========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 09:45:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: IATTC SAC nominations (fwd) From: "Nicole Le Boeuf" The National Marine Fisheries Service is pleased to make available a Federal Register notice announcing the solicitation for nominations and applications for the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The purpose of the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee is to provide public input and advice to the United States Section to the IATTC in the formulation of U.S. policy and positions at meetings of the IATTC and its subsidiary bodies. The Scientific Advisory Subcommittee shall also function as the National Scientific Advisory Committee (NATSAC) provided for in the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program. More details on this announcement including submission requirements, and the address to send applications to, may be found at: http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/news/iattc.pdf. Nominations must be submitted on or before February 17, 2004. Nicole R Le Boeuf tel;fax:(301) 713-4060 tel;work:(301) 713-2322, ext. 156 nicole.leboeuf(\)noaa.gov NOAA Fisheries ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 09:41:29 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: The Monachus Guardian 6 (2): December 2003 (fwd) From: "editor(\)monachus-guardian.org" THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the December 2003 issue of The Monachus Guardian, the biannual electronic journal focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at http://www.monachus-guardian.org HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: International News: Including Mystery at RAC/SPA: Why is the UN agency advocating capture and translocation of pups when its own experts aren=92t? Guest Editorial: Saving seals at Madeira... a passionate affair =96 by Rosa Pires. Obituary: Discoverer of the Cabo Blanco Monk Seal Colony, Eugenio Morales Agacino, 1914 =96 2002. Cover Story: Plundering the Pacific: the cats who run the fishhouse =96 by Paul Koberstein. In Focus: The Cilician monk seal colony is growing =96 by Ali Cemal Gucu. Perspectives: Seeking answers in the Gulf of Iskenderun: do eastern Mediterranean monk seals migrate? =96 by Ali Cemal Gucu, Meltem Ok and Hasa= n =D6rek. MONACHUS SCIENCE Johnson, W.M. Monk seals in post-classical history. The role of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in European history and culture, from the fall of Rome to the 20th century. Pires, R. Findings on the reproductive parameters of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, at the Desertas islands =96 Madeira archipelago. PLUS... Letters to the Editor, International, Mediterranean and Hawaiian News, Recent Publications. The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available from the Monachus Library and may either be viewed on-line, or downloaded as single files in Acrobat format. Should you have any comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at: editor(\)monachus-guardian.org. Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible. Season's Greetings, William M. Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org PS. If you appear to be on this email information list in error, please hit the reply button, placing the word REMOVE in the subject line. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 09:52:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Paper on status of semicaptive manatees in Jamaica (fwd) From: "Dr. Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni" We are happy to share with you the publication of a paper on the status of semicaptive manatees in Jamaica. Please contact me directly for PDF reprint= s at mignucci(\)caribe.net. Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Montoya-Ospina RA, Velasco-Escudero M. 2003. Status o= f semicaptive manatees in Jamaica. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 2(1):7-12. Abstract The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is one of the most endangered species in Jamaica. Four manatees were impounded at the Alligator Hole Rive= r on the south coast of the island since 1981. Their semi-captive status was unclear and the present study reports on the documentation of their gender and survival possibilities. The river was surveyed between 18-25 June 1991 by canoeing and snorkeling, interviews were conducted and photographs and documents were examined to ascertain their status, confirm their gender determination and to assess the circumstances of their capture. A total of 10 sightings were recorded, representing three different animals, all females. They were extremely evasive of humans, as they had been mistreated for long periods of time. Two of the animals appeared healthy, but one was observed with a severe cut in its caudal peduncle, produced by a rope and net. Given Jamaica=B9s low manatee population numbers, and the observed degradation of the river, no justification exists to hold three reproducing female manatees apart from the rest of the Jamaican manatee gene pool. It i= s recommended that the manatees be captured and released at sea, after fittin= g them with satellite radio-transmitters, which will allow monitoring their re-adaptation to the wild. =20 Keywords: Caribbean, Jamaica, Trichechus manatus, West Indian manatee, semi-captivity Happy holidays, Tony Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni, PhD Director Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory, Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 361715 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715 TEL 787-766-1717 x6600 =80 FAX 787-751-5840 =80 EMERG 787-399-8432 EMAIL mignucci(\)caribe.net =80 WEB http://rcv.caribe.net ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 09:54:16 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Recent paper on whalewatching tourists in Scotland (fwd) From: "Chris Parsons" Here is (yet another) recent publication on whalewatching published this week. Please contact the author directly for reprints: ecm-parsons(\)earthlink.net =20 Parsons, E.C.M., Warburton, C.A., Woods-Ballard, A., Hughes, A. Johnston, P., Bates, H. and L=FCck, M. 2003. Whale-watching tourists in West Scotland. Journal of Ecotourism 2: 93-113.=20 .=20 =20 Abstract: In 2000, a survey was conducted on whale-watching tourists in west Scotland. Slightly more females went whale-watching than expected and generally whale-watchers were middle-aged, although there was a notable proportion of younger participants. Whale-watchers were more likely to be accompanied by children than general tourists. Whale-watchers were also predominantly middle-class and welleducated. Most (83.8%) were British, a quarter of which were Scottish. Seventy percent were repeat visitors to the area. Sixty-two per cent of whale-watchers stated that they were on their first whale-watching trip, and of those who had been whale-watching before, the majority (43.3%) had done so in the UK (90.4% in Scotland). Most whale-watchers (81.4%) had previously been aware of the occurrence of cetaceans in West Scotland and 75.2% could correctly name at least one local species; the most commonly cited species being the minke whale (31.7%). However, fewer than half of the tourists were aware of whale-watching opportunities in the region and 40% of whale-watchers had only become aware of whale-watching opportunities when they arrived in the area, demonstrating a need to publicise and promote the availability of whale-watching trips in West Scotland. =20 =20 Sent by: E.C.M. Parsons, Department of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.=20 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 10:12:14 -0500 Reply-To: phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov From: Phil Clapham Subject: Urgent - Society for Marine Mammalogy renewals ------ URGENT! To all Society for Marine Mammalogy members: If you have not renewed your membership in the Society, please do so now.= =20 Because Society memberships are no longer on a calendar year basis, this means that IF YOU DO NOT RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY JANUARY 14H, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE JANUARY ISSUE OF MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE. Members renewing after this date will begin their 2004 membership with th= e April issue of the journal (please see the detailed explanation below).=20 Although of course all members will receive four issues of the journal over 12 months, anyone missing the January 14th deadline will have to purchase the January issue separately, AT ADDITIONAL COST. To avoid this= , and to ensure that you continue to receive Marine Mammal Science without interruption, please don=92t delay - renew your membership today! Please go to the Society=92s website and print a membership renewal form: http://www.marinemammalogy.org/ You can either mail or fax the renewal form (see contact details on the form), but please note that mailed renewals must be POSTMARKED no later than January 14th. SMM is the major international professional society for all of us working with marine mammals, and Marine Mammal Science is the field=92s premier journal. So please, stay with us! Send in your renewal now. With thanks and best wishes for the New Year, Phil Clapham Chair, Membership Committee THE DETAILS... HOW MEMBERSHIP WORKS FOR 2004 THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE: previously, membership in the Society was on a calendar-year basis (January to December). In the past, you would always receive the January, April, July and October issues of Marine Mammal Science. This was true even if you renewed later in the year, although you were then charged a late fee to cover the cost of mailing back issues to you. This is no longer the case... THE WAY IT IS NOW: membership is now on a =93rolling-renewals=94 basis. = This means that you still receive four issues of the journal, but they begin with the first issue after the date that you renew. For example, if you miss the January 14th deadline and renew in February, your first Marine Mammal Science will be the April issue, and you will also receive July, October and the following January issues. If you do not renew until August, your four issues will begin with the October issue, and the following year you will receive a renewal notice for August. Members wishing to receive missed back issues in a particular year will now have to purchase them separately. However, there is no longer a late fee for any renewals. BACK ISSUES: if you miss an issue of Marine Mammal Science and need to purchase it separately, the cost of a single back issue is $22. This includes postage and handling. FILLING OUT THE FORM: please make sure your renewal form is legible to others. It doesn=92t matter if you can read it if no one else can!=20 (Remember also that faxed copies are often harder to read). Also, please fill out the form completely even if your contact details have not change= d - this allows us to make sure that the information that we have in our database is correct. Note also that an email address is important, because the Society now communicates with its members primarily in this way. Questions? Contact members(\)marinemammalogy.org --=20 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 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 00:31:53 -0400 From: "Dr. Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni" Subject: Paper on status of shark predation on manatees In-Reply-To: Content-type: multipart/alternative; boundary="B_3155934713_140022" > 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. --B_3155934713_140022 We are happy to share with you the publication of a paper on shark predatio= n on manatees. Please contact me directly for PDF reprints at mignucci(\)caribe.net. Falcon-Matos L, Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Toyos-Gonz=E1lez GM, Bossart GD, Meisne= r RA, Varela RA. 2003. Evidence of a shark attack on a West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Puerto Rico. Journal of Neotropical Mammalogy 10(1):161-166. Abstract West Indian manatees ( Trichechus manatus) are generally considered to have no natural predators. Based on overlaps in habitat use, the likelihood exists of opportunistic attack by large predators. On 19 May 2001, an adult manatee was recovered from Lo=EDza, in northeastern Puerto Rico with signs of injuries, respiratory distress and diving difficulties. The animal died during the rescue attempt, and a necropsy revealed two healed scars in the animal=B9s peduncle. One crescent-shaped, healed, depigmented, and depressed, and the other, a small dark gray, semi-arched mark, opposite to the first. Based on this, we attributed these scars to a shark attack. External and internal gross examination demonstrated that the difficulty in diving and distressed breathing were the result of severe gas distention and impaction in the distal colon. It is plausible that the attack may have resulted from a preexisting condition, which prevented the manatee from evading the shark attack. Manatees in Puerto Rico share coastal habitat with 12 species of sharks. Of these, possible culprits for the shark attack on this manatee could be the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), and the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). Sharks are confirmed predators of the dugong ( Dugon= g dugon), but evidence of shark predation on the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) and Amazonian manatees ( Trichechus inunguis) is inconclusive. No evidence suggesting antemortem attacks of sharks have been recorded for manatees either in Florida or the Caribbean. Thus, this is the first confirmed record of an ante-mortem shark attack on a West Indian manatee. =20 Keywords: Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Trichechus manatus, West Indian manatee, shark, predation. Best wishes for the new year, Tony Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni, PhD Director Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory, Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 361715 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715 TEL 787-766-1717 x6600 =80 FAX 787-751-5840 =80 EMERG 787-399-8432 EMAIL mignucci(\)caribe.net =80 WEB http://rcv.caribe.net --B_3155934713_140022 Paper on status of shark predation on manatees We are happy to share wit= h you the publication of a paper on shark predation on manatees. Please cont= act me directly for PDF reprints at mignucci(\)caribe.net.

Falcon-Matos L, Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Toyos-González GM, Bossart GD,= Meisner RA, Varela RA. 2003. Evidence of a shark attack on a West Indian= manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Puerto Rico. Journal of Neotropi= cal Mammalogy 10(1):161-166.

Abstract
West Indian manatees ( Trichechus manatus) are generally considered = to have no natural predators. Based on overlaps in habitat use, the likeliho= od exists of opportunistic attack by large predators. On 19 May 2001, an adu= lt manatee was recovered from Loíza, in northeastern Puerto Rico with= signs of injuries, respiratory distress and diving difficulties. The animal= died during the rescue attempt, and a necropsy revealed two healed scars in= the animal’s peduncle. One crescent-shaped, healed, depigmented, and = depressed, and the other, a small dark gray, semi-arched mark, opposite to t= he first. Based on this, we attributed these scars to a shark attack. Extern= al and internal gross examination demonstrated that the difficulty in diving= and distressed breathing were the result of severe gas distention and impac= tion in the distal colon. It is plausible that the attack may have resulted = from a preexisting condition, which prevented the manatee from evading the s= hark attack. Manatees in Puerto Rico share coastal habitat with 12 species o= f sharks. Of these, possible culprits for the shark attack on this manatee c= ould be the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), and the bull shark (C= archarhinus leucas). Sharks are confirmed predators of the dugong ( Dugo= ng dugon), but evidence of shark predation on the West African manatee (T= richechus senegalensis) and Amazonian manatees ( Trichechus inunguis<= /I>) is inconclusive. No evidence suggesting antemortem attacks of sharks ha= ve been recorded for manatees either in Florida or the Caribbean. Thus, this= is the first confirmed record of an ante-mortem shark attack on a West Indi= an manatee.
 
Keywords: Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Trichechus manatus, West Indian ma= natee, shark, predation.

Best wishes for the new year,

Tony

Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni, PhD
Director
Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory, Universidad Metropolitana
PO Box 361715 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715
TEL 787-766-1717 x6600 =80 FAX 787-751-5840 =80 EMERG 787-399-8432
EMAIL mignucci(\)caribe.net =80 WEB http://rcv.= caribe.net --B_3155934713_140022-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2004 10:44:28 +0200 From: Ali Cemal Subject: New publication on Mediterranean Monk Seal The following article is published online via ScienceDirect : Article title: Habitat use and preliminary demographic evaluation of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the Cilician Basin (Eastern Mediterranean) Reference: BIOC2182 Journal title: Biological Conservation Corresponding author: Dr. A.C. Gucu First author: Dr. A.C. Gucu Article: Published online via ScienceDirect Abstract Over the last few decades a dramatic decline in the number of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) limited scientific studies on the biology, behaviour, and ecology of the species. This lack of information impaired the effectiveness of conservation strategies. Thus, any further information gathered on the monk seal has utmost value in the work to halt and reverse the plight of the species. A hitherto unknown Cilician Basin colony of the Mediterranean monk seal has been investigated during a 6-year period between 1995 and 2001. Results of direct in-cave surveys and land based seal-watch observations enabled the evaluation of habitat use and preliminary demographic information. A total of 39 caves were discovered among which only three were used for breeding. Scarcity of the breeding caves emphasised the importance of breeding habitat in the survival of the colony. Common features of the breeding caves are found as an entrance with a protective barrier against strong w! aves; a chamber with a wide beach; and a well-sheltered shallow pool. Supplementary data obtained from infrared monitors installed in three actively used caves were used to assess the number of individuals. Throughout the study period, 25 individuals were identified and 11 newborn pups were found. Evaluation of the results suggests the presence of sub-regions inhabited by an individually identified sub-group of monk seals. Recommendations for conservation guided by this information is a Marine Protected Area consisting of two zones; a restricted core zone prohibiting any human activity securing breeding habitat and a restricted fishery zone securing sustainability of the food source. http://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0006320703002349 Please contact me at gucu(\)ims.metu.edu.tr, in case you have problem accessing the site. All the best. Ali Cemal Gucu, PhD Associate Prof. Middle East Technical University Institute of Marine Sciences P.O.Box 28 Erdemli 33731 Mersin Turkey Tel : + 90 324 521 3434 Fax : + 90 324 521 2327 e.mail: gucu(\)ims.metu.edu.tr ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2004 16:17:26 -0700 From: James Gillooly Subject: RNA in marine mammals I am interested in finding data on the concentration of RNA in the muscles of large marine mammals, particularly whales. This is because I am investigating the body mass-dependence of cellular organelles involved in protein synthesis for a broad assortment of organisms, and, there is reason to believe that marine mammals may be exceptional. However, after an extensive search of the literature I have been unable to locate any such data. But, I still believe it must be out there somewhere. Could anyone point me to some references or researchers that might be helpful? I would really appreciate any assistance. Thanks, Jamie Gillooly Biology Dept. University of New Mexico gillooly(\)unm.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 04:47:46 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New volume on harbour porpoise (fwd) From: Daniel Pike The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) is proud to present Harbour Porpoises in the North Atlantic, the fifth volume in the series NAMMCO Scientific Publications. This volume is edited by: Tore Haug, Principal Scientist, Institute of Marine Research, Troms=F8, Norway; Genevi=E8ve Desportes, Head of the Marine Mammal and Research Department, Fjord&B=E6lt, Kerteminde, Denmark; G=EDsli V=EDkingsson, Senior Scientist= at the Marine Research Institute, Reykjavik, Iceland; and Lars Witting, Senior Scientist at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland. The NAMMCO Scientific Publications series presents collections of peer-reviewed papers on specific themes of interest to the NAMMCO Scientific Committee. Previous volumes have dealt with ringed seals (Vol. 1), predation by marine mammals (Vol. 2), sealworms (Vol. 3) and belugas (Vol. 4). The volume originated from The International Symposium on Harbour Porpoises in the North Atlantic which was held on board the Norwegian Coastal Steamer MS Nordlys enroute from Bergen to Troms=F8, September 10-= 14, 1999. It was attended by 31 delegates and included 22 presentations. This volume consists mainly of papers that were presented at the Symposium, but also includes other contributions. Because of the length o= f time that has elapsed between the Symposium and the publication of this volume, all contributions have been updated to reflect current findings. Papers in the volume are listed by theme below. More information on the volume, including full abstracts and ordering information, is available a= t the NAMMCO web site www.nammco.no. The volume is available from the NAMMC= O Secretariat at a price of NOK 150 (ca US $23.00) including postage. Best regards, Daniel Pike Scientific Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission DISTRIBUTION AND STOCK IDENTITY L.W. Andersen: Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Atlantic: Distribution and genetic population structure H. Skov, J. Durinck and D. Bloch: Habitat characteristics of the shelf distribution of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the waters around the Faroe Islands during summer C. Lockyer: A review of methods for defining population structure in the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS C. Lockyer: Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Atlantic: Biological parameters G. Desportes, J.H. Kristensen, D. Benham, S. Wilson, T. Jepson, U. Siebert, B. Korsgaard, J. Driver, M. Amundin, K. Hansen and G. Shephard: Multiple insights into the reproductive function of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): An ongoing study C. Lockyer, G. Desportes, K. Hansen, S. Labbert=E9 and U. Siebert: Monitoring growth and energy utilisation of the harbour porpoise (Phocoen= a phocoena) in human care S.D. Halld=F3rsson and G.A.V=EDkingsson: Analysis of seasonal changes in reproductive organs from Icelandic harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) C. Lockyer and C. Kinze: Status, ecology and life history of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in Danish waters C. Lockyer, M.P. Heide-J=F8rgensen, J. Jensen and M.J. Walton: Life histo= ry and ecology of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from West Greenland D. =D3lafsd=F3ttir, G.A. V=EDkingsson, S.D. Halld=F3rsson and J. Sigurj=F3= nsson: Growth and reproduction in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in Icelandic waters S.F. Richardson, G.B. Stenson and C. Hood: Growth of the harbour porpoise (Phoceona phocoena) in eastern Newfoundland, Canada ECOLOGY AND POLLUTANTS A. Bj=F8rge: The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Atlant= ic: Variability in habitat use, trophic ecology and contaminant exposure C. Hood, P.-Y. Daoust, J. Lien and C. Richter: An experimental study of postmortem ocular fluid and core temperature analysis in incidentally captured harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) G.A. V=EDkingsson, D. =D3lafsd=F3ttir and J. Sigurj=F3nsson: Diet of harb= our porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in Icelandic coastal waters ABUNDANCE, REMOVALS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF REMOVALS G.B. Stenson: Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Atlantic: Abundance, removals, and sustainability of removals K.E. Sk=F3ra and I. Kuklik: Bycatch as a potential threat for harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in Polish Baltic waters Daniel Pike Scientific Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Troms=F8, Norway Tel. +47 77 75 01 77 Fax +47 77 75 01 81 daniel.pike(\)nammco.no www.nammco .no ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 04:48:57 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Paper on Caribbean pantropical spotted dolphins (fwd) From: "Dr. Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni" We are happy to share with you the publication of a paper on the distribution and status of the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) in the Caribbean. Please contact me directly for PDF reprints at mignucci(\)caribe.net. Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Swartz SL, Martinez A, Burks CM, Watkins WA. (in press). First records of the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) for the Puerto Rican Bank, with a review of the species in the Caribbean. Caribbean Journal of Science 39(3):381-392. Abstract The pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata is well documented for the Pacific Ocean, but its geographical range for the Atlantic Ocean is poorly known, except for the Gulf of Mexico. It was previously speculated that it is common in the Caribbean near costal areas and islands, parapatri= c to or replacing the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) in the West Indies and Lesser Antilles. We document the first records of pantropical spotted dolphins from Puerto Rico, review and present new records for the western North Atlantic and the Caribbean and based on these= , and describe the species zoogeography in the Caribbean. Ninety-six records were reviewed for the Caribbean. Caribbean pantropical spotted dolphins wer= e sighted in groups that varied between 2 and 400 individuals, with an averag= e of 34.8 individuals per group. Mixed-species sightings of pantropical spotted dolphins with other delphinids were reported in eight encounters Th= e species is a year-round residents of the Caribbean based on seasonality analysis. The pantropical spotted dolphin is distributed in all major areas of the Caribbean Sea, including the eastern coast of Central America (5.2% of the records), the northern coast of South America (12.5%), the West Indies (17.7%), and more commonly in the Lesser Antilles (64.6%). Of importance is the distribution of the species in relation to bottom topography, as it was most commonly found in the Caribbean in oceanic waters, off the shelf edge. In the Gulf of Mexico, S. attenuata and S. frontalis are parapatric, occupying adjacent but not overlaping areas. However, in the Caribbean, S. frontalis and S. attenuata are sympatric, occupying the same area. No population estimates can be made for the Caribbean at this time, but based on the sighting records, the Atlantic spotted dolphin is probably more common. =20 Keywords: Caribbean, Stenella attenuata, pantropical spotted dolphin, zoogeography, distribution, parapatric, sympatric. Best wishes for the new year, Tony Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni, PhD Director Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory, Universidad Metropolitana PO Box 361715 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715 TEL 787-766-1717 x6600 =80 FAX 787-751-5840 =80 EMERG 787-399-8432 EMAIL mignucci(\)caribe.net =80 WEB http://rcv.caribe.net ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 06:48:17 -0800 From: evanthia-vanessa Karpouzli Subject: Research Volunteers wanted for cetecean survey Earlier this year we advertised on this list for research assistants for a marine mammal census across the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic with final destination the Cape Verde Islands. This survey was completed with a big success (we had over 50 sightings of cetaceans) and we are now looking for assistants for part of the return trip. As with the previous survey the research is coordinated by the Department of Zoology-Marine Biology of Athens University, and Edinburgh University. Research assistants may participate for a minimum of 3 weeks. The research will take place onboard a 13.25 m research sailing catamaran equipped with all necessary navigation and research instruments (GPSes, plotters, echo-sounders, underwater digital video and still cameras, binoculars etc) as well as a dual frequency hydrophone. We are looking for assistants in particular for the first leg of the trip, with the possibility of extending their participation: Cape Verde Islands to Cadiz (Spain) (via Azores) approx 3 weeks The most important requirements for participants are enthusiasm, and the ability and willingness to work under often difficult, but rewarding field conditions. Preference will be given to those who: 1. have previous marine mammal field experience particularly with visual and acoustic surveys 2. have some sailing experience On board accommodation will be provided. However research assistants will be expected to contribute to the running costs of the expedition, and arrange their own travel itinerary / flights to the arrival/departure ports. APPLICATIONS Interested persons should write to or email at the address below providing a brief resume with their background, personal details and interests. Point of Conduct : Vasilis Podiadis / Evanthia Karpouzli School of Geosciences Drummond street EH8 9XP Edinburgh University Edinburgh Tel: +44-7951-933740 Fax: +44-131-6502524 e-mail: ekarpouzli(\)yahoo.com __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 12:43:39 -0500 From: Beth Christ Subject: Job Opportunity POSITION TITLE: Program Director - Coastal & Marine Conservation for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation SUMMARY This position will manage, and secure funding for, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's grant-making program for coastal, estuarine and marine conservation. S/he is responsible for coordinating activities of and communicating effectively with program advisory committees, interacting with existing and potential grant/contract recipients, coordinating proposal review, reviewing/approving reports from grantees, coordinating with the project administration team to assure the effective implementation of the Foundation's grant administration policies, drafting recommendations for staff and Board action, and closely coordinating program efforts with the NOAA liaison in the Foundation's government and external relations department. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Actively and diligently pursue development activities to secure funding for this program and the operations of the Foundation, assuring compliance with all reporting requirements, and assuring that all activities are communicated and coordinated with the Foundation's NOAA liaison. * Assist in designing and implementing conservation objectives for the program in coordination with the program advisory committees, Foundation's NOAA liaison, Conservation Science Officer(s) and other program staff and the Board. * Review and evaluate submissions by existing grant/contract recipients and applicants assuring that results are in full compliance with Foundation and funding source requirements. * Track and monitor proposals and active grants/contracts in coordination with the project administration team. * Coordinate the program's external technical review of proposals in accordance with Foundation policy. * Serve as spokesperson for the Foundation with regard to this program, its conservation objectives and accomplishments. * Prepare briefing materials and recommendations to support decision making by the Foundation's staff and Board. * Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of various descriptive and evaluative reports as directed. * Subject to programmatic objectives and budgetary considerations, propose and conduct site visits in accordance with Foundation policy. QUALIFICATIONS * Advanced degree or equivalent experience with concentration in marine conservation science or marine biology. * Four years experience in program management. * Demonstrated success in fundraising. * Grant management and administration experience preferred. * Ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests for information. * Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines. * Strong interpersonal skills. * Strong attention to detail and follow-through skills. * Flexibility in a rapidly changing environment. * Excellent communication skills. * Strong analytical skills. * Conflict resolution skills. * Computer proficiency. Please send an e-mail, with attachments in Word format, containing your cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume, salary requirements and three references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to Beth Christ, Director of Human Resources, at Beth.Christ(\)nfwf.org. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2004 05:53:57 -0400 From: Hal Whitehead Subject: Abstract: Movements, habitat use and feeding success of cultural Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)dal.ca) Whitehead, H. and L. Rendell. 2004. Movements, habitat use and=20 feeding success of cultural clans of South Pacific sperm whales=20 Journal of Animal Ecology 73: 190=96196 This paper is available at: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/hw/JAE_798.pdf ABSTRACT: 1. The population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in=20 the South Pacific is divided into at least five sympatric vocal clans=20 that almost certainly reflect cultural variation. 2. We investigated differences in movements and feeding success=20 of groups from different clans off the Gal=E1pagos Islands and=20 northern Chile, using data from 87 days spent tracking groups of known clan. 3. Groups from different clans showed different use of habitat and=20 movement patterns. Off the Gal=E1pagos Islands, =91Plus-one=92 clan=20 groups moved in relatively straight lines while =91Regular=92 clan groups= =20 had more convoluted tracks and a more inshore distribution,=20 patterns which were consistent across years. 4. Groups from different clans had different defecation rates,=20 indicating between-clan variation in feeding success. Off the=20 Gal=E1pagos Islands, =91Plus-one=92 clan groups were more successful in=20 the depauperate ENSO (=91El Ni=F1o/Southern Oscillation=92) conditions=20 of 1987. However, in the cooler conditions of 1989, groups of the=20 =91Regular=92 clan had much higher feeding success than those of the=20 =91Plus-one=92 clan. 5. Thus we suggest that cultural inheritance in sperm whales=20 incorporates foraging strategy as well as vocal patterns, and that=20 clan membership has fitness consequences. 6. That clans seem differentially affected by altered climate=20 conditions has implications for the effects of global warming on=20 sperm whales. 7. The results also support the hypothesis that culturally=20 determined differences in fitness may have affected genetic=20 evolution through the process of cultural hitchhiking. Key-words: Chile, cultural hitchhiking, ENSO, Gal=E1pagos, Physeter. --=20 Hal Whitehead hwhitehe(\)dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 16:55:48 -0500 From: Mark Baumgartner Subject: Right whale publications ------ Colleagues, The following papers have recently been published in Marine=20 Ecology Progress Series. Electronic copies are available in=20 PDF format, and a limited number of paper reprints will be=20 available shortly. Mark Baumgartner Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution MS #33, Redfield 2-26 Woods Hole, MA 02543 mbaumgartner(\)whoi.edu http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/mbaumgartner (508)289-2678 phone (508)457-2134 fax ---------------------------------------- Baumgartner, M.F. and B.R. Mate. 2003. Summertime foraging=20 ecology of North Atlantic right whales. Marine Ecology Progress=20 Series 264:123-135. North Atlantic right whales were instrumented with suction-cup=20 mounted, time-depth recorders (TDR) during the summers of 2000=20 and 2001 to examine their diving and foraging behavior.=20 Simultaneous observations of temperature, salinity and the=20 vertical distribution of their principal prey, Calanus=20 finmarchicus stage 5 copepodites (C5), were obtained along each=20 whale=92s track with a conductivity-temperature-depth instrument=20 (CTD) and an optical plankton counter (OPC). Right whale feeding=20 dives were characterized by rapid descent from the surface to a=20 particular depth between 80 and 175 m, remarkable fidelity to=20 that depth for 5 to 14 min and then rapid ascent back to the=20 surface. The average depth of dive was strongly and positively=20 correlated with both the average depth of peak C. finmarchicus=20 C5 abundance and the average depth of the bottom mixed layer=92s=20 upper surface. Significantly longer surface intervals were=20 observed for reproductively active females and their calves when=20 compared to other individuals, indicating that this critical=20 segment of the population may be at increased risk of ship=20 strikes owing to their diving behavior. Ingestion rates=20 calculated from TDR and OPC data exceeded estimated daily=20 metabolic requirements for most of the tagged right whales;=20 however, short deployment durations and uncertainty in metabolic=20 rates make it impossible to judge whether individual right whales=20 were obtaining sufficient energy to meet the metabolic costs of=20 reproduction. Improvements in attachment durations and the=20 development of novel methods to estimate the metabolic rates of=20 large whales in situ are required to determine whether right=20 whale reproduction is limited by insufficient food resources. ---------------------------------------- Baumgartner, M.F., T.V.N. Cole, P.J. Clapham and B.R. Mate. 2003.=20 North Atlantic right whale habitat in the lower Bay of Fundy and=20 on the SW Scotian Shelf during 1999-2001. Marine Ecology Progress=20 Series. 264:137-154. Simultaneous visual and oceanographic surveys were conducted in=20 the lower Bay of Fundy and in Roseway Basin of the SW Scotian=20 Shelf during the summers of 1999 to 2001 to investigate the=20 physical and biological oceanographic factors associated with=20 North Atlantic right whale occurrence. Sightings of right whales=20 were recorded along predetermined transects through each region,=20 while both in situ and remotely sensed oceanographic measurements=20 were collected. Sampling with plankton nets and an optical plankton=20 counter confirmed that right whales in these regions feed on=20 Calanus finmarchicus copepodite stage 5 (C5). Spatial variability=20 in right whale occurrence was associated with water depth and the=20 depth of the bottom mixed layer. C. finmarchicus C5 aggregated over=20 the deepest water depths in both regions, and within these areas,=20 right whales occurred where the bottom mixed layer forced discrete=20 layers of C. finmarchicus C5 to occur shallower in the water column=20 (allowing more efficient foraging). Annual increases in right whale=20 occurrence appeared to be associated with decreases in sea surface=20 temperature (SST) in both regions; however, this observation merits=20 caution in light of the short duration of the study (3 yr). There=20 was also evidence to suggest that both spatial and interannual=20 variability in right whale occurrence in Roseway Basin may be=20 associated with SST gradient, a proxy for ocean fronts. ---------------------------------------- Baumgartner, M.F., T.V.N. Cole, R.G. Campbell, G.J. Teegarden=20 and E.G. Durbin. 2003. Associations between North Atlantic right=20 whales and their prey, Calanus finmarchicus, over diel and tidal=20 time scales. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 264:155-166. Temporal variability in the distribution and abundance of North=20 Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis and their copepod prey,=20 late-stage Calanus finmarchicus, was monitored at an oceanographic=20 station in Grand Manan Basin of the lower Bay of Fundy for 29 h on=20 2 separate occasions. The vertical distribution of C. finmarchicus=20 was measured at 1/2 h intervals with an optical plankton counter=20 (OPC) and at 6 or 12 h intervals with a MOCNESS. Right whale=20 abundance was estimated from periodic point scans. Late-stage C.=20 finmarchicus exhibited diel vertical migration in the upper 100 m=20 of the water column, but the bulk of the population remained at=20 depths below 100 m throughout both the day and night and was=20 likely in diapause. Diel vertical migration is unlikely to be=20 influenced by right whales, but may instead be motivated by=20 abundant, near-surface food resources and avoidance of visual=20 predators. Right whale sighting rate was correlated with OPC- detected C. finmarchicus fifth copepodite (C5) abundance at mid- depths (90=96140 m); variability in both right whale sighting rate=20 and C. finmarchicus C5 abundance in this depth stratum appeared=20 to have similar periodicity to that of the tide. Energetic=20 considerations suggest that right whales continue to feed on=20 deep, diapausing layers of C. finmarchicus during the night, but=20 the occasional presence of exploitable near-surface=20 concentrations of C. finmarchicus suggests that nighttime near- surface feeding might sometimes occur. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 14:34:21 +0000 From: Ellie Dickson Subject: Volunteering opportunities with WDCS in Scotland Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ Please can you post the following message on MARMAM. Many thanks. All the best, Ellie Dickson Volunteering opportunity with WDCS, the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society in Scotland WDCS needs 5 seasonal volunteers to be based at the Moray Firth Wildlife Centre in Scotland. Volunteers are needed for 6 months from the end of March 2004.=20 On-site accommodation is provided and household bills are paid by WDCS; i= n addition, volunteers receive =A350 sterling each per week towards other expenses. Successful applicants need to fund their own travel to the Wildlife Centre. Volunteers should be aged 18+. A police check will need to be carried out for each volunteer. The following skills/qualifications are important for all positions: - A background in marine biology/environmental science etc is desirable. - Fluency in English is essential. Other language skills would be useful.= =20 - Excellent verbal and written communication. - Experience working with the public is desirable. - Public speaking & IT skills would be useful. - Knowledge of British wildlife would be an advantage. - Above all, we are looking for enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers.= =20 Two boat-based volunteers are required to carry out photo-ID and crew the local dolphin watching boat. Boat-based volunteers need to have excellent =91sea legs=92 and should ideally have a driving licence. Boat handling experience would be an advantage. Duties include: - Recording cetacean sightings onboard the vessel. - Carrying out photo-ID onboard the boat. - Helping to grade the photo-ID images. - Data entry and report-writing. - Helping to crew the sailing vessel.=20 - Boat-based volunteers will spend 3-4 days per week at the Wildlife Centre, where they will help with the duties listed below.=20 Three centre-based volunteers are needed. Experience working with childre= n would be useful. Duties include: - Assisting to organise and staff events at the Wildlife Centre. - Helping with school visits to the Centre. - Staffing the Wildlife Centre exhibition and front desk. - Public speaking at Wildlife Centre events. - Attending events elsewhere in Scotland. - Helping to guide out of the blue wildlife holidays in Scotland. - Shore-based research. - Data entry and report writing. - Helping to answer enquiries about visiting the Centre. - Helping to develop the facilities at the Wildlife Centre. - In addition, volunteers can get involved with helping to manage the reserve. Application procedure Please send a CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience) to: Miss Ellie Dickson, WDCS Scottish Manager, Moray Firth Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay, IV32 7PJ, United Kingdom; or email it to ellie(\)wdcs.org The closing date for applications is 31st January 2004.=20 WDCS is a registered charity (no. 1014705) ________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned for all viruses by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information on a proactive email security service working around the clock, around the globe, visit http://www.messagelabs.com ________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 11:12:52 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: US MMC Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals (fwd) The Marine Mammal Commission is pleased to invite you to the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals: Tuesday, 3 February - Thursday, 5 February 2004 Bethesda Marriott Hotel, 5151 Pooks Hill Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-897-9400 (reservations under Marine Mammal Commission group) http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage/WASBT This initial meeting will focus on developing a body of information to inform the Committee's deliberations. Many Committee members and others will be presenting information about their involvement in the issue of marine mammals and sound. We hope that this will be the beginning of an ongoing exchange of information and ideas about how to progress on the difficult issues the Committee will address. The meeting is open to the public and will be announced in the Federal Register. A draft list of Committee members, draft meeting agenda, and background documents will be available on the Commission's website at http://mmc.gov/sound/welcome.html. We hope you will be able to attend this important meeting. Please note that the Committee's second meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 28-30, 2004, in the Washington D.C. metro area. Please feel free to distribute this announcement. If you prefer not to receive email updates about the Commission's policy dialogue on sound and marine mammals, please email evos(\)mmc.gov and ask to be removed from the list. If you did not receive this original email and wish to receive future updates, please email evos(\)mmc.gov and ask to be added to the distribution list. Erin Vos, MEM Sound Project Manager Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Rm. 905 Bethesda, MD 20814 main office: 301-504-0087 direct line: 301-504-0300 fax: 301-504-0099 email: evos(\)mmc.gov web: www.mmc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2004 14:42:47 -0100 From: "MEER e.V." Subject: M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2004 (MARMAM) ------ Dear All! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field courses in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Assisting in field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera". The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since several years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. The research is supervised by the Universidad de La Laguna (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain) and the Humboldt-Universit=E4t (Berlin, Germany). For students at the Humboldt Universit=E4t, the course is fully accepted for the study of Biology. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt", which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information please visit www.M-E-E-R.org. One course is offered during the 2004 springtime field season: 11-25 March 2004. The price is 875.- EURO including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., certificate of attendance. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Members of the M.E.E.R. association will receive a 7% discount. For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to praktika(\)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), " and the "Club de Mar" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 03:14:14 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MERI Announces Marine Education Internships Summer 2004 (fwd) From: Education Department MERI Announces Marine Education Internships Summer 2004 The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit organization based in Blue Hill, Maine, is recruiting to fill five Marine Education Internships at the MERI Center for Marine Studies. These are full-time positions requiring a commitment of 13 weeks in Summer 2004. MERI, founded in 1990, is an organization in Blue Hill, Maine, dedicated to protecting the health and biodiversity of the marine environment. Current work includes community-based marine education programs operating out of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, and field research on the effects of pollution on marine mammals. MERI's education programs focus on marine life along the rocky Maine coast and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science education or environmental education to gain practical experience in the field. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. Primary Job Responsibility: This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in key components of the MERI education program, including leading island ecology trips for children and adults, assisting with the day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, planning and implementing educational science materials for adult and child community programs, and managing MERI library and information clearinghouse files. Interns are also expected to complete an individual education project over the term and to produce, at minimum, a Summary Report on their topic. Job Description: a.. Assist with the implementation of educational programming, including educational Boat Cruises, MERI's Summer Day Camp, Ocean Story Hour, Ocean Video Night, and Ocean Aquarium Room programs b.. Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, including staffing the reception desk and the Ocean Room, and attending some weekend and evening programs and special events c.. Help maintain Ocean Room aquaria and touch tank, including collection of species for exhibit in the tanks d.. Work with Education Department staff and volunteers to reorganize and catalogue the Sea Lending Library e.. Compile background information, assist with production of Fact Sheets, Teaching Kits and informational materials as assigned and for an individual project subject area f.. Complete a Summary Report on an assigned individual project topic g.. Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public h.. Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required Reports to: Education Program Coordinator and Education Director Qualifications: Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree (Juniors and Seniors may also apply) in environmental education, marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major. Applicants should also have teaching experience both in the classroom and in the field with multiple age levels, and should be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Good public speaking and writing skills are required. Applicants must be flexible, able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Adobe Photoshop required. Photography, graphics, and GIS skills a definite plus. Must possess a valid drivers license and a good driving record. Knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and water safety is a plus. Time Requirements: June 7 - September 4 (13 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. Compensation: Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend are available. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. Deadline: March 8, 2004 To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by email a letter of interest with your updated r=E9sum=E9 and 3 references to= : MERI Search Committee/ Summer 2004 Education Internship info(\)meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 Website: www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 17:41:44 -0000 Reply-To: David Lusseau From: David Lusseau Organization: University of Aberdeen Subject: When is it too much: tourism and Fiordland bottlenose dolphins, new publication Dear Marmamers, I wish you all a great new year! The following publication is now available on the website of Ecology and Society (formerly known as Conservation Ecology): http://www.ecologyandsociety.org Lusseau, D. 2004. The hidden cost of tourism: detecting long-term effects of tourism using behavioral information. Ecology and Society 9(1): 2. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol9/iss1/art2 [abstract below] This peer-reviewed journal is only available on the web and is free to access. In addition, this journal provides the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed replies and comments to articles to generate fruitful discussions! To know more about Conservation Ecology / Ecology and Society: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/masthead/masthead.html To learn about the rationale behind the change of name: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol7/iss2/art13/index.html To learn more about the Resilience Alliance that publishes the journal: http://www.resalliance.org ABSTRACT Increasingly, whales and dolphins are the focus of tourism activities in many coastal locations. Although these activities can affect individuals and populations of cetaceans, the biological significance and hence the cost of these impacts are as yet largely unknown. This study assessed the effects of boat interactions on the behavioral budget of two populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) living in similar fjords but exposed to different levels of tourism activities. This comparison makes it possible to assess the costs of short-term avoidance strategies and the threshold at which those strategies are no longer effective. The effects of boat interactions were the same in both fjords. The resting state was the most sensitive to interactions; socializing was less sensitive. Short-term displacement was a typical response to boat exposure: dolphins were more likely to travel after an interaction with a vessel. Although the behavioral budgets of these populations were significantly altered during interactions with boats, their overall behavioral budgets were unchanged. Dolphins in Milford Sound actively avoided boat interactions, possibly to maintain their overall behavioral budget unchanged. This active avoidance led to avoidance of the area. Characteristics of dolphin-boat interactions in Milford Sound suggest that the advantages gained by short-term avoidance are lost if, on average, fewer than 68 min elapse between successive interactions with boats. If dolphin-boat interactions were more frequent than this, the dolphins switched to a longer-term response: area avoidance. KEY WORDS: Tursiops truncatus, Markov chain modeling, avoidance, behavioral budget, boat-dolphin interactions, boats, bottlenose dolphin, impact assessment, long-term effects, tourism, whale-watching. Best wishes, David David Lusseau University of Aberdeen Department of Zoology Lighthouse Field Station George St Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YJ Scotland Tel/Fax: 44 (0) 1381 600 548 Lighthouse Field Station (University of Aberdeen): http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~nhi519/lighthse/index.hti New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust: http://nzwhaledolphintrust.tripod.com/home/ Marine Mammal Research Group (University of Otago): http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/mammals/home.htm Fiordland Research (University of Otago) http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/fiords/home.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 10:01:27 -0000 Reply-To: Melanie Wilson From: Melanie Wilson Subject: Diving with full lungs In one book I have it states that whales dive with full lungs and seals exhale prior to diving. Most other sources however indicate that they exhale. So what is the latest research on this ? The book is a well resopected one and I am surprised it would state such an incorrect nuggest of information, but the statement is not referenced. Can anyone point me to more detail on the effects of whales diving with full lungs. Or recent research suggesting they do. For example do the exhale as they go down and the lungs collapse or does the air reduce within the lungs but use or pressure ? I am asking the question because it was something that came up as a distinction between seals and whales, I've not been able to clarify it elsewhere or even within the book I have, nor on the internet, University library or electronic journals. I am researching for my degree, I'm primarily an archaeologist, but this is not part of a class paper, it is a query that nobody including our lecturer (not a marine mammal specialist in fairness)can find a definitive answer to. Many thanks Mel MelanieWilson(\)dragonflight.co.uk This e-mail, and any attachment, is confidential. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system, do not use or disclose the information in any way, and notify me immediately. The contents of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of the Company, unless specifically stated. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 11:17:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Post tag followups (fwd) From: Rossitercsi(\)aol.com What's left when the tag falls off? A review of the tagging literature dredges up few data or comments on whether or not tags left visible damage, particularly on cetacean dorsal fins. Budgets, schedules, inaccessibility and other constraints appear to limit sufficient followup to document a tag's impact on an individual, even of well-known individuals among very small and accessible populations. Nevertheless, there are a few well-shredded dorsal fins that have been photographed. Obviously the post tag impact question can be seen as a smoking gun, with possible ramifications towards researchers and projects where a tag's impact appears to be significant to the individual. The significance to the animal may be more or less than the appearance suggests, as is the case with subjective perceptions of behaviors when an animal is tagged. The significance to future research is looming, as those few telling photographs become symbols for the final results of all tagging research. Why let that happen? Objective science should not shy away from some professional assessment of post-tagging impacts, both with a view to improving technology and technique, and with limiting negative impacts on tagged individuals. As a case in point, Hector's and Maui dolphins are endangered species endemic to New Zealand, with very small populations vulnerable to continuing net entanglements. Disregarding the scientific and management value of proposed tagging research to know where these dolphins spend their time, is it possible to put telemetry tags on the dorsal fins of these small cetaceans without potential damage to their reproductive or survival potentials? Assuming the very best attachment techniques and experience available today, is there a reasonable chance that tagging alone might cause an individual to be lost to the population. Is it worth it? If you have professional comments that may clarify the issue please say so. If you use tags, and are convinced or can document that your subjects are no worse for the wear and tear, please say so. If you believe that whatever happens is worth the data you may have some problems in the future, but say so anyway, just for the fun of it. CSI is looking for the larger picture, without the inclination, time or resources to make life difficult for researchers who must use tags. Any post-tag photos, observations and comments are welcome. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph/fx 203-431-1606 rossiter(\)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 14:37:57 -0900 Reply-To: toshihide_hamazaki(\)fishgame.state.ak.us From: Hamachan Hamazaki Subject: GIS spatial-temporal modeling workshop update I am pleased to announce that the GIS workshop was a great success. Thank you very much for your participation. Here is an updates: 1. I updated the workshop website and created a marine mammal GIS web site. http://www.geocities.com/toshihide_hamazaki/Workshop.html http://www.geocities.com/toshihide_hamazaki/MARMAMGIS.html Objectives of the website is to collect information about marine mammal GIS, spatial-temporal modeling, bibliographies, etc. Please e-mail me links of a. Your website, institutions studying marine mammal GIS, spatial-temporal modeling, bibliographies b. Bibliographies, and possibly pdf c. Links about GIS, spatial-temporal modeling d. Others, useful to the marine mammal fields. I am always open to your suggestions to make the website beneficial to you. 2. All the PowerPoint presentations can be downloaded from http://obis.env.duke.edu/marmam-gis_files 3. Ben Best and I created a mail-group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marmam-gis/ Objective of the mail-group is to exchange ideas and questions about marine mammal GIS and spatial-temporal modeling. You can join via http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marmam-gis/ (You are asked to become a Yahoo group member) or by sending a blank email to marmam-gis-subscribe(\)yahoogroups.com (Yahoo group membership is not required). 4. Workshop budget report: (Preliminary) Registration fee $4680 Expenses (Equipment, food, coffee, etc) $1400 Left over $3280 Rather than returning (~$10 per person) the left over, I would like to use these for things that benefit workshop participants and advancement of marine mammal GIS spatial-temporal modeling, such as donating to society, scholarship, best presentation award, Please advise your suggestions. Again, thank you very much for participating the workshop. Toshihide Hamazaki / Hamachan Alaska Department of Fish & Game Commercial Fisheries Division 333 Raspberry Rd. Anchorage Alaska 99518 Ph: 907-267-2158 Fax: 907-267-2442 e-mail: toshihide_hamazaki(\)fishgame.state.ak.us ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 11:39:43 -0800 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. Abstracts also available on request. File sizes have been included. Because of the number of requests, bounce back messages can only be handled by FTP transfer. Please, don't ask for more than your email server can handle in any one email request. Please make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org ANONMYOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 46(11):1361-1362. 2003. Sonar causes the bends in whales. 0.224 MB ANONYMOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 46(11):1362. 2003. Encouraging results from trials to reduce dolphin deaths. 0.224 MB ANONMYOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 46(11):1363-1364. 2003. Collapse of seals, sea lions and sea otters in North Pacific triggered by overfishing of great whales. 0.224 MB BOLAND, RAYMOND C. and MARY J. DONOHUE. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 46(11):1385-1394. 2003. Marine debris accumulation in the nearshore marine habitat of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi 1999-2001. 0.611 MB CASAUX, R.; A. BARONI; F. ARRIGHETTI; A. RAMON and A. CARLINI. POLAR BIOLOGY 26(12):753-758. 2003. Geographical variation in the diet of the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella. 0.240 MB DAS, K.; G. LEPOINT; Y. LEROY and J. M. BOUQUEGNEAU. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 263:287-298. 2003. Marine mammals from the southern North Sea: feeding ecology data from d^13C and d^15N measurements. 0.155 MB DAVIS, RANDALL W.; LEE A. FUIMAN; TERRIE M. WILLIAMS; MARKUS HORNING and WILLIAM HAGEY. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 264:109-122. 2003. Classification of Weddell seal dives based on 3 dimensional movements and video-recorded observations. 0.466 MB DE THOISY, B.; T. SPIEGELBERGER; S. ROUSSEAU; G. TALVY; I. VOGEL and J. C. VIE. ORYX 37(4):431-436. 2003. Distribution, habitat, and conservation status of the West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus in French Guiana. 0.342 MB DEMERE, T. A.; A. BERTA and P. J. ADAM. BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 279:32-76. 2003. Pinnipedimorph evolutionary biogeography. 1.527 MB EBISUDA, K.; T. KUNITO; J. FUJIHARA; R. KUBOTA; Y. SHIBATA and S. TANABE. TALANTA 61(6):779-787. 2003. Lipid-soluble and water-soluble arsenic compounds in blubber of ringed seal (Pusa hispida). 0.306 MB FLORES M., MARCELO A.; RODRIGO MORAGA; MARIA JOSE PEREZ; ERIKA HANSHING and CARLOS OLAVARRIA. REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA MARINA Y OCEANOGRAFIA 38(2):81-85. 2003. New sightings of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846) in Chile. (Nuevos avistamientos de orca falsa Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846) en Chile) 0.770 MB GRAHL-NIELSEN, OTTO; MAGNUS ANDERSEN; ANDREW E. DEROCHER; CHRISTIAN LYDERSEN; OYSTEIN WIIG and KIT M. KOVACS. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 265:275-282. 2003. Fatty acid composition of the adipose tissue of polar bears and of their prey: Ringed seals, bearded seals and harp seals. 0.144 MB HOLMES, E. E. and A. E. YORK. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 17(6):1794-1806. 2003. Using age structure to detect impacts on threatened populations: A case study with steller sea lions. 0.310 MB KAISER, J. SCIENCE (WASHINGTON D. C.) 302(5650):1487-1488. 2003. Marine mammals - Military wins changes that may ease research. 0.177 MB KOSCHINSKI, SVEN; BORIS M. CULIK; OLUF DAMSGAARD HENRIKSEN; NICK TREGENZA; GRAEME ELLIS; CHRISTOPH JANSEN and GUNTER KATHE. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 265:263-273. 2003. Behavioural reactions of free-ranging porpoises and seals to the noise of a simulated 2 MW windpower generator. 0.911 MB LINGHAM-SOLIAR, THEAGARTEN. NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 90(12):563-567. 2003. The dinosaurian origin of feathers: perspectives from dolphin (Cetacea) collagen fibers. 0.486 MB LUSSEAU, D. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 17(6):1785-1793. 2003. Effects of tour boats on the behavior of bottlenose dolphins: Using Markov chains to model anthropogenic impacts. 0.421 MB MCCALLUM, HAMISH; DREW HARVELL and ANDY DOBSON. ECOLOGY LETTERS 6(12):1062-1067. 2003. Rates of spread of marine pathogens. 0.094 MB MIGNUCCI-GIANNONI, A. A.; S. L. SWARTZ; A. MARTINEZ; C. M. BURKS and W. A. WATKINS. CARIBBEAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 39(3):381-392. 2003. First records of the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) for the Puerto Rican Bank, with a review of the species in the Caribbean. 0.530 MB O'LEARY, MAUREEN A.; JOHN GATESY and MICHAEL J. NOVACEK. SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY 52(6):853-864. 2003. Are the dental data really at odds with the molecular data? Morphological evidence for whale phylogeny (re) reexamined. 0.623 MB PAVLOV, V. V. JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY 258(3):284-295. 2003. Wing design and morphology of the harbor porpoise dorsal fin. 1.506 MB REDER, S.; C. LYDERSEN; W. ARNOLD and K. M. KOVACS. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(1):6-16. 2003. Haulout behaviour of High Arctic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) in Svalbard, Norway. SMITH, BRIAN D.; ISABEL BEASLEY and DANIELLE KREB. ORYX 37(4):401. 2003. Marked declines in populations of Irrawaddy dolphins. SMITH, TIM D. and RANDALL R. REEVES. CARIBBEAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 39(3):286-297. 2003. Estimating American 19th century catches of humpback whales in the West Indies and Cape Verde Islands. 0.201 MB SWEAT, J. M.; C. M. JOHNSON and E. P. J. GIBBS. IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY ANIMAL 39(5-6):249-256. 2003. In vitro development and characterization of a manatee bronchial cell line. 1.230 MB WHITEHEAD, HAL and LUKE RENDELL. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY 73(1):190-196. 2003. Movements, habitat use and feeding success of cultural clans of South Pacific sperm whales. 0.185 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 23:21:26 -0800 From: Harald Yurk Subject: New acoustic research web site on killer whales/orcas Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Dear List Members, Apologies to those who have received this message already. I am writing to you today to tell you about a new web site on killer whale acoustic research and to ask whether you would like to participate in an evaluation of spectrogram similarity and/or whether you know of anyone who might be interested in doing so and perhaps would be so nice to forward this message. I am studying acoustic call dialect similarities among killer whale/orca communities in the northeastern Pacific. The call dialects appear to be learned and the degree of call similarity roughly matches both social distance and maternal relatedness among groups within communities. The first part of my study deals with dialect similarity among groups of non-associating communities, the second one deals with the question of whether dialect divergence is solely a product of drift (in this case cultural drift) or whether selection (again cultural selection) plays a role in the existing dialect similarity. To help me out you would need to go to the following web site http://www.blackfish-acoustics.org/ and if you have a moment do as many of the presented spectrogram similarity evaluations as you can. Your participation in this evaluation procedure is greatly appreciated. I am also interested in any comment you might have about the procedure and the other context on the web site, but I already apologize for not being able to respond right away to every comment I might receive. I will, of course, respond to inquiries containing problems with the evaluations. I am in total thesis writing mode and time is running through my fingers. Thanks so much for your help and understanding. Cheers, Harald ___________________________ Harald Yurk Department of Zoology & Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia 6270 University Boulevard Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4 phone: 604.787.4951 fax: 604.822.2416 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 00:00:16 +0000 From: fernando ugarte Subject: Workshop on "Estimating g(0) in line-transect surveys of cetaceans" ------ (We apologise for cross postings) ECS workshop on "Estimating g(0) in line-transect surveys of cetaceans",=20 first announcement: We have the pleasure of announcing the workshop "estimating g(0) in=20 line-transect surveys of cetaceans", which will take place on Sunday, 28t= h=20 of March, 2004 in the hotel at Kolmarden Zoo, Sweden, in connection with= =20 the 18th conference of the ECS. Estimating g(0) =96 the probability that an object that is on the line is= =20 detected =96 is crucial for any study on abundance and distribution using= =20 standard line-transect methods. In cetaceans g(0) is usually < 1 since=20 whales and dolphins are submerged most of the time and are therefore=20 unavailable for detection. Furthermore, species such as minke whales or=20 harbour porpoises are inconspicuous and can easily be missed by observers= .=20 It is difficult and challenging to estimate g(0) precisely. Most approach= es=20 involve the analysis of data obtained from independent platforms. There a= re=20 also new approaches, for example combinations of acoustic and visual surv= eys=20 of vociferous species, which might provide exciting prospects for future=20 studies. The aim of the workshop will be to exchange ideas and share=20 experiences about how to estimate g(0) in line-transect surveys of=20 cetaceans. It is expected that those who have worked with the issue can s= ee=20 what other teams are doing, while those who are planning new surveys can=20 receive inspiration and ideas. The workshop will be divided into differen= t=20 sessions, lasting approx 1 hr each. Each session will start with one or t= wo=20 relevant talks and will be followed by a lengthy discussion. The themes of the sessions will be: Theoretical background Diving behaviour of harbour porpoises and minke whales Aerial surveys Shipboard surveys Acoustic surveys Future developments Since we have to fund this workshop solely by ourselves, there will be a=20 participation fee of approximately 20 =80. Registration happens on a=20 =91first-come =96 first-served basis=92 and can be done by sending an e-m= ail to=20 either one of us. Please note that workshop space is limited, so please s= ign=20 up quickly if you would like to attend! Please indicate your name and=20 professional affiliation in the message. We also encourage you to indicat= e=20 the reason for participation. If you wish to present something, we ask fo= r a=20 short description of the content of your talk. Best regards and see you soon, Frank Thomsen (University of Hamburg) Fernando Ugarte (Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre) Contact-emails: drthomsen(\)web.de fernandougarte.cbmwc(\)tiscali.co.uk _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail snakker ditt spr=E5k!=20 http://www.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/sbox?rru=3Ddasp/lang.asp - F=E5 Hotmai= l p=E5=20 norsk i dag ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2004 16:13:10 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position announcements, MA, USA The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA) anticipates filling two positions in its Humpback Whale Research Program. CCS is a private, non-profit institution committed to research, conservation, and education related to the marine environment (with an emphasis on marine mammals). ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST The successful candidate will work closely with the Program Director, providing assistance in the following areas: implementing program research, disseminating results, grant writing, database management and supervision of other program staff. The candidate would also be expected to participate in all field research and to develop complementary research projects within his or her specific area of expertise. Applicants must have a Master's degree or commensurate experience. Excellent written and oral communication, grant writing experience, computer skills and relevant technical abilities are essential. Candidates with prior whale research experience, including photo-identification and biopsy sampling, will be preferred. Individuals must be able to spend extended periods of time at sea. A captain's license and experience working in offshore areas and around cetaceans are highly desirable. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. Generous benefits and salary commensurate with experience. Please submit letter of interest, resume and contact information for two references by February 6, 2003. The letter of interest should highlight the applicant's prior experience in the areas of stated need and include the earliest anticipated date of availability. Application can be made by mail to the following address: Jan Young, Center for Coastal Studies, P.O. Box 1036, Provincetown, MA 02657, or by email: jeyoung(\)coastalstudies.org. RESEARCH ASSISTANT I Research Assistant I responsibilities would include: participating in extended, offshore research cruises throughout the Gulf of Maine, photo-identification and biopsy sampling, photographic matching, humpback whale catalog maintenance, data processing, equipment maintenance and administrative tasks. This individual may also participate in other CCS programs, such as education and whale rescue, on an as-needed basis. Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology or another biological field, excellent computer and communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work at sea over extended periods and in a wide range of weather conditions. Previous whale-related field or laboratory experience is desirable, but not required. This entry-level position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. Generous benefits and salary commensurate with experience. Please submit letter, resume and contact information for two references by February 6, 2003. Application can be made by mail to the following address: Jan Young, Center for Coastal Studies, P.O. Box 1036, Provincetown, MA 02657, or by email: jeyoung(\)coastalstudies.org. Letter of interest should include earliest date of availability. ******************************* Janet E. Young Administrator Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street P.O. Box 1036 Provincetown, MA 02657 508-487-3622, ext. 110 (t) 508-487-4495 (f) ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:32:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Husbandry assistant/technician position (fwd) The Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is seeking a part-time or full-time husbandry assistant/technician to aid in the care of its bottlenosed dolphins. The assistant will have responsibility for maintaining all required medical and husbandry records (e.g., food logs, water quality reports, medical test reports), maintaining and ordering husbandry supplies, ordering fish supplies and maintaining an inventory of stock on hand, assisting in medical procedures performed by a veterinarian, maintaining medical behaviors, and obtaining blood samples or other tissue samples as required by the attending veterinarian, and insuring that the laboratory remains in compliance with all USDA regulations. We are seeking a person experienced in marine mammal care, husbandry, and training, who has acted previously in roles similar to those listed. The individual should be highly organized, with evidence of reliability in performance. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, including Excel or similar programs is desirable Please send a complete resume of experience, education, and references, and salary history, to "husbandry search" KBMML, 1129 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814, or email to louish(\)hawaii.edu. The position is open until filled. No phone inquiries please. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:35:05 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publication on harbour porpoises, harbour seals and offshore windpower (fwd) Dear Marmamers, I would like to announce our latest publication in MEPS. It is entitled Behavioural reactions of free-ranging porpoises and seals to the noise of a simulated 2 MW windpower generator If you want a pdf-copy of the full article, please mail to sven.koschinski(\)meereszoologie.de abstract: Operational underwater noise emitted at 8 m s=961 by a 550 kW WindWorld wind-turbine was recorded from the sea and modified to simulate a 2 MW wind-turbine. The sound was replayed from an audio CD through a car CD-player and a J-13 transducer. The maximum sound energy was emitted between 30 and 800 Hz with peak source levels of 128 dB (re 1 =B5Pa2 Hz=961= at 1 m) at 80 and 160 Hz (1/3-octave centre frequencies). This simulated 2 MW wind-turbine noise was played back on calm days (<1 Beaufort) to free-ranging harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena and harbour seals Phoca vitulina in Fortune Channel, Vancouver Island, Canada. Swimming tracks of porpoises and surfacings of seals were recorded with an electronic theodolite situated on a clifftop 14 m above sea level. Echolocation activity of harbour porpoises close to the sound source was recorded simultaneously via an electronic click detector placed below the transducer. In total we tracked 375 porpoise groups and 157 seals during play-back experiments, and 380 porpoise groups and 141 surfacing seals during controls. Both species showed a distinct reaction to wind-turbine noise. Surfacings in harbour seals were recorded at larger distances from the sound source (median =3D 284 vs 239 m during controls; p =3D 0.008, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) and closest approaches increased from a median of 120 to 182 m (p < 0.001) in harbour porpoises. Furthermore, the number of time intervals during which porpoise echolocation clicks were detected increased by a factor of 2 when the sound source was active (19.6% of all 1 min intervals as opposed to 8.4% of all intervals during controls; p < 0.001).These results show that harbour porpoises and harbour seals are able to detect the low-frequency sound generated by offshore wind-turbines. Controlled exposure experiments such as the one described here are a first step to assess the impact on marine mammals of the new offshore wind-turbine industry. key words: Harbour porpoise =B7 Phocoena phocoena =B7 Harbour seal =B7 Phoc= a vitulina =B7 Noise =B7 Offshore windpower =B7 Environmental assessment authors: Sven Koschinski, Boris M. Culik, Oluf Damsgaard Henriksen, Nick Tregenza, Graeme Ellis, Christoph Jansen, G=FCnter Kathe source: MEPS 265: 263-273 Sven Koschinski Kuehlandweg 12 24326 Nehmten Germany ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2004 09:47:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Taxonomy meeting announcement (fwd) Message forwarded from Thomas Jefferson (sclymene(\)aol.com). SYMPOSIUM ANNOUCEMENT CETACEAN SYSTEMATICS: APPROACHES IN GENETICS, MORPHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR 28 April - 29 April 2004 Sponsored by Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), and U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, in association with the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC) and Scripps Institution of Oceanograph (SIO). Abstract The symposium will address the shortcomings in our understanding of species-level and subspecific variation in cetaceans in relation to their conservation and management. The goal is to develop recommendations for improving that understanding, with an emphasis on molecular approaches and modern techniques for communicating and facilitating progress in taxonomy and forensic applications. The two-day symposium will have 30 slots for presentations. Fifteen will be open and fifteen reserved for invited talks. The open slots will be filled from submitted abstracts selected after review by the Steering Committee or a designated review panel. There will be a poster session, open to submitted abstracts meeting minimum requirements. List of potential invited papers for the symposium 1. Species and subspecies concepts and criteria as applied to cetaceans. 2. Proposal for a web-based system of species identification and phylogeography. 3. Defining the components of a molecular taxonomy of the cetaceans. 4. How the holes in cetacean taxonomy are affecting conservation and management. 5. Review of the status of cetacean taxonomy at and below the species level. 6. Systematics of coastal tropical cetaceans. 7. Social behavioral characters in the systematics of cetaceans [Summary of workshop document). 8. Review of the systematics of the bottlenose dolphins. 9. Review of the systematics of killer whales. 10. Review of mammalian evolution and systematics, with primates as a case study. 11. ESUs in mammalian conservation. 12. ESUs in bird conservation. 13. Molecular systematics and conservation of the large cats. 14. Acoustic characters in cetacean systematics and management. Contact: sarah.mesnick(\)noaa.gov Website: http://cmbc.ucsd.edu/about/cetaceanconf.cfm Thank you, Tom ****************************************** Thomas Jefferson, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037-1508 USA Tel: 1 (858) 278-4240 FAX: 1 (858) 278-3473 Email: sclymene(\)aol.com http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRDTemp/ ****************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 19:19:59 -0500 From: kabernat(\)ngs.org Subject: Marine mammals on TV A note of possible interest to the marmam'ers out there. National Geographic's Remote Imaging Program is pleased to announce the launch of a new television series ("Crittercam") that will begin airing on the National Geographic Channel (US) this Saturday, Jan. 17th at 8pm ET/PT. This thirteen part series tells the stories of some of our collaborative research projects with scientists world-wide using Crittercam, National Geographic's animal-borne imaging and data-logging system. The series is hosted by long-term Remote Imaging collaborator Dr. Mike Heithaus. Each of these films chronicles a research mission to study the behavior and ecology of subject species. Seven of the thirteen episodes focus on marine mammals (humpback whales, leopard seals, blue whales, gray and harbor seals, pilot whales, Hawaiian monk seals and dugongs). The remaining six films chronicle our research collaborations on sharks (nurse sharks, hammerheads and bulls), turtles (leatherbacks and greens), emperor penguins and lions. These shows are fast-paced and fun half-hours that celebrate natural history, scientific passion and the use of cutting-edge technology in extraordinary field research projects. The first two episodes airing this Saturday the 17th are "Humpback whales" and "Lions" (the latter using our new "Terrestrial Crittercam" system). The series is also airing on National Geographic Channels International. Dates vary from country to country, and the series has begun airing in most places. In a broad outreach effort, with funding by the National Science Foundation, we are also launching a interactive web site that can be reached through the following link: www.nationalgeographic.com/crittercam Thank you and we hope you will enjoy these programs. Please contact us with any questions or comments. - Greg Greg Marshall Executive Producer/Director Remote Imaging Program National Geographic Society 1145 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20036 gmarshal(\)ngs.org Note: Any opinions expressed in the programs are solely those of the producers and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 14:54:12 +1300 From: Dorothea Heimeier Subject: RNA extraction and preservation Hi everyone, I am planning to extract blood from marine mammals with further RNA extraction. For that I would like to use the PAXgen Blood RNA Tubes and Kit. Has anybody experience with this kit and any comments on how good it works in the field. Other suggestions on different systems and/or RNA preservation welcome. Thanks so much in advance Doro please email me back at: d.heimeier(\)auckland.ac.nz Dorothea Heimeier Population Genetics and Evolution Group School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand d.heimeier(\)auckland.ac.nz ph: + 64 9 373 7599 entn: 84588 fax: + 64 9 373 7417 Dorothea Heimeier Population Genetics and Evolution Group School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand d.heimeier(\)auckland.ac.nz ph: + 64 9 373 7599 entn: 84588 fax: + 64 9 373 7417 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2004 21:08:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: SEAMAMMS 2004 - First Notice (fwd) The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution from Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28. This meeting, formerly known as the Atlantic Coastal Dolphin Conference, is a forum for biologists conducting research on all species of marine mammals in waters from New Jersey to Texas. This year's conference marks the twelfth year for this productive annual meeting. The scientific program will consist of oral presentations, a poster session and one or two workshops. Awards will be given for best student poster and best student oral presentation. There will be a mixer on Friday night, followed by posters and oral presentations all day Saturday and Sunday morning. A banquet will be held on Saturday night. All activities will take place on the Harbor Branch campus which is located in Ft. Pierce FL on Florida's central east coast . The Orlando airport to the north of Ft. Pierce, and the Palm Beach airport to the south of Ft. Pierce are both about 90 minutes away by car. Full information about all conference details will be posted in about two weeks on the SEAMAMMS 2004 website which is currently under construction. A subsequent announcement will be made on MarMam once the new SEAMAMM website is up and running. R.H. Defran rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution http://www.hboi.edu/marinemam/marinemam_home.html ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 07:30:56 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: SMM conference evaluation forms - please submit The conference committee for the recent 15th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, held in Greensboro, NC in December, would like to encourage individuals to complete and submit conference evaluation forms. The form is available on the conference website: http://smm2003biennial.marinemammalogy.org/frameset.html Submission of these forms is crucial to help future conference organizers continually improve the quality of the conference programs. Responses will be compiled and included in the first SMM newsletter of 2004. Responses received before 21 January will be included in that summary. For more information on the Society for Marine Mammalogy see http://www.marinemammalogy.org/ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 07:32:59 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Tag effects on dolphins - a response to Bill Rossiter's inquiry (fwd) I rarely weigh into the marmam dialog, but this subject was brought to my attention. I will just a say a few things that might be easier for me to say than others because I have NOT been involved first hand in dolphin tagging for more than a decade. Some of the concerns from before that period are "ancient history" to the extent that no one would consider using those very antiquated techniques. I was among the first to advocate the use of larger inert plastic (surgical quality delrin) pins of sufficient number and diameter to offset the drag produced by a tag. Plastic also does not produce galvanic irritation to tissue. This method was first used on a rehabilitated pilot whale tracked by satellite for 95 days (Mate, 1989). It provided a reliable means of setting a "break-away" pressure to assure the release of the tag if it got hung up on a net or the animal was motivated to rub it hard on the bottom. Thin metal wires previously used for tag attachments on dolphins were blunt "cheese cutters" in my opinion. The plastic pin and saddle technique of tagging was included with other methods in Scott et al. (1990), which also summarized follow-up sightings and evaluation studies for many species as of that date. The first use on a smaller dolphin species was a bottlenose in Tampa in 1990 (Mate et al 1995), where the Argos tag only lasted for 25 days, but long enough to provide the first evidence of diel dive patterns in the species. Four months after the tag stopped sending data, the dolphin was photographed (see Figure 3, page 457 in volume 11 of MMS) with no evidence of necrosis or disfigurement. There was only light discoloration where three of the five pins had been attached. It was seen 36 times in the next two years and further re-pigmentation of the minor scarring on the dorsal fin made it difficult to detect these marks. The first two paragraphs of the discussion were appropriately devoted to "effects of tagging". Within a few years, Mate and Worthy tracked a rehabilitated bottlenose dolphin with a cigar-sized tag for 9 months. Those were the "old days" and tags were much larger than they are today (see Read and Westgate's work on harbor porpoise). I think attempts to smear the reputation of all tagging based on some of the very old techniques would be a real disservice both to the progress which has been made since then and the people working hard to reduce the potential effects of tags, while still trying to acquire much needed data for the conservation of many species. Like any technique, there can be those who do it well and those who do not. Especially with endangered species, the use of tags should ideally provide a good benefit/cost ratio (high conservation value with low risk of significant adverse impact). The tags I described above were the size of a flashlight. Now tags are much smaller (the size of your index finger), last longer and are more reliable for almost all species applications, but the evolution of the technology will continue to improve. I have not been keeping track of the present discussion on Marmam and I am away from a primary source of literature as I write this, so excuse me if I may be a bit "out-of-order". Should we wait for the technology to get better before we move ahead with tagging? First, it depends whether or not tagging fits well with the study's goals. Then, the answer depends upon the sense of urgency (conservation need) and the risks (to the animals) of waiting as well as moving forward. The important thing is that each experiment build upon the available experience and latest information so that it is done well and folks do not make basic mistakes. That is why going to the literature, attending appropriate meetings, having discussions with experienced people, and participating in similar operations is so important. Totally inexperienced people need to proceed with extreme caution and probably ought not to be tagging endangered species. In many countries, including the U.S., permit programs are put in place so peers can review the qualifications, experimental goals and protocols of proposed work before it moves forward. It is not a perfect system, but it should prevent poorly developed ideas from causing problems, while allowing promising new or improved methods to move ahead. I have attended the "ethics" discussions at every major meeting I have attended. I encourage everyone who tags or is contemplating tagging to do so. Find out what other peoples' standards are. Different people, countries and cultures have different ethical standards (and laws). I have yet to meet anyone whose motives were to intentionally cause problems. Most have a sincere interest in solving important conservation issues. The message here is to work on the issues, share your values, and consider what alternatives there may be to resolving ecological problems. Tagging is one of the tools in today's toolbox that can work well in some situations, but it may not be well suited for others. Bruce Mate _________________________ Bruce Mate, Ph.D. Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport OR 97365 bruce.mate(\)oregonstate.edu www.marinemammalprogram.org ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 13:55:56 -0000 Reply-To: "Colin D. MacLeod" From: "Colin D. MacLeod" Subject: Photograph of Sowerby's beaked whale required I require a good quality photograph of a Sowerby's beaked whale for use in a mammalian species special issue on this species to be published by the American Society of Mammalogy. The photograph needs to be a lateral view of the whole body and can either be of a stranded animal (in fresh condition) or a living animal. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has such a picture and would be willing to allow it to be included in this publication. All the best, Colin ====================================================================== Colin D. MacLeod, B.Sc., M.Sc. Beaked Whale Research Project Lower Right, 59 Jute Street, Aberdeen, AB24 3EX U.K. Tel: 01224 634276 Email: Macleod_c(\)colloquium.co.uk ========================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 14:28:41 -0500 From: "Edward O. Keith" Subject: Visa Problems at Recent Biennial Hello, The U.S. Department of State has contacted me requesting information about non-US scientists who may have applied for visas to attend the recent SMM Biennial in Greensboro, NC. I am aware of many scientists who were successful in getting their visas because I sent many faxes and email messages in support of their requests. However, I may not be aware of others who were either successful or not. Thus, I am asking non-US scientists to respond to this email, using my email address (edwardok(\)nsu.nova.edu), and to relate their experiences getting visas to attend this particular meeting. I will collate these data, removing any identifying information, and report them both to the U.S. Department of State and to this list. I would like to thank everyone on the list who attended the recent biennial for their attendance and for the quality of their presentations and participation. Ed Keith, Conference Chair -- Edward O. Keith, Ph.D., Associate Professor Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 N. Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 Voice: 954-262-8322 Fax: 954-262-3931 Cellular: 305-720-8935 Email: edwardok(\)nsu.nova.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 06:55:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Whale Research Internship (fwd) From: Stephanie Olsen Summer Internship Annoucement: SEACR - Society for Ecological and Coastal Research, a non-profit organization currently has spaces available for summer internships starting May 2004. The spots are filling fast, but there are still spaces left. SEACR works in conjunction with scientists and researchers from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, studying Gray Whale Ecology. The research site is located in Clayoquot Sound, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interns will have the opportunity to assist on a variety of ecological and coastal marine research projects. Current projects include gray whale foraging, habitat use and biomass studies with the use of sonar. For complete details of the research projects, field living conditions, and application form please visit our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/wrlmp.html Please send any other inquiries to the UVIC Whale Research Lab at: whalelab(\)office.geog.uvic.ca ***************************************************** 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 Stephanie Olsen MSc Candidate Whale Research Lab University of Victoria ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 06:57:53 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: marine mammal seminar in Cambria (fwd) From: Morgan Coffey Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, CA is now accepting registrations for a unique weekend Marine Mammal Seminar. Internationally known elephant seal researcher and author Dr. Burney J LeBoeuf, will be our featured scientist. Join him for observations of enormous male elephant seals fighting each other and mating with females. Female elephant seals are also giving birth at this time of the year. Biologist Michele Roest of Monterey Bay Marine National Sanctuary, will lead our group in observing other marine mammals such as sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and gray whales. Lectures and written materials will be provided in the evening. Cosponsored by Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Friends of the Elephant Seals. Dates: Feb 6-8, 2004 (Fri. 5:30 p.m. to Sun. 11:30 a.m.) Cost: $180 paid before Jan 25. Number of participants is limited. $200 paid by Feb. 3 2004. Includes 5 meals and two nights lodging at Camp Ocean Pines. Registration & Questions: Call Mark Meibeyer (m_meibeyer (\)charter.net), Education Consultant at Camp Ocean Pines (805) 927-0254, or visit web site at www.campoceanpines.org. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 09:51:07 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) The following is a list of recent publications. Please do not contact the marmam editors for reprints. Thank you. -------------------------------- Influence of trawling on the behaviour and spatial distribution of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Moreton Bay, Australia B. Louise Chilvers, Peter J. Corkeron, and Marji L. Puotinen Canadian Journal of Zoology 81(12): 1947-1955 (2003) Abstract: Sympatric communities of inshore Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphi= ns (Tursiops aduncus) have previously been identified within Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland, Australia. The two communities overlap in distribution, yet are almost completely socially segregated and forage in distinctly different ways. The correlation between this social segregatio= n, the different foraging strategies, and a human activity (trawling) has previously been demonstrated. This paper investigates the possible effect= s of trawling on the behaviour and spatial distribution of these two communities. A geographical information system is used to determine the spatial use of each community. The behavioural budgets of both communitie= s showed significantly higher levels of foraging behaviours than reported f= or most other bottlenose dolphin communities. The spatial use of both communities changed seasonally. These results provide further detail on h= ow human activities may indirectly influence the behaviour and spatial use o= f free-ranging marine wildlife. *************************************************************************= *** ******* Mitochondrial DNA variation among Eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on winter breeding grounds in Baja California David S. Goerlitz, Jorge Urb=E1n, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, Michael Belson, a= nd Catherine M. Schaeff Canadian Journal of Zoology 81(12): 1965-1972 (2003) Abstract: In this study, we used genetic data to investigate the role of female-directed philopatry in winter habitat use patterns among female eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in calving year= s. Analysis of 306 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA control region for 83 animals sampled from two geographically discrete winter breeding and calv= ing lagoons revealed 28 haplotypes (nucleotide diversity (p) =3D 0.02, haplot= ype diversity (h) =3D 0.95). Significant differences in haplotype (FST) and nucleotide (FST) frequencies were detected between Laguna San Ignacio cow= s (n =3D 42) and a random sample of non-lagoon females (n =3D 25; FST =3D 0= .064, p < 0.01; FST =3D 0.041, p =3D 0.043) and between cows and single females (n = =3D 11; FST =3D 0.027, p =3D 0.044; FST =3D 0.088, p =3D 0.034) in Laguna San Ign= acio. Significant differences in haplotype, but not nucleotide, frequencies wer= e also detected between cows in Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's Lagoon) and non-lagoon females (n =3D 10; FST =3D 0.074, p < 0.01) and between single females (n =3D 11) or adult males (n =3D 13) in Laguna San Ignacio and th= eir non-lagoon counterparts (nfemales =3D 25, FST =3D 0.07, p < 0.01; nmales = =3D 28, FST =3D 0.08, p < 0.01). These data suggest that all animals exhibit some level of site fidelity to their natal lagoons as adults, and that the eastern North Pacific gray whale population may be substructured on the population's wintering grounds. *************************************************************************= *** ** Ankylosis patterns in the postcranial skeleton and hyoid bones of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic and North Sea Anders Galatius and Carl Christian Kinze Canadian Journal of Zoology 81(11): 1851-1861 (2003) Abstract: The onset and timing of epiphyseal ankylosis in the vertebral column and flippers and ankylosis of the hyoid and sternal bones were studied in 350 skeletons of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) originating from the Baltic and North Sea and held in the collections of = the Zoological Museum (University of Copenhagen), the Museum of Natural Histo= ry (Gothenburg), the National Museum of Natural History (Stockholm), and the German Oceanographic Museum (Stralsund). Epiphyseal ankylosis in the vertebral column started in the anterior cervical region and then initiat= ed around the 23rd to 26th caudal vertebrae from where it proceeded in both directions. The progression of vertebral epiphyseal ankylosis eventually terminated in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Epiphyseal ankylosis in th= e flippers began at the distal end of the humerus and the proximal ends of = the radius and ulna. The timing of ankylosis in the flippers was more consist= ent across the specimens than the timing of vertebral ankylosis. Males and females had similar timing of ankylosis in the vertebral column and the flippers. Complete fusion of the hyoid and sternal bones occurred within = the first year of life in most specimens. The early development of the hyoid apparatus may be linked to use of suction in feeding. *************************************************************************= *** *** Captive-born bottlenose dolphin =D7 common dolphin (Tursiops truncatus =D7 Delphinus capensis) intergeneric hybrids Heather R. Zornetzer and Deborah A. Duffield Canadian Journal of Zoology 81(10): 1755-1762 (2003) Abstract: Four bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) =D7 long-beaked co= mmon dolphin (Delphinus capensis) F1 hybrids were born at SeaWorld California between August 1992 and March 1993 to four different bottlenose dolphin dams. Based on coloration patterns of the neonates at the time of birth, = as well as time of conception and blood protein electrophoretic analysis, th= e sire was determined to be a long-beaked common dolphin that was housed wi= th the dams. Two of the F1 hybrids, a male and a female, are alive today and the female gave birth to a live-born backcross (B1) calf sired by a T. truncatus in October 2000. Morphometric and color pattern descriptions ar= e presented here for the two living captive-born F1 hybrids, as well as for the B1 neonate. We have highlighted characteristics that might be indicat= ive of T. truncatus =D7 D. capensis hybridization, including intermediacy bet= ween the parents for tooth counts, color and striping patterns, and certain bo= dy proportions of the F1 hybrids. The overall size and appearance of the B1 calf were similar to those of a T. truncatus neonate. This note confirms fertility of these intergeneric hybrids. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 09:06:06 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position: Harbour Seal Rehabilitator (fwd) SENIOR HARBOUR SEAL REHABILITATOR Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre, located on Salt Spring Island off th= e=20 coast of BC, is a non-profit charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabili= tation=20 of indigenous wildlife, with an emphasis on Harbour Seal pups. We are se= eking=20 a candidate for the position of Senior Harbour Seal Rehabilitator. We are a very busy centre, with between 50 =E2=80=93 80 pups per season. = In=20 addition, we rescue another 600 avian and terrestrial species. Summer wo= rk hours are=20 long, the work is fast-paced and physically demanding. This position dem= ands=20 an organized, hard-working, physically fit individual who is dedicated to= the=20 welfare of seal pups. The position reports to the Director and is responsible for overseeing th= e=20 rehabilitation program for Harbour Seals. This includes facilitating and= =20 coordinating rescues; hands-on daily animal husbandry; leadership, traini= ng and=20 supervision of interns and volunteers; procuring and managing inventory o= f=20 supplies, equipment and medications; liaising with industry professionals= such as=20 veterinarians and the provincial pathologist; and keeping detailed accura= te=20 records. The successful candidate must have hands-on seal rehabilitation experienc= e at=20 a senior level; preference will be given to those with veterinary or adva= nced=20 vet tech skills. She/he must be experienced in examinations, diagnoses an= d=20 treatment plus have proven supervisory skills and excellent written and v= erbal=20 communications abilities. WE OFFER TWO EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS FOR THIS POSITION: Our primary requirement is full-time, seasonal (approximately June throug= h=20 December) working strictly on our Harbour Seal program. A full-time, year-round option is available for a candidate with manageme= nt=20 experience. Outside of seal season, this option would include assisting = with=20 the Centre=E2=80=99s management, and with rehabilitation of non-marine ma= mmals. Island Wildlife will facilitate required work permits should the successf= ul=20 applicant be non-Canadian. This position starts June 2004 Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience Please e-mail your CV & references to:=20 Jeff Lederman For more information regarding IWNCC see www.sealrescue.org Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1N3, Canada ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 10:54:28 -0500 Reply-To: tara(\)dolphins.org From: Tara Morris Subject: Employment Opportunity -- Education Instructor at Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, FL ------ Please post the following employment opportunity for MARMAM readers. Sincerely, Tara L. Morris Human Resources Dolphin Research Center tara(\)dolphins.org _________________________________________________________________________= ___ _____ Dolphin Reseach Center (DRC) currently has one full-time opening for an Education Instructor. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility located on Grassy Key, Florida and home to 16 Atlantic bottlenos= e dolphins and 2 California sea lions. More information about our facility = can be found at http://ww.dolphins.org. Requirements: The successful applicant will be a responsible, organized, motivated, self-directed individual who demonstrates excellent =93team pl= ayer=94 skills and possesses good presentation/public speaking ability. Capabili= ty and desire to work with a variety of people on a regular basis is a must.= A strong interest in environmental conservation is necessary. Applicants m= ust be available to work flexible hours and should have a clean driving recor= d. Computer experience is needed. A BS/BA in a related field is required an= d teaching experience is preferred. Experience in budgeting, as well as peo= ple and/or program management skills a plus. If selected for an interview, t= he candidate must demonstrate speaking skills by delivering a short presentation to managerial staff of DRC. Duties: Duties include, but are not limited to the following: (a) Teachin= g seminars and program workshops (b)Coordinating student activities (c) Conducting field trips (c) Conducting outreach programs (d) Monitoring do= ck time, swims, and dolphin feeding sessions (e) Assisting with program development and evaluation (f) Assisting in preparation of pre-class and post-class activities and paperwork (g) Assisting with classroom curricul= um development (h) Assisting with program management (i) Receiving and handl= ing or routing numerous telephone inquiries (j) Assisting with the processing= of information requests (k) Assisting with resource and equipment maintenanc= e (l) Directing the activities of volunteers assigned to the Education Department (m) Assisting with program schedules and monthly department schedules (n) Assisting with program budgeting (o) Participate on DRC conservation committee E-mail resume to: drc-hr(\)dolphins.org. Closing date for the position is 2/27/04. E.O.E. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 09:36:40 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position Announcements (fwd) From: Marine Animal Lifeline ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIANS The Marine Animal Lifeline, a non-profit marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center located in Portland, Maine, will be adding 2 new Animal Care Technician positions in the Animal Care Department. Both positions offer 32 hours per week of work. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and close when the positions are filled. Job duration: 12 months from time of hire with potential extension. Responsibilities: The Animal Care Technicians will assist in: providing day-to-day care of rehabilitating marine mammals; supervising and training animal care volunteers and interns; maintaining all animal care records including hard copy and computer files; assisting in animal necropsies; monitoring the rescue hotline and coordinating responses; assisting in maintaining the water filtration/life support systems, maintaining the cleanliness of the facility; monitoring inventory of all animal care related items; equipment maintenance; and facilities maintenance. Requirements: The positions require a 2-year minimum of hands-on marine mammal care or veterinary technical experience. Applicants must be able to work weekends, holidays, occasional nights, and be available for 24-hour on-call status to provide after-hours care if needed. Applicants should possess strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Positions require good physical endurance and strength. Working knowledge required in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience in marine mammal stranding response and species identification of pinnipeds and cetaceans. Application material: Brief cover letter CV or resume 2 letters of reference and contact info If qualified with the above requirements, send your application material to: Gregory A. Jakush, Marine Animal Lifeline, P.O. Box 621, Portland, ME 04104 or email to gjakush(\)stranding.org. The Marine Animal Lifeline is an Equal Opportunity Employer. www.stranding.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 14:15:04 -0500 From: Lori Marino Organization: Emory University Subject: genes for dolphin brain size? Dear Marmamers, Most of you are probably aware of the recent paper by Patrick Evans et al. in Human Molecular Genetics that showed adaptive evolution of a gene (ASPM) associated with changes in brain size in human evolution. Very exciting work. Given that several dolphin species show very high encephalization levels, my question is: Does anyone know if we know enough about any cetacean , e.g., Tursiops, genome to do a similar analysis? You can reach me at lmarino(\)emory.edu or (404) 727-7582. Looking forward to replies. Thanks, Lori -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Psychology Building Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-0372 THE LATEST!!! ****************************************************************** GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE TO SEE OUR ON-LINE DOLPHIN BRAIN ATLAS: http://www.msu.edu/user/brains/turs/ ****************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 18:01:09 +1300 From: Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto Subject: Finscan Software In-Reply-To: <20040116052912.A554433EA3(\)mailhost.auckland.ac.nz> ------ Hi everyone, As part as my PhD research I am testing the Finscan software for a catalo= gue=20 of almost 400 bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus) in New Zealand. I was=20 wondering if anyone else has been using the program for a population of=20 similar size. Your comments and suggestions on the software and it=92s us= es,=20 will be welcome.=20 Below is a list of related papers I have; if I have missed any, could peo= ple=20 please let me know. Thanks in advance Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto Articles that refer to Finscan programme: Araabi, B.N., Kehtarnavaz, N., McKinney, T., Hillman, G.R., and W=FCrsig,= B.=20 2000. A string matching computer-assisted system for dolphin photo- identification. Ann. Biomed. Eng. (Annals of biomedical engineering) 28: = 1269=96 1279. Hillman, G. R., B. W=FCrsig, G. A. Gailey, N. Kehtarnavaz, A. Drobyshevsk= y, B.=20 N. Araabi, H. D. Tagare and D. W. Weller (2003). Computer-assisted photo- identification of individual marine vertebrates: a multi-species system.=20 Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 117-123. The Finscan Project: Computer-Assisted Photo-Identification of Marine Spe= cies.=20 Gilbert R. Hillman, Bernd W=FCrsig, Nasser Kehtarnavaz, David Weller, Ven= kat=20 Pediggari, Glenn Gailey, and Hemant Tagare.Abstract Southeast and Mid-Atl= antic=20 Marine Mammal Symposium.(http://users.cnu.edu/~seamamms/abstracts.html#hi= llman) C. Andrea Ottensmeyer and Hal Whitehead. 2003. Behavioural evidence for s= ocial=20 units in longfinned pilot whales. Can. J. Zool. 81: 1327=961338.=20 (http://www.dal.ca/~whitelab/hw/Ottensmeyer_2003.pdf) It=92s not exclusiv= ely on=20 Finscan but it's a useful reference. Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto PhD Candidate Population Genetics & Evolution Lab School of Biological Sciences The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland New Zealand http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/gabriella.htm =B7=B4=AF`=B7.=B8=B8..><((((=BA>.=B7=B4=AF`=B7.=B8=B8.=B7=B4=AF`=B7.=B8><= ((((=BA>`=B7.=B8=B8.=B7=B4=AF`=B7.=B8><((((=BA>`=B7.=B8 ..=B8<=BA))))><`=B7.=B8=B8.=B7=B4=AF`=B7.=B8.<=BA))))><.=B8. , . .=B7=B4=AF= `=B7.. <=BA))))><=B8.=B7=B4=AF`=B7.=B8. ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 08:44:05 -0000 From: Federica Maggiani Subject: request informations about dolphin's taste Dear all, I have started a study on taste perception in dolphins. I would very much appreciate obtaining information (papers, references, etc.) about dissection of tongue and preservation techniques (such as the proper saline solution to use). In the book "Biology of Marine Mammals (J. E. Reynolds III and S. A. Rommel)" I found that Kuznetsov and colleagues (1990) have reported chemoreception for a number of substances. I'm especially interested in morphological and elettrophysiological aspects. Please contact me by e-mail: maggiani(\)unica.it Thank you for your advice, Federica Maggiani Department of Sperimental Biology-General Physiology University of Cagliari (Italy) Phone: + 39 0706754194 Fax: + 39 0706754181 E-mail: maggiani(\)unica.it ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 15:58:14 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: PhD studentship, UK citizens From: A R Hoelzel New PhD studentship at the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham for UK citizens: Male-mediated gene flow in the southern elephant seal and killer whale; consequences for the evolution of population structure. for further details see: http://www.dur.ac.uk/a.r.hoelzel/megwebpageStud04.htm A. Rus Hoelzel ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 16:01:20 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for photos -- Gervais' beaked whale and pygmy sperm whale (fwd) The International Marine Mammal Association (IMMA) is publishing a field guide to cetaceans entitled "Whales of Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States". IMMA is looking to purchase photographs of Gervais' beaked whales (Mesoplodon europaeus) and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) to include in the sections on those species. The most useful photos would be those of animals above the surface of the water, but understanding that these animals may not be photographed often, any live animal shots would be appreciated. If you have such photographs or know of people working in the field who might, please contact Jan Hannah at jhannah(\)ifaw.org . Thanks very much. Jan Hannah 1474 Gordon St Guelph, ON, Canada N1L 1C8 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2004 09:08:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ECS-Conference 2004, 1st REGISTRATION DEADLINE (fwd) >From rlick2059(\)aol.com * Apologies for cross-postings * Dear all, the 1st registration deadline for the next ECS Conference, taking place in Kolmarden/Sweden from 28th-31st of March 2004 will finish next week on 30 January. If you have confirmed a presentation, take advantage of the cheaper registration rate! All neccessary information and forms for registration can be found at the ECS web site: http://www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs If you have any problems to fax registration and/or membership forms to me, please send it as an attchment by e-mail or by ordinary post (postmarked before the deadline). For those of you who will not attend the conference but want to renew ECS membership or join the Society for the calendar year 2004 please fax or send me your membership form. Note that the membership and registration are separate (registration does not include membership) !! Looking forward to seeing you in Kolmarden. Best regards, Roland Lick (Treasurer) ______________________________________________________________________ Dr. Roland Lick Kaiserstr. 27 B D-24143 Kiel Germany Fax: +49 - 40 - 360 309 4854 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 10:00:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Seeking References on Marine Mammals in Micronesia (fwd) From: Gary Wiles Dear MARMAM readers, I am currently compiling a checklist of mammals for individual island groups and adjoining waters of Micronesia and am hoping that MARMAM readers may be able to help by advising me of published references documenting the occurrence of marine mammals in the region. The checklis= t covers the overall area from approximately 1-23 degrees N and 131-178 degrees E, which includes the Mariana Islands, Caroline Islands (includin= g Palau), Marshall Islands, and Wake Atoll. Marine mammals represent a significant portion of the region=92s mammal fauna, but are a topic in wh= ich I have only limited personal experience. I have already put together a tentative species list for the region, based primarily on the baseline reports of Eldredge (1991) and Reeves et al. (1999). However, these reports overlooked a number of published records that I have subsequently located. Below is a list of marine mammal references that I am currently using for the checklist. I would be interested in hearing of any other publications that you know of concerning marine mammal records in this region. I am trying to rely as much as possible on published references, but would be interested in hearing about any gray literature reports or other documents that you might know of. =20 Current List of References Donaldson, T. J. 1983. Further investigations of the whales Peponocephala electra and Globicephala macrorhynchus. Micronesica 19: 173-181. Eldredge, L. G. 1991. Annotated checklist of the marine mammals of Micronesia. Micronesica 24: 217-230. Eldredge, L. G. 2003. The marine reptiles and mammals of Guam. Micronesic= a 35-36: 653-660. Flannery, T. 1995. Mammals of the South-West Pacific & Moluccan Islands. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. Gilpatrick, J. W., Jr., W. F. Perrin, S. Leatherwood, & L. Shiroma. 1987. Summary of distribution records of the Spinner Dolphin, Stenella longirostris, and the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin, S. attenuata, from the western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. NOAA Technical Memorandu= m NMFS-SWFC-89, U.S. Department of Commerce, San Diego, California. Horwood, J. 1987. The Sei Whale: Population Biology, Ecology and Management. Croom Helm, London. Johnson, D. H. 1962. Rodents and other Micronesian mammals collected. In T. I. Storer (ed), Pacific Island Rat Ecology: Report of a Study Made on Ponape and Adjacent Islands, 1955-1958, pp. 21-38. B.P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 225, Honolulu, Hawaii. Kami, H. T. & A. J. Hosmer. 1982. Recent beaching of whales at Guam. Micronesica 18: 133-135. Kami, H. T. & R. J. Lujan. 1976. Records of the dwarf sperm whale Kogia simus from Guam. Micronesica 12: 327-332. Kellogg, R. 1928. What is known of the migration of some of the whale bon= e whales. Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 1928: 467-494. Kishiro, T. 1996. Movements of marked Bryde's Whales in the western North Pacific. Report of the International Whaling Commission 46: 421-428. Masaki, Y. 1972. Tagging investigations of whales in the seas near the Ogasawara and Mariana Islands. Geiken Tsushin 249: 35-42. (In Japanese). Masaki, Y. 1979. Fiscal 1978 winter whale sighting and marking survey in the low latitude areas of the North Pacific Ocean. Geiken Tsushin 324: 15-24. (In Japanese). Miyashita, T., H. Kato, & T. Kasuya. 1995. Worldwide Map of Cetacean Distribution Based on Japanese Sighting Data (Volume 1). National Researc= h Institute of Far Seas Fisheries, Shimizu, Shizuoka, Japan. Miyashita, T., T. Kishiro, N. Higashi, F. Sato, K. Mori, & H. Kato. 1996. Winter distribution of cetaceans in the western North Pacific inferred from sighting cruises 1993-1995. Report of the International Whaling Commission 46: 437-441. Miyazaki, N. & S. Wada. 1978. Observations of Cetacea during whale markin= g cruise in the western tropical Pacific, 1976. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute 30: 179-195. Northrop, J., W. C. Cummings, & P. O. Thompson. 1968. 20-Hz signals observed in the central Pacific. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 43: 383-384. Ohizumi, H., T. Matsuishi, & H. Kishino. 2002. Winter sightings of Humpback and Bryde's Whales in tropical waters of the western and central North Pacific. Aquatic Mammals 28: 73-77. Owen, R. P. 1977. Terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the Palau Islands. Office of the Chief Conservationist, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Koror, Palau. Reeves, R. R., S. Leatherwood, G. S. Stone, & L. G. Eldredge. 1999. Marin= e mammals in the area served by the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP). South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme, Apia, Samoa. Stafford, K. M., S. L. Nieukirk, & C. G. Fox. 2001. Geographic and seasonal variation of Blue Whale calls in the North Pacific. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 3: 65-76. Stinson, D. W. 1994. Birds and mammals recorded from the Mariana Islands. In A. Asakura & T. Furuki (eds), Biological Expedition to the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, pp. 333-344. Natural History Research, Special Issue No. 1, Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba, Japan. Townsend, C. H. 1935. The distribution of certain whales as shown by logbook records of American whaleships. Zoologica (Scientific Contributions of the New York Zoological Society) 19: 1-50. Trianni, M. S. & C. C. Kessler. 2002. Incidence and strandings of the Spinner Dolphin, Stenella longirostris, in Saipan Lagoon. Micronesica 34: 249-260. Visser, I. N. & F. J. Bonoccorso. 2003. New observations and a review of Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) sightings in Papua New Guinea waters. Aquatic Mammals 29: 150-172. Wada, S. 1981. Japanese whaling and whale sighting in the North Pacific 1979 season. Report of the International Whaling Commission 31: 783-790. Wilson, C. E., W. F. Perrin, J. W. Gilpatrick, Jr., & S. Leatherwood. 1987. Summary of worldwide locality records of the Striped Dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFC-90, U.S. Department of Commerce, San Diego, California. Thanks very much for any assistance that you can provide! Gary J. Wiles Olympia, Washington, USA wilesharkey(\)yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 22:20:46 +0100 From: "J.W. Broekema" Subject: New workshop announcements for the ECS Conference 2004 New workshop announcements in connection with the 2004 annual conference of the European Cetacean Society have been uploaded to the web site www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs. You will find information on content, time, place, organiser and subscriptions. Kind regards, European Cetacean Society Jan Willem Broekema mailto:ecs-all-request(\)jiscmail.ac.uk Member of Council, e-communications ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004 18:55:54 +0000 From: fernando ugarte Subject: Volunteering opportunities in Wales ------ Volunteering opportunities with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre i= n=20 Wales The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, a non-profit organisation based = in=20 New Quay, west Wales, is recruiting volunteers to assist with the ongoing= =20 research and education programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardi= gan=20 Bay. Volunteers are needed from mid March until mid October 2004, with a=20 minimum commitment of 4 weeks. Preference will be given to those who can=20 stay for longer periods of time. The CBMWC, founded in 1996, is dedicated to raising public awareness and=20 understanding of the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. The centre focuses = its=20 research on the marine mammals in the area, with its primary aim being to= =20 ensure the long term well being of these animals and the local marine=20 environment. Recent funding has enabled the CBMWC to undertake a long-ter= m=20 study into the bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise populations within= =20 the bays candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). The purpose of ou= r=20 research is to estimate the abundance and distribution of the bottlenose=20 dolphin population, and to identify the density and habitat use of harbou= r=20 porpoises in the area. To do this we are conducting line-transect surveys= =20 and utilising photo-identification techniques to identify individual=20 dolphins within the population. We are further working to educate people=20 about the bay=92s marine wildlife, and to provide interpretational materi= al on=20 the species and habitats that can be found here. Volunteers are required to: Land-based work: - Assist with the day-to-day operation of the visitor centre, including=20 staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings, answering enquiries, talki= ng=20 to visitors about the marine wildlife in the area, and helping to develop= =20 the facilities at the wildlife centre. - Conduct land based surveys, including recording sightings information,=20 speaking to the public about the species found here and the work that is=20 being conducted, updating sightings boards and data entry. - Assist with education and interpretation work when required (preparing=20 materials, helping out with activities, assisting with public talks) - Data entry for boat based sightings work - Assist with photo-identification work - Assist with any other research being conducted Boat-based work: - Help crew the boat - Be a marine mammal =93lookout=94 - Record sightings and effort data - Educate passengers about the marine wildlife found in the area Important skills/qualifications: - Fluency in English is essential - A background in marine biology/environmental science etc is desirable - A background in environmental education and experience working with=20 children is desirable to assist with the education programme - A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans would be an advant= age - Prior experience in boat based survey work would be useful - Excellent verbal and written communication - Experience working with the public - Public speaking and IT skills would be useful - A willingness to work in a conscientious and reliable manner - Enthusiastic and hard working A caravan is provided for volunteers at a cost of =A345 per person per we= ek,=20 based on 4 sharing. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel expen= ses=20 and food. Application procedure: Please send a CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and=20 specifying when in the season you are available and for what length of ti= me)=20 to: Helen Bates / Fernando Ugarte, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Paten= t=20 Slip Buildings, Glanmor Terrace, New Quay, Ceredigion, SA45 9PS; or email= =20 to: cbmwc(\)tiscali.co.uk Best regards, Helen and Fernando Publications list (MARMAM requisite). The centre has not produced any=20 publication since the arrival of the current staff (May 2003), but the=20 following posters will be presented at the next ECS conference: Lastra, P. and Ugarte, F. Photo identification of bottlenose dolphins in = the=20 Cardigan Bay candidate Special Area for Conservation. Ugarte, F., Lastra, P., Evans, P.G.H., Hartley, S. and Laing, S. Present = and=20 future abundance estimation of marine mammals in the Cardigan Bay candida= te=20 Special Area for Conservation (cSAC) from line transect surveys using a=20 small boat _________________________________________________________________ Last ned nye MSN Messenger 6.1 gratis http://www.msn.no/computing/messeng= er=20 - Den korteste veien mellom deg og dine venner ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 12:21:49 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publication on contaminant concentrations in US Atlantic coast (fwd) New publication: LJ Hansen, LH Schwacke, GB Mitchum, AA Hohn, RS Wells, ES Zolman and PA Fair 2004. Geographic Variation in Polychorinated Biphenyl and Organochlorine Pesticide Concentrations in the Blubber of Bottlenose Dolphins from the U.S. Atlantic Coast, Science of the Total Environment 319: 147-172. Abstract: Concentrations of polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other organochlorine contaminants (OCs) were measured in blubber collected from live bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at three sites along the United States Atlantic coast. Dolphins were sampled via surgical biopsy during capture=96release studies near Charleston, South Carolina and Beaufort, North Carolina. Additional animals were sampled using remote biopsy techniques in estuarine waters near Charleston and from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Overall concentrations of major contaminant groups were found to vary between sites and mean concentrations of most OCs from male dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon were less than half of those measured from Charleston and Beaufort males. Geometric mean total PCB concentrations were 30, 27 and 14 ug/g lipid for male dolphins sampled in Beaufort, Charleston and the Indian River Lagoon, respectively. Significant variation related to sex- and age-class, as well as geographic sampling location, was seen in the PCB congener profiles. The measured PCB concentrations, although lower than those reported for stranded animals from the 1987/1988 epizootic along the United States mid-Atlantic coast,are sufficiently high to warrant concern for the health of dolphins from the sampled populations, particularly the animals near Charleston and Beaufort. Available online through ScienceDirect or send reprint request to Lori.Schwacke(\)noaa.gov Lori Schwacke Lori.Schwacke(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 11:19:52 +0900 From: masao amano Subject: Articles in Mammal Study Mammal Study is the publication of the Mammalogical Society of Japan. The last two volumes of Mammal Study include following articles on marine mammals. Abstracts and PDF reprints can be obtained at J-Stage web site, http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/mammalstudy. Trukhin, A. M. and Mizuno, A. W. Distribution and abundance of the largha seal (Phoca largha Pall.) on the coast of Primorye Region (Russia): a literature review and survey report. Mammal Study 27(1): 1-14. 2002. Mizuno, A. W. Assessment of seasonal abundance of the spotted seal (Phoca largha) from incidental takes in fishing nets along the Notsuke Peninsula, Hokkaido. Mammal Study 27(2): 135-136. 2002. Aketa, K., Asano, S., Wakai, Y. and Kawamura, A. Apparent digestibility of eelgrass Zostera marina by captive dugongs Dugong dugon in relation to the nutritional content of eelgrass and dugong feeding parameters. Mammal Study 28(1): 23-30. 2003. Nishida, S., Pastene, L. A., Goto, M. and Koike, H. SRY gene structure and phylogeny in the cetacean species. Mammal Study 28(1): 57-66. 2003. Hayashi, K., Nishida, S., Yoshida, H., Goto, M., Pastene, L. A. and Koike, H. Sequence variation of the DQB allele in the cetacean MHC. Mammal Study 28(2): 89-96. 2003. Yonezaki, S., Kiyota, M., Baba, N., Koido, T. and Takemura, A. Size distribution of the hard remains of prey in the digestive tract of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) and related biases in diet estimation by scat analysis. Mammal Study 28(2): 97-102. 2003. Amano, M., Nakahara, F., Hayano, A. and Shirakihara, K. Abundance estimate of finless porpoises off the Pacific coast of eastern Japan based on aerial survey. Mammal Study 28(2): 103-110. 2003. Best regards, Masao Amano Editorial Board of Mammal Study ******************************************* Masao Amano International Coastal Research Center Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo Otsuchi, Iwate 028-1102, Japan tel:+81-193-42-5611, fax:+81-193-42-3715 mailto:amano(\)wakame.ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp ******************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 05:49:30 -0500 Reply-To: rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu From: "R.H. Defran" Subject: SEAMAMMS 2004 Web Site boundary="----=_NextPart_000_000D_01C3E6F4.D459CED0" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_000D_01C3E6F4.D459CED0 charset="iso-8859-1" X-MIME-Autoconverted: from 8bit to quoted-printable by castle.comp.uvic.ca id i0UAkeWN5935212 Second Notice: The SEAMAMMS 2004 web site is now up and running. This web site contains information about: Conference Schedule & Details, Travel & Lodging, Place= s of Interest, the Registration Form, and Abstract Submission. The web site address is: http://www.hboi.edu/marinemam/seamamms.html First Notice: The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution from Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28. This meeting, formerly known as the Atlantic Coastal Dolphin Conference, is a forum for biologists conducting research on all species = of marine mammals in waters from New Jersey to Texas. This year's conference marks the twelfth year for this productive annual meeting. The scientific program will consist of oral presentations, a poster session and one or t= wo workshops. Awards will be given for best student poster and best student oral presentation. There will be a mixer on Friday night, followed by posters and oral presentations all day Saturday and Sunday morning. A banquet will be held on Saturday night. All activities will take place o= n the Harbor Branch campus which is located in Ft. Pierce FL on Florida=92s central east coast . The Orlando airport to the north of Ft. Pierce, and = the Palm Beach airport to the south of Ft. Pierce are both about 90 minutes a= way by car. R.H. Defran rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu ------=_NextPart_000_000D_01C3E6F4.D459CED0 charset="iso-8859-1"
Second Notice:
The SEAMAMMS 2004 web site is = now up and=20 running. This web site contains information about: Conference Schedule = &=20 Details, Travel & Lodging, Places of Interest, the Registration = Form, and=20 Abstract Submission.
 
