between marine mammals and commercial fishing are non-lethal as opposed to lethal means, including relocation of marine mammals and/or commercial fishing operations. Captive Display of Marine Mammals in Zoos or Aquariums Ninety percent of Americans object to captive display of marine mammals in zoos and aquariums unless the animals are well cared for, and demonstrate results in education and scientific benefits. Nearly 90 percent support government restrictions on exporting marine mammals to countries with captive facilities that do not meet American educational and/or treatment standards. More than 80 percent object to interfering with the behavior of whales for whale watching. Nearly 75 percent endorse whale watchers paying a small fee to help pay the costs of whale conservation and management. Economic Ocean Activities Harmful to Marine Mammals Americans support limiting various economic development activities in the ocean that harm marine mammals, including commercial shipping (75%), disposing wastes (80%), chemical pollution (80%), and oil/gas extraction and transport (80%). Alaskans generally object less than non-Alaskans to oil/gas development, although a majority of Alaskans oppose this activity if it injures or kills marine mammals. Government Programs and International Relations Most Americans (90%) strongly support various goals of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as maintaining the scientific and policy oversight responsibilities of the Marine Mammal Commission, a non-partisan advisory body established under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Eighty percent strongly support imposing trade penalties or denying access to resources in American waters of nations that violate American or international marine mammal protection laws and agreements. Most Americans (70%) favor restricting various activities within marine sanctuaries to protect marine mammals and other marine life. The Kellert Study indicates that marine mammals, especially whales, and to a somewhat lesser extent seals and sea lions, enjoy public interest and concern for their welfare and conservation. Most Americans consistently indicate a desire to modify or alter human activities in the marine environment to protect marine mammals, even if it necessitates sacrifice on society's part. The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than seven million members and constituents. For more information on marine wildlife, visit us on the Internet at hsus.org. Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Scientist The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 ph: 301/258-3048 fax: 301/258-3080 email: nrose(\)hsus.org http://www.hsus.org Subject: Volunteers needed for field research boundary="------------16537061A3BB19360A5D2924" --------------16537061A3BB19360A5D2924 Volunteers needed for field research Field research concerning aspects of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) biology, ecology and population dynamics in Greece, is conducted annually by the Hellenic Cetacean Research and Conservation Society DELPHIS a non-profit organization, located in Greece, since 1993. During the last three years 12,000 km of coastal waters have been covered on East Mediterranean for monitoring cetaceans' populations. This year DELPHIS is planning to gather information on cetaceans populations by using photo-identification and acoustic methods. The research marathon of covering 8,000 km through Aegean, Cretan and Ionion Seas up to Cyprus begins on June 30th and will end on the 20th of October with two vessels running at different areas on weekly based routes. We are currently looking for volunteers to join the 1999 field research team. If you meet the following conditions, and would like to receive further information and an application form, please contact us through the address below: * Volunteers are expected to collaborate with researchers and live on board for a period of 7 days between 30th of June 1999 and 20th October 1999. * Volunteers are stressed to have relative scientific experience * Volunteers should communicate and write well in English language. * Volunteers need to be reasonably physically fit. * Volunteers are expected to participate in all areas of work, including day field data acquisition and processing, public relations and conservation. * Volunteers are expected to cover their participation and travelling fees since DELPHIS projects are partially financed mainly through donors and its members. It should be noted that places on the field research are limited, so you are urged to hurry with your application. This is an excellent opportunity to gain first hand experience working with endangered or threatened species so do not be discouraged about applying even if you think that you cannot meet the above criteria. DELPHIS Application Request, c/o AIMILIA DROUGAS Cetacean Research Project Coordinator 75-79 Pylis Street 185 33 PIRAEUS, GREECE Tel.: (+301) 4223305 Fax: (+301) 4223306 or 4113140 E-mail: delphis(\)hol.gr --------------16537061A3BB19360A5D2924 Volunteers needed for field research

Field research concerning aspects of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) biology, ecology and population dynamics in Greece, is conducted annually by the Hellenic Cetacean Research and Conservation Society DELPHIS a non-profit organization, located in Greece, since 1993. During the last three years 12,000 km of coastal waters have been covered on East Mediterranean for monitoring cetaceans' populations. This year DELPHIS is planning to gather information on cetaceans populations by using photo-identification and acoustic methods. The research marathon of covering 8,000 km through Aegean, Cretan and Ionion Seas up to Cyprus begins on June 30th and will end on the 20th of October with two vessels running at different areas on weekly based routes. We are currently looking for volunteers to join the 1999 field research team. If you meet the following conditions, and would like to receive further information and an application form, please contact us through the address below:
 

  • Volunteers are expected to collaborate with researchers and live on board for a period of 7 days between 30th of June 1999 and 20th October 1999.
  • Volunteers are stressed to have relative scientific experience
  • Volunteers should  communicate and write well in English language.
  • Volunteers need to be reasonably physically fit.
  • Volunteers are expected to participate in all areas of work, including day field data acquisition and processing, public relations and conservation.
  • Volunteers are expected to cover their participation and travelling  fees since DELPHIS projects are partially financed mainly through donors and its members.
It should be noted that places on the field research are limited, so you are urged to hurry with your application. This is an excellent opportunity to gain first hand experience working with endangered or threatened species so do not be discouraged about applying  even if you think that you cannot meet the above criteria.
 

DELPHIS Application Request,
c/o AIMILIA  DROUGAS
Cetacean Research Project Coordinator
75-79 Pylis Street
185 33 PIRAEUS, GREECE
Tel.: (+301) 4223305
Fax: (+301) 4223306  or  4113140
E-mail: delphis(\)hol.gr
  --------------16537061A3BB19360A5D2924-- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 16:44:37 +0100 From: "J.C.Goold" Subject: JMBA Abstract Dear All, The following paper appeared in the June volume of JMBA. I expect to have some reprints shortly. Best regards John Goold ---------- Goold J.C. (1999). Behavioural and acoustic observations of sperm whales in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 79(3), 541-550 Abstract Six juvenile sperm whales were observed visually and acoustically in the confined waters of Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands during March 1993. General visual behaviours observed included slow travelling, head-outs, logging and side fluking but there were no observations of tail fluking within the confines of Scapa Flow. Recordings of the whales' vocalizations through hydrophones revealed a remarkably wide repertoire including clicks, rapid clicks, gunshots, chirrups, creaks, short trumpets, pips, squeals and clangs. Selected examples of these sounds were digitized and analysed as spectrograms. Clicks, rapid clicks, gunshots and clangs all showed a characteristic impulsive broadband signature. Chirrups, short trumpets and creaks were composed of rapid sequences of broadband impulses, although creaks were invariably faint and were difficult to illustrate well. Chirrups, short trumpets and clangs showed strong spectral peaks and pips were particularly unusual sounds with impulsive narrowband signatures composed of harmonically spaced peaks. Squeals exhibited prolonged, narrowband swept frequency signatures often with slight oscillation. All types of vocalization with the exception of clangs were heard from sperm whales during pure observation, minimum disturbance encounters in the field. Two attempts were made to remove the whales from Scapa Flow, the first being an enticement operation to lure the whales to open water with the use of underwater playback of sounds of socializing female sperm whales and the second a shepherding operation to drive the whales with a flotilla of vessels. The enticement operation was unsuccessful but the shepherding operation was successful, although the whales showed considerable reluctance to navigate a narrow channel to the open sea. During the shepherding operation there was a distinct change in the nature of the whales vocalizations, with clangs predominating over other forms. ----------------- Dr. John C. Goold Development & Academic Manager Institute of Environmental Science University of Wales, Bangor Robinson Building Deiniol Road Bangor Gwynedd. LL57 2UW. UK. Tel. +44 (0)1248 388165 Fax. +44 (0)1248 383646 Email. j.c.goold(\)bangor.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 14:05:56 +0100 From: Simon Berrow Subject: Abstracts: NE Atlantic bycatch and pollution - recent publications Recent publications on bycatch and pollution studies of marine mammals in the NE Atlantic. Morizur,Y., Berrow, S.D., Tregenza, N.J.C., Couperus, A.S., & Pouvreau, S. (1999) Incidental catches of marine mammals in pelagic trawl fisheries of the Northeast Atlantic. Fisheries Research 41, 297-307. Marine mammal by-catch in eleven pelagic trawl fisheries operated by four different countries in the Northeast Atlantic were studied. Observers accompanied commercial fishing vessels and monitored 374 tows totalling 1771 hours of towing during 377 days fishing. Three species of marine mammal were definitely by-caught (white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, common dolphin Delphinus delphis and grey seal Halichoerus grypus) and probably also a bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Dolphins were caught in four of the eleven fisheries and seals in one. In those fisheries with cetacean by-catch, rates varied from 0.0606 to 0.1000 per tow and 0.0107 to 0.0137 per hour of towing and were highest in the French sea bass fishery and lowest in the French tuna fishery. Grey seals were caught in the Irish Celtic Sea herring fishery at a rate of 0.0513 per tow or 0.0396 per hour of towing. The mean q SD dolphin catch rate for all fisheries combined was 0.048q0.013 per tow (1 dolphin per 20.7 tows), or 0.0185q0.0019 per hour of towing (1 dolphin per 98 hours of towing) and, for all marine mammals, 0.059q0.019 (1 per 17.0 tows) or 0.0124q0.0121 (1 per 80.6 hours of towing). 95% confidence intervals, calculated on untransformed data, for all fisheries combined were 0.4-1.6 dolphins per 100 hours of towing. No operational factors were correlated with by-catch rates but the haul-back procedure was identified as a potentially important factor. All dolphin by-catches occurred during the night which may be a due to an association between cetaceans and trawlers at night. White-sided dolphins and grey seals were observed feeding around the net during towing and this behaviour is suggested as making them more vulnerable to capture. Operational difficulties in observing by-catch and potentially significant annual fluctuations in catch rates warrant further observer studies of these and other trawl fisheries. Berrow, S.D. & Rogan, E. (1998) Incidental capture of cetaceans in Irish waters. Irish Naturalists' Journal 26 (1/2), 22-31. No abstract Berrow, S.D., Long, S.C., McGarry, A.J., Pollard, D., Rogan, E. & Lockyer, C. (1998) Radionuclides (Cs-137 and K-40) in Harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena L. from British and Irish waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin 36(8), 569-576. Mean concentrations of 137Cs and 40K in harbour porpoises are presented. Concentrations of 137C in porpoises originating from the Irish Sea were elevated relative to those from the Celtic Sea, Atlantic seaboard and the North Sea. Concentrations of 40K 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 137Cs and 40K was dominated by the internal component. As most of the total dose was attributable to the naturally occurring 40K it is unlikely that the increased dose due to the anthropogenic input of radionuclides has a detrimental effect on health of the Irish Sea porpoise. Elevated concentrations of 137Cs in porpoises from the Irish ea suggest they may be resident in the area. Berrow, S.D., O'Neill, M. & Brogan, D. (1998) Discarding practices and marine mammal bycatch and in the Celtic Sea Herring Fishery. Biology and Environment. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (1)1-8. Pelagic fisheries account for 83% of the total number of fish landed into Irish ports, with mackerel Scomber scrombrus , horse-mackerel Trachurus trachurus and herring Clupea harengus constituting 97% of this. Despite the importance of pelagic fish species there is little published information on discarding practices for most Irish trawl fisheries and no study of marine mammal bycatch. Fisheries scientists accompanied commercial trawlers fishing herring in the Celtic Sea during the 1995/95 season. During the study 85 days were spent at sea, with 78 tows monitored, accounting for 101 hr of fishing effort, which was 75 of the total effort in the fishery. Most fishing was carried out in ICES divisions VIIg01, VIIg02 and VIIa20, and most fish caught in VIIg01 and VIIa20. The fishery was very selective, with 99.5% of the total weight of the catch being the target species. Mean size (qSE) of herring caught was extremely consistent, ranging from 24.8q2.7 cm in October to 26.0q2.0 cm in January. Overall, 1270 tonnes offish were observed being caught, of which 1214 tonnes were landed and 57 tonnes discarded (4.7%). Whiting Merlangius merlangus was the most frequently recorded non-target fish species; mackerel and horse-mackerel were also frequently caught. Four grey seal Halichoeus grypus were caught during the study at a rate of one seal per 317.5 tonnes of fish or 0.05c seals per tow. This catch rate extrapolates to around 60 seals caught in the fishery, which is not enough to have a significant impact on the Irish seal population. Dr Simon Berrow, Marine Life Sciences Division, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OET, UK Tel: 01223 221611 Fax: 01223 221259 E-mail: sdbe(\)pcmail.nerc-bas.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 15:54:47 -0400 Reply-To: shooker(\)is2.dal.ca From: Sascha Hooker Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Abstract: MPA design and cetacean distribution Hooker, S.K., H. Whitehead and S. Gowans. 1999. Marine protected area design and the spatial and temporal distribution of cetaceans in a submarine canyon. Conservation Biology 13: 592-602. ABSTRACT The Gully, the largest submarine canyon off the coast of eastern Canada, is currently under consideration as a marine conservation area, primarily because of the increasing interest in oil and gas production on the Scotian Shelf. Cetaceans, as a guild of abundant, large organisms that are relatively sensitive to such threats, provide a reliable means to determine the boundaries for a conservation area in this region. We compared the abundance of cetaceans between the Gully and other parts of the Scotian Shelf and Slope and found that abundance was higher in the Gully. We also assessed cetacean distribution and relative abundance within the Gully relative to search effort for several spatial and temporal parameters: depth, slope, sea surface temperature and month. Distribution within the Gully was most strongly correlated with depth, but was also significantly correlated with sea surface temperature and month. Five of the 11 cetacean species commonly found in the Gully, and all those for which the Gully formed significant habitat on the Scotian Shelf, were concentrated in the deep (200 - 2000 m) mouth of the canyon. We suggest that a year-round marine protected area is necessary for the Gully. A core protection zone should be defined in the Gully based on depth and bounded by the 200-m isobath. A buffer zone around the core zone should be defined to provide protection from activities with further-reaching effects, such as noise, dredging, and chemical pollution. This abstract, together with several links relating to a marine protected area in the Gully, is available on the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/sh/mpa.htm For reprints (which should be available soon), please contact: Sascha Hooker ======================================================================= 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 ======================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 14:25:01 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {California Sea Otter Census. On June 23, 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey released the results of a spring 1999 census of California sea otters by USGS, the CA Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Scientists reported counting 2,090 sea otters, continuing to record a multi-year decline in this threatened population.} [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press] {Public Perceptions of Marine Mammals. On June 21, 1999, the Humane Society of the United States release the results of a nationwide survey of how Americans view marine mammals. Selected conclusions include 1) about 70% oppose commercial whaling under any circumstance, 90% support the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing, 90% object to captive display of marine mammals unless the animals are well cared for and demonstrate results in education and scientific benefits, almost 90% support government restrictions on exporting marine mammals to countries whose standards are less than those of the United States, more than 80% object to interfering with whale behavior for whale watching, and nearly 75% endorse whale watchers paying a small fee to offset costs of whale conservation and management.} [HSUS press release] {Macquarie Island Seal Protection Park. On June 21, 1999, Australia's Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Robert Hill announced imminent government action to create a 16-million hectare marine park in the vicinity of Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean. The new park will protect four types of seals breeding on Macquarie Island, and will designate 5.8 million hectares as a highly protected zone in which all fishing will be prohibited.} [Environment News Service] {ATOC Extension. On June 15, 1999, the Office of Naval Research published notice in the Federal Register that it intends to prepare an environmental impact statement for continued operation of undersea sound sources off Kauai, Hawaii, to measure ocean temperature changes. Public meetings are scheduled for late June and early July at several HI locations. Five-year permit extensions for the project are to be sought.} [Fed. Register] Norwegian Whaling. On June 12, 1999, a British Greenpeace volunteer received a broken arm and possible other injuries and two other volunteers were arrested and fined after a collision occurred between a Greenpeace inflatable dinghy and a Norwegian coast guard vessel as Greenpeace acted to impede a Norwegian whaling vessel from killing minke whales. As of June 15, 1999, Norwegian whalers had killed 294 minke whales of their 753-whale quota. Poor weather is blamed for the slower hunt this year. [Reuters, Assoc Press] Steller Sea Lions. On June 13, 1999, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council approved additional measures to protect endangered Steller sea lions, including recommending lower pollock quotas during the winter roe season. However, the Council declined NMFS advice and chose not to close the pollock fishery in nearshore areas close to several sea lion haulout sites. [Anchorage Daily News] MMPA Hearings. On June 10, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 1934, proposing to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to establish a Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. [personal communication] Activists Fined for Dolphin Release. On June 8, 1999, two activists were found guilty of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act in May 1996 by recklessly releasing 2 captive dolphins off the FL coast that were not prepared to survive in the wild. The activists were ordered to pay civil penalties totaling almost $60,000. [NOAA press release, Reuters] NJ Dolphin Safe Zone. On June 8, 1999, the Wildwood Crest (NJ) Environmental Commission enacted a "dolphin-safe zone" extending 200 feet from the water's edge, where gillnet fishing and boat/personal watercraft speeding is prohibited when dolphins are present. [Assoc Press, Philadelphia Inquirer] Canadian Sealing. On June 8, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Fisheries Committee issued a 35-page report with 15 recommendations, noting that Atlantic coast harp seal population has tripled in the last 15 years. The Committee recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans conduct experimental harvests and establish seal-exclusion zones in northeastern Newfoundland and the southern and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. In addition, the Committee recommended convening a panel of eminent persons to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge on seal and cod interactions and develop a long-term management strategy. The report also urges the Canadian federal government to work toward eradicating trade barriers to seal products in the United States. [Canadian Press] Lake Baikal Seal Mortalities. In early June 1999, Russian media reported 78 deaths of freshwater seals (nerpa) in Lake Baikal. No cause of death has been identified. [Environment News Service] Polar Bear Exhibit. On June 2, 1999, the Detroit Zoo broke ground for a new $13 million, nearly 4-acre, polar bear exhibit, that will eventually house as many as 10 animals. [Detroit Free Press] Gray Whale Mortalities. As of early June 1999, at least 65 dead gray whales have been reported dead along the Mexican coast so far this year, with possibly as many as 32 in CA, 7 in BC, and possibly as many as 18 in WA. In addition the number of whale calves migrating north this spring is the lowest ever recorded. Some scientists speculate that the poor nutritional (emaciated) condition of these dead whales indicates that the population may exceed the food available in the Bering Sea causing the whales to starve. Others consider the mortality natural. [Assoc Press, Seattle Times, Canadian Press, Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee] Northern Right Whales. On June 1, 1999, NMFS announced the availability of revised whale watch guidelines for vessel operations off New England. These guidelines provide vessel speed recommendations, decrease the number of vessels that should be near whales, and recommend using lookouts near known whale aggregation areas. {{On June 25, 1999, the Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Boston hosted a public presentation on the Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) system to reduce the threat of shipping to northern right whales. The MSR system will be implemented on July 1, 1999, through a mandatory call-in system that alerts vessel captains to nearby whale movements and gives collision avoidance procedures. This system will operate year-round for two areas off New England and from Nov. 15 through Apr. 15 for a calving area near the GA/FL border.}} [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Fed. Register, personal communication, NOAA press release] International Whaling Commission. The annual IWC meeting began on May 24-28, 1999, in Grenada. On May 24, 1999, the IWC voted 22-9 (3 abstentions) to reject a Japanese motion that Greenpeace be banned as observers at the IWC meeting. In addition, a Japanese request that indigenous peoples in northern Japan be allowed to kill 50 minke whales annually was defeated by a vote of 12-15 (7 abstentions). On May 25, 1999, the IWC approved a resolution on humane whaling practices, asking whaling nations to provide detailed data on how whales are killed and the effectiveness of different techniques. On May 26, 1999, the IWC voted 21-10 (3 abstentions) to adopt a resolution calling on the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to not act on an anticipated Japanese request to downlist minke and Bryde's whales in CITES Appendices of protected species, allowing international trade in whale products from these species to resume. On May 27, 1999, during consideration of a resolution requesting Japan to furnish the IWC with data on Dall's porpoises and reduce its kill of this species, delegates of 8 nations left the meeting in protest, claiming that the IWC lacks competence for managing dolphins and porpoises. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 18-6 with 2 abstentions. On May 28, 1999, delegates approved, by consensus, the renewal of an annual quota of 2 humpback whales for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. [High North Alliance News, 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: Fw: pinniped environmental enrichment boundary="----=_NextPart_000_00AF_01BEBF23.DB877200" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_00AF_01BEBF23.DB877200 charset="iso-8859-1" =20 I work at a facility treating and rehabilitating back into the wild = approximately 100 harbour and grey seals each year. These seals spend = several months in the facility before they are of an adequate size and = weight for release. We are interested in increasing the level of = environmental enrichment, and have come up with very little information = on searches of the existing literature. I would be grateful if anyone = has either any references regarding EE in pinniped species, or has any = non published anecdotal information. The seals are rehabilitated back = into the wild once they are of suitable size, so we would aim not to use = items that would encourage them to interact with humans post release, = and any strategies encouraging their natural hunting and feeding = behaviour would be a further benefit. =20 thank you, =20 Richard Saunders RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital=20 rich(\)rasaunders.freeserve.co.uk =20 ------=_NextPart_000_00AF_01BEBF23.DB877200 charset="iso-8859-1"

 

 
I work at a facility treating and = rehabilitating=20 back into the wild approximately 100 harbour and grey seals each year. = These=20 seals spend several months in the facility before they are of an = adequate size=20 and weight for release. We are interested in increasing the level of=20 environmental enrichment, and have come up with very little information = on=20 searches of the existing literature. I would be grateful if anyone has = either=20 any references regarding EE in pinniped species, or has any  non = published=20 anecdotal information. The seals are rehabilitated back into the wild = once they=20 are of suitable size, so we would aim not to use items that would = encourage them=20 to interact with humans post release, and any strategies encouraging = their=20 natural hunting and feeding behaviour would be a further = benefit.
 
    thank = you,
 
Richard Saunders
RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife=20 Hospital 
rich(\)rasaunders.freeserve= .co.uk
 