The web site address=20 is:
http://www.hboi.edu/marinemam/seamamms.html
 

First = Notice:
The Southeast=20 and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Harbor Branch=20 Oceanographic Institution from Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28. This meeting, = formerly known=20 as the Atlantic Coastal Dolphin Conference, is a forum for biologists = conducting=20 research on all species of = marine mammals=20 in waters from New Jersey to Texas. This year's conference marks the = twelfth=20 year for this productive annual = meeting.=20 The scientific program will consist of=20 oral presentations, a poster session and one or two = workshops. =20 Awards will be given for best = student=20 poster and best student oral presentation. There will be a mixer on = Friday=20 night, followed by posters and oral presentations all day Saturday and Sunday morning. A = banquet will be=20 held on Saturday night.  All activities will take place on the = Harbor=20 Branch campus which is located = in Ft.=20 Pierce FL on Florida=92s central east coast . The Orlando airport to the = north of=20 Ft. Pierce, and the Palm Beach airport to the south of Ft. Pierce are both about 90 = minutes away by=20 car. 
 
R.H. Defran
rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu
<= /HTML> ------=_NextPart_000_000D_01C3E6F4.D459CED0-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 09:14:29 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Scholarships at Adriatic Dolphin Project, Croatia (fwd) The following message is being forwarded from: Drasko Holcer, Drasko.Holc= er(\)blue-world.org. =20 Scholarships at Adriatic Dolphin Project, Croatia Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, in association=20 with MOL Plc., are offering two funded places for student thesis for the=20 summer research season of 2004 at the Adriatic Dolphin Project on the=20 island of Lo=B9inj, Croatia. Students from Croatia, Czech, Hungaria,=20 Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia should be studying biology,=20 geography, natural sciences or a related subject and be in their thesis=20 year. Topics available are in the following core subject areas: Anthropogenic Noise Photo identification Homerange Analysis Focal Animal Behaviour Starting and ending dates are flexible, but field work should be no=20 longer than 3 months Other responsibilities will include assisting in the day to day running=20 of the Adriatic Dolphin Project and the Lo=B9inj Marine Education Centre.= =20 These positions are open until filled. All positions are unpaid. Housing, equipment, pocket money and=20 transportation will be provided by the MOL Plc. Studentships in=20 cooperation with Blue World Institute for Marine Research and Conservatio= n. Complete information on the application process, topics and=20 qualifications can be found on the following web address=20 http://dolphin.mol.hu Best regards, Drasko Holcer --=20 Plavi svijet - Blue World / Adriatic Dolphin Project Zad Bone 11, HR-51551 Veli Losinj, Croatia tel +385 51 236406 fax +385 51 520275 Internet: www.blue-world.org e-mail Drasko.Holcer(\)blue-world.org SMS: drasko(\)vip.hr ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 14:33:40 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Whale Research Internship (fwd) The following message has been forwarded from: Cara Pekarcik. She can be reached at: cara(\)whalecenter.org. ----------------------------------------------- Internship Announcement The Whale Center of New England is a non-profit research organization involved in the study of behavior, ecology and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off Massachusetts. Primary concentration is on an individually identified population of several hundred humpback whales that spend portions of the spring, summer and fall in these waters. Since 1982, interns have been responsible for collecting, organizing, transcribing and analyzing data dealing with the behavior and identification of North Atlantic cetaceans. We are currently looking to fill openings for the summer (May 23 =96 August 21) and fall (August 15 =96 December 18) of 2004 and the spring (January 23 =96 May 28) of 2005. The internship will involve extensive photo and computer work (training provided), plus field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our dedicated research vessel Silver II. Additional opportunities may include attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), North Atlantic right whale surveys, marine mammal stranding response, seal surveys, independent research projects and attendance at conferences and meetings dealing with conservation and management. Participation in any of these areas (additional projects may also be added) is determined by time of year and availability. =20 A fee of $1000 for the period will be charge and in return interns will receive housing and a weekly food stipend. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Therefore, it is essential that candidates can combine these two areas. College credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England 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, zoology, or related field *Some knowledge of research methods and design *An ability to work, live and communicate well with others *Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days in the field or lab (sometimes 12 hours or more) In order to formally apply for an internship, please send us a curriculum vitae or resume, a cover letter detailing your reason for applying and your session preference, one letter of reference and a current transcript (a paper application is not necessary). An in-person interview is preferred, necessitation travel to Gloucester, MA, USA. Interviews will take place March 13th-14th and March 20th-21st. Please note: Internships are open to college students that have completed their freshman year and all recent graduates. International students are welcome to apply. The application deadline is March 1, 2004. Application materials should be sent to: Cara Pekarcik, Intern Coordinator The Whale Center of New England P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930-0159 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) cara(\)whalecenter.org Please visit our website at www.whalecenter.org for additional details. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider. http://www.nni.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 13:33:42 -0600 Reply-To: dfertl(\)geo-marine.com From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Hyperpigmented (melanistic) cetaceans Ingrid Visser Dear Readers, We are compiling a review of anomalously hyper-pigmented cetaceans (i.e., those which are melanistic =96 predominantly or completely black). Might = you have any unpublished records, or know of published information regarding such animals? Currently we have records from five species: humpback whale, southern rig= ht whale dolphin, common dolphin, killer whale, and Dall=92s porpoise Records from published accounts include: =96 Lissodelphis peronii Jefferson, T. A., Newcomer, M. W., Leatherwood, S., & van Waerebeek, K. (1994). Right whale dolphins Lissodelphis borealis (Peale, 1848) and Lissodelphis peronii (Lacepede, 1804). Handbook of Marine Mammals, S. H. Ridgway and R. Harrison, (eds.), Academic Press, London, 335-362. Baker, A. (1981). The Southern right whale dolphin Lissodelphis peronii (Lac=E9p=E8de) in Australasian waters. National museum of New Zealand. 2= , 17-34. - Orcinus orca Scammon, C. M. (1874). The marine mammals of the Northwestern coast of No= rth America, together with an account of the American whale-fishery. G P Putnam's Sons, New York. Scheffer, V. B., & Slipp, J. W. (1948). The whales and dolphins of Washington state and a key to the cetaceans of the west coast of North America. American Midland Naturalist. 39, 257-337. - Phocoenoides dalli Nishiwaki, M. (1966). A discussion of rarities among the smaller cetacean= s caught in Japanese waters. Whales, Porpoises and Dolphins, K. S. Norris, (ed.), University of California Press, Berkely, Los Angeles, 192-204. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your assistance with this. Please direct correspondence to Dagmar Fertl (dfertl(\)geo-marine.com) as Ingrid Visser and Todd Pusser (the lucky dogs) are in the field right now. Thanks! ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2004 18:46:56 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: A rare beaching of a Mediterranean Monk Seal on the Israeli coast (fwd) From: "Dani Kerem" Dear MARMAMers, On Tuesday, the 27th of January 2004, at 16:34 pm, IMMRAC received information concerning a body of a dead seal on the "Dolphinarium" beach in Tel Aviv. IMMRAC volunteers recovered the partly buried body and brought it to the Maritime School in Mikhmoret for inspection and a collaborated PM surgery with the Israel Nature and Parks Protection Authority. The body was recognized as that of a seal, most likely a female, but was already in an advanced state of decomposition and disintegration. The caudal remains were no more than the skin of the belly, to which were attached the tail and remnants of the hind flippers. By a process of elimination, we believe that the body is that of a Mediterranean Monk seal (Monachus monachus), although the lack of the nose, vibrissae, front of the upper jaw and ilea, as well as a worn out, faded and pealing fur, have prevented us from making a definite identification (any help with distinguishing skull features is welcome). As best we could judge, the body length (tip of snout to tip of tail) was ca. 120 cm, which if indeed a monk seal, would make the individual a few months old pup. On the one hand, this finding is exciting, considering that the last time a monk seal pup was observed in this area was in the mid 30's. On the other hand, it is obvious that there are no active breading caves anywhere near the beaching point. The decomposed state of the body, the low water temperature and the rough winter storms support the assumption that the body may have drifted a long distance. The winds and current directions during the past month could explain a drift from any of the closest known breading areas, i.e. Cilician Basin, Turkey, Cyprus and possibly Cyrenaica, Lybia. A future genetic analysis will affirm species identification and possibly the population of origin. The skeletal remains will be restored for exhibition and educational purposes. Reported by: Dan Kerem and Oz Goffman, IMMRAC Dan H. Kerem President, Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies The University of Haifa Mt. Carmel ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 15:07:07 -0800 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ------ Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request.=20 Please make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org ARNOULD, J. P. Y.; S. P. LUQUE; C. GUINET; D. P. COSTA; J. KINGSTON and S. A. SHAFFER. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 206(24):4497-4506. 2003. The comparative energetics and growth strategies of sympatric Antarctic a= nd subantarctic fur seal pups at Iles Crozet. 0.114 MB BIUW, MARTIN; BERNIE MCCONNELL; COREY J. A. BRADSHAW; HARRY BURTON and MI= KE FEDAK. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 206(19):3405-3423. 2003. Blubber and buoyancy: monitoring the body condition of free-ranging seals using simple dive characteristics. 0.642 MB BORRELL, A.; G. CANTOS; T. PASTOR and A. AGUILAR. CHEMOSPHERE 54(5):669-677. 2004. Levels of organochlorine compounds in spotted dolphins from the Coiba archipelago, Panama. 0.332 MB BOWEN, W. D.; J. MCMILLAN and R. MOHN. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 60(6):1265-1274. 2003. Sustained exponential population growth of grey seals at Sable Island, No= va Scotia. 0.209 MB BRIDGEWATER, PETER. INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SCIENCE JOURNAL 55(4):555-559. 2003. Whaling or wailing? 0.073 MB CHILVERS, B. LOUISE; PETER J. CORKERON and MARJI L. PUOTINEN. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 81(12):1947-1955. 2003. Influence of trawling on the behaviour and spatial distribution of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Moreton Bay, Austr= alia. 0.449 MB COLTRAIN, JOAN BRENNER; M. GEOFFREY HAYES and DENNIS H. O'ROURKE. JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE 31(1):39-57. 2004. Sealing, whaling and caribou: The skeletal isotope chemistry of Eastern Arctic foragers. 0.854 MB CORNICK, LESLIE A. and MARKUS HORNING. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 81(11):1799-1807. 2003. A test of hypotheses based on optimal foraging considerations for a divin= g mammal using a novel experimental approach. 0.481 MB ENDO, T.; K. HARAGUCHI; F. CIPRIANO; M. P. SIMMONDS; Y. HOTTA and M. SAKA= TA. CHEMOSPHERE 54(11):1653-1662. 2004. Contamination by mercury and cadmium in the cetacean products from Japane= se market. 0.308 MB FUSON, AMANDA L.; DANIEL F. COWAN; SHANE B. KANATOUS; LORI K. POLASEK and RANDALL W. DAVIS. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 206(22):4139-4154. 2003. Adaptations to diving hypoxia in the heart, kidneys and splanchnic organs of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). 2.441 MB GALATIUS, ANDERS and CARL CHRISTIAN KINZE. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 81(11):1851-1861. 2003. Ankylosis patterns in the postcranial skeleton and hyoid bones of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic and North Sea. 1.816 MB GOERLITZ, DAVID S.; JORGE URBAN; LORENZO ROJAS-BRACHO; MICHAEL BELSON and CATHERINE M. SCHAEFF. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 81(12):1965-1972. 2003. Mitochondrial DNA variation among Eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on winter breeding grounds in Baja California. 0.247 MB HOOKER, SASCHA K. and LEAH R. GEREBER. BIOSCIENCE 54(1):27-39. 2004. Marine reserves as a tool for ecosystem-based management: The potential importance of megafauna. 0.717 MB ITOU, TAKUYA; YUUKI YOSHIDA; YOKO SHOJI; HITOSHI SUGISAWA; TOMOKO ENDO an= d TAKEO SAKAI. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE 65(12):1351-1354. 2003. Molecular cloning and expression of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatu= s) interleukin-8. 0.078 MB KAWASHIMA, M.; M. NAKANISHI; M. KUWAMURA; M. TAKEYA and J. YAMATE. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY 130(1):32-40. 2004. Immunohistochemical detection of macrophages in the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). 0.713 MB LUNNERYD, SVEN GUNNAR; ARNE FJALLING and HAKAN WESTERBERG. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 60(6):1194-1199. 2003. A large-mesh salmon trap: a way of mitigating seal impact on a coastal fishery. 0.183 MB OKAMURA, HIROSHI. FISHERIES SCIENCE (TOKYO) 69(6):1176-1181. 2003. A line transect method to estimate abundance of long-diving animals. 0.123 MB ORTIZ, RUDY M.; CHARLES E. WADE; C. LEO ORTIZ and FRANK TALAMANTES. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 206(16):2795-2802. 2003. Acutely elevated vasopressin increases circulating concentrations of cortisol and aldosterone in fasting northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups. 0.101 MB SASAKI, H.; K. NUMACHI and M. A. GRACHEV. ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE 20(11):1417-1422. 2003. The origin and genetic relationships of the Baikal seal, Phoca sibirica, = by restriction analysis of mitochondrial DNA. 0.394 MB SCHWEDER, TORE. BIOMETRICS 59(4):974-983. 2003. Abundance estimation from multiple photo surveys: Confidence distribution= s and reduced likelihoods for bowhead whales off Alaska. 0.588 MB STOKKAN, KARL-ARNE and JO JOREM AARSETH. PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 447(4):405-407. 2004. Melatonin reduces noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction in the uterine artery of pregnant hooded seals (Cystophora cristata). 0.068 MB STRUNTZ, D. J.; W. A. MCLELLAN; R. M. DILLAMAN; J. E. BLUM; J. R. KUCKLIC= K and D. A. PABST. JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY 259(1):7-20. 2004. Blubber development in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 0.448 MB VAN DE VIJVER, K. I.; P. T. HOFF; K. DAS; W. VAN DONGEN; E. L. ESMANS; T. JAUNIAUX; J. M. BOUQUEGNEAU; R. BLUST and W. DE COEN. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 37(24):5545-5550. 2003. Perfluorinated chemicals infiltrate ocean waters: Link between exposure levels and stable isotope ratios in marine mammals. 0.091 MB WATSON, REBECCA R.; TODD A. MILLER and RANDALL W. DAVIS. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 206(22):4105-4111. 2003. Immunohistochemical fiber typing of harbor seal skeletal muscle. 0.401 MB ZORNETZER, HEATHER R. and DEBORAH A. DUFFIELD. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 81(10):1755-1762. 2003. Captive-born bottlenose dolphin =D7 common dolphin (Tursiops truncatus =D7 Delphinus capensis) intergeneric hybrids. 0.905 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 09:31:13 -0600 Reply-To: dfertl(\)geo-marine.com From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Contents/Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals Vol 29, issue 3, 2003 Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase readers, Apologies to those of you subscribed to both listserves. The following are the contents and abstracts of the most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammals_. This journal is the publication of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). This posting is made as a courtesy to the European Association for Aquatic Animal Mammals, the journal editor Jeanette Thomas, and the Marmam editors. Information regarding society membership, journal subscriptions, author guidelines, as well as past abstract postings are available at the EAAM website: http://eaam.org. Inquiries regarding manuscript submissions may also be directed to the journal editor: Dr. Jeanette Thomas, Western Illinois University Quad Cities, 3561 60th Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, USA or via email at: J-Thomas(\)wiu.edu. Please note that with each abstract, I have provided the address of the author to whom corresondence should be directed, should you wish to obtain reprints. When an email address was listed with the author's information, then I have it included it here. If no email address is listed with the abstract, it is because this information was not listed in the journal issue. Thank you for your continued interest in the EAAM and these postings for _Aquatic Mammals_. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Marine Mammal Biologist Geo-Marine, Inc. 550 East 15th Street Plano, TX 75074 dfertl(\)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com *************************************************************************** Pitman, R.L.*, S. O'Sullivan, and B. Mase. 2003. Killer whales (_Orcinus orca_) attack a school of pantropical spotted dolphins (_Stenella attenuata_) in the Gulf of Mexico. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):321-324). *Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA In June 1994, we observed a herd of killer whales (_Orcinus orca_) attack a school of pantropical spotted dolphins (_Stenella attenuata_) in the Gulf of Mexico. The killer whales cut out up to three dolphins from the school, then proceeded to take turns chasing a single dolphin and keeping it within a confined area for 1.5 h. They could have killed the dolphin at any time, but apparently chose to prolong the encounter instead. An adult female killer whale appeared to use the opportunity as a training session for her calf. The single adult male present did not participate until the end of the encounter. He made several loud percussions by slapping his flippers, dorsal fin, and flukes against the water surface, then he swam to the dolphin and quickly killed it. Neither the role of the adult male killer whale in cooperative feeding situations nor the significance of the marked sexual dimorphism in this species has ever been adequately explained. We suggest that size differences between the sexes may have evolved as an 'ecological sex trait', allowing groups of related individuals to take a wider diversity of prey sizes. **************************************** Heise, K., L.G. Barrett-Lennard, E. Saulitis, C. Matkin, and D. Bain. 2003. Examining the evidence for killer whale predation on Steller seal lions in British Columbia and Alaska. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):325-334. *Dept of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4, Canada The discovery of flipper tags from 14 Steller sea lions (_Eumetopias jubatus_) in the stomach of a dead killer whale (_Orcinus orca_) in 1992 focused attention of the possible role of killer whale predation in the decline of Steller sea lions in western Alaska. In this study, mariners in British Columbia and Alaska were surveyed to determine the frequency and outcome of observed attacks on sea lions, the age classes of sea lions taken, and the areas where predatory attacks occurred. The 126 survey respondents described 492 killer whale/sea lion interactions, of which at least 32 were fatal attacks on the sea lion. The greatest rate of observed predation occurred in the Aleutian Islands. The stomach contents of dead and stranded whales also were examined. Stomachs that were not empty contained only fish or marine mammal remains, but not both. This supports earlier evidence of dietary segregation between fish-eating resident and marine mammal-eating transient killer whales in Alaska. Steller sea lion remains were found in two of 12 killer whale stomachs examined from Alaska between 1990 and 2001. Stomach contents from two offshore killer whales provided the first direct evidence that this third form of killer whale feeds on fish. ************************************ Herzing, D.L.*, K. Moewe, and B.J. Brunnick. 2003. Interspecies interactions between Atlantic spotted dolphins, _Stenella frontalis_ and bottlenose dolphins, _Tursiops truncatus_, on Great Bahama Bank, Bahamas. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):335-341. *Wild Dolphin Project, P.O. Box 8436, Jupiter, FL 33468, USA Atlantic spotted dolphins (_Stenella frontalis_) and bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) inhabit the western edge of Great Bahama Bank (GBB), Bahamas. In 1998, a photo-identification and behaviour project was initiated in this area. Over three consecutive winters (64 days) dolphins were observed on GBB. Interspecific behaviours are described over 6 years (1998 & 2003). Habitat of GBB is comparable to an adjacent study site on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) that has been under observation since 1985. To date, no photoidentification overlap has been documented between the two study sites (62 identified spotted dolphins on GBB and 220 identified spotted dolphins on LBB). Size of single species groups (GBB=9.1+-SD 6.8/LBB=9.3+-SD 8.0) and average duration of encounters (GBB=28 min/LBB=31 min) were similar. Mothers with calves on GBB were mottled in coloration, similar to first parturition coloration reported for LBB spotted dolphins. The majority of behavioural activities documented for LBB spotted dolphins during summer months were observed on GBB during winter months, including foraging in the sand, travelling, resting, playing, disciplining, courtship/mating, and intra and interspecific aggression with bottlenose dolphins. In addition, in 2002 male spotted dolphins were observed in dominant mounting behaviour of male bottlenose dolphins (reverse roles in LBB). In the winter of 2003, a hybrid male calf was repeatedly observed with a lactating female spotted dolphin. The offshore form of the bottlenose dolphin was observed on GBB, engaging in aggressive activity with resident spotted dolphins. Ongoing research in these adjacent study sites includes genetic sampling and habitat analysis to provide insight into the comparative natures of these two adjacent sandbanks and delphinid species. ************************************ Self-Sullivan, C.*, G.W. Smith, J.M. Packard, and K.S. LaCommare. 2003. Seasonal occurrence of male Antillean manatees (_Trichechus manatus manatus_) on the Belize Barrier Reef. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):342-354. *Texas A&M University, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Mail Stop 2258, College Station, Texas 77843-2258, USA A fragment of manatee habitat that crosses the border of Belize and Mexico includes both activity centres and travel routes linking rivers, lagoons, seagrass beds and mangrove islands near Chetumal Bay. Little is known about how geophysical features like coral reefs may influence manatee movements within and between habitat fragments like this. In this inductive study (1995-2001), we documented the seasonal occurrence of Antillean manatees at breaks in the northern Belize Barrier Reef. Survey locations were at: (1) Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve on Ambergris Caye (Basil Jones Cut) and (2) breaks in the reef 70 km south near the Drowned Cayes (Gallows Reef). The probability of sighting at least one manatee on a 20-min point scan survey was 40% (n=382). Sighting probability was significantly higher during the summer season (May-August) compared to winter months (December-March). Group size ranged from one to five manatees, peaking earlier (May) at the northern than southern site (August). Seventeen identifiable individuals accounted for 87% of the sightings at Basil Jones Cut, with re-sightings within and between years. One individual from Basil Jones Cut was re-sighted at Gallows Reef. Of the manatees for which sex was determined, 100% were males. No calves were sighted. To better understand manatee activity centres and travel routes, we identified potential hypotheses relating seasonal influences, stopover sites for travelling males, and habitat connectivity. To protect this highly vulnerable species, we recommend inclusion of the Belize Barrier Reef as an important component of manatee habitat within the coastal zone of Belize. ************************************ Fedorowicz, S.M.*, D.A. Beard, and R.C. Connor. 2003. Food sharing in bottlenose dolphins. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):355-359. *Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA In Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, we documented the first case of two bottlenose dolphins sharing a fish. The fish was shared between a male and female dolphin (who was accompanied by a calf). Possession of the fish changed 11 times during the 30-min observation period. No obvious attempts were made by any of the dolphins to steal or escape with the fish. Interestingly, apparent consumption of the fish did not commence until possession of the fish had changed several times. The relationship between the male and female is unknown, but sexual behaviour between the two was observed the previous day. Although food sharing as been reported in a number of mammals in several contexts, the repeated changes in ownership of the food item reported here is, at best, extremely rare in other taxa. ************************************ Parsons, K.M.*, J.W. Durban, and D.E. Claridge. 2003. Male-male aggression renders bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) unconscious. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):360-362. present address: 6016 40th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA. email: k.m.parsons(\)abdn.ac.uk Intraspecific aggression constitutes a significant proportion of conspecific behaviours among many mammal species. Agonistic interactions among male bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) have been documented in several different regions, including escalated aggression involving coalitions comprised of several males. However, despite many hours of direct observation most of these encounters are evidenced by minor injuries and often, physical wounds are not visible. Herein, we describe a unique encounter involving a long-term male alliance competing with a 'solo' male that resulted in the temporary loss of consciousness of the lone male following repeated physical blows to his head region. This observation supports the increased fitness experienced by males in alliances and illustrates the potential severity of aggressive interactions among adult bottlenose dolphins. ************************************ Miles, J.A.*, and D.L. Herzing. 2003. Underwater analysis of the behavioural development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (_Stenella frontalis_) calves (birth to 4 years of age). _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):363-377. *Wild Dolphin Project, P.O. Box 8436, Jupiter, FL 33468, USA This investigation focused on the underwater behaviours and development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (_Stenella frontalis_) mothers and calves in the Bahamas. During summer field seasons from 1991 to 2000, underwater video recordings were collected as part of a long-term life history and behaviour study. From these video recordings, sequences with a 3 min total observed time of both the mother and calf were analysed. Video segments were analysed for 10 mother/calf pairs of each calf age category (i.e., years one, two, and three), for a total of 30 mother/calf videos, and 10 additional videos of 4-year-old calves were also analysed. Frequency of behavioural events were compared: between (1) calf age categories, (2) mothers of calves in each age category, (3) calf age categories related to proximate associate, and (4) calf age categories related to the synchronicity or asynchronicity of the behaviours. Results demonstrated an increase in calf independence in year four shown by a significant reduction in nursing acts, significantly more feeding/foraging, and increased behaviours performed in the proximity of individuals other than the mother or increased time spent alone. Mothers exhibited no strong evidence for increased maternal rejection behaviours near the end of the estimated nursing period. For select behaviours, synchronicity increased with calf age. This study is rare in its ability to analyse the underwater behaviours of free-ranging dolphins and aims to reveal a strategy for non-invasive research as well as increase our understanding of the life history aspects of this species. ************************************ Grellier, K.*, and B. Wilson. 2003. Bottlenose dolphins using the Sound of Barra, Scotland. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):378-382. current address: Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland Though widely reported around the European Atlantic coast, details relating to the overall distribution and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in these waters remain poorly documented. Studies in areas where the majority of sightings occur have found evidence of seasonal, or year round, residency and social interaction among sympatric individuals. However, the degree of individual and genetic mixing between these studied communities and their relevance to true biological populations, remains largely unknown. To better understand the wide-scale population structure of bottlenose dolphins off Western Europe, these lesser-known concentrations also need to be investigated. In this study, we examined one such area off the west coast of Scotland where bottlenose dolphins have been repeatedly sighted. The Sound of Barra is a shallow passage between two of a chain of islands, the Outer Hebrides, that run roughly north-south 50 to 70 km west of the Scottish mainland. Boat based surveys were carried out in the Sound in September 1995 and June 1998. Bottlenose dolphins were found during both survey periods. Repeat identifications of the same individuals in both years suggested that animals are site faithful. Application of photo-identification data to a two-sample Petersen mark-recapture analysis suggested that this community is small, at between six to 15 individuals. The results of this study enhance knowledge of bottlenose dolphin distribution and site fidelity off western Europe and we suggest that there is little, if any, regular interchange of individuals occurring between the Barra group and its nearest known neighbouring large community off eastern Scotland. The relative importance and long-term viability of small clusters of animals, such as those in the Sound of Barra, compared to the larger, better known, communities remains to be established. ************************************ Moore, M.*, L. Steiner, and B. Jann. 2003. Cetacean surveys in the Cape Verde Islands and the use of cookiecutter shark bite lesions as a population marker for fin whales. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):383-389. *MS33, Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA We examined the distribution of cetaceans in the waters of the Cape Verde Islands in 2000 and 2001. Sperm whales (_Physeter macrocephalus_), a Yankee whaling target species in these waters, were commonly detected acoustically and visually along with smaller cetacean species, predominantly in the northeast, windward quarter of the archipelago. A group of 34 sub-adult long-fin pilot whale (_Globicephala melas_) skulls were found on a beach of the island of Boavista, suggesting an unusual mass stranding. Cookiecutter shark (_Isistius_ sp.) bite lesions were detected in a possibly resident group of fin whales (_Balaenoptera physalus_), as well as in a humpback whale (_Megaptera novaeangliae_). No such lesions have been recently reported for other North Atlantic fin and humpback whales, although they were commonly described in fin and blue whales from the South Atlantic. The presence of bite lesions on these animals could represent a marker to differentiate groups of fin whales and their movement in the region. The relationship between fin whales detected in Cape Verde waters and those from other regions warrants further scrutiny using genetic and photo-identification techniques, in the context of the presence or absence of cookiecutter shark markers. ************************************ Psarakos, S.*, D.L. Herzing, and K. Marten. 2003. Mixed-species associations between Pantropical spotted dolphins (_Stenella attenuata_) and Hawaiian spinner dolphins (_Stenella longirostris_) off Oahu, Hawaii. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):390-395. *Earthtrust, HI 96734, USA Mixed-species interactions were observed between pantropical spotted dolphins, _Stenella attenuata_, and spinner dolphins _Stenella longirostris_, in Hawaiian waters between 1996 and 1998. Year-round observations were made of spinner dolphins entering a shallow bay off the Waianae (western) coast of Oahu. Mixed-species observations occurred on 19 days between 1996-1998. Spinner dolphins were typically present in greater numbers than spotted dolphins with ratios as high as 75:1. Interspecific behaviours observed include aggression, copulation, and travelling. Five aggressive interactions are described in detail. These behavioural observations are similar to those observed between other delphinid species around the world and suggest sympatric dolphin species may be more common than previously reported and may have communication and social signals. ************************************ Bernal, R.*, C. Olavarria, and R. Moraga. 2003. Occurrence and long-term residency of two long-beaked common dolphins, _Delphinus capensis_ (Gray 1828), in adjacent small bays on the Chilean central coast. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):396-399. *Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile >From 1991 to 2001 we recorded the presence of two long-beaked common dolphins _Delphinus capensis_ in two small bays on the central coast of Chile. This pair was resident in the area for almost ten years, showing long-term fidelity and close association, which is uncommmon in this species. The distribution of the species in the Eastern South Pacific is extended south by almost 800 nmi. ************************************ Karamanlidis, A.A.*, R. Pires, H.C. Neves, and C. Santos. 2003. Habitat of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (_Monachus moncahus_) at Sao Lourenco-Madeira. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):400-403. *Parque Natural da Madeira, Quinta do Bom Sucesso, Caminho do Meio, 9050 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal The Mediterranean monk seal (_Monachus moncahus_) survives in small isolated subpopulations, some of which currently are facing extinction. In the Archipelago of Madeira, the species is found only at the Desertas Islands, where it is legally protected. The last place on the main island of Madeira where monk seals were sighted was the Sao Lourenco Peninsula, where a protected area was recently created. A habitat survey carried out in the area, and recent sporadic sightings, indicated the existence of suitable resting and pupping habitat. The enforcement of protection measures in the area is intended to promote the establishment of a resident colony and enhance the species' recovery chances. ************************************ de O. Santos, M.C.*, E. Zampirolli, A.F.V. de Castro, and F.S. Alvarenga. 2003. A Gervais' beaked whale (_Mesoplodon europaeus_) washed ashore in southeastern Brazil: extra limital record? _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):404-410. Correspondence to: Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos, Rua Professor Artur Ramos, Num. 178/Ap. 162-A, Sao Paulo, SP, 01454-010, Brasil On 10 August 2001, a beaked whale was found dead on a rocky shore at Sao Vicente (23 degrees 58' S; 46 degrees 24'W), Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The damaged specimen was approximately 390 cm in length and in advanced state of decomposition. It was identified as a _Mesoplodon europaeus_ based on the following characteristics: (1) the presence of a flattened pair of teeth placed near the posterior half of the short mandible symphysis; (2) when viewed laterally in an upright position with the long axis of the rostrum horizontal, the premaxillary foramina straddle a horizontal plane, transecting the centres of the maxillary formamina; and (3) both the protuberance of the maxillary, which interrupts the antorbital notch and the ridge that extends back from this protuberance are conspicuous. Cranial measurements are presented. This is the southernmost record of this species in the southern hemisphere, the first one to the southwest Atlantic and the first one along the Brazilian coast. Recent beaked whale records along the Brazilian coast, due to the increasing of cetological research, raises the possibility of ordinary distribution, rather than extra limital observations. Further investigations are needed to draw reliable conclusions on Gervais' beaked whales in the southern hemisphere. ************************************ Azevedo, A.F.*, J. Lailson-Brito Jr., S. Siciliano, H.A. Cunha, and A..L. Fragoso. 2003. Colour pattern and external morphology of the Fraser's dolphin (_Lagenodelphis hosei_) in the Southwestern Atlantic. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):411-416. *PPGB/IBRAG, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier 524, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, RJ, Brazil Little is known about the biology of the Fraser's dolphin (_Lagenodelphis hosei_), which is found in tropical and subtropical oceanic waters around the world. There is, depending on age and sex, great variation in intensity and development of the components of the colour pattern and external morphological characteristics of the species. The main characteristic of the colour pattern is the eye-to-anus stripe, which has highly variable development. This is the first description of Fraser's dolphin external appearance in the Southwestern Atlantic, based on 13 specimens stranded dead on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) around 22 degrees 30'S. Individuals analyzed presented sexual dimorphism in shape of the dorsal fin, presence of the caudal peduncle, features most prominent in mature males of the species. Specimens analyzed revealed that the Fraser's dolphin possesses the same colour pattern and external morphological features reported in other areas. ************************************ Parsons, K.M.* 2003. Book Review: Molecular and Cell Biology of Marine Mammals. Book by Carl J. Pfeiffer. Krieger Publishing Company, 2002. 427 pp. _Aquatic Mammals_ 23(3):417-418. *University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Ross-shire, UK no abstract available ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 18:04:11 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Monk Seals, Precious Corals Linked at French Frigate Shoals (fwd) From: "Sara Maxwell" The signatures of marine mammalogists will lend great strength to the Scientists' Statement on Protecting the World's Deep-sea Coral and Sponge Ecosystems being circulated Marine Conservation Biology Institute and set for release at the Annual AAAS Meeting on Sunday Feb 15 in Seattle, WA. The following story makes a strong case for the importance of deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems to marine mammals. Please go to http://www.mcbi.org/DSC_statement/sign.htm to read the statement and sign the list. __________________________________________________________________ Board Talk column Monk Seals, Precious Corals Linked at French Frigate Shoals Scientists conducting research into monk seals have been led to two beds of precious coral on either side of the French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. News of the discovery of the precious corals beds was reported at the December meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. As described by Frank Parrish, a scientist with the Honolulu laboratory of the National Marine Fisheries Service, a team of scientists placed satellite tags on monk seals at French Frigate Shoals over a number of years. To their surprise, they found a small percentage of the seals dived to depths of 350 to 500 meters, the same depth where precious corals are found. The scientists also found that "the time invested by seals at these depths ranged from occasional visits to as much as half the seals seagoing effort." Extrapolating from the satellite information tracking five tagged males that foraged at these depths to the entire monk seal population of some 450 adults at French Frigate Shoals, the scientists concluded that some 25 seals probably used these areas regularly. A research submarine was used then to explore the deep areas. In 1984, a submarine made no fewer than 14 dives around French Frigate Shoals to explore for precious corals. No precious coral beds were found. But surveys undertaken just a few months ago, directed to the spots visited by the deep-diving monk seals, found extremely rich beds of precious corals. The results of the submarine tour were described at the council meeting in a hand-out prepared by Richard Grigg, with the University of Hawai`i Department of Oceanography: "In September 1998, submarine surveys found precious coral beds at two areas visited by deep-diving monk seals -- southeast Brook Banks (20 miles from French Frigate Shoals atoll) and the east FFS complex (40 miles from FFS atoll). The beds included varying amounts of red, pink, and gold corals. Some of the corals were estimated to be a century old. The gold corals were uniformly large, with few colonies at intermediate and small sizes. At the Brooks Bank site, the bed appeared to vary in coral abundance but extended along the contour. In contrast, discrete basalt pinnacles encrusted with gold coral were found at the east FFS site. Wider surveys extending more than a mile east, west and south from the pinnacles found only isolated colonies and no other substantial beds." Videos taken from cameras mounted on the backs of monk seals shows them diving to great depths, ignoring shallower reef communities where they spend much of their time. Foraging behavior seems to involve prying up loose rocks to find prey underneath or wandering through colonies of wiry black coral to catch deep-water eels. Parrish and other scientists have hypothesized that the precious corals, especially gold corals, provide enough vertical relief and structure that they constitute an important element in the habitat of fish at these depths, and thus are an important foraging area for the seals at French Frigate Shoals. If the precious corals, especially gold corals, were harvested, the habitat might be lost or significantly diminished. Conflicting Interests In the past, Grigg has worked closely with commercial interests that gather deep-water precious corals. Thus, in his description of the precious corals surveyed in the September 1998 dives in three areas (one known as the WesPac bed east of Necker Island; the second at the East Ridge of French Frigate Shoals; and at Brooks Bank, to the west of French Frigate Shoals), Grigg provides a dollar estimate of the value of some corals. At the WesPac bed, which is designated a precious coral refuge in the Fishery Management Plan for precious corals, Grigg found up to half the coral colonies displaying signs of predation by sea urchins. Gold coral was rare, and there was no red coral at all. At the East Ridge of French Frigate Shoals, Grigg estimated the value of the gold coral at $600,000. Brooks Bank precious corals also were given a dollar value: red coral worth $50,000 was found, while the value of live gold coral was placed at $200,000, with an additional $100,000 in dead gold coral lying on the sea floor. Another concern raised by Grigg was the slow growth and low level of recruitment (new corals) found after a survey of gold coral in the Makapu`u bed, off the southeastern coast of O`ahu. In early November, Grigg and Parrish presented the results of their research to the Precious Coral Plan Team, which advises the Western Pacific Council on management measures for precious corals. The report of the Plan Team's meeting states, "The Plan Team noted that there are two concerns if precious coral harvesting was to occur on beds in the vicinity of French Frigate Shoals: 1) the possibility of overharvesting gold coral and 2) the possibility of removing habitat of benthic fish that are prey items for monk seals." The Plan Team was also concerned over the low recruitment of gold coral reported by Grigg. The harvest of gold coral "may have to be more carefully regulated within the entire [Exclusive Economic Zone] around the Hawaiian Islands given the evidence of poor recovery rates at the Makapu`u bed." In the end, the full council agreed to have its staff review existing quotas and harvesting techniques to see if any changes might be needed, in light of new information on monk seals and gold corals, in the allowed quotas for precious corals in the various known beds in Hawai`i. Meanwhile, the one company that now holds a permit to take precious corals in Hawai`i -- American Deepwater Engineering -- informed the National Marine Fisheries Service that it intended to begin collecting corals before the end of 1998. -- Patricia Tummons (c) 1999 Environment Hawai`i, Inc. Volume 9 Number 7 (January 1999) ------------------------------------------ Sara Maxwell Program Assistant Marine Conservation Biology Institute 15805 NE 47th Court Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 883-8914 Fax: (425) 883-3017 www.mcbi.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 18:05:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New paper on dolphin foraging (fwd) Dear All, The following paper has just been published in Marine Biology: Hastie, G.D., Wilson, B., Wilson, L.J., Parsons, K.P. & Thompson, P.M. (2004). Functional mechanisms underlying cetacean distribution patterns: hotspots for bottlenose dolphins are linked to foraging. Marine Biology 144, pp. 397-403. For a pdf reprint, please send me an e-mail at hastie(\)zoology.ubc.ca Abstract: Many studies have shown that the distribution of cetaceans can be closely linked to habitat, but the underlying function of the preferred habitats often remains unclear. Only when behavioural observations are made in relation to habitat types, can functional mechanisms behind the habitat use be revealed. Within the range of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population off NE Scotland, dolphins show clear preferences for several discrete areas. If the observed patterns of distribution are related to foraging, we predict that behaviour patterns shown by dolphins would reflect this relationship. In this study we identify behaviours of dolphins at the water surface that were related to feeding events, evaluate whether the patterns of distribution were related to foraging and whether they were related the local submarine habitat characteristics. To investigate whether visible surface evidence of foraging behaviour varied spatially, we analysed data collected from 104 regular boat-based surveys made within the Moray Firth, NE Scotland between 1990 and 2000. To determine whether underlying bathymetry had any influence on the surface behaviour of dolphins, a land-based observation study was carried out in the populations core region of use. The results of this study show that feeding behaviour by dolphins was significantly higher in areas used intensively by dolphins. Furthermore, there were clear relationships between feeding events and the submarine habitat characteristics; certain forms of feeding occur primarily over steep seabed gradients, and in deeper waters during June and July. These results quantitatively support the hypothesis that the distinctive patterns of distribution shown by these dolphins are related to foraging behaviour or opportunities, and that submarine habitat characteristic may be a significant factor in the foraging efficiency by dolphins. Future work should focus on collecting detailed information on the distribution patterns of prey within the study area to allow direct comparisons between predator and prey distributions. All the best, Gordon Hastie ...><>...><>...><>...><>...><>... Gordon Hastie, Postdoctoral Fellow MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH UNIT Fisheries Centre The University of British Columbia Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Canada Tel (Open Water Field Station): +1 (604) 931 6204 Tel (UBC Office): +1 (604) 822 8184 Fax: +1 (604) 822 8180 E-mail: hastie(\)zoology.ubc.ca Web: http://www.marinemammal.org/MMRU/personel.html ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 14:34:40 -0800 From: ConveyL(\)pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Subject: Sea Otter Recovery Planning ------ All those interested in the recovery of sea otters are invited to participate in drafting a Recovery Action Plan for Sea Otters in BC. BC's sea otters are designated as 'THREATENED' by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and legally listed unde= r the Species at Risk Act (SARA). =20 Tofino Community Hall Feb. 7, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Kyuquot Community Center Feb. 11, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Nanaimo Beban Park Feb. 14, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Prince Rupert Highliner Hotel Feb. 16, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Port McNeill Haida-way Motor Inn Feb. 16, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm Skidegate Small Hall Feb. 18, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm=20 Bella Bella Darby United Church Feb. 18, 2004 9:30 am - 2:00 pm=20 Massett Health Center Feb. 19, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm=20 University of Victoria David Strong Bldg. Feb. 21, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 p= m Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre Feb. 21, 2004 10:00 am - 2:30 pm The sessions have three purposes: 1) Provide information about sea otter recovery planning in BC, particula= rly on the development of a Recovery Action Plan for Sea Otters in BC. This Action Plan details specific activities being recommended to implement th= e Recovery Strategy for Sea Otters in BC that was completed in June 2003. Information is also included on the costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation. An updated draft of the Recovery Strategy, which has been revised based on input from First Natio= ns, stakeholders and other interested parties, will be available.=20 2) Provide an opportunity for feedback on the draft Action Plan. 3) Seek community input to stimulate local involvement in sea otter recov= ery activities.=20 Should you be unable to attend, the draft of the Action Plan is also available for your comment through the Fisheries & Oceans Canada web site= : www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/consultations/sea-otters/default_e.htm Comments may be directed to me by e-mail (ConveyL(\)pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca), mai= l (address above) or fax (250-756-7118). All those interested in the recovery of sea otters are welcome to attend; these workshops are open to all. In the event you do not have Internet access, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me a= t (250) 756-7163. Sea Otter Action Plan Workshops Draft Agenda Morning Session 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (*9:30 - 11:30 am in Bella Bella) 10:00 Introduction: Review of the sea otter recovery planning process an= d purpose of this meeting=20 10:30 Presentation: Recovery in the context of sea otters' history in BC= =20 11:00 Questions and Answers=20 11:15 Presentation: Overview of the costs and benefits associated with t= he implementation of the Action Plan=20 11:30 Discussion: Feedback on the draft Action Plan=20 12:00 Lunch (provided) Afternoon Session 12:30 - 2:30 pm (*12:00 - 2:00 pm in Bella Bella) 12:30 Discussion: Local involvement in sea otter recovery 2:15 Closing comments=20 2:30 Close Please accept my apologies for cross-postings. Sincerely, Laurie Convey Resource Management Biologist Biologiste de Gestion des P=EAches=20 Abalone & Species at Risk Ormeaux et Esp=E8ces en P=E9ril Fisheries and Oceans Canada P=EAches et Oc=E9ans Canada 3225 Stephenson Pt. Rd. Chemin 3225 Stephenson Pt. Nanaimo, BC V9T 1K3 Nanaimo, C-B V9T 1K3=20 Tel (250) 756-7163 Tel (250) 756-7163 Fax (250) 756-7118 or 756-7162 Fac (250) 756-7118 ou 756-7162 E-mail: ConveyL(\)pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 12:32:28 -0500 From: Michelle Pico Subject: Call for Proposals Please note this call for pre-proposals by March 1st to the National Whale Conservation Fund. The grant guidelines and application links are available at http://nfwf.org/programs/whale_general.htm . Additional information about the National Whale Conservation Fund can be found at http://www.whalefund.org/ . National Whale Conservation Fund A special project of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Purpose The National Whale Conservation Fund (NWCF) was established to support research, management, conservation, and education/outreach activities related to the conservation, and recovery of whales (cetaceans). The NWCF is a special project of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established by Congress in 1984. The Foundation operates the Fund under the direction of the National Whale Conservation Fund Advisory Council, a panel of conservation leaders and representatives of cooperating entities. Priorities for 2004 grant cycle will be given to projects that address anthropogenic threats (i.e. fishing gear entanglement, ship/whale collisions, noise, habitat degradation, contaminants, etc.) to endangered whales that depend on United States waters. Guiding Philosophy and Mission The National Whale Conservation Fund seeks to foster the conservation and recovery of whales by supporting innovative, research, management and education projects of high quality and promise. NWCF actively seeks to form new partnerships with corporations, organizations, and individuals to leverage NWCF's resources sufficiently to meet its aggressive conservation goals. Funding Guidelines The National Whale Conservation Fund supports projects to address whale conservation needs in the areas of habitat protection, species recovery and conservation, applied field/laboratory research needs, applied social science research, and education and outreach activities. Issues relating to great whales are a top priority for funding. Proposals that address tasks or needs identified in endangered whale recovery plans or conservation plans adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service are particularly encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to show leverage of a 1:1 or greater match to the proposal request. Applications to NWCF for funding should clearly describe: Anticipated benefits to whale conservation; Project goals, objectives and methodology, including provisions for monitoring and evaluation; Qualifications of key project personnel; Detailed budget illustrating use of NWCF grant; How the proposed research addresses provisions of any applicable recovery or conservation plans; How the results will be made available to the concerned research and management community; Cooperation and coordination with other appropriate federal, state, and private organizations; and Ability to leverage NWCF grant award. NWCF will not fund: Political advocacy, boycotts, or litigation. Indirect or unallocated expenses. Application Process NWCF grants are awarded on a competitive basis. To apply, submit an electronic version of the pre-proposal application. Pre-proposal must be completed on-line by March 1, 2004. Applicants will be notified by April 1, 2004, as to the status of their preliminary application and whether they are invited to submit a full proposal. Proposals will be peer reviewed by independent scientists and the NWCF Advisory Council. Michelle Pico Assistant Director of Marine and Coastal Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 20036 ph: (202) 857-0166 fax: (202) 857-0162 pico(\)nfwf.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 15:19:25 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New Additions to the American Society of International Law - Wildlife (fwd) The following updates have been made on the ASIL-WIG page (www.internationalwildlifelaw.org) recently and can be accessed on the index page under the "What's New" section: 1. Our bibliography of gray and peer-reviewed literature on environmental change (climate change/ozone depletion) impacts on wildlife species (and agricultural resources) has been updated, with over 600 citations added since the last incarnation in June, 2003. The bibliography now has over 3800 citations; it is also fully searchable; more than 500 of the citations are "live" hyperlinks to relevant materials; 2. The following documents have been added: a. Putrajaya Declaration of Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Seas of East Asia (2003) (PDF file) b. Singapore: Animal and Birds Amendment Bill (2002) (PDF file) c. Plant Protection Act of Zimbabwe (PDF file) d. IUCN, An Explanatory Guide to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2003) ; e. Documents from the Second Scientific Meeting of the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black and Mediterranean Sea. We also invite you to join our (very low volume) announcement list and to submit relevant resources for the site. Thank you. wil burns William C.G. Burns, Co-Chair American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 801.838.4710 ASILWildlife(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org ** Please subscribe to our low-volume announcement list at: ASILWildlife-subscribe(\)yahoogroups.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 15:26:05 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Forum Announcement- Wildlife Conservation: In Pursuit of ecologic (fwd) SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED PAPERS DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS: 15 FEBRUARY 2004 The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in association with the University of Limerick, will be holding an international forum in Limerick, Ireland, from 16-19 June 2004. The theme of the forum is: Wildlife Conservation: In Pursuit of Ecological Sustainability. The objective of the forum is to focus attention on, and to advance the understanding of, issues surrounding the pursuit of ecologically sustainable use and the conservation of wildlife (including fisheries). The proceedings will be published in book form following the meeting. Forum details, including a list of confirmed speakers and draft schedule of events, are available at www.ifaw.org/forum THE PROGRAMME The programme will include approximately 24 invited lectures, and a limited number of contributed papers, which will be presented as posters. Opportunities for discussion and debate will be provided following each lecture, and during dedicated poster sessions scheduled throughout the forum. The programme is divided into five sessions. Session 1 will provide The Global Context and discuss some past and current realities: the loss of biodiversity, past failures to achieve ecological sustainability of exploited populations, and the changing face of conservation toward the commodification of nature and natural resources, free trade and globalisation. Session 2 will discuss a number of Modern Examples where attempts to achieve ecological sustainability have largely failed, including: commercial fisheries, the elephant ivory trade, whales and whaling, and the on-going bushmeat crisis in Africa. A paper on ecotourism has also been added to the programme. Session 3 will examine some of the Factors at Play, including: human attitudes, values and objectives (arguably the basis for conservation initiatives and policies) and other ethical considerations, the scientific method (what science can and cannot contribute to conservation in an uncertain world), the limitations of purely economic approaches for achieving ecological sustainability, and our human roots as Darwinian animals. Session 4, The Way Forward, will examine a number of initiatives that, if widely implemented, could move us towards achieving the goal of ecological sustainability. Topics to be covered include: the need to divorce conservation from economic development (the antithesis of some definitions of "sustainable development"), a review of the North American wildlife management scheme that arguably - for a time at least - achieved the goal of ecological sustainability for most wildlife populations, and the development of precautionary, risk averse approaches designed to achieve ecologically sustainable results in an uncertain and changing world. Describing what we need to do in order to achieve ecological sustainability, especially of exploited populations, remains nothing more than an academic exercise, unless the ideas are ultimately adopted by responsible management authorities - be they governments, bureaucracies, or local communities - and by the people who live with and possibly use the wildlife in question. Session 5, therefore, will present some ideas on how to best put Theory into Practice. It will provide insights into how societal attitudes change, and why, offer suggestions on how to change public opinion, and how, ultimately, to facilitate political change in both the developed and developing world.= THE SPEAKERS The following invited speakers have confirmed their participation. Dr. Sharon Beder Professor of Science, Technology and Society, University of Wollongong, Australia. Beder, S. 1997. Corporate Spin: the Global Assault on Environmentalism. Scribe Publications, Victoria. Dr. Elizabeth Bennett Senior Conservation Zoologist and Director, Program for the Conservation of Harvested Wildlife with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), New York.= Bennett, E.L. and J.G. Robinson. 2000. Hunting of Wildlife in Tropical Forests: Implications for Biodiversity and Forest Peoples. The World Bank, Washington D.C. Dr. Ronald Brooks Professor of Zoology, University of Guelph. Brooks, R. 2002. Ecoviews: Pathology and the meaning of life. Darwin Day Collection One. Tangled Bank Press, Albuquerque. Dr. Ward Chesworth Professor of Geology, Department of Land Resource Science, University of Guelph. Chesworth, W. 2002. Sustainability and the end of history. GeoTimes 47:5, 52. Dr. William de la Mare Professor, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University. Constable, A. J., W.K. de la Mare, D.J. Agnew, I. Everson, and D. Miller. 2000. Managing fisheries to conserve the Antarctic marine ecosystem: Practical implementation of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). ICES Journal of Marine Science 57: 778-91. Dr. Valerius Geist Professor Emeritus, Environmental Sciences and Biology, University of Calgary. Geist, V. 1994. Wildlife conservation as wealth. Nature 368: 491-492. Dr. Sidney Holt Marine Science and Fisheries Consultant, Italy. Holt, S.J. 1998. Fifty years on. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 8(3):357-66. Dr. Jeffrey Hutchings Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University Hutchings, J.A. 2000. Collapse and recovery of marine fishes. Nature (Lond.) 406: 882-885. Ashok Kumar Senior Advisor & Trustee, Wildlife Trust of India. Kumar, A. 2002. A history of compassion : Indian ethics and conservation. pp. 140- 150. In V. Menon and M. Sakamoto (eds.). Heaven and Earth and I: Ethics of= Nature Conservation in Asia. Penguin Books, New Delhi, India. Dr. David Lavigne Science Advisor, International Fund for Animal Welfare. Lavigne, D.M., C. Callaghan, and R. Smith. 1996. Sustainable utilization: The lessons of history. pp 250-265. In V.J. Taylor and N. Dunstone (eds.). The Exploitation of Mammal Populations. Chapman & Hall, London. Dr. Richard Leakey Visiting Professor of Anthropology, Stony Brook University. Leakey R. and R. Lewin. 1995. The Sixth Extinction. Patterns of Life and the Future of Humankind. Anchor Books, New York. Dr. William Lynn Research Scholar and Executive Director, Center for Humans and Nature, New York Lynn, W. 2003. Introduction. In W. Lynn and L. Pulido (eds.). 2003. Act of Ethics: Ethics and Global Activism, Ethics, Place and Environment, 6(1): 43-45 Atherton Martin Former Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dominica. President of the Caribbean Conservation Association. Vivek Menon Executive Director, Wildlife Trust of India. Menon, V. and M. Sakamoto (eds.). 2002. Heaven and Earth and I: Ethics of Nature Conservation in Asia. Penguin Books, New Delhi, India. Dr. E.J. Milner-Gulland Reader in Conservation Science, Imperial College London. Milner-Gulland, E.J., and R. Mace. 1998. Conservation of Biological Resources. Blackwell Science, UK. Dr. John Oates Professor of Anthropology, Hunter College, City University of New York. Oates, J.F. 1999. Myth and reality in the rain forest: How conservation strategies are failing in West Africa. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Professor Hideo Obara Professor Emeritus, Kagawa Nutrition University President, Japan Wildlife Conservation Society Vassili Papastavrou with Dr. Justin Cooke International Fund for Animal Welfare. Papastavrou, V. 1998. Sustainability: an elusive and misused concept. Oryx= 32(2):86-87. Dr. William Rees Professor and Director, School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia. Wackernagel, M. and W. Rees. 1996. Our ecological footprint: reducing human impact on the earth. The New Catalyst Bioregional Series. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, British Columbia. Andr=E9s Rozental President, Rozental & Asociados Dr. Robert Worcester Professor, London School of Economics. Founder and Chairman of MORI (Market and Opinion Research International). CONTRIBUTED PAPERS: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS The programme committee invites submission of abstracts to be considered for inclusion in the programme as contributed poster papers. All accepted abstracts will be published online and included in the book of abstracts that will be distributed to all participants at the forum.=20 All posters will be displayed throughout the entire meeting. In addition, there will be two dedicated poster sessions to provide ample opportunity for in-depth discussion between the authors and conference participants. Submitted abstracts must fit within one of the designated sessions described above. All abstracts received will be peer reviewed as part of the selection process. Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process within four weeks of submission. Following convention, authors of accepted abstracts will not be provided with an honorarium, travel funds, accommodation, or meals. Like all participants, they will also be required to register for the forum (details to be announced on www.ifaw.org/forum). Please adhere to the following guidelines when preparing your abstract: Abstracts should include new information. Abstracts should not be submitted for presentations that have been given at previous meetings or similar conferences. The abstract should include specific information about the methods, results and conclusions of the research. Individuals are limited to presenting only one poster presentation. If your name appears on other submitted abstracts, please insure that you are not listed as the presenter more than once. Abstracts will be received until 15 February 2004. Abstracts should follow the guidelines described in the "Abstract Guidelines" section of this message, and at www.ifaw.org/forum. Authors of accepted abstracts must register for the forum prior to 1 April 2004, or their presentation will be removed from the program. Online registration and additional information is available at www.ifaw.org/forum. For additional information about the forum, please contact forum(\)ifaw.org or Sheryl Fink Research Associate International Fund for Animal Welfare 1474 Gordon Street Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1L 1C8 519-767-1948 sfink(\)ifaw.org REGISTRATION, ACCOMMODATION, ETC. The Conference Organizer, Limerick Travel, is handling all registration arrangements. For online registration information, please see www.ifaw.org/forum. Or contact: Louise Mulcahy Conference Department Limerick Travel Bedford House Bedford Row Limerick, Ireland Tel: +353 61 204432 Fax: +353 61 416336 inbound(\)limerick-travel.ie ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 09:20:24 -0800 From: Dave Mellinger Subject: acoustic survey for sperm whales, Gulf of Alaska This paper is now available: Seasonal occurrence of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sounds in the Gulf of Alaska, 1999-2001. 2004. David K. Mellinger, Kathleen M. Stafford, and Christopher G. Fox. Marine Mammal Science 20:48-62. ABSTRACT An acoustic survey for sperm whales was conducted in the Gulf of Alaska. Six autonomous hydrophones continuously recorded sound signals below 500 Hz from October 1999 to May 2001. After recovery, recordings were processed using an automatic process to detect usual clicks of sperm whales. The detection algorithm equalized background noise, summed the data in a frequency band, and then used autocorrelation to detect the whales' highly regular clicks. Detections were checked manually, revealing that 98% of detections did contain clicks. Results indicate that sperm whales are present in the Gulf of Alaska year-round; this result extends what is known from whaling data, which were gathered principally in summer. Sperm whales were more common in summer than winter by a factor of roughly two, and occurred less often at the westernmost site surveyed (52N, 157W) than elsewhere in the Gulf. This is the first study of sperm whales based exclusively on remote acoustic sensing. This methodology is feasible because sperm whale clicks extend to frequencies (100 Hz) low enough to be recorded by low-sample-rate instruments that operate continuously, and because the detection algorithm has a low false-detection rate. The methodology may be replicated to facilitate comparisons between different time periods and geographic regions. Reprints are available from David.Mellinger(\)oregonstate.edu. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2004 10:56:12 -0500 From: Michael Moore Subject: On Line Right and Sperm whale talk series Two recent public series at WHOI can be virtually attended by visiting: http://www.whoi.edu/institutes/oli/activities/rwforum.html for a Forum on Right Whales held in Woods Hole November 5th 2003 and http://www.whoi.edu/institutes/oli/activities/whalelecture.html for a sperm whale lecture series held in Woods Hole in December 2003 Come back later for those talks not yet on line. -- Michael Moore - mmoore(\)whoi.edu Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole MA 02543 USA ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 11:57:42 +0000 From: Len Thomas Subject: Workshops: Estimating animal abundance and distance sampling ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) Workshop Programme 2004 http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/conferences.php ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This year, CREEM are holding two sets of workshops on distance sampling (one set in Canada and one in Scotland) and two workshops on estimating animal abundance (one in New Zealand and one in Scotland). More information about all the courses, and contact details are given on our web site: http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/conferences.php In previous years, several workshops have been over-subscribed, so early registration is advised. In particular, the distance sampling workshops in Canada this spring are around 2/3rds full already. Distance Sampling Location: Ontario, Canada Dates: 31.03.2004 - 07.04.2004 Workshop 1: - Introduction to Distance Sampling (3 days) Workshop 2: Advanced Distance Sampling (3 days) Estimating Animal Abundance Location: Canterbury, New Zealand Dates: 19.07.2004 - 22.07.2004 (4 days) Estimating Animal Abundance Location: St Andrews, Scotland Dates: 24.08.2004 - 28.08.2004 (5 days) Distance Sampling Location: St Andrews, Scotland Dates: 01.09.2004 - 08.09.2004 Workshop 1: Introduction to Distance Sampling (3 days) Workshop 2: Advanced Distance Sampling(3 days) -- Len Thomas len(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9LZ Tel. (0)1334-461801 Fax. (0)1334-461800 Secretary (0)1334-461829 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2004 12:41:14 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM Monthly Editorial Policy and FAQ Posted 6 February 2004 ==================================================== MARMAM Editorial Policy & 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. What notices from regional groups are posted? 13. Useful websites 14. Other email discussion lists 15. 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, run through the University of Victoria. The list was established in August 1993 specifically for marine mammal researchers and graduate students, as well as those actively involved in marine mammal conservation and management. As of January 2002 there were over 4,100 subscribers from 72 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. Posting of messages to the list is done at the Editors' discretion. ________________________________________________________ >> 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 announcements - internship/volunteer opportunities. To help students discern the pros and cons of different research groups we ask that that postings provide details of the research experience that volunteers will gain from this position. Posts for volunteer opportunities (particularly paying opportunities) that are not university-affiliated, should provide a measure of their research output in terms of publications available. For groups that do not do this, we will add the note: NO PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THIS WORK If you are affiliated with a university research group, please make this clear in your posting. Finally, provide an indication of the level of payment required from the volunteers: whether the position is paid, volunteers are subsidised in terms of accomodation but have to provide their own flights, or whether there is a charge for the position. - 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 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) 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 ensures that: - An appropriate and explicit 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 4000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. All information should be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. 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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? 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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. Users of the web-based e-mail provider HOTMAIL should be aware that the "block sender" feature (used to avoid "junk" mail), if active, will also block listserver messages. Therefore, make sure you have "block sender" feature turned off. This may also apply to other e- mail programs with equivalent features. ________________________________________________________ 12. What notices from regional groups are posted? Submissions from regional groups (for example, but not restricted to, the regional chapters of the American Cetacean Society or the regional student chapters of professional associations such as the Society for Marine Mammalogy) should carefully consider whether their announcements are relevant to 4,000+ recipients in 72 countries. Announcements about meetings of short duration (less that half a day) and with little or no scientifc content are discouraged. Notices dealing with internal chapter businesses or organizational matters will not be posted. Notices from regional student chapters should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details, website address and website contents). - 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). ________________________________________________________ 13. 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://www.marinemammalogy.org/ The European Association for Aquatic Mammals: http://www.eaam.org 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/ Oceans Blue Whalewatch Listserv: http://www.oceansblue.org/bluetourism/chartacourse/ BajaToBering/index.html ______________________________________________________ 14. 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 Sirenian Professionals: LISTSERV(\)LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU, SUBSCRIBE SIRENIAN http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe?SL1=SIRENIAN&H=LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU Surface/groundwater issues: waterforum-subscribe(\)egroups.com, Waterforum (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ________________________________________________________ 15. 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, Daniel Palacios and Siri Hakala) 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 July 2002 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:54:01 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Monachus Guardian news update: Orphaned pup rescued in Greece (fwd) THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have published an illustrated news update o= n the rescue of an orphaned Mediterranean monk seal pup in Greece. The pup is currently under intensive care in the mobile rehabilitation unit of the MOm in the Northern Sporades Marine Park: December=B9s issue of The Monachus Guardian, with a full range of news and opinion on Mediterranean and Hawaiian monk seals is available at: Best wishes, William M. Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org PS. If you appear to be on this email information list in error, please hit the reply button, placing the word REMOVE in the subject line. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 15:26:26 -0500 From: Kyler Abernathy Subject: performance of Wildlife computers Argos transmitters? Does anyone have any feedback regarding the new Argos system SPOT tags being manufactured by Wildlife Computers. We are thinking of getting some and just want to see if they are performing well. thanks, Kyler Abernathy Associate Producer National Geographic Television & Film - Remote Imaging 202-857-5802, fax 202-429-5759 kabernat(\)ngs.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 15:43:07 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Pattern recognition software for blue whale ID (fwd) Dear Marmammers, I am involved in a blue whale research program including photo-ID, but so far we have attempted very little matching and our database is just starting to take off. Does anyone have any information on pattern recognition software that would work with the pigmentation of blues? I have also been contacted by a leopard shark researcher who is looking for similar software. I look forward to hearing from you, Regards, Peter Gill Blue Whale Study Whale Ecology Group - Southern Ocean School of Ecology & Environment Deakin University PO Box 423, Warrnambool VIC 3280 Ph [61+3](03) 55295227 pcgill(\)ozemail.com.au ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 15:47:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: underwater digital camera systems (fwd) From: Questions about camera systems: My name is Sara Konigson and I work for the National Board of Fisheries in Sweden in a research project called Project Seals & Fisheries. We have used analog cameras for underwaterfilming close to fishinggear under long time periods in the purpose to study fish and seal behavior. Although these kind of filming has allways required contant electricity input. We are now interested in bying a new digital camera system and have had problems finding any system that works. The system needs to be waterproof of course, with a batteri that lasts for at least 24 hours and a memory that can store the amount of pictures from the same time period. We would like to be able to connect 2-4 kamera to the recording unit and the number of pictures taken per seconds should be at least two. The filming is for research purpose and the quality does not need to be that good as long as we can identify the objects swimming in the film. We have tried out two systems already but they have not been succesful. If anyone has any informations about were we can start looking for this kind of equipment or who to contact, please let me know. Best regards, Sara Konigson ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 15:48:45 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NOAA OHH Program Announcement (fwd) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No.: 040113014-4014-01] NOAA Oceans and Human Health Initiative, FY 2004 Program Announcement AGENCY: Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NOAA publishes this notice to solicit extramural research proposals under NOAA's new Oceans and Human Health Initiative (OHH). The OHH is a competitive suite of programs designed to address the increasingly important role of the oceans on human health. From increased harmful algal blooms to beach closures, from infectious diseases to marine toxins and pathogens, from seafood safety and testing to sentinel species, and from drug discovery to pharmaceuticals, this new initiative is designed to build on the existing work throughout NOAA to enhance NOAA's expertise in the oceans and human health arena through partnerships across NOAA, with other Federal and State agencies, and with academia and the private sector. This funding opportunity is intended to engage the non-federal research community in interdisciplinary research combining the physical science, biological science, medical and public health communities in (1) taking an ecosystems approach to understanding and predicting the pathways through which ocean processes affect human health, or (2) promoting the ecologically sound discovery and use of marine organisms and bioactive agents for human health benefit. Building on NOAA's strengths in assessment, prediction, and exploration, research should be structured to provide useful information for public health and natural resource policy and decision-making on issues at the interface of ocean processes and human health outcomes related to NOAA's mission. Interested applicants should refer to the full text of the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) for further criteria and submission details. The FFO is available at the addresses listed below in the section on Electronic Access. This solicitation announces approximately $3.0 Million available from FY03 appropriation for research projects funded under this OHH external, peer-reviewed, grants program. Pending FY04 appropriation and internal policy decisions, an additional $3.0-$4.0 Million may be available to supplement funds for awards made under this solicitation. Interested applicants should read the Federal Funding Opportunity for complete requirements. See section below on electronic access for web addresses. DATES: Letters of Intent (LOI) should be received by 5 p.m. eastern time February 27, 2004. Full Proposals must be received at NOAA's Office of Global Programs by 5 p.m. eastern time April 23, 2004. ADDRESSES: Full Proposals must be submitted to: Office of Global Programs (OGP), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1210, Silver Spring, MD 20910-5603. Letters of Intent should be submitted by e-mail to ogpgrants(\)noaa.gov. General Information Contact: Diane S. Brown, Grants Manager (see ADDRESSES), phone at 301-427-2089, ext. 107, fax to 301-427-2222, or e- mail at ogpgrants(\)nooa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access: Applicants should read the full text of the funding opportunity announcement, which can be accessed at OGP's Web site: http://www.ogp.noaa.gov or the central NOAA site: http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/ [sim]amd/SOLINDEX.HTML. This announcement will also be available through Grants.gov at http://www.Grants.gov The standard NOAA application kit is available on the OGP Web site at: http://www.ogp.noaa.gov/grants/appkit.htm. Funding Availability: Based on the approved OHH spending plan, this solicitation announces approximately $3.0 Million available from FY03 appropriation for research projects funded under this OHH external, peer-reviewed, grants program. Pending FY04 appropriation and internal policy decisions, an additional $3.0-$4.0 Million may be available to supplement funds for awards made under this FFO. We anticipate that the cost of most funded projects will fall between $50,000 and $250,000 per year. The exact amount of funds that may be awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the applicant and NOAA representatives. Proposals may be for up to a three-year period. It is anticipated that the funding instrument for most of the extramural [[Page 4118]] awards will be a grant; however, in some cases, if NOAA will be substantially involved in the implementation of the project, the funding instrument may be a cooperative agreement. Neither NOAA nor the Department of Commerce is responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program is not funded for whatever reason. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Statutory Authority: 49 U.S.C. 44720 (b); 33 U.S.C. 883d; 15 U.S.C. 2904; 15 U.S.C. 2931-2934. CFDA: 11.460--Special Oceanic and Atmospheric Projects Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international organizations, State, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this notice. Cost Sharing Requirements: This program does not require matching share. Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' Evaluation and Selection Procedures: NOAA published its first omnibus notice announcing the availability of grant funds for both projects and fellowships/scholarship/internships for Fiscal Year 2004 in the Federal Register on June 30, 2003 (68 FR 38678). The evaluation criteria and selection procedures contained in the June 30, 2003 omnibus notice are applicable to this solicitation. For a copy of the June 30, 2003 omnibus notice please go to: http://www/ofa.noaa.gov/[sim ]amd/SOLINDEX.HTML. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of October 1, 2002 (67 FR 49917), as amended by the Federal Register notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), are applicable to this solicitation. Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-of- information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 424 and 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346, have been approved by OMB under the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866: This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act: Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this notice concerning grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Dated: January 23, 2004. Richard D. Rosen, Assistant Administrator, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 04-1783 Filed 1-27-04; 8:45 am] ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 16:48:44 +1300 From: "Stockin, Karen" Subject: Common Dolphin Workshop ------ Kolm=E5rden, Sweden, April 1st, 2004 CURRENT RESEARCH, THREATS AND ISSUES FACED BY=20 EUROPEAN COMMON DOLPHINS FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT In light of the many conservational issues currently being faced by commo= n dolphins in European waters, it was felt necessary to hold a half day w= orkshop on the threats, issues and management of European common dolphins= . The workshop will be divided into two sessions involving a selection o= f spoken presentations initially, followed by an open discussion session.= The number of spoken presentations will be limited in order to allow fo= r plenty of discussion time in the second session. BRIEF Abstracts (300 = words or less) relating to new research, threats and/or management option= s for common dolphins should be submitted to the Karen Stockin by FRIDAY = 20th FEBRUARY. Since this workshop is self funded, there will be a small participation f= ee of approximately 20 =80 to cover the costs of the facilities. Registr= ation is on a =91first-come =96 first-served basis=92 and can be done by = sending an e-mail to the organiser below. Please note that workshop spac= e is limited, so please sign up quickly if you would like to attend! Ple= ase indicate your name and professional affiliation in the message along = with the reason for participation.=20 Contact: Karen Stockin k.a.stockin(\)massey.ac.nz Coastal Marine Research Group, Massey University, New Zealand =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Karen A Stockin Coastal Marine Research Group Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore Mail Centre Auckland New Zealand =20 Tel: +64 (0)9 424 8461 Mob: + 64 (0)21 146 5511 Email: K.A.Stockin(\)massey.ac.nz Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz =20 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 15:20:23 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Looking for info on whale watch-whale collisions (fwd) Hi all - As a part of the 5-year review of the management plan for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, we are reviewing circumstances around vessel strikes of cetaceans (large and small) by various vessel classes, and we are starting with whale watching boats. I know there are many areas around the world where whale watching takes place, and there may be documented collisions about which we are unaware. Do any of you know about any? We have a database from the United States that contains a number, but nothing from other waters. We are interested in all collisions, regardless of severity or extent of injury to the whale, and as many details as can be provided. Please e-mail me with any incidents you may know about; if you are interested in a compilation, I can provide that after we hear back from folks. Thanks in advance - Mason Mason Weinrich mason(\)whalecenter.org Whale Center of New England www.whalecenter.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 00:43:21 +0100 From: Jan Herrmann Subject: Contents: Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(1) ------ Dear all, Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(1) has the following table of contents. By clicking the following link you are guided to Allen Press, where you can find Abstracts and contact information: http://www.cetacea.de/mms/20_1.html Users of the Papyrus Bibliography System (Mac and DOS/Windows) can download the references with abstracts and contact information from http://www.cetacea.de/mms. Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann ------ Marine Mammal Science Vol. 20(1) ------ Santos, M.B. et al. 2004. Variability in the diet=20 of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in=20 Scottish waters 1992-2003. Marine Mammal Science=20 20(1): 1-27. Kr=FCtzen, M. et al. 2004. Population structure in=20 an inshore cetacean revealed by microsatellite=20 and mtDNA analysis: Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops=20 sp.) in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Marine=20 Mammal Science 20(1): 28-47. Mellinger, D.K., K.M. Stafford, and C.G. Fox.=20 2004. Seasonal occurrence of sperm whale=20 (Physeter macrocephalus) sounds in the Gulf of=20 Alaska, 1999-2001. Marine Mammal Science 20(1):=20 48-62. Calambokidis, J. and J. Barlow. 2004. Abundance=20 of blue and humpback whales in the Eastern North=20 Pacific estimated by capture-recapture and=20 line-transect methods. Marine Mammal Science=20 20(1): 63-85. Schulz, T.M. and W.D. Bowen. 2004. Pinniped=20 lactation strategies: Evaluation of data on=20 maternal and offspring life history traits.=20 Marine Mammal Science 20(1): 86-114. Stor=E5, J. and P.G.P. Ericson. 2004. A prehistoric=20 breeding population of harp seals (Phoca=20 groenlandica) in the Baltic Sea. Marine Mammal=20 Science 20(1): 115-133. Medina-Vogel, G. et al. 2004. Feeding ecology of=20 the marine otter (Lutra felina) in a rocky=20 seashore of the south of Chile. Marine Mammal=20 Science 20(1): 134-144. NOTES Monteiro-Neto, C. et al. 2004. Behavioral=20 responses of Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea,=20 Delphinidae) to acoustic pingers, Fortaleza,=20 Brazil. Marine Mammal Science 20(1): 145-151. Amano, M. and N. Miyazaki. 2004. Composition of a=20 school of Risso's dolphins, Grampus griseus.=20 Marine Mammal Science 20(1): 152-160. Jacobsen, K.-O., M. Marx, and N. =D8ien. 2004.=20 Two-way trans-Atlantic migration of a North=20 Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis).=20 Marine Mammal Science 20(1): 161-166. Williams, M.E. and D.P. Domning. 2004.=20 Pleistocene or post-Pleistocene manatees in the=20 Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Marine Mammal=20 Science 20(1): 167-176. Ortiz, R.M. and G.A.J. Worthy. 2004. Could lower=20 body fat mass contribute to cold-water=20 susceptibility in calves of the West Indian=20 manatee (Trichechus manatus)? Marine Mammal=20 Science 20(1): 176-183. Anonymous. 2004. Guide for Authors. Marine Mammal Science 20(1): 184-187. --=20 Jan Herrmann jan.herrmann(\)cetacea.de Brentanostr. 16 30625 Hannover Tel: 0511-855500 Germany Fax: 0721-151-503127 Vorlesungsreihe Wal und Mensch +----> http://www.cetacea.de ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 15:34:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 2004 RFP Announcement Florida (fwd) From: PWDolphin 2004 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR DOLPHIN RESEARCH IN FLORIDA The Protect Wild Dolphin Program supports research for scientific projects that involve the conservation of wild dolphin populations in Florida waters. Research projects can involve collection, analysis, and archival of scientific data. A list of topics eligible for support is noted in the 2004 Request for Proposals (RFP), see downloads section, www.protectwilddolphins.org. The award limit per project is $100,000. Collaborative proposals are encouraged. The deadline for receipt of proposals will be 5 April 2004. Limited support (up to $10,000 per institution) is also available for reimbursement of stranding expenses. The deadline for receipt of reimbursement requests will be 3 December 2004. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 05:45:00 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Research Experiences for Undergraduates in marine biology in Alaska (fwd) From: Beth Mathews RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATE IN MARINE BIOLOGY IN ALASKA, 2004 The University of Alaska Southeast offers research experience to undergraduate students interested in the physiology, ecology, and behavior of marine organisms. The UAS Juneau Campus, located on Auke Bay, provides opportunities for hands-on research experience with marine algae, invertebrates, and mammals. In addition to the Juneau area, field research projects take place in Glacier Bay National Park, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Arctic Ocean. Student participants will conduct research under the guidance of UAS Biology faculty and collaborating research scientists. The program is supported with funds from the National Science Foundation and UAS. Each student participant will receive a stipend of $325 per week for 10 weeks and housing while in Juneau. Up to $500 in travel costs to Juneau and travel and subsistence costs within Alaska will also be provided. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as undergraduate students at accredited institutions. Graduating seniors are not eligible. The program seeks academically strong students interested in marine biological research. Minority applicants are especially encouraged. Applications are due on Monday, March 1, 2004. Field and laboratory research projects include: LARVAL DISTRIBUTIONS IN AN ALASKAN MARINE RESERVE A SYNTHESIS OF NATURAL VARIABILITY IN THE NEARSHORE: CAN WE DETECT CHANGE? KELP AS RECRUITMENT HABITAT FOR JUVENILE FISH IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA A MODEL SYSTEM TO EXAMINE DELAYED EFFECTS OF OIL EXPOSURE ON FISH BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF RINGED SEALS IN ARCTIC ALASKA BIOACOUSTICAL STUDIES OF BATS IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY OF CRUSTACEA MOVEMENT BEHAVIOR AND POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE LYRE WELK, NEPTUNEA LYRATA, IN SUBTIDAL LANDSCAPES For more information on and applications for this program, please visit our web site: WEB SITE: http://www.uas.alaska.edu/uas/biology/nsf.html or contact us by email reu(\)uas.alaska.edu -- Elizabeth A. Mathews Assistant Professor of Biology University of Alaska Southeast Anderson Bldg. 11120 Glacier Hwy. Juneau, AK 99801 Tel: 907-465-1827 Fax: 907-465-6447 Beth.Mathews(\)uas.alaska.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 05:46:52 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: contacting beluga research groups (fwd) From: "[iso-8859-1] Manolo Castellote" Sorry for X-postings! Dear all, we are currently conducting a long term behavioral acoustic study with beluga whales at L'Oceanografic, a new oceanarium in Spain. We would like to contact other research groups involved in behavioral studies as well as acoustic studies with this species, both free ranging and oceanarium studies. Please reply to both castellotem(\)yahoo.es and investigacion(\)oceanografic.org Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Manolo Castellote Dept. Investigacion / Research Dept. L'Oceanografic. Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciencies. Parques Reunidos Valencia S.A. C/ junta de Murs i Valls s/n 46013 Valencia Spain web: www.cac.es and www.parquesreunidos.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 05:50:48 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Aldo Leopold Leadership Program (fwd) From: Marion Smith Apologies for cross posting The Aldo Leopold Leadership Program is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2005 Leopold Leadership Fellowships. Please forward this e-mail to anyone you know who might be interested. Fellowship details, including application forms, can be downloaded from the web site, www.leopoldleadership.org . Aldo Leopold Leadership Program Call for Applications - 2005 Fellowships Deadline: Monday, April 19, 2004 The Aldo Leopold Leadership Program invites academic environmental scientists from North America (Canada, Mexico and the United States) to apply for the 2005 fellowships that provide scientific leadership, communications and outreach training. Through a competitive process, the Leopold Leadership Program selects up to 20 Fellows annually to participate in an intensive training program designed to build and enhance the skills of academic environmental scientists to communicate with policy makers, media representatives, businesses, non-profit organizations, and the general public. The program's goal is to increase the understanding of complex environmental issues among non-scientific audiences in order to improve policies and practices for sustainability of the planet. The program seeks candidates from a broad range of disciplines including biological, physical and social sciences (e.g. economics, political science) and technical, medical and engineering fields (e.g., wildlife veterinary medicine, environmental health, hazardous waste management) related to the environment. Applicants must be employed by an academic institution in North America, be at mid-career as a tenured or tenure-track professor, and be active in teaching and research. Every applicant must demonstrate: * a reputation for excellent science, interdisciplinary research, and application within their area of professional specialty, and good judgment; * a record of making direct connections between defining issues and applying science in ways that support sustainability; * interest, willingness, and an appropriate professional position to actively synthesize, interpret, and communicate the results of their work to their peers, policy makers, the media, and the general public; * passion and capacity to exercise leadership in the environmental science and sustainability arenas, and enthusiasm to promote the importance of scientific understanding for improved environmental policies and practices; * commitment to participate in the entire two weeks of training and contribute to the program as well as take advantage of its benefits; * intent to share what is learned in the training program with students and colleagues and other stakeholders through courses, workshops and broader outreach efforts; * ability and desire to remain an active member of the Leopold Leadership Network after the conclusion of the Fellowship year. The 2005 training schedule is: Session I Session II Trinity Conference Center, CT Washington, D.C. June 20 - 27, 2005 September 23 - 30, 2005 The training is offered in English and focuses primarily on U.S.-based institutions, audiences, and policy making. Full details and application documents are available online at: www.leopoldleadership.org Support for the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program is provided by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 05:56:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Stranding Internship Announcement, The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, CA (fwd) From: Erin Brodie STRANDING INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT =09The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is offering 1-2 (non-salaried) internship positions during the spring/summer of 2004 to students who are interested in improving their skills and knowledge of marine mammal strandings and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will assist primarily with covering the animal hotline and dispatching rescue response throughout The Center's rescue range and after hours. Interns will also be expected to participate in trainings, marine mammal rescues and releases, animal care duties as needed, data entry and tracking, and miscellaneous tasks. Qualifications =09* Interns must be at least 18 years old =09* Interns are responsible for obtaining housing, and must have their own means of transportation =09* Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, with a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. =09* Applicants should have an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, psychology, policy or a related field =09* Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills =09* Applicants should have practical computer knowledge and skills =09* If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for enrollment and appropriate documentation Please submit a r=E9sum=E9 that includes the names of three references, college transcripts, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, accommodations, and availability. The Marine Mammal Center Attn: Erin Brodie Marin Headlands (GGNRA) 1065 Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, California 94965 BrodieE(\)TMMC.org All applications will be reviewed by the Stranding Department. Initial phone interviews will be conducted during February and March. Intern applicants will be notified of their acceptance by the first of May. The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity employer, is a non-profit organization charged with the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals, including the science of marine mammal diseases, health and welfare, and the education of the public in the protection of marine mammals and their habitats. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 16:04:28 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: American Cetacean Society Conference- Call for Abstracts (fwd) Call for Abstracts for Poster Presentations The American Cetacean Society (ACS) would like to invite authors to submit abstracts for poster presentations in the 9th international ACS conference to be held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Abstracts must deal with original research, conservation, or education involving cetaceans. Abstracts must be no longer than 300 words and written in a clear and concise manner. The deadline for abstract submission is August 1st, 2004. Prospective authors may direct questions and submit abstracts via email to Kate(\)whalecenter.org or regular mail to: Kate Sardi Whale Center of New England PO Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 We welcome poster submissions from researchers, educators, or students. There will be a student (undergraduate, graduate, or PhD candidates) poster contest judged by attending scientists in the field. If poster abstracts are to be entered into the student poster contest, please indicate clearly upon submission and include school and degree program enrolled in. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 23:09:07 +0100 From: "J.W. Broekema" Subject: Kolmarden conference wakeup call!! ------ please reply to: Mats Amundin [mats.amundin(\)kolmarden.com] The Kolmarden ECS conference is closing in and in the conference committe= e we try to get all wishes and inquieries sorted out, together with all the normal conference logistics. So far only part of the people, who have registered, have also booked their ackommodation. We are very eager that = you do this a.s.a.p. We have blocked a lot of rooms in the hotel, to be able = to let everyone have their preferred alternative. This is coupled to very special ackommodation alternatives, and considerably reduced prices. However, to take advantage of this offer, you need to book before Februar= y 27; thereafter normal prices and room alternatives apply. Looking forward to seeing you in Kolmarden! Conference committee ********************************************************* Mats Amundin, Ph.D.; Adj. Prof. Link=F6pings Univ. Research&Education Kolmardens Djurpark S-618 92 Kolmarden Sweden Phone: +46-11 24 90 18; +46-705 47 04 27 (mobile) Fax: +46-11 24 90 65 Web site: www.kolmarden.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2004 10:26:59 +1100 From: Wally Franklin Subject: Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Summer Internship Opportunity (Apple Message framework v612) --Apple-Mail-1--290227904 charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed The Oceania Project is conducting during August-October 2004 vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study - commenced in 1992 - of the ecology & behaviour humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ] The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/aboutus.html ] The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V humpback stock; genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay and the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. There is an opportunity for a limited number of Interns to participate the research expedition during August-October 2004. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1050 Australian (Approx. $798 US per week) which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' and fecal sample collection, assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection, environmental data, water quality sampling and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/life.html ] No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order they are received. General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au ] If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV. [ mailto:trish.wally(\)oceania.org.au ] Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University --Apple-Mail-1--290227904 charset=US-ASCII Arial The Oceania Project is conducting during August-October 2004 vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study - commenced in 1992 - of the ecology & behaviour humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran. [ 0000,0000,FFFFhttp://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ] The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ 1A1A,1A1A,FFFFhttp://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/aboutus.html ] The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V humpback stock; genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay and the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. There is an opportunity for a limited number of Interns to participate the research expedition during August-October 2004. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1050 Australian (Approx. $798 US per week) which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' and fecal sample collection, assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection, environmental data, water quality sampling and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ 0000,0000,FFFFhttp://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/life.html ] No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order they are received. General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ 1A1A,1A1A,FFFFhttp://www.oceania.org.au ] If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV. [ mailto:1A1A,1A1A,FFFFtrish.wally(\)oceania.org.au ] Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University --Apple-Mail-1--290227904-- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:23:31 +0000 From: fernando ugarte Subject: Fish stunning, looking for reference Dear list, During the marine mammal conference in Monaco in 1988, I met a young American man who had taken an amazing underwater video of a bottlenose dolphin in the Caribbean, feeding on a school of jack fish by stunning one fish at a time with underwater tails slaps. My wife is writing a manuscript about underwater tail slaps used by killer whales to feed on herring and she would like to refer to this observation. However, I have lost the address of this young American man and I have forgotten his name. Could any body help me to find him? Does any one know about obtainable references of marine mammals stunning fish with their tails/flippers outside Norway? The only reference we have is: Smolker, R. and Richards, A. 1988. Loud sounds during feeding in Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins. In: Animal sonar processes and performance. Pp. 567-579. Eds: Nachtigall, P. and Moore, P.W. Plinum Press, N.Y. Replies, especially if there are large pdf files, can be sent directly to Malene Simon (my wife): mjsimon(\)zi.ku.dk All best, Fernando Ugarte Science Officer Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre cbmwc(\)tiscali.co.uk _________________________________________________________________ MSN Messenger http://www.msn.no/computing/messenger - Den korteste veien mellom deg og dine venner ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:57:53 -0400 From: Robin W Baird Subject: Report: beaked whale tagging and diving in Hawaii Report available: Baird, R.W., D.J. McSweeney, A.D. Ligon and D.L. Webster. 2004. Tagging feasibility and diving of Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) in Hawai'i. Report prepared under Order No. AB133F-03-SE-0986 to the Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, Volcano, HI, from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA. A pdf can be downloaded from http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/Hawaii.htm Abstract Detailed information on diving (sub-surface) behavior of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) is only available for one of the 21 recognized species. Information on diving behavior of additional species within the family Ziphiidae is needed to evaluate their susceptibility to impacts from anthropogenic sound (such as high-intensity sonars) and to develop correction factors for survey-based estimates of abundance or density. In 2002 and 2003 we attemted to collect dive data on two species of beaked whales, Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris) and Blainville's (Mesoplodon densirostris), in Hawai'i, using remotely-deployed suction-cup attached time-depth recorder/VHF radio tags. We covered 4,144 km of trackline during 327 hours of search effort and encountered three groups of M. densirostris (group size range 1-9, mean = 3.7) and eight groups of Z. cavirostris (group size range 1-5, mean = 2.9). Seven tagging attempts were made, and two tags attached, one to a Z. cavirostris (attachment duration minimum 7 h) and one to a M. densirostris (attachment duration 2.09 h). These are the first tags that have been deployed on either species. The Z. cavirostris tag was not recovered, but a combination of VHF signals and visual observations resulted in recording of 12 long-duration dives (duration range 19-87 min, mean = 31.5). The tagged M. densirostris remained in a social group for at least 1.88 hours after tagging. Dives during this social period averaged 7.47 min in duration (SD=2.49), to an average depth of 58.6 m (SD=35.5), and the whale spent ~26% of its time in the top 10 m of the water column. One dive to 890 m, with an estimated duration of at least 23.3 min, was likely for foraging. Given the bottom depth in the area, this dive was likely to, or close to, the bottom. This study has demonstrated that tagging of these species is feasible, and that M. densirostris may dive deeply for foraging. ====================================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, WA Postdoctoral Fellow, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS e-mail: rwbaird(\)dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm http://www.cascadiaresearch.org mailing address: Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA 1-425-879-0360 (mobile) 1-360-943-7325 (office) 1-360-943-7026 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:12:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Lissodelphis and neophocaena (fwd) From: Tom Ford I am presently researching the abdominal musculature of these species . Is anyone aware of publications on that topic. I would also appreciate any good photos of the abdomen in thses species. Dr. Tom Ford ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:59:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: cachalot in vanuatu waters (Berzin) (fwd) >From We are presently carrying on a assessment on marine mammals in vanuatu waters (South West Pacific). We are interested by any information that some of you could have. We are also trying to find relevant information on sperm whales that was published by berzin AA in 1972 but are in Russian. Does anyone know about this reference? Thanks in advance Dr Claire Garrigue BP 12827 98802 Noum=E9a Nouvelle-Cal=E9donie t=E9l/fax : (687) 24-16-34 www.offratel.nc/op.cetaces ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 08:57:52 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: duplicate MARMAM postings yesterday Subscribers may have noticed a *slight* problem with MARMAM yesterday. Apparently all the messages from the last 16 days that have gone to the list were re-distributed to all or most of the list subscribers. These duplicate postings did not originate from the LISTSERV (the MARMAM log file for February did not have any of the duplicate postings). The LISTSERV does not have the capability to save-and-re-send postings, and it does have a "loop-detection" system built in, so that identical messages cannot be re-posted. The most-likely scenario is that some recipient (or their E-mail system) is "bouncing" messages back to the list in some format that circumvents or is not detected by the loop-detection system. We have had numerous discussions with the University of Victoria computing folks about how to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of this happening again, though as the messages originate from an outside source this may be difficult. MARMAM Editors ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 17:09:52 +1000 From: Michael Noad Subject: Volunteers required for humpback whale research in Australia The University of Queensland is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on humpback whales in 2004. As in 2002 and 2003, fieldwork for HARC, the Humpback Acoustic Research Collaboration, will take place during the whales' southward migration in September and October. In addition to this, however, we will also be conducting a major land-based survey earlier in the year of the east Australian humpback population from Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Is, near Brisbane. -------------------------------------------- Point Lookout Survey This survey will run for 14 weeks from 23 May to 28 August and will be funded by the Federal Department of Environment and Heritage. It will be used to estimate the absolute abundance of the population and, in the context of previous surveys, to calculate the apparent rate of population increase. While the survey itself is entirely land-based, two additional projects will also be conducted: (i) acoustic recordings of whales will be collected via a radio-linked, moored hydrophone buoy, and (ii) over the peak five weeks of the migration (mid-June to mid-July), a boat will be used to collect photo-IDs, biopsies, and behavioural data. Volunteers will be expected to work and live as part of a large team. Individual volunteers will spend approximately five hours daily (in two shifts) counting and observing passing whales from the Point Lookout headland. Volunteers must pay for their own way to the study site but food (basic groceries) and accommodation are provided once there. They may have an opportunity to participate in the acoustic and boat-based data collection, but this will depend on timing and the attitude and abilities of individuals. Volunteers for the Point Lookout survey will need to be available for a minimum of two weeks. -------------------------------------------- HARC - the Humpback Acoustic Research Collaboration HARC is a large collaborative study involving the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the University of Queensland, and guest researchers from the Universities of Newcastle and Sydney. The project is funded by the US Office of Naval Research and DSTO. In 2004 fieldwork will take place from 18 September to 31 October at Peregian Beach, approximately 140km north of Brisbane. HARC is a multi-disciplinary study of the passing whales during their southward migration and is comprised of several projects. Projects that will involve volunteers include the collection of behavioural and positional data from a land station, the acoustic recording and tracking of singers using an array of hydrophone buoys moored offshore, and the boat-based collection of photo-IDs, biopsies and behavioural data. Other projects include the recording of ambient sea and surf noise (SIO) and the tagging of some individual whales with DTAGs, digital tags that record acoustic, depth and movement data (WHOI). Volunteers for HARC should be available for the entire 6 week study (although exceptional candidates may be considered for shorter periods). --------------------------------------------- ALTHOUGH APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR EITHER THE POINT LOOKOUT SURVEY OR HARC, A FURTHER NOTICE ABOUT HARC WILL BE POSTED ON MARMAM LATER IN THE YEAR AND APPLICATIONS FOR HARC WILL NOT BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED UNTIL THEN (around June). There is no due date on the applications for the Point Lookout survey although the first round of offers will occur before the end of March. Either project will suit young scientists with genuine interests in humpback whale behaviour, behavioural ecology, acoustics, communication, and population assessment. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - have a good level of physical fitness - be a competent swimmer - not have fussy dietary requirements (vegetarians excepted!) - be able to concentrate for long periods Preference will be given to those who: - have a degree in biology, marine science, or veterinary science - have previous marine mammal field experience - have previously used a theodolite Applicants should send an email introducing yourself to Michael Noad , Dave Paton , Ceri Morris , Josh Smith , and Becca Dunlop . The email should include: - which project you are applying for - dates when you will be available - a brief CV (usually as an attachment) - contact details of two referees (usually contained in the CV) As mentioned above, applications will be accepted for HARC, but will be put aside at this stage until later in the year - selection will occur in June or July. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Noad BVSc PhD Lecturer Veterinary Anatomy School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia Ph. (07)3365-2088 Mob. 0416-270567 Fax. (07)3365-1255 Email ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 12:59:35 -0500 From: "Edward O. Keith" Subject: SMM XV Visa Survey Results Good Afternoon, Several weeks ago I requested that non-US folks who attended the XV Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals held last December communicate to me their experiences in getting visas from the U.S. State Department. We had registered the conference with the State Department in the hope that this would expedite visa applications for those needing them to attend the conference. The State Department subsequently contacted me to find out if in fact this had produced the desired effect, and thus my request for information. Here is the text of the message I have sent back to the State Department with the results of that survey. "Dear Maritza, I apologize for the delay in responding to your request for information. Most of this delay was due to the fact that I did not have much of the information you requested. Thus, I sent an email to our membership requesting that non-US scientists who either attended or wanted to attend the XV Biennial respond. It has taken several weeks for the responses to trickle in, and it has now been about a week since I received any, and so I assume I will not get any more. Unfortunately, the responses I received in many cases did not address your specific questions, but I will attempt to answer them as best I can. > 1. Number of foreign participants that were expected to attend: This is not easy to estimate. Until we receive registrations, we do not know how many intend to attend. One person responded to the survey indicating that they did not get their visa. Another responded that they didn't bother because it was too much hassle. > 2. Number of foreign participants that actually attended: We had a total of 345 non-US participants. > 3. Number of foreign participants that did not attend because of visa > problems: Two. > 4. Describe the specific difficulties that your foreign participants > experienced, such as the following: > a) Participant did not attend because he/she was still waiting for the > visa to be processed (visa delayed). > b) Participant did not attend because he/she received the visa after > the meeting had already started. > c) Participant could not get a visa interview date that would allow > enough time for the visa to be processed before the meeting. > d) Participant did not apply early enough for the visa (at least three > months before meeting). > e) Participant did not attend because his/her visa was denied at the > consulate (given reason if known). One. This person said that the consulate appeared to be unaware of our meeting, and that the individual who interviewed them did not appear to believe that ours was a legitimate meeting, in spite of being shown printouts of our web site, etc. > f) Participant did not attend because he/she did not want to apply for > a visa because it was not worth the hassle (ex. visa application fee > was too expensive, travel to the consulate was too expensive and > inconvenient, etc.) One. > g) Other problem. Please describe. One person was stopped at the airport and questioned, subsequently allowed in. One person encountered excessive bureaucratic red tape but did receive their visa. On a positive note, One person received their visa in a record time of 6 days. In summary, we had 345 non-US registrants from a total of 45 different countries. A total of 31 people responded to my questionnaire, from a total of 17 different countries. Of these, 16 respondents indicated that they were from countries where visas are not required to enter the US, and 15 were from countries where visas are required to enter the US. Of this total, one individual indicated that their visa application was denied, and one indicated that they didn't bother to apply because of the hassle. Thank you. Ed Keith, Conference Chair" -- Edward O. Keith, Ph.D., Associate Professor Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 N. Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 Voice: 954-262-8322 Fax: 954-262-3931 Cellular: 305-720-8935 Email: edwardok(\)nsu.nova.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 14:08:35 -0500 Reply-To: core(\)coreresearch.org From: "core(\)coreresearch.org" Subject: Internship Opportunity Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ------ Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship Opportunities=20 The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Essex, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. Cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. CORE's mission i= s to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. CORE's research focuses primarily upon the populations of fi= n and humpback whales found in the inshore waters of New England. We are currently working on several projects including:=20 - a study regarding the hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpback whales.=20 - novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales.=20 the presence of orca scars on humpback whales, their main predator in the North Atlantic.=20 - bias in whale watching regarding the amount of data and photos we're ab= le to collect on humpback whales vs. fin whales.=20 - shifts in distribution of whale species over time=20 - on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales and pilot whales. =20 CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate people about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment.=20 CORE collects most of its research data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip = as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. T= he types of data recorded on each trip include physical information =AD such= as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well = as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates.=20 CORE is somewhat of a fledgling organization, founded in 1996, we earned our non-profit status in 1998. Though we have no publications currently i= n print, we are in the process of collecting data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as hierarchy within humpback whale social and feeding groups, to observations of Sowerby=92s and Cuvier=92s beaked whales in offshore subm= arine canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of face= ts of research including:=20 - Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work.=20 - Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through phot= o analysis; data submission to educational on-line program WhaleNet.=20 - Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researcher and students.=20 - Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge.=20 - Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics includin= g GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation machines; handling lines; and general knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol.=20 CORE offers year-round internship opportunities to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. We do not provide room or board, but will assi= st interns in any way in finding housing and transportation (if necessary). = We also offer flexible hours, so that interns can obtain part-time jobs, if needed.=20 Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock Colleg= e, Boston, MA). Application deadline for the summer internship session is April 6th with interviews conducted through late April. The deadline for the fall internship session is July 31st, with interviews through mid-August. We also accept applicants for spring or winter. To apply for an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and a letter of recommendation to the below address.=20 Center for Oceanic Research and Education Intern Application forms can be accessed through the CORE website at: http://www.coreresearch.org/intern form.htm. Simply use your browser's print function to print out the application . We will contact applicants to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at: core(\)coreresearch.org Lisa Fox, Director=20 Center for Oceanic Research and Education=20 245 Western Ave, Box 8 Essex, MA 01929=20 978.768.4560=20 www.coreresearch.org -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 21:44:25 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: articles about cetacean ears anatomy (fwd) Dear All, My name is Roberta Sassu and I am a PhD student from Padua University. I am studying the morphology and physiology of cetacean ears. For this reason I am looking for bibliography about the anatomy of the ear in cetacean. It should be very useful every information about these topics you could give to me. Please, contact me by e-mail: roberta.sassu(\)unipd.it At the moment I have found these articles: Nummela S., Reuter T., Hemila P., Holmberg P., Paukku P. The Anatomy of the Killer whale middle ear (Orcinus orca). Hear. Res. 1999 Jul; 133 (1-2): 61-70 Ridgway SH., McCormick JG., Wever EG. Surgical approach to the dolphin=92s ear. J. Exp. Zool. 1974 Jun; 188 (3): 265 =9676. Department of Experimental Veterinary Science (SPERIVET) University of Padua viale dell'Universit=E0, 16 I-35020 Legnaro-Agripolis (PD) Italy phone : ++ 39.049.827.2621-2794 fax : ++ 39.049.827.2669 e-mail: roberta.sassu(\)unipd.it ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 17:14:51 -0500 From: Michelle Pico Subject: Final Notice for Funding Opportunity This is the final notice for this year's solicitation for proposals under the National Whale Conservation Fund. Please see the following website for application guidelines and links to the pre-proposal form due March 1st, 2004. http://nfwf.org/programs/whale_general.htm - All proposals coming to the Fund must use this form. This year's priorities include: Projects to address whale conservation needs in the areas of habitat protection, species recovery and conservation, applied field/laboratory research needs, applied social science research, and education and outreach activities. Issues relating to great whales are a top priority for funding. Proposals that address tasks or needs identified in endangered whale recovery plans or conservation plans adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service are particularly encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to show leverage of a 1:1 or greater match to the proposal request. Please let me know if there are questions. Michelle Michelle Pico Assistant Director of Marine and Coastal Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 20036 ph: (202) 857-0166 fax: (202) 857-0162 pico(\)nfwf.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 13:07:56 -0800 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ------ Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request.=20 Please remember not to hit the reply button, make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org AKETA, KANA; SHIRO ASANO; YOSHIHITO WAKAI and AKITO KAWAMURA. MAMMAL STUDY 28(1):23-30. 2003. Apparent digestibility of eelgrass Zostera marina by captive dugongs Dugo= ng dugon in relation to the nutritional content of eelgrass and dugong feedi= ng parameters. 0.321 MB AMANO, MASAO; FUMIO NAKAHARA; AZUSA HAYNAO and KUNIO SHIRAKIHARA. MAMMAL STUDY 28(2):103-110. 2003. Abundance estimate of finless porpoises off the Pacific coast of eastern Japan based on aerial surveys. (Neophocaena phocaenoides) 0.501 MB BEST, PETER B.; C M. SCHAEFF; DESRAY REEB and PER J. PALSBOLL. BEHAVIOUR 140(11-12):1469-1494. 2003. Composition and possible function of social groupings of southern right whales in South African waters. 0.436 MB CASAUX, R.; L. BELLIZIA and A. BARONI. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(2):59-65. 2004. The diet of the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella at Harmony Point= , South Shetland Islands: Evidence of opportunistic foraging on penguins? 0.234 MB DAILEY, MURRAY D.; MICHAEL M. KLIKS and RICHARD S. DEMAREE. COMPARATIVE PARASITOLOGY 71(1):9-12. 2004. Heterophyopsis hawaiiensis n. sp (Trematoda : Heterophyidae) from the Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi Matschie, 1905 (Carnivora : Phocidae). 0.158 MB DE GUISE, S.; K. ERICKSON; M. BLANCHARD; L. DIMOLFETTO; H. D. LEPPER; J. = L. STOTT and D. A. FERRICK. VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY 97(3-4):195-206. 2004. Characterization of F21.A, a monoclonal antibody that recognize a leucocy= te surface antigen for killer whale homologue to =DF-2 integrin. 0.233 MB DE GUISE, SYLVAIN and MILTON JAY LEVIN. VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY 97(3-4):177-186. 2004. Cetacean-reconstituted severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice respon= d to vaccination with canine distemper vaccine. 0.148 MB EVANS, PETER G. H. and PHILIP S. HAMMOND. MAMMAL REVIEW 34(1-2):131-156. 2004. Monitoring cetaceans in European waters. FUJIHARA, JUNKO; TAKASHI KUNITO; REIJI KUBOTA and SHINSUKE TANABE. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY 136(4):287-296. 2003. Arsenic accumulation in livers of pinnipeds, seabirds and sea turtles: Subcellular distribution and interaction between arsenobetaine and glycin= e betaine. 0.171 MB GEISLER, JONATHAN H. and MARK D. UHEN. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 23(4):991-996. 2003. Morphological support for a close relationship between hippos and whales. 0.703 MB GEWIN, V. NATURE (LONDON) 427(6975):575. 2004. Pacific dolphins make waves for US policy on Mexican tuna. 0.176 MB HASTIE, G. D.; B. WILSON; L. J. WILSON; K. M. PARSONS and P. M. THOMPSON. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 144(2):397-403. 2004. Functional mechanisms underlying cetacean distribution patterns: Hotspots for bottlenose dolphins are linked to foraging. 0.290 MB HAYASHI, KOSUKE; SHIN NISHIDA; HIDEYOSHI YOSHIDA; MUTSUO GOTO; LUIS A. PASTENE and HIROKO KOIKE. MAMMAL STUDY 28(2):89-96. 2003. Sequence variation of the DQB allele in the cetacean MHC. 0.779 MB KAWASHIMA, M.; M. NAKANISHI; M. KUWAMURA; M. TAKEYA and J. YAMATE. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY 130(1):32-40. 2004. Immunohistochemical detection of macrophages in the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). 0.713 MB LUNDBERG, ANITA. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ARCHAEOLOGY 3(3):312-333. 2003. Time travels in whaling boats. 0.294 MB MCMAHON, CLIVE R. and COREY J. A. BRADSHAW. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 55(4):349-362. 2004. Harem choice and breeding experience of female southern elephant seals influence offspring survival. 0.932 MB METCALFE, CHRIS; BRENDA KOENIG; TRACY METCALFE; GORDON PATERSON and RICHA= RD SEARS. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 57(4):245-260. 2004. Intra- and inter-species differences in persistent organic contaminants i= n the blubber of blue whales and humpback whales from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. 0.503 MB MILLER, NATALIE J.; CHRISTOPHER B. DANIELS; DANIEL P. COSTA and SANDRA OR= GEIG. BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 313:727-732. 2004. Control of pulmonary surfactant secretion in adult California sea lions. 0.285 MB NISHIDA, SHIN; LUIS A. PASTENE; MUTSUO GOTO and HIROKO KOIKE. MAMMAL STUDY 28(1):57-66. 2003. SRY gene structure and phylogeny in the cetacean species. 0.534 MB NOWACEK, DOUGLAS P.; MARK P. JOHNSON and PETER L. TYACK. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 271(1536):227-231. 2004. North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) ignore ships but respon= d to alerting stimuli. 0.202 MB OSMAN, L. P.; R. HUCKE-GAETE; C. A. MORENO and D. TORRES. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(2):92-98. 2004. Feeding ecology of Antarctic fur seals at Cape Shirreff, South Shetlands, Antarctica. 0.360 MB PHILLIPS, RICHARD; CHRISTOPHER NIEZRECKI and DIEDRICH O. BEUSSE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(1):422-428. 2004. Determination of West Indian manatee vocalization levels and rate. (Trichechus manatus latirostris) 0.804 MB QUICK, NICOLA J.; STUART J. MIDDLEMAS and JOHN D. ARMSTRONG. AQUACULTURE 230(1-4):169-180. 2004. A survey of antipredator controls at marine salmon farms in Scotland. 0.215 MB STRUNTZ, WILLIAM D. J.; JOHN R. KUCKLICK; MICHELE M. SCHANTZ; PAUL R. BECKER; WAYNE E. MCFEE and MEAGAN K. STOLEN. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(1-2):164-173. 2004. Persistent organic pollutants in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensi= s) sampled during an unusual mass stranding event. 0.292 MB THEODOR, JESSICA M. JOURNAL OF PALEONTOLOGY 78(1):39-44. 2004. Molecular clock divergence estimates and the fossil record of Cetartiodac= tyla. 0.062 MB YONEZAKI, SHIROH; MASASHI KIYOTA; NORIHISA BABA; TAKASHI KOIDO and AKIRA TAKEMURA. MAMMAL STUDY 28(2):97-102. 2003. Size distribution of the hard remains of prey in the digestive tract of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) and related biases in diet estimation by scat analysis. 0.177 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 18:29:07 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: American Society of Mammalogists - Conservaton Awards (fwd) NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR TWO NEW CONSERVTION AWARDS FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAMMALOGISTS In 2002, the American Society of Mammalogists established 2 new conservation awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the conservation of mammals and their habitats. The first award, the Aldo Leopold Award, is awarded to a well-established individual who has made a lasting contribution to the conservation of mammals and their habitats. In 2003, the inaugural Aldo Leopold Award recipient was E. O. Wilson of Harvard University for his valuable contributions to mammalian conservation through his development and promotion of the concepts of biodiversity. The second award, the William T. Hornaday Award, is awarded to a current undergraduate or graduate student who has made a significant contribution as a student to the conservation of mammals and their habitats. This award was not given in 2003 and nominations will be considered for this award for the first time for 2004. The recipient of each award will have contributed substantially to (1) the conservation of 1 or more mammalian species, subspecies, or populations, (2) to the conservation of mammalian assemblages and communities, and/or (3) to advancing the field of conservation biology through focal research on mammals. Those contributing to the conservation of land and/or marine mammals are eligible for consideration. We interpret "contribution" broadly to include (1) scientific research or political activism that has resulted in the preservation of an imperiled species; (2) development of protective management recommendations; (3) acquisition of new knowledge regarding the conservation status or causes for declines of mammalian species or populations; (4) the protection of significant mammalian habitat; or (5) promotion of the conservation of mammals through public education. For details on the nomination process, please refer to http://www.mammalogy.org, the website of the American Society of Mammalogists, or contact Dr. Steven R. Sheffield, Chair, Conservation Awards Committee, American Society of Mammalogists, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; srsheffield(\)att.net; (301) 593-6251. The deadline for submission of completed nominations is 15 March 2004. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= Submitted by: Daniel K. Odell ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 17:35:31 -0600 From: Jeanette A Thomas Subject: Back issues of Aquatic Mammals available in printed & CD versions Please post on MARMAM: BACK ISSUE OF AQUATIC MAMMALS (volume 21 to present) Now Available on CD, 3 issues per volume Volume(s) ordered:__21(1995) __22(1996) __23(1997) __24(1998) __25(1999) __26(2000) __27(2001) __28(2002) __29(2003) Printed version ($72 USD) X ____volumes _____ $ USD CD version ($36 USD) X ____volumes _____ $ USD Charge for Payment by Credit Card _____ $ 3 USD Shipping within North America ($2 USD) X __volumes _____ $ USD Shipping outside North America ($4 USD X __volumes _____ $ USD If payment by wire transfer _____ $ 14 USD Discount for purchase of multiple volumes $12 X __volumes -_____ $ TOTAL _____ $ USD Mail, Fax, or E-mail Payment to: Jeanette Thomas, Editor Aquatic Mammals WIUQC 3561 60th St. Moline, Illinois 61265 E-mail: J-Thomas(\)wiu.edu Fax: 309-762-9481 Check in USD or MasterCard or Visa Accepted. Credit Card No: __ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Expiration Date: ____/____ Receipt Available upon Request. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 17:07:56 -0600 From: Jeanette A Thomas Subject: Pre-publication offer on the Biology & Conservation of Sousa to appear in Aquatic Mammals issue 1 for 2004 ------ Please post the following information on MARMAM SPECIAL ISSUE OF AQUATIC MAMMALS (volume 30 issue 1, 2004) The Biology and Conservation of Sousa spp. =20 Edited by Thomas Jefferson PRE-PUBLICATION PRICE (Must Place order before 20 March 2004. If you alr= eady=20 subscribe to Aquatic Mammals for 2004 you will receive the printed issue = as=20 part of your subscription. =09 Printed Issue: _____ $ 38 USD Charge for Payment by Credit Card _____ $ 3 USD Shipping within North America _____ $ 3 USD Shipping outside North America _____ $ 5 USD TOTAL _____ USD =09 CD Version of Issue: _____ $ 18 USD Charge for Payment by Credit Card _____ $ 3 USD Shipping within North America _____ $ 2 USD Shipping outside North America _____ $ 4 USD TOTAL _____ USD Mail, Fax, or E-mail Payment to: Jeanette Thomas, Editor =20 Aquatic Mammals WIUQC=09 3561 60th St. Moline, Illinois 61265=09 E-mail: J-Thomas(\)wiu.edu Fax: 309-762-9481 =09 Check in USD or MasterCard or Visa Accepted. =20 Credit Card No: __ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Expiration Date: ____/____ Receipt Available upon Request. =20 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Table of Contents: Volume 30 issue 1 2004: BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE HUMPBACK DOLPHINS (Sousa spp.) Guest Editor: Thomas A. Jefferson T. A. JEFFERSON & K. VAN WAEREBEEK: Geographic variation in skull morpho= logy=20 of humpback dolphins (Sousa spp.). E. C. M. PARSONS: The potential impacts of pollution on humpback dolphin= s:=20 with a case study on the Hong Kong population. E. C. M. PARSONS: The behaviour and ecology of the Indo-Pacific humpback= =20 dolphin (Sousa chinensis). K. VAN WAEREBEEK, L. BARNETT, A. CAMARA, A. CHAM, M. DIALLO, A. DJIBA, A.= O.=20 JALLOW, E. NDIAYE, & A. E. S. O. BILAL: Distribution, status, and biolog= y of=20 the Atlantic humpback dolphin Sousa teuszii (K=FCkenthal, 1892). =09 S. ATKINS, N. PILLAY, & V. M. PEDDEMORS: Space-use by Indo-Pacific humpb= ack=20 dolphins Sousa chinensis at Richard's Bay, South Africa: Environmental=20 influences and behavioural patterns. =09 A. GUISSAMULO & V. G. COCKCROFT: Ecology and population estimates of Ind= o- Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Maputo Bay, Mozambique. Y. RAZAFINDRAKOTO, N. ANDRIANARIVELO, & H. C. ROSENBAUM: Sightings and=20 observations on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in coastal waters of Madag= ascar. R. M. BALDWIN, M. COLLINS, K. VAN WAEREBEEK, & G. MINTON: The Indo-Pacif= ic=20 humpback dolphin of the Arabian region: A status review. =09 D. SUTARIA: Status of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis= =20 Osbeck, 1765) along the coast of India and Sri Lanka - An overview. F. BROOK, E. H. T. LIM, F. H. C. CHUA, & B. MACKAY: Assessment of the=20 reproductive cycle of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis,= =20 using ultrasonography. T. A. JEFFERSON & S. K. HUNG: A review of the status of the Indo-Pacific= =20 humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in Chinese waters. =09 S. K. HUNG & T. A. JEFFERSON: Ranging patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback=20 dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary, People=92s Republi= c of=20 China. =09 J. C. GOOLD & T. A. JEFFERSON: A note on clicks recorded from free-rangi= ng=20 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. =09 N. B. BARROS, T. A. JEFFERSON & E. C. M. PARSONS: Feeding habits of Indo= - Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded in Hong Kong. J. Y. WANG, S. K. HUNG, & S. C. YANG: Records of Indo-Pacific humpback=20 dolphins, Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765), from the waters of western Taiw= an. =09 G. J. PARRA, P. J. CORKERON, & H. MARSH: The Indo-Pacific humpback dolph= in,=20 Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) in Australian waters: A summary of current= =20 knowledge. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 17:23:57 -0600 From: Jeanette A Thomas Subject: Special Issue of Aquatic Mammals Available on CDs ------ Please post this on MARMAM: SPECIAL ISSUES OF AQUATIC MAMMALS NOW AVAILABLE ON CDs (See Table of Contents for each issue below) Rehabilitation of a Gray Whale Calf (Stewart, ed): _____$ 18 USD Pinniped Vocalizations (Van Parijs & Schusterman, eds): _____$ 18 USD Biology & Conservation of the Humpback Dolphin _____$ 18 USD (Jefferson, ed): =09 =09 Discount for purchase of 2 CDs: _____-$ 6 USD Discount for purchase of 3 CDs: _____-$ 8 USD Charge for Payment by Credit Card _____ $ 3 USD Shipping within North America _____ $ 2 USD Shipping outside North America _____ $ 4 USD =20 TOTAL _____USD Mail, Fax, or E-mail Payment to: Jeanette Thomas, Editor =20 Aquatic Mammals WIUQC=09 3561 60th St. Moline, Illinois 61265=09 E-mail: J-Thomas(\)wiu.edu Fax: 309-762-9481 =09 =09 Check in USD or MasterCard or Visa Accepted. Credit Card No: __ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Expiration Date: ____/____ Receipt Available upon Request. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= -- Table of Contents Below: RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND SCIENTIFIC STUDIES OF A CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE= CALF Guest Editor: Brent Stewart BUSCH, A. III: Forward to the collection of papers. STEWART, B. S.: Introduction and background on the rescue, rehabilitatio= n,=20 and scientific studies of JJ, an orphaned=20 California gray wale calf. ANDREWS, B., DAVIS, W. & PARHAM, D.: Corporate response and facilitation = of=20 the rehabilitation of a California gray whale calf. HEYNING, J. E. & HEYNING, C. A.: Rescue of an orphaned gray whale calf. REIDARSON, T. H., MCBAIN, J. F. & YOCHEM, P. K.: Medical and nutritional=20 aspects of a rehabilitating California gray whale calf. BRUEHLER, G. L., DIROCCO, S., RYAN, T. & ROBINSON, K.: Husbandry and han= d- rearing of a rehabilitating California gray whale calf. ANTRIM, J.: Logistics of maintenance, rehabilitation, and return to the=20 Pacific Ocean of a California gray whale calf. SUMICH, J., GOFF, T. & PERRYMAN, W. L.: Growth of two captive gray whale=20 calves. SUMICH, J.: Growth of baleen of a rehabilitating gray whale calf. WISDOM, S., BOWLES, A. E. & ANDERSON, K. E.: Development of behavior and= =20 sound repertoire of a rehabilitating gray whale calf. LYAMIN, O. I., MUKHAMETOV, L. M., SIEGEL, J. M., MANGER, P. R. & SHPAK, O= .=20 V.: Resting behavior in a=20 rehabilitating gray whale calf. RIDGWAY, S. H. & D. A. CARDER.: Assessing hearing and sound production in= =20 cetaceans not available for behavioral audiograms: Experiences with sper= m,=20 pygmy sperm, and gray whales. CASTELLINI, M. A., YOCHEM, P. K. & CASTELLINI, J. M.: Differential=20 concentration of glucose in red blood cells and plasma of a rehabilitatin= g=20 gray whale calf. SUMICH, J.: Direct and indirect measures of oxygen extraction, tidal lung= =20 volumes and respiratory rates in a rehabilitating gray whale calf. HEYNING, J. E.: Thermoregulation in feeding baleen whales: Morphological= and=20 physiological evidence. HARVEY, J., HURLEY, J. & SKROVAN, S.: Training California sea lions to re= cord=20 whale behavior using a rehabilitating California gray whale calf. STEWART, B. S., HARVEY, J. & YOCHEM, P. K.: Post-release monitoring and=20 tracking of a rehabilitated California gray whale. STEWART, B. S.: Facilitation of post-release, long-term recognition of a=20 rehabilitated gray whale calf: Pigmentation and scar patterns of JJ. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents: Volume 29 issue 2, 2003: VOCAL BEHAVIOR IN PINNIPEDS Guest Editors: Sofie Van Parijs & Ronald Schusterman FORWARD by S. VAN PARIJS, AND R. J. SCHUSTERMAN INSELEY, S., PHILLIPS, A. V., AND I. CHARRIER: A review of social recogn= ition=20 in pinnipeds. SOUTHALL, B. L., SCHUSTERMAN, R. J., AND D. KASTAK: Acoustic communicati= on=20 Ranges for northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). VAN PARIJS, S.: Aquatic mating in pinnipeds=97a review. STIRLING, I., AND J. A. THOMAS: Relationships between underwater=20 vocalizations and social systems in phocids seals. ROGERS, T. L. Factors influencing the acoustic behaviour of male phocids= =20 seals. OETELAAR, M. L., TERHUNE, J. M., AND H. R. BURTON: Can the sex of a Wedd= ell=20 seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) be identified by its surface call? ABGRALL, P., TERHUNE, J. M., AND H. R. BURTON: Variation of Weddell seal= =20 (Leptonychotes weddellii) underwater vocalizations over mesogeographic ra= nges. MOORS, H. B., AND J. M. TERHUNE: Repetition patterns within harp seal=20 (Pagophilus groenlandicus) underwater calls. FERNANDEZ-JURICIC, E., CAMPAGNA, C., AND D. SAN MAURO: Variations in the= =20 arrangement of South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) male vocalizat= ions=20 during the breeding season: patterns and contexts. SJARE, B., STIRLING, I., AND C. SPENCER: Structural variation in the son= gs of=20 Atlantic walruses breeding in the Canadian High Arctic. BOOK REVIEW: STEWART, B. S.: Steller sea lion decline: Is it food II? Book by D. P.= =20 DeMaster and S. Atkinson. University of Alaska Sea Grant, 78 pp -------------------------------------------------------------------------= - Table of Contents: Volume 30 issue 1 2004: BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE HUMPBACKDOLPHINS (Sousa spp.) Guest Editor: Thomas A. Jefferson T. A. JEFFERSON & K. VAN WAEREBEEK: Geographic variation in skull morpho= logy=20 of humpback dolphins (Sousa spp.). E. C. M. PARSONS: The potential impacts of pollution on humpback dolphin= s:=20 with a case study on the Hong Kong population. E. C. M. PARSONS: The behaviour and ecology of the Indo-Pacific humpback= =20 dolphin (Sousa chinensis). K. VAN WAEREBEEK, L. BARNETT, A. CAMARA, A. CHAM, M. DIALLO, A. DJIBA, A.= O.=20 JALLOW, E. NDIAYE, & A. E. S. O. BILAL: Distribution, status, and biolog= y of=20 the Atlantic humpback dolphin Sousa teuszii (K=FCkenthal, 1892). =09 S. ATKINS, N. PILLAY, & V. M. PEDDEMORS: Space-use by Indo-Pacific humpb= ack=20 dolphins Sousa chinensis at Richard's Bay, South Africa: Environmental=20 influences and behavioural patterns. =09 A. GUISSAMULO & V. G. COCKCROFT: Ecology and population estimates of Ind= o- Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Maputo Bay, Mozambique. Y. RAZAFINDRAKOTO, N. ANDRIANARIVELO, & H. C. ROSENBAUM: Sightings and=20 observations on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in coastal waters of Madag= ascar. R. M. BALDWIN, M. COLLINS, K. VAN WAEREBEEK, & G. MINTON: The Indo-Pacif= ic=20 humpback dolphin of the Arabian region: A status review. =09 D. SUTARIA: Status of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis= =20 Osbeck, 1765) along the coast of India and Sri Lanka - An overview. F. BROOK, E. H. T. LIM, F. H. C. CHUA, & B. MACKAY: Assessment of the=20 reproductive cycle of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis,= =20 using ultrasonography. T. A. JEFFERSON & S. K. HUNG: A review of the status of the Indo-Pacific= =20 humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in Chinese waters. =09 S. K. HUNG & T. A. JEFFERSON: Ranging patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback=20 dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary, People=92s Republi= c of=20 China. =09 J. C. GOOLD & T. A. JEFFERSON: A note on clicks recorded from free-rangi= ng=20 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. =09 N. B. BARROS, T. A. JEFFERSON & E. C. M. PARSONS: Feeding habits of Indo= - Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded in Hong Kong. J. Y. WANG, S. K. HUNG, & S. C. YANG: Records of Indo-Pacific humpback=20 dolphins, Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765), from the waters of western Taiw= an. =09 G. J. PARRA, P. J. CORKERON, & H. MARSH: The Indo-Pacific humpback dolph= in,=20 Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) in Australian waters: A summary of current= =20 knowledge. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 14:27:22 -0500 From: Kyler Abernathy Subject: responses regarding Wildlife Computers sat tags Just to summarize the responses I got to my recent inquiry into Wildlife Computers new satellite tags: Many have used the older SPOT2 tags but only a few people have actually used the new SPOT3 tags, though several have ordered them. Almost all responses were very positive toward these instruments. There was one exception each in the case of SPOT2 and SPOT3 models. Both users had some instrument failures and felt that these failures were battery/power related, but were not completely certain. thank you to all who repsponded to my inquiry. Kyler Abernathy Associate Producer National Geographic Television & Film - Remote Imaging 202-857-5802, fax 202-429-5759 kabernat(\)ngs.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 15:43:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Geiken Tsushin (News of the Whales Research Institute) (fwd) I am looking for a couple of articles from Geiken Tsushin (News of the Whales Research Institute). We don't have this newletter at the NMML Library and I have been unable to locate this title at any other libraries. The citations we are looking for are: Masaki, M. 1972. Tagging investigations of whales in Ogasawara and Mariana Islands. Geiken Tsushin 249:35-42 (In Japanese). Yo, K. and M. Nishiwaki. 1960. Curious dolphin caught in Formosa. Geiken Tsushin 108: 5-8. Thank you for checking. Sonja Kromann, Librarian National Marine Mammal Laboratory Please reply directly to me via e-mail at: Sonja.Kromann(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 21:48:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: NEW GUIDE OF THE MARINE MAMMALS OF PATAGONIA AND ANTARCTICA (FWD) NEW GUIDE OF THE MARINE MAMMALS OF PATAGONIA AND ANTARCTICA (Spanish Version) Bastida, R. & D. Rodr=EDguez (2003). Marine Mammals of Patagonia and Antarctica [Mam=EDferos Marinos de la Patagonia y Ant=E1rtida]. Vazquez Mazzini Editores (Buenos Aires, Argentina). 208pp. First Spanish Edition. ISBN 987-9132-08-4. The present Guide offers detailed an updated information on the marine mammals of the South Western Atlantic and Antarctica. For each of the 47 species, current information on geographical distribution, distinctive features, biology, ecology and conservation status is given. In addition, it presents a summary of the oceanographical features of the South Atlantic and Antarctica, diagnostic characters of Marine Mammals, human exploitation and strategies for rehabilitation. This Guide is oriented to those interested in the marine fauna of South America, and wish to identify the cetaceans, pinnipeds and otters of this part of the world ocean. The text is match with 50 maps, 90 figures and 190 color photographs. The present Spanish Edition will be complemented with an English version in 2004. Marine Mammals of Patagonia and Antarctica can be purchased in bookstores of Argentina at a cost of $59 (pesos); overseas cost is U$D 30 (shipping included). For more information, contact the authors or the editors (Vazquez Mazzini Editores) via email. Thank you! Dr.Ricardo Bastida (rbastida(\)mdp.edu.ar) Dr.Diego Rodr=EDguez (dhrodri(\)mdp.edu.ar) 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. TE +54 (0) 223 475-2426 (Interno 456) FAX + 54 (0) 223 475-3150 Vazquez Mazzini Editores Avenida Pueyrred=F3n 1192, Piso 2, Oficina 13, (C1118AAO) Buenos Aires, Argentina. TE-Fax: +54 (0) 11 4962-1695 vmeditores(\)fibertel.com.ar vmeditores(\)hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 21:50:41 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Photographs of dolphins with Xenobalanus barnacles requested (FWD) Photographs of dolphins with Xenobalanus barnacles requested Dr. Leif Nottestad and I are conducting a study of the distribution of the barnacle Xenobalanus on the body surfaces of dolphins. The study is to examine the hydrodynamic causations of barnacle placement on the body of dolphins. We are particularly interested in photographs of dolphin fluke, flippers, and dorsal fins with the barnacles present, showing a planar view of the appendage If you have photographs of dolphins with Xenobalanus on the body surface, please send them electronically to ffish(\)wcupa.edu, or if you have copies of slides or hard photographs send them to Dr. Frank Fish, Department of Biology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383 USA. . Please provide information on species and location. Individuals supplying photographs and data will be acknowledged in the publication of this work. Frank E. Fish, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Liquid Life Lab Department of Biology West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 USA phone: 610-436-2460 fax: 610-436-2183 email: ffish(\)wcupa.edu homepage: http://darwin.wcupa.edu/~biology/fish ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 14:21:26 +0000 From: Deborah Benham Subject: Volunteer Opportunities Available with Sea Otters --=_07267410.25442C22 =20 Please could you post the following information regarding volunteer = opportunities this summer. =20 Volunteer Opportunities with California Sea Otters, Monterey Bay, CA =20 I am looking for dedicated volunteer research assistants to assist with = the third year of data collection for my doctoral study on interactions = between wildlife tourism and sea otters in Monterey Bay, California.The = field season runs from the beginning of June 2004 to mid September 2004, = volunteers should be able to commit to 6-12 weeks.=20 =20 This is an excellent opportunity to gain field work experience with marine = mammals and will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in = marine mammal science, animal behaviour or ecotourism. =20 Field work will involve behavioural observations of sea otter and tourist = interactions at several sites along the Monterey Bay coast. Data will be = collected on sea otter behaviour in disturbed and undisturbed conditions = and their responses to different types of vessels and tourist behaviours = will be documented. Radio-tracking will be carried out in association with = the Monterey Bay Aquarium to determine time/activity budgets of individual = otters in areas with varying levels of recreational use. Interviews with = tourists and tour operators will also be carried out during the field = season to investigate potential management strategies. This project aims = to involve all stakeholders to develop a conservation and management plan = that is satisfactory to all parties. =20 Applicants should have: =20 =B7 A genuine interest in animal behaviour=20 =B7 A background in Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour or a = related field=20 =B7 Previous field experience would be advantageous but is not a prerequisi= te =B7 Good communication skills =B7 Good English language skills =B7 Basic IT skills =B7 A driving licence =B7 Enthusiasm and interest in the project =20 There is no fee for this project but you will be expected to pay for your = own accommodation, travel and living expenses. Please expect to pay at = least =A3300 or $600 per month for accommodation. Shared accommodation may = be available or help can be given in finding alternative accommodation.=20 =20 Applications should include: =20 =B7 Current CV or resume =B7 Details of your availability =B7 Name and contact details of 2 referees =B7 Statement of why you would like to be a volunteer =20 The Monterey Bay area is a fantastic area for marine mammals and other = wildlife and there will be time to go whale watching, kayaking, diving, = surfing, etc should you wish. =20 The deadline is March 30th 2004. Applications should be made by email to: = Deborah Benham, plxdmb(\)nottingham.ac.uk=20 =20 Thank you, Deborah Benham PhD Candidate University of Nottingham --=_07267410.25442C22
 