------=_NextPart_000_00AF_01BEBF23.DB877200-- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 13:24:02 EDT From: DolphRider(\)aol.com Subject: Supervisor/Senior trainer position Marine Animal Productions has an opening for a Senior trainer/Supervisor. The indivdual selected will be responsible for running our facility at the Oklahoma City zoo. Said individual must have at least 4 years training experience with sealions and dolphins. Responsibilities include, all training of Husbandry, show and research behaviors, training assistants, some show production, good knowledge of water quality, dealing with park management and research. All interested applicants please respond to Timothy at 228-539-2902/ fax to Timothy at 228-863-3673 or email to Dolphrider(\)aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 26 Jun 1999 20:10:39 -0400 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy Newsletter The latest issue of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Newsletter (volume 7, number 2) is not available on the SMM web page: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ Contents: Report on the 3-15 May Meeting of the Scientific Committee of the IWC. Marine Mammal Research, Conservation and Education in West Africa Elimination of Porpoise Incidental Catches Priority List for Marine Mammal Conservation Recent Topics on Marine Mammal Science at the Meeting of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science Activists Fined $59,500 In Sugarloaf Dolphin Release Native Hawaiians Delay Use of Fishing Permits to Save Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals Membership Directory Changes Regional Student Chapters Maui Conference Update Publications ---------------------------- Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 27 Jun 1999 22:30:19 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ATOC Public Information and EIS Meeting (fwd) Forwarded message: The Office of Naval Research and Scripps Institute of Oceanography invite you to "ATOC Public Information and EIS Scoping Meetings." The office of Naval Research has announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to continue operation of the sound source installed by the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC) Project north of Kauai. The meetings will include presentations by the ATOC scientists on marine mammal and climate research results, information on future plans and an opportunity for public comment and discussion. Presentations by: Dr. Adam Frankel, Chief scientist of the Hawaii Marine Mammal Research Program, Dr. Joseph Mobley, University of Hawaii, Dr. Walter Monk, Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Dr. Peter Worcester, ATOC Principle Investigator and Research Oceanographer. Dates/Places/Times: Tuesday, June 29, 1999 / 7:00 to 9:00PM / Wai'oli Hui'ia Church Mission Hall / 5-5363 Kuhio Highway Hanalei, Kauai Wednesday, June 30, 1999 / 7:00 to 9:30 PM / Kauai Community College Dining Room / 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway Lihue, Kauai Thursday, July 1, 1999 / 7:00 to 9:30 PM / Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, East - West Center, 2nd floor, Pacific Room 1777 East - West Road Honolulu, Hawaii On July 1, 1999 the same group of scientists, but including Dr. Jim Mercer, Applied Physics Lab University of Washington will make a presntation titled "ATOC Project in Hawaii: Past, Present and Future" This presentation is "Co-sponsored by The University oif Hawaii Sea Grant Program, University of Hawaii Water Resource Research Center and Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego" Place/Time: Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, East - West Center, 2nd Floor, Pacific Room 1777 East - West Road Honolulu, Hawaii Contact Susie Pike with questions (858-534-8031) (email spike(\)ucsd. edu) Subject: Book announcement: Biscay cetaceans and seabirds (fwd) From: Andy Williams Apologies to you all for cross postings. Safari in the Bay of Biscay is a guide to the identification of whales dolphins and some birds seen during years of surveying by the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme. It is a descriptive account of the area and 17 of the 20 species recorded so far. (it was written before the other 3 species were recorded). It is 40 pages with 32 colour plates. It can be obtained from the publishers TSG publishing PO Box 8, Romford Essex, RM4 1UY England. Or direct from the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme for =A35.99+p&p. A proportion of the money funds BDRP. Andy Williams Biscay Dolphin Research Programme 6 Manor Way Lee on the Solent Hampshire PO13 9JH England Tel/fax +44 (0)1705 552631 e-mail Andy.Williams(\)Biscay-Dolphin.org.uk Visit us at www.Biscay-dolphin.org.uk Department of Mathematics and Environmental Science University of East London Romford Road, London England=20 From: Jennifer Philips Heck Subject: 13th Biennial Conference Student Travel Grant DEADLINE Attention Students planning to attend the 13th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Maui: This is a final notification of the availability of the Student Travel Grant, available to students presenting their own research at the Maui conference. Application deadline for the grant is JULY 1, 1999 - all applications must be POSTMARKED by this date. Please visit the Conference Travel Grant website (http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/students/bjensen/SMMtravel.html) for all necessary information. To apply for the Student Travel Grant for travel to the 13th Biennial Conference in Maui, access and print the form (Adobe Acrobat PDF format) from the link on the website. Then send the completed application postmarked NO LATER THAN 1 JULY, 1999 to: SMM Student Travel Grants c/o Brenda Jensen 5157 Iroquois Avenue Ewa Beach, HI 96706 If you encounter problems while accessing this form, please contact Jennifer Philips at jphilips(\)hawaii.edu or Brenda Jensen at bjensen(\)whoi .edu Notification of travel awards will be made via hard-copy mail and e-mail by August 15, 1999. Thank you, Jen Philips Heck and Brenda Jensen ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 12:37:18 +0200 From: Daniel Pike Subject: International Symposium on Harbour Porpoises in the North Atlantic ------ NORTH ATLANTIC MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION International Symposium on Harbour Porpoises in the North Atlantic 10 - 14 September 1999 - On board the Norwegian Coastal Vessel from Berg= en to Troms=F8 The Symposium is intended to provide a forum for the presentation of results of recent research on harbour porpoises, involving experts workin= g on this species throughout its North Atlantic range. The origin of the Symposium is the NAMMCO Council's request to the Scientific Committee for= a comprehensive assessment of the harbour porpoise in the North Atlantic.=20 The venue for the Symposium is on board the Norwegian coastal vessel, or "Hurtigruten", as it cruises from Bergen to Troms=F8 through some of the = most beautiful scenery in the world. There is also some chance that the subjects of the Symposium, as well as other whale species, may be seen enroute. Preparations for the Symposium are at an advanced stage, and a total of 2= 8 papers have been accepted for presentation. Themes for the Symposium include Distribution and Stock Identity, Biological Parameters, Pollutant= s, Ecology and Abundance, Removals and Sustainability of Removals. The Symposium will end with summaries and discussions of each theme, and a final general discussion. A full program for the Symposium is available = on the NAMMCO web site, at www.nammco.no, in the "Meetings and Conferences" section. While the deadline for submitting presentations has passed, there is stil= l room for additional people to attend the Symposium. The cost for attendin= g the Symposium will be 3680.00 Norwegian Kroner per person, which include= s room and all meals. Attendees will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodation to Bergen and from Troms=F8. The paymen= t deadline for those wishing to attend is August 1, 1999. Please contact m= e if you are interested or require further information. Sincerely, Daniel Pike Scientific Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, University of Troms=F8 9037 Troms=F8, Norway. Tel: +47 77 64 59 08 Fax: +47 77 64 59 05 Dan.Pike(\)nammco.no See us on the Web at www.nammco.no ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 05:35:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: ATOC MMRP results (fwd) Forwarded message: From: lweilgar(\)IS.Dal.Ca As the ATOC project (Hawaii portion) personnel appear to want to continue its broadcasts of loud low-frequency sounds over the Pacific ocean basin, beyond the originally intended two years, we felt the following information to be relevant: "Both humpback and sperm whales were generally seen farther from the sound source during experimental [ATOC sound source on] versus control [ATOC source off] surveys (p<0.05)." This is a quote from: Calambokidis, J., Chandler, T.E., Costa, D.P., Clark, C.W., and H. Whitehead. Effects of the ATOC sound source on the distribution of marine mammals observed from aerial surveys off central California. In: Abstracts of the World Marine Mammal Science Conference, 20-24 January 1998, Monaco, p. 22. Despite these results, we continue to read on the ATOC web page the following: "The sperm whale distribution data from the first year of California aerial surveys did reveal an interesting trend. The average distance of all groups for experimental surveys was greater than the distance during control surveys...An acoustic explanation of the first year's results, based on a fairly simple analysis of mean distances per survey, is not obvious. It does not have a strong causal linkage to acoustics since the expected received levels...for the average experimental distance of 14 + 4 km are nearly identical to the levels that would occur at the average control distance of 11 + 5km." From: (Marine Mammal Research Program: results from over a year of acoustic transmissions, May 14, 1997, Adam S. Frankel and Chris Clark, http://atoc.ucsd.edu). And: "Experiments conducted to date have found the sound transmissions to be biologically innocuous, said Christopher Clark of Cornell University's Bioacoustic Research Program. For the past year and a half, researchers have been conducting aerial surveys off the coast of San Francisco to discern whether blue, humpback, or sperm whales avoid the Pioneer Seamount-where the ATOC source is located-during periods when transmissions occur. Only a slight difference in the distributions of sperm and humpback whales has been observed, and it does not appear to be directly related to the sound level, Clark said." From: (Howard, Janet. 1998 (Fall). Listening to the ocean's temperature. Explorations 5(2), 7 pp.). We would like to finally lay this misleading interpretation to rest. Even though the expected received sound levels to the whales for the average control and average experimental distances [from the sound source] are "nearly identical", this does not mean that the effect is insubstantial. What the ATOC researchers (Frankel and Clark) appear to fail to address is the simple geometry of a circle. The average will be dominated by levels relatively far from the sound source because, in a circle, the farther away from the center you go, the greater the area. As only a small difference in average distance would be expected with substantial biological effects, this argument is extremely misleading. For instance, if sperm whales were excluded from ranges up to ONE THIRD of the radius of the study area, average distance is increased by only 7%. With sperm whales excluded from ranges up to TWO THIRDS of the radius of the study area, average distance is increased by only 27%, WHICH IS ABOUT THAT FOUND IN THE ATOC STUDY. Again, to say that because the average received sound levels are similar between control and experimental groups and that therefore the effect is negligible is very misleading. These "slight differences" Clark and Frankel refer to, could represent (are consistent with) whales clearing out of two-thirds of the radius of the study area during ATOC transmissions. We have repeatedly pointed this out to the ATOC researchers and would have more confidence in this study if these (above) statements by the MMRP ATOC team were adequately clarified and the misleading statements removed. Of course, whether the avoidance by sperm whales and humpback whales of the ATOC noise is "biologically meaningful" is another question and one that is extremely difficult to tackle, especially over the short term. This is the main problem plaguing the continued efforts of marine mammal scientists attempting to study the effects of ATOC, LFA sonar, etc., and lays them open to criticism of whether these studies (which themselves add more noise to the environment) are really worthwhile. Sincerely, Lindy Weilgart (Research Associate) and Hal Whitehead (Professor) Dept. of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Subject: IWC Secretary - Position Available (fwd) From: Michael Tillman The International Whaling Commission is currently seeking applications for the post of Secretary which will fall vacant on the retirement of Dr. Ray Gambell in September 2000. The IWC is seeking a person with proven management and administrative abilities; having experience in the international arena and in dealing with scientific issues would be considered an advantage. Knowledge of or experience with whales is not a specific requirement. The post is graded at the D.1 level of the United Nations salary level and has other commensurate perquisites. The formal advertisement has been published in the weekly journals Nature and New Scientist. For further details see the IWC homepage (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice) or contact the IWC office directly (iwcoffice(\)compuserve.com). The closing date for applications is September 15, 1999. I would appreciate this notice receiving wide distribution. Many thanks for your for interest and assistance. michael.tillman(\)noaa.gov Subject: recent publications - MMS July 1999 (fwd) Gastrointestinal helminths of the dusky dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Gray, 1828), off Patagonia, in the southwestern Atlantic. Dans, SL; Reyes, LM; Pedraza, SN; Raga, JA; Crespo, EA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p649-660 Sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) on a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and a review of other cetacean-remora associations. Fertl, D;Landry, AM. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p859-863 Preliminary results of a photoidentification study of the marine tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis, in southern Brazil. Flores, PAC. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p840-847 Mother-infant spatial relations in captive bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Gubbins, C; McCowan, B; Lynn, SK; Hooper, S; Reiss, D. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p751-765 Responses by Hector's dolphins to boats and swimmers in Porpoise Bay, New Zealand. Bejder, L; Dawson, SM; Harraway, JA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p738-750 Has the age at transition of Southern Hemisphere minke whales declined over recent decades?. Thomson, RB; Butterworth, DS; Kato, H. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p661-682 Estimating body length of pygmy right whales (Caperea marginata) from measurements of the skeleton and baleen. Kemper, CM; Leppard, P. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p683-700 Genetic basis and evolutionary significance of ventral skin color markings in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Schaeff, CM; Hamilton, PK. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p701-711 Age-length relationships in humpback whales: A comparison of strandings in the western North Atlantic with commercial catches. Stevick, PT. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p725-737 Stomach contents of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) stranded on the coasts of the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego. Alonso, MK; Pedraza, SN; Schiavini, ACM; Goodall, RNP; Crespo, EA. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p712-724 Increase in extralimital occurrences of ice-breeding seals in the Northern Gulf of Maine region: More seals or fewer fish?. McAlpine, DF; Stevick, PT; Murison, LD. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p906-911 Observations of a Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) female and pup at San Miguel Island, California. Melin, SR; DeLong, RL. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p885-888 Premature pupping in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella). McCafferty, DJ. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p882-885 Observations of parturition in the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Layna, JE; Cedenilla, MA; Aparicio, F; Gonzalez, LM. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p879-882 Adrenal function in wild and rehabilitated Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) and in seals with phocine herpesvirus-associated adrenal necrosis. Gulland, FMD; Haulena, M; Lowenstine, LJ; Munro, C; Graham, PA; Bauman, J; Harvey, J. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p810-827 Body size, survival, and decline of juvenile Hawaiian monk seals, Monachus schauinslandi. Craig, MP; Ragen, TJ. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p786-809 Using trend indices for endangered species. Eberhardt, LL; Garrott, RA; Becker, BL. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. July 1999 v15 i3 p766-785 Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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 of Brucella infection in marine mammals in the North Atlantic Ocean. Tryland, M; Kleivane, L; Alfredsson, A; Kjeld, M; Arnason, A; Stuen, S; Godfroid, J. VETERINARY RECORD. May 22, 1999 v144 i21 p588-592 Dolphin hearing: Relative sensitivity as a function of point of application of a contact sound source in the jaw and head region. Mohl, B; Au,WWL; Pawloski, J; Nachtigall, PE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. June 1999 v105 i6 p3421-3424 Cutaneous papillomavirus infection in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the North Sea. Van Bressem, MF; Kastelein, RA; Flamant, P;Orth, G. VETERINARY RECORD. May 22, 1999 v144 i21 p592-593 The underwater audiogram of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Gerstein, ER; Gerstein, L; Forsythe, SE; Blue, JE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. June 1999 v105 i6 p3575-3583 Potential relation between mercury concentrations and necropsy findings in cetaceans from German waters of the North and Baltic Seas. Siebert, U; Joiris, C; Holsbeek, L; Benke, H; Failing, K; Frese, K; Petzinger, E. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. April 1999 v38 i4 p285-295 Angiomatosis, a newly recognized disease in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Mexico. Turnbull, BS; Cowan, DF.VETERINARY PATHOLOGY. January 1999 v36 i1 p28-34 Heavy metals, organochlorines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sperm whales stranded in the southern North Sea during the 1994/1995 winter. Holsbeek, L; Joiris, CR; Debacker, V; Ali, IB; Roose, P; Nellissen, JP; Gobert, S; Bouquegneau, JM; Bossicart, M. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. April 1999 v38 i4 p304-313 Rate of passage of digesta through the alimentary tract of the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) and the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) (Carnivora : Otariidae) Bodley, KB; Mercer, JR; Bryden, MM AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, May-June 1999 v47 i2 p193-198 Global transport of anthropogenic contaminants and the consequences for the Arctic marine ecosystem. Bard, SM. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. May 1999 v38 i5 p356-379 From: Susan Berta Subject: Gray Whale Skeleton Project *NOTE: The Marmam Archives for the past 18 months were searched, & no postings on this topic were found I Coordinate a Volunteer Environmental Ed. program in Puget Sound, & am seeking information & resources for a project we are currently undertaking. Thanks to the efforts of NAS Whidbey Wildlife Biologist Matt Klope, & the NMFS, & MANY hours of volunteer work, our organization was able to take possession (long-term lease) of the skeleton of a 32' gray whale that beached on Whidbey Island last December. The bones are now clean & ready for sealing & re-assembly for an interpretive display. We are seeking additional funding sources for this project, as well as resources & information that might be helpful to us in the reassembling process. If anyone has experience with this type of project, or can refer us to possible resources, please contact me. Many thanks! Susan Berta, Island County/WSU Beach Watchers susanb(\)whidbey.net ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Jul 1999 10:36:46 -0400 From: "Jason F. Schreer" Subject: Abstract: Classification of dive profiles ------ A paper that might be of interest, but in an obscure journal and slightly dated. Schreer, J.F., O'Hara Hines, R.J., and Kovacs, K.M. 1998. Classification = of dive profiles: a=20 comparison of statistical clustering techniques and unsupervised artificial neural=20 networks. The Journal of Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental=20 Statistics. 3(4): 383-404. ABSTRACT. Recent advances in technology for sampling diving behavior hav= e enabled enormous data sets to be collected on a variety of diving animals. Methods used to analyze these data vary considerably across studies, complicating interspecific comparisons. The primary problem is that methods for analyzing large data sets of dive profiles have not been clearly defined. This study examines various algorithms for analyzing multivariate observations and assesses their suitability for classifying diving data. These include k-means and fuzzy c-means clustering techniqu= es from the field of statistics, and Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) and fuzzy adaptive resonance theory (ART) from the field of artificial neural networks. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed on artificially generat= ed data, with known solutions, to test clustering performance under various conditions (i.e. well defined or overlapping groups, varying numbers of variables, varying numbers of groups, and auto-correlated or independent variables). Performance was also tested on real data sets from Ad=E9lie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina)= , and Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii). K-means, fuzzy c-means, and SOM all performed equally well on the artificially generated data while fuzzy ART had misclassification rates that were twice as high. All techniques showed decreasing performance with increasing overlap among groups and increasing numbers of groups, but increasing performance with increasing numbers of variables. Fuzzy ART was the most sensitive to the varying simulation parameters. When clustering real data, both c-means a= nd SOM classified observations into clusters that were closer together (relative to k-means) and hence had less distinct boundaries separating t= he clusters. K-means performed as well as c-means and SOM, but its classification of real data was more logical when compared to the actual dive profiles. K-means is also the most readily available technique on statistical software packages. Considering all of these factors, k-means appears to be the best method among those examined for grouping dive prof= iles. Reprint requests to Jason Schreer =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 Jason F. Schreer, Ph.D. Voice: 519-888-4567 ext. 6530 = =20 Department of Biology Fax: 519-746-0614=20 University of Waterloo jfschree(\)sciborg.uwaterloo.ca = =20 Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1 http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/research_groups/wbi/pages/jason.html =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=3DXOQ=20 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jul 1999 14:22:31 -0700 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Acoustic Pollution? On June 28, 1999, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report "Sounding the Depths" [http://www.nrdc.org] on noise in the marine environment, and how this noise could be harmful to marine life.} [Assoc Press, Sacramento Bee] {Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On June 25, 1999, NMFS announced that an observer program to assess marine mammal interactions with the Cook Inlet salmon drift and set gillnet fisheries would begin in early July 1999. Results of the observer program will be of particular interest due to decreasing numbers of beluga whales in Cook Inlet.} [NOAA press release] California Sea Otter Census. On June 23, 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey released the results of a spring 1999 census of California sea otters by USGS, the CA Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Scientists reported counting 2,090 sea otters, continuing to record a multi-year decline in this threatened population. [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press] Public Perceptions of Marine Mammals. On June 21, 1999, the Humane Society of the United States release the results of a nationwide survey of how Americans view marine mammals. Selected conclusions include 1) about 70% oppose commercial whaling under any circumstance, 90% support the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing, 90% object to captive display of marine mammals unless the animals are well cared for and demonstrate results in education and scientific benefits, almost 90% support government restrictions on exporting marine mammals to countries whose standards are less than those of the United States, more than 80% object to interfering with whale behavior for whale watching, and nearly 75% endorse whale watchers paying a small fee to offset costs of whale conservation and management. [HSUS press release] Macquarie Island Seal Protection Park. On June 21, 1999, Australia's Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Robert Hill announced imminent government action to create a 16-million hectare marine park in the vicinity of Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean. The new park will protect four types of seals breeding on Macquarie Island, and will designate 5.8 million hectares as a highly protected zone in which all fishing will be prohibited. [Environment News Service] ATOC Extension. On June 15, 1999, the Office of Naval Research published notice in the Federal Register that it intends to prepare an environmental impact statement for continued operation of undersea sound sources off Kauai, Hawaii, to measure ocean temperature changes. Public meetings are scheduled for late June and early July at several HI locations. Five-year permit extensions for the project are to be sought. [Fed. Register] Norwegian Whaling. On June 12, 1999, a British Greenpeace volunteer received a broken arm and possible other injuries and two other volunteers were arrested and fined after a collision occurred between a Greenpeace inflatable dinghy and a Norwegian coast guard vessel as Greenpeace acted to impede a Norwegian whaling vessel from killing minke whales. As of June 15, 1999, Norwegian whalers had killed 294 minke whales of their 753-whale quota. Poor weather is blamed for the slower hunt this year. {{As of June 30, 1999, Norwegian whalers were about 250 minke whales short of their 753- whale quota, with only a month until the season closes on Aug. 1, 1999.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News] Steller Sea Lions. On June 13, 1999, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council approved additional measures to protect endangered Steller sea lions, including recommending lower pollock quotas during the winter roe season. However, the Council declined NMFS advice and chose not to close the pollock fishery in nearshore areas close to several sea lion haulout sites. [Anchorage Daily News] MMPA Hearings. On June 10, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 1934, proposing to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to establish a Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans has scheduled an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. [personal communication] Activists Fined for Dolphin Release. On June 8, 1999, two activists were found guilty of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act in May 1996 by recklessly releasing 2 captive dolphins off the FL coast that were not prepared to survive in the wild. The activists were ordered to pay civil penalties totaling almost $60,000. [NOAA press release, Reuters] NJ Dolphin Safe Zone. On June 8, 1999, the Wildwood Crest (NJ) Environmental Commission enacted a "dolphin-safe zone" extending 200 feet from the water's edge, where gillnet fishing and boat/personal watercraft speeding is prohibited when dolphins are present. [Assoc Press, Philadelphia Inquirer] Canadian Sealing. On June 8, 1999, the Canadian House of Commons Fisheries Committee issued a 35-page report with 15 recommendations, noting that Atlantic coast harp seal population has tripled in the last 15 years. The Committee recommended that the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans conduct experimental harvests and establish seal-exclusion zones in northeastern Newfoundland and the southern and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. In addition, the Committee recommended convening a panel of eminent persons to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge on seal and cod interactions and develop a long-term management strategy. The report also urges the Canadian federal government to work toward eradicating trade barriers to seal products in the United States. [Canadian Press] Lake Baikal Seal Mortalities. In early June 1999, Russian media reported 78 deaths of freshwater seals (nerpa) in Lake Baikal. No cause of death has been identified. [Environment News Service] Polar Bear Exhibit. On June 2, 1999, the Detroit Zoo broke ground for a new $13 million, nearly 4-acre, polar bear exhibit, that will eventually house as many as 10 animals. [Detroit Free Press] Gray Whale Mortalities. As of early June 1999, at least 65 dead gray whales have been reported dead along the Mexican coast so far this year, with possibly as many as 32 in CA, 7 in BC, and possibly as many as 18 in WA. In addition the number of whale calves migrating north this spring is the lowest ever recorded. Some scientists speculate that the poor nutritional (emaciated) condition of these dead whales indicates that the population may exceed the food available in the Bering Sea causing the whales to starve. Others consider the mortality natural. [Assoc Press, Seattle Times, Canadian Press, Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee] Northern Right Whales. On June 1, 1999, NMFS announced the availability of revised whale watch guidelines for vessel operations off New England. These guidelines provide vessel speed recommendations, decrease the number of vessels that should be near whales, and recommend using lookouts near known whale aggregation areas. On June 25, 1999, the Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Boston hosted a public presentation on the Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) system to reduce the threat of shipping to northern right whales. The MSR system will be implemented on July 1, 1999, through a mandatory call-in system that alerts vessel captains to nearby whale movements and gives collision avoidance procedures. This system will operate year-round for a 6,700 square-mile area off New England and from Nov. 15 through Apr. 15 for a 2,500 square-mile calving area near the GA/FL border. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Fed. Register, personal communication, 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: Research Position - Whale Distribution Graham.B.Shimmield(\)dml.ac.uk, ARMSTRONGJ(\)MARLAB.AC.UK, J.Pemberton(\)ed.ac.uk, mbu(\)rasdsnh.demon.co.uk, M.Harris(\)ite.ac.uk, gbza30(\)udcf.gla.ac.uk, psh2(\)st-andrews.ac.uk, rleaper(\)mcimail.com, shooker(\)is2.dal.ca, spn1(\)st-andrews.ac.uk, s.harris(\)bristol.ac.uk, vjanik(\)whoi.edu, ben.wilson(\)st-andrews.ac.uk, Bill Amos , w.sutherland(\)uea.ac.uk, SAJH(\)wpo.nerc.ac.uk, Jgordon(\)ifaw.org, nhi-users(\)abdn.ac.uk, Sofie.vanparijs(\)jcu.edu.au, A.R.Hoelzel(\)durham.ac.uk, S.D.Twiss(\)durham.ac.uk, peter.evans(\)zoology.oxford.ac.uk, PKMcGregor(\)ZI.KU.DK Comments: cc: Tasker_M(\)jncc.gov.uk, cwc2(\)cornell.edu Distribution & occurrence of whales in the Faroes-Shetlands Channel=20 Dear colleagues, Please could you bring this job opportunity to the attention of any suitable candidates that you know. Many thanks, Paul Thompson ********************************************************************* RESEARCH POSITION AVAILABLE A Research Assistant/Fellow is required at the University of Aberdeen's Lighthouse Field Station to work on a project using acoustic techniques to investigate temporal and spatial patterns of whale distribution in Faroes-Shetland Channel. =20 The project is funded by BP, and is being carried out by the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Applicamnts should have a PhD or MSc in a relevant biological subject, and experience of analysing behavioural or spatial datasets. Experience in GIS, remote sensing, bioacoustics or biological oceanography is also desirable. A clean driving licence is essential. =A315, 535 - =A323,651 p.a.(Pay award pending) The position is available for one year in the first instance. =20 Application forms and further particulars are available from Human Resources, University Office, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, telephone (01224) 272727 quoting reference number ZZO016R. A 24-hour answering service is in operation. Closing Date: 22 July 1999 ********************************************************************* FURTHER DETAILS: Previous studies by Cornell University, in collaboration with the US Navy, have highlighted the importance of this area for several large whale species. This project involves deployment of acoustic data collection systems ("pop ups") on the sea bed near the Foinaven and Schiehallion oil fields to the west of Shetland. In an earlier phase of the project, four units were deployed in mid-January 1999, and recovered after approximately 6 weeks of data collection. Acoustic data are currently under-going preliminary analyses at Cornell.=20 The role of the Post-Doc Research Assistant will be to integrate the resulting information on temporal and spatial patterns of whale vocalisations with available environmental data. =20 Specifically, the work will involve: 1. Collation of key data sets on environmental characteristics and on human activities within the Faroes-Shetland Channel. 2. The integration of the different data sets within a geographic information system. 3. The analysis of acoustic and other available cetacean survey data, to determine spatial and temporal patterns of cetacean abundance in the Faroes- Shetland Channel. 4. Relating data on variations in cetacean distribution and occurrence to variability in local environmental conditions. This project represents the pilot stages of a longer-term collaboration between the University of Aberdeen, Cornell University and JNCC, and we are currently developing plans for additional deployments of the pop ups. A key aim of the current project is therefore to explore these preliminary data with the aim of generating hypotheses about factors influencing cetacean behaviour and distribution that can be tested using future deployments of these units. We are therefore looking for candidates with an MSC or PhD, in a relevant biological subject. The successful candidates will need experience of analysing behavioural or spatial datasets. We are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates with previous experience in GIS, remote sensing, bioacoustics or biological oceanography.=20 The post will be for one year, with a strong possibility of extension. It will be based at the University of Aberdeen's Lighthouse Field Station in Cromarty, where you will need to be able to work both independently and within a small team, liaise effectively with other research groups, and enjoy living and working in a relatively remote situation.=20 A clean driving licence is essential. Future work may involve some fieldwork to deploy or recover pop ups, in which case offshore experience may be an advantage. You will hear many recordings of whales, and see dolphins from the office window - but this a project for someone who enjoys the challenge of using remotely collected data to understand cetacean behaviour and ecology - not for fieldworkers who wish to spend their days watching their study animals.=20 Further information on the work of the different partners can be found at: Lighthouse Field Station: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~nhi519/lighthse/index.hti Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: http://birds.cornell.edu/ JNCC: http://www.JNCC.gov.uk =09 *********************************************************************** Dr Paul Thompson University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology, Lighthouse Field Station,=20 George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ, Scotland. Phone & Fax: 01381 600 548 Email: lighthouse(\)abdn.ac.uk http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~nhi519/lighthse/index.hti ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 5 Jul 1999 03:45:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ATOC Behavioral Response Metric (fwd) From: "Thomas J. Hayward" The comments of Drs. Weilgart and Whitehead concerning the use of the average distance from the source as a metric to assess responses of marine mammals to the ATOC source are well taken. The average distance of observed individuals (or of observed groups) from the source is a questionable metric for this purpose. As Weilgart and Whitehead point out, the average distance is relatively insensitive to the density of individuals nearer to the source. This can lead to misleading conclusions concerning the magnitude of any possible behavioral response to the source, especially if such conclusions are based solely on the relative magnitude of these changes rather than on the basis of a carefully formulated statistical hypothesis test. Furthermore, it is easy to conceive of significant behavioral responses that would result in no net change in the average range of observed groups from the source. This seems to indicate that the average range is simply too reductive a statistical description of the range distribution to be useful for the intended purpose. It seems likely that more rigorous statistical analyses could be based on statistics of sightings within the cells of a prescribed partition of the test area into range cells (or into range-azimuth cells if environmental variability warrants azimuthal partition). This would seem to be a more direct approach to measuring the quantity of interest, namely, the radial dependence of the population density. This approach would have the additional advantage that confidence levels could be established based on nonparametric statistical analyses of the observations. These remarks are not meant as a general criticism of the ATOC Marine Mammal Research Program. In fact, it may well be that more rigorous statistical analyses are already underway in connection with this program. It might be a good idea, however, to make sure that even preliminary analyses are based on more sound statistical inference methodologies. Thomas J. Hayward Acoustic Signal Processing Branch U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Code 7120 Washington, DC 20375 Subject: Re: Kellert study (fwd) From: Naomi Rose In response to some questions received after my posting of The HSUS press release announcing the results of a survey of American perceptions of marine mammals by Stephen Kellert of Yale University, I offer the following clarification: The report "American perceptions of marine mammals and their management" is the result of The HSUS approaching Dr. Kellert to conduct a survey of American attitudes toward marine mammals. The HSUS helped secure funding for the survey and reviewed early drafts of the questionnaire and report, but had no editorial control over the final versions of either. The report is the author's - Dr. Kellert has indicated to The HSUS that he hopes to publish the results in a professional journal eventually. However, for now the report is available from The HSUS, which has published it as a bound booklet. If you would like a copy, please contact me at . Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Scientist The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 ph: 301/258-3048 fax: 301/258-3080 email: nrose(\)hsus.org http://www.hsus.org Subject: Culture and Genetic Evolution in Whales To: MARMAM From: HAL WHITEHEAD Culture and Genetic Evolution in Whales Last November, I suggested that, in four species of whale, "the selection of matrilineally transmitted cultural traits, upon which neutral mitochondrial DNA (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." [Whitehead H (1998) Cultural selection and genetic diversity in matrilineal whales. Science 282:1708-1711] In a recent edition of the on-line version of Science, four comments (by Mesnick et al., Schlotterer, Tiedemann and Milinkovich, and Amos) question whether the data are sufficient to support my suggestion, and/or provide alternative explanations for the low diversity of mtDNA in the matrilineal cetaceans. The comments, and my response to them, can be found at: www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/284/5423/2055a There is a summary of the exchange in the printed version of Science, (Science Jun 25 1999, Vol. 284: 2055) as well as on the web. Hal Whitehead hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 03:19:52 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Report on MMPA issues - seeking additional reviewers (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gene Buck MARMAMers: The Congressional Research Service produced a 26-page report for Congess on Apr. 6, 1999, entitled "Marine Mammal Protection Act: Reauthorization Issues for the 106th Congress." The abstract of this document follows: "The current authorization of appropriations for the Marine Mammal Protection Act expires at the end of FY1999. At issue for the 106th Congress will be the terms and conditions of any provisions designed to reauthorize and amend the Act to address the concerns of various interest groups. To identify relevant concerns, the Congressional Research Service queried commercial fishing, scientific research, public display, animal protection, Native American, and environmental interests to identify issues that they may bring before Congress or believe others might offer during a reauthorization debate. This document presents these issues, including modifications to managing the interactions between marine mammals and commercial fishing operations, concerns related to the captive marine mammals, modifications to the subsistence use of marine mammals by Native Americans, and miscellaneous management and scientific measures. This report will be updated as the reauthorization debate progresses to include and discuss additional issues that may arise." As several of my review panelists are busy with summer field research, I'm looking for several additional volunteers for the review panel to read our document and provide comments that will be used in updating the document during the August congressional recess. I am particularly interested in any comments where aspects of any identified issue may have changed, where new issues may have arisen, or where issued discussed may have already been addressed. In addition, technical, substantive, or editorial comments are welcomed. I will provide an electronic copy of the report to volunteer reviewers (or mail a hardcopy, if desired) and would appreciate any comments by July 30, 1999. Individuals other than volunteer panelists desiring a copy of this report can request such directly from their U.S. Senator or Representative (CRS Report RL30120). Gene Buck, senior analyst Congressional Research Service gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov fax: (202) 707-7289 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 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 April 1999 there were about 3,500 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 (e.g, 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., 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 NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details and website address). - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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 or inflame 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 marmamed(\)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. Note: You must be a subscriber to the list in order to access the subscription list. _______________________________________________________________ 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 12:33:27 +0300 From: Paula-Joao Faria Subject: Alloparenting + Primates/Cetaceans References Dear List: A while ago i posted a message asking for references regarding cetacean alloparental behaviour, and joint studies on primates and cetaceans. I have finally compiled all the references and will be more than happy to forward one or both lists to all of you who may be interested. Please specify which one you would like to receive. Also, those of you who have already shown an interest need not email again, i will start forwarding the lists today. Please note: i am leaving Israel in 2 weeks and will return only in the middle of September. For those of you who are interested but will not read this post on time, you can email me at the address above from the 15 of September on and i will do it then. I would like to take this chance to thank everyone who helped me once more. Regards, Paula-Joao ________________ Paula-Joao Faria Ethology Doctoral Student Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal Kibbtuz Horshim, Israel ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 01:27:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Striped dolphins from Pacific South America (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dr K C C VAN WAEREBEEK Reprints of the following paper have recently become available. Please contact the senior author (see address below). Van Waerebeek, K., F=E9lix, F., Haase, B., Palacios, D.M., Mora-Pinto, D.M. and Mu=F1oz-Hincapi=E9, M. 1998. Inshore records of the striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba from the Pacific coast of South America. Rep.Int. Whal.Commn 48: 525-32. ABSTRACT New data are presented on striped dolphins from nearshore waters off the Pacific coast of South America, and published information on the species in that region is reviewed. Specimen records from coastal waters of Colombia (N =3D3), continental Ecuador (N =3D4), Galapagos Islands (N = =3D2) and Peru (N =3D2) are documented for the first time. A skull from Robinson Cruso=EB Island (33=B042'S, 80=B045'W) constitutes the most southern distribution limit in the offshore temperate SE Pacific, while no striped dolphins have been sighted south of latitude 21=B0S. As in other seas, S. coeruleoalba appears to enter neritic waters only occasionally. The species' avoidance of sea surface temperatures of less than 20=B0C could also help to explain its scarcity in the cool upwelling-influenced coastal zone off Peru and northern Chile as well as farther south off western South America. Body size of four individuals ranged from 211 to 218cm, but none was physically mature. Specimens studied presumably form part of the eastern Pacific stock, however population identity remains undetermined because the few skulls and tissue samples available do not yet permit rigorous analysis. Scientists in the region are encouraged to sample any new specimens as completely as possible. ------------------------------------ Note: for reasons of logistics it will take at least a month before reprints can actually be mailed. Please be patient. Koen Van Waerebeek, Ph.D. Director, Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research (CEPEC) Jorge Chavez 302, Lima 20, PERU kvwaere(\)mail.cosapidata.com.pe Subject: Resighting of elephant seal male at Los islotes (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Octavio Maravilla For several years there have been reports of an elephant seal living on a sea lions colony in the Gulf of California (Los islotes). To our knowledge, during 1999 until now, there were no reports of the individual. In June 28th, we saw a male elephant seal among the California sea lions, when it is breeding time for Zalophus. We videotaped the animal, but do not have more video or photo material to compare and know if it is the same animal or a different one. For more information contact me at octavio_maravilla(\)yahoo.com ----------------------------------------------------- Editor's Note: Information on an elephant seal at this site has been published in: Mesnick, S.L., M.D.C. Garcia Rivas and B.J. Le Boeuf. 1998. Northern elephant seals in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Marine Mammal Science 14:171-178. Webster, S.M., 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 14:202-203. Subject: West African manatees Dear Marmammers Could anyone help with contact details for manatee researchers working in West Africa? After extensive research I have only come across James A 'Buddy' Powell who does not currently work in the field but his former assistant, Koudio Akoi, does and I am attempting to get in contact with him. However, he is based in the Cote D'Ivoire and I am mainly interested in Senegal manatees (although due to the scarce nature of such research in this region other locations are important). I wondered if anyone else had any other contacts? I am trying to contact key people for inclusion in a documentary about their conservation and relationship with local people. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance Christina Bellamy - cbellamy(\)survival.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------- Internet communications are not secure and therefore United Wildlife does not accept any legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of United Wildlife. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender and please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. ----------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 13:53:59 +0100 From: Pauline Simpson Subject: Global Directory of Marine and Freshwater Professionals (GLODIR) Benthos , Crustacean List , Marine and Introduced Species , Marine Biology Mailing List , Coastal management Conference , Conservation List , Middle East Water Group , Marine Biology of the Adriatic Sea , Fisheries Mailing List , Shellfish Mailing List , Ocean Technology Mailing List , Aquatic Conservation Network , European Ichthyological Research , UNEPS subscription list , Marine L Newsgroup , Mediterranean Sea List , Conservation and GIS discussion group , Biodiverity Conservation and Discussion , Marine All Taxa Biological Inventories , Classification and Phylogeny Comments: cc: p.pissierssens(\)unesco.org Dear Colleagues The Global Directory of Marine (and Freshwater) Professionals is a web based database, developed and maintained by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC), containing information on individuals involved in all aspects of Marine or Freshwater Research and Management. It is intended to be a tool for scientists, policy makers, publishers and anyone who needs to contact a marine or freshwater professional. A Professional is defined as anyone who, through his/her job, has expertise related to the research and management of the aquatic environment. GLODIR is a product developed under the auspices of the IODE's Group of Experts on Marine Information Management (GE-MIM). . We stress that GLODIR is a free service available to all, and can be used for non-commercial use only. The information contained in the database is NOT passed onto commercial third parties by the IOC, nor does the IOC commercialize this information in any way. Please would you take a few moments and put your entry into GLODIR (http://ioc.unesco.org:591/glodir), and encourage your colleagues to do it also by circulating this call on any relevant email list. Please help us to build GLODIR into the most important people finding tool in the aquatic sciences. thanks so much for your help Pauline ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pauline Simpson National Oceanographic Library Southampton Oceanography Centre University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, England Tel: 44-(0)23 8059 6111: Fax 44-(0)23 8059 6115 email: ps(\)soc.soton.ac.uk Web : http://www.soc.soton.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 03:07:30 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent 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. The Late Wisconsinan and Holocene record of walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) from North America: A review with new data from Arctic and Atlantic Canada. Dyke, AS; Hooper, J; Harington, CR; Savelle, JM. ARCTIC. June 1999 v52 i2 p160-181 Comparison of the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) expressed genes for 5-aminolevulinate synthase with those in other vertebrates. Kreiling, JA; Duncan, R; Faggart, MA; Cornell, NW. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. June 1999 v123 i2 p163-174 First confirmed reports of beaked whales, cf. Mesoplodon bidens and M-densiorstris (Ziphiidae), from New Brunswick. McAlpine, DF; Rae, M. CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST. April-June 1999 v113 i2 p293-295 Observations of Sowerby's Beaked Whales, Mesoplodon bidens, in the Gully, Nova Scotia. Hooker, SK; Baird, RW. CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST. April-June 1999 v113 i2 p273-277 Bioaccumulation profiles of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and organochlorine pesticides in Ganges river dolphins. Senthilkumar, K; Kannan,K; Sinha, RK; Tanabe, S; Giesy, JP. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. July 1999 v18 i7 p1511-1520 Stable isotope ecology and palaeodiet in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia. Katzenberg, MA; Weber, A. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE. June 1999 v26 i6 p651-659 The structure and blood-storing function of the spleen of the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). Cabanac, AJ; Messelt, EB; Folkow, LP; Blix, AS. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. May 1999 v248 part1 p75-81 Additional extralimital records of the Harp Seal, Phoca groenlandica, from the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. McAlpine, DF; Walker, RJ. CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST. April-June 1999 v113 i2 p290-292 Subject: Endowed Chair in Aquatic Resource Conservation Aquatic Conservation Network , Benthos , Biodiverity Conservation and Discussion , Coastal management Conference , Conservation and GIS discussion group , Conservation List , Crustacean List , European Ichthyological Research , Fisheries Mailing List , Marine All Taxa Biological Inventories , Marine and Introduced Species , Marine Biology Mailing List , Marine L Newsgroup , Ocean Technology Mailing List , Shellfish Mailing List Dear Colleagues Please find enclosed a job description for an Endowed Chair in Aquatic Resource Conservation at the University of New Orleans. We were recently approved for a new Ph.D. program in Conservation Biology and are looking for exceptional candidates to provide leadership in this new exciting program. We would encourage strong candidates to apply or, if you know of strong candidates for this position, please pass along this e-mail. Please contact me if you have questions. Thank you. The University of New Orleans and the Audubon Institute announce an Endowed Chair in Aquatic Resource Conservation The University of New Orleans invites nominations and applications for the Greater New Orleans Foundation Endowed Chair in Aquatic Resource Conservation. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of scientific achievement in the study and conservation of aquatic resources. The Endowed chair will establish a dynamic research program in aquatic resource conservation at any biological level from population to ecosystem and involving any relevant taxonomic group. The Chair will be appointed to the faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of New Orleans, will participate in teaching and the direction of graduate students, and will assume a leadership role in the Ph. D. program in Conservation Biology. The Chair will conduct research at the nearby Audubon Institute Center for Research of Endangered Species (AICRES) and at UNO. Candidates should have credentials appropriate for appointment at the rank of Professor, but exceptional candidates at the rank of Associate Professor will also be considered. For more information, see http://www.uno.edu/~bios http://www.uno.edu/~bios/conservation-biology.html Send nominations or applications including: curriculum vita, statement of research interests, and contact information for five references to: Endowed Chair Search Committee Department of Biological Sciences University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA 70148 Review of candidates will begin July 1, 1999 and will continue until the position is filled. The University of New Orleans is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. -- Steven G. Johnson Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA 70148 504-280-7040 (Office) 504-280-6121 (Fax) http://www.uno.edu/~sgjohnso/sgjwebpa.html Take a look at our new Ph.D. program in Conservation Biology http://www.uno.edu/~bios/conservation-biology.html ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 11:21:15 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Body in Killer Whale Pool. On July 6, 1999, a deceased man's body was found in an off-exhibit tank of a male killer whale at Sea World Orlando, FL. The same animal is reported to have been involved in the death of a trainer 8 years ago at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia.} {{An autopsy indicated that the man had been bitten in the groin after drowning in cold water.}} [Assoc Press, Humane Society of the United States press release] MMPA Hearings. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. [personal communication] Acoustic Pollution? On June 28, 1999, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report "Sounding the Depths" [http://www.nrdc.org] on noise in the marine environment, and how this noise could be harmful to marine life. [Assoc Press, Sacramento Bee] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On June 25, 1999, NMFS announced that an observer program to assess marine mammal interactions with the Cook Inlet salmon drift and set gillnet fisheries would begin in early July 1999. Results of the observer program will be of particular interest due to decreasing numbers of beluga whales in Cook Inlet. [NOAA press release] Northern Right Whales. On June 25, 1999, the Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Boston hosted a public presentation on the Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) system to reduce the threat of shipping to northern right whales. The MSR system will be implemented on July 1, 1999, through a mandatory call-in system that alerts vessel captains to nearby whale movements and gives collision avoidance procedures. This system will operate year-round for a 6,700 square-mile area off New England and from Nov. 15 through Apr. 15 for a 2,500 square-mile calving area near the GA/FL border. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Fed. Register, personal communication, NOAA press release] California Sea Otter Census. On June 23, 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey released the results of a spring 1999 census of California sea otters by USGS, the CA Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Scientists reported counting 2,090 sea otters, continuing to record a multi-year decline in this threatened population. [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press] Public Perceptions of Marine Mammals. On June 21, 1999, the Humane Society of the United States release the results of a nationwide survey of how Americans view marine mammals. Selected conclusions include 1) about 70% oppose commercial whaling under any circumstance, 90% support the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing, 90% object to captive display of marine mammals unless the animals are well cared for and demonstrate results in education and scientific benefits, almost 90% support government restrictions on exporting marine mammals to countries whose standards are less than those of the United States, more than 80% object to interfering with whale behavior for whale watching, and nearly 75% endorse whale watchers paying a small fee to offset costs of whale conservation and management. [HSUS press release] Macquarie Island Seal Protection Park. On June 21, 1999, Australia's Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Robert Hill announced imminent government action to create a 16-million hectare marine park in the vicinity of Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean. The new park will protect four types of seals breeding on Macquarie Island, and will designate 5.8 million hectares as a highly protected zone in which all fishing will be prohibited. [Environment News Service] ATOC Extension. On June 15, 1999, the Office of Naval Research published notice in the Federal Register that it intends to prepare an environmental impact statement for continued operation of undersea sound sources off Kauai, Hawaii, to measure ocean temperature changes. Public meetings are scheduled for late June and early July at several HI locations. Five-year permit extensions for the project are to be sought. [Fed. Register] Steller Sea Lions. On June 13, 1999, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council approved additional measures to protect endangered Steller sea lions, including recommending lower pollock quotas during the winter roe season. However, the Council declined NMFS advice and chose not to close the pollock fishery in nearshore areas close to several sea lion haulout sites. [Anchorage Daily News] Norwegian Whaling. On June 12, 1999, a British Greenpeace volunteer received a broken arm and possible other injuries and two other volunteers were arrested and fined after a collision occurred between a Greenpeace inflatable dinghy and a Norwegian coast guard vessel as Greenpeace acted to impede a Norwegian whaling vessel from killing minke whales. As of June 15, 1999, Norwegian whalers had killed 294 minke whales of their 753-whale quota. Poor weather is blamed for the slower hunt this year. As of June 30, 1999, Norwegian whalers were about 250 minke whales short of their 753- whale quota, with only a month until the season closes on Aug. 1, 1999. {{The Norwegian domestic market is reportedly saturated with whalemeat.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News] {Manatee Import Rejected. On June 11, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notified the Dallas World Aquarium that its application to import 2 baby manatees from Venezuela had been rejected, because the proposal did not comply with federal and international laws. Aquarium officials report they may appeal the decision.} [Dallas Morning 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: Recent publication - JASA (FWD) From: "Norris, Thomas F." The following paper appears in the most recent issue of the Journal of the Acoustic Society of America: Norris, T. F., Mc Donald M. and Barlow J. 1998. Acoustic detections of singing humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the eastern North Pacific during their northbound migration. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 106(1): 506-514. ABSTRACT Numerous (84) acoustic detections of singing humpback whales were made during a spring (8 March - 9 June 1997) research cruise to study sperm whales in the central and eastern North Pacific. Over 15,000 km of track-line was surveyed acoustically using a towed hydrophone-array. Additionally, 83 sonobuoys were deployed throughout the study area. Detection rates were greatest in late March, near the Hawaiian Islands, and in early April, northeast of the islands. Only one detection was made after April. Detection rates for sonobuoys were unequal in three equally divided longitudinal regions of the study area. Two high density clusters of detections occurred approximately 1200 - 2000 km northeast of the Hawaiian Islands and were attributed to a large aggregation of migrating animals. The distribution of these detections corroborates findings of previous studies. It is possible that these animals were maintaining acoustic contact during migration. Two unexpected clusters of singing whales were detected approximately 900 to 1,000 km. west of central and southern California. The location of these detections may indicate a previously undocumented migration route between an offshore breeding area, such as the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico, and possible feeding areas in the western North Pacific or Bering Sea. Reprints will be available in the near future from the lead author. Tom Norris SAIC Maritime Services Division 3990 Old Town Ave. Suite 105A San Diego, CA 92110 E-mail: thomas.f.norris(\)cpmx.saic.com tel: (619) 294-8380 fax: (619) 294-8795 Subject: registration form for the GIS/remote sensing workshop in Maui The link for the registration form for the workshop on the Use of GIS and Remote Sensing in marine mammal research can be found on the following web site: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html Please let me know if you have any questions. Registration is limited to 75 participants, and there is a fee of $25.00 US. We would like all registration to be done in advance so we can begin the workshop at 8:30 on the morning of Sunday, November 28. Thank you Ellen Hines Whale Research Lab Dept.of Geography University of Victoria PO Box 3025 Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3P5 (250)472-4746 Fax: (250)721-6216 ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 09:44:25 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: albino/anomalously white pinnipeds ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: albino/anomalously white pinnipeds Author: MARMAM Editors at ~smtp Date: 7/12/99 11:47 PM Dear Marmam readers, I recently published a review of anomalously white cetaceans. I am currently working on a general review of anomalously white marine mammals for an article for the upcoming Encyclopedia on Marine Mammals. I am interested in hearing from folks who have information on anomalously white (sometimes albino) pinnipeds. I have so far been able to locate anomalously white pinniped individuals for: Steller sea lion (King, J.E. 1983. Seals of the World) Northern fur seal (Scheffer, V.B. 1962. Pelage and surface topography of the northern fur seal. U.S. Dept. Int. N. Am. Fauna, No. 64) Subantarctic fur seal (I. Visser, pers. comm.) Thank you in advance for your assistance. Please respond directly to the email address listed below. Sincerely, Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 00:27:35 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: Dolphin grammatical competency (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Herman, L. M. & Uyeyama, R. K. (1999). The dolphin's grammatical competency: Comments on Kako (1999). Animal Learning & Behavior, 27, 18-23. Kako (199) reviews the evidence for syntactic competencies in several animal species exposed to artificial language systems, emphasizing the importance of core syntactic properties such as argument structure and closed-class items. We present evidence from our dolphin studies for the acquisition of the closed-class functionality of demonstratives, prepositions, conjunctions, and locatives. Sensitivity to argument structure is also evidenced by wholly untrained and consistent interpretations by the dolphin to probes of anomalous syntactic structures. These results are generated within our comprehension-based paradigm, which enables us to provide convincing objective evidence for the development and generalization of concepts by the dolphin subject. Demonstrations of animal language competencies may illuminate certain aspects of human linguistic competence by suggesting that that the particular modeled subsets can derive from general cognitive mechanisms, rather than language-specific ones. Reprints are available. Send your request to lherman(\)hawaii.edu Louis M. Herman Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory 1129 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu HI 96814 Subject: Paper: Testing association patterns of social animals To: MARMAM From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)is.dal.ca) The following paper was recently published: Whitehead, H. 1999. Testing association patterns of social animals. Animal Behaviour 57: F26-29. Summary: Bejder et al. (1998; Animal Behaviour 56: 719-725) introduced a powerful statistical technique for testing association patterns of social animals. This method should be particularly useful for cetologists working with photoidentification data. In the new paper, I describe two ways in which Bejder et al.'s method can be extended. First, demographic effects can be removed by permuting within sampling periods. Second, a variation of Bejder et al.'s method can be used in situations where the association between two animals is defined other than by group membership (e.g. nearest neighbour). The new paper is in the "Forum" section of Animal Behaviour, which is ONLY available on the web, at: http://www.academicpress.com/www/journal/ar/1099a.pdf Hal Whitehead ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 15:42:00 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: contents: Journal of Cetacean Research and Management (fwd) Forwarded message: The following is a list of articles that appears in the first issue of _Journal of Cetacean Research and Management_: Dufault, S., H. Whitehead, and M. Dillon. 1999. An examination of the curent knowledge on the stock structure of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) worldwide. PP 1-10 Butterworth, D.S., A.E. Punt, H.F. Geromont, H. Kato, and Y. Fujuise. 1999. Inferences on the dynamics of Southern Hemisphere minke whales from ADAPT analyses of catch-at-age information. PP 11-32 Butterworth, D.S. and A.E. Punt. 1999. An initial examination of possible inferences concerning MSYR for Southern Hemisphere minke whales from recruitment trends estimated in catch-at-age analyses. PP 33-39 Palacios, D.M. 1999. Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) occurrence off the Galapagos Islands, 1978-1995. PP 41-51 Punt, A.E. and D.S. Butterworth. 1999. On assessment of Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) using a Bayesian approach. PP 53-71 Forney, K.A. 1999. Trends in harbor porpoise abundance off central California, 1986-95: evidence for interannual changes in distribution? PP 73-80. Kasuyu, T. 1999. Review of the biology and exploitation of striped dolphins in Japan. PP 81-100 Fiscus, C.H. and L.L. Jones. 1999. A note on cephalopods from the stomachs of Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) from the northwestern Pacific and Bering Sea, 1978-1982. PP 101-107 Kasuyu, T. 1999. Exmaination of the reliability of catch statistics in the Japanese coastal sperm whale fishery. PP 109-122 Information on how to order this journal can be found at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice/Subscription.html Subject: recent 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. A sensitivity analysis to guide research and management for Hector's dolphin. Martien, KK; Taylor, BL; Slooten, E; Dawson, S. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION, October 1999 v90 i3 p183-191 Organochlorine contaminants in a local marine food chain from Jarfjord, Northern Norway. Ruus, A; Ugland, KI; Espeland, O; Skaare, JU. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. August 1999 v48 i2 p131-146 Isotopic tracking of foraging and long-distance migration in northeastern Pacific pinnipeds. Burton, RK; Koch, PL. OECOLOGIA. June 1999 v119 i4 p578-585 Nutrient, fatty acid, amino acid and mineral analysis of natural prey of the Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi. Goodman-Lowe, GD; Carpenter, JR; Atkinson, S; Ako, H. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY. June 1999 v123 i2 p137-146 Organochlorine contaminants in Caspian and harbour seal blubber. Hall, AJ; Duck, CD; Law, RJ; Allchin, CR; Wilson, S; Eybator, T. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. May-June 1999 v106 i2 p203-212 Subject: Weekly CRS marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Steller Sea Lions. On July 9, 1999, U.S. District Court (Seattle, WA) Judge Thomas Zilly issued a 44-page ruling that NMFS had not taken sufficient action to protect Steller sea lions, listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and ordered NMFS to undertake a new environmental impact review of the Alaska pollock fishery. Judge Zilly faulted NMFS for approving fishery management measures to protect sea lions based solely on minimizing impacts to the fishing industry. On Aug. 6, 1999, Judge Zilly is scheduled to meet with attorneys from environmental groups, the pollock industry, and the federal government, to determine whether emergency regulations, due to be issued by NMFS in late July 1999, should remain in effect or be modified. The pollock fishery opens on Aug. 1, 1999.} [Reuters, Anchorage Daily News] Body in Killer Whale Pool. On July 6, 1999, a deceased man's body was found in an off-exhibit tank of a male killer whale at Sea World Orlando, FL. The same animal is reported to have been involved in the death of a trainer 8 years ago at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia. An autopsy indicated that the man had been bitten in the groin after drowning in cold water. [Assoc Press, Humane Society of the United States press release] Norwegian Whaling. As of June 30, 1999, Norwegian whalers were about 250 minke whales short of their 753-whale quota, with only a month until the season closes on Aug. 1, 1999. The Norwegian domestic market is reportedly saturated with whalemeat. {On July 12, 1999, the Norwegian Coast Guard boarded and seized the Greenpeace vessel Sirius for violating the 500-meter safety zone around the whaling vessel Kato, after Greenpeace activists reportedly tried to release a harpooned minke whale.} {{In addition, 15 Greenpeace activists were arrested. An inflatable Greenpeace vessel was reportedly struck by a rifle bullet, aimed at the whale. As of mid-July 1999, about 560 minke whales had been killed by Norwegian whalers. On July 15, 1999, a preliminary court in Stavanger, Norway, ordered the Greenpeace vessel Sirius to remain under port arrest for the remainder of July 1999. The captain of the Sirius and 6 other Greenpeace activists were order to pay fines ranging from $1,900 to $3,800 each for hampering the whale hunt.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Environment News Service] MMPA Hearings. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. [personal communication] Acoustic Pollution? On June 28, 1999, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report "Sounding the Depths" [http://www.nrdc.org] on noise in the marine environment, and how this noise could be harmful to marine life. [Assoc Press, Sacramento Bee] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On June 25, 1999, NMFS announced that an observer program to assess marine mammal interactions with the Cook Inlet salmon drift and set gillnet fisheries would begin in early July 1999. Results of the observer program will be of particular interest due to decreasing numbers of beluga whales in Cook Inlet. {On July 12, 1999, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce held a forum on the status of Cook Inlet beluga whales.} [NOAA press release, Reuters, Anchorage Daily News] Northern Right Whales. On June 25, 1999, the Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Boston hosted a public presentation on the Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) system to reduce the threat of shipping to northern right whales. The MSR system will be implemented on July 1, 1999, through a mandatory call-in system that alerts vessel captains to nearby whale movements and gives collision avoidance procedures. This system will operate year-round for a 6,700 square-mile area off New England and from Nov. 15 through Apr. 15 for a 2,500 square-mile calving area near the GA/FL border. [Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Fed. Register, personal communication, NOAA press release] California Sea Otters. On June 23, 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey released the results of a spring 1999 census of California sea otters by USGS, the CA Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Scientists reported counting 2,090 sea otters, continuing to record a multi-year decline in this threatened population. {In early July 1999, the AZ Center for Biological Diversity filed notice with the Dept. of the Interior of an intent to sue the Moss Landing (CA) Harbor District to force the District to ban motorboats from Elkhorn Slough to better protect sea otters. The Center contends that the District has failed to prevent speeding boaters from killing sea otters.} [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury] Public Perceptions of Marine Mammals. On June 21, 1999, the Humane Society of the United States release the results of a nationwide survey of how Americans view marine mammals. Selected conclusions include 1) about 70% oppose commercial whaling under any circumstance, 90% support the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing, 90% object to captive display of marine mammals unless the animals are well cared for and demonstrate results in education and scientific benefits, almost 90% support government restrictions on exporting marine mammals to countries whose standards are less than those of the United States, more than 80% object to interfering with whale behavior for whale watching, and nearly 75% endorse whale watchers paying a small fee to offset costs of whale conservation and management. [HSUS press release] Macquarie Island Seal Protection Park. On June 21, 1999, Australia's Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Robert Hill announced imminent government action to create a 16-million hectare marine park in the vicinity of Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean. The new park will protect four types of seals breeding on Macquarie Island, and will designate 5.8 million hectares as a highly protected zone in which all fishing will be prohibited. [Environment News Service] Manatee Import Rejected. On June 11, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notified the Dallas World Aquarium that its application to import 2 baby manatees from Venezuela had been rejected, because the proposal did not comply with federal and international laws. Aquarium officials report they may appeal the decision. [Dallas Morning 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: Animal Trainer Position (fwd) Fjord & Belt Centre in Kerteminde, Denmark Dolphin Trainer Applications are invited to a position as dolphin trainer at the Fjord & Belt Centre in Kerteminde, Funen, Denmark. Working environment The Fjord & Belt Centre is a marine activity centre created to combine research (in co-operation with the University of Southern Denmark), public exhibition, aquariums and education on marine issues. The centre opened in 1997 and 300,000 visitors have until now visited the centre. The Kerteminde Fjord and the Danish Belts and their marine life are the common denominators for all the activities. As such, the harbour porpoise is the main topic of research and one of the main attractions. The purpose is to enhance research into behaviour and ways of reducing by-catch as well as informing the public and creating more awareness. For that, the centre has permission to hold four harbour porpoises in captivity for a period of three years. The porpoise project is led by a team composed of a supervisor (a French whale biologist) and an American senior trainer and advised by a German veterinarian. Danish and foreign interns assist in the daily care. International research co-operation is currently carried out with Danish, Swedish, German and English institutions. Type of employment Duties will be mainly to participate in the daily care and training of the harbour porpoises held outdoors and to the maintenance of the porpoise facilities. Duties consist furthermore in participating in research projects and other centre activities. Experience Applicant should preferably have previous experience with husbandry and training of marine mammals. Training for experimental research as well as active participation in research projects will also be considered as additional qualifications. Expectations from the applicant * The successful applicant is expected to show a good deal of personal involvement, responsibility and creativity. Ability to work harmoniously in a team of an international context is essential.=20 * There is an obligation of residence in the town of Kerteminde. * Applicants have to be able to speak and write English fluently. If working knowledge of Danish is not present at the time of appointment, sufficient knowledge of Danish for participation in meetings and extension to the public must be acquired within a year. Salary/Working hours/Vacation * Salary and other conditions of appointment will be based on Danish regulations. The salary is subject to Danish incomes taxes and social expenses and is based on the Danish system of working flexible hours. The salary will be negotiated at around US$ 2200. * Working hours are 37 hours per week, variable hours. Overtime will be compensated for. * Accrual per month of work accomplished is 2,5 days, equivalent to 5 weeks=ED vacation per year. Application The application should include a C.V., a statement of interests, a description of research involvement and reprints of publications if any, and a minimum of two reference letters from previous aquarium curators and head trainers. Three copies of the application must be mailed to the Fjord & Belt Centre, Margrethes Plads 1, DK-5300 Kerteminde, Denmark. The application must be received not later than September 30, 1999 in order to be considered. Further Information Information on the Fjord & Belt Centre can be found on www.fjord-baelt.dk Further information about the position may be obtained from the leader of the porpoise project, Dr. Genevi=E8ve Desportes (genevieve(\)fjord-baelt.dk) and the senior trainer Kirstin Anderson (kirstin(\)fjord-baelt.dk), Fjord & Belt Centre, Fax: +45 65 32 42 64. Subject: new book announcement (fwd) Forwarded message: Subject: New Book by John A. Musick Author: Terry Ames at ~smtp Date: 7/20/99 1:17 PM New book contains important research on sea turtles and other marine animals! Life in the Slow Lane, Ecology and Conservation of Long-Lived Marine Animals Edited by John A. Musick, past president of the International Sea Turtle Symposium This 1997 symposium proceedings examines several diverse groups of marine animals whose common life history traits make them unusually liable to human-induced population reductions. With long life-spans, slow growth rates, late maturity, and often relatively few young, these vulnerable animals may benefit from similar conservation strategies. Among these are most species of sharks and sea turtles, many cetaceans, sturgeons, and some teleosts as well as some seabirds and seals. The 20 papers in this volume cover life history genetics genetics population issues management and conservation options Additional details on the American Fisheries Society (AFS) web site: http://www.fisheries.org/publications/AFSBooks/webfinal/x540.23.htm Order your copy today by e-mail: afsorders(\)abdintl.com ISBN 1-888569-15-8; Stock # 540.23; 266 pp; paper List price $47 USD; AFS member price $32 USD AFS members, please include AFS member number to receive discounted price. ____________________________________________________________________________ _____ Terry Ames, Director of Marketing American Fisheries Society (301)897-8616 ext. 219 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 110 FAX (301)897-8096 Bethesda, MD 20814-2199 AFS Homepage: http://www.fisheries.org For a free publications catalog, call (412) 741-5700, or browse online: http://www.fisheries.org/pubs.html Subject: NOAA Press Release - Judge Fines $4,500 for Dolphin Feeding (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Trevor Spradlin NMFS Office of Protected Resources *********************************** UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NEWS Washington, D.C. 20230 NOAA 99-R143 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/19/99 Judge Fines Panama City Boat Rental Company and Operator $4,500 for Illegally Feeding Dolphins Panama City, Fla. -- Federal Administrative Law Judge Parlen McKenna upheld a $4,500 fine against a Panama City boat rental company and its boat operator for illegally feeding wild dolphins. The incident occurred during a June 1998 excursion off Panama City=C6s Shell Island and nearby jetty, a destination popular with residents and tourists for feeding the local dolphin population, the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said today. NOAA charged Hathaway's Boat Rentals, Inc. and vessel captain Thomas E. Rainelli, with five counts of harassing or attempting to harass wild dolphins by feeding or attempting to feed the animals cigar minnows during a June 17, 1998 parasail boat trip. Hathaway's Boat Rentals, Inc. also sold the minnows that were used to feed the dolphins. Ruling from the bench Judge McKenna called the charges "serious," and upheld the NOAA charges and requested sanction of $4,500. The judge also ordered Hathaway=C6s Boat Rentals, Inc. to post a federal "no dolphin feeding" sign and a poster on the grounds and counter of its facility. The Hathaway's Boat Rentals, Inc. and Rainelli may divide the payment of the $4,500 penalty as they choose. In addition, the judge found that Rainelli was operating under a U.S. Coast Guard license, and as such, charges will be brought against him in a separate proceeding for these violations since he was acting under the authority of his Coast Guard license. "We are pleased that the charges were upheld and with the sanctions imposed by Judge McKenna," said Karen Antrim Raine, NOAA attorney in charge of the prosecution. "This case sends a strong message that it is a federal violation to feed wild dolphins. The Florida Marine Patrol did an outstanding job in making this case, and we are extremely appreciative of NOAA Law Enforcement for its investigation and NOAA=C6s Office of Protected Resources for its support." NOAA attorneys originally charged a total of $5,000 against four parties involved in the June 17, 1998 violation, but dismissed the case against Tropical Parasail and settled with boat crew member Chanti Hance for $500. = =20 Hathaway's Boat Rentals, Inc. and Thomas Rainelli chose not to settle and pursued the option of the civil hearing. The two parties have the option to appeal the ruling. "We hope that commercial operators who take tourists out to view wild dolphins will do so responsibly by keeping a safe distance of 50 yards from the animals and by supporting the law prohibiting dolphin feeding," said Ann Terbush, chief of the Permits Division in the Office of Protected Resources for NOAA=C6s National Marine Fisheries Service. "For several years, we have included local communities in Florida, particularly Panama City, in our education campaign to prevent harassment and feeding of wild dolphins. Since most tourists do not know about marine mammal protection laws or how to view wildlife appropriately, it is imperative that professional tour guides and businesses abide by law and educate their patrons." NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is an agency of the Commerce Department. NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation=C6s living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat. Subject: Hawaii Dolphin Internship Openings (fwd) ; X-MAC-TYPE=54455854; X-MAC-CREATOR=4D4F5353 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Pacific Whale Foundation has intern openings for the Wild Dolphin Project located on Maui, Hawaii. The internships focus on photo-identification and behavior work with spinner dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, false killer whales, and several other less common small odontocetes. Interns will help work on data analysis, photo-identification studies, and record the behaviors of the dolphins that are encountered. The internship also will be examining the diving and night-time behavior of spotted dolphins and false killer whales using suction-cup attached time-depth recorder/ VHF radio tags. Intern dates: September 2-11 September 14-23 September 26- October 5 October 8-17 October 20-29 November 1-10 November 13-22 The project cost is $1,295 which includes room and board. For more information please visit our web site at http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html Contact Lizbeth Kendall at 1800-942-5311 interns(\)pacificwhale.org Subject: Job Opportunity- Hawaii Longline Observer Program (fwd) From: Lewis Van Fossen BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES) OPEN PERIOD: 7/23/99-8/23/99 SERIES/GRADE: ZT-0404-II (EQUIVALENT TO GS-5 THROUGH GS-8) SALARY: ANNUAL $20,588 TO $36,711 (+25% COLA) VACANCY NUMBER: W/NMF/SWR/990475.LN DUTY STATION: HONOLULU, HI NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 12 These are permanent (full-time seasonal) postions with the National Marine Fisheries Service as sea-going observers in the Hawaii longline pelagic 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, sea birds (mainly albatross), and marine mammals. Obsevers 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 From: Jonathan Ali Khan Subject: Antartica Documentary on UV & marine mammals Dear Marmamers, Can you please consider some advice and suitable contact details of researchers working on issues surrounding the impact of ozone depletion and subsequent UV problems throughout the Southern hemisphere, and in particular - the continent of Antartica, on marine mammals for a documentary TV production. The point in question: What is the impact intense UV exposure has on marine mammals common to Antartica (whales, seals, etc.)? This can be answered either directly (UV impacts on individual animals) or indirectly (affecting the food sources - i.e. krill, fish, etc.).Is there anybody out there conducting research in this area during this forthcoming Antartic summer season? My colleague (Mani Mirsadeghi - a marine biologist from Iran, sponsored by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and incidentally the first Iranian to visit the South Pole(!), and myself (Jonathan Ali Khan - an independent TV documentary producer specialised in underwater and natural history filming based out of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates) are producing a film for the WMO,Iranian TV and a seperate film for international distribution on the WMO and ozone related issues. We are going to be in Antartica for the 1999-2000 season, and would love to hear from anybody that is conducting related research, as we would like to visit them during this summer period to interview them on their work and film natural history studies on their subjects. We are operating on a low budget(so whats new!?) and would appreciate spending some time at their relevant stations. Although our films will also feature environmental issues relating to ozone depletion in meteorological contexts, our principal interests are the marine mammals, birds, and marine life. We are also looking to establish opportunities to conduct underwater filming, and would also like any information on marine life studies under the ice. If you would like to contact us, please e-mail us on: e-mail: jakevk(\)emirates.net.ae or blujex(\)hotmail.com Thank you for your consideration, Kind regards, Jonathan Ali Khan, P.O.box 27419 Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel & Fax: 00971.4.366 901 e-mail: jakevk(\)emirates.net.ae or: blujex(\)hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 10:20:01 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: Vocal communication in South American sea lions (fwd) Fernandez-Juricic, E., Campagna, C., Enriquez, V. & Ortiz, C.L. 1999. Vocal communication and individual variation in breeding South American sea lions. Behaviour 136: 495-517. Summary. The purpose of this study was to analyse the structure, social contexts, and individual variation of South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) airborne vocal communication during the breeding season. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the vocal repertoire of this species. Since breeding colonies are complex acoustic environments, we expect that male, female, and pup vocalizations would show individuality, and that individual variation would rely on several acoustic traits. We identified four calls for adult males: high pitched call or HPC (aggressive interactions, such as attack and retreat displays, and fights), bark (aggressive interactions, territory establishment, and usually combined with growls), growl (male-female interactions), and exhalation (after agonistic encounters); and two for adult females: mother primary call or MPC (female-pup interactions, such as after birth, during pup separation, and pup development), and grunt (agonistic interactions between females). Juveniles vocalized yearling primary calls or YPC (searching for their mothers or after being threatened by females), pups gave pup primary calls or PPC (in response to MPCs, when hungry, searching for their mothers, if nursing was interrupted, or when trying to nurse). Our results suggest that male's HPC and bark, female's MPC, and pup's PPC have acoustic features that support individuality. These calls are associated with contexts in which recognition of neighbours (HPC and bark) or relatives (MPC and PPC) may confer a relative advantage in reproductive performance. Individual variation depended on frequency, temporal, and intensity traits; such multi-trait individuality could be regarded as an adaptation to colonial life to overcome the high noise levels within pinniped breeding colonies. Reprints available from: ESTEBAN FERNANDEZ-JURICIC Depto de Biologia Animal I. Facultad de Biologia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Madrid - E28040. SPAIN E-mail: estebanf(\)bme.es ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 08:41:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: used marine mammal books (fwd) From: Dagmar Fertl The following are used books for sale thru the latest catalogue of Donald Hahn Natural History Books. There is no web address for this information. When ordering, refer to the item number and catalogue number (which is 62). Call: 520-634-5016, FAX 520-634-1217, address is: Donald E. Hahn Natural History Books, Box 1004, Cottonwood, AZ 86326-1004 (I recommend calling or FAXing since books get sold quickly). You can use American Express, Visa, or Mastercard. Prices quoted are in U.S. dollars. Dagmar Fertl ************************************************************ 1538. Heptner, V.G. et al. 1967. Mammals of the Soviet Union: Volume II, Part 1A. Sirenia and Carnivora (Sea Cows; Wolves and Bears). $65 1539. Heptner, V.G. et al. 1976. Mammals of the Soviet Union. Volume II, Part 3. Pinnipeds an dtoothed whales. $85 1580. Loughrey, A.G. 1959. Preliminary investigation of the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus Linnaeus) $12 1584. Marine Mammals. 56 Scholarly, 20th century reprints dealing with marine mammals. Total of 740 pp. $50 1587. Martin, K.R. 1974. Delaware goes whaling. $7 1589. Maxwell, G. 1967. Seals of the world. $15 1594. Miller, G.S. 1923. The telescoping of the cetacean skull. $15 1595. Miller, P.A. 1979. And the whale is ours. Creative writing of the American whaleman. $25. 1570. Lavigne, D.M. and K.M. Kovacs. 1988. Harps and Hoods. Ice-breeding seals of the Northwest Atlantic. $30 1571. LeBoeuf, B.J. and R.W. Laws. 1994. Elephant seals: population ecology, behavior, and physiology. $58 1572. Leatherwood, et al. 1976. Whales, dolphins and porpoises of the western Atlantic: a guide to their identification. $15 1573. Leatherwood, S. et al. 1982. Whales, dolphins and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific and adjacent Arctic waters. $16 1577. Liversidge, D. 1963. The whale killers. $15 1578. Lockley, R.M. 1966. Grey seal, common seal: an account of the life histories of British seals. $19 1609. Norris, K.S. 1974. The porpoise watcher. $16 1610. Northridge, S.P. 1991. An updated world review of interactions between marine mammals and fisheries. $11 1611. Odell, D.K. 1972. Studies on the biology of the California sea lion and the northern elephant seal of San Nicolas Island, California. $19 1615. Orr, R.T. 1972. Marine mammals of California. $15 1623. Pryor, K. and K.S. Norris. 1991. Dolphin societies: discoveries and puzzles. $35 1630. Robertson, R.B. 1956(1958) Of Whales and Men. $15 1631. Robotti, F.D. 1962. Whaling and Old Salem (A Chronicle of the Sea) $19 1697. Wood, F.G. 1973. Marine mammals and man: the Navy's porpoises and sea lions. $19 1690. Williams, H. 1964. One whaling family. $19 1688. Whipple, A.B.C. 1954. Yankee whalers in the South Seas. $17. 1683. Walker, T.J. 1962. Whale primer, with special attention to the California gray whale. $6 1648. Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, sea lions, and walruses: a review of the Pinnipedia. $24 1656. Slijper, E.J. 1939. Pseudorca crassidens (Owen), ein Beitgrag zur vergleichenden Anatomie der Cetaceen. $15 1657. Slijper, E.J. 1956. Some remarks on gestation and birth in Cetacea and other aquatic mammals. $9 1658. Small, G.L. 1971. The blue whale. $19 Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summaries 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} {Tonga Whaling? On July 22, 1999, the chairman of the World Council of Whalers was reported to have met with Tongan government officials to brief them on the advantages of resuming commercial whaling in Tongan waters. In addition, the Council offered to conduct a health survey to assess the benefits of encouraging Tongans to eat whalemeat.} [CNN] {Dolphin Feeding Fine. On July 19, 1999, NMFS announced that a federal administrative law judge had upheld a $4,500 fine against a Panama City, FL, boat rental company and boat operator for illegally harassing or attempting to harass wild dolphins by feeding in June 1998. The boat rental was also ordered to post "no dolphin feeding" signs and posters on its grounds.} {{The company owner stated that he plans to appeal the fine, believing his business is the victim of selective enforcement.}} [NOAA press release, Assoc Press] {Inuit Puppets Seized. In mid-July 1999, Canadian officials reported that the U.S. Customs Service had seized and confiscated 6 of a total of 9 whalebone and sealskin puppets, sent by Pelly Bay Inuit to a master puppeteer in RI for minor adjustments. The puppets were crafted to depict a traditional legend, which was to be videotaped in Pelly Bay in August 1999 for distribution to Nunavut communities. Under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, a federal permit was required to import marine mammal products. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken possession of the puppets.} [Ottawa Citizen] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On July 12, 1999, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce held a forum on the status of Cook Inlet beluga whales. [NOAA press release, Reuters, Anchorage Daily News] Steller Sea Lions. On July 9, 1999, U.S. District Court (Seattle, WA) Judge Thomas Zilly issued a 44-page ruling that NMFS had not taken sufficient action to protect Steller sea lions, listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and ordered NMFS to undertake a new environmental impact review of the Alaska pollock fishery. Judge Zilly faulted NMFS for approving fishery management measures to protect sea lions based solely on minimizing impacts to the fishing industry. {{Subsequently, a coalition of environmental groups recommended that Judge Zilly order NMFS to have new regulations for the pollock fishery by Nov. 1, 1999, and to complete a new environmental impact statement on the fishery by Oct. 1, 2000. NMFS and the pollock industry have until July 30, 1999, to respond to the environmental coalition's recommendations.}} On Aug. 6, 1999, Judge Zilly is scheduled to meet with attorneys from environmental groups, the pollock industry, and the federal government, to determine whether emergency regulations, due to be issued by NMFS in late July 1999, should remain in effect or be modified. The pollock fishery opens on Aug. 1, 1999. [Reuters, Anchorage Daily News] Body in Killer Whale Pool. On July 6, 1999, a deceased man's body was found in an off-exhibit tank of a male killer whale at Sea World Orlando, FL. The same animal is reported to have been involved in the death of a trainer 8 years ago at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia. An autopsy indicated that the man had been bitten in the groin after drowning in cold water. [Assoc Press, Humane Society of the United States press release] California Sea Otters. In early July 1999, the AZ Center for Biological Diversity filed notice with the Dept. of the Interior of an intent to sue the Moss Landing (CA) Harbor District to force the District to ban motorboats from Elkhorn Slough to better protect sea otters. The Center contends that the District has failed to prevent speeding boaters from killing sea otters. [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury] Norwegian Whaling. As of June 30, 1999, Norwegian whalers were about 250 minke whales short of their 753-whale quota, with only a month until the season closes on Aug. 1, 1999. The Norwegian domestic market is reportedly saturated with whalemeat. On July 12, 1999, the Norwegian Coast Guard boarded and seized the Greenpeace vessel Sirius for violating the 500-meter safety zone around the whaling vessel Kato, after Greenpeace activists reportedly tried to release a harpooned minke whale. In addition, 15 Greenpeace activists were arrested. An inflatable Greenpeace vessel was reportedly struck by a rifle bullet, aimed at the whale. As of mid-July 1999, about 560 minke whales had been killed by Norwegian whalers. On July 15, 1999, a preliminary court in Stavanger, Norway, ordered the Greenpeace vessel Sirius to remain under port arrest for the remainder of July 1999. The captain of the Sirius and 6 other Greenpeace activists were order to pay fines ranging from $1,900 to $3,800 each for hampering the whale hunt. {{The Sirius was released after Greenpeace posted a $25,300 bond.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Environment News Service] MMPA Hearings. On June 29, 1999, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. [personal communication] Acoustic Pollution? On June 28, 1999, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report "Sounding the Depths" [http://www.nrdc.org] on noise in the marine environment, and how this noise could be harmful to marine life. [Assoc Press, Sacramento Bee] 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: Pilot Whale project Dear MARMAM readers, Some time ago I posted a request for literature available on the pilot whale's status and distribution. I wanted to thank all those who replied and am sorry I was not able to meet some of you in Boston at the conference. I am continuing somewhat slowly to gather information about the pilots and am seeking participants whose research area and/or expertise is with pilots in any part of the world to complete a survey on their status, threats to the species, awareness of protective regulations and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with these regulations and laws. I welcome comment, suggestion and recommendations of people to talk with. Some people who were recommended I have found hard to reach but I had been limiting my correspondence to email and as we all know emails can easily find their way into the realm of folders and be forgotten amidst busy academic scheduling. So, I will be posting the actual survey questions soon but in the meantime would welcome again recommendations on who to contact and if you are interested in participating please let me know. The survey is part of an independent study I am doing and is not intended to be pro or anti-whaling just based in scientific data. I will be delighted to post any results here when complete. Participants confidentiality will be honored if so requested. Thanks in advance for your efforts! Kind regards, Lorena Loubsky-Lonergan Norwell, MA. 02061-1413 Lorena Loubsky-Lonergan Coordinator, Encyclopedia of Optimization Kluwer Academic Publishers Philip Dr. Norwell, MA 02061 jmoffice(\)wkap.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 08:46:00 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Scaling of the cetacean middle ear. Nummela, S; Wagar, T; Hemila, S; Reuter, T. HEARING RESEARCH. July 1999 v133 i1-2 p71-81 The anatomy of the killer whale middle ear (Orcinus orca). Nummela, S; Reuter, T; Hemila, S; Holmberg, P; Paukku, P. HEARING RESEARCH. July 1999 v133 i1-2 p61-70 The bone tissue of the rostrum of a Mesoplodon densirostris whale: a mammalian biomineral demonstrating extreme texture. Rogers, KD; Zioupos, P. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE LETTERS. April 15, 1999 v18 i8 p651-654 Diving behaviour of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) in the Greenland and Norwegian Seas. Folkow, LP; Blix, AS. POLAR BIOLOGY. July 1999 v22 i1 p61-74 Are there thermoregulatory constraints on the timing of pupping for harbour seals?. Hind, AT; Gurney, WSC. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. December 1998 v76 i12 p2245-2254 Backcasting population sizes of ringed and grey seals in the Baltic and Lake Saimaa during the 20th century. Kokko, H; Helle, E; Lindstrom, J; Ranta, E; Sipila, T; Courchamp, F. ANNALES ZOOLOGICI FENNICI. July-August 1999 v36 i2 p65-73 Vocal communication and individual variation in breeding South American sea lions. Fernandez-Juricic, E; Campagna, C; Enriquez, V; Ortiz, CL. BEHAVIOUR, May 1999 v136 part4 p495-517 Subject: Lenus list of marine mammal Internet sites In-Reply-To: <9907280233.AA09841(\)www1.wheelock.edu> The list of Internet sites containing information on whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals originally compiled by Bill Lemus of San Diego, CA has been updated and is located on WhaleNet at http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/interwhale.html This list is available for those interested in updating their resources and pages. 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, 1 Aug 1999 02:57:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent 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. Cloning and sequencing of a bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) interleukin-4-encoding cDNA. Inoue, Y; Itou, T; Sakai, T; Oike, T. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. June 1999 v61 i6 p693-696 Capture rate as a function of school size in pantropical spotted dolphins, Stenella attenuata, in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Perkins, PC; Edwards, EF. FISHERY BULLETIN. July 1999 v97 i3 p542-554 Hematologic, biochemical, and endocrine effects of dexamethasone on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Reidarson, TH; McBain, JF. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. June 1999 v30 i2 p310-312 Diurnal and seasonal behavior patterns of Tursiops-truncatus and Stenella-attenuata (Mammalia : Delphinidae) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Pardo, PC. REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL. December 1998 v46 sup6 p103-110 Seasonal distribution of bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and pan-tropical spotted (Stenella attenuata) dolphins (Cetacea : Delphinidae) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Acevedo, A; Burkhart, S. REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA TROPICAL. December 1998 v46 sup6 p91-101 Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal sumaries 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} {Manatee Hearing. On July 28, 1999, the journal New Scientist published the results of a study concluding that manatees are the victims of vessel collisions because the animals cannot hear the sound frequency of vessel motors.} [Reuters] Tonga Whaling? On July 22, 1999, the chairman of the World Council of Whalers was reported to have met with Tongan government officials to brief them on the advantages of resuming commercial whaling in Tongan waters. In addition, the Council offered to conduct a health survey to assess the benefits of encouraging Tongans to eat whalemeat. [CNN] {Anthropogenic Noise. On July 21, 1999, the Office of Naval Research announced that its Marine Mammal Science Program had released the 140- page Proceedings of the Workshop on the Effects of Anthropogenic Noise in the Marine Environment discussing the potential biological effects of underwater noise [http://www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/engineering/proceed.pdf]. On July 30, 1999, the U.S. Navy is scheduled to release an environmental impact statement on its low frequency active sonar system, concluding that is will not endanger marine life and human divers exposed to its pulses. A series of 5 public meetings will be held to obtain comments on the EIS, with the first planned for Aug. 4, 1999, in Washington, DC.} [ONR press release, Environmental News Network, Assoc Press] Dolphin Feeding Fine. On July 19, 1999, NMFS announced that a federal administrative law judge had upheld a $4,500 fine against a Panama City, FL, boat rental company and boat operator for illegally harassing or attempting to harass wild dolphins by feeding in June 1998. The boat rental was also ordered to post "no dolphin feeding" signs and posters on its grounds. The company owner stated that he plans to appeal the fine, believing his business is the victim of selective enforcement. [NOAA press release, Assoc Press] Inuit Puppets Seized. In mid-July 1999, Canadian officials reported that the U.S. Customs Service had seized and confiscated 6 of a total of 9 whalebone and sealskin puppets, sent by Pelly Bay Inuit to a master puppeteer in RI for minor adjustments. The puppets were crafted to depict a traditional legend, which was to be videotaped in Pelly Bay in August 1999 for distribution to Nunavut communities. Under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, a federal permit was required to import marine mammal products. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken possession of the puppets. [Ottawa Citizen] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On July 12, 1999, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce held a forum on the status of Cook Inlet beluga whales. [NOAA press release, Reuters, Anchorage Daily News] Norwegian Whaling. On July 12, 1999, the Norwegian Coast Guard boarded and seized the Greenpeace vessel Sirius for violating the 500-meter safety zone around the whaling vessel Kato, after Greenpeace activists reportedly tried to release a harpooned minke whale. In addition, 15 Greenpeace activists were arrested. An inflatable Greenpeace vessel was reportedly struck by a rifle bullet, aimed at the whale. As of mid-July 1999, about 560 minke whales had been killed by Norwegian whalers. On July 15, 1999, a preliminary court in Stavanger, Norway, ordered the Greenpeace vessel Sirius to remain under port arrest for the remainder of July 1999. The captain of the Sirius and 6 other Greenpeace activists were order to pay fines ranging from $1,900 to $3,800 each for hampering the whale hunt. The Sirius was released after Greenpeace posted a $25,300 bond. [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Environment News Service] Steller Sea Lions. On July 8, 1999, U.S. District Court (Seattle, WA) Judge Thomas Zilly issued a 44-page ruling that NMFS had not taken sufficient action to protect Steller sea lions, listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and ordered NMFS to undertake a new environmental impact review of the Alaska pollock fishery. Judge Zilly faulted NMFS for approving fishery management measures to protect sea lions based solely on minimizing impacts to the fishing industry. Subsequently, a coalition of environmental groups recommended that Judge Zilly order NMFS to have new regulations for the pollock fishery by Nov. 1, 1999, and to complete a new environmental impact statement on the fishery by Oct. 1, 2000. NMFS and the pollock industry have until July 30, 1999, to respond to the environmental coalition's recommendations. {{On July 13, 1999, NMFS notified Judge Zilly that it intended to extend the emergency rule implementing reasonable and prudent alternatives for t! he pollock fishery through Dec. 31, 1999. Judge Zilly agreed to allow NMFS to proceed with the emergency rule.}} On Aug. 6, 1999, Judge Zilly is scheduled to meet with attorneys from environmental groups, the pollock industry, and the federal government, to determine whether NMFS's emergency rule, due to be issued in late July 1999, should remain in effect or be modified. The pollock fishery opens on Aug. 1, 1999. [Reuters, Anchorage Daily News, personal communication] Body in Killer Whale Pool. On July 6, 1999, a deceased man's body was found in an off-exhibit tank of a male killer whale at Sea World Orlando, FL. The same animal is reported to have been involved in the death of a trainer 8 years ago at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia. An autopsy indicated that the man had been bitten in the groin after drowning in cold water. [Assoc Press, Humane Society of the United States press release] California Sea Otters. In early July 1999, the AZ Center for Biological Diversity filed notice with the Dept. of the Interior of an intent to sue the Moss Landing (CA) Harbor District to force the District to ban motorboats from Elkhorn Slough to better protect sea otters. The Center contends that the District has failed to prevent speeding boaters from killing sea otters. [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury] 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: Mediterranean monk seals (fwd) From: Osha Gray Davidson Hello--I'm trying to obtain a copy of a report: Workshop on the causes and consequences of the 1997 mass mortality of Mediterranean monk seals in the Western Sahara. Amsterdam, 11-14 December 1997. IBN Scientific Contributions 11. International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW); Institute for Forestry and Nature Research (IBN-DLO), Wageningen, the Netherlands. pp. 32. Authors: Harwood, John, David Lavigne, and Peter Reijnders. I've tried, unsuccessfully, contacting the authors, the publishers, and using inter-library loan. No luck. I'll gladly reimburse someone for a photocopied version. Thanks, Osha Osha Gray Davidson Adjunct Assistant Professor International Programs, University of Iowa 14 S. Governor St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: 319-338-4778 http://members.home.net/oshad/books.htm Subject: News Articles Today's edition of the "Sarasota Herald Tribune" has an article by Bebe Bahnsen about a young girl who was bitten yesterday by a wild dolphin in Nokomis, FL (near Sarasota). The article can be accessed on the web at: http://www.newscoast.com/headlines2.cfm Also, the "Miami Herald" has an article about a swimmer who was bitten last week by a shark while trying to swim-with wild dolphins near Key West. The article can also be found on the web at: http://www.herald.com/herald/content/digdocs/news/keys/030011.htm People who feed and harass wild dolphins place the dolphins and themselves at risk of harm. Feeding and harassment is also illegal under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources has educational materials available that explain the dangers associated with interacting with wild marine mammals. To obtain copies, please write to Trevor.Spradlin(\)noaa.gov, or visit our website at: http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/prot_res.html Trevor Spradlin Office of Protected Resources NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1999 07:44:27 -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 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 April 1999 there were about 3,500 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 (e.g, 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., 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 NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details and website address). - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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 or inflame 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 marmamed(\)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. Note: You must be a subscriber to the list in order to access the subscription list. _______________________________________________________________ 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated April 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1999 15:55:34 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstracts - Aquatic Mammals, vol 25 (2), 1999 Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, The following are abstracts/summaries for articles appearing in the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals. Aquatic Mammals is a benefit of membership with the European Association for Aquatic Mammals. Please do not request reprints from me or the Marmam editors; I have provided addresses for authors to whom reprint requests should be directed. Thank you for letting me know you appreciate postings of recent publications, most especially Aquatic Mammals. I'd like to thank Dr. Paul Nachtigall for doing such a great job with Aquatic Mammals while he was editor, and for supporting posting of the abstracts for the articles. Please direct future correspondence and manuscripts to the new editor: Dr. Jeanette Thomas Laboratory of Sensory Biology Western Illinois University Regional Center 3561 60th Street Moline, IL 61265, USA email: Jeanette_Thomas(\)ccmail.wiu.edu Sincerely, Dagmar Fertl ************************************************************* Ritter, F.* and B. Brederlau. 1999. Behavioural observations of dense beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera, Canary Islands (1995-1997). Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 55-61. *M.E.E.R. e.V., Weichselstr. 20, 10247 Berlin, Germany Dense beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) were sighted 24 times during 1 September 1995 through 31 August 1997 off La Gomera, Canary Islands. Sightings occurred year round. Group size was estimated to range from 2 to 9 individuals (mean 3.44, SD=2.07, n=23). Of the seven sightings for which such information was recorded, mean depth was 320 m (SD=270 m), and mean distance from shore was 4.39 km (SD=1.85 km). Adult males and calves were both observed during many encounters. The reaction of the animals to the observation vessel avried from avoidance to approach. During two encounters swimmers were able to approach the whales underwater. ************************************************************* Mobley, Jr., J.R.*, G.B. Bauer, and L.M. Herman. 1999. Changes over a ten-year interval in the distribution and relative abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering in Hawaiian waters. Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 63-72. *Social Sciences, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, 96-129 Ala Ike, Pearl City, HI 96782, USA Aerial surveys of the wintering population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were performed during the 1990 season (Jan-Apr) in the waters adjoining the major Hawaiian Islands using methods consistent with those used in earlier surveys (1977-80). Analysis of these data showed significant increases in both calves and total whales across the intervening period of ten years. Comparisons of numbers of whales and calves seen on peak flight dates across the five years (1977-80 and 1990) showed significant differences, with numbers of whales and numbers of calves for 1990 revealing the greatest departures from expected frequency. Comparisons of overall encounter rates for both calves (calves/km) and total whales (whales/km) showed signifcant differences across years, with 1990 rates significantly higher than for all previous years. When encounter rates for total whales were compared across years within each of the five major regions (Big Island, Four Island, Penguin Bank, Oahu, and Kauai/Niihau regions), there was a general trend of greater increases moving northwest through the island chain. Together these data suggest that the wintering population may be 'spilling over' from previously preferred habitat (Four Island and Penguin Bank regions) and offer supportive evidence that this endangered population may be recovering. ************************************************************* Johnson, C.M.* and K. Moewe. 1999. Pectoral fin preference during contact in Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii). Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 73-77. *Dept of Cognitive Science, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0515, USA The Commerson's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus commersonii, is well documented as having saw-toothed serrations on the leading edge of, primarily, its left pectoral fin. However, the function of these serrations, which apparently develope with sexual maturity and are more often exclusively on the left in males than in females, had not heretofore been explored. In this captive study of six mature Commerson's dolphins - two males and four females - instantaneous scan samples were taken once every ten seconds for 24 minutes per session in 220 sessions (for 31,680 scans, 88 hours of observation). 'Pec touches' - contact between the leading edge of one animal's flipper and any part of the body of another animal - were observed in 946 of these scans. 907 (96%) of these were performed by the two males. Of these 907 observations, 853 (94%) involved the male's serrated left pectoral fin. This preferential use of the left flipper was consistent across their full range of partners (male or female) and regardless of arousal state (i.e. involving genital or non-genital contact). These results suggest that flipper serrations may, in part, serve to enhance tactile stimulation during social contact and further, that this may reflect a gender-specific adaptation. ************************************************************* Carter, S.K.*, F.C.W. Rosas, A.B. Cooepr, adn A.C. Cordeiro-Duarte. 1999. Consumption rate, food preferences and transit time of captive giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis: implications for the study of wild populations. Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 79-90. *Current address: Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Fisheries, Box 357980, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7980, USA Food consumption, food preferences and transit time of digesta were determined in captive giant otters, Pteronura brasiliensis, at the National Institute of Amazon Research (INPA), Manaus, Brazil. Food consumption of an adult female was 0.097 kg^-1day^-1. Giant otters showed significant and varied preferences for the single Siluriformes (catfish) and various Characiformes species offered. The adult female preferred Anostomidae and Hypophthalmus (catfish), followed by Triportheus. Myleinae (pacu) were the least preferred, and other species of Characiformes offered were intermediate between Triportheus and Myleinae but not different from one another. The subadult male preferred Psectrogaster, Potamorhina and Semaprochilodus, followed by Hypophthalmus and finally Hemiodontidae. Within species, larger fish are chosen significantly affected the percentage of times fish offered were consumed completely (P<0.016). Overall, most fish were consumed completely more often than siluroids (77.8% vs 38.6% of trials, P<0.0001), but the percentage of times different characoids were consumed completely varied (range 0-100%). Small fish (5-15 cm) are more likely to be consumed completely than medium (15-25 cm) fish (84.9% vs 80.2% of trials, P<0.02). Transit time of particulate markers averaged 3.13 h. Captive preferences are compared to diets of wild otters in the region (central Amazonia), and implications of study results for determination of food habits in wild otters using scat analysis are discussed. ************************************************************* Maze, K.S.* and B. Wursig. 1999. Bottlenose dolphins of San Luis Pass, Texas: Occurrence patterns, site fidelity, and habitat use. Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 91-103. *Present address: Unit C, 17th floor, 148 Qing Hui Rd., Dailiang Town, Shunde City, Guandong Province 528300, People's Republic of China Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Galveston Bay Estuary, Texas, have been studied continuously since 1990. Most of this research has taken place in the 'Galveston Bay' area at the northeastern end of Galveston Island. In September 1995 we began a project to examine bottlenose dolphin occurrence patterns, habitat use, site fidelity, and movements in the San Luis Pass area, a relatively undisturbed area at the southwestern end of Galveston Bay Estuary; and to compare findings to previous work in Galveston Bay, approximately 48 km away. Eighty-three boat-based photo-identification surveys were conducted during 12 months in 1995-1996, totaling 349.4 h of effort, of which 94.3 were spent in direct observation of 102 dolphin groups. Seventy-one individuals were identified, including 37 'residents' (Bay) and 34 'transients' (Gulf). These individuals were compared with 63 individuals identified in the study area in 1990. Fourteen of 71 (19.7%) animals identified in 1995-1996 were present in 1990, suggesting that some dolphins exhibit long-term site fidelity to the area. Dolphins identified in San Luis Pass were compared to photographs taken during 1995 surveys of Galveston Bay. Three animals were sighted in both study areas, indicating coastal movements between sites do occur. The study area was divided into four sections based upon habitat characteristics. Season and study area section were not independent with regard to group sightings. During summer, animals were most frequently sighted in a shallow bay furthest inland, whereas during winter, they were most frequently sighted in the Gulf of Mexico. This study suggested that the San Luis Pass area, devoid of deep man-made channels and structures, is inadequate to support dolphins during winter. This in contrast to Galveston Bay, where groups have been sighted regularly in bays and channels year-round. We suggest that food resources in Galveston Bay are present year-round due to deeper water provided by the Houston and Galveston Ship Channels, and that this habitat may therefore be more attractive to dolphins than before human restructuring of the underwater environment. ************************************************************* Mazzuca, L., S. Atkinson*, B. Keating, and E. Nitta. 1999. Cetacean mass strandings in the Hawaiian Archipelago, 1957-1998. Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 105-114. *Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1346, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA Cetacean mass stranding data for the Hawaiian Archipelago, from 1957 through 1998, were analyzed to determine age (estimated from body length), location, frequency, and seasonal distribution of stranding occurrence. Using data collected from the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Area Office and published news reports, 9 mass stranding events, involving 4 species comprised of 96 animals, were identified and analyzed. The stranded animals were predominately adult odontocete whales. Ninety-five percent of the animals that came ashore were alive at the time of the stranding. Human intervention occurred in all of the live mass stranding events however, 81% of the animals subsequently died. Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) stranded in the largest groups and experienced the greatest number of stranding events (x=14 animals, 5 events); pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) stranded in two events, consisting of 2 and 4 animals each; and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) stranded in one event in a group of 18 live animals. One pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) event was a female stranding with a calf. The greatest incidence of mass strandings occurred on the Island of Maui during the month of June. Mass strandings occurred on all high Hawaiian Islands, except Hawaii; none were reported on the islands, or atolls north of Kauai. Two-thirds of the events occurred on the leeward sides of the islands with similar bottom topography, coastal configuration, and geomagnetic characteristics in all events. ************************************************************* Reddy, M.L.