Please could you post the following information = regarding=20 volunteer opportunities this summer.
 

Volunteer Opportunities with California = Sea=20 Otters, Monterey Bay, CA
 
I am looking for dedicated volunteer research = assistants to=20 assist with the third year of data collection for my doctoral study on=20 interactions between wildlife tourism and sea otters in Monterey Bay,=20 California.The field season runs from the beginning of June 2004 to mid=20 September 2004, volunteers should be able to commit to 6-12 weeks. =
 
This is an excellent opportunity to gain field work = experience=20 with marine mammals and will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a = career=20 in marine mammal science, animal behaviour or ecotourism.
 
Field work will involve behavioural observations of = sea otter=20 and tourist interactions at several sites along the Monterey Bay coast. = Data=20 will be collected on sea otter behaviour in disturbed and undisturbed = conditions=20 and their responses to different types of vessels and tourist behaviours = will be=20 documented. Radio-tracking will be carried out in association with the = Monterey=20 Bay Aquarium to determine time/activity budgets of individual otters in = areas=20 with varying levels of recreational use.  Interviews with tourists = and tour=20 operators will also be carried out during the field season to investigate= =20 potential management strategies. This project aims to involve all = stakeholders=20 to develop a conservation and management plan that is satisfactory to = all=20 parties.
 
Applicants should have:
 
=B7 A genuine interest in animal behaviour
=B7 A = background in=20 Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour or a related field =
=B7=20 Previous field experience would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite=B7=20 Good communication skills
=B7 Good English language skills
=B7 Basic = IT=20 skills
=B7 A driving licence
=B7 Enthusiasm and interest in the=20 project
 
There is no fee for this project but you will be = expected to=20 pay for your own accommodation, travel and living expenses. Please expect = to pay=20 at least =A3300 or $600 per month for accommodation. Shared accommodation = may be=20 available or help can be given in finding alternative accommodation.=20
 
Applications should include:
 
=B7 Current CV or resume
=B7 Details of your = availability
=B7=20 Name and contact details of 2 referees
=B7 Statement of why you would = like to=20 be a volunteer
 
The Monterey Bay area is a fantastic area for = marine=20 mammals and other wildlife and there will be time to go whale watching,=20 kayaking, diving, surfing, etc should you wish.
 
The deadline is March 30th 2004. Applications should = be made=20 by email to: Deborah Benham,  plxdmb(\)nottingham.ac.uk<= /DIV>
 
Thank you,

Deborah Benham
PhD Candidate
University of Nottingham
= --=_07267410.25442C22-- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 08:31:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Tuberculosis in seals (fwd) Hi! For those interested in infectous diseases of marine mammals, the following paper may be of interest. Please, contact me via email at dhrodri(\)mdp.edu.ar Thank you! Diego Rodriguez Tuberculosis in seals caused by a novel member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex: Mycobacterium pinnipedii sp. nov. Debby V. Cousins1, Ricardo Bastida2, Angel Cataldi3, Viviana Quse4, Sharon Redrobe5, Sue Dow5, Padraig Duignan6, Alan Murray6, Christine Dupont6, Niyaz Ahmed7, Des M. Collins8, W. Ray Butler9, David Dawson10, Diego Rodr=EDguez2, Julio Loureiro3, Maria Isabel Romano3, A. Alito3, M. Zumarraga3 and Amelia Bernardelli11 International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 53 (2003), 1305-1314 ABSTRACT: A comparison of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from seals (pinnipeds) in Australia, Argentina, Uruguay, Great Britain and New Zealand was undertaken to determine their relationships to each other and their taxonomic position within the complex. Isolates from 30 cases of tuberculosis in six species of pinniped and seven related isolates were compared to representative and standard strains of the M. tuberculosis complex. The seal isolates could be distinguished from other members of the M. tuberculosis complex, including the recently defined 'Mycobacterium canettii' and 'Mycobacterium caprae', on the basis of host preference and phenotypic and genetic tests. Pinnipeds appear to be the natural host for this 'seal bacillus', although the organism is also pathogenic in guinea pigs, rabbits, humans, Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and, possibly, cattle. Infection caused by the seal bacillus is predominantly associated with granulomatous lesions in the peripheral lymph nodes, lungs, pleura, spleen and peritoneum. Cases of disseminated disease have been found. As with other members of the M. tuberculosis complex, aerosols are the most likely route of transmission. The name Mycobacterium pinnipedii sp. nov. is proposed for this novel member of the M. tuberculosis complex (the type strain is 6482T=3DATCC BAA-688T=3DNCTC 13288T). ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 23:55:21 -0800 From: Dawn Goley Subject: Final Call for Abstracts - ASM at HSU 2004 Final Call for Abstracts for the American Society of Mammalogists 2004 Meeting http://www.humboldt.edu/~asm/finalcall.pdf Humboldt State University is pleased to extend our warmest invitation to attend the 84th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. Please consider attending and presenting your marine mammal research at the upcoming ASM meetings being held at HSU in Arcata California 12-16 June 2004. The society is making a focused effort to attract folks studying marine mammals by featuring Dr. Jim Estes as the capstone speaker http://www.humboldt.edu/~asm/capstone_speaker.html and by setting aside presentation session(s) highlighting marine mammal work. The ASM welcomes abstracts from students, faculty and researchers studying marine mammals from around the country. This is an excellent opportunity for you to share your work other mammalogists as well as to spend some time in the field with local marine mammals during the pelagic field trips. Details for the meeting are outlined below. ____________________________________________________________ A Reminder of Important Deadlines: Abstract Submission: February 15 - March 15, 2004 Deadline for Pre-registration: Presenters-March 10, 2004; Non-presenters-May 1, 2004 (additional fees apply for late-registration after May 1) Deadline to Submit Power Point Presentations: May 24th, 2004 (draft): All final versions are due by June 5th. ______________________________________________________________ Please note that we have gone to a completely on-line format for registration and abstract submission this year in order to streamline the process and reduce paper use. Please visit the conference website (www.humboldt.edu/~asm) for detailed information on the meetings, including the schedule, information on Humboldt State University and surrounding area, registration and housing forms, online abstract submission and presentation guidelines. Final Call For Papers This is the final call for oral and poster presentations. Abstract submission must be done online at the conference website between 15 February and 15 March 2004. Authors must be registered for the conference before they can submit an abstract. Once registered, you will receive an e-mail confirmation and password. You will then use this password to submit your abstract. To allow time for your registration to be processed, you should register at least 3 business days before you submit your abstract (and no later than March 10, 2004). Details on presentation guidelines are available at the conference website. Oral presentations must be in Power Point version 2000 or XP(2002) version in PC format compatible with Windows 2000 and XP. They are limited to 5MB in size. Drafts are due by May 24th. We will test presentations and let presenters know by June 1 if there are problems. Final versions must be received via our ftp site by June 5th. Hope to see you in Arcata in June! cheers, Dawn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn Goley Associate Professor of Zoology Director of the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, 95521 e-mail: pdg1(\)axe.humboldt.edu fax: 707-826-3221, phone: 707-826-4168 , cell: 707-498-6200 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 08:28:51 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: JOB OPPORTUNITY: Marine Mammal Medicine & Pathology Internship, Sausalito, CA, USA (fwd) From: Kathy Zagzebski MARINE MAMMAL MEDICINE & PATHOLOGY INTERNSHIP Sausalito, California, USA This internship position is a collaborative program between the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of California (Davis) and The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. It is an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Intern to work in the Veterinary Science Department at The Marine Mammal Center. This position is scheduled to start around July 1st, 2004, and will last for one year. A DVM degree or equivalent is required. At least one or more years of clinical veterinary experience is strongly encouraged and previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Marine Mammal Center veterinary staff includes two full-time veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, a staff parasitologist, a marine biologist, and a medical laboratory technician. The Veterinary Intern's responsibilities include assisting the veterinary medical staff in providing medical management of a large number of stranded marine mammals (mostly pinnipeds). The Intern will be responsible for post mortem examinations, sample-taking for various research projects, and record-keeping. A research paper or case report should be completed during the internship. If qualified, send your CV, letter of intent, and three professional references to: Director of Human Resources, The Marine Mammal Center, Marin Headlands, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA, 94965-2609. Equal Opportunity Employer. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2004. For additional information, please contact Dr. Martin Haulena, Staff Veterinarian at haulenam(\)tmmc.org or 415-289-7370. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kathy Zagzebski Manager of Stranding The Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands 1065 Ft. Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965-2609 phone: 415.289.0184 pager: 415.257.9009 cell: 415.706.3927 fax: 415.289.7376 e-mail: ZagzebskiK(\)tmmc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 08:29:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract Submission Deadline for ASM extended to March 22 (fwd) From: Dawn Goley Fwd: Abstract Submission Deadline for ASM extended toPlease note that we have extended the deadline for abstract submission for the 84th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists to March 22nd. We request that if you plan to present you register by March 15th. Although the deadline for abstract submission has been extended to March 22nd, we encourage participants to register and submit an abstract as soon as possible because the number of oral presentations is limited (the earlier you register the better chance you have of being able to do an oral presentation). Please note that you will need to register and submit your abstract online (no paper forms this year). The website for the conference is at: http://www.humboldt.edu/~asm. To go directly to the online Registration forms: https://www.humboldt.edu:8891/ee/html/asm/asmreg.html. To reiterate our previous posting, this meeting will be of special interest to marine mammalogists as it will highlight marine mammal work in special session(s), will highlight a lifetime of excellent ecological work by Dr. Jim Estes during his capstone address and will offer participants an opportunity to join two pelagic marine mammal cruises aboard HSU's RV Coral Sea. Please see our e-mail from 1 March for more details about the meetings. Thank you and we hope to see you in Arcata California June 12-16. Brian Arbogast (Local Program chair) and Dawn Goley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn Goley Associate Professor of Zoology Director of the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, 95521 e-mail: pdg1(\)axe.humboldt.edu fax: 707-826-3221, phone: 707-826-4168 , cell: 707-498-6200 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 08:30:37 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Toxicology Internship (fwd) From: Celine Godard Marine Mammal Toxicology internship -2004 Ocean Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of whales and their ocean environment through research and education. OA is recruiting to fill one Marine Mammal Toxicology internship to take place at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. This full-time position requires a commitment of at least 6 months. Housing and a stipend are available. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in molecular biology, gene cloning and sequencing, cell culture and immunohistochemistry and leadership skills in managing a research project. Qualifications: Training in gene cloning, sequencing and immunohistochemistry will be provided but experience in molecular biology is expected. BS in biology, pharmacology, environmental or related field is preferred. The intern will need to be self-motivated and able to take the lead on her/his project once trained. Internship Description: *Assist in cloning cytochrome P450 genes in sperm whales and other cetacean species *Conduct quantitative analyses of P450 genes in various cetacean tissues *Conduct immunohistochemistry analyses in cetacean samples *Conduct enzyme catalytic assays *Maintain cell cultures *Help in collection of marine mammal samples from stranded animals *Help maintaining the database of OA marine mammal samples *Assist Chief Scientist in managing science operations related to research cruises *Complete a weekly summary report of progress/activities to Chief Scientist *Perform other duties relating to the OA's goals and mission as required Compensation: Housing and a stipend are available. Intern is responsible for all other travel or living expenses. To Apply: If you are interested in applying for the position, please submit by email a letter of interest with your updated resume to: OA internship search committee/Marine mammal toxicology oceanalliance(\)whoi.edu Deadline for application: March 31 The position will be filled as soon as possible and could start as early as March 15, 2004. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 08:32:05 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship opportunities (fwd) From: Phocid(\)aol.com Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, IWNCC=E2=80= =99s focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals. For the 7th year, IWNCC will be offering summer internships. In the past, students have earned academic credit toward their degrees through the completion of these internships and the centre is also open to the creation and execution of short term, noninvasive research projects by the interns. To date no publications are available. There will be twelve staggered internships awarded this summer each lasting eight weeks. The internships are on a voluntary basis, however comfortable housing and a food stipend are provided. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns will work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups. Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Natural history of marine mammal species. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations. General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2004. For more information and to download an application, please visit our web site at: www.sealrescue.org Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 www.sealrescue.org iwncc(\)aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 08:45:12 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MERI Announces Field/Lab Research Internship Position Available April 2004 (fwd) From: Education Department MERI Announces Field/Lab Research Internship Position Available April 2004 The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit organization based in Blue Hill, Maine, is recruiting to fill a Field/Lab Research Internship position for the field season 2004. This is a full-time position requiring a commitment from mid-April through October. MERI is a scientific research and education organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants on marine wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information to a broad public. Current projects include a watershed initiative, including a water quality monitoring study on the mid-Maine coast, and a long-term ecotoxicological investigation of contaminant levels and biomarkers of effect in Gulf of Maine seals. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine ecology, environmental and natural sciences, or chemistry to gain practical experience in the field and in the lab. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. Primary Job Responsibility This position will involve assisting the Research Department with the implementation of a water quality monitoring project in the Blue Hill Watershed. Primary responsibilities will include water sample collection, water chemistry analysis in the field and in the lab, data entry and background literature research. Additional duties may include assisting with marine mammal fieldwork and research dissemination/outreach activities. Job Description: a.. Assist with hands-on aspects of fieldwork including sample collection, sample processing, and chain of custody b.. Assist with sample preparation and analysis in the lab c.. Assist with data entry and updating of laboratory records and logs d.. Assist with data analysis and compilation e.. Conduct literature searches, review articles, gather and organize existing and historical data on the watershed f.. Assist with preparation of result summaries, reports, fact sheets and presentations using Power Point g.. Attend community watershed meetings, represent the organization in the community, distribute informational materials and perform other community outreach duties as assigned h.. Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public i.. Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required Reports to: Research Director Qualifications Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in marine ecology, environmental sciences, marine sciences, chemistry or a related major (Juniors and Seniors may also apply), and have field and laboratory experience as well as basic statistical and writing skills. Applicants must be able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SPSS (or equivalent) and Adobe Photoshop required; photography, ArcGIS, and graphics (Quark) experience desirable. Must possess a valid drivers license and a good driving record. Time Requirements: April 12th - October 29th. Full-time (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. Compensation: Stipend and housing in Blue Hill available. Application Deadline: March 22, 2004 To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by e-mail or mail a CV with your updated r=E9sum=E9 and 3 references to: MERI Search Committee/ Field/Lab Research Internship 2004 info(\)meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 Website:.www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Education Department Marine Environmental Research Institute 55 Main Street, P.O. Box 1652 Blue Hill, Maine 04614 (207) 374-2135 education(\)meriresearch.org www.meriresearch.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 08:46:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: call for proposals (fwd) From: Doreen Moser American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Chapter Marine Mammal Student Research Grants Spring 2004 Request for Proposals The American Cetacean Society (ACS) is pleased to announce its Marine Mammal Student Research Grants. Each year we will award two $1000 grants (one in the spring, one in the fall) to San Francisco Bay Area college students conducting marine mammal research. To learn more about ACS, visit our website: www.acs-sfbay.org When: Proposals are due by April 2, 2004 Where: Please submit five copies of your proposal to Doreen Moser-ACS; 1020 F Los Gamos Rd.; San Rafael, CA 94903 Proposal Criteria: =09=D8 Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at any San Francisco Bay Area college or conducting research in the Bay Area. =09=D8 Research project must focus on any marine mammal species. =09=D8 Proposals on either field or laboratory studies will be considered =09=D8 ACS Research Committee will review all proposals and make their recommendations to the board. =09=D8 Students will be notified of our decisions by May, 2004 =09=D8 Students awarded grants must present their work at a public presentation for ACS members within two years of the award. Proposal Guidelines: Proposals must include the following sections: =091. Cover Sheet should have title, your name/contact information, name of university or college, and major advisor's name/contact information. =092. Abstract should be a brief summary of your project including hypothesis, objectives, and proposed findings (not to exceed one page). =093. Project Details should include an expanded introduction, objectives, hypothesis, proposed findings, methods, and significance, (not to exceed three pages) =094. Financial Sheet should include all expected project costs and other financial sources (proposed or already received). ~Doreen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Doreen Moser Assistant Director of Education The Marine Mammal Center 1065 Fort Cronkhite Marin Headlands Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 289-8620 (work) (415) 289-7753 (fax) moserd(\)tmmc.org www.marinemammalcenter.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 15:26:35 -0500 From: Michelle Pico Subject: Fishing Gear Technology Grants Now Available The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's National Whale Conservation Fund and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) announce the following call for proposals. All information and downloadable application forms can be found at http://nfwf.org/programs/whale_gear.htm . ------------------------- Purpose The "Fishing Gear Mini-Grants" program will fund projects that have a strong likelihood of reducing death and/or serious injury to large whales due to entanglements in fishing gear, and are consistent with applicable regulations pertaining to the Maguson Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This program provides competitive seed grants ($2,000 - $20,000) to creative and innovative proposals that seek to work with industry to significantly diminish whale entanglements in fishing gear. Who is eligible to apply? Any U.S. citizen is eligible to receive assistance for an idea or method that has a strong likelihood of reducing death and/or serious injury to whales caused by entanglements. For those ideas or methods that involve at-sea time, the applicant must have all necessary local, state, and federal permits to conduct their fishing practices. What kinds of gear proposals will be accepted? Proposals for the following grant-types may be submitted: Idea Grants: Grants that enable a person(s) to develop an idea into a process or object. Pilot Grants: Grants that enable a person(s) to construct a prototype from their idea or concept and carry out field-testing at sea on individual or multiple participating fishing vessels. While this grant program focuses on two areas of emphasis, the overarching goal of the program is to address large whale mortality and/or serious injury from gear entanglement, with priority given to those projects that work with the industry toward useable solutions. How do I apply? Submit the downloadable application form found at http://nfwf.org/programs/whale_gear.htm When are proposals due? This call for proposals covers two different project cycles with the following deadlines as funding is available: April 1 - with final funding decisions by May 31 September 1 - with final funding decisions by October 31 Proposals must be received at the NFWF address below via email, fax, by hand or through the mail, no later than the above dates. Proposals can be submitted throughout the year. Proposals received after April 1, will be reviewed in September, proposals received after September 1, will be reviewed in the subsequent project cycle. Who can I contact with Questions? The National Whale Conservation Fund - Fishing Gear Mini-Grants program is a collaborative effort between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the NOAA Fisheries. For further information, please contact: Michelle Pico at the NFWF, 1120 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 857-0166; Fax: (202) 857-0162; Email: pico(\)nfwf.org or Sal Testaverde, Ph.D at NOAA Fisheries, 1 Blackburn Dr., Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: (978) 281-9328 ext. 6502; Email: salvatore.testaverde(\)noaa.gov Michelle Pico Assistant Director of Marine and Coastal Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 20036 ph: (202) 857-0166 fax: (202) 857-0162 pico(\)nfwf.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 12:15:48 -0500 From: Katie Touhey Subject: Job Opportunity From: Katie Touhey (kt2e(\)capecodstranding.net) The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. (CCSN), a growing non-profit organization dedicated to marine mammal stranding response, is searching for a full-time Assistant Stranding Coordinator. This position is a one to two year contract with the potential of renewal dependent on funding. Position Title: Assistant Stranding Coordinator, Cape Cod Stranding Network Opening Date: 3 March 2004 Closing Date: 19 March 2004 Position Location: Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Starting salary range: $26,000 - $28,000, commensurate with experience The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. (CCSN) is a non-profit organization that responds to stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals (www.capecodstranding.net). CCSN operates under an independent Letter of Agreement from the National Marine Fisheries Service. The CCSN mission is to provide rapid response, assessment, and humane care to stranded marine mammals; to effect appropriate release; and to conduct research and education in order to reduce suffering and prevent avoidable mortality. CCSN has been fully operational since November of 1998 and responds to over 500 reports of stranded marine mammals each year. Current rescue / research projects include mass stranding prevention, seal disentanglement, and clinical health assessment of stranded animals. Duties and Responsibilities: Reports directly to the Stranding Coordinator Assists in on-site stranding response, health assessment, and necropsy Aids in recruitment, training, and supervision of a large corps of field and office volunteers Oversees interns in updating volunteer, stranding, and sample tracking databases Prepares bi-monthly reports to the National Marine Fisheries Service Assists in equipment maintenance and supply inventory Assists the Coordinator and Director with other responsibilities as assigned In conjunction with other staff members, the Assistant Stranding Coordinator: Provides emergency hotline and pager coverage Responds to stranded animals Participates in research and public outreach programs Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree in biology or marine science, or related field experience Experience in marine mammal stranding response, species identification, and animal care Small boat handling experience A valid driver's license required Ability to walk on rough terrain during inclement weather, swim, and lift moderate weights Understanding of photography, necropsy, and database management a plus Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of marine mammals and some experience with field techniques Hands-on experience with stranded cetaceans and pinnipeds is preferred Strong written and verbal communication skills Working knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, and ACCESS software Familiarity with the Cape Cod region is a plus The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, age, national origin and disability. Submit resume and cover letter to: Katie Touhey, Program Director The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. P.O. Box 287 Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Kt2e(\)capecodstranding.net (Electronic submission in MS WORD preferred) --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.560 / Virus Database: 352 - Release Date: 1/8/2004 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 02:42:02 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: second announcement for the g(0) workshop, Kolmarden, March 28, 2004 (fwd) From: Frank Thomsen Dear colleagues, we would like to draw your attention on the second announcement for the g(0) workshop, which will happen just prior to the ECS meeting in Kolmarden on March 28, 2004. Detailed new information and a schedule of this event can be found at the ECS-page under: www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs Frank Thomsen & Fernando Ugarte --=20 Dr. Frank Thomsen Zoologisches Institut und Zoologisches Museum Arbeitsbereich Ethologie Universit=E4t Hamburg Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3 20146 Hamburg, Germany Tel.: 011 49 40 42838 5968 http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/zim/ethologie/Orca/Orca.html & biologisch-landschafts=F6kologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft (biola) Gotenstra=DFe 4 20097 Hamburg, Germany Tel.: 011 49 40 85 37 04 74 mobile phone: 0160 9480 4093 e-mail: drthomsen(\)web.de [p.gif] Ein Grund zum Feiern: Die PC Praxis ermittelt zwischen 10 grossen Mailprovidern WEB.DE FreeMail als Testsieger http://f.web.de/?mc=3D021190 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 02:44:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship (fwd) From: Marine Animal Lifeline MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Marine Animal Lifeline in Portland, Maine, seeks 2 applicants for a summer internship working with stranded harbor seal pups. The internship will begin on May 23rd and end August 14th. This is a full time internship position with some flexibility of the start and end date of the internship. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for all travel and housing expenses. Job Summary/Program Description: This internship is designed to provide a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. The interns will have a leadership role in the rehabilitation team and interns will be responsible for a number of support tasks with rehabilitating stranded seals throughout the course of the internship. The positions will involve working under the Animal Care Technicians in providing medical care, feeding, cleaning, and completing medical records in the rehabilitation program. The intern will be integrated into the department with assigned duties allowing them to progressively take on more responsibility. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist in marine mammal rescues as they arise. In addition, they will provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals, and assist in a number of other marine mammal care procedures. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open for all to apply. Undergraduate students as well as non-students can utilize the internship. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the interns will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. The internship is 5 days a week, 40 hours per week. One intern will fill a morning position (6:30AM - 2:30PM) and the second intern will fill an afternoon position (12:30PM - 8:30PM). Interns will be required to have fair physical strength and be in good health. Successful applicants will have leadership skills, or posses the ability to learn proper leadership skills quickly. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Duties Include: * Daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of work areas. * Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments. * Assisting with rescues and releases of injured or abandoned marine animals * Assisting with the taking and processing of X-rays. * Assisting with blood handling and collection. * Assisting with necropsies. * Updating medical and laboratory records and logs. * Maintaining veterinary and rehab supplies and equipment. * Assisting in the feeding, cleaning and daily operations of the rehab area. * Other duties relating to the Center's goals and mission as required. Application Process: Interested individuals are encouraged to send the following: - Resume & letter of intent including reasons for wanting to do the internship The application submission deadline is April 9th, 2004 and selection of applicants will be complete by April 23rd. Please forward all application materials to the address listed below. If you have any further questions, contact Greg Jakush at (207) 773-7377, or email at gjakush(\)stranding.org If you would like to learn more about the Marine Animal Lifeline, visit our website at www.stranding.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 02:49:15 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Call for presentation proposals: 8th International Wildlife Law Conference (fwd) From: JIWLP Apologies at the Outset for Cross-Postings The 8th International Wildlife Law Conference (8IWLC) will take place on October 22-23, 2004 at the Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans. The conference theme is: "Protecting Species in the World's Coastal and Marine Regions: The Role of Law, Science and Management." Our intention, as always, is for this conference to be interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together members of the legal community with members of other sectors relevant to the conservation and effective management of species, including management professionals, scientists, economists, political scientists, anthropologists, and representatives from the NGO sector. As in the past, presenters will be invited to further develop their presentations into articles for a special issue of the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, a peer-reviewed journal of Taylor & Francis (http://www.jiwlp.com). We are seeking proposals for presentations for the following panels: 1. Fisheries issues, including The Straddling Stocks Convention, the effectiveness of Regional Fisheries Organizations, and efforts to delimit overlapping EEZs; 2. The Future of the International Whaling Commission and regional cetacean conservation regimes; 3. The viability of marine protected areas and associated legal issues; 4. The role of integrated coastal zone management in conserving endangered species and fisheries resources 5. International initiatives to control the spread of invasive species 6. International regimes to protect marine mammals other than cetaceans It is possible that additional panels will be developed, so presentations on other topics pertinent to the overarching conference theme, including panel proposals, will also be considered. Proposal guidelines: 1. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 20, though early submissions are greatly encouraged given the large number of proposals that are usually received for this conference. Decisions will be made within three weeks of this deadline; 2. Proposals should consist of an abstract that includes the following information: a. Name and institutional affiliation of the presenter(s); b. Working title for the proposal presentation; c. A one to two paragraph description of the presentation's themes and major conclusions; d. Audio-visual needs, if any, should the proposal be accepted; e. Proposals should be submitted to the conference's coordinator, Wil Burns, at: jiwlp(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org. Should you have any questions in preparing your proposal, you can direct them to me via email, or phone, 650.281.9126. It is anticipated that limited funding for travel will be available, but prospective speakers should assume that they will have to cover a substantial portion of their conference costs from alternative funding sources. Registration fees, however, will be waived for everyone making presentations at the conference. If you do not wish to make a presentation at the conference, but want to be placed on the conference's mailing list to receive registration materials, please contact me also and you will be added to our database. Our website will also be continually updated with conference information. We hope that you can join us in New Orleans! Wil Burns, Co-Chair American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 801.838.4710 ASILWildlife(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org ** Please subscribe to our low-volume announcement list at: ASILWildlife-subscribe(\)yahoogroups.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 02:54:27 -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. BUCHHOLTZ E.A.; SCHUR S.A. 2004. Vertebral osteology in Delphinidae (Cetacea). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. 140, no. 3, = pp. 383-401(19) Vertebral anatomy in delphinid cetaceans exhibits marked heterogeneity. Description and functional interpretation of this variability is facilita= ted by the recognition of structural units along the column whose boundaries transgress those of the classical mammalian series. Vertebral anatomy of = the killer whale (Orcinus orca) and the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) lie near the ends of an anatomical continuum. Primitive columns resemble those of living delphinapterid delphinoids in exhibiting minimal intervertebral variation, low counts and spool-shaped vertebrae. Derived columns are more regionalized, displaying traits that limit mobility in the anterior torso, enhance flexibility at the point of neural spine syncliny and increase dorsoventral displacement of prefluke vertebrae. Reconstruction of the historical sequence of anatomical innovations identifies syncliny as an early and critical step in delphini= d column evolution. Trait distribution supports evolutionary isolation of Pseudorca and Orcinus from remaining delphinids, inclusion of Feresa and Peponocephala among delphinine delphinids, and subdivision of delphinines= on the basis of centrum dimensions, neural spine inclination and count. Deta= ils of vertebral anatomy can also be used to place fragmentary postcranial material, particularly that of fossils, in functional and evolutionary context. ******************************** Prediction from ultrasonographic measurements of the expected delivery da= te in two species of bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) Lacave G.; Eggermont M.; Verslycke T.; Brook F.; Salbany A.; Roque L.; Kinoshita R. The Veterinary Record, vol. 154, no. 8, pp. 228-233(6) Ultrasonographic measurements were made at least once a month during 14 gestations in seven Tursiops truncatus and 12 gestations in five Tursiops aduncus (bottlenosed dolphins). The 121 measurements of the fetal biparie= tal diameter and 139 measurements of the fetal thoracic diameter in T truncat= us and the 97 measurements of the biparietal diameter and 97 measurements of the thoracic diameter in T aduncus were used to establish regression line= s for the increases in the diameter of the head and thorax of the fetus wit= h time. From these relationships an easy-to-use computer program was develo= ped to predict the date of birth of the two species of bottlenosed dolphin, a= nd its predictions were compared with the actual dates of birth of other cal= ves of both species. The births occurred within the range of predicted dates, and even when only a few measurements were available, the program provide= d accurate predictions. ******************************** Robeck T.R.; O=BFBrien J.K. 2004. 212EFFECT OF CRYOPRESERVATION METHODS A= ND PRE-CRYOPRESERVATION STORAGE ON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATES) SPERMATOZOA. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, vol. 16, no. 1-2, p= p. 227-228 In conjunction with artificial insemination (AI) and sperm preservation, sperm sexing technology has great potential as a population management strategy for captive bottlenose dolphins. Successful AI using fresh spermatozoa (Robeck TR et al. 2001 CRC Marine Mammal Medicine 193-226) an= d flow cytometric analysis of bottlenose dolphin spermatozoa (Garner DL and Seidel GE Jr 2002 CSAS Symposium 2-13) support this approach. For sperm sexing, methods for short-term storage of semen in a liquid state are required to enable transport of spermatozoa to the sorting laboratory. In addition, cryopreservation techniques must be optimized for long-term storage of sexed spermatozoa. Our objectives were to assess: (i) 3 cryopreservation methods=D72 straw sizes=D73 thawing rates (Exp. 1) and (= ii) effects of liquid storage for 24h (pre-cryopreservation) and sperm concentration at freezing (Exp. 2) on post-thaw characteristics (PT) of bottlenose dolphin spermatozoa. For Exp. 1 and 2, 4 ejaculates (collected= by manual stimulation)=D73 males (aged 14-34yr)=D74 replicates were used. Fo= r Exp. 1, semen was frozen in 0.25-mL (SM) and 0.5-mL straws (LG) by 3 methods (= Mt) (Mt1: lactose, egg yolk, -32=B0Cmin-1; Mt2: lactose, egg yolk, 1.5% Equex= STM (Nova Chemical, Calgary, Canada), -19.7=B0Cmin-1; Mt3: Test yolk buffer (TYB), -116=B0Cmin-1). All Mt had 3% glycerol. Samples were thawed using = a slow (S: 2.8=B0Cs-1), medium (M: 8.8=B0Cs-1) or fast (F: 21=B0Cs-1) rate.= In Exp. 2, ejaculates were divided into 4 aliquots for dilution (1:1) and stored = at 4=B0C with EquiPro=AE (EP4=B0C, Minitube, Verona, WI, USA) and TYB (TYB4=B0= C) or at 21=B0C with Androhep EnduraguardTM (AH21=B0C, Minitube) or no dilution (NEAT21=B0C). After 24h, samples were frozen and thawed using Mt3=D7SM=D7= F at 10=D7106 spermmL-1 (LOW) or 100=D7106 spermmL-1 (STD). PT evaluations of motility (total motility [TM], % progressive motility [PPM], kinetic rati= ng [KR, 0 to 5]) and acrosomal status (Spermac=AE , Minitube) were performed= at 30min and 6h after dilution (1:1) with AH at 21=B0C. For statistical anal= ysis (ANOVA), a sperm motility index (SMI=3DTM=D7PPM=D7KR) was calculated and = expressed as % of initial SMI. For all ejaculates, initial TM and PPM were greater than 85% and KR was 5. In Exp. 1, at 6h PT, %SMI was highest for Mt3=D7LG= =D7M (45.5=B18.7) and Mt3=D7SM=D7F (44.8=B111.9). For Exp. 2, %SMI at 0h PT wa= s higher for samples stored at 4=B0C than at 21=B0C (TYB4=B0C 41.0=B18.4, EP4=B0C:= 36.7=B17.7, NEAT21=B0C: 23.8=B18.6, AH21=B0C: 14.8=B18.6, P<0.001) and, with the exce= ption of AH21=B0C, was similar between the LOW and STD concentration. At 6h PT, %S= MI for all treatments was higher for STD than LOW concentration (P<0.05). Acrosome integrity was similar across treatments. In summary, a semen cryopreservation protocol maintained high levels of the initial characteristics of ejaculated spermatozoa. Transport of semen for sex pre-selection and cryopreservation within 24h may be feasible, but impact= of storage time on functional capacity of dolphin spermatozoa is unknown. ******************************* Kingston S.E.; Rosel P.E. 2004. Genetic Differentiation among Recently Diverged Delphinid Taxa Determined Using AFLP Markers Journal of Heredity, vol. 95, no. 1, pp. 1-10. In the mid-1990s, a new common dolphin species (Delphinus capensis) was defined in the northeast Pacific using morphological characters and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. This species is sympatric with a sec= ond species, Delphinus delphis; morphological differences between the two are slight and it is clear they are closely related. Does the phenotypic distinction result from only a few important genes or from large differen= ces between their nuclear genomes? We used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to broadly survey the nuclear genomes of thes= e two species to examine the levels of nuclear divergence and genetic diversity between them. Furthermore, to create an evolutionary context in which to compare the level of interspecific divergence found between the = two Delphinus taxa, we also examined two distinct morphotypes of the bottleno= se dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). A nonmetric multidimensional scaling analys= is clearly differentiated both Delphinus species, indicating that significan= t nuclear genetic differentiation has arisen between the species despite th= eir morphological similarity. However, the AFLP data indicated that the two T. truncatus morphotypes exhibit greater divergence than D. capensis and D. delphis, suggesting that they too should be considered different species. *********************************** Endo T.; Haraguchi K.; Cipriano F.; Simmonds M.P.; Hotta Y.; Sakata M. 20= 04. Contamination by mercury and cadmium in the cetacean products from Japane= se market. Chemosphere, vol. 54, no. 11, pp. 1653-1662. no abstract provided ************************************ Marques F.F.C.; Buckland S.T. 2003. Incorporating Covariates into Standar= d Line Transect Analyses. Biometrics, vol. 59, no. 4, pp. 924-935. An implicit assumption of standard line transect methodology is that detection probabilities depend solely on the perpendicular distance of de= tec ted objects to the transect line. Heterogeneity in detection probabilitie= s is commonly minimized using stratification, but this may be precluded by small sample sizes. We develop a general methodology which allows the effects of multiple covariates to be directly incorporated into the estimation procedure using a conditional likelihood approach. Small sampl= e size properties of estimators are examined via simulations. As an example the method is applied to eastern tropical Pacific dolphin sightings data. ******************************** Rosel P.E. 2003. PCR-based sex determination in Odontocete cetaceans. Conservation Genetics, vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 647-649 no abstract provided ********************************** EVANS P.G.H.; HAMMOND P.S. 2004. Monitoring cetaceans in European waters Mammal Review, vol. 34, no. 1-2, pp. 131-156 1. Monitoring spatial and temporal patterns in cetacean abundance involve= s a variety of approaches depending upon the target species and the resources available. As a first step, the collection of incidental sightings or strandings information aids the construction of a species list and a roug= h measure of status and seasonal variation in abundance. These often make u= se of networks of volunteer observers although the wide variation in abiliti= es and experience means that special attention must be paid to training and = to data quality control. More robust monitoring of numbers requires quantification of effort and some correction for factors that influence detectability, such as sea state. 2. The presence of cetaceans may be recorded visually, or indirectly by acoustics. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and their applicability may vary between species. The use of fixed stations tends to allow sustai= ned monitoring at relatively low cost but coverage is limited to the immediat= e vicinity. For more extensive coverage, mobile platforms are necessary. Platforms of opportunity such as ferries, whale-watching boats, etc. are often used to survey areas at low cost. These may allow repeat observatio= ns to be made over time, but with no control over where the vessel goes, it = is typically not possible to sample wide areas, thus limiting abundance estimation. 3. Line transect surveys using dedicated platforms allow representative coverage of areas from which abundance estimates can be made (either usin= g indices or absolute measures derived from density estimation). Assumption= s relating to detectability and responsiveness need to be addressed and various methods (such as two-platform surveys) have been developed to accommodate these. 4. For some cetacean species, mark-recapture methods can be applied using photo-identification of recognizable individuals. Again, a number of assumptions are made, particularly relating to recognizability, representativeness of sampling and capture probabilities. Capturing, on film, as many animals in the population as possible helps to reduce the problem of heterogeneity of capture probabilities. Mark-recapture methods require at least two sampling occasions. If multiple sampling is employed= , either open or closed population models can be used. 5. Measuring population change represents a particular challenge for mobi= le animals such as cetaceans. Changes in ranging patterns may have a large impact on abundance estimates unless very large areas are adequately covered. Power analysis is a useful method to indicate the ability of the data to detect a trend of a given magnitude. Increasingly, spatial modell= ing using GLMs and GAMs is being used to provide a better understanding of th= e biotic and hydrographic factors influencing cetacean distribution. ********************************************* Schuller D.; Kadko D.; Smith C.R. 2004. Use of 210Pb/226Ra disequilibria = in the dating of deep-sea whale falls Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 218, no. 3, pp. 277-289 no abstract provided ******************************************** Schneider V.; Pearce D. 2004. What saved the whales? An economic analysis= of 20th century whaling Biodiversity and Conservation, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 543-562 Catches of whales show a historically cyclical pattern, with catches declining as stocks of the financially most attractive species fell, but expanding as substitute species were caught. Total combined catch peaked = in the early 1960s and fell thereafter to the current regulated levels. Whil= e it is widely thought that international whaling agreements account for th= e current stable stock levels, economic analysis reveals that market forces leading to reduced catch were already in place well before the agreements took hold. To some extent, therefore, catches were destined to decline as whale products ceased to be commercially attractive on a large scale. Usi= ng econometric analysis, the paper shows the various forces at work: declini= ng stocks, the rise of substitute products, internationally increasing environmentalism, and rising incomes. Of these forces, stock decreases, which resulted in high unit catch costs, and income growth, which reduced rather than increased demand, were the most important factors, with regulation following, rather than leading, catch changes. *********************************************************** Coltrain J.B.; Hayes M.G.; O'Rourke D.H. 2004. Sealing, whaling and carib= ou: the skeletal isotope chemistry of Eastern Arctic foragers. Journal of Archaeological Science, January 2004, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 39-57 no abstract provided *************************************************** Shaikh S.L.; Larson D.M. 2003. A TWO-CONSTRAINT ALMOST IDEAL DEMAND MODEL= OF RECREATION AND DONATIONS The Review of Economics and Statistics, vol. 85, no. 4, pp. 953-961 An incomplete demand system is developed for recreation and donation choices, subject to both money and time constraints. The model results in= a three-good system, with an endogenous marginal value of time for estimati= on. The model is implemented by adapting Deaton and Muellbauer's locally flexible almost ideal demand system to a two-constraint recreation model = of trips and donations of California whale watchers. Exact welfare measures = are calculated for changes in costs, as well as for whale population changes. Results indicate a use and a nonuse component of overall willingness to p= ay for increases in environmental quality. ********************************** Martin R.A. 2004. Natural mortality of puffadder shysharks due to Cape fu= r seals and black-backed kelp gulls at Seal Island, South Africa. Journal o= f Fish Biology, vol. 64, no. 3, pp. 711-716 Natural mortality of puffadder shysharks Haploblepharus edwardsii due to = two species of marine tetrapod, the Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus and the black-backed kelp gull Larus dominicanis vetula, is reported. These data constitute the first multiple observations of natura= l mortality of any cartilaginous fish due to object play or kleptoparasitis= m by marine tetrapods. Evidence of range extension of the puffadder shyshar= k to False Bay, South Africa is presented. ****************************** Ninomiya R.; Koizumi N.; Murata K.. 2004. Metal Concentrations in the Liv= er and Kidney of Aquatic Mammals and Penguins Biological Trace Element Research, vol. 97, no. 2, pp. 135-148 We determined the hepatic and renal concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and= Fe in (1) marine mammals (three bottle-nosed dolphins, six California sea lions, and one sea otter), (2) freshwater and brackish-water mammals (one Oriental short-clawed otter and four European river otters), and (3) sea birds (three rock-hopper penguins, two king penguins, three Humboldt penguins, four Macaroni penguins, and four Magellanic penguins), all of which were kept in a zoo and an aquarium in Japan. We investigated the species-specificity of Cd accumulation in these aquatic animals. We also presented the basic data on metal concentrations. The concentrations of C= d in liver and kidney tended to be higher in marine mammals than in freshwa= ter mammals. Many penguins, sea birds, showed high Cd concentrations. These results suggest that the habits of these animal species may be involved i= n accumulation of Cd. Pb concentrations were below the detection limit or l= ow in both liver and kidney [not detected (ND) =3D 0.132 g/g and ND =3D 0.18= 3 g/g, respectively]. The hepatic concentrations of Zn and Cu were high in young animals. In penguins, a positive correlation was found between the Zn and= Cd concentrations in the liver and kidney and between the Cu and Cd concentrations in the liver. Individual variation was large in Fe concentration (48=963746 g/g in the liver and 51=96980 g/g in the kidney). ************************************** Dyck M.G.; Baydack R.K. 2004. Vigilance behaviour of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the context of wildlife-viewing activities at Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Biological Conservation, April 2004, vol. 116, no. 3, p= p. 343-350 no abstract provided ***************************** Urashima T.; Nagata H.; Nakamura T.; Arai I.; Saito T.; Imazu K.; Hayashi T.; Derocher A.E.; Wiig O. 2003. Differences in oligosaccharide pattern of a sample of polar bear colostru= m and mid-lactation milk Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part B, vol. 136, no. 4, pp. 887-896 no abstract provided ******************************** Wilson B.; Batty R.S.; Dill L.M. 2004. Pacific and Atlantic herring produ= ce burst pulse sounds Proceedings: Biological Sciences, Number S3/vol. 271, no. Supplement 3 to Issue 1, pp. S95-S97 The commercial importance of Pacific and Atlantic herring (Clupea pallasi= i and Clupea harengus) has ensured that much of their biology has received attention. However, their sound production remains poorly studied. We describe the sounds made by captive wild-caught herring. Pacific herring produce distinctive bursts of pulses, termed Fast Repetitive Tick (FRT) sounds. These trains of broadband pulses (1.7-22 kHz) lasted between 0.6 = s and 7.6 s. Most were produced at night; feeding regime did not affect the= ir frequency, and fish produced FRT sounds without direct access to the air. Digestive gas or gulped air transfer to the swim bladder, therefore, do n= ot appear to be responsible for FRT sound generation. Atlantic herring also produce FRT sounds, and video analysis showed an association with bubble expulsion from the anal duct region (i.e. from the gut or swim bladder). = To the best of the authors' knowledge, sound production by such means has no= t previously been described. The function(s) of these sounds are unknown, b= ut as the per capita rates of sound production by fish at higher densities w= ere greater, social mediation appears likely. These sounds may have consequen= ces for our understanding of herring behaviour and the effects of noise pollution. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 02:55:26 -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. Southwell, C. et al. 2003. The timing of pupping by pack-ice seals in East Antarctica. Polar Biology 26/10: 648-652. Charrier, I. et al. 2003. Fur seal mothers memorize subsequent versions of developing pups' calls: adaptation to long-term recognition or evolutionary by-product? Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 80/2:305-312. Ohizumi, H. et al. 2003. Feeding habits of Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli) in the subarctic North Pacific and the Bering Sea and the impact of predation on mesopelagic micronekton. Deep-Sea Research, Part I 50/5: 593-610. Beck, C.A. et al. 2003. Sex differences in the diving behavior of a size-dimorphic capital breeder: the grey seal. Animal Behaviour 66/4:777-789. Chu, S. et al. 2003. Levels and enantiomeric signatures of methyl sulfonyl PCB and DDE metabolites in livers of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the southern North Sea. Environ. Sci. Technol. 37/20:4573-4578. Durbin, E. et al. 2003. North Atlantic right whales, Eubalaena glacialis, exposed to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins via a zooplankton vector, Calanus finmarchicus. Harmful Algae 1/3:243-251. David, J.H.M., and L. Salmon. 2003. Records of the subantarctic fur seal Arctocephalus tropicalis from Rodrigues and Mauritius, Indian Ocean. African Journal of Marine Science 25:403-405. Bester, M.N. et al. 2003. Population numbers of fur seals at Prince Edward Island, Southern Ocean.African Journal of Marine Science 25:549-554. Holmes, E.E. and A.E. York. 2003. Using age structure to detect impacts on threatened populations: a case study with Steller sea lions. Conservation Biology 17(6):1794-1806. Casaux, R. et al. 2003. Geographical variation in the diet of the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella. Polar Biology 26(2):753-758. van de Vijver, K.I. et al. 2003. Perfluorinated chemicals infiltrate ocean waters: link between exposure levels and stable isotope ratios in marine mammals. Environmental Science and Technology 37(24):5545-5550. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 10:12:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM monthly editorial policy and FAQ Posted 4 March 2004 ==================================================== MARMAM Editorial Policy & 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. What notices from regional groups are posted? 13. Useful websites 14. Other email discussion lists 15. 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, run through the University of Victoria. The list was established in August 1993 specifically for marine mammal researchers and graduate students, as well as those actively involved in marine mammal conservation and management. As of January 2002 there were over 4,100 subscribers from 72 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. Posting of messages to the list is done at the Editors' discretion. ________________________________________________________ >> 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 announcements - internship/volunteer opportunities. To help students discern the pros and cons of different research groups we ask that that postings provide details of the research experience that volunteers will gain from this position. Posts for volunteer opportunities (particularly paying opportunities) that are not university-affiliated, should provide a measure of their research output in terms of publications available. For groups that do not do this, we will add the note: NO PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THIS WORK If you are affiliated with a university research group, please make this clear in your posting. Finally, provide an indication of the level of payment required from the volunteers: whether the position is paid, volunteers are subsidised in terms of accomodation but have to provide their own flights, or whether there is a charge for the position. - 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 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) 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 ensures that: - An appropriate and explicit 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 4000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. All information should be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. Messages that 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. Please note the following about message formatting. Different mail programs, text editors and operating systems handle line wrapping differently. This may cause display problems, given that subscribers read their mail from a variety of platforms. Further, we have noticed that messages composed by cutting and pasting directly from WordPerfect or Word can cause line wrapping problems. Therefore, messages should not be composed using the latter method. Several e-mail programs append encoded information (MIME, Metafile, and V-cards are common ones). Web-based e-mail programs often append HTML tags by default. These "embelishments" cause display and readability problems and are strongly discouraged. Whenever possible users should disable HTML tags (or send the text-only version) and other encoding features when submitting messages to MARMAM. EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO SUBMIT MESSAGES AS PLAIN TEXT. These practices will greatly reduce the number of messages with strange formatting that appear on MARMAM. ________________________________________________________ 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. Users of the web-based e-mail provider HOTMAIL should be aware that the "block sender" feature (used to avoid "junk" mail), if active, will also block listserver messages. Therefore, make sure you have "block sender" feature turned off. This may also apply to other e- mail programs with equivalent features. ________________________________________________________ 12. What notices from regional groups are posted? Submissions from regional groups (for example, but not restricted to, the regional chapters of the American Cetacean Society or the regional student chapters of professional associations such as the Society for Marine Mammalogy) should carefully consider whether their announcements are relevant to 4,000+ recipients in 72 countries. Announcements about meetings of short duration (less that half a day) and with little or no scientifc content are discouraged. Notices dealing with internal chapter businesses or organizational matters will not be posted. Notices from regional student chapters should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details, website address and website contents). - 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). ________________________________________________________ 13. 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://www.marinemammalogy.org/ The European Association for Aquatic Mammals: http://www.eaam.org 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/ Oceans Blue Whalewatch Listserv: http://www.oceansblue.org/bluetourism/chartacourse/ BajaToBering/index.html ______________________________________________________ 14. 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 Sirenian Professionals: LISTSERV(\)LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU, SUBSCRIBE SIRENIAN http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe?SL1=SIRENIAN&H=LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU Surface/groundwater issues: waterforum-subscribe(\)egroups.com, Waterforum (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ________________________________________________________ 15. 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, Daniel Palacios and Siri Hakala) 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 July 2002 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 16:41:41 -0600 From: Jeanette A Thomas Subject: Invitation to a Workshop on Erysipelas, 9 April, Galveston, TX ------ Invitation to a Workshop on Erysipelas=20 Galveston, Texas April 9, 2004 - 9AM to 4PM The John G. Shedd Aquarium received a grant from NOAA to continue work on= the=20 problem of erysipelas in cetaceans. Dr. Jeff Boehm is heading up this pro= ject=20 from Shedd with Dr. Rhonda Patterson (University of Southern Mississippi)= =20 facilitating the coordination and leading aspects of the research. A port= ion=20 of the grant was set aside to fund workshops to foster communication and=20 provide a forum for reports on current surveillance, vaccine, and researc= h=20 projects. The workshops will also guide planning for research. While hopi= ng to=20 spur action, we also want to foster further dialog in the aquarium commun= ity=20 and bring field biologists and others who work with wild populations into= the=20 mix. Two professional organizations have therefore been targeted for adva= ncing=20 these discussions: the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medic= ine=20 (IAAAM) and the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM).=20 Funding was only received late this fall, so the advertisement for a firs= t=20 workshop targeting cetacean field biologists at the SMM conference (held = this=20 past December in Greensboro, NC, USA) did not reach as many people as we = had=20 hoped. However, a small gathering of interested individuals did meet for= a=20 half-day workshop that was productive and informative. =20 =09 A second workshop is now scheduled to follow the IAAAM meeting in April i= n=20 Galveston, TX (USA). The workshop will be held on Friday, April 9th =96 = the day=20 immediately following the close of the conference (conference hotels will= =20 honor the conference rate for Friday evening). Proceedings from this wor= kshop=20 will be made available for attendees and other interested parties. =20 If interested in attending, please contact Jeff (JBoehm(\)sheddaquarium.org= ) or=20 Rhonda (Rhonda.Patterson(\)usm.edu). Space will be limited, so please respo= nd by=20 February 23 to let us know of your interest.=20 Thank you,=20 Jeff Boehm and Rhonda Patterson=20 Note: There is no registration fee for this workshop. For attendees of th= e=20 IAAAM conference, funding is available to offset lodging and meal costs=20 incurred due to extending conference stays. For those not attending the I= AAAM=20 conference, but interested in this one-day session, there will also be a = small=20 fund for travel. Funding for all participants may be limited depending up= on=20 demand. Note: Information on the IAAAM conference and accommodations can be found= at:=20 www.iaaam.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2004 02:32:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: theodolite tracking software (fwd) From: Eric Kniest A new version of the theodolite tracking software "Cyclopes" is now ready. The software is freely available to researchers and runs under the windows operating system. The new program is called "Cyclopes 2004". Cyclopes is a real time tracking system and GIS for marine mammal research. Data input can be by theodolite, binoculars, camera, GPS, acoustic software, text files or keyboard; from a land or vessel based survey platform. Cyclopes also has some data analysis tools such as database and GIS functions as well as replay and temporal information utilities. For more information see the Cyclopes web site: http://civilweb.newcastle.edu.au/cyclops/index.html Eric Kniest Email :- cehtk(\)engmail.newcastle.edu.au Surveying University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2004 23:46:14 -0000 Reply-To: "Colin D. MacLeod" From: "Colin D. MacLeod" Subject: Upcoming Publication... Dear Marmammers, I am happy to announce the publication of the following paper: MacLeod, C.D., Hauser, N. and Peckham, H. 2004. Diversity, relative density and structure of the cetacean community in summer months east of Great Abaco, Bahamas. J.Mar.Biol.Ass.U.K. 84, 469 - 474. Little is known about cetacean communities in the tropical and sub-tropical Atlantic. This paper describes the cetacean community found east of Great Abaco in the northern Bahamas (26.5 degrees North) during summer months between 1998 and 2001. Nine species of cetaceans were recorded,which could be divided into two distinct groupings: Firstly, 'permanent 'species, which had relative sightings rates between 0.026 and 0.084 sightings per hour and which were recorded on many occasions in all years and most months; secondly, 'sporadic 'species, which had relative sightings rates an order of magnitude lower (0.004 and 0.008 sightings per hour)and which were recorded on very few occasions.The 'permanent' species were the Stenella frontalis (Atlantic spotted dolphin), Kogia simus (the dwarf sperm whale), Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville 's beaked whale) and Ziphius cavirostris (Cuvier 's beaked whale). These four species differed significantly in the depth of grid squares utilized (Cho Sq. = 20.25, df = 9, P< 0.01) suggesting that these species occupied four separate niches. Stenella frontalis dominated the surface feeding niche, while the remaining three deep-diving species segregated into different depth ranges.Kogia simus was the dominant species in water depths of less than 200 m, M.densirostris in water depths of 200 to 1000 m and Z.cavirostris in water depths of greater than 1000 m. The overall relative density (2.533 individuals per hour of effort) and diversity of species in the study area was relatively low and may relate to low levels of local productivity. It is hypothesized that the four 'permanent 'species may competitively exclude ecologically similar species, resulting in a reduced number of species and that 'sporadic ' species may only enter the study area during times of higher than usual productivity when the 'permanent 'species are no longer able to dominate their individual niches. PDF versions are available now on request from Colin MacLeod at c.d.macleod(\)abdn.ac.uk , however hard copies will have to wait a few days until reprints arrive. All the best, Colin ====================================================================== Colin D. MacLeod, B.Sc., M.Sc. Beaked Whale Research Project Lower Right, 59 Jute Street, Aberdeen, AB24 3EX U.K. Tel: 01224 634276 Email: Macleod_c(\)colloquium.co.uk ========================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 06:59:52 -0800 From: "R.H. Defran" Subject: SEAMAMMS 2004 - Third Notice ------ Third Notice: As indicated in the Second Notice, the SEAMAMMS 2004 web site is now up a= nd running. Those planning to attend should begin checking the web site periodically for new additions. We anticipate that the abstracts and a detailed scheduled of oral and poster presentations will be posted on the SEAMAMMS by March 12 or so. A fairly detailed schedule is given below: Please note that the banquet will be held on Saturday night (not on Frida= y as indicated earlier on some registration forms). The SEAMAMMS 2004 web site address is: http://www.hboi.edu/marinemam/seamamms.html SEAMAMMS 2004 Schedule Friday, March 26 12:00 - 6:30 Registration 4:00 =96 6:00 Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours (no fee, courtesy of HBOI) 6:30 - 8:30 Icebreaker Saturday, March 27 8:00 Registration Opens 8:30 - 9:30 Keynote Speaker =96 Dr. Greg Bossart, Division of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Ft. Pierce, FL =93The Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphin Health Assessment Program : An Overdue Physical Examination=94 9:40 - 12:25 Oral Presentations I 12:30 - 2:00 Lunch 2:00 - 3:00 Poster Session 3:15 - 4:15 Marine Mammal Technology Workshop Digital Photography =96 R.H. Defran and Elizabeth Murdoch Acoustical Remote Sensing =96 Eric Howarth 4:30 - 5:00 SEAMAMMS Business Meeting 6:30 - 7:30 Banquet 7:30 - 8:30 Banquet Speaker =96 Dr. David Weller, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA =93Less Than 100: Can The Critically Endangered Western Gray Whale Population Survive?=94 Sunday, March 28 9:00 - 10:15 Oral Presentations II 10:30 - 11:30 Awards and Business Meeting Items of Interest Second Notice: The SEAMAMMS 2004 web site is now up and running. This web site contains information about: Conference Schedule & Details, Travel & Lodging, Place= s of Interest, the Registration Form, and Abstract Submission. First Notice: The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution from Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28. This meeting, formerly known as the Atlantic Coastal Dolphin Conference, is a forum for biologists conducting research on all species = of marine mammals in waters from New Jersey to Texas. This year's conference marks the twelfth year for this productive annual meeting. The scientific program will consist of oral presentations, a poster session and one or t= wo workshops. Awards will be given for best student poster and best student oral presentation. There will be a mixer on Friday night, followed by posters and oral presentations all day Saturday and Sunday morning. A banquet will be held on Saturday night. All activities will take place o= n the Harbor Branch campus which is located in Ft. Pierce FL on Florida=92s central east coast . The Orlando airport to the north of Ft. Pierce, and = the Palm Beach airport to the south of Ft. Pierce are both about 90 minutes a= way by car. R.H. Defran rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 07:23:48 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Bycatch Reduction (fwd) From: "Annabelle Aish" Dear all, Apologies for any cross postings. I would like to draw your attention to the Environmental Justice Foundation's new Bycatch Reduction Campaign website: http://www.ejfoundation.org/bycatch/ As many of you will know, EJF is calling for a UN FAO 'International Plan of Action on Bycatch Reduction'. Over 150 leading scientists and NGOs have supported this proposal. A full list of signatories can be found at: http://www.ejfoundation.org/bycatch/list_of_signers_ipoa.html . We would appreciate any further support, and our 'Call to Action' can be downloaded at: http://www.ejfoundation.org/pdfs/IPOA_sign_on.pdf EJF is also campaigning at a European level, advocating an integrated approach to minimising bycatch and a common set of European Union fishing selectivity standards for both domestic and distant water fleets. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further information about our work. Yours sincerely Annabelle Aish ---------------- Annabelle Aish Campaigner Environmental Justice Foundation 5 St Peter's Street London N1 8JD UK TEL +44 (0) 20 7359 0440 FAX +44 (0) 20 7359 7123 www.ejfoundation.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 07:27:05 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Australian Cetacean Research Partnerships Workshop (fwd) From: Christine Cetacean Research Partnerships Workshop, 2-4 May, Ballina NSW, Australia First Announcement and Call for Posters You are invited to attend the National Cetacean Research Partnerships Workshop in Ballina, Northern NSW from Sunday 2nd to Tuesday 4th May 2004. This Workshop will bring together organisations and individuals currently carrying out cetacean research and management in Australian waters, in order to discuss research needs and priorities for future research. Presentations by key researchers will provide an overview of current scientific understanding of cetacean distribution, biology, habitats, conservation status and threats in Australian waters. The Workshop will also identify major research needs, research priorities for different sectors, and the potential for research partnerships to maximise the benefits from investment in cetacean research. All people and organisations from the scientific research community, industry, non-government conservation organisations and State/Territory and Australian government departments involved with cetacean research and management are invited and strongly encouraged to attend. A fully refereed proceedings from the Workshop will be published, documenting current knowledge of cetacean distribution, biology, ecology etc. and management issues, based on the invited presentations by key speakers and their co-authors. In addition, all other attendees are invited to present a poster for display during the Workshop, and text from these posters can be submitted for inclusion in the published proceedings, as a single page extended Abstract. In addition, an updated list of contact details for people/organisations working on cetacean research and management in Australia will also be produced. Further details about the workshop venue, travel, accommodation, presenters and publication will be provided in a subsequent email. The workshop is supported and funded by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage through the Natural Heritage Trust, and hosted and organised by the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre, Lismore NSW. To register your interest in attending this Workshop, please contact: Christine Fury Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University Lismore, NSW, Australia (02) 6620-3815 Email: Christine Fury cfury10(\)scu.edu.au Mobile 0408264330 Workshop Organisers: Angela Rymer Assistant Director Wildlife Impact and Protection Section Department of the Environment and Heritage Canberra, ACT Associate Professor Peter Harrison Director, SCU Whale Research Centre Director of Marine Studies, SCU Southern Cross University Lismore NSW 2480 Christine Fury PhD Candidate Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University P.O. Box 157, Lismore, N.S.W. Australia, 2480 Mobile 0408-264-330 Ph. +61 2 6620-3815 Fax. +61 2 6621-2669 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 01:51:56 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ways of mitigating marine mammal bycatch in trawl nets (fwd) From: Suze Baird Good morning/afternoon I am looking for any references/information on different ways to mitigate marine mammal bycatch in trawl fisheries. In New Zealand there has been some work on the use of seal excluder devices and these are being trialled to test their effectiveness at expelling sea lions from squid trawl nets. Attempts are being made to develop this further to deal with the problem of fur seal captures in other trawl fisheries. Fishing News International May 2003, p. 29 gives an article on the development and use of this device. These devices are used in some Australian trawl fisheries also. I am charged with searching out any other ways (from excluder devices through to closed areas) that have been developed and/or tested to mitigate against marine mammal incidental capture in trawl fisheries. I have carried out extensive searches of library databases, but I have had little success. Unfortunately if this work is being carried out, much is probably in the "grey" literature and not accessible through standard literature search engines. I would appreciate any responses on this subject. Thank you for your help in advance. Suze Susanjane Baird s.baird(\)niwa.co.nz Pelagic & Inshore Group National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) PO Box 14 901 Kilbirnie Wellington New Zealand Phone: 04 386 0300 Fax: 04 386 0574 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 01:55:47 -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. Evans, T.J. Fischbach, A. Schliebe, S. Manly, B. Kalxdorff, S. York, G. 2003. Polar bear aerial survey in the eastern Chukchi Sea : a pi= lot study. Arctic, v. 56, no. 4, pp. 359-366 Alaska has two polar bear populations: the Southern Beaufort Sea populati= on, shared with Canada, and the Chukchi/Bering Seas population, shared with Russia. Currently a reliable population estimate for the Chukchi/Bering S= eas population does not exist. Land-based aerial and mark-recapture populatio= n surveys may not be possible in the Chukchi Sea because variable ice conditions, the limited range of helicopters, extremely large polar bear home ranges, and severe weather conditions may limit access to remote are= as. Thus line-transect aerial surveys from icebreakers may be the best availa= ble tool to monitor this polar bear stock. In August 2000, a line-transect survey was conducted in the eastern Chukchi Sea and western Beaufort Sea from helicopters based on a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker under the "Ship o= f Opportunity" program. The objectives of this pilot study were to estimate polar bear density in the eastern Chukchi and western Beaufort Seas and t= o assess the logistical feasibility of using ship-based aerial surveys to develop polar bear population estimates. Twenty-nine polar bears in 25 groups were sighted on 94 transects (8257 km). The density of bears was estimated as 1 bear per 147 km=B2 (CV =3D 38%). Additional aerial surveys= in late fall, using dedicated icebreakers, would be required to achieve the number of sightings, survey effort, coverage, and precision needed for mo= re effective monitoring of population trends in the Chukchi Sea. ******************************* Heather M. Pettis, Rosalind M. Rolland, Philip K. Hamilton, Solange Braul= t, Amy R. Knowlton, and Scott D. Kraus. 2004. Visual health assessment of No= rth Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) using photographs. Canadian Journal of Zoology Volume 82, Number 01, Pages 8-19 Although trends in reproduction, mortality, and entanglement events have been analyzed for the endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) population, no method has been available to assess individual right whale health. Here, we describe a technique for assessing health ba= sed on evaluation of selected physical parameters from archived photographs o= f right whales. A scoring system was developed to assess body and skin condition, blowhole cyamids, and rake marks in over 200 000 photographs. Comparison of body condition scores of females during calving and noncalv= ing years found that females were significantly thinner in calving years and = in the year after calving compared with the year before calving, showing tha= t changes in body condition known to occur during the reproductive cycle ca= n be successfully evaluated from photographs. Comparison of scores for all parameters between living whales and whales with more than a 5-year gap i= n sighting history ("presumed dead") found that presumed dead whales receiv= ed health assessment scores indicating compromised health with body conditio= n emerging as a key visual indicator. This health assessment method provide= s a new tool to monitor health trends in right whales at individual and population levels and may provide a model for assessments of other well-photographed cetaceans. *********************************** Bruce W. Robson, Michael E. Goebel, Jason D. Baker, Rolf R. Ream, Thomas = R. Loughlin, Robert C. Francis, George A. Antonelis, and Daniel P. Costa. 20= 04. Separation of foraging habitat among breeding sites of a colonial marine predator, the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). Canadian Journal o= f Zoology Volume 82, Number 01,Pages 20-29. This study examines whether lactating northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from different breeding sites on the Pribilof Islands in the eastern Bering Sea forage in separate areas. Satellite transmitters were attached to 97 northern fur seal females from nine breeding areas for 119 complete foraging trips during the 1995 and 1996 breeding seasons. Female= s from St. Paul and St. George islands tended to travel in different directions relative to their breeding site in both years of the study. St. Paul Island females dispersed in all directions except to the southeast, where St. George Island females foraged. Habitat separation was also observed among breeding areas on northeastern and southwestern St. Paul Island and to a lesser degree on northern and southern St. George Island. Although foraging direction led to geographical separation among sites, t= he maximum distance traveled and the duration of foraging trips did not diff= er significantly among islands in either year. The results of this study document that lactating fur seals from the same site share a common forag= ing area and that females from different breeding sites tend to forage in separate areas and hydrographic domains. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 01:56:49 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new manuscript - diseases of killer whales (fwd) From: Joe Gaydos The following manuscript on diseases of killer whales was recently published in the journal Biological Conservation. Gaydos, J. K., K. C. Balcomb, R. W. Osborne, and L. Dierauf. 2004. Evaluating potential infectious disease threats for southern resident killer whales, Orcinus orca: a model for endangered species. Biological Conservation 117: 253-262. Abstract: Infectious diseases have the potential to play a role in the decline of threatened wildlife populations, as well as negatively affect their long-term viability, but determining which infectious agents present risks can be difficult. The southern resident killer whale, Orcinus orca, population is endangered and little is known about infectious diseases in this species. Using available reference literature, we identified 15 infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) reported in free-ranging and captive killer whales, as well as 28 additional infectious agents reported in free-ranging and captive odontocete species sympatric to southern resident killer whales. Infectious agents were scored as having a high, medium, or low ability to affect fecundity or reproductive success, to cause disease in individual animals, and to cause epizootics. Marine Brucella spp., cetacean poxvirus, cetacean morbilliviruses, and herpesviruses were identified as high priority pathogens that warrant further study. Using identified pathogens to develop a standardized necropsy and disease testing protocol for southern resident killer whales and sympatric odontocetes will improve future efforts to better understand the impacts of priority and non-priority infectious agents on southern resident killer whales. This model can be used to evaluate potential infectious disease risks in other threatened wildlife populations. Keywords: Endangered species, Infectious diseases, Killer whale, Orcinus orca, Wildlife Diseases Please contact me by e-mail if you would like an electronic copy of the manuscript. Joe Gaydos UC Davis Wildlife Health Center - Orcas Island Office jkgaydos(\)ucdavis.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 10:50:19 -0800 Reply-To: Toni Frohoff From: Toni Frohoff Subject: Video of "Sleeping" Dolphins Needed Hello, We are looking for a short segment of video showing dolphins (or any odontocetes) 'sleeping' for use in a documentary (and possibly for educational purposes as well). Specifically, we are seeking video showing either a) one eye open and the other closed or b) formation of a dolphin group that is specifically associated with sleep or rest. If selected for the documentary. payment would be available. There is a tight deadline so those interested should contact me as soon as possible. Many thanks, Lilliana Zuyovich TerraMar Research dolphinresearch(\)earthlink.net ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 02:41:16 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 12-day field training courses available in Scotland (fwd) From: Kevin Robinson Since 1997, some 300 volunteers and students have assisted the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit - through short courses, project placements and organised workshops - in the study of cetaceans in NE Scottish waters. Summer 2004 sees the launch of an intensive 12-day training course for individuals looking to gain active, hands-on experience in cetacean research and conservation work. Led by an accomplished team of biologists, the training course will alternate between field data collection and practical experiences at sea, rescue protocols for live stranded individuals, and theoretical seminars on all aspects of cetacean biology, research, conservation and management. As you learn and apply the principles of field research design during your participation in ongoing field studies, you will gain a personal understanding of the issues which drive the research, rescue and conservation activities of an internationally-reputed whale and dolphin non-profit organisation. The courses will run from May to Oct in 2004 at a cost of 685 GB Pounds (approx 995 Euros or 1250 US dollars) for 12 days (commencing on a Sunday and terminating on a Thursday). This will cover all accommodation and food costs, full equipment needs, and all other associated costs in the field during your stay with us. For further details, including full list of available dates, or to request a full brochure from us, please visit: http://www.crru.org.uk/research/trainingprogramme.htm Best wishes Dr. Kevin Robinson kev.robinson(\)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) P.O. Box 11307 Banff AB45 3WB SCOTLAND Tel: (+44) 01261 851696 Emergency: (+44) 07866 925401 Email: mailbox(\)crru.org.uk Website: www.crru.org.uk Affiliated with the Greystoke Foundation. Scottish Charity SC028400 Co-operation partners Ecocorps Scotland Ltd (UK) & Ecovolunteer (Netherland= s) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= ----- The Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit is a small, non-profit research organisation dedicated to the understanding, welfare, conservation and protection of cetaceans in UK and international waters, through scientific investigation, environmental education, and the provision of efficient, professional assistance to sick, stranded and injured individuals. Recent publications in conjunction with the work of the CRRU include: Eisfeld, S.M. (2003). The social affiliation and group composition of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using the Southern Moray Firth, NE Scotland. M.Sc. thesis. University of Wales, Bangor. pp. 85. Whaley, A.R. (under submission). The distribution and relative abundance of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the outer southern Moray Firth. B.Sc. dissertation. University of London. Dick, K. (in prep.). The seasonal distribution and habitat preference of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the southern Moray Firth. M.Sc. thesis. University of Strathclyde. Eisfeld, S.M. & K.P. Robinson (2004). The sociality of bottlenose dolphins in the outer southern Moray Firth: implications for current management proposals. Poster presentation, 18th Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Kolm=E5rden, Sweden, 28 - 31 March 2004 Whaley, A.R. & K.P. Robinson (2004). The outer Moray Firth in NE Scotland could be a safe haven for harbour porpoises. Poster presentation, 18th Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Kolm=E5rden, Sweden, 28 - 31 March 2004. Robinson, K.P., N.J. Duthie, & S.M. Eisfeld (under submission). Mark recapture abundance estimates and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus L.) using the southern coastline of the Outer Moray Firth, NE Scotland. Sandoe, J.A.T., J. Barnett, C. McPherson & K.P. Robinson (in prep.) Infectious diseases associated with marine mammal rescue: clinical, microbiological features and risk reduction. The Lancet. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 02:41:59 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Shipping Noise & Marine Mammals, NOAA sponsored forum, May 2004 Arlington, VA (fwd) From: Tom Stirratt Attention MARMAM subscribers: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proud to announce an upcoming symposium entitled "Shipping Noise & Marine Mammals: A Forum for Science, Management and Technology" to be held 18-19 May 2004 in Arlington, Virginia. NOAA is principal sponsor of this groundbreaking event, which will highlight state of the art research related to the effect of shipping noise on marine mammals. The symposium will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the scientific community, regulatory agencies, and maritime industries in an explorative and collaborative forum. Symposium partners include NOAA Fisheries, Marine Mammal Commission, U.S. Navy, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), INTERTANKO, Society for Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program, and Chamber of Shipping of America. Attendance is FREE with advance registration via the symposium website at www.shippingnoiseandmarinemammals.com. If you have questions or comments about the symposium, please contact the event sponsors, Dr. Brandon Southall (Brandon.Southall(\)noaa.gov) or Dr. Roger Gentry (Roger.Gentry(\)noaa.gov). For more information about registration or event logistics, please contact the event coordinator, Tom Stirratt (TStirratt(\)dandp.com). __________________________ Tom Stirratt Arlington Operations Manager Environmental Safety & Health Division BMT Designers & Planners, Inc. 2120 Washington Blvd. Suite 200 Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 920-7070 ext. 264 (703) 920-7177 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 02:53:25 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Student Poster Contest - Coastal Restoration Conference - New Entry (fwd) From: "Nicole Maylett" Restore America's Estuaries has EXTENDED the due date for the Student Poster Contest to Monday, May 3, 2004! We invite you to present your projects and research in a Student Poster Contest at our 2nd National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration. Cash Prizes will be awarded in these categories: *planning and priority-setting; *best practices in restoration; *science and technology; *monitoring and evaluation; *community involvement; *policy and funding. The Conference will be held September 12-15, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center and the Grand Hyatt Seattle in Seattle, Washington. This is the premiere nationwide forum focused solely on advancing the knowledge, pace, practice and success of coastal and estuarine habitat restoration. Incorporating the non-profit, government, business, tribes and academic sectors, the Conference will enable networking and communication throughout this growing movement. For more contest details, visit http://www.estuaries.org/Student%20Poster%20Contest.php. The Student Poster Contest is supported in part by Oregon Sea Grant. General conference information can be found at http://www.estuaries.org/2ndnationalconference.php. Questions? Please contact Suzanne Giles at Restore America's Estuaries, suzannegiles(\)estuaries.org, 703-524-0248. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 16:07:27 -0500 Reply-To: ecm-parsons(\)earthlink.net From: Chris Parsons Subject: New publication on whalewatching & whaling In-Reply-To: <200311042103.1ahfPU7xc3NZFkN0(\)swallow> Dear colleagues, Here are details of a new (and perhaps controversial)publication on whale-watchers' attitudes to commercial whaling. For pdf reprints please e-mail: ecm-parsons(\)earthlink.net Parsons, E.C.M. and Rawles, C. 2003. The resumption of whaling by Iceland and the potential negative impact in the Icelandic whale-watching market. Current Issues in Tourism 6: 444-448. Abstract: Whale-watching tourists were surveyed to determine their opinion on whether they would visit, to go whale-watching, in a country that conducted whale-watching operations: 79% of whale-watchers in the study area said they would boycott a country that conducted hunts for cetaceans, and a further 12.4% stated that although they would visit a country conducting whaling operations, they would not partake in a whale-watching trip in that country (i.e. 91.4% of whale-watchers would not go whale-watching in a country that hunted whales). The results of this study are of great significance to the whale-watching industry in Iceland (currently estimated to be directly worth over US$12 million per annum), a country whose government has stated its wish to resume commercial whaling in 2006, and scientific whaling prior to this date. E.C.M. Parsons BA MA PhD CBiol MIBiol FRGS Department of Environmental Science & Policy George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2004 02:15:57 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for a used camera to be used in project in South America (fwd) >From LISTSERV(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Wed Mar 10 18:56:16 2004 Received: from UVVM.UVic.CA (uvvm.uvic.ca [142.104.5.6]) by castle.comp.uvic.ca (8.12.10/8.12.10) with ESMTP id i2B2uFrR5443728 for ; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 18:56:15 -0800 Received: by UVVM.UVic.CA (IBM VM SMTP Level 430) via spool with SMTP id= 0406 ; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:59:15 PST Received: from UVVM.UVIC.CA (NJE origin LISTSERV(\)UVVM) by UVVM.UVIC.CA (L= Mail V1.2d/1.8d) with BSMTP id 8740; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:59:15 -0800 Received: from UVVM (NJE origin SMTP(\)UVVM) by UVVM.UVIC.CA (LMail V1.2d/1= .8d) with BSMTP id 8738; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:59:15 -0800 Received: from castle.comp.uvic.ca [142.104.5.97] by UVVM.UVic.CA (IBM VM= SMTP Level 430) via TCP with SMTP ; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:59:14 PST X-Comment: UVVM.UVic.CA: Mail was sent by castle.comp.uvic.ca Received: from hotmail.com (bay14-f24.bay14.hotmail.com [64.4.49.24]) by castle.comp.uvic.ca (8.12.10/8.12.10) with ESMTP id i2B1xarR47= 80062 for ; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:59:43 -0800 Received: from mail pickup service by hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Wed, 10 Mar 2004 17:59:36 -0800 Received: from 165.95.53.33 by by14fd.bay14.hotmail.msn.com with HTTP; Thu, 11 Mar 2004 01:59:36 GMT X-Originating-IP: [165.95.53.33] X-Originating-Email: [alimacbil1(\)hotmail.com] X-Sender: alimacbil1(\)hotmail.com From: "valeria zamisch" To: MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Subject: Request for a used camera to be used in project in South America Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 22:59:36 -0300 Message-ID: X-OriginalArrivalTime: 11 Mar 2004 01:59:36.0365 (UTC) FILETIME=3D[814EE5D0:01C4070C] X-UVic-Virus-Scanned: OK - Passed virus scan by Sophos (sophie) on castle X-UVic-Virus-Scanned: OK - Passed virus scan by Sophos (sophie) on castle X-UVic-Spam-Scan: castle.comp.uvic.ca Not_scanned_LOCAL X-UVic-Spam-Scan: castle.comp.uvic.ca Not_all_recips_reject X-UVic-Spam-Status: No X-UVic-Spam-Score: 0 X-UVic-Spam-Level: Spam-Level X-Scanned-By: MIMEDefang 2.33 (www . roaringpenguin . com / mimedefang) X-MIME-Autoconverted: from 8bit to quoted-printable by castle.comp.uvic.c= a id i2B1xarR4780062 X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by castle.comp.uvic.c= a id i2B2uFrR5443728 ------ Dear All, We are hoping to initiate a new research project along the coast of Urugu= ay. There has been hardly any marine mammal research done in this region, and the limited information we have comes from basic shore-based observations. Our hope is to initiate a sea-based research that would involve a photo-I= D mark-recapture study of coastal bottlenose dolphins (although in time, th= is work may include other species as well). As you might know, research funding is exceptionally hard to find down there, and that is why we are enquiring about a support with a used camer= a. Many of you are switching to digital cameras and may want to find a good home (and good use) for your old cameras. If you think you may let us ha= ve your old camera for a reasonable price (or maybe as a donation=85???!), p= lease contact Valeria Zamisch, currently at Marine Mammal Research Program, Tex= as A&M University at Galveston (alimacbil1(\)hotmail.com). I am completing a research internship at Bernd Wursig's lab, and will be going back to my h= ome country, Uruguay, at the end of April. Many thanks in advance for considering this request. Hopefully our next marmam message will report results of a first photo-ID research along the coast of Uruguay. Sincerely, Valeria Zamisch Graduate biology student at Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la=20 Republica, Uruguay. _________________________________________________________________ Charla con tus amigos en l=EDnea mediante MSN Messenger:=20 http://messenger.latam.msn.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2004 02:33:01 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Defenders of Wildlife Marine and Terrestrial Carnivore Conference 2004-Abstract Deadline-June 1st (fwd) From: Jim Curland Defenders of Wildlife announces its fifth biennial national conference, Carnivores 2004: Expanding Partnerships in Carnivore Conservation, which will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico November 14-17, 2004 at the La Fonda Hotel. The conference will focus on the biology and conservation of a full range of marine and terrestrial predators. Proposals for 1 and 2 hour sessions, individual papers and posters are being accepted now until June 1, 2004. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, please contact Defenders of Wildlife, 1130 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 or call (202) 682-9400 ext. 315. You can also email carnivores2004(\)defenders.org or visit www.carnivoreconference.org. Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax jcurland(\)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection) ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 08:43:22 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY (fwd) From: Stephen McCulloch HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION, INC. Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program ____________________________________________________________________________ 5600 U.S. 1 NORTH FORT PIERCE, FL 34946 (772) 465-2400, Ext. 556 Fax (772) 466-4853 gbossart(\)hboi.edu http://www.hboi.edu POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY The Division of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI), Ft. Pierce, Florida will offer a third 18-month postdoctoral fellowship commencing July 1, 2004. The Division of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation has multifaceted research programs involving emerging marine mammal diseases, a health assessment study of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Florida and South Carolina, research on newly described papillomaviruis infections in manatees and dolphins, studies of cardiomyopathy in Kogia and the general pathologic basis of marine mammal strandings. Conservation aspects of the program include marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation in Florida and international marine mammal outreach programs. The HBOI Marine Mammal Stranding Center provides temporary or long-term care for various marine mammal species. Animals that can be treated successfully are rehabilitated, released and typically monitored post-release via telemetry devices. Conservation outreach and/or collaborative programs in medicine exist with facilities in Mexico, Belize, Guyana, Colombia and Brazil. An opportunity is also available for the postdoctoral fellow to interact with the Division of Aquaculture at HBOI, which has intensive programs in clam, shrimp and tropical fish aquaculture. An original research project, the results of which will be written for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, is required for successful completion of this program. In addition, the postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for coordinating marine mammal rescues, handling all aspects of clinical care for marine mammal patients, and completing necropsies with the supervision of the HBOI marine mammal staff. Follow-up histopathologic tissue evaluations will be done with the resident HBOI comparative pathologist. Applicants must possess a D.V.M. or equivalent degree and be licensed to practice in Florida. Selection of the successful applicant will be based on a combination of academic, relevant interest and experience, and an assessment of the candidate's career goals and objectives. The stipend is currently $35,000 annually, and the fellowship is non-renewable. Interested candidates should forward a letter of intent, C.V., official academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a completed application to Gregory D. Bossart, V.M.D, Ph.D., c/o Personnel Services, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., 5600 US 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946. Please note that it is the applicant's responsibility to submit a single (1) complete package of application documents, as multiple submissions will not be processed. Please request an application at EMAIL personnel(\)hboi.edu. For information about Harbor Branch, please consult our website, www.hboi.edu. Application deadline is May 5, 2004. Submitted by: Stephen D. McCulloch Executive Director Division of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION 5600 U.S. 1 North Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 Ph: 772.465.2400, x 604 Fx: 772.595.3332 http://www.hboi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 08:45:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement (fwd) From: Dyan Ferren Alaska SeaLife Center Job Announcement The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation and public education, is seeking applicants for the following positions: (2) Research Technicians for the Chiswell Island Steller Sea Lion Remote Monitoring project. This position serves as a seasonal technician for the Steller sea lion remote monitoring project at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Responsibilities include: operating remote video monitoring equipment, photo identification of Steller sea lions, classification and recording of sea lion behavior, general administrative assistance, data entry and analysis, and assistance with field studies as assigned. Qualification requirements include bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, or related field. Experience in biological field studies, scientific writing, remote monitoring equipment, and photo identification of marine mammals preferred. This is a seasonal, full-time position with a competitive wage. Term of employment: May 15 - Aug 30, 2004. Applications due by Wednesday, March 31, 2004. Application available on website www.alaskasealife.org. Send resume or application & references to HR-ASLC, P O Box 1329, Seward AK 99664 or email to HR(\)alaskasealife.org or fax 907-224-6320. www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 01:40:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publications by the European Cetacean Society (fwd) From: J.W. Broekema Dear fellow Marmam list-members, Please note that the European Cetacean Society's order form has been updated to reflect the latest availability for publications you may have missed. You can find the new form at the ECS site under publish > in stock > order form. Members get these publications with their membership but every cetologist is welcome to copies. Also we would like to point out that the next ECS conference, due in less than two weeks in Sweden, has already 300+ subscribers and that makes it almost full. If you want to obtain a hotel room, please use the available reservation sheet. Conference subscription is as of today only possible on-site. Kind regards, European Cetacean Society http://www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs Jan Willem Broekema mailto:ecs-talk-request(\)jiscmail.ac.uk Member of Council, e-communications ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 17:38:06 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Searching for reference on right whales (selfish (fwd) My name is Luciano Valenzuela. I'm a graduate student at the University of Utah studying the population of southern right whales off Peninsula Valdes. I was wondering if anyone have this reference or knowledge of a paper that could has been published after the meeting. Thomas, P.O. 1983. Interactions of right whale mothers and calves with conspecifics: selfish alloparenting? (Abstract) Annual Meeting of the Animal Behavior Society, Bucknell, PA. 19-24 June 1983. I've been trying to contact the author Dr. Peter Thomas but I haven't succeed. Any information regarding this reference would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Luciano O. Valenzuela University of Utah Department of Biology 257 South 1400 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840 valenzuela(\)biology.utah.edu Tel: 801-581-8478 www.biology.utah.edu ------------------------------------------------------ Instituto de Conservaci=F3n de Ballenas Garcia Merou 833 1640DVA Mart=EDnez Buenos Aires, Argentina. www.icb.org.ar ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 17:45:01 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Active Sonar Workshop Proceedings (fwd) Apologies for cross posting ANNOUNCEMENT OF ECS SPECIAL ISSUE No. 42 - ACTIVE SONAR WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS (editors Peter G.H. Evans & Lee A. Miller). 84pp. Active sonar, operating with sound source levels of up to 245 dB re 1=B5Pa (\) 1 m at frequencies mainly between 1 and 150 kHz, is frequently used for fish-finding, oceanography, charting and in military activities (for example locating submarines). Since the mid-1990s, concern has been expressed over the potential impact these sounds may have upon cetaceans (particularly deep diving toothed whales of the Sub Order Odontoceti such as the beaked whales, family Ziphiidae), and post mortem studies of mass stranded animals in the Bahamas, Madeira and, most recently, in the Canaries have revealed multifocal haemorrhaging and ear damage. The purpose of this workshop was to bring together whale biologists, pathologists, acousticians, and representatives of governments, oceanographic institutes and national navies with interests in this topic, to objectively review the existing evidence and, where detrimental effects are implicated, to identify possible mitigation measures. Attention focused upon the species involved and any characteristics that may make them especially vulnerable, as well as on the nature of the sound source (sound levels, peak frequencies, usage, and sound transmission in relation to oceanographic conditions). The workshop took place on 8 March 2003 at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, immediately before the start of the 17th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society. It was attended by around 110 persons from 21 countries representing a wide variety of disciplines and interests. Contents of the resulting volume are included below. Current members of the European Cetacean Society and workshop contributors will automatically receive a copy of the Proceedings. Any others wishing to receive a copy, please fill in the enclosed booking form. CONTENTS of Proceedings of Workshop on ACTIVE SONAR AND CETACEANS Workshop Programme Evans, P.G.H. and Miller, L.A. Introduction Harland, E.J. Introduction to active sonar Zimmer, W.M.X. Sonar systems and stranding of beaked whales =46rantzis, A. The first mass stranding that was associated with the use of active sonar (Kyparissiakos Gulf, Greece, 1996) Ketten, D.R., Rowles, T., Cramer, S., O'Malley, J., Arruda, J., and Evans, P.G.H. Cranial trauma in beaked whales =46reitas, L. The stranding of three Cuvier's beaked whales Ziphius cavirostris in Madeira archipelago Martin, V., Servidio, A. and Garc=EDa, S. Mass strandings of beaked whales in the Canary Islands =46ern=E1ndez, A. Pathological findings in stranded beaked whales during the naval military manoeuvres near the Canary Islands M=F8hl, B. Sperm whale sonar rivals tactical sonar with source levels at 235= dB Tyack, P.L. and Johnson, M. Can controlled exposure experiments be used to help determine safe exposure for beaked whales? - tools and techniques for quantifying the responses of whales to sound Nachtigall, P.E. and Supin, A.Ya. Measuring hearing with acoustic brainstem responses Pavan, G., Fossati, C., Manghi, M., and Priano, M. Passive acoustic tools for the implementation of acoustic risk mitigation policies Carron, M. NATO SACLANTCEN marine mammal risk mitigation programme (sound, ocean, and living marine resources) Johnson, J.S. High frequency marine mammal monitoring active sonar system Gentry, R.L. Mitigation measures for use with military sonar Macleod, C.D. Insights into the determination of beaked whale 'hotspots' through the development of a global database Evans, P.G.H. and Miller, L.A. Concluding Remarks List of workshop participants -- Dr Peter G.H. Evans Sea Watch Foundation 11 Jersey Road Oxford 0X4 4RT, UK Tel: 44-(0)1865-717276 E-mail: Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org AU, WHITLOW W. L.; JOHN K. B. FORD; JOHN K. HORNE and KELLY A. NEWMAN ALLMAN. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(2):901-909. 2004. Echolocation signals of free-ranging killer whales (Orcinus orca) and modeling of foraging for chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). 0.251 MB BEINEKE, A.; U. SIEBERT; N. VAN ELK and W. BAUMGARTNER. VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY 98(1-2):59-68. 2004. Development of a lymphocyte-transformation-assay for peripheral blood lymphocytes of the harbor porpoise and detection of cytokines using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. 0.184 MB BOR, P. H. F. and M. B. SANTOS. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 83(6):1351-1353. 2003. Findings of elasmobranch eggs in the stomachs of sperm whales and other marine organisms. 0.072 MB BRAND, LEONARD R.; RAUL ESPERANTE; ARTHUR V. CHADWICK; ORLANDO P. PORRAS and MERLING ALOMIA. GEOLOGY 32(2):165-168. 2004. Fossil whale preservation implies high diatom accumulation rate in the Miocene-Pliocene Pisco Formation of Peru. 0.506 MB DOUGLAS, MARIANNE S. V.; JOHN P. SMOL; JAMES M. SAVELLE and JULES M. BLAIS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 101(6):1613-1617. 2004. Prehistoric Inuit whalers affected arctic freshwater ecosystems. 0.435 MB FEDAK, TIM J. and BRIAN K. HALL. JOURNAL OF ANATOMY 204:151-163. 2004. Perspectives on hyperphalangy: Patterns and processes. 0.321 MB GARCIA-RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO J. and DAVID AURIOLES-GAMBOA. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(1):47-62. 2004. Spatial and temporal variation in the diet of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) in the Gulf of California, Mexico. 1.357 MB GREENE, CHARLES H. and ANDREW J. PERSHING. FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT 2(1):29-34. 2004. Climate and the conservation biology of North Atlantic right whales: The right whale at the wrong time? 1.253 MB KINGSTON, S. E. and P. E. ROSEL. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 95(1):1-10. 2004. Genetic differentiation among recently diverged delphinid taxa determined using AFLP markers. 0.244 MB NATOLI, ADA; VICTOR M. PEDDEMORS and A. RUS HOELZEL. JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 17(2):363-375. 2004. Population structure and speciation in the genus Tursiops based on microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses. 1.173 MB ORR, ANTHONY J.; ADRIA S. BANKS; STEVE MELLMAN; HARRIET R. HUBER; ROBERT L. DELONG and ROBIN F. BROWN. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(1):108-117. 2004. Examination of the foraging habits of Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) to describe their use of the Umpqua River, Oregon, and their predation on salmonids. 1.425 MB PERRETT, L. L.; S. D. BREW; J. A. STACK; A. P. MACMILLAN and J. B. BASHIRUDDIN. SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH 51(3):221-228. 2004. Experimental assessment of the pathogenicity of Brucella strains from marine mammals for pregnant sheep. 0.082 MB PETTIS, HEATHER M.; ROSALIND M. ROLLAND; PHILIP K. HAMILTON; SOLANGE BRAULT; AMY R. KNOWLTON and SCOTT D. KRAUS. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82(1):8-19. 2003. Visual health assessment of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) using photographs. 3.682 MB PURCELL, MAUREEN; GREG MACKEY; ERIC LAHOOD; HARRIET HUBER and LINDA PARK. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(1):213-220. 2004. Molecular methods for the genetic identification of salmonid prey form Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardi) scat. 0.208 MB ROBSON, BRUCE W.; MICHAEL E. GOEBEL; JASON D. BAKER; ROLF R. REAM; THOMAS R. LOUGHLIN; ROBERT C. FRANCIS; GEORGE A. ANTONELIS and DANIEL P. COSTA. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82(1):20-29. 2003. Separation of foraging habitat among breeding sites of a colonial marine predator, the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). 0.845 MB RODRIGUEZ, M.; A. AYALA; S. RODRIGUEZ; F. ROSA and M. DIAZ-GONZALEZ. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 73(1):13-21. 2004. Application of the Max-Lloyd quantizer for ECG compression in diving mammals. 0.237 MB STEFEN, CLARA. ZOOLOGISCHE ABHANDLUNGEN 53:205-214. 2003. Hydrodamalis gigas (Mammalia, Sirenia, Dugongidae) material in the Museum fur Tierkunde Dresden. 1.425 MB URBAN R, J.; L. ROJAS-BRACHO; H. PEREZ-CORTES; A. GOMEZ-GALLARDO; S. L. SWARTZ; S. LUDWIG and R. L. BROWNELL JR. JOURNAL OF CETACEAN RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT 5(3):281-295. 2003. A review of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on their wintering grounds in Mexican waters. 0.200 MB WEBER, DIANA S.; BRENT S. STEWART; JOHN SCHIENMAN and NILES LEHMAN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 13(3):711-718. 2004. Major histocompatibility complex variation at three class II loci in the northern elephant seal. 0.874 MB ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 13:21:08 +0000 From: "Peter G.H. Evans" Subject: Ordering the Active Sonar Workshop Proceedings ; format="flowed" ECS SPECIAL ISSUE No. 42 - ACTIVE SONAR WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS (editors Peter G.H. Evans & Lee A. Miller). 84pp. We failed to realise that the booking form attachment for the above would not be included on MARMAM. If you would like to purchase a copy [cost including postage: 15 Euros (within Europe), 27 Euros (outside Europe)], please contact me direct and I will forward a booking form (payment can be made by credit card). best wishes, Peter Evans -- Dr Peter G.H. Evans Sea Watch Foundation 11 Jersey Road Oxford 0X4 4RT, UK Tel: 44-(0)1865-717276 E-mail: ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 08:55:03 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Irrawaddy Dolphins (fwd) Hello, I have been offered the opportunity to study a small population of Irrawaddy river dolphins over the next two months and will be assisted by three undergraduate students. As I have not done any previous wotk on marine mammals, I would be very appreciative if anyone out there can offer some help in methodology pertaining to estimation of population size, capture methods for mark and release, tagging methods, attachment methods for radio telemetry work, etc. Please send your responses to my e-mail address and not the group. Many many thanks. E.H. Chan Faculty of Science and Technology Univeristy College of Science and Technology Malaysia (KUSTEM) ehchan(\)kustem.edu.my ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 12:41:55 +0000 From: fernando ugarte Subject: Volunteers urgently required ------ We still have a few places available for volunteers during April, May and= =20 June. If interested, please read below. Volunteering opportunities with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre i= n=20 Wales The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, a non-profit organisation based = in=20 New Quay, west Wales, is recruiting volunteers to assist with the ongoing= =20 bottlenose dolphin research and education programmes concerning the marin= e=20 wildlife of Cardigan Bay. Volunteers are still needed from March 29 until= =20 June 2004, with a minimum commitment of 4 weeks. Preference will be given= to=20 those who can stay for longer periods of time. The CBMWC, founded in 1996, is dedicated to raising public awareness and=20 understanding of the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. The centre focuses = its=20 research on the marine mammals in the area, with its primary aim being to= =20 ensure the long term well being of these animals and the local marine=20 environment. Recent funding has enabled the CBMWC to undertake a long-ter= m=20 study into the bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise populations within= =20 the bays candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). The purpose of ou= r=20 research is to estimate the abundance and distribution of the bottlenose=20 dolphin population, and to identify the density and habitat use of harbou= r=20 porpoises in the area. To do this we are conducting line-transect surveys= =20 and utilising photo-identification techniques to identify individual=20 dolphins within the population. We are further working to educate people=20 about the bay=92s marine wildlife, and to provide interpretational materi= al on=20 the species and habitats that can be found here. Volunteers are required to: Land-based work: - Assist with the day-to-day operation of the visitor centre, including=20 staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings, answering enquiries, talki= ng=20 to visitors about the marine wildlife in the area, and helping to develop= =20 the facilities at the wildlife centre. - Conduct land based surveys, including recording sightings information,=20 speaking to the public about the species found here and the work that is=20 being conducted, updating sightings boards and data entry. - Assist with education and interpretation work when required (preparing=20 materials, helping out with activities, assisting with public talks) - Data entry for boat based sightings work - Assist with photo-identification work - Assist with any other research being conducted Boat-based work: - Help crew the boat - Be a marine mammal =93lookout=94 - Record sightings and effort data - Educate passengers about the marine wildlife found in the area Important skills/qualifications: - Fluency in English is essential - A background in marine biology/environmental science etc is desirable - A background in environmental education and experience working with=20 children is desirable to assist with the education programme - A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans would be an advant= age - Prior experience in boat based survey work would be useful - Excellent verbal and written communication - Experience working with the public - Public speaking and IT skills would be useful - A willingness to work in a conscientious and reliable manner - Enthusiastic and hard working A caravan is provided for volunteers at a cost of 42 GBP per person per=20 week, based on 4 sharing. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel= =20 expenses and food. Application procedure: Please send a CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and=20 specifying when in the season you are available and for what length of ti= me)=20 to: Helen Bates / Fernando Ugarte, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Paten= t=20 Slip Buildings, Glanmor Terrace, New Quay, Ceredigion, SA45 9PS; or email= =20 to: cbmwc(\)tiscali.co.uk Best regards, Helen and Fernando Publications list (MARMAM requisite). The centre has not produced any=20 publication since the arrival of the current staff (May 2003), but the=20 following posters will be presented at the next ECS conference: Lastra, P. and Ugarte, F. Photo identification of bottlenose dolphins in = the=20 Cardigan Bay candidate Special Area for Conservation. Ugarte, F., Lastra, P., Evans, P.G.H., Hartley, S. and Laing, S. Present = and=20 future abundance estimation of marine mammals in the Cardigan Bay candida= te=20 Special Area for Conservation (cSAC) from line transect surveys using a=20 small boat _________________________________________________________________ MSN Hotmail http://www.hotmail.com Med markedets beste SPAM-filter. Grati= s! ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 04:32:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Stranding Conference Announcement (fwd) From: Marine Animal Lifeline The Marine Animal Lifeline, Allied Whale at College of the Atlantic, and Univ. of New England invite you to attend the 2004 Northeastern U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Conference held in Portland, Maine, on April 17th & 18th. For further details, please visit the conference website at www.stranding.org/ners04.htm Gregory A. Jakush President Marine Animal Lifeline P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 (207) 773-7377 gjakush(\)stranding.org www.stranding.org ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 04:33:26 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MARMAM and Allee effects (fwd) From: Franck Courchamp Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are working on the Allee effect, a dynamical process by which populations at small sizes, or low densities, experience a reduction of growth rate and an increased risk of extinction. We are looking for studies that have looked for such an effect, but that didn't find any. Such "negative" studies are difficult to find because they are typically not published, yet they are of major importance in ecology and conservation biology. If you have heard of such "negative" results, could you please ask the scientists concerned to contact me, or provide me with a way to contact them? Please reply directly to me: franck.courchamp(\)ese.u-psud.fr Thank you very much in advance (for those of you interested in finding more on the Allee effect, several reviews are available here: http://www.ese.u-psud.fr/epc/conservation/pages/PublisFranck.html, papers 19, 26 & 30) -- Franck Courchamp Universite Paris-Sud XI Tel (0033/0) 1 69 15 56 85 Batiment 362 Fax (0033/0) 1 69 15 56 96 F-91405 Orsay Cedex FRANCE http://www.ese.u-psud.fr/epc/conservation/pages/Franck.html ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 04:34:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Expedition Vessel Wanderbird (fwd) From: Rockport Schooner Cruises The Expedition Vessel Wanderbird at www.wanderbirdcruises.com is , once again, offering a free bunk on any of our cruises to researchers whose field of interest might be found in our cruising waters on the coast of Maine. We already have 12 researchers joining us this season! We ask that you would be willing to talk with our passengers,(12), about your work and possibly involve them to a realistic degree. We are also interested in setting up a long term research protocol where we could make observations and gather information over the course of the entire season, (June-Oct.). One of our goals is to help work towards supporting research and conservation through responsible tourism by offering our passengers a chance to interact directly with marine mammals and seabirds. We would love to discuss any ideas that you might have. The Wanderbird is also available for charter as a research and film platform anywhere in the World. Thank you all! Peace & Kind Regards, Capt. Rick & Karen Miles info(\)wanderbirdcruises.com Please check out the 2004 schedule for our vessel WANDERBIRD for expedition and wildlife cruises to Maine and Nova Scotia at www.wanderbirdcruises.com ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 04:40:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new publication - Marine Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation (fwd) From: Sali Bache Marine Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation - Global Trends, International Action and the Challenges for Australia, Dr Sali Jayne Bache Marine Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation will appeal to a wide audience of fisheries and nature conservation managers, fishing industry operators, policy makers and academics alike. It brings together a vast array of information relating to the incidental capture of marine wildlife and offers a path forward to solving these fisheries problems. The first chapter contemplates the legal issues associated with bycatch. It examines the range of relevant international, instruments both fisheries and conservation oriented, and analyses Australian laws and regulations. Chapter Two looks at different bycatch mitigation tools and alternatives including: data gathering and prioritising of needs; the use of planning instruments; and decision making approaches. It also examines options for control such as bycatch limits, gear development, area closures, and incentive programs as well as examining compliance and enforcement issues including market based options. Logistical elements such as funding bycatch mitigation and the use of oversight bodies are also contemplated. None of these tools and approaches alone can solve bycatch, and Chapter Three examines the need for a combinations of tools to be trialed and applied to different situations to find the best available solution. Two case studies highlight the use of different elements and combinations thereof: the US Marine Mammal Protection Act take reduction planning process, and the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program. The forth and final chapter touches on emerging issues and future challenges arising from the interaction between marine wildlife and commercial fisheries operations. (ISBN 1741280176) Sali Bache has worked in the bycatch area for ten years. She is widely published, has consulted to a range of governments and environmental NGOs, and works with fishers in efforts to manage and reduce marine wildlife fisheries interactions. "Marine Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation" may be purchased for $35.00 AUD (approx $27USD) +postage. To order or for further details please contact Mrs Myree Mitchell on myree(\)uow.edu.au or by phone on +612 4221 4883. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2004 12:57:34 +1100 From: Simon Allen Subject: Dugong publication ------ Greetings, Anyone who would like a PDF of the following short contribution on dugong= s should drop me an email at the address below the abstract. Cheers, Simon. -------------------------------------------------------------------------= ---------------------------------- Allen, S., Marsh, H. and Hodgson, A. (2004). Occurrence and conservation = of the dugong (Sirenia: Dugongidae) in New South Wales. Proceedings of th= e Linnean Society of New South Wales 125, 211- 216. Recent sightings of dugongs well beyond the southern limit of their accep= ted range (~27=B0S) on the Australian east coast prompted a review of pas= t records of dugongs and their current conservation status in New South W= ales. While archaeological analyses have identified bones of Dugong dugon= in Aboriginal middens at Botany Bay (~34=B0S) and colonial records indic= ate stranded animals as far south as Tathra (~36.5=B0S), there were no verified sightings of live individuals in NSW waters for some yea= rs; however, five separate sightings of individuals and pairs were docume= nted in the austral summer of 2002/03 in estuaries on the NSW central coa= st (~32-33.5=B0S). It is suggested that conditions such as warm sea tempe= ratures and low rainfall (promoting seagrass growth) may be facilitating = explorative ranging south by dugongs. The IUCN lists dugongs as 'vulnerab= le' at a global scale and they are also classified 'vulnerable' under the= Threatened Species Conservation Act NSW 1995, yet they are not routinely= considered in risk assessments for inshore development in this State. Th= reatening processes such as shark meshing persist. The importance of considering dugongs in future impact assessments for inshore marine an= d estuarine developments is emphasized. KEYWORDS: conservation, distribution, dugong, Dugong dugon, risk assessme= nt, sightings, status, vulnerable. Simon Allen Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University - Sydney NSW 2109 Australia ph: (+612) 9850 7980 mob: 0416 083 653 email: sallen(\)els.mq.edu.au "Happy who has seen the most water in life" (Arabic proverb) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 17:02:46 +1200 Reply-To: edu.secchi(\)xtra.co.nz From: Eduardo Secchi Organization: University of Otago Subject: New issue of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals ------ Dear Marmamers, On behalf of our Editorial Board I would like to announce the publication= of The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM) , n.2, vol.2.=20 Few months ago I've announced the potential contents of this issue. There= were few changes and the issue is already available. All articles publis= hed in LAJAM are written in English and are peer reviewed. Reprints can be requested directly to the authors. E.mail addresses are p= rovided below each of the articles' title. Best regards, Eduardo Secchi Editor-in-chief Danilewicz, D. (2003). Reproduction of female franciscana (Pontoporia bla= invillei) in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The Latin American Journ= al of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):67-78. (e.mail: danilewi(\)terra.com.br) Di Beneditto, A.P.M. (2003). Interactions between gillnet fisheries and s= mall cetaceans in northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 2001-2002. The Latin = American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):79-86. (e.mail: anapaula(\)uenf.br) I=F1=EDguez,M.A., M.Hevia, C.Gasparrou, A.L.Tomsin and E.R.Secchi (2003)= .Preliminary estimate of incidental mortality of commerson=92s dolphins (= Cephalorhynchus commersonii) in an artisanal setnet fishery in La Angelin= a beach and R=EDa Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. The Latin American Jou= rnal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):87-94. (e.mail: tovera(\)sanjulian.com.ar) Failla, G. and A.E. Le Bas (2003). Morphometrical categorization of Phyll= obothrium delphini (Cestoidea, Tetraphyllidea) cysts from Fraser=92s dolp= hin, Lagenodelphis hosei (Cetacea, Delphinidae). The Latin American Journ= al of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):95-100. (e.mail: gfailla(\)fcien.edu.uy) Crespi-Abril, A.C., N.A.Garcia, E.A.Crespo and M.A.Coscarella (2003). Con= sumption of marine mammals by broadnose sevengill shark Notorynchus ceped= ianus in the northern and central Patagonian shelf. The Latin American J= ournal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):101-108. (e.mail: garcia(\)cenpat.edu.ar) Secchi, E.R., L.Barcellos, A.N.Zerbini and L.Dalla Rosa (2003). Biologica= l observations on a dwarf minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, caught= in southern Brazilian waters, with a new record of prey for the species.= The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):109-116. (e.mail: edu.secchi(\)xtra.co.nz) Gurj=E3o, L.M., M.A.A.Furtado Neto, R.A.Santos and P.Cascon (2003). Feedi= ng habits of marine tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis, at Cear=E1 State, northe= astern Brazil. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2): 117-1= 22. (e.mail: livgurjao(\)yahoo.com) Drehmer, C.J. and L.R.Oliveira (2003). Occurrence of gastroliths in South= American sea lions (Otaria byronia) from southern Brazil. The Latin Amer= ican Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):123-126. (e.mail: cjaeger(\)terra.com.br) Rosas, F.C.W. and G.E.Mattos (2003). Notes on giant otter (Pteronura bras= iliensis) behavior in the lake of the Balbina hydroelectric power station= , Amazonas, Brazil. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):= 127-130. (e.mail: frosas(\)inpa.gov.br) Moreno, I.B., C.C.A.Martins, A.Andriolo and M.H.Engel (2003) Sightings of= franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) off Esp=EDrito Santo, Braz= il. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(2):131-132. (e.mail: igmoreno(\)terra.com.br) For any further information, please contact the Editors (lajam(\)infolink.c= om.br). *********************************** Eduardo Secchi Marine Mammals Research Team University of Otago, PO Box 56 Dunedin - NEW ZEALAND e.mail: edu.secchi(\)xtra.co.nz phone: ++ 64-3-479-5476 (work) fax: ++ 64-3-479-8336 Please check out the website of our research group at http://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience/mammals/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 06:49:05 -0800 From: Filipe Alves Subject: information for the Whale Museum of Madeira (Portugal) DHV-BIOLOGIE-L(\)LISTSERV.GMD.DE, CONSGIS(\)PETE.URI.EDU ------ dear collegues, I'm interested in achieving for the Whale Museum of Madeira a collection of dolphins at 1/2 real size that was recently exposed in the Berlin Natural History Museum (they want to offer it). If you please know anything about how to contact the autor of the exposition please reply me, thanks in advance Filipe Alves =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Filipe M. A. Alves Museu da Baleia Largo Manuel Alves 9200-032 Cani=E7al, Madeira Portugal Tel.: +351 291 961858 Fax: +351 291 961859 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Search - Find what you=92re looking for faster http://search.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 20:42:14 +0100 From: mcvanklaveren(\)gouv.mc Subject: The first issue of FINS, the ACCOBAMS newsletter, is available online Comments: To: ecs-talk(\)jiscmail.ac.uk ------ The ACCOBAMS Secretariat is pleased to announce that the first issue of FINS, the ACCOBAMS newsletter, is available online, as a downloadable pdf= , from the following URL: http://www.accobams.org/newsletter/index.htm FINS 1(1) March 2004 Table of contents: Editorial Sharing our seas with whales and dolphins The Scientific Committee The plight of Mediterranean common dolphins News from the Secretariat ACCOBAMScience on line Short News Blue World scolarship Humpback whale stranding in Syria Cetacean occurrences in Israel Stranding training in Malta Workshop on cetaceans and trophic webs Oyssey in the Mediterranean Cetacean surveys in the Black Sea National cetacean monitoring network in Ukraine A whale of a finding in Sicily Book review Calendar of events In the same location, you will also be able to view the illustrations related to the articles in FINS1(1). It is our policy to reduce as much a= s possible the weight of the file, to avoid encumbering your mailbox with heavy attachments, and for this reasons we have decided to place photographs and diagrams separately on our website. Marie-Christine Van Klaveren Editor of FINS and ACCOBAMS Executive Secretary mcvanklaveren(\)accobams.mc _________________________________________________________________________= __________________________ Marie-Christine VAN KLAVEREN ACCOBAMS Secr=E9taire Ex=E9cutif/Executive Secretary 16, Boulevard de Suisse MC - 98 000 MONACO Tel: (+377) 93 15 80 10 - Fax: (+377) 93 50 95 91 E-mail: mcvanklaveren(\)accobams.mc Website: http://www.accobams.mc Si votre message =E9tait refus=E9, merci d'utiliser l'adresse suivante : If your mail is rejected, please use the following e-mail : accobams(\)troisseptsept.mc ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 14:00:59 +0000 From: Deborah Benham Subject: Volunteer positions studying sea otters There are limited places still available for voluntary field assistants to take part in research this summer, looking at interactions between sea otters and vessel traffic in Monterey Bay, California. There are now cheaper accommodation options available than were stated in the previous announcement and volunteers should expect to pay between $300-$400 per month. Local volunteers with their own housing are encouraged to apply. There are some opportunities for local applicants wishing to take part in the project part-time who may have 1-2 days a week to spare. Details of the project are given below and applications should be emailed by April 7th. Thanks very much Deborah Benham University of Nottingham Plxdmb(\)nottingham.ac.uk Volunteer Opportunities with California Sea Otters, Monterey Bay, CA I am looking for dedicated volunteer research assistants to assist with the third year of data collection for my doctoral study on interactions between wildlife tourism and sea otters in Monterey Bay, California. The field season runs from the beginning of June 2004 to mid September 2004, full time volunteers should be able to commit to 4-12 weeks. This is an excellent opportunity to gain field work experience with marine mammals and will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in marine mammal science, animal behaviour or ecotourism. Field work will involve behavioural observations of sea otter and tourist interactions at several sites along the Monterey Bay coast. Data will be collected on sea otter behaviour in disturbed and undisturbed conditions and their responses to different types of vessels and tourist behaviours will be documented. Radio-tracking of sea otters will take place, in association with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to look at differences in time/activity budgets of disturbed and undisturbed otters. Interviews with tourists and tour operators will be carried out to investigate potential management strategies. Applicants should have: A genuine interest in animal behaviour A background in Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour or a related field Previous field experience would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite Good communication skills Good English language skills Enthusiasm and interest in the project There is no fee for this project but you will be expected to pay for your own accommodation and travel expenses. Applications should include: Statement of why you would like to be a volunteer Current CV or resume Details of your availability Name and contact details of 2 referees The Monterey Bay area is a fantastic haven for marine mammals and other wildlife and there will be time to go whale watching, kayaking, diving, surfing, etc should you wish. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 02:04:21 -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. Perspectives on hyperphalangy: patterns and processes Fedak T.J.; Hall B.K. Journal of Anatomy, March 2004, vol. 204, no. 3, pp. 151-163 Hyperphalangy is a digit morphology in which increased numbers of phalang= es are arranged linearly within a digit beyond the plesiomorphic condition. = We analyse patterns and processes of hyperphalangy by considering previous definitions and occurrences of hyperphalangy among terrestrial and secondarily aquatic extant and fossil taxa (cetaceans, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and mosasaurs), and recent studies that elucidate the factors involved in terrestrial autopod joint induction. Extreme hyperphalangy, defined as exceeding a threshold condition of 4/6/6/6/6, is shown only to= be found among secondarily aquatic vertebrates with a flipper limb morpholog= y. Based on this definition, hyperphalangy occurs exclusively in digits II a= nd III among extant cetaceans. Previous reports of cetacean embryos having m= ore phalanges than adults is clarified and shown to be based on cartilaginous elements not ossified phalanges. Developmental prerequisites for hyperphalangy include lack of cell death in interdigital mesoderm (produc= ing a flipper limb) and maintenance of a secondary apical ectodermal ridge (AER), which initiates digit elongation and extra joint patterning. Facto= rs of the limb-patterning pathways located in the interdigital mesoderm, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), BMP antagonists, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5), Wnt-14 an= d ck-erg, are implicated in maintenance of the flipper limb, secondary AER formation, digit elongation and additional joint induction leading to hyperphalangy. ******************************************************* Double-faced monster in the bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) foun= d in the Mediterranean sea Dabin W.; Cesarini C.; Clemenceau I.; Dhermain F.; Jauniaux T.; Van Canne= yt O.; Ridoux V. The Veterinary Record, 6 March 2004, vol. 154, no. 10, pp. 306-308(3) no abstract available ******************************************************************** What saved the whales? An economic analysis of 20th century whaling Schneider V.; Pearce D. Biodiversity and Conservation, March 2004, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 543-562 Catches of whales show a historically cyclical pattern, with catches declining as stocks of the financially most attractive species fell, but expanding as substitute species were caught. Total combined catch peaked = in the early 1960s and fell thereafter to the current regulated levels. Whil= e it is widely thought that international whaling agreements account for th= e current stable stock levels, economic analysis reveals that market forces leading to reduced catch were already in place well before the agreements took hold. To some extent, therefore, catches were destined to decline as whale products ceased to be commercially attractive on a large scale. Usi= ng econometric analysis, the paper shows the various forces at work: declini= ng stocks, the rise of substitute products, internationally increasing environmentalism, and rising incomes. Of these forces, stock decreases, which resulted in high unit catch costs, and income growth, which reduced rather than increased demand, were the most important factors, with regulation following, rather than leading, catch changes. ************************************************************** A 6000 Year-old Fossil Dugong from Botany Bay: Inferences about Changes i= n Sydney's Climate, Sea Levels and Waterways Haworth R.J.; Baker R.G.V.; Flood P.J. Australian Geographical Studies, March 2004, vol. 42, no. 1, pp. 46-59 The excavation in the 1890s of a skeleton of the warm-water marine mammal Dugong dugon, associated with Aboriginal artefacts, from a Botany Bay sal= t marsh, marked the beginning of speculation about climate and sea level change in Australia over the period of human occupation. The dugong bones have recently been dated, giving a conventional 14C age of 5520=B170 year= s BP, which is consistent with three older 14C dates for a layer of buried tree= s that underlies much of the north Botany sediments. The carefully drawn cross-sections of depositional strata produced by the original discoverer= s allow further interpretation of the pattern of Holocene sea-level fluctuations in the Sydney region. Layers of estuarine sediment, such as = the one containing the dugong skeleton, are inter-bedded with peat layers containing in situ roots and stumps, suggesting that the site alternated between sub-aerial exposure and submergence throughout the Holocene. The presence of the dugong is suggestive of warmer conditions, and its inland location indicates a more extensive Botany Bay in the recent past. This i= s in agreement with other work from southern New South Wales describing bot= h warm-water marine species and higher sea levels several thousand years ag= o. ************************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 06:25:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: remote video camera systems available (fwd) Hello, I am the General Manager of SeeMore Wildlife. Our company provides robotic cameras to enable the live viewing of wildlife in remote areas. Currently, we have installations for the viewing of seals, sea lions, whales, sea turtles, salmon, bears, and sea birds in Alaska, Maine, Denmark, Oregon, and Washington and the French Frigate Shoals island in the South Pacific. This equipment is specifically designed for remote, harsh conditions. Solar/wind power for cameras, and microwave or satellite signal transmissions enable us to provide: -A TV-quality image of wildlife in its natural habitat, live in real-time -Remote controlled cameras to zoom in on animals and provide close-ups -Video capture software for pre-programmed viewing criteria and full streaming to the web -Full maintenance programs, for all products. To my knowledge, we are the only company of our kind that offers this product to wildlife researchers, but I have found that many researchers do not know of our products. Todd Erickson General Manager SeeMore Wildlife Systems, Inc. Ph. (907)235-1492 Fax (907)235-1541 terickson(\)SeeMoreWildlife.com www.SeeMoreWildlife.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 05:07:58 +1100 From: Wally Franklin Subject: Looking for Dawbin publications. (Apple Message framework v613) ; delsp=yes; format=flowed We have been unsuccessful in obtaining copies of the two following publications by Bill Dawbin through our University library, any help in locating copies would be appreciated. Dawbin, W.H. and R.A. Falla 1949. A contribution to the study of the Humpback Whale based on observations at New Zealand shore stations. Proc. 7th Pacific Sci. Congr. 4: 373-382. Dawbin, W. H. (1960). An analysis of the New Zealand catches of Humpback whales from 1947-1958.. Norsk hvalfangst-tidende (Norwegian whaling gazette), 49: pp 61-75. Thanks, Wally & Trish Franklin ........................................................................ .. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 02 6685 8128 Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176 Mobile: 0418 797326 Email: trishwally(\)oceania.org.au Web: http://www.oceania.org.au PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/theteam.html ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 05:42:34 +0100 Reply-To: mats.amundin(\)kolmarden.com From: Mats Amundin Subject: ECS conference and summer time "ECS-COUNCIL (E-mail)" ------ Hi, all, Just in time to make life a little more complicated for the ECS conferenc= e in Kolmarden, there will be a change to summer time. This occurs formally= at 02:00 on the 28th of March i.e. in the night between the coming Saturday = and Sunday. It will be 1 hour less sleep that night, i.e. you will have to ge= t out of bed 1 hour earlier on Sunday morning! Please, all you attending th= e workshops or taking air flights to Sweden on Sunday: be aware of this and adjust your watches and time schedules accordingly! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Mats ********************************************************* Mats Amundin, Ph.D.; Adj. Prof. Link=F6pings Univ. Research&Education Kolmardens Djurpark S-618 92 Kolmarden Sweden Phone: +46-11 24 90 18; +46-705 47 04 27 (mobile) Fax: +46-11 24 90 65 Web site: www.kolmarden.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:14:28 +0100 From: Mats Amundin Subject: Airport pickup for the Kolmarden ECS conference ------ Dear ECS conference participants! There will be busses picking up arrivals at Skavsta Airport on the follow= ing hours: March 25: ca. 22:00 (picking up the 20:40, 20:50, 21:00 and 21:30 flights= ) March 27: ca. 12:30 (picking up the 11:25, 11:30, 11:40, and 12:00 flight= s); ca. 16:30 (picking up the 15:40 and 16:00 flights); ca. 18:00 (picking up the 16:45, 17:05, 17:25 and 17:30 flights); ca 23:15 (picking up the 22:4= 5 flight); March 28: ca. 17:30 (picking up the 15:40, 16:45 and 17:05 flights);;=20 These busses, marked with ECS, will have some room for those who have not pre-booked, but no guarantees :o( All other arrivals, including those at the Norrkoping railway station and the Norrkoping/Kungsangen airport, will be picked up by Landrover jeeps, i.e. there will only be limited room for "wild cards"... Look for a perso= n showing the ECS conference logo. Do not dispair if you have to wait for a while - if you have pre-booked, = you will be picked up! On March 27 and 28 there will be our personell present most of the day at the airport. Bon voyage! Mats ********************************************************* Mats Amundin, Ph.D.; Adj. Prof. Link=F6pings Univ. Research&Education Kolmardens Djurpark S-618 92 Kolmarden Sweden Phone: +46-11 24 90 18; +46-705 47 04 27 (mobile) Fax: +46-11 24 90 65 Web site: www.kolmarden.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004 14:55:10 +1100 From: Simon Allen Subject: Right whale publication The following paper on Southern right whales was published in the December issue of Pacific Conservation Biology. If anyone has difficulty locating the article, we have some re-prints or can send the final draft attached to an email as a Word document (contact details below). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allen, S. & Bejder, L. 2003. Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis sightings on the Australian coast and the increasing potential for entanglement. Pacific Conservation Biology 9(3): 228-233. Southern Right Whales Eubalaena australis are an endangered species that have been recovering from unsustainable whaling practices and, despite being reported along the east and west coasts of Australia, they have not been duly accounted for in recent risk assessments for marine development. This review of the last decade of sightings highlights northerly movements into temperate and sub-tropical waters, indicates that fatal entanglement has occurred and points toward an increasing likelihood of interactions between migrating whales and inshore marine development. Given that entanglements and vessel strike are preventing the recovery of North Atlantic Right Whales Eubalaena glacialis, we recommend a precautionary approach to risk assessment around Australia and the formation of a national animal entanglement committee with both a pre-emptive role in assessing coastal development applications and a reactive role in the event of entanglement. . Key Words: Aquaculture, Entanglement, Eubalaena australis, Recovery, Risk assessment, Sightings, Southern Right Whale. Best regards, Simon & Lars Simon Allen Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University - Sydney NSW 2109 Australia email: sallen(\)els.mq.edu.au ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 18:06:26 -0900 Reply-To: kelly_hastings(\)fishgame.state.ak.us From: Kelly Hastings Subject: volunteer opportunity with harbor seals in Alaska Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 We are in need of two volunteers to assist with a long-term population monitoring study of harbor seals at Tugidak Island, near Kodiak Island, Alaska from May 15th to June 25 th. All living expenses on the island and travel expenses will be covered. Duties include: (1) assisting with collection of observational data on harbor seals (including conducting a large-scale digital photography project to identify individual seals by their pelage patterns, conducting counts, and resighting tagged/naturally marked animals); (2) assisting with camp and equipment maintenance as needed; and (3) computer data entry using a large ACCESS database to catalog digital photographs and other data. Applicants should enjoy and have previous experience living and/or working in primitive and remote conditions, and the ability to work well in small groups of people in an isolated setting is essential. Tugidak Island is very remote and is accessible only by a one-hour small plane ride; only emergency communication off -island is available. Four people will share a small cabin and tents; no running water or electricity is available. Also desirable is previous experience with wildlife observational studies and/or photography. The objectives of our research are to document life history parameters and population dynamics of harbor seals at Tugidak. This population is of special concern as Tugidak was once one of the largest harbor seal haul-outs in the world, and is just recovering from an ~85% decline that occurred in the 1970s and 80s. If you are interested in and available to be considered for one of these positions, please send your resume and contacts for three individuals familiar with your remote work experience to Kelly Hastings at kelly_hastings(\)fishgame.state.ak.us . ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 02:14:48 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Sperm whale seismic study in Gulf of Mexico - report available (fwd) From: Dagmar Fertl Sperm Whale Seismic Study in the Gulf of Mexico, Annual Report: Year 1 OCS Study MMS 2003-069 The Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of a new study report, Sperm Whale Seismic Study in the Gulf of Mexico, Annual Report: Year 1. The Sperm Whale Seismic Study (SWSS) is a 3-year field study conducted under a Cooperative Agreement through the Texas A&M Research Foundation with additional cooperation and funding support from the Office of Naval Research, an industry coalition of oil and seismic companies, and (beginning in Year 2) the National Science Foundation. This document reports on 2002 field work =96 two cruises (June 19=96July 9 and August 19=96September 15) - conducted in the northern Gulf of Mexico with objectives to (1) establish the normal behavior of sperm whales in this area, (2) characterize their habitat use, and (3) determine possible changes in the behavior of sperm whales when subjected to manmade noise, in particular, seismic air-gun arrays. As an interim report, most of the information is concerned with methods and field measurements accomplished during the first year. A final report for SWSS studies is scheduled for late spring 2005. Included in this report are synopses of SWSS presentations from the January 16-17, 2003, Information Transfer Meeting sponsored by the MMS. Of particular note is the successful tagging of 19 sperm whales with satellite tags and two controlled exposure experiments where sperm whales with digital tags (recording movement and received sound levels) were exposed to an air-gun source. Other topics reported on include major physical oceanographic features during the cruises, photo-ID efforts, DNA analyses, passive acoustic experiments, and D-tag results on baseline diving and vocalizations. This report is available only in compact disc format. The discs are available from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $15.00 by referencing OCS Study MMS 2003-069. The report may be ordered through the Minerals Management Service=92s on-line ordering system at: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/WebStore/front.asp. You will be able to obtain this report also from the National Technical Information Service in the near future. Here are the addresses. You may also inspect copies at selected Federal Depository Libraries. PDF available at: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/studies/2003/2003-069.pdf Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Public Information Office (MS 5034) 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 Telephone requests may be placed at (504) 736-2519 or 1-800-200-GULF or FAX: (504) 736-2620 U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161 (703) 487-4650 or FAX: (703) 321-8547 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 02:15:36 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Shock wave/sound propagation modeling for marine protected species impact zones during explosive removal of offshore structures (fwd) From: Dagmar Fertl Shock Wave/Sound Propagation Modeling Results for Calculating Marine Protected Species Impact Zones during Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures OCS Study MMS 2003-059 The Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of a new study, Shock Wave/Sound Propagation Modeling Results for Calculating Marine Protected Species Impact Zones during Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures. Available by PDF at: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/studies/2003-059.pdf For underwater calculator, you need to go to: http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/whatsnew/publicat/gomr/recpub.html, scroll down to this study, and there is a link to calculator that downloads. The objective of this study was to develop a method to determine shock wave propagation into water caused by the explosive removal of offshore structures. The objective was accomplished by performing numerical simulations of various explosive, pile, clay, and marine environments and determining the amount of energy coupled to the water. The numerical simulations demonstrated that less energy is coupled to the water for the detonation within a piling than would be coupled for free-water explosions. In addition, the simulations showed that a reduction of coupled energy into the water was dominated by pile confinement. Parametric numerical simulations were performed for a range of typical pile diameters, wall thicknesses, and explosive weights. From these results, a model was developed to predict the explosive efficiency factors for several scenarios. Finally, the UnderWater Calculator spreadsheet was developed to predict peak pressure, acoustic impulse, and energy flux density for both the free water and within piling detonations. The study describes the underwater shock wave/sound propagation model=92s development= , design, and results. This study is available only in compact disc format. The discs are available from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $15.00 by referencing OCS Study MMS 2003-059. You will be able to obtain this study also from the National Technical Information Service in the near future. Here are the addresses. You may also inspect copies at selected Federal Depository Libraries. Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region Public Information Office (MS 5034) 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 Telephone requests may be placed at (504) 736-2519, 1-800-200-GULF, or FAX: (504) 736-2620 U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, Virginia 22161 (703) 487-4650 or FAX: (703) 321-8547 Rush Orders: 1-800-336-4700 MMS is the Federal agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages the nation's oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources on the outer continental shelf in Federal offshore waters. The agency also collects, accounts for, and disburses mineral revenues from Federal and American Indian leases. These revenues totaled over $6 billion in 2002 and nearly $127 billion since the agency was created in 1982. Annually, nearly $1 billion from those revenues go into the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the acquisition and development of state and Federal park and recreation lands. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004 20:40:19 -0000 Reply-To: "Colin D. MacLeod" From: "Colin D. MacLeod" Subject: Beaked whale photographs required for publication... Dear All, I am looking to help a colleague (Caroline Weir) with the following request as she is currently out of email contact. She is looking for two photographs of stranded beaked whales to include in a publication, one of the head of True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus) and one of the head of Gervais' beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus). The photographs need to be of high quality (at least 300dpi) and shown the profile of the head from the side If you have any suitable photographs of one or other of these species, and would be willing to allow them to be used in a scientific paper (with full credit), please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help. All the best, Colin ====================================================================== Colin D. MacLeod, B.Sc., M.Sc. Beaked Whale Research Project Lower Right, 59 Jute Street, Aberdeen, AB24 3EX U.K. Tel: 01224 634276 Email: Macleod_c(\)colloquium.co.uk ========================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 16:29:57 -0500 From: Graham Worthy Subject: 2004 Comparative Nutrition Society Fifth Biennial Symposium 2004 Comparative Nutrition Society Fifth Biennial Symposium The Fifth Biennial Comparative Nutrition Society Symposium will be held from July 14, 2004 through July 19, 2004 at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI. Call for Papers, General Information and Registration Materials are available online at http://www.cnsweb.org/Symposium2004.htm The Comparative Nutrition Society (CNS) is an established society created to foster communication among laboratory and field scientists from various disciplines with interests in comparative nutrition. The society provides a means for establishing and promoting a professional concept of comparative nutrition, and encourages education and professional development in this area. The interests represented in the society include, but are not limited to, the disciplines of nutrition, physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, animal science, wildlife and marine biology, ecology, and all taxa including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. ___________________________________________________ Graham A.J. Worthy, Ph.D. Provost's Distinguished Research Professor of Biology and Hubbs-Sea World Endowed Professor of Marine Mammalogy, Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando FL 32816-2368 gworthy(\)mail.ucf.edu 407 823-4701 office 407 823-5769 FAX ___________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 21:38:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: summer classes in working with marine mammals (fwd) California State University Monterey Bay and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/ offer one-week intensive summer classes open to any individuals interested animal training or in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. In addition, hands-on internships for people of all ages and levels of experience are also available at the lab working with marine mammals. The successful completion of both courses and a five-day internship will earn a Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy. The classes' instructor, Dr. Jenifer Hurley has over 20 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience, across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. Classes: TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: ESSP 348 (July 19-25, 2004): This 3 credit interactive course provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior. These techniques will be demonstrated daily using trained sea lions, horses, and often other animals at Moss Landing Marine Labs where the course is taught. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include: Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. $431.00 WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: ESSP 347 (July 7-13, 2004): This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will 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 include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (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 day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. $431.00 Registration: For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact Cal State Monterey Bay http://extendeded.csumb.edu/ or call them at 831-582-4110. Using the web site you can download Course Registration forms by clicking on the Forms link. Enrollment for each class limited to 16. Registration begins May 3. The classes are open for enrollment to any high school graduate regardless of age or nationality, however no transportation or housing is included. For housing information see below. Courses will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. Lodging: Lodging is now available at the dorms on CSUMB campus. Rates range from $40/day for triple occupancy with no linens provided to $80/day single occupancy with linens. Room rates include 3 meals a day! Make your room CSUMB dorm room reservations with Extended Ed on/before May 15, 2003. Complete the Summer 2003 CSUMB Extended Ed - Dorm Room Request Form on our website http://extendeded.csumb.edu/ Reservations are secured with your full payment. Credit cards accepted. Checks can be mailed to the Office of Extended Ed. The Monterey Visitors Bureau website can offer local lodging options, if you prefer to stay in a hotel/motel.http://info.monterey.wegov2.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 10:47:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MMC Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals, 2nd plenary meeting (fwd) The Marine Mammal Commission is pleased to announce the second meeting of the Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals: Wednesday, 28 April - Friday, 30 April 2004 Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 phone 703-486-1111 or 800-862-7666, fax 703-769-3955 (reservations under Marine Mammal Commission group, please reserve by April 7) http://www.starwood.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=741 This meeting will focus on techniques for risk assessment of acoustic impacts on marine mammals. It will include presentations on past and current risk analysis approaches, and on the Noise Exposure Criteria being developed by NOAA Fisheries. The meeting is open to the public and will be announced in the Federal Register. A draft meeting agenda and any background documents will be available on the Commission's website at http://mmc.gov/sound/welcome.html. Guidelines for making public comment to the Advisory Committee are also available on the website. We hope you will be able to attend this important meeting. Please note that the Advisory Committee's third meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 27-29, 2004 in California. Please feel free to distribute this announcement. If you prefer not to receive email updates about the Commission's policy dialogue on sound and marine mammals, please email evos(\)mmc.gov and ask to be removed from the list. If you did not receive this original email and wish to receive future updates, please email evos(\)mmc.gov and ask to be added to the distribution list. Erin Vos, MEM Sound Project Manager Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Rm. 905 Bethesda, MD 20814 main office: 301-504-0087 direct line: 301-504-0300 fax: 301-504-0099 email: evos(\)mmc.gov web: www.mmc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 10:49:01 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MMC beaked whale technical workshop (fwd) --Apologies for cross-postings-- The Marine Mammal Commission is planning a workshop to discuss the vulnerability of beaked whales to anthropogenic sound. The workshop will be held at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland from 13 April to 16 April 2004. The workshop will be technical in nature and will inform the larger policy dialogue sponsored by the Marine Mammal Commission on the effects of anthropogenic sound in the marine environment (see www.mmc.gov/sound for more information). Specifically, the workshop's goals are to (1) assess current knowledge of recent stranding events involving beaked whales and their biology and ecology; (2) identify and characterize factors that may have caused those strandings; (3) identify data needed to investigate possible cause-and-effect relationships; and (4) recommend research, management, and mitigation strategies specific to beaked whales and acoustic impacts. To guide preparation for the workshop, the Commission appointed a steering committee consisting of Jay Barlow, Lee Benner, Bob Gisiner, Lloyd Lowry, Jim Mead, Teri Rowles, and Doug Wartzok. The steering committee felt that to facilitate discussion, we needed to limit the number of participants at the table. The Commission has invited 30 individuals who will be involved in this discussion. However, the workshop will be open to observers, and the general public are welcome to attend. An agenda and additional information will be posted when available on the Marine Mammal Commission's web site (http://mmc.gov/sound/beakedwhalewrkshp.html). Please feel free to forward this to anyone who may find this workshop useful and may be interested in attending. Questions can be addressed to Dr. Tara Cox, Assistant Scientific Program Director, Marine Mammal Commission, phone 301-504-0087, email tcox(\)mmc.gov. -------------------------------- Erin Vos, MEM Sound Project Manager Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Rm. 905 Bethesda, MD 20814 main office: 301-504-0087 direct line: 301-504-0300 fax: 301-504-0099 email: evos(\)mmc.gov web: www.mmc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 16:46:25 -0800 From: Kate Willis Subject: Looking for heat flux measurements in pinnipeds Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii Hello, I am compiling a table of published and unpublished measurements of heat flux from both phocids and otariids in air, water, or both, and am searching for measurements made directly using heat flux sensors (also known as heat flux transducers). I am looking for measurements in units of W/m2 or kcal/m2/hr. Measurements in W are fine if they were obtained using heat flux sensors and surface area of subjects is also known. I have found few studies that actually measured heat flux directly using heat flux sensors, so any information or data (published or unpublished) that may be out there would be a huge help. With permission, any sources of unpublished data will be cited as 'Author Name, unpublished data' within the table. Sources that I have found thus far: 1. Blix AS, Miller LK, Keyes MC, Grav HJ and Elsner R. Newborn northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)--do they suffer from cold? Am J Physiol 236: R322-R327, 1979. 2. Kvadsheim PH and Folkow LP. Blubber and flipper heat transfer in harp seals. Acta Physiol Scand 161: 385-395, 1997. 3. McGinnis SM. Peripheral heat exchange in phocids. Rapp Et Proc-Verb des Reun 169: 481-486, 1975. 4. Ohata CA and Whittow GC. Conductive heat loss to sand in California sea lions and a harbor seal. Comp Biochem Physiol 47A: 23-26, 1974. THANK YOU, Kate Willis Laboratory for Applied Biotelemetry & Biotechnology Texas A&M University at Galveston 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551 http://www.tamug.edu/labb tel. 604-736-0920 email. willisk(\)tamug.tamu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2004 07:23:33 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Boat disturbance research? (fwd) From: rowan fraser Hello!! I am working with Pembrokeshire College (Wales, UK), The Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and the RSPB on a project to assess the effectiveness of marine codes I am specifically interested in any research, grey or otherwise which looks at the impact of boat activitiy and the effectiveness of marine codes on seals as Grey seals are a vital component to our local SAC candacy. Despite extensive research we have only been able to turn up one report on seal disturbance, and any code evaluation appear to be only in respect cetaceans. Please can anyone help or advise us where to look, or is it just that no such research exists? My e-mail address is rowan.fraser(\)fsmail.net . Thank you. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 18:35:03 +0200 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: Training courses: Cetacean research in the Mediterranean Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" ------ The TETHYS RESEARCH INSTITUTE announces its 2004 training courses on cetacean research and conservation, held in the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, Italy, and in the eastern Ionian Sea, Greece. The courses are intended for anyone wishing to gain in-depth knowledge and practice cetacean research in the field. Activities will include field data collection at sea and interactive seminars led by experienced researchers. CETACEAN HABITAT USE IN THE LIGURIAN SEA Visual/acoustic tracking of Odontocetes and photo-identification of cetaceans in the Sanctuary IDENTIFY AND STUDY INDIVIDUAL DOLPHINS IN IONIAN GREECE Discover how to use digital photo-identification to track dolphin movements with the President of Tethys The courses will take place in June/July at a cost of 582-602 GBP (870=AD900 Euro) for 6 days. Fees include room &board, surveys at sea and use of research material. For further details: http://www.tethys.org or contact: tethys(\)tethys.org ___Recent publications by Tethys include: Bearzi G, Holcer D, Notarbartolo di Sciara G. 2004. The role of historical dolphin takes and habitat degradation in shaping the present status of northern Adriatic cetaceans. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 14. Bearzi G, Reeves RR, Notarbartolo di Sciara G, Politi E, Canadas A, Frantzis A, Mussi B. 2003. Ecology, status and conservation of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the Mediterranean Sea. Mammal Review 33. Jahoda M, Lafortuna C, Biassoni N, Almirante C, Azzellino A, Panigada S, Zanardelli M, Notarbartolo di Sciara G. 2003. Mediterranean fin whale=B9s (Balaenoptera physalus) response to small vessels and biopsy sampling assessed through passive tracking and timing of respiration. Marine Mammal Science 19. Notarbartolo di Sciara G, Zanardelli M, Panigada S, Jahoda M, Airoldi S. 2003. Fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, in the Mediterranean Sea. Mammal Review 33. ____________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(\)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute and Contract professor of Cetacean conservation, University of Venice c/o Venice Natural History Museum Santa Croce 1730, 30135 Venezia, Italy voice: +39 0412750206; fax: +39 041721000 http://www.tethys.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 11:36:06 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: marine mammal meeting - Ukraine (fwd) I do not know if this has been posted or not. My apologies if it has. The meeting Marine Mammals of the Holarctic III is being held in Koktebel, Crimea, Ukraine October 11-17, 2004. Abstracts are due April 10, 2004. For more information see: http://mmh3.2mn.org/ Joe Gaydos jkgaydos(\)ucdavis.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 16:18:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Post-doctoral opportunity, Charleston, SC (fwd) NRC POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY IN MARINE MAMMAL CONTAMINANT CHEMISTRY NOAA/National Ocean Service Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research Charleston, SC 29412 Marine Mammal Contaminant Chemistry Research opportunities are available in the Marine Mammal and Protected Resources Program to determine the concentrations and potential health effects of environmental contaminants in tissues of marine mammals. Our Health and Risk Assessment of Bottlenose (HERA) Dolphin Populations Project assesses environmental and anthropogenic stressors that may affect the health and long-term viability of dolphin populations. This project identifies potential hazards for dolphin populations at two sites along the southeast US Atlantic coast. Capture-release studies are being conducted to perform physical examinations of dolphins and to collect a suite of nonlethal morphologic and clinicopathologic parameters to be used to develop indices of dolphin health. Biological samples such as blubber and blood tissues are collected and analyzed to determine concentrations of persistent lipophilic contaminants, such as orgnaochlorine and organobromine compounds. The measured concentrations will be correlated with a comprehensive suite of diagnostic health measures as well as newly-developed biomarkers, including immune function parameters. Environmental factors, including ambient contamination and habitat degradation will be coupled with health assessment parameters. We collaborate with partners, such as the NIST, to evaluate procedures for contaminant analyses for organic and inorganic contaminants, and to develop methods for measuring new environmental chemicals contaminants. This research integration of collected health and exposure data for multiple environmental stressors will ultimately allow for prediction of population impacts over time and for the exploration of potential management and conservation strategies. Postdoctoral Research Associateship Information: Please consult the Web site (www.national-academies.org/rap) for the most current information on available opportunities and to submit an application. Application deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Awards are made by the National Research Council. For specific information on the marine mammal contaminant chemistry Postdoctoral Research Opportunity listed above please contact Dr. Patricia Fair (pat.fair(\)noaa.gov ph: 843-762-8533) or Dr. Dan Bearden (dan.bearden(\)noaa.gov ph: 843-762-8865). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Patricia Fair, Ph.D. -Living Marine Resources Branch Chief USDOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research at Charleston (CCEHBR) 219 Fort Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412-9110 voice: (843)762-8533 fax: (843)762-8700 e-mail: Pat.Fair(\)noaa.gov http://www.chbr.noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2004 11:16:25 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org ANDREWS, GORDON A.; PATRICIA SUE CHAVEY; LISA M. MAZZARO; J. LAWRENCE DUNN and DAVID J. ST. AUBIN. ZOO BIOLOGY 23(1):79-84. 2004. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantitate serum ferritin in the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). 0.081 MB ANONYMOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(5-6):413. 2004. UK move to stop dolphin slaughter. 0.230 MB BORRELL, ASUNCION; ALEX AGUILAR; GEMMA CANTOS; CHRISTINA LOCKYER; MADS PETER HEIDE-JORGENSEN and JETTE JENSEN. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 128(3):381-391. 2004. Organochlorine residues in harbour porpoises from Southwest Greenland. 0.526 MB BRUNNER, SYLVIA. SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY 1(3):339-439. 2003. Fur seals and sea lions (Otariidae): Identification of species and taxonomic review. 1.747 MB CIESIELSKI, TOMASZ; ANDRZEJ WASIK; IWONA KUKLIK; KRZYSZTOF SKORA; JACEK NAMIESNIK and PIOTR SZEFER. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(5):1415-1420. 2004. Organotin compounds in the liver tissue of marine mammals from the polish coast of the Baltic Sea. 0.102 MB CYRANOSKI, D. NATURE (LONDON) 428(6979):111. 2004. Scheme to track rare dolphins hits troubled waters. 0.254 MB DI-BENEDITTO, ANA PAULA MADEIRA. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 2(2):79-86. 2003. Interactions between gillnet fisheries and small cetaceans in northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 2001-2002. 0.617 MB DYCK, MARKUS G. and RICHARD K. BAYDACK. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 116(3):343-350. 2004. Vigilance behaviour of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the context of wildlife-viewing activities at Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. 0.190 MB EVANS, KAREN; MARK HINDELL and GREG HINCE. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(5-6):486-503. 2004. Concentrations of orgranochlorines in sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) from Southern Australian waters. 0.436 MB FUKUI, Y.; M. TOGAWA; N. ABE; Y. TAKANO; M. ASADA; A. OKADA; K. IIDA; H. ISHIKAWA and S. OHSUMI. JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT 50(1):147-154. 2004. Validation of the sperm quality analyzer and the hypoosmotic swelling test for frozen-thawed ram and minke whale (Balaenoptera bonarensis) spermatozoa. 0.145 MB GUCU, ALI CEMAL; GUL GUCU and HASAN OREK. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 116(3):417-431. 2004. Habitat use and preliminary demographic evaluation of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the Cilician Basin (Eastern Mediterranean). 0.510 MB HANSEN, LARRY J.; LORI H. SCHWACKE; GREG B. MITCHUM; ALETA A. HOHN; RANDALL S. WELLS; ERIC S. ZOLMAN and PATRICIA A. FAIR. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 319(1-3):147-172. 2004. Geographic variation in polychorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide concentrations in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins from the US Atlantic coast. 0.929 MB HONMA, YOSHIHARU; TATSUO USHIKI; HIROYA HASHIZUME; MASAEI TAKEDA; TAKASHI MATSUISHI and YOSHIKO HONNO. FISHERIES SCIENCE (TOKYO) 70(1):94-99. 2004. Histological observations on the reproductive organs of harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena incidentally caught in a set net installed off Usujiri, southern Hokkaido. 0.344 MB HUME, F.; M. A. HINDELL; D. PEMBERTON and R. GALES. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 144(3):407-415. 2004. Spatial and temporal variation in the diet of a high trophic level predator, the Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus). 0.220 MB HUNT, KATHLEEN E.; ANDREW W. TRITES and SAMUEL K. WASSER. PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR 80(5):595-601. 2004. Validation of a fecal glucocorticoid assay for Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.306 MB KARPOUZLI, EVANTHIA and RUSSELL LEAPER. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 14(1):95-103. 2004. Opportunistic observations of interactions between sperm whales and deep-water trawlers based on sightings from fisheries observers in the northwest Atlantic. 0.167 MB KENNY, DAVID E.; TODD M. O'HARA; TAI C. CHEN; ZHIREN LU; XIAO TIAN and MICHAEL F. HOLICK. ZOO BIOLOGY 23(1):33-43. 2004. Vitamin D content in Alaskan Arctic zooplankton, fishes, and marine mammals. 0.130 MB LAIDRE, KRISTIN L.; MADS P. HEIDE-JORGENSEN; MILES L. LOGSDON; RODERICK C. HOBBS; RUNE DIETZ and GLENN R. VANBLARICOM. ZOOLOGY (JENA) 107:3-11. 2004. Fractal analysis of narwhal space use patterns. 0.388 MB LITTAYE, ANNE; ALEXANDRE GANNIER; SOPHIE LARAN and JOHN P. F. WILSON. REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT 90(1):44-52. 2004. The relationship between summer aggregation of fin whales and satellite-derived environmental conditions in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. 1.157 MB LOPEZ, A.; G. J. PIERCE; X. VALEIRAS; M. B. SANTOS and A. GUERRA. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(1):283-294. 2004. Distribution patterns of small cetaceans in Galician waters. 0.291 MB LOUIS, ELAN D.; MICHAEL J. MURRAY; MELISSA A. MILLER; SETH L. PULLMAN and JEAN PAUL G. VONSATTEL. MOVEMENT DISORDERS 19(2):222-226. 2004. Late-life action tremor in a southern sea otter (Enhydris lutris nereis). 0.546 MB MARTIN, R. A. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 64(3):711-716. 2004. Natural mortality of puffadder shysharks due to Cape fur seals and black-backed kelp gulls at Seal Island, South Africa. 0.755 MB MOHL, BERTEL; PETER T. MADSEN; MAGNUS WAHLBERG; WHITLOW W. L. AU; PAUL E. NACHTIGALL and SAM H. RIDGWAY. ACOUSTICS RESEARCH LETTERS ONLINE-ARLO 4(1):19-24. 2003. Sound transmission in the spermaceti complex of a recently expired sperm whale calf. 0.992 MB MOULTON, VALERIE D.; W. JOHN RICHARDSON; MICHAEL T. WILLIAMS and SUSANNA B. BLACKWELL. ACOUSTICS RESEARCH LETTERS ONLINE-ARLO 4(4):112-117. 2003. Ringed seal densities and noise near an icebound artificial island with construction and drilling. 0.459 MB NOREN, S. R.; V. CUCCURULLO and T. M. WILLIAMS. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY 174(2):139-147. 2004. The development of diving bradycardia in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 0.418 MB WOLKERS, HANS; CHRISTIAN LYDERSEN and KIT M. KOVACS. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 319(1-3):137-146. 2004. Accumulation and lactational transfer of PCBs and pesticides in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from Svalbard, Norway. 0.315 MB ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:19:28 +0200 From: Delphis mdc Subject: Volunteer Positions Needed Dear all, We are currently looking to fill volunteer positions for our 2004 field season, from June to October. Primary research concentration is of a relic population unit of endangered short-beaked common dolphins, that spend summer months in the rich waters of Ischia island in a zone corresponding to the submarine canyon of Cuma, a highly productive marine area characterised by high pelagic biodiversity and multi-species associations. The area represents an important feeding site for other cetacean species, including striped dolphins, Risso's dolphins, and fin whales. The main objectives of the project are to: 1) examine the social structure of the population and assess the production of calves; 2) study habitat use and distribution; 3) estimate the impact on animals of both fishery operations and recreational vessel traffic; 4) study the acoustic repertoire. The research on the endangered short-beaked common dolphins is in collaboration with: A. Dohrn Zoological Station (Ischia Laboratory), ASMS Ocean Care, OceanoMare, Tethys Research Institute, University of Naples Federico II (Geology Department). Publications on our research are available at www.delphismdc.org/en/publications.htm As a member of the research team you will learn and apply the principles of field research design as you participate in our ongoing field studies, and will gain a personal understanding of the conservation and welfare issues, which drive our research activities. In particularly everyone ends the stage with an improved knowledge regarding methods of digital photo-identification, technique for the study of cetacean behaviour and bioacoustic, use of programs and vehicles designated to the research, GIS, use of research instruments like hydrophones, underwater cameras, GPS, etc. The positions will involve field data collection aboard our 17.70 m research sailing boat. In short, a very rewarding experience in the introduction to whale and dolphin identification, data collection and wildlife viewing can be expected. The most important requirements for any participant are enthusiasm, the ability and willingness to learn and work under often difficult, but rewarding, field conditions, and the open-mindedness and sense of humour to work, live and communicate well with other people of mixed nationality and background. The cost for a week placement for 2004 will be from ?710 (although week long placements can be discounted). This will cover full board, equipment and all associated costs during your stay, but you will need to arrange your own travel itinerary / flights to the area. Background information Delphis mdc is a NGO and non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of cetaceans in Italy through scientific investigation, education, and research. Since 1991, volunteers and students have been invaluable in the collection, organisation and analysis of data fundamental to our understanding and current knowledge of the distribution and the ecology of these animals in the waters of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy. Interested persons should write to or email at the address below providing a brief resume with their background, personal details and interests. Please also remember to include your preferred dates for participation. Field Positions Delphis, Mediterranean Dolphin Conservation, NGO and non profit Island of Ischia via Zaro 22, 80075 Forio (NA) ITALY ATTN. Lina Bertone e-mail: info(\)delphismdc.org www.delphismdc.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 11:35:14 -0600 Reply-To: inwr(\)quartz.srv.ualberta.ca From: Cindy Mason Subject: INWR Digest Number 27 April 2004 ------ INWR DIGEST NUMBER 27 APRIL 2004 Editorial The current issue contains information on two recent European government=20 initiatives concerned with whaling. On March 19 2004 the Norwegian=20 government introduced a new policy document affecting whaling; some of th= e=20 main points can be found in this issue of INWR Digest, with a link to the= =20 Norwegian full text and English summary of the policy document posted on=20 the INWR website at=20 www.ualberta.ca/~inwr/issues/i= ndex/ On March 10 2004, a German parliamentary committee held hearings on whali= ng=20 and whale protection. This committee had invited a number of German and=20 foreign individuals knowledgeable and/or involved with whales and whaling= =20 to respond to 65 questions. The questions were directed to, inter alia, t= he=20 status of whale stocks and factors affecting the stocks, current protecti= ve=20 measures, whale research and research whaling, whale utilization, the=20 adequacy of the IWC Revised Management Procedure (RMP) as a regulatory=20 measure, and if continuing disagreement over the RMP threatens the=20 existence of the IWC. It is interesting to note that each of the experts=20 (with the exception of the Greenpeace spokesperson) in responding to=20 questions about the RMP, stated that sustainable whaling can be carried o= ut=20 under the RMP and that the anti-whaling bloc in the IWC poses a real thre= at=20 to the continued existence of that body. The full responses by the six=20 invited respondents (from Germany, Iceland and Norway) are posted on the=20 INWR website (in the same section as the Norwegian White Paper referred t= o=20 above). 11th Alaskan Whaling Village Seeks Bowhead Quota The Alaskan Inupiat village of Point Lay is seeking to resume bowhead=20 whaling after a 67 year pause. In the 1970s, when bowhead quotas began to= =20 be set by the IWC, the Point Lay community was too small to maintain a=20 whaling crew and so 2004was not included in the annual allocations made t= o=20 whaling villages by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC). However,= =20 people had begun to move back to Point Lay at that time, and today about=20 260 people live in the village, a sufficient number to sustain=20 bowhead-whaling crews. Village Elders recall occasions when bowhead were=20 landed by Point Lay whalers in the 1930s. Despite not hunting bowhead whales for that length of time, Point Lay=20 residents receive limited supplies of bowhead meat and mattaq through the= =20 customary inter-village sharing networks. Whaling for beluga continues,=20 although as the village has grown, the annual beluga hunt is now=20 insufficient for the food needs of the community and local concern is=20 expressed about increasing the level of hunting beyond the 35-45 beluga=20 currently taken each year. In order to receive a village bowhead quota from the AEWC, the IWC will=20 first have to approve Point Lays eligibility under that bodys=20 aboriginal-subsistence whaling regime. This requires submission of a=20 detailed cultural needs assessment, as occurred when the village of Littl= e=20 Diomede successfully applied for a bowhead quota in the early 1990s. At the present time, the IWC quota appears to be sufficient for the 10=20 villages receiving bowhead allocations. In 2007 the IWC will consider the= =20 next multi-year bowhead block-quota, and as the Alaskan cultural=20 needsassessment is based in part on the size of the dependent Inuit=20 population, an increased quota can be requested if it is needed at that=20 time. A spokesman at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric=20 Administration indicated that the U.S. believes any such request will be=20 approved by the IWC as the bowhead stock in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas= =20 is large enough to sustain a much higher offtake than the current 280=20 bowhead over the 5-year period 2003-2007. The IWC Scientific Committee=20 estimated this bowhead population to number 8000 in 1993, with a net annu= al=20 rate of increase of 3.2%. The population was estimated to be 10,020 in 20= 03. ICFA Resolution on Whaling The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) represents t= he=20 national fisheries association of the worlds leading fishing nations.=20 Formed in 1988, ICFA provides a unified voice of the worlds principal=20 fisheries and seafood industries in international fora. The goal of the=20 organization is to preserve and maintain the oceans as a major source of=20 food for the peoples of the world. ICFA believes fisheries policies, strategies, management and utilization=20 should be based on the maintenance of ecological systems, the best=20 available science, and improvement in the economic and social wellbeing o= f=20 the resource shareholders. Marine mammals and other marine wildlife are=20 natural resources that must be protected from extinction and, where=20 appropriate, be available for use as a food resource. The following resolution on whaling was passed at the December 2003 meeti= ng=20 of ICFA held in Auckland, New Zealand: Recalling existing resolutions regarding whaling, ICFA recognizes that: The sovereignty, cultural practices, and dietary habits of individual=20 nations and its peoples should be duly respected; Conservation and management measures should be implemented based on=20 scientific findings, not driven by emotional or political factors; All marine living resources including whales should be used sustainably=20 while ensuring the proper conservation and rational use of stocks, as=20 endorsed by Agenda 21 of the 1992 Earth Summit; Some whale stocks are abundant and feeding on large amounts of fish and=20 other marine resources which is likely to impact on sustainable commercia= l=20 fisheries; The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling explicitly=20 states its purpose as "to provide for the proper conservation of whales=20 stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling indu= stry"; ICFA is deeply concerned about the continuing failure of the IWC to=20 implement the Revised Management Scheme thereby: Maintaining the moratorium on commercial whaling (which was adopted in=20 1982) despite the fact that the IWCs Scientific Committee has developed a= =20 risk averse method of calculating catch quotas and advised that a number = of=20 stocks could be harvested on a sustainable basis; Maintaining the Southern Ocean Sanctuary that was established in 1994=20 without a recommendation that such measure was required for conservation=20 reasons. ICFA is also deeply concerned about the establishment of the Conservation= =20 Committee at the IWC 55th annual meeting in Berlin in 2003. ICFA believes= =20 that the establishment of this Committee should not further delay the=20 completion of the RMS because it will further contribute to the=20 polarization of the IWC. ICFA, therefore urges the IWC to: Encourage the research on interactions between marine mammals and fishery= =20 resources such as that being done by Japan, Norway, Iceland, and Russia a= t=20 present. Regarding the Southern Ocean Sanctuary and other such proposals, ICFA dra= ws=20 the IWCs attention to ICFAs policy position opposing the establishment an= d=20 maintenance of any Marine Protected Area, including whale sanctuaries, th= at=20 are not based on sound science. Norway Introduces A New Marine Mammal Policy On March 19, 2004, the Norwegian Parliament reviewed a new comprehensive=20 marine mammal policy that was approved by the Council of State on the sam= e day. This comprehensive policy document addresses the problems and challenges=20 relating to marine mammal management. The report describes the history an= d=20 current situation in Norways whaling and sealing industries and confirms=20 the governments intention to establish an ecosystem-based management regi= me=20 for the various stocks of whales and seals in Norwegian waters. The purpo= se=20 of the new policy is to advance a new, coherent and active management=20 regime for marine mammals, based on modern principles for managing marine= =20 resource stocks, habitats and ecosystems. The policy makes clear that no=20 stocks of marine mammal will be subject to exploitation if population=20 estimates are unavailable, and that conservation of vulnerable stocks is = as=20 important as the rational management of stocks that can sustain an offtak= e.=20 The measures contained in this new regime are in accordance with the goal= s=20 of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg in=20 2002, which encouraged nations to implement the ecosystem-approach to=20 fisheries management by 2010. General measures relating to whales and whaling contained in the White=20 Paper include: Introducing a set of general principles to be used as a basis for marine=20 mammal management in Norway, and seeking to achieve the widest possible=20 international support for these principles. Establishing a scientific basis for the transition to an ecosystem approa= ch=20 to management, in which the size of marine mammal populations must be=20 evaluated in relation to management of other living marine resources. Continuing current monitoring programs for various stocks, and monitoring= =20 stocks not included in the current system. Reviewing critical reference points and precautionary reference points fo= r=20 viable stocks of seal and whale species whose natural distribution range=20 includes Norwegian waters. Establishing monitoring programs for marine mammal by-catch in fisheries,= =20 and evaluate their effect on marine mammal stocks. Norway will, together=20 with other North Sea states, follow up the Bergen Declaration adopted at=20 the Fifth International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea by=20 taking part in a North Sea harbour porpoise recovery plan. Facilitating adjustments of catch capacity to the resource base by, e.g.,= =20 replacing vessels and increasing catch capacity from current levels,=20 particularly in the sealing industry. Introducing licensing schemes for whaling and sealing as one means of=20 establishing a predictable framework for these industries. Seeking to increase the harvest of minke whales within the framework of t= he=20 International Whaling Commission. However, if this proves to be impossibl= e=20 to achieve, the Government may consider whether Norway should support=20 management of minke whales through the North Atlantic Marine Mammal=20 Commission (NAMMCO). Reviewing how the DNA register for minke whales can be used to calculate=20 stock sizes. Developing methods for electronic surveillance of the whale hunt in order= =20 to replace the current system of on-board inspectors with electronic=20 surveillance equipment. Permitting a longer whaling season as soon as electronic surveillance of=20 the hunt is in place. Further information on the White Paper (in English and Norwegian) is post= ed=20 on the INWR website at www.ualberta.ca/~inwr/iss= ues/ Scientific Uncertainty and the IWC A recent article, titled "Scientific uncertainty and the International=20 Whaling Commission: an alternative perspective on the use of science in=20 policy making" has been published online by Marine Policy. Authored by Dr= .=20 Michael Heazle (Griffith University, Australia), the abstract is provided= =20 below: Abstract. Prior to the decline of the whaling industry in the 1960s,=20 scientific uncertainty issues often were raised in the International=20 Whaling Commission to argue against lower Antarctic quotas. But by=20 the1970s, many of the same uncertainty issues were being reinterpreted by= =20 former whaling nations (and others) as good reasons for adopting a=20 moratorium on all commercial whaling. This article argues that because=20 science is unable to provide certainty, due to fundamental problems in it= s=20 epistemology, the treatment of scientific advice by policy makers in the=20 commission and elsewhere should be understood in relation to the utility = it=20 is believed to provide rather than simple claims of science's ability to=20 provide truth or accuracy about the "real" world. Author Keywords: International Whaling Commission; scientific uncertainty= ;=20 knowledge; utility; precautionary principle The full text can be found at: doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2003.10.001 Ethics in Marine Mammal Research The 1st Biennial Workshop on Ethics in Marine Mammal Research was held in= =20 Greensboro, North Carolina, on December 14, 2003 during the 2003 meeting = of=20 the Society for Marine Mammalogy.. The workshop was introduced by the=20 organizers, Charles Littnan and Tim Ragen who presented results from an=20 ethics survey conducted at the 2001 Society for Marine Mammalogy meeting.= =20 Other speakers and topics included: Marc Bekoff, "Minding animals: ethics and human intrusions"; Steve=20 Leathery, "The ethics of research and enhancement permits"; Peter Corkero= n,=20 "Ethics and environmental impacts of research involving marine mammals:=20 some brief (and biased) thoughts"; Dave Johnston and Andy Read, "Tagging=20 marine mammals: ethics and field research"; Jason Baker, "Evaluating the=20 effects of field research handling on study subjects: Hawaiian monk seal=20 case study"; Pam Tuomi, "Ethics in captive marine mammal research"; Ian=20 Boyd, "Professional ethics in marine mammal research"; C. Scott Baker and= =20 Phil Clapham, "The ethics of scientific whaling: what are the=20 alternatives?"; David Lavigne and Tim Ragen, "Recognizing the ethical=20 dimensions of marine mammal science". Abstracts are posted on=20 http://moray.ml.duk= e.edu/faculty/read/smmethics2003/ Publications Baalbergen, Wim & Willem (eds.) 2004. Aan lager wal. Walvissen en dolfijn= en=20 op het Noordwijkse strand. 24 pp, illus., brochure. Noordwijk: Antiquaria= at=20 Moby Dick. 7.50 Euro. Barr=E9, Michel 2003. Les derni=E8res chasses au cachalot ? A=E7ores. Des= sins de=20 Dominique Gall. 136 pp., Paris : =C9ditions du Gerfaut. ISBN 2-914622-18-= X.=20 45.50?. Barthelmess, Klaus, & Hendrik Busmann 2002. Zwei Walfanggem=E4lde des 17.= =20 Jahrhunderts aus der Sammlung Hugo Bruhn im Deutschen Schiffahrtsmuseum,=20 in: Deutsches Schiffahrtsarchiv, 25:19-40 (=3DFestschrift Detlev Ellmers). Barthelmess, Klaus 2003. Whale strandings in the culture and economy of=20 medieval and early modern Europe. Isana 27:5-10. Barthelmess, Klaus 2003. Das erste gedruckte deutsche Walfangjournal.=20 Christian Bullens =BBTag=3DRegister=AB einer Hamburger Fangreise nach Spi= tzbergen=20 und Nordnorwegen im Jahre 1667. 128 pp., color & b/w illus. Amsterdam: De= =20 Bataafsche Leeuw, & Bremerhaven: Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum. Hardcover,=20 27.50 Euros. orders: bataaf(\)euronet.nl. Bridgewater, Peter 2003. Whaling or wailing? International Social Science= =20 Journal 55(4):555-559. Canoura Quintana, Andr=E9s 2003. A pesca da balea en Galicia nos s=E9culo= s XVI=20 e XVII. 169 pp., illus. [La Coru=F1a?]: Xunta de Galicia, Conseller=EDa d= e=20 Pesca e Asuntos Mar=EDtimos. Coltrain, Joan, M. Geoffrey Hayes and Dennis H. ORourke 2004. Sealing,=20 whaling and caribou: The skeletal isotope chemistry of Eastern Arctic=20 foragers. Journal of Archaeological Science 31(1):39-57. Does, Willem van der 2003. Storms, Ice, and Whales. The=20 AntarcticAadventures of a Dutch Artist on a Norwegian Whaler. Translated = by=20 Ruth van Baak Griffioen. xxiii + 391 pp., illus. Grand Rapids, Michigan:=20 Eerdmans Publishing. Douglas, Marianne.S.V, John P. Smol, James M. Savelle and Jules M. Blais.= =20 2004. Prehistoric Inuit whalers affected arctic freshwater ecosystems.=20 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States=20 101(6):1613-1617. Egmond, Florike, & Peter Mason (Hrgg.) with a commentary by Kees Lankeste= r=20 2003. The Whale Book. Whales and Other Marine Animals as Ddescribed by=20 Adriaen Coenen in 1585. xvi + 208 pp., color illus. London: Reaktion=20 Bookshardbound. $ 35.00. Available also in Dutch: Het walvisboek. Walviss= en=20 en andere zeewezens beschreven door Adriaen Coenen in 1585. Zutphen:=20 Walburg Pers (2003). Endo, T., K. Haraguchi, F. Cipriano, M.P. Simmonds, T. Hotta and M. Sakat= a=20 2004. Contamination by mercury and cadmium in the cetacean products from=20 Japanese market. Chemosphere 54(11):1653=3D1662. Fiedler, Martin 2003. Die Fetth=E4rtung, die Margarine und der Walfang.=20 =D6kologische Folgen des Massenkonsums in der ersten H=E4lfte des 20.=20 Jahrhunderts. In: Michael Prinz (ed.): Der lange Weg in den =DCberfluss.=20 Anf=E4nge und Entwicklung der Konsumgesellschaft seit der Vormodern, pp.=20 465-487. M=FCnster: Aschendorff. Gomes Vieira, Jo=E3o Ant=F3nio 2003. O homem e o mar. Artistas Portuguese= s do=20 marfim e do osso dos cet=E1ceos. A=E7ores e Madeira ? Vidas e obras. Man = and=20 the Sea. Portuguese Scrimshaw Artists in Whale Tooth , Ivory and Bone. Th= e=20 Azores and Madeira: Their Lives and Works. 200 pp., illus., Lisbon:=20 Intermezzo-Audiovisuais, Lda. Cloth. $ 70.00. Hacquebord, Louwrens 2003. Walvisvangst en traankokerijen in de Bellsund = op=20 Spitsbergen, pp. 270-281. In: Leo Akveld et al. (eds.), In het kielzog.=20 Maritiem-historische studies aangeboden aan Jaap R. Bruijn bij zijn vertr= ek=20 als hoogleraar zeegeschiedenis aan de Universiteit Leiden. Amsterdam: De=20 Bataafsche Leeuw. Hess, Bill n.d. [2003]. AEWC. The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. 48 pp= .,=20 b & w photos. Barrow: Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. Hooker, Sascha K. and Leah R. Gerber 2004. Marine reserves as a tool for=20 ecosystem-based management: The potential importance of megafauna.=20 Bioscience 54(1):27-39. Hovesrud-Broda, Grete 2003. Recent activities of NAMMCO. Isana 23:14-18. Institute of Cetacean Research & Japan Whaling Association (eds.) 2003. T= he=20 1st Summit of Japanese Traditional Whaling Communities. Nagato, Yamaguchi= .=20 Report and Proceedings. 150 pp. Nagato: Nagato City & Tokyo: Institute of= =20 Cetacean Research. Koizumi, Takeo 2003. Appreciating the whale diet culture anew. Isana 28:1= -4. Lee, Che-Ik 2003. Ulsan and whales. Isana 28: 5-9. Lundberg, Anita 2003. Travel times in whaling boats.Journal of Social=20 Archaeology 3(3):312-333. Mathews, Eleanor 2003. Ambassador to the Penguins. A Naturalists Year=20 aboard a Yankee Whaleship. Xiv + 353 pp., illus., hardbound. Boston: Davi= d=20 R. Godine. Nakazono, Shigeo 2003. Outline of the 2nd traditional whaling summit. Isa= na=20 23:10-13. Nweeia, Martin 2003. The narwhal tooth expedition and research=20 investigation. Arctic Studies Center Newsletter, Smithsonian Institution=20 11:16-17. Parsons, E.C.M. and C. Rawles 2003. The resumption of whaling by Iceland=20 and the potential negative impact in the Icelandic whale-watching market.= =20 Current Issues in Tourism 6:444-448. Schneider V. and D. Pearse 2004. What saved the whales? An economic=20 analysis of 20th century whaling. Biodiversity and Conservation 13(3):543= -562. Schweder, Tore 2003. Abundance estimation from multiple photo surveys:=20 Confidence distributions and reduced likelihoods for bowhead whales off=20 Alaska. Biometrics 59(4): 974-983. Shaikh, S.L. and D.M. Larson 2003. A two-constraint almost ideal demand=20 model of recreation and donations. The Review of Economics and Statistics= =20 85(4):953-961 [This article analyses economic data from whale watching an= d=20 environmental organizations] Smith, Tim D. and Randall R. Reeves 2003. Estimating American 19th centur= y=20 catches of humpback whales in the West Indies and Cape Verde Islands.=20 Caribbean Journal of Science 39(3): 286-297. Starke, June (ed.) 2003. Baffin Fair. Experiences of George Laing, a=20 Scottish Surgeon, in the Arctic Whaling Fleet 1830 and 1831. Beverley:=20 Hutton Press. Wheeler, Ben 2003. Nunavut whale project a success. WWF Arctic Bulletin 4= -03:9. Visit the INWR website at:=20 http://www.ualberta.ca/~inwr/ Editor: Milton Freeman Canadian Circumpolar Institute University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 0H1 Tel: 1-780-492-4682 Fax: 1-403-492-5273 milton.freeman(\)ualberta.ca Associate Editors: Klaus Barthelmess Whaling Research Project PO Box 620255 50695 Cologne, GERMANY Tel: 49-221-7408396 Fax: 49-221-747342 kbarthval(\)gmx.de Louwrens Hacqueboard Arctic Centre University of Groningen PO Box 716 9700 AS Groningen, THE NETHERLANDS Tel: 31-50-363-6834 Fax: 31-50-363-490 hacqubr(\)let.rug.nl _______________________________________________________________ *****PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS********* Cindy Mason Canadian Circumpolar Institute Book Distribution Room 308 Campus Tower University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 0H1 PHONE (780) 492-4512 FAX (780) 492-1153 EMAIL: cindy.mason(\)ualberta.ca http://www.ualberta.ca/~ccinst/ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 21:50:43 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Australian National Cetacean Research Partnerships Workshop (fwd) National Cetacean Research Partnerships Workshop 2 - 4 May Ballina Beach Resort The Program outline The Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage welcomes you to the workshop Conserving Whales and Dolphins in Australian Waters: a National Research Partnerships Workshop being held at the Ballina Beach Resort, northern NSW from 2-4 May 2004. The program starts on Sunday morning at 9.30am with presentations from key presenters. The workshop will end Tuesday afternoon at 3.30pm. There will be a reception and poster session on the Sunday night the 2 of May from 6.00pm sponsored by IFAW. Posters should be handed in by Sunday lunchtime. Posters should be no more than 100cm 70cm and portrait rather than landscape. Drawing pins or Velcro will be provided. A table will be provided throughout the workshop for brochures or information attendees would like to display. On Monday the 3 May a Workshop dinner will commence at 7.00pm for all attendees (at attendees own cost). Presenters include: John Bannister, Nick Gales, Margie Morrice, Rebecca Pirzl, Graham Ross, Peter Gill, Cath Kemper, Rob Harcourt, Sarah Dolman, Rob McCauley, Curt Jenner, Doug Cato, Luciana Moller, Peter Arnold, Mike Noad, Guido Parra, John Hughes, Karen Evans, Alistair Birtles and more to be announced. There will be sessions on: Population and ecological studies of the great whales Dolphins and small cetaceans Interactions between whales, dolphins and human activities, such as offshore oil and gas exploration, shipping, fisheries, military activities, pollution, climate change and whale watching Priorities and partnerships for cetacean research Travel Arrangements Accommodation options available in Ballina can be provided in an email attachment if required. Note: Queensland long weekend on the weekend of the workshop so book accommodation ASAP to save disappointment. Registration The workshop is being hosted by the Southern Cross University Centre for Whale Research and is free for all registered participants. To confirm your attendance to the workshop, please email Christine with the following details: Attending Cetacean Partnerships Workshop Name: Organisation: Contact Details: Phone Fax email Postal address Any Special Dietary Requirement: Vegetarian, Vegan etc. Are you intending to prepare a poster: Christine Fury Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Lismore, NSW, Australia Phone: (02) 6620-3815 Mobile 0408-264-330 Email: Christine Fury cfury10(\)scu.edu.au ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 21:53:20 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin research- request for collaboration and research assistance (fwd) From: Ed Bentham The Atlantic Whale Foundation www.whalefoundation.org.uk has carried out intensive research into the pilot whale and bolttlenose dolphin communities resident off the SW coast of Tenerife in the Canaries over a period of seven years. We have also built a database of migrating species sighted over the last five years. (additionally, we have started a shark and turtle survey programme covering the Canaries). We are interested in hearing from researchers undertaking similar work elsewhere in the world, (comparisons or results, methodologies; consideration of possible collaborations etc) and, also, from people interested in getting involved with our own work. Please contact Ed Bentham edb(\)huron.ac.uk ================================================================================= Huron University moved to a new building in the educational heart of central London on 5th of January 2004. Our new contact details are as follows: 46-47 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 4JP Tel: 020 7636 5667 Fax: 020 7636 5662 Email: enquiry(\)huron.ac.uk ================================================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 21:55:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: European Course on Marine Mammals (fwd) ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL STUDENTS OF MARINE MAMMALOGY - if you are interested, book now as spaces/grants are limited UNIVERSIDAD INTERNACIONAL MENENDEZ PELAYO Fifth European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Valencia (Spain), 13-17 September 2004 DIRECTOR: Juan Antonio Raga (University of Valencia) & Peter Evans (Sea Watch Foundation/University of Oxford) SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY: F.J. Aznar & M. Fernandez (University of Valencia) WEB PAGE Internet: http://www.uv.es/cavanilles/cursos/course2004.html ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY: Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo Student Office Plaza del Carmen, 4 E-46003 Valencia, Spain Phone +34.96.3869802; Fax +34.96.3869804 E-mail secretaria_valencia(\)uimp.es NUMBER OF REFERENCE OF THE COURSE: 70024 LANGUAGE: English (with simultaneous Spanish translation) REGISTRATION: It is limited to a maximum of 100 participants and is subjected to current availability and order of receipt. GRANTS: A limited number of grants are available for the course. Applications should be submitted from 1 March to 23 June 2004. REGISTRATION FEES: 110 Euros DEADLINE: 10 September 2004 (if places are available) PROGRAMME: MONDAY, 13th 08.30 Registration 09.00 Opening session Juan Antonio Raga & Peter Evans 09.30 Life history strategies of marine mammals Christina Lockyer Age Dynamics, Denmark 12.00 Behavioural ecology of marine mammals Arne Bj=F8rge Institute of Marine Research, Norway 16.30 Molecular ecology of marine mammals A. Rus Hoelzel University of Durham, UK TUESDAY, 14th 09.00 Parasitism in marine mammals Juan Antonio Raga University of Valencia 11.30 Pathology of marine mammals Mariano Domingo Autonomous University of Barcelona 16.30 Marine mammal diet studies Graham Pierce University of Aberdeen, UK WEDNESDAY, 15th 09.00 Bioacoustics of marine mammals Fabrizio Borsani Istituto Centrale per la Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica Applicata al Mare, Italy 11.30 Tracking techniques to study marine mammals Jonas Teilmann National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark 16.30 Assessment of marine mammal population size and status Philip S. Hammond University of St. Andrews, UK THURSDAY, 16th 09.00 Practical sessions: Cetacean necropsy, estimating abundance & analysis of photo-identification data using mark-recapture techniques. COORDINATOR: Juan Antonio Raga, University of Valencia PARTICIPANTS: Philip S. Hammond, University of St. Andrews, UK Gregory P. Donovan, International Whaling Commission, UK 16.30 Practical sessions: Age determination & bioacoustics COORDINATOR: Peter Evans, University of Oxford, UK PARTICIPANTS: Christina Lockyer, Age dynamics, Denmark Fabrizio Borsani, ICRAM, Italy =46RIDAY, 17th 09:00 Management of cetacean populations Gregory P. Donovan International Whaling Commission, UK 11.30 Conservation of marine mammals Peter Evans Sea Watch Foundation/University of Oxford, UK 13.30 Closing session REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be university students or post-graduates. DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION: A registration form will be provided by the Student Office (No. of the course: 70024). Once this has been completed, it should be handed into the same office together with the following documentation: a) Photocopy of the passport b) Evidence that the applicant is at least a university student or graduate c) Original receipt showing payment of registration fees. Both transfers and cash deposits should be payable to UIMP's special account n=BA 2077-0063-51-3101275278, IBAN ES88, Bancaja, in 8, Pintor Sorolla Street (Head Office n=BA 63) in Valencia (Spain). -- Dr Peter G.H. Evans Sea Watch Foundation 11 Jersey Road Oxford 0X4 4RT, UK Tel: 44-(0)1865-717276 E-mail: ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2004 04:43:54 -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. Dailey, D.M. et al. 2004. Heterophyopsis hawaiiensis n. sp. (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) from the Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi Matschie, 1905 (Carnivora: Phocidae). Comparative Parisitology 71(1):9-12. ************************** Arnould, J.P.Y. et al. 2003. Interactions between fur seals and a squid jig fishery in southern Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 54(8):979-984. ************************** Borrell, A. et al. 2004. Levels of organochlorine compounds in spotted dolphins from the Coiba archipelago, Panama. Chemosphere 54(5):669-677. ************************** Tsikliras A.C.; Koutrakis E.T.; Kallianiotis A.A.; Economidis P.S. 2004. Massive leaping of Sardinella aurita valenciennes, 1847 under probable risk of predation in Northern Aegean sea (Greece). Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 31-34. On the morning of 15th December 2002, several hundred live round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) individuals leaped out of the water and became stranded on the breakwater of Nea Iraklitsa port (Kavala Gulf, northern Aegean Sea, Greece). The phenomenon was most likely caused by the attack of the cetacean predator Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphin), which is abundant in the area and feeds upon pelagic fish. The ability of round sardinella to leap out of the water has never been reported for other pelagic fishes. **************************************** Barrett T.; Wohlsein P.; Bidewell C.A.; Rowell S.F.. 2004. Canine distemper virus in a Californian sea lion (Zalophus californianus). The Veterinary Record, vol. 154, no. 11, pp. 334-336. **************************************** Amstrup S.C.; York G.; McDonald T.L.; Nielson R.; Simac K. 2004. Detecting Denning Polar Bears with Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) Imagery. BioScience, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 337-344 Polar bears give birth in snow dens in midwinter and remain in dens until early spring. The survival and development of cubs is dependent on a stable environment within the maternal den. To mitigate potential disruption of polar bear denning by existing and proposed petroleum activities, we used forward-looking infrared (FLIR) viewing to try to detect heat rising from dens. We flew transects over dens of radio-collared females with FLIR imager=96equipped aircraft, recorded weather conditions at each observation, and noted whether the den was detected. We surveyed 23 dens on 67 occasions (1 to 7 times each). Nine dens were always detected, and 10 dens visited more than once were detected on some flights but not on others. Four dens were never detected (17 percent), but three of those were visited only under marginal conditions. The odds of detecting a den were 4.8 times greater when airborne moisture (snow, blowing snow, fog, etc.) was absent than when it was present, and they increased 3-fold for every 1=B0C increase in temperature=96dew point spread. The estimated probability of detecting dens in sunlight was 0. Data suggested that FLIR surveys conducted during optimal conditions for detection can produce detection rates approaching 90 percent and thus can be an important management and mitigation tool. **************************************** Dyck M.G.; Baydack R.K. 2004. Vigilance behaviour of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the context of wildlife-viewing activities at Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Biological Conservation, vol. 116, no. 3, pp. 343-350. **************************************** Noren D.P.; Mangel M. 2004. Energy reserve allocation in fasting Northern Elephant Seal Pups: inter-relationships between body condition and fasting duration. Functional Ecology, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 233-242. Summary Organisms are forced to make trade-offs when allocating energy reserves during sustained periods of fasting. For most animals, lipid catabolism is the preferred source of energy to safeguard important protein sources. However, marine mammals also have a compounding pressure to conserve some lipid stores. The main site of lipid storage in these animals is the blubber layer, which is not only an important energy source during fasting, but is also the primary thermal barrier when at sea. To explain how the allocation of protein and lipid reserves during fasting are influenced by body condition (body mass and percentage lipid of total body mass), a dynamic state variable model that takes into account fitness consequences of different allocation strategies was developed. This model was parameterized with respect to conditions faced by weaned Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris Gill) pups. It incorporates the independent effects of body mass and protein mass (the two state variables) on survival and the costs of utilizing either lipid or protein during the postweaning fast. Predictions of lipid and protein allocation by the model were not significantly different from measurements on wild seals. Finally, the model showed that body lipid content and fasting duration both influence allocation of energy reserves. ************************************************ Austin D.; Bowen W.D.; McMillan J.I. 2004. Intraspecific variation in movement patterns: modeling individual behaviour in a large marine predator. Oikos, vol. 105, no. 1, pp. 15-30 In large marine predators, foraging entails movement. Quantitative models reveal how behaviours can mediate individual movement, such that deviations from a random pattern may reveal specific search tactics or behaviour. Using locations for 52 grey seals fitted with satellite-linked recorders on Sable Island; we modeled movement as a correlated random walk (CRW) for individual animals, at two temporal scales. Mean move length, turning angle, and net squared displacement (R2n: the rate of change in area over time) at successive moves over 3 to 10 months were calculated. The distribution of move lengths of individual animals was compared to a L=E9vy distribution to determine if grey seals use a L=E9vy flight search tactic. Grey seals exhibited three types of movement as determined by CRW model fit: directed movers =96 animals displaying directed long distance travel that were significantly underpredicted by the CRW (23% of animals); residents =96 animals remaining in the area surrounding Sable Island that were overpredicted by the model (29% of animals); and correlated random walkers =96 those (48% of animals) in which movement was predicted by the CRW model. Kernel home range size differed significantly among all three movement types, as did travel speed, mean move length, mean R2n and total distance traveled. Sex and season of deployment were significant predictors of movement type, with directed movers more likely to be male and residents more likely to be female. Only 30% of grey seals fit a L=E9vy distribution, which suggests that food patches used by the majority of seals are not randomly distributed. Intraspecific variation in movement behaviour is an important characteristic in grey seal foraging ecology, underscoring the need to account for such variability in developing models of habitat use and predation. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2004 04:44:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: entanglement photographs needed (fwd) From: Leslie Gilroy Burdett Hello all, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are commonly used to map and define spatial relationships between objects. Marine mammalogists have used GIS to define home ranges of various marine mammal stocks, delineate habitat use, and mark the location of marine mammal sightings and stranding events. Recently, we have also employed GIS techniques to identify fishing gear that may be responsible for human-induced mortality events. We have developed GIS maps for various braiding styles used in commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as generated maps outlining the impressions made by fishing lines. We are still perfecting this technique, and are therefore seeking pictures of entanglement wounds seen on stranded marine mammals. If you have any pictures (digital, scanned, hard copy) of rope impressions on the epidermis of marine mammals, we would greatly appreciate your help with this project. Although photographs with a scale and reduced glare are preferred, we are asking for any photographs that show rope impressions. Ultimately, we would like to match the entanglement wounds with previously developed maps of different braiding types to possibly determine the source (fishing gear) of an entanglement. For more information on the preliminary stages of this project, please read: http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/fall03articles/sources-of-mortality.html Thanks in advance for your help, Leslie Burdett Biologist Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research National Ocean Service 219 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 email: Leslie.Burdett(\)noaa.gov phone: (843) 762-8511 fax: (843) 762-8700 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 8 Apr 2004 12:30:45 -0700 From: Peter Hamilton Subject: Final Request for Orca Research Volunteers boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0000_01C41D65.510E2380" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C41D65.510E2380 charset="iso-8859-1" Positions for Lifeforce Orca Research=20 Volunteers are still available for May to October 2004 The Lifeforce Foundation is a Vancouver-based ecology non-profit = organization that was formed in 1981 to provide a public service to help = people, animals and the environment. The Lifeforce mission is to promote = stewardship and protection of cetaceans and their marine habitats. All = life on earth is dependent on a healthy ecosystem. Some of the main goals of the Lifeforce projects are to assist in = developing Marine Mammal Protection Regulations, developing Marine = Wildlife Monitoring Standards; implementing an Orca Recovery Program and = the creation of Marine Protected Areas. We are seeking volunteers to = assist in conducting the following Marine Life Programs in the = Vancouver, BC area from April 2003 to November 2004. Volunteers will = receive an unforgettable and rare work experiences with the endangered = Southern Orca Community. The Lifeforce Marine Life Programs are not university-affiliated. To = date, no publications have resulted from this work. However, there is a = potential for data to be published. We are collecting data on-going = research projects with the goal of publishing papers such as the = "Behaviour and Travel Patterns of the Southern Orca Community". We are = also studying methods to keep wildlife away from environmental hazards = such as oil spills. Project Leader, Peter Hamilton, has published papers = on methods to enrich the environments of captive animals. Volunteers Needed The research experience that volunteers could gain from this position = includes data collection and analysis; marine mammal ID training, = archiving and cataloguing photographs, developing stewardship programs, = public relations; development of media and public education materials, = and office work. Volunteers would be assigned a specific research project as determined = by Lifeforce; and would be expected to complete a report as directed. If = requested, Lifeforce will help students design and implement a project = for undergraduate or graduate credit. Due to our limited budget the work = is determined by available funding. The work is a land based study of = orca and boat traffic interactions and marine mammal sightings. Volunteers are required to pay a $250 (US) charge per week. This = includes basic training, materials and accommodation. Volunteers will = have to provide their own flights/transportation, camp gear, food and = basic needs. Contact: lifeforcesociety(\)hotmail.com ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C41D65.510E2380 charset="iso-8859-1"

 

 
 Positions for Lifeforce Orca = Research 
Volunteers are still  available for May to October =
2004
 
 
The Lifeforce Foundation is a Vancouver-based ecology =
non-profit organization that was formed in 1981 to provide a public =
service to help people, animals and the environment. The Lifeforce =
mission is to promote stewardship and protection of cetaceans and their =
marine habitats. All life on earth is dependent on a healthy =
ecosystem.
 
Some of the main goals of the Lifeforce projects are =
to assist in developing Marine Mammal Protection Regulations, developing =
Marine Wildlife Monitoring Standards; implementing an Orca Recovery =
Program and the creation of Marine Protected Areas. We are seeking =
volunteers to assist in conducting the following Marine Life Programs in =
the Vancouver, BC area from April 2003 to November 2004. Volunteers will =
receive an unforgettable and rare work experiences with the endangered =
Southern Orca Community.
 
The Lifeforce Marine Life Programs are not =
university-affiliated. To date, no publications have resulted from this =
work. However, there is a potential for data to be published. We are =
collecting data on-going research projects with the goal of publishing =
papers such as the "Behaviour and Travel Patterns of the Southern =
Orca Community". We are also studying methods to keep wildlife away =
from environmental hazards such as oil spills. Project Leader, Peter =
Hamilton, has published papers on methods to enrich the environments of =
captive animals.
 
Volunteers =
Needed
 
The research experience that volunteers could gain =
from this position includes data collection and analysis; marine mammal =
ID training, archiving and cataloguing photographs, developing =
stewardship programs, public relations; development of media and public =
education materials, and office work.
 
Volunteers would be assigned a specific research =
project as determined by Lifeforce; and would be expected to complete a =
report as directed. If requested, Lifeforce will help students design =
and implement a project for undergraduate or graduate credit. Due to our =
limited budget the work is determined by available funding. The work is =
a land based study of orca and boat traffic interactions and marine =
mammal sightings.
 

Volunteers are required to pay a = $250 (US) charge per week.  This = includes basic training, materials and accommodation. Volunteers will have to = provide their own flights/transportation, camp gear, food and basic = needs.