*, S.E. Kaupp, H. Goforth, and S.H. Ridgway. 1999. Reduction of suspended particulates by mussels and other organisms in dolphin enclosures. Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 115-118. *SPAWARSYSCEN D3503 49620 Beluga Rd, Rm 204, San Diego, CA 92152, USA Water clarity inside bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) enclosures in San Diego Bay was greater than that outside the enclosures, in spite of fecal and urinary input by the dolphins. We investigated the possibility that this was due to common bay mussels, Mytilus edulis, that had colonized on the netting inside the dolphin enclosures. Using an estimated population of over 200,000 mussels and a range of published pumping rates, we calculated that the volume of water filtered by the mussels was equivalent to nearly 18.4 to 184 times the enclosure volume per day. The synergistic combination of available substratum, nutrient mixing, and the rich, natural microenvironment found in the dolphin enclosures enhanced the water quality of the immediate local environment by reducing the amount of particulate matter and algae in the water column. This resulted in greater clarity inside the mussel-encrusted enclosures. Similar substrata could be used by aquaculture operations for the treatment of natural waters used to house a variety of organisms from abalone to fin fish, either in small volume enclosures or in those with high density populations. Furthermore, mussel-encrusted netting might be employed to clear water overloaded with organic matter from sewage overflow, river runoff, fish farms, feedlot effluents, and other sources of organic pollution. ************************************************************* Rodriguez-Lopez, M.A. and A.A. Mignucci-Giannoni. 1999. A stranded pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) in Puerto Rico. Aquatic Mammals 25(2): 119-1211. Red Caribena de Varamientos-Caribbean Stranding Network and Laboratorio de Mamiferos Marinos del Caribe, Departamento de Ciencias y Technologia, Universidad Metropolitana, SUAGM, P.O. Box 361715 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715, USA no abstract provided. This stranding event is the third record of pygmy killer whale for the Caribbean and documentation of this species as part of the cetacean biodiversity of Puerto Rico. Hematogram and blood chemistry values are provided, as well as details from the necropsy, including stomach contents. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1999 02:39:31 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: (Fwd) Call for Participation: Measuring Behavior 2000 Measuring Behavior 2000 3rd International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research Nijmegen, The Netherlands, 15-18 August 2000 Mark your calendar for the next Measuring Behavior conference, the premier event for scientists and practitioners concerned with human or animal behavior. Following the overwhelming success of the meetings in Utrecht (1996) and Groningen (1998), we are pleased to announce that the next Measuring Behavior conference will be held at the University of Nijmegen in August 2000. Conference host will be Prof. Dr. Alexander Cools. Like the previous meetings, Measuring Behavior 2000 will offer an attractive mix of oral papers, poster presentations, technical demonstrations, training sessions, user meetings, scientific tours, an exhibition of scientific books, instruments and software, and a pleasant social program. All presentations will deal with innovative methods and techniques in behavioral research. If the Measuring Behavior conferences are new for you, the proceedings of the 1998 meeting (http://www.noldus.com/events/mb98/mb98.htm) give a good impression of what it is all about. Conference Venue Nijmegen is a lively university town located in the central-east part of the Netherlands, with a history dating back to Roman times. The city is within easy reach by road and train from Schiphol Amsterdam airport. With numerous departments related to the interdisciplinary theme of the conference, including biology, psychology, social sciences, pharmacology and a medical school, the University of Nijmegen is an excellent venue for our conference. More Information To get on the mailing list for announcements, please send your full address details to the email address below. In due course, the conference web site will provide all relevant information, registration and abstract submission forms, etc. If you wish to propose a symposium or other conference activity, please send your suggestions to Wineke Schoo (w.schoo(\)noldus.nl). We look forward to meeting you in Nijmegen! Measuring Behavior 2000 P.O. Box 268 6700 AG Wageningen The Netherlands Phone: +31-317-497677 Fax: +31-317-424496 E-mail: mb2000(\)noldus.nl Web site: http://www.noldus.com/events/mb2000/ -------------- Subject: Recent 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. * An Cliquet & Frank Maes, The New Belgian Law on the Protection of the Marine Environment, 1(3) Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 395-402 (1999); * Liliane Lodi & Andre Barreto, Legal Actions Taken in Brazil for the Conservation of Cetaceans, 1(3) Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 403-411 (1999). Wil Burns, Managing Editor Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 JIWLP(\)earthling.net http://www.wkap.nl/journalhome.htm/1388-0292 Subject: cleaning and rearticulation of stranded skeletal material (fwd) The MARMAM list receives periodic requests for information on procedures for cleaning and rearticulating skeletons of stranded specimens, such as the two which follow. If responses and details of literature which deals with this issue could be sent to marmamed(\)uvic.ca in addition to the authors below, we will compile these and post them to the MARMAM list and on the MARMAM website for future reference. MARMAM editors marmamed(\)uvic.ca ---------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Saifullah Jaaman" Subject: Cuvier's beaked whale & Spinner dolphin Hi, I have a full set skeleton of a Cuvier's beaked whale. A 6 meter long female whale was found stranded in the north of Borneo (Sabah) on the 11/4/1997. AND 4 full set skeleton of a Spinner dolphin. I'm having difficulties on assembling the skeleton. I would really appreciate if anyone have any reference on skeleton especially on these two species. Should anyone have anything to share, please contact me at this address: SAIFULLAH ARIFIN B. JAAMAN Tel:60-88-436404 ext. 5591/5550/5663 Malaysian Marine Mammals & Fax:60-88-435204 Whale Shark Working Group Email:jaaman(\)hotmail.com Borneo Marine Research Unit University Malaysia Sabah Locked Bag 2073 88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia --------------------------------------------------------------- From: Raduan Jaber Mohamad Subject: Balaenoptera skeleton Dear Marmamers, I belong to the Department of Morphology of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We are trying to assemble a Balaenoptera skeleton that was buried in sand a year ago. We used lime as a material to accelerate the organic decomposition. Now, we have taken out the bones, and it seems that the skeleton did not suffer too much from the lime.There are many unsolved questions: What is the best procedure to completely remove the oil before the external treatment? What kind of material can we use as a protection cover for exterior display? Could anybody help us with the assembling protocol? Thank you very much for your help. Dr. Raduan Jaber Department of Morphology University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria tel. 34-928 45 11 03 jaber(\)cicei.ulpgc.es Subject: additional recent 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. Whale meat from protected species is still being sold on Japanese markets. Grohmann, L; Bokermann, I; Sonntag, R; Unseld, M; Hiesel, R; Malek, O; Giese, A; Brennicke, A. NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN. July 1999 v86 i7 p350-351 Modelling survival of Hector's dolphins around banks peninsula, New Zealand. Cameron, C; Barker, R; Fletcher, D; Slooten, E; Dawson, S. OURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS. June 1999 v4 i2 p126-135 Rhizopusmycosis in a harbor porpoise from the Baltic Sea Wunschmann, A; Siebert, U; Weiss, R JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES, July 1999 v35 i3 p569-573 (5) Synovial joint disease in wild cetaceans. Turnbull, BS; Cowan, DF JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES, July 1999 v35 i3 p511-518 Hepatic carcinoma with spleen metastasis in a California sea lion from the Gulf of California. Acevedo-Whitehouse, KA; Constantino-Casas, F; Aurioles-Gamboa, D; Rodriguez-Martinez, HA; Godinez-Reyes, CR JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES, July 1999 v35 i3 p565-568 (4) 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS Manatee Hearing. On July 28, 1999, the journal New Scientist published the results of a study concluding that manatees are the victims of vessel collisions because the animals cannot hear the sound frequency of vessel motors. [Reuters] Tonga Whaling? On July 22, 1999, the chairman of the World Council of Whalers was reported to have met with Tongan government officials to brief them on the advantages of resuming commercial whaling in Tongan waters. In addition, the Council offered to conduct a health survey to assess the benefits of encouraging Tongans to eat whalemeat. [CNN] Anthropogenic Noise. On July 21, 1999, the Office of Naval Research announced that its Marine Mammal Science Program had released the 140-page Proceedings of the Workshop on the Effects of Anthropogenic Noise in the Marine Environment discussing the potential biological effects of underwater noise [http://www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/engineering/proceed.pdf]. On July 30, 1999, the U.S. Navy is scheduled to release an environmental impact statement on its low frequency active sonar system, concluding that is will not endanger marine life and human divers exposed to its pulses. A series of 5 public meetings will be held to obtain comments on the EIS, with the first planned for Aug. 4, 1999, in Washington, DC. [ONR press release, Environmental News Network, Assoc Press] Dolphin Feeding Fine. On July 15, 1999, a U.S. Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge upheld a $4,500 fine against a Panama City, FL, boat rental company and boat operator for illegally harassing or attempting to harass wild dolphins by feeding in June 1998. The boat rental was also ordered to post "no dolphin feeding" signs and posters on its grounds. The company owner stated that he plans to appeal the fine, believing his business is the victim of selective enforcement. [NOAA press release, Assoc Press, personal communication] Inuit Puppets Seized. In mid-July 1999, Canadian officials reported that the U.S. Customs Service had seized and confiscated 6 of a total of 9 whalebone and sealskin puppets, sent by Pelly Bay Inuit to a master puppeteer in RI for minor adjustments. The puppets were crafted to depict a traditional legend, which was to be videotaped in Pelly Bay in August 1999 for distribution to Nunavut communities. Under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, a federal permit was required to import marine mammal products. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken possession of the puppets. [Ottawa Citizen] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On July 12, 1999, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce held a forum on the status of Cook Inlet beluga whales. [NOAA press release, Reuters, Anchorage Daily News] Norwegian Whaling. On July 12, 1999, the Norwegian Coast Guard boarded and seized the Greenpeace vessel Sirius for violating the 500-meter safety zone around the whaling vessel Kato, after Greenpeace activists reportedly tried to release a harpooned minke whale. In addition, 15 Greenpeace activists were arrested. An inflatable Greenpeace vessel was reportedly struck by a rifle bullet, aimed at the whale. As of mid-July 1999, about 560 minke whales had been killed by Norwegian whalers. On July 15, 1999, a preliminary court in Stavanger, Norway, ordered the Greenpeace vessel Sirius to remain under port arrest for the remainder of July 1999. The captain of the Sirius and 6 other Greenpeace activists were order to pay fines ranging from $1,900 to $3,800 each for hampering the whale hunt. The Sirius was released after Greenpeace posted a $25,300 bond. {On Aug. 1, 1999, the whaling season closed with 589 whales killed of the 753-whale quota. Inclement weather (high wind) was cited as cause for the low kill.} [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Environment News Service] Steller Sea Lions. On July 8, 1999, U.S. District Court (Seattle, WA) Judge Thomas Zilly issued a 44-page ruling that NMFS had not taken sufficient action to protect Steller sea lions, listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and ordered NMFS to undertake a new environmental impact review of the Alaska pollock fishery. Judge Zilly faulted NMFS for approving fishery management measures to protect sea lions based solely on minimizing impacts to the fishing industry. Subsequently, a coalition of environmental groups recommended that Judge Zilly order NMFS to have new regulations for the pollock fishery by Nov. 1, 1999, and to complete a new environmental impact statement on the fishery by Oct. 1, 2000. NMFS and the pollock industry have until July 30, 1999, to respond to the environmental coalition's recommendations. On July 13, 1999, NMFS notified Judge Zilly that it intended to extend the emergency rule implementing reasonable and prudent alternatives for the pollock fishery through Dec. 31, 1999. Judge Zilly agreed to allow NMFS to proceed with the emergency rule. On Aug. 6, 1999, Judge Zilly is scheduled to meet with attorneys from environmental groups, the pollock industry, and the federal government, to determine whether NMFS's emergency rule, due to be issued in late July 1999, should remain in effect or be modified. The pollock fishery opens on Aug. 1, 1999. [Reuters, Anchorage Daily News, personal communication] Body in Killer Whale Pool. On July 6, 1999, a deceased man's body was found in an off-exhibit tank of a male killer whale at Sea World Orlando, FL. The same animal is reported to have been involved in the death of a trainer 8 years ago at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia. An autopsy indicated that the man had been bitten in the groin after drowning in cold water. [Assoc Press, Humane Society of the United States press release] California Sea Otters. In early July 1999, the AZ Center for Biological Diversity filed notice with the Dept. of the Interior of an intent to sue the Moss Landing (CA) Harbor District to force the District to ban motorboats from Elkhorn Slough to better protect sea otters. The Center contends that the District has failed to prevent speeding boaters from killing sea otters. [San Francisco Examiner, Assoc Press, San Jose Mercury] 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: Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop Update The Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop The Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop will be held on 28 November 1999 as part of the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals on Maui, Hawaii. It will be convened from 08:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Mauna Loa Room at the Outrigger Wailea Hotel. However, we ask that participants arrive at 07:45 AM (we will begin promptly at 08:00) and be prepared to stay as late as 4:30 PM if extra time is required. The deadline for *receipt* of pre-registration and research summaries is 15 October 1999. This workshop will focus on in-water interactions between humans and free-ranging dolphins. Any formal discussion about captive swim programs at this workshop will be brief and limited to discussion of ways that research on captive swim programs can be applied to studying interactions with free-ranging dolphins. The focus of this workshop will be management and regulatory issues (in the first session) and research (in the second). The workshop will be presented in two three-hour sessions; each session will consist of six invited presentations followed by an hour of discussion. The day will end with an hour of open discussion. The morning session, convened by Trevor Spradlin, will focus on management and regulatory issues with information from research as it pertains to management. This session will be held from 08:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Lunch will be held from 11:00 AM to noon (we encourage people to order box lunches when they register for the workshop or bring their own lunch so that the afternoon session can begin on time). The afternoon session, convened by Kathleen Dudzinski and Toni Frohoff, will focus on research issues and their potential implications for guiding and responding to management issues. This session will be held from 12:00 to 03:00 PM. Open discussion of the day's presentations and related topics will occur from 03:00 to 04:00 PM. We will have a table out in front of the Mauna Loa Room at 07:00 AM for registration before the workshop begins if space is available. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be provided beginning at 07:45 AM. Given the large number of inquiries already received, it is possible that participation will be limited to those who pre-register. Space is limited to about 150 participants for this workshop. People interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early. Registered attendees will receive a report from the workshop that will include the agenda for the workshop, a bibliography of published scientific literature on in-water interactions between humans and dolphins, and a summary of work conducted by workshop presenters, attendees, and others conducting research on wild dolphin swim programs. This report will be available on the day of the workshop. A limited number of copies of this report will be available following the workshop to those who were not able to attend. However, please do not request reports at this time as we will post information on how they can be ordered and/or viewed on a web site on MARMAM following the workshop. The registration form for this workshop can be found at (http://www.cetaceans.com/swim-workshop). If you have specific questions or comments about the workshop, feel free to contact Toni Frohoff (frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com), Kathleen Dudzinski (dudzinsk(\)bio.mie-u.ac.jp) or Trevor Spradlin (Trevor.Spradlin(\)noaa.gov). However, please understand if responses to your messages are not immediate. We have already received a huge number of inquiries and comments in response to our earlier postings and it will take time to respond appropriately to each communication. We thank the Society for Marine Mammalogy for assistance with this workshop and for the opportunity to convene it. We look forward to seeing you at the conference and at the workshop! ************************** Pre-Registration for the Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop: 28 November 1999, 08:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Mauna Loa Room at the Outrigger Wailea Hotel on Maui, Hawaii (as part of the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals) Please Note: Deadline for *receipt* of registration and research summaries is *15 October 1999* Please type or write legibly - A. Contact Information: Name: __________________________________________________________________ Affiliation: ______________________________________________________________ Address (include country): __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Telephone Number: ________________________________________________ FAX: __________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________ B. Payment Enclosed (please circle or indicate one): Student/No Lunch - $15.00 Non-Student/No Lunch - $25.00 Student/ Lunch - $37.00 Non-Student/Lunch - $47.00 Circle one: Fish / Turkey / Vegie Circle one: Fish/ Turkey / Vegie Box Lunch - Fish Sliced smoked salmon with toasted onion bagel Sliced Maui onions and Haiku Tomatoes Petite Kula Greens with Julienne vegetables and sprouts Balsamic vinaigrette, Tortellini salad Whole fruit, Maui potato chips Cream cheese and onions, Capers, Assorted cookies One canned beverage Box Lunch - Turkey Sliced roasted Turkey on croissant Fresh asparagus and tomatoes in Balsamic vinegar Marinated mushrooms and artichoke pasta French Brie with baguette and crackers Sliced tomato, Maui onions, Leaf lettuce and avocado Grapes and strawberries, Assorted cookies One canned beverage Box Lunch - Vegie Fresh baked Pita Bread Filled with avocado, tomato, cucumber and sprouts Baby lettuce and tofu Marinated grilled vegetables Steamed asparagus, Tomatoes in Mustard Fresh raw vegetables, whole fruit, taro chips One canned beverage C. Research Summary: If you want to submit a one-page (single spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins) summary of your research for the workshop report, then please submit via email to frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com (put "Research Summary" in the Subject heading) or on a computer disc in Word or Rtf ormat included in your registration. Please use your name, affiliation, and contact information as the "title" of this one-page summary. Summaries need to be *received* by 15 October 1999. Any summaries that exceed one page (without prior arrangements) will be excluded from the report. D. Registration Submission Please send completed registration form with check, cashiers check, or money orders in U.S. dollars only. For international registration, we can only accept International Money Orders or Foreign Drafts with a corresponding U.S. bank in U.S. dollars only (sorry, we cannot process credit cards or checks from an international bank). We can accept U.S. currency but cannot be responsible for the receipt of this form of payment. Make funds payable to "Toni Frohoff - Dolphin Workshop" and send to: Toni Frohoff - Dolphin Workshop TerraMar Research 321 High School Rd. NE PMB 374 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA Please Note: If you include an email address on your registration form, we will attempt to send you a confirmation of your registration within two weeks of its receipt. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 9 Aug 1999 04:06:51 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: GIS/RS workshop registration is full (fwd) From: ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca (Ellen Hines -- Graduate Student) The registration maximum for the GIS/RS workshop being given in Maui before the Marine Mammal Conference (28 November 1999) has been reached. Thanks to all. If you are unable to attend, a report will be written afterwards, and notice will be sent out on marmam. Ellen Hines Whale Research Lab Dept. of Geography University of Victoria Box 3025 Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3P5 (250)472-4746 Fax: (250)721-6216 ehines(\)office.geog.uvic.ca http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale.html ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 8 Aug 1999 14:13:44 EDT From: Katy Penland Subject: New ACS Puget Sound chapter The American Cetacean Society announces the re-formation of its Puget Sound chapter. When: Saturday, August 14, 1999 10:00 a.m. -11:45 a.m. Where: Green Lake Public Library 7364 E. Green Lake Drive N. Seattle 206-684-7547 (for directions) (Do not park in the library lot; please park on street, or across street in lot at Green Lake Community Center and Evans Pool.) Joe Olson, physicist and owner of Cetacean Research Technology (hydrophones), is acting chair. This is a business meeting and will focus on the election of officers, selecting meeting dates/times, and the business of running the chapter. ACS National President, Katy Penland, will be present to welcome the new chapter and give a brief introduction to the organization. Please contact Joe Olson for more information at: acs(\)cetaceanresearch.com The American Cetacean Society's mission is the conservation of cetaceans through education, research and habitat protection. For more information about ACS or any of its regional chapters, please visit ACS' website at: www.acsonline.org, or contact via email at: acs(\)pobox.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1999 07:45:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Navy Releases Draft EIS for Low Frequency Active (SURTASS() (fwd) From: AWetzler(\)nrdc.org (Andrew Wetzler) As many of you know, a number of environmental organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council have been closely monitoring the United States Navy's proposed development and testing of an active long-range sonar system (known as "LFA" or SURTASS). According to a drat Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released by the Navy on July 30, the proposed LFA system is designed to detect the presence of deep-sea submarines by bombarding them with high-intensity, low frequency noise. Sound waves striking an enemy vessel would return hundreds of nautical miles to the same boat that launched them, or to one of several specially equipped receivers stationed nearby. LFA systems are deployed by lowering a series of loudspeakers, each one slightly smaller than a bathtub, from a vessel's hull 300 to 500 feet downward. The speakers sound in tandem, creating at several hundred meters a focused beam of intense, deep noise: a series of pure tones pitched somewhere between 100 Hz and 500 Hz, with the potential to reach over 230 decibels. The beam of sound extends for hundreds of miles and attenuates slowly. Over 300 nautical miles out, it can still reach as high as 140 decibels. On The Navy is planning on holding a series of hearings on the system throughout he country. Comments from the public are due by October 28, 1999. A copy of the EIS is available on the Internet at http://eisteam.home.mindspring.com NRDC encourages both the scientific and advocacy communities to submit comments to the Department of the Navy by October 28, 1999, relating to the possible effects of LFA deployment on marine mammals and other marine species. If you have any questions about the EIS process or NRDC's involvement, please contact Joel Reynolds or Andrew Wetzler at our Los Angeles office at (323) 934-6900. Subject: Bioacoustics Short Course in Maui (fwd) Hi Folks Information and registration material for the Bioacoustics Short Course being jointly organized by the Acoustical Society of America and the Society of Marine Mammalogy preceding the Marine Mammal Conference in Maui can be obtained at the following web address: http://asa.aip.org/mammal.html Whtilow W. L. Au, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, HI 96734 au(\)lono.nosc.mil Subject: Belugas in Mexico City >From Silvia Manzanilla vita1(\)ibm.net Last year the Mexican ecological authorities (INE) authorized a private enterprise to bring two belugas to an amusement park in the heart of> Mexico City. In spite of all the protests, they proceeded with the permits. The park is called Chapultepec and it is located next to the freeway. The belugas are, not only subjected to high air pollution levels, but noise too. Noise coming from the all-day traffic, and from the rollercoaster and other mechanical devises which is located very near them. Now, we have to evaluate the mental and physical health of these animals. If you please, refer me to the right kind of behavioural exams that are pertinent and some tips on what to look for physically. Here in Mexico we do not have much experience available to attend these needs, nor do we have references on such fields available to the public. Thank you. Silvia Manzanilla-Naim ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 04:02:27 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Wave-powered electric generators (fwd) From: Peter Gill Dear All, Does anyone have any information on possible effects on marine life of wave-powered electric generators? There is a proposal to build such a plant off southern Australia, in an area sometimes frequented by southern right whales during the breeding season, and by feeding blue whales during the summer and autumn. As far as I know this will be the first such proposal in Australia. There is also a rock lobster and abalone fishery in the area, and fishermen have expressed concern to me about possible effects on their fishery. One obvious effect is the physical alienation of habitat - the generators will be placed up to 1.6 km offshore, which could conceivably interfere with movements of both right and blue whales. So far I haven't been able to ascertain what sort of structures they will be. I wonder if anyone with knowledge of this type of machinery can suggest any possible electromagnetic effects which may be of concern to either cetaceans or fisheries? With thanks, Peter Gill School of Ecology and Environment Deakin University Warrnambool, Australia pcgill(\)ozemail.com.au Subject: IUCN Action Plans (fwd) From: Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov (Dagmar Fertl) The latest ZooBooks catalog (http://www.zoobooksales.com) has some IUCN Action Plans that include marine mammals. The International Unition for the Conservation of Nature/Species Survival Commission publications review the status and conservation needs of a wide variety of the world's most endangered animals, typically via individual species accounts as well as more general family and geographic overviews. Most of these softcover volumes also feature a variety of b/w photos, text figures, charts, graph and maps, as well as bibliographic overviews. Some of their quantities are extremely limited (1 or 2 copies), so order quickly. Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales: 1994-1998. Reeves and Leatherwood. Published in 1994. 91 pp. $27 The otters. Published in 1990. 126 pp $24 > Seals, fur seals, sea lions, and walrus. Published in 1993. 88 pp. $27 Telephone: 507-467-8733, FAX 507-467-8735 > email: zoobooks(\)means.net Subject: Abstract : Cetacean tonal calls review Matthews, J., Rendell, L.E., Gordon, J. & Macdonald, D.W. (1999) A review of frequency and time parameters of cetacean tonal calls. Bioacoustics, 10 : 47-71. Abstract Properties of the tonal calls of cetaceans are summarised and compared at the species level. Statistics are presented relating to start, end, minimum, maximum and centre frequencies, duration and number of inflections, together with information about recordings (location, number encounters/groups, length of recordings). Evidence of a linear relation between body-size and wavelength is given for odontocetes (R2 between 0.68 and 0.93, depending on frequency variable and least-squares method), but the relationship does not appear to fit well for mysticetes (R2= 0.64). Results of preliminary investigations into acoustic discrimination of species by multivariate methods are also presented: a simple classifier for 10 species based on results derived from the literature gave a correct classification rate of 28% when tested with independent data. Some methodological recommendations for future descriptive work on cetacean acoustics are made. Reprints of limited availability from : Luke Rendell Dept of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4J1 CANADA E-mail : lrendell(\)is2.dal.ca 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, 13 Aug 1999 13:37:04 -1000 Reply-To: research(\)pacificwhale.org From: Pacific Whale Organization: pacific whale Subject: Abstract: humpback seasonal abundance and survival probabilities ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Chaloupka, M., M. Osmond and G. Kaufman. 1999. Estimating seasonal abundance trends and survival probabilities of humpback whales in Hervey Bay (east coast Australia). Marine Ecology Progress Series 184:291-301. Milani Chaloupka* *Present address: Dept. of Zoology and Entomology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia. E-mail: m.chaloupka(\)mailbox.uq.edu.au ABSTRACT: The abundance of east Australian Group V substock (EAGVS) humpback whales resident during winter in Hervey Bay was estimated from a 10 yr mark-resight study using photo-identification of 969 individual humpbacks sighted between 1987 and 1996. Hervey Bay is on the east coast of Australia and is the major southbound stop-over site for humpbacks returning to Antarctic waters from overwintering in Great Barrier Reef (GBR) waters. Seasonal abundance estimates were derived from mark-resight profiles using a reduced form Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) model (constant survival, time-varying resight likelihood) that fitted the data well. The bootstrap mean CJS abundance estimate over the 9 yr period from 1988 to 1996 was 855 (95% CI: 750 to 936). Estimated humpback abundance in Hervey Bay showed significant temporal variability superimposed on an increasing linear trend estimated using times series regression model bootstrapping at 6.3% yr-1 (95% CI: 2 to 11%). The seasonal Hervey Bay population comprised 30 to 50% of the EAGVS southbound to Antarctic feeding grounds. Estimated abundance increased from 554 post-yearling humpbacks in 1988 to a peak of 1040 in 1991 before declining to 921 by the mid-1990s. Standard errors of abundance estimates suggested good precision and were derived using a variance components approach that separated sampling error from ecologically relevant variation. The trends in temporal variability and annual rate of humpback abundance increase were consistent with findings from an aerial surveillance study (1982 to 1996) of monthly sightings of the EAGVS overwintering in southern GBR waters. The concurrence of findings from an independent method of abundance estimation provides confidence in the CJS model used in this study to estimate abundance. Post-yearling survivorship was estimated from a 4 yr (1993 to 1996) photo-identification study of 517 individual humpbacks sighted at 2 seasonally sequential overwintering sites (Hervey Bay, Whitsundays) using a robust design CJS modelling approach with estimators that account for bias due to temporary emigration. A reduced form CJS model (constant survival, time-varying resight likelihood) also fitted the data well with the mean annual survival rate for the EAGVS humpbacks estimated at 0.966 (95% CI: 0.87 to 1.00). The good fit of the robust design survival rate model provides further confidence in the Hervey Bay abundance model, which suggests that the EAGVS has been recovering but at a slow and variable rate. Reprints will be available from the senior author at the address above, or from research(\)pacificwhale.org ====================================================== Research Department Pacific Whale Foundation 101 North Kihei Road Kihei, Hawaii 96753 USA Phone (808) 879-8860 Fax (808) 879-2615 e-mail: research(\)pacificwhale.org http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 12:32:54 +0900 From: Toshiyuki Kimura Subject: mysticete mandible Dear MARMAM subscribers I am working on the cetothere fossils (extinct Mysticeti) from the Lower Miocene Japan. I am interested in the morphological change of the mandible in the process of the mysticete evolution (especially within the lineage of the balaenopterids and/or the cetotheriids) and the effect caused by the morphological change (e.g., efficiency of feeding). I am looking for references concerning the analysis of mandible form and function. I have tried to find the references about this issue, but I could find only a few references (Pivorunas, 1977, 1979; Barnes and McLeod, 1984; Lambertsen et al., 1995). I would appreciate any advice you could give. Thanks in advance. Toshiyuki Kimura >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Toshiyuki Kimura Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan tel: +81-52-789-3022 fax: +81-52-789-3033 e-mail: kimura(\)geobio.eps.nagoya-u.ac.jp <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 14:14:22 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Navy SURTASS LFA sonar open house in California (fwd) Forwarded message: There will be an Open House on the Navy's SURTASS LFA Sonar Draft Environmental Impact Statement : Time: Thursday, August 19, 1999; 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Address: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen White Drive San Pedro, CA For directions and map visit the aquarium Website: http://www.sanpedrochamber.com/champint/cbroaqum.html The following will be available for discussions on the EIS and other related issues: 1) Dr. Chris Clark, Director of Cornell University's Bioacoustic Research Program and one of the marine biologists that led the Scientific Research Program to collect data for the EIS. 3) Mr. Joe Johnson, SURTASS LFA EIS Program Manager. 3) Navy representatives. There will be a poster display and a continuously running 15-minute informational video presentation on the SURTASS LFA Scientific Research Program. Contact for questions or comments: J. S. Johnson at (703) 477-8743; Email: eisteam(\)mindspring.com Visit the Navy Website at: http://eisteam.home.mindspring.com Subject: interspecies adoption?? (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Hello, Does anyone have information on dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) separating manatee (Trichechus manatus) mother and calf pairs and possibly the temporary adoption of the calf by the dolphin? Why would the dolphin perform this activity? This seems to be the situation i have been presented with. I am not sure how the calf (newborn) ended up with the dolphin, but they have been together for a few days now. A pod of about 6 were with the calf for a while, but now it is only the pair. You can reach me directly at czmbze(\)btl.net Thanks, Nicole Auil Manatee Researcher ********************************************* Coastal Zone Management Institute 8 St. Mark Street Belize City, Belize Central America czmbze(\)btl.net tel 501-2-30719 501-2-35739 fax: 501-2-35738 Subject: EAAM Web site The European Association for Aquatic Mammals proudly announces its new web site at http://www.eaam.org/. This site contains information about the organization, such as its structure and its constitution. In addition, the site contains the text of a number of policy documents. And there is information on the EAAM publications, which include the peer-reviewed journal "Aquatic Mammals" and the EAAM Newsletter. For both, the tables of contents of the most recent issues are available online. A number of documents are also available for download in Rich Text Format, for easy offline reading and printing. In conjunction with this web site, a number of e-mail accounts have been set up: - info(\)eaam.org - for general information about the organization - newsletter(\)eaam.org - for submission of material for the Newsletter (see the Newsletter page for publication schedule and format requirements) - webmaster(\)eaam.org - for feedback about the Web site Cheers, Jaap van der Toorn EAAM Webmaster jaap(\)compuserve.com Organization: WHOI Subject: Travel tips for Maui ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" To those seeking bargains for travel to the "13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals" in Maui- A few students have contributed some money-saving tips for travel to Maui, including an opportunity to save 10% on American Airlines. You can find the details on the SMM student home page under the "latest news".... http://www.whoi.edu/SSMM/travel.html -- Brenda Jensen MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Biological Oceanography MS-32 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA 02543 bjensen(\)whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 08:24:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Factors affecting organochlorine contaminant concentrations in milk and blood of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) dams and pups from St. George Island, Alaska. Beckmen, KB; Ylitalo, GM; Towell, RG; Krahn, MM; O'Hara, TM; Blake, JE. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. July 1, 1999 v231 i2-3 p183-200 Genetic differentiation in the striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba from European waters according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction analysis. Garcia-Martinez, J; Moya, A; Raga, JA; Latorre, A. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. June 1999 v8 i6 p1069-1073 Morphology of the lymphoid organs of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Cowan, DF; Smith, TL. JOURNAL OF ANATOMY. May 1999 v194 part4 p505-517 Association patterns in three populations of Hector's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus hectori. Brager, S. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. January 1999 v77 i1 p13-18 Spatial and temporal trends and effects of contaminants in the Canadian Arctic marine ecosystem: a review. Muir, D; Braune, B; DeMarch, B; Norstrom, R; Wagemann, R; Lockhart, L; Hargrave, B; Bright, D; Addison, R; Payne, J; Reimer, K. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. June 1, 1999 v230 i1-3 p83-144 Functional classification of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) dives using depth profiles, swimming velocity, and an index of foraging success. Lesage, V; Hammill, MO; Kovacs, KM. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. January 1999 v77 i1 p74-87 Characterization of dugong liver ferritin. Rahman, IHA; Chua-anusorn, W; Webb, J; Macey, DJ; St Pierre, TG ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA, June 30, 1999 v393 i1-3 p235-243 Subject: New Genetic analysis lab (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Wildlife Genetics International Timberland Consultants Ltd. and the University of Alberta would like to announce the opening of a commercial genetics laboratory specializing in the analysis of wildlife species. We offer timely microsatellite analysis of animal tissue samples for a broad range of animal species. Microsatellite profiling, can be used to assign paternity, maternity, sibling , species, identity, and sex to an individual; answer questions about movement of individuals within and among populations; and examining short and long-term genetic variability. Costs depend on the number of loci and samples analyzed and the availability of microsatellites for a particular species. We will also offer the development and testing of microsatellites and multiplexing systems for species for which this technology does not currently exist. This development effort will be especially important to biologists analyzing large numbers of samples because of the potential to greatly reduce analysis costs. Further details about genetic analysis and the company can be found at our temporary website: www.timberland.org/ualberta_dna_lab.htm For inquiries contact: Garth Mowat or Dr. Curtis Strobeck Fish and Wildlife Division Department of Biology Timberland Consultants Ltd. University of Alberta Box 171, Nelson, B.C., V1L 5P9 (780) 492-3515 (250) 354-3880; FAX (250) 352-3743 curtis.strobeck(\)ualberta.ca gmowat(\)timberland.org Organization: Northeast Fisheries Science Center Subject: Northeast Student Chapter Meeting of the SMM Sara Wetmore The US Northeast Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NESCSMM) invites you to attend its second meeting scheduled for September 24, 1999 at the University of Rhode Island's Corless Auditorium. The meeting will begin at 8:30am and adjourn at 4:30 pm. The meeting will include the following 5 speakers: David St. Aubin of the Mystic Aquarium, Jim Gilbert of the University of Maine, Robert Kenney of the University of Rhode Island, Stormy Mayo of the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, MA and Amy Samuels of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. During lunch, students will 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. The meeting is open to all interested. You can register for the meeting via the NESCSMM website: http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/NESCSMM/membership.html, by filling out your name in the membership form and checking the box to attend the meeting. Preregistration ends on Sept. 20, 1999. Thank you, The NESCSMM Board ____________________________________________________________________ President: Celine Godard Vice President: Sara Wetmore Secretary: Rebecca Thomas Treasurer: Sarah Davidson Outside Advisor: David Morin ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 15:45:23 -0400 From: Nicole LeBoeuf Subject: 2nd Quarter MMPA Bulletin The National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources has published the 2nd Quarter 1999 edition of the MMPA Bulletin. The articles in this issue include: Reducing Dolphin Mortality in the ETP Tuna Fishery: Part Two MMAP Posters Available NMFS Meets With Mexican and Caribbean Stranding Programs Marine Mammal Strandings in 1998 Take Reduction Team Negotiation Process Review NMFS Hears from Stakeholders: Rick Marks on TRTs Activists Fined in Sugarloaf Dolphin Release Judge Fines Boat Rental Company for Feeding Dolphins Civil Penalty for Whale Watching and Research Operation NMFS Hosts Aquaculture Workshop Video on Right Whales and Ship Strikes Available Working Group on Unusual Mortality Events Annual Meeting Harbor Porpoise Mortalities Ocean Contaminants Workshop Acoustic Workshop Report Available Congress Holds MMPA Oversight Hearing >From the Editors The MMPA Bulletin can be found in PDF format on the Office of Protected Resources web site at: http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/mammals/bulletin.html If you are currently on the mailing list to receive the MMPA Bulletin, your copy will be coming in the mail shortly. Otherwise, to obtain a hard 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/PR2, Attn. MMPA Bulletin, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 15:26:41 -0400 From: Katie Moore Subject: US- Take Reduction Process Evaluation The National Marine Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources has published "The National Marine Fisheries Service Take Reduction Team Negotiation Process Evaluation." To receive an electronic copy of the evaluation, please visit our website at: http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/mammals/trtevaluation.html If you would like a hard copy of the evaluation, please contact Katie Moore in the Office of Protected Resources at (301) 713-2322, ext. 157 or Katie.Moore(\)noaa.gov If you would like to share any suggestions or comments regarding the U.S. Take Reduction Process, or if you would like to share suggestions based on another country's marine mammal management efforts, please contact our office. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Office of Protected Resources (F/PR2) National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3226 301-713-2322, ext. 157 301-713-0376 (FAX) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1999 13:50:38 EDT From: CHSpikes(\)aol.com Subject: NAVY SURTASS LFA SONAR OPEN HOUSES SCHEDULE Mayermai(\)aol.com, Jim Coyle , TGKline(\)aol.com There will be open houses on the Navy's SURTASS LFA Sonar Draft Environmental Impact Statement as follows: Time: Wednesday, August 25, 1999; 5:00 to 8:00 pm Address: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (Univ. of Miami) 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway Miami, Florida Time: Wednesday, September 8, 1999; 5:00 to 8:00 pm Address: University of Hawai'i--Manoa Campus Center, Room 220 2465 Campus Road Honolulu, Hawaii Time: Saturday, September 18, 1999: 12:00 to 4:30 pm Address: New England Aquarium Boston, Massachusetts Time: Tuesday, October 5, 1999: 5:00 to 8:00 pm Address: National Marine Mammal Laboratory Seattle, Washington For all open houses, a marine biologist subject matter expert who was involved in the Scientific Research Program to collect data for the EIS will be on hand to answer questions. Also available for discussions will be Mr. Joe Johnson, the SURTASS LFA EIS Program Manager, and Navy representatives. There will be a poster display and a continuously running 15-minute informational video presentation on the SURTASS LFA Scientific Research Program. Contact for questions or comments: Mr. Joe Johnson at (703) 477-8743; Email: eisteam(\)mindspring.com. Visit the Navy SURTASS LFA Website at: http://eisteam.home.mindspring.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1999 11:44:07 -1000 Reply-To: research(\)pacificwhale.org From: PWF Research Organization: Pacific Whale Foundation Subject: Abstract: humpback distribution in the Great Barrier Reef Chaloupka M, Osmond M (1999) Spatial and seasonal distribution of humpback whales in the Great Barrier Reef region. In: Musick JA (ed) Life in the slow lane: ecology and conservation of long-lived marine animals. American Fisheries Society Symposium 23: 89-106 The spatial and seasonal distribution of humpback whales in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) was defined using data from a systematic aerial surveillance program. The data comprised 414 pod sightings (812 individuals) recorded from July 1982 to March 1996. These sightings were supposedly of humpbacks from the east Australian Group V substock that migrates during the austral autumn from Antarctic feeding grounds to winter breeding grounds in GBR waters. Humpbacks were sighted in all months and throughout the GBRMP. However, most pods (75%) were sighted in southern GBR waters (>19oS) and mainly during winter and spring (July-September). Occasional sightings of humpbacks in northern GBR waters (<16oS) in summer supports previous claims of a substock resident year-round in northern Australian tropical waters. Mother-calf sightings were rare with most recorded >21oS and mainly in August and September. These limited sightings suggest that the main calving grounds for the east Australian Group V substock occur in the extensive southern GBR lagoonal waters defined northward by the Whitsunday Group of islands and reefs and eastward by the Pompey/Swains reef complex. An estimate of the crude birth rate was 0.072 (95% CI: 0.06 - 0.11) with Monte Carlo estimates of the median calving rate at 0.3 calves per mature female per year (95% CI: 0.22 - 0.43) and the median interbirth interval at 3.4 years (95% CI: 2.3 - 4.5) indicating low and variable juvenile recruitment. Nonparametric time series analysis (seasonal and trend decomposition using loess, STL) of monthly humpback sightings showed that the long-term trend in sightings was increasing but that there was significant inter-annual variability in the seasonal abundance of humpbacks in the GBRMP. The STL analysis also suggested that the frequency of sightings increased earlier in winter (June) and later in the season during spring/summer (October to December). Time series regression analysis of the STL-derived trend in sightings suggested that the east Australian Group V substock increased slowly in abundance over the 14 years from 1982 to 1996 at about 3.9% per year (95% CI: 1.9% - 5.7%) - a finding consistent with an estimate of low and variable juvenile recruitment. Reprints will be available from the senior author at: m.chaloupka(\)mailbox.uq.edu.au Information on how to order the book can be found at: http://www.fisheries.org/publications/AFSBooks/webfinal/x540.23.htm#Tableof Contents ============================================================= Research Department Pacific Whale Foundation 101 North Kihei Road Kihei, Hawaii 96753 USA Phone (808) 879-8860 Fax (808) 879-2615 E-mail: research(\)pacificwhale.org http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 22 Aug 1999 12:02:33 +0100 From: Dylan Walker Subject: The new UK cetacean discussion group Hi Marmamers, With regards to the mention given by Marmam, a couple of months ago, of the new e-mail cetacean discussion group in the U.K. called UKCetnet. UKCetnet was set up in May 1999 to link observers around the UK to a messaging system which allowed them to send and receive reports of the latest cetacean sightings from around the country. As a secondary objective, UKCetnet would act as a discussion forum for those interested in discussing present cetacean distribution, behaviour and identification. To date UKCetnet has proved a great success with over 100 active members and many sightings coming from all over the country. However, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that UKCetnet is not the official body for collecting sightings or strandings records in the UK. Here is a list of the relevant authorities for sightings and strandings records. Sightings records: Sea Watch 11 Jersey Road Rose Hill Oxford OX4 4RT Strandings records: Paul Jepson (England) Institute of Zoology Regents Park London NW1 4RY Rod Penrose (Wales) Marine Environment Monitoring 'Penwalk' Llechryd Cardigan Dyfed SA43 2PS Bob Reid (Scotland) SAC Vetinary Services Drummondhill Stratharrick Road Inverness IV2 4JZ Alex Muir (UK - all strandings reports) Marine Biological Services Department Natural History Museum Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD If you would like to join UKCetnet then you can do so by finding ONEList.com on the internet and searching under whale or dolphin. Yours, Dylan Walker Editor, UKCetnet Walker_d(\)jncc.gov.uk ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 07:50:49 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summaries 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Mexican Salt Project. On Aug. 23-28, 1999, a team from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is scheduled to visit Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio World Heritage Site to determine whether a proposed saltworks development project may threaten gray whales, sea turtles, and other marine life.} [Reuters] {Dolphin-Safe Lawsuit. On Aug. 18, 1999, a coalition of 10 conservation and environmental groups filed suit against NMFS and the Secretary of Commerce in U.S. District Court, San Francisco, seeking to overturn Apr. 29, 1999 , changes to dolphin-safe tuna labeling standards which they claim weaken protection afforded dolphins in the eastern Pacific Ocean.} [Reuters, Defenders of Wildlife press release, San Francisco Examiner, Humane Society of the United States press release, Assoc Press] Steller Sea Lions. On Aug. 6, 1999, Judge Zilly was scheduled to meet with attorneys from environmental groups, the pollock industry, and the federal government, to determine whether NMFS's emergency rule, due to be issued in late July 1999, should remain in effect or be modified. The pollock fishery opens on Aug. 1, 1999. {On Aug. 16, 1999, environmental organizations filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly, seeking to block pollock trawling in all areas designated as sea lion critical habitat in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. In addition, the groups asked Judge Zilly to adjust the 1999 fall fishing season to keep the combined fall and winter pollock catch less than 50% of the annual quota. A decision on the motion is sought before the fall Bering Sea pollock season begins on Sept. 15, 1999.} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Anchorage Daily News, personal communication] Norwegian Whaling. On Aug. 1, 1999, the whaling season closed with 589 whales killed of the 753-whale quota. Inclement weather (high wind) was cited as cause for the low kill. [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Environment News Service] Anthropogenic Noise. On July 30, 1999, the U.S. Navy is scheduled to release an environmental impact statement on its low frequency active sonar system, concluding that is will not endanger marine life and human divers exposed to its pulses. A series of 5 public meetings will be held to obtain comments on the EIS, with the first planned for Aug. 4, 1999, in Washington, DC. [ONR press release, Environmental News Network, Assoc Press] Manatees. On July 28, 1999, the journal New Scientist published the results of a study concluding that manatees are the victims of vessel collisions because the animals cannot hear the sound frequency of vessel motors. {On Aug. 8, 1999, a team of veterinarians and neurosurgeons in Miami, FL, implanted a rod-and-pin system to fuse a manatee's spinal cord that had been injured by a boat propeller on July 16, 1999, near Fort Lauderdale. This was the first time such an operation had been attempted on a manatee. On Aug. 16, 1999, the manatee whose spine had been fused died of complications.} [Los Angeles Times, Naples Daily News, 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: State oceanarium of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine On request of Anne Collet, I am happy to draw your attention to the following: ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: Oceanarium X-Mailer: The Bat! (v1.012) UNREG Reply-To: Oceanarium Priority: Normal Propositions to the program of mutual work of scientific - research centre of the State oceanarium of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Sevastopol) and Centre de recherche sur les mammiferes marins a la Rochell. The scientific- research centre of the State oceanarium of Ukraine was founded in 1966. There is maintain up to 50 marine mammals. Nowadays it has the largest marine mammal collections in Europe (more than 30 dolphins and 5 sea lions) and extensive scientific-methodic stuff obtained by the scientists of Oceanarium in close collaboration, with the scientists of fundamental Universities and Institutes in the former USSR. There are two scientific-experimental bases in Sevastopol Oceanarium, which are now the reserves of national significance (The Cape of Fiolent - 31,7 hectares and the bay of Kazachya -23,2 hectares). There conducted researches on the base of oceanarium on the following directions: - hydrodynamics of dolphin swimming; - hydroacoustics; - hydroadaptation; - monitoring of wild dolphin population state, their 2 dwelling area, the estimation of population; - Cultivating oysters and mussels - Children rehabilitation during swimming with dolphins; - Working out the methods of dolphin preparation as human assistants at sea; - Rehabilitation of wild sick dolphins. Working out scientific bases of beach sea dolphins reproduction in captivity in order to save their genofund. Taking into account ecological situation influencing dolphins during the last years, that is pollution of water all 3 species of Black sea dolphins are put into the Red Book as the animals which population is rapidly decreasing. That is why the efforts of Oceanarium on working out the biotechnology of guaranteed reproduction, preservation, rehabilitation of wild sick dolphins which population is rapidly increasing because of the water pollution, are very actual, as well as collaboration of Oceanarium of Ukraine with the other Oceanariums of European states (including France) on. Creation a series of rehabilitation centres connected with preservation, reproduction of marine mammals, conducting mutual scientific researches on this field. Oceanarium conducts works on the working out of scientific bases of dolphin reproduction in captivity since 1992. The results of the realised work were reported on international symposium on marine mammals of the Black sea in 1994, where they got support and approval. By that time 3 dolphins calves and 5 sea lion calves were brought up in Oceanarium. By the present time we have 2 dolphin calves and two sea lion calves more. Guaranteed planned reproduction in dolphins and sea lions has become possible after the experimental method's knowledge on a wide spectrum of issues was obtained. Successive reproduction depends on this knowledge. Nowadays there worked through the methods of catching animals, their transportation, adaptation to the conditions of captivity, organisation of reproductive groups, early diagnostics of pregnancy, diagnostics of diseases and there treatment, organisation of food rations, methods of young animals bringing up, etc... In the programs on reproduction of marine mammals experienced specialists take part: physiologist-biochemist N. KAGANOVA, trainer N. SAVENKO, veterinarian N. SPIRIDONOVA and I. MARKEEV, phisiologis-clinicist M. SERGIEVSKAYA. Supervisor of studies is L. BOGDANOVA - senior researcher, doctor of biology with 30 years experience in work with marine mammals. In case of your institute is interested in conducting mutual work on the given direction on any other mentioned above, please contact us or come to Oceanarium for more detailed discussion of work direction and the extend of research works. CHIEF OF THE STATE OCEANARIUM OF UKRAINE, Dr. V.KULAGIN August 5, 1999 mailto:oceanar(\)bios.iuf.net --------- Forwarded by, --- Jan Willem Broekema European Cetacean Society; Computer Support Group http://web.inter.NL.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 21:58:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Guide to Marine Mammals of U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (fwd) Forwarded message: Please note contact address below for this guide. Hot off the presses!! _Guide to Marine Mammals & Turtles of the U.S. Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico_ is the only guidebook that covers the U.S. Atlantic species of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and manatee, and sea turtles. Designed to be used by the professional as well as the casual observer, this book serves as the definitive field guide for identifying characteristics and habits of these important marine animals. Authored by Kate Wynne and Mailia Schwartz. Each species is illustrated in full color and accompanied by field photographs, body profiles, and a distribution map to further aid in identification. This book is spiral-bound and printed on water-resistant paper and uses the format and design based on Alaska Sea Grant's award-winning and widely used _Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska_. Available from the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program. Make check or money order payable to Rhode Island Sea Grant/URI, and mail to: Rhode Island Sea Grant Communications Office URI Bay Campus Narragansett, RI 02882-1197 Books are $25 each for 1-9 books $20 each for 10-24 books $15 each for a purchase of 25+ Postage is included in the price (though there is probably a higher charge for air mail). No sales tax. Editors note: An order form for this book can be obtained at: http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/riseagrant/news/guide_to_marine_mammals.html Subject: job advertisement (fwd) JOB OPPORTUNITY: RA with Bill Amos, seal microsatellite genotyping I have funding to employ a research assistant to genotype grey seal samples. The postion is in Cambridge University and would suit someone wishing to learn genotyping methods or someone who enjoys genotyping and would like to spend time in Cambridge. It is tenable for 6 months, starting around the New Year (though this is flexible). If you are interested, please contact me directly by email (w.amos(\)zoo.cam.ac.uk) or phone (+44 1223 336616). There is a nominal closing date of 15-10-99. Subject: Conservation Biologist Position -- UC Davis Colleagues: The Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis, is recruiting an outstanding Conservation Biologist to join a small but dynamic faculty. This position is open at all levels (Assistant to Full Professor), and while it will remain open until filled, applications should be submitted by 15 December 1999 to ensure consideration. For additional information on this position, and on the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, please see our web page at http://wfcb.ucdavis.edu. Thank you for considering this notice. Please pass this on to any colleagues that may be interested in this position. Doug Kelt *************************************************** * Douglas A. Kelt * * Dept. of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology * * University of California, Davis, CA 95616 * * (530)754-9481, FAX: 530-752-4154 * * dakelt(\)ucdavis.edu * *************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 09:57:40 -0400 From: James E Barnett Subject: Euthanasia of stranded cetaceans Dear Marmam subscribers, Drug induced euthanasia of cetaceans in the United Kingdom to date has tended to rely on the use of Large Animal Immobilon, a neuroleptanalgesic combination of etorphine and acepromazine. Although the risks to the handler are undeniable, the beauty of the combination is that it induces euthanasia following the intramuscular administration of a relatively small dose ( 0.5 mls per 1.5 metres in dolphins and porpoises and 4 mls per 1.5 metres in whales). Unfortunately, with the advent of safer drugs for the anaesthesia and immobilisation of domestic animals, demand for the drug combination in the U.K. has now fallen to such a level that the manufacturers no longer consider it worth maintaining its product license. Consequently, the drug has been withdrawn from the U.K. veterinary drugs market in the U.K. this summer. Alternative methods of drug induced euthanasia have been used both within and outside the U.K. in the past. One drug widely used has been pentobarbitone, given by the intracardiac, intraperitoneal or intravenous route. However, practical problems associated with its use include access to a suitable blood vessel for the intravenous route, the lack of long enough needles in the kits of most practising veterinary surgeons for the intracardiac and intraperitoneal routes, and the cost and practical problems of the administration of the large volumes of drugs required, although this can be somewhat alleviated by premedication with acepromazine. Succinyl choline has also been suggested as an alternative, but concerns have been raised over the welfare implications of the administration of this drug, which esentially paralyses without inducing general anesthesia. A great deal of work has gone into the development of new, improved drug combinations for the anaesthesia of domestic animals in recent years. It is hoped that a suitable drug or drug combination will emerge from this work that will prove a useful successor to Immobilon in the euthansia of cetaceans, having the optimal characteristics of small dose volume and effectiveness via intramuscular administration, and the added bonus of handler safety. As a coalition of organisations and individuals with a vested interest in the humane handling of stranded cetaceans, we are very keen to ensure such drugs come to light. We are thus appealing to any clinicians or researchers working in this field to share their experiences with us, in order that we may develop a new protocol for drug induced euthanasia of stranded cetaceans in this country. I would be grateful if you could send any information or literature on possible useful drugs or drug combinations to the following E mail or 'snail mail' addresses. Thank you in anticipation. James Barnett Director and veterinaran, British Divers Marine Life Rescue On behalf of the United Kingdom Marine Animal Rescue Coalition. 13, Ford Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DX, England, U.K. E mail address : JamesB_vetlab(\)compuserve.com References : Barzdo, J. and Vodden, P. (1983). Report of Stranded Whale Workshop. A practical and humanitarian approach. RSPCA, Horsham, England, U.K. Dierauf, L.A. (Ed.) (1990). CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine : Health Disease and Rehabilitation. CRC Press, Boca Raton. Geraci, J.R. and Lounsbury, V.J. (1993) Marine Mammals Ashore. A field guide for strandings. Texas A&M Sea Grant Publication, Galveston. Greenwood, A.G. and Taylor, D.C. (1980) Humane handling of stranded cetaceans. Veterinary Record 106, 345. Needham, D.J. Cetacean Strandings. In Zoo and Wildife Medicine Current Therapy 3. Fowler, M.E. (Ed.). W,B, Saunders Co., Philadelphia.pp. 415-425.. Rowell, S.F. (1985) Stranded whales. Veterinary Record 116, 167. R.S.P.C.A. (1992) Stranded whales, dolphins and porpoises. A first aid guide. R.S.P.C.A. , Horsham. R..S.P.C.A. (1996) Veterinary Supplement to "Stranded whales, dolphins and porpoises. A first aid guide." In preparation. R.S.P.C.A. , Horsham. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 21:12:58 -0400 From: Jennifer Lewis Subject: Internship Announcement Interns needed for help with Masters thesis project on the behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys for the following dates: September 23-October 23, 1999 and March 2000. Position is volunteer. 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 8215 Fisherman's Point Dr. Temple Terrace, Florida 33637 (813)914-7804 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999 10:30:27 -0400 From: Keith Ronald Subject: Marine mammal management-distance learning course jdougan(\)escarpment.com, kevin kohler Global Offering: As this course enters its second year We are pleased to recognize the candidates who have successfully participated in this exercise from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Hong Kong, France, Brazil Canada, Mexico, 7 of the United Sates of America and Columbia. The 3 credit MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT distance education course will be offered again in the fall term (September 27 to December 10) by the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University. This course can be taken anywhere in the world by any interested person. The course schedule is briefly outlined below. This may be of use to those who cannot utilize the Web Site listed below. Sept 27, 1999 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (Distance Education) Chapter Topic 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals. 2. Marine mammal management 3. Introduction to the cetaceans 4. Beluga whales and "toxic soups" 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use. 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance. 7. Orca, of killers and Keikos. 8. Pilots, beachings and acoustics. ASSIGNMENT ONE DUE NOVEMBER 1, 1999 (35% of final grade). 9. Introduction to the pinnipeds 10. Monk seals -Caribbean, sustainability lost. -Hawaiian, unilateral hope. -Mediterranean, Strabo to terrorism. 11. Californian sea-lion, Big Sur and survival. 12. Harp seal, 65,000 penile selections? 13. Introduction to the sirenids 14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore. 15. Polar bear, the Inuit, success and hope. 16. Marine Mammal Conservation and Future Management, based on the three sciences, biological, sociological and political. ASSIGNMENT TWO DUE DECEMBER 10, 1999 (65% of final grade) NEXT COURSE OFFERING WILL BE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM Please Visit the web site:- http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Professor Keith Ronald, Coordinator Keith Ronald (kronald(\)ocean.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 Aug 1999 08:20:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Behavioral development in wild bottlenose dolphin newborns (Tursiops sp.). Mann, J; Smuts, B. BEHAVIOUR. June 1999 v136 part5 p529-566 New busy may help save right whale. FISHERIES. August 1999 v24 i8 p38-38 Reliability of conservation actions based on elasticity analysis of matrix models. Mills, LS; Doak, DF; Wisdom, MJ. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. August 1999 v13 i4 p815-829 The rich krill aggregation of the Saguenay - St. Lawrence Marine Park: hydroacoustic and geostatistical biomass estimates, structure, variability, and significance for whales. Simard, Y; Lavoie, D. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES. July 1999 v56 i7 p1182-1197 Marine birds and mammals of the Pacific Subarctic Gyres. Springer, AM; Piatt, JF; Shuntov, VP; Van Vliet, GB; Vladimirov, VL; Kuzin, AE; Perlov, AS. PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY. May-June 1999 v43 i2-4 p443-487 Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999 15:02:06 -0400 MARINE MAMMALS Mexican Salt Project. On Aug. 23-28, 1999, a team from the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is visiting Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio World Heritage Site to determine whether a proposed saltworks development project may threaten gray whales, sea turtles, and other marine life. {{At a meeting on Aug. 23, 1999, Mexican officials told the UNESCO team that plans for a salt-evaporation plant would not be approved if such a plant threatened gray whales that breed in the San Ignacio Lagoon.}} [Reuters, Assoc Press] Dolphin-Safe Lawsuit. On Aug. 18, 1999, a coalition of 10 conservation and environmental groups filed suit against NMFS and the Secretary of Commerce in U.S. District Court, San Francisco, seeking to overturn Apr. 29, 1999 , changes to dolphin-safe tuna labeling standards which they claim weaken protection afforded dolphins in the eastern Pacific Ocean. [Reuters, Defenders of Wildlife press release, San Francisco Examiner, Humane Society of the United States press release, Assoc Press] Manatees. On Aug. 8, 1999, a team of veterinarians and neurosurgeons in Miami, FL, implanted a rod-and-pin system to fuse a manatee's spinal cord that had been injured by a boat propeller on July 16, 1999, near Fort Lauderdale. This was the first time such an operation had been attempted on a manatee. On Aug. 16, 1999, the manatee whose spine had been fused died of complications. [Los Angeles Times, Naples Daily News, Assoc Press, Reuters] Steller Sea Lions. On Aug. 6, 1999, Judge Zilly was scheduled to meet with attorneys from environmental groups, the pollock industry, and the federal government, to determine whether NMFS's emergency rule, due to be issued in late July 1999, should remain in effect or be modified. The pollock fishery opens on Aug. 1, 1999. On Aug. 16, 1999, environmental organizations filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly, seeking to block pollock trawling in all areas designated as sea lion critical habitat in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. In addition, the groups asked Judge Zilly to adjust the 1999 fall fishing season to keep the combined fall and winter pollock catch less than 50% of the annual quota. A decision on the motion is sought before the fall Bering Sea pollock season begins on Sept. 15, 1999. [Assoc Press, Reuters, Anchorage Daily News, personal communication] Norwegian Whaling. On Aug. 1, 1999, the whaling season closed with 589 whales killed of the 753-whale quota. Inclement weather (high wind) was cited as cause for the low kill. [Reuters, Assoc Press, High North Alliance News, Environment News Service] Anthropogenic Noise. On July 30, 1999, the U.S. Navy is scheduled to release an environmental impact statement on its low frequency active sonar system, concluding that is will not endanger marine life and human divers exposed to its pulses. A series of 5 public meetings will be held to obtain comments on the EIS, with the first planned for Aug. 4, 1999, in Washington, DC. [ONR press release, Environmental News Network, 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: Stranded seals in Ireland (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Gavin Gerrard Dear Listmembers, Recently five seals stranded in Donegal (North West coast of Ireland) with blood tests showing they all had blood sugar level problems, they have subsequently died and I was wondering if you may have heard of any similar cases occurring. The vet treating them has experience with the rehab of seals but has never seen this problem with any cases before. Thanks in advance, Gavin Gerrard Marine Mammal Rescue Team Subject: misuse of the MARMAM subscriber list on "currents(\)" list A number of individuals have asked about the misuse of the MARMAM subscriber list in the last two days. It appears that an individual has taken a copy of the MARMAM subscriber list and created his own e-mail distribution list, without the permission of any of the subscribers. In response, over the last two days a number of individuals have (inappropriately) posted "unsubscribe" messages to that list, resulting in a considerable number of unwanted e-mails. It is important to point out that the individual who set up this distribution list did not "steal" the MARMAM subscriber list, as it has been available for the entire six years MARMAM has existed, for people to use to find e-mail addresses of other subscribers. Use of the subscriber list in this way is clearly inappropriate however. While this incident appears to be the first time the subscriber list has been inappropriately used, as a result we are changing the set up of the MARMAM subscriber list so that it will no longer be directly accessible (and we are also removing the guilty party from the subscriber list). In the future, any requests for copies of the subscriber list will have to go through the MARMAM Editors (reachable at marmamed(\)uvic.ca), and individuals will be specifically requested not to misuse the list for this type of purpose. If you are receiving these unsolicited e-mails from the currents(\)lists.best.com list, DO NOT send replies back to that list requesting you be removed from it (the large numbers of these messages are actually more of a problem than the original occasional message sent out to the list by its creator). The presumed originator of the currents(\) list appears to be reachable at gcarter(\)orf.org - this appears to be the address to which any requests to be unsubscribed should be sent. Robin Baird, MARMAM Senior Editor Dear all, The website of the International Whaling Commission has been extensively revised and updated. Of particular interest to MARMAM and ECS-all subscribers is the information on the new Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. The new site contains information on: the Contents of Issue 1; the first Editorial; how to subscribe (with special rates for SMM and ECS members); and how to submit articles. It also contains details of a very special offer on previous IWC volumes in the old series. Definitely not to be missed(?!). To remind you all of our 'easy-to remember' web address, it is: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/iwcoffice Best wishes Greg Donovan, Editor Journal of Cetacean Research and Management International Whaling Commission The Red House, 135 Station Road Impington, Cambridge CB4 9NP, UK Tel: +44 (0)1223 233971 Fax: +44 (0)1223 232876 E-mail (sales): Subscriptions(\)iwcoffice.org E-mail (submission enquiries, manuscripts): iwcjournal(\)compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1999 21:23:15 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Conference Announcement/The Coastal Society (fwd) Message forwarded from CMPAN list list. ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: "Laurie Jodice" CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT & CALL FOR PAPERS (Apologies for Cross Posting!) The Coastal Society 17th International Conference (TCS17) Coasts at the Millennium Portland Marriott, Portland Oregon July 9-12, 2000 DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS - NOVEMBER 1, 1999 The Coastal Society invites papers, posters and proposals for sessions for its Year 2000 Conference. Preference will be given to submitted papers and posters that relate closely to conference themes: *Revitalizing Urban Coasts and Waterfronts *Reducing Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards *Protecting and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems *Integrating Coastal and Ocean Management However, all papers and proposals for special panels or programs will be considered. Sessions will generally be 90 minutes long and include 4 speakers plus time for interactive discussion. We actively encourage student participation, papers, and posters. As added incentive, awards will be given for best student paper and poster. Detailed award guidelines will be available soon on the conference website. The TCS 17 Conference will also be the debut of the NEW! Cascadia Chapter of TCS which covers the Pacific Northwest coastal states and provinces bordering the Cascadia subduction zone. We welcome papers for a special poster session highlighting the Cascadia region. For full conference details, please see our website at (http://www.oce.orst.edu/mrm/tcs17/confhome.html ) or contact Laurie Jodice at the address below for more information. PLEASE FORWARD THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED Laurie Jodice TCS17 Office Marine Resource Management College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences 104 Ocean Admin. Building Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-5503 phone: 541-737-1340 fax: 541-737-2064 email: jodicel(\)oce.orst.edu Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) hearing: Auditory brainstem response and behavioral audiograms. Szymanski, MD; Bain, DE; Kiehl, K; Pennington, S; Wong, S; Henry, KR. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. August 1999 v106 i2 p1134-1141 Vegetative responses of dolphin to changes in permanent magnetic field. Kuzhetsov, VI. BIOFIZIKA. May-June 1999 v44 i3 p496-502 Genealogy of families of SINEs in cetaceans and artiodactyls: The presence of a huge superfamily of tRNA(Glu)-derived families of SINEs. Shimamura, M; Abe, H; Nikaido, M; Ohshima, K; Okada, N MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, August 1999 v16 i8 p1046-1060 Nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to disrupting chemicals in endangered species endocrine of wildlife. Fossi, MC; Casini, S; Marsili, L. CHEMOSPHERE. October 1999 v39 i8 p1273-1285 Seabird and marine mammal bycatch reduction through fishing industry funded research: The New Zealand conservation services levy program. West, IF; Molloy, J; Donoghue, MF; Pugsley, C. MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL. Summer 1999 v33 i2 p13-18 Underwater temporary threshold shift induced by octave-band noise in three species of pinniped. Kastak, D; Schusterman, RJ; Southall, BL; Reichmuth, CJ. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. August 1999 v106 i2 p1142-1148 Cochran, O. 1999. Hunter and hunted. Life, Sept issue. (article is photo spread with text about polar bears and belugas at Grise Ford in the Canadian High Arctic) An application of close range photogrammetry in dolphin studies. Brager, S; Chong, AK. PHOTOGRAMMETRIC RECORD. April 1999 v16 i93 p503-517 Male reproductive success in a promiscuous mammal: behavioural estimates compared with genetic paternity. Coltman, DW; Bancroft, DR; Robertson, A; Smith, JA; Clutton-Brock, TH; Pemberton, JM. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. July 1999 v8 i7 p1199-1209 Subject: contents: WHALE WORLD # 3 (fwd) *************************************************** The latest issue of _Whale World_ is hot off the presses. Marman subscribers are offered the opportunity to purchase a trial copy of this otherwise membership/subscription benefit. A copy of this edition can be air mailed to any country for the UK equivalent of =A32. Approximately US$3.50; Australian $5.20; NZ$6.4 0; Canada$4.90. This offer ends October 30, 1999. Mastercard/Visa are accepted by either mail or via e-mail to: NATURE ALERT PO BOX 2060 BATH BA1 3YB ENGLAND e-mail: swhyte(\)naturealert.freeserve.co.uk Vol 1, issue 3 has the following articles: Morton, Alexandra. Return of the dolphins. (Pacific whitesided dolphins on the central coast of British Columbia) An extensive listing of 'briefs' of marine mammal conservation happenings globally Mulvaney, Kieran. Beluga whales...Cook Inlet, Alaska Berrow, Simon. Developing sustainable dolphin-watching in the Shannon estuary, Ireland. Pitman, Robert L. and Susan J. Chivers. Terror in black and white. (killer whales attack sperm whale pod in Pacific...this is a reprint of the article appearing in _Natural History_, posted a number of weeks ago to Marmam) Butt, Gordon and Ros. The Garden of Eden...for whales. (Twofold Bay, Australia) Mitchell, Elizabeth. Sperm whales in the Gulf of Alaska. Robinson, Kevin and Beatriz Gimenez-Reguera. Close encounters of the beaked whale kind. (AWESOME photos; beaked whales off Ireland) Subject: Manatee Volunteers Needed, Florida (fwd) From: Bruce Ackerman MANATEE RESEARCH, St. Petersburg Florida INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Tampa BayWatch, Inc. St. Petersburg Florida Focus: In cooperation with the Manatee Awareness Coalition (MAC) and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Tampa BayWatch seek 5 interns and many volunteers to assist in Manatee Watch, a research study and educational program designed to protect manatees and promote stewardship of Tampa Bay. Volunteer information: The research project is a 3-year manatee/boater interaction study. Observers use spotting scopes and binoculars to collect information describing boater activity at two study areas in Tampa Bay. Paired observers work 3-hour shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon either on one weekday (Tuesday - Thursday) or one weekend day (Saturday). Volunteers are required to make a 12-hour per month commitment. Training and equipment are provided. The education program is geared towards reaching Tampa Bay users. Volunteers talk with the community at boat ramps, marinas, community festivals, and On Tampa Bay aboard a specially designed pontoon boat. Volunteers may work on either or both projects. For more information about volunteering please contact: Tabitha Whalen, Manatee Watch Coordinator Tampa BayWatch, Inc. 8401 9th Street North Suite 230B St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-896-5320 twhalen(\)tampabaywatch.org Intern Information: Five positions are available for the fall and winter 10-week sampling periods scheduled as October 1- December 15 1999 and January 15- March 31 2000. Junior and senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Interns work approximately 35-40 hours per week and are required to commit to the full sampling period, plus training. Interns are responsible for data collection, entry, and verification, equipment maintenance, and volunteer support. Although the manatee/boater interaction study is the primary focus, interns will also participate in manatee photo-identification during the fall and winter and photo-identification and habitat restoration projects during the summer. While these internships are not paid positions, they are excellent resume builders. Please send internship application including project interest (manatees), transcripts, cover letter, and references to: Mr. Bill Arnold Florida Marine Research Institute 100 8th Ave. SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5095 727-896-8626 Additional information about FWC' s manatee programs, internships, and other volunteer opportunities may be found at http://www.fmri.usf.edu/manatees.htm http://www.STATE.FL.US/FWC/psm/webpages/manatee.htm **THOSE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN OCTOBER SHOULD SEND APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.** Message submitted by Bruce Ackerman Florida Marine Research Institute Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Formerly named Florida Department of Environmental Protection) ACKERMAN_B(\)EPIC7.DEP.STATE.FL.US Subject: Thirteen Biennial Meeting Update and Schedule (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- UPDATE: 13th Biennial Meeting - Wailea Maui The meeting in Wailea Maui November 28 - December 3, is attracting a lot of potential attendees. The abstracts have all been reviewed and the presenters informed about whether they will be presenting a verbal presentation or a poster. There were 860 abstracts submitted and there will be 274 verbal presentations given. Please find the preliminary schedule of the meeting below. It runs from the Workshops on the 27th to the Luau the evening of Friday December 3rd. The conference hotel rooms have all been reserved by your colleagues. An extra 50 rooms at the very nice Maui Prince Hotel have been secured at $150.00 per night but the hotel is about a 5 minute drive away from the Outrigger. Another 50 rooms have been blocked at the Maui Coast hotel 10 minutes drive away at $109.00 per night Another 25 rooms have just been secured at the Renaissance Hotel next door to the Conference Outrigger Hotel at $175.00 per night. Given the rate of hotel fill-ups early reservations appear necessary. Don't wait. The traditional video nights have been scheduled for Monday November 29th and Wednesday December 1st. Hannah Bernard will be chairing the video night sessions. Anyone desiring to present a video should contact Hannah for review and scheduling. All videos must be scheduled through Hannah Bernard. Remember that the deadline early registration is September 15th. Please preregister for the meeting. Registration after that date will cost considerably more. The preregistration pages are linked to the Conference home page http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/Maui.html. Please log on to this site for instructions and forms for preregistration. If you click your mouse on the colored words "CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORMS" it should take you to the instructions. At the bottom of the instructions you need to click on the colored words "GO TO THE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM (ADOBE PDF)" to take you to the actual registration form. The form is interactive and you can fill out the form while it is on your computer screen and then print the filled out form, sign it, and fax it to Terry Odell at (407) 345-5397. Please make sure that you follow the preregistration instructions. Conference preregistration is being handled by Ms. Terry Odell. She can be reached by e-mail at todell(\)fbs.net. Please be aware the your $35.00 ticket for the Icebreaker reception is included in the registration price. You can buy additional icebreaker tickets for friends and spouses. The price for the banquet Luau includes an open bar. --------------------- Society for Marine Mammalogy 13th Biennial Meeting Meeting Program Saturday, November 27, 1999 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Workshops 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Board Meeting Sunday, November 28, 1999 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Workshops 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Board Meeting 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm REGISTRATION - KUKUI ROOM/KUKUI TERRACE 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm ICEBREAKER - PACIFIC TERRACE - ROOFTOP CONVENTION PAVILION Monday, November 29, 1999 8:00 am - 9:00 am Opening Remarks - AULANI BALLROOM Presidential Address 9:00 am - 9:30 am Invited Plenary Address - Anne Pabst 9:30 am - 10:00 am Invited Plenary Address - Whitlow Au 10:00 am - 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am - 11:00 am Invited Plenary Address - Donald Bowen 11:00 am - 11:30 am Invited Plenary Address - Bruce Mate 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Symposium 1 - "The Cetacean Brain"- AULANI BALLROOM Session 1 - Ecology: Foraging and Feeding I - Pinnipeds - PIKAKI I & II Session 2 - Acoustics and Communication: Signals and Behavior I - PLUMERIA/JADE 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Break 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 3 - Ecology: Foraging and Feeding II - Cetaceans and Sirenians - AULANI BALLROOM Session 4 - Physiology - PIKAKI I & II Session 5 - Behavior: Social Behavior - PLUMERIA/JADE 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Dinner 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm Contributed Videos - AULANI BALLROOM Tuesday, November 30, 1999 8:00 am - 10:00 am POSTER SESSION 1 - MAUNA LOA/ILIMA/VANDA ROOMS (Downstairs) 10:00 am - 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am - 12:30 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Symposium 2 - "Vocal Communication in Delphinids" - AULANI BALLROOM Session 6 - Conservation and Management: Population Exploitation and Status - PLUMERIA/JADE Session 7 - Ecology: Distribution and Abundance - PIKAKI I & II 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 8 - Medicine - PLUMERIA/JADE Session 9 - Anatomy - PIKAKI I & II Session 10 - Behavior: General - AULANI BALLROOM 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Break 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 11 - Conservation and Management: Odontocete/Fisheries Interactions - PLUMERIA/JADE Session 12 - Population and Distribution: Distribution, Movements and Migration - PIKAKI I & II Session 13 - New Technology - AULANI BALLROOM 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Dinner 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Student Workshop Wednesday, December 1, 1999 8:00 am - 10:00 am CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Symposium 3 - "Physiological Ecology of Fat in Marine Mammals" - AULANI BALLROOM Session 14 - Ecology: General Population Ecology - PIKAKI I & II Session 15 - Psychophysics and Cognition - PLUMERIA/JADE 10:00 am - 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am - 12:30 pm POSTER SESSION 2 - MAUNA LOA/ILIMA/VANDA ROOMS (Downstairs) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 16 - Physiology: Breathing, Respiration and Energy - PIKAKI I & II Session 17 - Acoustics and Communication: Hearing and Echolocation - JADE/PLUMERIA Session 18 - Ecology: Reproductive Ecology - AULANI BALLROOM 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Break 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 19 - Conservation and Management: Species at Risk I - PLUMERIA/JADE Session 20 - Population and Distribution: Population Structure and Diversity - AULANI BALLROOM Session 21 - Immunology and Toxicology - PIKAKI I & II 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Dinner 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm Contributed Videos - AULANI BALLROOM Thursday, December 2, 1999 8:00 am - 10:00 am CONCURRENT SESSIONS: 8:00 am - 9:15 am Symposium 4 - "Why Phylogenies Matter: Their Use in Marine Mammal Research" - AULANI BALLROOM 9:15 am - 10:00 am Session 22 - Systematics and Evolution - AULANI BALLROOM 8:00 am - 10:00 am Session 23 - Mating Strategies and Reproduction - PLUMERIA/JADE 8:00 am - 10:00 am Session 24 - Strandings - PIKAKI I & II 10:00 am - 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am - 12:30 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 25 - Acoustics and Communication: Signals and Behavior II - PLUMERIA/JADE Session 26 - Population and Distribution: General - PIKAKI I & II Session 27 - Behavior: Foraging and Feeding - AULANI BALLROOM 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm POSTER SESSION 3 - MAUNA LOA/ILIMA/VANDA ROOMS (Downstairs) 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Break 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Biennial Society Meeting - AULANI BALLROOM 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm OPEN EVENING Friday, December 3, 1999 8:00 am - 10:00 am CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 28 - Conservation and Management: Species at Risk II - PIKAKI I & II Session 29 - Population and Distribution: Abundance Assessment - AULANI BALLROOM Session 30 - Microbiology/Molecular Biology - PLUMERIA/JADE 10:00 am - 10:30 am Coffee Break 10:30 am - 12:30 pm POSTER SESSION 4 - MAUNA LOA/ILIMA/VANDA ROOMS (Downstairs) 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm CONCURRENT SESSIONS: Session 31 - Conservation and Management: Whale Population Risks and Recovery - AULANI BALLROOM Session 32 - Behavior: General - PLUMERIA/JADE Session 33 - Ecology: Foraging and Feeding III - PIKAKI I & II 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Awards Presentation - AULANI BALLROOM 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm LUAU - LUAU GARDENS 9:30 pm - 1:00 am BIENNIAL DANCE - AULANI BALLROOM Saturday, December 4, 1999 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Board - Conference Wrap-up Meeting -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- From: Jonathan Mitchell Subject: Tagged bottlenose dolphin During October 1997, myself and another observer separately observed what appeared to be a tagged Bottlenose Dolphin in the Azores. We each noted a distinct red disk at the base of the dorsal fin. Does anyone know of Bottlenose Dolphins being tagged? From: Jonathan Mitchell E-mail: jon.mitchell(\)atcopower.co.uk Home: 138 Addison Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3QF ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Sep 1999 12:12:31 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: searching for naval undersea center report (fwd) From: Jamison M. Smith MEL 407-953-5037 Hello all! I have exhausted all of my resources for finding various reprints. With that in mind, I thought I would pose the request to MARMAM and see if anyone knew where I could get a copy of this paper: Conboy, M. E. 1972. Project Quick Find: A Marine Mammal System for Object Recovery. NUC TP 268, Rev. 1, 31 pp. Sea lions were trained to attach a nosecup-mounted grabber device to "pingered" Objects on the ocean floor so that the objects (e.g., test ordnance oceanographic instruments) can then be hauled to the surface by a line attached to the grabber. The system has been demonstrated to depths of 500 feet. If anyone can assist me in this request I would be greatly appreciative. Jamison M. Smith Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Indian River Field Laboratory 1220 Prospect Ave. Suite 285 Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone:(407)953-5037 Fax:(407)984-4824 E-mail: Jamison.M.Smith(\)dep.state.fl.us Subject: Educational group requests assistance with S. American MM questions (fwd) From: Wesley R. Elsberry I recently received a request for assistance in email, but I felt that others more closely associated with studies of South American marine mammals should have the opportunity to assist this group. I am appending the original request. Please correspond directly with Laurel Lipsick at llipsick(\)best.com if you are interested in fielding questions as outlined below. ================================================================= Hi: I am writing on behalf of several K-8 educators who are traveling with the Oceanic Society to Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Northern Peru to study freshwater dolphins. The purpose of the trip is to highlight ongoing research in this area, and to create an educational Web site for children that will enlighten students and teachers around the world about the plight of dolphins in Peru. We are looking for several experts who could answer student questions about dolphins, ecology and the environment in Peru. Would you be willing to answer questions from children visiting our Virtual Explorers Web site? We don't anticipate more than 5-10 questions per week. All questions will be archived. If you are unable to assist us, could you suggest a scientist who might be able to answer students' questions? The Virtual Explorers Web site is at: www.virtualexplorers.org Sincerely, Laurel Lipsick Marketing Coordinator Email : llipsick(\)best.com Subject: Hawaii cetacean internship announcement (fwd) From: Kris Hunter Island Marine Center, is a marine conservation, research and education program It's parent company operates three vessels off Maui, Hawaii. The program consists of whale & dolphin watching trips, snorkel trips, and scuba diving trips. We are currently seeking volunteer interns for our 1999/2000 Humpback whale watching season. Internships are with the Research and Education department and consist of collecting field data on the North Pacific humpback whales, Hawaiian Spinner dolphins, Pacific bottlenose dolphins, (and other local species of cetaceans). Data collection is conducted on board commercial whale watching vessels. Other duties may include: assisting with education programs in local hotels and schools; computer data entry; analyzing digitally recorded acoustical data from hydrophones; and photo analysis. There is no fee for partaking in the program. Internships are unpaid, although assistance to locate (not pay for) housing can arranged. Interns must commit to at least 20 hours a week and at least two months in duration. Priority is given to applicants who can work full time and stay for longer periods of time. The whale program will run from December 1999 to May 2000. Assistance with receiving credit for the internship is provided. Internship applicants should posses the following: Motivation and enthusiasm for marine life and the marine environment 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 Knowledge of photography 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 reasons for applying. Internships are open to undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, and other professionals who can add to the program. If you have previously applied for an internship position with the Island Marine Center please resubmit your resume and note your previous application in your cover letter. Application materials should be sent ASAP to: Island Marine 113 Prison Street Lahaina, HI 96761 phone: 808-667-6165 fax: 808-661-5792 ATTN.: Kris Hunter research(\)whalewatchmaui.com khunter(\)maui.net If sending your resume via email please do not attach it as a file. Kris Hunter Director of Research and Education Island Marine Center Subject: Japan to buy beluga meat from Russia (fwd) Forwarded message: Subject: Japan to buy belugas from Russia Date: Sat, 04 Sep 1999 10:43:40 PDT SOURCE: International Fund for Animal Welfare IFAW: Japan Re-Ignites International Trade in Whale Meat With First-Ever Commercial Hunt of Russian Beluga Whales MOSCOW, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan and Russia have cut a whale of a deal for 200 tons of Russian beluga whale meat and blubber, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW -- www.ifaw.org) denounced today from its Moscow office. This deal launches the first-ever international commercial hunt of beluga whales, and reopens the international trade in whale meat, a trade IFAW says is not sustainable and threatens whale populations worldwide. As part of the deal, the State Fishery Committee of the Russian Federation has issued permits for 200 beluga whales to be hunted in the southern section of the Sea of Okhotsk. While the Russian government has sanctioned the hunt, the Russian authorities for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) have yet to authorize the trade. CITES permits must be issued before customs officials will allow the whale meat to leave the country. Legally, there is nothing preventing Russia from issuing the permits, as beluga whales are covered under a CITES provision that allows limited trade, provided that it is not harmful to the whale populations. Such a decision is highly questionable here, where very little is known about the whale stocks being hunted, and the CITES authorities in Russia appear to have reservations about the trade. Valentine Ilyashenko, Deputy-Chief of the CITES-Russia Authority office, has required the Russian supplier to guarantee that not more than 200 beluga whales will be killed, and to allow for DNA analysis of the meat prior to shipment to ensure that it is strictly beluga whale meat. In response to the sanctioned trade, Russian marine mammal scientists and conservation groups joined together today to draft a protest statement addressed to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The group included prominent members of Russia's Marine Mammal Council and the Russian Society of Animal Protection, as well as IFAW. Scientists are particularly concerned about the effects of the hunt on the beluga populations at stake. ``Very little is known about the status of several of the stocks covered by the Russian quota,'' said Peter Meisenheimer of the International Marine Mammal Association, ``and all but the Bering Sea populations are considered depleted. Any unmonitored take from these stocks could have serious consequences for the population.'' There is also much concern regarding the way the hunt is being carried out. Beluga whales have not been hunted in Russia in over 30 years. The result is a mismanaged hunt burdened by lack of experience, insufficient equipment and no independent observers. ``This trade in beluga whale meat signals a dangerous step forward for Japan's commercial whale trade,'' said Karen Steuer, Director of IFAW's Commercial Exploitation and Trade Program, ``and a dangerous step backwards for Russia's developing conservation efforts and threatened beluga whale populations.'' SOURCE: International Fund for Animal Welfare Subject: Job Offer: Sea Watch DataBase Manager (fwd) From: Jim Boran Cc: peter.evans(\)zoo.ox.ac.uk JOB DESCRIPTION: DATABASE MANAGER Applications are invited for the post of DataBase Manager with the marine environmental charity, Sea Watch Foundation (UK Cetacean Monitoring Unit), based in Oxford, UK. It is planned for the post to take effect from 1st November 1999. It will run for a probationary period of six months, and then, subject to satisfactory progress, continue for at least three years. Sea Watch was established to acheive better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face, and by the regular production of material to educate, inform and lobby for environmental protection. It has a network of around 2,000 volunteer observers drawn from all walks of life; a national computer database of c. 43,000 sightings and 36,000 effort records (mainly cetaceans, but also seals, sharks and sea turtles); and a membership support group of about 200 persons. From the sightings database, distribution maps are generated to identify important geographic areas for particular cetacean species, monitor seasonal and longer term rends in abundance, and ecological relationships, for better conservation management. It undertakes conservation research projects and surveys, which may be commissioned by a variety of bodies ranging from national and local government agencies, environmental NGOs, and industry. It works in conjunction with a number of whalewatching operators to run "Sea Watch Surveys", to encourage sensitive behaviour around whales and dolphins, and promote the collection of useful scientific information. It produces a wide variety of publications including a newsletter, reports, and educational materials; maintains a marine photo & video library, various species photo-ID catalogues, and is developing an interactive website SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS The post holder should have at least a university degree either in a biological subject, or mathematics, statistics, or computer science. Experience of, and an interest in, cetaceans preferable. Essential experience includes computer programming and statistics, and preferably acquaintance of both Apple Macintosh and Windows operating systems. The core of this job is to develop customised ways to understand cetacean distribution patterns spatially and temporally. The person should therefore have a good working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (ARCVIEW or ARCINFO), and at least some of the following software programs: SPSS, GLIM, Systat or Statview, Cricket Graph, Excel, Access, FileMaker Pro, FoxPro, and Word JOB DESCRIPTION To manage and develop the joint Sea Watch & JNCC/ESAS national cetacean sightings database. Duties include: 1. Supervision of students & volunteers and direct participation in the transcription and verification of cetacean sightings data, coding onto a national computer database. 2. Programming to assist synthesis and analysis of data; and plotting of distribution maps. 3. Statistical analyses including use of Geographic Information Systems. 4. Direct feedback to contributors of sightings. 5. Close liaison with the Director and Programme Manager as well as volunteers. 6. Liaison with other organisations, e.g. JNCC, the statuatory conservation agencies, and regional biological records centres for exchange of information & data. 7. Responding to enquiries concerning the database; establishing and maintaining a database website. 8. Participation in the production of material for newsletters, reports & scientific papers. 9. Participation in cetacean field projects (preferable but not essential= ). 10. Although the job is based in Oxford, travel to Regional Groups may be involved. Due to the small nature of the organisation, the post holder must be flexible and willing to take on other tasks as deemed necessary by the Director. Salary ranges from =A312,000 - =A315,000 per annum depending on qualificati= ons and experience. If you are interested in the above post, please send as soon as possible (preferably by 5th October), a covering letter outlining suitability, and include a curriculum vitae, and two academic references, to: Dr. Peter G.H. Evans, Sea Watch Foundation, 11 Jersey Road, Oxford OX4 4RT =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 Subject: Training Camp for Animal Trainers (long!) (fwd) From: Stacy Braslau-Schneck This was originally posted to ClickTrain, an e-mail discussion list devoted to training with a conditioned reinforcer. It is reposted with permission from the author. Note: Most of the subscribers to ClickTrain are dog trainers, hence the discussion about dog training. But the training camp is open to *anyone* who is interested in learning about the art and science of training animals using a conditioned reinforcer. I'm sure it is of great interest to marine mammal trainers. Stacy Stacy Braslau-Schneck, MA Stacy's Wag'N'Train http://www.wagntrain.com ***************************************************************** REGISTRATION FOR BAILEY & BAILEY FIVE DAY HOT SPRINGS OPERANT CONDITIONING WORKSHOPS FOR THE YEAR 2000 This flyer is a long and comprehensive description of our Hot Springs workshops for the year 2000. PLEASE read this flyer carefully. Reading this flyer carefully may save you phone calls or email messages. The purpose and methodology of these workshops are described in detail. Also, information on workshop content is included, as is where the workshop takes place, how to get to Hot Springs, how to make hotel reservations, and so forth. DESCRIPTION OF THE BAILEY AND BAILEY WORKSHOPS Learn The Fundamentals Of Training Without Messing Up Your Animal's Mind. All animal trainers, ancient or modern, pet owners and professionals, had to be taught their craft. Most trainers and pet owners were learning how to train while they were also trying to teach animals. Is that really the best way? We believe not. If the trainer misunderstands or misapplies the methodology, or is inept at application, the animal will appear to learn slowly or may even fail. This failure and slow progress sap the trainer and the animal of the vitality and enthusiasm to continue to learn. Trainers do have another way to learn - the use of training models. Animal training, regardless of methodology, is mostly a mechanical skill, involving considerable hand-eye coordination. Operant conditioning and the broader but less well-known behavior analysis are sciences and technologies for studying an changing behavior. Applied operant conditioning and behavior analysis, including what is popularly called CLICKER TRAINING, have both a theoretical base, or principles, which can be taught in the classroom, and practices or methods that can only be learned by doing, or hands-on experience. Because the principles do not change from one animal to another, it is possible to teach the practices with simple animals. Once the methods and practices are mastered with simple animals it is possible to extend those methods and practices to the training of more complex animals. Thus, dolphin trainers, primate trainers, dog trainers, horse trainers, parrot trainers, raven trainers, and any other kind of animal trainer, can well profit from training a simpler animal model - a chicken. BACKGROUND The science and technology of operant conditioning are more than fifty years old. It began with B. F. Skinner in the 1930's. Operant conditioning is now well enough understood that it can be taught to, and applied by, almost anyone. Keller and Marian Breland (now Bailey) were the first to apply the technology commercially when they founded Animal Behavior Enterprises in 1943. More recently, in the last decade, Karen Pryor, Gary Wilkes, and many others have been teaching dog trainers to use operant conditioning. Karen Pryor popularized the name CLICKER TRAINING, which has become almost synonymous with operant conditioning - however, clicker training is only a part of operant conditioning. Most of these training teachers have used dogs as their primary vehicle for demonstrating and teaching behavioral technology. We believe that there is a more efficient and effective method of teaching precise training skills. WHY TRAIN CHICKENS? We have found teaching with live chicken models can dramatically shorten the time it takes to teach the science-based principles and practices of operant conditioning and behavior analysis. Shaping behavior of live chickens can also develop basic mechanical and timing skills needed for efficient training. With chickens, behaviors come and go quickly, and more or less in direct proportion to the skill demonstrated by the trainer. Behaviors happen swiftly because the chicken learns and moves quickly. Days of learning with a dog are compressed into minutes and hours of training a chicken. What we teach with chickens is applicable to whatever you might be training, from cockroaches to killer whales. Chickens are simple and cautious birds. While chickens may be limited in their range of responses, they are not stupid. Chickens, as a group, have coped with the world for millions of years. Chickens survived by learning what to do and what not to do. In our chicken training workshop we take advantage of the chicken's power to learn. The chicken's very simplicity makes it an ideal model for teaching students the skills needed to shape behavior. Most higher animals are complicated by many levels of social, investigatory, or play behaviors. Chickens, on the other hand, seem dedicated to eating, avoiding being eaten, and reproducing, with very few diversions. This simplicity is a help when shaping behavior. The student can spend more time shaping behavior, and less time dealing with extraneous behavior patterns. In addition, Chickens are not only simple, they are FAST. Though chickens are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, they have the speed and competitiveness of a true predator. It takes a quick and observant trainer to time the clicker correctly to coincide with desired behavior. In short, the ordinary chicken is probably the most ideal behavioral model available for teaching training skills. SPECIAL NOTE - RELEVANCE TO DOG TRAINING Many dog trainers express the opinion that training can be taught only by training dogs. We understand that a dog trainer must eventually train dogs to learn canine peculiarities. However, for teaching the basic principles of operant conditioning and the skills of training, it is far better and faster to work with a simpler subject, where behavior can be shaped and molded depending on a trainer's new-found skills rather than arising unpredictably from some highly specialized genetic predisposition. In addition, training chickens is less forgiving of a trainer's mistakes than training dogs. Mistakes produce their effects quickly in a chicken. A dog, because of its higher general intelligence, may sooner or later learn what is wanted. Thus, in spite of a trainer's failure to select the proper behavioral criteria and to reinforce at the proper time, a dog will eventually "get it," although perhaps slowly and imperfectly. A chicken, under the same circumstances, would simply appear not to learn, or the behavior would be so slow in coming that it would be painfully obvious that there was a problem of trainer technique. We want it clearly understood that you (and we) will NOT be training any dogs in this class. We may talk about dog training, but we will not be doing any. TRAINING IS A MECHANICAL SKILL In our opinion, good training skills begin with a perceptive eye and good timing. Both of these attributes can be learned by anyone with normal learning ability, eyesight, and reaction time. All of our workshops stress the application of the fundamentals of operant conditioning and the development of mechanical skill. OPERANT CONDITIONING FUNDAMENTALS VS. ADVANCED TECHNIQUES In our many years of training animals and trouble-shooting behavioral programs, we have experienced few behavioral problems that called for the use of exotic or advanced behavioral techniques. Fully 80 percent of all training problems presented for our solution were the result of simple errors of TIMING, CRITERIA, RATE OF REINFORCEMENT. When the error was corrected, the problem "went away." All of our workshops, from beginning through advanced, address in-depth these three issues - timing, criteria, and rate of reinforcement. When the student has mastered these fundamental and critical skills and concepts, he or she will be ready to move on to more advanced topics. With few exceptions, we do not address in our lectures or use in the workshop, no-reward markers, continuing or keep-going signals (tertiary reinforcers), ratios (fixed or variable), or other such topics or techniques. We believe that advanced techniques should not be taught until the student has mastered the fundamentals. We have found such advanced techniques efficient in relatively few circumstances, usually when high level of effort, long duration, or complex discriminatory behaviors were involved. We have produced many complex behavioral systems for the government and commerce. Most of the time these systems required only the simplest of methodology rigorously applied. We suggest that our experience might indicate that many trainers routinely attempting to use advanced methods are not using the simplest and most effective training methods available. In training, as in most endeavors, simpler is usually better. A LITTLE PERSONAL HISTORY AND OUR VIEW OF OPERANT CONDITIONING We began training others to train and maintain behavior in 1948. As far as we know, we wrote the first OC manual and conducted the first school designed for the novice animal handler and trainer. From that time to now, training trainers has been serious business to us, though we like to think that we treat it with good humor. We have taught few amateur trainers, and even fewer pet owners. We have written articles for popular publications (Better Homes and Gardens, mid-50's for instance). For the casual trainer, and the general public, our message was that operant conditioning was simple, easy, and forgiving. For the serious trainer our message was, and is, that operant conditioning is as forgiving (read sloppy), as you allow it to be, and good operant practices are anything but easy. Proper use of operant conditioning demands precision, planning, and great skill. High-level application of operant conditioning is simple, demanding and anything but easy. OUR OBJECTIVE We seek to demonstrate to each student the simplicity of the principles underlying operant conditioning. Further we attempt to develop in each student the ability to rapidly detect and respond to slight changes in behavior. Learning to observe such subtleties is not easy. Practicing the shaping of such small bits of behavior is even more difficult. However, for the dedicated, the rewards of precise and robust behavior are well worth the effort. WE ARE WHAT WE ARE, NO MORE, NO LESS We ask that prospective students read carefully the purpose and the intended market or audience of each of our workshops. We do not want to discourage or offend students, but we also do not want to mislead them. Our five-day workshops are designed for the SERIOUS animal trainer or behavioral professional (clinician or therapist). Professionals are presumed to be serious. Amateur trainers are welcome if they are truly serious about training. We discuss little about dog-people relationships, even though we like dogs just as much as the next trainer. With the limited time we have, we discuss and practice animal training, not animal loving. We teach operant conditioning. We do not debate nor proselytize. We do not have time enough remaining in this world to spend it attempting to convert the reluctant or disbelieving. We wish to devote our precious time to teach those who would like to learn from us. Those who pay and attend must be prepared to play the game and follow carefully our instructions and weigh seriously our recommendations or they will have wasted their time and money. For those who are not sure if they are prepared for our rather rigorous brand of animal training, we suggest that you try the two-day survey workshop. In two days we certainly give the flavor of we teach. The two-day workshop might also fit those traditional trainers who might wish to see operant conditioning in action. For those deciding that it is worthwhile, you could then attend one of the introductory workshops. TWO-DAY (14-HOUR) SURVEY WORKSHOPS FOUR-DAY (TWO-WEEKEND 40-HOUR) INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPS FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) ADVANCED WORKSHOPS WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE DO IT Each 40-hour workshop student is assigned TWO chickens. Two-day students get ONE chicken. Students must adapt their own training behavior to the experience, skill and emotional state of each assigned chicken. The students work with the building blocks of chicken behavior -- pecking, pulling, scratching, walking, etc. Such selected behaviors are modified or chained, or attached to other behaviors or to cues. While the students learn to observe and reinforce behaviors by doing (remember, training is mostly a mechanical skill), there are supporting lectures explaining the fundamental science underlying the behavioral technology used. Students work in pairs. While one student trains, the other student actively serves as coach, critiquing timing, appropriateness of reinforcement, and the student-trainer's mechanical skill, while also tending to housekeeping details. The students then change chickens and reverse roles. We emphasize that the coaching role is active, not passive. Many students learn as much, if not more, while coaching as they do while training. HOT SPRINGS TWO-DAY (14-HOUR) SURVEY WORKSHOP - This short workshop is recommended for pet dog trainers, teachers, business persons, health care professionals, and anyone needing a quick hands-on course in operant conditioning. This 14-HOUR TWO-DAY workshop offers a hurry-up introduction to the fundamentals of applied operant conditioning and behavior analysis. This intensive two-day workshop gives those who cannot or do not wish to devote five-days to a class the opportunity to participate in a Bailey & Bailey hands-on workshop. There are lectures and discussion periods covering operant conditioning and behavior analysis. Most of the time is spent shaping the behavior of one chicken. Are you unsure if operant conditioning is for you? Give it a try for two-days - you might just like it. We even have arranged most dates on weekends to accommodate those who must work during the weekdays. The two-day survey workshop does not qualify as a prerequisite for attending either the intermediate or the advanced workshops. HOT SPRINGS INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS - Our introductory chicken workshops are designed for the professional and advanced novice trainer. The students will be challenged to master the course-work and shape the behavior of two chickens. The fundamental concepts and practices of operant conditioning are covered in detail. Students practice and develop their timing and recognition of criteria for reinforcement, and the importance of maintaining a high rate of reinforcement. Students develop discriminations and then perform stimulus reversals (extinguish an old discrimination and then teach a new one) requiring shaping skill. Setting criteria and changing criteria are discussed and practiced. THERE ARE TWO VERSIONS: FOUR-DAY (TWO-WEEKEND, 40-HOUR) INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS -- The workshop includes 40 hours of instruction time spread over two weekends (four days total). The weekend dates are an accommodation to professionals and others who can ill-afford to lose an entire week for the workshop. This is a very demanding course because of the long days. The four-day (two-weekend 40-hour) introductory workshops fulfill the requirements for attending the intermediate and advanced workshops. FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS - The workshop includes 40 hours of instruction time spread over five consecutive days. This is the standard and recommended introductory workshop. The five-day (40-hour) introductory workshops fulfill the requirements for attending the intermediate and advanced workshops. PREREQUISITES FOR ADMISSION TO EITHER TWO-DAY OR FIVE-DAY INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS: The INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS have few skill or experience requirements. The student must have sufficient mobility, manual dexterity and the physical and sensory capabilities to monitor the chicken's behavior, operate a standard clicker, and feed appropriately. We expect each introductory student to bring with him or her a strong desire to improve observational and timing skills. HOT SPRINGS FIVE-DAY INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPS: The student is instructed in the design of simple training programs. Each day the students are presented one or more behaviors to be taught to two chickens. Each student designs a training program for each behavior. The class evaluates all of the training programs for effectiveness and efficiency. The students then deploy their respective training plans. The results are evaluated at the day's end. Students are taught how to identify critical paths of a training program. The importance of identifying, evaluating, and using resources is emphasized. Time, reinforcements (food, social contact, etc), the environment, and other critical resources are discussed and incorporated into training plans. Cues and short behavioral chains are included in the training program. The students are introduced to record keeping as a resource to be used and not as onerous burden that stands in the way of training. The INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP is open only to those who have previously completed satisfactorily a BAILEY & BAILEY 40 HOUR (4 OR 5 DAY) INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP. PLEASE, PLEASE, DO NOT ASK TO ATTEND THE INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP WITHOUT HAVING FULFILLED THE PREREQUISITE 40-HOUR INTRODUCTORY CLASS THE FIVE-DAY ADVANCED OPERANT CONDITIONING WORKSHOP: The student is assigned two chickens and a major behavior project composed of a chain of behaviors. The student designates one bird as the primary, or project bird. The primary bird is trained in the chain of behaviors. In addition, the student is given a number of separate behaviors. The student teaches these separate behaviors to the secondary bird. Before beginning to train, the student must design the programs needed to train the behaviors in each of the birds. The training programs include a behavioral evaluation of the birds, the training protocols, or plan of action, and a time-line or estimate on how long it will take to train each behavior. The advanced workshop assumes that the student has the necessary experience to design and implement behavioral programs, designing and keeping training records. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that the student complete the intermediate workshop before attempting the advanced program. DURATION OF THE 40-HOUR WORKSHOPS Each 40-hour workshop lasts for FOUR OR FIVE FULL DAYS. Plan to be on time on the morning of the first scheduled day. The first lessons on training mechanics are very important. The last days of the workshops are also important -- plan to stay all through the final day. WORKSHOP DAILY SCHEDULE The workshops begin promptly at 9AM and normally go until from 5:30 PM (or 7:00 on the four-day workshop). We do ask that everyone be punctual. In general, training sessions, lectures, and discussions follow each other on a tight schedule. You might say we "live by the clock," with many short training sessions. There are breaks (and snacks) during the day, including a "working" lunch. The hotel hosting our workshop prides itself on SUBSTANTIAL meals. Should anyone have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, diabetic, etc) please so indicate on the registration form. I do not know if there is Orthodox Jewish kosher available. CLASS SIZE The following maximum number of students are permitted in the following workshops: TWO-DAY (14-HOUR) SURVEY WORKSHOPS ---- 20 FOUR-DAY (TWO-WEEKEND 40-HOUR)INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS ---- 10 FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS ---- 20 FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPS ---- 20 FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) ADVANCED WORKSHOPS ---- 20 We are accepting NO OBSERVERS. MEALS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR (SOCIAL) ACTIVITIES Lunch and snacks will be served every day at the hotel. This is a sit-down, group get-together where we all share training experiences, as well as break bread. The only complaint we have heard about our lunches is that there is too much good food. We shall take such complaints under advisement. During the FIVE-DAY 40-HOUR WORKSHOPS there will also be one evening meal, and some activity that we think attendees will enjoy. Other meals (breakfast, other dinners, and other activities) are your own. There is not sufficient time during the weekend workshops (14 and 40 hour) for planned activities. TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, ANIMALS, AND OTHER DETAILS The good news is that the workshop and the hotel are in the same building. There will be no need to "go" anywhere for the class. Costs and arrangements for lodging and transportation are your responsibilities. We STRONGLY SUGGEST that you make room arrangements as early as possible. The workshop is being held at the Hot Springs RAMADA INN (888-624-3311, toll-free for reservations). BE SURE TO MENTION THAT YOU ARE ONE OF THE CHICKEN WORKSHOP GROUP, SO YOU WILL GET THE GROUP RATE. Last year the rooms were in the 50-60 dollar range. You may bunk with someone and save. The Ramada is VERY conveniently situated in the resort downtown of Hot Springs, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions. You can take a famous Hot Springs bath (and massage, if you like that sort of thing). You are NOT required to stay at the Ramada Inn. There are other hotels and motels. However, we do recommend the Ramada Inn. Staying there will be VERY convenient for you, and the rates are reasonable. For the rugged types, there are RV parks and camping within a short driving distance from the Ramada Inn lots of hiking trails and scenery. The not-so-good-news is that Hot Springs does not have a major airport. Your can fly-in on a puddle-jumper from Dallas or Little Rock. We suggest that you fly into Little Rock and get a shuttle (bus) from there to Hot Springs (about $30). Call the shuttle (1-800-643-1505) and make a reservation. Of course, if you rent a car you won't need the shuttle. However, having a car is not essential. Unless you just want to drive around, you really don't need a car. Most attractions and necessities are within walking distance of the hotel. Even outlying restaurants are a short cab ride away. DOGS IN THE CLASSROOM AND AT THE RAMADA INN Pets are not permitted in the training classes. However, if you want or need to bring an animal with you, there are many good boarding facilities nearby. You may try negotiating permission with the Ramada Inn to bring your dog into your room. They have had very bad luck in the past - room damage, unruly pets, etc. We will not intercede in such negotiations. Naturally, if you have an assistance dog, the Ramada Inn cannot refuse to allow your dog. RECORDING THE WORKSHOP The students are permitted to record the workshop FOR THEIR OWN USE, NOT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. The recording process must not interfere with the workshop in any way. PATIENT LIKE THE CHIPMUNKS Your workshop experience will be enhanced if you have viewed our video PATIENT LIKE THE CHIPMUNKS. In this video, we explain much of applied operant conditioning or behavior analysis technology, and its history. PLTC also presents just a small sample of the power of operant conditioning. If you already have a copy (and thank you) be sure to view it before you arrive in Hot Springs. If you don't have PLTC, you can order a copy from us. If you sign up for the workshop, we will sell Version 2 (the shortened, class oriented form) for $40 (a reduction of $15). Version 1 (the long & more detailed version) we will sell at the workshop for $50 (again, a $15 reduction.) FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) WORKSHOP DATES FOR THE YEAR 2000 The first five-day workshop is INTRODUCTORY and begins July 14, ending July 18. The second five-day workshop is INTRODUCTORY and begins July 21, ending July 25 The third five-day workshop is INTERMEDIATE and begins July 28, ending August 1. The fourth five-day workshop is ADVANCED and begins August 4, ending August 8. The fifth five-day workshop is INTRODUCTORY and begins October 13, ending October 17. The sixth five-day workshop is INTRODUCTORY and begins October 20, ending October 24. The seventh five-day workshop is INTERMEDIATE and begins October 27, ending October 31. The eighth five-day workshop is ADVANCED and begins November 3, ending November 7. THE FIVE-DAY (40-HOUR) WORKSHOP FEE: ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2000: The total charge is $550.00 (payable in U.S. Dollars), the same as in 1999. The price of the workshop includes the meals and activities described. Please note that A NON-REFUNDABLE $250.00 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO SECURE YOUR PLACE. AFTER JANUARY 31, 2000: The total charge is $600.00 (payable in U S dollars) Please note the January 31, 2000 cutoff date for the reduced price for the workshops. To get the reduced payment the student must sign up and pay the deposit ON OR BEFORE January 31, 2000. FOUR-DAY (WEEKEND 40-HOUR) WORKSHOP DATES FOR THE YEAR 2000 The two-weekend 40-hour workshop is scheduled for late January 2000. Final dates will be announced later. THE FOUR-DAY (WEEKEND 40-HOUR) WORKSHOP FEE: The total charge is $750 (payable in U.S. Dollars). The fee includes lunches each day. The cost is higher than the five-day class because of the smaller class size and the requirement that the workshop must be setup and taken down twice. There is also the fact that this class will be much more stressful on the teachers, as well as the students. The chickens must work harder too, but they work for chicken feed anyway. TWO-DAY 14-HOUR SURVEY WORKSHOP DATES FOR THE YEAR 2000: NO DATES FIRMED AT THIS TIME TWO-DAY 14-HOUR SURVEY WORKSHOP FEE: The total fee is $300 (payable in U. S. Dollars). The fee includes lunches each day. WORKSHOP APPLICATION WHICH 2000 WORKSHOP DATES? (Please check) FIRST - Introductory (July 14 -18) ____ SECOND - Introductory (July 21 -25) THIRD - Intermediate (July 28 - August 1) _____(*Date of Qualifying Class) FOURTH - Advanced (August 4 - August 8) ____(*Date of Qualifying Class) FIFTH - Introductory (October 13 - 17)______ SIXTH - Introductory (October 20 -24)_______ SEVENTH - Intermediate (October 27 -31)______(*Date of Qualifying Class) EIGHTH- Advanced (November 3 - 7)_______(*Date of Qualifying Class) *Please give the date of the prerequisite Bailey & Bailey FIVE-DAY workshop) Workshop cost is $600 ($550 on or before Jan 31, 2000). NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is $250 US funds Include deposit check (US bank or affiliate) or money order (in US funds) NAME (printed legibly) NAME (signature) BUSINESS NAME (if appropriate) MAILING ADDRESS TELEPHONE (home) TELEPHONE (business) FAX NUMBER(S) E-MAIL (AND WEB PAGE) ADDRESSES: WILL YOU BE REQUIRING A SINGLE ROOM?________ OR A DOUBLE ROOM? DO YOU WISH TO SHARE A ROOM WITH ANOTHER ATTENDEE? _______ DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS OR DISABILITIES THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS? If so, please let us know what you will need. Send completed form (and deposit in US funds made to Robert E. or Marian Bailey) to: Bob & Marian Bailey 714 Arkridge Circle Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 E-mail behavior(\)hsnp.com www.hsnp.com/behavior Phone (501) 262-2187 Fax (501) 262-2231 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1999 15:08:47 +0000 Reply-To: graeme.cresswell.pt(\)norfolk.gov.uk From: graeme cresswell Subject: Re: Bay of Biscay Cetacean Report 1998 In-Reply-To: ------ Hi all The Bay of Biscay Report 1998 (Editors Graeme Cresswell & Dylan=20 Walker ) has just been published.=20 The report summarizes cetacean sightings from 12 transect surveys=20 conducted using 2 ferries which cross between southern England and=20 North Spain. The surveys were conducted between April and=20 October 1998. A total of 15 species was recorded and each species is=20 listed systematically. Dates of occurrence, numbers recorded,=20 distribution pattern (maps for all the the principal species) and=20 behavioural notes are given for each species. In addition, the=20 following articles are included within the publication: Occurrence of rare cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay by D.Walker The effect of the European Union driftnet ban on cetaceans in the Bay=20 of Biscay and adjacent waters by J. Mitchell The Bay of Biscay Bird Report 1998 by D.Gray The report is 50 pages long with bw illus/maps/charts and sev. colour=20 photos (including Cuvier's beaked and northern bottlenose whales) The report costs =A35.95 plus 50p postage & packing. The report can be=20 obtained direct from the editors at 35 Melrose road,=20 Norwich Norfolk U.K email graeme.cresswell.pt(\)norfolk.gov.uk Please make cheques payable to G.Cresswell or D.Walker Thank you Graeme Cresswell ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 13:10:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CFN-Talk : New listserv for Cetacean issues (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Bob Chorush The Cetacean Freedom Network The Cetacean Freedom Network is a coalition of individuals and groups opposed to keeping cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in captivity. The network is composed of over 250 members and member groups in more than 35 countries. Information is posted to the CFN network by scientists, journalists, researchers, activists and others engaged in whales and dolphin issues. The Cetacean Freedom Network invites you to join a new public listserv called CFN-Talk. The purpose of CFN-Talk is to facilitate communication among whale and dolphin anti-captivity advocates; and to serve as an informational resource to those seeking information about this issue. The purpose of this list is discussion of cetacean captivity and other issues directly related or affecting cetaceans, such as whaling, strandings, environmental issues and other issues concerning whales and dolphins. Off Subject postings are not permitted. The CFN-Talk list will be UNMODERATED, meaning that your postings to the list are sent directly to all list members. The list has been set up in this fashion to facilitate rapid communication. Anyone abusing the list will be removed. CFN members do not necessarily subscribe to each other's views, methods or positions outside the specific parameters of the CFN Mission Statement. Any request for information about the views, methods or positions of a member individual or organization should be addressed to that individual or organization. To subscribe to CFN-Talk, send an email to: listproc(\)envirolink.org No subject line required. In the body of the message: Subscribe cfn-talk firstname lastname The CFN-Talk list is administered by: Carl Dortch Director, Lolita's Legion url:http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/canopy/8126 email: Bob Chorush P.O. Box 33631 Seattle, WA 98133 206-362-8649 Subject: Citations Sought for web bibliography From: American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group We are putting together research bibliographies on the following topics = that will ultimately posted on our site and updated on an ongoing basis. = Please send us citations (either via email or mail) that should be included in = the bibliographies. We hope to begin posting the bibliographies within the = next month. Thank you. * Small cetaceans * Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS); * Pollution impacts on cetaceans Wil Burns, Co-Chairman American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 ASILwildlife(\)pacbell.net http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife = =20 Organization: University of Maine System Subject: Ocean and Coastal Law Journal Call for Papers The Editorial Board of the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal is currently accepting manuscripts for inclusion in volume 5, number 1 to be published in the Fall of 1999. The Journal would welcome the opportunity to review your submission of an article related to the field of ocean and/or coastal law or policy. The Ocean and Coastal Law Journal is a publication of the Marine Law Institute of the University of Maine School of Law. The Journal has a broad distribution, with subscriptions in most law libraries within the United States and in several foreign countries. To allow sufficient time for consideration, and if the article is accepted for publication, time for cite checking, editing, and return for final approval, submissions should be made ASAP. Articles not selected for publication at this time will be considered for publication in a future issue. Submit articles to: Student Editorial Board Ocean and Coastal Law Journal University of Maine School of Law 246 Deering Avenue Portland, Maine 04102 If you are unable to submit a manuscript at this time, please pass this information to others whom you believe may have materials which merit review. Please call 207-780-4823, or e-mail PCARNE71(\)mail.caps.maine.edu, with any questions. We appreciate your support ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 17:21:41 -0700 From: JIWLP Subject: New on the ASIL Wildlife Interest Group Site Biodiversity Convention Secretariat APOLOGIES FOR CROSS LISTINGS NEW on American Society of International Law Wildlife Interest Group = Site (www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife ): * Research bibliography on the impacts of climate change (defined as global warming and ozone depletion) on flora and fauna species and = critical ecosystems. The initial incarnation of the bibliography contains more = than 1500 citations, comprised almost entirely of peer-reviewed materials. = Future versions will include more grey literature citations. The bibliography = also will soon have a search engine and a PDF version for easier downloading = in its entirely. Suggestions for corrections or additional citations can = be directed to us at: asil(\)pacbell.net . The URL = for the bibliography is: http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife/wildlife.html =20 * Documents. The Group has started posting the full text of wildlife treaties, memorandums of understanding, and other relevant documents. = We will try not to duplicate the efforts of others, but rather focus on providing materials that are not easily accessible to researchers on = other websites. New documents include: o Resolutions of the 51st Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife/cet.html); o Memorandum for the Conservation of African Sea Turtles (CMS). (http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife/turtle.html) If you wish to be informed when future content is added to the site, as = well as information about the upcoming 5th International Wildlife Law = Conference, sign up for the Group's announcement list on the site. Wil Burns, Co-Chairman American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 ASILwildlife(\)pacbell.net http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife = =20 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 23:44:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: True's beaked whale in the Bay of Biscay (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gary Allport Dear Marmam subscribers I was amongst a group of observers on board a vessel in the Bay of Biscay last week when we sighted an animal which fits the descriptions of True's Beaked Whale. The notes below where prepared by Phil Coles and posted to the UK CetNet listserver and I have copied these to Marmam at his request. Following lively debate on UKCetNet with respect to the field identification of beaked whales, particularly in the Bay of Biscay, we feel that this observation warrants wider debate and publication in an appropriate journal. We seek input from anyone with experience of this or similar species on the identification challenge and guidance on the most suitable journal for the publication of the details of the sighting. Please respond to Phil Coles Phil(\)HITEntertainment.com or myself Gary.Allport(\)birdlife.org.uk ************************************************************ Notes on the sighting of True's beaked whale. The animal was initially sighted at 15:20, N43:45:67/W003:49:83 in the Southern Bay of Biscay, Thursday 9th September, 1999, 30 degrees from our path at a distance of about 600m. a large splash was the first indication of its presence. With the naked eye the animal was barely visible but the splash was large and clear, with binoculars it was possible to see that it was a small whale, a beaked whale - too small, slender and pale to be to be bottlenose or cuvier's. It was typical in form of a Mesoplodon. The animal breached 17 times, each time clearing the water. It was coming straight up out of the water and initially falling onto its back, after several breaches it began landing on its side and the final few leaps, which were slightly closer to the ship, the whale was belly down falling head first into the water. There was only 4-5 seconds between breaches and each was only about the whales body length apart. I observed several of the best breaches through a telescope and saw a perfect profile of the whale clear of the water and in good light. I could see that the animal was a pale grey colour - a similar shade to a bottlenose dolphin - and was lighter below and darker above. It's dorsal fin was darker than the rest of the body and there was a clear dark patch over the eye with a fainter mark above. >From my observations I believe the animal observed was a True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus). This is a poorly known animal rarely seen and even less frequently photographed. The best pictures known to me are of 3 animals swimming off North Carolina taken in 1993 (Marine mammal science 11(1):80-85, 1995), the shape and colour of these (along with pictures of stranded animals) compare favourably with the animal seen. Four species of Mesoplodon are known to occur in the North Atlantic, but the other three (Sowerby's, Blainville's and Gervais) are all darker brown/grey in colour and lack such clearly defined eye patches and dorsal fins (there are also various differences in body shape and proportions). Identifying beaked whales is a controversial matter and there are few occasions when one has the opportunity to try. But through the combination of an exceptional sighting of the entire animal, good lighting, availability of good opticals and such clear field marks (pigmentation) as well as limited field experience and many hours of studying photographs of various beaked whales (dead and alive), leaves me confident of a positive identification of the rare and elusive True's beaked whale. NB This is the second time that I have seen this species breaching, both times have been in the Bay of Biscay, the first in 1997 (The Bay of Biscay cetacean report 1997, Walker, D. 1998). Subject: JOB: 3 posts in statistical ecology, St Andrews, Scotland _______________________________________________________ U N I V E R S I T Y O F S T A N D R E W S _______________________________________________________ School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling _______________________________________________________ 3 Posts in Statistical Ecology _______________________________________________________ As part of a major initiative to set up a new centre, we are seeking to appoint three new staff. Post 1: Research Fellow 1A / Research Fellow 2 - Ref: KC041/AMC1/99 A post for an applied statistician, initially for at least 1.5 years, exists in the Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment (RUWPA; see http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk). You will spend up to half your time working on projects within the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU; see http://smub.st-and.ac.uk/). Depending on experience and expertise, you will also work on projects in one or more of the following areas: development of sightings survey methodology; spatial and spatio-temporal modelling of species abundance; generalized additive models (GAMs); state-space modelling; assessment of cetacean abundance; surveys of red, roe and sika deer in Scotland; fisheries stock assessments. You should have a good honours degree in statistics, or a good honours degree in biology or mathematics with a strong statistical background, and several years' experience as an applied statistician. A PhD in a relevant topic would be a strong advantage, as would extensive experience with any of the following: GAMs; MCMC methods; state-space models; wildlife assessment methods; S-Plus. You should be able to communicate well and enthusiastically with biologists, and should have consultancy experience. ________________________________________________________ Post 2: Research Fellow 1A - Ref: KC042/AMC1/99 A post, initially for one year, is available in RUWPA, also closely linked with SMRU. You will develop a simulation model of harbour porpoise dynamics in the North Sea and adjacent waters. Following a general methodology devised by the International Whaling Commission, the simulation model will evaluate the consequences of management actions by explicitly addressing the key area of uncertainty concerning porpoise population structure and dynamics, based on the limited available information. You should have a PhD and experience in mathematical modelling of biological populations, or other relevant experience. You will be hard-working, self-motivated and innovative. Ideally, you would have had exposure to modelling work conducted by the International Whaling Commission. ________________________________________________________ Post 3: Research Fellow 1A - Ref: KC154/AMC1/99 This position is available on combining population dynamic modelling and statistical modelling for ecological impact assessment. The idea is to integrate population dynamic models within a statistical modelling framework, in order to improve ecological predictions for impact assessment. The work will build on existing methodology developed at St. Andrews for fitting and inference using population dynamic models, the structure of which may include non-parametric smooth terms. The project provides much scope for innovative work in population dynamics and methodological statistics. The post is funded by Zeneca Agrochemicals (as part of its strategic research program) and will involve collaboration with Dr Tim Kedwards and colleagues in Zeneca's ecological risk assessment section based at Jealott's Hill in Berkshire. You will work at St Andrews with Dr Simon Wood at the Mathematical Institute. You should have a PhD or expect to obtain one shortly, although candidates without a PhD may be considered if they have suitable experience. The position is available for 2 years in the first instance. Informal inquiries should be directed to Steve Buckland: steve(\)st-and.ac.uk. Salary will be at the appropriate point on the RA1A scale for research staff ie 16,286 - 24,479 pounds per annum or in the case of post 1, for an exceptional candidate, Scale 2 ie 22,579- 30,065 pounds per annum. (1 UK pound = US$1.62.) Closing Date for Posts 1 and 2: 7 October 1999 Closing Date for Post 3: 27 September 1999 Application forms and further particulars from Personnel Services, University of St Andrews, College Gate, North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AJ (tel: +44-(0)1334-462571, fax +44-(0)1334-462570 or e-mail Jobline(\)st-andrews.ac.uk). We regret applications cannot be made by e-mail. The University operates Equal Opportunities and No Smoking Policies. _________________________________________________________________________ Stephen T. Buckland Mathematical Inst., North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9SS, Scotland Tel. 01334-463787 (+44-1334-463787) Fax 01334-463748 (+44-1334-463748) e-mail steve(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Professor of Statistics http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/stats/ Director, Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/ Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/ _________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 09:36:04 -0700 From: Burney Le Boeuf Subject: aberrant gray whale sightings and behavior ------ Dear marmam subscribers,=20 A group of us (Hector Per=E9z-Cort=E9s, Bruce Mate, Jorge Urb=E1n and me)= are attempting to document the effect of El Ni=F1o-La Ni=F1a 1997-1999 on gra= y whale mortality, migration, distribution and foraging behavior. We solic= it observations of gray whales along the migratory route from Alaska to the Baja California breeding lagoons that are unusual either temporally or spatially. That is, we are keen to document gray whales that were observ= ed in unusual places or at unusual times of the year. We are interesed in observations of foraging and the apparent prey. The period of interest i= s between summer 1998 and fall 1999. Please respond to Burney Le Boeuf at leboeuf(\)cats.ucsc.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Burney J. Le Boeuf Professor of Biology Department of Biology & Institute of Marine Sciences Rm A418 Earth & Marine Sciences Bldg. University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (831) 459-2845 office (831) 459-4882 FAX ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 08:31:56 -0300 From: Andre Barreto Subject: Tagged fur seal ------ Dear MarMam subscribers, Yesterday a young fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) was found dead at the beach, in the state of RIo Grande do Sul (ca. 32o58'S 52o33'W), Brasil. This is not uncommon, but this specifc fur seal had a yellow tag attached to its foreleft flipper, bearing the number 23. We measured the animal and collected its skull. If anyone knows where this animal was tagged and wants more information about this animal, please contact us. Cheers, Andre Barreto --=20 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Andr=E9 S. Barreto Bi=F3logo Marinho, M.Sc. Lab. Mam=EDferos Marinhos Dept. Oceanografia - FURG CP 474 Rio Grande RS 96201-900 tel:(0532) 336537 posasb(\)super.furg.br ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 11:26:04 -0700 Reply-To: emorhardt(\)MCKENNA.EDU From: "J. Emil Morhardt" Organization: Claremont McKenna College Subject: Tenure Track Marine Ecologist position, Claremont Colleges coastnet(\)uriacc.uri.edu, crust-l(\)sivm.si.edu, cturtle(\)nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu, fish-ecology(\)searn.sunet.se, fisheries(\)biome.bio.ns.ca, icam-l Sorry about the cross postings. We have the following opening and would like to encourage applications: Tenure Track Marine Ecologist at the Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California The biology program of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges seeks a broadly trained Marine Ecologist to fill a tenure-track position. The appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor level to begin September 2000. Teaching responsibilities will include participation in our introductory biology sequence and an upper-division undergraduate course in the area of specialization. Interest in developing courses for non-science majors is highly desirable. Supervision of undergraduates in research is expected. The successful candidate will show evidence of being able to sustain an active research program attracting and involving undergraduates at a liberal arts college. A Ph.D. degree, prior teaching experience, and a record of scholarly publication are required. The Biology program is part of the Joint Science Department (website: http://www.jsd.claremont.edu),an interdisciplinary department that serves three selective liberal arts colleges in The Claremont Colleges consortium. Send a curriculum vitae and a statement outlining teaching interests, philosophy, and research interests to:Dr. Newton Copp, W. M. Keck Science Center, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711.E-mail: ncopp(\)jsd.claremont.edu. Arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the same address. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 1999, and continue until the positions are filled. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide Equal Educational and Employment Opportunities, The Claremont Colleges actively encourage applications from women and members of historically underrepresented social groups in higher education. You can find out about the Claremont Colleges at http://www.claremont.edu -- J. Emil Morhardt, Roberts Professor of Biology Director, Roberts Environmental Center http://www.roberts.mckenna.edu/ W. M. Keck Science Center, Claremont McKenna College 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont CA 91711-5916 (909) 621-8190; (909) 621-8298 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 09:13:42 -0800 Reply-To: bluesub(\)earthlink.net From: Jennifer Saitz Organization: The Blue Submarine Subject: job listing The Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center (FSLMMC) is a non-profit organization providing medical care and rehabilitation to rescued seals and sea lions in Orange County. Information on the center can be found at fslmmc.org. Friends of the Sea Lion is seeking a full-time Education Coordinator to run the educational programs at the center. The Coordinator will manage and improve existing programs as well as develop new programs. Responsibilities include overseeing current educational programs, developing new curriculum and interpretive displays, training and supervision of education volunteers, recruitment of new volunteers, solicitation of private and corporate donations and web site management. Qualified applicants will: Have experience in marine science education; Have experience with staff management and supervision; Have experience in administration of non-profit organizations; Have some fund raising experience; Have minimum 2 years related experience; 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 qualifications and experience. Please send resume and cover letter to: Diane Swarts 700 Victoria Unit D3 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-642-5567 Inquiries: bluesub(\)earthlink.net (Jennifer Saitz) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 23:31:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: update on Russian beluga meat sale (fwd) Forwarded message: At 1400 local Moscow time, 14 September, the Russian government announced their descion to stop the beluga hunt, refuse to issue any additional export permits, and revoke the existing domestic quota of 2100 animals. This decision came following an emergency meeting in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Attending were members of the Foreign Ministry, the State Committee on Fisheries, Fisheries Institute (the only ones supporting the whaling), Marine Mammal Council, and Russian CITES Authorities. The CITES Authority was the strongest proponent of cancelling the hunt, citing its unsustainability, lack of knowledge regarding Russian beluga populations, and the damage to Russia's reputation. William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html Subject: CRS weekly marine mammaly summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- 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 {{Steller Sea Lions. On Sept. 16, 1999, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly denied a request by 3 environmental groups for significant changes in AK's fall pollock season to protect Steller sea lions, saying he would wait for an NMFS report on the effects of pollock fishery changes on sea lions, due Oct. 15, 1999. A judicial hearing on the NMFS report is scheduled for Oct. 29, 1999.}} [Assoc Press] {Whale Filming Permit. In early September 1999, amateur video of an inflated powerboat apparently speeding into a pod of fin whales on the St. Lawrence River caused the Canadian Coast Guard to suspend a special exploration permit that had allowed divers and filmmakers to approach whales closer than the customary 200-meter limit. Although several whales were reported to have fresh scars on their backs, filmmakers stated they never were closer to the whales than 3 to 4 meters.} [South China Morning Post] Trade in Beluga Whalemeat? In early September 1999, officials of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) reported that Japan had negotiated an agreement with Russia to import 200 tons of Russian beluga whale meat and blubber. If true, this would be the first commercial hunt for beluga whales and a reopening of international trade in whale meat. Russia's State Fishery Committee has reportedly issued permits for 200 beluga whales to be killed in the southern Sea of Okhotsk. However, Russian authorities for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) have not yet authorized the export. On Sept. 13, 1999, 13 tons of meat and blubber from the first 50 Russian belugas killed in early September 1999, arrived in Hakodate, Japan. {On Sept. 15, 1999, the Russian Federation government halted the export of beluga whalemeat to Japan, claiming the harvest was not sustainable.} [IFAW press release, Environmental News Network, Lond! on Times] Cook Inlet Belugas. On Aug. 29, 1999, more than 60 belugas were reported to be stranded by low tide in Turnagain Arm. At least 6 were reported to have died from this standing event; Native use of the dead belugas was permitted. The total Cook Inlet beluga population may be as low as 275 animals, and NMFS is considering additional protection under the ESA or MMPA. On Sept. 9, 1999, NMFS announced that Cook Inlet beluga whales would be listed as "depleted" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but would not be protected under the Endangered Species Act. A public comment period on the depleted designation will be announced and a public hearing will be scheduled. In addition, NMFS announced that the Native village of Tyonek will not be allowed to kill 2 belugas for subsistence, as requested. [Anchorage Daily News] Mexican Salt Project. On Aug. 23-28, 1999, a team from the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is visiting Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio World Heritage Site to determine whether a proposed saltworks development project may threaten gray whales, sea turtles, and other marine life. At a meeting on Aug. 23, 1999, Mexican officials told the UNESCO team that plans for a salt-evaporation plant would not be approved if such a plant threatened gray whales that breed in the San Ignacio Lagoon. [Reuters, 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. Organization: High North Alliance (http://www.highnorth.no) Subject: Re: update on Russian beluga meat sale (fwd) Dear Marmamers, Could anybody provide information about the Marine Mammal Council? Is it a goverment body, what's its role, composed of whom? Perhaps William Rossiter might explain? Thanks in advance. Sincerely, Rune Frovik -- High North Alliance, Rune(\)highnorth.no, http://www.highnorth.no P.O. Box 123, N-8390 Reine i Lofoten, Norway Tel.: + 47-76 09 24 14, Fax.: + 47-76 09 24 50 The High North Alliance is working for the future of coastal cultures and the sustainable use of marine resources MARMAM Editors wrote: > Forwarded message: > > At 1400 local Moscow time, 14 September, the Russian government announced > their descion to stop the beluga hunt, refuse to issue any additional > export permits, and revoke the existing domestic quota of 2100 animals. > > This decision came following an emergency meeting in the office of the > Deputy Prime Minister. Attending were members of the Foreign Ministry, the > State Committee on Fisheries, Fisheries Institute (the only ones supporting > the whaling), Marine Mammal Council, and Russian CITES Authorities. The > CITES Authority was the strongest proponent of cancelling the hunt, citing > its unsustainability, lack of knowledge regarding Russian beluga > populations, and the damage to Russia's reputation. > > William W. Rossiter > President > Cetacean Society International > P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA > ph/fx 203-431-1606 > william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com > http://elfi.com/csihome.html > ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 20:55:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Bioacoustics Short Course (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- BIOACOUSTICS SHORTCOURSE ORGANIZED BY THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA AND THE SOCIETY OF MARINE MAMMALOGY Just prior to the Marine Mammal Conference in Maui. The short course will experts talk about how to make acoustic measurements, hearing loss in animals, latest technology in portable data loggers, etc. Nov. 27-28 at the Wailea Outrigger hotel - site of the Marine Mammal Conference. For more information, check the web at the following addess http://asa.aip.org/mammal.html Whitlow W. L. Au, PH.D. Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, HI 96734 (808) 247-5026 (808) 247-5831 - fax email:wau(\)hawaii.edu Subject: Job Announcement (fwd) Forwarded message: Two Faculty Positions Field Station Director, Comparative Animal Physiologist The Department of Biology at the University of Memphis invites applications for two positions: Director of the Meeman Biological Station (Associate level) and Comparative Animal Physiologist (Assistant level). The areas of research are open for both positions. Applicants must have a PhD, established research credentials, and teaching and post-doctoral experience. For the Director position, some experience in administration, fund-raising, and operation of a field station are desirable. The Director position is half-time administration and half-time teaching/research. Duties for the Director include organizing a teaching program, establishing extramurally funded research, raising funds for developing housing and research facilities, and supervising staff and station maintenance. Candidates will be expected to develop strong, extramurally funded research programs, direct MS and PhD students, and teach effectively at graduate and undergraduate levels. Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a concise description of research and teaching interests, administrative and field station experience (for the Director position), and names, phone numbers and email addresses of at least four references to: Search Committee (for each position), Department of Biology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152-6080. Contacts for more information: Phone (901) 678-2581, FAX (901) 678-4746, Email: jwolff(\)memphis.edu. Deadline for receipt of applications in our office is November 19, 1999, and may continue until the positions are filled. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. The University of Memphis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Subject: recent 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. Cloning and sequencing of the bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) interferon-gamma gene. Inoue, Y; Itou, T; Oike, T; Sakai, T. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. August 1999 v61 i8 p939-942 Receptor specificity of influenza A viruses from sea mammals correlates with lung sialyloligosaccharides in these animals. Ito, T; Kawaoka, Y; Nomura, A; Otsuki, K. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. August 1999 v61 i8 p955-958 Review: Marine ecology - Emerging marine diseases - Climate links and anthropogenic factors. Harvell, CD; Kim, K; Burkholder, JM; Colwell, RR; Epstein, PR; Grimes, DJ; Hofmann, EE; Lipp, EK; Osterhaus, ADME; Overstreet, RM; Porter, JW; Smith, GW; Vasta, GR. SCIENCE. September 3, 1999 v285 i5433 p1505-1510 Pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered ketamine in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). Woods, R; McLean, S; Burton, HR. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-PHARMACOLOGY TOXICOLOGY & ENDOCRINOLOGY. July 1999 v123 i3 p279-284 Changes in pituitary, ovarian, and testicular activity in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in relation to season and sexual maturity. Gardiner, KJ;Boyd, IL; Follett, BK; Racey, PA; Reijnders, PJH. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. February 1999 v77 i2 p211-221 Comparative anatomy of the radial sesamoid bone in the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Endo, H; Makita, T; Sasaki, M; Arishima, K; Yamamoto, M; Hayashi, Y. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. August 1999 v61 i8 p903-907 Sex differences in mass loss rate and growth efficiency in Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) pups at Mcquarie Island. Guinet, C; Goldsworthy, SD; Robinson, S. BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY August 1999 v46 i3 p157-163 Accumulation of mutagenic xenobiotics in fresh water (Lake Baikal) and marine (Hornoya Island) ecosystems. Stepanova, LI; Glazer, VM; Savinov, TI; Kotelevtsev, SV; Savva, D. ECOTOXICOLOGY April 1999 v8, i2, p83-96 Subject: Graduate position: diving behavior and physiology Ontogeny of diving behavior and physiology in harbor seals A Master's student is sought to participate in a research program in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo focused on the diving ecology of seals. The specific project involves studying the ontogeny of diving behavior and physiology in harbor seals in the St. Lawrence River Estuary. Field work will be based out of Mont Joli, Quebec. The project is co-supported by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The position would begin September 2000 with field work potentially starting in May 2000. Students will be supervised by Dr. Jason F. Schreer. ==================================================================== Jason F. Schreer Ph.D. Voice: 519-888-4567 ext. 6530 Assistant Professor Fax: 519-746-0614 Department of Biology jfschree(\)sciborg.uwaterloo.ca University of Waterloo http://sciborg.uwaterloo.ca/~jfschree/ Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1 =================================================================XOQ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 13:14:40 -0400 From: "Brent S. Hall" Subject: Re: update on Russian beluga meat sale (fwd) In-Reply-To: <199909180418.VAA20926(\)mx5-e.mail.home.com> The Russian Marine Mammal Council is a non-governmental organization. For more information, they have a web site at: http://ecosys.sio.rssi.ru/~evol/mmc/index.html Brent Hall -- Cetacean Society International bshall(\)home.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html At 05:49 PM 9/17/1999 , you wrote: >Dear Marmamers, >Could anybody provide information about the Marine Mammal Council? Is it a >goverment body, what's its role, composed of whom? Perhaps William Rossiter >might explain? Thanks in advance. > >Sincerely, >Rune Frovik >-- >High North Alliance, Rune(\)highnorth.no, http://www.highnorth.no >P.O. Box 123, N-8390 Reine i Lofoten, Norway >Tel.: + 47-76 09 24 14, Fax.: + 47-76 09 24 50 >The High North Alliance is working for the future of coastal cultures and the >sustainable use of marine resources > > >MARMAM Editors wrote: > > > Forwarded message: > > > > At 1400 local Moscow time, 14 September, the Russian government announced > > their descion to stop the beluga hunt, refuse to issue any additional > > export permits, and revoke the existing domestic quota of 2100 animals. > > > > This decision came following an emergency meeting in the office of the > > Deputy Prime Minister. Attending were members of the Foreign Ministry, the > > State Committee on Fisheries, Fisheries Institute (the only ones supporting > > the whaling), Marine Mammal Council, and Russian CITES Authorities. The > > CITES Authority was the strongest proponent of cancelling the hunt, citing > > its unsustainability, lack of knowledge regarding Russian beluga > > populations, and the damage to Russia's reputation. > > > > William W. Rossiter > > President > > Cetacean Society International > > P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA > > ph/fx 203-431-1606 > > william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com > > http://elfi.com/csihome.html > > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 13:27:53 +0800 From: Lauren Douaze Subject: request of paper Dear all, I have been trying unsuccessfully to obtain the following paper through our library and the web site search engine of the Department of the Environment, as well as from one of the author. Klinowska, M. and Brown S. (1986). A review of dolphinaria. Dpt of the Environment, London. 247 pp. I would be very grateful if anyone who possesses this article could either send me an attached PDF version, or mail or fax it to me. Thankfully yours, Lauren __________________________________________________________________________ Lauren Couquiaud-Douaze e-mail: lauren(\)dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) National University of Singapore 14 Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119223 Tel: (65) 774 99 14 Fax: (65) 774 96 54 http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/ http://dsg.sbs.nus.edu.sg/laures.html __________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 12:17:38 -0500 From: Wendee Holtcamp Subject: dolphin/marine mammal workshops or courses in TX? I am writing an article for Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine about dolphins in Texas coastal waters, in which I am including some opportunities for interested persons to learn more about the animals. Does anyone know of any marine mammal/dolphin workshops/short courses/seminars/etc or aquaria with dolphin displays within the state of Texas? (or anything else that is unique). I have much already but want to make sure I didn't miss anything. If anyone knows of anything I would greatly appreciate if you could let me know! (ASAP, deadlines approaching!) Best regards, Wendee Holtcamp ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wendee Holtcamp -- wendee(\)greendzn.com Environment/Travel Journalism & Photography Photos ------> http://www.greendzn.com <------ Articles ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I do not understand that I may believe, but I believe that I may understand -- Saint Anselm ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 12:46:49 -0700 From: Thomas Dellinger Subject: searching for the correct citation of Jordan et al In-Reply-To: <199810152000.UAA14498(\)uma.pt> ------ Dear Marmams For a paper I am looking for the correct citation of: Jordan, D.S. et al.(eds.) 1899. The fur seals and fur-seal islands of the North Pacific Ocean, Part 3. Gov. Print. Off., Washington, DC. I desperately need the names and initials of the co-editors of Jordan. He= re at Madeira we have no access to library resources, less even to such old things. Any help will be greatly apeciated.=20 Please reply directly to me at the email in the footer. Thanks in advance Thomas ******************************************************************* Thomas Dellinger (Dr. rer. nat.) Section of Marine Biology and Oceanography Universidade of Madeira fax: +351 (91) 231944 Largo do Munic=EDpio tel.: -233012, -222417 = =20 P-9000 Funchal/Madeira mobile.tel.: +351 (936) 411124 Portugal email: dellinger(\)dragoeiro.uma.pt Section homepage: http://www.uma.pt/sbmo/ Sea Turtle Project homepage: http://www.uma.pt/tartaruga/ ******************************************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 18:57:50 -0400 From: Joy Mashaal Subject: impacts of large pile driving hammers I work for a consulting company currently working on the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge East Span seismic retrofit. This project requires use of large pile driving hammers having maximum rated energy levels ranging from 675 kilojoules to 1000 kilojoules or greater. Hammers of these magnitudes have never been used in the San Francisco Bay. I would like to know if any subscribers have experience or information regarding underwater vibrations involving large pile driving hammers and mitigation measures implemented to avoid impacts to marine mammals (specifically harbour seals and California sea lions). We have been consulting and coordinating with the US National Marine Fisheries Service, who suggested we contact Marmam subscribers. In addition, we have tried to obtain information from the hammer manufacturing company and several oil companies and have not found any emperical data on sound pressure levels . Thank you for your help, Joy Mashaal joy_mashaal(\)urscorp.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 15:44:28 -0700 From: Dawn Goley Subject: Position: Animal Physiologist -- Humboldt State Univ. In-Reply-To: <199807281142.EAA28204(\)unix3.UVic.CA> ------ Please post the following advertisement. Humboldt State University is seeking to fill a tenure track position for = an Animal Physiologist beginning in August 2000. =20 Area of Instruction: Animal and Human Physiology Rank & Salary: Rank and salary are dependent upon the appointee's qualifications and experience. =20 Professional Qualifications: We seek a person who has training in a broa= d range of physiology subdisciplines, including comparative animal physiolo= gy and human physiology. A Ph.D. in Biology/Physiology is required at the time of appointment. Prior teaching experience is also required, at leas= t at the graduate assistant level. Dedication to superior instruction of undergraduates is a long-standing tradition at Humboldt. The Department of Biological Sciences is known fo= r providing students with balanced and well-rounded degrees in biology, botany, and zoology. The candidate must have a demonstrated interest and ability to teach a broad range of courses to diverse students (majors, general education students, etc.). Candidates whose characteristics and qualifications also suit them to prepare individuals to function in a culturally and ethnically diverse society are especially encouraged to ap= ply. Professional Duties: The primary responsibilities will be to teach an upper division course in animal physiology and lower division service courses in human physiology. Other course assignments (e.g., principles = of biology and introductory zoology) are possible and will be determined on the basis of the candidate's experience and of departmental needs. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop specialty upper division/graduate courses in his or her field of expertise (e.g., physiological ecology, neurophysiology, endocrinology). Additional dutie= s include advising undergraduate and graduate students and otherwise assist in the functioning of the department. Research is expected. General Information: Humboldt State University is committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and Affirmative Action and endeavors to employ faculty and staff of the highest quality reflecting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the State. Application: Qualified candidates should apply to: Physiology Search Committee Department of Biological Sciences Humboldt State University One Harpst Street Arcata, CA 95521-8299 Phone: (707)826-3245/FAX: (707)826-3201 Application materials must include a detailed curriculum vitae or resum=E9= , undergraduate and graduate transcripts of academic work, a statement on teaching philosophy, and three recent letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the candidate's professional preparation and experience. In letter of application, please refer to Job # 00/01-03. Application Deadline: All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than October 15, 1999. Applications from and nominations of qualified disabled, minority and wom= en candidates are particularly encouraged. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn Goley Assistant Professor of Zoology Marine Mammal Education and Research Program Department of Biological Sciences Humboldt State University Arcata, California 95521-8299 office - Science B - 234 voice mail - 707-826-4168 fax - 707-826-3201 :>) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 17:59:17 +0100 From: Michel Andre Subject: SPERM WHALE SINKS A FISHING BOAT ------ SPERM WHALE SINKS A FISHING BOAT On September the 16th, 1999, at 8:00 am, a 10m fishing boat was lifting fish traps, the echo sounder was on. The boat was almost stopped on the 120m depth contour and at 150m distance from the coast of Los Cristianos, Southern Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. The captain and one crew member composed the crew of the boat. Suddenly, a terrible impact was felt under the bow, making the two fishermen fall down and hurt themselves. Before 5 minutes, the boat was completely sunk, the crew just had enough time to get the life jackets and jump out into the water. Right after the impact, =93a big dark whale=94 was seen a few meters from the boat, whale that was formally identified by the fishing men as a =93chacalote=94, the local name for the sperm whale. The length of the wh= ale was estimated to be a bit longer than the boat, which is within the typical size range of the resident female sperm whales in this region. This event took place 5-6 nmiles north from the whale-watching area. The sperm whale is not the most common species usually found in the channel between the islands of La Gomera if compared to pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, although its presence has been reported year round. The boat could be rescued and towed to land, and the analysis of the damage confirmed that the impact came from underneath the hull.The circumstances of this collision are similar to some of the numerous collisions involving sperm whales and reported in other areas of the Archipelago, where commercial ferries and fast-ferries are involved. Michel Andre, Ph.D Marine Mammal Conservation Research Unit Department of Morphology, School of Veterinary Medecine University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Trasmonta=F1a, 35416 Arucas Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain Tel. 34-928 45 11 03, Fax. 34-928 45 11 41 mandre(\)cicei.ulpgc.es ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 12:32:42 +0200 From: Eric PONCELET Subject: request for data about blubber thickness in the ziphius ------ Dear all, We are looking for data about blubber thickness in the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). A ziphius has been washed ashore in a very emaciated condition in France last year. The whale had ingested a huge amount of plastics, impeaching it to feed (we will present a poster to report this at the next SMM conference in Hawaii). Its blubber thickness on the upper flank (ca. 20 cm under the dorsal fin) was 2.8 cm. We know that muscle protein and internal fat reserves, rather than blubber, are converted into glucose to meet energy demands during fasting periods, however 2.8 cm seem to us a rather thick layer for such an advanced condition. We'd like to discuss our data with persons having experienced such cases. Any reference or personal communication is welcome. Pictures of the whale are available via e-mail upon request. Please reply to: poncelet (\) univ-lr.fr Thanks for your time. Sincerely yours, Eric ------------------------------------------------------------ Eric PONCELET, stranding staff & seal rescue center Centre de Recherche sur les Mammif=E8res Marins (CRMM) Institut de la Mer et du Littoral Port des Minimes - 17000 La Rochelle, France Phone: +33 (0)5 46 44 99 10 - Fax: +33 (0)5 46 44 99 45 E-mail: poncelet (\) univ-lr.fr - Web: http://crmm.univ-lr.fr ------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 18:19:07 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new pinniped database (fwd) Forwarded message: Steller sea lion database: We are pleased to announce a new web-based catalog of biological samples = and specimens taken from Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). This work w= as done with primary support from the North Pacific Universities Marine Mamm= al Research Consortium. The project was also supported by the National Mari= ne Mammal Laboratory (NMML) of the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, a= nd the Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit of the Biologi= cal Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey. The NMML houses a diverse collection of hard and soft anatomy samples fro= m a large range of marine mammal species. Such biological samples are current= ly of great potential value in evaluating population trends and trophic interactions. Given that some populations of Steller sea lions are declin= ing rapidly it was proposed to fully catalog all of the existing specimen material from Steller sea lions housed at the NMML. The objectives were = to locate the samples, and verify and inventory the data pertaining to them. The samples included soft tissues (muscle, stomach, kidney, heart, liver, brain, blubber, skin), blood, vibrissae, teeth, skulls, bacula, and other bones. The data pertaining to the samples included all information from t= he specimen data record (i.e., date of collection and measurements recorded) along with current housing location, type of storage, analyses previously= or currently being done on the sample, reference to results of analyses, and availability of the sample for loan. In the past, much of the information about these samples was stored in numerous arrays of electronic files. In order to organize the information into an easily accessible format, a systems analysis was performed to produce a design to be incorporated into a web enabled relational databas= e system. To be consistent with already existing databases and to benefit f= rom work previously completed, a series of consultations was conducted with staff from museums and other institutions. The consultations focused on collections at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Washington (Burke Museum), the University of California at Berkeley (Muse= um of Vertebrate Zoology), the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and = the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Database design and function were discussed extensively with the computer programmers responsible for creat= ing the systems utilized at each location. A design for the data repository w= as constructed that synthesizes the aforementioned consultations. Microsoft Access=AE was identified as appropriate software for the amount and type = of data being organized. Cold Fusion=AE is a software program that works we= ll with Microsoft Access for interfacing with the web. Thus, Microsoft Acce= ss=AE is currently used to access the repository and Cold Fusion=AE is used to provide the server side scripting language. A logic model of the system with figures was made first using Visual Basic=AE software. Familiarity = with all of the above named software is not necessary to operate the database. In order to maximize the functions of the database and minimize the programming time, a group of computer science students at the University = of Washington was engaged. In exchange for course credit, the students did = the programming for the systems design. The completed database has undergone review by staff at the NMML and been approved to be published on the NMML homepage located at http://nmml.afsc.noaa.gov/ (click on research then NMML Alaska Ecosystems then online database). The database can also be reached directly at http://nmml.afsc.noaa.gov/pinniped.htm. Some exceptional features of the database are: (1) With pull down menus and a primarily point and click interface, the database is easy to access. (2) The public side of the database viewed on the web is instantaneously updated when any new data are entered into the system. (3) Via the web, researchers can input data while in the field. In addition to the completion of the database, subsampling of all Steller sea lion frozen tissue samples housed at NMML was done. These subsamples are to be archived at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum. The use of relational databases provides a system that allows for uniform= , straightforward data entry. The structure also creates a format for speci= fic extraction of information and quick and simple construction of user-specified reports. This facilitates the use of the samples in this collection by researchers both affiliated with and outside of the NMML. Enthusiasm for the new database has led to additional funding which will expand the database allowing inclusion of other pinniped species. We hope you take the time to explore this new resource and that you find = the catalog informative and useful. Laura K. Litzky Glenn R. VanBlaricom Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit School of Fisheries, Box 357980 University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195 USA Laura.Litzky(\)noaa.gov glenn(\)fish.washington.edu Subject: Request for Research Summaries: Dolphin Swim Programs To: Researchers/Managers Studying Dolphin Swim Programs We are requesting research summaries on the study of human-dolphin in-water interactions for inclusion in a report (unpublished) to be prepared in association with The Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop. This workshop will be held on 28 November 1999 as part of the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals on Maui, Hawaii and will include a limited number of speakers who have been invited to present on specific topics, along with a general group discussion for all workshop participants. The report is intended to provide an up-to-date overview of research and management on human-dolphin in-water interaction. We will include summaries from those participating in the conference/workshop (either as an invited speaker or as part of the group discussion), as well as relevant summaries from those who are not attending (but would still like to share their research with their peers). Please note that there will be no monetary compensation for the inclusion of summaries in this report. Submission of Research Summaries We are seeking summaries consisting of no more than one-page (single spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins) which summarize your research on dolphin swim programs. Please submit these summaries in Word or Rtf format *only* and send via email to frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com (put "Research Summary" in the Subject heading) or on a computer disc in (Word or Rtf format) sent to: Toni Frohoff - Dolphin Swim Workshop, TerraMar Research, 321 High School Rd. NE PMB 374, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA. Please use your name, affiliation, and contact information as the "title" of this one-page summary. Summaries need to be *received* by 15 October 1999. Any summaries that exceed one page (without prior arrangements) will be excluded from the report. Report Information Registered attendees for the workshop will receive a copy of this report. The report will also include the agenda for the workshop, a bibliography of published scientific literature on in-water interactions between humans and dolphins, and a summary of work conducted by workshop presenters or attendees, and others conducting research on wild dolphin swim programs. This report will be available on the day of the workshop. A *limited* number of copies of this report will be available following the workshop to those who were not able to attend. However, *please do not request reports at this time* as we will post information on how they can be ordered and/or viewed on a web site on MARMAM following the workshop. Workshop Information For those interested in registering for the workshop, the registration form for this workshop can be found at (http://www.cetaceans.com/swim-workshop). If you have specific questions or comments about the workshop or the summaries, feel free to contact the convenors: Kathleen Dudzinski (Umiandme(\)aol.com), Toni Frohoff (frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com), and Trevor Spradlin (Trevor.Spradlin(\)noaa.gov). However, please understand if responses to your messages are not immediate. We have already received a huge number of inquiries and comments in response to our earlier postings and it will take time to respond appropriately to each communication. ------------ Toni Frohoff, Ph.D. TerraMar Research 321 High School Rd. NE PMB 374 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA Phone: 206-780-2532 FAX: 206-780-5162 Email: frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 21:24:21 -0400 From: "Daniel K. Odell" Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy Newsletter Vol. 7, No. 3 The latest issue of the SMM Newsletter is now available on the SMM homepage Contents Priority List for Conservation of Marine Mammal Stocks: North Pacific Right Whale International Protected Area for Cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea Judge Fines Panama City, Florida, Boat Rental Company and Operator $4,500 for Illegally Feeding Dolphins Membership Directory Changes Preliminary Agenda - 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals The Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop (Maui) 1999 National Watchable Wildlife Conference Book Reviews - Polar Bears New Scientific Journal on Cetaceans New Marine Mammal Textbooks ------------------------------------- Dan Odell Society for Marine Mammalogy odell(\)pegasus.cc.ucf.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 10:14:25 -0700 From: JIWLP Subject: Call for Speakers: 5IWLC Call for Speakers: 5th International Wildlife Law Conference March 25, 2000, Washington College of Law, American University Washington, DC=09 The theme of the 5th International Wildlife Law Conference (5IWLC), sponsored by the American Society of Law's Wildlife Interest Group, will be: "The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species: A Quarter Century Report Card." =20 Speakers are sought to make presentations on any of the following = topics: * The effectiveness of CITES; * National implementation of CITES; * The "non-detriment" finding under CITES; * Implementing the precautionary principle under CITES; * CITES and resumption of trade in elephant products; * CITES and trade in flora species; * The nexus of CITES and the IWC; * The role of NGO participation in CITES Those interested in speaking at the conference should submit a 1-2 paragraph abstract. We will notify everyone submitting proposals within the next three weeks. =20 Presentations made at the conference will be published as proceedings = and speakers will have the opportunity to publish longer versions of their presentations in a special symposium issue of the Journal of = International Wildlife Law & Policy. Wil Burns, Editor-in-Chief Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 510.317.0654 JIWLP(\)earthling.net=20 http://www.jiwlp.com/ =20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 13:32:11 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Keiko. In mid-September 1999, officials of the Ocean Futures Society announced that they hope to be able to release him into the wild in June 2000.} [Reuters] {Canadian Seal Harvest. On Sept. 22, 1999, Canadian federal officials announced plans to lobby the U.S. Congress to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow Canadian seal products to be imported into the United States. The value of U.S. market access is estimated to be as much as C$100 million.} [Canadian Press] {Dolphin Release. On Sept. 21, 1999, Hurricane Gert damaged beachside pools at Dolphin Quest on Bermuda, resulting in the unintentional release of 4 captive dolphins.} [Assoc Press] Steller Sea Lions. On Sept. 16, 1999, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly denied a request by 3 environmental groups for significant changes in AK's fall pollock season to protect Steller sea lions, saying he would wait for an NMFS report on the effects of pollock fishery changes on sea lions, due Oct. 15, 1999. A judicial hearing on the NMFS report is scheduled for Oct. 29, 1999. [Assoc Press] {Body in Killer Whale Pool. On Sept. 10, 1999, the parents of the man whose body was found in SeaWorld Orlando's killer whale pool in early July 1999 filed suit in Orange County (FL)Circuit Court seeking several million dollars from SeaWorld for pain and suffering at the loss of their son. They allege that SeaWorld inaccurately portrayed dangerous orcas to be friendly and human- loving.} [Reuters] Whale Filming Permit. In early September 1999, amateur video of an inflated powerboat apparently speeding into a pod of fin whales on the St. Lawrence River caused the Canadian Coast Guard to suspend a special exploration permit that had allowed divers and filmmakers to approach whales closer than the customary 200-meter limit. Although several whales were reported to have fresh scars on their backs, filmmakers stated they never were closer to the whales than 3 to 4 meters. [South China Morning Post] Trade in Beluga Whalemeat? In early September 1999, officials of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) reported that Japan had negotiated an agreement with Russia to import 200 tons of Russian beluga whale meat and blubber. If true, this would be the first commercial hunt for beluga whales and a reopening of international trade in whale meat. Russia's State Fishery Committee has reportedly issued permits for 200 beluga whales to be killed in the southern Sea of Okhotsk. However, Russian authorities for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) have not yet authorized the export. On Sept. 13, 1999, 13 tons of meat and blubber {{from 36 Russian}} belugas killed in early September 1999, arrived in Hakodate, Japan. On Sept. 15, 1999, the Russian Federation government halted the export of beluga whalemeat to Japan, claiming the harvest was not sustainable. [IFAW press release, Environmental News Network, London Times! , Los Angeles Times] Cook Inlet Belugas. On Aug. 29, 1999, more than 60 belugas were reported to be stranded by low tide in Turnagain Arm. At least 6 were reported to have died from this standing event; Native use of the dead belugas was permitted. The total Cook Inlet beluga population may be as low as 275 animals, and NMFS is considering additional protection under the ESA or MMPA. On Sept. 9, 1999, NMFS announced that Cook Inlet beluga whales would be listed as "depleted" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but would not be protected under the Endangered Species Act. A public comment period on the depleted designation will be announced and a public hearing will be scheduled. In addition, NMFS announced that the Native village of Tyonek will not be allowed to kill 2 belugas for subsistence, as requested. [Anchorage Daily News] Mexican Salt Project. On Aug. 23-28, 1999, a team from the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is visiting Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio World Heritage Site to determine whether a proposed saltworks development project may threaten gray whales, sea turtles, and other marine life. At a meeting on Aug. 23, 1999, Mexican officials told the UNESCO team that plans for a salt-evaporation plant would not be approved if such a plant threatened gray whales that breed in the San Ignacio Lagoon. [Reuters, 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: Position Opening (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Peter Borrelli EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Marine Research Assistant CENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES The Center for Coastal Studies seeks energetic and versatile research assistant to work on Cape Cob Bay habitat studies from December to May with possibility of full-time employment subject to funding. Masters degree in marine biology or oceanography preferred. Knowledge of mid-water column sampling techniques helpful. Field work will involve winter cruises requiring physical stamina. Lab work will include zooplankton analysis. Must have computer skills and writing ability. Salary commensurate with experience. Send letter, resume and writing sample to Research Position, Center for Coastal Studies, P.O. Box 1036, Provincetown, MA 02657. Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Observations of blue whales feeding in Antarctic waters. Corkeron, PJ; Ensor, P; Matsuoka, K. POLAR BIOLOGY. September 1999 v22 i3 p213-215 Allometric relationships and sexual dimorphism in captive killer whales (Orcinus orca). Clark, ST; Odell, DK. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY. August 1999 v80 i3 p777-785 Dorsal skin color patterns among southern right whales (Eubalaena australis): Genetic basis and evolutionary significance. Schaeff, CM; Best, PB; Rowntree, VJ; Payne, R; Jarvis, C; Portway, VA. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY. July-August 1999 v90 i4 p464-471 Aerial behavior is not a social facilitator in bottlenose dolphins hunting in small groups. Acevedo-Gutierrez, A. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY. August 1999 v80 i3 p768-776 Phylogenetic relationships among cetartiodactyls based on insertions of short and long interpersed elements: Hippopotamuses are the closest extant relatives of whales. Nikaido, M; Rooney, AP; Okada, N. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. August 31, 1999 v96 i18 p10261-10266 Enrofloxacin serum bioactivity in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, following oral administration of 5 mg/kg in whole fish. Linnehan, RM;Ulrich, RW; Ridgway, S. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. June 1999 v22 i3 p170-173 Influence of sampling protocol on diet determination of gentoo penguins Pygoscelis papua and Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella. Berrow, SD; Taylor, RI; Murray, AWA. POLAR BIOLOGY. September 1999 v22 i3 p156-163 Influence of long intersuckling interval on composition of milk in the Juan Fernandez fur seal, Arctocephalus philippii. Ochoa-Acuna, H; Francis, JM; Oftedal, OT. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY. August 1999 v80 i3 p758-767 Genetic relatedness in two Southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens) rookeries in the southwestern Atlantic. Szapkievich, VB; Cappozzo, HL; Crespo, EA; Bernabeu, RO; Comas, C; Mudry, MD. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SAUGETIERKUNDE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN BIOLOGY. August 1999 v64 i4 p246-250 Subject: Genetic tagging: contemporary molecular ecology - Abstract from The Biol. J. of the Linn Soc. ------ Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (1999), 68: 3=9622. With 4 figu= res Molecular genetics in animal ecology. Edited by P. A. Racey, P. J. Bacon, J. F. Dallas and S. B. Piertney Genetic tagging: contemporary molecular ecology PER J. PALSB=D8LL* Unit of Evolutionary Genetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Free University of Brussels, CP 244 Boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Population genetic analyses have been highly successful in deciphering inter- and intra-specific evolutionary relationships, levels of gene flow= , genetic divergence and effective population sizes. Parameters estimated by traditional population genetic analyses are evolu-tionary averages and thus not necessarily relevant for contemporary ecological or conservation issues. Molecular data can, however, also provide insight into contemporary patterns of divergence, population size and gene flow when a sufficient number of variable loci a= re analysed to focus subsequent data analyses on individuals rather than populations. Genetic tagging of individuals is an example of such individual-based approaches and recent studies have shown it to be a viab= le alternative to traditional tagging methods. Owing to the ubiquitous presence of hyper-variable DNA sequences in eukaryote genomes = it is in principle possible to tag any eukaryote species and the required DN= A can be obtained indirectly from substrates such as faeces, sloughed skin and hair. The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of genetic tagging and to further advocate the extension of individual-based genetic analyses beyond the identification of individuals to other kinds of relationships, such as parent-offspring relations, which more fully explo= it the genetic nature of the data. Requests for reprints -- see below =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 Per J. Palsboll Lecturer in Zoological Ecology Associate Editor for Moelcular Ecology School of Biological Sciences University of Wales Bangor Deiniol Road Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom Direct phone/fax +44 (01248) 38 22 96/38 28 25 Email p.palsboll(\)bangor.ac.uk Cetacean Genetics Laboratory Home Page =20 http://sbsweb.bangor.ac.uk/~bss40f/ Molecular Ecology Home Page:=20 http://www.blackwell-science.com/products/journals/mecol.htm Office: Brambell, 4th floor, room E26 Laboratory: Brambell, 4th floor, room E27. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 19:30:10 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ACS/LA Meeting on LFA Sonar (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Katy Penland The American Cetacean Society/Los Angeles Chapter Invites all members and welcomes the general public To this month's meeting on Tuesday, September 28, 1999, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen White Drive San Pedro (LA Harbor) SURTASS-LFA Sonar vs. Marine Life by Susan Jordan, League for Coastal Protection and Andrew Wetzler, Natural Resources Defense Council SURTASS-LFAS is a U.S. Navy acronym for Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System/Low-Frequency Active Sonar. It is a loud, underwater sonar designed to detect today's increasingly quiet submarines. It is also a loud, underwater sonar whose long-term effects on marine life are unknown to science. Broadcasting at levels up to 230 decibels, this low-frequency sound can travel thousands of kilometers and can injure, deafen or kill marine mammals, as well as humans, who are too close to the source. There is much controversy surrounding this technology, especially the methods used and conclusions reached by scientists (hired by the Navy) to determine what potential effects on marine life this permanent system will have once deployed in the ocean basins of the world. Susan Jordan, with the League for Coastal Protection, was appointed by the California Coastal Commission to sit on the Scientific Working Group for the Navy's latest draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is open for public comment until October 28, 1999. Ms. Jordan will explain what this LFA system is, how it works, and why it's of major concern to marine scientists around the world. Joining her will be Andrew Wetzler of the Natural Resources Defense Council, who will address the even larger issue of how noisy our oceans have become and why LFA will add significantly to an environment already choking from what scientists term "acoustic smog." ACS/LA general meetings are free and are held on the last Tuesday of the month. If you need directions to the Aquarium or further information on this meeting, please call (310) 399-5367, or email ACS/LA President, Bernardo Alps, at whalephoto(\)earthlink.net Come and meet our speakers in the relaxed surroundings of Artiano's Ristorante at our no-host dinner before the meeting. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Artiano's is at Berth 77 in Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro. (310) 832-1815 for directions to the restaurant. Subject: Alloparental/Cetaceans-Primates References Dear Listers: about two months ago I offered to forward two reference lists on cetacean alloparental behaviour, and joint cetacean-primate studies, respectivelly. I have just returned from abroad and had about 250 requests altogether, and i can no longer forward them on my own for it is taking too long. Therefore, i will post the references directly to the Marmam list (with the Editors' approval) - and my apologies to those of you who didn't particularly wanted them. The first email after this one will regard alloparental behaviour, and the final one will regard the cetacean/primate joint studies. Thank you for understanding, and please email me if you have any problems or questions. Regards, Paula-Joao Faria Paula-Joao Faria Bioanthropology Doctoral Student Coimbra University/Portugal Kibbutz Horshim/Israel email: regah(\)netvision.net.il ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 12:37:30 +0200 From: Paula-Joao Faria Subject: 1 of 2 - Alloparental Reference List ------ ALLOPARENTAL ANDERSON, S., 1969. Epimeletic behavior in captive harbour porpoise. In G. Pilleri (ed) INVESTIGATIONS ON CETACEA, Vol 1, 203-205, Berne. BAIRD, R.W. & DILL, L. 1995. Occurrence and behaviour of transient Killer Whales: seasonal and pod-specific variability, foraging behaviour, and pr= ey handling. Can. J. Zool. 73:1300-1311. BAIRD, R.W. & DILL, L. 1996. Ecological and social determinants of group size in transiemt Killer Whales (Orcinus orca). Behav. Ecol.7(4):408-416.= =20 BEARZI, G. 1996. A "remnant" common dolphin observed in association with bottlenose dolphins in the Kvarneric (northern Adriatic Sea). EUROPEAN RESEARCH ON CETACEANS 10:204. (Abstract) BISTHER, A AND VONGRAVEN, D. 1984. Presence of ``Baby-Sitting'' Males amo= ng Norwegian Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): Alloparental Behaviour as an Indicator of Social Complexity. EUROPEAN RESEARCH ON CETACEA. 7: 24-25 BISTHER, A. AND VONGRAVEN, D. 1993. Presence of "baby-sitting" males amon= g Norwegian killer whales; alloparenting behaviour as an indicator of socia= l complexity. PROCEEDING OF THE SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN CETACEAN SOCIETY. BROWN, D.H. & NORRIS, K.S. 1956. Observations of captive and wild cetaceans. J. Mammal. 37:311-326. CALDWELL, D.K. & CALDWELL, M.C. 1964. Experimental studies on factors involved in care-giving behaviour in three species of the cetacean family Delphinidae. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 63:1= -19.=20 CALDWELL, M.C., AND D.K. CALDWELL, 1966 Epimeletic (care-giving) behavior in Cetacea. Pages 755-789 in K.S. Norris, ed. WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES. University of California Press, Los Angeles, CA.=20 CHIRIGHIN, L. 1987. Mother calf spatial relationship and calf development in the captive bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Aq. Mam. 13(1):5-= 15. CLUTTON-BROCK, T. H. & HARVEY, P. H. (1984). Comparative approaches to investigating adaptation. pp. 7-29 IN Krebs, J. R. & Davies, N. B. (Ed.), Behavioural Ecology: An Evolutionary Approach. Oxford: Blackwell Scientif= ic Publications. CLUTTON-BROCK, T.H. (1991) THE EVOLUTION OF PARENTAL CARE. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. COCKROFT, V.G. & ROSS, G.J.B. 1990. Observations on the early development of the captive bottlenose dolphin calf. Pp.461-478 in The Bottlenose Dolphin. (S. Leatherwood & R.R Reeves, Eds). San Diego: Academic Press. COCKROFT, V.G. & SAUER, W. 1990. Observed and inferred epimeletic (nurturant) behaviour in bottlenose dolphins. Aq. Mam 16(1):31-32. CONNOR, R.C. & NORRIS, K.S. 1982. Are dolphins reciprocal altruist?. Am.Nat. 119:358-374. DOWLING, T.E. 1995. Population structure of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) as determined by restriction endonuclease analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Mar. Mamm. Sc. 9(2):138-155. DRINNAN R. L. & R.M.F.S. SADLEIR. 1981. The suckling behavior of a capti= ve beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) calf. APPLIED ANIMAL ETHOLOGY, 7(179-185). Notes: At 3 and 52 days of age, the calf intensively suckled another sub-adult female in the pool, making more attempts to suckle on the immature female than on its mother. The initial attempts to suckle immediately after birth were on the surrogate female. Calf died at 111 days. The care given by the surrogate, and her willingness to let the cal= f suck-le, may indicate a temporary post-partum care-giving behav-ior by adjacent females. We have no explanation for the suckling on the surrogat= e at 52 days of age. ESSAPIAN, F.S. 1963. Observations on abnormalities of parturition in captive bottle-nosed dolphins, (Tursiops truncatus), and concurrent behavior of other porpoises. J. Mammal. 44:405-424. FAGEN R.M. 1981.Animal play behaviour. Oxford University Press,New York FERTL, D.C. 1994.OCCURRENCE, MOVEMENTS, AND BEHAVIOR OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHI= NS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SHRIMP FISHERY IN GALVESTON BAY, TEXAS. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University.=20 FERTL, D. & SCHIRO, A. 1994. Carrying of dead calves by free-ranging Texas bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aq. Mam 20(1):53-56. GASKIN, D.E. 1982. Social structure and social behavior. Pages 112-158 in "The ecology of Whales and Dolphins". (Heinemann ed.). London. GUINET, C. 1991. Intentional stranding apprenticeship and social play in killer whales (Orcinus orca). CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 69, 2712-2716. Over three hunting seasons, killer whales (Orcinus orca ) from two pods were observed stranding intentionally on the beaches of Possession Island= , Crozet Archipelago. Intentional stranding was performed principally by adult females to catch elephant seals on shore and during social play. Within a pod significant differences existed in the number of intentional strandings performed by individual females during hunting and also during "social beaching play". During intentional stranding, calves were associated with an adult female. Two calves were systematically associate= d with their mother, but one calf was associated significantly more with th= e two other pod females. This calf's mother stranded intentionally significantly less than the two other females. This suggests that alloparental "teaching" may occur within a pod according to the specific skills of the pod members. GUREVICH, V.S. 1977. Post-natal behavior of an Atlantic bottlenosed dolph= in calf (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu) born at Sea World. In Breeding dolphin= s: present status, suggestions for the future. Edited by S.H. Ridgway and K.= W. Benirschke. PB-273673., pp 168-176. =20 HAENEL N.J., 1986. General notes on the behavioral ontogeny of Puget Soun= d killer whales and the occurrence of allomaternal behavior. In: Kirkevold B.C. & Lockard J.S., Ed. BEHAVIORAL BIOLOGY OF KILLER WHALES. ZOO MONOGRAPHS. Vol. 1. New York, Alan R. Liss, pp. 285-300. HARMS, ELVIRA. 1997. ASSOCIATION PATTERNS AND POD COHESION IN NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES (ORCINUS ORCA). UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA},M.= S. HARZEN, S. & DOS SANTOS, M.E. 1992. Three encounters with wild bottlenos= e dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) carrying dead calves. Aq. Mam. 18:49-53. HEIMLICH-BORAN, SARAH L. 1986. Cohesive Relationships Among Puget Sound Killer Whales. In: Kirkevold B.C. & Lockard J.S., Ed. BEHAVIORAL BIOLOGY = OF KILLER WHALES. ZOO MONOGRAPHS. Vol. 1. New York, Alan R. Liss, pp. 251-84= .=20 HERMAN, L.M. & TAVOLGA, W.N. 1980. The comunication systems of Cetaceans. Pages 148-209 in "Cetacean Behaviour: Mechanisms and Functions".(L.M. Herman, Ed.). J. Whiley and sons, New York. HERZING, D.L. JOHNSON, C.M. 1997. Interspecific interactions between Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bahamas, 1985-1995. AQUATIC MAMMALS. 1997. vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 85-99.=20 Abstract=20 Free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and bottlenos= e dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, were observed in Bahamian waters from 1985-1995. Interspecific interactions between these two species were documented and are reported here. Of 1246 encounters with dolphins, over 15% were mixed species activity. Of these encounters, 60% were affiliati= ve 34.9% were aggressive, and 4.8% involved foraging activity. Compared to single species, mixed species encounters were (1) longer in duration and (2) larger in group size. Mixed species encounters that were affiliative in nature were significantly shorter in duration and smaller in group siz= e than aggressive encounters. The ratio of spotted dolphins to bottlenose dolphins was significantly less during foraging activity than it was in other behaviors. Mating, with penile intromission, was seen between adult male bottlenose dolphins and juvenile spotted dolphins of both sexes. You= ng adult males of both species engage in interspecific high-energy bouts of sexual play and aggression. The antagonists in these encounters were ofte= n conspecific coalitions of spotted dolphins and solitary or small groups o= f bottlenose dolphins. Mixed-sex, mixed-species adult groups (including pregnant females) were seen foraging together and traveling together. Interspecific coalitions of males were observed during interspecific and interindividual (intraspecific) conflicts. Alloparental behavior, betwee= n a young adult female spotted dolphin and an emaciated bottlenose dolphin calf was also observed. The costs and benefits of interspecific associations - including predator protection, competitive and cooperativ= e foraging strategies, shared repertoire of vocal and gestural signals, and the question of species divisions and hybridization are discussed. =20 JOHNSON, C.M. & NORRIS, K.S. 1986. Delphinid Social Organization and Soci= al Behavior. Pages 335-346 in "Dolphin Cognition and Behavior: a comparative approach".(R.J.Schusterman, J.A.Thomas, F.G. Wood, eds.) Lawrence Erlbau= m Asssociates, Publishers. Hillsdate, New Jersey.=20 KASTELEIN, R.A., DOKETER, T. & ZWART, P. 1990. The suckling of Bottlenose Dolphin calf (Tursiops truncattus) by a foster mother and information on transverse birth bands. Aq.Mam. 16:134-138. KAWISHER, J.W. & RIDGWAY, S.H. 1983. L'ecologia fisiologica dei Cetacei. = Le Scienze 180:64-72. KRAMES, B. & KRAMES, J. 1996. Pre-natal care and post-natal observations = of four Tursiops truncatus first-time mothers. Marine Mammals, Pubblic Displ= ay Research 2(1):10-23. LALIME, J. M. (1995) TIME-ACTIVITY ALLOCATION IN MATERNAL AND ALLOMOTHERI= NG BEHAVIORS IN CAPTIVE ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS. University of Missouri= , St. Louis. M.S. (See http://win.tiho-hannover.de/Sonstiges/Wal_und_Mensch/lalime.htm for presentation based on thesis) LEATHERWOOD, S. 1977. Some preliminary information on the number and soci= al behavior of free-swimming, bottlenosed dolphin calves (Tursiops truncatus= ) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. In In Breeding dolphins: present status, suggestions for the future. Edited by S.H. Ridgway and K.W. Benirschke. PB-273673., pp 143-167. LOGAN, F. D. AND ROBSON, F. D. On the birth of a common dolphin (Delphinu= s delphis L.) in captivity. Zool. Gart., 40:115-124.=20 Notes: Noted a baby to suckle on a surrogate female in captivity. MANN J, SMUTS BB (1998) Natal attraction: allomaternal care and mother-infant separations in wild bottlenose dolphins. ANIM BEHAV 55:1097= -1113 MCBRIDE, A.F. & HEBB, D.O. 1948. Behavior of captive Bottle-nose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 41:111-123. MCBRIDE, A.F. & KRITZELER 1951. Observation on pregnancy, parturition and post-natal behaviour in the bottlenose dolphin. J. Mammal.32:251-266. MESSINGER, D., C. MESSINGER AND M. REDDY, 1996 Induced Lactation in a Five-year-old Bottlenose Dolphin, (Tursiops truncatus). MARINE MAMMALS: PUBLIC DISPLAY AND RESEARCH, 2(1):1-9. NORRIS, K.S. & DOHL, T.P. 1980. The structure and functions of Cetaceans schools. Pages 211-262 in "Cetacean Behaviour: Mechanisms and Functions". (L.M. Herman, ed.) J. Whiley and sons, New York. NORRIS, K.S. & PRYOR, K. 1991. Some Throughts on Grandmothers. Pages 287-289 in " Dolphin societies: Discoveries and puzzles". (K.S. Norris & K. Pryor, eds.) Berkeley: University of California Press PILLERI, G, 1984 Epimeletic behaviour in cetacea: Intelligent or instinctive? INVESTIGATIONS ON CETACEA. 16:30-48. PRYOR, K. & SHALLENBERGEN, I.K. 1991. Social structure in Spotted Dolphin= s (Stenella attenuata) in tuna seine fishery in the eastern tropical pacifi= c. Pages 161-196. in " Dolphin societies: Discoveries and puzzles". (K.S. Norris & K. Pryor, eds.) Berkeley: University of California Press RIEDMAN, MARIANNE LOUISE. 1981 STUDIES ON THE BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS WITH A REVIEW ON THE EVOLUTION OF FOSTERING BEHAVIORS IN MAMMALS AND BIRDS. PART I. ALLOPARENTAL CARE AND ADOPTION = IN MAMMALS AND BIRDS. PART II. MOTHER-PUP SEPARATION AND ADOPTION IN NORTHE= RN ELEPHANT SEALS. PART III. CHANGES IN MILK COMPOSITION DURING LACTATION IN THE NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ. PHD.=20 RIEDMAN, M. L. (1982): The evolution of alloparental care and adoption in mammals and birds. Quart. Rev. Biol. 57, 405=AD435 RIDGWAY, S.H., T. KAMOLNICK, M. REDDY, C. CURRY AND R.J. TARPLEY, 1995 Orphan-induced lactation in Tursiops and analysis of collected milk. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 11(2):172-182. SIEBENALER, J.B. AND CALDWELL,D.K. 1956. Cooperation among adult dolphins. J. Mammal.37:126-128. SHANE, S.H., WELLS, R.S. & WURSIG, B. 1986. Ecology, Behavior and social organization of Bottlenose Dolphin: a review. Mar. Mamm. Sc. 2(1):34-63. SMOLDERS, J, 1988. Adoption behavior in the bottlenose dolphin. AQUATIC MAMMALS 14.2:78-81. TAVOLGA, M.C. 1966. Behavior of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): social interaction in a captive colony. Pages 718-730 in "Whales dolphins and porpoises". (K.S. Norris, ed.) . University of California Press, Berk= eley. TAVOLGA, M.C. ESSAPIAN, F.S. 1957. The Behaviour of Bottle-nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncats): Mating, pregnancy, parturition and mother-infant behaviour. Zoologica. 42:11-31. TIZZI R., TROMBETTI C. & PACE D.S. 1998. Alloparental Care in Tursiops truncatus: A case report. Pp 182-190 In Procedings of the 12th annual conference of European Cetaceans Society. Monaco 20-24 Jannuary 1998. Evans, P.G.H. & Parsons, E.C.H. WAITE, J. M. 1988. ALLOPARENTAL CARE IN KILLER WHALES (ORCINUS ORCA). UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE. SANTA CRUZ, CA. = PHD. WELLS, R.S. 1990. Parental investiment patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Sarasota, Florida. Abstracts: Fifth Internation= al Theoriological Congress. Rome, Italy: 532. WELLS, R.S 1991. The role of long-term study in understanding the social structure of a bottlenose dolphin community. Pages 199-225 in "Dolphin societies: Discoveries and puzzles". (K.S. Norris & K. Pryor, eds.) Berkeley: University of California Press. WHITEHEAD, H. 1996. Babysitting, dive synchrony, and indications of alloparental care in sperm whales. BEHAV. ECOL. SOCIOBIOL. 38: 237-244. >From the World Marine Mammal Science Conference, Monaco (http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/wmmsc.htm) A CASE OF PROLONGED ALLOPARENTING HELPS TO DEFINE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ADULT AND INFANT CAPTIVE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS, TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS ----- D. M. R. Fripp, P. L. Tyack, and M. Amundin.=20 OTHER ORDERS BERMAN, C.M. 1982. The social development of an orphaned rhesus infant = on Cayo Santiago: male care, foster mother-orphan interaction and peer interaction. American Journal of Primatology, 3, 131-141.=20 BLERSCH, B. H. & SCHMIDT, C. R. (1992). Adoption of an additional infa= nt by a Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Folia primato= l. 58: 190-196. BUSSE, C. & HAMILTON III, W. J. (1981). Infant carrying by male chacma baboons. Science. 212: 1281-1283. DOLHINOW, P. & TAFF, M. A. (1993). Immature and adult langur monkey (Presbytis entellus) males: infant-initiated adoption in a colony group. Int. J. Primatol. 14: 919-926. EMLEN, S. T., REEVE, H. K., SHERMAN, P. W., WREGE, P. H., RATNIEKS, F. L. W. & SHELLMAN-REEVE, J. (1991). Adaptive versus nonadaptive explanations = of behavior: the case of alloparental helping. Am. Nat. 138: 259-270. FAIRBANKS, L.A. 1990. Reciprocal benefits of allomothering for female vervet monkeys. Anim. Behav. 40: 553-562. HRDY, S.B. 1976 Care and exploitation of nonhuman primate infants by conspecifics other than the mother. In J. Rosenblatt, R. Hinde, E. Shaw, and C. Bier (eds) Advances in the Study of Behavior, vol 6, 101-158. Academic Press, New York. LANCASTER, J. 1971 Play-mothering: the relations between juvenile female= s and young infants among free-ranging vervet monkeys. Folia. Primatol., 1= 5, 161-182. LEE, P. C. (1989). Family structure, communal care and female reproductiv= e effort. pp. 323-340 IN Standen, V. & Foley, R. A. (Ed.), Comparative Socioecology: The Behavioural Ecology of Humans and Other Mammals. Oxford= : Blackwell Scientific. MALCOLM, J. R. & MARTEN, K. (1982). Natural selection and the communal rearing of pups in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Beh. Ecol. Sociobio= l. 10: 1-13. MCKENNA, J. J. (1979). The evolution of allomothering behavior among colobine monkeys: Function and opportunism in evolution. Am. Anthropol. 8= 1: 818-840. MOEHLMAN, P. D. (1986). Ecology of cooperation in canids. pp. 64-86 IN Rubenstein, D. I. & Wrangham, R. W. (Ed.), Ecological Aspects of Social Evolution. Princeton: Princeton University Press. MITCHELL, G and E.M. LBRANDT (1970) Behavioral differences related to experience of mother and sex of infant in the rhesus monkey. Developmenta= l Psychology 3: P.149. PACKER, C., LEWIS, S. & PUSEY, A. (1992). A comparative analysis of non-offspring nursing. Anim. Behav. 43: 265-282. PAUL, A., KUESTER, J. & ARNEMANN, J. (1992). DNA fingerprinting reveals that infant care by male Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) is not patern= al investment. Folia primatol. 58: 93-98. SHOPLAND, J. M. & ALTMANN, J. (1987). Fatal intragroup kidnapping in yell= ow baboons. Am. J. Primatol. 13: 61-65.=20 SMALL, M. F. (1990). Alloparental behavior in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). Anim. Behav. 39: 297-306. SOMMER, V. (1989). Infant mistreatment in langur monkeys-sociobiology tackled from the wrong end. pp. 110-127 IN Rasa, A., Vogel, C. & Voland, = E. (Ed.), The Sociobiology of Sexual and Reproductive Strategies. London:Chapman & Hall. TAYLOR, C.K., AND SAAYMAN, G.S. 1972. The social organization of dolphins= , (Tursiops truncatus) and baboons (Papio ursinus): Some comparisons and assessments, Ann Cape Prov, Mus. Nat. Hist. 9:11-49. WASSER, S. K. & BARASH, D. P. (1981). The selfish "allomother": A comment on Scollay and DeBold (1980). Ethol. Sociobiol. 2: 91-93.=20 WOLFE, L. D. (1981). A case of male adoption in a troop of Japanese monke= ys (Macaca fuscata fuscata). pp. 156-160 IN Chiarelli, A. B. & Corruccini, R. S. (Ed.), Primate Behavior and Sociobiology. New York: Springer-Verlag. Paula-Joao Faria Bioanthropology Doctoral Student Coimbra University/Portugal Kibbutz Horshim/Israel email: regah(\)netvision.net.il ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 12:32:33 +0200 From: Paula-Joao Faria Subject: 2 of 2 - Cetacean/Primate Joint Studies reference List CETACEANS - PRIMATES ALLMAN, J 1998. Evolving Brains, Scientific American Library/WH Freeman, Ch. 7. Derrickson EM Comparative reproductive strategies of altricial and precocial eutherian mammals. FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY 6(1): 57-65, 1992. Jacobs B; Raleigh M Sizing up social groups. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES 16(4): 710-711, 1993. Johnson JI; Kirsch JAW; Reep RL; Switzer RC III Phylogeny through brain traits: More characters for the analysis of Mammalian evolution. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 43(6): 319-347, 1994. Lewis S E; Pusey A E Factors influencing the occurrence of communal care in plural breeding mammals. Pp. 335-360 in COOPERATIVE BREEDING IN MAMMALS. N.G. Solomon, ed. New York, Cambridge Univ Press, 1997. (ISBN 0-521-45491-3) Mann J Parallels between dolphins and primates: Development and behavior. WHALEWATCHER 27(1): 12-15, 1993. Marino L A comparison of encephalization between odontocete cetaceans and anthropoid primates. BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 51(4): 230-238, 1998. Marino L Quantifying brain-behavior relations in cetaceans and primates. TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION 13(10): 408, 1998. (Letter) Marino L What can dolphins tell us about primate evolution? EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY 5(3): 81-85, 1996. Marino L A Brain-behavior relationships in cetaceans and primates: Implications for the evolution of complex intelligenc. DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS INTERNATIONAL B56(10): 5823, 1996. Marino L; Reiss D; Gallup GG Jr Mirror self-recognition in bottlenose dolphins: Implications for comparative investigations of highly dissimilar species. Pp. 380-391 in SELF-AWARENESS IN ANIMALS AND HUMANS: DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVES. Parker, S.T., ed. Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1994. (ISBN 0-521-44108-0) Mitchell RW The evolution of primate cognition: Simulation, self-knowledge, and knowledge of other minds. Pp. 177-232 in HOMINID CULTURE IN PRIMATE PERSPECTIVE. D. Quiatt, ed. Niwot, Univ. Press of Colorado, 1994. (ISBN 0-87081-313-7) Poole TB SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN MAMMALS. Glasgow, Blackie, 1985, vii, 248 pp. (ISBN 0-216-91440-X) Roitblat HL; von Fersen L Comparative cognition: Representations and processes in learning and memory. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGY 43: 671-710, 1992. Smuts BB; Smuts RW Male aggression and sexual coercion of females in nonhuman primates and other mammals: Evidence and theoretical implications. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 22: 1-63, 1993. Tomasello M; Call J PRIMATE COGNITION. New York, Oxford Univ Press, 1997, ix, 517 pp. (ISBN 0-19-510623-7) Wilson CG; Yeider S Sea lions and rhesus monkeys as a mixed species display. AAZPA [AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOLOGICAL PARKS AND AQUARIUMS] REGIONAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS (1976): 124-128, 1976. Paula-Joao Faria Bioanthropology Doctoral Student Coimbra University/Portugal Kibbutz Horshim/Israel email: regah(\)netvision.net.il ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:50:44 -1100 From: Leszek Karczmarski Subject: three papers on Sousa chinensis The papers listed below came out in print a few months ago, but the reprints have only recently became available. 1. Karczmarski, L. & Cockcroft, V.G. (1998) Matrix photo-identification technique applied in studies of free-ranging bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Aquatic Mammals 24: 143-147. There is no abstract 2. Karczmarski, L. & Cockcroft, V.G. (1999) Daylight behaviour of Humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Zeitschrift fur Saugetierkunde - International Journal of Mammalian Biology 64: 19-29. Abstract: Data on the daylight behaviour of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis were collected during sea- and land-based surveys undertaken in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa, throughout a three year period. Dolphin activities/behaviour were categorised as: "feeding", "travelling", "opportunistic feeding", "socialising & playing", "resting" and "other". It seems apparent that behaviour determines the spatial geometry of the dolphin group, but not the group size. The surfacing-breathing interval is similar for "feeding", "opportunistic feeding" and slow "travelling", but differs considerably from the pattern displayed during fast "travelling". Daylight behaviour of humpback dolphins is dominated by "feeding" and shows a regular pattern which is probably governed by the diurnal cycles of their prey. Generally, "feeding" peaks in the morning and gradually decreases through the rest of the day. As "feeding" decreases, "travelling" and "opportunistic feeding" increase, both peaking in the afternoon. "Resting" and "socialising & playing" occur with similar frequency throughout the day. This pattern varies little between summer and winter, as does the overall proportion of daylight behaviours. The only significant seasonal difference is in the frequency of "social/sexual" behaviour which peaks in summer. Although tidal cycle influences to some extent the behaviour of humpback dolphins, in Algoa Bay their daylight activity/behaviour is predominantly governed by time of day. 3. Karczmarski, L., Cockcroft, V.G., McLachlan, A. & Winter, P.E.D. (1998) Recommendations for the conservation and management of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in the Algoa Bay region, South Africa. Koedoe 41: 121-129. Abstract: The natural history of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis inhabiting the Algoa Bay region, Eastern Cape, South Africa, was investigated by means of land- and sea-based surveys undertaken between May 1991 and May 1994. This article reviews the findings which are relevant to the conservation of humpback dolphins and provides recommendations for both the conservation and management of this species in Eastern Cape waters. In general, humpback dolphins appear to be typical coastal dolphins which occur in small numbers, have low population growth and depend on restricted inshore resources. Establishment of protected areas where human impact could be limited or controlled seems to be the most effective conservation/management approach. Habitats critical for humpback dolphins in Eastern Cape waters (inshore rocky reefs) and the dolphin's core areas in the Algoa Bay region have been identified. It is recommended that a conservation and management zone (marine sanctuary) in the Algoa Bay region be established and a suitable site for it is identified. Given adequate legislation and proper management, this area could be used for the development of ecotourism, including dolphin-watch operations, which would further stimulate interest in coastal conservation. ********************************************* Leszek Karczmarski, Ph.D. Midway Spinner Dolphin Research Project P.O. Box 29460, Honolulu, HI 96820 - 1860 USA fax : (808) 5992922 e-mail: karczmal(\)tamug.tamu.edu ********************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 08:07:21 -0400 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: article Marmammers, I saw an article in the recent "Scientific Computing and Instrumentation" issue (Sept 1999) by R. Oxenford "New data analysis techniques help galvanize whale conservation", pp. 12-19. The article talks about Hal Whitehead's lab using MATLAB and SOCPROG and also has two nice bottlenose whale photos accompanying the issue. The article may also be found on the web at: http://www.scimag.com/scripts/RelSection.asp?RPTID=RELSECTION&RELTYPE= FE If you do not have web access and are interested in a copy, you can send me an email, and I can provide a copy to you upon request. As a courtesy, *please* make sure you really want a copy of the article and don't have web access before making the request. Be sure to provide a snail mail address. Sincerely, Dagmar.Fertl(\)mms.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:42:37 -1000 From: Rob Wilder Subject: Post-Conference Workshop on Whale Watching The future of watching whales and dolphins is receiving increased attention. Given the timeliness of this topic, I am pleased to announce that a special Workshop on the Future of Whale and Dolphin Watching, is being scheduled for Saturday December 4, immediately following the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) Conference in Maui. This event is being sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation. Contributors also include Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and the State of Hawaii. The purpose is to discuss future trends in commercial whale and dolphin watching around the world. This is a free event. This 12/4 Workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As an adjunct to this Workshop, we will offer a special whalewatch afterwards at 3 p.m., at a reduced rate of $11 for SMM participants. If you are interested in being a Presenter at this Workshop, please contact me directly at rob(\)pacificwhale.org If you are interested in attending this Workshop, please contact the Pacific Whale Foundation, at whalewatchseminar(\)pacificwhale.org Best regards, Dr. Robert Wilder Dr. Rob Wilder Director of Education Pacific Whale Foundation 101 North Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 rob(\)pacificwhale.org phone 808-879-8860 fax 808-879-2615 http://www.pacificwhale.org/ author of "Listening to the Sea" http://www.msi.ucsb.edu/msilinks/MSI/research/Wilder/book.htm ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 08:21:46 +1000 Reply-To: wayne.martin(\)env.qld.gov.au From: Wayne Martin Organization: Department of Environment Subject: Recent paper regarding Tursiops taxonomy The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service maintains a census of marine vertebrates occurring in Queensland waters for use by our staff. It has recently been brought to the attention of the officer maintaining this census that a paper further clarifying the taxonomic status of Tursiops aduncus was presented at a recent meeting of the International Whaling Commission. Unfortunately no citation details were provided so it has proved difficult to pursue this reference through out library. I'd appreciate it if someone could let me know; 1. if such a paper actually exists, and 2. if so, what the correct citation is so a copy can be obtained. Please reply to Wayne.Martin(\)env.qld.gov.au Thanks Wayne Martin -- +------------------------------------------+ Wayne Martin Conservation Officer (WildNet) Research Coordination Planning and Research Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Tel: (07) 3406 2124 Fax: (07) 3227 6386 E-mail: Wayne.Martin(\)env.qld.gov.au ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 17:10:38 -0400 From: Sharon Tryon Subject: position announcment for staff scientist in Anchorage, AK Applicants should send electronic resume to: Sharon L. Tryon at: stryon(\)dccmc.org. No phone calls please. CENTER FOR MARINE CONSERVATION Position Announcement Staff Scientist, Alaska Seas Program POSITION LOCATION: Anchorage, Alaska BASIC FUNCTIONS: The Staff Scientist has primary responsibility for developing and presenting the scientific basis for CMC's advocacy to further conservation of Alaska's marine biological diversity, with a specific emphasis on fish, fisheries, and interactions with marine wildlife within Alaska's marine ecosystems. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: * Conducts and evaluates research on the ecology, distribution, and status of Alaska's marine fishes, with a focus on food web and trophic dynamics. * Assists in the development and implementation of science-based advocacy programs to prevent the overexploitation of marine fish and wildlife from direct and incidental takes and promote programs that further the development of ecosystem management and the conservation of Alaska's marine wildlife; * Provides scientific and policy expertise on issues relating to CMC's scientific and conservation programs in Alaska and the North Pacific. * Works collaboratively with other program staff to develop and advocate science-based policy positions relating to marine biological diversity, fishery conservation and management, and marine mammal conservation in Alaska and the North Pacific. * Furthers CMC's conservation goals by keeping up-to-date on, and informing program staff about, scientific developments affecting marine fish and wildlife conservation. * Represents CMC on scientific issues before the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council and its committees and advisory panels, as well as before state and federal administrative agencies, scientific organizations, the media, and other non-governmental organizations. * Prepares and monitors the status of workplans and budgets within the purview of the Staff Scientist. * Advocates CMC's policy goals through drafting of comments and correspondence to state and federal agencies, drafting and presentation of congressional and other public testimony, and research and publication of scientific and policy reports and articles. Prepares informational materials for grassroots activists. Assists as necessary in congressional lobbying, legislative drafting, and representing CMC before the media.; * Supervises interns, post-doctoral students, and other staff as necessary to work on scientific projects. * Identifies, documents and analyzes emerging opportunities dealing with North Pacific fish and fisheries and marine wildlife conservation. * In cooperation with the development department, secures adequate and timely funding for the program; works with development department to identify new funding sources, cultivates existing funders, designs funding approaches and prepares proposals. QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced degree in marine science or conservation biology, with an emphasis on marine ecology or fisheries science; Ph. D. preferred. One to three years experience working on scientific issues relating to conservation of fish or other marine wildlife, preferably in Alaska and the North Pacific. Proven ability to interpret, direct, and carry out innovative research and corresponding advocacy for fish or marine wildlife conservation. Ability to work with diverse interests, including fishermen, Alaska Natives, conservationists, and state and federal agencies. Demonstrated knowledge of national marine fisheries conservation programs and policies, with an understanding of applicable marine mammal biology and conservation issues essential. Familiarity with international marine conservation in the Bering Sea region, particularly familiarity with Russia, desirable. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, with other scientists and the lay public essential. Demonstrated commitment to conservation of the oceans and marine wildlife in the public interest. Sharon L. Tryon, Director of Operations Center for Marine Conservation 1725 DeSales Street, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 (202)857-5561, fax 872-0619 website: http://www.cmc-ocean.org email: stryon(\)dccmc.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 18:33:55 -0400 From: Caryn Self Sullivan Subject: Fw: manatees off list??? ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Sorice To: Manatee Sent: Thursday, September 30, 1999 4:00 PM Subject: Re: manatees off list??? Manatee Watchers Mailing List - http://www.homesafe.com/manatee/index.html Hello everyone, I did a little digging and called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The story was picked up off of the AP wire and originated in today's (9/30/99) St. Petersburg Times. I will include the full text of the story from the paper as well as a link to it. Additionally, here is a link to the National Marine Manufacturer's Association who is the main player stirring things up: http://www.nmma-intl.org/main.html Best regards, Mike Sorice Trade group will fight manateeprotections State marine interests want the mammalsoff the endangered list. By JULIE HAUSERMAN (c) St. Petersburg Times, published September 30, 1999 TALLAHASSEE -- Claiming that the number of manatees in Florida is growing, the state's largest marine business interests have quietly formed a group to try to get the sea cows removed from the federal endangered species list. "Perhaps the time has come to delist the manatee, much as the alligator and the eagle have been delisted," reads a Sept. 3 memo penned by Wade Hopping, a top business lobbyist who represents the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Scientists working to protect manatees say the idea of stripping away protections is ridiculous. Manatee populations may be stable or even growing a little in some locations, they say, but the number of boats is growing too. This year, they predict, Florida will set a record for the number of manatees killed by boats. The formation of Hopping's business group -- called the "Manatee Task Force" -- comes as 22 environmental groups are poised to sue the state and federal governments because, they say, manatee protection laws have not been properly enforced. State officials estimate there are about 2,500 manatees remaining in Florida's waters. The creatures have been on the endangered species list since 1967. The Endangered Species Act allows Florida to impose a host of protections for manatees, from requiring boaters to slow down in places where manatees congregate to limiting development near their habitat. Hopping was out of town Wednesday and could not be reached for comment. But on Sept. 3, he wrote the members of the new task force: "Last week, the marine manufacturers and dealers met in Orlando. Manatees were foremost on their mind. They believe that they have been on the defense far too long, and therefore they are planning to create a proactive program on manatee issues. Their fear is that the thrust of all the manatee protection activities are designed to limit the number of docks and marinas, and to limit the number of boats that are on the water. Obviously, they have a tremendous interest in this issue." Hopping's memo, written on the letterhead of his law firm, says that besides pushing to take manatees off the endangered species list, marine interests have two other goals: one is to get the Legislature to rewrite state law to exempt marinas from Florida's rigorous Development of Regional Impact review, which can require studies of imperiled plants and animals. The other is to take money from the state's Manatee Protection Trust Fund and use it to put more marine enforcement officers on the water to enforce speed limits. The money in the trust fund comes from sales of the specialty manatee license plate. Hopping's memo says the new Manatee Task Force also wants to reach out to other groups, like the Florida Home Builders Association. But the reception may be cool. "None of us have heard anything about it," said Wellington Meffert, the home builders' lobbyist. "We really don't consider it to be our issue." A gregarious and well-known fixture at the Capitol, Hopping has long been the nemesis of Florida environmentalists. He fought against the state's 1985 Growth Management Law. He opposed a bill that would have required propeller guards to protect manatees from passing boats. In 1997, he tacked an amendment on a bill that would have allowed a boat manufacturer to do high-speed testing in a canal that a state official called "the worst place in the state for manatee deaths." Opponents leaked the amendment to the media, and the measure quickly died. Judith Vallee, executive director of the Save the Manatee Club, said marine interests may be gathering the troops because of the mammoth lawsuit the 22 groups intend to file soon. "They are claiming that we want to maybe limit the number of boats, but what we're really looking for is more enforcement of existing laws," Vallee said. "Obviously, what the agencies have been doing is just not enough." The groups claim that even though Florida directed 13 counties to create special manatee protection plans in 1989, it has never enforced the law. Although 10 years have passed, only three counties have written their required manatee protection plans, Vallee said. http://www.sptimes.com/News/93099/State/Trade_group_will_figh.shtml "Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." -Helen Keller =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Caryn Self Sullivan Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2258 MAIL TO: 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 HOME phone: 540-373-8205 FAX: 540-373-6035 LAB phone: 409-845-0495 CELL phone: 409-575-7700 URL: http://www.sirenian.org =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 08:19:43 -1000 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: Updates for !3th Biennial Meeting Please check the updated webpage for the 13th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. New information on shuttle service from the airport and details on poster and verbal presentations are available. ALOHA Paul Nachtigall -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 2 Oct 1999 11:28:13 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcements (fwd) ------- Forwarded From CONSLINK(\)SIVM.SI.EDU------------ MOLECULAR EVOLUTION and BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY The Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida invites applications for two nine-month, tenure-earning positions to begin August, 2000. (1) We seek a person at the Assistant or Associate Professor level who uses molecular techniques to investigate problems in evolution and conservation biology. The individual will serve as a bridge between developing programs in Biomolecular Sciences and Conservation Biology. The successful candidate would be expected to teach molecular evolution, conservation genetics, and contribute to teaching core undergraduate and graduate courses in evolutionary biology. This individual would also be expected to direct graduate students and establish a strong, externally funded research program (2) We seek a person at the Assistant Professor level whose research focuses on behavioral ecology. The successful candidate is expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in behavioral ecology plus contribute to the existing biology curriculum. This person will develop an externally funded research program with a strong field component, direct graduate students, and participate in a new Conservation Biology program in collaboration with Disney's Animal Kingdom. A Ph.D. and 2 years of postdoctoral experience are minimum requirements for both positions. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, plus three letters of recommendation to: (position 1) Franklin F. Snelson or (position 2) John F. Weishampel, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816-2368. All materials must be postmarked by 19 Nov., 1999 for either position. The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Woman and minorities are encouraged to apply. As an agency of the State of Florida, all application materials and selection procedures are available for public review. Subject: Great Barrier Reef humpbacks (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Phil Clapham Recently, an abstract of the following paper was presented here: Chaloupka M, Osmond M (1999) Spatial and seasonal distribution of humpback whales in the Great Barrier Reef region. In: Musick JA (ed) Life in the slow lane: ecology and conservation of long-lived marine animals. American Fisheries Society Symposium 23: 89-106. This paper draws various conclusions about (and in some cases gives quantified estimates for) the distribution, reproductive rates and population growth of humpback whales in the GBR area. Among other things, it draws inferences about the location of calving grounds, and states that population growth and juvenile recruitment are "low and variable". I would like to request that the authors provide MARMAM readers with more information about the data on which this is based. This work appears to be a version of a paper presented at IWC two years ago, which was based (if I remember correctly) on opportunistic sightings of humpbacks by largely untrained observers; this is presumably the reason for the line in the abstract which states "These sightings were SUPPOSEDLY of humpbacks..." (emphasis added). If this is indeed the case, I am curious as to how the authors can justify undertaking calculations of crude birth rate, calving interval, calving rate, interbirth interval and population growth. Inexperienced and untrained observers produce unreliable data, particularly concerning identification of mothers and calves. To use such data to derive quantitative estimates of important population parameters (when one cannot even be certain of the species identification, as the abstract implies) is potentially very misleading. Phil Clapham -- 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 Subject: MARMAM 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 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. Subscriber list 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 April 1999 there were about 3,500 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 (e.g, 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., 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 NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details and website address). - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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 or inflame 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 marmamed(\)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. Subcriber list >> Due to mis-use of the subscriber list, the list is no longer >> available through a listserv command. To find out who subscribes >> to MARMAM, you must send a request to the MARMAM editors >> (marmamed(\)uvic.ca) and it will be sent out to you along with a >> request to not mis-use the list and guidelines to proper use of >> the list. Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated October 1999 Subject: Tracking of stranded cetaceans post release Dear Marmam subscribers, Since its inception in 1992, the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, a coalition of marine mammal rescue organisations in the U.K., has been somewhat undecided on a clear way forward for the rehabilitation option for stranded cetaceans. Since the end of 1995, effort in the U.K. has concentrated primarily on refloatation, that is the early release of stranded animals at or near the beach of origin after a short period (hours or possibly days) of intensive assessment and treatment on the beach. Rehabilitation has been the less preferred option, with few attempts being made, using suboptimal facilities. We are aware of the considerable differences in opinion, worldwide, on the value of refloatation and rehabilitation as options for stranded cetaceans. This, in part, can be explained by differences in the nature of strandings events in different countries, including frequency of mass versus single strandings, locations of strandings events, trends in the clinical and nutritive condition of stranded animals and typical species complement. However, other factors also are likely to be involved, including the availability of suitable facilities for rehabilitation attempts, and differences of opinion on the believed success rates of both options. Present strandings policy in the U.K. has evolved due to a variety of factors, but one of the most significant of these has been a complete lack of data available on survival rates with both options. Certainly, we have received no substantiated data from our critics to illustrate significantly higher survival rates in countries or institutions with a rehabilitation policy over those with a refloatation policy that would justify the building and maintenance of a dedicated cetacean rehabilitation facility in the United Kingdom. In the U.K., we are presently considering implementing a programme of post release monitoring in order to try and evaluate survival rates. However, we are dealing with a relatively small sample size of perhaps 35 animals a year which includes a variety of different species, age classes, clinical conditions, stranding numbers, etc.. This is likely to reduce significantly the value of any conclusions drawn from the data obtained. Thus, before we implement such a programme, we are extremely keen to discuss its implementation and value with other countries and institutions that have been carrying out post release monitoring of stranded animals. We are appealing specifically for information on tracking methods and results from both refloatation and rehabilitation programmes. We are also keen to learn of any advancement in attachment techniques that is likely to be less invasive and potentially less stressful than the 'bolt on' methods currently used. If you are able to help us with our request, I would be grateful if you could contact me at one of the addresses below. Thank you, James Barnett Director and veterinarian, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, on behalf of the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, U.K.. 13, Ford Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DX, England, U.K.. E mail address : JamesB_vetlab(\)compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 16:16:58 -0400 From: Nicole LeBoeuf Subject: NMFS Job Annoucements Vicki Cornish , Teri Rowles The NMFS Office of Protected Resources has posted announcements for two fishery biologist positions. You can find the announcements at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/BN3546.HTM and http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/BN3731.HTM ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 15:19:06 +0000 Reply-To: espaco.talassa(\)mail.telepac.pt From: Serge Viallelle Organization: http://www.ciberacores.pt/talassa/ Subject: Observation of blue whale in the Azores This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --------------36A8142B8FCF8366548E9FBA boundary="------------F215FEA58B0BFCE5C5463E42" --------------F215FEA58B0BFCE5C5463E42 Dear All In the last 29th of September the team of Espago Talassa, sighted a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in the south coast of Pico apparently in a feeding behaviour. We observed the animal that have about 15-16 meters of length , at 1,5 mile from the coast of S. Caetano (Pico) (380 23' N - 280 22' W) and we passed a few hours with the animal that approach at the boat for few times. Since 1997 we confirmed the presence of blue whale in Azorean waters, but all observations that we had are from February through June. This is the first time that we see this specie at this time. We would like to know if someone have any idea of the migratory route. Please contact this address: espaco.talassa(\)mail.telepac.pt All the best Serge Viallelle --------------F215FEA58B0BFCE5C5463E42 Dear All