 

Co= ntact: lifeforcesociety(\)hotmail.com=

 

------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C41D65.510E2380-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 10:13:08 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Airgun operations in the Gulf of California (fwd) From: Liz Mitchell Please submit this announcement and request for comments to the MARMAM list http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-6130.pdf Small takes to marine mammals incidental to specified activities; oceanographic surveys in the Southern Gulf of California. Comments are due 19 April. Activity: Deployment of two airguns as an energy source, plus a single (450 m or 1,476 ft) towed streamer of hydrophones to receive the returning acoustic signals, that can be retrieved. The survey will take place in water depths greater than 400 m (1320 ft). Marine mammal observers will be monitoring during daylight airgun operations to make sure mammals and sea turtles are not within 50 meters of the arrays. Airgun operations will be allowed to continue through the night without monitoring, obviously, as long as the airguns are not started after dusk. Thanks very much, Liz Mitchell ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 12:02:05 -0400 From: Iske Larkin Subject: Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference II Copied below is a message from Dr. Roger Reep. Please contact him if you have any questions. Sincerely, Iske *** first announcement *** Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference II April 7-10, 2005 University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center Gainesville, Florida The first FMMHC was held in April 2002, and was attended by over 150 people, including veterinarians, veterinary students, graduate students, technicians, academic scientists, field biologists, and wildlife managers. Mark your calendars for this second conference, to be held in 2005! Oral sessions: Emerging Diseases of Marine Mammals - Greg Bossart, Chair Marine Mammal Pathology - Ruth Ewing, Chair Marine Mammal Health Assessment - Randy Wells, Chair Boats and Manatees, What we do and don't Know - Richard Flamm, Chair Manatee Avoidance Technology - Deke Beusse, Chair How to Live with Boats and Manatees in Florida? - John Reynolds, Chair There will also be a room dedicated to poster presentations, with time on Friday and Saturday scheduled exclusively for poster sessions. Other items: A reception will be held Thursday evening April 7. A session on the Protect Wild Dolphins project will be held Friday evening. A banquet will be held Saturday evening. A discussion and wrapup session will be held Sunday morning. A call for papers will be sent out in coming months. For further information or queries, contact Dr. Roger Reep, Conference Organizer, at: reep(\)ufbi.ufl.edu -- ____________________ "The Lord gives me grace and the Devil gives me style" - Gamble Rogers Roger L. Reep Professor Dept. of Physiological Sciences Box 100144 HSC University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32610 e-mail: reep(\)ufbi.ufl.edu Phone: (352) 392-4700 ext 3859 Fax: (352) 392-5145 Iske L. Vandevelde Larkin, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant In Physiological Sciences & Zoology University of Florida 1600 SW Archer Rd. HSC Box 100144 Gainesville, Fl 32610 USA Phone (352) 392-4700 ext 3866 Fax (352) 392-5145 e-mail: Larkini(\)mail.vetmed.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 04:45:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cetacean Taxonomy Symposium Announcement (fwd) FINAL SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCEMENT: CETACEAN SYSTEMATICS: APPROACHES IN GENETICS, MORPHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR 28 April - 29 April 2004 Sponsored by Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), NOAA Fisheries U.S. Marine Mammal Commission in association with Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC) Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) University of California, San Diego Venue Sumner Auditorium, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA USA Abstract The 2-day symposium will address the shortcomings in our understanding of species-level and subspecific variation in cetaceans in relation to their conservation and management. The goal is to develop recommendations for improving that understanding, with an emphasis on molecular approaches and modern techniques for communicating and facilitating progress in taxonomy and forensic applications. There is also a (free) public forum entitled "Are there new species of killer whales in the Antarctic?" at the conclusion of the symposium on Thursday evening (April 29). Everyone is welcome to attend! Contact: sarah.mesnick(\)noaa.gov http://cmbc.ucsd.edu/about/cetaceanconf.cfm ****************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 15:00:32 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new tool for studying underwater cetacean behavior (fwd) Dear Marmam, Over the last 6 years, I have developed a way to film marine mammals from a broadcast-quality video camera mounted under a boat while cruising up to-22kn. I have developed the system on a friend's 65-foot boat with surface-piercing propellers, which was designed to be quiet under water. So far, I have had success filming some unique and, as far as I know, never seen before underwater footage of surfing killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. It occurs to me that this tool might be of interest to the cetacean research community. We have used it to sex killer whales underwater (without having to wait for them to breach). I think that a hydrophone could be fed into the camera easily, perhaps allowing one to record vocalisations from known individuals. For animals in large groups, this might allow us to get estimates of the proportion of animals that are visible on the surface at any given time. The animals seem to exert very little energy while drafting behind our vessel, which may be of interest to those studying hydrodynamics of cetacean swimming. Is anyone interested in using footage like this for photogrammetry or behavioural work? If so, I am happy to share existing footage with researchers, or to partner on future studies. I have put a short trailer on my website to share with MARMAM members. Because this has not yet been released, I would ask you to keep this link inside the research community. The trailer can be accessed via this link: http://www.hickerphoto.com/hi_marmam.php If anyone is interested in behaviour studies, or thinks that this tool could help their work, I am willing to share the footage. Please contact me directly at: rolf(\)hickerphoto.com Thanks Rolf Hicker ---------------------------------------------- Rolf Hicker Rainbow Productions Film- and Photoproductions http://www.hickerphoto.com E-mail: rolf(\)hickerphoto.com Canada Office: 1514 Broughton Boulevard PO. Box 217 Port McNeill, BC VoN 2R0, Canada Phone Canada: (001)-250-956-3369 Cellphone Canada: (001)-250-230-7653 German Office: Tuchinger Str. 50 D-85356 Freising Germany Phone & Fax +49-(0)-700-765 344 25 altern. Fax: +49-721-151-572313 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2004 09:55:50 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Airgun operations in the Gulf of California (fwd) The following message has been forwarded from Liz Mitchell (emitch(\)efn.org) Subject: Re: Airgun operations in the Gulf of California (fwd) >Hi, > >An inaccuracy was pointed out to me from my posting below. Indeed, there >will be monitoring for marine mammals at night, just not necessarily by >experienced marine mammal observers. Scripps scientific crew will most >likely assist with night monitoring and marine mammal observers will be >monitoring during the day. As it reads from the federal register notice, > >"Scripps must have four observers, and at least one must be an experienced >marine mammal observer that NMFS approves." > >"Scripps bridge personnel will also assist in detecting marine mammals and >implementing mitigation requirements whenever possible (they will be given >instruction on how to do so), especially during ongoing operations at >night when the designated observers are not on duty." > >My apologies for any confusion this may have caused. > >Best regards, > >Liz Mitchell > > >At 10:13 AM 04/12/2004 Monday -0700, you wrote: >>From: Liz Mitchell >> >>Please submit this announcement and request for comments to the MARMAM >>list >> >>http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-6130.pdf >> >>Small takes to marine mammals incidental to specified activities; >>oceanographic surveys in the Southern Gulf of California. >> >>Comments are due 19 April. >> >>Activity: >>Deployment of two airguns as an energy source, plus a single (450 m or >>1,476 ft) towed streamer of hydrophones to receive the returning acoustic >>signals, that can be retrieved. The survey will take place in water >>depths greater than 400 m (1320 ft). >> >>Marine mammal observers will be monitoring during daylight airgun >>operations to make sure mammals and sea turtles are not within 50 meters >>of the arrays. Airgun operations will be allowed to continue through the >>night without monitoring, obviously, as long as the airguns are not >>started after dusk. >> >>Thanks very much, >> >>Liz Mitchell >> Elizabeth Mitchell P.O. Box 933 Eugene, Oregon 97440 Tel: 541/344-5503 E-mail: emitch(\)efn.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2004 09:58:50 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: UCLA Travel Study - Marine Mammal Biology (fwd) The following message has been forwarded from Lei Lani Stelle (stelle(\)mail.rit.edu). The University of California at Los Angeles is offering a field study program on the biology of marine mammals in British Columbia, Canada from July 3-23, 2004. The courses will be taught at the Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation's field research station at Duncanby Landing, BC, in the heart of Canada's Great Bear Rainforest. The program combines a lecture-based course on the ecology and physiology of marine mammals with a hands-on course on the research techniques used to study them in the wild. Topics covered in lectures will include migration, feeding ecology, diving physiology, energetics, acoustics, biomechanics and toxicology of marine mammals in general, with a particular focus on gray and humpback whales. The practical course will cover photo-identification, survey techniques, behavioral sampling, theodolite tracking, tagging and biopsy darting, ROV operations, and will also include workshops on fish boat & seakayak operation & navigation,as well as planning and leading a research expedition. These courses will provide 8 quarter units of upper-division biology credit, with an optional additional 4 unit independent study course. The program is open to all but is geared for biology majors; UC affiliation is NOT necessary. Courses are taught by Dr. Lei Lani Stelle (Assistant Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY) and Dr. William Megill (Lecturer, University of Bath, UK). Accommodations are in double occupancy dorm-style rooms in a waterfront lodge and all meals are provided. Participants will spend much of their time aboard boats and will contribute to ongoing research projects as well as having the opportunity to conduct independent studies. For more details and an application, visit http://www.summer.ucla.edu/travel/OBEE-Canada/overview.htm. Feel free to contact Dr. Lei Lani Stelle (stelle(\)mail.rit.edu) with any questions. Lei Lani Stelle, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Rochester Institute of Technology Department of Biological Sciences 85 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623-5603 (585) 475-2196; stelle(\)mail.rit.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2004 15:30:18 +1000 Reply-To: kristy.currie(\)epa.qld.gov.au From: Kristy Currie Subject: Use of SCUBA in close proximity to marine mammals Dear Marmam Readers I am searching for information relating to the reaction of marine mammals to divers using SCUBA. I am aware of a number of agencies prohibiting the use of SCUBA around whales when permitting filming and "swim with" activities however I have found little evidence to support this approach. I would appreciate any scientific evidence in support for or against the use of SCUBA around marine mammals for "swim with" programs, research and/or educational documentary filming. I am interested to learn the approach agencies have taken to permitting similar activities i.e. in water distances and use of motorised Scooters. Please respond to my address below Kristy Currie Kristy Currie Conservation officer Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service Moreton Bay District Office kristy.currie(\)epa.qld.gov.au Ph:(07) 3821 9021 Fx:(07) 3821 9001 PO Box 402 Cleveland QLD 4163 ___________________________ Disclaimer This e-mail, including attachments if any, has originated from a Queensland government agency and may contain information that is confidential, or covered by legal professional privilege, and is intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you have received this message in error, you are asked to inform the sender as quickly as possible and delete this message and any copies of this message from your computer system network. Any form of disclosure, modification, distribution and/or publication of this e-mail, including attachments is prohibited. Unless otherwise stated, this e-mail, including attachments represents the views of the sender and not the views of the Environmental Protection Agency. Although this e-mail has been checked for the presence of computer viruses, the Environmental Protection Agency provides no warranty that all possible viruses have been detected and cleaned. Any use of this e-mail could harm your computer system. ___________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 08:14:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Recent papers on Antarctic fur seals (fwd) The following articles have recently been published: Osman, L.P., R. Hucke-Gaete, C.A. Moreno & D. Torres (2004) Feeding ecology of the Antarctic fur seal at Cape Shirreff, South Shetlands, Antarctica. Polar Biology 27: 92-98. Abstract. This study examined the diet of Antarctic fur seals, _Arctocephalus gazella_, from an active breeding colony at Cape Shirreff (62 28'S, 60 48'W), Livingston Island, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica. It analyzed faecal samples from five consecutive years (1997-2001) and length distribution of krill taken by trawl nets in the vicinity of Livingston Island. Antarctic krill, _Euphausia superba_, was the most frequent prey item, followed by several myctophid species (_Gymnoscopelus nicholsi_, _Electrona Antarctica_ and _Electrona carlsbergi_), squid and penguin remains. From 1998 to 2001, a modal progression in krill size was evident, suggesting that _A. gazella_ was depending on a strong krill cohort, at least over the study period. Analysis of size distribution and size selectivity of krill preyed upon by fur seals suggests a preference for larger krill (>34 mm), despite the broader size range of preys items available. Hucke-Gaete, R., L.P. Osman, C.A. Moreno & D. Torres (2004) Examining natural population growth from near extinction: the case of the Antarctic fur seal at the South Shetlands, Antarctica. Polar Biology 27: 304-311. Abstract. This study examined the recovery process of an Antarctic fur seal population, starting from minimal numbers after commercial exploitation to the now largest breeding population in the South Shetland Archipelago, Cape Shirreff and San Telmo Islets. It used direct census data from 20 breeding seasons (including 11 consecutive years) that spanned over 45 years. Since early population estimates, pup production increased at an intrinsic rate of ca. 20% which, during the last decade, dramatically slowed to 4.6%. The population change trajectory is currently converging into a tightly bounded oscillation around an apparent equilibrium (carrying capacity), which is an order of magnitude lower than those levels before exploitation began. This pattern suggests the onset of an alternative stable state and highlights the far-reaching implications of strong and large-scale perturbations on marine systems. Please contact the respective first authors (laylaosman(\)uach.cl and/or rhuckeg(\)telsur.cl) for reprint requests. Regards, Layla P. Osman (Biol. Mar.; c. Dr. Cs) Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete (Biol. Mar.; c. Dr. Cs) Instituto de Ecolog=EDa y Evoluci=F3n, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile. Email: laylaosman(\)uach.cl / rhuckeg(\)telsur.cl Tels.: (56) 63 221486 / (56)63 200461 Fax: (56) 63 221344 / Cel.: 09 863 2172 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 07:13:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship Opportunities CRS (fwd) From: "Gene Buck" Colleagues: In anticipation of the increased interest by Congress in ocean and marine policy issues likely to follow the release of the U.S. Commision on Ocean Policy report, I will be actively seeking intern prospects over the next several years to work with me at the Congressional Research Service on fishery/marine mammal and related issues. Interns are being recruited under several programs, with specific information available at: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/internships/ I'd be glad to answer any specific questions on CRS and these opportunities. Gene Buck, specialist in natural resources policy Congressional Research Service, U.S. Congress gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 06:23:35 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MMPA Reauthorization (fwd) From: Gene Buck Colleagues: I'm in the process of updating my report "Marine Mammal Protection Act: Reauthorization Issues for Congress". A copy of this report may be viewed at: http://www.cnie.org/nle/crsreports/marine/mar-40.pdf If you'd like to identify any emerging issues that were not in the previous version and should be highlighted for Congress, I'd welcome your input. Also, I'd appreciate any comments that would improved the clarity or update current sections of this report. I'd appreciate your comments or input by May 28, 2004; these can be e-mail to me at gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov or faxed to me at (202) 707-7000. Thanks in advance for your time. Gene Buck, specialist in natural resources policy Congressional Research Service, U.S. Congess gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 06:25:56 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Noteworthy policy change announcement impacting marine species (fwd) From: "Childs, Jeff" FYI....a noteworthy policy change impacting some marine species. Cheers, Jeff Childs Marine Fish & Wildlife Biologist Minerals Management Service Alaska OCS Region 949 East 36th Ave., Room 308 Anchorage, AK 99508-4302 (907) 271-6690 (ofc) (907) 271-6507 (fax) Jeff.Childs(\)mms.gov [Federal Register: April 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 73)] [Notices] [Page 19975-19979] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr15ap04-35] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 020304D] Endangered and Threatened Species; Establishment of Species of Concern List, Addition of Species to Species of Concern List, Description of Factors for Identifying Species of Concern, and Revision of Candidate Species List Under the Endangered Species Act AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of establishment of species of concern list, addition of species to species of concern list, description of factors for identifying species of concern, and revision of candidate species list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS establishes a species of concern list, places 45 species on this list, describes the factors it will consider when identifying species of concern, and revises the candidate species list. NMFS also solicits information and comments concerning the status of, research and stewardship opportunities for, and the factors for identifying species of concern. DATES: These actions are effective on April 15, 2004. ADDRESSES: Send comments and documentation regarding the status of any species of concern to the Chief of [[Page 19976]] Endangered Species, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, F/PR3, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for providing e-mail comments is soc.list(\)noaa.gov . Include in the subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: Species of Concern List. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marta Nammack at (301)713-1401, ext. 180, marta.nammack(\)noaa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations implementing section 4 of the ESA (5 U.S.C. 1533) define ``candidate'' as ``any species being considered by the Secretary [of Commerce or Interior] for listing as an endangered or a threatened species, but not yet the subject of a proposed rule'' (50 CFR 424.02). Such a designation does not confer any procedural or substantive protections of the ESA on the candidate species. In the past, NMFS also has placed species on its candidate species list for other reasons. In particular, NMFS has used this list to: (1) identify species potentially at risk; (2) increase public awareness about those species; (3) identify data deficiencies and uncertainties in species' status and threats; (4) stimulate cooperative research efforts to obtain the information necessary to evaluate species status and threats; and (5) foster voluntary efforts to provide stewardship for the species before an ESA listing as threatened or endangered becomes warranted. Other NMFS candidate species are those for which an ESA biological status review has determined that listing under the ESA is ``not warranted'' under section 4(b)(3)(B)(i) but for which significant concerns or uncertainties remain regarding their biological status and/or threats. In fact, the majority of NMFS' candidate species are not being considered actively for listing under the ESA. Rather, they have been identified as candidates because of concerns or great uncertainties regarding biological status and threats. The last version of the candidate species list was published in 1999 (64 FR 33466; June 23, 1999). NMFS recognizes that using the candidate species list for these broader purposes may give the inaccurate impression that all these species are being considered for listing under the ESA. At the same time, there is value in publicly identifying species that, although they are not being considered for listing, are nevertheless of concern for reasons identified above. To restore the candidate species list to its original meaning while still maintaining a publicly available list of other species of concern, NMFS is establishing a Species of Concern list, transferring 25 species from the candidate species list to this list, placing 20 additional species on this list, and removing 12 other species from the candidate species list. This will clarify that NMFS has concerns or insufficient information about species of concern, but is not actively considering listing them under the ESA. NMFS will hereafter limit use of the term ``candidate species'' to refer to (1) species that are the subject of a petition to list and for which NMFS has determined that listing may be warranted, pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(A), and (2) species for which NMFS has determined, following a status review, that listing is warranted (whether or not they are the subject of a petition). This limited use of the term is consistent with NMFS' regulatory definition of ``candidate species.'' NMFS will use the term ``species of concern'' to identify species about which NMFS has some concerns regarding status and threats, but for which insufficient information is available to indicate a need to list the species under the ESA. This may include species for which NMFS has determined, following a biological status review, that listing under the ESA is ``not warranted,'' pursuant to ESA section 4(b)(3)(B)(i), but for which significant concerns or uncertainties remain regarding their status and/or threats. Species can qualify as both species of concern and candidate species. This discussion is limited to species under NMFS jurisdiction and does not apply to the regulatory practices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Factors for Identifying Species of Concern In previous revisions of its candidate species list, NMFS identified candidate species by considering their biological status, determined by both demography and genetic composition of the species. Demographic concerns would occur when there is a significant decline in abundance or range from historical levels, and genetic concerns included outbreeding and inbreeding depression resulting from poor hatchery practices or substantially reduced numbers of natural individuals. NMFS will consider these demographic and genetic diversity concerns, as further elaborated by the following factors, in identifying species of concern: abundance and productivity; distribution; and life-history characteristics. These factors will be considered with regard to existing threats. More details on these factors can be viewed on our web site: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/concern . The factors discussed above were considered in previous revisions of NMFS' candidate species list, though they were not published until 1997 (62 FR 37560; July 14, 1997). They were also considered in identifying the species of concern. NMFS will hereafter consider these factors for future revisions of the species of concern list. The weight given to certain factors may differ among species. When data are incomplete for any factor, as is often the case, it may still be appropriate to add a species to the species of concern list when there are existing threats. NMFS will review the best available information for the relevant factors and threats on a case by case basis and use its best professional judgment in deciding whether a species or population should be considered a species of concern. NMFS may conduct ESA status reviews on each species of concern as agency resources permit. Species of Concern Applying the factors described above, NMFS has transferred 25 candidate species to the species of concern list and identified 20 additional species as species of concern. Twelve additional species are removed from the candidate species list. Rationale for identifying the following species of concern is available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/concern . Table 1 at the end of this Notice lists the species of concern. Two species of concern are also considered to be candidate species because they are undergoing status reviews in response to an ESA petition to list them. In some cases, vertebrate populations may be ``species of concern'' even though a determination on whether they qualify as ``species'' under the ESA has not yet been made. The ESA defines species as including ``any subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct population segment of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds when mature.'' Two policies describe the criteria for identifying distinct population segments (DPS): NMFS' Policy on Applying the Definition of Species Under the [ESA] to Pacific Salmon (criteria for evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Pacific salmon) (56 FR 58612, November 20, 1991); and NMFS' and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) joint Policy Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segments Under the ESA (61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996). In general, NMFS will determine whether a population [[Page 19977]] satisfies the criteria for a DPS after conducting an ESA status review. NMFS may conduct status reviews on species that are not the subject of a petition. As with a petitioned species, initiation of a status review does not mean that an ESA listing is imminent. Even after a status review has been conducted, it is possible that the available information will be insufficient to make a determination on the status of the species. In such cases, NMFS will continue gathering new information as it becomes available, and the species may become or remain a species of concern. Identifying 45 Species of Concern Transferring 25 Candidate Species to the Species of Concern List NMFS transfers 25 species from the most recently published candidate species list (64 FR 33466; June 23, 1999) to the Species of Concern list. See the cited Federal Register notices for details. Four of these species underwent status reviews that resulted in ``not warranted'' findings under ESA section 4(b)(3)(B)(i) and were identified as candidate species because of remaining concerns and uncertainties. These species now meet the definition of species of concern instead: Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) (65 FR 38778; June 22, 2000), barndoor skate (Raja laevis) (67 FR 61055; September 27, 2002), Georgia Basin Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) DPS (65 FR 70514; November 24, 2000), and bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis) (67 FR 69704; November 19, 2002). In addition, NMFS denied a petition to list the largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis) without conducting a status review because the petition did not present sufficient information indicating that listing may be warranted; however, because NMFS was concerned about the status of this species, it was added to the candidate species list (65 FR 12959; March 10, 2000). It no longer considered a candidate species, but it meets the definition of a species of concern, as those concerns still remain. Fourteen other species of concern that were on NMFS' 1999 candidate species list are currently undergoing status reviews. Thirteen of these status reviews were initiated by NMFS and not in response to a petition and therefore do not qualify as candidate species: dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus), sand tiger shark (Odontaspis taurus), night shark (Carcharinus signatus), Alabama shad (Alosa alabamae), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations in the Gulf of Maine that were not included in the endangered Gulf of Maine DPS listing (65 FR 69459; November 17, 2000), mangrove rivulus (Rivulus marmoratus), saltmarsh topminnow (Fundulus jenkinsi), opossum pipefish (Microphis brachyurus lineatus), goliath grouper (Epinephelus itijara, formerly the jewfish, officially changed by the American Fisheries Society on January 24, 2001), Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii), elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). The Lower Columbia River coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) ESU (was the Southwest Washington/Lower Columbia River coho salmon ESU until results of an earlier status review indicated that the Lower Columbia River coho salmon population was an ESU) is undergoing a status review in response to a petition (65 FR 66221, November 3, 2000) and, therefore, qualifies as both a species of concern and a candidate species. Six other species from the 1999 candidate species list not yet undergoing status reviews will now be considered species of concern instead: Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus oxyrhynchus), Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) ESU, Oregon Coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ESU, key silverside (Menidia conchorum), speckled hind (Epinephelus drummondhayi), and warsaw grouper (Epinephelus nigritus). Adding 20 Other Species of Concern NMFS has identified 20 other species of concern. Four of these species (northern and southern DPSs of green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), 68 FR 4,433, January 29, 2003; white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), 67 FR 57204, September 9, 2002, and Central Valley fall and late fall-run chinook salmon ESU (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), 64 FR 50394, September 16, 1999) underwent status reviews after NMFS received petitions to list them. NMFS found that none of these species warranted listing as threatened or endangered under the ESA, but sufficient concerns remained to justify adding them to the candidate species list. The last revision of the candidate species list was published before these determinations were made, so these species never appeared in a published list of candidate species. Now these species qualify as species of concern, but not candidate species. One additional species (Oregon Coast coho salmon ESU (Oncorhynchus kisutch)) is currently undergoing a status review as a result of a new petition (67 FR 48601, July 25, 2002) and is therefore both a species of concern and a candidate species. The 15 new species of concern for which status reviews have not yet been initiated are: thorny skate (Raja radiata), rainbow smelt (east coast) (Osmerus mordax), cusk (Brosme brosme), striped croaker (Bairdiella sanctaeluciae), humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus), cowcod (Sebastes levis), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), inarticulate brachiopod (Lingula reevii), pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata), green abalone (Haliotis fulgens), pinto abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana), Hawaiian coral (Montipora dilitata), and ivory bush coral (Oculina varicosa). Removing 12 Species From the Candidate Species List In addition to the 25 species transferred from the candidate species list to the species of concern list, NMFS has removed 12 species from the candidate species list. NMFS reviewed the status of the following eight species/populations pursuant to petitions to list, made ``not warranted'' determinations, and removed them from the candidate species list: Gulf of Maine harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) (64 FR 480; January 5, 1999), Puget Sound Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) (66 FR 17659; April 13, 2001), Klamath Mountains Province ESU of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (66 FR 17845; April 4, 2001), Puget Sound Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) (65 FR 70514; November 24, 2000), Puget Sound walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) (65 FR 70514; November 24, 2000), and Puget Sound brown (Sebastes auriculatus), copper (S. caurinus), and quillback rockfish (S. maliger) (66 FR 17659; April 13, 2001). Three species were listed as threatened or endangered after status reviews were conducted: smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) (68 FR 15674; April 1, 2003), Northern California steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ESU (65 FR 36074; June 7, 2000) and white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) (66 FR 29046; May 29, 2001). Finally, NMFS turned jurisdiction of searun cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) over to FWS; therefore, the Oregon Coastal ESU of searun cutthroat trout is no longer a NMFS candidate species (65 FR 21376; April 21, 2000). Two species remain on NMFS' candidate species list: the Lower Columbia River coho salmon ESU and the Oregon Coast coho salmon ESU. [[Page 19978]] Species of Concern Table Table 1 below contains a complete list of NMFS' species of concern. Any species of concern identified after this revision will be listed on our web page (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/concern ) and not published in the Federal Register. If the species is undergoing a status review, this will also be noted. Information on candidate species will be available on the same web site. In Table 1, the common name appears as the first entry followed by the scientific name, the family name, and the area of concern. This area denotes the general geographic boundaries of the species or the vertebrate population for which concern has been expressed. Results of status reviews may narrow the geographic areas or populations of concern in the future. It is important to note that the species of concern list is limited by the information available. Comments Solicited NMFS solicits information on the biology of and threats to, relevant research and stewardship opportunities for, and the factors NMFS considers in identifying species of concern (see ADDRESSES). This information will help guide NMFS in: future revisions of the species of concern list, allocation of resources for species of concern, and further refinement of the factors considered in identifying species of concern. There is no deadline for submitting such information. Dated: April 7, 2004. Wanda L. Cain, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. Table 1 - Species of concern list ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Common Name Scientific Name Family Area of Concern\1\ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Marine Mammals ........................... .................. ........................ beluga whale\2,3\ Delphinapterus leucas Monodontidae Pacific-AK (Cook Inlet population). Fishes ........................... .................. ........................ dusky shark\2\ Carcharhinus obscurus Carcharhinidae Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico- Western North Atlantic DPS. sand tiger shark\2\ Odontaspis taurus Odontaspididae Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico. night shark\2\ Carcharinus signatus Carcharhinidae Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico. largetooth sawfish\2\ Pristis pristis Pristidae Atlantic-TX, FL. barndoor skate\2,3\ Raja laevis Rajidae Atlantic-Newfoundland, Canada to Cape Hatteras, NC. thorny skate Raja radiata Rajidae Atlantic-West Greenland to NY Atlantic sturgeon\2\ Acipenser oxyrhynchus Acipenseridae Atlantic-Labrador to St. oxyrhynchus Johns R., FL; anadromous. green sturgeon\3\ Acipenser medirostris Acipenseridae Pacific-northern DPS (including coastal spawning populations from the Eel River north, to the Klamath and Rogue rivers) and southern DPS (includes Sacramento River spawning population); anadromous. Alabama shad\2\ Alosa alabamae Clupeidae Gulf of Mexico-AL, FL, anadromous. coho salmon\2\ Oncorhynchus kisutch Salmonidae Pacific-Puget Sound/ Strait of Georgia,2 Lower Columbia River,2, 4 and Oregon Coast4 coho ESUs; anadromous. steelhead trout\2\ Oncorhynchus mykiss Salmonidae Pacific-OR Coast ESU;2 anadromous. chinook salmon\3\ Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Salmonidae Pacific-Central Valley fall and late fall-run ESU Atlantic salmon\2\ Salmo salar Salmonidae Atlantic-Gulf of Maine (other populations in streams and rivers within the range of the listed Gulf of Maine Atlantic salmon DPS); anadromous. rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax Osmeridae Atlantic-Labrador to NJ; anadromous. cusk Brosme brosme Gadidae Atlantic-Gulf of Maine. Pacific hake\2,3\ Merluccius productus Gadidae Pacific-Georgia Basin DPS. mangrove rivulus\2\ Rivulus marmoratus Aplocheilidae Atlantic-FL, estuarine. saltmarsh topminnow\2\ Fundulus jenkinsi Cyprinodontidae Atlantic-TX, LA, MS, AL, FL. key silverside\2\ Menidia conchorum Atherinidae Atlantic-Florida Keys. opossum pipefish\2\ Microphis brachyurus Syngnathidae Atlantic-Florida (Indian lineatus River Lagoon). striped croaker Bairdiella sanctaeluciae Sciaenidae Atlantic-FL, Antilles and Caribbean from Costa Rica to Guyana. humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulatus Labridae Indo-Pacific-Red Sea to the Tuamotus, north to the Ryukyus, east to Wake Islands, south to New Caledonia, throughout Micronesia; includes U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa. bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum Scaridae Indo-Pacific-Red Sea and East Africa to the Line Islands and Samoa; north to Yaeyama, south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia; Paulau, Caroline, Mariana in Micronesia; in U.S. it occurs in Guam, American Samoa, CNMI and the Pacific Remote Island Areas (Wake Islands). Atlantic wolffish Anarhichas lupus Anarhichadidae Atlantic-Georges Bank and western Gulf of Maine. white marlin\3\ Tetrapturus albidus Istiophoridae Atlantic. cowcod Sebastes levis Scorpaenidae Pacific-Central OR to central Baja California and Guadalupe Island, Mexico. bocaccio\2,3\ Sebastes paucispinis Scorpaenidae Pacific-Southern DPS (Northern CA to Mexico). [[Page 19979]] Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus Pleuronectidae Atlantic-Labrador to southern New England. speckled hind\2\ Epinephelus drummondhayi Serranidae Atlantic-NC to Gulf of Mexico. goliath grouper\2\ Epinephelus itijara Serranidae Atlantic-NC southward to Gulf of Mexico. warsaw grouper\2\ Epinephelus nigritus Serranidae Atlantic-MA southward to Gulf of Mexico. Nassau grouper\2\ Epinephelus striatus Serranidae Atlantic-NC southward to Gulf of Mexico. Brachiopoda ........................... .................. ........................ inarticulate brachiopod Lingula reevii Lingulidae Pacific-Hawaii, only Kaneohe Bay. Mollusks ........................... .................. ........................ pink abalone Haliotis corrugata Haliotidae Pacific-Point Conception, CA, to Bahia de Tortuga, Baja California. black abalone\2\ Haliotis cracherodii Haliotidae Pacific-OR, CA, Baja California. green abalone Haliotis fulgens Haliotidae Pacific-Point Conception, CA, to Bahia Magdalena, Baja California. pinto abalone Haliotis kamtschatkana Haliotidae Pacific-Sitka, AK, to Point Conception, CA. Anthozoans (Corals) ........................... .................. ........................ elkhorn coral\2\ Acropora palmata Acroporidae western Atlantic- Caribbean. staghorn coral\2\ Acropora cervicornis Acroporidae western Atlantic- Caribbean. Hawaiian reef coral Montipora dilitata Acroporidae Pacific-Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay, Midway atoll, and Maro Reef). ivory bush coral Oculina varicosa Oculinidae Atlantic-West Indies, Bermuda, NC, FL, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ \1\ Defines the general geographic area or populations of concern for the species. \2\ Formerly on 1999 candidate species list \3\ Status review has been conducted, ``not warranted'' finding resulted, but concerns still remain. \4\ Also considered a candidate species because it is undergoing a status review in response to a petition to list. DPS = distinct population segment, which is a species for purposes of the ESA. ESU = evolutionarily significant unit, which is a DPS or species for purposes of the ESA [FR Doc. 04-8593 Filed 4-14-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 06:27:04 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Sea Otter volunteer opportunities for your subscribers (fwd) From: Mary Rowe Hello Folks at Marmam, Can you post this volunteer opportunity? Prince William Sound, Alaska-Sea otters, beloved clowns of the kelp beds, are in trouble. Biologists are not sure why their numbers are dropping, especially in the Aleutian Islands. Have hungry killer whales, faced with a decline in Steller's sea lions, turned to sea otters, or could pollution be affecting the otters or their invertebrate prey? Despite three decades of research on sea otters, marine biologists have been frustrated by limited tracking and identification techniques. This summer, you can join Dr. Randall Davis (Texas A & M University) as he conducts the first photo-ID survey of sea otters to track otter population changes over time. He is planning the first use of modern satellite telemetry to follow their movements. The sea otters of Prince William Sound now appear abundant and healthy. Since they are also used to boats and easily approachable, they offer Davis and his teams the ideal subjects for this trial study. As weather permits, you'll take to the sheltered waters of Simpson and Sheep Bays in skiffs to locate and photograph sea otters at the water's surface; use binoculars to determine what they're eating; Map and survey different nearshore habitats; note any otter victims of sharks or killer whales; and, back at base, assist in entering data and identifying otter mug shots (scars, facial features, and body proportions are the distinguishing characteristics). Divided into groups of three, you'll work with seasoned staff: Davis has two decades of marine mammal research under his belt, and skipper Fred Weltz, a commercial fisherman in Prince William Sound for the past 25 years, knows this region like the back of his hand. The sound remains one of North America's most stirring and beautiful northern wildernesses. Field Conditions: After flying in on a float plane to roadless Alice Cove, 10 kilometers from Cordova, you'll stay in an expedition-style tent surrounded by pristine temperate rainforest. A seperate tent or simple cabin with fully equipped kitchen will be your field lab and dining room. The camp includes hot (but brief) showers and limited electricity. You'll wake to the call of bald eagles and fall asleep to the lapping of waves. Please contact Mary Rowe at (800) 776-0188 or at mrowe(\)Earthwatch.org." Thanks for your help! Mary Ellen Rowe Expedition Coordinator Earth & Marine Sciences mrowe(\)earthwatch.org Phone: 1-978-461-0081 x 179 Toll Free: 1-800-776-0188 x 179 FAX: +1-978-461-2332 Become a member! Join Earthwatch for just $35 and enjoy special member benefits. For details visit: www.earthwatch.org/aboutew/benefits.html ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 09:59:40 -0400 From: Lori Marino Organization: Emory University Subject: New Review Paper on Cetacean Brain and Cognition Dear MARMAMERS, This is to let you know about a new review paper on cetacean brain and cognition recently published in the International Journal of Comparative Psychology (2004), 17: 1-16. The abstract is below: Cetacean Brain Evolution: Multiplication Generates Complexity Lori Marino Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Emory University Abstract Over the past 55-60 million years cetacean (dolphins, whales and porpoises) brains have become hyper-expanded so that modern cetacean encephalization levels are second only to modern humans. At the same time, brain expansion proceeded along very different lines than in other large-brained mammals so that substantial differences between modern cetacean brains and other mammal brains exist at every level of brain organization. Perhaps the most profound difference between cetacean and other mammal brains is in the architecture of the neocortex. Cetaceans possess a unique underlying neocortical organizational scheme that is particularly intriguing in light of the fact that cetaceans exhibit cognitive and behavioral complexity at least on a par with our closest phylogenetic relatives, the great apes. The neurobiological complexity underlying these cognitive capacities may involve the extreme multiplication of vertical structural units in the cetacean neocortex. If you are interested in a reprint, please send requests to me at lmarino(\)emory.edu. Thanks. Lori Marino -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Psychology Building Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-0372 THE LATEST!!! ****************************************************************** GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE TO SEE OUR ON-LINE DOLPHIN BRAIN ATLAS: http://www.msu.edu/user/brains/turs/ ****************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 23:48:07 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Volume 6:1-6:2 of the JIWLP (fwd) Below is the Table of Contents for Volume 6:1/6:2 of the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy. Volume 6:3 and 7:1 will follow soon. Cheers, wil burns Wil Burns, Editor-in-Chief Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 510.217.7060 jiwlp(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org http://www.jiwlp.com ____________________ Volume 6(1)-6(2) Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, www.jiwlp.com Main Article * Humane Killing: A Recognition of Universal Common Sense in International Law Alexander Gillespie p. 1 Comments * Marine Mammals: The Role of Ethics and Ecosystem Considerations Erik Jaap Molenaar p. 31 * The ASCOBANS Jastarnia Plan: Towards a New Lease of Life for Baltic Harbor Porpoises R=FCdiger Strempel p. 53 * Regulating Ecotourism in Galapagos: A Case Study of Domestic=97International Partnerships Jane Heslinga p. 57 * From Cartel to Conservation and on to Compassion: Animal Welfare and the International Whaling Commission Stuart R. Harrop p. 79 Documents * ASCOBANS Recovery Plan for Harbour Porpoises in the Baltic Sea (Jastarnia Plan) p. 105 * Natura 2000: a Partnership for Nature p. 125 * Resolution adopted by the High-Level Government-Designated Experts Meeting of the Proposed Northeast Pacific Regional Seas Programme Concerning the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Sources of Pollution p. 127 Book Reviews * Fish, Law, and Colonialism: The Legal Capture of Salmon in British Columbia Geoffrey Wandesforde-Smith p. 131 * Marine Protected Areas: Tools for Sustaining Ocean Ecosystems Peter H. Flournoy p. 137 * The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters Deborah Green p. 143 * Of Crude Tools, Paddle Brooms and Tempting Mules with Stones: Blumm's Sacrificing the Salmon Geoffrey Wandesforde-Smith p. 147 * Pollution and Property: Comparing Ownership Institutions for Environmental Protection Geoffrey Wandesforde-Smith p. 165 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 11:32:07 -0400 From: "Bonfil, Ramon" Subject: FW: help for sharks... ------ > Dear list, >=20 > Excuse the intrusion from one of us from the 'dark side'... I am a shar= k biologist, working with great white sharks at the moment. We are studyi= ng the movements and migrations of GWS using satellite tags (SPOT and SDR= tags from wildlife computers). I know you marine mammal people are years= ahead of us in things related to satellite tagging of marine life and I = am hoping you can help us solve an urgent problem. >=20 > Just two weeks short of our next field trip, we found out that our tech= nique for ensuring that the satellite tags eventually fall off the dorsal= fin of the sharks is not working. We used a combination of metals (steel= washers and nickel plated nuts) in the hope they would react and corrode= in about 9-12 months and the tags would fall off and let the sharks live= a happy life thereafter. This failed. Due to heavy fouling and other fac= tors corrosion is not strong enough and after a year the tags are still t= here and are beginning to damage the fin of some sharks which might loose= the upper part of the fin from the tag attachment site upwards. >=20 > I would appreciate any help you can provide with information regarding = where we could order and purchase (with short notice) magnesium mix nuts = to our specifications. We need to make sure that the nuts will corrode af= ter about 9 months or so and we need to get them in about 15 days. I know= , it sounds impossible, but we only discovered our failure by chance yest= erday, when one of our sharks tagged last May was spotted and photographe= d. >=20 > Thanks very much in advance for any help you can provide. >=20 > Yours, >=20 > Ram=F3n >=20 > Dr. Ram=F3n Bonfil > Conservation Fisheries Scientist > Marine Conservation Program > International Programs > Wildlife Conservation Society > 2300 Southern Blvd. > Bronx, NY, 10460 > voice (718) 741 8205 > fax (718) 364 4275 >=20 > rbonfil(\)wcs.org >=20 > Visit: http://www.wcs.org/greatwhitesharks > http://wcs.org/7411/?art=3D32104816 > http://www.sharkresearch.org/pages/sattagproject.html=20 >=20 >=20 >=20 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:33:50 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Remote observation webcam (fwd) From: bex Dear all, I am looking for a (budget!) web cam I can use for monitoring seal haul outs at a remote site. So far I have only found cameras which broadcast to 4 miles max (line of sight.) Has anyone any experience or recommendations which might help with this? Thanks Rebecca Allen Centre of Applied Zoology Cornwall College Newquay rebecca.allen(\)cornwall.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 15:52:39 -0800 From: Kendall Mashburn Subject: New Steller sea lion publication Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2004 May;136(3):371-81. Evaluation of adrenal function in serum and feces of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus): influences of molt, gender, sample storage, and age on glucocorticoid metabolism. Mashburn KL, Atkinson S. University of Alaska, Fairbanks and Alaska SeaLife Center, P.O. Box 1329, 301 Railway Avenue, Seward, AL 99664, USA. Fecal corticosterone concentrations, measured via radioimmunoassay (RIA), were validated as a method to monitor adrenal function in Steller sea lion physiology. Quantification of adrenal response to an acute stressor and relevance of data produced by developed methodologies was determined through physiological challenge with exogenous administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to captive adult, reproductively intact, Steller sea lions of both sexes ( [Formula: see text], 1 male, 2 female) during seasonal molt. Following ACTH administration, serial blood and fecal samples were collected and analyzed by RIA to determine adrenal response. Storage regimens and weather exposure were examined to establish external impact on fecal corticosterone concentrations. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of both serum and feces of Steller sea lions was employed to explore potential gender-based differences extant in either sample media. ACTH challenges produced [Formula: see text] 3-fold increases in serum cortisol concentrations which were reflected in [Formula: see text] 18-fold increases in fecal corticosterone concentrations post-injection at 3.25 and 32h, respectively, and fecal corticosterone concentrations returned to baseline 52h post-injection. Neither outdoor exposure to weather nor variation in duration and temperature of freezer storage impacted fecal corticosterone concentrations. HPLC of individual fecal samples produced eluate immunoreactivity profiles that differed consistently with both sex and age class. Techniques developed herein effectively detected physiologically relevant corticosterone data in Steller sea lion feces, unaffected by conditions likely to be encountered with field collection samples. Additionally, results quantify an acute response to ACTH and provide methodology for examining chronically heightened adrenal activity in Steller sea lions. Questions or comments may be adressed to: kendall_mashburn(\)alaskasealife.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 16:13:55 -0500 Reply-To: dfertl(\)geo-marine.com From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: FW: position opening - Earthwatch We are looking to hire for an open, PhD-level position here at Earthwatch in the US office. The job will be open until we find a suitable candidate, but a quick application would be advised for anyone interested. If you wish to recommend a student, post-doc or colleague, please feel free to pass on this email and/or my contact info. The Program Director position at Earthwatch is primarily an office-based position located in Maynard, MA, USA (40 minutes from Boston). There is no field work or significant time spent visiting field projects. The Program Director will be primarily responsible for developing a research program that supports over 70 ecological field projects worldwide. He or she will be responsible for strategic program development; outreach and networking with the scientific community; proposal review; program analysis; program evaluation and external reporting; and fundraising. The Program Director will have outstanding qualifications and field experience in international conservation applications and community-based resource management. Additionally, the candidate will have: ~Ph.D. in conservation, wildlife management, ecology, or related field ~Demonstrated ability to obtain funding and to effectively communicate complex conservation issues ~Ability to address and apply sound conservation strategies towards creating and maintaining environmentally sustainable projects ~Proven success in planning and implementing complex projects and strategies, utilizing analytical, strategic, and systematic thinking ~Creativity and strategic vision ~Strong administrative, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively build and coordinate a diverse research program ~Demonstrated leadership abilities, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit necessary to maintain an esteemed international research program View complete job description: http://www.earthwatch.org/offices/us/prog_director.html Salary range: $45,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience All applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States. Please submit cover letter and resume to hr(\)earthwatch.org; fax 978-897-0935; mail HR, Earthwatch Institute, P.O. Box 75, Maynard, MA01754-0075. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2004 12:00:43 -0400 Reply-To: core(\)coreresearch.org From: "core(\)coreresearch.org" Subject: summer internship positions available immediately Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ------ Due to unforseen circumstances, The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE) has two summer internship positions to fill immediately. CORE, based in Essex, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. Cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. Our mission is to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. CORE's research focuses primarily upon the populations of fin and humpback whales found in the inshore wate= rs of New England. We are currently working on several projects including:=20 -a study regarding the hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpback whales.=20 -novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales.=20 -the presence of orca scars on humpback whales, their main predator in th= e North Atlantic.=20 -bias in whale watching regarding the amount of data and photos collected on humpback whales vs. fin whales.=20 -shifts in distribution of whale species over time=20 -on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback -whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales an= d pilot whales. =20 =20 CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate people about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment.=20 CORE collects most of its research data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip = as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. T= he types of data recorded on each trip include physical information =ADsuch = as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well = as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates.=20 CORE is somewhat of a fledgling organization, founded in 1996, we earned our non-profit status in 1998. Though we have no publications currently i= n print, we are in the process of collecting data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as hierarchy within humpback whale social and feeding groups, to observations of Sowerby=92s and Cuvier=92s beaked whales in offshore subm= arine canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of face= ts of research including:=20 - Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work.=20 - Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through phot= o analysis; data submission to educational on-line program WhaleNet.=20 - Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researcher and students.=20 - Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge.=20 - Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics includin= g GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation machines; handling lines; and general knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol.=20 CORE offers year-round internship opportunities to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, during the summer, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. We do not provide room or board= , but will assist interns in any way in finding housing and transportation (if necessary). We also offer flexible hours, so that interns can obtain part-time jobs, if needed.=20 Foreign students must possess a US work visa or American passport in orde= r to participate. Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock Colleg= e, Boston, MA). Application deadline for the summer internship session has been extended, with interviews conducted through the first weeks of May. The deadline fo= r the fall internship session is July 31st, with interviews through mid-August. We also accept applicants for spring or winter. To apply for = an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and a letter of recommendation to the below address. Application materials may also be se= nt via e-mail to: core(\)coreresearch.org Center for Oceanic Research and Education Intern Application forms can be accessed on the CORE website at: www.coreresearch.org/intern form.htm=20 You may then use your browser's print function to print.=20 We will contact applicants to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials. Lisa Fox, Director=20 Center for Oceanic Research and Education=20 245 Western Ave, Box 8, Essex, MA 01929=20 978.768.4560=20 -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2004 03:20:34 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publication on the Berlin Iniative (fwd) From: JIWLP For those of you interested in International Whaling Commission issues, the following article was published last week by the Review of European Community & International Environmental Law. *** An electronic PDF reprint is available upon request: < mailto:asilwildlife(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org> asilwildlife(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org * William C.G. Burns, The Berlin Initiative on Strengthening the Conservation Agenda of the International Whaling Commission: Toward a New Era for Cetaceans?, 13(1) Review of European Community & International Environmental Law 72-84 (2004) Abstract: The article outlines the contours of the IWC's new conservation instrument, the Berlin Initiative. It assesses the prospects for the Initiative to enhance the body's ability to conserve imperiled cetacean species, as well as the prospect for the Initiative to exacerbate tensions between the IWC's factions, Wil Burns, Co-Chair, American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Section, International Environmental Law Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 510.217.7060 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 11:47:02 +0100 From: Pia Anderwald Subject: WANTED Volunteer boat-operator for minke whale research in San Juan Islands ------ Dear all We are planning one month=92s fieldwork on the foraging ecology and habit= at use=20 of minke whales in the San Juan Islands, Washington State, USA, from July= 2nd=20 to 31st 2004. The work involves photo-identification and focal follows of= =20 individual whales, sampling of scales of fish prey species with a small d= ip=20 net, and investigating associations with seabirds. We will be based at Fr= iday=20 Harbor Marine Labs, San Juan Island, and will mainly operate in three are= as:=20 Salmon Bank and Hein Bank south of San Juan Island, the San Juan Channel,= and=20 the area between Stuart and Waldron Island. All work will be carried out = from=20 an 18ft motorboat with a 90hp outboard engine, for which we are looking f= or a=20 boat-operator. Requirements: Previous experience in marine mammal research is desirable = but=20 not essential. However, the applicant must be qualified to operate a moto= rboat=20 in US inshore waters, and be able to deal with minor engine problems. Kno= wledge=20 of the local area is useful, but not essential. Other desirable attribute= s:=20 enthusiasm for work with the whales, reliability, patience and good sea-l= egs=20 (we may be on the water for up to 10hours on good days)! Accommodation and travel: The applicant will be responsible for his/her o= wn=20 travel to Friday Harbor. Accommodation (shared with one to two other peop= le)=20 and food will be provided (cooking facilities available).=20 If interested, please send by May 15th 2004 an application and CV (partic= ularly=20 outlining your boat-operating qualifications) by e-mail or post to: Pia Anderwald Department of Biological Sciences University of Durham South Road Durham DH1 3LE United Kingdom e-mail: pia.anderwald(\)durham.ac.uk or: panderwald(\)hotmail.com With kind regards, Pia. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 10:40:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Gastroschisis query (fwd) From: Isabel Beasley Hello, I am currently researching a small population (probably less than 100 individuals) of Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit the Mekong River of southern Lao, Cambodia and Vietnam. We have recently had a number of newborn mortalities from the river system. Three of these newborns were identified as having gastroschisis (confirmed by a vet and English doctor). Gastroschisis being a congenital defect that results in a herniation (displacement) of the intestines through a defect on one side of the umbilical cord, causing the intestines to protrude out of the body. It is unlikely that the intestines were protruding due to a bloating effect, as the carcasses were very fresh (less than 1 day old), there was no sign of bloating of the tongue and the skin was still intact when found. I am therefore very interested to inquire if anyone has observed this occurrence in other cetacean species, and/or if anyone may know the possible causes for such a defect. Many thanks for any assistance with this request. Best wishes Isabel <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Isabel Beasley Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project PO Box 9123 Kratie Cambodia email: psout(\)everyday.com.kh mobile +855-(0)12 996702 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:49:35 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org BUSTAMANTE, P.; C. F. MORALES; B. MIKKELSEN; M. DAM and F. CAURANT. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 267:291-301. 2004. Trace element bioaccumulation in grey seals Halichoerus grypus from the Faroe Islands. 0.402 MB CARLINI, A. R.; M. E. I. MARQUEZ; H. PANARELLO; S. RAMDOHR; G. A. DANERI; H. BORNEMANN and J. PLOTZ. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(5):266-276. 2004. Lactation costs in southern elephant seals at King George Island, South Shetland Islands. 0.378 MB CONSTANTINE, ROCHELLE; DIANNE H. BRUNTON and TODD DENNIS. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 117(3):299-307. 2004. Dolphin-watching tour boats change bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) behaviour. 0.273 MB DECATALDO, ALBA; ANTONELLA DI LEO; SANTINA GIANDOMENICO and NICOLA CARDELLICCHIO. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 6(4):361-367. 2004. Association of metals (mercury, cadmium and zinc) with metallothionein-like proteins in storage organs of stranded dolphins from the Mediterranean sea (Southern Italy). 0.229 MB ELWEN, SIMON H. and PETER B. BEST. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 269:289-295. 2004. Female southern right whales Eubalanena australis: Are there reproductive benefits associated with their coastal distribution off South Africa? 0.137 MB FOLKOW, LARS P.; ERLING S. NORDOY and ARNOLDUS S. BLIX. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(5):281-298. 2004. Distribution and diving behaviour of harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) from the Greenland Sea stock. 1.755 MB GAGGIOTTI, O. E.; S. P. BROOKS; W. AMOS and J. HARWOOD. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 13(4):811-825. 2004. Combining demographic, environmental and genetic data to test hypotheses about colonization events in metapopulations. (Halichoerus grypus) 0.222 MB GAYDOS, JOSEPH K.; KENNETH C. BALCOMB, III; RICHARD W. OSBORNE and LESLIE DIERAUF. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 117(3):253-262. 2004. Evaluating potential infectious disease threats for southern resident killer whales, Orcinus orca: A model for endangered species. 0.232 MB GREENE, CHARLES H.; ANDREW J. PERSHING; ROBERT D. KENNEY and JACK W. JOSSI. OCEANOGRAPHY 16(4):98-103. 2003. Impact of climate variability on the recovery of endangered North Atlantic right whales. 0.139 MB HUCKE-GAETE, R.; L. P. OSMAN; C. A. MORENO and D. TORRES. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(5):304-311. 2004. Examining natural population growth from near extinction: The case of the Antarctic fur seal at the South Shetlands, Antarctica. (Arctocephalus gazella) 0.360 MB KING, JILL M. and JOEL T. HEINEN. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 117(3):227-234. 2004. An assessment of the behaviors of overwintering manatees as influenced by interactions with tourists at two sites in central Florida. 0.229 MB MACLEOD, COLIN D.; NAN HAUSER and HOYT PECKHAM. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84:469-474. 2004. Diversity, relative density and structure of the cetacean community in summer months east of Great Abaco, Bahamas. 0.474 MB MARKOWITZ, TIM M.; APRIL D. HARLIN; BERND WURSIG and CYNTHIA J. MCFADDEN. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 14(2):133-149. 2004. Dusky dolphin foraging habitat: overlap with aquaculture in New Zealand. 0.608 MB MORENO, IGNACIO B.; CRISTIANE C. A. MARTINS; ARTUR ANDRIOLO and MARCIA H. ENGEL. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 2(2):131-132. 2003. Sightings of Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) of Espirito Santo, Brazil. 0.759 MB PALSBOLL, PER J.; MARTINE BERUBE; ALEX AGUILAR; GIUSEPPE NOTARBARTOLO-DI-SCIARA and RASMUS NIELSEN. EVOLUTION 57(3):670-675. 2004. Discerning between recurrent gene flow and recent divergence under a finite-site mutation model applied to North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) populations. 0.612 MB PINE, M.; M. SCHROEDER; K. GREER; R. HOKANSON and D. BUSBEE. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM) 67(2):195-202. 2004. Generation and partial characterization of a transformed cetacean cell line. 0.144 MB TALLMAN, JESSICA and CONSTANCE SULLIVAN. NORTHWESTERN NATURALIST 85(1):31-32. 2004. Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) predation on a male harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus). 0.163 MB VERGANI, DANIEL F.; ZULMA B. STANGANELLI and DAVID BILENCA. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 268:293-300. 2004. Effects of El Nino and La Nina events on the sex ratio of southern elephant seals at King George Island. 0.223 MB WATWOOD, STEPHANIE L.; PETER L. TYACK and RANDALL S. WELLS. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 55(6):531-543. 2004. Whistle sharing in paired male bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. 0.645 MB WILLIAMS, TERRIE M.; LEE A. FUIMAN; MARKUS HORNING and RANDALL W. DAVIS. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 207(6):973-982. 2004. The cost of foraging by a marine predator, the Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii: pricing by the stroke. 0.210 MB WOLKERS, H.; B. VAN BAVEL; A. E. DEROCHER; O. WIIG; K. M. KOVACS; C. LYDERSEN and G. LINDSTROM. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(6):1667-1674. 2004. Congener-specific accumulation and food chain transfer of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in two Arctic food chains. 0.107 MB WON, CHANGMAN and BYOUNG-HO YOO. ORYX 38(1):109-112. 2004. Abundance, seasonal haul-out patterns and conservation of spotted seals Phoca largha along the coast of Bak-ryoung Island, South Korea. 0.118 MB ZABKA, T. S.; E. L. BUCKLES; F. M. D. GULLAND; M. HAULENA; D. K. NAYDAN and L. J. LOWENSTINE. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY 130(2-3):195-198. 2004. Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a stranded Steller (northern) sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.178 MB ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 18:18:22 +0100 From: =?iso-8859-1?q?Kumaran=20Sathasivam?= Subject: New book on the marine mammals of India Greetings, This is to inform you of the recent publication of my book Sathasivam, Kumaran (2004). "Marine Mammals of India". Hyderabad: Universities Press, 180 pp. The book is aimed at a wide range of readers including serious students and widlife enthusiasts. A significant part of the book is devoted to the more than 30 species accounts. Glimpses of the lifestyles of marine mammals are given through several essays dealing, for example, with the phenomenon of mass strandings of whales or the reputed ferocity of the Killer Whale. Colour illustrations and photographs and character matrices are provided for identification of animals in the field and 'specimens in the hand'. An extensive bibliography and accounts of whaling and threats faced by marine mammals are provided. Copies are available from Kurinji Sathasivam (ksathasi(\)yahoo.com). Kumaran Sathasivam k_sathasivam(\)yahoo.co.in ________________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner online. http://yahoo.shaadi.com/india-matrimony/ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 12:11:28 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new article: fur seal diving (fwd) From: Yoshihisa Mori Dear all, Here is a new article on Antarctic fur seals. Reprints request may be addressed to: moripe(\)ntu.ac.jp THE BEHAVIORAL BASIS FOR NONLINEAR FUNCTIONAL RESPONSES AND OPTIMAL FORAGING IN ANTARCTIC FUR SEALS YOSHIHISA MORI AND IAN L. BOYD Ecology, 85(2), 2004, pp. 398=96410 Abstract. This study investigated the degree to which the behavior of a predator in the marine environment can be used to indicate the availability of prey. It examined this in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) feeding on krill, with a view to understanding how behavioral choices could lead to a nonlinear functional response. The study showed how fur seals adjusted their time budgets to maximize the mean rate of energy intake in response to varying prey abundance. The behavioral indicator of prey abundance was the amount of time spent by fur seals at the bottom of dives after adjustment for dive depth. This indicator was well correlated with independent measures of prey abundance. The indicator was calibrated in terms of net rate of energy intake from information about energy expenditures in Antarctic fur seals and was used within the framework of optimal foraging theory to examine how female fur seals organized their foraging activity within and between bouts. Foraging in Antarctic fur seals conformed to many of the predictions from energy rate-maximizing behavior. For example, the apparent net rate of energy intake by fur seals declined with time spent in a patch, and the rate of energy intake on leaving a patch declined as apparent food availability in the environment declined. In addition, the time spent in patches increased as apparent food availability declined. Antarctic fur seals were able to adjust their behavior to track highly variable prey distributions and densities. The simple decision about when to leave a patch in relation to current environmental prey availability appears to be responsible for allowing fur seals to maintain saturation of the foraging rate as food density declines. ----------------------------------------- Yoshihisa Mori Department of Animal Science Teikyo University of Science and Technology 2525 Yatsuzawa, Uenohara, Yamanashi 409-0193 JAPAN TEL: +81-554-63-6876 FAX: +81-554-63-4431 ----------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 12:13:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Latino GIS Course Fellowship Competition (\) Smithsonian NZP-CRC (fwd) From: GISCourse GISCourse Please post/circulate. Thanks! Latino/Latin American Fellowship Competition: GIS and Remote Sensing Course at Smithsonian's National Zoological Park Ofrecimiento de becas para Latinos/Latinoamericanos Curso de SIG y Sensores Remotos en el Smithsonian`s National Zoological Park Application Deadline: May 21, 2004 Fecha Limite: 21 de Mayo, 2004 The Smithsonian's National Zoological Park (NZP) announces a competition for fellowships for a two-week Spanish language training course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, to be held between Saturday, August 28 and Thursday, September 9, 2004. The course, held at NZP's well-known Conservation and Research Center, is designed to train conservation and wildlife managers in practical applications of geospatial analysis tools. Deadline for receipt of all application materials: May 21, 2004. See below for application guidelines. This project has received support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives. This training course focuses on teaching the uses of GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and satellite remote sensing and their applications to practical problems in wildlife conservation, management, and research. It combines, in Spanish translation, two successful Conservation GIS courses this lab has taught in Front Royal and internationally for several years, "Introduction to the Use of ArcGIS and Remote Sensing for Conservation and Wildlife Management" and "Advanced GIS for Conservation and Wildlife Management: Land Cover Change and Endangered Species." The instructors aim to provide participants with a broad understanding of the present state and uses of geospatial technologies, providing a realistic vision of the research possibilities in combining fieldwork with GIS analysis. For more information on all the Conservation GIS training courses offered at NZP-CRC, please see Geospatial technologies have become essential tools for modern conservation biology studies focused on mitigating large-scale global change effects such as climate change, desertification, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and species extinction. A solid understanding of GIS and related technologies is virtually a requirement for conservation biologists in today's competitive labor market.The training course exercises draw on real-life lessons of NZP-CRC scientists' conservation and management-based research activities, exploring valuable applications of geospatial technologies to real conservation problems. The fellowships offer an opportunity for U.S. Latino and Latin American conservation researchers and practicioners to acquire these skills and perspectives. Space is limited! Eligible U.S. Latinos and Latin Americans may direct their fellowship application materials to Kate Christen, at christenc(\)si.edu. Application materials will consist of a one-page essay-in SPANISH-describing your actual and/or intended use of GIS in your project(s), and a short c.v., listing at least two references and their phone and e-mail contact information. Students and recent graduates should also send an up-to-date transcript. In addition, please arrange for two individuals familiar with your academic and/or professional work to send us directly (as e-mail attachment) a letter of recommendation. Please also specify how you heard about this fellowship competition. One year after the training, all participants will provide our Conservation GIS lab with a follow-up report explaining how they have applied to their daily work concepts and techniques learned in this training. Fell owships will include course tuition, room and board, and airfare and gr! ound transportation to CRC. Ofrecimiento de becas para Latinos/Latinoamericanos Curso de SIG y Sensores Remotos en el Smithsonian`s National Zoological Park El Smithsonian's National Zoological Park (NZP) ofrecera becas para la realizacion de un curso de dos semanas en idioma espanol sobre Sistemas de Informacion Geografica (SIG), el cual se desarrollara entre los dias sabado 28 de agosto y jueves 9 de setiembre de 2004. El curso se llevara a cabo en el Conservation and Research Center (CRC) del NZP y esta orientado a la aplicacion de herramientas para el analisis geoespacial utilizados por investigadores en conservacion y manejo de vida silvestre. La fecha limite para la recepcion de solicitudes es el 21 de mayo de 2004. Esta capacitacion recibe el apoyo financiero del Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, el cual esta administrado por el Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives. El curso de capacitacion se enfoca en los usos y aplicaciones de los SIG, el Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS) y la percepcion remota satelital, para resolver problemas en conservacion, manejo e investigacion de vida silvestre. Integra la experiencia de dos cursos previos de SIG traducidos al espanol, que este laboratorio ha ofrecido en su campus en Front Royal, Virginia y a nivel internacional durante los ultimos anos. Los cursos que integra son: "SIG y Sensores Remotos para Manejo de Vida Silvestre: Introduccion al uso de ArcGIS en Conservacion y Manejo de Vida Silvestre" y "Curso Avanzado de SIG en Conservacion y Manejo de Vida Silvestre: Efecto del Cambio en el Uso de la Tierra en Especies Amenazadas". Los instructores impartiran a los participantes un conocimiento amplio sobre el estado actual y las aplicaciones de las tecnologias geoespaciales disponibles. Asi mismo, ofre ceran una vision realista sobre las posibilidades de investigacion al combinar la informaci! on de campo con analisis de SIG Para mayor informacion sobre los cursos de SIG ofrecidos por el NZP- CRC, visitar nuestro sitio web: http://natzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/ Las tecnologias geoespaciales se han convertido en herramientas esenciales para desarrollar estudios modernos en biologia de la conservacion orientados a la mitigacion a gran escala del efecto del cambio global, tales como, cambio climatico, desertificacion, deforestacion, perdida de biodiversidad, y extincion de especies. Una comprension solida de los SIG y tecnologias relacionadas constituye un requisito para biologos de la conservacion en el competitivo mercado laboral actual. Estos cursos se basan en experiencias adquiridas durante los proyectos de conservacion y manejo dirigidos por los propios cientificos del NZP-CRC, explorando aplicaciones valiosas de estas herramientas en problemas reales de conservacion. La beca ofrece la oportunidad a investigadores y profesionales latinos de Estados Unidos y latinoamericanos de adquirir estas habilidades y perspe ctivas. =A1El espacio es limitado! Los postulantes deben enviar los documentos requeridos a Kate Christen, christenc(\)si.edu. Cada postulacion debe incluir los siguientes documentos: curriculum vitae resumido(con telefono y contacto electronico de dos referencias), un ensayo de una pagina de extension--en espanol-- describiendo el uso actual y/o intencion de uso de los SIG en sus proyecto/s. Ademas, por favor coordinar que dos personas familiarizadas con su trabajo academico y/o profesional envien directamente (como correo electronico adjunto) una carta de recomendacion; estudiantes y profesionales recien graduados se les solicita tambien una copia de su expediente academico/certificado analitico (cursos y califacaciones). Por favor, indicar como obtuvo conocimiento acerca del desarrollo del presente curso. Un ano despues del entrenamiento recibido, los estudiantes deberan remitir al Laboratorio de SIG del CRC un reporte detallando la aplicacion en su trabajo de los conceptos y las tecnicas aprendidas en esta experiencia. Las becas incluyen: matricula del curso, comida, alojamiento, pasaje aereo y transporte al CRC. ***************************** David Zaks giscourse(\)si.edu 1500 Remount Road Front Royal, VA 22630 540-635-6535 (GIS Lab) 540-635-6506 (FAX) http://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_tr= aining "Conserving the world's wildlife through onsite and remote sensing technolo= gy" ***************************** ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 12:15:17 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Dolphin Photo-identification Internship (fwd) From: "R.H. Defran" The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill a Dolphin Photo-identification Internship position for the Summer of 2004. The MMPR is organized within NOAA=92s National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 12 week period from May 24, 2004 to Aug 20, 2004. Interns will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD) (see Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892). The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics of Charleston dolphins as part of a comprehensive health assessment of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Interns and must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of interns who have well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The intern application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should correspond with Dr. Defran by email before submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship positions by the middle of May 2004. Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Dr. R.H. Defran rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 12:24:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: request from Esquire (fwd) From: esqe2(\)hearst.com Hello: It was suggested to me by Michelle Berman at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History that I put in a request with you. I'm writing from Esquire magazine and we are looking to publish a photograph in our magazine of the eye of a blue whale in its actual size. I have the measurements of an average blue whale eye, but I need an image. I was hoping someone could either help lead me to an image or to an eye that we could send a photographer to photograph. Thanks for your help. Anya Strzemien Esquire 212.649.4210 ========================================================= This e-mail message is intended only for the personal use of the recipient(s) named above. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this message. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the Hearst Information Services HelpDesk (helpdesk(\)hearst.com) immediately by e-mail and delete the original message. ========================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 12:26:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 11th Workshop of South American Specialists on Aquatic Mammals, Quito - Ecuador (fwd) From: Castro Cristina Dear colleagues, The Catholic University of Ecuador announces the 11th Workshop of South American Specialists on Aquatic Mammals and 5th Conference of the Latin American Society of Specialists on Aquatic Mammals (SOLAMAC) will take place in Quito, Ecuador between 12 and 17 September 2004. The conference will be held at the Catholic University of Ecuador in Quito, the capital of this country, located 200 km from the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. This meeting will focus on presenting ideas and research findings from different disciplines in order to enhance our understanding and knowledge regarding aquatic mammals. Experts from the scientific research community, research groups, technologists and students will meet to exchange information and experiences on innovative topics in the field of aquatic mammal science. The official languages of the event will correspond to Spanish, Portuguese and English. For more information please contact: RTECUADOR(\)puce.edu.ec Cristina Castro pccastro(\)interactive.net.ec Victor Utreras vmub(\)wcsecuador.org Santiago Burneo sburneo(\)puce.edu.ec C=F3mite organizador 11va. reuni=F3n de Trabajo de Especialistas en Mam=EDferos Acu=E1ticos 5to. Congreso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mam=EDfero= s Acu=E1ticos Quito - Ecuador http://www.puce.edu.ec/zoologia/RTEcuador.htm ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 02:25:15 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement: Univ Alaska, Fairbanks and Alaska Sealife Center (fwd) From: Dyan Ferren UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS - School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER JOB TITLE: Research Assistant Professor (Of Marine Science) PCN NUMBER: 925239 REQ NUMBER: FF92523901 GRADE: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. In each case it will be consistent with UAF faculty salary levels. (must be Step A on salary schedule) EMPLOYMENT: Term Funded, Full-Time, Faculty (Non-Tenure) OPENING DATE: 4/26/04 CLOSING DATE: 5/21/04 by 4:30 p.m. TYPICAL DUTIES: The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is seeking qualified professional scientists to conduct research on Harbor Seals. The position available is designated as research faculty and all support for the research activities and salary will be derived from federal appropriations to the Alaska SeaLife Center. An important part of the assignment is the preparation and submission of research proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed manuscripts to external funding sources and permitting agencies. While subject to annual review, the appointments are expected to be ongoing, subject to the continuation of funding. CAPABILITIES: The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences has coastal facilities with laboratory space and field support capabilities in Seward (the homeport of the R/V Alpha Helix) and a working agreement with the Alaska SeaLife Center. The facilities of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward offer unique opportunities for marine mammal and sea bird research, with a developing program in Harbor Seal biology. The majority of the Institute of Marine Science faculty are located on the Fairbanks campus, including oceanography, limnology, fisheries, fishery oceanography, marine biology, aquaculture, and fisheries and seafood technology. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate must have earned doctorate in a biological science, such as zoology, biology, oceanography, marine science, fisheries, or a related field. Experience with pinnipeds is essential. He/She must have demonstrated success in obtaining support for and conducting research programs, and must have a strong publication record in national or international peer-reviewed journals. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Harbor seal experience is desirable. Areas of expertise in the physiology, nutritional condition, or effects of contaminants on pinnipeds in captive and free-ranging habitats are desirable. APPLICATION: We do not accept application materials via email. Please follow specific instructions provided on each vacancy announcement. Applicants must submit a separate application packet for each position. All application packets must include: . UA Applicant Form - A signed UA Applicant Form (must download most CURRENT form from UAF HR web site) - mandatory when applying for any UAF position. A separate Applicant form is required for each position for which you apply. . Professional vitae; Please note: The Resume Form may be used as a substitute for resume. . Statement of interest or cover letter explaining your experience and how you would meet the responsibilities of the position . Three professional letters of reference. . Selected Reprints (or manuscripts submitted to journals) Please submit application packet to: Dr. Shannon Atkinson, UAF - Seward Marine Center, P. O. Box 730, Seward, Alaska 9664-0730, Attn: Harbor Seal Faculty Recruitment Phone: 907-224-5261 FAX: 907-224-6360 A copy of the UA Applicant Form can be downloaded from the following web site location: http://www.uaf.edu/uafhr/Emp_Opp.html - or requested from: Seward Marine Center P. O. Box 730 Seward, Alaska 99664-0730. Phone - 907-224-5261 To ensure that your application is given full consideration, all applicant materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the day the position closes. If you choose to fax your application packet, you must transmit by 4:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time (AST) the day before the review and/or close date. ALL APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION PACKETS TO UAF HUMAN RESOURCES WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION. All finalists may be subject to a background check. If you have questions regarding this specific vacancy announcement, please contact Linda Lasota 907-224-5261 or fnlac(\)uaf.edu. Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution. Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director at 474-6259. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 02:26:35 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Sources sought for baseline marine species research and monitoring of a proposed East Coast Shallow Water Training Range (fwd) From: "Bell, Joel T. CIV Env Planning BD31JB" This announcement is not a Request for Proposal, but is a sources sought for information and planning purposes only. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic Division is conducting market research to identify interested,qualified and experienced sources, for information and planning purposes, for baseline marine species research and monitoring of a proposed East Coast Shallow Water Training Range (ECSWTR). All qualified and experienced contractors, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, state and federal agencies are encouraged to respond. The ECSWTR is a proposed instrumented anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training range. The Navy=E2=80=99s preferred s= ite for the range is in the Cherry Point Operating Area (OPAREA), located in Onslow Bay, southeast of the New River inlet, North Carolina, and approximately 105-km (57-NM) from the North Carolina shoreline. The range is proposed to encompass approximately 1,713-square kilometers (500-square nautical miles). Proposed ASW training on this range will involve surface vessels and submarines, aircraft, sonar, exercise torpedoes (non-explosive) and submarine target simulators. The environmental impacts are currently being evaluated in an Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement that will be available as a draft (DEIS) later this year. Baseline data sought includes species distribution, abundance, density estimates, and seasonal movement patterns specific to Onslow Bay and the proposed ECSWTR. Regular monitoring to assess trends in species composition, distribution, and abundance would follow the baseline study. Results would be reported in a manner that would fulfill the Navy=E2=80=99s monitoring and reporting requirement of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). All methods of survey and monitoring will be considered; however, it is anticipated that aerial and/or shipboard surveys may form the foundation of the baseline study and monitoring program. All data must be collected in a scientifically rigorous manner with methods and results subject to peer review. The contractor must provide or contract all equipment and personnel needed for the proposed study, monitoring and reporting of results. The area proposed for monitoring will be an operational Navy training range, therefore, any on-site survey work must be scheduled in advance and clearance arranged via the Navy scheduling authority. This announcement is open until 12:00 Eastern Standard Time, 28 May 2004. Complete details on submiting a statement of interest and capability can be found on the NAVFAC E-Solicitation website ( http://esol.navfac.navy.mil/ ) under synopsis number N62470-04-R-0672. <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'/= />< Joel T. Bell Marine Protected Species Biologist Natural & Cultural Resources Planning Section Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic Division Phone: (757) 322-4854 Fax (757) 322-4894 joel.t.bell(\)navy.mil www.efdlant.navfac.navy.mil <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'/= />< ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2004 13:02:59 -0400 From: Leslie Gilroy Burdett Subject: GIS and entanglement photos -part 2 Hello again, I would like to thank everyone who has responded to my request for entanglement photographs. The ability to use GIS to predict sources of entanglements is a novel forensic tool that needs further development. The analysis of the pictures that I have received has begun, but I am sending another message to ask for more photographs. We are looking for pictures of marine mammals (particularly cetaceans) with rope impressions that are clearly depicted on the epidermis. We need to clearly see indentations in the skin, and be able to zoom in on the picture while maintaining a clear resolution. Your assistance is vital to the success of this project, as many of our own photographs have already been analyzed. For further information on the application of GIS for entanglement forensics, please read the following article: http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/fall03articles/sources-of-mortality.html Questions, comments and pictures can be sent to: Leslie.Burdett(\)noaa.gov. Thanks for your interest and assistance with this project. Best, Leslie Burdett ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 02:30:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Thiaminase and Whale reproduction (fwd) From: "John Hnath" Thiaminase and Whale Reproduction A serious problem confronting fisheries in the Laurentian Great Lakes is a significant reproductive disturbance in top-line piscivorous fish populations, particularly salmonines. Adult female spawners have serious deficiencies of thiamine which results in death of their progeny shortly after hatching. Provision of supplemental thiamine during water-hardening of the eggs alleviates the problem. There has been much research and many publications on this phenomenon, but we are far from understanding the basic mechanism. The reason for this request has to do with a paper I recall having read in my graduate student days over 40 years ago. I no longer recall the title of the paper, nor where it was published (although it may have been Scientific American). However what I remember is a discussion of how alewive populations in the ocean responded to heavy predation by whales by increasing the production of the enzyme Thiaminase which in turn effectively reduced the success of whale reproduction thereby leading to reduced predation on the alewives. Is there any substance to that scenario, and if so, can you direct me to any publications which discuss that? John G. Hnath Research Associate Michigan State University Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery 34270 C.R. 652 Mattawan, MI 49071 tel. 269-668-2696 ext. 123 fax. 269-668-4659 email: hnathj(\)michigan.gov ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 13:23:07 -0400 From: "Shelagh A. Smith" Subject: Job Posting: Marine Audio Archivist Dear Colleagues: Please post the position below where you deem appropriate. Prospective applicants should visit http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs/ to apply. Best, Shelagh ************************************ Shelagh A. Smith Assistant Curator Marine Collections Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850 The Mission of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: "To interpret and conserve the Earth's biological diversity through, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds." ************************************ University Job Title: Media Asst V Job Description The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks an audio archivist to work on the Marine Sound Collection. In accordance with established archival protocols, and in collaboration with external and internal researchers, this position is responsible for developing the resources of MLNS. Responsibilities include the organization, repair, and ingestion of original field recordings into an advanced digital asset storage and management system. The archivist is also responsible for evaluating, preparing, and entering field data into database. This is an annual term appointment with possible renewal. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, Cornell University is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive campus in which to work, study, teach and serve. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in biological sciences with 2-4 years experience or equivalent combination. Must be interested and able to quickly build knowledge in principles of animal communication and taxonomy. Must possess discriminating visual and listening skills. Must have demonstrable ability to learn sound editing techniques. Computer experience including, but not limited to email, web browsers, spreadsheets, and word processing are required. Additional knowledge is required in both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Must know, or be able to learn quickly, software for media editing, analysis, and database management. General knowledge of marine mammals, fishes, or animal vocalizations is desirable, but not required. Ability to work well with others is required while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment. Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work well within a team of professionals. Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team. All application materials must be received by Friday, May 14, 2004. No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 11:04:16 +0100 From: Rachel Saward Subject: New consumer magazine on cetaceans (Apple Message framework v551) A new consumer magazine called Whale and Dolphin Magazine has launched in the UK this week. The magazine is essentially UK and Europe focused, but will include international news, research updates and overseas travel articles in every issue. We invite cetacean researchers to keep us posted with news items and feature article ideas suitable for the general reader. Regards Rachel Saward Publishing Editor Whale and Dolphin Magazine PO Box 134 Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 4YB rachel(\)wdmag.co.uk Tel: 01892 823089 www.wdmag.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 16:35:07 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: upcoming sea otter conservation biology workshop IV (fwd) WELCOME TO THE FOURTHSEA OTTER CONSERVATION WORKSHOPSEATTLE AQUARIUMMARCH 18-20, 2005 Attention all Sea Otter fans! The Seattle Aquarium is proud to host our biennial sea otter meeting here at the aquarium March 18-20, 2005. The format will be similar to past workshops. There will be three days of papers, reports and discussions about any and all aspects of sea otter biology and conservation. Anyone working with sea otters in any capacity is invited to come. We hope that this will be the biggest and best meeting yet and will once again draw sea otter biologists from around the world to share information about the status of sea otters in the wild and in captivity. Any type of presentation is encouraged and we are sure to have much stimulating discussion about these fascinating and vulnerable marine mammals. Pre-registration will be required with a discount for early registration. We will have more information about registration procedures in the near future. The registration fee is $125 if you register by February 18, 2005. The registration fee between February 18 and March 11, 2005 increases to $175. On site registration will be $200. Attached is a registration form to be completed and faxed to our Guest Relations Manager, Sue Donohue Smith, at 206.386.4328. For more information about the conference in general and to express interest in presenting, please contact Dr. Shawn Larson at shawn.larson(\)seattle.gov. All represented institutions will be required to talk about their otters and future plans. We look forward to having you join us for the workshop. If you have any questions, please contact us at the telephone numbers listed below. Shawn Larson CJ Casson Sue Donohue SmithResearch Manager Biologist Guest Relations Manager206.386.4360 206.386.4348 206.386.4342NAME _________________________________ TITLE/POSITION ____________________________ FACILITY _________________________________ E-MAIL _________________________________ PHONE # ___________________ TEE SHIRT SIZE ___________________ I WILL BE PRESENTING AT THE WORKSHOP: _____yes _____no I WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: ___ laptop/projector ___slide projector ___laser pointer ___handout copies [please include master so copies can be prepared in advance] I HAVE THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL NEEDS IN REGARDS TO FOOD OR ACCOMODATION: ______________________________________________ Please return this form by fax to Sue Donohue Smith at 206.386.4328 no later than February 18, 2005.Shawn Larson, Ph.D. Curator of Animal Health and Research Seattle Aquarium 1483 Alaskan way, Pier 59 Seattle, WA 98101-2059 shawn.larson(\)seattle.gov 206-386-4360 (ph) 206-386-4328 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 16:36:53 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: dolphins and fishing nets (fwd) Dear colleagues, My name is Daphna Feingold, I'm currently preparing a review dealing with dolphin-fishing nets associations and the use of pingers on gill nets in order to keep the dolphins clear of the net. I was wondering if someone has video\stills footage of dolphins feeding on fishing nets (trawlers, gill nets, etc.) and would be willing to share it with me for purpose of demonstration during a presentaion only. Full credit will be given, of course. Will be waiting for your help at this email: fdaphna(\)013.net.il Thank you and best wishes, Daphna _________________________________________________ Daphna Feingold fdaphna(\)013.net.il Committee Member, IMMRAC - Israeli Marine Mammal Research &Assistance center MA student, University of Haifa - Israel Home: 972-9-8665930 Cell: 972-54-210019 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 21:38:09 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: paternity assessment in wild Tursiops (fwd) Dear Colleagues, The following paper has been published online on the OnlineEarly service in Molecular Ecology of Blackwell Publishing. It is available through http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/servlet/useragent?func=3Dsynergy&synergy= Actio n=3DshowTOC&journalCode=3Dmec&volume=3D0&issue=3D0&year=3D0&part=3Dnull If you are unable to access the website, please send me an email (michael.kruetzen(\)unsw.edu.au) for a *.pdf file. Regards, Michael Title: =8CO father: where art thou?' - Paternity assessment in an open fission-fusion society of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Shar= k Bay, Western Australia Author(s): Michael Krutzen, Lynne M. Barre, Richard C. Connor, Janet Mann, William B. Sherwin Source: Molecular Ecology Publisher: Blackwell publishing Abstract: Sexually mature male bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay cooperat= e by pursuing distinct alliance strategies to monopolise females in reproductive condition. We present the results of a comprehensive study i= n a wild cetacean population to test whether male alliance membership is a prerequisite for reproductive success. We compared two methods for inferr= ing paternity: both calculate a likelihood ratio, called the paternity index, between two opposing hypotheses, but differ in the way that significance = is applied to the data. The first method, a Bayesian approach, commonly used= in human paternity testing, appeared to be overly conservative for our data set, but would be less susceptible to assumptions if a larger number of microsatellite loci had been used. Using the second approach, the compute= r program CERVUS 2.0, we successfully assigned 11 paternities to 9 males, a= nd 17 paternities to 14 out of 139 sexually mature males at a 95% and 80% confidence level, respectively. It appears that being a member of a bottlenose dolphin alliance is not a prerequisite for paternity: two paternities were obtained by juvenile males (one at the 95%, the other on= e at the 80% confidence level), suggesting that young males without allianc= e partners pursue different mating tactics to adults. Likelihood analyses showed that these two juvenile males were significantly more likely to be the true father of the offspring than to be their half-sibling (P<0.05). Using paternity data at an 80% confidence level, we could show that reproductive success was significantly skewed within at least some stable first-order alliances (P<0.01). Interestingly, there is powerful evidence that one mating was incestuous, with one calf apparently fathered by its mother=B9s father (P<0.01). Our study suggests that reproductive success = of allied males, but also that of non-allied juveniles, need to be incorpora= ted into an adaptive framework that seeks to explain alliance formation in ma= le bottlenose dolphins. --- =20 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 4 May 2004 12:25:28 +0000 From: Gmsli Vmkingsson Subject: Three new publications on Icelandic harbour porpoises ------ Dear Colleagues The latest volume of NAMMCO Scientific Publications, dedicated to North=20 Atlantic harbour porpoises includes three new publications on harbour=20 porpoises in Icelandic waters (see abstracts below). We have available pdf versions of the papers and limited numbers of=20 reprints. These can be obtained by email to one of the following addresse= s:=20 dalli(\)hafro.is, gisli(\)hafro.is, droplaug(\)hafro.is. Best wishes Gisli A. Vikingsson Marine Research Institute Reykjavik Iceland V=EDkingsson, G.A., =D3lafsd=F3ttir, D. and Sigurj=F3nsson, J. 2003. Diet= of=20 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in Icelandic coastal waters. NAMMCO= =20 Sci. Publ. 5:243-270. The stomach contents of 1,047 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)=20 bycaught in gillnets off Iceland were analysed. Most of the samples were=20 obtained southwest (SW) and southeast (SE) of Iceland and the majority we= re=20 taken in March and April. The sex ratio was biased towards males (63%=20 males), particularly in the SE area (76%). The proportion of sexually=20 mature porpoises was 35% and was higher in the northern part of the study= =20 area. Most examined stomachs contained identifiable food remains (97%).=20 More than 40 fish and invertebrate prey taxa were identified. Overall=20 capelin (Mallotus villosus) comprised the predominant prey, followed by=20 sandeel (Ammodytidae sp.) and then gadids and cephalopods, while other ta= xa=20 were of less importance. Differences were detected in diet composition=20 among 5 areas around Iceland with redfish (Sebastes marinus) and gadids=20 more prominent in the northern areas. Off SW Iceland there was considerab= le=20 seasonal variation in the porpoise diet, where capelin appeared to be=20 dominant in late winter and spring and sandeel in the summer through earl= y=20 winter. Predominance of capelin in the diet coincided with the spawning=20 migration of capelin from northern waters along the east, south and west=20 coasts of Iceland. Mature females appeared to have a more diverse diet th= an=20 other reproductive classes. The length distributions of fish consumed by=20 the porpoises ranged from 1 to 51 cm although most fish prey were less th= an=20 30 cm. =D3lafsd=F3ttir, D., V=EDkingsson, G. A., Halld=F3rsson, S. D. and Sigurj= =F3nsson, J.=20 2003. Growth and reproduction in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in= =20 Icelandic waters. NAMMCO Sci. Pub. 5:195-210. A total of 1,268 harbour porpoises were obtained from fishing nets in=20 Icelandic coastal waters from September to June in the years 1991 to 1997= .=20 Foetal sex ratio was 1.2:1 (male:female). The bias towards males increase= d=20 further among older animals in the present collection. The modal year=20 classes were 0 and 1 years but the oldest porpoise was a female estimated= =20 at 20 years of age. Length at birth was estimated as approximately 75 cm,= =20 and females grew faster and attained larger sizes than males. Asymptotic=20 length was 149.6 cm for males and 160.1 cm for females. Estimated age and= =20 length at sexual maturity was 1.9 to 2.9 years and 135 cm for males and 2= .1=20 to 4.4 years and 138 to 147 cm for females. Immature individuals were=20 significantly shorter than pubertal and mature animals in both sexes in=20 age-classes 1 to 3. Testes weight increased only slightly with body size = in=20 immature males but increased rapidly around maturity. Pronounced=20 seasonality was also observed in testes weight, indicating a peak in test= es=20 activity in summer. Lack of data from the summer makes the exact timing o= f=20 parturition and mating unknown. Births do, however, most likely peak in=20 June and July and lactation lasts at least 7 to 8 months. Ovulation and=20 pregnancy rates were 0.98. Halld=F3rsson, S.D. and V=EDkingsson, G.A. 2001. Analysis of seasonal cha= nges=20 in reproductive organs from Icelandic harbour porpoises (Phocoena=20 phocoena). NAMMCO Sci. Publ. 5:121-142. In this study, we analyse some aspects of the macro- and microscopical=20 appearance of gonads of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from=20 Icelandic coastal waters. Sampling of animals bycaught in gillnets took=20 place in the years 1991 to 1997 and covered the months from September to=20 June. The differences in diameter of seminiferous tubules between samples= =20 from the peripheral and central parts of the testis indicate that=20 histological changes associated with maturity begin in the core of the=20 testis. The average tubule diameter was 49, 78 and 118 =B5m in immature,=20 pubertal and mature animals respectively. The tubule size increased from = 55=20 to 95 =B5m, coinciding with combined testis weight of 75 to 150 g, indica= ting=20 the onset of puberty within this range of tubule size and testis weight.=20 The estimated average diameter of tubules when an animal reaches maturity= =20 is 82.2=B5m or 86.15=B5m depending on the method used. The diameter of=20 seminiferous tubules of mature and pubertal animals varies seasonally wit= h=20 a steady increase in the spring. However, lack of samples after mid-June=20 makes estimation of the exact timing of mating impossible. In females, th= e=20 follicle size of mature and immature animals of age 2 years and older sho= ws=20 seasonal variation, increasing in late winter or spring. The corpus luteu= m=20 increases in size during the late pregnancy. The average size of the corp= us=20 albicans as a function of the total number of corpora albicantia for each= =20 animal, diminishes following the logarithmic equation y =3D 4.49 =AD 0.44= 7 =B7=20 lnx (y =3D corpus size, x =3D number of corpora albicantia) but apparentl= y they=20 never disappear completely from the ovary. Ovarian activity was almost=20 confined to the left ovary. Our results indicate parturition and copulati= on=20 in the summer months from late June to August. NOTE! The volume contains 13 other papers and is available from the NAMMCO=20 Secretariat at a price of NOK 150 (ca US $23.00) including postage (furth= er=20 information at www.nammco.no). G=EDsli A. V=EDkingsson Tel (+354) 552 0240 Hafranns=F3knastofnunin Marine Research Institute Fax (+354) 562 3790 Sk=FAlagata 4 email: gisli(\)hafro.is P.O. Box 1390 121 Reykjav=EDk Iceland ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 7 May 2004 11:22:41 -0700 From: HBreen Subject: Expert to comment on Ship -Whale Strikes sought Hi MARMAMMERS, Which scientists may be regarded as "ship whale strike" experts with field knowledge of cetaceans in the Pacific Northwest. Knowledge of cetacean acoustical behavior would of course be preferred. There has been a whale mortality involving a large ship which is breaking news today and am seeking an expert for subsequent media enquiries. Thanks in advance, Howard Breen Conservation Director TRAVEL JUST HBreen(\)traveljust.org P.S. the following unrelated item may be of interest. Microscopic plastic contaminating world's oceans http://www.edie.net/gf.cfm?L=left_frame.html&R=http://www.edie.net/news/Arch ive/8357.cfm ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 11:47:16 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Meeting on aquatic tetrapods (fwd) Please post the following announcement: CALL FOR PAPERS Evolution of Aquatic Tetrapods Akron, Ohio, U.S.A. May 16-20, 2005 The tri-annual "Evolution of Aquatic Tetrapods" convention brings = together a highly interdisciplinary group of scientists who study the = evolution of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are = secondarily adapted to life in water. After successful meetings in = France, Denmark, and New Zealand, the 2005 convention will be the first = in the U.S.A. In addition to the open sessions, the 2005 convention = will feature: * Special symposium on the Sensory Biology of Aquatic Tetrapods. * Special symposium on Limb and Dental Development in Aquatic = Tetrapods. * Anatomy workshop with guided dissections of aquatic tetrapods = (co-organized with S. Rommel). * Teacher's workshop on whale origins and evolution. * Displays of early whale fossils. We look forward to seeing you May 16-20, 2005, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel = at Quaker Square in Akron, Ohio. Check out our website: http://www.archaeocete.org/EAT.html for abstract = submission, conference registration, hotel accommodations, and travel = information to Akron, Ohio. =20 Organizers: J.G.M. "Hans" Thewissen, Anatomy, Northeastern Ohio Universities College = of Medicine, Rootstown Ohio, U.S.A. thewisse(\)neoucom.edu Sandra I. Madar, Biology, Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio, U.S.A. = madarSI(\)hiram.edu Frank Fish, Biology, West Chester University, West Chester, = Pennsylvania, U.S.A. ffish(\)wcupa.edu Mark D. Uhen, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, = Michigan, U.S.A. muhen(\)cranbrook.edu=20 For questions regarding the conference, contact: thewisse(\)neoucom.edu To add colleagues to, or be removed from our mailing list, contact: = madarsi(\)hiram.edu Frank E. Fish, Ph.D. Professor of Biology Liquid Life Lab Department of Biology West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 USA phone: 610-436-2460 fax: 610-436-2183 email: ffish(\)wcupa.edu homepage: http://darwin.wcupa.edu/~biology/fish ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O> ><(((((O>=20 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 13:22:35 -0400 From: Julika Wocial Subject: Job opening at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation ------ The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation (www.riverheadfoundation.org) has two positions opened -- one full time a= nd one part time. Please send your resume and references to: The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation Attention: Kim Durham or Rob DiGiovanni 467 E. Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 tel. 631-369-9840 fax. 631-369-9826 Biological technician/Educator A candidate for this position should have a bachelor=92s degree in biolog= ical sciences or related fields, be able and willing to work long and flexible hours and be on 24 hour call. The candidate should be able to lift at lea= st 50 lbs and work in the field under various weather conditions. In additio= n, the candidate should be self motivated, have a strong knowledge of comput= er programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Additional compute= r skills are a plus. This position also requires strong leadership and communication skills, ability to follow directions well and work within a team setting, as well as independently. Previous educational experience i= s a plus but not necessary. A person hired for this position will perform the following tasks: =B7 Conduct public lectures and educational programs with elementary, hig= h school, and college age students =B7 Conduct beach walk, beach clean ups, seal walks and seal cruises =B7 Assist with grant writing =B7 Perform daily husbandry tasks =B7 Maintain the equipment and water quality of the tanks =B7 Respond to calls about stranded marine mammals and sea turtles (requi= res driving on the beach) =B7 Assist with all aspects of animal husbandry =B7 Assist with fundraising activities =B7 Work with digital stills and video footage to create educational disp= lays and PowerPoint presentations =B7 Assist with aerial, ship, and land based surveys on seals, sea turtle= s, whales, dolphins and porpoises One full-time and one seasonal position available. Health benefits after = 6 months of full-time employment. Starting salary $22,000 =96 $25,000 a yea= r depending on experience. The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is a 501 (c= ) (3) not for profit organization that operates the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program in New York State. The primary mission of the Riverhead Foundation is to preserve and protect our marine environment through education, rehabilitation, and research. The Riverhead Foundation is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Some of these species are critically endangered and may become extinct in our lifetime. All are protected under N.Y. State, Federal and in some cases, International Law. We are the only organization authorized by New York State to carry on this important work in conserving the marine environmen= t. The Riverhead Foundation=92s Rescue Hotline is a 24-hour phone line the p= ublic may call when they discover an animal in need of our care. The Riverhead Foundation=92s educational efforts are dedicated to informi= ng the public about our marine environment and how they can aid in its preservation. The Riverhead Foundation engages in tours of the facility, lectures, seal cruises, ecology walks, and beach cleanups to foster good stewardship of the environment. In addition to rehabilitation and education, the Riverhead Foundation engages in research. We are currently conducting an extensive marine mam= mal and sea turtle abundance study throughout the coastal waters of New York State. The study encompasses aerial, shipboard, and land-based surveys. The goal of this project is to establish baseline populations for several species of marine mammals and sea turtles. Baseline population data can then be used by agencies such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Riverhead Foundation as a basis for regulatory decisions regarding management parameters, stranding and rehabilitation efforts, and public Julika Wocial The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation 467 East Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 Tel.: (631) 369-9840 Fax: (631) 369-9826 Stranding hotline: (631) 369-9829 email: jwocial(\)riverheadfoundation.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 06:19:20 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship: Dolphin behavioral ecology (fwd) From: jennifer lewis Internship available for work on bottlenose dolphins in the Florida Keys Summer 2004 Work will involve assisting doctoral student in collection of behavioral data on a residential population of bottlenose dolphins. Responsibilities will include aiding in data collection, data analysis and equipment maintenance. This position provides an opportunity to learn field and lab methods for wild dolphin research. Requirements: Must be either upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours under extreme heat. This position is voluntary. For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis(\)fiu.edu Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 06:27:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: FW: Sea Otter volunteer opportunities for your subscribers (fwd) From: Mary Rowe Hello Folks at Marmam: I posted a volunteer opp with you, and have received several inquiries, so thank you. Unfortunately, I did not read the rules closely enough, and neglected to list the cost for the expedition and to say what it includes. Can I add this to the listing? "The cost for the expedition is $2895, $2795 for Earthwatch members. This includes accommodation and food in Alice Cove, and transportation to Alice Cove from Cordova via float plane. We also charge $39 for mandatory evacuation/medical insurance. The cost of the expedition is tax deductible for US citizens. For more details, including a list of publications, please see http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/davis.html." Thanks for your help, Mary Ellen Rowe Expedition Coordinator Earth & Marine Sciences mrowe(\)earthwatch.org Phone: 1-978-461-0081 x 179 Toll Free: 1-800-776-0188 x 179 FAX: +1-978-461-2332 Become a member! Join Earthwatch for just $35 and enjoy special member benefits. For details visit: www.earthwatch.org/aboutew/benefits.html -----Original Message----- From: Mary Rowe [mailto:mrowe(\)earthwatch.org] Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 3:45 PM To: 'marmam(\)uvvm.uvic.ca' Subject: Sea Otter volunteer opportunities for your subscribers Hello Folks at Marmam, Can you post this volunteer opportunity? Prince William Sound, Alaska-Sea otters, beloved clowns of the kelp beds, are in trouble. Biologists are not sure why their numbers are dropping, especially in the Aleutian Islands. Have hungry killer whales, faced with a decline in Steller's sea lions, turned to sea otters, or could pollution be affecting the otters or their invertebrate prey? Despite three decades of research on sea otters, marine biologists have been frustrated by limited tracking and identification techniques. This summer, you can join Dr. Randall Davis (Texas A & M University) as he conducts the first photo-ID survey of sea otters to track otter population changes over time. He is planning the first use of modern satellite telemetry to follow their movements. The sea otters of Prince William Sound now appear abundant and healthy. Since they are also used to boats and easily approachable, they offer Davis and his teams the ideal subjects for this trial study. As weather permits, you'll take to the sheltered waters of Simpson and Sheep Bays in skiffs to locate and photograph sea otters at the water's surface; use binoculars to determine what they're eating; Map and survey different nearshore habitats; note any otter victims of sharks or killer whales; and, back at base, assist in entering data and identifying otter mug shots (scars, facial features, and body proportions are the distinguishing characteristics). Divided into groups of three, you'll work with seasoned staff: Davis has two decades of marine mammal research under his belt, and skipper Fred Weltz, a commercial fisherman in Prince William Sound for the past 25 years, knows this region like the back of his hand. The sound remains one of North America's most stirring and beautiful northern wildernesses. Field Conditions: After flying in on a float plane to roadless Alice Cove, 10 kilometers from Cordova, you'll stay in an expedition-style tent surrounded by pristine temperate rainforest. A seperate tent or simple cabin with fully equipped kitchen will be your field lab and dining room. The camp includes hot (but brief) showers and limited electricity. You'll wake to the call of bald eagles and fall asleep to the lapping of waves. Please contact Mary Rowe at (800) 776-0188 or at mrowe(\)Earthwatch.org." Thanks for your help! Mary Ellen Rowe Expedition Coordinator Earth & Marine Sciences mrowe(\)earthwatch.org Phone: 1-978-461-0081 x 179 Toll Free: 1-800-776-0188 x 179 FAX: +1-978-461-2332 Become a member! Join Earthwatch for just $35 and enjoy special member benefits. For details visit: www.earthwatch.org/aboutew/benefits.html ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 14:52:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: UMass summer course: dolphin research (fwd) The following message has been forwarded from J. Daisy Kaplan. Please direct all inquiries to her at this address: g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Massachusetts course offering: Bio 296 Field research: Baha= mas=20 Project Dolphin. This summer course is an excellent opportunity for stude= nts=20 interested in animal behavior or marine mammal research. OVERVIEW: This 2-credit course provides students with hands-on field rese= arch=20 experience studying the behavior of wild spotted dolphins in the Bahamas. DATES: July 24th- July 30th. Deadline to sign up through UMass Dartmouth = in=20 order to receive college credit- June 20th. COURSE OUTLINE. The coursework will be comprised of the following: =B7 Involvement in daily research activities =B7 Nightly lectures on marine-mammal related topics =B7 Reading materials--to be read before the trip commences =B7 A short multiple choice test on the reading material, to be given dur= ing the=20 trip =B7 A writing assignment due by the end of the semester. This assignment = will=20 require the students to design their own research proposal based on their= =20 observations and experiences in the field. Daily research activities. Students will take part in underwater observat= ions=20 by noting and recording behavioral data on underwater writing slates. Oth= er=20 duties include recording environmental data and details of sightings, mat= ching=20 photos of dolphins seen to the photo ID catalogue in order to identify th= e=20 dolphins, and being 'on watch' to look for approaching dolphin pods. Anticipated Nightly Lectures. =B7 Day 1: Overview of research project, explanation of research roles & student responsibilities, general life history of spotted dolphins. =B7 Day 2: Marine mammal anatomy and physiology. =B7 Day 3: Marine mammal sensory perception (hearing echolocation, vision), evolution, conservation. =B7 Day 4: Comparative Studies: life histories of killer whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales. =B7 Day 5: The study of animal intelligence. COST & ENROLLMENT: Students need to register for the following through th= e=20 University Enrollment Center: BIO 296-91 Tuition & Fees: $377 College Fee: $16 PRD 347-91 Program Fee: $1990 Total Amt Due Upon Registration: $2,383 *This price includes accommodations, meals, and airport transfer. The pri= ce=20 does not include airfare to and from the Bahamas, departure tax, custom t= ax,=20 or gratuities. HOW TO SIGN UP. There are two steps to signing up for this course. (1) The first step is to sign up through the UMass Department of Continui= ng=20 Education. Visit the UMass Dartmouth website at http://www.umassd.edu/dce= / to print out the registration form. Students can register in person, by tele= phone=20 (508.999.9129) or fax (508.999.8621) with MasterCard, Visa or Discover.=20 Students can also register by mail (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth= ,=20 University Enrollment Center, 285 Old Westport Rd., N. Dartmouth, MA 0274= 7). (2) The second step is to fill out an Oceanic Society application and ret= urn=20 this application to Oceanic Society. This application can be found at the= =20 Oceanic Society website, http://www.oceanic-society.org/pages/resb.html, = or=20 call 800-326-7491. This application MUST be filled out! Research Organization: Oceanic Society Course taught by: UMass Graduate Student J. Daisy Kaplan Sponsoring Faculty: Professor R. C. Connor Inquiries: Questions about the course curriculum, etc. may be directed to= the=20 project researcher, Daisy Kaplan, at g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu. Inquiries may = also=20 be sent to Oceanic Society at oceanic-society.org (1-800-326-7491). Further Details and Program Description: Bahamas Project Dolphin The Research Project: The Bahamian wild dolphin population is very acclim= ated=20 to humans, allowing for the unique opportunity to observe these animals=20 underwater in their natural habitat. Students spend one week in the Baham= as=20 helping researchers to study the underwater interactions of these wild sp= otted=20 dolphins. Volunteers will assist the researcher in photographing and=20 identifying individual dolphins and recording their behavior. Observation= s are=20 made underwater while snorkeling, and on the water=92s surface from a ski= ff. Room and board is provided on a live-aboard 68 ft. motor yacht. Participa= nts=20 must know how to swim and snorkel. The Research Goal: The current goal of this research project is to study = the=20 tactile behavior of juvenile spotted dolphins. The Program Outline: Participants arrive at the boat on Saturday. The=20 researchers and boat crew review safety protocols, life aboard a ship, an= d the=20 participants' role in the research. The boat departs for the research sit= e on=20 Sunday morning, arriving at the sight Sunday afternoon. The boat remains = at=20 the research site until Thursday afternoon. The boat arrives at dock Thur= sday=20 evening, and the participants depart for the airport Friday morning. The day begins at 7 am and runs until 7pm. Dinner is served at approximat= ely=20 7:30, followed by an evening lecture. Daily tasks involve recording under= water=20 observations, assisting the researchers in gathering data while in the wa= ter,=20 entering data, and analyzing photos for identification. Whenever dolphins= are=20 spotted approaching the vessel, the researchers and participants will ent= er=20 the water to observe and record behavioral data. When there are no dolphi= ns=20 present, tasks are rotated among participants: some will enter data, some= will=20 be on watch to look for approaching dolphin pods, and others will get a c= hance=20 for some down time. J. Daisy Kaplan g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth Dept. of Biology 285 Old Westport Rd. N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 09:25:26 -0400 From: Tim Ragen Subject: Research Funding Opportunities ------ TITLE: MARINE MAMMAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION PURPOSE: The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission is seeking pre-proposals for research and related activities that will further the conservation and management goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The intent is to support focused efforts that will supplement rather than supplant the research efforts of other agencies and organizations. The Commission wil= l give priority to projects that address the following general subject area= s: =95 The ecology of killer whales in the North Pacific Ocean and, in particular, the potential impact of killer whale predation on endangered marine mammal species or stocks; =95 The efficacy of research, management, and recovery efforts for endangered, threatened, and depleted species; =95 Methods for predicting, monitoring, and mitigating human activities = that adversely affect marine mammals or their habitat; =95 Detection of important conservation issues for marine mammals, inclu= ding identification or clarification of units of conservation (e.g., species subspecies, stocks); and =95 Methods for minimizing potentially harmful direct interactions betwe= en human activities and growing or recovering marine mammal populations. A description of this funding opportunity, including instructions for pre-proposals, can be found at the Commission's web site: http://www.mmc.gov/ For additional information or clarifications, contact Tim Ragen at tragen(\)mmc.gov or 301.504.0087. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 03:34:56 -0500 From: Castro Cristina Subject: 11th Work Meeting of Specialists on South American Aquatic Mammals boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43708.EDD76980" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43708.EDD76980 charset="iso-8859-1" 11th Work Meeting of Specialists on South American Aquatic Mammals 5th Congress of the Latin American Society of Specialists on Aquatic = Mammals (SOLAMAC) =20 Due to several petitions to members of SOLAMAC, we have decided to = extend the deadlines for abstract submission until May 31st. For more information: http://www.puce.edu.ec/zoologia/noticias/rtecuador/RTEcuador.htm Thanks,=20 C=D3MITE ORGANIZADOR ------=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43708.EDD76980 charset="iso-8859-1"

11th Work Meeting of Specialists on South American = Aquatic=20 Mammals

 5th Congress of the Latin American Society of = Specialists on=20 Aquatic Mammals (SOLAMAC)

 

Due to several petitions to members of SOLAMAC, we = have=20 decided to extend the deadlines for abstract submission until May 31st.

For more information:

http://www.puce.edu.ec/zoologia/noticias/rtecuador/RTEcuador.htm

=

Thanks,

C=D3MITE ORGANIZADOR

 

 

 

------=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43708.EDD76980-- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2004 08:50:48 -0500 Reply-To: dfertl(\)geo-marine.com From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: recent publications Cook M.L.H.; Sayigh L.S.; Blum J.E.; Wells R.S. 2004. Signature-whistle production in undisturbed free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Proceedings: Biological Sciences May 22, 2004, vol. 271, no. 1543, pp. 1043-1049. Data from behavioural observations and acoustic recordings of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were analysed to determine whether signature whistles are produced by wild undisturbed dolphins, and how whistle production varies with activity and group size. The study animals were part of a resident community of bottlenose dolphins near Sarasota, Florida, USA. This community of dolphins provides a unique opportunity for the study of signature-whistle production, since most animals have been recorded during capture-release events since 1975. Three mother-calf pairs and their associates were recorded for a total of 141.25 h between May and August of 1994 and 1995. Whistles of undisturbed dolphins were compared with those recorded from the same individuals during capture-release events. Whistles were conservatively classified into one of four categories: signature, probable signature, upsweep or other. For statistical analyses, signature and probable signature whistles were combined into a 'signature' category; upsweep and other whistles were combined into a 'non-signature' category. Both 'signature' and 'non-signature' whistle frequencies significantly increased as group size increased. There were significant differences in whistle frequencies across activity types: both 'signature' and 'non-signature' whistles were most likely to occur during socializing and least likely to occur during travelling. There were no significant interactions between group size and activity type. Signature and probable signature whistles made up ca. 52% of all whistles produced by these free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. ************************************** Clark C.W.; Clapham P.J. 2004. Acoustic monitoring on a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding ground shows continual singing into late spring. Proceedings: Biological Sciences, May 22, 2004, vol. 271, no. 1543, pp. 1051-1057(7) Royal Society. Singing by males is a major feature of the mating system of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski). Although a few songs have been opportunistically recorded on the whales' high-latitude feeding grounds, singing in these regions was thought to be only sporadic. We report results from the first continuous acoustic monitoring of a humpback whale feeding ground (off Cape Cod, MA, USA) in spring. Using autonomous sea-floor recording systems, we found singing on a daily basis over the entire 25 day monitoring period, from 14 May to 7 June 2000. For much of the period, song was recorded 24 h per day. These results, combined with evidence for aseasonal conceptions in whaling catch data, suggest that the humpback whale breeding season should no longer be considered as confined to lower-latitude regions in winter. Rather, we suggest breeding extends geographically and temporally onto feeding grounds into at least spring and early summer. Singing at these times represents either low-cost opportunistic advertising by (perhaps relatively few) males to court females that failed to conceive during the winter, and/or possibly an intrasexual display. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 13:42:06 -0400 Reply-To: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu From: Phil Clapham Subject: New paper The following paper has just been published: Clark, C.W. and Clapham, P.J. 2004. Acoustic monitoring on a humpback=20 whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding ground shows continual singing=20 into late spring. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B 271:=20 1051-1057. ABSTRACT: Singing by males is a major feature of the mating system of=20 humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski). Although a few songs=20 have been opportunistically recorded on the whales=92 high-latitude=20 feeding grounds, singing in these regions was thought to be only=20 sporadic. Here, we report results from the first continuous acoustic=20 monitoring of a humpback whale feeding ground (off Cape Cod,=20 Massachusetts) in spring. Using autonomous sea-floor recording systems,=20 we found singing on a daily basis over the entire 25-day monitoring=20 period, from 14 May-7 June 2000. For much of the period, song was=20 recorded 24 hours a day. These results, combined with evidence for=20 aseasonal conceptions in whaling catch data, suggest that the humpback=20 whale breeding season should no longer be considered as confined to=20 lower-latitude regions in winter. Rather, we suggest breeding extends=20 geographically and temporally onto feeding grounds into at least spring=20 and early summer. Singing at these times represents either low-cost=20 opportunistic advertising by (perhaps relatively few) males to court=20 females that failed to conceive during the winter, and/or possibly an=20 intra-sexual display. pdf reprints are available from me (pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu) or=20 Chris Clark (cwc2(\)cornell.edu) Phil Clapham --=20 Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. tel. 508 495-2316 fax 508 495-2066 email: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 12:00:56 -0400 From: Stephanie Watwood Organization: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Subject: Abstract: Whistle sharing in male bottlenose dolphins The following article was recently published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. Reprints are available upon request. Please reply to: swatwood(\)whoi.edu Whistle sharing in paired male bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus Stephanie L. Watwood, Peter L. Tyack, Randall S. Wells Abstract The signature whistle hypothesis states that dolphins produce highly stereotyped, individually distinctive whistles when in isolation. The presence of signature whistles has been called into question by recent studies proposing that dolphins produce a shared, simple upsweep whistle when in isolation, and that whistles produced by socializing dolphins are shared across individuals and social groups. This shared repertoire hypothesis suggests that when two animals produce the same whistle type, it is due to sharing the same common repertoire rather than one animal learning to produce the whistle of another. One difference between studies supporting or denying the existence of signature whistles is the method used to classify whistle types. We examined whistle production by 17 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins while temporarily restrained. We used both a quantitative comparison technique similar to that used to support the shared repertoire hypothesis and human judges to classify whistle types and quantify similarity between types. Contrary to recent studies that emphasize shared whistles, overall whistle sharing between isolated individuals was low (25%) and a simple upsweep did not account for the most common whistle type in half of the animals. Some species of birds, bats, and primates with stable social groups use vocal learning to converge over time to one common group distinctive call type. We examined whistle similarity between adult male dolphins that are partners in a close social alliance in order to test whether vocal learning may enable a similar vocal convergence. Whistle similarity was rated very high between partners and low between non-partners by both the quantitative technique and human observers. This suggests that as in songbirds and some other mammals, adult male bottlenose dolphins may use vocal learning to converge on similar whistles as they develop affiliative social relationships. -- <>< <>< ><> ><> <>< <>< ><> ><> <>< <>< Stephanie L. Watwood Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 1-32 Redfield MS#34 Woods Hole MA 02543 508-289-3463 ><> ><> <>< <>< ><> ><> <>< <>< ><> ><> --------------040601000002040805010505 The following article was recently published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.  Reprints are available upon request.  Please reply to: swatwood(\)whoi.edu

Whistle sharing in paired male bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus
Stephanie L. Watwood, Peter L. Tyack, Randall S. Wells

Abstract
The signature whistle hypothesis states that dolphins produce highly stereotyped, individually distinctive whistles when in isolation. The presence of signature whistles has been called into question by recent studies proposing that dolphins produce a shared, simple upsweep whistle when in isolation, and that whistles produced by socializing dolphins are shared across individuals and social groups. This shared repertoire hypothesis suggests that when two animals produce the same whistle type, it is due to sharing the same common repertoire rather than one animal learning to produce the whistle of another. One difference between studies supporting or denying the existence of signature whistles is the method used to classify whistle types. We examined whistle production by 17 free-ranging bottlenose dolphins while temporarily restrained. We used both a quantitative comparison technique similar to that used to support the shared repertoire hypothesis and human judges to classify whistle types and quantify similarity between types. Contrary to recent studies that emphasize shared whistles, overall whistle sharing between isolated individuals was low (25%) and a simple upsweep did not account for the most common whistle type in half of the animals. Some species of birds, bats, and primates with stable social groups use vocal learning to converge over time to one common group distinctive call type. We examined whistle similarity between adult male dolphins that are partners in a close social alliance in order to test whether vocal learning may enable a similar vocal convergence. Whistle similarity was rated very high between partners and low between non-partners by both the quantitative technique and human observers. This suggests that as in songbirds
and some other mammals, adult male bottlenose dolphins may use vocal learning to converge on similar whistles as they develop affiliative social relationships.
--

<>< <><  ><> ><>  <>< <><  ><> ><>  <>< <><
Stephanie L. Watwood
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
1-32 Redfield MS#34
Woods Hole MA 02543
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--------------040601000002040805010505-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 08:23:27 -0700 From: Jim Curland Subject: Abstract Deadline-June 1st-< 3 weeks: Defenders of Wildlife Marine and Terrestrial Carnivore Conference 2004 Defenders of Wildlife announces its fifth biennial national conference, Carnivores 2004: Expanding Partnerships in Carnivore Conservation, which will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico November 14-17, 2004 at the La Fonda Hotel. The conference will focus on the biology and conservation of a full range of marine and terrestrial predators. Proposals for 1 and 2 hour sessions, individual papers and posters are being accepted now until June 1, 2004. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, please contact Defenders of Wildlife, 1130 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 or call (202) 682-9400 ext. 315. You can also email carnivores2004(\)defenders.org or visit www.carnivoreconference.org. Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax jcurland(\)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection) --------------070704050805030901000307 Defenders of Wildlife announces its fifth biennial national conference,
Carnivores 2004: Expanding Partnerships in Carnivore Conservation, which will
be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico November 14-17, 2004 at the
La Fonda Hotel.  The conference will focus on the biology and conservation of a full range of marine
and terrestrial predators.  Proposals for 1 and 2 hour sessions, individual
papers and posters are being accepted now until June 1, 2004.  For more
information or to receive a conference brochure, please contact
Defenders of Wildlife, 1130 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036
or call (202) 682-9400 ext. 315.
You can also email carnivores2004(\)defenders.org or
visit www.carnivoreconference.org.
 
 

Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate
Defenders of Wildlife
P.O. Box 959
Moss Landing, CA. 95039
831-726-9010-phone
831-726-9020-fax
jcurland(\)defenders.org

Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health.


http://www.defenders.org
http://www.kidsplanet.org

http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html
(Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page)
http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html
(Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit)
http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html
(Above link is Defenders Marine Page)
http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html
(Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection)


--------------070704050805030901000307-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 16:49:26 +1200 From: Rochelle Constantine Subject: Paper on marine mammal tourism impact Hi, The following publication in Biological Conservation is now available online through: www.sciencedirect.com If you have any questions you can contact me on: r.constantine(\)auckland.ac.nz Constantine, R., D.H. Brunton, T. Dennis. 2004. Dolphin-watching tour boats change bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) behaviour. Biological Conservation, 117:299-307 Abstract Over the last decade there has been considerable growth in marine mammal- watching tourism throughout the world. Due to the species use of coastal habitats, bottlenose dolphins are most frequently exposed to dolphin-watching tourism. We conducted boat-based focal follows of schools of bottlenose dolphins to determine the effect of boats on dolphin behaviour. A CATMOD analysis showed that behaviour differed by boat number, in particular, resting behaviour decreased as boat number increased. Dolphins rested less and engaged in more milling behaviour in the presence of permitted dolphin-watching boats compared to non-permitted boats. An increase from 49 to 70 permitted trips per week and a change in their departure times resulted in a further decrease in resting behaviour. Currently the effects of boats, in particular permitted boats, on dolphin resting behaviour whilst they are in the Bay of Islands, are substantial. In the light of these findings we suggest that current legislation in New Zealand is not affording this isolated population protection from disturbance. Kia ora Rochelle Rochelle Constantine, Ph.D. School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand Ph: 64-9-373 7599 ext.85093 ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 15 May 2004 10:30:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: humpback whale tails from Bahia de Banderas 1988 (fwd) The following message has been forwarded from Geoffry Patton. Please direct all responses to: gpatton(\)ncifcrf.gov. Thank you. ------------------------------------------------------- Dear MARMAMers: Back in 1988 I had the distinct pleasure of spending a few days with Dr. Anelio Aguayo's field study team out of UNAM. All these years I've been wanting to share some of the humpback tail photos with anyone who might have subsequently studied the same animals at that or other locations. I have finally found the opportunity to scan the slides and post them at: http://home.ncifcrf.gov/research/bja/Whales/index.html . Most of the slides have been enhanced for color balance. They are not all good shots but some people may get more out of them than others. Some animals may be depicted two or more times. Please feel free to use the images for scientific purposes and to give credit if deemed appropriate. Cordially yours, (signed) Geoffrey W. Patton, Ph.D. gpatton(\)ncifcrf.gov ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 15:53:54 +0100 From: Len Thomas Subject: Workshops: Wildlife poulation assessment, St Andrews, Summer 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland Wildlife Population Assessment Workshops, Summer 2004 http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/conferences.php ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimating Animal Abundance --------------------------- 24 - 28 August 2004 This five-day workshop will introduce participants to the most important methods of estimating animal abundance in a rigerous but accessible way. We cover plot sampling, distance sampling, mark-recapture and removal methods. We will explain the common key statistical concepts underlying the methods, and build on these to create an understanding of advanced and recently-developed methods, such as integrated analyses of data from multiple sources. The workshop will combine lectures with hands-on computer sessions using custom writen software designed to give participants experience in using the methods. The material is aimed primarily at life- and environmental scientists, wildlife managers and conservation workers, but it may also be of interest to applied statisticians working in these fields. Introduction to Distance Sampling --------------------------------- 1-3 September 2004 Distance sampling is the most widely used method for estimating density and abundance of wildlife populations. The general objective of this workshop is to give wildlife managers, ecologists and statisticians a solid grounding in the basic methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys. We will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling". Teaching will be a combination of lectures, discussion groups and computer sessions, where participants will learn how to use the software Distance. Advanced Techniques and Recent Developments in Distance Sampling ---------------------------------------------------------------- 6-8 September 2004 This workshop will cover the latest advances in distance sampling research and software, as described in the new book "Advanced Distance Sampling" (expected publication summer 2004). It is intended for those already familiar with conventional distance sampling methods. Participants will learn the use of covariates for modelling the detection function, double- observer methods for when detection at the line or point is not certain, spatial modelling of density, automated survey design and adaptive sampling. We will be using the more advanced features of Distance, and some practical sessions will use the free statistical software R. For both distance sampling workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses of their data. The number of participants on all of the workshops is strictly limited, and for this reason we encourage you to register as soon as possible. Information and forms can be downloaded from our web site, http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/conferences.php Please contact the workshop organizer with any queries: Rhona Rodger CREEM, The Observatory Buchanan Gardens University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife Scotland KY16 9LZ Tel: (+44) (0) 1334 461842 Fax: (+44) (0) 1334 461800 rhona(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk -- Len Thomas len(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9LZ Tel. (0)1334-461801 Fax. (0)1334-461800 Secretary (0)1334-461829 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 09:34:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New Publication (fwd) > > New Publication > Whaling Around the World looks at coastal communities that rely on the > cultural, nutritional and economic sustenance whaling provides and examines > whaling traditions and techniques in Canada, the Caribbean, the Faroe > Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Philippines, Russia, > and the United States. Photos and illustrations depict hunting from skin > boats and small coastal fishing vessels, and the preparation of whale meat > and its by-products. This book will be of interest to teachers, librarians > and students of natural history. > Edited by Kathy Happynook > WCW Publications; 8.5 x 5.5 format, 27 colour photographs, 5 black & white > photographs, 12 illustrations, > glossary, 74 pages, $10.00. > To order a copy click on the New Book Release link on the home page of the > World Council of Whalers http://www.worldcouncilofwhalers.com > or contact wcw(\)island.net > > World Council of Whalers > PO Box 291 > Brentwood Bay, BC > V8M1R3 > > Phone/Fax 250 652-8352 > wcw(\)island.net > www.worldcouncilofwhalers.com > ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 09:41:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Dust off your leopard seal data (fwd) > > Hello all > For the past few years we have collected morphometric and mass measures > of leopard seals at sub-Antarctic Heard and Macquarie Islands. We now > have a sample of 50 seals, enough to provide a regression (already with > an r=3D0.9) to estimate mass from length and girth etc. The curve will > be > of value when drugging leopards or when attempting to assess condition > of vagrant seals seen a long way from the Antarctic ice. We intend to > submit a paper to an appropriate journal very soon. So the question is; > are there any of you out there with small data sets of mass, length, > girth measurements that might be too small to publish alone. Maybe the > odd dead or the occasional anaesthetised seal seal was measured. If > this is the case you might consider amalgamating your data with ours and > in so doing improve the general geographic coverage of the data set as > well as the curve extremes. If you have data and are prepared to part > with it for this paper please sent it to john_van(\)aad.gov.au . There is > a time limit of 2 weeks after which we will submit the MS. Hoping to > hear from those with data. Authorship guaranteed. Too good an > opportunity to miss. > John and Harry > ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 13:17:12 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org CLARK, CHRISTOPHER W. and PHILLIP J. CLAPHAM. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 271(1543):1051-1057. 2004. Acoustic monitoring on a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding ground shows continual singing into late spring. 0.825 MB COOK, MANDY L. H.; LAELA S. SAYIGH; JAMES E. BLUM and RANDALL S. WELLS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 271(1543):1043-1049. 2004. Signature-whistle production in undisturbed free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 0.051 MB DALTON, R. NATURE (LONDON) 428(6984):681. 2004. Push to protect whales leaves seafloor research high and dry. 0.266 MB DE LUNA, C. J. and L. ROSALES-HOZ. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 72(3):460-466. 2004. Heavy metals in tissues of gray whales Eschrichtius robustus, and in sediments of Ojo de Liebre Lagoon in Mexico. 0.345 MB DREHMER, CESAR JAEGER and LARISSA ROSA DE OLIVEIRA. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 2(2):123-126. 2003. Occurrence of gastroliths in South American sea lions (Otaria byronia) from southern Brazil. 1.737 MB FERNANDEZ, A.; M. ARBELO; R. DEAVILLE; I. A. P. PATTERSON; P. CASTRO; J. R. BAKER; E. DEGOLLADA; H. M. ROSS; P. HERRAEZ; A. M. POCKNELL; E. RODRIGUEZ; F. E. HOWIE; A. ESPINOSA; R. J. REID; J. R. JABER; V. MARTIN; A. A. CUNNINGHAM and P. D. JEPSON. NATURE (LONDON) 428(6984): 2pgs. 2004. Pathology: Whales, sonar and decompression sickness (reply). (Piantadosi paper below) 0.042 MB FOOTE, ANDREW D.; RICHARD W. OSBORNE and A. RUS HOELZEL. NATURE (LONDON) 428(6986):910. 2004. Whale-call response to masking boat noise. 0.151 MB GUINET, C.; N. SERVERA; S. MANGIN; J. Y. GEORGES and A. LACROIX. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 137(3):523-531. 2004. Change in plasma cortisol and metabolites during the attendance period ashore in fasting lactating subantarctic fur seals. 0.128 MB HOLT, MARLA M.; RONALD J. SCHUSTERMAN; BRANDON L. SOUTHALL and DAVID KASTAK. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(5):2339-2345. 2004. Localization of aerial broadband noise by pinnipeds. 0.313 MB KJELD, MATTHIAS; ARNI ALFREDSSON; ORN OLAFSSON; MORTEN TRYLAND; IVAR CHRISTENSEN; SNORRE STUEN and ALFRED ARNASON. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES 61(2):230-237. 2004. Changes in blood testosterone and progesterone concentrations of the North Atlantic minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) during the feeding season. 0.154 MB KLEIVANE, L.; T. SEVERINSEN; C. LYDERSEN; V. BERG and J. U. SKAARE. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 320(2-3):109-119. 2004. Total blubber burden of organochlorine pollutants in phocid seals; methods and suggested standardization. 0.321 MB KVITEK, RIKK and CARRIE BRETZ. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 271:233-243. 2004. Harmful algal bloom toxins protect bivalve populations from sea otter predation. 0.282 MB LIE, E.; H. J. S. LARSEN; S. LARSEN; G. M. JOHNSEN; A. E. DEROCHER; N. J. LUNN; R. J. NORSTROM; O. WIIG and J. U. SKAARE. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PART A-CURRENT ISSUES 67(7):555-582. 2004. Does high organochlorine (OC) exposure impair the resistance to infection in polar bears (Ursus maritimus)? part 1: Effect of OCs on the humoral immunity. 0.590 MB MILLER, M. A.; M. E. GRIGG; C. KREUDER; E. R. JAMES; A. C. MELLI; P. R. CROSBIE; D. A. JESSUP; J. C. BOOTHROYD; D. BROWNSTEIN and P. A. CONRAD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY 34(3):275-284. 2004. An unusual genotype of Toxoplasma gondii is common in California sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) and is a cause of mortality. 0.244 MB MULLER, GUNDI; PETER WOHLSEIN; ANDREAS BEINEKE; LUDWIG HAAS; IRENE GREISER-WILKE; URSULA SIEBERT; SONJA FONFARA; TIMM HARDER; MICHAEL STEDE; ACHIM D. GRUBER and WOLFGANG BAUMGARTNER. EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES 10(4):723-725. 2004. Phocine distemper in German seals, 2002. 0.129 MB NIEUKIRK, SHARON L.; KATHLEEN M. STAFFORD; DAVID K. MELLINGER; ROBERT P. DZIAK and CHRISTOPHER G. FOX. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(4):1832-1843. 2004. Low-frequency whale and seismic airgun sounds recorded in the mid-Atlantic Ocean. 1.303 MB NOREN, D. P. and M. MANGEL. FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY 18(2):233-242. 2004. Energy reserve allocation in fasting northern elephant seal pups: Inter-relationships between body condition and fasting duration. 0.209 MB OKI, C. and S. ATKINSON. GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY 136(2):289-297. 2004. Diurnal patterns of cortisol and thyroid hormones in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) during summer and winter seasons. 0.227 MB PIANTADOSI, CLAUDE A. and EDWARD D. THALMAN. NATURE (LONDON) 428(6984): 1pg. 2004. Pathology: Whales, sonar and decompression sickness. 0.042 MB RENDELL, LUKE and HAL WHITEHEAD. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 67(5):865-874. 2004. Do sperm whales share coda vocalizations? Insights into coda usage from acoustic size measurement. 0.313 MB RHINELANDER, MARCUS Q. and STEPHEN M. DAWSON. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(4):1826-1831. 2004. Measuring sperm whales from their clicks: Stability of interpulse intervals and validation that they indicate whale length. 0.171 MB ROSEN, D. A. S. and A. W. TRITES. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY 76(6):899-906. 2003. No evidence for bioenergetic interaction between digestion and thermoregulation in Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus. 0.140 MB SINISALO, T.; R. POULIN; H. HOGMANDER; T. JUUTI and E. T. VALTONEN. PARASITOLOGY 128(2):179-185. 2004. The impact of sexual selection on Corynosoma magdaleni (Acanthocephala) infrapopulations in Saimaa ringed seals (Phoca hispida saimensis). 0.122 MB SPRAGG, ROGER G.; PAUL J. PONGANIS; JAMES J. MARSH; GUNNAR A. RAU and WOLFGANG BERNHARD. JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY 96(5):1626-1632. 2004. Surfactant from diving aquatic mammals. 0.173 MB SPRAKER, T. R.; E. T. LYONS; R. L. DELONG and R. R. ZINK. PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH 92(5):436-438. 2004. Penetration of the small intestine of a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pup by adult hookworms (Uncinaria spp). 1.742 MB STEWART, J. M.; J. A. BLAKELY; P. A. KARPOWICZ; E. KALANXHI; B. J. THATCHER and B. M. MARTIN. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 137(3):401-412. 2004. Unusually weak oxygen binding, physical properties, partial sequence, autoxidation rate and a potential phosphorylation site of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) myoglobin. 0.544 MB TORNERO, VICTORIA; ASUNCION BORRELL; JAUME FORCADA; EVA PUBILL and ALEX AGUILAR. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 137(3):391-400. 2004. Retinoid and lipid patterns in the blubber of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis): implications for monitoring vitamin A status. 0.144 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 12:54:50 -0400 From: Tim Ragen Subject: Job Announcement: Assistant Scientific Program Director, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission Job Announcement: Assistant Scientific Program Director, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Scientific Program Director. You can find details of the job announcement at the Commission's web site (http://www.mmc.gov/) under "Job Vacancies." You can find a link to USAJOBS at the Commission's web site, under "Employment." You also can see the USAJOBS announcement by going to the following url: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=22113495&AVSDM=2004%2D05%2 D13+14%3A34%3A30&Logo=0&col=dltc&cy=&brd=3876&lid=316&fn=&q=Marine+Mammal+co mmission The announcement closes 06/02/04. For information, contact Tim Ragen (tragen(\)mmc.gov). ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 20:53:44 -0300 From: "Ana Paula M. Di Beneditto" Subject: Field guide to cetaceans in Portuguese. ------ Dear MARMAMers, The Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF through the Laborat=F3rio de Ci=EAncias Ambientais (Environment Sciences Lab) publish= ed in April 2003 the book entitled 'Guia para Estudos de Cet=E1ceos: Vol. 1 - Intera=E7=F5es com Atividades de Pesca' ('Guide to Cetaceans Studies: Vo= l. 1 - Fisheries Interaction'). It is a small field guide that describes in a simple way methodological procedures to monitor fisheries and to evaluate the relation between cetaceans and fisheries. The publication is written in Portuguese and has been largely donated= to the Brazilian universities and organizations that are interested in mari= ne environment, as well as to the researchers and students who develop studi= es about cetaceans along the Brazilian coast. We still have 100 copies to be donated free of charge and if you or y= our institution are interesting in this publication send your complete name a= nd address to my e-mail: anapaula(\)uenf.br. Best wishes, Dr=AA. Ana Paula M. Di Beneditto - Author Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense - CBB Laborat=F3rio de Ci=EAncias Ambientais Av. Alberto Lamego, 2.000 - Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ BRASIL - 28013-600 Tel. (0xx) 22 - 2726-1469 - TelFax: (0xx) 22 - 2726-1472 e-mail: anapaula(\)uenf.br ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 04:40:18 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Summary of responses - Use of scuba around marine mammals (fwd) From: Kristy Currie Thankyou to all who responded to my request for information relating to the "Use of scuba in close proximity to marine mammals". As requested by a number of subscribers I have compiled a summary of the comments received. Please post any further comments to the list. Kristy Currie Conservation officer Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service Moreton Bay District Office kristy.currie(\)epa.qld.gov.au Ph:(07) 3821 9021 Fx:(07) 3821 9001 PO Box 402 Cleveland QLD 4163 Request: I am searching for information relating to the reaction of marine mammals to divers using SCUBA. I am aware of a number of agencies prohibiting the use of SCUBA around whales when permitting filming and "swim with" activities however I have found little evidence to support this approach. I would appreciate any scientific evidence in support for or against the use of SCUBA around marine mammals for "swim with" programs, research and/or educational documentary filming. I am interested to learn the approach agencies have taken to permitting similar activities i.e. in water distances and use of motorised Scooters. Responses: =B7 Researchers and Filmmakers working with Humpback whales found that usin= g scuba caused the whales to either move away or become aggressive. =B7 Humpback and other species use bubbles as threat gestures. =B7 The presence of bubbles are perceived by whales in ways that do not hel= p film makers or anyone hoping to get close to them. =B7 Some film makers opt for re-breathers =B7 Because the presence of scuba elicits an undesirable response from the whales it is considered invasive by the authorities. =B7 Only use masks, snorkels and fins around whales. Advise professional cameramen to use a re-breather in order to not emit bubbles and co-occurring sounds. =B7 Dive computers emitting signals provoked avoidance behaviours. =B7 During re-breather use the pilot whales kept up distances of 10m or more. Interactive behaviour increased and approach distances decreased significantly when filming during snorkelling. =B7 Bubble emissions are being used by many odontocete species for communication. =B7 Bubbles decrease echolocation abilities, which they observed to be an important element during pilot whale approaches towards human swimmers. =B7 Definitely not recommend scuba. The more scuba divers you have the more potential impact will arise. =B7 The reactions of dolphins (T. truncatus) to scuba mainly depends on the behaviour of humans, the way they approach them. (Their resident dolphins are accustomed to snorkellers and divers). =B7 No clear difference in their behaviour to either snorkellers or divers. =B7 Dolphins, especially wild dolphins display very cautious behaviour when introduced to new gadgets such as SCUBA =B7 Republic of South Africa have 300 meter approach regulations to any whale by means of vessel, aircraft or other method. =B7 "Swim with" and dolphin feeding programs are also prohibited. Do not favour boat-based whale watching in RSA either. =B7 Australian divers approached nursing right whales and the female and calf moved from bay to bay to get away from them. =B7 Stellar sea lions are attracted to the sound of exhaling underwater. They also react slightly aggressive to divers bubbles. A burst of bubbles is a confrontational gesture from Stellers. =B7 Their willingness to come close is directly proportional to age. Yearlings readily approach, juveniles are more wary, cows and bulls keep their distance. =B7 Stellers may be attracted to the sound of diver bubbles as they suddenl= y appear whilst diving in open water. =B7 Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/publications/whale_dolphin= / index.html =B7 On all occasions (scuba and snorkel) whale sharks seemed aware and curious of human presence, but in no way concerned with proximity. =B7 When they tired of human presence or were simply moving on to a better feeding spot a couple of swishes of their tails and they were gone. =B7 Monk Seals in natural conditions are very shy to scuba and skindivers and are extremely hard to get close to. =B7 This shyness differs by age, sex and general condition of disturbance o= f in the certain area. Males and younger seals are more tolerant to human presence under water. =B7 Disturbed area =3D avoidance behaviour, remote areas =3D tolerant to hu= mans =B7 They notice if they are seen or not and if they do not notice an attention concentration on themselves they feel comfortable. =B7 Areas have been closed to diving (some coastal caves) to reduce disturbance to the species. =B7 Never foresee "swim with" programs. =B7 Monk seals do not seem more or less bothered by the scuba apparatus or bubbles than just a human body snorkelling =B7 Tursiops aduncus either ignore the divers or try to play with them whil= e people are scrubbing the pool (zoological facility). =B7 Dolphins (Tursiops sp) appeared to be curious and without fear when recreational divers came and went from the water. =B7 Southern right whales seemed unafraid but curious. A calf made several approaches toward the diver photographer getting within touching range. =B7 Orcas appeared curious, unafraid and initiated every close encounter with a dive photographer. =B7 Majority of right whales do not like the bubbling from SCUBA apparatus be it for sound or anything else. Brazilian Institute of the environment and renewable natural resources- IBAMA Law 7,643 1987. =B7 It is forbidden for vessels to approach whales to less than 100 meters =B7 It is forbidden to swim within a distance of 50 meters from any whale =B7 The number, size, type and operation of commercial tour vessels is managed under this law when operating inside a Conservation unit where cetaceans occur. ___________________________ Disclaimer This e-mail, including attachments if any, has originated from a Queensland government agency and may contain information that is confidential, or covered by legal professional privilege, and is intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you have received this message in error, you are asked to inform the sender as quickly as possible and delete this message and any copies of this message from your computer system network. Any form of disclosure, modification, distribution and/or publication of this e-mail, including attachments is prohibited. Unless otherwise stated, this e-mail, including attachments represents the views of the sender and not the views of the Environmental Protection Agency. Although this e-mail has been checked for the presence of computer viruses, the Environmental Protection Agency provides no warranty that all possible viruses have been detected and cleaned. Any use of this e-mail could harm your computer system. ___________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 04:42:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for Submission of Logo Designs (fwd) From: Michael Tillman Request for Submission of Logo Designs From: Michael F. Tillman, Conference Chair (mftillman(\)mac.com) The Society for Marine Mammalogy will convene its 16th Biennial Conference in San Diego, California, December 12-16, 2005. The Conference Committee is soliciting designs that would be suitable for the conference logo. Emphasizing the historic ties between San Diego and Baja California, the Committee has chosen the endangered vaquita as the general theme for the logo. Additional specifications include: *2-color design suitable for the conference website and t-shirt *reducible in size and producible in one color for the conference coffee mug *no photographs. Designs should be submitted electronically to Dawn Broderick, at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (Dawn.Broderick(\)noaa.gov) by July 16, 2004. The winning designer will be awarded a free ticket to the conference=92s final social event. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 16:33:42 -0400 From: Danielle Fisher Subject: Job Opportunity (\) New England Aquarium- Associate Scientist (GIS)- Research Date: May 18, 2004 Title: Associate Scientist (GIS) Dept: Research Company: New England Aquarium Location: Boston, MA Reports To: Director of Research Available: Immediately Hours: Full-time Job Summary: The Associate Scientist will work to develop a GIS-based oceanographic program at the New England Aquarium. The GIS program will provide user-friendly interfaces and tools, along with useful output products, that will benefit collaborators. This is a grant-funded position with one year of start-up funding. Qualifications and Experience: MS with experience required, PhD helpful. Familiar with NOAA remote sensing data products and comfortable integrating multi-scale datasets with distribution and movement data from large marine organisms. Able to apply GIS tools in spatial analyses of these integrated data. Able to link wide-area synoptic satellite derived temperature and ocean-color (productivity) imagery with near real-time data on fish and plankton levels. Proficient in both PC and Unix based GIS systems Experienced in MATLAB and S-Plus (or its equivalent) and familiar with spatial statistical methods, particularly those designed to deal with autocorrelation. Experience and willingness to write proposals. Strong data management and spatial statistical skills. Experience in website development, UNIX, and programming is a plus. TO APPLY SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO: Email: jobs(\)neaq.org DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & DIVERSITY NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM CENTRAL WHARF BOSTON, MA 02110-3399 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. DIVERSE APPLICANTS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Danielle Fisher Human Resources Associate New England Aquarium tel 617.973.5291 fax 617.973.6559 dfisher(\)neaq.org http://www.neaq.org "CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: The information contained in this [communication, document, transmission] is for the intended recipient only. If you have received this [communication, document, transmission] in error or are not the intended recipient, you should notify the sender and destroy this [communication, document, transmission] immediately. Any unlawful use or disclosure of this information by any parties other than the intended recipient is considered a privacy violation and is punishable by Federal law." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 02:38:29 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Volunteer positions open in Slovenia (fwd) From: Morigenos Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society will be organizing research camps this summer on the coast of Slovenia. Main subject of the research camps are common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenian sea (Gulf of Trieste, Northern Adriatic sea). The project aims at investigating the population of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the Gulf of Trieste and neighbouring areas. The project is primarily collecting data on photo-identification, distribution, abundance, behaviour and movement patterns. Main objectives of the project are: - to estimate the size of the population of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the waters of Slovenia and the Gulf of Trieste, - observe population trends, - study habitat use and distribution, - estimate the impact of fisheries and vessel traffic on the dolphin population. No experience is required. The participants will gain experience in research methods for studying bottlenose dolphins in the wild. They will get insight into methods of photo-identification, collection of data from land observation points and boat, and they will gain knowledge in cetacean biology and conservation issues. Research output of the project: - Genov, T., Kotnjek, P., Hribar, A., Kolaric, K. 2004. First photo- identification data of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenia. 18th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, 28-31 March, Kolmarden, Sweden. Collaborative output: - Zucca, P., Di Guardo, G., Francese, M., Scaravelli, D., Genov, T., Mazzatenta, A. (in press). Cause of stranding in four Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) found beached ashore along the North Adriatic sea coast. SISVET, Conference of the Conference of the Italian Society of Veterinary Sciences, Grado, September 2004 Output other than research: - Public awareness activities and education (lectures, leaflets, brochures, posters, exhibitions, articles, field camps, 'Adopt a dolphin' campaign, etc.) The participation fee is 105 EURO per week (6 days). This includes accommodation, food, boat trips, lectures, guidance, visit of the Aquarium in Piran, visits of other natural monuments. Participants arrange their own transportation to and from the research base. More information can be found at www.morigenos.org or morigenos(\)email.si Sincerely Yours, Tilen Genov Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.morigenos.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 08:06:32 -1000 From: Jeffrey.S.Walters(\)hawaii.gov Subject: Short-term fluke ID work available at HIHWNMS, Maui This is a multipart message in MIME format. --=_alternative 006349F40A256E99_= Short-term (3 weeks) fluke ID contract work available Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Kihei, Maui SERVICE REQUIRED: Two independent contractors are needed to assist in=20 one-time matching of humpback whale tail fluke images collected during the = winter of 2004, in the waters of the Hawaiian Islands, for the=20 international SPLASH project. TASK: The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary=20 requires technical assistance to organize and match approximately 1,200=20 images of the underside of humpback whale tails collected during the=20 SPLASH project in Hawai?i in 2004. This requires some data management and = error checking, as well as pattern recognition skills and experience. The = work will be administered by the sanctuary?s state office in the Hawaii=20 Department of Land and Natural Resources. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The contractor should have experience matching=20 humpback whale tail fluke patterns, as well as familiarity with windows PC = software, such as excel and image handling software (e.g. photoshop and=20 ACDsee). Because it may be necessary to do some of the fluke matching=20 with a single set of prints, applicants should be should able to work=20 periodically at the Maui office of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale=20 National Marine Sanctuary. PERIOD OF PERFORMACE: Work should begin on June 1, 2004 and be completed=20 by June 24, 2004.=20 TO APPLY: Please send a CV(s) and an estimate of total cost for the=20 services (for one or both contractor positions) to David Nichols at=20 david.s.Nichols(\)hawaii.gov (Individuals or organizations may apply.)=20 If you have questions regarding this announcement, please contact David=20 Nichols at (808) 587-0437 or david.s.Nichols(\)hawaii.gov =20 CLOSING DATE: CV(s) and cost estimate must be recieved May 27, 2004. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jeffrey S. Walters, Ph.D. Co-Manager Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm 330 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 587-0106=20 (808) 587-0115 fax jeffrey.s.walters(\)hawaii.gov http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --=_alternative 006349F40A256E99_=
Short-term (3 weeks) fluke ID con= tract work available

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale N= ational Marine Sanctuary
Kihei, Maui

SERVICE REQUIRED:  Two independ= ent contractors are needed to assist in one-time matching of humpback whale tail fluke images collected during the winter of 2004, in the waters of the Hawaiian Islands, for the international SPLASH project.

TASK: The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary requires technical assistance to organize and match approximately 1,200 images of the underside of humpback whale tails collected during the SPLASH project in Hawai‘i in 2004.  T= his requires some data management and error checking, as well as pattern recogn= ition skills and experience.  The work will be administered by the sanctuary= ’s state office in the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The contract= or should have experience matching humpback whale tail fluke patterns, as well as familiarity with windows PC software, such as excel and image handl= ing software (e.g. photoshop and ACDsee).  Because it may be necessary to do some of the fluke matching with a single set of prints, applicants should be should able to work periodically at the Maui office of the Hawaii= an Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

PERIOD OF PERFORMACE: Work should be= gin on June 1, 2004 and be completed by June 24, 2004.  

TO APPLY: Please send a CV(s) and an estimate of total cost for the services (for one or both contractor positio= ns) to David Nichols at david.s.Nichols(\)hawaii.gov (Individuals or organizations may apply.)  
If you have questions regarding this announcement, please contact David Nichols at (808) 587-0437 or david.s.Nic= hols(\)hawaii.gov
 
CLOSING DATE:  CV(s) and cost e= stimate must be recieved May 27, 2004.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~= ~~~~~~~~~
Jeffrey S. Walters, Ph.D.
Co-Manager
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Department of Land and Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl St., Rm 330
Honolulu, HI  96813
(808) 587-0106
(808) 587-0115 fax
jeffrey.s.walters(\)hawaii.gov
http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --=_alternative 006349F40A256E99_=-- ========================================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 18:09:47 -0400 From: g_jkaplan Subject: Re: UMass summer course: dolphin research Regarding the posting for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth summer course -- Bio 296 Field research: Bahamas Project Dolphin. My apologies to those of you who have had difficulties signing up for this course through the University of Massachusetts registrar's office. Please note that: 1. This course is NOT CLOSED, and there are still slots available. 2. This course IS available to non-Umass students. 3. You DO NOT need to fill out a directed study form to register for this course. If you are interested in this course and are having difficulty signing up, please contact me ASAP at g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu for assistance. Also, please note that when filling out the Oceanic Society application, you do not need to pay an additional $300 deposit to Oceanic Society-- this fee is already included in the course cost. All the best, Daisy Kaplan g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 13:38:38 -0800 From: Dyan Ferren Subject: Job Announcement boundary="----_=_NextPart_001_01C43DE9.A5A4690A" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C43DE9.A5A4690A charset="us-ascii" The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation and public education is seeking candidates for the following: Associate Veterinarian / Rehabilitation Manager =20 This position is responsible for managing the rescue and rehabilitation program for marine mammals and birds; and assisting in maintaining the health and welfare of all animals housed at the Alaska SeaLife Center. =20 Responsibilities: Serves as the Center's Associate Veterinarian to assist the Senior Veterinarian on animal health and welfare matters. Serves as Rehabilitation Manager by providing leadership and organization for all rescue and rehabilitation endeavors. Organizes the care of animals admitted for rehabilitation including scheduling of staff and volunteers. Ensures excellent care and well being of all animals. Provides routine and emergency veterinary medical, surgical and dental care of animals at the Center. Trains and supervises staff and interns within the rehabilitation program. Ensures animal health and welfare policies and procedures support the Center's research, education, and rehabilitation mission. Procures and manages the rehabilitation inventory of supplies, equipment, medications, and spare parts needed for rehabilitation functions. =20 Requirements: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and two years experience treating marine mammals and birds with a minimum of one year at a supervisory level. =20 This is a year round, full-time, position. =20 Apply by: open until filled Start date: ASAP =20 Send resume & references to HR - Alaska SeaLife Center, P O Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(\)alaskasealife.org. =20 =20 www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. =20 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C43DE9.A5A4690A charset="us-ascii"

The=20 Alaska=20 SeaLife=20 Center, a non-profit = organization=20 dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation and public education is = seeking=20 candidates for the following:  =20 Associate Veterinarian / = Rehabilitation=20 Manager

 

This position=20 is responsible for managing the rescue and rehabilitation program for = marine=20 mammals and birds; and assisting in maintaining the health and welfare = of all=20 animals housed at the Alaska SeaLife Center.

 

Responsibilities:   Serves as the = Center’s Associate=20 Veterinarian to assist the Senior Veterinarian on animal health and = welfare=20 matters.  Serves as = Rehabilitation=20 Manager by providing leadership and organization for all rescue and=20 rehabilitation endeavors.  = Organizes=20 the care of animals admitted for rehabilitation including scheduling of = staff=20 and volunteers.  Ensures = excellent=20 care and well being of all animals. =20 Provides routine and emergency veterinary medical, surgical and = dental=20 care of animals at the Center. =20 Trains and supervises staff and interns within the rehabilitation = program.  Ensures animal = health and=20 welfare policies and procedures support the Center’s research, = education, and=20 rehabilitation mission.  = Procures=20 and manages the rehabilitation inventory of supplies, equipment, = medications,=20 and spare parts needed for rehabilitation=20 functions.

 

Requirements: =20 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and two years experience = treating=20 marine mammals and birds with a minimum of one year at a supervisory=20 level.

 

This is a year=20 round, full-time, position. =20

Apply by: open=20 until filled   Start = date:  ASAP       =20
Send resume & = references to=20 HR - Alaska SeaLife Center, P O Box 1329, Seward, AK  99664-1329, or fax=20 907-224-6320, or email = to=20 HR(\)alaskasealife.org.  =20

 

www.alaskasealife.org      The = ASLC is an=20 Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

------_=_NextPart_001_01C43DE9.A5A4690A-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 18:36:21 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Discount on Marine Mammals Ashore CD-ROM (fwd) >From LISTSERV(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Wed May 19 12:47:10 2004 Received: from UVVM.UVic.CA (uvvm.uvic.ca [142.104.5.6]) by castle.comp.uvic.ca (8.12.10/8.12.10) with ESMTP id i4JJl8nn6283346 for ; Wed, 19 May 2004 12:47:09 -0700 Received: by UVVM.UVic.CA (IBM VM SMTP Level 430) via spool with SMTP id 5765 ; Wed, 19 May 2004 12:46:25 PDT Received: from UVVM.UVIC.CA (NJE origin LISTSERV(\)UVVM) by UVVM.UVIC.CA (LMail V1.2d/1.8d) with BSMTP id 4191; Wed, 19 May 2004 12:46:25 -0700 Received: from UVVM (NJE origin SMTP(\)UVVM) by UVVM.UVIC.CA (LMail V1.2d/1.8d) with BSMTP id 4189; Wed, 19 May 2004 12:46:24 -0700 Received: from castle.comp.uvic.ca [142.104.5.97] by UVVM.UVic.CA (IBM VM SMTP Level 430) via TCP with SMTP ; Wed, 19 May 2004 12:46:24 PDT X-Comment: UVVM.UVic.CA: Mail was sent by castle.comp.uvic.ca Received: from mail.aqua.org (aquariumt1-01.ds1.toad.net [66.159.68.2]) by castle.comp.uvic.ca (8.12.10/8.12.10) with ESMTP id i4JJktnn5718052 for ; Wed, 19 May 2004 12:47:03 -0700 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft Exchange V6.0.6487.1 boundary="----_=_NextPart_001_01C43DDA.089C7D74" Disposition-Notification-To: "Yates, Nathan" Subject: Discount on Marine Mammals Ashore CD-ROM Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 15:46:52 -0400 Message-ID: <4573E214BBC78D41A33C58EB497F72D60149C509(\)franklin.aqua.local> X-MS-Has-Attach: X-MS-TNEF-Correlator: Thread-Topic: Discount on Marine Mammals Ashore CD-ROM thread-index: AcQ92MN/saKVd5rGSZyjo+tSmRw0FAAAGrSA From: "Yates, Nathan" To: X-UVic-Virus-Scanned: OK - Passed virus scan by Sophos (sophie) on castle X-UVic-Virus-Scanned: OK - Passed virus scan by Sophos (sophie) on castle X-UVic-Spam-Scan: castle.comp.uvic.ca Not_scanned_LOCAL X-UVic-Spam-Scan: castle.comp.uvic.ca No_recips_rejected X-UVic-Spam-Status: No X-UVic-Spam-Score: 0.545 HTML_MESSAGE,HTML_TITLE_EMPTY X-UVic-Spam-Level: Spam-Level X-Scanned-By: MIMEDefang 2.33 (www . roaringpenguin . com / mimedefang) This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C43DDA.089C7D74 charset="iso-8859-1" Apologies for cross-posting -=20 The National Aquarium in Baltimore is pleased to announce reduced prices = for Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings by J.R. Geraci = and V.J. Lounsbury (1998). The CD-ROM is now available for $12 for U.S. = and Canadian orders and $14 for all other countries (price is in US = dollars). Airmail delivery is included in the price.=20 About the Field Guide A comprehensive manual for understanding and dealing with a stranded = seal, manatee, dolphin, whale, or sea otter, Marine Mammals Ashore = contains information both for the interested beach dweller or student = and for the scientist or marine resource manager. The book provides:=20 * an overview of marine mammal biology, behavior, and health = conditions * experience-based guidelines for response and rescue operations = and for dealing with the media and the public * practical, illustrated guidelines for collecting data and = specimens to better understand the biology and health of marine animals = and the condition of their environment. The CD-ROM version In addition to the updated text, the CD-ROM version of Marine Mammals = Ashore includes: * a multimedia overview of the CD-ROM including discussions by = marine mammal experts from around the world * supplementary photographs * directories of organizations engaged in marine mammal = rehabilitation and research (U.S. and international) * data and sample collection forms in multiple word processing = formats * a questionnaire to elicit suggestions and comments vital to = future projects. To order, please contact:=20 email: mmashore(\)aqua.org post: National Aquarium in Baltimore Marine Mammals Ashore Project Pier 3, 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202-3194 USA fax: 410-576-1080 This CD-ROM is compatible with most PC and Macintosh computers. Its = format allows rapid access to all included files and documents. = Cut-paste-and-print capability makes this a valuable resource for the = student and a handy tool for field use. Requirements for Use minimum hardware requirements: PC 90 MHz Pentium, 8 MB RAM, 4X CD- ROM, 256 color VGA monitor, and = Sound Blaster compatible sound card. Macintosh: 40 MHz 68040 processor, = 8 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, and 256 color monitor.=20 minimum software requirements PC: Windows 3.x, 95, or NT 3.51 or 4.0, QuickTime for Windows (Installer = included), and Adobe Acrobat 3.01 Reader for Windows (Installer = included). Macintosh: System 7.1, QuickTime for Macintosh (Installer = included) and Adobe Acrobat 3.01 Reader for Macintosh (Installer = included). The Project Team The CD-ROM version of Marine Mammals Ashore is a collaborative effort of = the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the National Oceanic and = Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service and = National Ocean Service. Additional support was provided by the NOAA = national Sea Grant College Program and the Marine Mammal Commission. Nathan Yates _________________________________________=20 Special Projects Assistant, Biological Programs=20 National Aquarium in Baltimore=20 501 East Pratt Street, Pier 3=20 Baltimore, MD 21202=20 410-576-3805 (ph) 410-576-1080 (fax)=20 nyates(\)aqua.org=20 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C43DDA.089C7D74 charset="iso-8859-1"

Apologies for cross-posting -=20

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is pleased to announce reduced = prices for=20 Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings by J.R. = Geraci and=20 V.J. Lounsbury (1998).  The CD-ROM is now available for $12 for = U.S. and=20 Canadian orders and $14 for all other countries (price is in US = dollars). =20 Airmail delivery is included in the price. 

About the Field Guide
A comprehensive manual for understanding and = dealing=20 with a stranded seal, manatee, dolphin, whale, or sea otter, Marine = Mammals=20 Ashore contains information both for the interested beach dweller = or=20 student and for the scientist or marine resource manager.  The book = provides: 
*       an overview of = marine=20 mammal biology, behavior, and health=20 conditions
*       experience-based = guidelines=20 for response and rescue operations and for dealing with the media and = the=20 public
*       practical, illustrated=20 guidelines for collecting data and specimens to better understand the = biology=20 and health of marine animals and the condition of their environment.

The CD-ROM version
In addition to the updated text, the CD-ROM = version of=20 Marine Mammals Ashore=20 includes:
*       a multimedia overview = of the=20 CD-ROM including discussions by marine mammal experts from around the=20 world
*       supplementary=20 photographs
*       directories of=20 organizations engaged in marine mammal rehabilitation and research (U.S. = and=20 international)
*       data and sample=20 collection forms in multiple word processing=20 formats
*       a questionnaire to = elicit=20 suggestions and comments vital to future projects.

To order, please contact:=20
email:   mmashore(\)aqua.org
post: &nb= sp; =20 National Aquarium in=20 Baltimore
          = Marine=20 Mammals Ashore=20 Project
           = Pier 3,=20 501 East Pratt=20 Street
          =20 Baltimore, MD 21202-3194 USA
fax:     =20 410-576-1080

This CD-ROM is compatible with most PC and Macintosh computers.  = Its=20 format allows rapid access to all included files and  = documents. =20 Cut-paste-and-print capability makes this a valuable resource for the = student=20 and a handy tool for field use.

Requirements for Use
     minimum hardware=20 requirements:
PC 90 MHz Pentium, 8 MB RAM, 4X CD- ROM, 256 color VGA = monitor,=20 and Sound Blaster compatible sound card.  Macintosh: 40 MHz 68040=20 processor, 8 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, and 256 color=20 monitor. 
     minimum software = requirements
PC:=20 Windows 3.x, 95, or NT 3.51 or 4.0, QuickTime for Windows (Installer = included),=20 and Adobe Acrobat 3.01 Reader for Windows (Installer included). = Macintosh:=20 System 7.1, QuickTime for Macintosh (Installer included) and Adobe = Acrobat 3.01=20 Reader for Macintosh (Installer included).

The Project Team
The CD-ROM version of Marine Mammals = Ashore is a=20 collaborative effort of the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the = National=20 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries = Service and=20 National Ocean Service.  Additional support was provided by the = NOAA=20 national Sea Grant College Program and the Marine Mammal=20 Commission.


 Nathan=20 Yates
_________________________________________
Special Projects Assistant, Biological = Programs=20
National Aquarium in Baltimore =
501 East Pratt Street, Pier 3
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-576-3805 (ph) 410-576-1080 (fax) =
nyates(\)aqua.org


------_=_NextPart_001_01C43DDA.089C7D74-- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 03:03:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: virus in message "I cannot forget you" Dear subscribers, Yesterday a message was accidentally posted to the MARMAM list with the subject "I cannot forget you" and a message to take a look at the attachment. This attachment contained a virus - please do NOT open this. As part of MARMAM policy, we NEVER send attachments with MARMAM messages. Hopefully, most subscribers will be aware of this, and will not have opened this message. Apologies for this accident. MARMAM editors marmamed(\)uvic.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 03:37:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Old issues of Whalewatcher available (fwd) From: Mark Hi, I have many back issues (almost 40) of Whalewatcher magazine (ACS), mostly from 1985 until 1996 (maybe a few earlier and later) that I am willing to part with. Any interested parties/offers... Mark ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 12:07:48 -0400 From: "Haubold, Elsa" Subject: Population Modeler Vacancy The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Marine Research Institute (soon to be Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute) is searching for a population modeler for its marine mammal research program. This position will work in a group of more than 30 scientists conducting conservation research on Florida manatees and right whales. Applications must be received by June 16 in order to be considered. Please visit this link to view the announcement and for details on applying: ( http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=70210 ) http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=70210 Thank you for considering State of Florida. For more information about our research program please go to our website at http://www.floridamarine.org and select manatees or right whales. Elsa M. Haubold, Ph.D. Program Administrator Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Marine Research Institute 100 8th Ave. SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727/896-8626 x1902 Elsa.Haubold(\)fwc.state.fl.us http://www.floridamarine.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 15:10:00 +0200 From: Jan Herrmann Subject: Contents: Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(2) Dear all, Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(2) has the following table of contents. By clicking the following link you are guided to Allen Press, where you can find Abstracts and contact information: http://www.cetacea.de/mms/20_2.html Users of the Papyrus Bibliography System (Mac and DOS/Windows) can download the references with abstracts and contact information from http://www.cetacea.de/mms. Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann ------ Marine Mammal Science Vol. 20(2) ------ Martin, A.R., V.M.F.da Silva, and D.L. Salmon. 2004. Riverine habitat preferences of botos (Inia geoffrensis) and tucuxis (Sotalia fluviatilis) in the central Amazon. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 189-200. Lazaro, M., E.P. Lessa, and H. Hamilton. 2004. Geographic genetic structure in the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 201-214. Archer, F.I. and K.M. Robertson. 2004. Age and length at weaning and development of diet of pantropical spotted dolphins, Stenella attenuata, from the eastern tropical Pacific. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 232-245. Thiemann, G.W., S.M. Budge, and S.J. Iverson. 2004. Determining blubber fatty acid composition: A comparison of in situ direct and traditional methods. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 284-295. Greaves, D.K. et al. 2004. Growth rate and shedding of vibrissae in the gray seal, Halichoerus grypus: A cautionary note for stable isotope diet analysis. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 296-304. Bodkin, J.L., G.G. Esslinger, and D.H. Monson. 2004. Foraging depths of sea otters and implications to coastal marine communities. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 305-321. Benoit-Bird, K.J., B. Wuersig, and C.J. McFadden. 2004. Dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) foraging in two different habitats: Active acoustic detection of dolphins and their prey. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 215-231. Heide-Joergensen, M.P. 2004. Aerial digital photographic surveys of narwhals, Monodon monoceros, in Northwest Greenland. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 246-261. Flores-Ramirez, S., R.D. Miller, and J. Urban-Ramirez. 2004. Major histocompatibility complex I polymorphism in a cetacean: The gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 262-273. McConnell, B. et al. 2004. Phoning home-a new GSM mobile phone telemetry system to collect mark-recapture data. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 274-283. NOTES (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Thompson, P., S. White, and E. Dickson. 2004. Co-variation in the probabilities of sighting harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 322-328. Clarke, R. 2004. Pygmy fin whales. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 329-334. Urban-Ramirez, J. et al. 2004. Gray whales with loss of flukes adapt and survive. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 335-338. Elsner, R., H.J. Meiselman, and O.K. Baskurt. 2004. Temperature-viscosity relations of bowhead whale blood: A possible mechanism for maintaining cold blood flow. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 339-344. Littnan, C.L. et al. 2004. Effects of video camera attachment on the foraging behavior of immature Hawaiian monk seals. Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 345-352. LETTERS (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Gregr, E.J. 2004. Modelling species-habitat relationships in the marine environment. A comment on Hamazaki (2002). Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 353-355. Hamazaki, T. 2004. Modelling species-habitat relationship in the marine environment. A response to Gregr (2004). Marine Mammal Science 20(2): 356-358. -- Jan Herrmann NEW ADDRESS starting June 6 --> | Wagnerweg 24A - 26409 Wittmund +--------------------------------- ADDRESS until June 5 --> | Brentanostr. 16 | 30625 Hannover | Tel.: +49-(0)511-855500 | Fax : +49-(0)721-151-503127 +--------------------------------- Vorlesungsreihe Wal und Mensch +----> http://www.cetacea.de ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 13:52:45 -1000 From: Kimberly Rose Andrews Subject: pole-biopsy trigger handles Hello, I've been using a pole-biopsy system for taking skin/blubber genetic samples from wild spinner dolphins which involves the use of AB Biller brand polespears and SeaHornet brand trigger handles. Unfortunately, SeaHornet has stopped making trigger handles which fit the AB Biller polespears (AB Biller polespears are 9/16 inches in diameter, and SeaHornet now only makes trigger handles which fit polespears which are 5/8 inches in diameter). I would like to contact SeaHornet and ask if they would be willing to make some of these trigger handles again. I suspect they may be more willing to make these trigger handles if they have a large order, and so I am wondering if there is anyone else using this system (AB Biller polespears and SeaHornet trigger handles) who would be interested in ordering some of the trigger handles. Please send me an email if you are interested and let me know how many handles you'd want to order, and I will contact SeaHornet to see if it is possible. Thanks, Kim Andrews andrewsk(\)hawaii.edu Graduate Student Zoology Department University of Hawaii Honolulu, HI 96822 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 21:38:25 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position available in marine mammal rescue in Malibu, CA (fwd) From: Beth Caskie Marine Mammal Responder Position available With CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CENTER JOB DESCRIPTION Provide for expert rescue and transport of stranded marine mammals anywhere along the 22 miles of the City of Malibu's coastline; including proper and timely animal assessment, tracking, dispatch volunteer training and coordination, capture and handling, and stabilization. Provide marine mammal education to local community groups, schools and coastal homeowner's associations. CWC liasion to all involved government agencies (including City of Malibu, California Department of Fish & Game, Los Angeles County Fire Department - Lifeguards, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, National Marine Fisheries, and California State Parks). Ensure all CWC activities are in compliance with Prescott Grant procedures and all applicable local, county, state and national laws and regulations. Fulltime staff position, hiring immediately. Salary: 25K QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in marine mammal rescue with advanced degree in marine biology preferred. (*All experienced emergency responders encouraged to apply, natural history and animal handling training available.) Capacity to excel at interagency diplomacy, volunteer management, and public education. Physical capacity to perform rescue operations. CA drivers license. REPORTS TO: Director of Animal Care and Executive Director. SUPERVISES: Volunteers for marine mammal rescue and transport Send resume to Beth Caskie, Executive Director FAX 818-222-2685, Email beth(\)californiawildlifecenter.org MARINE MAMMAL RESPONDER PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES With CWC Marine Mammal responder partner: 1.) Answer and respond to all calls, pages and messages concerning marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner: collects all necessary information from callers, including exact location of animal, condition, observations, directions, etc. and records in log book; explains CWC's procedures, federal regulations, etc., as needed. May enlist help of caller to keep a watch over the animal or keep dogs and people away until help arrives. 2.) Assesses all stranded marine mammals as soon as possible: personally drives to location to find closest parking and beach access, search for animal (often hidden in rocks, cliffsides or under houses) and assess its condition (or assigns a volunteer to do the same); determines reason for stranding, and whether animal should be picked up immediately or put on watch; if put on watch, may put up signs or caution tape warning the public to stay away, coordinating with lifeguards, private beach security or park rangers as necessary. 3.) Tracks animals placed on 24-48 hour watch: keep track of all animals on 24-48 hour watch, pinpointing exact locations, dates, times, etc. Enlists volunteers or local residents to regularly check and report on animal. Also determine if same ill/injured animal keeps showing up on local beaches, and whether its condition seems to be deteriorating. 4.) Supervises and participates in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention: obtains approval for marine mammal care from MMCC; determines whether rescue is physically possible based on animal's size, location and high tide; supervises loading the CWC pick-up truck with all necessary equipment, including proper size cage(s), towels, gloves, nets, etc.; contacts and coordinates with as many volunteers as necessary to meet at rescue site (depending on size or energy level of animal); plans strategy for capture and assigns all volunteers a specific role/job in that capture; takes the lead in netting the animal and getting it into the cage; supervises the hauling of animal and equipment back to pick-up truck (sometimes straight up a cliff, steep stairway or ladder). 5.) Coordinates transport of stranded marine mammals to MMCC (San Pedro) or Friends of the Sea Lion (Laguna Beach): contacts MMCC or =46SL staff to coordinate time for arrival; ensures mammal is comfortable and cage properly secured in back of truck; drives pick-up to San Pedro/Laguna Beach facilities personally or contacts volunteer to drive (round trip is 2-4 hours, depending on traffic); observes staffers unload the animal and take vital signs, provides intake information, ensures cage is returned. 6.) Provides community outreach and education through local community groups, schools and coastal homeowner's groups: establishes relationships with Malibu coastal homeowners' organizations, becoming a resource person to them with questions about stranded marine mammals, etc.; speaks at local schools and community groups about marine mammals; may represent CWC at various community events, city meetings, etc.; develops multi-media educational presentations for community groups. 7.) Coordinates and provides volunteer training classes in marine mammal assessment and rescue: Provides beginning and advanced training classes (including audio-visual aids and hand-outs) for volunteers covering the natural history of local marine mammals, and methods of assessment, capture, handling and transport; offers training classes on a regular basis throughout the year; maintains records. 8.) Maintains up-to-date knowledge related to the position: in coordination with DAC, attends relevant educational conferences; stays abreast of current health issues, government regulations, latest rescue techniques/equipment, etc. 9.) Oversees maintenance of assigned equipment, and recommends purchases: ensures CWC pick-up truck and marine mammal designated equipment is kept in clean, working order; recommends and researches purchases of new equipment and supplies. 10.) Maintains good rapport with representatives of various public agencies, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations: includes City of Malibu; Los Angeles Fire Department (lifeguards), who often report and provide assistance with stranded marine mammals; California Department of Fish & Game; Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (refer calls about marine mammals); California Parks & Recreation (park rangers from Leo Carrillo State Beach and Point Dume State Park), and National Marine Fisheries. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 17:00:56 +1000 From: Michael Noad Subject: Volunteers required for humpback whale research in Australia The University of Queensland is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on humpback whales in 2004. As in 2002 and 2003, fieldwork for HARC, the Humpback Acoustic Research Collaboration, will take place during the whales' southward migration in September and October. HARC is a large collaborative study involving the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the University of Queensland, and guest researchers from the Universities of Newcastle and Sydney. The project is funded by the US Office of Naval Research and DSTO. In 2004 fieldwork will take place from 18 September to 31 October at Peregian Beach, approximately 140km north of Brisbane. HARC is a multi-disciplinary study of the passing whales during their southward migration and involves several simultaneous, coordinated projects. Projects that will involve volunteers include the collection of behavioural and positional data from a land station, the acoustic recording and tracking of singers using an array of hydrophone buoys moored offshore, and the boat-based collection of photo-IDs, biopsies and behavioural data. Other projects include the recording of ambient sea and surf noise (SIO) and the tagging of some individual whales with DTAGs, digital tags that record acoustic, depth and movement data (WHOI). Volunteers for HARC should be available for the entire 6 week study. This project will suit young scientists with genuine interests in humpback whale behaviour, behavioural ecology, acoustics, and communication. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - have a good level of physical fitness - be a competent swimmer - not have fussy dietary requirements (vegetarians excepted!) - be able to concentrate for long periods Preference will be given to those who: - have a degree in biology, marine science, or veterinary science - have previous marine mammal field experience - have previously used a theodolite Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to Michael Noad , Dave Paton , Ceri Morris , Josh Smith , and Becca Dunlop . The email should include: - confirmation that you will be available for the duration of the project - a brief CV (usually as an attachment) - contact details of two referees (usually contained in the attached CV) Applications should be submitted before the end of June. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Noad BVSc PhD Lecturer Veterinary Anatomy School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia Ph. +61 7 3365 2088 Mob. 0416-270567 Fax. +61 7 3365 1255 Email ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 15:41:49 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: research activities involving whale watching (fwd) From: Marta Hevia e-mail: martahevia(\)house.com.ar During its 2002 meeting, the Whale Watching Sub-Committee of the Scientific Committee requested the authors to prepare a listing of scientific research activities which involve whale watching, both as its main subject and/or research that utilizes whale watching boats as platforms of opportunity. This year the authors are planning to present an update so please, all those who are working on this issue could you send the following information?. Those researchers who already send information last year can you also send an update?. Thank you very much for your collaboration. Please, can you send me the information before Saturday 29th May 2004 to cethus(\)house.com.ar 1.) Researcher 2.) Location of studies 3.) Species involved 4.) Type of studies conducted 5.) Type of Association with Whale Watching 6.) Time Frame Best regards, Marta Hevia, Miguel Iqmguez and Jose Truda Palazzo ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 May 2004 06:00:56 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Paper on L. hosei external appearance (fwd) From: Alexandre de Freitas Azevedo Dear all, The following article on Fraser's dolphin was published in Aquatic Mammals 29 (3). Azevedo, A.F., Lailson-Brito. J. Jr., Siciliano, S., Cunha, H. A. and Fragoso, A. B.L. (2003). Color pattern and external morphology of the Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) in the Southwestern Atlantic. Aquatic Mammals, 29(3): 411-416. Abstract Little is known about the biology of the Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), which is found in tropical and subtropical oceanic waters around the world. There is, depending on age and sex, great variation in intensity and development of the components of the color pattern and external morphological characteristics of the species. The main characteristic of the color pattern is the eye-to-anus stripe, which has highly variable development. This is the first description of Fraser's dolphin external appearance in the Southwestern Atlantic, based on 13 specimens stranded dead on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) around 22=BA30'S. Individuals analyzed presented sexual dimorphism in shape of the dorsal fin, presence of a post-anal hump and deepening of the caudal peduncle, features most prominent in mature males of the species. Specimens analyzed revealed that the Fraser's dolphin possesses the same color pattern and external morphological features reported in other areas. Please contact azevedo.alex(\)uol.com.br for reprint requests. Alexandre Azevedo *********************************************************** Alexandre Azevedo Departamento de Ecologia - PPGB - IBRAG Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Rua S=E3o Francisco Xavier 524. Pavilh=E3o Haroldo de Lisboa da Cunha Maracan=E3 - Rio de Janeiro 20550-013 RJ - Brasil. azevedo.alex(\)uol.com.br ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 May 2004 06:01:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: MPA shoreline/land buffers (fwd) From: Benjamin Wheeler Marmamers, I'm writing to you for information regarding shoreline buffers for Protected Areas (designated for cetaceans). Can anyone direct me to experiences, examples and/or literature pertaining to the following: - do cetacean MPA's normally include a shoreline buffer? - If a shoreline buffer is included, why? (pollution, shore access, etc.) - If a shoreline/land buffer is included, what would an average width be? Unfortunately I'm in transit and can't access libraries in time to fulfill this rather urgent information request I received from policy makers. Thank you in advance for your help, Benjamin Wheeler Benjamin A. Wheeler, M.Sc. Northern Environmental Marine Organization Box 1538 Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0 ph. (867) 979-3881 cell. (902) 223-6115 bwheeler(\)nv.sympatico.ca ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 30 May 2004 18:43:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: beaked whales (fwd) Dear MARMAM subscribers, I am preparing a study on the possible occurrence of beaked whale species in southern Norwegian waters. Hyperoodon ampulladus, Mesoplodon bidens and Ziphius cavirostris seem to be the only species which may be encountered there. Since water depth and steep slopes seem to be important factors for their distribution I wonder if these whales would use some of the deep fjords (some reach depths of over 1000 m and also provide some of their prey species). But so far I have not found any such record in the literature. So the shallower waters at the fjord entrances might inhibit the animals entering the fjords. Is anyone of you aware of any live sightings of beaked whales or bottlenose whales in nearshore or inshore waters such as fjord systems. Best wishes, Sven -- Sven Koschinski -Biologische Gutachten- Nehmten, Germany sven.koschinski(\)t-online.de ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 31 May 2004 11:20:24 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: advice on autopsy (fwd) From: "Dani Kerem" Dear list members, a request for advice and apologies for cross postings. The solitary sociable Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin Holly/Olin from the Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat has just lost her 3rd male calf since the beginning of her sociability period. The first two calves died at the age of 6 months. The first could not have been properly autopsied and the body of the second was not recovered. She then gave birth to a female calf, now surviving and accompanying her, at the age of 3. Since the birth of that calf, she has become less and less social, greatly extended her home range and was recently seen accompanied by 2-3 male conspecifics. The new calf died last Friday night, the age of 7 weeks. Throughout Saturday the mother and daughter carried the (negatively buoyant) body and did not allow approach. It was spotted this morning floating and is being kept cooled for autopsy. If anyone knows of specific genetic defects affecting newborn males or has other ideas/suggestions on what to look for, please let us know. Thank you for your attention Dan H. Kerem President, Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies The University of Haifa Mt. Carmel Haifa, 31095 ISRAEL Phone +972 4 8249449 Fax +972 4 8240493 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 14:38:38 -0400 Reply-To: mason(\)whalecenter.org From: Mason Weinrich Organization: Whale Center of New England Subject: Looking for reliable records of collisions between whales and ferries boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0026_01C448AF.4B63E0D0" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0026_01C448AF.4B63E0D0 charset="us-ascii" Hi all - First, thanks to those of you who responded to my last call for whale-vessel collision records, when I enquired several months ago about records of strikes between whales and whale watch vessels. For those who reported or expressed interest, I will be sending a compendium of records by e-mail shortly. We are now expanding our review. I am now interested in gathering records of collisions between whales and ferries, especially high speed ferries, anywhere in the world. Records that have already been reported in either the Laist et al. 2001 Marine Mammal Science paper, and/or the Jensen and Silber 2003 NOAA Technical Memorandum, need not be repeated; but I am very interested in any that are not in there. I would also be interested in hearing from anyone who knows of areas where high speed ferries operate where there are no records of collisions with whales despite their presence en route. Thanks for the continued help; anyone who is interested in the results, feel free to e-mail me and I will send you a report once all records have been obtained. Thanks in advance! - Mason Mason Weinrich mason(\)whalecenter.org Whale Center of New England www.whalecenter.org ------=_NextPart_000_0026_01C448AF.4B63E0D0 charset="us-ascii"

Hi all –

 

First, thanks to those of you who responded to my = last call for whale-vessel collision records, when I enquired several months ago = about records of strikes between whales and whale watch vessels.  For those who reported or = expressed interest, I will be sending a compendium of records by e-mail = shortly.

 

We are now expanding our review.  I am now interested in gathering = records of collisions between whales and ferries, especially high speed ferries, anywhere in the world.  = Records that have already been reported in either the Laist et al. 2001 Marine Mammal Science paper, and/or the = Jensen and Silber 2003 NOAA Technical Memorandum, need not be repeated; but I am = very interested in any that are not in there.  I would also be interested in = hearing from anyone who knows of areas where high speed ferries operate where = there are no records of collisions with whales despite their presence en = route.

 

Thanks for the continued help; anyone who is = interested in the results, feel free to e-mail me and I will send you a report once = all records have been obtained.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

- Mason

 

Mason Weinrich

mason(\)whalecenter.org<= /font>

Whale Center of New = England

www.whalecenter.org

=

 

------=_NextPart_000_0026_01C448AF.4B63E0D0-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 31 May 2004 15:25:53 -0800 From: Dyan Ferren Subject: Job Announcement boundary="----_=_NextPart_001_01C44766.9DBAD05E" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C44766.9DBAD05E charset="US-ASCII" MAMMALOGIST: The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation and public education is seeking candidates for a MAMMALOGIST. This position is responsible for working with the mammalogist team to assist the Mammal Curator with the handling, training, and enrichment of marine mammals; ensuring the daily health and care of the animals; assisting with research procedures and data collections; record keeping; acting as a diver and/or diver's tender; and participating in presentations to the public on topics in marine science and ASLC operations. Requirements include: Bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, fisheries science, oceanography or related field; two years experience in handling and training marine mammals; certified open water SCUBA diver preferred or willingness to learn to dive. Successful applicant must pass a pre-dive physical exam. This is a year-round, full-time position with great benefits. Apply by: June 28, 2004 Start date: mid-July Send resume or application (downloadable at website) & references to Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, P O Box 1329, Seward, Alaska 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(\)alaskasealife.org www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer ------_=_NextPart_001_01C44766.9DBAD05E charset="US-ASCII"

MAMMALOGIST:  The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to = marine=20 research, rehabilitation and public education is seeking candidates for = a=20 MAMMALOGIST.

 

This position = is=20 responsible for working with the mammalogist team to assist the Mammal = Curator=20 with the handling, training, and enrichment of marine mammals; ensuring = the=20 daily health and care of the animals; assisting with research procedures = and=20 data collections; record keeping; acting as a diver and/or diver’s = tender; and=20 participating in presentations to the public on topics in marine science = and=20 ASLC operations.

 

Requirements = include:=20 Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, fisheries = science,=20 oceanography or related field; two years experience in handling and = training=20 marine mammals; certified open water SCUBA diver preferred or = willingness to=20 learn to dive.  Successful = applicant=20 must pass a pre-dive physical exam. =20

 

This is a = year-round,=20 full-time position with great benefits.

Apply by:   June = 28,=20 2004      Start = date:  mid-July       =20 Send resume or application = (downloadable at website) & references to Human Resources, Alaska = SeaLife=20 Center, P O Box 1329, Seward, Alaska =20 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to=20 HR(\)alaskasealife.org