In the last 29th of September the team of Espaço Talassa, sighted a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in the south coast of Pico apparently in a feeding behaviour. We observed the animal that have about 15-16 meters of length , at 1,5 mile from the coast of S. Caetano (Pico) (380 23' N - 280 22' W) and we passed a few hours with the animal that  approach at the boat  for few times. Since 1997 we confirmed the presence of blue whale in Azorean waters, but all observations that we had are from February through June. This is the first time that we see this specie at this time. We would like to know if someone have any idea of the migratory route.
Please contact this address: espaco.talassa(\)mail.telepac.pt
All the best

Serge Viallelle --------------F215FEA58B0BFCE5C5463E42-- --------------36A8142B8FCF8366548E9FBA name="espaco.talassa.vcf" filename="espaco.talassa.vcf" begin:vcard n:Talassa;Espago tel;cell:0931 9 432 492 tel;fax:35192 672 617 tel;work:35192 672 010 x-mozilla-html:FALSE url:http://www.ciberacores.pt/talassa org:Espago Talassa adr:;;Rua do Saco;Lajes do Pico;Azores;9930;Portugal version:2.1 email;internet:espaco.talassa(\)mail.telepac.pt x-mozilla-cpt:;3 fn:Serge Viallelle end:vcard --------------36A8142B8FCF8366548E9FBA-- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:48:18 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent 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. Monitoring of progesterone in captive female false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens. Atkinson, S; Combelles, C; Vincent, D; Nachtigall, P; Pawloski, J; Breese, M. GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY. September 1999 v115 i3 p323-332 Radionuclides in seals and porpoises in the coastal waters around the UK. Watson, WS; Sumner, DJ; Baker, JR; Kennedy, S; Reid, R; Robinson, I. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. August 30, 1999 v234 i1-3 p1-13 Patterns of variability of retinol levels in a harbour porpoise population from an unpolluted environment. Borrell, A; Cantos, G; Aguilar, A; Lockyer, C; Brouwer, A; Heide-Jorgensen, MP; Jensen, J; Spenkelink, B. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. January-April 1999 v185 p85-92 Contamination levels and specific accumulation of persistent organochlorines in Caspian seal (Phoca caspica) from the Caspian Sea, Russia. Watanabe, M; Tanabe, S; Tatsukawa, R; Amano, M; Miyazaki, N; Petrov, EA; Khuraskin, SL. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. October 1999 v37 i3 p396-407 Movements and foraging areas of grey seals in the North Sea. McConnell, BJ; Fedak, MA; Lovell, P; Hammond, PS. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY. August 1999 v36 i4 p573-590 Streptococcus phocae infections associated with starvation in Cape fur seals. Henton, MM; Zapke, O; Basson, PA. JOURNAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION-TYDSKRIF VAN DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE VETERINERE VERENIGING. June 1999 v70 i2 p98-99 Subject: Faculty Position Animal Molecular Biologist. The Department of Biology at the University of Regina invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level, effective July 1, 2000 (subject to budgetary approval). We are seeking qualified individuals who use molecular techniques to study animal systems. The successful candidate will be welcomed to interact with members of GenBioTek, an interdepartmental unit made up of individuals who use molecular techniques in their research. Candidates must have a recent PhD, postdoctoral experience and a productive research record. As well as establishing an externally-funded research program, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in the teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses, and to develop an advanced undergraduate course in his/her area of expertise. Start-up research funds will be provided, as well as a reduced teaching load in the first two years. To apply for the position, submit a letter of application outlining research and teaching goals, a curriculum vitae, samples of research publications, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to: Dr. W. Chapco, Head, Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2 Canada. (fax 306-585-4894; phone 306-585-4231; e-mail William.Chapco(\)uregina.ca). The closing date for applications is December 31, 1999. Further information about the department is available on the world-wide web at: http://www.biol.uregina.ca. In accordance with Canadian Immigration Regulations, preference will be given to citizens and permanent residents of Canada. The University of Regina is committed to the principle of employment equity. Subject: internship positions Hello Marmammers, Due to an increase in scheduled fieldwork for the spring of 2000, the Marine Mammal Research Program's Behavioral Ecology Branch of Texas A&M University at Galveston is requesting additional internship applications and extending the deadline until November 5, 1999. The internship at the MMRP-BEB is a valuable experience for anyone interested in gaining experience in the field of marine mammal behavior. Interns assist graduate students on all aspects of their research projects, including fieldwork and lab work. This is a volunteer position and we request that interns dedicate 40 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months. For additional information on our program and internships, please see our website at http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/mmrp. If there are any further questions feel free to contact me at beiera(\)tamug.tamu.edu. Thank you, Amy Beier Internship Coordinator Marine Mammal Research Program Texas A&M University at Galveston 4700 Avenue U Bldg 303 Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 740-4718 (409) 740-4717 fax ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999 14:35:02 EDT From: Umiandme(\)aol.com Subject: wild dolphin swim workshop - research summaries ------ Wild Dolphin Swim Workshop Update - Research Summaries Workshop Co-Organizers:=20 Kathleen Dudzinski Toni Frohoff Trevor Spradlin Just a reminder to any Researchers/Managers Studying Dolphin Swim Program= s. =20 If you wish to submit a summary of your research for inclusion in the=20 proceedings of the Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop that our deadline f= or=20 receipt of summaries is **15 October 1999** The (unpublished) report/proceedings, on the management and study of=20 human-dolphin in-water interactions, will be prepared in association with= The=20 Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop. This workshop will be held on 28=20 November 1999 as part of the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of=20 Marine Mammals on Maui, Hawaii. The report is intended to provide an=20 up-to-date overview of research and management on human-dolphin in-water=20 interaction. We will include summaries from those participating in the=20 conference/workshop as well as relevant summaries from those who are not=20 attending. Please note that there will be no monetary compensation for th= e=20 inclusion of summaries in this report. Submission of Research Summaries We are seeking summaries consisting of no more than one-page (single spac= ed,=20 12 point font, 1 inch margins) which summarize your research on dolphin s= wim=20 programs. Please submit these summaries in Word or Rtf format *only* and= =20 send via email to frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com (put "Research Summary" in the=20 Subject heading) or on a computer disc in (Word or Rtf format) sent to: T= oni=20 Frohoff =96 Dolphin Swim Workshop, TerraMar Research, 321 High School Rd.= NE=20 PMB 374, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA. Please use your name, affiliat= ion,=20 and contact information as the "title" of this one-page summary. Summari= es=20 need to be *received* by 15 October 1999. Any summaries that exceed one = page=20 (without prior arrangements) will be excluded from the report. Report Information Registered attendees for the workshop will receive a copy of this report.= =20 The report will also include the agenda for the workshop, a bibliography = of=20 published scientific literature on in-water interactions between humans a= nd=20 dolphins, and a summary of work conducted by workshop presenters, attende= es,=20 and others conducting research on wild dolphin swim programs. This repor= t=20 will be available on the day of the workshop. A *limited* number of copi= es=20 of this report will be available following the workshop to those who were= not=20 able to attend. However, *please do not request reports at this time* as = we=20 will post information on how they can be ordered and/or viewed on a web s= ite=20 on MARMAM following the workshop.=20 Workshop Information For those interested in registering for the workshop, the registration fo= rm=20 for this workshop can be found at (http://www.cetaceans.com/swim-workshop= ). =20 If you have specific questions or comments about the workshop or the=20 summaries, feel free to contact the convenors: Kathleen Dudzinski (dudzin= sk(\)bi o.mie-u.ac.jp), Toni Frohoff (frohoff(\)ix.netcom.com), and Trevor Spradlin= =20 (Trevor.Spradlin(\)noaa.gov). However, please understand if responses to yo= ur=20 messages are not immediate. We have already received a huge number of=20 inquiries and comments in response to our earlier postings and it will ta= ke=20 time to respond appropriately to each communication. The following is an update of the information we have available regarding= the=20 Wild Dolphin Swim Program Workshop. The workshop is scheduled for 28=20 November 1999 - the day before the conference proper begins. It will beg= in=20 at 08:00 AM and run till 4:00 PM with one hour for a lunch break. (We ar= e=20 currently looking into the option of having a box lunch available for ord= er=20 in advance.) We are currently entertaining options for co-sponsorship of= =20 this workshop; however at present time, the registration fee is estimated= at=20 $20 (with a $10 late fee for registration after 1 October 1999) and shall= be=20 handled by Toni Frohoff. Please contact her for registration information= and=20 where to send fee remittance. =20 The workshop will be presented in two sessions with six invited presentat= ions=20 per session followed by an hour open discussion per session and ending th= e=20 day with an overall open discussion. The morning program will focus on=20 management and regulatory issues with information from research as it=20 pertains to management. The afternoon session will focus on research iss= ues=20 related to swim programs and their potential implications for guiding=20 management issues. =20 Space is limited to about 150 participants for this workshop and thus=20 registration may not be available the day of the workshop. People intere= sted=20 in participating are encouraged to sign up early. We are also preparing a URL site for periodic updates regarding this work= shop=20 and the workshop website will be linked to the conference website. When = this=20 information is available, we will alert you via MARMAM. =20 Our sincere thanks to those of you who have already sent us inquiries=20 regarding details of the workshop. Thank you for understanding that this= =20 will be the first reply to all of you. To those of you who have already = sent=20 a note to Kathleen or Toni, you will receive more details for registering= =20 early next week (~15 June). Thank you for your patience. We look forward to seeing you at the conference and at the workshop. It=20 promises to provide a forum for a lively debate on Dolphin Swim Programs. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999 22:37:36 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Multiresidue determination of persistent organochlorine and organophosphorus compounds in whale tissues using automated liquid chromatographic clean up and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric detection. Serrano, R; Lopez, FJ; Hernandez, F. JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A. September 10, 1999 v855 i2 p633-643 Classification of dolphin echolocation clicks by energy and frequency distributions. Houser, DS; Helweg, DA; Moore, PW. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. September 1999 v106 i3 part1 p1579-1585 Animals as sources of infections in humans - Salmonelloses. Meyer, H. DEUTSCHE TIERARZTLICHE WOCHENSCHRIFT. August 1999 v106 i8 p344-351 Multiple visits of individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) between the Hawaiian and Japanese winter grounds. Salden, DR; Herman, LM; Yamaguchi, M; Sato, F. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. March 1999 v77 i3 p504-508 Development of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction procedure for the detection of marine caliciviruses with potential application for nucleotide sequencing. Reid, SM; Ansell, DM; Ferris, NP; Hutchings, GH; Knowles, NJ; Smith, AW. JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS. September 1999 v82 i1 p99-107 Estimation in independent observer line transect surveys for clustered populations. Chen, SX BIOMETRICS, September 1999 v55 i3 p754-759 Antigenic characterization of mycobacteria from South American wild seals. Alito, A; Romano, MI; Bigi, F; Zumarraga, M; Cataldi, A. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY. August 31, 1999 v68 i3-4 p293-299 Australian seal protection. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. August 1999 v38 i8 p626-626 Baculum and testes of the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata): growth and size-scaling and their relationships to sexual selection. Miller, EH; Jones, IL; Stenson, GB. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. March 1999 v77 i3 p470-479 Sea otter decline. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. August 1999 v38 i8 p627-628 Alcohol epidemiology - and a polar bear. Giesbrecht, N. ADDICTION. September 1999 v94 i9 p1424-1425 Occurrence of the antifouling herbicide, Irgarol 1051, within coastal-water seagrasses from Queensland, Australia. Scarlett, A; Donkin, P; Fileman, TW; Morris, RJ MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, August 1999 v38 i8 p687-691 Subject: Urgent Request for Minke Whale Photographs Colin Baxter Photography is a leading UK photographic publisher with an expanding list of natural history 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 minke whales for a forthcoming new title: Minke Whales, by A Rus Hoelzel and S Jonathon Stern. 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. Ideally we require submissions by the week of 25 October. We offer a fair remuneration for all photographs published. For further information on the Worldlife Library Series please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Mike Rensner Editorial Director Colin Baxter Photography The Old Dairy Woodlands Grantown on Spey Moray, PH26 3NA Scotland Tel 01479 873999 Fax 01479 873888 mike.rensner(\)zetnet.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 9 Oct 1999 12:06:46 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Call for papers for Underwater Naturalist (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999 13:52:15 -0400 From: ALS CALL FOR PAPERS The UNDERWATER NATURALIST is the journal of the American Littoral Society. The American Littoral Society is a private, nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to coastal conservation and study. The Littoral Society has worked for the last 37 years to preserve and protect the littoral zone. Through our publications and field trips, we educate our members about the coastal environment and allow them to be a part of a collective effort to protect coastal resources. We encourage submissions of articles, pictures, observations, comments, compliments or criticisms. Please follow these guidelines: SUBJECT MATTER: Topics must be of littoral or marine interest, such as red tide in the Carolinas, whale deaths in New England, or mangrove preservation in the south; you can also submit a number of short observations or notes regarding a particular area. Use common, not Latin, species names. We do not carry footnotes, incorporate your sources in your article. We edit for clarity using Strunk and White=92s Elements of Style a= s our guide and favor clear wording over specialized terminology. Feature Articles run 1,500-3,500 words (4-10 double spaced, typed pages). Field Notes, Coast Issues, Notes from Young Naturalists, and Notes to Young Naturalists should be no more than three pages of direct observations of interesting natural history found while walking, diving, or fishing in a coastal area. Letters to the Editor expressing thoughts on the magazine and its contents or general food for thought are especially appreciated. ARTWORK: For illustrations, black and white prints are preferred, but clear color slides or color prints with good contrast, drawings, maps and charts will also be considered. For cover photos, we need clear, sharp 35mm color slides or color prints, either horizontal or vertical, of littoral subjects above or below the water. Horizontals can wrap around from front to back. Action is not necessary. (Note: Unless otherwise requested we keep all accepted artwork until it is published). HOW TO SUBMIT: Typed, double spaced manuscripts, please. It would help to receive your manuscript saved on disk as a Microsoft Word document or a text only file. Send your work with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we will acknowledge its receipt. Send submissions to: American Littoral Society Sandy Hook Highlands, NJ 07732 Attn: Beth Hanratty=20 ***We do not pay for articles or illustrations, but we do send five authors=92 copies when published. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to your submission. CHECK OUT BACK ISSUES OF UNDERWATER NATURALIST IN YOUR LIBRARY. From: "Robin W. Baird" Subject: Abstracts of recent m.m.publications from CJZ Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ Abstracts from six recent publications from the Canadian Journal of Zoology which deal with marine mammals follow. All abstracts from this journal are available over the web, and the CJZ web site can be accessed (along with the web sites of 60 other journals which publish marine mammal articles) from:=20 http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/sh/jwebalph.htm ------------------------ Multiple visits of individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) between the Hawaiian and Japanese winter grounds Dan R. Salden, Louis M. Herman, Manami Yamaguchi, and Fumihiko Sato 1999. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:504-508.=20 Abstract: We document through photographic identifications three humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) winter ground interchanges between Hawai'i and Japan. Two of these whales, identified as male by their behavioral roles, made multiple interchanges across years; i.e., they were initially seen in Hawai'i, were later observed in Japan, and subsequently, returned to Hawai'i. The third whale was seen in only 2 different years, once in Japan and then in Hawai'i. Prior to this report, there has been only one published report of a Hawai'i-Japan interchange and only eight between Hawai'i and Mexico. None of these involved multiple interchanges. The current findings demonstrate that individual whales may be highly flexible in their annual choice of widely separated winter destinations and suggest that these wanderers may be mainly males. The occurrence of wanderers provides a mechanism for increasing genetic variability in the breeding populations and also suggests a mechanism for noted song similarities across different North Pacific winter grounds. --------------------------- Age and growth estimates of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) via aspartic acid racemization John C. George, Jeffrey Bada, Judith Zeh, Laura Scott, Stephen E. Brown, Todd O'Hara, and Robert Suydam 1999. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:571-580. Abstract: A total of 48 eye globes were collected and analyzed to estimate ages of bowhead whales using the aspartic acid racemization technique. In this technique, age is estimated based on intrinsic changes in the D and L enantiomeric isomeric forms of aspartic acid in the eye lens nucleus. Age estimates were successful for 42 animals. Racemization rate (kAsp) for aspartic acid was based on data from earlier studies of humans and fin whales; the estimate used was 1.18 10-3/year. The D/L ratio at birth ((D/L)0) was estimated using animals less than or equal to 2 years of age (n =3D 8), since variability in the D/L measurements is large enough that differences among ages in this range are unmeasurable. The (D/L)0 estimate was 0.0285. Variance of the age estimates was obtained using the delta method. Based on these data, growth appears faster for females than males, and age at sexual maturity (age at length 12-13 m for males and 13-13.5 m for females) occurs at around 25 years of age. Growth slows markedly for both sexes at roughly 40-50 years of age. Four individuals (all males) exceed 100 years of age. Standard error increased with estimated age, but the age estimates had lower coefficients of variation for older animals. Recoveries of traditional whale-hunting tools from five recently harvested whales also suggest life-spans in excess of 100 years of age in some cases. ------------------- Inshore and offshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) communities distinguished by association patterns near Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas Kelly A. Rossbach and Denise L. Herzing 1999. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:581-592. Abstract: Little is known about the behavior of offshore dolphin populations. Our purpose was to distinguish and describe stable social groups of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) between inshore and offshore West End, Grand Bahama Island (26=B042'N, 79=B000'W). Photoidentification was conducted from May to September, 1994 to 1996. A simple ratio index described association patterns between dolphins. Multidimensional scaling of association indices (n =3D 1711 dolphin pairs) distinguished two dolphin communities consisting of 28 dolphins (19 of known sex) found inshore and 15 dolphins (12 of known sex) found greater than or equal to 27 km offshore. Eight of the 15 offshore dolphins were opportunistically photographed in the same region between 1986 and 1990. The two communities were found at different water depths (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01), over distinct bottom types (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.01), and used different bottom-foraging strategies. Long-term site fidelity of up to 10 years and repeated dolphin associations of up to 8 years occurred greater than or equal to 27 km from shore. Dolphins sighted greater than or equal to 15 times averaged 48 associates (SD =3D 11, n =3D 28). A dolphin's closest associate was of the same gender 74% of the time. This study is the first to report long-term site fidelity and association patterns of bottlenose dolphins found far from shore.=20 -------------------------- Assimilation efficiency of prey in the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) Gwen D. Goodman-Lowe, James R. Carpenter, and Shannon Atkinson 1999. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77: 653-660. Abstract: Assimilation efficiency, digestive efficiency, metabolizable energy, and nitrogen retention in three captive adult male Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) were measured with the indigestible marker chromic oxide for four experimental diets: a control diet of herring (Clupea harengus) and three test diets consisting of flagtail (Kuhlia sandvicensis), squid (Loligo sp.), and lobster (Panulirus marginatus), each of which was used in combination with herring. The addition of all three test prey to herring decreased the digestibility of gross energy by a mean of 3.58 =B1 3.89%. Assimilation efficiency of gross energy was 96.1 =B1 4.0% for herring, 73.8 =B1 6.8% for flagtail, and 94.1 =B1 5.7% for squid, but could not be determined for lobster. Digestive efficiency and metabolizable energy of the diets examined were high (4602.2 =B1 247.1 and 4062.5 =B1 178.4 kcal/d, respectively; 1 kcal =3D 4.18 kJ) and were positively correlated with the amount of gross energy ingested. Nitrogen retention was highest for the squid-herring diet (33.2 =B1 1.2 g=B7d-1) followed by the lobster-herring diet (11.5 =B1 3.3 g=B7d-1), the flagtail-herring diet (6.0 =B1 0.0 g=B7d-1), and the herring (control) diet (-5.7 =B1 1.6 g=B7d= -1). This study indicates that prey which are both higher in protein and lower in fat than herring provide greater metabolizable energy for productive functions in Hawaiian monk seals. ---------------------- Individually distinctive pup vocalizations fail to prevent allo-suckling in grey seals Susanne McCulloch, Patrick P. Pomeroy, and Peter J.B. Slater 1999. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:716-723 Abstract: In crowded aggregations that occur in breeding colonies, female pinnipeds commonly become separated from their pups and may use spatial, olfactory, or auditory cues to locate them. A system of mutual recognition based on vocalizations is known for otariids. Female phocids are known to use location and olfaction to help identify pups, but evidence for vocal recognition is weak. During the 1997 breeding season on the Isle of May, Scotland, vocalizations were recorded from grey seal, Halichoerus grypus, pups; playback experiments were carried out; and nursing of nonfilial pups was observed. Pup vocalizations were found to be both stereotyped and individually distinctive, features normally associated with a system of individual recognition. However, playback experiments revealed that mothers did not respond more to vocalizations of their own pups than to those of nonfilial pups. Furthermore, seventeen cases of allo-suckling were observed during 68 h of observation on the colony. High densities of animals and frequent separations present challenges to identification of pups by their mothers. ------------------------ The development of diving behavior in juvenile Weddell seals: pushing physiological limits in order to survive Jennifer M. Burns 1999. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:737-747. Abstract: In juvenile phocids, the successful transition from nursing to independent foraging is contingent upon the development of adequate diving skills within the limited time between weaning and the depletion of body reserves. Yet, because juvenile seals are unable to remain submerged for as long as adults, owing to their smaller size, higher metabolic rates, and lowered oxygen stores, their behavioral options are likely constrained. To determine how such limitations might influence foraging strategies, we studied the development of diving behavior and physiology in Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) juveniles, using a combination of time-depth recorders, satellite-linked dive recorders, and morphological and physiological measurements (mass and blood chemistry). Time-depth recorder data indicated that the average depth, duration, and frequency of dives made by pups increased rapidly in the period from birth through weaning, but slowed soon thereafter. While preweaning increases in these parameters were correlated with seal age, postweaning increases in dive capacity were gradual and were probably the result of slower changes in mass and body composition. In weaned pups and yearlings, dive frequency and time underwater increased with age and (or) mass. Despite their smaller size and lower absolute energy requirements, the amount of time juveniles spent in the water was similar to that spent by adults. However, because juveniles were unable to remain submerged as long as adults and because most foraging dives were deep, juveniles were unable to spend an equivalent amount of time at the foraging depths. This difference was evident even though juveniles dove much closer to their anaerobic threshold than did adults. These findings support the hypothesis that the foraging efficiency of younger seals is reduced relative to that of adults, owing to physiological and morphological constraints on aerobic dive duration, and suggests that low juvenile survival might result from behavioral constraints.=20 =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 Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Post-doctoral fellow, Biology Dept., Dalhousie University Research Director, Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road,=20 Kihei, HI 96753 USA.=20 Phone (808) 879-8860 (work), 879-7061 (home). Fax 879-2615 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca=20 http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm=20 http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 15:34:20 -0400 From: rene visser Subject: VOLUNTEERS/INTERN POSITIONS AVAILABLE The Oceanic Marine Mammal Research Foundation is currently seeking interns/vulonteers The Oceanic Marine Mammal Research Foundation is a Dutch non profit organisation dedicated to protect our marine environment through research and education. For our project at the Outer Hebrides we seek volunteers and interns who like participate. The positions will be available from mid-June 2000 till September 2000. We will monitor 300 miles of coastal waters at the Outer Hebrides, conducting serveys to investigate the abundancy of humpback whale, minke whale and other cetacean through acoustics and photo-indentification. We will also work on different aspects of the behaviour and ecology of the whales. The research is conducted from a 70 feet sailing cutter whereas the nights will be spent at a camping site. You are expected to participate in collecting data and samples, proccessing data and general activities like cooking etc. The positions are available from mid June till mid September. Priority will be given to those available for longer period. A scientific background would be an advance but no requirement. You're also expected to be fluent in English, oral and written . Applicants should send a letter of interest in which you should make clear objectives and include a c.v. More information could be obtained from our web-site or either by contacting us by mail. The OMMRF has also positions for post-graduate students who are interested to participate by introducing their own project. Applicants should contact us to discuss posibilities and funding. Oceanic Marine Mammal Research Foundation P.O.Box 3023 1801 GA Alkmaar The Netherlands Internet:http://www.whale-foundation.org E-mail:info(\)whale-foundation.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 10:52:17 +0200 From: Daniel Pike Subject: NAMMCO Holds Ninth Meeting ------ The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission held its ninth meeting in Akureyri, Iceland, from October 5-8, 1999. The final press release from the meeting can be accessed on the NAMMCO web site at www.nammco.no in th= e "News" section. NAMMCO hosted the International Symposium on Harbour Porpoises in the Nor= th Atlantic in Norway from September 10-14, 1999. A summary of the meeting can also be accessed on the NAMMCO web site in the "News" section. Regards, Daniel Pike Scientific Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, University of Troms=F8 9037 Troms=F8, Norway. Tel: +47 77 64 59 08 Fax: +47 77 64 59 05 Dan.Pike(\)nammco.no See us on the Web at www.nammco.no ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 00:26:56 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Lectureship at University of Kent (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- LECTURESHIP IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION UNIVERSITY OF KENT AT CANTERBURY (DICE): Professor Nigel Leader-Williams wishes to bring the following advertisement for a Lectureship (from A to very top of B scale) in DICE to the attention of any colleagues, or to any promising post-docs (and very close to finishing PhDs) who may be interested in a move to a multi-disciplinary home that strongly promotes capacity building. The post replaces that held previously by Professor Ian Swingland, who has taken early retirement through ill health. The advertisement should have just appeared in Nature The closing date is 29 October. Further particulars may be obtained by e-mail from the University of Kent at Canterbury Personnel Department: . THE DURRELL INSTITUTE FOR CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF KENT AT CANTERBURY Lectureship in Biodiversity Conservation Applications are invited for a Lectureship in Biodiversity Conservation in the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, from 1 December 1999 or as soon as possible thereafter. We seek a biodiversity conservationist who specialises in any one of fields of community ecology, plant conservation, resource economics, nature tourism, information management, or other appropriate interdisciplinary fields that complement existing staff strengths. Candidates should have a PhD and a strong research profile in biodiversity conservation. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to both the undergraduate and graduate teaching of the Institute and the Department of Anthropology, which are located in the Faculty of Social Sciences, and to the overall development of the Institute. The appointment will be on the Lecturer A or B scale, depending on age and experience. A junior appointment on the lecturer A scale will be subject to a 3 year period of probation. Informal enquiries may be made to Professor S.R. Harrop (tel: 01227 764000 extn.7074/ Email S.R.Harrop(\)ukc.ac.uk). Further particulars are available from The Personnel Office, The Registry, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ. Tel: (01227) 823674 (and Minicom) or (01227) 827837 (24 hours). Please quote reference number A00/9. Closing date: Friday 29 October 1999. The University of Kent is committed to implementing its Equal Opportunities Policy. Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Body in Killer Whale Pool. On Oct. 1, 1999, the parents of the man whose body was found in SeaWorld Orlando's killer whale pool in early July 1999 voluntarily withdrew their lawsuit against SeaWorld. No explanation was given for this action, and no settlement was reported.} [Assoc Press] Canadian Seal Harvest. On Sept. 22, 1999, Canadian federal officials announced plans to lobby the U.S. Congress to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow Canadian seal products to be imported into the United States. The value of U.S. market access is estimated to be as much as C$100 million. [Canadian Press] Dolphin Release. On Sept. 21, 1999, Hurricane Gert damaged beachside pools at Dolphin Quest on Bermuda, resulting in the unintentional release of 4 captive dolphins. [Assoc Press] Steller Sea Lions. On Sept. 16, 1999, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly denied a request by 3 environmental groups for significant changes in AK's fall pollock season to protect Steller sea lions, saying he would wait for an NMFS report on the effects of pollock fishery changes on sea lions, due Oct. 15, 1999. A judicial hearing on the NMFS report is scheduled for Oct. 29, 1999. [Assoc Press] Keiko. In mid-September 1999, officials of the Ocean Futures Society announced that they hope to be able to release him into the wild in June 2000. [Reuters] Trade in Beluga Whalemeat? On Sept. 13, 1999, 13 tons of meat and blubber from 36 Russian belugas killed in early September 1999, arrived in Hakodate, Japan. On Sept. 15, 1999, the Russian Federation government halted the export of beluga whalemeat to Japan, claiming the harvest was not sustainable. [IFAW press release, Environmental News Network, London Times, Los Angeles Times] {Manatees. In early September 1999, the National Marine Manufacturers Association was reported as initiating an effort called the "Manatee Task Force" to have the manatee removed from the federal endangered species list, claiming the manatee population is growing.} {{On Oct. 5, 1999, individuals representing the organization announced that the group had modified its objectives to supporting better ways to count, tag, and track manatees as well as promoting research to help manatees avoid boat collisions.}} {On Oct. 6, 1999, Lee County (one of 13 FL counties whose regulations were thought critical to protecting manatees) became the final county to have manatee- protective speed zones for watercraft established by the FL Fish and Wildlife Commission. On Oct. 6, 1999, FL Fish and Wildlife Commission officials announced that the state had exceeded its previous record during 25 years of reporting boat-related manatee deaths, with 67 manatees reported to have been killed by boat collisions thus far in 1999.} [Naples Daily News, St. Petersburg Times, 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: ACS/Puget Sound Chapter first general meeting The newly reformed Puget Sound Chapter of the American Cetacean Society will hold its first general meeting this Tuesday, October 19, at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Seattle Aquarium and if free to the public. Our speaker will be Makah elder, Alberta Thompson. Ms. Thompson will talk about her insights into the Makah gray whale hunt. The Parker family of the Makah tribe are currently preparing to hunt a gray whale off the coast of Washington state. This afternoon, the harpoon had been placed in the Makah whaling canoe in preparation for the hunt. In addition, the United States Coast Guard was practicing the seizure of small vessels. NMFS personnel are currently in Neah Bay (Makah reservation), so the Parkers can begin their hunt without the need for 24 hour advance notice. For more information, please contact: Joe Olson, President ACS/Puget Sound Chapter P.O. Box 17136 Seattle, WA 98107-0836 acs(\)cetaceanresearch.com 206-706-6989 (home) 206-297-1310 (office) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Oct 1999 08:45:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Behavior faculty position - Pennsylvania (fwd) Cross-posted from ABS Net ------------------------------ From: Shan D. Duncan Subject: U of Penn - tenure track Assistant Professor in Animal Behavior Animal behavior The Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania hopes to hire a tenure track Assistant Professor in the area of animal behavior. We are particularly interested in individuals addressing fundamental issues in the evolution of social behavior, behavioral ecology, cognition, or communication in natural populations of animals. The successful applicant must show evidence of a vigorous research program, promise of leadership in his or her field, and a commitment to both undergraduate and graduate education. Teaching will include contributions to Penn's undergraduate programs in Psychology and the Biological Basis of Behavior. Please provide a CV including a statement of research interests, a description of teaching interests and experience, up to three recent publications, and three letters of reference to Animal Behavior Search, Department of Psychology, 3815 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104. Applications will begin to be reviewed on October 31. The University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. From: "guerrero & co." Subject: position announcement for executive director in Monterey, CA ------ Applicants please mail or fax resume to:=20 FSO Search Committee, 612 Lighthouse, Ave, PMB#156, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950; FAX (831) 646-9363. No phone calls please. FRIENDS OF THE SEA OTTER (FSO) Position Announcement for Executive Director Position Location: Monterey, California Position Summary: The Executive Director is responsible for overall management of the organization including administrative oversight and running all internal functions. The incumbent reports to the President of the Board of Trustees. By supplying information, coordinating protection efforts, providing education and fostering advocacy, FSO is dedicated to the protection of sea otters and their habitat throughout their North Pacific Range with emphasis on the Southern Sea Otter, a rare and threatened species found along the California coast. Responsibilities: Administrative =B7 Develop and ensure adherence to the organization's budget, and oversee preparation of monthly financial statements. Approves all expenditures. =B7 Insures that the organization adheres to appropriate state and federal financial and legal reporting requirements, and does not violate laws regulating non-profit status. =B7 Makes arrangements for proper insurance coverage for the organization, the Board and the staff. =B7 Implements policy fulfilling the organization's mission as directed by the Board of Trustees and administers Board-approved strategic plan. =B7 Supervisor to staff; primary responsibility for hiring, firing and development of employees. Responsible for running regular staff meetings using team approach to problem solving/working with staff. =B7 Implements established personnel policy and By-laws. Liaison to Board of Trustees =B7 Act as chief liaison to Board of Trustees and establish a working relationship with the Board President to determine goals and priorities and ensure their timely implementation. =B7 Attend all Board meetings and all committee meetings, prepare Board meeting agendas in consultation with the Board President and committee meeting agendas in consultation with the committee chairs. =B7 In consultation with Board President, plan and implement Board and staff retreats as directed by Board. =B7 In a timely fashion, advise board on all matters affecting the status and viability of the organization. Development/marketing =B7 Primary responsibility for all development activities. Work wit= h Board, Development Consultant and staff on all development activities with guidance from the Board of Trustees. Responsible for implementation of Board approved marketing/development plan. Program/Policy =B7 Develop and administer all organizational program activity in consultation with the Board of Trustees and appropriate staff. =B7 Remain current on issues affecting sea otters, become familiar with current FSO positions on issues and communicate them effectively. =B7 Represent FSO at meetings, hearings and workshops and appear before state and federal agencies dealing with sea otter issues, and serve as principle liaison to groups with purposes and objectives similar to FSO. Appear with Science Director as appropriate. =B7 Serve as spokesperson for FSO with the media, members and general public. =B7 Take responsibility for making major contributions to the annua= l report and organizing and running the annual meeting. =B7 Assume ultimate responsibility for production of all publications. =B7 Other duties as required Typical Physical Demands: =B7 Working on desktop computer (with keyboard, monitor) for extended periods of time =B7 Frequent use of telephone, copier, FAX and other office equipment =B7 Must be able to travel to a variety of locations to represent the organization, involves walking long distances, climbing stairs, carrying a variety of items and materials. =B7 Must be able to hear and communicate clearly both on the telephone an= d in person. Qualifications/Skills: =B7 Experience managing or directing a business, or conservation or public service non-profit organization, working closely with Board of Directors and Committees. =B7 A proven successful record of major fund-raising and membership development. =B7 Excellent oral and written communication skills. =B7 Ability to interact positively and effectively with a wide variety of people, organizations and community groups. =B7 Ability to use a desktop computer for communication, record-keeping, budget management and other administrative functions. Hours: Full time, with occasional evenings and weekends Compensation and Benefits: Paid medical, dental, life insurance policy, 10 days sick leave; 10 days vacation; 8 holidays, 2 personal holidays.=20 Starting salary range: $40,000-42,000 Friends of the Sea Otter Search Committee 612 Lighthouse Ave, PMB#156 Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 FAX (831) 646-9363. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 12:14:47 +0200 From: Ralf Sonntag Subject: Small Cetacean sanctuary created in Germany The Parliament of the North German state of Schleswig Holstein voted on Wednesday Oct. 15th 1999 for the creation of a small cetacean sanctuary off the Islands of Sylt and Amrum. To my knowledge this is the fist real cetacean sanctuary in Europe. After it was prooved that the waters off these two islands are used as a breeding ground for porpoises (published in: Identification of the first harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) calving ground in the North Sea. Sonntag, RP; Benke, H; Hiby, AR; Lick, R; Adelung, D; JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH, (May 1999) Vol41 pp225-232) scientists and environmentalists (mainly from Greenpeace, Schutzstation Wattenmeer and WWF and supported by the IUCN cetacean specialist group) demanded since 1996 the creation of this sanctuary to protect this breeding ground from disturbances by fast going boats (speed limit for all boat, jetskis will be forbidden), by industrial fisheries and other disturbing human activities which might affect porpoises. The sanctuary will be included in the already existing National Park Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein There has been a lot of debates and political fights about it but in the end we got a victory for the environment. In my opinion this is an important step for the protection of cetaceans and especially porpoises in the North Sea. _________________________________________________________________ Dr. Ralf P. Sonntag Phone: 040 30618 333 Greenpeace Germany FAX: 040 30631 131 Ocean Ecology EMAIL: ralf.sonntag(\)greenpeace.de Gr. Elbstr. 39 22767 Hamburg Germany ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 12:08:55 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Hawaiian monk seal field positions (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) is currently advertising for field staff to work with the National Marine Fisheries Service to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. There are two primary periods of employment available: 14 Feb - 15 Aug, and 17 April - 15 Aug. IMPORTANT: Please specify the dates you are available when applying. The first 3 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu for training and packing, and the last 2 weeks are also in Honolulu to clean up gear and work on data. Food and lodging in Honolulu is at the employees expense; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food (mostly canned and dried), and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few resupply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and management program which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat and spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; inventorying, sampling and removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data is also collected at some sites. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www1.nmfs.hawaii.edu/psi/ To view the job postings, go to http://www.hawaii.edu/news/kulama/991022/vacancies.html after October 22nd, 1999. The jobs are also currently posted on the following sites: Biological Research Assistant: http://www.careergiant.com/biorcu842.htm Biological Research Technician: http://www.careergiant.com/biorcu841.htm Inquiries may be directed to: Chad Yoshinaga E-mail: Chad.Yoshinaga(\)noaa.gov phone (808) 983-5717 Brenda Becker Brenda.Becker(\)noaa.gov phone (808) 983-5714 Subject: New book on cetaceans of the Galapagos. Request photo's / information. Dear fellow Marmamers, (apologies to all those European Cetacean Society members who have already read this). I am currently working on the cetacean chapter for a book entitled 'Field guide to the identification of the birds, mammals and reptiles of the Galapagos'which will be published by Pica Press. The guide will contain photographs (mostly above surface) and colour plates of all of the cetacean species present in the region. The text will concentrate on identification with notes on status and distribution. I am therefore searching for anybody who might have information or photographs of the cetaceans which are present in the region. The publisher is prepared to pay #20.00 sterling (or equivelent in other currencies) per photograph for any published photographs of the species listed below: Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata, sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis, Bryde's whale Balaenoptera edeni, blue whale Balaenoptera musculus, fin whale Balaenoptera physalus, humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae, sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps, dwarf sperm whale Kogia simus, Blainville's beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris, gingko-toothed beaked whale Mesoplodon ginkgodens, Hector's beaked whale Mesoplodon hectori, Lesser beaked whale Mesoplodon peruvianus, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris, pygmy killer whale Feresa attenuata, short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus, Orca Orcinus orca, melon-headed whale eponocephala electra, false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens, common dolphin delphinus delphis, striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba, long-snouted spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris, pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata, rough-toothed dolphin Steno bradensis, bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus and Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei. If you have photos of any of these species then I would be very interested in receiving them. All photographs will be returned at the owners request or when the publishers have decided which photographs are to be used. Photographs should be sent to: Dylan Walker, Galapagos Cetacean Project, 17 Stanmore Road, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, NR7 0HB, UK. I am also searching for information or publications which people may be aware of concerning cetaceans and the Galapagos, particularly with regard to sightings. Does anybody know whether short and long-beaked common dolphins are likely to occur in this area? Thanks in advance for any assistance which anybody can give. Yours Sincerely, Dylan Walker E-mail: Dylanwalker26(\)hotmail.com Tel: (UK) (0)1603 433566 ________________ ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 22:56:06 +0200 From: Jaap van der Toorn Subject: Survival rates toolkit As an extension to my online paper on survival rates, I have developed a Web-based toolkit with which you can calculate animal days and convert animal days and number of deaths into survival rates. 95% confidence limits will be calculated if possible. There is also a tool for converting survival rates to life expectancies vice versa. These tools require a JavaScript 1.2 enabled Web browser. There is a separate help page available. The calculations are based on the methods described by DeMaster and Drevenak (1988) and others. Standard errors and 95% CIs are calculated using methods described in Sokal and Rohlf (1995). You can access the toolkit from the main page on my marine mammal web site or directly at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap/Survival/AsrTools.htm References DeMaster, D.P. and J.K. Drevenak (1988) Survivorship patterns in three species of captive cetaceans. Marine Mammal Science 4(4): 297-311 Sokal, R.R. and F.J.Rohlf (1995) Biometry, 3rd edition. The principles and practice of statistics in biological research. W.H. Freemand & Company, N.Y. Cheers, Jaap -- Jaap van der Toorn mail: jaap(\)compuserve.com web: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jaap ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 21:36:04 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: killer whales off Brazil (fwd) Forwarded message: Seasonal occurrence of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in waters of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Z. S=E4ugetierkunde 64 (1999) 251-255. by S. Siciliano, J. Lailson Brito Jr., and A. de F. Azevedo. Abstract A collection of recent sightings of killer whales for the Rio de Janeiro State coast is presented and provides an opportunity for discussion of their presence and ecological requirements in area previously uncovered. A total of 29 records of killer whale groups was confirmed on the coast of Rio de Janeiro between October 1993 and November 1997. The period between August 1996 and February 1997 represents 76.7% of all sightings. Killer whale sightings were concentrated on spring and summer months, accounting for 93% of all confirmed records. Group size ranged from one to 15 individuals, but averaged 3.9 animals. One individual was resighted at a time interval of 37 days. All groups sighted were found in shallow coastal waters, well located inside the continental slope. These sightings indicate that killer whales, once thought to be rare in shallow coastal waters of southeastern Brazil, may use yhis habitat seasonally as a foraging ground. *************************************************************** Reprints request to: Salvatore Siciliano Museu Nacional/UFRJ Depto. de Vertebrados, Setor de Mamiferos Rio de Janeiro, RJ 209490-040 Brazil siciliano(\)openlink.com.br Subject: Right Whale Aerial Survey Job Opportunity Job Opportunity Announcement Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Marine Research Institute Endangered and Threatened Species Section OPS Research Staff (no benefits) Aerial observer 2 positions available Location: Jacksonville, FL Pay Rate: $9.50/hour (40 hours/week) Start Date: December 15, 1999 Apply To: Cyndi Thomas Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Jacksonville Field Laboratory 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200B Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 448-4300 ext. 229; FAX: (904) 448-4366 FAX; EMAIL: Cyndi.T.Thomas(\)dep.state.fl.us CLOSING DATE: November 15, 1999 (submit a State of Florida Application which can be downloaded from JOBSDIRECT.STATE.FL.US/) 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 and with the ability to work independently and accurately record data in the field. Basic still and video camera operating skills are desirable. User proficiency in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software is essential. Brief Description of Job Duties: This is a temporary assignment (through March 30, 2000). Research Staff will work as part of the Right Whale Conservation Program by conducting aerial surveys of the coastal waters of Florida. Primary duties include: participating as an observer and photographer during routine aerial surveys of Florida and adjacent waters; collecting sighting and behavioral data in-flight; compiling survey data for entry into dBASE (or similar format) files after each flight; proofing, editing, correcting and analyzing field data; organizing photoidentification slides taken during surveys; and assisting in analyses of slides to determine identification of individual right whales. Knowledge of maintenance and operation of standard aerial survey equipment including GPS, still and digital video photography equipment, VHF radio, etc. is necessary. Other tasks may be assigned by the project leader. Research Staff should possess the ability to communicate e! ff! ectively and be capable of esta ishing and maintaining cooperative 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. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 12:23:29 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Gray whales and the value of monitoring data in implementing the US Endangered Species Act. Gerber, LR; DeMaster, DP; Kareiva, PM. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. October 1999 v13 i5 p1215-1219 A quantitative approach to endangered species act classification of long-lived vertebrates: Application to the North Pacific humpback whale. Gerber, LR; DeMaster, DP. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. October 1999 v13 i5 p1203-1214 Anatomy of the laryngeal apparatus of the pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata (Gray 1846). Reeb, D; Best, PB. JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY. October 1999 v242 i1 p67-81 Biomarkers of DNA damage in marine mammals. Gauthier, JM; Dubeau, H; Rassart, E; Jarman, WM; Wells, RS. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS. August 18, 1999 v444 i2 p427-439 Testicular and ovarian development in the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Karakosta, CV; Jepson, PD; Ohira, H; Moore, A; Bennett, PM; Holt, WV JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, September 1999 v249 part1 p111-121 Morbillivirus infections, with special emphasis on morbilliviruses of carnivores. Barrett, T. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY. September 1, 1999 v69 i1-2 p3-13 Morbilliviruses in Mediterranean monk seals. van de Bildt, MWG; Vedder, EJ; Martina, BEE; Abou Sidib, B; Jiddou, AB; Barham, MEO; Androukaki,E; Komnenou, A; Niesters, HGM; Osterhaus, ADME. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY. September 1, 1999 v69 i1-2 p19-21 Heavy metal content in liver and kidneys of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in various life stages correlated with metallothionein levels: Some metal-binding characteristics of this protein. Teigen, SW; Andersen, RA; Daae, HL; Skaare, JU. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. October 1999 v18 i10 p2364-2369 Long-term trends in the population ecology of polar bears in western Hudson Bay in relation to climatic change. Stirling, I; Lunn, NJ; Iacozza, J. ARCTIC. September 1999 v52 i3 p294-306 Diet of arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) in Greenland. Kapel, CMO. ARCTIC. September 1999 v52 i3 p289-293 Proximate factors associated with high levels of extraconsort fertilization in polygynous grey seals. Ambs, SM; Boness, DJ; Bowen, WD; Perry,EA; Fleischer, RC. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR. September 1999 v58 part3 p527-535 Health condition of the Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) during two decades - Gynaecological health improvement but increased prevalence of colonic ulcers (vol 107, pg 270, 1999). Bergman, A. APMIS. September 1999 v107 i9 p886-886 Hunting and social behaviour of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) at Seal Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Hiruki, LM; Schwartz, MK; Boveng, PL. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. September 1999 v249 part1 p97-109 Herpesviruses of carnivores. Gaskell, R; Willoughby, K. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY. September 1, 1999 v69 i1-2 p73-88 Genetic analysis of a canine calicivirus: evidence for a new clade of animal caliciviruses Roerink, F; Hashimoto, M; Tohya, Y; Mochizuki, M VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY,September 1, 1999 v69 i1-2 p69-72 Manatee response to boating activity in a thermal refuge Buckingham, CA; Lefebvre, LW; Schaefer, JM; Kochman, HI WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN, Summer 1999 v27 i2 p514-522 Infanticide and cannibalism of juvenile polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in Svalbard. Derocher, AE; Wiig, O. ARCTIC. September 1999 v52 i3 p307-310 Subject: Program - 13th Biennial Meeting is Available wau(\)hawaii.edu, jarman(\)aloha.net, naomi.mcintosh(\)noaa.gov, allen.tom(\)noaa.gov, todell(\)fbs.net, bjensen(\)whoi.edu, jwalters(\)lava.net, jphilips(\)hawaii.edu, ford(\)zoology.ubc.ca, WhaleCntr(\)aol.com The opportunity for regular preregistration for the 13th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Wailea Maui November 28 to December 3 ends NOVEMBER 1, 1999. Registration after that date will be more expensive and will ONLY BE AVAILABLE at the Meeting. Registration instructions are available online at: http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/reginstruc.html The PROGRAM for oral presentations at the 13th Biennial Meeting is available at the website. http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/Maui.html Speakers are advised that only 35mm slide projectors, standard American video format video projectors and overhead transparency projectors are available. Powerpoint presentation capability from your laptop computer will not be available. ALOHA Paul E. Nachtigall Chair, Scientific Program -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 13:44:24 -0200 From: Liliane Lodi Subject: Abstract: Steno feeding behaviors in Brazil ---------------------- Lodi, L. and Hetzel, B. 1999. Rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis, feeding behaviors in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil. Biociencias. 7 (1) : 29 - 42. ABSTRACT : Feeding behaviors by rough-toothed dolphins, Steno bredanensis (Lesson, 1828), were opportunistically observed on seven occasions, in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil southeastern coast, from 1990-1998. The preys were mullet (Mugil sp. and Mugil curema), cutlass fish (Trichiurus lepturus) and balao (Hemirhamphus brasiliensis). On one occasion, rough-toothed dolphins were feeding in association with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Magnificent frigate birds (Fregata magnificens) and brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) were associated with rough-toothed dolphins on three occasions. In all observations, subgroups of dolphins appeared to push fish schools against the shore. We describe a line formation of dolphins trapping a fish school against the coast, and other feeding maneuvers such as circles and aerial behaviors around the schools. On five occasions, rough-toothed dolphins were observed shaking their heads at the water's surface while holding a fish in their mouths. An underwater observation made it possible to witness a dolphin beheading a mullet. We also describe an adult apparently feeding a calf and, in other occasion, a group of approximately 15 adult dolphins assisting a feeding juvenile, as well dolphins' interactions with human fishing activities (circular gill-nets and mariculture facilities). Despite the small number of observations, this paper ad new prey species for S. bredanensis, and present some insights on this poorly known species' feeding behaviors in the wild. Reprints are available from the author : lodi(\)domain.com.br ============================================================= Liliane Lodi Projeto Golfinhos CP 24075 Rio de Janeiro - RJ Brazil 20522-970 e-mail : lodi(\)domain.com.br http://paraty.com.br/golfinho.htm =============================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 00:28:15 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement University of Mississippi (fwd) Below is a job announcement for a staff attorney position at the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program at the University of Mississippi Law School & Mississippi Law Research Institute. You may also view the job annoucement and information on the Legal Program at http://www.olemiss.edu/pubs/waterlog/ POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY, MS 38677 MISSISSIPPI LAW RESEARCH INSTITUTE Position Title: Research Counsel Salary: $38,000 Duties:=20 Conduct research on ocean, coastal, natural resource, and related environmental legal issues; prepare reports of research in the form of briefs and articles for publication; provide assistance to governmental agencies concerning interpretation of statutes, regulations, and case law; assist in the preparation and publication of the WATER LOG, a quarterly Sea Grant Legal Reporter; travel to conferences to present research papers; and supervise law student research associates. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree; Law Degree by starting date; strong law school academic record; relevant course work and/or work experience in one or more of the following: ocean/coastal, natural resources, environmental law; demonstrated ability to conduct research and writing; familiarity with Westlaw and/or LEXIS; ability to communicate easily and work well with others; and, membership in the Mississippi Bar or commitment to acquire membership in the Mississippi Bar. Anticipated Starting Date:=20 January, 2000=20 Position open until filled. Contact: Send r=E9sum=E9 of experience and education, copy of law school transcript, research and writing sample, 3 references and other pertinent information to: Kristen Fletcher=20 Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program=20 518 Law Center=20 University, MS 38677=20 (662) 915-7775=20 E-mail: kfletch(\)olemiss.edu The University of Mississippi is an EEO/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. ****************************************************************** Kristen M. Fletcher, Research Counsel =20 Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program =20 University of Mississippi Law School =20 Law Center, Room 518 =09=09 =20 University, MS 38677 e-mail: kfletch(\)olemiss.edu phone: (662) 915-7775 fax: (662) 915-5267 =20 Visit us at: http://www.olemiss.edu/pubs/waterlog/ ******************************************************************* Subject: Assistant in Baja California (fwd) Forwarded message: From: Paco Ollervides I"m looking for a field assistant for my 2000 field season. I am looking for someone who is a hard worker (self-motivated), has some experience in research, is interested in pursuing a career in biology, is at least at the junior/senior level of university, and enjoys working in rough field conditions. The job lasts from mid January until May. Benefits include paid room and board, however travel arrangements to the field site are not included. The project is on the impacts of ecotourism on gray whales in San Carlos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. I am a gradutate student at Texas A&M working under Bernd Wursig. The project involves theodolite tracking, acoustic recording, and taking some behavioral data. There is also some camping involved - at least one week per month. If you are interested please send you curriculum vitae, a letter of interest, a summary of your biological research experience, and 2 letters of recommendation to me by November 15th at: Francisco "Paco" Ollervides 210 Nagle Hall Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77840 Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Steller Sea Lion Lawsuit. On Oct. 18, 1999, NMFS officials announced that NMFS has addressed all requirements of a federal court order to clarify its plans to protect Steller sea lion populations and proceed with the North Pacific pollock fishery. Measures taken seek to reduce the potential for competition for pollock without reducing the commercial fishery harvest include dispersing the fisheries over time, dispersing the fisheries over area, and better protecting sea lion rookeries and major haulouts.} [NOAA press release] {Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Oct. 18, 1999, a coalition of 6 environmental groups petitioned to the AK Dept. of Fish and Game to protect Cook Inlet beluga whales under AK endangered species law.} [ABC News] {Gray Whale Mortalities. In mid-October 1999, a Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans scientists reported that tests revealed low fat reserves indicating that starvation was the likely cause of the more than 100 gray whale deaths observed earlier this year.} [Portland Oregonian] {Bowhead Whaling. In mid-October 1999, Barrow, AK, whalers finished their fall whaling season, killing 6 bowhead whales in the last week.} [Assoc Press] {Contaminants in Cetacean Products. In mid-October 1999, a joint study by scientists from Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Fukuoka, Japan), Harvard University, and the Univ. of Greenwich (UK) concluded that whale and dolphin products on the market for human consumption are contaminated with high levels of mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). About 85% of samples from smaller cetaceans tested exceeded the Japanese provisional standard for mercury of 0.4 micrograms per gram, with levels in stewed dolphin livers about 500 times the standard. About half of the samples minke whale and smaller cetaceans exceeded the provisional standard for PCBs of 0.5 micrograms per gram. These scientists anticipate submitting findings to the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry and the Japanese Fisheries Agency, requesting them to take action to alleviate the problem.} [Daily Yomiuri] {Makah Whaling. On Oct. 15, 1999, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society officials reported that their vessel, the Sirenian, received at least $2,000 damage from vandals while dry docked at Lake Union, WA. The Sirenian was being readied for protests against this fall's whaling by the Makah tribe. Makah whalers are reportedly practicing for a fall hunt.} [Seattle Times] Greenpeace and UK Oil Exploration. On Oct. 11, 1999, Greenpeace officials petitioned the UK High Court for judicial review of the UK government's decision not to apply the European Union Habitats and Species Directive to oil exploration on the outer continental shelf northwest of the British Isles to increase protection of whales, dolphins, and deepwater corals. [Daily Telegraph, BBC] Manatees. On Oct. 5, 1999, individuals representing the National Marine Manufacturers Association announced that the group had modified its objectives to supporting better ways to count, tag, and track manatees as well as promoting research to help manatees avoid boat collisions. On Oct. 6, 1999, Lee County (one of 13 FL counties whose regulations were thought critical to protecting manatees) became the final county to have manatee-protective speed zones for watercraft established by the FL Fish and Wildlife Commission. On Oct. 6, 1999, FL Fish and Wildlife Commission officials announced that the state had exceeded its previous record during 25 years of reporting boat-related manatee deaths, with 67 manatees reported to have been killed by boat collisions thus far in 1999. [Naples Daily News, St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune] Body in Killer Whale Pool. On Oct. 1, 1999, the parents of the man whose body was found in SeaWorld Orlando's killer whale pool in early July 1999 voluntarily withdrew their lawsuit against SeaWorld. No explanation was given for this action, and no settlement was reported. [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: Your e-mail at the Maui Meeting If you'd like to take advantage of the free ability to tie in with your e-mail server and read your e-mail while you are at the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Wailea Maui, you will need to do a little checking in advance to bring the right information about your server with you. For details please check the website: http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/Maui.html If you haven't checked the website recently you will find the entire program now available including all oral and poster presentations. If you haven't registered yet, please be advised that the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammal's regular registration closes on NOVEMBER 1st. After that date you will have to register at the meeting. Links to the registration information are available at the website listed above. -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 10:22:35 -0700 From: JIWLP Subject: JIWLP Web site launch, call for paper The Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy announces the = launching of its web site at: www.jiwlp.com .=20 The site includes the table of contents of past issues, including abstracts, the full text of one article from each issue, and the full = text of all major wildlife treaty regimes and soft law documents cited in articles or in the Journal's documents section. A "wildlife resources = on the Net" section will soon be posted, with more than 5000 links. Please sign up on the site's announcement list to receive notice of future additions to the site. Sample copies can also be ordered from the site. We are also soliciting pieces for Volume 3 (2000) of the Journal. = Consult the site for author guidelines and please feel free to contact us to discuss potential contributions. Wil Burns, Editor-in-Chief Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.317.0102 Fax: 801.838.4710 JIWLP(\)earthling.net=20 http://www.jiwlp.com/ =20 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Oct 1999 09:20:21 -0700 From: Chris Kelly Subject: UK-based documentary producer seeking archive footage / expert opinion / filming locations for dolphins and whales Diverse Production has been commissioned by Channel Four in the UK to produce a one-hour science documentary on the subject of sexual diversity in the animal kingdom. We are looking for anyone who has an interest is this field who might contribute expert opinion in interview, or who may have photographic or filmic archive of homosexual or other non-heterosexual behaviours in marine mammals. We hope to describe the debate within the scientific community on this subject; hopefully as many approaches to it as possible can be aired. Please get in touch with the associate producer, Chris Kelly, at ckelly111(\)yahoo.com. ===== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 12:58:16 -0400 From: Theresa Perrone Subject: Campaign to Save Baja Whales Launched by Animal Welfare Fund Hi there- I thought you would be interested in the International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) campaign to Save the Baja Whales . I've included full details about the campaign below. The Web site is an action center complete with background information, updated news about the campaign, an email alert list, and a free IFAW screensaver. I hope you'll visit the site and can share this with your list. Let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thanks, Theresa IFAW's Campaign to Save Gray Whales Turns Cutting Edge on the Internet http://www.savebajawhales.com The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has launched a cutting edge web site http://www.savebajawhales.com this month, as part of its hard-hitting campaign to save Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio, the last pristine breeding ground of the Pacific Gray Whale. Multi-national corporate giant Mitsubishi plans to build the world's largest salt factory at Laguna San Ignacio threatening the survival of many endangered species of plants and animals, as well as the Pacific Gray Whale. The lagoon is the last untouched place on earth where Gray Whales go to give birth to and nurse their young, and to prepare them for a 10,000-mile annual migration north along California's Pacific coast to Alaska. IFAW has developed http://www.savebajawhales.com to serve as an online action center in its protest against Mitsubishi. http://www.savebajawhales.com provides a rapid-fire Take Action option visitors can use to send strong letters of opposition immediately to Mitsubishi -- right from their desktops. For California residents, they can also send messages to their local Mitsubishi dealerships, Union Bank of CA branches (owned by Mitsubishi), as well as their state senators. The site also features instant access to the impressive volume of scientific and legal information supporting the protection of Laguna San Ignacio. Visitors can also view a slideshow, and download a free screensaver and postcards to send to friends about this issue. Visitors can also read about and see first-hand campaign news as it happens, through the posting of press releases and campaign photos. And an email list provides users with the option to receive regular campaign news via email, and to forward the information on to friends. http://www.savebajawhales.com has experienced a flood of interest in its first weeks of operation. The site has had nearly 150,000 hits in less than two weeks, with a great number of users using the Take Action tool. The site is also linked to IFAW's web site http://www.ifaw.org, where users can join the campaign on-line and become IFAW supporters, joining nearly two million existing supporters worldwide. IFAW anticipates that http://www.savebajawhales.com will continue to play a large role in its Campaign to Save Laguna San Ignacio, and invites all environmental sites and Internet users to Take Action on the site. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 23:21:53 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Manatee Audiogram (fwd) Forwarded message: From: JBlue46498(\)aol.com Those who don't usually read the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America may find interest in our manatee audiogram paper in the June issue. The underwater audiogram of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Vol. 105, No. 6, pp 3575 to 3583 Edmund R. Gerstein and Laura Gerstein Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Pschology P. O. Box 3091 Boca Raton, Florida 33431-0991 Steven E. Forsythe Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport Newport, Rhode Island 0284-1708 Joseph E. Blue Leviathan Legacy, Inc. 3313 Northglen Drive Orlando, Florida 32806 This work is based on research conducted at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL using manatees, Stormy and Dundee, trained by Ed and Laura Gerstein. Steve Forsythe and Joe Blue were among the many volunteers employed by the Underwater Sound Reference Detachment of the Naval Research Laboratory at the time the research was performed. Joe Blue Subject: 50% OF JAPANESE WHALEMEAT LACED WITH POLLUTANTS 50% OF JAPANESE WHALEMEAT LACED WITH POLLUTANTS TOKYO, Japan, October 22, 1999 (Lycos ENS) - Over half the whale, dolphin and porpoise meat sold in Japan is so highly contaminated that it is unfit for human consumption, while a quarter is mislabeled or misadvertised to the public. A study conducted by scientists at Harvard University, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido and the University of Greenwich, UK found dangerously high levels of mercury and organochlorines including PCBs and the pesticides DDT and Dieldrin - levels exceeding international regulatory limits. The study was done earlier this year by Harvard University's Steve Palumbi, a professor in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Frank Cipriano of Harvard's Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics; Mark Simmonds, The University of Greenwich, Natural Resources Institute in the UK; and Dr. Haraguchi, Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Japan. The results were submitted to the May 1999 meeting of the International Whaling Commission. This minke whale bacon sold in a shop in the Ameyoko Centre building in Tokyo contains levels of PCBs and pesticides exceeding regulatory limits established by a range of countries for fishery products. (Photo courtesy R. Davis) 130 samples of whalemeat were purchased from a variety of regular retail outlets including shops, department stores, fish markets and restaurants, in six cities across Japan. The samples included sashimi, salted and partially cooked meat, "whale bacon," sliced blubber strips with attached skin, and canned and cooked meat. The Harvard scientists used molecular genetic analysis to identify what species of cetacean the sample came from. Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido then used toxicological analyses to find out how contaminated the sample was. In a letter to the Japanese Minister of Health and Welfare and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the scientists urge an immediate ban on the sale of contaminated products. "Our results further suggest a critical need for the government to initiate a comprehensive legal investigation of the relevant food industry, including processing, distribution, labelling and marketing of foodstuffs containing cetacean products," the scientists wrote. The Government of Japan so far maintains that whale meat is healthy and nutritrious food. Posted by: Annelise Sorg Executive Director CANADIAN MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION SOCIETY Box 461, 1755 Robson St. Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6G 3B7 Tel: (604) 736-9514 Fax: (604) 731-2733 E-mail: cmeps(\)whaleprotection.org http://www.whaleprotection.org ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 16:50:20 -0400 From: "Leila T. Hatch" Subject: Proposed Biopsy Meeting at Biennial Conference boundary="============_-1271410673==_ma============" --============_-1271410673==_ma============ Meeting on Biopsy Techniques & Issues Thursday, December 2nd, 7p.m. 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Kawalei Outrigger Hotel, Maui This meeting will be an informal gathering open to anyone interested in live biopsy sampling of marine mammals. Researchers and professionals in the field will be on hand as panel members to share their views and experience on a wide range of sampling issues. The focus will be on multiple use, efficient sampling methods, standard protocols, and sampling policy concerns. The meeting aims to provide an opportunity for students in a rapidly growing field to interact with researchers with technical expertise. The preliminary topics for discussion include: 1. Permits & Policy 2. Biopsy sampling: field techniques 3. Physiological effects of biopsy sampling 4. Multiple Use Sampling: lab techniques & analysis 5. Data Gathering & Dissemination 6. International research & local resource programs Date and time remain tentative pending final notification of available meeting space at the Outrigger Hotel. A final meeting announcement and agenda will be posted to MARMAM before the conference. In order to ensure that adequate space is provided, please let us know if you are interested in attending this meeting by sending an e-mail to Leila Hatch or Vicki Portway at either of the addresses listed below. Although several researchers have already consented to participate as panel members associated with the above topics, others with an interest in presenting would be welcome, and should make themselves known to Leila or Vicki through e-mail. See you in Maui! Leila Hatch Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Corson Hall, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 USA lth5(\)cornell.edu Vicki Portway Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560-0315 USA vportway(\)ceps.nasm.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------------------= ---- --------------------------------- Related References: Amos, W., A.R. Hoelzel (1991). Long-term preservation of whale skin for DNA analysis. Report International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 13): 99-103. Amos, W., H. Whitehead, M.J. Ferrari, D.A. Glockner-Ferrari, R. Payne, J. Gordon (1992). Restrictable DNA from sloughed cetacean skin; its potential or use in population analysis. Marine Mammal Science 8(3): 275-283. Brown, M.W., S.D. Kraus, D.E. Gaskin (1991) Reaction of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) to skin biopsy sampling for genetic and pollutant analysis. Report International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 13): 81-89. Clapham, P.J. and D.K. Mattila (1993) Reactions of humpback whales to skin biopsy sampling on a West Indies breeding ground. Marine Mammal Science 9(4):382-391. Gauthier, J. and R. Sears (1999) Behavioral response of four species of balaenopterid whales to biopsy sampling. Marine Mammal Science 15(1):85-101. Lambertsen, R.H., Baker, C.S., Weinrich, M.T., and Modi, W.S. (1994) An improved whale biopsy system designed for multi- disciplinary research. Pp. 219-244 in Fossi, M.C. and Leonzio, C. (eds.). Nondestructive biomarkers in vertebrates. Lewis Publishers, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Patenaude, N.J. and B.N. White (1995) Skin biopsy sampling of beluga whale carcasses: assessment of biopsy darting factors for minimal wounding and effective sample retrieval. Marine Mammal Science 11(2):163-171. Valsecchi, E. et al. (1998) Molecular analysis of the efficiency of sloughed skin sampling in whale population genetics. Molecular Ecology 7(10):1419-1422. Weinrich, M.T., R. H. Lambertsen, C.S. Baker, M.R. Schilling, C.R. Belt (1991) Behavioural response of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Southern Gulf of Maine to biopsy sampling. Report International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 13): Weinrich, M.T., Belt, C.R., Lambertsen, R.H., Schilling, M.R., and Iken, H.J. 1987. Behavioral reaction of humpback whales to biopsy darts: Reaction to an applied stimulus. Final report to Habitat Protection Branch, National Marine Fisheries Service (Northeast Region), Gloucester MA. 18 pp + 10 tables + 7 figures. Weinrich, M.T., Lambertsen, R.H., Belt, C.R., Schilling, M.R., Iken. H.J, and Syrjala, S.E. (1992) Behavioral reactions of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae to biopsy procedures. Fishery Bulletin, U.S. 90: 588-598. http://secure.magpage.com/cetacean/abstract.htm#BIOPSY Whitehead, H., J. Gordon, E.A. Mathews, K.R. Richard (1990) Obtaining skin samples from living sperm whales. Marine Mammal Science 6(4):316-326. --============_-1271410673==_ma============ Meeting on Biopsy Techniques & Issues=20 Thursday, December 2nd, 7p.m. 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Kawalei Outrigger Hotel, Maui This meeting will be an informal gathering open to anyone interested in live biopsy sampling of marine mammals. Researchers and professionals in the field will be on hand as panel members to share their views and experience on a wide range of sampling issues. The focus will be on multiple use, efficient sampling methods, standard protocols, and sampling policy concerns. The meeting aims to provide an opportunity for students in a rapidly growing field to interact with researchers with technical expertise. The preliminary topics for discussion include: Chicago1. Permits & Policy 2. Biopsy sampling: field techniques=20 3. Physiological effects of biopsy sampling 4. Multiple Use Sampling: lab techniques & analysis 5. Data Gathering & Dissemination 6. International research & local resource programs=20 Date and time remain tentative pending final notification of available meeting space at the Outrigger Hotel. A final meeting announcement and agenda will be posted to MARMAM before the conference. In order to ensure that adequate space is provided, please let us know if you are interested in attending this meeting by sending an e-mail to Leila Hatch or Vicki Portway at either of the addresses listed below. Although several researchers have already consented to participate as panel members associated with the above topics, others with an interest in presenting would be welcome, and should make themselves known to Leila or Vicki through e-mail. See you in Maui! =20 Leila Hatch=20 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Corson Hall, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 USA lth5(\)cornell.edu Vicki Portway=20 Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560-0315 USA vportway(\)ceps.nasm.edu ------------------------------------------------------------= ----------------------------------------------------- Related References: Amos, W., A.R. Hoelzel (1991). Long-term preservation of whale skin for DNA analysis. Report International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 13): 99-103. Amos, W., H. Whitehead, M.J. Ferrari, D.A. Glockner-Ferrari, R. Payne, J. Gordon (1992). Restrictable DNA from sloughed cetacean skin; its potential or use in population analysis. Marine Mammal Science 8(3): 275-283.=20 Brown, M.W., S.D. Kraus, D.E. Gaskin (1991) Reaction of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) to skin biopsy sampling for genetic and pollutant analysis. Report International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 13): 81-89. Clapham, P.J. and D.K. Mattila (1993) Reactions of humpback whales to skin biopsy sampling on a West Indies breeding ground. Marine Mammal Science 9(4):382-391. Gauthier, J. and R. Sears (1999) Behavioral response of four species of balaenopterid whales to biopsy sampling. Marine Mammal Science 15(1):85-101. Lambertsen, R.H., Baker, C.S., Weinrich, M.T., and Modi, W.S. (1994) An improved whale biopsy system designed for multi- disciplinary research. Pp. 219-244 in Fossi, M.C. and Leonzio, C. (eds.). Nondestructive biomarkers in vertebrates. Lewis Publishers, CRC Press, Boca Raton, =46L. Patenaude, N.J. and B.N. White (1995) Skin biopsy sampling of beluga whale carcasses: assessment of biopsy darting factors for minimal wounding and effective sample retrieval. Marine Mammal Science 11(2):163-171. Valsecchi, E. et al. (1998) Molecular analysis of the efficiency of sloughed skin sampling in whale population genetics. Molecular Ecology 7(10):1419-1422. Weinrich, M.T., R. H. Lambertsen, C.S. Baker, M.R. Schilling, C.R. Belt (1991) Behavioural response of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Southern Gulf of Maine to biopsy sampling. Report International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 13): Weinrich, M.T., Belt, C.R., Lambertsen, R.H., Schilling, M.R., and Iken, H.J. 1987. Behavioral reaction of humpback whales to biopsy darts: Reaction to an applied stimulus. Final report to Habitat Protection Branch, National Marine Fisheries Service (Northeast Region), Gloucester MA. 18 pp + 10 tables + 7 figures. Weinrich, M.T., Lambertsen, R.H., Belt, C.R., Schilling, M.R., Iken. H.J, and Syrjala, S.E. (1992) Behavioral reactions of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae to biopsy procedures. Fishery Bulletin, U.S. 90: 588-598. http://secure.magpage.com/cetacean/abstract.htm#BIOPSY Whitehead, H., J. Gordon, E.A. Mathews, K.R. Richard (1990) Obtaining skin samples from living sperm whales. Marine Mammal Science 6(4):316-326. --============_-1271410673==_ma============-- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 19:03:36 -1000 Reply-To: "marmam99(\)hawaii.edu" From: SMM Maui Conference Subject: SMM Conference - Student Affairs Workshop TO STUDENTS ATTENDING THE 13th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE IN MAUI: The registration form for the Student Affairs Workshop is now online and will be available thru NOVEMBER 15. The workshop will be held Tuesday night during the Thirteenth Biennial Conference in Maui. We are happy to announce that a pizza dinner will be included for students who pre-register for the workshop. We gratefully acknowledge the generous sponsorship from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant Program, the Society for Marine Mammalogy, and the Pacific Whale Foundation for making the FREE workshop and dinner possible. The workshop agenda can be found at http://www.whoi.edu/SSMM/wkshpagenda.html The online registration form is now available at http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/students/bjensen/SSMM/swform.html Again, the deadline is NOVEMBER 15. We strongly encourage interested students to pre-register, because we cannot guarantee that we can provide pizza for anyone who registers after this date. We hope to see you there! Your co-organizers, Brenda Jensen and Jennifer Philips Heck marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 01:41:03 +0000 From: lweilgar(\)IS.Dal.Ca Subject: LFAS EIS The following is an excerpt of my comments on the Environmental Impact Statement of the Navy's extremely loud Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) program. Comments to the Navy are due by October 28. Addresses (fax numbers and e-mail) are listed at the end. By Lindy Weilgart, Ph.D. Research Associate Dept. of Biology Dalhousie Univ. Halifax, Nova Scotia I have about 17 years experience in the field of whale bioacoustics, having studied both sperm whale and pilot whale vocalizations. My M.Sc., Ph.D., and subsequent post-doctoral research were in this particular field of expertise. I have also reviewed a EIS that likewise concerned the problem of undersea noise pollution, namely the ATOC project's EIS. As appalled as I was at the ATOC EIS's many errors, misrepresentations, and minimization of risk, the LFA EIS makes ATOC's look positively environmentally enlightened. I am so overwhelmed at the phenomenal lack of honesty, and therefore uselessness, of this document, that I do not know where to begin with my comments. What is glaringly absent throughout this EIS, is a lack of acknowledgment of the profound ignorance that exists about the effects of sound on marine life. There may be the odd sentence here and there in the EIS that pays lip service to the paucity of our information, but this concept is quickly forgotten when the nice and neat mathematical models are pulled out that provide us with howlers such as "...below 120 dB the risk [of non-injurious harassment] was zero." (p. ES-10). There is absolutely no basis for this assumption in the real world. The EIS cites the results of its LFS SRP (Low Frequency Sound Scientific Research Program) as "validity" for its models, but, as the Navy has been warned again and again even before undertaking these studies, the results of this research can not be used to show the absence of harmful effects of LFAS on any marine life. The reasons for this are: a) not knowing or observing an effect is not the same as "no effect"; b) studies were only short-term (over weeks) and did not examine long-term effects on population parameters like birth rates, growth rates, and death rates, which are the most biologically significant effects; c) the LFS SRP did show some potentially serious effects (decrease in number of calling fin and blue whales, avoidance of LFAS for inshore migrating grey whales, half of humpbacks studied ceased singing temporarily), which could have dire consequences for the health of whale populations but this would be extremely difficult to ascertain; d) only four species of whale were studied and not the most vulnerable deep divers; e) the LFAS was not used at its full operational power level for the SRP; f) no examination of the effects of LFAS on ecological processes was made. The only information that the LFS SRP showed us was that whales weren't visibly harmed outright, which is all but meaningless. Most disturbingly, this EIS fails to mention the only open-and-shut case we do know of which clearly demonstrates an undeniably biologically significant effect (i.e. death) of LFAS or even noise pollution in general--the Frantzis (1998) paper in which 13 Cuvier's beaked whales died in the Mediterranean. These deaths were as conclusively tied to LFAS transmissions (both in timing of transmissions and movement of the broadcasting vessel) as is possible in any natural system. Bear in mind that this was just one case that happened to have been observed and correlated to LFAS by an astute independent scientist. How many more such cases happen in the vast ocean or on remote shores that we know nothing about? The fact that the Navy in its EIS is assiduously avoiding any mention, even a citation, of this vital study in the world's most major scientific, peer-reviewed journal, speaks volumes. I realize that the Navy, in its panic over this study, will attempt to argue that the NATO LFAS is different from the U.S. Navy's LFAS. Yes, the NATO LFAS used a dual frequency system with concurrent transmission of broadband waveforms centered at 600 Hz and 3 kHz (SACLANTCEN Newsletter, No. 4, Dec. 1996-April 1997), but we have absolutely no information as to which frequency characteristics (or other sound characteristics) caused this reaction in the beaked whales. Besides, the transmissions were broadband and thus it is simply unacceptable for the U.S. Navy to argue that only the higher frequency of the NATO LFAS was responsible for this tragedy. This serious omission casts grave doubts about the Navy's sincerity, commitment, or trustworthiness in protecting the marine environment. I am particularly disturbed by the attempt in the EIS to whittle away at (or more accurately, blow sky-high) the standards for noise protection. Even ATOC's EIS, which was a far cry from conservative, used a level of 150-160 dB (re 1 microPa re 1 m) to estimate when physiological effects may begin to occur. LFAS' EIS has made a radical jump to a level of 180 dB, which is 100-1000 times more intense! Croll et al. (1999), for instance, suggest keeping intensities below 150 dB where fish concentrations are located (p. 32). Yet repeatedly, the EIS states that transmissions would be suspended only for whales that were predicted to enter the 180 dB sound field (e.g. p. 2-12). To put this in perspective, very rough independent calculations (J. Potter, BIOACOUSTICS-L Internet list, 26 Sept. 1996) show that the radius of the 150 dB sound field, i.e. roughly where physiological effects are likely to occur, for LFAS could extend out as far as 10-25 km. Numerous previous studies have shown several species of whales and fish to avoid a received level of ON AVERAGE 120 dB (in Richardson et al. 1995; Myrberg 1990). The 120 dB sound field could reach to a radius of 500 km, which translates to an area of 800,000 square km-an area greater than the size of Texas (J. Potter, BIOACOUSTICS-L Internet list, 26 Sept. 1996). While Croll et al. (1999) was prepared specifically as a technical report for the EIS, there are some serious inconsistencies between these two documents. For instance, Croll et al. (1999) note that "...no work has been performed that tests the effects of low frequency noise on ecological processes" (p. XIII), yet p. 8-1 of the EIS states that "...LFA sonar...would have no significant adverse long-term impacts on the maintenance and enhancement of long-term biological productivity." I , like Croll et al. (1999), know of no study that would support the previous sentence. In a nutshell, we are considering the addition of a very loud, new sound source into an environment which we can neither control nor even observe or study in any practical way. The world of most marine animals revolves around sound. A full 99% of the possible biological effects of this noise, especially the most meaningful ones, have not been measured or studied. Add to this that an important study concluded that a similar LFAS system has already caused the death of 13 whales, and we are left wondering why we persist with such insanity. In the wake of a whole litany of environmental tragedies, none of which were predicted before they happened (e.g. acid rain, ozone depletion, global warming, DDT, etc. etc.), I beg that we finally learn from our mistakes and cease taking these outrageous and unnecessary risks with our life-blood, the oceans. Croll, D.A., B.R. Tershy, A. Acevedo, and P. Levin. 1999. Marine vertebrates and low frequency sound. Technical Report for LFA EIS. Marine Mammal and Seabird Ecology Group, Institute of Marine Sciences, Univ. of Calif., Santa Cruz. Frantzis, A. 1998. Does acoustic testing strand whales? Nature 392: 29. Myrberg, A.A. Jr. 1990. The effects of man-made noise on the behavior of marine animals. Environment International 16: 575-586. Richardson, W.J., C.R. Greene, C.I. Malme, and D.H. Thomson. 1995. Marine mammals and nose. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, CA. ************************************************************* Send your questions and/or comments concerning SURTASS LFA Sonar to: eisteam(\)mindspring.com Submit comments no later than October 28, 1999 to: Mr. J. S. Johnson Attn: SURTASS LFA Sonar OEIS/EIS Program Manager 901 N. Stuart Street, Suite 708 Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 477-8743 (Voice Mail) (703) 465-8420 (Fax) Also, Joel Reynolds (JReynolds(\)nrdc.org) or Andrew Wetzler (AWetzler(\)nrdc.org) of NRDC would appreciate copies of your comments. Phone 323-934-6900. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 21:15:51 -0700 From: Katy Penland Subject: ACS/Los Angeles October General Meeting ------ =93Free Willy? Can Keiko Be Released?=94 by Mark Berman, Earth Island Institute Keiko, the killer whale star of the of the hit movie =93Free Willy,=94 captured the imagination and the hearts of millions of people. When it became known that he was housed in substandard conditions at the Reino Aventura park in Mexico City, contributions poured in from all over the world to find a new home for Keiko. In 1994 the Free Willy Keiko Foundation was formed and he was moved to specially built tank at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport in 1996. After two-and-a-half years of extensive rehabilitation and close to 2000 lbs. heavier, Keiko was moved to a sea pen in an Icelandic fjord, marking his return to the waters from where he was captured almost 20 years earlier. After he adapted well to his new surroundings, tentative plans have just been announced to release Keiko into the wild in mid-2000. Mark Berman is a program associate for the International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute, and participated closely in the development of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation. He was present when Keiko was taken to Iceland and visited him again in the Summer of this year. Mr. Berman will present a slide show of Keiko=92s history, as well as discuss the prospects of release of captive marine mammals and threats to marine mammals in general. Mr. Berman was instrumental in making South Carolina the first state in the US to ban the captivity of whales and dolphins. Since joining Earth Island Institute, he has coordinated efforts to stop the capture of marine mammals worldwide for theme parks and aquaria. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen White Drive in San Pedro. ACS/LA general meetings are free, open to the public, and are held on the last Tuesday of the month. For an update on the speaker or information about ACS/LA, call (310) 548-8500, or visit our website at . ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1999 18:28:04 +0000 From: "Peter G.H. Evans" Subject: New Cetacean Job available The UK-based marine environmental research charity has a second post (the first, for Database Manager, was advertised via MARMAM a month ago) available - for a Programme Manager. Details are provided below: JOB DESCRIPTION FOR PROGRAMME MANAGER Applications are invited for the post of Programme Manager with the marine environmental research charity, Sea Watch Foundation (UK Cetacean Monitoring Unit), based in Oxford. It is planned for the post to take effect as soon as possible. It will run for a probationary period of six months, but then, subject to satisfactory progress, continue indefinitely. Sea Watch was established to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face, and by the regular production of material to educate, inform and lobby for better environmental protection. It has a network of around 2,000 volunteer observers drawn from all walks of life; a national computer database of c. 43,000 sightings and 36,000 effort records (mainly cetaceans, but also seals, sharks and sea turtles); and a membership support group of about 200 persons. From the sightings database, distribution maps are generated to identify important geographic areas for particular cetacean species, monitor seasonal and longer term trends in abundance, and ecological relationships, for better conservation management. It undertakes conservation research projects and surveys, which may be commissioned by a variety of bodies ranging from national and local government agencies, environmental NGO's, and industry. It works in conjunction with a number of whalewatching operators to run "Sea Watch Surveys", to encourage sensitive behaviour around whales and dolphins, and promote the collection of useful scientific information. It produces a wide variety of publications including a newsletter, reports, and educational materials; maintains a marine photo & video library, various species photo-ID catalogues, and is developing an interactive website. SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS The post holder should have at least a university degree in a biological subject, and preferably postgraduate experience in cetacean field study. A reasonable amount of computing experience is required, preferably of both Apple and PC systems. Good working knowledge of several of the following software programs is highly desirable: Word, Excel, Filemaker Pro, Access, Quark Xpress, Adobe Photoshop, and Powerpoint; and preferably also Cricket Graph, and at least one statistical package such as Statview or SPSS. The person should have the following qualities: * a strong interest, and preferably some field experience, in cetaceans; * good interpersonal skills, to assist in the training & supervision of volunteers of a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience; * initiative in developing contacts with Sea Watch's regional groups and its network of observers; * ability and enthusiasm for giving public lectures; and * flexibility in times of working (which might include evenings & weekends, e.g. for participation in research cruises, meetings, etc) JOB DESCRIPTION To oversee the sightings observer network and regional groups established around the UK, for the systematic monitoring of cetaceans and the conservation problems they face. To represent Sea Watch in a variety of capacities. Duties include: 1. Visits and liaison with coastal communities for regional group development throughout UK, with the aim of training observers to conduct systematic recording of cetaceans, and monitoring of potential conservation threats. 2. Recruitment of new observers, and feedback of information and advice to existing ones. 3. Close liaison with the Director, Data Base Manager & volunteers on work programmes and project initiatives including participation in the production of grant proposals. 4. Regular liaison with the public and media. This includes encouraging and maintaining support group members, and responding to general enquiries, often through factsheets; these will need regularly updating and developing. 5. Managing filing systems and handling routine correspondence. 6. Participation in the production of newsletters, reports & educational material, with particular emphasis on graphics and desktop publishing design. 7. Maintenance of photo-ID catalogues & marine photo library, supervising students and other volunteers 8. Attending meetings and giving public lectures on behalf of Sea Watch. 9. Participation in cetacean field projects. Salary ranges from 12,000-15,000 pounds sterling per annum depending on qualifications & experience. If you are interested in the above post, please send as soon as possible (no later than 1st November), a covering letter outlining suitability, and include a curriculum vitae, and two academic references, to: Dr. Peter G.H. Evans, Sea Watch Foundation, 11 Jersey Road, Oxford OX4 4RT, UK Dr. PGH Evans Sea Watch Foundation Department of Zoology 11 Jersey Road University of Oxford Oxford OX4 4RT South Parks Road, Oxford 0X1 3PS tel/fax: +44 (0)1865-717276 e-mail: ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1999 20:04:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Animal Training Course (fwd) Forwarded message: California State University Monterey Bay is offering the following 3-week intersession course (January 7- January 22, 2000) for individuals interested in animal training. TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: This 4 credit course explores the field of animal training from a psychological and a technical perspective. It provides a theoretical background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying captive animal behavior. Topics explored include the history and ethics of animal use and training. Students also receive a solid education in the practical discipline of animal training techniques. These techniques will be demonstrated using the trained sea lion collection at Moss Landing Marine Labs where the course is taught. Students will intern at least 12 hours at Moss Landing Marine Labs assisting in the care of research-trained sea lions. Student grades will be based on quizzes, a final exam, and one paper. SYLLABUS TOPICS Captivity: Pros, cons, and ethical issues concerning animals in captivity Why Train?: Arguments concerning why to train animals in captivity Communication I: Historical perspectives on training and description of classical conditioning techniques and theory Group practice (classical conditioning) Communication II: Operant conditioning techniques and theory Group practice (operant conditioning) Sea lion demo: operant and classical techniques Communication III: Bridge and target training techniques, modern marine animal training Group practice (bridge and target) Sea lion demo: bridge and target Motivation: Motivational drive state analysis, reinforcers; punishers Desensitization: Habituation theory, passive and active desensitization procedures Group practice (desensitization) Aggression I: Understanding animal aggression, motives, and indicator signs Sea Lion Demo: desensitization Aggression II: Techniques for coping with and avoiding aggression in captive animals Desensitization project due Practical Training: Troubleshooting problems, rules of thumb, and planning a training session Sea Lion Demo: aggression COST: $495.00 The course will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. The course is open for enrollment of any interested person, however no transportation or housing is provided. The class will be taught for Fridays and Saturdays (Jan 7,8,14,15,21,22) from 8:30am- 5:30pm. Enrollment limited to 32. To register please contact: Jenifer A. Hurley, Ph.D. Director of Research and Training Science Learning and Experimenting With The Help of Sea lions Moss Landing Marine Laboratories P.O. Box 450 Moss Landing, CA 95039-0450 v: (831)-633-7262 fax:(831)-633-0805 web site: http://color.mlml.calstate.edu/www/slewth Subject: NRDC Comments on Navy's SURTASS LFA Draft Environmental Impa Today the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) submitted its comments on the Navy's Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Sonar Program's ("LFA") Draft Enviormental Impact Statement, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. NRDC's comments highlights the deficiencies in the Navy's EIS. Among other things, the EIS fails to acknowledge important data gaps and scientific controversy, makes unwarranted extrapolations from available data, excludes contrary evidence and relies on a monitoring plan that is unverified and geographic restricts that are vague. Additionally, the EIS's alternative analysis is deficient in its scope and is inadequate and incomplete in its treatment of certain endangered and threatened species. Anyone who wishes to receive a complete copy of NRDC's comments should contact Andrew Wetzler at NRDC's Los Angeles office (323) 934-6900 or e-mail him at awetzler(\)nrdc.org NRDC encourages all interested parties to submit comments to the United States Navy by this Thursday, October 28, 1999. Comments may be mailed to: Mr. J.S. Johnson Attn: SURTASS LFA Sonar OEIS/EIS Program Manager 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 708 Arlington VA 22203 Fax: 703-465-8420 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1999 14:15:47 -0400 From: Mike Williamson Subject: Right Whale Information Page In-Reply-To: <9908271524.AA10489(\)www1.wheelock.edu> There is a new right whale information page for the North Atlantic Right Whale sightings at: http://whale.wheelock.edu/rightwhale/ or http://www.whalenet.net/rightwhale Mike Williamson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See the WhaleNet Humpback Whale Catalog CD-ROM ** ** J. Michael Williamson Principal Investigator-WhaleNet Associate Professor-Science Wheelock College, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215 voice: 617.879-2256 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: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 09:20:39 -0700 Reply-To: schaeff(\)american.edu From: Cathy Schaeff Organization: American University Subject: Job: Lecturer for Marine Mammal course ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" Required for spring 2000 (one semester only): lecturer for 3 credit-hour upper level marine mammal course at American University, Washington DC.. Previous experience teaching at the university level required. Class meets twice a week Tues/Fri 11:20 a.m. -12:35 p.m. Please contact Richard Fox (rfox(\)american.edu) for more details. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 27 Oct 1999 15:05:01 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NMFS proposed rules re: LFA Sonar (request for public comments) (fwd) The following was published in the Federal=20 Register on October 22, 1999, and is clearly of=20 relevance to those interested in the U.S. Navy=92s=20 potential deployment of the SURTASS LFA sonar=20 system.=20 [Federal Register: October 22, 1999 (Volume 64,=20 Number 204)] [Proposed Rules] =20 [Page 57026-57029] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access=20 [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22oc99-24] =20 ------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking=20 Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations of=20 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low=20 Frequency Active Sonar AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service=20 (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric=20 Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking;=20 request for comment and information. ------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request for a=20 Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the U.S. Navy=20 for the take of small numbers of marine mammals=20 by harassment incidental to Navy operations of=20 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS)=20 Low Frequency Active (LFA) Sonar. In order to=20 issue an LOA, NMFS must promulgate regulations=20 and determine that these takings will have a=20 negligible impact on the affected species and=20 stocks of marine mammals and will not have an=20 unmitigable adverse impact on the availability=20 of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses.=20 NMFS invites comment on the application, and=20 suggestions on the content of the regulations. DATES: Comments and information must be=20 postmarked no later than November 22, 1999. ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Donna=20 Wieting, Chief, Marine Mammal Conservation=20 Division, Office of Protected Resources,=20 National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East- West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226. A=20 copy of the application may be obtained by=20 writing to this address or by telephoning one of=20 the contacts listed here (see FOR FURTHER=20 INFORMATION CONTACT). A copy of the draft=20 environmental impact statement (DEIS) for=20 SURTASS LFA sonar may be obtained by contacting=20 Mr. J.S. Johnson, SURTASS-LFA Sonar Program=20 Manager, 901 North Stewart Street, Suit 708,=20 Arlington, VA 22203. Comments on the DEIS will=20 be accepted at this address until October 28,=20 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth R.=20 Hollingshead (301) 713-2055, ext. 128. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal=20 Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)=20 directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to=20 allow, upon request, the incidental, but not=20 intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S.=20 citizens who engage in a specified activity=20 (other than commercial fishing) within a=20 specified geographical region if certain=20 findings are made and regulations are issued. Permission may be granted for periods of 5=20 years or less if the Secretary finds that the=20 taking will have a negligible impact on the=20 species or stock(s) of affected marine mammals,=20 will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on=20 the availability of the species or stock(s) for=20 subsistence uses, and regulations are prescribed=20 setting forth the permissible methods of taking=20 and the requirements pertaining to the=20 monitoring and reporting of such taking. Summary of Request On August 12, 1999, NMFS received an=20 application from the U.S. Navy requesting a=20 small take exemption under section 101(a)(5)(A)=20 of the MMPA for the taking of marine mammals by=20 harassment incidental to operation of the=20 SURTASS LFA sonar for a period of time not to=20 exceed 5 years, beginning in FY 2000. SURTASS=20 LFA sonar will operate a maximum of 4 ship=20 systems in the ten geographic operating regions=20 in which SURTASS LFA sonar could potentially=20 operate. There would be a maximum of four=20 SURTASS LFA sonar systems with a nominal maximum=20 of two systems at sea at any one time. Description of the Activity The SURTASS LFA sonar system is a long- range, low frequency (between 100 and 500 Hertz)=20 sonar that has both active and passive=20 components. It does not rely on detection of=20 noise generated by the target. The active=20 component of the system is a set of low=20 frequency (LF) acoustic transmitting source=20 elements (called projectors) suspended from a=20 cable from underneath a ship. The projectors are=20 devices that produce the active sound or pulse. The typical SURTASS LFA sonar signal is not=20 a constant tone, but rather a transmission of=20 various waveforms that vary in frequency and=20 duration. A complete sequence of sound=20 transmissions is referred to as a ``ping'' and=20 can last for as short as 6 seconds (sec) to as=20 long as 100 sec. The time between pings is=20 typically from 6 to 15 minutes. Average duty=20 cycle (ratio of sound ``on'' time to total time)=20 can be controlled but is less than 20 percent;=20 typical duty cycle is between 10 and 20 percent. The passive or listening component of the=20 system is SURTASS, which detects returning=20 echoes from submerged objects, such as=20 submarines, through the use of hydrophones. The=20 hydrophones are mounted on a horizontal array=20 that is towed behind the ship. The SURTASS LFA=20 sonar ship maintains a minimum speed of 5.6=20 km/hr (3.0 knots). The Navy anticipates that a nominal, or=20 typical SURTASS LFA sonar deployment schedule=20 for a single vessel would involve about 270 days/ year at sea (underway). A typical at-sea mission=20 would occur over a 30-day period, made up of two=20 9-day exercise segments. Active sonar operations=20 could be conducted up to 20 hrs during an=20 exercise day, although the system would actually=20 be transmitting for only a maximum of 4 hrs/day=20 (resulting in 432 hrs of active transmission=20 time per year for each SURTASS LFA sonar system=20 in operation based on a maximum duty cycle of 20=20 percent). The remaining 12 days of the at-sea=20 mission would be spent in transit or=20 repositioning the vessel. In a nominal year=20 there could be a maximum of 9 missions, six of=20 which would involve the employment of SURTASS=20 LFA sonar in the active mode and three of which=20 would employ the SURTASS LFA sonar in the=20 passive mode. Between missions, an estimated 95=20 days would be spent in port for upkeep and=20 repair. With two vessels in the Pacific-Indian=20 Ocean area and two vessels in the Atlantic Ocean- Mediterranean Sea area, there could be up to 12=20 operations in each area per year. At present, only one SURTASS LFA sonar=20 system is operational. A second SURTASS LFA=20 sonar system is expected to be operational in FY=20 2000. The third and fourth systems are=20 tentatively planned for FY 2003 and FY 2004, but=20 their delivery may be postponed until after FY=20 2005. With 4 systems, a nominal maximum of two=20 vessels would be at sea at any one time. As a=20 result, under 5-year regulations NMFS would=20 propose to authorize marine mammal harassment=20 takings for 2 SURTASS LFA sonar vessels for FY=20 2000 through FY 2002, 3 vessels for FY 2003, and=20 4 vessels for FY 2004. Affected Marine Mammal Species In their DEIS analysis and small take=20 application, the Navy excluded from take=20 consideration those marine mammal species that=20 either do not inhabit the areas wherein SURTASS=20 LFA sonar would operate or do not possess=20 sensory mechanisms that allow the mammal to=20 perceive low frequency (LF) sounds. Where data=20 was not available or was insufficient for one=20 species, comparable data for a related species=20 was used, if available. Because all species of=20 baleen whales produce LF sounds, and anatomical=20 evidence strongly suggests that their inner ears=20 are well adapted for LF hearing, all species are=20 considered sensitive to LF sound and at risk=20 from exposure to LF sounds. The ten species of=20 baleen whales that may be affected by SURTASS=20 LFA sonar are: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin=20 (Balaenoptera physalus), minke (Balaenoptera=20 acutorostrata), Bryde's (Balaenoptera borealis),=20 sei (Balaenoptera borealis), humpback (Megaptera=20 novaeangliae), northern right (Eubalaena=20 glacialis), southern right (Eubalaena=20 australis), pygmy right (Capera marginata), and=20 gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). The odontocetes (toothed whales) that may be=20 affected because they inhabit the deeper,=20 offshore waters where SURTASS LFA sonar might=20 operate include both the pelagic (oceanic)=20 whales and dolphins and those coastal species=20 that also occur in deep water including Stenella=20 spp., Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), rough- toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), Fraser's=20 dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), right-whale=20 dolphin (Lissodelphis spp.), Lagenorhynchus=20 spp., Cephalorhynchus spp., bottlenose dolphin=20 (Tursiops truncatus), common dolphin (Delphinus=20 delphis), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli),=20 melon-headed whale (Peponocephala spp.), beaked=20 whales (Berardius spp., Hyperoodon spp.,=20 Mesoplodon spp., Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius=20 cavirostris), Shepard's beaked whale (Tasmacetus=20 shepherdi), Longman's beaked whale (Indopacetus=20 pacificus), killer whale (Orcinus orca), false=20 killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy=20 killer whale (Feresa attenuata), sperm whale=20 (Physeter macrocephalus, Kogia spp.), and pilot=20 whale (Globicephala spp.). Potentially affected pinnipeds include: 8=20 phocid (true seal) species including, the=20 Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus=20 spp.), harbor seals (Phoca spp), and elephant=20 seals (Mirounga spp.); 8 species of fur seals=20 (Arctocephalus spp., Callorhinus ursinus); and 5=20 species of sea lions, including the Steller sea=20 lion (Eumetopias jubatus) and California sea=20 lion (Zalophus californianus). A description of affected marine mammal=20 species and the criteria used to determine those=20 species that have the potential for taking by=20 harassment are provided and explained in detail=20 in the Navy application and DEIS and need not be=20 repeated here. Impacts to Marine Mammals The analysis of potential impacts on marine=20 mammals was developed by the Navy based on the=20 results of a literature review, the Navy's LF=20 Sound Scientific Research Program (LFS SRP), and=20 a complex, comprehensive program of underwater=20 acoustical modeling. To assess potential impact=20 of the SURTASS LFA sonar source on marine=20 mammals operating at a given site, it was=20 necessary for the Navy to predict the sound=20 field that a given marine mammal species could=20 be exposed to over time. This is a multi-part=20 process involving (1) the ability to measure=20 or estimate an animal's location in space and=20 time, (2) the ability to measure or estimate the=20 three-dimensional sound field at these times=20 and locations, (3) the integration of these two=20 data sets to estimate the total acoustic=20 exposure for each animal in the modeled=20 population, (4) converting the resultant=20 cumulative exposures for a modeled population=20 into an estimate of the risk from a prolonged=20 disruption of a biologically important behavior,=20 and (5) converting these estimates of behavioral=20 risk into an assessment of risk in terms of the=20 level of potential biological removal. Next, a relationship for converting the=20 resultant cumulative exposures for a modeled=20 population into an estimate of the risk to the=20 entire population of a prolonged disruption of a=20 biologically important behavior and of injury=20 was developed. This process assessed risk in=20 relation to received level (RL) and repeated=20 exposure. The resultant '`risk continuum'' is=20 based on the assumption that the threshold of=20 risk is variable and occurs over a range of=20 conditions rather than at a single threshold. Taken together, the LFS SRP results, the=20 acoustical modeling, and the risk assessment,=20 provide an estimate of potential environmental=20 impacts to marine mammals. The acoustical modeling process was=20 accomplished using the Navy's standard=20 acoustical performance prediction transmission=20 loss model-Parabolic Equation (PE) version 3.4.=20 The results of this model are the primary input=20 to the Acoustic Integration Model (AIM). AIM was=20 used to estimate mammal sound exposures and=20 essentially integrates simulated movements=20 (including dive patterns) of marine mammals, a=20 schedule of SURTASS LFA sonar transmissions, and=20 the predicted sound field for each transmission=20 to estimate acoustic exposure during a=20 hypothetical SURTASS LFA sonar operation.=20 Description of the PE and AIM models, including=20 AIM input parameters for animal movement, diving=20 behavior, and marine mammal distribution,=20 abundance, and density are described in=20 detail in the Navy application and the DEIS and=20 are not discussed further in this document. Using the AIM model, the Navy developed 31=20 acoustic modeling scenarios for the major ocean=20 regions (which are described in the application=20 and DEIS). Locations were carefully selected to=20 represent reasonable ``worst case'' scenarios=20 for each of the three major ocean acoustic=20 regimes where SURTASS LFA sonar would be=20 employed. These acoustic regimes were (1) deep- water convergence propagation zone, (2) near=20 surface duct propagation zone, and (3) shallow=20 water bottom interaction propagation zone. These=20 scenarios represent the condition under which,=20 on average, the greatest number of animals could=20 be exposed to the greatest number of pings at=20 the highest RLs and were considered the most=20 severe conditions that could be expected from=20 operation of the SURTASS LFA sonar system. Thus,=20 if SURTASS LFA sonar operations were conducted=20 in an area that was not acoustically modeled,=20 the potential effects would almost certainly be=20 less than those obtained from the most similar=20 scenario in the analysis. Risk Analysis The Navy interprets the results of the LFS=20 SRP to justify use of unlimited exposure during=20 a mission to 120 dB as the lowest value for=20 risk. Below this level, there is no risk of=20 prolonged biologically significant responses=20 from marine mammals. It is important to note=20 that risk varies with both level and number of=20 exposures. The Navy calculated the risks for take by=20 injury based on criteria of 180 dB RL, which is=20 a conservative value for the onset of a minor=20 temporary threshold (TTS) shift in hearing (see=20 Ridgway et al. (1997)). Ridgway et al.'s (1997)=20 measurement at one second duration implies that=20 the TTS threshold for a 100-second signal lies=20 between 182 and 172 dB, depending upon the=20 formula used. The Navy believes that the 180-dB=20 single ping criterion can be considered=20 conservative. However, the RL for serious injury=20 would be much higher, and the marine mammal=20 would have to be much closer to the array than=20 the 2 km (1.1 nm) radius around the vertical=20 array delineating the 180 dB sound field. With=20 three levels of mitigation monitoring for marine=20 mammals (described later in this document), it=20 is unlikely that any marine mammal would get=20 that close before either turning away from the=20 annoyance, or being detected and the SURTASS LFA=20 sonar shut down (see Mitigation). However,=20 because the probability is not zero, the Navy=20 has included this scenario in its authorization=20 request. Mitigation and Monitoring SURTASS LFA sonar operations would be=20 conducted to ensure that the sound field does=20 not exceed 180 dB re 1 Parms=20 (i.e., the zone of potential injury for marine=20 mammals) within 22 km (12 nm) of any coastline,=20 nor in offshore biologically important areas=20 that are outside the 22 km (12 nm) zone during=20 the biologically important season(s) for that=20 particular area. SURTASS LFA sonar operators would estimate=20 sound pressure levels prior to and during=20 operations to provide the information necessary=20 to modify operations, including delay or=20 suspension of transmissions, in order not to=20 exceed the sound field criteria. Please refer to=20 the Navy's application for the criteria used to=20 determine biologically important areas. In order to minimize risks to potentially=20 affected marine mammals that may be present in=20 waters surrounding SURTASS LFA sonar, the Navy=20 will: (1) Conduct visual monitoring from the=20 ship's bridge during daylight hours, (2) use=20 passive (LF) SURTASS LFA sonar to listen for=20 vocalizing marine mammals; and (3) use high=20 frequency (HF) active sonar (i.e., commercial=20 fish finder) to monitor/locate/track marine=20 mammals in relation to the SURTASS LFA sonar=20 vessel and the sound field produced by the=20 SURTASS LFA sonar source array. Through observation, acoustic tracking and=20 establishment of shut-down criteria, the Navy=20 will ensure that no marine mammals approach the=20 SURTASS LFA sonar source close enough to be=20 subjected to potentially harmful sound levels=20 (inside the 180 dB re 1 Parms=20 sound field; approximately 2 km (1.1 nm) from=20 the source). The Navy estimates that the=20 probability of detecting a marine mammal within=20 the 180 dB sound field of the source array by at=20 least one of these monitoring methods is=20 estimated to be between 70 and 99 percent.=20 However, nominally, an effectiveness of 80=20 percent is used in the take calculations. This=20 assumption incorporates the 70 percent=20 effectiveness of the HF sonar, and an additional=20 conservative 5- percent contribution each for=20 visual and passive monitoring. In general,=20 small, solitary marine mammals would be the most=20 difficult to detect, while large whales and=20 dolphin schools would be much easier to detect. Reporting During routine operations of SURTASS LFA=20 sonar, technical and environmental data would be=20 collected and recorded. These would include=20 data from visual and acoustic monitoring, ocean=20 environmental measurements, and technical=20 operational inputs. This information would=20 become part of the data required from the Long=20 Term Monitoring (LTM) Program. Research The Navy proposes to provide a LTM program=20 to conduct annual assessments of the potential=20 cumulative impact of SURTASS LFA sonar=20 operations on the marine environment, provide=20 the necessary reporting to increase knowledge of=20 the species, and to coordinate research=20 opportunities and activities. This would include=20 cumulative impact analyses of the annually=20 tabulated injuries (if any) and harassments over=20 the next 5 years. While research conducted to date is=20 sufficient to assess impacts on marine mammals,=20 it is prudent to continue research over the=20 course of the first 5 years of the Navy's=20 operations of SURTASS LFA sonar. The purpose of the LTM program would be to=20 continue scientific data collection once SURTASS=20 LFA sonar is deployed. Conclusions Based on the scientific analyses detailed in=20 the Navy application and further supported by=20 the DEIS for SURTASS LFA sonar operations, the=20 Navy concludes that the incidental taking of=20 marine mammals resulting from SURTASS LFA sonar=20 operations would be small and have no more than=20 a negligible impact on the affected marine=20 mammal stocks or habitats. This conclusion is=20 particularly supported by the proposed=20 mitigation measures that would be implemented=20 for all SURTASS LFA sonar operations and the=20 proposed LTM program. The former includes=20 geographic restrictions, monitoring and=20 reporting that would result in increased=20 knowledge of marine mammal species. The latter=20 offers means of learning of, encouraging, and=20 coordinating research opportunities, plans, and=20 activities relating to reducing the incidental=20 taking of marine mammals from anthropogenic=20 underwater sound, and evaluating the possible=20 long-term effects from exposing marine mammals=20 to anthropogenic underwater sound. Information Solicited NMFS requests interested persons to submit=20 comments, information, and suggestions=20 concerning the Navy's request for a single LOA=20 valid for SURTASS LFA sonar operations in all 10=20 biogeographic regions, and the structure and=20 content of the regulations to allow takings by=20 LFA sonar operations. NMFS would propose a=20 single set of regulations, effective for a=20 period of time up to 5 years, that would govern=20 incidental takings for LFA sonar operations. All=20 commenters are requested to review the DEIS=20 and/or the application prior to submitting=20 comments and, because of its brevity, not submit=20 comments solely on this Federal Register=20 document. NMFS is also requesting comment on an=20 alternative proposal to issue annual LOAs to=20 each vessel as it becomes operational. Based=20 upon applications for annual LOAs, individual=20 vessel LOAs may specify which of the 10=20 operating areas were scheduled for the upcoming=20 year. For security reasons, locations and times=20 for certain operations may be classified and not=20 provided to the public. If NMFS proposes regulations governing the=20 taking, interested parties will be provided a 45- day comment period on the content of the=20 proposed rule. This action has been determined to be not=20 significant for purposes of Executive Order=20 12866. Dated: October 15, 1999. Andrew A. Rosenberg, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,=20 National Marine Fisheries=20 Service. [FR Doc. 99-27579 Filed 10-21-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Genetic tagging: contemporary molecular ecology. Palsboll, PJ. BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY. September-October 1999 v68 i1-2 p3-22 Age and growth estimates of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) via aspartic acid racemization. George, JC; Bada, J; Zeh, J; Scott, L; Brown, SE; O'Hara, T; Suydam, R. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. April 1999 v77 i4 p571-580 Ultrasound detection in fish - a parallel to the sonar-mediated detection of bats by ultrasound-sensitive insects?. Astrup, J. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY. September 1999 v124 i1 p19-27 Inshore and offshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) communities distinguished by association patterns near Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. Rossbach, KA; Herzing, DL. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. April 1999 v77 i4 p581-592 Impact of population bottlenecks on genetic variation and the importance of life-history; a case study of the northern elephant seal. Hoelzel, AR. BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY. September-October 1999 v68 i1-2 p23-39 Assimilation efficiency of prey in the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Goodman-Lowe, GD; Carpenter, JR; Atkinson, S. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. April 1999 v77 i4 p653-660 Determinants of home range size for polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Ferguson, SH; Taylor, MK; Born, EW; Rosing-Asvid, A; Messier, F. ECOLOGY LETTERS. September 1999 v2 i5 p311-318 Subject: Current Contents: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy (fwd) Volume 2:1: Current Contents. To receive notification of new issues of the Journal, please sign up on the site's announcement list. The full text of most documents cited in Journal articles, as well as the at least one article in each issue are also available on the site. Wil Burns, Editor-in-Chief Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.325.3037 Fax: 801.838.4710 JIWLP(\)earthling.net=20 http://www.jiwlp.com/ 2(1) Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy (1999) MAIN ARTICLES * Joni E. Baker, A Substantive Theory of the Relative Efficiency of Environmental Treaty Compliance Strategies: the Case of CITES (pp.1-45) CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS * Lye Lin-Heng, The Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in Singapore (pp. 46-63) * Govindasamy Agoramoorthy & Minna J. Hsu, CITES Implementation through the Wildlife Conservation Law of Taiwan (pp. 64-68) * Jos=E9 Truda Palazzo, Jr., Whose Whales? Developing Countries and the Right to Use Whales by Non-Lethal Means (pp. 69-78) * Konrad von Moltke, Brand Name Ivory: An Alternate Way to Think About the Ivory Trade (pp. 79-86) DOCUMENTS * Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures for Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa; * Endangered Species Act of Singapore; * Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation and Intellectual Property Rights, RIS/IUCN. Subject: Current Contents: Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy (fwd) Volume 2:1: Current Contents. To receive notification of new issues of the Journal, please sign up on the site's announcement list. The full text of most documents cited in Journal articles, as well as the at least one article in each issue are also available on the site. Wil Burns, Editor-in-Chief Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.325.3037 Fax: 801.838.4710 JIWLP(\)earthling.net=20 http://www.jiwlp.com/ 2(1) Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy (1999) MAIN ARTICLES * Joni E. Baker, A Substantive Theory of the Relative Efficiency of Environmental Treaty Compliance Strategies: the Case of CITES (pp.1-45) CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS * Lye Lin-Heng, The Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in Singapore (pp. 46-63) * Govindasamy Agoramoorthy & Minna J. Hsu, CITES Implementation through the Wildlife Conservation Law of Taiwan (pp. 64-68) * Jos=E9 Truda Palazzo, Jr., Whose Whales? Developing Countries and the Right to Use Whales by Non-Lethal Means (pp. 69-78) * Konrad von Moltke, Brand Name Ivory: An Alternate Way to Think About the Ivory Trade (pp. 79-86) DOCUMENTS * Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures for Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa; * Endangered Species Act of Singapore; * Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation and Intellectual Property Rights, RIS/IUCN. Subject: Marine Mammal Education- Update andrew rogerson , kevin kohler , jane dougan , jdougan(\)escarpment.com Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center announces that the world wide subscribed Marine Mammal Management DISTANCE EDUCATION course will now be offered at two levels. Each will have different levels of evaluation and fee structure. The advanced version is a three graduate credit offering of some rigor, the other will be suitable for those who have a general interest in marine mammals as well as those who wish to obtain a professional upgrading. Please contact the coordinator or review the web site http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Professor Keith Ronald, Coordinator Oceanographic Center, NSU kronald(\)ocean.nova.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999 07:07:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. The matrix protein gene sequence analysis reveals close relationship between peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and dolphin morbillivirus. Haffar, A; Libeau, G; Moussa, A; Cecile, M; Diallo, A. VIRUS RESEARCH. October 1999 v64 i1 p69-75 Dimorphic tusks and adaptive strategies in a new species of walrus-like dolphin (Odobenocetopsidae) from the Pliocene of Peru. de Muizon, C; Domning, DP; Parrish, M. COMPTES RENDUS DE L ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES SERIE II FASCICULE A-SCIENCES DE LA TERRE ET DES PLANETES. September 30, 1999 v329 i6 p449-455 Iron biominerals in medicine and the environment Author(s) Webb, J; Macey, DJ; Chua-anusorn, W; St Pierre, TG; Brooker, LR; Rahman, I; Noller, B Source COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS, September 1999 v192 p1199-1215 [includes information on the tissue iron deposits formed in the liver of the dugong] Alpha-male paternity in elephant seals. Hoelzel, AR; Le Boeuf, BJ; Reiter, J; Campagna, C. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY. October 1999 v46 i5 p298-306 Variation of harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) underwater vocalizations among three breeding locations. Perry, EA; Terhune, JM. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. October 1999 v249 part2 p181-186 Fat transfer and energetics during lactation in the hooded seal: the roles of tissue lipoprotein lipase in milk fat secretion and pup blubber deposition. Mellish, JE; Iverson, SJ; Bowen, WD; Hammill, MO. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY. September 1999 v169 i6 p377-390 Gross and microscopic visceral anatomy of the male Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus (Pinnipedia : Otariidae), with reference to organ size and growth. Stewardson, CL; Hemsley, S; Meyer, MA; Canfield, PJ; Maindonald, JH. JOURNAL OF ANATOMY. August 1999 v195 part2 p235-255 Rapid radiation events in the family Ursidae indicated by likelihood phylogenetic estimation from multiple fragments of mtDNA. Waits, LP; Sullivan, J; O'Brien, SJ; Ward, RH. MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION. October 1999 v13 i1 p82-92 Aujeszky's disease in captive bears. Banks, M; Torraca, LSM; Greenwood, AG; Taylor, DC. VETERINARY RECORD. September 25, 1999 v145 i13 p362-365 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999 09:43:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Low Frequency Active Sonar. On Oct. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice in the Federal Register that the U.S. Navy had requested a Letter of Authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment incidental to operation of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) low frequency active (LFA) sonar. NMFS must promulgate regulations and invites public comment on a draft environmental impact statement no later than Nov. 22, 1999.} [Fed. Register] {Mexican Salt Project. On Oct. 22, 1999, the managers of 15 U.S. mutual funds specializing in socially and environmentally responsible investments announced they would join a boycott against Japan's Mitsubishi Co. to protest plans to establish a 116-square mile, $150 million salt evaporation operation on Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California, an area used extensively by gray whales.} [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] Steller Sea Lion Lawsuit. On Oct. 18, 1999, NMFS officials announced that NMFS has addressed all requirements of a federal court order to clarify its plans to protect Steller sea lion populations and proceed with the North Pacific pollock fishery. Measures taken seek to reduce the potential for competition for pollock without reducing the commercial fishery harvest include dispersing the fisheries over time, dispersing the fisheries over area, and better protecting sea lion rookeries and major haulouts. [NOAA press release] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Oct. 18, 1999, a coalition of 6 environmental groups petitioned to the AK Dept. of Fish and Game to protect Cook Inlet beluga whales under AK endangered species law. [ABC News] Gray Whale Mortalities. In mid-October 1999, a Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans scientists reported that tests revealed low fat reserves indicating that starvation was the likely cause of the more than 100 gray whale deaths observed earlier this year. [Portland Oregonian] Bowhead Whaling. In mid-October 1999, Barrow, AK, whalers finished their fall whaling season, killing 6 bowhead whales in the last week. [Assoc Press] Contaminants in Cetacean Products. In mid-October 1999, a joint study by scientists from Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Fukuoka, Japan), Harvard University, and the Univ. of Greenwich (UK) concluded that whale and dolphin products on the market for human consumption are contaminated with high levels of mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). About 85% of samples from smaller cetaceans tested exceeded the Japanese provisional standard for mercury of 0.4 micrograms per gram, with levels in stewed dolphin livers about 500 times the standard. About half of the samples minke whale and smaller cetaceans exceeded the provisional standard for PCBs of 0.5 micrograms per gram. These scientists anticipate submitting findings to the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry and the Japanese Fisheries Agency, requesting them to take action to alleviate the problem. [Daily Yomiuri] Makah Whaling. On Oct. 15, 1999, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society officials reported that their vessel, the Sirenian, received at least $2,000 damage from vandals while dry docked at Lake Union, WA. The Sirenian was being readied for protests against this fall's whaling by the Makah tribe. Makah whalers are reportedly practicing for a fall hunt. [Seattle Times] Greenpeace and UK Oil Exploration. On Oct. 11, 1999, Greenpeace officials petitioned the UK High Court for judicial review of the UK government's decision not to apply the European Union Habitats and Species Directive to oil exploration on the outer continental shelf northwest of the British Isles to increase protection of whales, dolphins, and deepwater corals. [Daily Telegraph, BBC] Manatees. On Oct. 5, 1999, individuals representing the National Marine Manufacturers Association announced that the group had modified its objectives to supporting better ways to count, tag, and track manatees as well as promoting research to help manatees avoid boat collisions. On Oct. 6, 1999, Lee County (one of 13 FL counties whose regulations were thought critical to protecting manatees) became the final county to have manatee-protective speed zones for watercraft established by the FL Fish and Wildlife Commission. On Oct. 6, 1999, FL Fish and Wildlife Commission officials announced that the state had exceeded its previous record during 25 years of reporting boat-related manatee deaths, with 67 manatees reported to have been killed by boat collisions thus far in 1999. [Naples Daily News, St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune] Body in Killer Whale Pool. On Oct. 1, 1999, the parents of the man whose body was found in SeaWorld Orlando's killer whale pool in early July 1999 voluntarily withdrew their lawsuit against SeaWorld. No explanation was given for this action, and no settlement was reported. [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: Mon, 1 Nov 1999 09:44:59 -0800 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 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. Subscriber list 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 April 1999 there were about 3,500 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 (e.g, 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., 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 NOTE: Notices from regional student chapters of the Society for Marine Mammalogy should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details and website address). - a single message concerning each regional meeting (providing details as to the time and place of that meeting, schedule of speakers or events, and a website or email address to contact for further information). 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. Therefore messages about small local meetings will not be posted. - 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 WHICH 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 or inflame 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 marmamed(\)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. Subcriber list Due to mis-use of the subscriber list, the list is no longer available through a listserv command. To find out who subscribes to MARMAM, you must send a request to the MARMAM editors (marmamed(\)uvic.ca) and it will be sent out to you along with a request to not mis-use the list and guidelines to proper use of the list. Subscribers not wanting this information available to others can send the command: set marmam conceal to listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ 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, Shannon Gowans and Daniel Palacios) at marmamed(\)uvic.ca _______________________________________________________________ The MARMAM Editorial Policy and FAQ can also be found at the website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm Updated October 1999 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 17:54:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: energy expenditure of Tursiops (fwd) Forwarded message: I can offer the following article as new publication. Best regards, Parissa Yazdi Yazdi P., A. Kilian, B. M. Culik (1999) Energy expenditure of swimming bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Biology 134: 601-607. Abstract=20 The aim of our investigations was to determine, via oxygen and carbon-dioxide respirometry, how much energy dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) require when swimming at different speeds. Experiments were conducted on two female bottlenose dolphins (mean mass 162 kg) in the dolphinarium in Nuremberg zoo, Germany, between March and August 1997. Animals were stationed in a respiration chamber for a minimum of 90 s after performing a variety of activities. We measured respiration frequency and oxygen requirements during 1) resting 2) swimming at various velocities and 3) leaping to various heights. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) of our bottlenose dolphins (2.15 W kg-1) was comparable to published previously data. Metabolic rate in swimming dolphins increased to 2.47 W kg-1 at 2 m s-1 while leaps to 2.2 and 3 m height required a power input of 3.5 and 4 W kg-1, respectively. Transport costs of swimming dolphins were lowest (1.16 J kg-1m-1, corresponding to 0.12 JN-1 m-1) at a speed of 2.5 m.s-1, yielding an optimal range speed between 1.9 - 3.2 m s-1 (corresponding to minimum COT + 10%). Breathing rates during all experiments correlated very well with oxygen consumption (r=B2 > 0.89) and could be used to derive metabolic rates in unencumbered dolphins at sea. Key words: bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, energy expenditure, swimming, met= abolic rate, transport costs, range speed. Mailing address: Parissa Yazdi Abteilung Meereszoologie Institut fuer Meereskunde an der Universitaet Kiel=20 Duesternbrooker Weg 20 D-24105 Kiel Germany e-mail: pyazdi(\)ifm.uni-kiel.de Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 16:20:34 -0500 From: Phil Clapham Subject: Smell in mysticetes Is anyone aware of a paper published a fair number of years ago (maybe 7o's or 80's) which dealt with the potential for mysticete whales to use a sense of smell? I distinctly recall reading an anatomy/physiology paper which noted that the olfactory lobe of the mysticete brain was reasonably well developed (in contrast to that of odontocetes), and also that the structure of the nares was conducive to the idea that baleen whales may have a reasonably well developed sense of smell. I thought this was in J Zool Lond, but have been unable to find it in back issues of that journal or elsewhere by any other means. Thanks. Phil Clapham -- 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: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 18:53:46 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Science, Oct 1999 issue, table of contents (fwd) The latest issue of Marine Mammal Science (Oct 1999, Ken Norris tribute issue) is out. The following are contents for the issue. Please do not direct requests for reprints from the Marmam editors. The journal is a benefit of membership to the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM). Information on the SMM may be found at: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~smm/ ***************************************************************** Recollections of Kenneth S. Norris, edited by Sam H. Ridgway, pp. 915-946 (contributions from G.K. Silber, G. Carleton Ray, S.H. Ridgway, R.L. Gentry, R.S. Wells, B. Wursig, R. Connor, S.L. Swartz, R.L. Brill, T. Cranford and T. Newberry, S. Brownlee, D.P. Costa. Costa, D.P. and W.F. Perrin. 1999. Bibliography of Kenneth S. Norris. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 947-955. Jaramillo-Legorreta, A.M., L. Rojas-Bracho, and T. Gerrodette. 1999. A new abundance estimate for vaquitas: first step for recovery. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 957-973. Rojas-Bracho, L., and B.L. Taylor. 1999. Risk factors affecting the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 974-989. Rosel, P.E., and L. Rojas-Bracho. 1999. Mitochondrial DNA variation in the critically endangered vaquita Phocoena sinus Norris and Macfarland, 1958. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 990-1003. Taylor, B.L., and L. Rojas-Bracho. 1999. Examining the risk of inbreeding depression in a naturally rare cetacean, the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1004-1028. Perrin, W.F., Ma. Louella L. Dolar, and D. Robineau. 1999. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) of the western Pacific and southeast Asia: pelagic and shallow-water forms. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1029-1053. Goley, P.D. 1999. Behavioral aspects of sleep in Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, Gill 1865). Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1054-1064. Bearzi, G., E. Politi, and G. Notarbartolo di Sciara. 1999. Diurnal behavior of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in the Kvarneric (northern Adriatic Sea). . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1065-1097. Wells, R.S., H.L. Rhinehart, P. Cunningham, J. Whaley, M. Baran, C. Koberna, and D.P. Costa. 1999. Long distance offshore movements of bottlenose dolphins. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1098-1114. Karczmarski, L., P.E.D. Winter, V.G. Cockcroft, and A. McLachlan. 1999. Population analyses of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1115-1123. Hohn, A.A., and S. Fernandez. 1999. Biases in dolphin age structure due to age estimation technique. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1124-1132. Cranford, T.W. 1999. The sperm whale's nose: sexual selection on a grand scale. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1133-1157. Watkins, W.A., M.A. Daher, N.A. DiMarzio, A. Samuels, D. Wartzok, K.M. Fristrup, D.P. Gannon, P.W. Howey, R.R. Maiefski, and T.R. Spradlin. 1999. Sperm whale surface activity from tracking by radio and satellite tags. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1158-1180. Whitehead, H. 1999. Variation in the visually observable behavior of groups of Galapagos sperm whales. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1181-1197. Poonganis, P.J. and G.L. Kooyman. 1999. Heart rate and electrocardiogram characteristics of a young California gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1198-1207. Weller, D.W., B. Wursig, A.L. Bradford, A.M. Burdin, S.A. Blokhin, H. Minakuchi, and R.L. Brownell, Jr. 1999. Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Sakhalin Island, Russia: Seasonal and annual patterns of occurrence. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1208-1227. Corkeron, P.J. and R.C. Connor. 1999. Why do baleen whales migrate? . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1228-1245. Mate, B.R., B.A. Lagerquist, and J. Calambokidis. 1999. Movements of North Pacific blue whales during the feeding season off southern California and their southern fall migration. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1246-1257. Stafford, K.M., S.L. Nieukirk, and C.G. Fox. 1999. An acoustic link between blue whales in the eastern tropical Pacific and the northeast Pacific. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1258-1268. Yoshida, H. and H. Kato. 1999. Phylogenetic relationships of Bryde's whales in the western North Pacific and adjacent waters inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences. . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1269-1286. Moore, M.J., S.D. Berrow, B.A. Jensen, P. Carr, R. Sears, V.J. Rowntree, R.Payne, and P.K. Hamilton. 1999. Relative abundance of large whales around South Georgia (1979-1998). . Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1287-1302. Levenson, D.H., and R.J. Schusterman. 1999. Dark adaptation and visual sensitivity in shallow and deep-diving pinnipeds. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1303-1313. Walker, W.A. and M.B. Hanson. 1999. Biological observations on Stejneger's beaked whale, Mesoplodon stejnegeri, from strandings on Adak Island, Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1314-1329. Marten, K. and S. Psarakos. 1999. Long-term site fidelity and possible long-term associations of wild spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) seen off Oahu, Hawaii. Marine Mammal Science 15(4):1329-1336. Banniseter, J.L., L.A. Pastene, and S.R. Burnell. 1999. First record of movement of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) between warm water breeding grounds and the Antarctic Ocean, south of 60 degrees South. Marine Mammal Science 15(4):1337-1342. Gowans, S. and L. Rendell. 1999. Head-butting in northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus): a possible function for big heads? Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1342-1350. Mossbridge, J.A. and J.A. Thomas. 1999. An "acoustic niche" for Antarctic killer whale and leopard seal sounds. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1351-1357. Holst, M., I. Stirling, and W. Calvert. 1999. Age structure and reproductive rates of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) on the northwestern coast of Hudson Bay in 1991 and 1992. Marine Mammal Science 15(4):1357-1364. Ostholm, T. and R. Elsner. 1999. Regulation of coronary blood flow in ringed seals: the histochemical evidence. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1365-1370. Bryden, M.M. 1999. Stones in the stomachs of southern elephant seals. Marine Mammal Science 15(4): 1370-1373. Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 09:44:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NMFS proposed rules re: LFA Sonar (fwd) Forwarded message: From: "Cheryl A. Magill" Dear MARMAM Members & Editors: I am forwarding a message sent to me by Mr. William Rossiter which he has asked to have distributed while he is traveling. Please consider posting this as a response to the previous MARMAM message regarding the Federal Register publication of 10-22-99 and which we see posted on MARMAM as of 10-27-99. (This was a posting which came as a surprise to many of us who were working on meeting the 10-28-99 Navy deadline for responses to the DEIS and who became aware of the Navy's intenet to go forward with the only the DEIS; excluding the comments and observations which adherence to process would have otherwise made available.) For additional commentaries, please feel free to utilize these Internet resources which contain responses to the NMFS application based on an incomplete draft report from the US Navy: http://www.angelfire.com/ca/fishattorney/lfaslinks.html http://home1.gte.net/leetpley/lfasupdate.html http://www.oceanmammalinst.com/ For additional information regarding the deficiencies of the proposed LFAS system, quick summaries may be found at these locations: http://elfi.com/csiupdat.html http://www.csmonitor.com/durable/1999/10/28/fp21s2-csm.shtml Thank you most kindly for your attention to this matter, Best regards, Cheryl A. Magill And here is Mr. Rossiter's message: >> Please pass this on........ The aggressive and strategically timed permit application by the Navy for the taking of marine mammals during LFA operations must be extended! Please help to cycle this to all concerned NGOs: Please immediately petition NMFS for an extended permit comment time on the just-announced small take exemption. Reword the following: "The reality is that given the gravity of the situation and the complexities of the system the environmental community can not be expected to be able to respond adequately in the time allowed. Given that at least 6 species of endangered animals are under threat by LFA operations the public must be given more time to compile appropriate responses. New information compiled during the now-closed DEIS public comment phase suggests several additional environmental problems with lFA operations but these require verification." Gene Nitta has been assigned to NMFS / Permits Division! He may play a major role in NMFS' consideration of the LFA permit. You may recall that the NMFS spokesperson and local director who called all the unusual events in Hawaii during the LFA SRP III "normal" was Gene Nitta. We must ensure that the Permit Division understands that he has already been involved with controversy during Phase III and should not play a role with this permit. The last thing that any of us want to do is to re-read the DEIS. But you may have noticed in the Exectutive Summary that it applies only to test and training...both of which are generally complete. There is a broad, selective policy with all the services that, under conditions of "heightened security" or the need to address a specific threat potential, commands can authorize limited use of directed systems. In the case of the LFA this common, classified and often self-serving practice suggests that an operational unit's call to the CNO's office that there is a "warranted" need to operate the LFA will get a CNO call back authorizing that use, with no unclassified paper trail. It is logical to expect that the LFA operations people will use this scenario to put to sea whether or not the EIS is accepted. With direct CNO approval for operations because of "warranted" threat conditions all mitigations and restrictions are irrelevent and the LFA may operate without limits. I think it prudent to assume that the LFA ops folks will use their gadget this way no matter what the FEIS or NMFS says. I think that the only thing stopping them now is the political/media fallout potential during the DEIS review period. PLEASE REQUEST A PERMIT EXTENSION! Thanks, Bill Rossiter Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 16:00:32 +0200 Reply-To: info(\)nisc.co.za From: info(\)nisc.co.za Organization: NISC SA (Pty) Ltd Subject: Free access to 1.7 million aquatic science references (up to 30th November) Comments: To: fisheries(\)ecology.bio.dfo.ca, shellfish(\)kenyon.edu Comments: cc: oceantech(\)ucsd.edu, ACN-L(\)pinetree.org, EUROFISH-L(\)imbc.gr ************************************************************************** Aquatic Biology, Aquaculture & Fisheries Resources - - and - - Marine, Oceanographic & Freshwater Resources ************************************************************************** SEARCH OVER 1.7 MILLION CITATIONS AND ABSTRACTS ! FREE ACCESS over the internet until November 30, 1999. Click on the:"Click here to register for FREE access to:..." link at the top of the NISC Home Page. http://www.nisc.com Why take a look? Aquatic Biology, Aquaculture & Fisheries Resources and Marine, Oceanographic & Freshwater Resources provide access to over 25 databases including ASFA, FISHLIT, databases of Research Institutes around the world, and relevant subsets of CAB Abstracts, AGRIS, MEDLINE and much more. This collection offers the most comprehensive coverage of fisheries, aquaculture, marine, oceanographic and freshwater topics anywhere. These resources are distinguished from other Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracting services by the following: 1) Greater coverage including pre-1978 publications 2) Grey Literature Coverage not available from other sources. 3) Global Coverage including southern hemisphere 4) Enhanced taxonomic and geographic indexing The rich content of Aquatic Biology, Aquaculture & Fisheries Resources and Marine, Oceanographic & Freshwater Resources combined with the powerful search functionality of BiblioLine can't be matched. We welcome your review and encourage you to search and compare results with other aquatic and marine resources. For a comparative review of bibliographic information resources available for fisheries, marine and aquatic sciences, please visit http://education.nation.co.za/nisc/iamslic/index.htm. For more information about Aquatic Biology, Aquaculture & Fisheries Resources and Marine, Oceanographic & Freshwater Resources read the product details at: http://www.nisc.com/dbmonth/abafr.htm and http://www.nisc.com/dbmonth/mofr.htm Please contact Debbie Durr by phone (+1 410-243-0797) or Email at sales(\)nisc.com with any questions. NISC ************************************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Margaret Crampton NISC (National Inquiry Services Centre) 22 Somerset St, PO Box 377 Grahamstown 6140, South Africa Tel: +27 46 6229698 Fax: +27 46 6229550 Cell: 083 6350970 Internet info(\)nisc.co.za http://www.nisc.co.za "Information for Africa CD-ROM and Internet" ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 17:50:53 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: NMFS proposed rules re: LFA Sonar (fwd) Forwarded message: From: JBlue46498(\)aol.com Concerned colleagues, I too am concerned about the environmental effects of sound on many marine mammals. The LFA has not been of enough concern to me to allocate much time to studying it. As a former Navy acoustician, I am vaguely familiar with it and have some degree of trust in people I know who are involved in the program and who are capable acousticians. Even capable people need some oversight from experts from other fields associated with impact of their work. I write to express concern about some of the "information" being quoted by the MARMAM community that impairs their effectiveness on having an impact. I have not yet decided how serious the threat to marine mammals really is. The "information" being quoted by some shows their misunderstanding of underwater acoustics and sonar. If the MARMAM community is to be taken seriously by the U. S. Navy, concerns must be expressed in accurate terms rather than have a flood of unsupportable claims flooding Navy offices. That tactic may work with politicians but should not work with sonar and bioacoustic experts. It did not work with me when I was a Navy acoustician. I do not mean to pick on Dr. Green, as I do not find much to disagree with in her accurate statements. The problem arises in areas that I do not necessarily expect her to understand. Not everyone can be proficient in every phase of the LFA problem areas. The next piece of documentation below illustrates my point. "US Navy Testing of Low Frequency Active Sonar On Humpback Whales: Scientific Issues Marsha L. Green, Ph.D. Ocean Mammal Institute Albright College* http://www.oceanmammalinst.com/mgpaper.html Documented Effects of Sonar on Whales and Humans The U.S. Navy's new low frequency active sonar (LFA sonar) broadcasts loud, low frequency sound (up to 240 dB) to locate quiet submarines. From 1980 to 1995 the Navy developed and tested this system without obeying any of the applicable environmental laws. While the Navy was illegally developing and testing LFA sonar, they were also building a ship (TAGOS-23, estimated cost $60 million) to deploy the sonar. The Navy finally agreed to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) after being challenged by environmental groups. They hired Christopher Clark (Cornell U.) and Peter Tyack (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute) to test the effects of the sonar on blue, fin, gray and humpback whales in 1997 and 1998. It is important to note that the LFA sonar test levels were always much lower than the actual sonar which is about 240 dB." Let us examine this piece of documentation to show why testing at 240 dB source levels is not important. The reason relates to the near field and far field of sonar projectors to show that 240 dB sound fields do not exist for a 240 dB LFA sonar. Actually the 240-dB sonar is an idealization of a distributed source back to a point source that is entirely fictional. It is one that makes calculations with the sonar equation easy for neophytes to use. The LFA uses a "line" source of discrete projectors. I do not know the length of the line but for my purpose here I will considr it to be 10 wavelengths at 300 Hz. At 300 Hz the wavelength is about 5 m so the line is 50 m. Let us assume that the sound field at the end of the near field is 186 dB. The far field point is the point where the sound field begins to undergo spherical spreading or (elementary from textbooks on sound) the length-squared divided by the wavelength (500 m for this case). These same textbooks might tell you that within the near field the acoustic field is highly collimated with the sound field fluctuating at a level of about 170 dB. Now to determine the source level of the sonar we take 170 + 20 log 500 = 240 dB. I do not know the exact levels that LFA has proposed to use but am sure that Christopher Clark (Cornell U.) and Peter Tyack (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute) must have been given correct numbers to use. I also do not know the resonance frequency of the projectors but, as someone well acquainted with sound projector, I do know that in the 100 to 1000 Hz range the peak level only applies to the resonance frequency. My advice to you, who wish serious consideration from the Navy, is: be sure you have your information correct before you express your concern. You may avoid being placed with the lunatic fringe. Now to pick on a group that should know better I find the following excerpt from the Federation of American Scientists http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/lfa.htm FAS (Federation of American Scientists) Low-Frequency Active (LFA) The U.S. Navy plans to deploy a new submarine detection system, known as Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFA), throughout 80% of the world's oceans. LFA is based on the fact that very low frequency sound [100-1000 Hz] can travel great distances and detect quiet submarines. The LFA system uses intense sound, reportedly [the Navy has given a figure of 160 dB at about 2 km from the LFA] at levels in the range of 235 decibels or greater [the noise level of a jet engine is about 120 dB] generated by massive sound transmitters towed behind TAGOS-class ships. I would hope all bioacousticians would have learned by this time that 235 dB in water represents much less power than 235 dB in air. In water 1 watt of power is ~171 dB. In air 171 dB is ~100,000 watts. A 240 dB level in water would be more than 10 exp(12) watts. Don't make the mistake of casually comparing sound levels in air and water as the excerpt above appears to do. Joe Blue Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 17:52:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Draft Recovery Plan for Blue Whales in Australian Waters (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Draft Recovery Plan for Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in Australian Waters It is a requirement of the Australian Endangered Species Protection Act 1992, to prepare recovery plans for all endangered and vulnerable species that occur in Commonwealth areas. Once prepared all draft recovery plans require release for public comment. The Marine Group, Environment Australia, has released for public comment the Draft Recovery Plan for Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in Australian Waters. Comments on the recovery plan are sought from interested individuals and groups. The release of this draft plan marks the beginning of a three month public comment period that will close on Friday 28 January 2000. At the end of this period the plan will be revised, taking into consideration any comments received. An electronic copy of the draft recovery plan may be viewed on the Internet at: http://www.biodiversity.environment.gov.au/plants/threaten/plans/recovery_plans/species/whales/index.html A limited number of hard copies of the draft recovery plan are available from the Community Information Unit, Environment Australia, GPO Box 787, CANBERRA ACT 2601, by emailing ciu(\)ea.gov.au or by telephoning toll-free 1800 803 772 within Australia. Written comments in relation to the draft recovery plan should be forwarded to Milena Rafic, Project Officer, Marine Species Section, Marine Group, Environment Australia, GPO Box 787, CANBERRA ACT 2601, (or by email to milena.rafic(\)ea.gov.au). All electronic comments will be acknowledged on receipt. Additional information can be obtained from the project officer on phone +61 2 6274 2790 or fax +61 2 6274 2314. The closing date for the receipt of comments is Friday 28 January 2000. Milena Rafic Marine Species Section Marine Group - Environment Australia GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Ph: +61 2 6274 2790 Fax: +61 2 6274 2314 Email: milena.rafic(\)ea.gov.au Date: Fri, 5 Nov 1999 09:22:44 -0800 From: Shari Snitovsky Subject: ACS SF Bay General Meeting The next general meeting for the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society will be held on Thursday, November 18, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. at the Pacifica Library, 104 Hilton Way. Pacifica is located 20 minutes south of San Francisco on Hwy 1. Directions to the library and more information are available on our web site at http://www.snitovsky.com/ACS. The topic for this meeting will be a discussion and update of the dolphin-safe labels currently on cans of tuna. Mark J. Palmer, Director of Earth Island Institute's Wildlife Alive Program, will present the information. Shari Snitovsky, Biology Professor Skyline College 3300 College Drive San Bruno, CA 94044 (650) 738-4250 Fax (650) 738-4299 http://smcccd.cc.ca.us/smcccd/faculty/snitovsk http://www.oceandiscoverycenter.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Nov 1999 12:00:24 +0000 From: Emer Rogan Subject: CORK ECS 2000 - call for papers Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 The Fourteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society will take place in Cork, Ireland on 2 - 5th April 2000, hosted by University College Cork. The theme of the conference is: 'Cetaceans in the ecosystem: defining critical habitat' although, as usual, papers on all aspects of the biology of cetaceans and other marine mammals will be included in the programme. The conference will be held at University College, Cork (U.C.C.) which is situated approximately 20 minutes walk from the city centre and is close to restaurants and hotels. Registration will take place from 1600 - 2000h on Sunday 2nd April and early on Monday 3rd 2000 at U.C.C. Conference sessions will be held between 0900 and 1930h on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 - 5th April with breaks for meetings and the Society's AGM. The morning session each day will open with an invited talk, followed by verbal presentations in a standard 15minute format. Posters will be on display throughout the meeting and time will be reserved for discussion with authors. CALL FOR PAPERS Communications, in English, are invited as verbal or poster presentations. For both types of presentations, authors should submit an abstract by e-mail following the guidelines given on the ECS website: http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema to: Greg Donovan (E-mail: gdonovan(\)ireland.com) to arrive NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 1st DECEMBER 1999 (PLEASE NOTE that for those of you attending the SMM conference at MAUI that you will need to submit your abstract before you go!). Failure to follow the guidelines may result in the rejection of the Abstract. Faxed or posted submissions are not acceptable except in very exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of the Conference Organiser who must be notified before 15 November 1999. The time available for each verbal presentation will be 15 minutes, followed by five minutes for questions and discussion. Dedicated time will be given for posters. A Scientific Committee chaired by Greg Donovan will review all abstracts in December (see the Abstract guidelines). Authors will be informed by e-mail on the acceptability of their material by early January 2000. Student Awards As at previous conferences, there will be awards for the best student presentations: verbal and poster. Students (graduate and undergraduate) are encouraged to submit presentations for the award but to be eligible, students must be the first author of their paper. Further details are given with the Abstract submission documentation. Workshops Workshops are planned for the ECS meeting on Sunday 2nd and Thursday 6th April 2000. Further information will be included with the second announcement in early December. There will be a nominal charge for workshop attendees. Video Evening It is intended to have a video session during the conference. All those intending to show a video should complete the relevant sections of the Abstract submission form. The video evening will be organised by Simon Ingram (S.Ingram(\)ucc.ie) who may request videos to be forwarded to him in advance of the meeting. Conference Booking and Fees Conference bookings and fees are outlined on the registration form, available from the website. Early registration for the conference is advised and the closing date for early registration is 14th January 2000. The conference banquet will be held in Kinsale - a small seaside town, 20 miles west of Cork. Transport will be arranged to bring people to and from Kinsale and following the dinner there will be a ceilm (informal traditional Irish music and set dancing). As usual, the banquet is optional and for those of you who just like dancing, it may be possible to join in the ceilm, without attending the meal, space permitting. Travel and Accommodation There are good air, sea and rail links between Cork and most European cities. Furthermore, there are connecting flights and good connections by rail from Belfast and Dublin and bus connections between Shannon and Cork. There are a number of ferry services operating from the UK and France. Irish Ferries will give a 20% discount for people travelling to the conference. Further details can be obtained from Alan Markey, Irish Ferries - phone: +353 1 855 2222. Further Communication There will be a second announcement in early December with workshop details, accommodation options (which will range from good quality youth hostels to medieval castles!!) etc. Authors of abstracts and students applying for grants will be contacted directly by the Conference Organisers. Hope to see you all in Cork, Slan, Emer Emer Rogan Conference organiser Dept. of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Cork, Ireland. Phone: + 353 21 904197; Fax: +353 21 277922. E-mail: E.Rogan(\)ucc.ie ECS website: http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Nov 1999 09:48:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Smell in Cetacea (fwd) From: Phil Clapham Many thanks to the many people who provided references in response to my question about the potential for a sense of smell in mysticetes. Once again, MARMAM proves to be a significant resource; it has yet to fail me even when challenged with the most arcane of queries! Below is a summary of some of the more relevant references. The paper I was attempting to remember was the first (Cave 1988). Cave, A.J.E. 1988. Note on olfactory activity in mysticetes. J. Zool. Lond. 214: 307-311. Edinger, T. 1955. Hearing and smell in cetacean history. Monatsschrift fur Psychiatrie under Nuerologie, 129: 37-58. Kernan, J.D. 1916. The respiratory passages, pp. 435-438 in: "Monographs of the Pacific Cetacea, II-Anatomy of a foetus of Balaenoptera borealis". H. von Schulte, ed. Lawrence, B. and Schevill, W.E. 1956. The functional anatomy of delphinid nose. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. 114(4): 103-151. Nachtigall, P.E. 1986. Vision, audition and chemoreception in dolphins and other marine mammals. In: Dolphin cognition and behaviour: a comparative approach (Schusterman, R.J. et al., eds.) Lawrence Erlbaum, Hillside, NJ. Nieto, A. and Nieto, D. 1986. The islets of Calleja in the dolphin. Invest. on Cetacea, XVIII: 213- 218. Oelschlager, H.A. 1989. Early development of the olfactory and terminalis system in baleen whales. Brain Behav. Evol. 34: 171-183. Also (I forget the title, but it's a major reference): Breathnach. 1960. Biological Reviews 35: 187-230. And of course Slijper has a bit to say about olfaction also. Here are additional references on olfaction, kindly supplied by Alastair Watson: Cave, A. J. E. 1987. The Meckelian ossicle of the odontocete cranium. Investigations on Cetacea 20:178-191. Cave, A. J. E. 1988. The os maxilloturbinare in the Cetacea. Investigations on Cetacea 21:41-50. Cave, A. J. E. 1989. The oldest extant specimen of cetacean splanchnology. Investigations on Cetacea 22:330-334. [includes Balaenoptera "nose" ] Duffield, D. W., J. T. Haldiman and W. G. Henk. 1992. Surface morphology of the forebrain of the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus. Marine Mammal Science 8:354-378. Phil Clapham -- 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: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 12:53:35 +0200 From: Eric PONCELET Subject: Orca/sheep interaction ------ Dear MARMAM members, A few months ago, I posted on MARMAM a request for information about a TV documentary that would have presented a sequence showing an orca attackin= g a sheep. Up to now, I've been unable to locate such a documentary. However, this behavior has been observed once in Argentina by Miguel I=F1iguez (Fundaci=F3n Cethus, Argentina) who is going to deal with this unusual fact in a paper to come (please DON'T ask for reprints now). The scene happened by night. A killer whale intentionally stranded in fro= nt of a sheep drinking sea water on the edge. The sheep escaped. Unfortunate= ly, the scene has not been shot. Killer whales are known to prey on a large variety of animals: fish, cetaceans, pinnipeds, penguins, and even turtles, moose, deers and pigs i= n a lesser extent. But as far as I could read, killer whales were never repor= ted interacting with sheep. On dry seasons, these are sometimes seen drinking sea water on the edge close to sea lions and elephant seals (Juan Carlos Lopez, pers. comm.). By night, the attacking orca might have mistaken the sheep for one of its common preys (sea lion and elephant seal pups). Finally, this behavior has probably never been presented in a TV documentary but only touched on by a narrator. I wish to thank the following persons for their interest in this investigation: Simon J. Allen, Marine Mammal Research Group, Macquarie University David Briggs Marc Chatte David Conover Fabienne Delfour Peter G.H. Evans, Sea Watch Foundation Sean Feehan, Marine Mammal Stranding Center Paul R. Fisher, Shetland Sea Mammal Group Adam S. Frankel, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Nathan Gricks, University of East Anglia, Norwich Philip S. Hammond, Sea Mammal Research Unit Wyb Hoek James Johnson Visakha Karunaratne, BBC Information Service Sonja Kromann, National Marine Mammal Laboratory Library Jean-Martin Lapointe, Universit=E9 de Montr=E9al Jon Lewis, Maine Dept. of Marine Resources Craig O. Matkin, North Golf Oceanic Society K. Mather, Discovery Channel Europe Viewer Relations Jim Moore, Anthro 0532, University of California San Diego Kristina Mullin, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Pablo A. Pascuzzi Julio Valeiras, Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mam=EDferos MAri=F1os Susan D. Wallace, International Marine Mammal Association Special thanks to Miguel I=F1iguez, Fundaci=F3n Cethus and Juan Carlos Lopez, Fundaci=F3n Orca. Sincerely yours, Eric ------------------------------------------------------------ Eric PONCELET Centre de Recherche sur les Mammif=E8res Marins (CRMM) Institut de la Mer et du Littoral Port des Minimes - 17000 La Rochelle, France Phone: +33 (0)546 44 99 10 - Fax: +33 (0)546 44 99 45 E-mail: eponcelet (\) ifrance.com - Web: http://crmm.univ-lr.fr ------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Nov 1999 10:00:02 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Southeast U.S. Student Chapter web site (fwd) From: Joel T. Bell The newly formed Southeast U.S. Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy now has a web page located at www.duke.edu/~jtb7 . Please note that this is a temporary URL. An announcement will be made once permanent server space is secured. Anyone interested in joining the Southeast U.S. Student Chapter should submit the membership form available on the web page. ***************************************************** Joel T. Bell Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Coastal Environmental Management Program ***************************************************** Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1999 09:10:49 -0500 From: william rossiter Subject: Cook Inlet Beluga NMFS public comment period PLEASE USE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE FATE OF THE COOK INLET BELUGAS. With regard to the recent NMFS "Designation of the Cook Inlet, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whale as Depleted Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Response to Petitions", NMFS has sent notice to petitioners of the Public Comment Period ending 20 December 1999. Comments must be received by that date, addressed to Chief, Marine Mammal Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA. For detailed information please contact Michael Payne, NOAA/NMFS, Alaska Region, (907) 586-7235, or Brad Smith, NOAA/NMFS, Alaska Region, Anchorage Field Office, (907) 271-5006. As Published in Federal Register / Vol 64, No. 201, page 56298, regarding 50 CFR Part 216 [Docket No. 990922260-9260-01; I.D. 083199E], NMFS proposes to desinate the Cook Inlet beluga whale stock as Depleted under the MMPA. No ESA determination on listing this stock as a threatened or endangered species is made at this time. NMFS will issue an ESA determination by 9 April 2000. This isolated beluga population is in sharp decline, down from approximately 1000 animals in the '80's, to NMFS's figures of ~653 in 1994 and ~347 in 1998. Other sources suggest the population decline is even greater. The decline is due primarily to Native takes, many unreported. The optimistic NMFS estimate of mean annual removals is 87 whales, including those struck and lost. From this NMFS concludes that a 15% annual decline would cut the population in half again in five years. NMFS has received petitions from political, commercial and economic interests in Alaska with concerns motivated by potential regulations on human activities if this beluga population is listed under the ESA as Threatened or Endangered. There are some temporary, largely unenforceable limits on hunting belugas that require considerable local cooperation. CSI requests that the scientific community respond to the urgent need for comments, received by NMFS by 20 December 1999, that will support an appropriate designation for this population, in turn permitting regulations and enforcement that may halt the inevitable extirpation of this population from unsustainable Native harvest. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1999 03:57:57 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent 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. Lifetime pharmacokinetic model for hydrophobic contaminants in marine mammals. Hickie, BE; Mackay, D; de Koning, J. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. November 1999 v18 i11 p2622-2633 Identification by histological and microsatellite analyses of a stranded beaked whale as that struck previously by a jetfoil operating in the Sea of Japan. Honma, Y; Ushiki, T; Takeda, M; Naito, E; Dewa, K; Yamanouchi, H. FISHERIES SCIENCE. August 1999 v65 i4 p547-552 Persistent chlorinated organic contaminants in harbour porpoises from the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Arctic waters. Bruhn, R; Kannan, N; Petrick, G; Schulz-Bull, DE; Duinker, JC. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. September 30, 1999 v238 sp iSI p351-361 Anesthesia of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) with zolazepam-tiletamine, medetomidine-ketamine, and medetomidine-zolazepam-tiletamine. Cattet, MRL; Caulkett, NA; Polischuk, SC; Ramsay, MA. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE. September 1999 v30 i3 p354-360 Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1999 08:36:15 -0500 From: "Carlson, Carole" Subject: Information Request for IWC Meeting on Whale Watching REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: IWC WORKSHOP ON WHALWATCHING The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) proposed a workshop to expedite the collection, exchange and synthesis of information necessary to assess long-term effects of whale watching on cetaceans. The Workshop will be convened before the 2000 meeting of the Scientific Committee in Australia. The terms of reference of the workshop are: 1 the identification and presentation of case studies of established whale watch programmes and accompanying research programmes to monitor the potential effects of whale watching on whales (e.g. history of the whale watching programme, trends in whale watching effort, cetacean species observed, experimental design utilised to monitor these programmes including data collection techniques and alayses); 2 the development of a list of population parameters that can be monitored in conjunction with whale watching programmes and used to asses the long-term studies of whale stocks. Such parameters might include: seasonal abundance and density in whale watching areas; habitat use patterns; measures of fecundity or calving rates of individuals; and evidence of physical injury. The Intersessional Steering Group requests the following information: 1 case studies in established whale watch areas as defined in terms of reference 1 2 a list of refereed publications resulting from data collected on whale watch vessels 3 published or ongoing research on the impacts of vessels on cetaceans. Please forward information or questions to Carole Carlson, Chairman, Intersessional Steering Committee on Whale Watching at ccarlson (\)ifaw.org and Steve Swartz (Steven.Swartz(\)noaa.gov)or contact Carole Carlson or Steven Swartz at the Biennial Conference in Maui. Thank you. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 08:57:29 +1100 From: "Imber, Mark" Subject: SEC: Unclassified Impact of detonations on marine mammals Greetings (again) I am chasing information/studies with respect to impacts on marine mammals from underwater detonations either surface, mid-water or seabed. I am currently managing a project that is looking at impacts on dugong populations from underwater detonations on behalf of the Australia Defence Force - hence my request to broaden my understanding of the issues. Particularly the variances between mid-water, surface, and seabed detonations and the extent to which environmental factors influence the movement of related pressure and noise. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Any responses can be directed to mark.imber(\)cbr.defence.gov.au. Regards Mark ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 00:01:49 -0800 From: Pamela Willis Subject: Burmeister's/spectacled porpoise measurements Hello, I am conducting a small study on the evolution of sexual dimorphism in porpoises. While there exists considerable information in the published literature on the morphology and reproductive biology of several porpoise species, I as of yet have been unable to find much at all in the way for Burmeister's and the spectacled porpoise. I would very much appreciate any data or information on where to look for the following parameters: -mean length or mass of sexually mature males and females -presence/absence of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. diff's in fin size/shape) -testes size or mass in sexually mature males Any additional information (if such exists) on age at sexual maturity of each sex, and reproductive seasonality, would also be much appreciated. Given the apparent paucity of data on these species, qualitative accounts are also appreciated (e.g. appear highly dimorphic, but no measurement data available). Thanks very much for any assistance you can provide. Cheers, Pam Willis Behavioural Ecology Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada V5A 1S6 Phone: (604) 291-4374 e-mail: pmwillis(\)sfu.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1999 20:50:18 -0600 From: Rita Carroll Subject: menapause in cetaceans Hello, I am researching post-reproductive female cetaceans. Is there any research being conducted on post-reproductive captive cetaceans? I am especially interested in whether they experience some of the physiological concerns as do human females, such as increased risk for osteoporosis or heart disease and hormonal fluctuations. Symptoms in humans may be mitigated with dietary estrogen mimics such as soy. Are there similar dietary mimics in cetacean diets? I have been unable to find any literature on this topic. Most of the studies on primate females have failed to indicate any physiological changes associated with post-reproduction contrary to those found in pilot whales. Thanks, Rita Carroll University of Arkansas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rita Carroll phone: 501-973-9610 Environmental Dynamics Program rlfishe(\)comp.uark.edu University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 1999 the year Thrain I comes to Erebor and founds a dwarf-kingdom 'under the mountain'...J.R.R. Tolkien ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 10:26:23 -1000 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: 13th Biennial Update If you plan to attend the 13th Biennial Meeting on Maui and haven't checked the website lately: http://webdata.soc.hawaii.edu/abstract/Maui.html It might well be worth your while. Recent additions include: --The conference program - up to date details on both poster and verbal presentations. You might want to print it out and look it over on the airplane prior to the meeting --Email at the conference - necessary information that you will have to obtain and bring along to use the computers provided for your email connections at the meeting --Hours of free shuttle bus operation and bus stops if you are not staying at the conference hotel --Shuttle Bus information - How will you get from the airport in Kahalui to your hotel in Wailea? --Childcare information We look forward to seeing you on Maui! ALOHA Paul Nachtigall -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 07:17:20 -0800 From: Chuck Oliver Subject: Re: SEC: Unclassified Impact of detonations on marine mammals In-Reply-To: <199911101422.GAA16759(\)sgilj.ucsd.edu> boundary="=====================_1137965==_.ALT" --=====================_1137965==_.ALT This one might be of interest to you. Ketten, D. 1998. Marine mammal auditory systems: a summary of audiometric and anatomical data and its implications for underwater acoustic impacts. NOAATMNMFSSWFSC256. 74p. For now you can try printing the Adobe PDF file from this site. http://swfsc.ucsd.edu/mmd/d sweb/PDFs/TM256.pdf Good luck, Chuck At 08:57 AM 11/10/1999 +1100, you wrote: >Greetings (again) > >I am chasing information/studies with respect to impacts on marine mammals >from underwater detonations either surface, mid-water or seabed. I am >currently managing a project that is looking at impacts on dugong >populations from underwater detonations on behalf of the Australia Defence >Force - hence my request to broaden my understanding of the issues. >Particularly the variances between mid-water, surface, and seabed >detonations and the extent to which environmental factors influence the >movement of related pressure and noise. > >Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. > >Any responses can be directed to mark.imber(\)cbr.defence.gov.au. > > >Regards > >Mark > Chuck Oliver Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California 92038 Telephone: 619 546 7172 Fax: 619 546 7003 E-mail: coliver(\)sgilj.ucsd.edu --=====================_1137965==_.ALT This one might be of interest to you.