www.alaskasealife.org      The ASLC is an Equal = Opportunity=20 Employer

------_=_NextPart_001_01C44766.9DBAD05E-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 14:22:00 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Volunteers wanted for Bottlenose dolphin project in New Zealand. (fwd) The Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Project (MSDP) request for volunteers. The MSDP is designed to look at the abundance, distribution and behavior ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds. The Marlborough Sounds are located at the top of the South Island in New Zealand. Boat based surveys will be conducted in this area for three field seasons. Below is a list of the field seasons and their dates. 1st Oct. 1st 2004 through December 2004 2nd Jan 1st 2005 through March 2005 3rd April 1st 2005 through June 2005 I am looking for volunteers who can commit for any of the 3 month terms. If you can come for longer that is great. Though the weather will be warm it is very unpredictable and you will need a wide range of clothing. So be sure to bring shorts and t-shirts, a winter jacket, hat and gloves. Housing and is available and rent is 500 NZ a month. In addition you will need to have enough money for your travel and food expenses. This project will give its volunteers knowledge of field based studies, data collection, photo-id and maneuvering a 6.0m boat around cetaceans. There is also a possibility for underwater videography, this is only for applicants with PADI certifications. Please submit a CV and letter of recommendation by July 15th 2004 via email to swtmojo13(\)aol.com. Upon receiving your CV, I will be contacting applicants for a phone interview. We can discuss specifics on the area, weather and other things in more etail at that time. Regards, Monika Merriman M.Sc. Student Coastal Marine Research Group Massey University Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Project P.O. Box 68 Picton, New Zealand cell: 064 21 424 831 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 14:30:49 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Looking for info on binoculars with built-in compass Task: shore-based surveys of gray whales. Use reticle binoculars with compass. Problem: horizon line often hazy; therefore, we need to find binoculars with built-in compass and inclinometer Question1: does anyone know of such binoculars on the market? Question2: has anyone used Vectronix Vector binoculars working with marine mammals? Question3: any other innovative solution to the "inclinometer" problem? Details: Our Russian colleagues conduct shore-based surveys of western, or Korean-Okhotsk, gray whales feeding off the coast of northeastern Sakhalin Island in Pacific Russia. Observers are positioned on coastal bluffs and other high marks of the coastline. They scan the view area several times a day in one 15-minutes sweep and count all marine mammals they can spot during the scan. For each animal, they record azimuth and reticle reading relative to the horizon line to get the distance. These data are then converted into a lat-long position of the animal/group. The observers have been using two types of wide-angle 7x50 reticle binoculars with built-in compass: Steiner Commander III and Fujinon FMTRC-SX Polaris. Their problem is that in order to get a reticle reading we need a clear view of the horizon line at all times. They lose a lot of working days due to fog/haze. Even a light or a distant haze which otherwise would not block observation may obscure the horizon line. So we have been trying to find a good binocular with built in compass AND INCLINOMETER. That would make an observer independent of the horizon line. So far all we have been able to find on the market is Vectronix Vector (www.vectronix.ch/products/), a military Leica binocular with built-in compass, inclinometer and a laser rangefinder, which starts (breathe!) at ~US$8000 apiece. We think we do not need a rangefinder; so we would rather not pay for it if we had a choice. Questions: 1. Does anyone among the list members has used or has heard of a type of binoculars with built-in compass and inclinometer but WITHOUT a rangefinder? 2. Has anyone used Vectronix Vector binoculars with marine mammals? Knows anyone who used it? What is the experience? We would perhaps consider buying it if we absolutely had to, but we would like to hear from someone who has used it for similar tasks. 3. Does anyone have any other possible solutions of the "horizon-line" problem? Maybe we are looking in the wrong direction and the solution lies elsewhere? Please get back to me directly Any help will be greatly appreciated. All the best, Sergei Yazvenko Sergei B. Yazvenko, Ph.D. LGL Limited, environmental research associates 9768 Second Street, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 3Y8 Phone +1 (250) 656-0127 or +1 (250) 656-0391 (after 17:00 PST); Direct line +1 (250) 656-0354, ext. 206# FAX +1 (250) 655-4761 (LGL) or +1 (514) 372-1071 (personal) Email: Yazvenko(\)LGL.com Internet: www.LGL.com; FTP: ftp.LGL.com "For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong". H. L. Mencken ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 14:39:52 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Distance Education Course Announcement >From Professor Keith Ronald (kronald(\)nova.edu) WELCOME- all those interested in marine mammals. This is a reminder that registration is now open for the most recent edition of: THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'SGLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (MMM). THIS COURSE IS OFFERED=A0TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING. There are four versions: a) Full three-credit graduate level b) A three-credit undergraduate version c) A general interest diploma, which will be awarded to all successful candidates d) As part of the graduate certificate (contact the coordinator douganj(\)nova.edu). MMM runs from JULY 5 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 2004. There are two assignments for those taking the credit versions: First, due on August 6 with a value of 35% of the total mark; Second and last on September 17 for the remaining 65%. Candidates will receive comments on the 1st assignment for use in the final essay. Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments, but not for marks, but certainly for comment. As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via E-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of communication using "MS Word". For general information on the course contact: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html and http://www.nova.edu/ocean.html for general information on the Oceanographic Center's programs. For registration http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html ProfessorKeith Ronald Coordinator for marine mammal distance education course, and associate Barra Gots (johnbarra(\)sympatico.ca) kronald(\)nova.edu and kronald(\)uoguelph.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 14:42:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Defenders of Wildlife Marine/Terrestrial Carnivore Conference (fwd) ABSTRACT DEADLINE IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY. Defenders of Wildlife announces its fifth biennial national conference, Carnivores 2004: Expanding Partnerships in Carnivore Conservation, which will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico November 14-17, 2004 at the La Fonda Hotel. The conference will focus on the biology and conservation of a full range of marine and terrestrial predators. Proposals for 1 and 2 hour sessions, individual papers and posters are being accepted now until June 1, 2004. The 2002 conference in Monterey, California had approximately 800 attendees. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, please contact Defenders of Wildlife, 1130 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 or call (202) 682-9400 ext. 315. You can also email carnivores2004(\)defenders.org or visit www.carnivoreconference.org. -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2004 09:04:27 -0300 From: Hal Whitehead Subject: Designation of Gully as Marine Protected Area From: Hal Whitehead (Hal.Whitehead(\)Dal.Ca) On 14 May 2004, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans designated the Gully, a submarine canyon on the edge of the Scotian Shelf, as a Marine Protected Area, with marine mammals (especially the northern bottlenose whales) that use the Gully forming a large part of the justification. The Gully Marine Protected Area is quite large (2,364 square kilometres), and geologically and oceanographically unusual. The regulations include features which means that this is a "true" and effective marine protected area. For instance there is a core zone (the deeper waters of the canyon) where virtually all commercial activity (including fishing) is prohibited. For more information please see: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/infocus/2004/20040512_e.htm Achieving this designation has been a long and sometimes difficult process, but the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans should be congratulated in carrying it through. I hope it may prove an example and inspiration for additional effective marine protected areas in Canadian waters and elsewhere. Hal ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 16:00:44 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Quantitative Marine Ecologist Vacancy - Australian Antarctic Division (fwd) From: "Linda Jacobs" Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program - Australian Antarctic Division Employment Opportunity Australian Antarctic Division Band 6 (APS 6)-Executive 2 (APS Executive Level 2) $52987-92915, Quantitative Marine Ecologist, Kingston, Tasmania (No. 13557) Closing Date: 6/25/2004 Duties: The Quantitative Marine Ecologist will contribute to the assessment and development of marine ecosystem and food web models as part of a team working on the conservation and management of Southern Ocean marine species. The work will form a key component of Australia's scientific input to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), and be in support of Australia's participation in the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Details of employment note: 3 years Eligibility Requirements: A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from an Australian University or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university, or other qualifications appropriate to the duties of the Quantitative Marine Ecologist. Notes: Applications will not be acknowledged. Engagement may be subject to conditions including probation, qualifications, and security/character clearance requirements. Persons who are not Australian Citizens will not generally be engaged as ongoing employees. A relocation Allowance will be payable where the successful candidate is recruited from within Australian and is required to relocate to Southern Tasmania. Access to a range of flexible working arrangements (including flexible working hours; part-time work and job sharing) may be considered where this will assist the preferred candidate to balance work and family/other commitments Contact: Dr Nick Gales 03 62323437 http://www.aad.gov.au Selection documentation may be obtained from recruitment officer 1800 030 755 (recruitment(\)aad.gov.au ) - Apply: Corporate Services Australian Antarctic Division Channel Highway Kingston TAS 7050 Agency Recruitment Link: http://www-new.aad.gov.au/employ This is a non-ongoing employment opportunity for a Specified Term ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 16:07:36 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Research request for video footage of boats striking whales (fwd) From: "Kathryn Benz" Good Morning: I am an investigator with PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility), a non-profit in Washington D.C. We are currently in the process of gathering information on whether NOAA is enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection Act by investigating the rising number of whale collisions with whale watching boats. NOAA has recently published a new rule in the Federal Registry, open for public comment, regarding regulation of boating practices in order to curb the incidents of whale strikes. PEER is currently looking for video footage or still photos that depict boats speeding illegally, or coming too close to whales, and then striking or injuring the animals in order to determine whether the new regulation would help prevent future whale injuries. If you have access to videos or photos depicting whale strikes, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you! Kathryn Benz PEER 202-265-7337, ext. 3002 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 12:32:20 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here is the lastest installment of what my wife refers to as Janiger's Journals (only figuratively speaking), of new PDF's that are available. Once again, thanks to the authors who sent along PDF's of their published papers this month. File sizes have been included. Note the large file size on several of the PDFs. Hotmail email accounts, please send different email address if you would like any of these files (if you have one). Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org AMSTRUP, S. C.; G. YORK; T. L. MCDONALD; R. NIELSON and K. SIMAC. BIOSCIENCE 54(4):337-344 2004. Detecting denning polar bears with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery. 1.024 MB ARCHER, FREDERICK; TIM GERRODETTE; SUSAN CHIVERS and ALAN JACKSON. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(2):233-244. 2004. Annual estimates of the unobserved incidental kill of pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata attenuata) calves in the tuna purse-seine fishery of the eastern tropical Pacific. 0.501 MB AU, WHITLOW W. L. and BERND WURSIG. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(5):2307-2313. 2004. Echolocation signals of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in Kaikoura, New Zealand. 0.168 MB BECKMEN, K. B.; G. M. YLITALO; T. M. O'HARA and J. L. STOTT. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(7-8):808-809. 2004. Correspondence Organochlorine contaminant exposure and associations with haematological and humoral immune functional assays with dam age as a factor in free-ranging northern fur seal pups - Response - Reply. 0.219 MB BENGTSON, JOHN L. and MICHAEL F. CAMERON. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(6):344-349. 2004. Seasonal haulout patterns of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga). 0.401 MB BLACKWELL, SUSANNA B.; JOHN W. LAWSON and MICHAEL T. WILLIAMS. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 115(5):2346-2357. 2004. Tolerance by ringed seals (Phoca hispida) to impact pipe-driving and construction sounds at an oil production island. 0.965 MB BOWEN, L.; B. M. ALDRIDGE; F. GULLAND; W. VAN BONN; R. DELONG; S. MELIN; L. J. LOWENSTINE; J. L. STOTT and M. L. JOHNSON. IMMUNOGENETICS 56(1):12-27. 2004. Class II multiformity generated by variable MHC-DRB region configurations in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). 0.937 MB CORKERON, PETER J. and ANTHONY R. MARTIN. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(2):465-468. 2004. Ranging and diving behaviour of two 'offshore' bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops sp., off eastern Australia. 0.110 MB DE BUFFRENIL, VIVIAN; WILLY DABIN; LOUISE ZYLBERBERG. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 262(4):371-381. 2004. Histology and growth of the cetacean petro-tympanic bone complex. 0.505 MB ENRIQUEZ-ANDRADE, ROBERTO RAMON nad JUAN GUILLERMO VACA-RODRIGUEZ. ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS 48(3):303-315. 2004. Evaluating ecological tradeoffs in fisheries management: a study case for the yellowfin tuna fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 0.266 MB ESCORZA-TREVINO, S.; L. A. PASTENE and A. E. DIZON. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 85(2):347-355. 2004. Molecular analyses of the Truei and Dalli morphotypes of Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli). 0.265 MB ETNIER, S. A.; J. L. DEAROLF; W. A. MCLELLAN and D. A. PABST. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 271(1542):909-918. 2004. Postural role of lateral axial muscles in developing bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 1.626 MB FIELD, IAIN C.; COREY J. A. BRADSHAW; HARRY R. BURTON and MARK A. HINDELL. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(7):432-440. 2004. Seasonal use of oceanographic and fisheries management zones by juvenile southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Macquarie Island. 0.514 MB LAIDRE, K. L.; M. P. HEIDE-HEIDE-JORGENSEN; O. A. JORGENSEN and M. A. TREBLE. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 61(3):430-440. 2004. Deep-ocean predation by a high Arctic cetacean. 0.410 MB LARSON, DOUGLAS M.; SABINA L. SHAIKH and DAVID F. LAYTON. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS 86(2):307-320. 2004. Revealing preferences for leisure time from stated preference data. (Whalewatching) 0.134 MB LUNN, NICK J.; IAN STIRLING; DENNIS ANDRIASHEK and EVAN RICHARDSON. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(6):350-356. 2004. Selection of maternity dens by female polar bears in western Hudson Bay, Canada and the effects of human disturbance. 0.253 MB LYDERSEN, CHRISTIAN; OLE ANDERS NOST; KIT M. KOVACS and MIKE A. FEDAK. JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS 46(1-4):99-108. 2004. Temperature data from Norwegian and Russian waters of the northern Barents Sea collected by free-living ringed seals. 1.206 MB MEYER, W. and U. SEEGERS. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 144(5):841-844. 2004. A preliminary approach to epidermal antimicrobial defense in the Delphinidae. 0.254 MB MIKLOSOVIC, D. S.; M. M. MURRAY; L. E. HOWLE and F. E. FISH. PHYSICS OF FLUIDS 16(5):L39-L42. 2004. Leading-edge tubercles delay stall on humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) flippers. 0.389 MB NAGAMINE, HIROSHI; KENJI YAMAHATA; YOSHIMICHI HAGIWARA and RYOICHI MATSUBARA. JOURNAL OF TURBULENCE 5: 25pgs. 2004. Turbulence modification by compliant skin and strata-corneas desquamation of a swimming dolphin. 1.289 MB ROBECK, T. R. and J. K. O'BRIEN. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 70(5):1340-1348. 2004. Effect of cryopreservation methods and precryopreservation storage on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa. 0.184 MB ROSS, PETER S. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(7-8):806-807. 2004. Correspondence Response to Beckmen et al. ("Organochlorine contaminant exposure and associations with haematological and humoral immune functional assays with dam age as a factor in free-ranging northern fur seal pups"; Marine Pollution Bulletin 46:594-606) 0.219 MB TRUJILLO, ROBERT G.; THOMAS R. LOUGHLIN; NEIL J. GEMMELL; JOHN C. PATTON and JOHN W. BICKHAM. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 85(2):338-346. 2004. Variation in microsatellites and mtDNA across the range of the Steller sea lion, Eumetopias jubatus. 0.187 MB TSYDENOVA, O.; T. B. MINH; N. KAJIWARA; V. BATOEV and S. TANABE. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(7-8):749-758. 2004. Recent contamination by persistent organochlorines in Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) from Lake Baikal, Russia. 0.356 MB VAN DE VIJVER, K. I.; P. T. HOFF; K. DAS; W. VAN DONGEN; E. L. ESMANS; U. SIEBERT; J. M. BOUQUEGNEAU; R. BLUST and W. M. DE COEN. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(9-10):992-997. 2004. Baseline study of perfluorochemicals in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Northern Europe. 0.106 MB WEBER, D. S.; B. S. STEWART and N. LEHMAN. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 95(2):144-153. 2004. Genetic consequences of a severe population bottleneck in the Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi). 0.262 MB WEIHS, DANIEL. JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 3(2): 16pgs. 2004. The hydrodynamics of dolphin drafting. 1.338 MB ZHAO, LIYING; MICHAEL A. CASTELLINI; TAMARA L. MAU and STEPHEN J. TRUMBLE. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(6):368-373. 2004. Trophic interactions of Antarctic seals as determined by stable isotope signatures. 0.273 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:36:04 -0400 Reply-To: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu From: Phil Clapham Subject: New paper The following paper was just published: Clapham, P., Good, C., Quinn, S., Reeves, R.R., Scarff, J.E, & Brownell, R.L. Jr. 2004. Distribution of North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) as shown by 19th and 20th century whaling catch and sighting records. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 6: 1-6. ABSTRACT North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) were extensively exploited in the 19th century, and their recovery was further retarded (severely so in the eastern population) by illegal Soviet catches in the 20th century, primarily in the 1960's. Here, we provide monthly plots of right whale sightings and catches from both the 19th and 20th centuries, using data summarized by Scarff (1991, from the whale charts of Matthew Fontaine Maury) and Brownell et al. (2001), respectively. Right whales had an extensive offshore distribution in the 19th century, and were common in areas (such as the Gulf of Alaska and Sea of Japan) where few or no right whales occur today. Seasonal movements of right whales are apparent in the data, although to some extent these reflect survey and whaling effort. That said, these seasonal movements indicate a general northward migration in spring from lower latitudes, and major concentrations above 40o N in summer. Sightings diminished and occurred further south in autumn, and very few animals were recorded anywhere in winter. These north-south migratory movements support the idea of two largely discrete populations of right whales in the eastern and western North Pacific. Overall, these analyses confirm that the size and range of the right whale population is now considerably diminished in the North Pacific relative to the situation during the peak period of whaling for this species in the 19th century. New surveys are urgently required to establish the present distribution of this species for management; existing data suggest that the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, the Okhotsk Sea, the Kuril Islands and the coast of Kamchatka are the areas with the greatest likelihood of finding right whales today. A pdf reprint is available from me, but please note that (because of distribution maps) it is a large file in two parts totalling almost 13 MB! Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. tel. 508 495-2316 fax 508 495-2066 email: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 15:20:04 +1000 From: Simon Allen Subject: Fur seal predation on wobbegong shark? Greetings, We recently got some video footage of an Australian fur seal feeding on a large ornate wobbegong off NSW, Australia. We were about 500m off the beach, the fur seal carried the shark (minus head) in it's mouth and thrashed it about on the surface in an apparent attempt to break it up into manageable pieces. We know that some sharks (including larger wobbegongs) feed on small wobbegongs, but we don't know of adult wobbegongs in the diet of fur seals. Does anyone have evidence (e.g. from diet analysis) or accounts (published or anecdotal) of fur seals or other pinnipeds feeding on large wobbegongs? Please respond to the shark man in our lab! (charlie.huveneeers(\)gse.mq.edu.au) Best regards, Simon Allen Macquarie University Simon Allen Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University - Sydney NSW 2109 Australia mob: 0416 083 653 ph: (612) 9850 7980 email: sallen(\)els.mq.edu.au "Happy who has seen the most water in life" (Arabic proverb) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 13:05:16 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Looking for info on binoculars with built-in compass From: Rod Hobbs Hi, The simplest approach would be to use a near shore object such as a rock or a buoy and measure the angle, using the reticles from the water line of the object to the whale. On a clear day the angle below the horizon to the object can be carefully established the know angle to the fixed reference point can then be added to the angle from the reference to the whale to get the angle below the horizon. If the distance to the fixed reference point can be established independently, then the angle between the fixed object and the whale can be used to calculate the distance to the whale directly. See Lerczak and Hobbs. 1998. Mar. Mam. Sci. 14(3):590-599 and ERRATA in MMS 14(4) for details on calculations. A second, low tech solution would be to fix two poles in the field of view or string two lines across the field of view so that they line up with the with the horizon when they are aligned, giving an artificial horizon. A higher tech solution would be to use a theodolyte these are surveying instruments that give extremely accurate angles and are set to a horizontal using leveling bubbles on a tripod rather than a horizon and are independent of the visibility conditions. Manual theodolytes are relatively inexpensive but slow to use, electronic theodolytes can download angles directly to a computer so that only seconds are required for each whale location. Lerczak and Hobbs gives formulas for estimating distance using theodolytes as well. I hope this helps, Good Luck! Rod -- Roderick Hobbs, Ph.D. Leader, Beluga and Small Cetacean Tasks Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 7600 Sand Point Way, NE Seattle, WA 98115-6349 USA Work: (206)526-6278 Fax: (206)526-6615 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2004 13:29:46 -0400 Reply-To: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu From: Phil Clapham Subject: North Pacific right whale paper: pdf URL In response to the many requests for a reprint of the following paper which we announced yesterday: Clapham, P., Good, C., Quinn, S., Reeves, R.R., Scarff, J.E, & Brownell, R.L. Jr. 2004. Distribution of North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) as shown by 19th and 20th century whaling catch and sighting records. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 6: 1-6. ...because of the size of the pdf file, we have now put the reprint on the following website: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/Clapham-NP-right-whales.pdf It can be downloaded from there. Anyone who requested this file but has not yet received it directly from me is asked to obtain it through this site. Thanks for all the interest. Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. tel. 508 495-2316 fax 508 495-2066 email: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2004 08:02:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Two MSc thesis abstracts (fwd) Dear All, Please find below a copy of two abstracts recently completed for the=20 Marine Mammal Science MSc, Bangor, North Wales, UK. Both of the M. Sc. thesis projects were awarded a distinction. Hope they=20 are of interest to some, pdfs are available upon request... _Thesis 1_: Sonja M. Eisfeld. (2003). The social affiliation and group=20 composition of bottlenose dolphins (/Tursiops truncatus/) in the outer=20 southern Moray Firth, NE Scotland. M. Sc. thesis at the University of=20 Wales, Bangor. _Thesis 2_: Laura A. Bates. (2003). A Critical Evaluation of the=20 Management Measure for Protect Areas, for Coastl Cetaceans in the UK. M.=20 Sc. thesis at the University of Wales, Bangor. Kind regards, Laura Bates & Sonja Eisfeld The social affiliation and group composition of bottlenose dolphins (/Tur= siops truncatus/) in the outer southern Moray Firth, NE Scotland.=20 Author: Sonja M. Eisfeld- pine(\)nexgo.de (or) sonja= .eisfeld(\)ish.bfa-fisch.de Abstract Group sizes, composition, and association patterns of bottlenose=20 dolphins (/Tursiops truncatus/) using the southern coastline of the=20 outer Moray Firth, NE Scotland, were investigated between May and August=20 2003 using systematic boat surveys and photo-identification /=20 capture-recapture techniques. In the subsequent analysis, additional=20 archived data for the period October 1997 to 2002 (provided by the host=20 organisation) was used. Group sizes (n =3D 132) ranged from 1 to 44 with = a=20 mean of 11.07 =B1 7.93 animals (median =3D 9.0). Schools containing calve= s=20 (both excluding calves from the analysis and including calves=20 respectively) were significantly larger than groups in which calves were=20 absent. Over the period 1997 to 2003, 182 individual dolphins were=20 photographically identified (including 22 known males and 53 females),=20 94 of which displayed dorsal edge marks (DEMs). From these records, 40=20 representative individuals (19 females, 17 males and 4 of unknown sex)=20 which had been identified 5 or more times, were used to calculate=20 coefficients of association (CoAs) ranging from 0.00 to 0.73 (mean =3D=20 0.11 =B1 0.04). Associations between and within sex classes were not=20 significantly different from one another. Further, the results of=20 permutation tests for non-random associations indicated that dolphins=20 did not associate preferentially with some individuals or avoid others.=20 Analyses of lagged association rates, however, suggested short-term=20 association of individuals over periods of days with rapid=20 disassociations, except for a smaller number of constant companions by=20 the end of a few weeks. The size and structure of dolphin groups=20 frequenting the study area is primarily attributed to the reproductive=20 state of the female. Not withstanding, however, other implications such=20 as the social ecology, relatedness, dispersal and anthropogenic impacts=20 on this population are discussed. Whilst contributing to our=20 understanding of the factors influencing distribution patterns and=20 sociality of the coastal dolphins in UK waters, the present findings may=20 be particularly significant in view of management proposals currently=20 aimed at this internationally important, North Sea population. A Critical Evaluation of the Management Measures for Protected Areas,=20 for Coastal Cetaceans in the UK. Author: Laura A. Bates - batesy_l(\)yahoo.com Abstract__ A comprehensive review of the types of protection designed to conserve=20 cetaceans is out-lined in the form of legislative frameworks and Marine=20 Protected Areas (MPAs). The MPA concept is discussed in relation to; the=20 terrestrial protected area paradigm; types of MPAs; existing MPAs for=20 cetaceans; and the importance of MPA networks. Particular emphasis is=20 made of the conservation of the bottlenose dolphin (/Tursiops=20 truncatus/). The need for MPAs is highlighted through an overview of the=20 ubiquitous threats faced by UK bottlenose dolphins. Attempts are made to=20 evaluate the effectiveness of existing cetacean MPAs: 2 UK bottlenose=20 dolphin candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs), namely the=20 Moray Firth and Cardigan Bay. A process of expert consultation using=20 3-tired questionnaires, creating scenarios, inviting free-comment and=20 addressing comments and questionnaires personally, delivered through=20 email, was effective. As a result experts stayed true to the study, with=20 the majority of them participating through out, and actively reflecting=20 on the issues raised. The questionnaires explored the value of=20 management objectives, activities and actions (sum of the returns N=3D22,= =20 18, 16 for each questionnaire respectively). The opinion=92s of MPA and=20 Cetacean experts, in the forefront of their discipline, were compared.=20 These experts prioritised a different set of criteria from that given=20 precedence by the two UK dolphin SACs. All of the management actions=20 (taken from the existing management plans), as prioritised by the=20 experts, have yet to be completed. This illustrates the difference=20 between the =91ideal=92, as prioritised by the experts, and the =91realit= y=92 of=20 what happens on the ground. An extension of this study arose with the=20 recognition of the expanding popularity in marine eco-tourism. A number=20 of boat users were sampled using face-to-face surveys to identify their=20 perceived boating behaviour when in the vicinity of dolphins in Cardigan=20 Bay. (N=3D68). The information found should supplement further education=20 and interpretation activities, highlighting effective action and=20 concurrent areas needing greater focus. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:48:07 +0100 Reply-To: info(\)cerf.bc.ca From: Coastal Ecosystems Organization: Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation Subject: Job: Research Asst Canada gray whales In-Reply-To: <200406092356.i59Nukp0032908(\)unix6.uvic.ca> The Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation has an immediate opening for a Research Assistant in its British Columbia gray & humpback whale research programme. Funding for this position is being provided by the Canadian federal government, so this job is limited to Canadian citizens & permanent residents who have been in full-time studies this academic year and intend to return to full-time study in the next academic year. The RA will assist with a study of the abundance, movements, distribution and feeding ecology of gray and humpback whales on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Based out of Duncanby Landing, Rivers Inlet, the RA will assist with daily surveys of southern Queen Charlotte Sound and the Inside Passage to photo-identify individual whales and record their behaviours. This is an ongoing research project now in its eleventh year. Observation platforms include a converted 38' ex-fishboat, a pair of speedboats, and shore platforms overlooking gray whale feeding habitat. The RA will receive hands-on practical training in survey, photo- identification and ethological techniques. He or she will also be trained in vessel operations, from navigation (GPS, charts and radar, day & night) to boat-handling near the whales during photo-identification sessions. Shore duties will include computer-based photo-id matching of gray and humpback whales, as well as some data entry work. Additional duties will include wilderness guiding aboard local ecotourism vessels, and a week or two of evening slide shows in Port Hardy. The RA is needed immediately, and the project will run until the 5th of October, 2004. In addition to whale work, the RA will also be expected to assist with the maintenance and restoration of the buildings and grounds at Duncanby Landing. Preference will be given to those with biology or ecology backgrounds. Experience with marine mammals and/or small boat operations not required, but a definite plus. To apply, email or fax a resume to the address below. Selection will begin immediately, and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The rate of pay is $315 CAD/week, plus room & board. Transport to Port Hardy is the candidate?s responsibility, but transport between Port Hardy and Duncanby Landing will be provided. Hours are long each day, and work is in a small team environment in a highly remote area (access only by boat or floatplane). The Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is an independent Canadian registered charitable organisation founded in 1993 to study the biology and ecology of whales & dolphins in Canadian waters. It is run by academics and graduate students from several universities including the University of Bath (UK), Rochester Institute of Technology (USA), the University of British Columbia (Canada), the University of California at Los Angeles (USA), and the University of Maine (USA). Its marine mammal research is conducted in Canada and Mexico. In addition to the whale research, it also conducts research on the biodiversity of the intertidal and coastal forest zones of the BC. Selected reports, theses & publications are listed at cerf.bc.ca/pubs/index.asp. For more information, see our website (cerf.bc.ca) or contact the Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation by email or fax at the address below. William Megill, PhD Research Director Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation Fax: 1-815-327-0183 Email: info(\)cerf.bc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 14:57:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Seeing information about fossil cetacean in Italy (fwd) From: Lori Marino Dear Marmamers, I would like to talk to someone who is familiar with the fossil odontocete collections in Italy, particularly at Bologna University (at the G. Capellini Museum), the Padua Museum, or the University of Turin. If anyone on the list works there or knows a contact, I'd very much appreciate you sending me an email. This request is part of an effort to locate collections of late Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene odontocete crania. Thanks. Lori Marino -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Psychology Building Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-0372 THE LATEST!!! ****************************************************************** GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE TO SEE OUR ON-LINE DOLPHIN BRAIN ATLAS: http://www.msu.edu/user/brains/turs/ ****************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 15:00:46 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job opportunity with NAMMCO (fwd) Hello: The position of General Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO), is open for applicants. The position is based in Tromso, Norway. NAMMCO is an inter-governmental body established in 1992 with the purpose of contributing, through regional consultation and cooperation, to the conservation, rational management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Member countries of the Commission are Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The NAMMCO Secretariat currently has a permanent staff of three. The official working language of NAMMCO is English. The successful candidate should have: a higher university degree in a relevant field of study; working experience with, and an excellent understanding of, international cooperation in the field of conservation and management of natural resources; excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English, as well as experience with the preparation and editing in English of reports and publications. A working knowledge of a Scandinavian language would be an advantage as would experience in administrative leadership The position of General Secretary is for a four-year period, with the possibility of extension at the end of this term. The General Secretary is an Official of the Commission according to the Host Agreement between NAMMCO and Norway, and is granted privileges and immunities in the interest of the Commission. The salary, which is taxed at a level compatible with the relevant Norwegian tax level, will be commensurate with the qualifications required of the position and in line with salaries for similar posts in other international organisations. Please see the NAMMCO web site at www.nammco.no for details. Daniel Pike Scientific Secretary, North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Tromso, Norway Tel. +47 77 75 01 77 Fax +47 77 75 01 81 daniel.pike(\)nammco.no www.nammco.no ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 08:53:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: dolphin - human interactions (fwd) Dear Marmam readers, The following paper has been published in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. PDF copies are available from the second author (Lars Bejder: lbejder(\)dal.ca). Samuels, A. and Bejder, L. 2004. Chronic interaction between humans and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins near Panama City Beach, Florida, USA. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 6(1): 69-77. ABSTRACT: Swim-with activities, in which humans enter the water to interact with free-ranging cetaceans, are a popular form of nature tourism; however, there is considerable disagreement as to whether these encounters constitute a threat to the animals. At the request of the US Marine Mammal Commission, a systematic study was designed to quantify effects of swim-with activities on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins in waters near Panama City Beach, Florida. Certain dolphin behaviours were identified as indicative of chronic interaction with humans, and based on presence of these behaviours, at least seven dolphins were identified that permitted people to swim nearby. Because these dolphins accepted food handouts from people, they were considered to be conditioned to human interaction through food reinforcement. Specific human-dolphin interactions that posed a risk for dolphins or humans were identified, and it was calculated that human interaction put a specific juvenile dolphin at risk once every 12 min, including being fed by humans once every 39-59 min. Humans interacting with that dolphin were estimated to be at risk once every 29 min. Although the study was of limited duration, the observations were so clear-cut and the nature of interactions so potentially hazardous it was concluded that food provisioning was the probable basis for swimming with free-ranging dolphins near Panama City Beach, Florida, and therefore, human interaction at this location was likely to be harmful to the dolphins and in clear violation of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act. Of equal importance to the findings of this study is the methodology. A systematic behavioural methodology was designed that can be adapted to study potential impacts of nature tourism on coastal communities of cetaceans in which individuals are readily distinguished. The focus was on the behaviour of individual animals in order to describe and quantify in-water interactions between dolphins and humans, to make behavioural comparisons for the same individual dolphins in the presence and absence of swimmers, and to make behavioural comparisons for individual dolphins in the same region that do and do not interact with swimmers. Coupled with standard photo-identification techniques, these methods can be used to identify the class of animals, or proportion of a local community, that is more likely to interact with, be detrimentally affected by, and/or avoid human interaction. Sequential observations of the same individuals taken over time can be used to document habituation or sensitisation to human interaction. All the best Lars Bejder Lars Bejder Biology Department Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 CANADA Tel: ++ 902 494 3723 (wk) Tel: ++ 902 479 1043 (hm) Fax: ++ 902 494 3736 Email: lbejder(\)dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/lb/lars.htm http://www.dr.dk/videnskab/viden_om/programmer/86delfin/ http://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 10:28:57 -0400 From: Aleria Jensen Organization: NOAA Subject: public comment period on ship strike strategy From: "Aleria Jensen" MARMAM Subcribers, NOAA Fisheries is soliciting comments through an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on a strategy to reduce mortalities to North Atlantic right whales as a result of vessel collisions (69 FR 30857, June 1, 2004). The proposed strategy addresses the lack of recovery of the endangered North Atlantic right whale by reducing the likelihood and threat of ship strike mortalities to the species. For further information and instructions on where to send comments, see the Federal Register notice available at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/shipstrike/ under "NMFS Northeast Regional Office - NEWS" or http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/ under "Recent News and Hot Topics - Ship Strike Strategy." All comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. EST on August 2, 2004. NOAA Fisheries expects to conduct public meetings during or following the comment period on the ANPR; the dates and locations of these meetings will be announced in a future Federal Register notice. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 21:39:11 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Employment Opportunity - Statistician/Epidemiologist (fwd) Statistician/Epidemiologist Employment Opportunity NOAA - Charleston, South Carolina The NOAA/National Ocean Service Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina (Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research) is seeking a statistician/epidemiologist to join our Marine Mammal Program Team. This position is directed toward expertise that will provide statistical planning of research, procedures for collecting and tabulating data and improvements to methodologies, analysis of results, evaluation and interpretation of data, and graphical presentation. The design and implementation of risk analyses to assess the population and health status of marine mammals is also desired. Position Requirements: Ph.D. degree in Statistics and/or Epidemiology. Specific knowledge and 2 years minimum experience in statistics/epidemiology. Basic background in marine mammal biology with a focus on health assessment is desirable. In-depth knowledge in theoretical statistics and application of statistical methods to biological and ecological research data, with emphasis on marine mammal population health assessment and effects of contaminants. Experience in designing experiments and research studies directed at population biology, biological risk and healthssessment. using specifications for achieving necessary statistical power Experience and ability to utilize computer technology and statistical software (SAS, S-plus, Visual-Basic, etc.) for processing and analysis of research data. Duties: The Statistician/Epidemiologist will contribute to the development of health assessment information as part of a multi-disciplinary team working on the Health and Risk Assessment (HERA) of Bottlenose Dolphin Populations. Research emphasis focuses on determining environmental perturbations on marine mammal health and long-term viability of populations. Investigative approaches include the incorporation of diagnostic and biomedical assays and bioindicators to assess risk and develop epidemiological models. This research will be conducted collaboratively with other investigators from academic, federal and state institutions and designed to provide a linkage of population health and environmental assessment. Terms and Conditions: The statistician/epidemiologist research position has a starting salary of $58,665. NOS envisions this as a long-term need and integral position to program activities. Position will be filled as soon as candidate is selected. Access to a range of flexible working arrangements (including flexible working hours; part-time work and job sharing) may be considered. Contact: Please send resumes to Patricia A. Fair, Ph.D., 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 (email: pat.fair(\)noaa.gov; phone: (843)762-8533) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Patricia Fair, Ph.D. -Living Marine Resources Branch Chief USDOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research at Charleston (CCEHBR) 219 Fort Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412-9110 voice: (843)762-8533 fax: (843)762-8700 e-mail: Pat.Fair(\)noaa.gov http://www.chbr.noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 08:57:01 -0500 Reply-To: dfertl(\)geo-marine.com From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals, 2004, vol. 30, issue 1 Dear Marmam and ECS-All subscribers, The following abstracts are from the most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammal= s_. They are posted as a courtesy to the the journal editor -- Dr. Jeanette Thomas, as well as the Marmam editors. _Aquatic Mammals_ is the scientifi= c, peer-reviewed journal of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). In this journal, papers dealing with all aspects of the care, conservation, medicine and science of aquatic mammals are published. The journal appears 3 times per year. This special issue addresses the biology and conservation of humpback dolphins (_Sousa_ spp.) and is guest-edited by Dr. Thomas Jefferson. This issue is a result of the 2002 IWC meeting in Japan where the Small Cetace= an Subcommittee reviewed the status of humpback dolphins. This issue is also available on CD-ROM thru the EAAM. Reprints are not available thru the Marmam editors or myself; the address= es of the authors to whom correspondence should be directed are provided bel= ow. No email addresses were provided for any of these authors; only snail mai= l addresses are provided. Information on the EAAM, society membership, jour= nal subscriptions, and author guidelines requests may be found at the EAAM's website: http://www.eaam.org or should be directed to the editor: Dr. Jeanette A. Thomas Laboratory of Sensory Biology Western Illinois University-Quad Cities 3561 60th Street Moline, IL 61265, USA Phone +1 309 762 9481, ext. 262 Fax +1 309 762 6989 aquatic_mammals(\)eaam.org Thank you for your continued interest in the EAAM, _Aquatic Mammals_, and the abstract postings. Regards, Dagmar Fertl Marine Mammal Biologist Geo-Marine, Inc. 550 East 15th Street Plano, TX 75074 USA *************************************************************************= *** **************************************** Jefferson, T.A.*, and K. Van Waerebeek. 2004. Geographic variation in sku= ll morphology of humpback dolphins (_Sousa_ spp.). _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):3= -17 *Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, NMFS, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dri= ve, La Jolla, California 92037 USA The taxonomy and systematic relationships of humpback dolphins (genus _Sousa_) are highly confused. This is largely due to a lack of data and samples from large portions of the range of the genus, and confusing and seemingly contradictory patterns of variation in available external morphometric, skeletal morphometric, and molecular datasets. To help clar= ify the situation, we measured 222 skulls of humpback dolphins originating fr= om throughout most regions of the range of _Sousa_. While patterns of crania= l variation appeared to be relatively conservative, there was evidence for three groups: (1) Atlantic Ocean/West Africa, (2) Western Indian Ocean, a= nd (3) Eastern Indian Ocean/Pacific Ocean. These would appear to correspond = to the _teuszii_, _plumbea_, and _chinensis_ forms, respectively. No taxonom= ic revisions are recommended at this time, and the conservative view of two species (_S. teuszii_ in West Africa and _S. chinensis_ in the Indo-Pacif= ic) can be defended for the time being as a pragmatic approach. The distinctn= ess of _S. teuszii_ is clearcut, but other taxonomic decisions should await further studies of molecular genetics and morphometrics, currently underw= ay. ************************************* Parsons, E.C.M.* 2004. The potential impacts of pollution on humpback dolphins, with a case study on the Hong Kong population _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):18-37. *Department of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444, USA Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) inhabit coastal and estuarine waters close to anthropogenic sources of pollution. Detailed studies of contaminant levels on Hong Kong's population of humpback dolph= ins showed high levels of organochlorines, in particular DDT, and mercury contamination. These contaminant levels are high enough to impact humpbac= k dolphin health. It is likely that several other populations of humpback dolphins are contaminated to a similar degree, and urgent research is warranted. In addition to organochlorine and trace element pollution, the impacts of butyltin (BT), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane (TCPMe), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMeO= H), and sewage pollution on humpback dolphin populations should be investigat= ed as a matter of urgency. ************************************* Parsons, E.C.M.* 2004. The behavior and ecology of the Indo-Pacific humpb= ack dolphin (_Sousa chinensis_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):38-55. *Department of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444, USA The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (_Sousa chinensis_) can be divided into two morphological types: (1) west of India, plumbea-type humpback dolphin= s are dark gray or almost black in color, with a defined "hump" and (2) eas= t of India, in Southeast Asia and Australia, _chinensis_-type humpback dolphins do not possess a "hump" and are often white or very light in col= or, with or without blue-gray spots and freckles. _Plumbea_-type humpback dolphins inhabit coastal waters, bays, and estuaries typically within 0.5= km of the coast, in waters less than 15 m deep. School sizes are small (< 25= ), although schools of up to 100 have been sighted off Oman. Diurnal pattern= s and seasonal and tide-related changes in behavior are observed, which hav= e been attributed to changes in seawater temperature and, ultimately, the availability of prey. Feeding behavior tends to be correlated with rocky reefs and rocky shores. Social and sexual behavior, as well as births, oc= cur year-round, but with seasonal peaks (October-May). The acoustic behavior = of the _plumbea_-type humpback dolphin is little known although clicks of 20= -25 kHz, "screams" from 3 to 20 kHz, and whistles from 3 to 25 kHz have been reported. Interactions between _plumbea_-type humpback dolphins and a variety of non-cetacean species have been reported, and in Zanzibar mixed groups of humpback and bottlenose dolphins are common. _Plumbea_-type humpback dolphins typically display aversive reactions to boat traffic. _Chinensis_-type humpback dolphins are primarily coastal and estuarine, almost exclusively estuarine in the northern parts of their range. Australian dolphins off the Great Barrier Reef were observed at considera= ble distances offshore (up to 55 km), but always close to shallow water. Inhabited water depth is usually less than 10 m. School sizes resemble th= ose of _plumbea_-type humpback dolphins, although groups of up to 44 have bee= n observed. The home ranges of individual animals are more compact and less coastal than _plumbea_-type humpback dolphins, varying both by season and year. Seasonal changes in distribution observed in Hong Kong are linked t= o changes in hydrography of the Pearl River. Diurnal and tide-related chang= es in behavior also have been noted. Feeding is the predominant behavior not= ed for _chinensis_-type humpback dolphins in Hong Kong, which is frequently associated with estuarine mixing zones and trawling activities. Social behavior occurs year-round, but peaks during the same period as calf conception. Calves primarily are born between January and August, with pe= aks in April/May and August. Epimeletic behavior has been reported in _chinensis_-type humpback dolphins. _Chinensis_-type humpback dolphins ha= ve been recorded producing whistles of between 1.2 and 16 kHz, and broadband harmonic pulses and low frequency, narrow band "grunts." The spectra of broadband click pulses ranged from 30 to 200 kHz. The sounds produced by these humpback dolphins can be as low as 600 Hz and coincide with frequencies produced by many types of boat traffic. In Moreton Bay, Australia, humpback dolphins often are observed in mixed groups with bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_), although humpback dolphins do not associate with finless porpoises (_Neophocaena phocaenoides_) in Hong Kong. Associations with fishing trawlers have been noted in China and Australia. Increased dive durations as a result of increased shipping density and avoidance of high-speed vessels have been recorded in Hong Ko= ng. In addition ship-strikes have been a documented cause of mortality in thi= s area. _Chinensis_-type humpback dolphins often are present in areas of hi= gh shipping traffic densities and, thus, impacts of boat traffic on this species are a cause for concern. Despite some very detailed studies in discrete areas (e.g., South Africa and Hong Kong), little is known about = the ecology and behavior of either form of _S. chinensis_. An understanding o= f their behavior and ecology is essential to any initiative to conserve thi= s species. *************************************************************************= *** Van Waerebeek, K.*, L. Barnett, A. Camara, A. Cham, M. Diallo, A. Djiba, A.O. Jallow, E. Ndiaye, A.S.O.O. Bilal, and I.L. Bamy. 2004. Distribution= , status, and biology of the Atlantic humpback dolphin, _Sousa teuszii_ (K=FCkenthal, 1892). _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):56-83. *Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research (CEPEC), Museo de los Delfines, Pucusana, Peru The distribution, status, and biology of the Atlantic humpback dolphin (_Sousa teuszii_) is critically reviewed, and results of recent research = are discussed. The species' known distribution limits are, in the north, Dahk= la Bay (23=BA50'N), Western Sahara, and in the south, Tombua (15=BA47'S), so= uthern Angola. Its habitat is predominantly inshore coastal and estuarine, over soft-sediment bottoms. There is no evidence that it might occur beyond th= e brackish waters of estuaries into a riverine, fresh-water habitat. There = are no records for the Senegal, Casamance, and Niger Rivers. A total of eight stocks are provisionally discerned for management purposes. Six of these = are confirmed-contemporary (based on recent records), including Dahkla Bay, B= anc d'Arguin, Saloum-Niumi, Canal do G=EAba-Bijagos, South Guinea, and Angola= . Two stocks, the Cameroon Estuary and Gabon, are historical, and new field-wor= k needs to confirm their current presence. No inference is made on degree o= f reproductive isola- tion and biological population status of any named stock. The potential existence of a western Togo stock is currently under study. Nine coastal states, including Morocco (Western Sahara), Mauritani= a, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Cameroon, Gabon, and Angola are confirmed range states. While historically distribution may ha= ve been quasi-continuous over the species' range, indications of contemporar= y distribution gaps are emerging. Ongoing monitoring of cetacean takes in coastal fisheries off western Ghana, and experimental whale-watching sort= ies in B=E9nin have not yielded a single record. The species has either becom= e rare through human-related pressures or, less likely, it never lived ther= e. For most other areas there is little, if any, information due to the lack= of research. No abundance estimates are available for any stock. The smalles= t extant stock may be the northernmost, Dahkla Bay. The aggregated number o= f individuals seen in four sightings was 28 individuals. The healthiest kno= wn stock seems to be Canal do G=EAba-Bijagos (in Guinea-Bissau), which may n= umber at least several hundred, if not more. How extensively humpback dolphins range in-between core areas is unclear, but only a few individuals have b= een encountered. There is no evidence for seasonality in presence, nor for seasonal movements. Regular cross-border movements between the Saloum Del= ta (Senegal) and Niumi National Park (The Gambia) technically qualifies S. teuszii as a "migratory species" under the Conservation of Migratory Spec= ies (CMS) Convention. Fisheries-related mortality is thought to be significan= tly higher than the few recorded takes suggest because it is very rarely reported. Combined with habitat encroachment, such losses may threaten th= e long-term survival of some stocks. *************************************************************************= *** Atkins, S.*, N. Pillay, and V.M. Peddemors. 2004. Spatial distribution of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) at Richards Bay, South Africa: Environmental influences and behavioural patterns._Aquatic Mammal= s_ 30(1):84-93. *Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050, South Africa Humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) are caught in shark nets at Richard= s Bay, South Africa, at higher levels than elsewhere along the KwaZulu-Nata= l coast. As part of an investigation to understand the reasons for humpback dolphin capture in shark nets at Richards Bay, we studied the spatial distribution and behavioral patterns of these dolphins. The study area wa= s divided into five offshore sectors, 13 longshore sectors, and three regio= ns. The geographic positions of humpback dolphins were recorded during boat-based follows, as was the proportion of time focal groups spent feeding, resting, socialising, and traveling. Humpback dolphins used the area within 2 km of the shore extensively. Along the shore, "hot spots" where humpback dolphins were most likely to be found were widely spaced, = but sea conditions (water depth, surface, and subsurface temperatures and wat= er visibility) did not appear to influence this spatial distribution. This m= ay be because most measurements were within humpback dolphins' preferred ran= ge. In general, humpback dolphins used the area south of Richards Bay Harbor most often. The inshore area was important for feeding, but humpback dolphins moved further offshore to rest. Feeding was particularly importa= nt at the entrance to the harbor, where breakwaters and an estuary mouth are found. The Harbor Mouth region may be considered a feeding area of humpba= ck dolphins, and this is where the shark nets are placed. *************************************************************************= *** Guissamulo A.*, and V.G. Cockcroft. 2004. Ecology and population estimate= s of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) in Maputo Bay, Mozambique._Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):94-102. *Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Museu de Historia Natural, Praca Travessi= a do Zambeze, 104, Maputo, Mozambique, P.O. Box 257 The ecology and abundance of humpback dolphins inhabiting Maputo Bay were studied between December 1995 and December 1997 through boat-based survey= s and photo-identification mark-recapture analysis. The sighting rate was l= ow, corresponding to 21% of 146 surveys conducted. Estimated group size (mean=3D14.9 =B1 SD 7.32 individuals) was the largest reported for the ea= stern Africa region and did not change significantly with month, season, daylig= ht, or tidal state. The proportion of individually marked adults was high amo= ng adults (0.52) and in a dolphin group (0.26). There is evidence for summer influxes of humpback dolphins into eastern Maputo Bay, and there are considerable numbers of apparently transient individuals. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of humpback dolphins (13.5%) display high site fidelity to eastern Maputo Bay and could be long-term residents. Mark-recapture analysis (Jolly-Seber model) suggests a population size of approximately 105 dolphins, but the precision of the estimate is low (30.5-150.9). Births seem to occur throughout the year, and the birth rat= e is relatively high (0.11); however, the recruitment rate to six months in eastern Maputo Bay is low (0.05) and the calf mortality (or mortality and emigration) rate is high (0.47). Current conservation issues include primarily fishery interactions and habitat alteration, but the levels of impact on the dolphin population require further assessments. *************************************************************************= *** Razafindrakoto, Y.*, N. Andrianarivelo, and H.C. Rosenbaum. 2004. Sightin= gs, catches, and other records of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the coast= al waters of Madagascar. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):103-110. *The Wildlife Conservation Society-Madagascar Program, BP 8500, Antananar= ivo (101), Madagascar Little is known about the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins that inhabit the coastal waters of Madagascar. We examine what is currently known about humpback dolphins around Madagascar from a variety of sources, ranging fr= om interviews to surveys, to provide some initial information on distributio= n and threats. Interviews and boat-based surveys were conducted in 1997, 19= 98, and 1999 to evaluate the presence and status of _Sousa chinensis_ along t= he western coast of Madagascar. From these surveys and through other sources= of information, it appears that humpback dolphins may largely be restricted = to the west coast. Approximately 65 humpback dolphins were observed in five groups (mean group size of 13) off Anakao, a village south of Toliara, during boat-based surveys conducted in 1999. Direct takes and incidental mortality in shark nets are the two known threats to cetaceans in the wat= ers of western Madagascar. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins were among the dolp= hin species intentionally targeted for their meat in south-western Madagascar. >From interview surveys, 22 humpback dolphins had been recorded as direct= ly hunted and an additional 30 animals as "stranded" in Anakao between 1985 = and 1999. Additional research and conservation measures are needed to better monitor the population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Madagascar's coastal waters. *************************************************************************= *** Baldwin, R.M.*, M. Collins, K. Van Waerebeek, and G. Minton. 2004. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin of the Arabian Region: A status review. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):111-124. *Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group, P.O. Box 2531, CPO 111, Sultanate= of Oman Records of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin sightings, strandings, and museu= m specimens in the Arabian region were compiled and used to review the distribution and status of this species. Nominal usage of _Sousa chinensi= s_ (Osbeck, 1765) has been retained as a pragmatic measure, although the species present in the region resembles _Sousa plumbea_ (Cuvier, 1828). Little is known about the ecology of this species in the region. Most available information on S. chinensis in the region originates from the Sultanate of Oman, where this species is among the most commonly recorded cetaceans; however, there is no absolute measure of abundance for anywher= e in the region and the status of the species is unknown. Distribution is described for the region to include much of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, but notably excludes the Gulf of Oman. This discontinuous distribution suggests the possible presence of discrete populations within the region. Beach-cast/dead individuals represent nearly two-thirds of all records (n=3D303) of this species in O= man. Live sightings indicate unusually large group sizes (up to 100 individual= s) in the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf. Occasional associations with _Tursio= ps_ sp. and _Delphinus capensis tropicalis_ were documented. Mating behavior = and the presence of calves were recorded in the months of April and May, and calves were also reported in June, October, November, and December. Threa= ts to humpback dolphins in the Arabian region include incidental capture in fishing nets, coastal and offshore development (e.g., land reclamation, dredging, port and harbor construction), pollution, boat traffic, oil and gas exploration (including seismic surveying), military exercises, and biotoxins associated with red tide events. Evidence for historic and curr= ent directed catches of S. chinensis is limited, but opportunistic hunting ma= y occur. Intraspecific variation in cranial measurements of individuals fro= m the Arabian Sea coast of Oman fall within relative values found in individuals from the Saudi Arabian Gulf coast. Cranial abnormalities were few. Recommendations are made for conservation management-oriented resear= ch focusing on stock identity and status assessments, as well as for monitor= ing of fisheries by-catch, clearer definition of other threats, continued specimen and sample collection, and training of local scientists. ******************************* Sutaria, D.*, and T.A. Jefferson. 2004. Records of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_, Osbeck, 1765) along the coasts of India and = Sri Lanka: An overview. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):125-136. *Wildlife Conservation Society, P.O. Box 170, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thail= and The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (_Sousa chinensis_, Osbeck, 1765) is fo= und in coastal waters throughout the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, but t= he species has not been studied in detail along the coast of India. Records = of stranded specimens, occasional sightings, incidental catches, and museum specimens are reviewed here, and these show that humpback dolphins occur along most Indian coastal areas and in northwest Sri Lanka. There also ar= e two sighting records for the north-east Andaman Islands. An overview is given of a project carried out recently to study coastal cetacean populations in two areas along the west coast of India. Boat surveys were carried out along the coast of Goa and in the Gulf of Kachchh Marine Protected Area. The distribution, group size, and an index of abundance f= or _S. chinensis_ in the two regions are evaluated. The sighting rate was ov= er six times higher in Goa. ******************************* Brook, F.*, E.H.T. Lim, F.H.C. Chua, and B. Mackay. 2004. Assessment of t= he reproductive cycle of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, _Sousa chinensis= _, using ultrasonography. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):137-148. *Department of Optometry & Radiography, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, HKSAR This project was aimed to collect data about the ovarian cycle of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, _Sousa chinensis_, using sonographic examination of the ovaries and serum hormone level assessment. The ovarie= s of two nonpregnant females were assessed at least once weekly, and one pregnant female was assessed when possible. A total of 15 normal ovarian cycles, one episode of follicular atresia, and one episode of a luteinize= d cystic follicle were detected using ultrasonography and serum progesteron= e levels. Two more cycles were detected on serum progesterone levels but no= t on ultrasonography. The mean ovarian cycle, mean follicular phase, mean follicle diameter measured just before ovulation, mean luteal phase, and average diameter of the corpus luteum were determined. Data showed an irregular pattern of ovarian cycling, varying between and within subjects. Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were measured one to three times = per month in two females and intermittently in one other female. Recorded progesterone and estradiol levels during the follicular phase, luteal pha= se, and anestrus are reported. Progesterone levels during pregnancy are also included. ************************************* Jefferson, T.A.*, and S.K. Hung. 2004. A review of the status of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (_Sousa chinensis_) in Chinese waters. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30:149-158. *Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, NMFS, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dri= ve, La Jolla, California 92037 USA The status of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) in Chine= se waters (including Taiwan) is reviewed. Within China, humpback dolphins ra= nge from the Vietnam border north to the mouth of the Yangtze River, and ther= e are estimated to be about eight populations in China. Little is known of stock structure, except for a preliminary conclusion that animals in Xiam= en and Hong Kong represent separate populations. Abundance has been estimate= d only for Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary (about 1,500 animals) and Xiamen (80 dolphins). In the early 1960s, 36 animals were killed in Xiame= n Harbor, but other direct takes appear to be rare. Incidental catches are known in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary, but their impacts are not known. Only preliminary work on life history has been conducted. There appears to be a calving peak from spring to summer, and calves are about = 100 cm long at birth. Scant data indicate that sexual maturity in females may occur at about 9-10 years of age, with males maturing later. Dolphins in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary have individual ranges averaging 99= .5 km2, only a small portion of the population's range. Humpback dolphins in China feed on several species of demersal and estuarine fishes, with litt= le evidence of predation on cephalopods or crustaceans. Contaminants have be= en evaluated in some areas, and mercury and DDT concentrations in particular appear to be high and potentially health-threatening. An assessment of trends and stranding mortality in the Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estua= ry population suggests that this stock is probably not decreasing at present. The Xiamen stock is thought to be decreasing, but its status has not been reliably assessed. Essentially, nothing is known of the status of other populations in China, and this shortcoming should be addressed as a matte= r of priority. ******************************* Hung, S.K.*, and T.A. Jefferson. 2004. Ranging patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) in the Pearl River Estuary, People'= s Republic of China. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):159-174. *Hong Kong Cetacean Research Project, 12 Kak Tin Kung Miu Village, Tai Wa= i, New Territories, Hong Kong Few studies have examined the home range characteristics of coastal dolph= ins or porpoises in detail. The location data of 40 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) from Hong Kong waters and Lingding Bay, with= a range of 10-67 sightings each, were analyzed. Range size of individuals varied greatly from 24 km^2 to 304 km^2, with an average of 99.5 km^2. Ea= ch estimated range encompassed only a small portion of the overall populatio= n's range. Age class, association with a fishing boat, distribution and availability of food resources, and human activities and disturbances all influenced ranging patterns of humpback dolphins in the Pearl River Estua= ry. Seasonal and annual variations in range use were observed among individua= l dolphins. While providing information previously unknown about these dolphins, this study also indicated that further investigations are neede= d to identify the exact ranging patterns and home range characteristics for this humpback dolphin population. ******************************** Goold, J.C.*, and T.A. Jefferson T.A. 2004. A note on clicks recorded fro= m free-ranging Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, _Sousa chinensis_. Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):175-178. *Institute of Environmental Science, University of Wales Bangor, Robinson Building, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd. LL57 2UW United Kingdom Opportunistic recordings of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin clicks were mad= e from a group of approximately ten humpback dolphins in the waters off Lan= tau Island, Hong Kong. Clicks were typically delphinid in waveshape, especial= ly the click onsets, with spectral energy extending up to at least 200 kHz. Pulse durations were a few tens of microseconds. There appeared to be bimodality in the click spectra, an observation consistent with the hypothesis of asymmetric phonating lips. Due to the opportunistic nature = of the recordings and the uncontrolled recording conditions, click waveforms captured here are unlikely to be representative of on-axis signals, so th= e spectrum of the recorded signals may differ from those that would be recorded directly in front of the animals. ************************************* Barros, N.B.*, T.A. Jefferson, and E.C.M. Parsons. 2004. Feeding habits o= f Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) stranded in Hong Kong. Aquatic Mammals 30(1):179-188. *present address: Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34236-109= 6 USA Dietary information derived from the examination of stomach contents of 2= 9 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) stranded in Hong Kong waters is presented in this study. Humpback dolphins in this area have a diet comprised nearly exclusively of fish. Prey spectrum from the 15 dolphins with contents includes a minimum of 24 species of fish, and one species of cephalopod. The croaker (_Johnius_ sp.) was the most frequent = and numerically most important prey, followed by the lionhead (_Collichthys lucida_) and anchovies (_Thryssa_ spp.). The fish families Sciaenidae, Engraulidae, Trichiuridae, and Clupeidae accounted for over 93% of all pr= ey consumed. Most of these prey are common in murky, brackish waters of estuaries and often occur in large shoals. There is some dietary overlap with finless porpoises (_Neophocaena phocaenoides_); the two species shar= e some 13 fish species, but only anchovies figure among the top five prey f= or both species. In addition, finless porpoises rely more heavily on cephalopods (squids, cuttlefishes, and octopus) and may venture into deep= er, clearer waters during foraging, whereas humpback dolphins seem to exploit demersal and shoaling fish of productive estuaries. The stocks of some fi= sh species important in the diet of humpback dolphins may have been subjecte= d to heavy exploitation by the fisheries in Hong Kong waters. Behavioral observations of dolphins feeding in association with pair trawlers sugges= t a somewhat different prey preference for some dolphins from the results of this study. ******************************** Wang, J.Y.*, S.K. Hung, and S-C. Yang. 2004. Records of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, _Sousa chinensis_ (Osbeck, 1765), from the waters of western Taiwan. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):189-196. *FormosaCetus Research & Conservation Group, 310-7250 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, L4J-7X1 There are few and sporadic records of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, _Sousa chinensis_ (Osbeck, 1765), from the waters of Taiwan. In June 2002= , an exploratory survey of the coastal waters off central western Taiwan resulted in the sighting of several groups of Indo-Pacific humpback dolph= ins in the coastal waters of Miaoli, Taichung, and Changhua counties. The minimum combined total number of dolphins observed in all sightings was estimated to be 28. Other details of the sightings are presented, past records of this species in Taiwanese waters are reviewed, and threats to this species in the waters of western Taiwan are discussed. ********************************* Parra, G.J.*, P.J. Corkeron, and H. Marsh. 2004. The Indo-Pacific humpbac= k dolphin, _Sousa chinensis_ (Osbeck, 1765), in Australian waters: A summar= y of current knowledge. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(1):197-206. *School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (_Sousa chinensis_) occur in the coastal northern waters of Australia from approximately the Queensland =96 New So= uth Wales border (31=B027S, 152=B055E) to Ningaloo Reef (22=B017S, 113=B048E)= in Western Australia. Due to their coastal, estuarine distribution, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are particularly vulnerable to several human activities= in and adjacent to coastal areas. At present, it is not possible to assess t= he population status of humpback dolphins in Australian waters because information on their biology and ecology is limited. The sparse data available for selected areas indicate that humpback dolphins occur in discrete, geographically localized populations and are susceptible to anthropogenic threats (e.g., incidental captures in gill nets). The conservation of humpback dolphins in Australia's northern coastline will depend on the maintenance of high-quality habitat in areas that are alrea= dy under some protection, the identification of critical habitats, the inclusion of these habitats in the rezoning initiatives of protected area= s, and the reduction of conservation threats. Precautionary measures should = be adopted while further work on abundance estimates, population structure, = and levels of human-caused mortality are carried out on a wider scale in Australian waters. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 21:42:08 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Announcing the new American Cetacean Society Web Site! (fwd) Hi all - I have been asked to let you all know about the new web site from the American Cetacean Society (ACS), just launched this week! After length development, and support from a grant from the Pacific Life Foundation, we invite you to drop by www.acsonline.org . You'll find a great educational site with fact sheets on many species of whales, up to date information on conservation activities (and ACS policies on those issues) and important new research publications, PDF's of important articles from 25 years of past issues of "Whalewatcher," and much, much more. Please feel free to link to the site, and use it whenever you would like. We've put a lot of time and effort into the site development, and will continue to update it, so we hope it will be widely used by both the marine mammal and marine education communities. Enjoy! - Mason Mason Weinrich mason(\)whalecenter.org Whale Center of New England www.whalecenter.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 22:10:44 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications (fwd) =20 Kr=FCtzen M.; Barr L.M.; Connor R.C.; Mann J.; Sherwin W.B. 2004. O fathe= r: where art thou? Paternity assessment in an open fissionfusion society of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Molecular Ecology 13 (7): 1975-1990. =20 Sexually mature male bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay cooperate by pursui= ng distinct alliance strategies to monopolize females in reproductive condition. We present the results of a comprehensive study in a wild cetacean population to test whether male alliance membership is a prerequisite for reproductive success. We compared two methods for inferr= ing paternity: both calculate a likelihood ratio, called the paternity index, between two opposing hypotheses, but they differ in the way that significance is applied to the data. The first method, a Bayesian approac= h commonly used in human paternity testing, appeared to be overly conservat= ive for our data set, but would be less susceptible to assumptions if a large= r number of microsatellite loci had been used. Using the second approach, t= he computer programcervus2.0, we successfully assigned 11 paternities to nin= e males, and 17 paternities to 14 out of 139 sexually mature males at 95% a= nd 80% confidence levels, respectively. It appears that being a member of a bottlenose dolphin alliance is not a prerequisite for paternity: two paternities were obtained by juvenile males (one at the 95%, the other at the 80% confidence level), suggesting that young males without alliance partners pursue different mating tactics to adults. Likelihood analyses showed that these two juvenile males were significantly more likely to be the true father of the offspring than to be their half-sibling (P < 0.05). Using paternity data at an 80% confidence level, we could show that reproductive success was significantly skewed within at least some stable first-order alliances (P < 0.01). Interestingly, there is powerful eviden= ce that one mating was incestuous, with one calf apparently fathered by its mother's father (P < 0.01). Our study suggests that the reproductive succ= ess of both allied males, and of nonallied juveniles, needs to be incorporate= d into an adaptive framework that seeks to explain alliance formation in ma= le bottlenose dolphins. ********************************************* Wetzel D.L.; Reynolds III J.E.. 2004. Definitive identification of fatty acid constituents in marine mammal tissues Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 61(4):554-560. Analyses of fatty acid constituents in a sample of bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) blubber were conducted using a method that has not been appli= ed before to studies of lipids in marine mammals. It involves creation and analysis of nitrogen (picolinyl) ester derivatives of the fatty acids followed by combined gas chromatography mass spectrometry for verificati= on of structures. Use of this approach allowed the structural confirmation o= f 45 different fatty acids in the blubber sample. The traditional method of methyl ester derivatization of fatty acids followed by gas chromatography= =20 mass spectrometry analyses provides more component characterization than analyses by gas chromatography flame ionization detection, but not enoug= h to effectively differentiate double bond isomers or branched compounds. Although the novel approach is time intensive, we recommend that it be employed for studies where the precise identification and confirmation of fatty acids is important. ************************************************* Naessig P.J.; Lanyon J.M. 2004. Levels and probable origin of predatory scarring on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in east Australian waters. Wildlife Research 31(2):163-170. =20 To investigate the incidence of non-lethal predation in Southern Hemisphe= re whales, more than 3400 fluke-identification photographs from resight histories of 1436 east Australian humpback whales were examined for evide= nce of predatory markings. Photographs were obtained from 1984 to 1996 at various locations along the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales. Photographs were classified in te= rms of the level and type of scarring. The possible predator and whether the markings appeared fresh were also noted. In all, 17% of identified east Australian humpbacks possessed some form of predatory scarring, 57% of wh= ich was minor and 43% major. Almost all predatory scarring was consistent wit= h that inflicted by killer whales. Only three whales demonstrated an increa= se in the level of predatory scarring after their first sightings. Two incidents of fresh scarring were recorded, and one fatal killer whale att= ack on a humpback whale calf was directly observed. The overall level of predatory scarring found in this study is comparable to those found in studies for Northern Hemisphere humpback whales. The low incidence of adu= lt whales showing their first sign of predatory scarring after their initial sighting, and the small number possessing recent scarring, support the id= ea that east Australian humpback whales experience most predatory attacks ea= rly in life. *************************************** Corkeron, P.J. 2004. Whale Watching, Iconography, and Marine Conservation. Conservation Biology 18(3):847-849. ************************************************ Schiavini A.C.M.; E. C.A.; Szapkievich V. 2004. Status of the population = of South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens Shaw, 1800) in southern Argentina. Mammalian Biology 69(2):108-118 =20 The population status of southern sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in southe= rn Argentina (provinces of Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego) was last assesse= d between 1946 and 1949, when there were 49 colonies with 84,714 individual= s and a production of 12,658 pups recorded. To update the population size a= nd pup production a new series of surveys was carried out during 1992 and 19= 97, either from land, airplane or boat, using direct counts in the field or pictures. The number of pups was corrected using data from landbased counts. Overall, we recorded 53 colonies, with a minimum number of 12,310 animals present on land, including 2925 pups. This estimate represents a decrease to only 14.5% of the population size reported in the late 1940's. Applying a correction factor for animals in the water, the estimated tota= l population was 22,157 individuals. The sealing activities performed mainl= y at northern Patagonia and at Tierra del Fuego are likely to be responsibl= e for the depletion. We also detected changes in the location of the coloni= es. However, seasonal movements of animals were difficult to assess due to th= e scarce data available. Only four breeding colonies may be considered permanent. Seasonal movements would take place between the islets close t= o Ushuaia city and Islas Becasses. Southern Argentina does not hold large breeding colonies like those found, for example, in northern Patagonia. Juveniles predominate in the social structure of colonies. This suggests = a likely increase in the coming years. ******************************************* Gorzelany, J.F. 2004. Evaluation of Boater Compliance with Manatee Speed Zones along the Gulf Coast of Florida Coastal Management 32(3):215-226 =20 A series of boater compliance studies was performed between 1995 and 1998= in order to assess the effectiveness of existing speed zones designed to protect manatees in two Florida counties (Sarasota County and Lee County). Surveys involved teams of boat- or land-based observers positioned along speed-restricted waterways. Vessel characteristics were recorded along wi= th observed speed. Multiple survey sites were sampled within each county. A total of 26,000 vessels was observed and evaluated. Overall boater compliance was 63% in Sarasota County and 58% in Lee County. Compliance varied significantly with vessel type and size. Differences in compliance among survey sites were also significant and were related to travel patterns, traffic volume, vessel composition, sign placement, level of sp= eed restriction, and law enforcement presence. From a management perspective,= it is recommended that speed zones for the protection of manatees be evaluat= ed on a site-by-site basis to identify specific areas of concern. **************************** Haworth R.J.; Baker R.G.V.; Flood P.J. 2004. A 6000 Year-old Fossil Dugon= g from Botany Bay: Inferences about Changes in Sydney's Climate, Sea Levels and Waterways. Australian Geographical Studies 42(1):46-59 =20 The excavation in the 1890s of a skeleton of the warm-water marine mammal Dugong dugon, associated with Aboriginal artefacts, from a Botany Bay sal= t marsh, marked the beginning of speculation about climate and sea level change in Australia over the period of human occupation. The dugong bones have recently been dated, giving a conventional 14C age of 5520=B170 year= s BP, which is consistent with three older 14C dates for a layer of buried tree= s that underlies much of the north Botany sediments. The carefully drawn cross-sections of depositional strata produced by the original discoverer= s allow further interpretation of the pattern of Holocene sea-level fluctuations in the Sydney region. Layers of estuarine sediment, such as = the one containing the dugong skeleton, are inter-bedded with peat layers containing in situ roots and stumps, suggesting that the site alternated between sub-aerial exposure and submergence throughout the Holocene. The presence of the dugong is suggestive of warmer conditions, and its inland location indicates a more extensive Botany Bay in the recent past. This i= s in agreement with other work from southern New South Wales describing bot= h warm-water marine species and higher sea levels several thousand years ag= o. =20 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 21:37:39 -0400 From: g_jkaplan Subject: Research assistant position: Bahamas spotted dolphins Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Seeking a research assistant for Bahamas spotted dolphin research project: Dates: July 10 - July 23rd, 2004 Duties: This research project involves studying the underwater behavior of wild spotted dolphins. Duties include operating an underwater digital still camera for Photo ID, recording behavioral observations on underwater slates while in the field, photo ID matching, data entry, and working with volunteers. Strong swimming/snorkeling skills and good people skills are a must. Candidate must also be competent in basic photography. Ideal candidate will have extensive experience with and knowledge of photography, experience with video cameras and computers, and experience collecting field data on mammals, especially marine mammals. LIVING CONDITIONS & PROVISIONS: Accommodations are aboard a research motor yacht. Room and board will be provided for the research assistant. There is, however, no monetary compensation for this position. The assistant is also responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the research vessel, INCLUDING providing their own airfare. BACKGROUND: This ongoing project is supported by Oceanic Society (oceanic-society.org), and more info about the project can be found at http://www.oceanic-society.org/pages/alltrips/rschtrip6.html. Oceanic Society researchers have been studying this population of spotted dolphins since 1984. The current focus will be juvenile tactile behavior. A list of publications resulting from Oceanic Society's research projects are listed at the end of this posting. INTERESTED CANDIDATES: please send CV, cover letter, and references to Daisy Kaplan at g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu. Any questions can be sent to the same. Deadline for applications is June 23rd, 2004. Daisy Kaplan Biology Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (Advisor- Dr. R.C. Connor) g_jkaplan(\)umassd.edu Dept. of Biology UMASS Dartmouth 285 Old Westport Road, N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 Publication list: Campbell, Greg, R. H. Defran, Barbara Bilgre. 2002. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Turneffe Atoll, Belize, C.A. Aquatic Mammals 28 (2): 170-180. Reeves, R. Randall, Brian Smith and Toshio Kasuya. 2000. Biology and Conservation of Freshwater Cetaceans in Asia. IUCN Species Survival Commission 23: 131-143 Dudzinski, Kathleen M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange in atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24 (3): 129-142 Grigg, Emma and Hal Markowitz. 1997. Habitat use by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Turneffe Atoll, Belize. Aquatic Mammals 23 (3): 163-170. Reeves R. Randall and Stephen Leatherwood. 1996. Amazonian Manatees (Trichechus inunguis) in Peru: Distriubtion, Explitation, and Conservation Status. Interciencia 21 (6): 246-254. Dudzinski, Kathleen M., Toni G. Frohoff and Nicole L. Crane. 1995. Behavior of a lone female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with humans off the coast of Belize. Aquatic Mammals 21 (2): 149-153. Smith, Brian, Sinha Ravindra. 1994. Status of Ganges River Dolphins (Platanista Gangetica) in the Karnali Mahakali, Naragyani and Sapta Kosi Rivers of Nepal and India in 1993. Marine Mammal Science 10 (3): 368-375. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 13:19:23 +0300 From: "editor(\)monachus-guardian.org" Subject: The Monachus Guardian 7 (1): June 2004 Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN =20 Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the June 2004 issue of The Monachus Guardian, the biannual electronic journal focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accesse= d at =20 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: =20 Guest Editorial: Add biopolitics to the monk seal=B9s deadly foes - by Ma= nel Gazo.=20 International News: Including Monk Seal voted =B3Europe=B9s Cutest Critte= r=B2 - but opinion poll reveals squandered opportunities as well as hope. Mediterranean News: Including Turkish government pledges 5 new protected areas for the monk seal - by Cem Orkun Kira=E7. Cover Story: Arab the Pilgrim - by Ali Cemal Gucu and Meltem Ok. In Focus: One pup - three =B3mothers=B2 - by Rosa Pires. Perspectives: Sensitive Sea Areas and the Mediterranean monk seal - by Costas Triantafillou. =20 PLUS...=20 Letters to the Editor, including Pup catching plans draw fire - by Harun G=FC=E7l=FCsoy. International, Mediterranean and Hawaiian News, Recent Publications. =20 The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available f= rom the Monachus Library and m= ay either be viewed on-line, or downloaded as single files in Acrobat format. Should you have any comments on the web site or its contents, please cont= act us at: editor(\)monachus-guardian.org. Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible.=20 =20 William M. Johnson=20 editor(\)monachus-guardian.org PS. If you appear to be on this email information list in error, please h= it the reply button, placing the word REMOVE in the subject line. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 04:52:09 -0400 From: Flora Lichtman Subject: Book Announcement Book Announcement There is a new book coming out that I think will be of interest to many of you. It is entitled International Regulation of Underwater Sound: Establishing Rules and Standards to Address Ocean Noise Pollution, written by Dr. Elena McCarthy, a fellow with the Marine Policy Center at WHOI. After marine mammal strandings were linked to low frequency sonar use, there has been significant progress made towards understanding biologically how anthropogenic noise affects marine mammals, but despite the regulatory controversy, there has been very little policy analysis. This book takes the first comprehensive look at ocean noise regulation and will likely interest anyone facing noise regulation, those concerned about ocean noise pollution and those generally interested in the future of environmental law. It is being published by Kluwer and is slated to come out at the end of June. For more information see: http://www.wkap.nl/prod/b/1-4020-8077-8 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2004 07:17:51 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ACS Conference & Call for Abstracts (fwd) American Cetacean Society's 9th International Conference Learning from Whales: Education, Inspiration & Action RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA November 11-14, 2004 ACS is pleased to announce our 9th International Conference, Learning from Whales: Education, Inspiration & Action, which will be held aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Our focus this year is a central part of our mission to protect cetaceans---education, and how to use it to inform and inspire. We want attendees to leave the conference armed with new information, excited about new discoveries and how they can help ACS continue to save whales. We have added a fantastic new component to this year's program. Thursday, November 11th, we will have a workshop to provide hands-on, practical ideas for teachers and naturalists. We will present valuable information, include break-out groups for peer interaction and provide materials to be used when attendees return to their classrooms or boats. Take a moment to mark your calendar for Thursday, November 11th, 2004 (teacher/naturalist workshop), Friday, November 11th, 2004 (pre-conference activities) and November 12th-13th, 2004 our 9th international conference. For further information please check our newly redesigned website: www.acsonline.org Prices start at just $149 - register by September 17th to receive the greatest discount! Great Sessions, such as: Learning from Whales Cognition in Cetaceans Using Science to Build Policy Whales in Local Waters Strandings Fantastic Field Trips: The Santa Barbara based Condor express will pick us up in Long Beach for an all-day deep-water adventure you won't want to miss! The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will host a tour of their Marine Mammal Warehouse. The Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur and the International Bird Rescue Research Center Southern California facility will offer a special behind-the-scenes tour. Call for Poster Abstracts Researchers, Educators, and Students, ACS invites you to submit abstracts for poster presentations at the our conference, Learning from Whales: Education, Inspiration, and Action. The poster session is a great way to share cutting edge research, new methods or ideas about education, and new issues in conservation of cetaceans. We would love for you to be a part of it! Abstracts must be no longer than 300 words and written in a clear and concise manner. The deadline for abstract submission is August 1st, 2004. Prospective authors may direct questions and submit abstracts via email to Kate(\)whalecenter.org or regular mail to: Kate Sardi Whale Center of New England PO Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 There will be a student (undergraduate, graduate, or PhD candidates) poster contest judged by attending scientists in the field. Cash prizes will be awarded at the conference. If poster abstracts are to be entered into the student poster contest, please indicate clearly upon submission and include evidence (copy of student ID) of student status. Photo Contest: ACS invites amateur photographers to participate in the "Learning From Whales" photo contest. All entries must be RECEIVED at ACS National headquarters in San Pedro, CA by October 15, 2004 along with the entry fee ($5 per photo for conference participants/$10 for non-participants). Please contact Photo Contest Coordinator, Bernardo Alps, whalephoto(\)earthlink.net with any questions. Deadline: October 15, 2004 And More... Please visit our website for more information: www.acsonline.org See you aboard the Queen Mary! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Diane Alps Administrative Assistant DianeAlps(\)ACSonline.org ACS: For and about whales, dolphins and porpoises! AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY National Headquarters P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 Fax (310) 548-6950 Email: info(\)ACSonline.org Website: www.acsonline.org ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2004 07:21:05 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Photo-ID Internship New Zealand (fwd) Available Internship: Photo-ID of common dolphins in New Zealand We are currently seeking an experienced intern to work with us at the Coastal Marine Research Group (CMRG) at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. The position entails assisting with the cataloguing of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from New Zealand waters. The placement shall run for 4-6 weeks commencing 1st August 2004 and shall involve a variety of tasks including sorting, labelling and data entry. The successful candidate should have photo-identification experience. The internship is predominantly land-based although there will be some opportunities to assist with field research. However, candidates should be aware that such time will be minimal as majority of the tasks will be land-based. Accommodation will be provided for the successful candidate although additional living expenses and travel costs will be the responsibility of the candidate. Ideally the candidate should have; * Experience with marine mammal photo-identification * A degree in marine biology/biology (preferably specialising with marine mammals) * Excellent English language skills - must be fluent both written and spoken * Motivated and able to work well independently * A team player with good communication skills Applicants should apply by mail to KAREN STOCKIN at the following address. Please include a CV, cover letter and 2 references. Karen Stockin C/O Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort Staff Mail P.O Box 1200 Eagle Farm QLD 40009 Queensland AUSTRALIA Deadline for applications is July 15th Karen A Stockin Coastal Marine Research Group Department of Natural Resources College of Sciences Massey University Albany Campus Private Bag 102-904 North Shore MSC Auckland New Zealand Tel: + 64 (0)9 424 8461 Fax: +64 (0)9 441 8115 Email: k.a.stockin(\)massey.ac.nz ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 09:03:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: references of hemoglobin amd myoglobin scientific articles (fwd) Dear Marmamers, Hi-all The ongoing research project I am involved in is supported by the Italian MURST (Ministero della Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica). It is focused on functional and structural properties of oxygen-carrier proteins of vertebrates i.e. hemoglobins and myoglobins, with special regard to their biochemical properties and molecular adaptations to environmental and physiological requirements. In this field of research I am preparing a study on the characterization of marine mammals hemoproteins. So I need to have references of all scientific articles previously published (even not recently) concerning myoglobins and hemoglobins from cetaceans. A list of publications resulting from this research projects are listed at the end of this posting. I'd very much appreciate you sending me an email with references (i. e. name of journal, year of publication, volume and page numbers) of articles in this field. Send to Pellegrini at pelleg(\)unica.it Any questions can be sent to the same. Thanks in advance Functional and computer modelling studies of hemoglobin from horse: the hemoglobin system of the Sardinian wild dwarf horse M. Pellegrini, M.Corda, L.Manca, A.Olianas, M.T.Sanna, A.Fais, M.C. De Rosa, C. Bertonati, B.Masala, B.Giardina Eur. J. Biochem. (2001) 268, 3313-3320. The hemoglobin system of the brown moray Gymnothorax unicolor: structure/function relationships M. Tamburrini, C. Verde, A.Olianas, B.Giardina, M.Corda, M.T.Sanna, A.Fais, A. M. Deiana, G. di Prisco, M. Pellegrini Eur. J. Biochem. (2001) 268, 4104-4111. Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) haemoglobin: primary structure, functional characterisation and computer modelling studies M.Corda , M. Tamburrini, M.C. De Rosa, , M.T.Sanna, A.Fais, A.Olianas, M. Pellegrini, B.Giardina, G. di Prisco Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B (2003) 134, 53-62. Structural-functional characterisation of the cathodic haemoglobin of the conger eel, Conger conger. Molecular modelling study of an additional phosphate-binding site M.Pellegrini, B.Giardina, C.Verde, V.Carratore, A.Olianas, L.Sollai, M.T.Sanna, M.Castagnola, G.di Prisco Biochem.J. (2003) 372, 679-686 _______________________________________ Prof. Mariagiuseppina Pellegrini Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi Cittadella Universitaria 09042 Monserrato (CA) - Italy Tel +390706754508 Fax +390706754523 e-mail pelleg(\)unica.it ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 19:08:43 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Seeking graduate student (fwd) We are seeking a graduate student to work with the Marine Mammal Research Group at the University of Otago, New Zealand. The primary aim of the study will be to investigate Maui's dolphin's use of North Island west coast harbours by acoustic monitoring with PODs (autonomous click detectors). The successful student may expand the project to investigate other aspects of Maui's dolphin ecology and/or Hector's dolphin distribution and acoustic behaviour in the South Island. The project could be designed as an MSc or PhD. The successful applicant will have experience in marine mammal research, previous experience with acoustics, an excellent academic record and be confident handling small boats. Please apply by email with a letter of interest and CV to Dr Steve Dawson, steve.dawson(\)stonebow.otago.ac.nz ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 19:34:21 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Volunteer assistants wanted for marine mammal census (fwd) Volunteer assistants wanted for a marine mammal census across the Mediter ranean the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea (see detailed plan below). The project will take place between the 23rd October 2004 and 28th May 2005, and is coordinated by The Cetacean Research Group of the University of At hens and the School of Geosciences of Edinburgh University. Research assistants may participate for at least one leg (2-3 weeks). The research will take place onboard a 13.25 m research sailing catamaran equipped with all necessary navigation and research instruments (GPSs, p lotters, echo-sounders, underwater digital video and still cameras, bino culars etc) as well as a dual frequency hydrophone and high frequency cli ck detector. The detailed timetable of the survey is as follows: Leg 1: 23 October - 06 November 2004 (2 weeks) Athens - Sicily - Malta - Monastir (Tunisia) Leg 2: 06 November - 20 November (2 weeks) Monastir (Tunisia) - Mayorca Gibraltar (2 weeks) Leg 3: 20 November - 04 December (2 weeks) Gibraltar - Casablanca - El Jadida - Gran Canaria Leg 4: 4 December - 17 December (2 weeks) Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) - Sal (Cape Verde) Leg 5: 17 December - 31 December (2 weeks) Sal Boa Vista Taraffal Fogo Mindelo Sal (Cape Verde) Leg 6: 31 December - 14 January (2 weeks) Sal Mindelo Brava Fogo Cidade Vehla Taraffal - Sao Nicolao (Cape Verde) Leg 7: 14 January - 28 January (2 weeks) Sal Boa Taraffal Fogo Santa Lucia Sao Vince nte Mindelo (Cape Verde) Leg 8: 04 February 26 February (3 weeks) Mindelo (Cape Verde) Barbados Santa Lucia - Martinique Leg 9: 26 February - 19 March (3 weeks) Martinique - Virgin Islands- Santo Domingo Freeport (Bahamas I slands) Leg10: 19 March 02 April (2 weeks) Freeport (Bahama Islands) - Bermuda Islands (Castle Harbour) Leg 11: 02 April - 23 April (3 weeks) Bermuda Islands (Castle Harbour) Azores (Sao Miguel) Leg 12: 23 April - 07 May (2 weeks) Azores - Gibraltar - Malaga Leg 13: 07 May - 28 May (3 weeks) Gibraltar Athens The most important requirements for participants are enthusiasm, and the ability and willingness to work under often difficult, but rewarding fiel d conditions. The duties of the participants require involvement to all t he activities onboard including: Navigation and sailing (taking shifts with the trained crew and acquir ing experience). Research (visual scan, use of the hydrophone, filling in forms, prelim inary analysis of effort/distribution and Photo-id data, maintenance of e quipment). Support activities (maintenance and cleaning of the vessel, cooking et c). Preference will be given to those who: 1. have previous marine mammal field experience particularly with visual and acoustic surveys 2. have some sailing experience, especially for the Atlantic crossing On board accommodation will be provided. However research assistants will be expected to contribute to food provisioning and the running costs of the survey, and arrange their own travel itinerary / flights to the arriv al/departure ports. APPLICATIONS Interested persons should email at the address below providing a brief re sume with their background, personal details and interests. Please also r emember to include your preferred dates for participation. Initial Point of Conduct : Vasilis Podiadis Email: delphinus_survey(\)yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 19:38:15 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: add. recent publications (fwd) =20 Barber, D.G., and Iacozza, J. 2004. Historical analysis of sea ice conditions in M'Clintock Channel and the Gulf of Boothia, Nunavut : implications for ringed seal and polar bear habitat. Arctic, v. 57, no. = 1, p. 1-14. =20 Sea ice is an integral part of the marine ecosystem in the Arctic and important habitat for ringed seals and polar bears. To study changes in = sea ice characteristics indicative of ringed seal habitat (and linked, throu= gh predator/prey relationships, to polar bear habitat), we examined histori= cal changes in sea ice concentration and type within M'Clintock Channel and = the Gulf of Boothia, two regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, during 1980-2000. Results suggest large interannual variability in winter ice conditions over the 21-year study period. In M'Clintock Channel, first-y= ear ice types dominated consistently, while in the Gulf of Boothia, thick ic= e types dominated in some years. For breakup and consolidation, the region= al spatial patterns differed significantly, occurring in opposite direction= s (N-S vs. S-N) in the two regions. The dates showed considerable interann= ual variability in both regions, suggesting no clear pattern of either earli= er breakup or later consolidation. Analysis of satellite data confirmed the results obtained from digital ice charts. Ringed seal habitat suitabilit= y indices (HSI) indicate that both regions contained primary, secondary, a= nd tertiary HSI classes. No trends were evident in the secondary or tertiar= y classes, but changes in the primary class were evident in M'Clintock Cha= nnel over the five-year period 1997-2001. Dynamic and thermodynamic sea ice processes are important to ringed seal habitat (and ultimately, polar be= ar habitat) at regional and hemispheric scales in the current context of climate variability and change. ************************************************************************= **** *********************** Stirling, I. Lunn, N.J. Iacozza, J. Elliott, C., and Obbard, M. 20= 04. Polar bear distribution and abundance on the southwestern Hudson Bay coa= st during open water season, in relation to population trends and annual ic= e patterns. Arctic, v. 57, no. 1, p. 15-26. =20 In Hudson Bay, all the ice melts in summer, and the last areas to be ice-free (around mid-to-late July) are usually off the coasts of Manitob= a and Ontario. Thus, all polar bears are forced ashore to fast until freez= e-up in November (ca. four months). Pregnant females remain ashore for eight months. In most years from 1963 through 1997, aerial surveys to monitor polar bear populations were conducted along all or part of the coastline between Cape Churchill, Manitoba, and Cape Henrietta Maria, Ontario, in = late August and early September. Satellite data, from which breakup and ice absence times could be estimated, first became available in 1971. The numbers of animals counted were tallied in two subareas within Manitoba = and three within Ontario. We evaluated the coastal counts, along with independent data on the movements of tagged bears and annual patterns of= ice breakup from 1971 through 1996. We concluded that 1) the coastal survey = data reliably indicated the population trends in Manitoba and Ontario; 2) lit= tle exchange occurred between the Western Hudson Bay (Manitoba) and Southern Hudson Bay (Ontario) populations; 3) between 1971 and 2001, there was a statistically significant trend toward earlier breakup of sea ice off th= e Manitoba coast, but not off the Ontario coast; 4) the onset of ice absen= ce along the coast had no significant relationship to the number of bears present in each sub-sampling area within either the Manitoba or the Onta= rio population, but did significantly influence the distribution of bears on= the coastline of each province independently of the other; 5) timing of the surveys can influence the results; and 6) adult male and female bears bo= th showed a high degree of fidelity to specific areas during summer, independent of the pattern of ice breakup. ************************************************************************= **** *********************** Stirling, I., and Smith, T.G., 2004. Implications of warm temperatures= and an unusual rain event for the survival of ringed seals on the coast of southeastern Baffin Island. Arctic, v. 57, no. 1, p. 59-67 =20 We recorded an unusually warm period in early April 1979 along the coast= line at the end of the Hall Peninsula on southeastern Baffin Island, Nunavut. Maximum temperatures remained at or above freezing for almost a week, an= d rain fell on our field camp on three consecutive days. In contrast, meteorological data collected from three nearby coastal stations (Brevoo= rt Island, Cape Dyer, and Resolution Island) between 1950 and 1992 indicate= d that the mean minimum and maximum air temperatures for the month of Apri= l are normally 10-20=B0C cooler than the averages we recorded at our camp. Periodic warming to near freezing, probably due to the maritime influenc= e of nearby open water in Davis Strait, occurs in this area in late March and early April, but not usually to the degree we observed. Between 1950 and 1992, additional similar rain events were recorded only twice at the coa= stal weather stations. In late March, we found slumped roofs over some ringed seal (Phoca hispida) birth lairs and others that had collapsed, probably because of four days of weather only slightly below freezing and heat generated by seals within the lairs. After the rain in April, we found subnivean lairs with melted roofs, and several snowdrifts that had previously contained lairs were completely washed away. Newborn pups wer= e left lying on the bare ice, subject to thermoregulatory stress and vulnerable to significantly increased predation by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus). If the climate continues t= o warm in the Arctic, as is predicted, it is likely that rain will be more widespread during early spring. If that occurs, the premature removal of protection offered by subnivean birth lairs may expose young ringed seal pups to high levels of predation, which may negatively affect population= s of ringed seals and the polar bears that depend on them for food. =20 =20 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 19:43:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Summer Job; Field Technician Great Whale Research (fwd) This job is ideal for someone who enjoys being outdoors, on the waters of the Bay of Fundy collecting information about the Great Whales, but doesnt mind spending time in the Lab organizing the data and summarizing it. It is important that the person becomes involved in the work, i.e. likes nature and has an interest in Whales. Most any University background will do. The person will learn everything they need to know, on the job, from Dr. Chuck Schom. The St. Andrews Fisheries Research Laboratory, in conjunction with Surge Inc., is operating a Great Whale Research Program. The incumbent will collect data on daily research trips. The Technician will record the sounds the Whales make on the surface and underwater, take photographs of the Whales and keep a GPS Record of where the Whales were spotted. On occasion other data may have to be collected. Having some photographic experience would be an asset. As 2 to 6 other people are on the trip with us the Information Officer portion of the job means that the incumbent explains about the Marine Ecosystem, where the Great Whales fit in it, what we are doing and why we are collecting the information we are recording. For information about the research program and the tours please visit www.whale-watch.ca. This position is funded through a grant from the Canadian Federal Government and carries with it the requirement that the person attended University full time last term and plans to return as a full time student in September. Further, the person, at the time they apply, must be eligible to work in Canada. The person will work out of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, a Tourist and Research Community located on Passamaquoddy Bay, i.e. in the South West corner of the Bay of Fundy. The rate of pay is $7.50 Canadian per hour for at an expected 40 hour week. The incumbent will keep track of their own hours worked. Contact Dr. Chuck Schom Project Director St. Andrews Fisheries Research Laboratory Inc/Surge Inc St. Andrews, NB (506) 529-4233 tcougar5(\)nbnet.nb.ca ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 17:44:11 -0700 From: Oscar Guzon Subject: Small cetacean bycatch rates needed ------ Dear Marmamers, Hi all, I am actually working on my master's thesis project focusing on the potential impact of gillnet fisheries over small cetacean populations in the Gulf of California, Mexico. One of the main objectives of this project is to obtain the first (preliminary) mortality estimate of small cetaceans in gillnet fisheries for the Gulf of California.=20 Due to the lack of a proper observer program for these type of fisheries in the Gulf of California, bycatch rates for most cetacean species remain unknown. However, with limited information on fishing effort and bycatch rates obtained through observer programs elsewhere, different models can be applied to obtain a first preliminary estimate to know the magnitude of the problem we might be facing. For this, I need to obtain bycatch rates for small cetaceans in a way they could be standardize to (cetaceans killed per boat/day/km of net). So far, I am working only with standardized bycatch rates for the California swordfish/shark driftnet fishery and the Artisanal gillnet fishery in Ecuador.=20 If any of you have this kind of information available for gillnet fisheries elsewhere, I would deeply appreciate your help in this topic. Thanks a lot in advance. All the best Oscar Guz=F3n Departamento de Ecolog=EDa Centro de Investigaci=F3n Cient=EDfica y Educaci=F3n Superior de Ensenada (CICESE). Ensenada, Baja California. M=E9xico. email: tursion(\)yahoo.com, oscarguzon(\)hotmail.com =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Oscar Guz=F3n Departamento de Ecolog=EDa CICESE Ensenada, Baja California. M=C9XICO Tel: 646-175-05-00 Cel: 646-102-20-74 email: tursion(\)yahoo.com =09 =09 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail=20 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 11:51:30 -0300 From: maugerme Subject: Volunteer field assistant position available ------ Volunteer field assistant position available The research project is on a population of pilot whales (Globicephala mel= as) off Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a project supervised b= y Dr. Hal Whitehead from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia (http://www.dal.ca/~whitelab). The research is focused on the scarring ra= tes of individuals and photo-identification methods. Information on the gener= al behaviour, distribution and population biology will also be recorded. The position will involve taking field notes, GPS positions, identificati= on photos and data entry. Because of unforeseen circumstances, we are urgen= tly seeking to fill this position now. I am looking for someone to begin the= 1st of July or as soon as possible. The field season will end the 31st of Au= gust. Work will be conducted 6 days a week, 10 hrs. a day, from a whale watch b= oat off Pleasant Bay, a small village in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Accommoda= tions have been arranged for, near the village in Cape Breton National Park. Room, board and travel expenses within Nova Scotia will be covered. All applicants should send their resume to Marie Auger-M=E9th=E9 at maugerme(\)dal.ca as soon as possible. For any further questions you can contact me at (902) 494-3723 or (902) 454-3019 or by e-mail. Sincerely, Marie Auger-Methe ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 07:56:56 -0400 Reply-To: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu, pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu From: Phil Clapham Subject: New paper The following new paper is now available: Baker, C.S. & Clapham, P.J. 2004. Modeling the past and future of whales and whaling. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 19: 365-371. ABSTRACT Historical reconstruction of the population dynamics of whales before, during and after exploitation is crucial to marine ecological restoration and for the consideration of future commercial whaling. Population dynamic models used by the International Whaling Commission require historical catch records, estimates of intrinsic rates of increase and current abundance, all of which are subject to considerable uncertainty. Population genetic parameters can be used for independent estimates of historical demography, but also have large uncertainty, particularly for rates of mutation and gene flow. At present, demographic and genetic estimates of pre-exploitation abundance differ by an order of magnitude and consequently, suggest vastly different baselines for judging recovery. Here, we review these two approaches and suggest the need for a synthetic analytical framework to evaluate uncertainty in key parameters. Such a framework could have broad application to modeling both historical and contemporary population dynamics in other exploited species. The pdf reprint can be downloaded from this website: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/TREE.pdf Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. tel. 508 495-2316 fax 508 495-2066 email: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 10:30:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Two graduate positions at UAA (fwd) The Department of Biological Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage is recruiting students for two MSc projects. Students would preferably start in the fall 2004, or Spring 2005. Interested students should contact the faculty members for more information on the projects. Information on applying to the program can be found at http://biology.uaa.alaska.edu/ Masters level graduate student wanted to develop individual-based models (IBMs) of predatory killer whales in the North Pacific Ocean. Student will work collaboratively with both Biology and Computer Science faculty to expand upon models of terrestrial predator-prey systems and apply them to killer whales and a community of marine mammal prey. If interested contact Dr. Ward Testa by email (ward.testa(\)noaa.gov) for more information. Masters or PhD student wanted for study of Steller sea lion habitat selection and use. Student will analyze data from old and new satellite tag deployments on juvenile Steller sea lions and link behavioral data to habitat characteristics. Previous GIS experience preferred. If interested, contact Dr. Jennifer Burns by email at jburns(\)uaa.alaska.edu for more information. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 10:32:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: research assistant wanted Florida (fwd) *Seeking Research Assistant * *Marine Mammal Behavior and Acoustics Laboratory at Florida State University is seeking a research assistant* */Minimum qualifications:/* Master's degree in biology or engineering, or a bachelor's degree and two years of experience. */Duties/:* Data analysis, field work, report/manuscript preparation and laboratory management. Research in the lab is focused on the behavioral ecology and bioacoustics of several species of marine mammals. Local studies of bottlenose dolphins are complimented by research with North Atlantic right whales along the east coast of the U.S. and Canada and with Florida manatees at different sites around the state. Current projects in the lab include foraging behavior, bioacoustics, and community structure of bottlenose dolphins, manatee bioacoustics, auditory capabilities, and response to vessels, assessment of risk factors associated with right whales and ship strikes, and the locomotion, anatomy and diving behavior of right whales. */Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/*: Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to work independently and to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to collect, compile, and assist in analyzing statistical data, e.g. time series analysis, and to prepare reports and manuscripts for publication. Willingness and ability to work as part of a team. Knowledge of basic computer programs (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet) is essential, and additional experience with other software is highly desirable, e.g., MATLAB, ArcView. Position need not necessarily be filled by a biologist; engineers (e.g., computer, acoustic) are encouraged to apply. ** */Salary range: /*minimum $28,000; maximum: negotiable based on experience */Details:/* */Full-time OPS Position, minimum 2 years available Benefits available Send employment information to (preferably via email):/* Dr. Douglas P. Nowacek, Department of Oceanography, 509 OSB West Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306-4320, Nowacek(\)ocean.fsu.edu** -- Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D. Asst. Professor, Oceanography Dept. Florida State University 509 OSB, West Call St. Tallahassee, FL 32306 850.645.1547 voice 850.644.2581 fax nowacek(\)ocean.fsu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 14:29:55 -0400 From: Adam Pack Subject: new paper Dear Colleagues: The latest work on our studies of dolphin cognition is now available in the Journal of Comparative Psychology. Pack, A. A., & Herman, L. M. (2004) Bottlenosed Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Comprehend the Referent of Both Static and Dynamic Human Gazing and Pointing in an Object-Choice Task. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 118, 160-171. Abstract The authors tested 2 bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for their understanding of human-directed gazing or pointing in a 2- alternative object-choice task. A dolphin watched a human informant either gazing at or pointing toward 1 of 2 laterally placed objects and was required to perform a previously indicated action to that object. Both static and dynamic gaze, as well as static and dynamic direct points and cross-body points, yielded errorless or nearly errorless performance. Gaze with the informant's torso obscured (only the head was shown) produced no performance decrement, but gaze with eyes only resulted in chance performance. The results revealed spontaneous understanding of human gaze accomplished through head orientation, with or without the human informant's eyes obscured, and demonstrated that gaze-directed cues were as effective as point- directed cues in the object-choice task. If you would like to receive a reprint, please send all inquiries to Dr. Adam A. Pack, Associate Director, Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory, 1129 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814 FAX: 808-597-8572, Phone: 808-395-7892, email: pack(\)hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:11:43 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: position announcement Cape Cod, MA (fwd) The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. (CCSN), a growing non-profit organization dedicated to marine mammal stranding response, is searching for a full-time Assistant Stranding Coordinator. This position is a one year contract with the potential of renewal dependent on funding. Position Title: Assistant Stranding Coordinator, Cape Cod Stranding Network Opening Date: 22 June 2004 Closing Date: 16 July 2004 Position Location: Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Duties and Responsibilities: The Assistant Stranding Coordinator reports directly to the Stranding Coordinator and assists in on-site stranding response, health assessment and supportive care of live stranded animals, and necropsy of dead stranded animals. The Assistant is also responsible for the recruitment, training, and supervision of a large corps of field and office volunteers. The Assistant oversees interns in updating volunteer, stranding, and sample tracking databases and other assigned tasks. Other duties include equipment maintenance, supply inventory and ordering as well as other responsibilities as assigned. In conjunction with other staff members, the Assistant Stranding Coordinator provides emergency hotline coverage, responds to stranded animals, and participates in research and public outreach programs. Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree in biology, marine science, or related field experience Experience in marine mammal stranding response, species identification, and animal care Small boat handling experience Public speaking, outreach or education experience A valid driver's license required Ability to walk on rough terrain during inclement weather, swim, and lift moderate weights Understanding of photography, necropsy, and database management a plus Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of marine mammals and some experience with field techniques Hands-on experience with stranded cetaceans and pinnipeds is preferred Strong written and verbal communication skills Working knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, and ACCESS software Familiarity with the Cape Cod region is a plus The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, age, national origin and disability. Submit resume and cover letter to: Katie Touhey, Director The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. P.O. Box 287 Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Kt2e(\)capecodstranding.net (Electronic submission in PDF or MS WORD format preferred) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 11:33:08 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: submissions to MARMAM in HTML format If you are planning on submitting a message to MARMAM, and have an option of sending the message in plain text format, please do so. Because of the increased file size and increased likelihood of transmitting viruses, the MARMAM list will not send out messages that are in HTML format, requiring the editors to "forward" the message from the editors' account, rather than "bounce" the message and have it come directly from the original sender. Not only does this cause us more work (and delay posting of your message), but it means that when people reply to a message it often goes to the MARMAM list rather than back to the original sender. If you are using MS Outlook to send messages you can use the Format and Plain Text options to configure your messages properly. Also, if you compose your message in Word or some other word processing program, and then cut and paste the message into an e-mail, it will often introduce a variety of garbage characters (e.g., =20 at the end of each line) which makes it much harder to read messages. Composing your message directly in your e-mail system, or using a text editor such as Notepad, should minimize introduction of such garbage characters. Thanks very much, MARMAM Editors ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 12:10:41 -0700 From: Barry Nickel Subject: Course Announcement: GIS/Remote Sensing Applications for Coastal and Marine Scientists ------ Thought those on MARMAM might be interested in the following course (I=20 apologize in advance for any cross-listings). Over the course of the last decade, marine and coastal applications of GI= S=20 and remote sensing have gained wide acceptance in the scientific and GIS=20 communities. In recognition of this growing trend, the GIS certificate=20 program at San Francisco State University is offering a course dedicated = to=20 those interested in incorporating GIS/remote sensing technologies in the=20 study of the marine and coastal zones. Previous offerings of this class=20 have been very successful for both student and instructor alike and we ar= e=20 proud to offer it to the community for the third time. Course Annoucemen= t=20 below: GIS and Remote Sensing Applications for Coastal and Marine Scientists Geog 9023 Section Z01 Schedule No. 99455 August 5 =96 9, at San Francisco State University DISCOUNTED PRICE! Days 1 & 2 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Prerequisites: Familiarity with Windows 2000 operating systems highly=20 recommended. Course Description: This course is an introduction to the concepts and us= es=20 of GIS as it relates to coastal and marine science. Lecture topics includ= e=20 history of GIS, GIS data structures and sources of data, GIS tools, vendo= rs=20 and software, applications, and resources. Exercises include spatial data= =20 display and query, map generation, and simple spatial analysis using ArcG= IS=20 software. Instructor: Ellen Hines teaches GIS at San Francisco State University. H= er=20 research on marine mammals includes studies on dugongs in southern=20 Thailand, gray whales in British Columbia, and harbor seals in San=20 Francisco Bay. Her research interests include the integrated use of GIS a= nd=20 remote sensing in delineation of marine mammal habitat. She has twice=20 organized workshops on GIS and remote sensing for marine mammal scientist= s=20 at Society for Marine Mammology Biennial conferences. Days 3 & 4 Remote Sensing Prerequisites: Familiarity with Windows 2000 operating systems highly=20 recommended. Course Description: This course is an introduction to the physical=20 principles of electromagnetic radiation through earth's atmosphere and=20 remote sensing sensors relevant for coastal and marine studies. The cour= se=20 is designed for beginning level users. Instructor: Toby Garfield is an Associate Professor of Geosciences and=20 conducts his research at the SFSU Environmental Campus, the Romberg Tibur= on=20 Center for Environmental Studies. His research interests include oceanic=20 circulation along continental margins and estuarine circulation. His=20 fieldwork emphasizes combining traditional data collection techniques wit= h=20 remote sensing data collection. Day 5 Hands on! Bring your own field data, or we can supply you with material to work wit= h. Cost for the 5 days of instruction is $930.00. This course is offered=20 through the SFSU GIS Certificate Program (http://gis.sfsu.edu/cert) in th= e=20 College of Extended Learning (http://www.cel.sfsu.edu), 4.0 continuing=20 education units (CEU) can be earned. To guarantee a space in the class,=20 please register early. Class size is limited. A list of accommodations = is=20 available. For further information, please contact Ellen Hines=20 (ehines(\)sfsu.edu; 415.405.0921) or Barry Nickel (bnickel(\)sfsu.edu;=20 415.338.3566). ****************************** Barry Nickel GIS Program Coordinator San Francisco State University Direct: (415) 338-3566 e-mail: bnickel(\)sfsu.edu web: http://bss.sfsu.edu/geog/gatlab/ and http://gis.sfsu.edu/cert ******************************=20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 13:45:40 -0400 From: J&B Subject: Second announcement regarding Marine Mammal Management Course Welcome! THIS IS A REMINDER THAT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE: FIFTH EDITION OF THE GLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN: MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT OF THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, THIS COURSE IS OFFERED TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING. THERE ARE FOUR VERSIONS: A) FULL THREE CREDIT GRADUATE LEVEL COURSE, B) A THREE CREDIT UNDERGRADUATE COURSE, C) AND THE GENERAL INTEREST DIPLOMA COURSE, AND D) GRADUATE CERTIFICATE VERSION (contact douganj(\)nova.edu) THE MMM COURSE RUNS FROM JULY 5 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 THERE ARE TWO ASSIGNMENTS: FIRST, DUE ON AUGUST 6th WITH A VALUE OF 35% OF TOTAL MARK. THE LAST ON SEPTEMBER 17th FOR 65%. YOU WILL RECEIVE COMMENTS ON THE FIRST ASSIGNMENT TO USE IN YOUR FINAL ESSAY. THOSE TAKING THE DIPLOMA PROGRAM MAY SUBMIT THE ASSIGNMENTS BUT NOT FOR MARKS, BUT CERTAINLY FOR COMMENT. AS WE WILL BE SENDING YOU MESSAGES AND RESPONDING TO YOUR ENQUIRIES, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE SOME ELECTRONIC MEANS OF COMMUNICATION USING "MS WORD". COURSE DESCRIPTION: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html FOR REGISTRATION http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html Application Fee:(US$50) -a one-time cost required for first registration. Registration Fee (US$25) -required for all registrations Class Version A (full graduate (post baccalaureate) 3 credits (US$1,701) Class Version B (undergraduate level) 3 credits (US$950) Class Version C (Diploma for general interest-audit) (US$850.50) Class Version D (full graduate credit towards Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies) (US$1,701). Professors Keith Ronald and Barra Gots, Instructors johnbarra(\)sympatico.ca and kronald(\)uoguelph.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 00:16:38 -0600 From: Milton Freeman Subject: New publication The following book on aboriginal whaling in Alaska and Chukotka was published in June 2004 (but note: it carries the publication date 2003): McCartney, Allen P. 2003. Indigenous Ways to the Present: Native Whaling in the Western Arctic. Studies in Whaling number 6, CCI Press, Edmonton, and The University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City. vi + 432 pp., maps, figs, photos, tables. ISBN 1-896445-25-X. This volume contains an introduction by A.P. McCartney and R.K. Harritt ("Environment and Environmental Change in the Western Arctic and Subarctic: Implications for Whaling") followed by fifteen chapters written by native whalers, palaeogeographers, archaeologists, anthropologists, ethnohistorians and biologists on bowhead and gray whales, the environment, and indigenous whaling in the region. To order contact cindy.mason(\)ualberta.ca: $30 + shipping (Canada $5.00; U.S. $6.00; Overseas $12). Canadian orders in Canadian funds + 7% GST; outside Canada prices are in US funds (no taxes apply). Milton M.R. Freeman Canadian Circumpolar Institute University of Alberta Edmonton AB, T6G 0H1 (Canada) Tel: 780-492-4682 Fax: 780-492-1153 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 22:00:43 +0300 Reply-To: Pavel Gol'din From: Pavel Gol'din Subject: new paper on bone lamination in harbour porpoise Dear colleagues, The following paper was recently published in Russian: Gol'din, P. E. Bone of lower jaw of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta Abel, 1905) as a registering structure. - Uchenye Zapiski TNU (=Sci. Repts Taurida Nat. Univ.). Series: Biology. - 2003. - V.16(55). - 2. - P. 61-69 (In Russian) Abstract: Lower jaws of 27 harbour porpoises found dead at the Crimean coast of the Sea of Azov in 2000-2002 were studied. The samples were decalcified in 5% nitric acid, sectioned, and stained by haematoxylin. The whole bones from 9 specimens with age of 1-9 years were decalcified and divided to 1 cm segments before sectioning. Growth layers were found forming in all the jaw excluding the beginning of tooth raw. The number of completed mandibular layers corresponded to that of growth layer groups in dentine, i.e. the absolute age, in animals more than 1 year old. Growth layer is characterized by the complicated structure including one or more resting lines. The specific feature is the formation of double resting lines. Thus, there are growth layer groups in mandibula equivalent to that in dentine. Jaw branch is recommended for the age determination method instead of the end of tooth raw. Using the mandibular layering for age determination is regarded as a good additional technique along with dentine reading. Reprints in .pdf format are available from me: oblako(\)home.cris.net Best regards, Pavel --------------- Pavel E. Gol'din Dept. of Zoology V. I. Vernadsky Taurida National University 4, Vernadsky Avenue, Simferopol, Crimea, 95007 Ukraine E-mail: oblako(\)home.cris.net ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 15:21:18 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Comments solicited - CRS report on online resources (fwd) Colleagues: I'm in the process of updating my report "Fishery, Aquaculture, and Marine Mammal Online News and Information Sources". A copy of this report may be viewed at: http://www.ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSReports/03Aug/RL30856.pdf If you'd like to identify any resources that were not in the previous version and should be highlighted for Congress, I'd welcome your input. Also, I'd appreciate any comments that would improved the clarity or update current sections of this report. I'd appreciate your comments or input by August 6, 2004; these can be e-mail to me at gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov or faxed to me at (202) 707-7000. Please feel free to pass this along to others who may wish to provide input. Thanks in advance for your time. Gene Buck, specialist in natural resources policy Congressional Research Service, U.S. Congess gbuck(\)crs.loc.gov ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 07:28:28 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ------ Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org ALVAREZ-FLORES, CARLOS M. and MADS PETER HEIDE-JORGENSEN. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 61(2):274-286. 2004. A risk assessment of the sustainability of the harvest of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas 1776)) in West Greenland. 0.518 MB ANONYMOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(9-10):816. 2004. Analysis of dead dolphins in Florida. 0.031 MB BARROS, NELIO B.; THOMAS A. JEFFERSON and E. C. M. PARSONS. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(1):179-188. 2004. Feeding habits of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) strand= ed in Hong Kong. 0.792 MB (Viewed with Acrobat 5.0 or greater) CHRISTIANSEN, JORGEN S.; ASBJORN GILDBERG; KJELL T. NILSSEN; CHARLOTTA LINDBLOM and TORE HAUG. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 61(2):287-292. 2004. The gastric properties of free-ranging harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus (Erxleben, 1777)) and hooded (Cystophora cristata (Erxleben, 1777)) seals. 0.131 MB COLLINS, MATTHEW D.; LESLEY HOYLES; GEOFFREY FOSTER and ENEVOLD FALSEN. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY 54(3):925-928. 2004. Corynebacterium caspium sp nov., from a Caspian seal (Phoca caspica). 0.091 MB CORKERON, PETER J. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 18(3):847-849. 2004. Whale watching, iconography, and marine conservation. 0.222 MB DUBEY, J. P.; T. P. LIPSCOMB and M. MENSE. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(2):410-411. 2004. Toxoplasmosis in an elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). 0.511 MB FERNANDEZ, MERCEDES; F. JAVIER AZNAR; FRANCISCO E. MONTERO; BOYKO B. GEORGIEV and JUAN A. RAGA. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(2):418-420. 2004. Gastrointestinal helminths of cuvier's beaked whales, Ziphius cavirostris= , from the western Mediterranean. 0.100 MB GAJADHAR, A. A.; L. MEASURES; L. B. FORBES; C. KAPEL and J. P. DUBEY. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(2):255-259. 2004. Experimental Toxoplasma gondii infection in grey seals (Halichoerus grypu= s). 0.246 MB GANOVA-RAEVA, LILIA; ALVIN W. SMITH; HOWARD FIELDS and YURY KHUDYAKOV. VIRUS RESEARCH 102(2):207-213. 2004. New calicivirus isolated from walrus. 0.449 MB GARROD, BRIAN and DAVID A. FENNELL. ANNALS OF TOURISM RESEARCH 31(2):334-352. 2004. An analysis of whalewatching codes of conduct. 0.150 MB GOOLD, JOHN C. and THOMAS A. JEFFERSON. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(1):175-178. 2004. A note on clicks recorded from free-ranging Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin= s, Sousa chinensis. 0.349 MB (Viewed with Acrobat 5.0 or greater) GREGR, EDWARD J. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 20(2):353-355. 2004. Letters Modeling species - habitat relationships in the marine environment: A comment on Hamazaki (2002). 0.265 MB HAMAZAKI, TOSHIHIDE. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 20(2):356-358. 2004. Letters Modeling species - habitat relationships in the marine environment: A response to Gregr (2004). 0.285 MB HAYES, SEAN A.; ANURAG KUMAR; DANIEL P. COSTA; DAVID K. MELLINGER; JAMES = T. HARVEY; BRANDON L. SOUTHALL and BURNEY J. LE BOEUF. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 67(6):1133-1139. 2004. Evaluating the function of the male harbour seal, Phoca vitulina, roar through playback experiments. 0.233 MB HOYLES, LESLEY; MATTHEW D. COLLINS; GEOFFREY FOSTER; ENEVOLD FALSEN and PETER SCHUMANN. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY 54(3):745-748. 2004. Jeotgalicoccus pinnipedialis sp nov., from a southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). 0.099 MB HUNG, SAMUEL K. and THOMAS A. JEFFERSON. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(1):159-174. 2004. Ranging patterns of Indo-Pacfic humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in th= e Pearl River Estuary, People's Republic of China. 2.966 MB KRUTZEN, MICHAEL; LYNNE M. BARR; RICHARD C. CONNOR; JANET MANN and WILLIA= M B. SHERWIN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 13(7):1975-1990. 2004. 'O father: where art thou?' Paternity assessment in an open fission-fusio= n society of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Shark Bay, Western Australia. 0.183 MB LEE, SANG-MOG and DANIEL ROBINEAU. L'ANTHROPOLOGIE 108(1):137-151. 2004. Les c=E9tac=E9s des gravures rupestres n=E9olithiques de Bangu-dae (Cor=E9= e du Sud) et les d=E9buts de la chasse =E0 la baleine dans le Pacifique nord-ouest. 1.158 MB MACFADDEN, BRUCE J.; PENNILYN HIGGINS; MARK T. CLEMENTZ and DOUGLAS S. JO= NES. PALEOBIOLOGY 30(2):297-324. 2004. Diets, habitat preferences, and niche differentiation of Cenozoic sirenia= ns from Florida: evidence from stable isotopes. 1.317 MB MASHBURN, KENDALL L. and SHANNON ATKINSON. GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY 136(3):371-381. 2004. Evaluation of adrenal function in serum and feces of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus): influences of molt, gender, sample storage, and age on glucocorticoid metabolism. 0.320 MB MILLER, P. J. O.; A. D. SHAPIRO; P. L. TYACK and A. R. SOLOW. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 67(6):1099-1107. 2004. Call-type matching in vocal exchanges of free-ranging resident killer whales, Orcinus orca. 0.314 MB MOLLER, LUCIANA M. and LUCIANO B. BEHEREGARAY. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 13(6):1607-1612. 2004. Genetic evidence for sex-biased dispersal in resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). 0.118 MB NORSTROM, KARIN; ANDERS OLSSON; MATS OLSSON and AKE BERGMAN. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 30(5):667-674. 2004. Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS) in Swedish marine and fresh water wildlife - A screening study. 0.333 MB PREEN, ANTHONY. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 118(2):205-218. 2004. Distribution, abundance and conservation status of dugongs and dolphins i= n the southern and western Arabian Gulf. 0.404 MB ROHR, JIM J. and FRANK E. FISH. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 207(10):1633-1642. 2004. Strouhal numbers and optimization of swimming by odontocete cetaceans. 0.274 MB SPARLING, CAROL E. and MICHAEL A. FEDAK. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 207(10):1615-1624. 2004. Metabolic rates of captive grey seals during voluntary diving. 0.350 MB WILLCOX, MAIA K.; LEE ANN WOODWARD; GINA M. YLITALO; JON BUZITIS; SHANNON ATKINSON and QING X. LI. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 322(1-3):81-93. 2004. Organochlorines in the free-ranging Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) from French Frigate Shoals, North Pacific Ocean. 0.203 MB ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 22:00:49 -0300 From: lbejder Subject: "Evaluating impacts of nature-based tourism on cetaceans" PDF file available Dear Marmam readers: The following book chapter has recently become available to me in PDF format: Bejder, L. and Samuels, A. 2003. Evaluating impacts of nature-based tourism on cetaceans. In: N. Gales, M. Hindell, R. Kirkwood (eds.) pp. 229-256. Marine Mammals: Fisheries, Tourism and Management Issues. CSIRO Publishing. 480 pp. The complete chapter can be downloaded from my website: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/lb/lars.htm All the best, Lars Lars Bejder Biology Department Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 CANADA Tel: ++ 902 494 3723 (wk) Tel: ++ 902 479 1043 (hm) Fax: ++ 902 494 3736 Email: lbejder(\)dal.ca http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/lb/lars.htm http://www.dr.dk/videnskab/viden_om/programmer/86delfin/ http://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 16:41:13 -0300 From: Joanne Cook Subject: Please help with survey on Gulf of Maine mapping In-Reply-To: <0HZT00KOGTAIK7(\)mx3.eastlink.ca> Hullo! If you're studying whale movements and distributions in the Gulf of Maine; if you fish on Georges Bank or Browns Bank, or anywhere in the Gulf; if you're working on coastal issues in the estuaries from Cape Cod around to Yarmouth; if you're involved in *any* marine issues in the Gulf of Maine -- GOMMI needs your help. GOMMI is the 'Gulf of Maine Mapping Initiative', and its goal is to map the Gulf's sea floor, from the intertidal zone to the upper continental slope. GOMMI began as a result of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment's 2001 Gulf of Maine Marine Habitat Characterization and Mapping Workshop, sponsored by NOAA. Now, GOMMI's steering committee needs *your* input on where and how GOMMI should focus its efforts. Please help - tell us what areas are most interesting and important to you or your co-workers. Just click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=66692528236 And you'll find a short survey -- it should only take 10-15 minutes to fill out. The steering committee thanks you! (They are: Thomas Noji, NOAA Fisheries; Susan Snow-Cotter, Ma. Coastal Zone Management; Brian Todd, Geological Services of Canada; and Page Valentine, US Geological Survey). Please ... take a few minutes to do it now! Best regards, Joanne Cook CEF Consultants Ltd. P.S. The survey URL may look a little odd, but it is entirely legitimate; we are using a web-based survey tool called Survey Monkey. P.P.S. My apologies if some of you see this more than once; I'm also sending it to Fishfolk, FundyForum, and several other email lists. GOMMI wants as broad a sampling of people as possible, so we're ranging quite widely. __________________________________ Joanne Cook, Communications/Consultations Manager (mailto:jcook(\)cefconsultants.ns.ca) CEF Consultants Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: providing environmental and fisheries planning, impact assessments, and public consultation services since 1983. Partner, Champlain Institute. 1-902-425-4802 (voice); 1-902-425-4807 (fax). http://www.cefconsultants.ns.ca/joan.html ___________________________________ -- __________________________________ Joanne Cook, Communications/Consultations Manager (mailto:jcook(\)cefconsultants.ns.ca) CEF Consultants Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: providing environmental and fisheries planning, impact assessments, and public consultation services since 1983. Partner, Champlain Institute. 1-902-425-4802 (voice); 1-902-425-4807 (fax). http://www.cefconsultants.ns.ca/joan.html ___________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2004 18:05:48 +0200 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: new article Dear list members the following article has been recently published in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 14(4):363-379. The pdf (212 Kb) can be downloaded at: http://www.tethys.org/download/papers_pdf/Bearzi_etal_2004.pdf THE ROLE OF HISTORICAL DOLPHIN TAKES AND HABITAT DEGRADATION IN SHAPING THE PRESENT STATUS OF NORTHERN ADRIATIC CETACEANS Giovanni Bearzi, Drasko Holcer & Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara _Abstract 1. Nine cetacean species have been reliably reported to occur in the shallow northern Adriatic Sea since the 17th century. However, only two species were considered regular there until the 1970s: the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). 2. Short-beaked common dolphins have progressively disappeared from the northern Adriatic and are now rare in the region. The systematic culling campaigns and other takes that occurred between the second half of the 18th century and the 1960s, and habitat degradation in subsequent years are the most likely causes of their decline. 3. Today, common bottlenose dolphins are the only regular component of the northern Adriatic cetacean fauna; however, they now occur at low densities, and their fragmented groups are facing significant anthropogenic threats. 4. The future of northern Adriatic dolphins will depend on precautionary action to prevent further decline and on intensified research effort aimed at identifying the most effective mitigation strategies. _____________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(\)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute and Contract professor of Cetacean conservation, University of Venice c/o Venice Natural History Museum Santa Croce 1730, 30135 Venezia, Italy voice: +39 0412750206; fax: +39 041721000 http://www.tethys.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2004 18:54:59 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Posting for internships at a marine mammal facility (fwd) Genevieve Desportes (genevieve(\)fjord-baelt) would like to post on Marmam following advertissement for possibility of internships (training, animal management) at the Fjord-Baelt, Denmark. Fjord-Baelt Go Under Water Kerteminde, Denmark INTERN PROGRAM Applications are invited for marine mammal intern at the Fjord-Baelt, Kerteminde, Funen, Denmark. Internship goal Learn about and participate in the care of the marine mammal collection Learn about animal training theories while gaining some practical experience in basic training Acquire knowledge about marine mammals in general Working environment 1. The Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water is a marine activity centre that opened in 1997, created to combine research, public exhibition, aquariums, and education on marine issues. The Kerteminde Fjord, the Danish Belts, and their marine life are the common denominators for all the activities. The centre is visited by 80,000 guests each year and has a staff of 12 full-time staff, not including the many interns and part-time staff. 2. The marine mammal department consists of 11 harbour porpoises, 13 harbour seals, and a team composed of a French supervisor, a French senior trainer and a trainer. Danish and foreign interns assist in the daily care. The harbour porpoises and seals are trained both for voluntary husbandry behaviours (allowing to perform medical check and care without removing the animals from the water), public presentation behaviours and research-related training. 3. The harbour porpoises are the main focus of the research and are one of the main attractions. The harbour porpoise research aims to enhance knowledge of behaviour and to investigate methods of reducing bycatch. By having the porpoises at Fjord-Baelt we are also able to create awareneness and educate the public about the harbour porpoises' plight in the wild. International research co-operation is currently carried out with Danish, Swedish, German, and English institutions. 4. The Fjord-Baelt is located in Kerteminde, Denmark. Kerteminde located 20 km from Odense, the third largest city in Denmark (200.000 inhabitants), on the island of Funen, and has a population of approx. 8,0 8,000. It is two hours via public transportation from Copenhagen, the Danish capital. Historically, Kerteminde is one of the last functioning fishing villages in Denmark and one of the larger tourist sites with its old Danish architecture and attractive beaches. Type of employment Duties will be mainly to participate in the daily care/maintenance of the harbour porpoises and harbour seals held in outdoor, netted pools in the Kerteminde Fjord. This will involve assisting in, among other things, public presentations, research training, and various centre activities. Experience It is preferred, but not required, that applicant has some experience with animal husbandry. Terms and Expectations of Internship Internships are unpaid, lodging is not providing. Duration is a minimum of three months, but can be extended in the course of the internship, after mutual agreement. Working hours are 37 hours per week, variable hours, including weekends and holidays. Overtime will be compensated for in extra time off at a 1/1 ratio. Accrual per month of vacation days is 2.5 days. Applicant must be a minimum of 18 years of age. The applicant should show a good deal of personal involvement, responsibility, and the ability to work harmoniously in a small team of an international context. Applicants have to be able to speak and write English fluently. Some knowledge of Danish is helpful, but not necessary. We offer Pleasant working atmosphere among a young, dynamic, and open- minded team. Nice working environment in a modern facility. Help in the administrative procedures and the research of housing. The minimum furniture, bedding, and kitchen supplies necessary The minimum uniform pieces necessary. Coverage by Fjord-Baelt accident insurance during working hours. For applicants staying six months or more, the cost of the room is taken over by the Fjord-Balt from the fourth month through the rest of the stay. (The cost of the room for the next three months is reimbursed at the end of the sixth month, after that it is reimbursed every month). To help applicants willing to stay a year finding a stipendium Application The application should include a C.V., a statement of interest, and a minimum of one letter of recommendation. The application should be mailed to the senior trainer, Marie Anne Blanchet at Fjord-Baelt, Margrethes Plads 1, DK-5300 Kerteminde, Denmark; or emailed to marie(\)fjord-baelt.dk. The letter of recommendation should be mailed or emailed directly from the referee to Marie Anne Blanchet with the mention of " Application for Internship" Further Information Information on the Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water can be found on www.gounderwater.com . Further information about the position may be obtained from the senior trainer Marie Anne Blanchet (marie(\)fjord-baelt.dk), Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water Fax: +45 65 32 42 64. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2004 19:30:17 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Posting for a marine mammal trainer position (fwd) Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water Kerteminde, Denmark Marine Mammal Trainer Applications are invited to a position as marine mammal trainer at the Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water in Kerteminde, Funen, Denmark, Autumn 2004. Working environment 1. The Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water is a marine activity centre th at opened in 1997, created to combine research, public exhibition, aquariums and education on marine issues. The centre is visited by 80,000 guests each year and has a staff of 12 full-time employees, not including the many interns and part-time staff. 2. The marine mammal department consists of 1.1 harbour porpoises, 1.3 harbour seals, and a team composed of a French supervisor, a French senior trainer and a trainer. Danish and foreign interns assist in the da daily care. The harbour porpoises and seals are trained both for voluntary husbandry behaviours (allowing to perform medical check and care without removing the animals from the water), public presentation behaviours and research-related training. 3. The harbour porpoises are the main focus of the research and are one of the main attractions. The harbour porpoise research aims to enhance knowledge of behaviour and to investigate methods of reducing bycatch. By having the porpoises at Fjord-Baelt we are also able to create awareness and educate the public about the harbour porpoises' plight in the wild. International research co-operation is currently carried out with Danish, Swedish, German, and English institutions. 4. The Fjord-Baelt is located in Kerteminde, Denmark. Kerteminde is located 20 km from Odense, the third largest city in Denmark (200.000 inhabitants), on the island of Funen, and has a population of approx. 8,000. It is two hours via public transportation from Copenhagen, the Danish capital. Historically, Kerteminde is one of the last functioning fishing villages in Denmark and one of the larger tourist sites with its old Danish architecture and attractive beaches. Type of employment: Trainer Duties will be mainly to participate in the training and daily care/maintenance of the harbour porpoises and harbour seals held in outdoor, netted pools with open water access. Duties consist furthermore in participating in the supervision and teaching of interns, in research projects, public presentations and other centre activities. Expectations from the applicant The successful applicant is expected to show a good deal of personal involvement, consistency, responsibility, independence, initiative, creativity, flexibility, opening to new tasks and new challenges, and the last but not the least humour. Ability to communicate and work harmoniously in a team of an international context is essential. There is an obligation of residence in the town of Kerteminde. 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. Applicants should have a driving and a diving license. Experience Applicant should have 3 years experience with husbandry and training of dolphins and a solid background in theoretical training. Training experience with harbour porpoises Training experience with seals Experience in supervising interns A university education in biology and/or animal behaviour Experience in training for experimental research Previous participation in conferences and workshops/courses. Knowledge of Danish and German We offer Pleasant working atmosphere, among a young, dynamic and open- minded team, dialogue and humour. Nice working place and environment in a modern facility. Possibility in participating to conferences and workshops. Possibilities of further personal development. Help in the administrative procedures and research of housing as well as integration process. 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 DKR 17500 (c. EUR 2350) per month. Working hours are 37 hours per week, variable hours including weekends and holidays. Overtime will be compensated for in extra time off on a 1/1 ratio. Accrual per month of work accomplished is 2,5 days, equivalent to 5 weeks' vacation per year. Expected start period: autumn 2004. Application The application should include: a resume, a statement of interest, reference letters from previous aquarium curators and head trainers (preferably several). These letters should be emailed/sent directly to the Fjord-Baelt (marie(\)fjord-baelt.dk) by their authors. They should be marked as: Marine mammal trainer position September 2004, followed by the name of the applicant. The author should clearly indicate in which qualification he is making the recommendation. Three copies of the application must be mailed to Dr. Genevieve Desportes (Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water, Margrethes Plads 1, DK-5300 Kerteminde, Denmark), or one copy emailed to marie(\)fjord-baelt.dk.The complete application must be received not later than August 31, 2004 in order to be considered. Further Information Information on the Fjord-Baelt - Go Under Water can be found on www.gounderwater.com. Further information about the position may be obtained from the leader of the Marine Mammal Department, Dr. Genevieve Desportes (genevieve(\)fjord-baelt.dk / +45 65 32 57 83 # 25) and the senior trainer Marie Anne Blanchet (marie(\)fjord-baelt.dk / +45 65 32 57 83 # 19), Fax: +45 65 32 42 64. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2004 16:50:34 +1200 From: Rochelle Constantine Subject: Ph.D. opportunity in New Zealand - whale genetic diversity 2 June, 2004 PhD Scholarship, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand Genetic diversity, gene flow and effective population sizes of baleen whales A 3-year PhD scholarship is available for work on the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA diversity of baleen whale populations, with a focus on the southern hemisphere right whales, Antarctic minke whales and worldwide humpback whales. The objectives are to improve genetic estimates of long-term effective, and minimum historical, population size for comparison to demographic estimates from models of whale population dynamics. The project is part of a multi-disciplinary study to model the historical dynamics of southern hemisphere whale populations, in collaboration with A. Rodrigo, S.R. Palumbi and P.J. Clapham (see Baker, C.S. and Clapham, P.J. 2004. Modelling the past and future of whales and whaling, Trends in Ecology and Evolution 19: 365-371). Applications should be sent to Associate Prof. C. Scott Baker, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand (E-mail: cs.baker(\)auckland.ac.nz, Fax: +64 -9-373-7417) before 15 August 2004. The Candidates: PhD applicants must have been awarded the degree of B.Sc. (Hons) or M.Sc. (or equivalent) before taking up the scholarship. The stipend is NZ$20,000 per annum for 3 years. There is an additional NZ$3,000 per year to cover domestic tuition fees. NOTE: International students are subject to additional fees of NZ$18,000 not covered by the scholarship. Only Australian, French and German students are exempt from international student fees. Applicants should send a cover letter stating briefly why they are interested in this project, a copy of their academic record, curriculum vita, and the names and e-mail addresses of 2 referees. -- C. Scott Baker Associate Professor Group Leader, Population Genetics and Evolution School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand Courier address: Thomas Building 3A Symonds Street Phone: +64-9-373-7599 ext 87280 or 84588 Fax: +64-9-373-7417 or 7668 Visit our website for DNA taxonomy of whales, dolphins and porpoises: http://www.dna-surveillance.auckland.ac.nz/html/mainIndex.jsp ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2004 09:13:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Dolphin Photo-identification Internship, SC, USA (fwd) From: "R.H. Defran" The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill one or more dolphin Photo-identification Internship positions for the Fall of 2004. The MMPR is organized within NOAA's National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 13 week period from September 20, 2004 to Dec 17, 2004. Interns will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD) (see Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892). The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics of Charleston dolphins as part of a comprehensive health assessment of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Interns and must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of interns who have well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The intern application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should correspond with Dr. Defran by email before submitting application materials. We anticipate filling these internship positions by the middle of Aug 2004. Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Dr. R.H. Defran rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2004 17:17:30 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Ph.D. opportunity in New Zealand - whale genetic diversity (fwd) PhD Scholarship, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand Genetic diversity, gene flow and effective population sizes of baleen whales A 3-year PhD scholarship is available for work on the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA diversity of baleen whale populations with a focus on southern hemisphere right whales, Antarctic minke whales and worldwide humpback whales. The objectives are to improve genetic estimates of long-term effective, and minimum historical, population size for comparison to demographic estimates from models of whale population dynamics. The project is part of a multi-disciplinary study to model the historcal dynamics of southern hemisphere whale populations, in collaboration with A. Rodrigo, S.R. Palumbi and P.J.Clapham Rodrigo, S.R. Palumbi and P.J. Clapham (see Baker, C.S. and Clapham, P.J. 2004. Modelling the past and future of whales and whaling, Trends In Ecology and Evolution 19: 365-371). Applications should be sent to Associate Prof. C.Scott Baker School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand (E-mail: cs.baker(\)auckland.ac.nz Fax: +64-9-373-7417) before 15 August 2004 The Candidates: PhD applicants must have been awarded the degree of B.Sc. (Hons) or M.Sc. (or equivalent) before taking up the scholarship. The stipend is NZ$20,000 per annuum for 3 years. There is an additional NZ$3,000 per year to cover domestic tuition fees. NOTE: International students are subject to additional fees of NZ$18,000 not covered by the scholarship. Only Australian, French and German students are exempt from international student fees. Applicants should send a cover letter stating briefly why they are interested in this project, a copy of their academic record, curriculum vitae, and the names and e-mail addresses of 2 referrees. -- C. Scott Baker Associate Professor Group Leader, Population Genetics and Evolution School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand Courier address: Thomas Building 3A Symonds Street Phone: +64-9-373-7599 ext 87280 or 84588 Fax: +64-9-373-7417 or 7668 Visit our website for DNA taxonomy of whales, dolphins and porpoises: http://www.dna-surveillance.auckland.ac.nz/html/mainIndex.jsp ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 3 Jul 2004 17:21:28 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position Announcement from Mystic Aquarium (fwd) Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, one of the nation's premier aquariums, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to marine education, research and conservation. It is our mission to inspire people everywhere to care about and protect our oceans by exploring and sharing their biological, ecological and cultural treasures. We are currently seeking an EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS The successful candidate will hold an advanced degree, a Ph.D., DVM or VMD is desired. Must be able to demonstrate working knowledge of husbandry and exhibit design appropriate for captive marine mammals, birds, fishes and invertebrates and their life support systems in order to develop species strategy and exhibit themes. Should be able to contribute to the research program under the Vice President of Research. Experience must include an understanding of International, Federal and local laws as they pertain to compliance with animal collection regulations, accreditation standards and various interactions with government agencies. The individual in this position will serve as an active member of the senior management team and assist the CEO with the organization's strategic and master planning. Applicants must have a strong personal commitment to conservation and advancing public awareness and understanding of issues that affect the health of world populations. Additional inquiries should be made to: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Diane G. Reynolds Director Human Resources 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT 06355 PHONE (860)-572-5955 FAX (860)-572-5969 E-MAIL dreynolds(\)mysticaquarium.org For further information, you can visit our website at www.mysticaquarium.org Beth H. Trovato, Recruiter Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Human Resources 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: (860) 572-5955 x308 FAX: (860) 572-5969 E-mail: btrovato(\)mysticaquarium.org Website: www.mysticaquarium.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2004 12:09:04 -0700 From: Krishna Das Subject: abstract ------ Dear All, The following paper is now available. PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: Krishna.Das(\)ulg.ac.be). Trace metal and stable isotope measurements (d13C and d15N) in the harbou= r porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta from the Black Sea Krishna Das, Ludo Holsbeek, Julie Browning, Ursula Siebert, Alexei Birkun= , Jr. and Jean-Marie Bouquegneau Environmental pollution 2004, 131: 197-204 Abstract Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (small delta, Greek13C and small delt= a, Greek15N) and trace metals (Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, and Hg) were analysed in = the tissues of 46 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena relicta) caught in fishing nets along the Ukrainian coasts between 1997 and 1998. Mean small delta, Greek13C values differed significantly between male and female harbour porpoises suggesting a trophic segregation between sexes with a m= ore coastal distribution for females at least during their gestation and nurs= ing periods. Hepatic Hg was correlated to small delta, Greek13C measurements, reflecting a different exposure linked to coastal vs offshore feeding habitats. A geographical comparison with existing data from other regions showed general low levels of Hg, Cd, Cu and Zn in the tissues of harbour porpoises from the Black Sea compared to other Atlantic and North Sea are= as. Author Keywords: Black Sea; Stable isotopes; Trace metals; Marine mammals= ; Phocoena phocoena Laboratoire d'Oc=E9anologie, B6c Universit=E9 de Li=E8ge Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Li=E8ge Tel: 32 (0)4 3664829 Fax: 32 (0)4 3663325 website: http://www.ulg.ac.be/oceanbio/ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 09:01:39 +0200 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: Common bottlenose dolphin with mutilated dorsal fin observed in the Mediterranean Comments: To: ecs-talk(\)jiscmail.ac.uk List members may remember a message posted in September 2003, regarding a common bottlenose dolphin _Tursiops truncatus_ observed around the island of Kalamos, Greece (eastern Ionian Sea), with a freshly cut-off dorsal fin. That individual ("Spiti") has been re-sighted in the area since then. By June 2004 the wound had completely healed and even re-pigmented. Those who are studying healing rates for such wounds may be interested in seeing the photos posted at: http://www.tethys.org/finless/finless.htm Accurate matching showed that Spiti was first photo-identified in April 2001 and became "resident" in the study area since 2002. Spiti was encountered consistently between April-August 2003, and the loss of the dorsal fin (possible reasons are discussed in the site above) in September did not seem to affect its residency pattern. Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi and Stefano Agazzi _____________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(\)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute and Contract professor of Cetacean conservation, University of Venice c/o Venice Natural History Museum Santa Croce 1730, 30135 Venezia, Italy voice: +39 0412750206; fax: +39 041721000 http://www.tethys.org ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 13:16:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement: Cetacean Population Biologist, Hawaii (fwd) ******************** JIMAR CETACEAN POPULATION BIOLOGIST ID# 24348. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR). Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. Minimum Monthly Salary: $3,919.00. Duties: Develops a cetacean stock assessment program at PIFSC, while collaborating with and supporting ongoing cetacean research at the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Prepares Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports as required by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), participates in field surveys, determines species distribution, estimates stock abundance, and evaluates fisheries interactions including mortality and serious injury. Establishes contacts and networking with non-NMFS cetacean researchers and stakeholders in the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas. Pursues funding for and conducts field studies, including photo-ID, line transect, and capture-recapture methodologies. Brings together and oversees field teams. Reports research results to the Pacific Scientific Review Group, Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council, and at other scientific conferences and workshops. Publishes research in peer-reviewed journals. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Biology, Marine Biology, Statistics, Zoology or a related field. (A Master=92s Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Statistics, Zoolog= y or related field with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience in population assessment studies may be substituted for Ph.D. Degree). Experience: One to three (1-3) years experience conducting statistical analysis and field studies of cetaceans. Previous experience at sea for extended periods of time (2 weeks or more). Abil/Know/Skills: Knowledge of and familiarity with basic cetacean biology. Good computer skills including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and graphics programs. Ability to accurately identify a large variety of cetacean species at sea. Strong statistical and quantitative skills, including ability to design and conduct line transect surveys, capture-recapture studies and cetacean photographic identification studies. Must possess strong communication skills. Must be able to complete NOAA small boat proficiency certification, wilderness first aid, and CPR certifications. Must possess a valid driver=92s license to transport gear to other locations, attend meetings off-site, and to drive to locations where research/necropsies are conducted. Physical/Medical Requirements: Must be able to obtain NOAA Medical Clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Aviation and Marine Operations. Desirable Qualifications: Experience with obtaining genetic samples of wild cetaceans in the field. Experience with safely maneuvering small boats near marine mammals. Computer programming skills. Experience in small boat handling, maintenance, and repair. Knowledge of and ability to apply modern statistical methods including Bayesian analysis, as well as modern and traditional capture-recapture and line transect methods. General statistical skills, especially GLM (Generalized Linear Models), non-parametric statistics, multi-variate and spatial statistics. Familiarity with genetics, physical and biological oceanography. Inquiries: Kevin Higaki, 956-7729 (Oahu). Application Instructions: The preferred method of applying for this job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on =93Employment=94 a= nd navigate to =93Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.=94 However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to confirm your credentials by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Closing Date: July 23, 2004. EEO/AA Employer. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 13:22:47 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: humpback whale capture-recapture (fwd) A new paper have just been edited Title : Organismal and gametic capture-recapture using microsatellite genotyping confirm low abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales on the wintering grounds of New Caledonia Authors : Garrigue, C., dodemont, R., Steel, D., Baker C.S. 2004. Marine Ecology Porgress Series, 274:251-262. ABSTRACT: The abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales from the New Caledonia (South Pacific) wintering grounds were investigated using capture-recapture models and paternity inference based on nuclear microsatellite genotyping, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, molecular sex identification and photographs of natural markings (photo-identification). The analyses included records of 213 individuals (excluding 16 calves used in paternity inference) identified by genotypes (9 loci), and 210 identified by fluke photographs, collected from 1995 to 2001. By comparing records of 175 individuals identified using both genotypes and photographs, a small number of errors were detected (and corrected) in the photo-identification catalogue and in the field and laboratory notes of the genotypes. Using the weighted mean of the Petersen capture-recapture model, the estimate of abundance based on genotyping (N = 533, CV = 0.15) was larger than the estimate based on photo-identification (N = 327, CV = 0.11). Sex-specific estimates of abundance based on genotypes were similar for males and females although the variance of the female estimate was greater than the male (Nf = 248, CV = 0.30; Nm = 288, CV = 0.18, respectively). The paternity of 5 calves from 16 sampled cow/calf pairs was inferred from the total sample of 133 non-calf males (one offspring each). The 16 sampled cow/calf pairs and the 5 inferred paternities were used for an alternate gametic recapture estimate of male abundance. This gametic recapture estimate (Nm = 379, CV = 0.30) was similar to the sex-specific estimate based on the organismal recapture using a 2-sample model (Nm = 382, CV = 0.22). The close agreement of the organismal and gametic recapture estimates support the assumption that this humpback whale wintering ground represents an autonomous population unit that is relatively closed to demographic and reproductive interchange. The current low abundance of the New Caledonian breeding unit highlights the slow recovery of this and some other regional populations in the Southern Hemisphere following intensive 20th century commercial and illegal whaling. Reprint as pdf file available on request at : op.cetaces(\)offratel.nc until end of July Claire Garrigue Op=E9ration c=E9tac=E9s BP 12827 98802 Noum=E9a - Nouvelle-Cal=E9donie tel/fax : 687 24-16-34 op.cetaces(\)offratel./nc www.offratel.nc/op.cetaces ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 15:27:51 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: FAQ and Editorial Policy ==================================================== MARMAM Editorial Policy & 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. What notices from regional groups are posted? 13. Useful websites 14. Other email discussion lists 15. 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, run through the University of Victoria. The list was established in August 1993 specifically for marine mammal researchers and graduate students, as well as those actively involved in marine mammal conservation and management. As of July 2004 there were over 4,500 subscribers from 72 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. Posting of messages to the list is done at the Editors' discretion. ________________________________________________________ >> 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 announcements - internship/volunteer opportunities. To help students discern the pros and cons of different research groups we ask that that postings provide details of the research experience that volunteers will gain from this position. Posts for volunteer opportunities (particularly paying opportunities) that are not university-affiliated, should provide a measure of their research output in terms of publications available. For groups that do not do this, we will add the note: NO PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THIS WORK If you are affiliated with a university research group, please make this clear in your posting. Finally, provide an indication of the level of payment required from the volunteers: whether the position is paid, volunteers are subsidised in terms of accomodation but have to provide their own flights, or whether there is a charge for the position. - 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 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) 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 ensures that: - An appropriate and explicit 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 4000+ list members. - Your replies are meant to go to ALL the subscribers of MARMAM, rather than just to the original author. If you feel your submission is of general interest, please send it both to the original author and cc it to MARMAM. (In many cases we ask that summaries of responses to questions are later posted to the list so individual responses to the list are often unneccessary.) - Requests for information provide details in the body of the message justifying the request (providing background information or details on why the information is needed). Such requests should also demonstrate that available means to obtain the information requested have been exhausted. Please do not use the list merely because you have not checked your library. (A follow up of responses to any such request should later be posted to the list.) - Messages in another language provide an english translation - Messages do not include attached files. All information should be included as text within the body of the message. - Messages are properly formatted and do not contain excessive numbers of typos. Messages that 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. Please note the following about message formatting. Different mail programs, text editors and operating systems handle line wrapping differently. This may cause display problems, given that subscribers read their mail from a variety of platforms. Further, we have noticed that messages composed by cutting and pasting directly from WordPerfect or Word can cause line wrapping problems. Therefore, messages should not be composed using the latter method. Several e-mail programs append encoded information (MIME, Metafile, and V-cards are common ones). Web-based e-mail programs often append HTML tags by default. These "embelishments" cause display and readability problems and are strongly discouraged. Whenever possible users should disable HTML tags (or send the text-only version) and other encoding features when submitting messages to MARMAM. EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO SUBMIT MESSAGES AS PLAIN TEXT. These practices will greatly reduce the number of messages with strange formatting that appear on MARMAM. ________________________________________________________ 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://www.marinemammalogy.org/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. Users of the web-based e-mail provider HOTMAIL should be aware that the "block sender" feature (used to avoid "junk" mail), if active, will also block listserver messages. Therefore, make sure you have "block sender" feature turned off. This may also apply to other e- mail programs with equivalent features. ________________________________________________________ 12. What notices from regional groups are posted? Submissions from regional groups (for example, but not restricted to, the regional chapters of the American Cetacean Society or the regional student chapters of professional associations such as the Society for Marine Mammalogy) should carefully consider whether their announcements are relevant to 4,000+ recipients in 72 countries. Announcements about meetings of short duration (less that half a day) and with little or no scientifc content are discouraged. Notices dealing with internal chapter businesses or organizational matters will not be posted. Notices from regional student chapters should be restricted to: - a single message announcing each new student chapter (including contact details, website address and website contents). - 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). ________________________________________________________ 13. 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://www.marinemammalogy.org/ The European Association for Aquatic Mammals: http://www.eaam.org 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/ Oceans Blue Whalewatch Listserv: http://www.oceansblue.org/bluetourism/chartacourse/ BajaToBering/index.html ______________________________________________________ 14. 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 Sirenian Professionals: LISTSERV(\)LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU, SUBSCRIBE SIRENIAN http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe?SL1=SIRENIAN&H=LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU Surface/groundwater issues: waterforum-subscribe(\)egroups.com, Waterforum (please let the editors know of other lists to include here) ________________________________________________________ 15. Who do I contact with my questions and concerns? Questions and concerns about MARMAM can be sent to the list editors (Robin Baird, Solange Brault, and Siri Hakala) 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 July 2004 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 12:04:02 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcements, U.S. Marine Mammal Commmission (fwd) Job Announcements: Project Managers at the U.S. Marine Mammal Commmission The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission is currently accepting applications for two openings for Project Manager, GS-401; one at grade 9/11, and the other at grade 12/13/14. Application materials are due by 23 July 2004 at 5 PM EDT. You can find the announcements at http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ (go to this site and type "Marine Mammal Commission" in the search window) or you can find them at http://www.mmc.gov/backmatter/jobvacancies.html. For additional information, contact Suzanne Montgomery (SMontgomery(\)mmc.gov) or Tim Ragen (TRagen(\)mmc.gov). ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 04:30:43 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: JOB POSTING: marine mammal specialist Waikiki Aquarium, HAWAII (fwd) The Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu, Hawaii is seeking a marine mammal specialist. Duties include basic husbandry and training of Hawaiian monk seals, public educational demonstrations, research and exhibit maintenance, as well as mainteneance of fish exhibits and participation in strategic planning and exhibit development. For a complete list of qualifications and duties go to http://workatuh.hawaii.edu/apt.php look under Research Support PBA, marine mammal specialist, position # 7758T Waikiki Aquarium website: http://waquarium.mic.hawaii.edu/index.html inquiries can be sent directly to: Jerry Crow, curator Live Exhibits Dept. crow(\)waquarium.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 16:15:19 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Killer Whale Necropsy Protocol Available (fwd) A killer whale necropsy and disease testing protocol has been developed and is now available. The protocol has a general focus on the Pacific Northwest, but it is also designed to be valuable for people around the world who have the opportunity to necropsy free-ranging and captive killer whales. It is our hope that this protocol will help increase knowledge about diseases of this wide-ranging species. We thank the numerous people who helped with this project, including the US Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who provided financial support for this project. To download a PDF copy of the protocol (565 KB), see: www.seadocsociety.org Sincerely, Stephen Raverty Veterinary Pathologist BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Abbotsford, British Columbia Canada Joe Gaydos Wildlife Veterinarian UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, USA jkgaydos(\)ucdavis.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 16:19:33 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Manatee Stranding Program Vacancy (fwd) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (formerly FMRI) is searching for a Wildlife Biologist/Regional Manatee Stranding Coordinator for its marine mammal research program. This position will work in a group of more than 30 scientists conducting conservation research on Florida manatees and right whales. The position will oversee fieldwork at FWRI's Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory in Port Charlotte Florida. Applications must be received by July 16 in order to be considered. Please visit this link to view the announcement and for details on applying: http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=84679 Thank you for considering the State of Florida. For more information about our research program please go to our website at www.floridamarine.org and select manatee or right whales. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas D. Pitchford Wildlife Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab 3700 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 727/893-2904 tom.pitchford(\)fwc.state.fl.us ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 19:18:25 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Leopard seal study British Antarctic Survey (BAS) investigation of interactions between humans and leopard seals: notice of expressions of interest in social study Have you had an encounter or interaction with a leopard seal? Participants are being sought for an international social research study, investigating interactions between humans and leopard seals. If you have had an interaction with a leopard seal, you can participate in the investigation by completing a questionnaire located at: http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/Questionnaire/. The study is promoted by the Kirsty Brown Fund and supported by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and is in part a consequence of the death of Kirsty Brown, a BAS Marine Biologist, who was killed by a leopard seal in July 2003. The aims of the investigation are to identify: - general relationships in the interactions between leopard seals and humans; and - factors that contribute to 'aggressive' reactions from leopard seals in the presence of humans. This investigation involves the international Antarctic community, and aims to collate and investigate interactions with leopard seals by scientists and divers as well as Antarctic tour operators, camera crews and other organizations / individuals. For further information, please contact Shona Muir on + 44 1223 221 638 (ph), + 44 1223 221 259 (fax) or via email at sfmu(\)bas.ac.uk. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 19:28:37 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Opening at the New England Aquarium (Boston, MA) (fwd) NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM JOB POSTING JOB TITLE: Manager, Sustainable Fisheries Initiative DIVISION: Global Marine Programs REPORTS TO: Heather Tausig, Director of Conservation AVAILABILITY: Immediately DAYS & HRS: M- F; 35 - 40 Hrs/Wk and as needed Job Summary: Direct all operations and programmatic functions of the Sustainable Fisheries Initiative (SFI), including EcoSound, a business/environment partnership evaluating environmental best practices related to wild and aquacultured seafood species. Generate grant proposals (>$100,000) and oversee work toward specific conservation goals. Coordinate and facilitate fisheries-related forums and other sustainable seafood events. Provide professional support to other Aquarium staff on fisheries topics. Primary Job Duties: Oversee Sustainable Fisheries Initiative including EcoSound Project. Collaborate with Director of Conservation to secure outside funding for continuance of existing departmental programs. Supervise full-time and part-time professional and administrative staff members and volunteers. Participate in both conservation- and industry-based local, national and international meetings and events which deal with critical sustainable fisheries issues in which the NEAq has a vested interest. Write articles on sustainable fisheries projects and submit articles for publication. Manage departmental affairs in director or VP's absence. Provide sustainable fisheries support to NEAq staff and departments as needed. Secondary Job Duties: Serve as liaison with funders to communicate progress on existing grant activities. Compile technical information on aquatic fisheries topics. Represent the conservation policies of the New England Aquarium at local, national and international forums and with leaders of other organizations and political leaders up to the congressional level. Job Qualifications: Education: Preferred - Ph.D. in marine policy, biology, ecology or environmental law degree. Ten (10) years experience at the staff and project management level; extensive knowledge of marine conservation issues; professional publications in science and/or policy; budget and grant management proven fundraising experience; science or policy background with aquatic focus; excellent communication skills (verbal and written); ability to work as a team member; ease and confidence in handling media and potentially sensitive issues. Familiarity with both fishery and aquaculture based seafood production. Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in writing and library or legal research. Previous scientific research or management experience and ability to work successfully under limited supervision is helpful. Must have strong oral (public speaking) and written communication skills. Basic office experience, highly organized. Ability to meet deadlines and aptly manage multiple simultaneous projects. Demonstrated proficiency in writing and library or legal research. Previous scientific research and management experience and ability to work successfully under limited supervision. Sense of confidentiality important. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Adobe Photoshop, Powerpoint and LCD projectors. Please send cover letter, current resume and 3 references to: Director of Human Resources & Diversity, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399 or to htausig(\)neaq.org Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Closing date: August 10, 2004 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 19:52:28 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Whale Watching Takes Toll On Whales (fwd) For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 Contact: Chas Offutt (202) 265-7337; Kyla Bennett (508) 230-9933 Whale Watching Takes Toll on Whales Whale Watching is Second Leading Cause of Ship Collisions Regulations Stalled for Four Years Washington, DC - The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is sitting on two sets of rules to protect whales from the growing threat of death and harassment from whale watching expeditions, according to documents released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Fatal collisions with ships have become a leading threat to whale survival. According to NOAA figures, whale watch boats are the second known leading cause of ship strikes of whales, second only to ship strikes by the U.S. Navy. Examples of whale watch incidents include: * On October 10, 2001, a whale-watch vessel injured a humpback whale approximately 5 nautical miles northwest of Stellwagen Bank, MA. An abrasion 1.5 feet long by 1 inch wide was seen anterior to the whale's dorsal fin; * A minke whale killed in Barnstable, MA on September 12, 1998 when a whale-watching vessel traveling 25 knots struck the animal. According to reports, the whale swam under the bow of the boat, an impact was felt, and the whale surfaced with a deep gash. Shortly after the hit, the whale's carcass was spotted. * A whale-watch catamaran traveling 17 knots injured a humpback whale in Maui, HI on February 13, 2001. "It is ironic that expeditions to appreciate wildlife may be damaging that wildlife," said New England PEER Director Kyla Bennett, a former federal biologist. "Safeguards are needed to curb the desire by some operators to let their clients closely encounter whales at the risk or harassing or harming them." With the exception of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, there are no mandatory rules about how close whale watch boats may approach whales. Two efforts to codify these guidelines into enforceable rules have not moved beyond the proposal stage, despite growing evidence of harmful human-whale interactions. On January 4, 2000, NOAA placed a detailed proposal in the Federal Register that included - * Speed limits within a two-mile zone around a sighted whale; * Rules enforced with penalties for operators violating whale watch restrictions, such as a minimum approach buffer, similar to the 500 feet clearance afforded to right whales, and; * Special permits or certifications for whale watch vessel operators. Two years later, on January 30, 2002, NOAA also proposed rules to prevent harassment of whales by humans on personal watercraft, kayaks and jumping off vessels to swim with whales. To date, however, neither of these proposals has been finalized. "It is time for NOAA to stop proposing and start acting," stated Bennett, who noted that just last month NOAA also proposed speed limits, no-shipping areas and designated shipping lanes in the Atlantic Ocean to protect endangered right whales. "Voluntary guidelines are no substitute for enforceable rules." ### Learn about the growing threat to whales from ship strikes View the stalled 2000 whale watch rulemaking See the orphaned rulemaking on preventing harassment of marine mammals in the wild ***** Chas Offutt Communications & Outreach Director Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) 2001 S Street NW, Suite 570 Washington, DC 20009 Tel: (202) 265.7337; Fax: (202) 265.4192 Web: www.peer.org Email: coffutt(\)peer.org Follow developments with PEERmail http://www.peer.org/about/signuptoday.html ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 13:22:08 -0800 From: Marmamed Subject: ***SPAM Suspected*** Re: ----------uiexcsoogodmiuxqlntz foto3