Ketten, D. 1998. Marine mammal auditory systems: a summary of audiometric and anatomical data and its implications for underwater acoustic impacts. NOAATMNMFSSWFSC256. 74p. For now you can try printing the Adobe PDF file from this site.

http://swfsc.ucsd.edu/mmd/dsweb/PDFs/TM256.pdf

Good luck, Chuck


At 08:57 AM 11/10/1999 +1100, you wrote:
>Greetings (again)
>
>I am chasing information/studies with respect to impacts on marine mammals
>from underwater detonations either surface, mid-water or seabed.  I am
>currently managing a project that is looking at impacts on dugong
>populations from underwater detonations on behalf of the Australia Defence
>Force - hence my request to broaden my understanding of the issues.
>Particularly the variances between mid-water, surface, and seabed
>detonations and the extent to which environmental factors influence the
>movement of related pressure and noise.
>
>Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Any responses can be directed to mark.imber(\)cbr.defence.gov.au.
>
>
>Regards
>
>Mark
>
Chuck Oliver
Southwest Fisheries Science Center
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California 92038
Telephone: 619 546 7172
         Fax: 619 546 7003
E-mail: coliver(\)sgilj.ucsd.edu
 --=====================_1137965==_.ALT-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 13:27:13 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Ultrasound in pregnant bottlenose dolphins (fwd) Forwarded message: From: "Hendrik Nollens" Dear List, I am currently involved in some research on predicting the parturition date of bottlenose dolphins by means of ultrasound. Over the last four years, a total of 16 bottlenose dolphins have been scanned throughout their gestation on a monthly basis and different dimensions of the foeti have been measured. We are now trying to correlate these foetal dimensions to the gestation lenghth in order to try predicting future birth dates. I am aware of only one case where similar research has been done in 4 bottlenose dolphins and I was not able to find any literature on this subject in "regular" veterinary databases. Is anybody aware of any other similar research being conducted or is there any literature on this subject available? Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 13:34:17 +0000 From: Lee Tepley Subject: On LFAS sound levels including reponse to posting by JBlue Judy Olmer , Lanny Sinkin , Marsha Green , todd carter , "william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com" For some time I have been interested in possible adverse effects of LFAS on marine mammals as discussed below. Also, I recently learned (from a library reference book) about radiation of underwater sound from linear arrays. I was therefore interested in a critique of some of Dr. Marsha Green's work by Jblue which was posted on MARMAM on 5 Nov. 1999. Although the above reference book did not use the same arguments given by JBlue and I did not fully understand all of his arguments, I am nevertheless confident that he is correct. I have discussed this matter by telephone with Marsha Green and she is in agreement - so there is no controversy here. This does not imply that LFAS will not cause serious problems to marine mammals. Whereas JBlue's critique applies to very close-in sound levels, I have been more interested in sound levels at great distances because a lot more marine mammals will be exposed to distant LFAS sounds which, although much lower than sound levels near the source, can still be loud enough to cause serious problems. For example, the DEIS includes a result (in the form of a colored diagram) from a computer analysis of sound propagation in a near-surface duct where the sound level is down only 80-85 dB at a distance of 140 nm (nautical miles) from the source. For a 240 dB source, the level at 140 nm would be 155-160 dB for this case. This is the range of sound levels to which beaked whales in the Mediterranean Sea were exposed and which caused them to strand and die. (The probability of coincidence was calculated at less than 7 parts in 10,000.) Technical Report 2 of the DEIS includes many more colored diagrams from the same computer analysis. Although the results show that under some conditions the LFAS sound level falls rapidly with distance from the source, under other conditions it remains high at distances greater than 100 nm. I think the DEIS is flawed for many reasons (See my website at http://home1.gte.net/leetpley/lfassummary.html). One of them is the above mentioned computer analysis on which a large part of the DEIS is based. The analysis, in fact, is not applicable to the DEIS. It is obsolete because it assumes that the LFAS sound is radiated from an omni-directional source whereas the LFAS system alluded to in the DEIS will use all 18 elements of a linear array. The radiated sound will therefore be highly directional. Although I expect that the level of sound radiated from a linear array will be larger at great distances than sound radiated from an omni-directional source, results from the obsolete computer analysis can still be used to provide a lower limit. Hence, sound levels of 155-160 dB may well occur at distances significantly greater than 100 nautical miles. Furthermore, the recent aplication to NMFS from the Navy alludes to an effective LFAS source level of 246 dB which will increase the sound level even more at all distances. It sems to me that this increase is in violation of the purpose of the DEIS. If conditions specified (actually, only alluded to) by the Navy in the DEIS are to be modified even before the end of the comment period, why even go through the DEIS process?? It is interesting to also consider some close-in effects. During the 1998 Hawaii LFAS tests, the Navy has admitted to using source levels in the range 185-203 dB and has also stated that few whales were exposed to received levels greater than 140 dB. (See Technical Report 1 of the DEIS. Also, the comments of JBlue probably do not apply here because the source consisted of only two projecors.) Considering this range of source levels, only whales within 1 kilometer of the source would be exposed to even 140 dB. Although sounds near 140 dB are significantly lower than the LFAS sounds which caused the beaked whales to strand and die in the Mediterranean Sea, they still could have been high enough to cause a number of adverse effects during the Hawaii tests as reported by Marsha Green and others. A case in point is the widely reported departure of most of the whales from their mating and calving grounds on the west side of Hawaii during the 1998 tests. The Navy has denied any cause-effect relationship between LFAS sounds and the whale departure. The Navy has also denied other reported adverse effects. Granting that many of these effects are controversial, what might have happened during the Hawaii tests if the Navy had operated LFAS at a source level of 246 dB (as recently proposed) instead of in the range 185-203 dB (as admitted)?? Whales within 1 km. from the source would have then been exposed to sound waves about 43-61 dB higher than the levels to which they were actually exposed. This corresponds to an increase in the range of acoustic intensity of about 20,000 - 1,000,000 and to an increase in the range of sound pressure of about 140 - 1000. The latter numbers, although much lower, are far more likely to be of physiological importance. So why did the Navy not employ these higher LFAS levels which they are now proposing to use?? Perhaps they did not want to take a chance of seriously injuring or killing a large number of whales which might have wandered fairly close to the source. Perhaps they wanted to avoid a public outcry far more serious than that which has occurred thus far and which may well have resulted in the termination of the LFAS project. Sincerely, Lee Tepley, PhD in Physics leetpley(\)gte.net ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 03:50:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship positions We would like to summit an ad on marmam. The ad is as follows; Island Marine Institute, in Lahaina, Maui, is seeking researchers in marine mammal biology or a related field for the annal humpback whale migration. The Institute is under the direction of Dr. Joe Mobley. Dr. Mobley has been conducting research on cetaceans since 1978. His primary focus since 1993 has been the distribution and abundance of humpbacks in Hawaii. This season Dr. Mobley has joined together with the Island Marine Institute to enhance the ongoing research and education conducted on board our whale watch vessels. The Institute works with volunteer undergraduates and graduates who are working toward a career in marine mammal research. The minimum requirements for these positions are: 24 volunteer hours per week with at least a four month commitment, computer experience, familiarity with scientific literature and reference library, and public speaking. A background in photography and/or photo-identification is desirable. Web-designer and/or sonar experience is preferred. All applicants must apply by December 1 and phone interviews will be conducted throughout the month of December. Those chosen will be notified by December 16 and will be required to start at the Island Marine Institute by January 3, 2000. Applicants that can't make the January 3 deadline will be considered on a space available basis. There are no charges or fees for participation in this program. This is an opportunity for those persons interested in gaining real practical experience in conducting marine mammal research. All applicants must send a resume with a cover letter detailing interest, experience, and availability with three references to: Island Marine Institute 113 Prison Street Lahaina, HI 96761 Attention: Heather Medic Research Project Manager (808) 249-TAIL Fax: (808) 661-5792 Research(\)whalewatchmaui.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1999 13:29:06 -0800 Reply-To: schaeff(\)american.edu From: Cathy Schaeff Organization: American University Subject: OPENING: MARINE BIOLOGY FACULTY ; x-mac-type="54455854"; x-mac-creator="4D4F5353" please post: AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MARINE BIOLOGY FACULTY The Department of Biology invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the Fall 2000 semester. We are searching for a broadly-trained marine biologist to participate in both the Biology and Environmental Science programs. A Ph.D., post-doctoral experience, and evidence of strong teaching skills are required. The successful applicant will establish and maintain an active research program involving undergraduate and Masters-level graduate students and provide departmental and university service. Major teaching responsibilities include invertebrate zoology, marine biology and oceanography. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 1999, and continue until the position is filled. Send curriculum vitae, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, and arrange to have three letters sent directly from referees, to Dr. Richard H. Fox, Chair, Department of Biology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016-8007. Position is subject to budgetary approval. American University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. -- Dr. Cathy Schaeff Biology Department, Hurst Hall, American University, 4400 Mass. Ave. NW, Washington DC 20016-8007 phone: (202) 885-2175 fax: (202) 885-2182 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 03:52:29 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: OCEAN MAMMAL INSTITUTE: RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS 2000 OCEAN MAMMAL INSTITUTE: RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS 2000 CONTACT INFO OCEAN MAMMAL INSTITUTE (OMI) P.O. BOX 14422 Reading, PA 19612 phone: 610-670-7386 or 1-800-226-8216 email contact for internships: onealkiwi(\)aol.com (Joyce O'Neal) Ocean Mammal Institute Web Site: www.oceanmammalinst.org There is still time to sign up and space available for the upcoming research internships in Hawaii this January 2000. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested. A registration form is included at the end of this email which you can use (just reply with it to Joyce O'Neal at onealkiwi(\)aol.com, or call us and we will send you one) RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: SCIENCE PROTECTING NATURE - LEARN THROUGH EXPERIENCE * FIELD RESEARCH ON THE HAWAIIAN HUMPBACK WHALE - JANUARY 5-26, 2000 * AND/OR * FIELD RESEARCH ON THE HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHIN AND HUMPBACK WHALES - JANUARY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 20, 2000 * WHALE RESEARCH - Arrive January 5; Depart January 26,2000 * 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 2000. If you participate in this ongoing field research project for three weeks in Maui, 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 work will occur when possible as well. This is a rare opportunity to help with research that will have a direct impact on the protection of the endangered humpback whale. WHALE AND DOLPHIN RESEARCH - Arrive January 29; Depart February 20, 2000 * In February we will fly to the "Big Island" and continue our studies of the Hawaiian humpback whales and vessel traffic from the west coast of Hawaii. We also will study the effects of swimmers, kayaks, and motorized vessels on the spinner dolphin. OMI started to study the dolphins in Hawaii this summer and as a result of our research we currently are working with the state of Hawaii and the local community to develop a unique community-based program to protect these dolphins from Harassment. You will learn about the politics of protection. COST: $1750 for three weeks, $950 per week(for one or two weeks) includes tuition and accommodations (Accommodations are four people in an apartment with one bedroom and one sofa bed) 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 when possible. * 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. OTHER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE: * FIELD RESEARCH ON THE HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHIN - JUNE/JULY 2000 * 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? SPINNER DOLPHIN RESEARCH - Arrive June 19; Depart July 10, 2000 * COST: $ 1750 for three weeks, $ 950 per week(for one or two 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 610-670-7386 or 800-226-8216 > > YES, I Would Like To Register For: > > Field Research On The Hawaiian Humpback Whale - January 5-26, 2000 > > ______ I plan to attend in January ($1750); If attending in January, do you > want to apply for college credit? > _______Yes ________No > > ______ I plan to attend in January and February ($3500). > > ______ I plan to attend for one or two weeks($950 per week), or for three weeks($1600) - please indicate which option ** Don't forget to enclose your $350 deposit.** ** Full payment is due by December 15** > Field Trip On The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin - June-July, 2000 > > ______ I plan to attend June 19-July 10, 2000($1750). > > ______ I plan to attend for one or two weeks.($950). > The dates I plan to attend are_______. > > ** Don't forget to enclose your $350 deposit.** ** Full payment is due 25 days before departure.** > > CANCELLATION POLICY: If cancellation is received in writing 30 days before departure, your deposit less an administrative fee of $50.00 will be refunded. If cancellation is received less than 30 days before departure, your deposit less an administrative fee of $100.00 will be refunded. > Ocean Mammal Institute is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. Part of > your tuition may be considered a charitable contribution. Please consult > your tax advisor. > Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1999 12:40:12 -0500 was retained. From: Ronald Orenstein Subject: US government position on Japanese whale proposals Comments: To: cites-l(\)wcmc.org.uk Below are the US government's comments to Japan on its whale proposals: *** Mr. Isao Nakasu Director General, Fisheries Agency of Japan 2-1, 1-Chome Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100, Japan Fax: 011-81-3-3591-5824 Dear Mr. Nakasu, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on draft proposals of the government of Japan to downlist the Okhotsk Sea/West Pacific stock of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the North Pacific Eastern stock of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) from Appendix I to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We also understand that you will also be offering a proposal to downlist the Southern Hemisphere stock of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) from Appendix I to Appendix II. As a range State for all three of these whale populations, including the Southern Hemisphere stock of minke whales which occur in the Exclusive Economic Zone around American Samoa, the United States strongly opposes these proposals for a number of reasons. As you know, the United States opposes the downlisting of any species or population of whales subject to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling. We continue to believe that it is inappropriate to consider these species for downlisting until the IWC completes the revision of its management regime in order to bring all whaling under effective IWC control. The United States believes that CITES should honor the request for assistance in enforcing the moratorium which the IWC communicated to CITES in a resolution passed at the Special Meeting of the IWC in Tokyo, December, 1978. This request was answered by the CITES Parties in Resolution Conf. 2.9 (*Trade in Certain Species and Stocks of Whales Protected by the International Whaling Commission from Commercial Whaling*) which calls on the Parties to *agree not to issue any import or export permit or certificate* for introduction from the sea under CITES for primarily commercial purposes *for any specimen of a species or stock protected from commercial whaling by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.* Japan states in their draft proposal that it is not appropriate to take into account Resolution Conf. 2.9 when considering this proposal to downlist the Okhotsk Sea/West Pacific stock of minke whales. The United States does not agree. These resolutions reflect the strong cooperative relationship between the IWC and CITES, whereby CITES has agreed to reflect IWC decisions in its Appendices. Recent actions by both CITES and the IWC have reinforced this relationship. CITES Resolution Conf. 2.9 was overwhelmingly reaffirmed by a vote of the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in 1997. At its 51st Annual Meeting in May, 1999, the IWC overwhelmingly passed a resolution (IWC/51/43) that directs the IWC Secretariat to advise the CITES Conference of the Parties that the revised management regime has not been completed and that zero catch limits are still in force for species of whales which are managed by the Commission. We note that in Section 3.4 of your proposal, *Actual or potential trade impacts,* you state that minke whales stocks will not be threatened by trade if certain regulatory steps are taken. In points (b) through (d), you describe the very elements of the Revised Management Scheme of the IWC that are necessary to ensure the conservation of whale stocks. Unfortunately, these elements, as part of a Revised Management Scheme, have not yet been adopted by the IWC. Later in this section, you assert that it is widely recognized that prohibition of utilization of highly abundant wild species has resulted in increased illegal trade. The United States disagrees with this premise and would appreciate copies of any studies verifying this assertion. The underlying assumption in the downlisting proposal for these populations of minke whales and gray whales is that the differences within species are discrete, occur in all individuals and can be readily differentiated by forensic DNA methods. This is not the case, as the experts who have developed these methods will attest. While there are clear markers which differentiate species, finding forensic markers for all individuals within a population or stock is much more problematic. It is usually possible only when the population distinctiveness approaches that of species, such as the minke whales of the Sea of Japan-East China Sea. Moreover, the use of Japanese and Norwegian DNA registers that are not available for scrutiny by other whale DNA experts, is counter to all principles of forensic identification. Only when there is a consensus on DNA markers, tested against adequate sample sizes of the whale stocks in question, could they be utilized for verification purposes. Such research may show significant evolutionary units within some stocks, and it may also show significant gene flow between stocks making forensic identification of a meat sample to a particular stock impossible. Regarding the eastern North Pacific stock of grey whales, also referred to as California grey whales, the taking of this stock is restricted to aboriginal people according to the IWC Schedule. The meat and products are to be used by them exclusively for local consumption. At the present time, aboriginal people from the Russian Republic and the United States take gray whales from this population. The United States has agreements in place with aboriginal people to insure that use of the meat complies with the requirements of the IWC and relevant domestic laws. Aboriginal use of whale meat does not involve commercial use or international trade. Consequently, Japan*s proposal goes far beyond what is currently permitted by the IWC. Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on your draft proposals. We urge you, in light of our concerns and, as a Party to both CITES and the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, to honor CITES Resolution Conf. 2.9 and IWC Resolution IWC/51.43, and therefore to reconsider your decision to submit these proposals. We hope and expect that we can continue to work with you to exchange views on these important matters in the future. Sincerely, Marshall Jones Acting DIRECTOR -- 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: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 15:24:04 +0100 From: Jaap van der Toorn Subject: EAAM Symposium Announcement The 28th Annual Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals will be held in Benidorm, Spain, from March 11 through 15, 2000. The Symposium will be hosted by Mundomar, Benidorm. The Symposium's main theme will be: "The role of the Marine Mammal Parks for the conservation of the sea through their educational programs". More details are available on the EAAM web site at http://eaam.org. Abstract submission forms and registrations forms can be downloaded from the site as well. Jaap van der Toorn (Webmaster) webmaster(\)eaam.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 10:38:13 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: report on bottlenose dolphin drive fishery in Izu, Japan (fwd) Forwarded message from Dolphin & Whale Action Network (QWP06555(\)nifty.ne.jp) About 200 bottlenose dolphins were driven into Futo harbor, Izu Peninsula, Japan on October 13. Since the fishery was blamed for taking more than their quota of bottlenose dolphins and prohibited false killer whales in the 1996 drive, this time the dolphins were landed in the presence of supervisors from the prefectural government. However, a TV crew witnessed the fishermen processing the dolphins secretly at midnight. On the 14th, some of the dolphins were selected for aquaria. Two of them died from shock when they were landed. Dolphins for processing for their meat were pulled with hook pole and roped around the tail to sling them up while they were alive. After they were transported to a processing place, dolphins were killed by cutting the carotid, but many did not die immediately. By the end, 6 dolphins were sent to aquaria and 69 were killed. The remaining dolphins were released but some fishermen used hand hooks to force the dolphins out of the net and injured dolphins were observed. Local people told us that about half of the dolphin meat was sold in the market of Ito city, but the rest of it was not put on the market. Dolphin meat has been traditionally consumed in this area but it does not seem to be popular for younger people recently. According to resent research, it is disclosed that dolphin meat is highly contaminated. After this hunt, high levels of methyl mercury have been detected even from the lean meat selling in the nearby market. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 10:46:13 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: impact of detonations on marine mammals (fwd) Forwarded message: From: "Peter Teglberg Madsen" To: "Imber, Mark" , MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Hi Mark, We have just had a paper accepted in JASA dealing with Sperm whale reactions to detonating blasting caps and I'd be happy to send you a copy at the time of publication. Generally, if the water temperature is high at the surface and decreases as you go down, one will expect ray bending, so that the sound pressure near the surface would be smaller than what can be predicted from simple spherical spreading from an omnidirectional source. Similar if the reciever (e.g. a marine mammal) is situated near to the surface the received sound pressure will be smaller. In addition to that, Lloyd-mirror effects tend to introduce high pass filtering of sounds near the surface, which is crucial for estimating sound pressures from transients generated from blasting caps, as the frequency distribution has a 1/f (frequency) slope. Down to basic: if the animal or the detonating blasting cap is close to the surface the received sound pressure will be smaller than if both the source and the receiver were situated in the middle of the water collum. Please forgive me, if the above is trivial to you.. Urick (1983) "Priciples of underwater sound" , Clay and Medwin (1977)"Acoustical Oceanography" and Richardson et al (1995) "Marine mammals and noise" migth be usefull books in this context. Regards, Peter Dept. of Zoophysiology University of Aarhus Denmark ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 20:44:07 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 12/4 WW Workshop in Maui, and Whalewatch trip (fwd) Forwarded message: A Workshop will be held to discuss 'The Future of Whale and Dolphin Watching,' on Saturday December 4th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Kihei Elementary School, 250 East Lipoa St. in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii. This free Workshop follows the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference in Maui, and is sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation as part of its 20th anniversary series of events. The workshop is also made possible by support from Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Speakers include: Dr. Carole Carlson, Senior Marine Biologist, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and Adjunct Scientist, Center for Coastal Studies, Massachusetts; Rochelle Constantine, Marine researcher and author of a report on marine-mammal based tourism by New Zealand's Department of Conservation; Paulo Flores, International Wildlife Commission, Brazil; Dr. Paul Forestell, Marine Science Professor, Southampton College, Long Island University; Greg Kaufman, Founder and President, Pacific Whale Foundation; Chris Malcolm, an organizer of a workshop on whalewatching at the World Marine Mammal Science Conference in Monaco, and Ph.D. Candidate, Whale Research Lab, University of Victoria; Clark Lee Merriam, Researcher, The Cousteau Society, and guest writer for "Calypso Log"; Dr. Rob Wilder, Marine biodiversity specialist; author of Listening to the Sea. Director of Education at Pacific Whale Foundation. Topics for discussion include: * Trends in whale- and dolphin-watching around the world; * Predictions about the future status of whale and dolphin populations; * Approaches by different cultures and communities; * Challenges to, and the responses by, regulatory agencies; * The future of the industry: is whale- and dolphin-watching leveling off -- or growing? There is only space available to the first 200 people to register. If you would like to attend, please call us at (808) 879-8860. To also participate in a special $15 whalewatching trip, after the Workshop event, call 1-800-942-5311. --- Dr. Rob Wilder Director of Education Pacific Whale Foundation 101 North Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 rob(\)pacificwhale.org phone 808-879-8860 fax 808-879-2615 http://www.pacificwhale.org/ author of "Listening to the Sea" http://www.msi.ucsb.edu/msilinks/MSI/research/Wilder/book.htm Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 09:37:34 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: publication: sperm whale proceedings (fwd) ------- Forwarded Message from ECS-list Follows ------- SPERM WHALE PROCEEDINGS PUBLISHED The Fisheries and Maritime Museum, Esbjerg Denmark recently has launched a new series entitled "Biological papers". Number 1 consists of the "Proceedings from the Worskshop Sperm whale strandings in the North Sea - the event - the action - the aftermath, Romo, Denmark 26-27 May 1998". The proceedings have been jointly edited by Svend Tougaard of the Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg and Carl Chr. Kinze of the Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The workshop was held on Romo, the island where two mass strandings took place in March 1996 and December 1997 respectively. The venue brought together participants from the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark in order to discuss various aspects of sperm whale strandings. The proceedings include: 1. the recommandations of the workshop 2. a historical review of strandings in the North Sea 3. details of the 1996 and 1997 mass strandings in Denmark 4. answers to questions like 'Can we prevent strandings?' and 'Is euthansia possible?' 5. a short review of recent scientific findings (e.g. ecotoxicology, age detemination, and diet analyses) 6. an overview of management procedures and related public education activities in each country 7. an appendix by Jauniaux, T., M.G. Hartmann & F. Coignoul: Postmortem examination and tissue sampling of sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus. The 50 pp proceedings are available for the bargain price of 100 Danish kroner (DKK) or 14 EURO. For postage and handling please add 36 DKK outside the EU, 22 DKK for EU and Nordic countries and 9.50 DKK for domestic shipments. Cheques should be made payable to the: FISHERIES AND MARITIME MUSEUM Tarphagevej 2 DK 6710 Esbjerg V DENMARK "Sperm whale proceedings" Carl Chr. Kinze Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 11:53:50 -0600 From: Al Romero Subject: Call for Papers We are launching a new peer-reviewed, electronic journal called ENVIRON. This journal is aimed to publish scholarly papers of interdisciplinary nature. One of the areas we are interested is the interaction between humans and marine marine mammals from a historical, economic, and/or political perspective. The journal articles will be accessed for free and there will be no charges to the authors. For more information, please visit our web page at: http://www.macalester.edu/~envirost/ Aldemaro Romero, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief Environ Macalester's Electronic Journal on Environmental Studies Environmental Studies Program Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105-1899, USA. (651) 696-8157 (651) 696-6443 (facsimile) romero(\)macalester.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 00:28:45 -0800 From: JIWLP Subject: New Discussion List: Bonn Convention Comments: cc: ASCOBANS , Aquatic Discussion List , Animal Rights List , Al Gillespie The American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group has launched a new discussion list, Bonn Convention-L, to provide a forum = for discussing all aspects of the Convention on the Conservation of = Migratory Species of Wild Animals, including all agreements entered into under the CMS. To subscribe to the list, send a message to BonnConvention-subscribe(\)topica.com . Leave both the subject = line and body empty; you will receive a confirmation message shortly = thereafter that will outline the scope of the list and how to post to the list and unsubscribe. Wil Burns, Co-Chairman American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group 1210 Floribunda Ave. #7 Burlingame, CA 94010 USA Phone: 510.325.3037 Fax: 801.838.4710 mailto:ASILwildlife(\)pacbell.net =20 http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife = =20 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999 19:10:59 -0800 From: JIWLP Subject: New on the ASIL WIG site Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" The full text of the Agreement on Cooperation in Research, Conservation and Management of Marine Mammals in the North Atlantic (NAMMCO) has been added to our site. Please sign up on the site's announcement list for notification of content additions and ASIL events in the future. Wil Burns, Co-Chairman American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group PMB 805, 2124 Kittredge Street Berkeley, CA 94704 USA Phone: 510.325.3037 Fax: 801.838.4710 ASILwildlife(\)pacbell.net http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 08:43:42 -0800 From: "Rothe, Mike" Subject: 27th ANNUAL IMATA CONFERENCE The 27th Annual Conference of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) will be held in Chicago, IL 5-10 December 1999. The John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Brookfield Zoo will co-host the event, which will take place at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Hotel, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive Chicago, Illinois 60616 USA. For more information please contact Greg Dye at 1200 South Lakeshore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 PH: (708) 485-0263 ext. 442, e-mail: grdye(\)brookfieldzoo.org, or visit "www.imata.org". ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 11:48:58 -0400 From: "Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni" Subject: Caribbean cetacean strandings Content-type: multipart/alternative; boundary="MS_Mac_OE_3025511338_543473_MIME_Part" > THIS MESSAGE IS IN MIME FORMAT. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. --MS_Mac_OE_3025511338_543473_MIME_Part The following paper was recently published regarding Caribbean cetaceans: Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Pinto-Rodriguez B, Velasco-Escudero M, Montoya-Ospina RA, Jimenez-Marrero NM, Rodriguez-Lopez MA, Williams E, Odell DK. 1999. Cetacean strandings in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 1(2): 191-198. ABSTRACT An assessment of cetacean strandings was conducted in Puerto Rico and the United States and British Virgin Islands to identify, document and analyze factors associated to reported mortality events. Nineteen species of cetaceans were reported stranded. The total number of events recorded between 1867 and 1995 was 129 consisting of over 159 individuals. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was the species most commonly found stranded, followed by the Cuvier=B9s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), sper= m whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). An increase in the number of strandings was evident during the past 20 years, averaging 63.1% per year. Between 1990 and 1995, the average number of case= s per year increased from 2.1 to 8.2. The seasonal pattern of strandings was found not to be uniform, with a high number of strandings occurring in the winter and spring. The monthly temporal distribution showed an overall bimodal pattern, with the highest number of cases reported for February, Ma= y and September. The spatial distribution was not even and differed between countries, within countries, and between taxonomic groups and species. Asid= e from undetermined causes, the ratio of natural causes vis a vis human related causes was of 1.2 : 1. Between 1990 and 1995, a reduction of the percentage of undetermined cause of deaths resulted from the establishment of a cooperative effort in studying mortality in an organized and systemati= c manner. The most common natural cause of death category was dependent calf. The most common human-related cause categories observed were entanglement and accidental captures, followed by animals being shot or speared. Evaluation and recommendations to improve on the research conducted are formulated, including guidelines for the development of an strategic plan t= o obtain baseline data on the biology and life history of cetaceans to be applied to their conservation and management. Reprints are at present not available, but please email mignucci(\)caribe.net to reserve a copy. Thanks Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory --MS_Mac_OE_3025511338_543473_MIME_Part Caribbean cetacean strandings The following paper was recently published regarding Caribbean cetaceans:
Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Pinto-Rodriguez B, Velasco-Escudero M, Montoya-Ospina= RA, Jimenez-Marrero NM, Rodriguez-Lopez MA, Williams E, Odell DK. 1999. Cet= acean strandings in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Journal of Cetacean = Research and Management 1(2): 191-198.

ABSTRACT
An assessment of cetacean strandings was conducted in Puerto Rico and the U= nited States and British Virgin Islands to identify, document and analyze fa= ctors associated to reported mortality events. Nineteen species of cetaceans= were reported stranded. The total number of events recorded between 1867 an= d 1995 was 129 consisting of over 159 individuals. The bottlenose dolphin (<= I>Tursiops truncatus) was the species most commonly found stranded, foll= owed by the Cuvier=B9s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), sperm whale = (Physeter macrocephalus), Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella <= I>frontalis) and short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus= ). An increase in the number of strandings was evident during the past 2= 0 years, averaging 63.1% per year. Between 1990 and 1995, the average number= of cases per year increased from 2.1 to 8.2. The seasonal pattern of strand= ings was found not to be uniform, with a high number of strandings occurring= in the winter and spring. The monthly temporal distribution showed an overa= ll bimodal pattern, with the highest number of cases reported for February, = May and September. The spatial distribution was not even and differed betwee= n countries, within countries, and between taxonomic groups and species. Asi= de from undetermined causes, the ratio of natural causes vis a vis hu= man related causes was of 1.2 : 1. Between 1990 and 1995, a reduction of the= percentage of undetermined cause of deaths resulted from the establishment = of a cooperative effort in studying mortality in an organized and systematic= manner. The most common natural cause of death category was dependent calf.= The most common human-related cause categories observed were entanglement a= nd accidental captures, followed by animals being shot or speared. Evaluatio= n and recommendations to improve on the research conducted are formulated, i= ncluding guidelines for the development of an strategic plan to obtain basel= ine data on the biology and life history of cetaceans to be applied to their= conservation and management.

Reprints are at present not available, but please email mignucci(\)caribe.net= to reserve a copy.

Thanks

Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni
Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory --MS_Mac_OE_3025511338_543473_MIME_Part-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 12:20:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: The Monachus Guardian (fwd) Forwarded message: THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN Dear Colleagues, This is to let you know that IMMA Inc. has now published the November 1999 issue of The Monachus Guardian, a biannual electronic periodical focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at http://www.monachus.org Highlights of the current issue include: > Guest Editorial - A little imagination: Why the mass tourism industry should recognise its responsibility to the Mediterranean monk seal - by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan > Mass tourism & the Mediterranean monk seal: The role of mass tourism in the decline and possible future extinction of Europe's most endangered marine mammal, Monachus monachus - by W.M. Johnson & D.M. Lavigne > How tourism has ruined the coastal habitats of the monk seal on the Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey - by Y. Savas > Monk seals in the Cape Verde Islands - by C.J. Hazevoet > On a few bacula of Mediterranean monk seals - by P.J.H. van Bree > Plus International, Mediterranean and Hawaiian 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 cross-platform Adobe Acrobat format. Should you have any 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. Sincerely, William M. Johnson editor(\)monachus.org _________________________________ editor(\)monachus.org www.monachus.org _________________________________ Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 12:41:21 -0000 From: Edward Brown Subject: Shetland Sea Mammal Report ------ The Shetland Sea Mammal Report for 1998 has just been published by the S= hetland Sea Mammal Group. The report has articles on the following: + Systematic list of cetacean sightings around Shetland for 1998 + Details of cetacean strandings in Shetland + An article on unidentified dolphins at UyeaSound, Shetland + Killer whales in Shetland waters + Sightings of beaked whales in the Faroe-Shetland channel The report is published annually by the Shetland Sea Mammal Group, it inc= ludes short papers and notes upon all sea mammals in Shetland waters. The cost of the Report is =A35 (postage by airmail) for overseas. For details of payment please contact Edward G. Brown e.brown(\)zetnet.co.u= k Edward G. Brown Shetland Sea Mammal Group 9 Twageos Rd Lerwick Shetland ZE10BB United Kingdom ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 15:23:25 -0500 From: Phil Clapham Subject: Humpback whale paper The following paper was recently published: Clapham, P.J., Wetmore, S.E., Smith, T.D. and Mead, J.G. 1999. Length at birth and at independence in humpback whales. J. Cetacean res. Manage. 1: 141-146. ABSTRACT This paper reviews published and unpublished data on length at birth and at independence in the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). The available data indicate that humpback whale calves are 3.96 to 4.57 m (13 to 15 ft) in length at birth, and approximately 8 to 10 m (26.25 to 30.48 ft) at independence. Timing is important in such assessments: because of the strong seasonal breeding cycle of this species, for young calves (i.e. those observed or taken in winter on the breeding range), there is no question that length data alone are sufficient to determine their status. In cases where actual length data are unavailable or unreliable, apparent length relative to that of an accompanying adult (i.e. the possible mother) may be used to define a calf, but only for young animals (< 3 months of age) during winter. Simulations based upon available length frequencies are used to calculate probabilities associated with such a ratio; the results indicate that any animal whose length appears to be less than 63% of that of an accompanying whale is probably a calf. Reprints should be available in the near future (requests to me, please). Phil Clapham -- 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: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 11:47:53 +0000 From: "Peter T. Stevick" Subject: Norwegian humpback whales The following paper was recently published. Stevick, P. T., N. Oien and D. K. Mattila. 1999. Migratory destinations of humpback whales from Norwegian and adjacent waters: evidence for stock identity. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 1(2):147-152. ABSTRACT Migratory destinations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the eastern North Atlantic were investigated using natural markings. A total of 96 individuals was identified from Norwegian and adjacent waters during 1992 and 1993: of these 63 were observed in the Norwegian and Barents Seas and 33 in the Greenland Sea near Jan Mayen. These were compared with other individuals identified throughout the North Atlantic to identify re-sightings. Ten individuals were identified in both Norway and in the West Indies. There were no significant differences in this West Indies exchange rate between the sample from Norway or either Norwegian sub-area and any other feeding area in the North Atlantic. The mean West Indies sighting date for humpback whales from Norway was 2 March, significantly later than the overall means for sightings from the West Indies. The individuals identified represent a variety of reproductive classes and both sexes. Observations of mothers with newborn calves, and males in competitive groups, provide the strongest evidence to date that the West Indies is utilized as a breeding and calving ground by humpback whales which feed in Norwegian waters. These results suggest that the West Indies is an important, and likely the primary, breeding destination for individual humpback whales feeding off Norway. Reprints should be available shortly. Requests should be directed to me . Peter T. Stevick Sea Mammal Research Unit Gatty Marine Laboratory University of St. Andrews St. Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB Scotland pts2(\)st-andrews.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 10:16:59 -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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 9, 1999, five Japanese vessels left Tokyo for scientific whaling in Antarctic waters, with the anticipation of returning in April 2000 after killing 400 minke whales.} [Assoc Press] {{Orca Whale Listing. In early November 1999, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (Lynnwood, WA), responding to a 15% population decline in 4 years, petitioned the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to have orca whales listed under state endangered species law. Dept. officials must decide within 60 days on the merit of the petition.}} [Seattle Herald] {Greenpeace and UK Oil Exploration. On Nov. 5, 1999, High Court Judge Maurice Kay sided with Greenpeace and ruled that the British government had failed to apply the European Commission's Habitat Directive in allocating oil and gas exploration licenses. Thus, the licenses cannot be granted without first considering the Habitat Directive provisions.} [Reuters] Low Frequency Active Sonar. On Oct. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice in the Federal Register that the U.S. Navy had requested a Letter of Authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment incidental to operation of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) low frequency active (LFA) sonar. NMFS must promulgate regulations and invites public comment on a draft environmental impact statement no later than Nov. 22, 1999. [Fed. Register] Mexican Salt Project. On Oct. 22, 1999, the managers of 15 U.S. mutual funds specializing in socially and environmentally responsible investments announced they would join a boycott against Japan's Mitsubishi Co. to protest plans to establish a 116-square mile, $150 million salt evaporation operation on Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California, an area used extensively by gray whales. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] Steller Sea Lion Lawsuit. On Oct. 18, 1999, NMFS officials announced that NMFS has addressed all requirements of a federal court order to clarify its plans to protect Steller sea lion populations and proceed with the North Pacific pollock fishery. Measures taken seek to reduce the potential for competition for pollock without reducing the commercial fishery harvest include dispersing the fisheries over time, dispersing the fisheries over area, and better protecting sea lion rookeries and major haulouts. [NOAA press release] Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Oct. 18, 1999, a coalition of 6 environmental groups petitioned to the AK Dept. of Fish and Game to protect Cook Inlet beluga whales under AK endangered species law. [ABC News] Gray Whale Mortalities. In mid-October 1999, a Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans scientists reported that tests revealed low fat reserves indicating that starvation was the likely cause of the more than 100 gray whale deaths observed earlier this year. [Portland Oregonian] Bowhead Whaling. In mid-October 1999, Barrow, AK, whalers finished their fall whaling season, killing 6 bowhead whales in the last week. [Assoc Press] Contaminants in Cetacean Products. In mid-October 1999, a joint study by scientists from Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Fukuoka, Japan), Harvard University, and the Univ. of Greenwich (UK) concluded that whale and dolphin products on the market for human consumption are contaminated with high levels of mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). About 85% of samples from smaller cetaceans tested exceeded the Japanese provisional standard for mercury of 0.4 micrograms per gram, with levels in stewed dolphin livers about 500 times the standard. About half of the samples minke whale and smaller cetaceans exceeded the provisional standard for PCBs of 0.5 micrograms per gram. These scientists anticipate submitting findings to the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry and the Japanese Fisheries Agency, requesting them to take action to alleviate the problem. [Daily Yomiuri, Assoc Press] Makah Whaling. On Oct. 15, 1999, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society officials reported that their vessel, the Sirenian, received at least $2,000 damage from vandals while dry docked at Lake Union, WA. The Sirenian was being readied for protests against this fall's whaling by the Makah tribe. Makah whalers are reportedly practicing for a fall hunt. [Seattle Times] 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: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 10:21:57 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for feedback on swimming with wild cetaceans (fwd) From: vanessaw(\)wdcs.org Dear Marmam list members, The UK-headquartered Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) has just launched a new information resource, a section on our website offering information on whale watch operators around the world (www.wdcs.org). Operators had to respond to a detailed questionnaire, and had to meet certain selection criteria before being considered for posting. We have not posted any operators offering swim with wild cetaceans, in line with current WDCS policy, which is against all forms of swim with, whether wild, captive or semi-captive. The decision not to post swim tours was taken because we were concerned at some reports of stress and harassment caused to wild cetaceans by some swim tours, also injuries to swimmers and instances of aggressive behaviour towards swimmers, particularly when placed in the water inappropriately (eg separating a mother and her calf). However, Cathy Williamson and I are currently reviewing the entire WDCS swim with policy to ensure that it is still appropriate and, whilst there is likely to be no change to our opposition to captive and semi-captive swim, we acknowledge that the issue of swimming with wild cetaceans is rather more controversial. Therefore, I would be very interested in hearing the personal experience, observations and opinions of Marmam list members on the issue of wild swim, particularly the following aspects: What is your opinion of wild swim (ethically, and on welfare grounds)? Do you believe that wild swim is acceptable under controlled/regulated circumstances (eg rules governing number of swim boats per site, number of clients, number of drops, rest periods for target cetaceans etc)? Do you have personal experience of incidents involving injury/aggressive behaviour towards swimmers by wild cetaceans? Insurance implications (some swim operators are unable to get insurance and so must cover their clients against accident or injury). Please email me with your comments by November 20th, if at all possible. Many thanks for any feedback you are able to supply. Vanessa Williams WDCS Conservation Manager Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 11:20:25 -0000 From: Dan Tapster Subject: Attenborough's marine mammals Dear marine mammalogists! Before most of you jet off to Hawaii, I wondered whether I could ask for your help. I am a researcher for the BBC Natural History Unit working on the series that will be Sir David Attenborough's biggest to date, The Life of Mammals. We have just reached the stage where we are researching stories for the episode that will focus on marine mammals. I thought that I would take this opportunity to ask you, direct researchers and enthusiasts what you would like to see in this programme. Rather than get feedback after the series is aired, we thought that it would be much more useful to ask people in the know what you would choose to film at this early stage. We are looking for interesting behavioural stories that we can focus on for around three minutes or so before moving on to the next sequence. These have got to be exciting enough to stop people from the reaching for the dreaded remote control! Perhaps you have seen or you directly research something that may make excellent television in this manner. Perhaps you are about to go to Hawaii to talk about this (sadly I am not, although keep your eyes peeled for our poster!). I would be delighted to receive any suggestions from those of you who might be interested in getting your research broadcast to a truly global audience. I look forward to hearing from some of you soon. All the best, Dan Dan Tapster Life of Mammals BBC Natural History Unit Broadcasting House Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2LR UK Tel. 0117 9742255 Fax. 0117 9467384 e-mail dan.tapster(\)bbc.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 06:15:09 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Maldivian Cetacean Strandings The following paper was recently published: Anderson R. C., A. Shaan and Z. Waheed (1999) RECORDS OF CETACEAN 'STRANDINGS' FROM THE MALDIVES Journal of South Asian Natural History 4(2): 187-202. Abstract Published records of 26 cetacean strandings are reviewed, and an additional 56 records are presented. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the most commonly reported species, accounting for about half of all reported strandings. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus, perhaps subspecies brevicauda or indica) most often strand on Maldivian and other south Asian coasts during January to April; we suggest that they migrate from the central Indian Ocean to the western Arabian Sea to feed on upwelling-associated plankton during July to October. Eight other species are positively identified, including the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens). Floating carcasses of dead cetaceans drift with the monsoon currents and so are found most commonly off the west coast during the southwest monsoon season, and off the east coast during the northeast monsoon season. Cetaceans are not hunted in the Maldives, but there is evidence that some cetaceans killed by the fishing activities of other countries do drift into Maldivian waters. A limited number of reprints will be available shortly from: Dr. R. Charles Anderson The Whale and Dolphin Company P.O. Bag 069 Maldives Post Ltd Male' Republic of Maldives Tel/Fax: (+960) 327024 email: anderson(\)dhivehinet.net.mv Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 17:33:19 -0400 From: "Leila T. Hatch" Subject: Biopsy Meeting at Biennial Conference boundary="============_-1269248093==_ma============" --============_-1269248093==_ma============ This is a final notice to inform interested parties of a meeting to discuss "Biopsy Techniques & Issues" which will be held at 7pm on Thursday, December 2nd at the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. This meeting will be an informal gathering open to anyone interested in live biopsy sampling of marine mammals. The following agenda is subject to change, but outlines the proposed content and scope of the meeting. Three topic sessions are planned. A 4-6 member Panel will chair each session to field questions and focus discussion. Brief presentations are planned (listed below) for each session followed by Q&A and open discussion. Discussions will be a forum for addressing common biopsying concerns, as well as species specific issues and techniques. ----------------------------------- Meeting on Biopsy Techniques & Issues 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Thursday, December 2, 1999 7:00pm - 10:00pm Plumeria Room Wailea Outrigger Hotel Preliminary Meeting Agenda (updated 11/16/99) 7:00 - 7:10 Introduction - Welcome, purpose, meeting organization & agenda 7:10 - 8:10 Biopsy Sampling Techniques: Collection & Physiological Effects Presentations: - Brief overview of biopsy sampling equipment & techniques - Virtues of multiple use sampling - Scrub sampling technique (whales & dolphins) - Physiological effects and reaction to biopsy sampling - Data gathering techniques Q&A, Open Discussion 10 min Break (~8:10 - 8:20) 8:20 - 8:55 Biopsy Sampling Techniques: Laboratory Analyses Presentations: - Genetic analyses - Immunohistochemistry analysis - Contamination issues Q&A, Open Discussion 10 min Break (~8:55 - 9:05) 9:05 - 9:40 Permits, Data Management & Cooperative Research Presentations: - Overview of permitting procedures & issues - Cooperative International research & local resource programs Q&A, Open Discussion 9:40 - 10:00 - Open Forum (time & interest permitting) Identify guidelines, standards, training issues Data sharing policies, databases, etc. Future needs, directions, benefits of meeting. *Notes and materials from this meeting and an updated article reference list will be made available on the web after the conference (URL to be announced at meeting) ------------------------------------- ~75 people have responded to a previous posting on MARMAM to express their interest in attending this meeting. We have secured a room with 100 person capacity. We are hoping that all interested parties will be easily accommodated by the space provided. There will be no formal registration process and seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you have questions regarding this notice please contact us at the addresses below. ** We are looking for students willing to help set up and run AV equipment during the meeting. If you are interested in assisting, please let us know via email.** We look forward to seeing you in Maui! Leila Hatch Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Corson Hall Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853 Email: lth5(\)cornell.edu Vicki Portway Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560-0315 Email: vportway(\)ceps.nasm.edu --============_-1269248093==_ma============ This is a final notice to inform interested parties of a meeting to discuss FFFF,0000,0000"Biopsy Techniques & Issues" which will be held at FFFF,0000,00007pm on FFFF,0000,0000Thursday, December 2nd at the 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. This meeting will be an informal gathering open to anyone interested in live biopsy sampling of marine mammals. The following agenda is subject to change, but outlines the proposed content and scope of the meeting. Three topic sessions are planned. A 4-6 member Panel will chair each session to field questions and focus discussion. Brief presentations are planned (listed below) for each session followed by Q&A and open discussion. Discussions will be a forum for addressing common biopsying concerns, as well as species specific issues and techniques. ----------------------------------- Times_New_RomanMeeting on Biopsy Techniques & Issues 13th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Thursday, December 2, 1999 7:00pm - 10:00pm Plumeria Room Wailea Outrigger Hotel Preliminary Meeting Agenda Times_New_Roman(updated 11/16/99) 7:00 - 7:10 Introduction - Welcome, purpose, meeting organization & agenda 7:10 - 8:10 Biopsy Sampling Techniques: Collection & Physiological Effects Presentations: - Brief overview of biopsy sampling equipment & techniques - Virtues of multiple use sampling - Scrub sampling technique (whales & dolphins) - Physiological effects and reaction to biopsy sampling - Data gathering techniques Q&A, Open Discussion 10 min Break (~8:10 - 8:20) 8:20 - 8:55 Biopsy Sampling Techniques: Laboratory Analyses Presentations: - Genetic analyses - Immunohistochemistry analysis - Contamination issues Q&A, Open Discussion 10 min Break (~8:55 - 9:05) 9:05 - 9:40 Permits, Data Management & Cooperative Research Presentations: - Overview of permitting procedures & issues - Cooperative International research & local resource programs Q&A, Open Discussion 9:40 - 10:00 - Open Forum (time & interest permitting) Identify guidelines, standards, training issues Data sharing policies, databases, etc. Future needs, directions, benefits of meeting. FFFF,0000,0000*Notes and materials from this meeting and an updated article reference list will be made available on the web after the conference (URL to be announced at meeting) ------------------------------------- ~75 people have responded to a previous posting on MARMAM to express their interest in attending this meeting. We have secured a room with 100 person capacity. We are hoping that all interested parties will be easily accommodated by the space provided. There will be no formal registration process and seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you have questions regarding this notice please contact us at the addresses below. 0000,7777,0000** We are looking for students willing to help set up and run AV equipment during the meeting. If you are interested in assisting, please let us know via email.** We look forward to seeing you in Maui! Leila Hatch Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Corson Hall Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853 Email: lth5(\)cornell.edu Vicki Portway Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560-0315 Email: vportway(\)ceps.nasm.edu --============_-1269248093==_ma============-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 17:07:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Fwd: Acoustic impacts and marine mammals (fwd) From: Chuck Oliver In response to a request for information on impacts to marine mammals related to detonations (Mark Imber 11/10/99), I posted a message describing access to an informative report by Dr. Darlene Ketten. Ketten, D. 1998. Marine mammal auditory systems: a summary of audiometric and anatomical data and its implications for underwater acoustic impacts. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-256. 74p. Some subscribers had difficulty accessing the report. The 107-page report should be accessible for on-line viewing as a web page or an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. For the latter, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher, available at Adobe. To access the report, go to Publications and Reports and then select either HTML or PDF report format. Finally, select the report (i.e., Ketten). I have a limited supply of printed copies available for mailing. Chuck Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 10:34:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent 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. Contamination by persistent organochlorines in small cetaceans from Hong Kong coastal waters. Minh, TB; Watanabe, M; Nakata, H; Tanabe, S; Jefferson, TA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. January-December 1999 v39 i1-12 p383-392 Contamination of tris(4-chlopopheny) methane and tris(4-chlorophenyl) methanol in marine mammals from Russia and Japan: Body distribution bioaccumulation and contamination status. Watanabe, M; Tanabe, S; Miyazaki, N; Petrov, EA; Jarman, WM. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. January-December 1999 v39 i1-12 p393-398 Latitudinal variation in litter size of polar bears: ecology or methodology?. Derocher, AE. POLAR BIOLOGY. November 1999 v22 i5 p350-356 Amplifying dolphin mitochondrial DNA from faecal plumes. Parsons, KM; Dallas, JF; Claridge, DE; Durban, JW; Balcomb, KC; Thompson, PM; Noble, LR. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. October 1999 v8 i10 p1766-1768 Mitochondrial DNA analysis of sympatric morphotypes of bottlenose dolphins (genus : Tursiops) in Chinese waters. Wang, JY; Chou, LS; White, BN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. October 1999 v8 i10 p1603-1612 MRI examination of trachea and bronchi in the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica). Endo, H; Yamagiwa, D; Arishima, K; Yamamoto, M; Sasaki, M; Hayashi, Y; Kamiya, T. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE. October 1999 v61 i10 p1137-+ Evaluating a putative bottleneck in a population of bowhead whales from patterns of microsatellite diversity and genetic disequilibria. Rooney, AP; Honeycutt, RL; Davis, SK; Derr, JN. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION. November 1999 v49 i5 p682-690 Characterization and isolation of microsatellite loci from the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Waldick, RC; Brown, MW; White, BN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. October 1999 v8 i10 p1763-1765 Age- and sex-specific behaviour in harbour seals Phoca vitulina leads to biased estimates of vital population parameters. Harkonen, T; Harding, KC; Lunneryd, SG. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY. October 1999 v36 i5 p825-841 Where have all the fathers gone? An extensive microsatellite analysis of paternity in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Wilmer, JW; Allen, PJ; Pomeroy, PP; Twiss, SD; Amos, W. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. September 1999 v8 i9 p1417-1429 Mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA analyses of harbour seal population structure in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Burg, TM; Trites, AW; Smith, MJ. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. June 1999 v77 i6 p930-943 Vitamin E and vitamin A contents, fatty acid profiles, and gross composition of harp and hooded seal milk through lactation. Debier, C; Kovacs, KM; Lydersen, C; Mignolet, E; Larondelle, Y. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. June 1999 v77 i6 p952-958 Seasonal oscillation in shore attendance and transience of New Zealand fur seals. Bradshaw, CJA; Lalas, C; Perriman, L; Harcourt, RG; Best, H; Davis, LS. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. May 1999 v77 i5 p814-823 Individually distinctive pup vocalizations fail to prevent allo-suckling in grey seals. McCulloch, S; Pomeroy, PP; Slater, PJB. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. May 1999 v77 i5 p716-723 The development of diving behavior in juvenile Weddell seals: pushing physiological limits in order to survive. Burns, JM. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. May 1999 v77 i5 p737-747 Genetic structure of the world's polar bear populations. Paetkau, D; Amstrup, SC; Born, EW; Calvert, W; Derocher, AE; Garner, GW; Messier, F; Stirling, I; Taylor, MK; Wiig, O; Strobeck, C. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. October 1999 v8 i10 p1571-1584 Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 14:04:00 -0500 From: Andrew Wetzler Subject: Deadline for Comments on Navy's Request for LFA Letter of Au For those of you who have been following the issue, this is a reminder that the deadline for submitting comments to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding its "Advanced Notice of Rulemaking" for the Navy's Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFA) program is Monday, November 22, 1999. The Navy has sought a Letter of Authorization from NMFS, allowing it to "take" marine mammals for a five year period under the "small take" exemption of the Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA). The MMPA defines take as any activity which harms, harasses, captures or kills a marine mammal. The Navy is required to receive this authorization as the deployment LFA , by the Navy's own estimates, is likely to result in the take of a number of marine mammal species. For example, the Navy estimates that deployment of LFA will result in a take over 10% of elephant seals off the central coast of California, over 12% of humpback whales in the North Gulf of Alaska, and over 13% of endangered blue whales in the Denmark Strait. Moreover, we believe that these number may have been significantly underestimated by the Navy. NRDC encourages the scientific community to submit comments on the Navy's request for a Letter of Authorization. NRDC has already submitted comments on the Navy's proposal. Anyone who would like to receive a copy of those comments, please e-mail Andrew Wetzler at awetzler(\)nrdc.org. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 10:59:02 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 1999 Japanese scientific whaling in the northwestern Pacific? (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Marmam colleagues: I don't recall seeing much about any 1999 Japanese scientific whaling for minke whales in the northwestern Pacific. Does anyone have any information about whether such occurred and the outcome? Any stories, web sites, news clips, etc. on this? Thanks in advance for any info. Gene Buck, gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 17:45:29 -1000 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: No Power Point- Reminder for the 13th Biennial Meeting For those of you planning presentations at the 13th Biennial Meeting on Maui, this is a reminder that we will NOT have powerpoint projection capabilities at the meeting. Please prepare 35 mm slides and VHS videos. Looking forward to seeing you on Maui. ALOHA Paul Nachtigall ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 09:11:20 -1000 Reply-To: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca From: "Robin W. Baird" Subject: Tursiops and S. attenuata in Hawaii - request for photos Greetings, We are undertaking population studies of bottlenose dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins in the area between the islands of Maui and Lana'i, Hawaii. We are trying to assess population size and segregation, and are interested in trying to determine whether movements to other islands in the main Hawaiian chain occur. So far this year we have obtained photographs of 73 distinctive individual Tursiops, with a number of resightings (13 of one individual), and over 100 individual pantropical spotted dolphins. Examining the frequency and rate of resightings (discovery curve) for Tursiops suggests that the local population contains around 100 individuals, but there are a large number of individuals which appear to use the Maui and Lana'i area only occasionally. Given the distance between islands and the known movements of these species elsewhere, it wouldn't be surprising if the two species regularly move between islands. We are looking for photographs of either species taken off other islands in the main Hawaiian island chain (the big island, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai). Given the large number of researchers who have worked in Hawaiian waters over the last 20 years, as well as individuals who may have spent time on the water here and opportunistically obtained photos of either species, I was hoping some photos from other islands might exist. If anyone has such photos, the upcoming conference here on Maui would be a great opportunity to do a preliminary comparison with our catalogues. I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone who has photos of either of these species from Hawaiian waters. Robin ========================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Post-doctoral fellow, Biology Dept., Dalhousie University Research Director, Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753 USA. Phone (808) 879-8860 (work), 879-7061 (home). Fax 879-2615 e-mail: rwbaird(\)is.dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm http://www.pacificwhale.org/learn/index.html ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 11:18:42 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Social contraints in leraning situation (fwd) Dear All, I am conducting a study on social contraints in an operant conditoning situation in bottlenose dolphins.While I could find significant existing information on primates I have been able to collect very few literature on this subject on marine mammals. I would greatly appreciate any data/information on the following matter : the roles of the social status in a learning task in marine mammals. I would like to examine the social influences on the expression of a specific learning task. Thank you very much for your help. Sincerely, Fabienne delfour.fabienne(\)free.fr ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 14:06:08 -1000 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: 13th Biennial Conference AV equipment-correction Yesterday I sent out a brief note reminding people that we will not have Powerpoint projection capabilities at the Maui Meeting. I forgot to add that overhead transparency projectors will be available. "The following presentation devices will be available for oral presenters in each room at the Thirteenth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals: 1. 35mm slide projectors 2. Standard U.S. NTSC format (not European PAL format) video projectors. 3. Overhead transparency projectors. Unfortunately we will not have the ability to project powerpoint video images from your computer." ALOHA Paul Nachtigall -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1999 10:10:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- 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 {{Makah Whaling. On Nov. 16, 1999, WA Governor Gary Locke was reported to have stated that he is considering intervening against the killing of gray whales by the Makah, since resident gray whales are listed as a protected species by the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.}} [Environment News Service] {{Polar Bears on Thin Ice. On Nov. 15, 1999, Canadian scientists were reported to have expressed concern that thinning Arctic sea ice (as much as a 40% reduction since the 1970s) is threatening polar bears with starvation by shortening their hunting season for ringed seals in Hudson Bay.}} [BBC News] Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 9, 1999, five Japanese vessels left Tokyo for scientific whaling in Antarctic waters, with the anticipation of returning in April 2000 after killing 400 minke whales. [Assoc Press] Orca Whale Listing. In early November 1999, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (Lynnwood, WA), responding to a 15% population decline in 4 years, petitioned the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to have orca whales listed under state endangered species law. Dept. officials must decide within 60 days on the merit of the petition. [Seattle Herald] Greenpeace and UK Oil Exploration. On Nov. 5, 1999, High Court Judge Maurice Kay sided with Greenpeace and ruled that the British government had failed to apply the European Commission's Habitat Directive in allocating oil and gas exploration licenses. Thus, the licenses cannot be granted without first considering the Habitat Directive provisions. [Reuters] Low Frequency Active Sonar. On Oct. 22, 1999, NMFS published notice in the Federal Register that the U.S. Navy had requested a Letter of Authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment incidental to operation of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) low frequency active (LFA) sonar. NMFS must promulgate regulations and invites public comment on a draft environmental impact statement no later than Nov. 22, 1999. [Fed. Register] Mexican Salt Project. On Oct. 22, 1999, the managers of 15 U.S. mutual funds specializing in socially and environmentally responsible investments announced they would join a boycott against Japan's Mitsubishi Co. to protest plans to establish a 116-square mile, $150 million salt evaporation operation on Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California, an area used extensively by gray whales. [Assoc Press, Environment News Service] 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: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 09:48:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Letter from Marsha Green (fwd) Subject: Letter from Marsha Green From: Marsha Green, Ph.D. marshag(\)alb.edu I would like to respond to Joe Blue's comments on a statement I made in a paper I wrote on Low Frequency Active Sonar posted on my website, www.oceanmammalinst.org. In this paper I state that the LFAS test levels were always much lower than the actual sonar which is 240 dB. I was referring to source levels in my statement not to decibel levels in the water. My statement is supported by the Navy's DEIS, the accompanying technical reports and the Navy's application to National Marine Fisheries Service for a harassment permit for a small take exemption. While the Navy does not state actual source levels in the DEIS (this obviously would be important information to include) they do say that there will be a sound field of 180 dB 1 km away from the transmitting ship. According to Dr. Lee Tepley, this corresponds to an effective source level of about 240 dB. The term "effective source level" does not refer to the actual sound level 1 meter from the source (as would be the case for sound radiated omni-directionally from a point source) because a linear array is a long "line-like" source rather than anything approximating a point. Instead, it refers to the source level 1 meter from a hypothetical point source that the array would approximate at a great distance (in the so-called "far field") if you were looking back in toward the array. Although, the actual sound field inside of 1 km will not actually approach 240 dB because of the properties of the array, at distances beyond 1 km and nearly perpendicular to the array, the received sound field will closely resemble that from a 240 dB omni-directional source. So according to the DEIS and the permit application, the LFAS source can be taken to be 240 dB for comparison with source levels used in earlier tests. Technical Report 1 (part of the DEIS) states that in Hawaii, LFAS test source levels were between 185 and 203 dB and that received levels were no greater than 155 dB. On p. 5 the Hawaii Quicklook (August 31, 1998), prepared by Clark and Tyack, states "The research did not use the full source level of LFA." Here Clark & Tyack are making the same statement I made in my paper; the LFAS tests in Hawaii did not use the full source level of LFA. On p. vi of the Executive Summary of the Hawaii Quicklook, Clark & Tyack state that it was "difficult to expose animals to levels > 150 dB, and few were exposed to levels > 140 dB. Estimates of the received level for focal animals during playbacks ranged from as low as 115 + 5 dB re 15Pa to as high as 151 dB + 5 dB." Near the end of this Executive Summary (p. vi) they say "it will be difficult to extrapolate from these results to predict responses at higher exposure levels." It is important to note that in the Draft EIS and the NMFS permit application the Navy is extrapolating from results obtained at lower LFAS test levels to predict responses at the considerably higher exposure levels the Navy actually will be using when they deploy LFAS. The Navy is doing exactly what Clark and Tyack say it will be difficult to do - making unsubstantiated claims that exposure at LFAS levels higher than the test levels is not harmful. It is time we stop obfuscating information about LFAS with technicalities and let the clear light of scientific truth shine through. The simple truth is that test LFAS levels were considerably lower than the actual planned deployment levels. Any statements in the DEIS that the actual sonar will not harm marine life have to be based more on wishful thinking, or attempts to deceive, than actual data. In reality, LFAS was tested on only four species for three weeks each at levels much lower than planned deployment levels. If the effective source level of the linear array is 240 dB (according to calculations based on the DEIS), the real sonar represents about 5,000 times more acoustic intensity and 70 times more pressure than the highest(but rarely used) 203dB test level in Hawaii. Even at the lower test levels used in Hawaii and California a number of negative effects were documented. These negative effects included inshore gray whales changing their migration route at about 120 dB (received level), blue and fin whales decreasing their vocalizations by about 50% and 30% respectively, humpback whales leaving the Hawaii test area (aerial survey data and shore observation), humpback whales stopping singing, and 3 abandoned cetacean calves in the relatively small LFAS test area in Hawaii during and right after testing. What will happen at the proposed but untested, higher deployment levels? There are some obvious warning signs that are ignored in the DEIS. For example, Frantzis' report in Nature (March, 1998) clearly links the stranding of 13 Cuvier's beaked whales in the Mediterranean to NATO LFAS transmissions. The probability of a mass stranding occurring for other reasons during the period of the NATO LFAS tests is less than 0.07%. Interestingly the Navy does not even mention this very relevant stranding in the DEIS. In the Navy's own technical report, Croll et al. (1999) dismiss this stranding as inadmissible evidence because of frequency differences between NATO and US Navy LFAS. US LFAS is 100 to 500 Hz, NATO LFAS has peaks as low as 600 Hz. Is it possible that this 0.1 kHz difference makes the sounds so fundamentally different that they couldn't possibly cause a similar effect? Not even considering this possibility in the DEIS seems more like denial than clear scientific thinking. From diagrams in the Saclantan Bioacoustics Panel's summary report on this stranding it's clear that these whales were exposed to 150-160 dB. Depending on propagation conditions, the Navy's LFAS transmissions could expose marine mammals to 150-160 dB up to 100 miles away from the transmitting vessel (see Technical Report 2). How many more strandings have to occur before the Navy considers the evidence relevant? Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 17:52:44 -0700 From: Nancy Thomas Subject: Postdoctoral position available [Message posted by Nancy Thomas: nancy_thomas(\)usgs.gov] POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON Evaluation of Disease Impacts on Southern Sea Otters A two-year postdoctoral research associate position is available to work on the demographic impacts of disease mortality on the southern sea otter population. The Research Associate will have the primary responsibility for evaluating the temporal and spatial patterns of disease mortality and determining the demographic impacts of disease in this threatened marine mammal population. The position will be supervised by the Principal Investigator in close consultation with Wildlife Disease Specialists at the National Wildlife Health Center and the California Department of Fish and Game. This position provides an excellent opportunity to work closely with sea otter biologists, quantitative ecologists, and wildlife disease specialists and to make significant contributions on the biology of a highly visible and declining keystone species. Qualifications: 1. Ph.D. in wildlife biology, mammalogy, or biometrics. 2. Strong backgound in population biology, demographic analysis, and computer modeling. 3. Knowledge of biometric methods for spatial analysis. 4. Experience and knowledge in computer applications and statistical analysis. 5. Knowledge of wildlife disease principles. 6. Demonstrated ability in oral and written communication. Salary: $28,000 per year Location: Principal work station will be at the National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI. Application deadline: December 30, 1999 Starting date: January, 2000, actual starting date negotiable. Contact: Send a current curriculum vitae documenting appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience, together with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of 3 references who can substantiate work experience and communication skills, to the Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael D. Samuel USGS - National Wildlife Health Center 6006 Schroeder Road Madison, WI 53711 Phone: (608) 270-2441 FAX: (608) 270-2415 E-mail: michael_samuel(\)usgs.gov or Debra Ziebarth Wildlife Ecology Department University of Wisconsin-Madison 226 Russell Labs 1630 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706 Phone/FAX: (608) 263-4519 E-mail: dlziebar(\)facstaff.wisc.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 09:29:56 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Posting: Executive Director, The Marine Mammal Center (fwd) From: "Phillips, Alana" Position available: Executive Director At The Marine Mammal Center, a non-profit organization, we uniquely combine rehabilitation, science and education to ensure the survival of marine mammals and the conservation of their habitat. In this way, we recognize our interdependence with these sentinels of the ocean environment. To advance this important work, we require the skills of a proven leader to plan and meet our program objectives, serve as Chief Operating Executive and professional advisor to the Board, and oversee all operations, personnel and financial administration. The Center seeks leadership to launch a major capital campaign to rebuild its facilities. We'll rely on you for annual plans and budgets, financial statement management, and direction/participation in the areas of development and funding. This key assignment requires a Master's degree or 6-10 years related experience and/or training and a commitment to The Center's mission. Excellent communication, public relations and presentation skills are essential to work with our volunteers, staff and the scientific community. For immediate consideration, send your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Human Resources, The Marine Mammal Center, Marin Headlands, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965-2609 USA or fax it to (415) 289-7376. NO EMAILS PLEASE. Equal Opportunity Employer. Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 09:12:26 -0500 From: Nicole LeBoeuf Subject: 3rd Quarter 1999 MMPA Bulletin published The NMFS Office of Protected Resources has just published the 3rd Quarter 1999 edition of the MMPA Bulletin. The articles in this issue include: Harbor Seal Co-Management Agreement Update on Management of Cook Inlet Belugas The Stranding Rescue Assistance Act NMFS Hears From Stakeholders: Chuck Janisse on TRTs NMFS Updates the Marine Mammal Inventory Hawaiian Monk Seals Moved to Texas Volunteer Internship Available Acoustic Workshop Clarification NMFS Completes Status Review of Gray Whales Recent Gray Whale Mortalities Office of Protected Resources New Director Progress Made on "Protect Dolphins" Campaign Joint SRG Meeting Marine Mammal/Sea Turtle Field Guides Available Smithsonian Institution Press Books Available Observer Program Workshop Report Available Small Take Application for Children's Pool >From the Editors The MMPA Bulletin can be found in PDF format on the Office of Protected Resources web site at: http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/mammals/bulletin.html To obtain a hard 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, ext. 156 or write to NOAA/NMFS/F/PR2, Attn. MMPA Bulletin, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. If you already receive the MMPA Bulletin, you should get your copy in the mail in a few weeks. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 09:45:05 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Wildlife Medicine Symposium (fwd) From: Rebecca Richard The UC Davis Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Medicine Club presents the 6th Annual WILDLIFE MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM Saturday, January 22, 2000 9am-5pm 170 Schalm Hall, Medical Sciences Complex, UC Davis 8:30-9:00 Welcome and Continental Breakfast Buffet 9:00-9:55 Dr. Dave Hunter, Veterinarian, Turner Endangered Species and Turner Enterprises "Wildlife Herd Management" 10:00-10:55 Dr. Freeland Dunker, Staff Veterinarian, San Francisco Zoo "Management and treatment of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis positive elephant at the San Francisco Zoo." 10:55-11:15 Break 11:15-12:10 Dr. Dan Crocker, Assistant Professor of Biology, Sonoma State University "Interactions between physiology and behavior in the foraging strategies of pinnipeds." 12:10-1:15 Lunch 1:15-2:10 Dr. Cobus Raath, Wildlife Veterinarian, Former South African National Parks Veterinarian "African Wildlife Capture and Herd Health Issues" 2:15-3:10 Dr. Holly Ernest, Assistant Wildlife Veterinarian, UC Davis Wildlife Health Center "Molecular tracking of mountain lions: ecological DNA analysis." 3:10-3:30 Break 3:30-5:00 Wildlife Forum: Public v. Private Control of Wildlife Resources and Land Management Moderator: Dr. Jonna Mazet, UC Davis Wildlife Health Center Panelists: Dr. Ben Gonzales, California Department of Fish and Game Dr. John Anderson, National Audubon Society, Audubon California Dr. Jamie Gilardi, Oceanic Society Dr. John Maas, UC Davis Dairy Extension Dr. Dave Hunter Dr. Cobus Raath ALL ARE WELCOME AND ADMISSION IS FREE. LUNCH AND BREAKFAST BUFFET PROVIDED. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER BY 1/10, AT rarichard(\)ucdavis.edu or 2712 Tiber Ave, Davis, CA 95616. If you would like to order proceedings or t-shirts or posters and cannot attend the symposium, please contact the above email address for more information. DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 80 towards Sacramento; then take Route 113 north to 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, HSUS, W.B. Saunders Co, AAWV, Target Stores, and Purina. Pre-Registration Form Due 1/10: Please email or send the following information to the above address. Name: Address: Phone: Email: Affiliation Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 09:55:13 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: three new papers on Sousa chinensis (fwd) From: Leszek Karczmarski The following papers were recently published: 1. Karczmarski, L. (1999). Group dynamics of humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Algoa Bay region, South Africa. Journal of Zoology, London 249: 283-293. ABSTRACT: Group dynamics of humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) inhabiting the Algoa Bay region on the south Eastern Cape coast of South Africa, were investigated by means of boat-based photo-identification surveys undertaken between May 1991 and May 1994. Groups of humpback dolphins varied in size from three to 24 animals (mean =3D seven), with adults representing almost 2/3 of the group members. Births occurred predominantly in summer. Some females, however, may also cycle outside of the apparent summer breeding season, perhaps indicating a secondary winter season. Circumstantial evidence suggests a minimum of a three-year calving interval. Maternal care lasts at least 3-4 years, but female-calf separation is seemingly not related to the female's next pregnancy. Humpback dolphins displayed varying degrees of residence/fidelity to Algoa Bay. Although a small number of individuals may possibly be classified as "resident", the majority of dolphins were infrequent visitors in the Bay and appear to be transient. The social system of humpback dolphins seems to be fluid with only casual and short-lasting affiliations. Strong bonds between individuals other than mothers and calves are uncommon. Lack of consistency in the group membership appears to be the general pattern. The weak site fidelity and possibly extensive long-range movement of the majority of dolphins may contribute to the dynamic nature of humpback dolphin groups. There is probably some form of segregation between sex and/or age classes among humpback dolphins in Eastern Cape waters. The nature and extent of this segregation, however, is not yet sufficiently understood. It seems likely that the degree of site fidelity displayed by female humpback dolphins is related to their reproductive stage and increases during the nursing period. Mate-searching behaviour of male humpback dolphins is the most likely reproductive strategy of the species. Key Words: Sousa chinensis, reproductive seasonality, site fidelity, social behaviour, group dynamics. 2. Karczmarski, L., Cockcroft, V.G.& McLachlan, A. (1999). Group size and seasonal pattern of occurrence of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. South African Journal of marine Science 21: 89-97. ABSTRACT: The occurrence of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis and their group size in Algoa Bay, South Africa, are described for the period May 1991- May 1994. The mean group size of dolphins was seven (ranging between 3 and 24). Group size was not affected by diurnal, tidal or lunar variability. Solitary, large individuals were commonly observed and they occasionally joined groups of other humpback dolphins. The number of sightings of humpback dolphins per unit effort and their group size varied seasonally, increasing in summer and again in late winter. These observations follow a regular seasonal fluctuation in water temperature, coincide with the dolphins' reproductive seasonal cycle and could be related to seasonal changes in the abundance and distribution of their prey. 3. Karczmarski, L., Winter, P.E.D., Cockcroft, V.G. & McLachlan, A. (1999). Population analyses of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Marine Mammal Science 15: 1115-1123. ABSTRACT: Mark-recapture analyses were performed on photo-identification data for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) inhabiting Algoa Bay, on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa. Boat-based photo-ID surveys were undertaken during three years between May 1991 and May 1994. The rate of discovery of newly identified dolphins, distribution of sightings and frequency of resightings of known individuals indicate a high level of seasonal immigration of humpback dolphins into, and emigration from, the Algoa Bay region in summer. Consequently, humpback dolphins from Algoa Bay appear to be part of a substantially larger population that uses a considerable length of the coastal zone. The minimum population size is estimated to be about 466 dolphins. Key words: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis, mark-recapture analyses, seasonal immigration/emigration, population estimate, Algoa Bay - Eastern Cape - South Africa. ************************************************ Leszek Karczmarski, Ph.D. Midway Spinner Dolphin Research Project Midway Atoll, central Pacific e-mail: karczmal(\)tamug.tamu.edu ************************************************ Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 13:55:47 -0600 From: Helen Nearing Subject: Duke Univ Marine Lab summer course PLEASE EXCUSE CROSS LISTING Duke University Marine Lab summer course: Marine Mammals 2000 Summer Term II (July 10 - August 11) Please submit completed application and current transcript. For application see the Marine Lab's web site (address in signature below) or send complete mailing address to hnearing(\)duke.edu. Tuition scholarships awarded on a competitive basis; scholarship application deadline is March 1. A 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. Several fellowships are earmarked for international students taking BIO109/ENV 209. Applications must be received by April 1. See http://www.env.duke/edu/marinelab/consbio.html for more information about Term II's Integrated Marine Conservation Program. 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.e.vnduke.edu/marinelab/marine.html ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 16:19:35 -1000 From: Joe Mobley Subject: Re: Letter from Marsha Green (fwd) I wish to make a reply to Marsha Green's claims about LFA-related effects in the Hawaiian Islands. She makes mention of "humpback whales leaving the Hawaii test area (aerial survey data and shore observation)." While I can't speak to the issue of shore observations, as far as I know, I'm the only one doing aerial surveys of the Hawaiian Islands including the waters around the Big Island where the LFA tests took place. We've been doing marine mammal surveys of all the major Hawaiian Islands since 1990. Our data have been used inappropriately to make the claim that whales "evacuated" Keahole Pt., following the 1998 LFA sonar tests. This claim arose due to small numbers of whales observed in that region during our 1998 surveys relative to those seen during the 1993 and 1995 surveys. However, our survey effort in that region of the Big Island was lower during the 1998 surveys, due to the random placement of our transect lines, i.e., you can't see whales if you're not there to see them. Thus, as PI of the aerial censusing in question, the data do not warrant the conclusion which Dr. Green alludes to. Best, Joe Mobley Univ. of Hawaii-West Oahu ----- Original Message ----- From: "MARMAM Editors" To: Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 1999 7:48 AM Subject: Letter from Marsha Green (fwd) > Subject: Letter from Marsha Green > From: Marsha Green, Ph.D. marshag(\)alb.edu > > > I would like to respond to Joe Blue's comments on a statement I made in a > paper I wrote on Low Frequency Active Sonar posted on my website, > www.oceanmammalinst.org. In this paper I state that the LFAS test levels > were always much lower than the actual sonar which is 240 dB. I was > referring to source levels in my statement not to decibel levels in the > water. > My statement is supported by the Navy's DEIS, the accompanying technical > reports and the Navy's application to National Marine Fisheries Service for a > harassment permit for a small take exemption. While the Navy does not state > actual source levels in the DEIS (this obviously would be important > information to include) they do say that there will be a sound field of 180 > dB 1 km away from the transmitting ship. > According to Dr. Lee Tepley, this corresponds to an effective source > level of about 240 dB. The term "effective source level" does not refer to > the actual sound level 1 meter from the source (as would be the case for > sound radiated omni-directionally from a point source) because a linear array > is a long "line-like" source rather than anything approximating a point. > Instead, it refers to the source level 1 meter from a hypothetical point > source that the array would approximate at a great distance (in the so-called > "far field") if you were looking back in toward the array. > Although, the actual sound field inside of 1 km will not actually > approach 240 dB because of the properties of the array, at distances beyond 1 > km and nearly perpendicular to the array, the received sound field will > closely resemble that from a 240 dB omni-directional source. So according to > the DEIS and the permit application, the LFAS source can be taken to be 240 > dB for comparison with source levels used in earlier tests. > Technical Report 1 (part of the DEIS) states that in Hawaii, LFAS test > source levels were between 185 and 203 dB and that received levels were no > greater than 155 dB. On p. 5 the Hawaii Quicklook (August 31, 1998), > prepared by Clark and Tyack, states "The research did not use the full source > level of LFA." Here Clark & Tyack are making the same statement I made in > my paper; the LFAS tests in Hawaii did not use the full source level of LFA. > On p. vi of the Executive Summary of the Hawaii Quicklook, Clark & Tyack > state that it was "difficult to expose animals to levels > 150 dB, and few > were exposed to levels > 140 dB. Estimates of the received level for focal > animals during playbacks ranged from as low as 115 + 5 dB re 15Pa to as > high as 151 dB + 5 dB." Near the end of this Executive Summary (p. vi) they > say "it will be difficult to extrapolate from these results to predict > responses at higher exposure levels." > It is important to note that in the Draft EIS and the NMFS permit > application the Navy is extrapolating from results obtained at lower LFAS > test levels to predict responses at the considerably higher exposure levels > the Navy actually will be using when they deploy LFAS. The Navy is doing > exactly what Clark and Tyack say it will be difficult to do - making > unsubstantiated claims that exposure at LFAS levels higher than the test > levels is not harmful. > It is time we stop obfuscating information about LFAS with technicalities > and let the clear light of scientific truth shine through. The simple truth > is that test LFAS levels were considerably lower than the actual planned > deployment levels. Any statements in the DEIS that the actual sonar will not > harm marine life have to be based more on wishful thinking, or attempts to > deceive, than actual data. In reality, LFAS was tested on only four species > for three weeks each at levels much lower than planned deployment levels. If > the effective source level of the linear array is 240 dB (according to > calculations based on the DEIS), the real sonar represents about 5,000 times > more acoustic intensity and 70 times more pressure than the highest(but > rarely used) 203dB test level in Hawaii. Even at the lower test levels used > in Hawaii and California a number of negative effects were documented. These > negative effects included inshore gray whales changing their migration route > at about 120 dB (received level), blue and fin whales decreasing their > vocalizations by about 50% and 30% respectively, humpback whales leaving the > Hawaii test area (aerial survey data and shore observation), humpback whales > stopping singing, and 3 abandoned cetacean calves in the relatively small > LFAS test area in Hawaii during and right after testing. > What will happen at the proposed but untested, higher deployment levels? > There are some obvious warning signs that are ignored in the DEIS. For > example, Frantzis' report in Nature (March, 1998) clearly links the stranding > of 13 Cuvier's beaked whales in the Mediterranean to NATO LFAS transmissions. > The probability of a mass stranding occurring for other reasons during the > period of the NATO LFAS tests is less than 0.07%. > Interestingly the Navy does not even mention this very relevant stranding > in the DEIS. In the Navy's own technical report, Croll et al. (1999) dismiss > this stranding as inadmissible evidence because of frequency differences > between NATO and US Navy LFAS. US LFAS is 100 to 500 Hz, NATO LFAS has peaks > as low as 600 Hz. Is it possible that this 0.1 kHz difference makes the > sounds so fundamentally different that they couldn't possibly cause a similar > effect? Not even considering this possibility in the DEIS seems more like > denial than clear scientific thinking. > From diagrams in the Saclantan Bioacoustics Panel's summary report on > this stranding it's clear that these whales were exposed to 150-160 dB. > Depending on propagation conditions, the Navy's LFAS transmissions could > expose marine mammals to 150-160 dB up to 100 miles away from the > transmitting vessel (see Technical Report 2). How many more strandings have > to occur before the Navy considers the evidence relevant? > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- > -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca > -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the > text of all submissions, and ensure your message has an appropriate > subject heading (ie., not "Message for MARMAM") > -To subscribe to MARMAM, send a message to: listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca > saying: subscribe marmam Yourfirstname Yourlastname > -To unsubscribe, send a message saying: unsub marmam (to the > listserv(\)uvvm.uvic.ca address) > -To contact the MARMAM editors, write to: marmamed(\)uvic.ca > -MARMAM Editorial Policy & FAQ: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm > ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 02:42:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ECS conference deadlines FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the EUROPEAN CETACEAN SOCIETY Cork, Ireland, 2 - 5th April 2000 - UPDATE. 'Cetaceans in the Ecosystem: Defining Critical Habitat' REMINDER - ABSTRACTS DUE NEXT WEEK! Authors should submit an abstract by e-mail following the guidelines given on the ECS website: http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/index.htm to: Greg Donovan (E-mail: gdonovan(\)ireland.com) to arrive NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 1st DECEMBER 1999 (PLEASE NOTE that for those of you attending the SMM conference at MAUI that you will need to submit your abstract before you go!). Failure to follow the guidelines may result in the rejection of the Abstract. Faxed or posted submissions are not acceptable. Authors will be informed by e-mail on the acceptability of their material by early January 2000. Hope to see you all in Cork, Slan, Emer Emer Rogan Conference organiser Dept. of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Cork, Ireland. Phone: + 353 21 904197; Fax: +353 21 277922. E-mail: E.Rogan(\)ucc.ie ECS website: http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/index.htm Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1999 16:19:51 AST From: Ocean Yearbook Organization: Dalhousie University Subject: Ocean Yearbook Call for Papers Please distribute, thanks. Ocean Yearbook: Call For Papers For over 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 Elisabeth Mann Borgese, Aldo Chircop, and Moira L. McConnell are now inviting submissions for Volume 16. Articles or comments on one or more of the following topics will be considered for publication: Issues and Prospects Living Resources of the Ocean Non living Ocean Resources Transportation and Communications Environment Coastal Management Military Activities Regional Developments Training and Education Literature Review Manuscripts should be between 4,000 and 20,000 words in length, written in English, typed and doubled spaced on letter size (A4 or 8.5 x 11) paper, with full bibliographic citations in the form of footnotes (Chicago style). Citation guidelines can be viewed at http://www.dal.ca/~ioihfx/16gdline.html or will be sent on request from the Assistant Editor. Manuscripts should be sent either by e mail (use WordPerfect 8 or MS Word 97 attachment format), or by mail along with a diskette version in an IBM PC compatible format (WordPerfect 8 or MS Word 97). Please note that manuscripts are refereed before acceptance. While every effort is made to respond rapidly to authors, the review process can take several months. Authors are responsible for securing in advance of submission any copyright clearances necessary for the publication of their work. The deadline for submissions for Volume 16 is 31st May 2000. Please submit manuscripts or any inquiries to: Scott Coffen Smout Assistant Editor Ocean Yearbook Dalhousie University Law School 6061 University Avenue Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4H9 CANADA Tel: 1 902 494 3495 Fax: 1 902 494 1316 E mail: ocean.yearbook(\)dal.ca Ocean Yearbook Office Dalhousie Law School 6061 University Avenue Halifax, NS, B3H 4H9 CANADA Tel: 1 902 494-2955 Fax: 1 902 494-1316 E-mail: ocean.yearbook(\)dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 03:37:05 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Bycatch of turtles Dear All, I am investigating marine turtle bycatch in NE Atlantic fisheries. My primary data source is a new database of turtle records for the UK & Eire that was commissioned by English Nature under their Species Recovery Programme. I am gathering additional data however, from projects focussing on the incidental capture of marine mammals (as well as fisheries science, seabird and discard monitoring programmes). The literature on marine mammal bycatch in the NE Atlantic, does not often report data on turtles. I hope this means that there was no turtle bycatch, although I suspect otherwise - turtles are certainly taken in some pelagic fisheries (NE Atlantic tuna drift nets: SMRU, 1996). My request is... Would workers involved in bycatch observation / reduction programmes please verify for me whether they have recorded an incidental take of turtle species? Look forward to hearing from you - please reply to the email address below. I'll send a summary of responses directly to anyone interested. Thanks, Chris Ref: Sea Mammal Research Unit (1995). Cetacean bycatch in the UK tuna driftnet fishery in 1995. Interim contract report to MAFF, P639.2/11, 95, Science & Environment Section, House of Commons Library. 15pp. Chris Pierpoint Marine Environmental Monitoring, Garthavon, Mill Lane, Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0PN, United Kingdom. Tel / Fax: +44 (0) 1239 821041 Email: CPierpoint(\)aol.com Date: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 18:55:00 +0100 From: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara Subject: Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary Established Fellow Marmam readers will certainly recall that on several occasions news were provided on this list regarding progress made by Italy, France and Monaco towards the establishment of a cetacean sanctuary in the Mediterranean high seas (96,000 sq.km of water), centered around the Ligurian Sea. We finally have something to celebrate about. On 25 November 1999 the Ministers of the environment of Italy and France and the Plenipotentiary Minister of the Principality of Monaco met in Rome to sign the agreement that formally establishes the Sanctuary. This event marks the end of a 10 year-long effort to line-up the politics for it to happen, and the beginning of a hopefully much longer, stimulating era of experimentation in international conservation policy and science. Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara more info: www.tethys.org www.icram.org (for the moment in Italian) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 21:14:10 -0500 From: Keith Ronald Subject: Re: Marine Mammal Management In-Reply-To: A Global Offering: As this course enters the new millenium we are pleased to recognize the candidates who have already successfully participated :from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, France, Brazil Canada, Mexico, 8 of the United Sates of America and Columbia. The updated 3 credit MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT **distance education** course will be offered in the winter term (January 3-March 24,2000) by the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University. Registration is now open. This course (like several others offered by the Center) can be taken anywhere in the world by any interested person. The course schedule is briefly outlined below. This may be of use to those who cannot utilize the Web Site . January 3, 2000 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (Distance Education) Chapter Topic- General Information 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals. 2. Marine mammal management 3. Introduction to the cetaceans 4. Belugas and "toxic soups" 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use. 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance. 7. Orca, of killers and Keikos. 8. Pilots, beachings and acoustics. ASSIGNMENT ONE DUE FEBRUARY 7, 2000 (35% of final grade). 9. Introduction to the pinnipeds 10. Monk seals -Caribbean, sustainability lost. -Hawaiian, unilateral hope. -Mediterranean, Strabo to terrorism. 11. Californian sea-lion, Big Sur and survival. 12. Harp seal, 65,000 penile selections? 13. Introduction to the sirenids 14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore. 15. Polar bear, the Inuit, success and hope. 16. Marine Mammal Conservation and Future Management, based on the three sciences, biological, sociological and political. ASSIGNMENT TWO DUE MARCH 17, 2000 (65% of final grade) PROFESSOR KEITH RONALD kronald(\)ocean.nova.edu NEXT COURSE OFFERING WILL BE APRIL 3 TO JUNE 29 IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM Please Visit the web site:- http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html AND /other sites, found under nova.edu/ocean ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 11:08:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS Weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. 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 Recent new info and changes are bracketed {...} Most recent new info and changes are double-bracketed {{...}} MARINE MAMMALS {Mexican Salt Project. On Nov. 30, 1999, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, unanimously adopted a report [ http://www.savebajawhales.com/documents/worldheritagefinal2.doc ] by an August 1999 fact-finding mission to Mexico's Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site on whether the site might be threatened by a proposed solar salt evaporation facility. The mission's balanced report was viewed as favoring the position of both proponents and opponents of the project. The report concludes that the site and whales are not currently in danger, but recommends a thorough monitoring of the area so that any impacts of any significant changes, such as construction of the proposed facility, can be evaluated.} [Mitsubishi International Corp. press release, Environment News Service, International Fund for Animal Welfare press release] Norwegian Whaling. On Nov. 26, 1999, Norway's Minister of Fisheries Peter Angelsen announced that the minke whale harvest quota for 2000 would be 655, a reduction from the quota of 753 animals in 1999. The downward revision was attributed to improvement of the quota calculation model and revised whale population assessments. The next hunt is scheduled to begin in early May 2000. [High North Alliance News] Mediterranean Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary. On Nov. 25, 1999, the Ministers of the Environment for Italy, France, and Monaco signed a treaty designating a 32,424 square mile area of the Mediterranean Sea to be a whale and dolphin sanctuary. The sanctuary is located between Monaco, the Ligurian coast of Italy, and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. [Environment News Service] Makah Whaling. On Nov. 16, 1999, WA Governor Gary Locke was reported to have stated that he is considering intervening against the killing of gray whales by the Makah, since resident gray whales are listed as a protected species by the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. On Nov. 24, 1999, Governor Gary Locke announced that studies by the WA Dept. Of Fish and Wildlife concluded that the state has no authority to regulate the hunting of gray whales. [Environment News Service] Polar Bears on Thin Ice. On Nov. 15, 1999, Canadian scientists were reported to have expressed concern that thinning Arctic sea ice (as much as a 40% reduction since the 1970s) is threatening polar bears with starvation by shortening their hunting season for ringed seals in Hudson Bay. [BBC News] Japanese Whaling. On Nov. 9, 1999, five Japanese vessels left Tokyo for scientific whaling in Antarctic waters, with the anticipation of returning in April 2000 after killing 400 minke whales. [Assoc Press] Orca Whale Listing. In early November 1999, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (Lynnwood, WA), responding to a 15% population decline in 4 years, petitioned the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to have orca whales listed under state endangered species law. Dept. officials must decide within 60 days on the merit of the petition. [Seattle Herald] {Canadian Sealing. On Nov. 5, 1999, Canadian Fisheries Minister Herb Dhaliwal reported to Parliament that the federal government had accepted a recommendation from the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans to appoint an expert panel to provide advice on long-term strategies for managing seal populations. In addition, the panel would be directed to study Committee recommendations that experimental seal exclusion zones be established and that experimental seal harvests be held.} [Environment News Service] Greenpeace and UK Oil Exploration. On Nov. 5, 1999, High Court Judge Maurice Kay sided with Greenpeace and ruled that the British government had failed to apply the European Commission's Habitat Directive in allocating oil and gas exploration licenses. Thus, the licenses cannot be granted without first considering the Habitat Directive provisions. [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. Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 15:14:05 -0600 From: Rich Hoops Subject: Earthwatch Radio: Gray Whale Mortalities This week, the Earthwatch Radio web site features a story on gray whale mortalities during 1999 along the west coast of North America. It includes correspondence from Peter Ross of Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding his study of four carcasses that washed up on the coast of British Columbia and links to related stories that appeared in the Portland Oregonian and the Discovery Channel Online. The URL for the Earthwatch Radio web site is: http://seagrant.wisc.edu/Earthwatch/ . . . and the featured program and correspondence can be found through the link to "this week's feature program" or to these URLs: http://seagrant.wisc.edu/Earthwatch/features/1999features/feature_19991206.h tml http://seagrant.wisc.edu/Earthwatch/features/1999features/feature_19991206a. html Thanks to the MARMAM editors for their reply to an earlier query that put me in touch with Peter Ross. Richard Hoops Producer, Earthwatch Radio UW Sea Grant Institute University of Wisconsin-Madison (608) 263-3149 (608) 262-0591 (fax) rhoops(\)seagrant.wisc.edu Earthwatch Radio is a service of the Sea Grant Institute and the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 14:53:54 +0000 Reply-To: graeme.cresswell.pt(\)norfolk.gov.uk From: graeme cresswell Subject: (Fwd) orcas attacking pilot whales in the Bay of Biscay ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: Self To: ECS-all(\)Mailbase.Ac.UK Subject: orcas attacking pilot whales in the Bay of Biscay Cc: UKCetnet(\)onelist.com Reply-to: graeme.cresswell.pt(\)norfolk.gov.uk Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 12:19:51 Hi all I have recently been forwarded a sighting record which describes a small pod of orcas apparently pursuing and attacking a group of pilot whales. The sighting occurred in late August this year in the southern half of the Bay of Biscay, approximately 60-80 miles north of Santander, Spain. I would be very interested in examples of similar behaviour, particularly any observations of orcas attacking other 'blackfish'. Thanks Graeme Cresswell ==================================================== Graeme Cresswell Bay of Biscay Cetacean Group 35 Melrose Road Norwich Norfolk U.K. Tel +44 1603 503895 Fax +44 1603 223219 EMAIL: graeme.cresswell.pt(\)norfolk.gov.uk ============================================================ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1999 14:25:21 EST From: "Clumpner, Curt" Subject: Position Available Position Available Position: Executive Director Employer: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Location: St. Cloud, MN (may be negotiable) Salary/Benefits: $32,000/$37,000. Medical allowance, 23 ETO's. Qualifications: Include a strong background in nonprofit management and fund raising as well as commitment to the environment, proven interpersonal skills and excellent communications skills. Duties: Overall management of the organization including administration, staff supervision and daily operations. Deadline to Apply: January 10, 2000. Application Information: Inquire to: www.nwrawildlife.org or fax 320-259-4074. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 23:24:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Conference materials for 5th International Wildlife Law Conference (fwd) From: JIWLP Online program and registration materials are now available for the 5th International Wildlife Law Conference, which will take place on March 25, 2000, in Washington, D.C. The URL for the materials is: http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife/programs.html Early registration is encouraged. Please contact us with any questions. Hope to see you in DC. William C.G. Burns, Chairman American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group 1210 Floribunda Ave. #7 Burlingame, CA 94010 Phone: 650.703.3280 Fax: 801.838.4710 asilwildlife(\)pacbell.net http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife *** Sign up on the site's announcement list to receive notice of future updates: www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife The full text of the following pieces of Canadian wildlife legislation has been added to the site (under the "Resources - Documents tab): * Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994) * Wildlife Act * Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (1992) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 07:58:19 -1000 From: Paul Nachtigall Subject: Maui Meeting Questionnaires? Dear Maui Conference Participants, If by some chance, you did not get the opportunity to turn in your questionnaire, please feel free to mail it to me at P.O. Box 1106, Kailua Hawaii 96734, USA. If you'd like you can fax it to: (808) 247-5831. The questionnaire will be reprinted in the next newsletter. You will therefore have another chance. If you've already contributed your ideas via the questionnaire, please don't do it a second time. Thank you all for attending, your science was superb. ALOHA Paul Nachtigall -------------------------------------- Paul E. Nachtigall, Ph.D. 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: nachtiga(\)hawaii.edu -------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 23:30:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Which whales did megalodon eat?? (fwd) From: eross(\)survival.co.uk Dear list Can anyone advise on the species of whales thought to have fallen prey to megalodon? According to information so far... Megalodon is thought to have ruled the seas during the Neogene Period ie between approx. 24- 1.5 million years ago - (Miocene 5-24mya to Pliocene 1.67-5mya). Whales first appeared in the Eocene (57 mya), but it was not until the Miocene (24-5 mya) that this mammalian order reached its highest diversity and abundance. Almost every known family of toothed and baleen whales are known from the end of the Miocene. Megalodon teeth marks have been found in whale bone fossils- what whale species where they? What modern day species of whales would have existed at the time of megalodon and are likely to have fallen prey to them?? When did filter feeding whales first appear? Was this in response to a global blooming of plankton? Is it true that baleen whales moved southwards and began living in Antarctica from the late Pliocene- could this have led to the demise of megalodon? Any further info on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Yours faithfully Jacinth O'Donnell Survival ----------------------------------------------------- Internet communications are not secure and therefore United Wildlife does not accept any legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of United Wildlife. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender and please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. ----------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 09:01:56 +0000 From: vanessaw(\)wdcs.org Subject: Extended feedback period for WDCS review of swimming with wild cetaceans From: vanessaw(\)wdcs.org Dear Marmam list members, WDCS has extended the review period for feedback on the issue of swimming with wild cetaceans as we would very much like to hear from those who attended the wild swim workshop at the recent Maui conference. We would also be pleased to hear from anyone else who would like to contribute their experience, observations or opinions on this subject. I would be delighted to hear from any contributors by December 24th if possible. Full details are below. Many thanks, Vanessa Williams. The UK-headquartered Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) has just launched a new information resource, a section on our website offering information on whale watch operators around the world (www.wdcs.org).Operators had to respond to a detailed questionnaire, and had to meet certain selection criteria before being considered for posting. We have not posted any operators offering swim with wild cetaceans, in line with current WDCS policy,which is against all forms of swim with, whether wild, captive or semi-captive. The decision not to post swim tours was taken because we were concerned at some reports of stress and harassment caused to wild cetaceans by some swim tours,also injuries to swimmers and instances of aggressive behaviour towards swimmers, particularly when placed in the water inappropriately (eg separating a mother and her calf). However, Cathy Williamson and I are currently reviewing the entire WDCS swim with policy to ensure that it is still appropriate and, whilst there is likely to be no change to our opposition to captive and semi-captive swim, we acknowledge that the issue of swimming with wild cetaceans is rather more controversial. Therefore, I would be very interested in hearing the personal experience, observations and opinions of Marmam list members on the issue of wild swim, particularly the following aspects: 1 What is your opinion of wild swim (ethically, and on welfare grounds)? 2 Do you believe that wild swim is acceptable under controlled /regulated circumstances (eg rules governing number of swim boats per site, number of clients, number of drops, rest periods for target cetaceans etc)? 3 Do you have personal experience of incidents involving injury/aggressive behaviour towards swimmers by wild cetaceans? 4 Insurance implications (some swim operators are unable to get insurance and so must cover their clients against accident or injury). Many thanks for any feedback you are able to supply. Vanessa Williams WDCS Conservation Manager ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 07:58:24 -0500 From: william rossiter Subject: petition for Hector's dolphin ------ Dear MARMAM members, We request that you join a coalition of scientists, students and advocate= s attempting to protect a heavily impacted population of New Zealand's Hector's dolphins. We apologize for any cross-posting, and recognize that some professional scientists may be reluctant to join advocacy issues, bu= t suggest that this approach initiated by marine mammal students in New Zealand deserves your attention. Please respond to the petition below by replying directly to (1)Ellie Dickson =20 or (2) Steve Dawson . Only your name, affiliation, and city/country are required to participate. With thanks, William W. Rossiter President, Cetacean Society International william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html =20 >>>>>>>>FORWARDED MESSAGE>>>>>>>>> From: steve.dawson(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz (Steve Dawson) Subject: Requires Urgent Action >Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1999 12:55:44 +1300 >From: Ellie Dickson >Subject: Requires Urgent Action >Cc: ellie_dickson(\)hotmail.com > >>The population of Hector's dolphins in coastal areas of the North Islan= d of >>New Zealand is critically endangered. Recent research at Auckland and Otago >>University has shown that the population may consist of fewer than 100 >>animals, as a result of entanglement of dolphins in gillnets used by >>fishers. This situation is of particular concern as: >> >>1. Hector's dolphins are unique to New Zealand and regarded as threaten= ed by >>IUCN; >>2. The genetic difference between the North Island population and South >>Island Hector's dolphins is so great, they should be regarded as a separate >>sub-species; and >>3. Estimates show that at the current rate of decline, this population = is >>likely to become extinct in 50 years. >> >>This petition appeals to the New Zealand Government to call an immediat= e >>halt to all gillnetting along the west coast of the North Island (in >>particular from Hokianga Harbour to the Wanganui River), to allow the >>recovery of the North Island population of New Zealand's Hector's dolphins. >>It is considered that population levels are too low to experiment with >>techniques to reduce bycatch levels and that a ban on all gillnetting i= s the >>only way to ensure the survival of this population of Hector=EDs dolphi= ns. >> >>Please support this call for action by adding your name and location to the >>petition below and forwarding it to everyone you know. If you are the 50th >>person to put your name on, please return the completed petition to >>hectors_dolphin(\)hotmail.com by 31st January 2000. >>For more information about this research see abstracts at the bottom of the >>page. >> >>Thankyou for your support. >> >>Concerned students, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand. >>Geographic Isolation of Hector's Dolphin Populations Described by >>Mitochondiral DNA Sequences >>ABSTRACT >>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 regi= on >>from 34 beachcast or gillnet-caught specimens. Variation in these sequences >>identified 11 distinct haplotypes differing form 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: Nor= th >>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 mitochondiral DNA structure, could increase >>the vulnerability of local populations to extinction due to >>fisheries-related mortality. >> >>REFERENCE >>Pichler, F.B., Dawson, S.M., Slooten, E. and Baker, C.S. 1998. Geograph= ic >>Isolation of Hector's Dolphin Populations Described by Mitochondiral DN= A >>Sequences. Conservation Biology. 12: 676-682. >> >>A sensitivity analysis to guide research and management for Hector=EDs dolphin >>ABSTRACT >>Hector=EDs dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is an uncommon endemic of = New >>Zealand which is suspected to be in decline due to entanglement mortality. >>However, uncertainty in available data has led to a dispute between the New >>Zealand Ministry of Fisheries and the New Zealand Department of Conservation >>over the status of this species. We use a density-dependent determinist= ic >>model to predict the future abundance and geographic distribution of >>Hector=EDs dolphin under different scenario=EDs of fisheries management= . We then >>examine the sensitivity of this model to a number of parameters for whi= ch >>few or no data are available. We find that two populations of Hector=ED= s >>dolphin are predicted to decline in the future even when the most optimistic >>parameter estimates are used. >>The status of the third population is dependent on the estimate of maximum >>annual population growth rate. Because of the dependence of final abundance >>estimates of entanglement mortality rates and maximum population growth >>rate, research effort should be concentrated on estimating these parameters. >> >>REFERENCE >>Martien, K.K., Taylor, B.L., Slooten, E. and Dawson, S. 1999. A sensitivity >>analysis to guide research and management for Hector=EDs dolphin. Biological >>Conservation 90 (1999) 183-191. ________ Dr Steve Dawson, Senior Lecturer Trustee, New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust Marine Science Department, Otago University P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Street Address: Marine Science Department 304 Castle street Dunedin New Zealand Phone: ++64(3)479-7468 fax: ++64(3)479-8336 cellphone: ++64(25)474-418 Website http://www.otago.ac.nz/MarineScience=20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 10:23:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job vacancy - Jamaica marine lab (fwd) Job Opportunity 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, 2000, to August 31, 2001 (11 months). The successful candidates will be responsible for assisting as many as 35 visiting professors with their courses by giving guest lectures to their classes and accompanying them of field trips. They will also have full responsibility for teaching 8-12 day classes of mature persons (Elderhostels). They will maintain our seawater system and will participate in our ongoing research program. They will have full administrative responsibilities, and will be the only Hofstra staff on site. HUML is in its 21st year and has grown to become a major field station. It consists of a two-story, three-classroom laboratory building, a wet laboratory building with a circulating seawater system, a library/equipment building, and a 30-room hotel. The facility is served by a fleet of three boats, several buses, and a SCUBA shop. The Lab is surrounded by an extraordinary array of habitats, from the three-kilometer-long coral reef just offshore to miles of pristine rocky shores with extraordinary zonation, to a nearby mangrove swamp. 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 $16,000 ($8,000 for each co-director), plus 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 or e-mail indicating why you believe you are of the "star" caliber capable of assuming this major responsibility to: Dr. Eugene Kaplan Director, HUML Department of Biology 114 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549-1140 516-463-5520; FAX 516-261-3670 bioehk(\)hofstra.edu Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 10:30:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: volunteer positions, summer 2000 (fwd) From: "Bayram Vzt|rk" Dear all, As Turkish Marine Research Foundation we have established the first underwater marine park in north Egean =FDsland (G=F6kceada) in Turkey and looking for a volunteers to work with us in summer 2000.Marine park studies consist of whale, dolphin and Mediterranean monk seal watching and bio diversity studies. Accomodation is free, but the rest of the expenses must be shared by the volunteers. Waiting for your soonest reply. Prof. Bayram =D6zt=FCrk Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 10:53:45 +0000 Reply-To: manuel(\)ispa.pt From: "Manuel E. dos Santos" Organization: ISPA Subject: New behavioral journal boundary="------------B6B394C82D7B41F4739B3A14" --------------B6B394C82D7B41F4739B3A14 ACTA ETHOLOGICA is a new journal, published by Springer in print and electronic versions, of interest to those working on the behavior of marine mammals. It publishes research papers (both empirical and theoretical), short communications, reviews and book reviews in the field of ethology and related disciplines, with a strong bearing on the behavioral biology of humans and other animals. ACTA ETHOLOGICA is a sibling journal to BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY and to ANIMAL COGNITION. Chief-Editor is: Dr. Rui F. Oliveira Unidade de Investigagco em Eco-Etologia Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34 1149-041 Lisboa Portugal Information regarding subscriptions should be obtained from: Springer-Verlag P.O.Box 14 02 01 D-14302 Germany subscriptions(\)springer.de http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/10211/index.htm _____________________________________ Manuel E. dos Santos, Ph.D., Associate Editor Unidade de Investigagco em Eco-Etologia Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34 1149-041 Lisboa Portugal Tel. + 351-1-8811700 (ext. 308) Fax + 351-1-8860954 e-mail: manuel(\)ispa.pt _____________________________________ --------------B6B394C82D7B41F4739B3A14 ACTA ETHOLOGICA is a new journal, published by Springer in print and electronic versions, of interest to those working on the behavior of marine mammals.

It publishes research papers (both empirical and theoretical), short communications, reviews and book reviews in the field of ethology and related disciplines, with a strong bearing on the behavioral biology of humans and other animals.

ACTA ETHOLOGICA is a sibling journal to BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY and to ANIMAL COGNITION.

Chief-Editor is:
Dr. Rui F. Oliveira <ruiol(\)ispa.pt>
Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia
Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada
Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34
1149-041 Lisboa
Portugal

Information regarding subscriptions should be obtained from:
Springer-Verlag
P.O.Box 14 02 01
D-14302
Germany

subscriptions(\)springer.de
http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/10211/index.htm

_____________________________________

Manuel E. dos Santos, Ph.D., Associate Editor

Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia
Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada
Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34
1149-041 Lisboa
Portugal

Tel. + 351-1-8811700 (ext. 308)
Fax + 351-1-8860954
e-mail: manuel(\)ispa.pt

_____________________________________
  --------------B6B394C82D7B41F4739B3A14-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 12:41:33 -0500 From: James E Barnett Subject: Tracking of stranded cetaceans post release Dear MARMAM subscribers, Thank you to all those who supplied me with information and references on tracking methods for stranded cetaceans following rehabilitation or refloatation. A full list of the references received to date on this subject, plus additional references received on satellite tracking generally, is given below. The information and references received specifically on stranded cetaceans have come from rehabilitation exercises only, and any experiences gained in the tracking of refloated animals would be gratefully received. It is apparent that the only method presently available, that will give the post release information required to allow an evaluation of the effectiveness of refloatation exercises carried out in the United Kingdom to date, is satellite telemetry. The potential problems associated with satellite telemetry, including logistics, finance and welfare implications, are now being considered by the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, and are receiving the particular attention of the Coalition's veterinary surgeons. It is hoped that a protocol on the post release monitoring of stranded cetaceans in the U.K. can be established in the near future. James Barnett Director and veterinarian, British Divers Marine Life Rescue On behalf of the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, U.K. E mail : JamesB_vetlab(\)compuserve.com References Hooker, S. K., & R. W. Baird (1999). Deep-diving behaviour of the northern bottlenose whale, Hyperoodon ampullatus (Cetacea: Ziphiidae) Proceedings of the Royal Society, London B. 266: 671-676. Kastelein, R.A., Bakker, M.J., Dokter, T. (1990). The medical treatment of 3 stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals 15(4): 181-202. Kastelein, R.A., Stall, C., Bakker, M.J. (1997) The rehabilitation and release of stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Proc. IAAM Conf. 28, 108. Martin, A.R. and Smith, T.G. (1992). Deep diving in wild, free-ranging beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas. Can. J. Fish. Aquatic. Sci. 49, 462-466. Martin, A.R., Smith, T.G. and Cox, O.P. (1993). Studying the behaviour and movements of high Arctic belugas with satellite telemetry. Symp. zool. Soc. Lond. 66, 195-210. Mate, B.R. (1987). Abstract "Monitoring the movements and respiratory requirements of a free ranging pilot whale by satellite". Proceedings of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine 186 (3):394 Mate, B.R. (1989). Satellite monitored radio tracking as a method for studying cetacean movements and behaviours. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 39: 389-391 Mate, B.R., Stafford, K.M., Nawojchik, R., Dunn, J.L. (1994). Movements and dive behaviour of a satellite-monitored Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) in the Gulf of Maine. Mar. Mam. Sci. 10(1), 116-121. Mate, B.R., K.A. Rossbach, S.L. Nieukirk, Wells, R.S., Irvine, A.B., Scott, M.D. and Read, A.J. (1995). Satellite-monitored movements and dive behavior of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Tampa Bay, Florida. Mar. Mam. Sci. 11 (4): 452-463. McBain J, Reidarson TH.(1998). Long term rehabilitation of a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) calf. Proc. IAAAM Conf. 29, 61 Reynolds, J.E. III and D.K. Odell (eds). (1987). Marine mammal strandings in the United States. Proceedings of the 2nd Marine Mammal Stranding Workshop. Dec. 3-5. Miami, FL. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service. NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS 98. pp. 117-122. Scott, M.D., R.S. Wells, A.B. Irvine and B.R. Mate. (1990). Tagging and marking studies on small cetaceans. In: The Bottlenose Dolphin. R. Reeves and S. Leatherwood (Eds.) Academic Press. pp. 489-514. Ridgway SH, Harrison R, (Eds.) (1999). Risso's Dolphin Grampus griseus (G. Cuvier, 1812). In: Handbook of Marine Mammals Vol 6: The second book of dolphins and porpoises. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 183-212. St.Aubin D., Geraci J.R., Lounsbury V.J. (1991). Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release of Marine Mammals: An Analysis of Current Views and Practices. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, 1-65. Wells, R.S., Rhinehart, H.L., Cunningham, P., Whaley, J., Baran, M., Koberna, C. and Costa, D.P. (1999). Long distance offshore movements of bottlenose dolphins. Mar. Mam. Sci. 15 (4), 1098-1114. Westgate, A.J. and Read, A.J. (1997). Monitoring the movements of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with satellite telemetry. Marine Biology 130, 315-322. Westgate, A.J. and Read, A.J. (year ?) Applications of new technology to the conservation of porpoises. MTS Journal 32 (1), 70-81. Westgate, A.J., Read, A.J., Cox, T.M., Schofield, T.D., Whitaker, B.R. and Anderson, K.E. (1998). Monitoring a rehabilitated harbor porpoise using satellite telemetry. Mar. Mam. Sci. 14(3), 599-604. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 20:49:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Opening at School of Marine Affairs, U Wash., Seattle (fwd) From: Daniel Huppert The following job opening may be of interest to members of this list. ----------------------- POSITION: Assistant Professor of Marine Affairs, School of Marine Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. The School is in the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences and offers a two-year program leading to a Master of Marine Affairs professional degree. Faculty of the School cover areas as diverse as law, economics, political science, policy analysis, anthropology, fisheries science and oceanography. Responsibilities: The appointee will teach marine affairs courses, building upon his or her specialty, and will conduct policy-relevant research in which marine affairs masters students participate. Qualifications: Criteria for the appointment include a Ph.D., preferably in a marine bioscience, and interest and experience in teaching and research on living marine resources as they relate to ocean and coastal management or to marine environmental questions. Examples of topics in these areas include, but are not limited to, integrated coastal management, ecosystem management, habitat protection and restoration, fisheries management, and marine protected areas. Candidates must have a strong commitment to teaching, the ability to procure external funding, a willingness and ability to participate in interdisciplinary research teams, and demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication. Salary: Salary will be competitive with similar positions at major research universities. Closing Date: 15 February 2000 Contact: Applications should be mailed to: Faculty Search Committee ATTN:Mary Pryor School of Marine Affairs 3707 Brooklyn Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98105-6715. The University of Washington is building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates. The University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Daniel D. Huppert, Search Committee Chair School of Marine Affairs Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 09:27:11 -0500 From: william rossiter Subject: Cook Inlet Beluga EIS and changed comment period ------ A recent NMFS status review announced the "Designation of the Cook Inle= t, Alaska, Stock of Beluga Whale as Depleted Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Response to Petitions", and a public comment period deadlined 20 December, addressed to Chief, Marine Mammal Division= , Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. However, Federal Register Volume 64, No. 229, 30 November 1999, page 6690= 1, announced NMFS=92 intent to prepare a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Federal activities necessary to halt the observed=20 decline and promote recovery of the Cook Inlet stock of beluga whales. Public comment on this announcement must be received by 30 December, addressed to Brad Smith, 222 West 7th Avenue, Box 43, Anchorage, AK 9951= 3. . Further questions to Brad Smith, 907-271-5006, or Michael Payne, NMFS/A= K, 907-586-7235. Because there was no clarification rearding the prevous deadline CSI suggests that all comments be copied to DC, by the 20th if possible. While Cetacean Society International (CSI) applauds the NMFS intent to prepare an EIS, we note, however , that there is no reiteration of the statement that NMFS will issue an Endangered Species Act determination by= 9 April 2000, as given in the previous Federal Register announcement designating this stock as depleted (FR vol. 64/No. 201/page 56298). CSI must object to the open-ended nature of this process and request that a deadline for the EIS process be established immediately. The open-ended process the FR announcement does not provide any interim emergency management actions and policies. Without such provisions there = is no effort to immediately control the excessive take of these belugas. Instead the native hunters doing the most damage may seek to maximize the= ir kills before any such controls are in place. CSI requests an immediate Emergency ESA listing sufficient to enable an immediate management and enforcement plan that coordinates NMFS=92 policies with the Alaska Native Organizations and effectively stops the take of belugas pending the EIS process.. Although the NMFS announcement gives =93the most recent estimate=94 of th= e population as 347 whales, recent aerial surveys and a draft assessment estimate that the Cook Inlet beluga population is near 217 individuals, having plummeted from 653 in the 1994 population estimate. Why was the mo= re conservative figure not used to augment the case for immediate actions? =20 While admitting that much of the excessive take is by Natives outside the Alaska Native Organizations, the announcement does not suggest that NMFS has any strategy for enforcing current regulations, much less enforcing t= he emergency policies that should be implemented immediately to control the excessive take on this stock. NMFS estimates subsistence harvests at 37 whales per year, while admitting to a struck and lost ratio of =931-2 wh= ales for each whale landed=94. Local estimates are from 70-80 animals per year= , destined for commercial sale in Anchorage. Many Native hunters agree with= a moratorium on killing belugas in the hope that the whales will someday increase enough to allow a sustainable yield. Inuit leader Joel Blatchfo= rd has spoken for the majority of Cook Inlet hunters fighting for ESA listi= ng for the whales. The Inlet Keeper, Bob Shavelson, is fighting to get more attention to the belugas. Given the critical situation why is NMFS not proposing immediate management and enforcement strategies, instead of offering only an open-ended EIS process? Although the announcement admits that =93NMFS has not conducted research designed specifically to determine the effects of habitat degradation on the stock=94 it declares, after an apparently cursory review, that =93th= e belugas are not stressed by anthropogenic factors in Cook Inlet=94. CSI reminds NMFS that Anchorage has only primary sewage treatment for all discharges into Cook Inlet, and has rejected a secondary treatment plant because of the installation cost. There 14 oil rigs impacting Cook Inlet, the only ones on the continental shelf of the US that are exempt from=20 zero-discharge regulations. EPA granted them "incidental discharge permit= s" that allow the rigs to discharge arsenic, mercury, lead and other toxins directly into beluga habitat. Are any other oil rigs in U.S. waters allow= ed such discharges? The increased drilling on existing oil leases, possible new leasing, a large petrochemical complex at the head of Cook Inlet, a 2= 5 million pound urea barge spill from that complex, and an accident to another 25 million pound containing-barge raises reasonable questions abo= ut the continued health of the inlet. Although the NMFS assumption may be proven correct after directed research, it only underscores CSI=92s understanding that NMFS seems to have been pressured by commercial and political entities to downplay potential anthropogenic factors beyond Native hunting and to list this population only as =93depleted=94 under t= he MMPA because of concerns for cost ramifications of an Endangered listing.= =20 NMFS's decision not to list the belugas as Endangered may to have more to do with politics than with biology. While responsible officials within t= he Marine Mammal Commission and NMFS, and native hunters belonging to the Alaska Native Organizations, are urging an Endangered listing, the Mayor = of Anchorage, Alaska=92s Governor, Senators and Congressmen, the Anchorage Business Association, and oil interests are arguing for a decision that i= s=20 based only on economic concerns, without consideration of NMFS=92 mandate= d concerns for the health of the whales or their chances for recovery. It i= s unseemly that NMFS should take such an unjustified and suggestive positio= n. If NMFS does not list the Cook Inlet beluga as Endangered, and follow up with all of the protection and cleanup that status demands, a lawsuit wil= l probably be filed, with the support of many organizations, to force the federal government to do what is required under the ESA. Many within the agency believe that this is the only way to get effective action. CSI will respectfully petition NMFS to declare a deadline for the propose= d EIS, immediately establish meaningful and effective interim management an= d enforcement to protect these belugas, and prioritize the health and survival of this population over any and all economic or political interests. Please use your opportunity to comment on this proposal. Sincerely, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 william_rossiter(\)compuserve.com http://elfi.com/csihome.html =20 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 15:11:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Aquatic Mammals - contents of vol 25(3) (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Fertl, Dagmar" Dear Marmammers and ECS-Mailbasers (apologies to those receiving cross-postings): The following are abstracts/summaries for articles appearing in the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals. This journal is a benefit of membership with the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). Please direct inquiries regarding membership and manuscript submission to: Editor, European Association for Aquatic Mammals, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, Western Illinois University Regional Center, 3561 60th Street, Moline, Illinois, USA; email: Jeanette_Thomas(\)ccmail.wiu.edu Please do not direct reprint inquiries to the Marmam editors or to me. I have included contact information with each article. Thank you very much for your continued interest in EAAM and these postings. It was wonderful to hear from many of you at the Maui conference regarding appreciation of the postings regarding publications. I encourage all of you to assist with such information sharing. Happy holidays and best wishes for Year 2000. With regards, Dagmar_Fertl(\)mms.gov ********************************************************************** Gannier, A. 1999. Diel variations of the striped dolphin distribution off the French Riviera (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea). Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 123-134. Laboaratoire d'Ecologie Marine, Universite Francaise du Pacifique, BP6570 Faaa Aeroport, TAHITI, French Polynesia The striped dolphin is widely distributed in the Ligurian Sea. Night acoustic sampling and day visual sampling were used to describe its distribution shift off the French Riviera in a region of 4836 km^2 extending to 83 km off-shore. A small boat was equipped with a dual-channel towed hydrophone and sampled the continental slope by night, during the summer of 1996 and 1997. The area of study was divided into 4 strata: the near-shore, deep slope, offshore and open sea sectors. The daylight time was divided into 4 periods of 4 hours: the morning, the midday, the afternoon and the evening. A relative abundance Index in 'dolphin per km of effort' was calculated for each stratum and each time period. The Pennington estimator was used for the mean and variance calculations.A total of 209 sightings of striped dolphins were obtained during a total effective effort of 5058 km. The night acoustic results show the presence and the intense activity of feeding of the striped dolphin close to the shelf break. The day distribution shows a marked preference of the striped dolphin for the open sea and the near-shore waters. The near-shore waters see a much fluctuating situation as the day passes: the relative abundance index of 2.01 dolphin per km in the morning falls to a minimum of 0.25 dolphin per km during the afternoon and then recovers to an evening level of 0.98 dolphin per km. The distribution shift is supported by the description of average movement pattern computed from 146 records: morning offshore and evening inshore movements are clearly shown. This study presents the scheme of an horizontal diel migration cycle, consistent with the nocturnal feeding of dolphins close to the shelf, and a diurnal offshore-inshore movement, whose motivation is not precisely known. The questions of prey availability and possible human disturbance effects are discussed. ***************************************************************** Solntseva, G.N. 1999. Development of the auditory organ in terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic mammals. Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 135-148. A.N. Severtsov Inst. of Problem Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninsky Prospekt, 11701 Moscow, Russia This is an extensive comparative study of prenatal development of the peripheral auditory system in mammals. A wide range of ecologically different species were studied, including terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic species with auditory systems that perceive low, middle, and high frequencies. Structural peculiarities of the development of the auditory system were determined for each species studied in relation to its frequency range and to the acoustic properties of the medium. The stages of morphological adaptations found in terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic species are described. The data reveal general principles of development of the peripheral auditory system in mammals with different ecological specializations. ***************************************************************** Borggaard, D., J. Lien, and P. Stevick. 1999. Assesing the effects of industrial activity on large cetaceans in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland (1992-1995). Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 149-161. Whale Research Group, 230 Mt. Scio Road, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland AIC 5S7, Canada The effects of industrial activity on large cetaceans in Bull Arm, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland from 1992 through 1995 were assessed. The response of individually-identified animals indicated sort, and possible long-term disturbance due to the activities. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) appeared tolerant of transient blasting and frequent vessel traffic, but were more affected by continuous activity from dredging, coupled with vessel traffic. A significant decreased return rate to feeding grounds indicated a possible long-term effect of exposure to blasting. Individually-identified minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were resighted in the industrialized area, and appeared tolerant of vessel traffic, but number of sightings were inadequate to indicate how resight survival was affected. Tracking individually-identified animals appeared to provide a more sensitive means of assessing the impacts of industrial activity than did abundance and distribution of populations. ***************************************************************** Rossbach, K.A. 1999. Cooperative feeding among bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 163-167. Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR 97365, USA No abstract was provided; the following is a summary of the article's content. This article describes observations of cooperative feeding by bottlenose dolphins in the Bahamas. Feeding behavior was observed during 94 of 295 bottlenose dolphin sightings between 1994 and 1996. Cooperative feeding behavior was observed during six of the 94 feeding sightings. They averaged 11 dolphins. A total of 79 'bouts' of cooperative feeding behavior were seen during the six sightings. Of 212 photo-identified, 34 individuals (16%) were identified in the six cooperative feeding sightings. ***************************************************************** Chavez-Rosales, S. and S.C. Gardner. 1999. Recent harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) pup sightings in Magdalena Bay, Bja California Sur, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 169-171. The SFS Center for Coastal Studies, Puerto San Carlos, B.C.S., Mexico C.P. 23740 No abstract was provided; the following is a summary of the article's content. In Spring 1998, two harbour seal pups were observed near Puerto San Carlos, Magdalena Bay on three separate occasions. These sightings are suggested to support the hypothesis that the Mexican population of harbor seals (estimated at more than 1000 individuals) is growing, and contribute additional information to the general knowledge of this species in Mexico. ***************************************************************** Kastelein, R.A.*, B. Neurohr, S.H. Nieuwstraten, and P.R. Wiepkema. 1999. Food consumption and body measurements of Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis). Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 173-182. *Harderwijk Marine Mammal Park, Strandboulevard Oost 1, 3841 AB Harderwijk, The Netherlands This report is on the food consumption of 3 male Amazon river dolphins which were housed in water of between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius at Duisburg Zoo, Germany. The food consumption of 2 animals was recorded for 17 succcessive complete calendar years, that of the third animal for 3 complete successive years. In male 002 the total annual food intake increased to 1280 kg at the age of 10 years, after which it decreased slightly and stabilised at around 1170 kg/year. Male 001 was adult on arrival at the zoo. His annual food intake fluctuated at around 1200 kg. Male 003 consumed around 930 kg/year during his third and fourth year. The food intake fluctuated during the year and was often low in February. Between the ages of 26 and 31 years, adult male 001 had a body length of 232 cm, an estimated weight of 145 kg, and consumed on average around 2.5% of his body weight daily. At the age of 12 years, male 002 was 200 cm long and weighed an estimated 95 kg. That year he ate on average 3.4% of his body weight daily.When he was 17 years old he was 212 cm long, weighed an estimated 105 kg and ate on average 3.1% of his body weight daily. The initial passage time of carmine red dye through the gastrointestinal tract of the 2 adult animals was on average 250 min. The 2 adult males breathed on average 6.7 and 7.3 times per 5 min. ***************************************************************** Clark, S.T. and D.K. Odell. 1999. Nursing behavior in captive false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Aquatic Mammals 25(3): 183-191. Email: Steve.Clark(\)anheuser-busch.com The nursing behavior of two false killer whale ((Pseudorca crassidens) calves born at SeaWorld Florida was observed continually during the first 13 weeks of life. Nursing parameters, including total nursing time (mins/week), time spent nursing (mins/hour), suckles/hour, bouts/hour, suckles/bout, suckle duration (secs) and bout duration 9secs), peaked during the first week of life then slowly diminished. Mean nursing amount (mins) per week could be separated into three blocks. Nursing was most intense during week 1, followed by lesser amounts in the 2-8 week block, dropping further in the final 9-13 weeks. Though calves exhibited similar nursing patterns, there were significant differences between them among the parameters examined, perhaps as a result of individual variations in calves and mothers. Calf nursing was most intense in the afternoon (1300-1600h) and early morning (0300-0500h) and least during evening and overnight (1800-2000h) and mid-morning (0800-1000h). The amounts of time spent nursing at the left and right mammaries were equal. Change in the amount of nursing time (mins) from hour to hour could be predicated accurately from the number of suckles in a given hour in combination with the nursing time amount and number of suckles in the previous hour. Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 17:02:43 -0500 From: Cheryl Schroeder Subject: ACS tribute publication to Steve Leatherwood The American Cetacean Society's long-awaited Whalewatcher tribute issue to Steve Leatherwood has been completed. We are proud to present this heartfelt and touching testimony to such a fine human being and scientist. The 44-page double issue contains remembrances by family, friends, and colleagues as well as photographs of and by Leatherwood. Unlike our regular publications, we are offering this issue at cost to the general public and marine mammal community. To order, contact ACS headquarters at P.O. Box 1391, San Pedro, CA 90733, USA; 310-548-6279, fax 310-548-6950; or via email . The price of this special issue is $8 (US) and includes postage. VISA/MC/checks accepted. Cheryl Schroeder ACS Publications Chairperson cschroed(\)gso.uri.edu Cheryl Schroeder Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Box 200, Marine Bldg. #9 Narragansett, RI 02882 401-874-6115 or 874-6481, fax: 401-874-6486 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 15:32:22 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: rate of hair moult in sealions (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: leonzio(\)unisi.it SENDER: CLAUDIO LEONZIO DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE AMBIENTALI UNIVERSITA' DI SIENA VIA DELLE CERCHIA,3 53100 SIENA, ITALIA e.mail LEONZIO(\)UNISI.IT WHICH AMOUNT OF MERCURY CAN THE SEALIONS ELIMINATE WITH THE MOULTING ? This is a very important question as piscivorous marine mammals are naturally exposed to dramatic intake of mercury and they need some mechanisms od defense. In a study on mercury in Otaria flavescens of Mar del Plata and Punta Bermeja (Argentina) I suggest a model based on two foundamental way: internal accumulation of mercury in a non toxic form (mercury selenide) and elimination of mercury by the moulting. The quantification of this last is quite difficult as I did not find data about the amount of fur that O.flavescens eliminate every year. Is there anybody knowing the approximative wheigth of the fur of O. flavescens (male and female) and the rate of exchange (g of fur per year) ? Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 15:34:19 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) Multicriterion decision merging: Competitive development of an aboriginal whaling management procedure. Givens, GH. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN STATISTICAL ASSOCIATION. December 1999 v94 i448 p1003-1014 What's wrong with the right whale?. Levy, S. NEW SCIENTIST. November 6, 1999 v164 i2211 p38-42 Almost like a whale: The origin of species, updated. Pagel, M. NATURE. October 28, 1999 v401 i6756 p853-854 RAPD-typing of Central and Eastern North Atlantic and Western North Pacific minke whales, Balaenoptera acutorostrata. Martinez, I; Pastene, LA. ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE. October 1999 v56 i5 p640-651 Population size of humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, in waters off the Pacific coast of Mexico. Urban, J; Alvarez, C; Salinas, M; Jacobsen, J; Balcomb, KC; Jaramillo, A; de Guevara, PL; Aguayo, A. FISHERY BULLETIN. October 1999 v97 i4 p1017-1024 Association patterns and inferred genealogies of resident killer whales, Orcinus orca, in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Matkin, CO; Ellis, G; Olesiuk, P; Saulitis, E. FISHERY BULLETIN. October 1999 v97 i4 p900-919 Characterization and isolation of microsatellite loci from the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Waldick, RC; Brown, MW; White, BN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. October 1999 v8 i10 p1763-1765 Contested terrain of the global fisheries: "Dolphin-safe" tuna, the Panama Declaration, and the Marine Stewardship Council. Constance, DH; Bonanno, A. RURAL SOCIOLOGY. December 1999 v64 i4 p597-623 A sensitivity analysis to guide research and management for Hector's dolphin. Martien, KK; Taylor, BL; Slooten, E; Dawson, S. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION. October 1999 v90 i3 p183-191 Placentitis due to Coxiella burnetii in a Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi). Lapointe, JM; Gulland, FM; Haines, DM; Barr, BC; Duignan, PJ. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION. November 1999 v11 i6 p541-543 Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 16:34:54 -0500 From: Katie Moore Subject: Tuna-dolphin Advisory Committees Subject: Tuna-dolphin Advisory Committees Action Requested: Please post _________________________________________________________ The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is appointing a General Advisory Committee and a Scientific Advisory Subcommittee/National Scientific Advisory Committee that will provide advice on achieving the objectives of the Tuna Conventions Act, the International Dolphin Conservation Program Act, and the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program. NMFS published a request for nominations in the Federal Register on Friday, November 12, 1999 (64 FR 61604). A copy of the Federal Register notice can be found at http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/main/tunadolphin.html Nominations must be submitted on or before January 11, 2000. For further information, contact J. Allison Routt, NMFS, Southwest Region, (562) 980-4020 or Katie S. Moore, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, (301) 713-2322, ext. 157. Please distribute this information to those you feel may be interested in the opportunity. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Katie Moore Katie.Moore(\)noaa.gov Office of Protected Resources (F/PR2) National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3226 301-713-2322, ext. 157 301-713-0376 (FAX) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 09:51:16 -0500 From: Nicole LeBoeuf Subject: Cook lnlet beluga extended public comment period On October 31, 1999, NMFS proposed to designate the Cook Inlet, Alaska, stock of beluga whales as depleted under the MMPA (64 FR 56298). Subsequently, NMFS received several requests from the public to extend the comment period for an additional 30 days to allow the public more time to review and comment on the proposed designation. NMFS agrees that an additional 30 days for public comments is warranted and extends the comment period through January 19, 2000 (64 FR 70678). Comments should be addressed to the Chief, Marine Mammal Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Payne, NOAA/NMFS, Alaska Region, (907) 586-7235, or Brad Smith, NOAA/NMFS, Alaska Region, Anchorage Field Office, (907) 271-5006. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 14:49:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: CRS weekly marine mammal summary to U.S. Congress (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- 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 {{Steller Sea Lion Shooting. On Dec. 16, 1999, a Petersburg, AK, man was charged in U.S. District Court (Anchorage, AK) with shooting and killing several Steller sea lions near Wrangell, AK, in February 1998. Arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2000.}} [Assoc Press] {{Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. On Dec. 16, 1999, NMFS biologists reported the results of summer 1999 surveys, indicating that decline in the Cook Inlet beluga whale population had ceased and that the population was stable. The 1999 population estimate was 357 whales, nearly the same as the 1998 estimate of 347 animals.}} [Anchorage Daily News] {Whale and Dolphin Transport. As of Dec. 7, 1999, Lufthansa Airlines adopted the policy that it will no longer transport whales and dolphins for aquariums and water parks. This action was taken in response to a request from Sea Shepherd Europe that the airline review its policies on transport of wild animals after a November 1999 incident wherein 2 dolphins died in a Lufthansa cargo machine.} [Environment News Service] Mexican Salt Project. On Nov. 30, 1999, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, unanimously adopted a report [ http://www.savebajawhales.com/documents/worldheritagefinal2.doc ] by an August 1999 fact-finding mission to Mexico's Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site on whether the site might be threatened by a proposed solar salt evaporation facility. The mission's balanced report was viewed as favoring the position of both proponents and opponents of the project. The report concludes that the site and whales are not currently in danger, but recommends a thorough monitoring of the area so that any impacts of any significant changes, such as construction of the proposed facility, can be evaluated. [Mitsubishi International Corp. press release, Environment News Service, International Fund for Animal Welfare press release] Norwegian Whaling. On Nov. 26, 1999, Norway's Minister of Fisheries Peter Angelsen announced that the minke whale harvest quota for 2000 would be 655, a reduction from the quota of 753 animals in 1999. The downward revision was attributed to improvement of the quota calculation model and revised whale population assessments. The next hunt is scheduled to begin in early May 2000. [High North Alliance News] Mediterranean Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary. On Nov. 25, 1999, the Ministers of the Environment for Italy, France, and Monaco signed a treaty designating a 32,424 square mile area of the Mediterranean Sea to be a whale and dolphin sanctuary. The sanctuary is located between Monaco, the Ligurian coast of Italy, and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. [Environment News Service] Makah Whaling. On Nov. 24, 1999, Governor Gary Locke announced that studies by the WA Dept. Of Fish and Wildlife concluded that the state has no authority to regulate the hunting of gray whales. [Environment News Service] 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: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 09:59:16 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: used books (fwd) Donald E. Hahn Natural History Books, Catalogue No. 63 lists some marine mammal books that might be of interest to folks. There is no web address for the seller. You may use Visa, Mastercard, or American Express when ordering by phone, fax, or mail (phone or FAX is recommended, since books tend to go quickly). Note the catalog number listed earlier when placing your order, as well as the item number and book title. Ph: 520-634-5016, FAX 520-634-1217, Donald E. Hahn Natural History Books, Box 1004, Cottonwood, AZ 86326-1004. Prices listed are in U.S. dollars. 1555. Alpers, A. 1963. Dolphins. $19 1567. Bergersen, B. 1931. Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Haut einiger Pinnipedien unter besonderer Berucksichtigung der Haut der Phoca Groelandica. $30 1645. Ellis, R. 1980. The book of whales. $29 1662. Francis, D. 1990. A history of world whaling. $30 1673. Gentry , R.L. 1970. Social behavior of the Steller sea lion. (Xerox copy of PhD dissertation) $19 1692. Haley, N.C. 1948 (1967). Whale hunt. The narrative of a voyage by Nelson Cole Haley, harpooner n the ship Charles W. Morgan. $19 1699. Herman, L.M. (ed). 1980 (1988) Cetacean behavior: mechanisms and functions. $55 1700. Hwever, H.R. 1974. British seals. $15 1707. Howard, L.D. 1973. Muscular anatomy of the forelimb of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) $9 1708. Howard, L.D. 1973. Muscular anatomy of the hind limb of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) $8 1709. Howell, A.B. 1930. Aquatic mammals - their adaptations to life in the water. $15 1724. King, J.E. 1964. Seals of the world. $24 1737. Lilly, J.C. 1978. Communication between man and dolphin: the possibilities of talking with other species. $19 1751. Matthews, L.H. 1978. The natural history of the whale. $19 1773. Norris, K.S. et al. 1994. The Hawaiian spinner dolphin. $45 1786. Peterson, R.S. and G.A. Bartholomew. 1967. The natural history and behavior of the California sea lion. $12 1789. Rice, D.W. and A.A. Wolman. 1971. The life history and ecology of the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) $14 1803. Scammon, C.M. 1874 (reprint 1968) The marine mammals fo the northwestern coast of North America, together with an account of the American whale fishery. $17 1806. Schmitt, F.P. et al. 1980. Thomas Welcome Roys. America's pioneer of modern whaling. $19 1834. True, F.W. 1983 (reprint) The whalebone whales of the western North Atlantic. $55 1848. Whitehead, H. 1990. Voyage to the whales. $22 Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 10:04:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) 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. Serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and carotenoid concentrations in captive and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Crissey, SD; Wells, R. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. December 1999 v124 i4 p391-396 Comparison of mercury accumulation in antarctic minke whale collected in 1980-82 and 1984-86. Watanabe, I; Yamamoto, Y; Honda, K; Fujise, Y; Kato, H; Tanabe, S; Tatsukawa, R. NIPPON SUISAN GAKKAISHI. January 1998 v64 i1 p105-109 Heavy metals and methylmercury in tissues of Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) and Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) stranded in Italy (South Adriatic Sea). Storelli, MM; Zizzo, N; Marcotrigiano, GO. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY. December 1999 v63 i6 p703-710 The potential of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the simultaneous determination of trace elements in whale blood, plasma and serum. Krachler, M; Irgolic, KJ. JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY. November 1999 v13 i3 p157-169 Current state of the Baikalian seal (Pusa sibirica Pinnipeda, Phocidae) population: Size-weight characteristics. Petrov, EA. ZOOLOGICHESKY ZHURNAL. September 1999 v78 i9 p1117-1124 The evolution of reproductive systems in pinnipeds. Cassini, MH. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY. September-October 1999 v10 i5 p612-616 Status of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in the western Sahara and the implications of a mass mortality event. Forcada, J; Hammond, PS; Aguilar, A. MARINE ECOLOGY-PROGRESS SERIES. September-October 1999 v188 p249-261 The composition of the milk of antarctic (Arctocephalus gazella) and subantarctic (A-tropicalis) fur seals at Macquarie Island. Goldsworthy, SD; Crowley, HM. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY. November-December 1999 v47 i6 p593-603 Development of cardiorespiratory patterns associated with terrestrial apneas in free-ranging southern elephant seals. Falabella, V; Lewis, M; Campagna, C. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY. January-February 1999 v72 i1 p64-70 Population demographics and genetic diversity in remnant and translocated populations of sea otters. Bodkin, JL; Ballachey, BE; Cronin, MA; Scribner, KT. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. December 1999 v13 i6 p1378-1385 Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 10:08:23 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NZ North Island Hector's dolphin (fwd) From: Mike Donoghue Marmam subscribers who have read recent postings regarding a petition currently in circulation from Otago University may be interested to learn that on 16 December 1999, New Zealand's only endemic cetacean, Hector's dolphin, was gazetted by the Minister of Conservation as a threatened species under the provisions of the Marine Mammals Protection Act. The Department of Conservation believes that designation of the status of Hector's dolphin as threatened under New Zealand legislation will provide greater impetus to efforts to protect the species. Banks Peninsula, near Christchurch, which is one of the major breeding areas for Hector's dolphin, was established as the country's first marine mammal sanctuary ten years ago. Within this 1140 sq km sanctuary, the dolphin population appears to be in a healthy state, and is the focus of a growing tourist industry. In the North Island, however, the status of Hector's dolphin is less assured. Recent genetics evidence suggests that there has been a marked decline in population abundance during the past one hundred years. However, the Department of Conservation does not believe that there is sufficient evidence at this time to link this decline solely to the possible impacts of commercial or recreational fisheries. The Department is committed to further research efforts that will identify appropriate management responses based on sound scientific advice. Further information will be posted on the Department's website: http//:doc.govt.nz Mike Donoghue External Relations Division Department of Conservation PO Box 10-420 Wellington Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 13:00:00 -0500 From: Marine Mammal Stranding Center Subject: Job Available in Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Position Available: Field Stranding Technician The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine New Jersey has an immediate opening for a Field Stranding Technician. Responsibilities: To collect and administer first aid to injured marine mammals and sea turtles, to assist in animal restraint, administration of medication, feeding, hygiene of all live animals brought in. Necropsies will be performed to determine the cause of death on each animal. Collect data for various federal and state agencies on all marine mammals and sea turtles collected from the coast of New Jersey. The individual will be responsible for maintaining our seawater system, along with stranding equipment including vehicles and boats. Qualifications: Prefer a background in animal husbandry, terrestrial or marine mammal. Large animal restraint requires a suitable physical condition. SCUBA qualification or experience with boat handling and maintenance also preferred. Familiarity with programs such as MS Access, PCFile, MS Word, Photodeluxe or Adobe, Digital Camera, Scanner, email. A valid drivers license is required Salary commensurate with experience. email or hardcopy of resume and references may be sent to Marine Mammal Stranding Center, P.O. Box 773, Brigantine, NJ 08203 or mmsc(\)bellatlantic.net ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 11:45:46 -0500 From: "Noelle F. Lewis" Subject: Influence of Inland Activities on Coastal Activities - Call for Papers, InterCoast Newsletter Comments: To: "Noelle F. Lewis" boundary="=====================_10509001==_.ALT" --=====================_10509001==_.ALT Apologies for Multiple Listings Land Meets Water Call for Papers InterCoast Newsletter A Newsletter for Coastal Practitioners Population growth, coastal development, resource demand, climate and natural coastal processes all threaten coastal marine environments. Of these,= nearly all are human induced pressures (from physical alterations of the coastal environment to impacts from pollution and other human activities). The important element here is that activities far from the coast, but within the watershed, can significantly impact the coastal region, yet be invisible to those it affects. Some of these activities invisible to coastal communities include conversion= of open land and forest to activities that provide economic growth; direct discharges from municipal and industrial sources; indirect discharges, including sediments, nutrients and other uncontrollable releases; and= ecosystem alterations such as dams, flood control channels and dredging. All these activities, though not necessarily harmful at the source, travel downstream= and have profound impacts on the coastal environment. =20 The realization that upstream activities adversely affect the coastal environment is not new. Nevertheless, historically coastal managers have looked to manage only activities in their yards and backyards, not= activities in another neighborhood that is well out of their influence. It is only recently that coastal managers have seriously looked at upstream activities= and are trying to influence these activities in an effort to protect their= coastal environment. This is integrated coastal management at its best. =20 This issue of InterCoast will look at these problems, how they can be identified and documented, and ultimately how they can be managed. Needless= to say, management is not always effective; InterCoast will explore this and= try to deliver some lessons learned. InterCoast invites coastal practitioners to contribute articles on this and other subjects. (Articles on all coastal management issues are welcome.) InterCoast also includes a section, =93Reports from the Field,=94 that= provides project summaries, initiatives and other information of interest to coastal managers worldwide.=20 Main articles are typically one to two pages (750-1,300 words); Reports from the Field are 250-500 words. To contribute or request information, contact InterCoast=92s managing editor, No=EBlle F. Lewis, Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882 USA. Tel: 401-874-6870.= Fax: 401-789-4670. E-mail: noelle(\)gso.uri.edu. Website: http//:crc.uri.edu.=20 Articles can be submitted electronically.=20 Deadline: 11 February 2000.=20 Noelle F. Lewis, Managing Editor, InterCoast Newsletter Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island =20 Box 53 =20 Narragansett, RI 02882 USA E-mail: noelle(\)gso.uri.edu Tel: 401-874-6870 [me or voice] or 401-874-6224 [main] FAX: 401-789-4670 InterCoast Website: http://crc.uri.edu/comm/htmlpubs/ic/index.html --=====================_10509001==_.ALT Apologies for Multiple Listings

Land Meets Water
Call for Papers
InterCoast Newsletter
A Newsletter for Coastal Practitioners

Population growth, coastal development, resource demand, climate and natural coastal processes all threaten coastal marine environments.  Of these, nearly all are human induced pressures (from physical alterations of the coastal environment to impacts from pollution and other human activities).  The important element here is that activities far from the coast, but within the watershed, can significantly impact the coastal region, yet be invisible to those it affects.

Some of these activities invisible to coastal communities include conversion of open land and forest to activities that provide economic growth; direct discharges from municipal and industrial sources; indirect discharges, including sediments, nutrients and other uncontrollable releases; and ecosystem alterations such as dams, flood control channels and dredging.  All these activities, though not necessarily harmful at the source, travel downstream and have profound impacts on the coastal environment. 

The realization that upstream activities adversely affect the coastal environment is not new.  Nevertheless, historically coastal managers have looked to manage only activities in their yards and backyards, not activities in another neighborhood that is well out of their influence.  It is only recently that coastal managers have seriously looked at upstream activities and are trying to influence these activities in an effort to protect their coastal environment.  This is integrated coastal management at its best. 

This issue of InterCoast will look at these problems, how they can be identified and documented, and ultimately how they can be managed.  Needless to say, management is not always effective; InterCoast will explore this and try to deliver some lessons learned.

InterCoast invites coastal practitioners to contribute articles on this and other subjects.  (Articles on all coastal management issues are welcome.) InterCoast also includes a section, =93Reports from the Field,=94 that provides project summaries, initiatives and other information of interest to coastal managers worldwide.

Main articles are typically one to two pages (750-1,300 words); Reports from the Field are 250-500 words.  To contribute or request information, contact InterCoast=92s managing editor, No=EBlle F. Lewis, Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882 USA. Tel: 401-874-6870. Fax: 401-789-4670. E-mail: noelle(\)gso.uri.edu. Website: http//:crc.uri.edu.  Articles can be submitted electronically.

Deadline: 11 February 2000.


Noelle F. Lewis, Managing Editor, InterCoast Newsletter
Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island         
Box 53         =20
Narragansett, RI 02882  USA
E-mail: noelle(\)gso.uri.edu
Tel: 401-874-6870 [me or voice] or 401-874-6224 [main]
FAX: 401-789-4670

--=====================_10509001==_.ALT-- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 11:53:53 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job at NMFS Permit Division (fwd) Forwarded message: The Permit Division of the Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service has posted a vacancy announcement at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/BO6031.HTM The position is located in Silver Spring MD in NOAA headquarters (Washington DC area). The incumbent will process marine mammal and endangered species permit applications, amendments, agreements and authorizations for scientific research and public display. All applicants must be United States citizens. All vacancy announcements in NOAA can be accessed at http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~hrmo Interested persons are advised to visit this site frequently as vacancy announcements are posted daily. Thomas McIntyre F/PR1 National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring MD 20910-3226 USA Thomas.McIntyre(\)noaa.gov http://www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/prot_res.html Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 09:37:30 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Predatory Mammals and Population Regulation (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- TO: People who do research on predatory mammals SUBJECT: Carnivores 2000 Conference APOLOGY: I am sending this announcement to 3 listserves and, therefore, apologize to people who receive multiple copies. On 12-15 November 2000, Defenders of Wildlife is hosting a conference in Denver, Colorado, USA, on the biology and conservation of predators. I am organizing one session at the meeting dedicated to the question of whether communities with predatory mammals are regulated in a Top Down/Bottom Up manner that fits into Power's synthesis (Ecology 1992 73:733-746). Specifically, does one of the stair-step type models of primary productivity and population regulation in communities help make sense of the dynamics of communities with mammalian predators. I hope to shed some light on the confusing literature that sometimes states that mammalian predators limit or control the populations of their prey and that states ar other times that populations of mammalian predators are limited by the numbers of prey. My hope is that by approaching this topic with data on a diversity of predatory mammals, and by orienting the discussion around the effects of primary productivity through different trophic levels, we can find consistencies. Along the way, we may be able to reject some of the proposed mechanisms reviewed by Power and we may find specific support for others. If you have data that address in some fashion when communities with predatory mammals (Carnivora and others as well) are regulated from the bottom up and when from the top down, please contact me. Please send me a brief introduction to your research and explain how it relates to the question of Top Down/Bottom Up regulation of populations. The deadline for abstracts in 30 March. I wish to find the best participants for this session well before that deadline so no one selected to participat in this session will chance missing the deadline for abstracts. I look forward to hearing from many of you. Roger A. Powell Department of Zoology North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7617 USA tel.: 919-515-4561 FAX: 919-515-5327 e-mail: newf(\)ncsu.edu Husk at leve mens du g=F8r det. Husk at elske mens du t=F8r det. Piet Hein Date: Thu, 30 Dec 1999 10:32:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent 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. Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) comprehend the referential character of the human pointing gesture Author(s) Herman, LM; Abichandani, SL; Elhajj, AN; Herman, EYK; Sanchez, JL; Pack, AA JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY, December 1999 v113 i4 p347-364 Chitinolytic bacteria in the minke whale forestomach. Olsen, MA; Blix, AS; Utsi, THA; Sormo, W; Mathiesen, SD. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY. January 2000 v46 i1 p85-94 Indigenous peoples and the international environmental community: Accommodating claims through a cooperative legal process. Gupta, R. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY LAW REVIEW. December 1999 v74 i6 p1741-1785 [article is about the Inuit] Herring schooling manoeuvres in response to killer whale attacks. Nottestad, L; Axelsen, BE. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. October 1999 v77 i10 p1540-1546 The time of origin of whales and the role of behavioral changes in the terrestrial-aquatic transition. O'Leary, MA; Uhen, MD. PALEOBIOLOGY. Fall 1999 v25 i4 p534-556 Management in northeastern Brazil: faunal biodiversity Author(s) Paranagua, MN; Neumann-Leitao, S; Melo, RLS; Coelho, PA; Filho, ALV; Oliveira, AME. ECOSYSTEMS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT II, October-December 1999 v2 p57-67 Marion Island elephant seals: the paucity-of-males hypothesis tested. Wilkinson, IS; van Aarde, RJ. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. October 1999 v77 i10 p1547-1554 The composition of Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) milk throughout lactation. Arnould, JPY; Hindell, MA. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY. September-October 1999 v72 i5 p605-612 Spring and summer predation on fish by the Antarctic fur seal, Arctocephalus gazella, at King George Island, South Shetland Islands. Daneri, GA; Carlini, AR. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE. July 1999 v77 i7 p1157-1160 The Pre-Windermere Interstadial (Late Devensian) raised marine strata of eastern Scotland and their macrofauna: a review Author(s) Peacock, JD Source QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS, Winter 1999 v18 i14 p1655-1680 [includes info on ringed seal bones] Observations on the Atlantic walrus, Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus, in spring of 1997 in the Kara Sea and southeastern part of the Barents Sea Author(s) Zyryanov, SV; Vorontsov, AV Source ZOOLOGICHESKY ZHURNAL, October 1999 v78 i10 p1254-1256 [article in Russian] Encephalomyelitis associated with a Sarcocystis neurona-like organism in a sea otter. Rosonke, BJ; Brown, SR; Tornquist, SJ; Snyder, SP; Garner, MM; Blythe, LL. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. December 15, 1999 v215 i12 p1839-1842 Using genetics to verify sex of harvested polar bears: management implications. Schliebe, SL; Evans, TJ; Fischbach, AS; Cronin, MA. WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN. Fall 1999 v27 i3 p592-597