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----------uiexcsoogodmiuxqlntz /9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQEAYABgAAD/2wBDAAgGBgcGBQgHBwcJCQgKDBQNDAsLDBkSEw8UHRof Hh0aHBwgJC4nICIsIxwcKDcpLDAxNDQ0Hyc5PTgyPC4zNDL/2wBDAQkJCQwLDBgNDRgyIRwh MjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjIyMjL/wAAR CAAPADcDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAHwAAAQUBAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFBgcICQoL/8QAtRAA AgEDAwIEAwUFBAQAAAF9AQIDAAQRBRIhMUEGE1FhByJxFDKBkaEII0KxwRVS0fAkM2JyggkK FhcYGRolJicoKSo0NTY3ODk6Q0RFRkdISUpTVFVWV1hZWmNkZWZnaGlqc3R1dnd4eXqDhIWG h4iJipKTlJWWl5iZmqKjpKWmp6ipqrKztLW2t7i5usLDxMXGx8jJytLT1NXW19jZ2uHi4+Tl 5ufo6erx8vP09fb3+Pn6/8QAHwEAAwEBAQEBAQEBAQAAAAAAAAECAwQFBgcICQoL/8QAtREA AgECBAQDBAcFBAQAAQJ3AAECAxEEBSExBhJBUQdhcRMiMoEIFEKRobHBCSMzUvAVYnLRChYk NOEl8RcYGRomJygpKjU2Nzg5OkNERUZHSElKU1RVVldYWVpjZGVmZ2hpanN0dXZ3eHl6goOE hYaHiImKkpOUlZaXmJmaoqOkpaanqKmqsrO0tba3uLm6wsPExcbHyMnK0tPU1dbX2Nna4uPk 5ebn6Onq8vP09fb3+Pn6/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwD3+uPvPFd1J4uudD06fS4Xs2tlkF+7Kbl5 QzNHEQeGWMBujZ3AYA5rsK888S/Dy71fWNaks7iCC2137Gby4MjLPbNbNkNEACCWAA5K7cZ5 6UAH/CxLj+3/APV2v9j/APCQf8I9t2P53n7N3mbs427vl27ffd2pfDXxDuNY1XRY7y2ht4Nd N6LSDYyzW5tmwVl5IJYBm6LjGOetJ/wru4/t/wD1lr/Y/wDwkH/CQ7t7+d5+zb5e3GNu75t2 72296u/8IZd6h4hGp6gNPsngW7WObS0KyTPMoRZnDAgSIgK878kk8D5aAMm5+KclofHNzJZw tZaAlqbTBO64MwOCxBI2k7MYHQ8+3TeGPEN3qGsa7oWpm2fUdHkhEstrG0cciSxh1IVixBHz A/MemeM4rkpfhRe3UnjOC71pprPWra1itS4TeHhUbWlCRoBtZQFCHBUncCcV1vhjw9d6frGu 67qYtk1HWJITLFayNJHGkUYRQGYKST8xPyjrjnGaAOmooooA/9k= ----------uiexcsoogodmiuxqlntz ----------uiexcsoogodmiuxqlntz-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 12:19:13 -0800 From: Marmamed ----------dlskohmcjtjeimieqxwy >foto3 and MP3


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It needs to include the info that NOAA needs as well as helpful info for me. Does anyone out there have a form they would be willing to share? Thanks! Judy M. Tuttle Curator Marine Mammals Oregon Coast Aquarium 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road Newport Oregon 97365 541-867-3474 ext. 5322 jmt(\)aquarium.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 22:36:11 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new publication on harbour porpoise flipper (fwd) Dear colleagues, Below is the abstract of the recently published Russian paper: Gol'din, P.E. Postnatal growth and ossification of forelimb skeleton in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758)) in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. - Uchenye zapiski Tavricheskogo Natsionalnogo Universiteta im. V.I. Vernadskogo (=Sci. Repts Taurida Nat. Univ.). Series: Biology, Chemistry. - 2004. - 17(56), 2. - P. 66-81. (In Russian) Reprints in .pdf format are available. Please contact me at the address: oblako(\)home.cris.net Best regards, Pavel Bones of 70 harbour porpoises found dead at the coast of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea in 2001-03 were studied. Patterns of growth and terms of ossification in each bone were discovered. Growth of forelimb skeleton continues up to 4-8 years. Growth period, relative elongation, and allometry indices grow from proximal to distal segments reaching the maximum values in metacarpus and two first phalanges. Scapula growth does not meet the regularities in flipper growth; weak bilateral asymmetry is demonstrated in scapula size. Terms of epiphyseal fusion and absolute sizes of flipper bones at given age demonstrate high individual variability. Such a parameters would be used when estimating the age of specimens <3 years old. Sexual dimorphism is reflected in radius and ulna size in adult specimens; these bones can be used in sex determination. Forelimb skeleton is characterized by strong internal correlations. Structures of back edge of flipper have some specific characters in growth pattern and proportions. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 22:39:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Vessels Striking Whales (fwd) I would like to clarify a recent posting on MARMAM that read: Whale Watching Takes Toll on Whales Whale Watching is Second Leading Cause of Ship Collisions I assume the information presented in this press release is from the Jensen and Silber report (Large Whale Ship Strike Database, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-25, November 2003). It is important to note that the Navy is obligated to report strikes and that commercial whale watch boats are more likely report strikes to report strikes than other vessels, if not from the operator directly, passengers are likely to report a strike while on board. According to the Jensen and Silber database, 20/292 (6.8%) strikes were reported from whale watching vessels. Therefore, it is misinterpretation of the data set to imply that "Whale Watching is Second Leading Cause of Ship Collisions" when, according to the data set, they account for less than 10% of known strikes (where most of the vessel types are unknown - Jensen and Silber report that vessel type is known for [ 134/292 (46%) ] less than half of the strikes reported). -- Regina A. Asmutis-Silvia Biologist International Wildlife Coalition 3 Jacqueline Lane Plymouth, MA 02360 508.747.7891 FAX: 508.830.1977 rasmutis(\)iwc.org ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2004 23:32:19 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org ARNASON, ULFUR; ANETTE GULLBERG and AXEL JANKE. GENE (AMSTERDAM) 333:27-34. 2004. Mitogenomic analyses provide new insights into cetacean origin and evolution. 0.273 MB BARNES, JULIE A. and JEFFREY S. SMITH. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(1):110-112. 2004. Bilateral phacofragmentation in a New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri). 0.026 MB BAZUA-DURAN, CARMEN. ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS 76(2):386-392. 2004. Differences in the whistle characteristics and repertoire of bottlenose and spinner dolphins. 0.118 MB BEAUPLET, GWENAEL; LAURENT DUBROCA; CHRISTOPHE GUINET; YVES CHEREL; WILLY DABIN; CELINE GAGNE and MARK HINDELL. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 273:211-225. 2004. Foraging ecology of subantarctic fur seals Arctocephalus tropicalis breeding on Amsterdam Island: seasonal changes in relation to maternal characteristics and pup growth. 0.492 MB BEL'KOVICH, V. M. and S. A. KREICHI. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(3):288-294. 2004. Specific features of vowel-like signals of white whales. 0.440 MB BIBIKOV, N. G. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(3):295-304. 2004. What do evoked potentials tell us about the acoustic system of the harbor porpoise? 0.114 MB CAMERON, MICHAEL F. and DONALD B. SINIFF. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82(4):601-615. 2004. Age-specific survival, abundance, and immigration rates of a Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) population in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. 0.484 MB CHILDERHOUSE, S.; G. DICKIE and G. HESSEL. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 31(2):177-181. 2004. Ageing live New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) using the first post-canine tooth. 0.426 CHILVERS, B. LOUISE; STEVEN DELEAN; NICHOLAS J. GALES; DAVE K. HOLLEY; IVAN R. LAWLER; HELENE MARSH and ANTHONY R. PREEN. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY 304(2):203-224. 2004. Diving behaviour of dugongs, Dugong dugon. 0.249 MB DAWSON, STEPHEN; ELISABETH SLOOTEN; SAM DUFRESNE; PAUL WADE and DEANNA CLEMENT. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(3):441-451. 2004. Small-boat surveys for coastal dolphins: Line-transect surveys for Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori). 0.366 MB DEBIER, C.; P. P. POMEROY; J. P. THOME; E. MIGNOLET; T. DE TILLESSE and Y. LARONDELLE. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM) 68(2):179-183. 2004. An unexpected parallelism between Vitamin A and PCBs in seal milk. 0.090 MB DUBROVSKY, N. A. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(3):305-317. 2004. Echolocation system of the bottlenose dolphin. 0.136 MB ERBER, CLAUDIA and SHEILA M. SIMAO. ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS 76(2):381-385. 2004. Analysis of whistles produced by the Tucuxi dolphin Sotalia fluviatilis from Sepetiba Bay, Brazil. 0.100 MB FORCADA, JAUME; MANEL GAZO; ALEX AGUILAR; JOAN GONZALVO and MAR FERNANDEZ-CONTRERAS. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 275:275-287. 2004. Bottlenose dolphin abundance in the NW Mediterranean: Addressing heterogeneity in distribution. 0.342 MB GARRIGUE, CLAIRE; REMI DODEMONT; DEBBIE STEEL and C. SCOTT BAKER. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 274:251-262. 2004. Organismal and 'gametic' capture-recapture using microsatellite genotyping confirm low abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales on the wintering grounds of New Caledonia. 0.164 MB KARAMANLIDIS, ALEXANDROS A.; ROSA PIRES; NADIA C. SILVA and HENRIQUE C. NEVES. ORYX 38(2):180-185. 2004. The availability of resting and pupping habitat for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in the Archipelago of Madeira. 0.101 MB LAMBERTSEN, RICHARD H. and RAYMOND J. HINTZ. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 85(3):446-452. 2004. Maxillomandibular cam articulation discovered in North Atlantic minke whale. (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) 0.259 MB MATHEVON, NICOLAS; ISABELLE CHARRIER and THIERRY AUBIN. ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS 76(2):237-241. 2004. A memory like a female fur seal: Long-lasting recognition of pup's voice by mothers. 0.119 MB MELLISH, JO-ANN E.; PAMELA A. TUOMI and MARKUS HORNING. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(1):116-118. 2004. Assessment of ultrasound imaging as a noninvasive measure of blubber thickness in pinnipeds. 0.261 MB NAESSIG, PATRICIA J. and JANET M. LANYON. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 31(2):163-170. 2004. Levels and probable origin of predatory scarring on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in east Australian waters. 2.844 MB RENDELL, LUKE; HAL WHITEHEAD and RUBEN ESCRIBANO. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 275:289-295. 2004. Sperm whale habitat use and foraging success off northern Chile: evidence of ecological links between coastal and pelagic systems. 0.293 MB ROMANENKO, E. V. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(3):343-349. 2004. Some results of studying the acoustics of dolphins. 0.229 MB SPELMAN, LUCY H. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(1):65-69. 2004. Reversible anesthesia of captive California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with medetomidine, midazolam, butorphanol, and isoflurane. 0.037 MB STANILAND, IAIN J.; KEITH REID and IAN L. BOYD. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 275:263-274. 2004. Comparing individual and spatial influences on foraging behaviour in Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella. 0.830 MB TOLLIT, DOMINIC J.; SUSAN G. HEASLIP and ANDREW W. TRITES. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(3):522-532. 2004. Sizes of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) consumed by the eastern stock of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in southeast Alaska from 1994 to 1999. 0.650 MB TOLLIT, DOMINIC J.; SUSAN G. HEASLIP; TONYA K. ZEPPELIN; RUTH JOY; KATHERINE A. CALL and ANDREW W. TRITES. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(3):498-508. 2004. A method to improve size estimates of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius) consumed by pinnipeds: Digestion correction factors applied to bones and otoliths recovered in scats. 0.305 MB TONDER, M. and P. SALMI. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY 11(3-4):283-290. 2004. Institutional changes in fisheries governance: The case of the Saimaa ringed seal, Phoca hispida saimensis, conservation. 0.109 MB TYNAN, CYNTHIA T. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 272:281-300. 2004. Cetacean populations on the SE Bering Sea shelf during the late 1990s: Implications for decadal changes in ecosystem structure and carbon flow. 0.983 MB WETZEL, D. L. and J. E. REYNOLD, III. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES 61(4):554-560. 2004. Definitive identification of fatty acid constituents in marine mammal tissues. 0.273 MB ZEPPELIN, TONYA K.; DOMINIC J. TOLLIT; KATHERINE A. CALL; TREVOR J. ORCHARD and CAROLYN J. GUDMUNDSON. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(3):509-521. 2004. Sizes of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius) consumed by the western stock of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska from 1998 to 2000. 0.373 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 23:20:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement (fwd) Job Opening - Principal Scientist for Manatee Demographic Modeling - Location: U.S.G.S. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC), Laurel, MD Introduction: The Federal, State, and private agencies involved in research and management for the Florida manatee have recognized the need for a single core biological model of manatee population dynamics that captures the life-history of the manatee. Two efforts, the Federal Incidental Take (IT) model and the State of Florida's Biological Status Review (BSR) model, have laid the groundwork for a single integrated model. Responsibilities: Johnson Controls has an open position to perform contract work for the USGS at PWRC. The individual will work in a collaborative team to develop and analyze an integrated demographic model for the Florida manatee, and will have primary responsibility for programming, simulation, sensitivity analysis, and report writing, as well as day-to-day communication with USGS principal scientists and other collaborators. Duties include: - Finalize the first draft of the integrated population model, working from the existing models (IT and BSR). Preparation of the first draft will include development of MATLAB code to run the model, as well as preparation of a written document describing the model properties. - Explore the performance of the integrated model through sensitivity analysis. Lead revision of the model based on these analyses. The individual is expected to: (1) develop and refine the techniques used to investigate the research (2) prepare comprehensive scientific reports on the results of research activities for USGS publications and administrative use, (3) author or co-author scientific manuscripts of significance for publication in scientific journals, (4) critically review manuscripts and proposals of other scientists in his/her areas of specialized knowledge, (5) attend national and international meetings to exchange information within the scientific community, (6) serve as an advisor to other members of the agency on matters pertinent to his/her specialized knowledge, and (7) provide technical assistance to Federal and state agency personnel regarding manatee research Qualifications: PhD (or higher), and a combination of education and experience equivalent to 1-year post PhD level study in biological, social, or physical issues related to natural resources. Supervisory experience is also required. Starting Salary: $54,000/yr with full benefits package including competitive compensation, medical, dental, 401(k), and other employee selected benefit options Closing Date: August 20, 2004. Contact: Johnson Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with the above experience and qualifications are requested to submit a resume and cover letter by 8/20/04 identifying the position/location and for which you are applying and code PWRC1016, via fax, or email including your name, postal and email addresses, and phone number for consideration to: Johnson Controls World Services Inc. USGS Project Office, Attn: Sherri Scott (321) 784-7264 (fax) sherri.l.scott(\)jci.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:00:41 -0400 Reply-To: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu From: Phil Clapham Subject: Not-quite-new paper This is a paper published in 2003 but not previously advertized here: Swartz, S.L., Cole, T., McDonald, M.A., Hildebrand, J.A., Oleson, E.M., Martinez, A., Clapham, P.J., Barlow, J. & Jones, M.L. 2003. Acoustic and visual survey of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) distribution in the eastern and southeastern Caribbean Sea. Caribbean Journal of Marine Science 39: 195-208. ABSTRACT Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) historically ranged throughout the eastern and southeastern Caribbean Sea in the winter months. Commercial whaling from the 1820s to the early 1900s depleted the population. A combined passive acoustic and visual survey for humpback whales was conducted to assess the current winter distribution of this species in areas where it was exploited to depletion, and to evaluate the effectiveness of using passive acoustic survey methods to detect and locate humpback whales. Visual surveys were conducted independently but simultaneously with acoustic surveys to compare both detection methods. Humpback whale song was detected throughout the entire survey area, indicating that the species continues to occupy its historical range. A total of 31 sightings were made (n = 46 individuals, including three calves). In contrast, at least 78 unique acoustic detections of different singing males was made. The greater number of whales detected acoustically demonstrated the advantage of passive acoustic methods over visual methods for detecting male singing humpback whales; however, some sightings were not detected acoustically, demonstrating that visual methods have an advantage for detecting non-vocalizing whales. The number of whales detected indicates that the abundance of humpbacks in the eastern and southeastern Caribbean Sea is considerably lower than it was during the 19th century whaling period, and much lower than present day abundance in the primary wintering areas in the northeastern Greater Antilles. Pdf reprints (655KB) are available from me. Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. tel. 508 495-2316 fax 508 495-2066 email: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:52:20 +0500 From: Anouk Ilangakoon Subject: Request for Information on Preserving Baleen Dear MARMAMers, I am looking for information on the methodology and substances used for preserving baleen plates from stranded whales. In recent months there have been several baleen whale strandings along the coasts of Sri Lanka and several racks of baleen have become available for preservation to be used for education and awareness purposes. However we are not sure of the best way to preserve them for long-term display and would be grateful for any information on this subject. If anyone has any expertise, information or references you can share on this subject I would be very grateful if you could please send it to my e-mail address: anouki(\)sltnet.lk Thanking you in advance. Anouk Ilangakoon Sri Lanka ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 17:34:57 -0700 From: Barry Nickel Subject: SECOND NOTICE: Course on GIS/Remote Sensing for Coastal and Marine Scientists SECOND NOTICE (I apologize in advance for any cross-postings). Over the course of the last decade, marine and coastal applications of GIS and remote sensing have gained wide acceptance in the scientific and GIS communities. In recognition of this growing trend, the GIS certificate program at San Francisco State University is offering a course dedicated to those interested in incorporating GIS/remote sensing technologies in the study of the marine and coastal zones. Previous offerings of this class have been very successful for both student and instructor alike and we are proud to offer it to the community for the third time. Course Annoucement below: GIS and Remote Sensing Applications for Coastal and Marine Scientists Geog 9023 Section Z01 Schedule No. 99455 August 5 - 9, at San Francisco State University DISCOUNTED PRICE! Days 1 & 2 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Prerequisites: Familiarity with Windows 2000 operating systems highly recommended. Course Description: This course is an introduction to the concepts and uses of GIS as it relates to coastal and marine science. Lecture topics include history of GIS, GIS data structures and sources of data, GIS tools, vendors and software, applications, and resources. Exercises include spatial data display and query, map generation, and simple spatial analysis using ArcGIS software. Instructor: Ellen Hines teaches GIS at San Francisco State University. Her research on marine mammals includes studies on dugongs in southern Thailand, gray whales in British Columbia, and harbor seals in San Francisco Bay. Her research interests include the integrated use of GIS and remote sensing in delineation of marine mammal habitat. She has twice organized workshops on GIS and remote sensing for marine mammal scientists at Society for Marine Mammology Biennial conferences. Days 3 & 4 Remote Sensing Prerequisites: Familiarity with Windows 2000 operating systems highly recommended. Course Description: This course is an introduction to the physical principles of electromagnetic radiation through earth's atmosphere and remote sensing sensors relevant for coastal and marine studies. The course is designed for beginning level users. Instructor: Toby Garfield is an Associate Professor of Geosciences and conducts his research at the SFSU Environmental Campus, the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies. His research interests include oceanic circulation along continental margins and estuarine circulation. His fieldwork emphasizes combining traditional data collection techniques with remote sensing data collection. Day 5 Hands on! Bring your own field data, or we can supply you with material to work with. Cost for the 5 days of instruction is $930.00. This course is offered through the SFSU GIS Certificate Program (http://gis.sfsu.edu/cert) in the College of Extended Learning (http://www.cel.sfsu.edu), 4.0 continuing education units (CEU) can be earned. To guarantee a space in the class, please register early. Class size is limited. A list of accommodations is available. For further information, please contact Ellen Hines (ehines(\)sfsu.edu; 415.405.0921) or Barry Nickel (bnickel(\)sfsu.edu; 415.338.3566). ****************************** Barry Nickel GIS Program Coordinator San Francisco State University Direct: (415) 338-3566 e-mail: bnickel(\)sfsu.edu web: http://bss.sfsu.edu/geog/gatlab/ and http://gis.sfsu.edu/cert ****************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 08:13:34 -0700 From: maria leal Subject: Bryde's whale at the Azores Hi all, just to inform that today, the 13th July three Bryde's whales were sighted in the south coast of Pico island, Azores. Until now, only a few sightings ocurred in the past ten years in this area and this species is not=20 on the Azorean list of the cetacean species. Photos were taken and if anybody needs any information about it please contact : rafoto(\)zmail.pt Thank you Maria Marine Biologist Espa=E7o talassa 9930-Lajes do Pico Azores =09 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail=20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 17:08:39 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Announcement - Alaska sea otters (fwd) Job Announcement: Sea Otter Scientist Univerisity of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Science and the Alaska Sea Life Center, Seward, Alaska JOB TITLE: Research Assistant Professor of Marine Science. PCN NUMBER: 924095 REQ NUMBER: FF92409501 GRADE: Commensurate with experience and qualifications EMPLOYMENT: Term Funded, Full Time, Faculty (Non Tenure) OPENING DATE: 7/23/04 CLOSING DATE: 8/30/04 by 4:30 p.m. TYPICAL DUTIES: The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is seeking qualified professional scientists to conduct research on sea otters. The position available is designated as research faculty and all support for the research activities and salary will be derived from federal appropriations to the Alaska SeaLife Center. An important part of the assignment is the management and active development of sea otter research program. The duties also include the preparation and submission of research proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed manuscripts to external funding sources, permitting agencies and international journals. While subject to annual review, the appointments are expected to be ongoing, subject to the continuation of funding. Funding is currently available to support this position; the incumbent may be expected to help secure competitive funding. CAPABILITIES: The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences has coastal facilities with laboratory space and field support capabilities in Seward (the homeport of the R/V Alpha Helix) and a working agreement with the Alaska SeaLife Center. The facilities of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward offer unique opportunities for marine mammal and sea bird research, with a developing program in sea otter biology. The majority of the Institute of Marine Science faculty are located on the Fairbanks campus, including oceanography, limnology, fisheries, fishery oceanography, marine biology, aquaculture, and fisheries and seafood technology. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate must have earned doctorate in a biological science, such as zoology, biology, oceanography, marine science, fisheries, or a related field. Experience with marine mammals is essential. He/She must have demonstrated success in obtaining support for and conducting research programs, and must have a strong publication record in national or international peer-reviewed journals. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Marine mammal experience is essential. Areas of expertise in the physiology, nutritional, foraging ecology, population dynamics, body condition, or effects of contaminants on sea otters in free-ranging habitats are desirable. APPLICATION: Please follow specific instructions provided on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Vacancy Announcement at http://www.uaf.edu/uafhr/Employment/Job0704-280.html If you have questions regarding this specific vacancy announcement, please contact Seward Marine Center P. O. Box 730 Seward, Alaska 99664-0730. Phone - 907-224-5261. Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution. Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director at 474-6259. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 17:11:33 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position announcement - Germany (fwd) At the Research and Technology Center Westcoast, a central unit of the Christian-Albrecht-University of Kiel, Germany, is a position to occupy as of 01.09.2004 as a Researcher until 30.04.2007 within the frame of a soft money project. The aims of the study are the use and comparison of visual and acoustic methods for the assessment of harbour porpoise stocks within auspices of the Research project MINOS plus "Further investigations on sea birds and marine mammals for the assessment of Offshore-Windmills". The weekly working time for the full time position is 38.5 hours. The payment is according to the BAT IIa scale if the appropriate requirements are fulfilled. Work field: The work of the announced position includes the coordination, planning and realisation of the research project, the test and use of the acoustic devices from the ship, visual counting of harbour porpoises, the use of stationary acoustic recordings systems (PODs), the evaluation and treatment of data, the compilation of interim and final reports and the guidence of a technician and students. The work requires special knowledge in the field of bioacoustics and distance sampling, computing, ability to work in a team and creativity. Desired are experience in the use of motorboats at sea, the use of acoustic devices and excellent abilities in German. The University is committed to employing handicapped people and will therefore give priority to such candidates where appropriate. Please send applications with all necessary documents by 12.08.2004 to the following address: Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westkueste Dr. Ursula Siebert Hafentoern 25761 Buesum Germany For further information please refer to the project website http://www.minos-info.org/ or contact Dr. Ursula Siebert phone: +49-4834-604113 email: usiebert(\)ftz-west.uni-kiel.de (please include "MINOSplus TP4") into the subject header if you contacting Dr. Siebert by email. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 17:16:05 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: beaked whales stranded after naval exercises (fwd) Tonight, 24th of July 2004, it has been found another beaked whale in advanced state of decomposition along the north coast of Fuerteventura. With this, three are the total number of the stranded beaked whale founded in the last hours. Vidal Martin Ziphius(\)teide.net Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Islands Archipelago (SECAC). Museo de Cet=E1ceos de Canarias (MCC) Urb. Puerto Calero. Edificio Antiguo Varadero. Local 8B. 35572. Yaiza. Lanzarote, Islas Canarias. Espa=F1a + 34 626 64 99 84 ----------------------------------------------------- Five days after the multinational navy exercises carried out 100 nautical miles North of the Canary Islands, two Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) have been found in the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. They are a male of 525 cm in length stranded on the north-east coast of Lanzarote on the 22 of July and a second of undetermined sex of 500 cm in length, found in the north-east coast of Fuerteventura on the 23 of July. Both animals were in an advanced state of decomposition, and their deaths were estimated to have occurred less than a week earlier. A necropsy was carried by the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Las Palmas and the Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Islands Archipelago (SECAC). The strandings have coincided with easterly winds that could have drifted the floating corpses to the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The Canary Islands Government and the insular governments of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have formulated a plan to localise possible dead animals including those in more inaccessible areas and those floating off the coasts of these islands. Further, the Canary Islands government has announced that it is going to request from the Navy which specific measures they did adopt in order to avoid and mitigate the impact of these naval exercises on cetaceans. Vidal Martin Ziphius(\) teide.net Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Islands Archipelago (SECAC). Museo de Cet=E1ceos de Canarias (MCC) Urb. Puerto Calero. Edificio Antiguo Varadero. Local 8B. 35572. Yaiza. Lanzarote, Islas Canarias. Espa=F1a + 34 626 64 99 84 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 16:01:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: PDA for data collection in the field (fwd) Hi all, We are wondering if anybody out there uses PDA's (Palm Pilot and other similar equipment) to collect data in the field. We are interested in using them for aerial surveys of marine mammals and sea turtles. If you do, we would like to know the details of your setup and success/failure stories. We would like to know the type of PDA, software, GPS interface, reliability customizability of the software, and any other information you can provide. If I receive multiple responses to this query, I will compile all responses and send it back to MARMAM. Thanks, Tomo Eguchi ************************************************** Tomoharu Eguchi Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 858.546.5615 voice 858.546.5657 fax tomo.eguchi(\)noaa.gov ************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2004 11:19:56 +0900 From: masao amano Subject: Article in Mammal Study The latest issue of Mammal Study, journal of the Mammalogical Society of Japan, includes following article on marine mammals. Abstract and PDF reprint can be obtained at J-Stage web site, http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/mammalstudy. Deguchi, T., Goto, Y. and Sakurai, Y. Importance of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) to wintering ribbon seals (Phoca fasciata) in Nemuro Strait, Hokkaido Japan. Mammal Study 29(1): 55-63. Best regards, Masao Amano Editorial Board of Mammal Study ******************************************* Masao Amano International Coastal Research Center Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo Otsuchi, Iwate 028-1102, Japan tel:+81-193-42-5611, fax:+81-193-42-3715 mailto:amano(\)wakame.ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp ******************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2004 08:24:57 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Position announcement: acoustic and visual sampling At the Research and Technology Center Westcoast, a central unit of the Christian-Albrecht-University of Kiel, Germany, is a position to occupy as of 01.09.2004 as a Researcher until 30.04.2007 within the frame of a soft money project. The aims of the study are the use and comparison of visual and acoustic methods for the assessment of harbour porpoise stocks within auspices of the Research project MINOS plus "Further investigations on sea birds and marine mammals for the assessment of Offshore-Windmills". The weekly working time for the full time position is 38.5 hours. The payment is according to the BAT IIa scale if the appropriate requirements are fulfilled. Work field: The work of the announced position includes the coordination, planning and realisation of the research project, the test and use of the acoustic devices from the ship, visual counting of harbour porpoises, the use of stationary acoustic recordings systems (PODs), the evaluation and treatment of data, the compilation of interim and final reports and the guidence of a technician and students. The work requires special knowledge in the field of bioacoustics and distance sampling, computing, ability to work in a team and creativity. Desired are experience in the use of motorboats at sea, the use of acoustic devices and excellent abilities in German. The University is committed to employing handicapped people and will therefore give priority to such candidates where appropriate. Please send applications with all necessary documents by 12.08.2004 to the following address: Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westkueste Dr. Ursula Siebert Hafentoern 25761 Buesum Germany For further information please refer to the project website http://www.minos-info.org/ or contact Dr. Ursula Siebert phone: +49-4834-604113 email: usiebert(\)ftz-west.uni-kiel.de (please include "MINOSplus TP4") into the subject header if you contacting Dr. Siebert by email. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 06:51:20 -0400 Reply-To: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu From: Phil Clapham Subject: Russian translator needed Hello all: I am working with a Ukranian colleague (Yuri Mikhalev) on a project to publish some data from illegal Soviet whaling on humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere. I'm in need of someone who speaks and writes fluent Russian to act as an intermediary (Yuri doesn't speak English, and my Russian is limited to around 50 phrases which all relate to dealing with a 3-year-old adopted child!) This wouldn't be a lot of work; just some email exchanges to clarify data etc. If any Russian speaker is out there and willing to help, it would be much appreciated; the project itself is pretty interesting. Many thanks. Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Large Whale Biology Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. tel. 508 495-2316 fax 508 495-2066 email: pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2004 08:38:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Associations between dolphins and sirenians (fwd) Dear Marmam list, In collaboration with Caryn Self-Sullivan (Sirenian International), I am looking for records of inter-specific associations between sirenians and dolphins. We are especially looking for behavioural observations of this associations. Indeed, several records have been collected from various locations, for example between West Indian manatees and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Florida, or between dugongs and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in the Indian Ocean. Please contact me for further details to Jeremy.kiszka(\)wanadoo.fr Regards, Jeremy KISZKA Marine Mammal Observatory, Mayotte, Indian Ocean. Office National de la Cha= sse et de la Faune Sauvage (French Wildlife Service) & Direction de l'Agric= ulture et de la For=EAt (DAF). BP 103, Mamoudzou, Mayotte (FRANCE). Tel.: += 33 (0)2.69.69.42.42 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2004 12:12:58 -0700 From: "Robin W. Baird" Subject: Abstract: hybridization between Dall's and harbour porpoise New publication: Willis, P.M., B.J. Crespi, L.M. Dill, R.W. Baird, and M.B. Hanson. 2004. Natural hybridization between Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Canadian Journal of Zoology 82:828-834. Abstract Natural hybridization occurs rarely in mammals compared with other taxonomic groups of animals. Cetaceans appear unique among mammals in exhibiting striking karyological uniformity, which suggests that they have the potential to produce hybrid offspring more readily than other mammals. However, the detection and accurate identification of wild mammalian hybrids is difficult, and molecular evidence for wild cetacean hybrids is extremely limited. Here, we present molecular and morphological evidence of frequent hybridization between free-ranging Dall's, Phocoenoides dalli (True, 1885), and harbour, Phocoena phocoena (L., 1758), porpoises. The study describes a temporally and geographically concentrated case of natural hybridization in large mammals. Molecular analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA revealed the species identity, sex, and direction of cross of several hybrid individuals. In concert with morphological and behavioural observations, these data confirmed the hybrid status of putative crosses in the field, including reproductive females. All crosses examined had Dall's porpoise as the maternal parent. This directionality may reflect the indiscriminate pursuit of female porpoises by male harbour porpoises. Our finding of extensive localized hybridization, despite apparently strong isolation elsewhere in their range, suggests that ecological influences on mating behaviour may be of primary importance in the reproductive isolation of these, and possibly other, cetacean species. PDF copies available at: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/WillisetalCJZ2004.pdf For those interested in this subject, the following paper is also available as a pdf: Baird, R.W., Willis, P.M., Guenther, T.J., Wilson, P.J., and White, B.N. 1998. An inter-generic hybrid in the family Phocoenidae. Canadian Journal of Zoology 76:198-204. at: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/HybridCJZ.pdf - though note that this pdf file contains an additional unrelated paper at the start of the file. ============================================ Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective Post-doctoral Fellow, Dalhousie University Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501 USA http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/rwb/robin.htm http://www.cascadiaresearch.org Phone 1-360-943-7325 Fax 1-360-943-7026 E-mail rwbaird(\)cascadiaresearch.org or rwbaird(\)dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2004 13:36:24 -0400 From: Celine Godard Subject: recent publication in marine mammal toxicology The following article has recently been published. Reprints are available upon request. Godard Celine, Smolowitz R, Wilson J, Payne R and J Stegeman. Induction of cetacean cytochrome P4501A1 by beta-naphthoflavone exposure of skin biopsy slices. Toxicological Sciences 80, 268-275. Abstract. (CYP1A1) enzyme is widely used as a biomarker of exposure and molecular effects in animal species, yet the validity of this biomarker has not been established in marine mammals. In vivo studies are generally precluded in these protected species but skin biopsies (epidermis and dermis) can be collected in a minimally invasive way. We developed an in vitro assay using skin biopsy slices to examine CYP1A1 protein induction in marine mammals in response to chemical exposure. Skin biopsies from sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) were exposed for 24 hr to b-naphthoflavone (BNF), a prototypical CYP1A1 inducer and CYP1A1 induction was detected by immunochemical staining in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Biopsy slices were exposed to a range of BNF concentrations (0.6 -600 mM) and a significant concentration-effect relationship was observed in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells (p=0.05). This is the first study using skin biopsy slices to examine exposure of cetacean tissue to a CYP1A1 inducer. It demonstrates a causal relationship between chemical exposure and CYP1A1 induction and therefore validates the use of CYP1A1 expression in skin biopsies as a biomarker in cetaceans. Our protocol can be adapted to the investigation of chemicals, mixtures, concentrations, incubation times or biological endpoints of choice. This should prove particularly relevant for these and other protected species that cannot be studied in the laboratory. -- Celine Godard, Ph. D. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Biology Department Redfield 342, MS#32 45 Water street Woods Hole, MA 02543-1049 Phone: 508 289 3472 Fax: 508 457 2134 cgodard(\)whoi.edu Chief Scientist Ocean Alliance/ Whale Conservation Institute 191 Weston Road Lincoln, MA 01773 Phone: 781 259 0423 Fax: 781 259 0288 www.pbs.org/odyssey --------------020807090606000506020809 
The following article has recently been published.  Reprints are available upon request.

Godard Celine, Smolowitz R, Wilson J, Payne R and J Stegeman. Induction of cetacean cytochrome P4501A1 by beta-naphthoflavone exposure of skin biopsy slices.  Toxicological Sciences 80, 268-275.

Abstract.
(CYP1A1) enzyme is widely used as a biomarker of exposure and molecular effects in animal species, yet the validity of this biomarker has not been established in marine mammals.  In vivo studies are generally precluded in these protected species but skin biopsies (epidermis and dermis) can be collected in a minimally invasive way.  We developed an in vitro assay using skin biopsy slices to examine CYP1A1 protein induction in marine mammals in response to chemical exposure.  Skin biopsies from sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) were exposed for 24 hr to b-naphthoflavone (BNF), a prototypical CYP1A1 inducer and CYP1A1 induction was detected by immunochemical staining in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts.  Biopsy slices were exposed to a range of BNF concentrations (0.6 -600 mM) and a significant concentration-effect relationship was observed in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells (p=0.05).  This is the first study using skin biopsy slices to examine exposure of cetacean tissue to a CYP1A1 inducer.  It demonstrates a causal relationship between chemical exposure and CYP1A1 induction and therefore validates the use of CYP1A1 expression in skin biopsies as a biomarker in cetaceans.  Our protocol can be adapted to the investigation of chemicals, mixtures, concentrations, incubation times or biological endpoints of choice.  This should prove particularly relevant for these and other protected species that cannot be studied in the laboratory. 
--
Celine Godard, Ph. D.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Biology Department
Redfield 342, MS#32
45 Water street
Woods Hole, MA 02543-1049

Phone:  508  289  3472
Fax:  508  457  2134
cgodard(\)whoi.edu

Chief Scientist
Ocean Alliance/
Whale Conservation Institute
191 Weston Road
Lincoln, MA 01773


Phone:  781  259  0423
Fax:  781  259  0288
www.pbs.org/odyssey
--------------020807090606000506020809-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 12:55:04 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Seasonal Right Whale Aerial Observer Job Announcement (fwd) Wildlife Trust Right Whale Aerial Survey Observers Job Announcement Wildlife Trust, a non-profit international research and conservation organization, is seeking three temporary aerial marine mammal observers for the period November 15, 2004 through April 15, 2005, and four additional observers for the period December 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005. These observer positions are in anticipation of research activities in the southeast United States, specifically coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Anticipated research would require observers to fly up to five days per week, up to eight hours per day in a small, twin engine, high wing aircraft primarily to locate northern right whales in their Southeast U.S. Critical Habitat. Surveys will be flown every day, weather permitting, and observers must be willing to work weekends and holidays during the survey period. Observers will be required to participate in aviation and marine safety and survival training. This is a 40+ hour per week temporary position. Observers are paid for a 40 hour week, at $14.00/hour (approx. $2240/month), but will be expected to work more than 40 hours some weeks, and less than 40 hours other weeks, in order to meet overall research goals. Housing will be provided at no cost to the observers for the duration of the project. These positions are contingent upon funding. Qualifications: Applicants must be experienced in database entry and word processing and preferably other computer applications. The ability to live and work well in a team environment and withstand up to 8 hours per day in a small aircraft is required. Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience, and experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans, is strongly desired. Application Process: Please send cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and three references to the following address by August 16, 2004: Right Whale Observer Positions ATTN: Cyndi Taylor Wildlife Trust 15 Paradise Plaza #369 Sarasota, FL 34239 Or email to: taylor(\)wildlifetrust.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PLEASE NOTE NEW ADDRESS: Cynthia R. Taylor Conservation Biologist Wildlife Trust 15 Paradise Plaza #369 Sarasota, FL 34239-6905 941-232-4587 (cell) taylor(\)wildlifetrust.org www.wildlifetrust.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 13:12:14 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: Movements, habitat use and feeding success of cultural (fwd) From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)dal.ca) This paper has just been published: Whitehead, H., L. Rendell, R. W. Osborne, and B. Wursig. 2004. Culture and conservation of non-humans with reference to whales and dolphins: review and new directions. Biological Conservation 120: 431-441. This paper is available at: http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/hw/Cult_cons.pdf ABSTRACT: There is increasing evidence that culture is an important determinant of behavior in some non-human species including great apes and cetaceans (whales and dolphins). In some cases, there may be repercussions for population biology and conservation. Rapidly evolving "horizontal" cultures, transmitted largely within generations, may help animals to deal with anthropogenic change and even allow them to exploit it, sometimes with negative consequences for both the animals and humans. In contrast, stable "vertical" or "oblique" cultures, transmitted principally between generations, may impede adaptation to environmental change, and confound range recovery, reintroductions and translocations. Conformist stable cultures can lead to maladaptive behavior, which may be mistaken for the results of anthropogenic threats. They can also structure populations into symaptric sub-populations with distinctive cultural variants. Such structuring is common among cetaceans, among which sympatric sub-populations may face different anthropogenic threats or respond to the same threat in different ways. We suggest that non-human culture should be integrated into conservation biology when considering populations with such attributes, and also more generally by refining definitions of evolutionarily significant units and considering how cultural attributes may change our perspectives of non-humans. -- Hal Whitehead hwhitehe(\)dal.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 06:35:18 -0300 From: Hal Whitehead Subject: SOCPROG updates including compiled version From: Hal Whitehead SOCPROG is a series of MATLAB programs written for analyzing data on the social structure, population structure and movements of identified individuals which has been used by a number of marine mamal researchers. The programs are designed to be easy to use, most input is done through graphical user interfaces (i.e. windows with things to click on), and most things can be done without any knowledge of MATLAB (although this helps for custom options, figuring out errors, making your own extensions, etc.). There is now a compiled version, which means you do not have to have MATLAB to run SOCPROG (although it is better to have MATLAB). A new version of SOCPROG (2.1) is now posted on the web for download at: http://is.dal.ca/~hwhitehe/social.htm There are many developments compared with SOCPROG1, including: 1. There is now a compiled version, so you do not need to have MATLAB (although it is better to have it). 2. Almost all the programs have been rewritten using MATLAB6.5, so many routines are much more effective and efficient. 3. A number of new elements have been added, including: Analysis of multiple association matrices using Mantel tests, principal components analysis. Analyses of movement from individual identification data between study areas and in continuous space. Data format for program Mark. Input of data from Excel. I hope some of you may find these programs useful. -- Hal Whitehead, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4J1 Hal.Whitehead(\)Dal.Ca-- Hal Whitehead, Killam Professor of Biology Co-Chair Marine Mammals SSG, COSEWIC Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4J1 Hal.Whitehead(\)Dal.Ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 16:20:13 -0400 From: Magaly Chambellant Subject: Biopsy needles for sampling blubber to do fatty acids analysis Hello, I am doing my PhD on ringed seals and would like to take biopsy sample of the blubber to do fatty analysis on both live and dead animals. Dead animals are provided by Inuit Hunters who used the pelt. I need to take samples in the back so I need something very little to do as less damage as I could on the pelt. Does anyone know (or have used) if the biopsy needles referenced below will provide enough material to do fatty acids analysis? PGI EZ Core Needle Manufacturer: US Biopsy Model#: EZ Core Standard sizes are 14g x 6,9,& 15cm lengths; 16g x 6,9,& 15cm lengths; 18g x 6,9,& 15cm lengths; 20g x 9cm length. http://www.productsgroup.com/ezneedle.html Thank you, Magaly Chambellant Fisheries and Oceans Canada 501 university crescent Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6 Canada Ph. work : (204)984-2425 Ph. home : (204)586-8170 Fx : (204)984-2403 chambellantm(\)dfo-mpo.gc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 17:16:44 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: post-doc opportunity manatees (fwd) Post-doctoral Research Position Dept. of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO 80523-1474 and USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC), Laurel, MD 20708 Position #: PWRC/AMG/Sept/01/04 Position PWRC/AMG/ Sept/01/04. Post-doctoral research position available within the Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University to be assigned to the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Laurel, MD) to work on study design and analysis of human impacts on trust species of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The position will focus on the effects of long-line fishing on albatross mortality and manatee mortality due to the loss of warm-water habitat. The position is for 3 years contingent upon the availability of funds. Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. in statistics, applied mathematics, natural resource management, ecology, or related field. Ability to design wildlife studies, perform demographic analyses, and provide scientific advice to natural resource management agencies. Desirable in one or more of the following criteria: Experience in wildlife study design. Experience with mark-recapture analyses. Experience with matrix population models. Experience with population simulations. Experience with statistical and programming software. Knowledge of albatross and manatee biology. Ability to interact with governmental agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include working on two projects investigating human impacts on trust species of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1) Evaluate albatross banding data from the Northwest Hawaiian Islands and design future banding studies to estimate the effects of fishing on survival and breeding probability of albatross populations. To date, the capture and recapture of albatross in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands has been inconsistent, and has lacked a design based on management objectives. We will use historic data and management objectives expressed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to design data collection that permits robust inference about survival, fidelity, and breeding propensity of albatross populations, and the impact of long-line fishing thereon. 2) Develop predictive, spatially structured models to simulate Florida manatee behavior and population dynamics, particularly regarding manatee use of warm-water sites during winter. One of the major limiting factors for manatee population growth is presumed to be the capacity of warm-water refugia, some of which are aging power plants. We will use statistical procedures to investigate key processes to incorporate in simulation models. Specifically, we will estimate (1) parameters relating temperature and other environmental variables to the use of warm-water sites by manatees during the winter, (2) probabilities of manatee movement among sites and population vital rates from radio-tracking and photo-identification capture-recapture data, and (3) the abundance of manatees at power plants from robust-design capture-recapture monitoring protocols. We will work closely with USGS scientists and the Manatee Warm-water Task Force to apply these models in an adaptive management framework. Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications: Range: $45,000 - $55,000 Application: Prospective candidates should mail material consisting of (1) a letter noting position number and responding to each of the qualifications; (2) resume; (3) copy of transcripts (official copy not necessary) and confirmation of degree conferral; and (4) three letters of reference from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of applicant's professional abilities to: Dr. Paul Doherty Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474 USA Application materials must be received no later than 4:30pm, Sept 01 2004 Colorado State University is committed to creating a university community which values and supports diversity; individuals who contribute to such diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements. The office of Equal Opportunity is located in Room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2004 11:46:35 +0200 From: Jan Herrmann Subject: Contents: Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(3) ; format="flowed" Dear all, Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(3) has the following table of contents. By clicking the following link you are guided to Allen Press, where you can find Abstracts and contact information: http://www.cetacea.de/mms/20_3.html Users of the Papyrus Bibliography System (Mac and DOS/Windows) can download the references with abstracts and contact information from http://www.cetacea.de/mms. Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann ------ Marine Mammal Science Vol. 20(3) ------ Runge, M.C., C.A. Langtimm, and W.L. Kendall. 2004. A stage-based model of manatee population dynamics. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 361-385. Craig, B.A. and J.E. Reynolds III. 2004. Determination of manatee population trends along the Atlantic coast of Florida using a Bayesian approach with temperature-adjusted aerial survey data. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 386-400. Goodman, D. 2004. Methods for joint inference from multiple data sources for improved estimates of population size and survival rates. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 401-423. Kendall, W.L. et al. 2004. Capture-recapture analysis for estimating manatee reproductive rates. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 424-437. Langtimm, C.A. et al. 2004. Survival estimates for Florida manatees from the photo-identification of individuals. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 438-463. Reynolds, J.E., III, S.A. Rommel, and M.E. Pitchford. 2004. The likelihood of sperm competition in manatees-explaining an apparent paradox. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 464-476. Slooten, E., S.M. Dawson, and W.J. Rayment. 2004. Aerial surveys for coastal dolphins: Abundance of Hector's dolphins off the South Island west coast, New Zealand. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 477-490. Nummela, S. et al. 2004. Lateral mandibular wall thickness in Tursiops truncatus: Variation due to sex and age. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 491-497. Maresh, J.L. et al. 2004. High performance turning capabilities during foraging by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 498-509. Kogi, K. et al. 2004. Demographic parameters of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) around Mikura Island, Japan. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 510-526. Gannon, D.P. and D.M. Waples. 2004. Diets of coastal bottlenose dolphins from the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast differ by habitat. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 527-545. Elsner, R., J.C. George, and T. O'Hara. 2004. Vasomotor responses of isolated peripheral blood vessels from bowhead whales: Thermoregulatory implications. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 546-553. Angell, C.M. et al. 2004. Cytochrome p450 1A1 expression in cetacean integument: Implications for detecting contaminant exposure and effects. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 554-566. Elwen, S.H. and P.B. Best. 2004. Environmental factors influencing the distribution of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on the south coast of South Africa I: Broad scale patterns. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 567-582. Elwen, S.H. and P.B. Best. 2004. Environmental factors influencing the distribution of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on the south coast of South Africa II: Within bay distribution. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 583-601. Southwell, C. et al. 2004. Shipboard line transect surveys of crabeater seal abundance in the pack-ice off east Antarctica: Evaluation of assumptions. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 602-620. Hobson, K.A. et al. 2004. Retrospective isotopic analyses of Steller sea lion tooth annuli and seabird feathers: A cross-taxa approach to investigating regime and dietary shifts in the Gulf of Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 621-638. Hayes, S.A. et al. 2004. Aquatic mating strategies of the male Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii): Are males defending the hotspot? Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 639-656. NOTES (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Berube, M. et al. 2004. Genetic identification of an individual humpback whale between the eastern Caribbean and the Norwegian Sea. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 657-663. LETTERS (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Whitehead, H. 2004. LETTERS: The group strikes back: Follow protocols for behavioral research on cetaceans. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 664-670. -- Jan Herrmann | Wagnerweg 24A - 26409 Wittmund | Tel.: +49-(0)4462-923341 | Fax : +49-(0)721-151-503127 +--------------------------------- Vorlesungsreihe Wal und Mensch +----> http://www.cetacea.de ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2004 17:21:24 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: recent publications Distribution of White Whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in the White Sea and the Southeastern Region of the Barents Sea during the Ice Season L. R. Lukin; L. Yu. Vasil'ev Russian Journal of Ecology, July 2004, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 236-241 The habitats, relative occurrence, and distribution of the white whale in the White Sea and the southeastern Barents sea in every month of the ice season have been studied using the results of an aerial ice survey along standard routes from 1970=961991. In these seas, white whales have been f= ound in each month of the ice season, with single animals, groups, schools or gams, herds, and large congregations of several hundred animals accounting for 10, 22.8, 47.2, 12.9, and 7% of all aggregations of white whales observed, respectively. The relative occurrence of white whales in the White Sea is higher in March and May (32.5 and 30%, respectively) and lower in February, January, and November (15, 10, and 7.5%, respectively)= ; in December and April, the whales are observed very seldom (2.5% in both months). In the southeastern Barents Sea, the relative occurrence of whit= e whales is highest in May (53.3%) and considerably lower in December and February (16.7 and 10%); only a few animals are found during the remainin= g ice season. Regarding different habitats, the relative occurrences of whi= te whales in open water, in water openings in the ice, near the edge of pack ice, and in ice packs with different degrees of closeness are 21.5, 11.4, 45.7, and 21.4%, respectively. ********************************** Induction of Cetacean Cytochrome P4501A1 by -Naphthoflavone Exposure of S= kin Biopsy Slices C=E9line A. J. Godard; Roxanna M. Smolowitz; Joanna Y. Wilson; Roger S. P= ayne; John J. Stegeman Toxicological Sciences, 1 August 2004, vol. 80, no. 2, pp. 268-275 Marine mammals can accumulate environmental contaminants in their blubber= at concentrations harmful to laboratory animals. Induction of the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) enzyme is widely used as a biomarker of exposure and molecular effects in animal species, yet the validity of this biomarker h= as not been established in marine mammals. In vivo studies are generally precluded in these protected species, but skin biopsies (epidermis and dermis) can be collected in a minimally invasive way. We developed an in vitro assay using skin biopsy slices to examine CYP1A1 protein induction = in marine mammals in response to chemical exposure. Skin biopsies from sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) were exposed for 24 h to -naphthoflavone (BNF), a prototypical CYP1A1 inducer, and CYP1A1 induction was detected b= y immunohistochemical staining in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, a= nd fibroblasts. Biopsy slices were exposed to a range of BNF concentrations (0.6=96600 M), and a significant concentration-effect relationship was observed in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells (p =3D 0.05). This i= s the first study using skin biopsy slices to examine exposure of cetacean tiss= ue to a CYP1A1 inducer. It demonstrates a causal relationship between chemic= al exposure and CYP1A1 induction and therefore validates the use of CYP1A1 expression in skin biopsies as a biomarker in cetaceans. Our protocol can= be adapted to the investigation of chemicals, mixtures, concentrations, incubation times, or biological endpoints of choice. This should prove particularly relevant for these and other protected species that cannot b= e studied in the laboratory. ****************************************** Low Genetic Variability in the Highly Endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal T. Pastor; J. C. Garza; P. Allen; W. Amos; A. Aguilar Journal of Heredity, July 2004, vol. 95, no. 4, pp. 291-300 Genetic variability is an important component in the ability of populatio= ns to adapt in the face of environmental change. Here we report the first description of nuclear genetic variability in the only remaining sizable colony of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), located at Cap Blanc (Western Sahara, Mauritania), whose estimated size during the study period (1994=96May 1997) was about 320 individuals. We tested 42 microsatellite loci isolated from five pinniped species in a sample of 52 pups. Three loci failed to give any product, and of the remaining 39, onl= y 15 were polymorphic, with a maximum of 3 alleles detected. Three loci appeared to be X-linked. No departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium we= re detected and no genetic structure was found between the two nursing caves currently occupied by the seals. Several analytical methods show that, as= a consequence of a severe bottleneck, the population has suffered a decreas= e in genetic variability over the last few centuries. *********************************************** Patterns of parental relatedness and pup survival in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) K. BEAN; W. AMOS; P. P. POMEROY; S. D. TWISS; T. N. COULSON; I. L. BOYD Molecular Ecology, August 2004, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 2365-2370 Levels of parental relatedness can affect offspring survival and susceptibility to disease. We investigated parental relatedness of live a= nd dead Halichoerus grypus pups between and within island populations and between possible causes of mortality. Nine microsatellites were used to calculate internal relatedness (IR) and standardized mean d2. We find tha= t pups with higher than average levels of IR have significantly lower survi= val and that this varied between island populations and that certain loci contributed to the effect more than others. Although, there were no significant differences between causes of mortality, peritonitis, infecti= on and stillborn had the highest levels of IR. These results provide evidenc= e that parental relatedness is an important determinant of pre-weaning pup survival in the grey seal and that this may vary with cause of mortality given a larger sample size. ****************************** Recruitment, population structure, and habitat selection of Corynosoma australe (Acanthocephala) in South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis, from Uruguay F.J. Aznar, H.L. Cappozzo, D. Taddeo, F.E. Montero, and J.A. Raga 2004, Canadian Journal of Zoology, 82(5): 726-733 We analysed recruitment, population structure, and intestinal distributio= n of Corynosoma australe Johnston, 1937 in 27 South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis (Zimmerman, 1783), collected in two Uruguayan localities during 1990 and 1991. Only heavy infections of C. australe wer= e found in all intestines. High transmission rates might result from the massive concentration of fur seals in the study area and the ecological ubiquity of C. australe. Intestinal length (IL) accounted, through a cubi= c relationship, for most of the variation (74%) in parasite intensity. IL3 also predicted the percentage of juvenile females among hosts (an indicat= or of recruitment rate) better than intensity or host body size. Intestinal size might be a suitable surrogate of host metabolic rate, the potential factor influencing intensity. The percentages of females and gravid femal= es significantly increased along the intestine, and the distribution of juvenile females, gravid females, and males significantly covaried after controlling for intensity effects. These patterns suggest that worms migr= ate towards the lower jejunum and ileum while they mature, copulate, and reproduce. Males and gravid females shifted their distribution anteriad, = and gravid females expanded their distribution, with intensity. These pattern= s might result from recruitment dynamics, intraspecific competition, or bot= h. We do not know why males, gravid females, and juvenile females respond differently to these factors. ******************** Factors affecting the observed densities of ringed seals, Phoca hispida, = in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea, 1996-99 Frost, K.J. Lowry, L.F. Pendleton, G. Nute, H.R. (Arctic, v. 57, no. 2, June 2004, p. 115-128 Aerial surveys were conducted during late May and early June 1996-99 in t= he central Beaufort Sea of Alaska, using strip-transect methods. The purpose= of these surveys was to quantify and model the effects of environmental covariates on ringed seal counts and to provide density estimates that wo= uld be useful for evaluating trends in seal abundance. Total survey effort included 40-88 transect lines per year covering 1198-2701 km=B2. Observed densities ranged from 0.81 seals/km=B2 in 1996 to 1.17 seals/km=B2 in 199= 9. We examined the effects of habitat, weather, and time of day on observed sea= l densities, using univariate chi-square goodness-of-fit tests. We also use= d a multivariate generalized linear model to estimate the relationship betwee= n seal counts and covariates. Three habitat-related variables - water depth= , location relative to the fast ice edge, and ice deformation - had substantial and consistent effects. The highest densities occurred at dep= ths between 5 and 35 m. Densities were also highest in relatively flat ice an= d near the fast ice edge, declining both shoreward and seaward of that edge. Univariate analysis suggested that observed densities were generally high= est at about 1200 h Alaska daylight time, but time was not a significant variable in the generalized linear models. Analyses of the effects of weather factors on seal counts were inconclusive. This was likely at leas= t partially because temperature and wind speed were measured at survey altitude, rather than on the ice surface, and surveys were conducted only= in weather considered suitable for hauling out. The final multivariate model did not account for a substantial proportion of the variation in seal counts. We think this result was largely due to date-related variation in the proportion of seals hauling out, an issue our surveys were not suited= to address. *************************** Habitat use of ringed seals, Phoca hispida, in the North Water area (nort= h Baffin Bay) Born, E.W. Teilmann, J. Acquarone, M. Riget, F.F. Arctic, v. 57, no. 2, June 2004, p. 129-142, In conjunction with the International North Water Polynya Study in Smith Sound (northern Baffin Bay) in 1997-99, we examined the area use and divi= ng activity of 23 ringed seals (Phoca hispida) that had been equipped with satellite transmitters on the Greenland side of the North Water (NOW) are= a. The study covered the period 12 August 1996-30 June 1999. Contact with th= e seals was maintained for an average of 108 days (range: 8-332 days). Four seals emigrated from the NOW area. During all seasons, the seals that remained in the area spent about 90% of the time in coastal (< 100 m deep= ) waters in the eastern parts of the NOW area. The total area visited by th= e seals during the open-water season ranged between 10 300 km=B2 (1996) and= 18 500 km=B2 (1998), corresponding to about 15% to 25% of the entire NOW are= a. In winter, the total area visited by the seals varied between 2500 km=B2 (1996-97) and 7000 km=B2 (1998-99), and in spring, between 800 km=B2 (199= 9) and 2100 km=B2 (1997). Individual movement was significantly greater during t= he open-water season than during winter and spring. Maximum dive depths recorded were over 500 m (maximum for the instrument) outside and 376 m inside the NOW, for a 96 kg male seal. Non-adult seals spent about 99% of the time in waters less than 100 m deep, and more than 92% of the time in the upper 50 m. In contrast, adults tended to spend more time at greater depths. The study indicated that (1) the ringed seals took advantage of t= he generally lighter ice conditions in the eastern NOW, and (2) that non-adu= lts likely exploited ice-associated amphipods and young polar cod (Boreogadus saida), and adults, mainly older polar cod and cephalopods taken at great= er depths. *************************** Evidence for a decline in northern Quebec (Nunavik) belugas Hammill, M.O. Lesage, V. Gosselin, J.-F. Bourdages, H. de March, B.G.E. Kingsley, M.C.S. Arctic, v. 57, no. 2, June 2004, p. 183-195 Systematic aerial line-transect surveys of beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, were conducted in James Bay, eastern Hudson Bay, and Ungava Bay f= rom 14 August to 3 September 2001. An estimated 7901 (SE=3D 1744) and 1155 (S= E =3D 507) belugas were present at the surface in the offshore areas of James B= ay and Hudson Bay, respectively. An additional 39 animals were observed in estuaries during the coastal survey, resulting in an index estimate of 11= 94 (SE =3D 507) in eastern Hudson Bay. No belugas were observed in Ungava Ba= y. Observations from systematic surveys conducted in 1993 and 2001 were analyzed using both line-transect and strip-transect methods to allow comparisons with the strip-transect survey conducted in 1985. A populatio= n model incorporating harvest information and fitted to aerial survey data indicates that the number of belugas in eastern Hudson Bay has declined b= y almost half because of high harvest levels. Subsistence harvest levels mu= st be reduced significantly if this population is to recover. **************************** Shane, S.H. 2004. Residence patterns, group characteristics, and associat= ion patterns of bottlenose dolphins near Sanibel Island, Florida. Gulf of Mex= ico Science 2004(1):1-12. Mullin, K.D., W. Hoggard, and L.J. Hansen. 2004. Abundance and seasonal occurrence of cetaceans in outer continental shelf and slope waters of th= e north-central and northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Science 2004(1):62-73. ****************************** Antibodies to selected pathogens in free-ranging terrestrial carnivores a= nd marine mammals in Canada J D.W. Philippa; F A. Leighton; P Y. Daoust; O Nielsen; M Pagliarulo; H Schwantje; T Shury; R Van Herwijnen; B E.E. Martina; T Kuiken; M W.G. Van= de Bildt; A D.M.E. Osterhaus The Veterinary Record, 31 July 2004, vol. 155, no. 5, pp. 135-140 Antibody titres to selected pathogens (canine adenovirus [CAV-2], feline herpesvirus [FHV], phocine herpesvirus [PHV-1], canine distemper virus, dolphin morbillivirus [DMV], phocine distemper virus [PDV], parainfluenza virus type 3 [PI3], rabies virus, dolphin rhabdovirus [DRV], canine coronavirus, feline coronavirus, feline leukaemia virus, Borrelia burgdorferi and Toxoplasma gondii) were determined in whole blood or seru= m samples from selected free-ranging terrestrial carnivores and marine mammals, including cougars (Felis concolor), lynxes (Felis lynx), America= n badgers (Taxidea taxus), fishers (Martes pennanti), wolverines (Gulo gulo= ), wolves (Canis lupus), black bears (Ursus americanus), grizzly bears (Ursu= s arctos), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) and belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), which had been collected at several locations in Canada between 1984 and 2001. Antibodies to a number of viru= ses were detected in species in which these infections have not been reported before, for example, antibodies to CAV-2 in walruses, to PDV in black bea= rs, grizzly bears, polar bears, lynxes and wolves, to DMV in grizzly bears, polar bears, walruses and wolves, to PI3 in black bears and fishers, and = to DRV in belugas and walruses. ********************************* Abundance of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Northeast Atlantic: variability in time and space Hans J. Skaug; Nils =D8ien; Tore Schweder; Gjermund B=F8thun Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 1 June 2004, vol. 61, no. 6, pp. 870-886 Regional sighting surveys with two independent observers on each vessel w= ere conducted each year from 1996 to 2001. Northern minke whales (Balaenopter= a acutorostrata) are mostly solitary animals and are only available for observation at moments when they surface to breath. Thus, a stochastic po= int process model is developed for how the data are generated. The hazard probability of initially sighting a whale that surfaces depends on relati= ve spatial coordinates and on other covariates. The parameters of the model = are estimated by maximum likelihood. To account for interannual variation in spatial distribution of minke whales, a random effects model is developed and estimated by comparing current and past (1989 and 1995) survey data. = A simulation approach is taken to remove bias from parameter estimates and = to assess the uncertainty in the results. For total abundance, the result is= a log-normal confidence distribution with quantiles 107 205=B7exp(0.137z), = i.e., an abundance estimate of 107 205 with a coefficient of variation of 0.14. Together with these and earlier survey data, past data on catch, mark=96recapture, and satellite tracking are reviewed to elucidate distribution and migration patterns in Northeastern Atlantic minke whales. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 09:55:14 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Recent publications (fwd) COMPARISON OF AMIKACIN PHARMACOKINETICS IN A KILLER WHALE (ORCINUS ORCA) AND A BELUGA WHALE (DELPHINAPTERUS LEUCAS). Butch KuKanich D.V.M., Mark Papich D.V.M., M.S., Dipl. A.C.V.C.P., David Huff D.V.M., and Michael Stoskopf D.V.M., Ph.D., Dipl. A.C.Z.M., Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2004, vol. 35/2,pages 179-184. Amikacin, an aminoglycoside antimicrobial, was administered to a killer whale (Orcinus orca) and a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) for the treatment of clinical signs consistent with gram-negative aerobic bacterial infections. Dosage regimens were designed to target a maximal plasma concentration 8^10 times the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the pathogen and to reduce the risk of aminoglycoside toxicity. Allometric analysis of published pharmacokinetic parameters in mature animals yielded a relationship for amikacin's volume of distribution, in milliliters, given by the equation Vd = 151.058(BW)1.043. An initial dose for amikacin was estimated by calculating the volume of distribution and targeted maximal concentration. With this information, dosage regimens for i.m. administration were designed for a killer whale and a beluga whale. Therapeutic drug monitoring was performed on each whale to assess the individual pharmacokinetic parameters. The elimination half-life (5.99 hr), volume of distribution per bioavailability (319 ml/kg), and clearance per bioavailability (0.61 ml/min/kg) were calculated for the killer whale. The elimination half-life (5.03 hr), volume of distribution per bioavailability (229 ml/kg), and clearance per bioavailability (0.53 ml/ min/kg) were calculated for the beluga whale. The volume of distribution predicted from the allometric equation for both whales was similar to the calculated pharmacokinetic parameter. Both whales exhibited a prolonged elimination half-life and decreased clearance when compared with other animal species despite normal renal parameters on biochemistry panels. Allometric principles and therapeutic drug monitoring were used to accurately determine the doses in these cases and to avoid toxicity. USE OF LASER RHINOSCOPY TO TREAT A NASAL OBSTRUCTION IN A CAPTIVE CALIFORNIA SEA LION (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS). Johanna Sherrill D.V.M., M.S., George M. Peavy D.V.M., D.A.B.V.P., Mark J. Kopit D.V.M., Michael M. Garner D.V.M., D.A.C.V.P., Chris H. Gardiner Ph.D., and Lance M. Adams D.V.M., Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2004, vol. 35/2, pages 232-241. Laser rhinoscopy was used to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). The rehabilitated, adult, female sea lion developed mucopurulent, intermittent, bilateral nasal discharge and functional nasal obstruction 20 mo after acquisition by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. A 3-mm-thick soft tissue structure spanning the region between the soft and hard palates, a deviated nasal septum, and several nasopharyngeal polyps were identified. Biopsies and cultures of the obstructive web showed ulcerative granulation tissue with suppurative inflammation, bacterial infection, and a partial section of an arthropod larva (not speciated). Laser rhinoscopy was performed to relieve the caudal nasopharyngeal obstruction and ablate the polyps. The sea lion appeared to breathe through the nares with lessened nasal discharge for a period of 6 wk after laser therapy, but within 8 wk the mucopurulent nasal discharge returned, the obstruction had reformed, and the sea lion was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed antemortem diagnoses of caudal nasopharyngeal obstruction secondary to inflammatory tissue; however, no additional sections of arthropod parasites were located microscopically. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 12:06:27 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: summary of PDA's (fwd) Hello, Thanks so much for everyone who responded my earlier question about using PDA's for data collection. I got quite a few responses. The following is a condensed version of the summary. For those of you who want more detailed version, i.e., responses from each individual, please contact me and I can send you a word/pdf file. Cheers, Tomo PDA's for field data collection Overall summary PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) comes mainly in two flavors, especially in the US; Palm OS and Pocket PC. The main difference is similar to the difference between Apple and Windows PC's. Palm OS appears to have more software than Pocket PC's. Pocket PC's, however, can run popular Microsoft software, such as Access, Excel, etc. Another kind is called Psion, which uses its own operating system. Psion seems to be used more in Europe than in the US. Table PC's and some notebooks are designed to be used in harsh environment, such as bright light, heat, and cold. A few companies build these rugged computers (Amrel, Panasonic, and Itronix). For information on PDA's and other outdoor computers, the following websites may be useful: * http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/GPS * http://www.mobileplanet.com/ * http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/pocketpc/default.mspx * http://www.pocketpcmag.com/ * http://www.pencomputing.com/palm/ * http://www.palmpower.com/issuesprint/issue199903/ninotwo.html * http://www.palmgear.com/ * http://www.psion.com/computers/computing.htm * http://www.amrel.com/asi.html * http://www.itronix.com/ * http://www.panasonic.com/computer/toughbook/home.asp * http://www.posres.co.uk/handheld.htm Many software are available for data collection in the field. The following list includes ones that were recommended by others: * Cybertracker (Freeware): http://www.cybertracker.co.za/ * Pendragon ($229-249 US): http://www.pendragon-software.com/first.html * The Observer: http://www.noldus.com * ArcPad (ESRI; $495 US): http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcpad * FieldWorker (~$1500 US including iPaq, which is a HP/Compaq PDA): http://www.fieldworker.com/ * HanDBase ($30-100 US): http://www.ddhsoftware.com/ * Pocket Access database * Custom built software * Bill Fulton, Whale and Seal Foundation * Glenn Ford, R.G. Ford Consulting * Jim Ha, University of Washington ************************************************** Tomoharu Eguchi Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 858.546.5615 voice 858.546.5657 fax tomo.eguchi(\)noaa.gov ************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 11:19:34 -0300 From: Marcos =?iso-8859-1?b?Q+lzYXI=?= de Oliveira Santos Subject: New publication on Bryde's whale records in Brazil ------ Dear MARMAMers: The following paper: "Siciliano, S., Santos, M. C. de O., Vicente, A. F., Alvarenga, F., Zampirolli, E., Lailson-Brito, J., Azevedo, A. & Pizzorno,= J. L. 2004. Strandings and feeding records of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera eden= i) in south-eastern Brazil. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, UK, 84:857-859." was recently published and pdf file is available by request through the e-mail: marcosos(\)usp.br (Marcos Santos).=20 Sincerely yours, M. Sc. Marcos C=E9sar de Oliveira Santos Ph. D. Student - Departamento de Ecologia Geral Instituto de Bioci=EAncias, Universidade de S=E3o Paulo - Brasil Visit the website: http://www.projetoatlantis.com.br http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/santos.html ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2004 23:43:49 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Back from vacation and raring to go. So here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Please, don't ask for more PDF's than your email server can handle in any one email request. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org ALLEN, ROBERT C. and IAN KEAY. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC HISTORY 64(2):400-432. 2004. Saving the whales: Lessons from the extinction of the eastern Arctic bowhead. 0.198 MB ANONYMOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(11-12):1014. 2004. Canadian harp seal hunt. 0.031 MB BEAN, K.; W. AMOS; P. P. POMEROY; S. D. TWISS; T. N. COULSON and I. L. BOYD. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 13(8):2365-2370. 2004. Patterns of parental relatedness and pup survival in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). 0.151 MB BRAATHEN, MARTE; ANDREW E. DEROCHER; OYSTEIN WIIG; EUGEN G. SORMO; ELISABETH LIE; JANNECHE U. SKAARE and BJORN M. JENSSEN. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 112(8):826-833. 2004. Relationships between PCBs and thyroid hormones and retinol in female and male polar bears. 0.160 MB CABEZON, C.; A. R. RESENDES; M. DOMINGO; J. A. RAGA; C. AGUSTI; F. ALEGRE; J. L. MONS; J. P. DUBEY and S. ALMERIA. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(3):643-644. 2004. (Research note) Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild dolphins from the Spanish Mediterranean coast. 0.063 MB DEGUCHI, T.; Y. GOTO and Y. SAKURAI. MAMMAL STUDY 29(1):55-63. 2004. Importance of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) to wintering ribbon seals (Phoca fasciata) in Nemuro Strait, Hokkaido Japan. 0.225 MB DOOLEY, ALTON C., JR.; NICHOLAS C. FRASER and ZHE-XI LUO. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 24(2):453-463. 2004. The earliest known member of the rorqual - gray whale clade (Mammalia, Cetacea). 1.952 MB DROUOT, VIOLAINE; ALEXANDRE GANNIER and JOHN C. GOOLD. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(3):675-680. 2004. Summer social distribution of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Mediterranean Sea. 0.189 MB FOSSI, M. CRISTINA; LETIZIA MARSILI; GIANCARLO LAURIANO; CATERINA FORTUNA; SIMONE CANESE; STEFANIA ANCORA; CLAUDIO LEONZIO; TERESA ROMEO; RUBEN MERINO; ESTEBAN ABAD and BEGONA JIMENEZ. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 58(2-5):269-274. 2004. Assessment of toxicological status of a SW Mediterranean segment population of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) using skin biopsy. 0.225 MB HAMILTON, J. L.; R. M. DILLAMAN; W. A. MCLELLAN and D. A. PABST. JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY 261(1):105-117. 2004. Structural fiber reinforcement of keel blubber in harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). 0.657 MB HOFFMAN, V.; T. J. NOLAN and R. SCHOELKOPF. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(3):659-660. 2004. (Research note) First report of the giant kidney worm (Dioctophyme renale) in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). 0.379 MB IRWIN, LINDA-JANE and BERND WURSIG. GULF OF MEXICO SCIENCE 22(1):13-21. 2004. A small resident community of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Texas: Monitoring recommendations. 0.780 MB KAWASHIMA, MAKI; MASAKO NAKANISHI; MITSURU KUWAMURA; MOTOHIRO TAKEYA and JYOJI YAMATE. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE 66(6):671-680. 2004. Distributive and phagocytic characteristics of hepatic macrophages in five cetaceans belonging to Delphinidae and Ziphiidae. 0.270 MB KIM, EUN-YOUNG.; HISATO IWATA; YOSHIHIRO FUJISE and SHINSUKE TANABE. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 58(2-5):495-498. 2004. Searching for novel CYP members using cDNA library from a minke whale liver. 0.138 MB LEBEUF, MICHEL; BRUNO GOUTEUX; LENA MEASURES and STEVE TROTTIER. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(11):2971-2977. 2004. Levels and temporal trends (1988-1999) of polyhrominated diphenyl ethers in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada. 0.104 MB MALLORY, MARK L.; MARK WAYLAND; BIRGIT M. BRAUNE and KEN G. DROUILLARD. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 49(1-2):136-141. 2004. Trace elements in marine birds, arctic hare and ringed seals breeding near Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada. 0.181 MB MARINO, LORI; KEITH SUDHEIMER; WILLIAM A. MCLELLAN and JOHN I. JOHNSON. ANATOMICAL RECORD PART A-DISCOVERIES IN MOLECULAR CELLULAR AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 279(1):601-610. 2004. Neuroanatomical structure of the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris orientalis) brain from magnetic resonance images. 1.236 MB PACK, ADAM A. and LOUIS M. HERMAN. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY 118(2):160-171. 2004. Bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) comprehend the referent of both static and dynamic human gazing and pointing in an object-choice task. 1.563 MB PAGE, BRAD; JANE MCKENZIE; REBECCA MCINTOSH; ALASTAIR BAYLIS; ADAM MORRISSEY; NORNA CALVERT; TAMI HAASE; MEL BERRIS; DAVE DOWIE; PETER D. SHAUGHNESSY and SIMON D. GOLDSWORTHY. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 49(1-2):33-42. 2004. Entanglement of Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals in lost fishing gear and other marine debris before and after government and industry attempts to reduce the problem. 0.353 MB PASTOR, T.; J. C. GARZA; P. ALLEN; W. AMOS and A. AGUILAR. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 95(4):291-300. 2004. Low genetic variability in the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal. 0.300 MB SACCO, JAMES C. and MARGARET O. JAMES. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 58(2-5):475-479. 2004. Glucuronidation in the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). 0.178 MB SAKAI, HIROKI; HISATO IWATA; EUN-YOUNG KIM; SHINSUKE TANABE and NORIHISA BABA. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 58(2-5):107-111. 2004. Identification of constitutive androstane receptor cDNA in northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). 0.337 MB SAVINETSKY, ARKADY B.; NINA K. KISELEVA and BULAT F. KHASSANOV. PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY 209(1-4):335-352. 2004. Dynamics of sea mammal and bird populations of the Bering Sea region over the last several millennia. 0.835 MB SHANE, SUSAN H. GULF OF MEXICO SCIENCE 22(1):1-12. 2004. Residence patterns, group characteristics, and association patterns of bottlenose dolphins near Sanibel Island, Florida. 1.817 MB SUN, LIGUANG; XIAODONG LIU; XUEBIN YIN; RENBIN ZHU; ZHOUQING XIE and YUHONG WANG. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(8):495-501. 2004. A 1,500-year record of Antarctic seal populations in response to climate change. 0.380 MB TOLSTOY, M.; J. B. DIEBOLD; S. C. WEBB; D. R. BOHNENSTIEHL; E. CHAPP; R. C. HOLMES and M. RAWSON. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS 31(14): no.14310. 4pgs. 2004. Broadband calibration of R/V Ewing seismic sources. 0.302 MB VALSECCHI, ELENA; WILLIAM AMOS; JUAN A. RAGA; MICHELA PODESTA and WILLIAM SHERWIN. ANIMAL CONSERVATION 7(2):139-146. 2004. The effects of inbreeding on mortality during a morbillivirus outbreak in the Mediterranean striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). 0.130 MB YANG, JIAN; TAKASHI KUNITO; YASUMI ANAN; SHINSUKE TANABE and NOBUYUKI MIYAZAKI. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 48(11-12):1122-1129. 2004. Total and subcellular distribution of trace elements in the liver of a mother-fetus pair of Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli). 0.414 MB ZERBINI, ALEXANDRE N.; ARTUR ANDRIOLO; JESUINA M. DA ROCHA; PAULO CESAR SIMOES-LOPES; SALVATORE SICILIANO; JOSE LUIZ PIZZORNO; JANICE M. WAITE; DOUGLAS P. DEMASTER and GLENN R. VANBLARICOM. JOURNAL OF CETACEAN RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT 6(1):101-107. 2004. Winter distribution and abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off northeastern Brazil. 0.174 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2004 10:27:32 -0500 From: Jason K Blackburn Subject: Additional Info on PDA's for field use and comments on GIS PDA's: Sorry to join the discussion a bit late. Also sorry if much of this info is a repeat, just wanted to get it out there. I have been field testing the Dell Axim 5 and the iPAQ 3600 (old), 3800 (newer) and 1900 (smallest) series quite seriously for some time now. The Axim 5 and the iPaq's are quite a bit more rugged than I originally gave them credit for. I have used a 3800 series iPAQ in a wide range of climates and environments from New England to south Texas and have yet to put it out of commission. Had it covered in salt in the FL keys for a week solid and still ticking. I had one small short in my SD-Card reader on one occassion, but it was a cheap and easy fix and I lost no field data from it. I run GIS software by ESRI and Geomedia and rely on the Windows Mobile and CE operating systems. Currently, I am not aware of any GIS software that runs on the Palm OS that can be easily integrated into the ArcGIS or Geomedia platforms. There probably are, but I remain windows-centric in my GIS applications. I use both the Pharos and teletype Compact Flash GPS units. Teletypes low power, WAAS CF-GPS is very durable, low profile, and has good horizontal resolution. The pharos is not WAAS but has a low profile and is good on battery with fair horizontal position error. Pharos now has a Secure Digital GPS unit that is very small and will work with newer PDA's that lack CF slots. The ipaq's require an expansion pack which increases the cost by about 100 USD bucks, but adds some good additional battery power. The dell unit with GPS can be purchased with extra battery, car charger, and SD memory card for under 700.00 USD. The iPAQ out the door is a bit closer to 900.00 USD, but both are good. Dell also offers an instant buy back/swap out program for institutions on contract (e.g. a state university). Both can be repaired at a very good price and a 24 hour turn around from www.ipaqrepair.com. I have sent my iPAQ in for one loose wire in the SD-card and these guys turned it around in 24 hours (48 hours total with shipping time) and it was like new and under 60.00 USD for the repair. Navman has just introduced a new PDA that has a GPS integrated into it. It flips up and is quite a small easy to handle unit. Just talked myself out of buying one today. This is also on the CE platform and integrates well with PC GIS software. You can also get a navman expansion GPS for the iPAQ series. For excellent durability and great GPS reception (+/- <1m, if really pushed) Trimble makes the GeoXT unit. This is an integrated GPS/PDA with lots of trimble bells and whistles to increase location error. Fully loaded with the GPS and software to get the best horizontal resolution is about 5000.00 USD. You can get the unit with no GIS software for about 3500.00 USD (i.e. if your institute is on an ESRI site license and you dont need software factory installed). For good waterproof units there is the trimble rover (no integrated GPS, have to add one on), there is the panasonic tough PDA (if like the toughbook laptops, truly bulletproof... had a solider in the recent Iraq fighting take a bullet his toughbook and he survived)-the panasonic tough series is really hard to beat up. The GeoXT can take a good bit of salt and sea spray. Otter makes the Armor 3600 for PDA's that is 100% water tight and you can still access the touch screen. Of course, you can never go wrong storing one in a pelican case. The pelican 1200 case is great for a Dell Axim 5 with extra battery, CF-GPS, and power cord. To jump way up in price, you can also look at the new toughbook tablet convertible laptops. If you are on a vessel, this gives you PDA like touch screen capabilities, but you can also run a much broader range of software. You can get XP tablet which is more flexible that CE and runs a lot more desktop software. Panasonic has as toughbook convertible with wireless capabilities, a cellular card, and an integrated GPS unit. These are more like 3000 USD and up. For geospatial or GIS/GPS integration there are some nice PDA-based GIS software available that I use regularly: ESRI's ArcPad and Geomedia's ondemand software systems are very good. ArcPad is great for those already collecting GIS-based data using shapefiles and database (*.dbf). ArcPad can be integrated into the ArcGIS platform on a PC or be used as a stand alone. For those running the ArcView 3.2 platform, ArcPad has an extension called ArcPad tools that works to interface arcview projects and arcpad map documents. ArcPad can also be expanded using VB script and ArcPad application builder to develop custom user interfaces and data collection tools. This is great if your sample protocol is well established for if you have data collectors not familiar with the data needed. You can develop pull down menus associated with the GPS capture function to guide your collectors to the attributes needed at each collection. Lots of work on the development side, but great finished product. Ondemand is also quite functional and integrates directly into the GeoMedia Professional platform. It is access based and has some nice databasing capabilities. Both ArcPad and OnDemand output files can be formatted for entry into several other packages and both can write out shapefiles or files that can be exported from a PC-GIS as a shapefile (great for the ESRI users or shipping GIS data between users... geomedia has no problem with shapefiles). Both run on windows CE. There is also a precision farming package called Field Rover II made by SST that is very good from grid sampling, on the fly grid development, and GPS polygon development. Field Rover can write out points, lines, and polygons as either shapefiles or map info files. This also runs on the CE platform. I have used PDA's in a wide range of applications from disease mapping, soil sampling, acoustic shark tracking, and vessel navigations. They are flexible, reliable, and damn handy if taken care of and you have back up memory cards (CF or SD). The integration of GPS and GIS with packages like ArcPad make on the fly spatial data collection and visualization straight foward. Hope this is helpful. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions or to make corrections to this reply. I am sure I missed a good bit of info. Good luck to those interested in testing the PDA waters. jas Jason K. Blackburn World Health Organization Collaborative Center for Remote Sensing and GIS Department of Geography and Anthropology Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-6629 WHOCC PDA/GIS & Telemetry Lab/Office 225-578-4080 WHOCC GIS Lab jblack6(\)lsu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 10:55:05 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Assessing Lessepsian migration using molecular analysis (fwd) Shalom All, With apologies for cross posting, we would like to bring to your attention that in the past 5 years, IMMRAC -Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, has collected in it's tissue bank 4 samples of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) and a sample of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) from the Mediterranean Israeli coastline. The species are considered rare in the Mediterranean as a whole and in this region in particular. An interesting option is that individuals sighted here are Lessepsian (through the Suez Canal) migrants from Red Sea populations as both species occur there. We would like to further examine this possibility using molecular analysis. We are therefore eager to contact laboratories doing molecular analysis on these species, which have access to samples from the Mediterranean Sea, Eastern North Atlantic and Red Sea/Indian Ocean. Any cooperation or thoughts would be appreciated. Aviad Scheinin scheinin(\)research.haifa.ac.il Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center Ph.D Student The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies, Haifa University Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905 Israel Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziyyona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 972-52-3571193 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 14:16:41 -0400 From: Christine Banks Subject: EcoHealth Oceans & Health Issue Dear colleagues and friends, Dr. Alonso Aguirre requested that this announcement be sent, as he feels EcoHealth may be an ideal outlet for your research, and a special section in the forthcoming Issue 3 may be of interest to you. Our apologies if you have received this message multiple times. ISSUE 3 SPECIAL SECTION: MARINE SENTINEL SPECIES This special section, based on a workshop held in 2002, looks at charismatic megavertebrates including sea otters, manatees, dolphins, sea birds and sea turtles as the proverbial "canaries in the mineshaft" or "early warning" indicators that may reflect the quality and health of marine ecosystems. Simply put, a sentinel species is an opportunity to provide integrative and robust scientific information on the health of oceans to take mitigative action or support predictive capabilities. The "utility" of the species selected should consider its value and relevance to conservationists and to society at large. Perhaps after reading this special section the reader will conclude that assessing an ecosystem will require a "suite" of sentinel species including different trophic levels, ecological roles, taxa or different spatial and temporal scales. It will require conservation medicine teams to apply transdisciplinary efforts. It will require the involvement of children, decision makers and the general public to change our behavior towards the planet. ***Should you wish to receive a complimentary copy of this special Oceans & Health issue of EcoHealth, please e-mail your name and postal information to Christine Banks, EcoHealth Subscriptions Officer, at banks(\)wildlifetrust.org no later than Wednesday, August 25th, 2004. *** ECOHEALTH It is our pleasure to introduce you to EcoHealth, a new international journal, network and website. EcoHealth is an international, peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by Springer-Verlag New York, LLC. The journal provides a timely forum for research, policy and practice that integrates the ecological and health sciences. EcoHealth is the merger of the complementary journals 'Ecosystem Health' and 'Global Change and Human Health', and a planned journal of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine. Our Editors are pleased to announce the launch of EcoHealth - as per the Table of Contents of the first issue and List of Editors, attached. EcoHealth Volume1 Issues 1-3 are online for subscribers now, and the print version of Issue 3 will be released in September. Member subscriptions placed through the EcoHealth network are only $99 ($69 student rate) - a savings of $70 off of Springer-Verlag's subscription rate. More details are available at http://www.ecohealth.net/ or by contacting subscriptions(\)ecohealth.net. The EcoHealth Network is an organization of collaborating consortia, institutions, regional contacts and individual member subscribers. Its mission is to foster transdisciplinary research and practice at the interface of ecological and health sciences. The Network responds to the growing need for collaborative learning, exchange and problem solving that spans ecology, health and sustainability. Please refer to our website http://www.ecohealth.net/ for more information on the journal, manuscript submission, subscription, and more. We look forward to your subscription, manuscript submissions and involvement with EcoHealth. With best regards, Bruce A. Wilcox, Editor-in-Chief (1) A. Alonso Aguirre, Co-Editor (2,6) Peter Daszak, Co-Editor (2,7) Pierre Horwitz, Co-Editor (3) John Howard (4,8) Robert Lannigan, Editor (4,8) Pim Martens, Co-Editor (5,9) Margot Parkes, Managing Editor (1) Jonathan A. Patz, Co-Editor (5,10) David Waltner-Toews, Editor for Art and Culture (4,12) The EcoHealth Journal Consortium (1) Division of Ecology and Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA (2) Consortium for Conservation Medicine and Wildlife Trust Palisades, NY, USA (3) Consortium for Health and Ecology, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia (4) EcoHealth for Health Professionals Group, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario and Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (5) Past Editors, Global Change and Human Health (6) Wildlife Trust, Palisades, NY, USA (7) Consortium for Conservation Medicine, Palisades, NY, USA (8) Ecosystem Health Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada (9) International Centre for Integrative Studies, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (10) Program for Health Effects of Global Environmental Change, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA (11) Past Editor-in-Chief, 'Ecosystem Health', and Past President, 'International Society of Ecosystem Health', University of Guelph and The University of Western Ontario, Canada. (12) Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (1-5) The five member parties of the EcoHealth Journal Consortium were formalized as signatories to the Consortium's Memorandum of Understanding and By-Laws in December 2003. More information is available at http://www.ecohealth.net/. Please direct inquiries to info(\)ecohealth.net EcoHealth Editorial Office Division of Ecology and Health John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road Honolulu, HI 96822-2319, HAWAII, USA Tel +1-808-956-5770 Fax +1-808-956-5506 ----------------------------------------------------------- Christine E. Banks Conservation Medicine Program Assistant Subscriptions Officer, EcoHealth (subscriptions(\)ecohealth.net) Wildlife Trust 61 Route 9W Palisades, NY 10964 Phone: (845) 365-8485 Fax: (845) 365-8177 http://www.wildlifetrust.org/ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 12:04:12 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: job posting Sea Otter Scientist (fwd) School of Fisheries and Ocean Science & Alaska Sea Life Center. JOB TITLE: Research Assistant Professor of Marine Science. PCN NUMBER: 924095 REQ NUMBER: FF92409501 GRADE: Commensurate with experience and qualifications EMPLOYMENT: Term Funded, Full Time, Faculty (Non Tenure) OPENING DATE: 7/23/04 CLOSING DATE: 8/30/04 by 4:30 p.m. TYPICAL DUTIES: The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences is seeking qualified professional scientists to conduct research on sea otters. The position available is designated as research faculty and all support for the research activities and salary will be derived from federal appropriations to the Alaska SeaLife Center. An important part of the assignment is the management and active development of sea otter research program. The duties also include the preparation and submission of research proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed manuscripts to external funding sources, permitting agencies and international journals. While subject to annual review, the appointments are expected to be ongoing, subject to the continuation of funding. Funding is currently available to support this position; the incumbent may be expected to help secure competitive funding.=20 CAPABILITIES: The School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences has coastal facilities with laboratory space and field support capabilities in Seward (the homeport of the R/V Alpha Helix) and a working agreement with the Alaska SeaLife Center. The facilities of the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward offer unique opportunities for marine mammal and sea bird research, with a developing program in sea otter biology. The majority of the Institute of Marine Science faculty are located on the Fairbanks campus, including oceanography, limnology, fisheries, fishery oceanography, marine biology, aquaculture, and fisheries and seafood technology. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The candidate must have earned doctorate in a biological science, such as zoology, biology, oceanography, marine science, fisheries, or a related field. Experience with marine mammals is essential. He/She must have demonstrated success in obtaining support for and conducting research programs, and must have a strong publication record in national or international peer-reviewed journals. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Marine mammal experience is essential. Areas of expertise in the physiology, nutritional, foraging ecology, population dynamics, body condition, or effects of contaminants on sea otters in free-ranging habitats are desirable. APPLICATION: Please follow specific instructions provided on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Vacancy Announcement at http://www.uaf.edu/uafhr/Employment/Job0704-280.html ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:50:24 -0400 From: Leslie Ricketts Subject: US$50,000 International Whale Gear Competition Dear MARMAM colleagues, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is now accepting applications, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), the Northeast Consortium, and the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, for THE LARGE WHALE GEAR COMPETITION, a new project under NFWF's National Whale Conservation Fund. The purpose of this team competition is to develop innovative fishing gear or gear modifications that decrease the incidence of entanglement of large whales, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Selected teams will receive grants up to US$10,000 to build gear prototypes, as well as travel stipends, to test their gear at sea with commercial New England fishermen. An additional grant of up to US$50,000 will be awarded to the team that has designed and tested a prototype that shows the most promise in becoming a new, commercially-viable whale-friendly fishing gear or gear modification. The National Whale Conservation Fund was established to support research, management, conservation and education/outreach activities related to the conservation and recovery of whales. ELIGIBILITY - Interested applicants must form a team and secure an advisor from a college/university or from a related fishing industry, private company, fishing association or other entity qualified to advise on potential solutions to gear-whale interactions. 1. Competing teams must have at least three members (including the advisor), of which one must be designated as the team spokesperson. 2. Advisors can provide teams with guidance and technical expertise, but cannot be actively involved in construction and operation to produce the prototype. 3. Applicants can design and build the devices as an entire class project or school group activity, if submitted from an educational establishment; however, it is not required. 4. Multiple teams from the same institution are permitted. 5. Application and presentation materials must be submitted in English. HOW TO APPLY * The online application guidelines and form are available at the National Whale Conservation Fund web site (www.nfwf.org/programs/WhaleFund.htm). A mandatory letter of intent, citing a desire to participate, is due via email or mail to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (attn: Leslie Ricketts, Program Director * Marine Conservation Funds) by December 1, 2004. Full proposals, accepted by invitation only, will be due to NFWF by March 15, 2005. MORE INFORMATION * The National Whale Conservation Fund's LARGE WHALE GEAR COMPETITION project is a collaborative effort among the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (www.nfwf.org), NOAA Fisheries (www.nmfs.noaa.gov), Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (www.gomlf.org) and the Northeast Consortium (www.northeastconsortium.org). I look forward to receiving your applications. Please share this announcement with any colleagues who might be interested in THE LARGE WHALE GEAR COMPETITION. Thank you, Leslie Ricketts Leslie Ricketts Program Director -- Marine Conservation Funds National Fish & Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-857-0166, ext. 558 Fax: 202-857-0162 Email: leslie.ricketts(\)nfwf.org www.nfwf.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 10:42:02 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: review of cetacean mating and courtship (fwd) Hi, Scott Kraus and I are writing a chapter on cetacean mating and courtship for "Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Cetacea.", part of an series edited by Barrie Jamieson . If you have recently published papers that could be incorporated into the chapter, I would appreciate receiving a copy of them (electronically or hardcopies). thanks Cathy Dr. Cathy Schaeff Associate Professor and Chair Department of Biology, American University 4400 Mass. Ave. NW, Washington DC 20016-8007 (phone): (202) 885-2194; (fax): (202) 885-2182 schaeff(\)american.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 12:01:08 +0200 From: "William M. Johnson" Subject: Submissions to The Monachus Guardian, Issue 14: November 2004 Dear Colleagues, This is to let you know that we are now inviting submissions for the November 2004 issue of The Monachus Guardian. The following updated guide to the various sections of the journal may prove useful to contributors: Monachus Science: Monachus Science articles are subject to peer review and may be submitted at any time. Cover Story / In Focus / Perspectives: Proposals for feature articles should be addressed to editor(\)monachus-guardian.org International News / Mediterranean News / Hawaiian News: The Monachus Guardian should receive standard news items no later than 15 October. Please contact the editor in the event of urgent 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: 30 October. Monachus Library: As a separate service of the Monachus Library makes previously published material available to an international online readership. Contributions to the Library (including abstracts, posters, papers and reports in electronic format) are welcome at any time. Letters to the Editor: May be submitted at any time. We look forward to hearing from you William M. Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org The Monachus Guardian, Library and Network can be accessed at the following address: _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 18:09:34 -0400 From: "Etchemendy, Sheri" Subject: Manatee Internship Announcement MANATEE PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Photo-identification Program is looking for one or two detail-oriented interns or volunteers to serve during the upcoming winter session in St. Petersburg, Florida. Interns will primarily assist staff members in photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay and in assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. Interns are expected to work four days per week for approximately eight hours each day. Qualifications: Must be a college junior or senior for internship credit, volunteers do not need to meet this qualification; Working knowledge of digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred; Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred; Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment; Some field research experience with animals preferred; Preference given to applicants who possess a valid Florida driver's license and those willing to obtain a valid Florida driver's license before the session begins. Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the winter 2004/2005 session (November 1, 2004-March 31, 2005). Internships, which ideally last four to five months, require a minimum three-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Please send a hard copy of your resume with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient if not applying for internship credit), list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Bill Arnold FWC/FMRI 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 Bill.Arnold(\)MyFWC.com This intern position is open until filled. *All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 16:04:30 -0400 From: Jan Young Subject: Position announcement: senior scientist Would you please post the following announcement at your earliest convenience. Thank you. CENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES Senior Scientist Immediate opening for senior scientist in the field of marine mammal research and conservation. Specific responsibilities will include supervision of right whale survey of Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters and development of new research and conservation programs. Qualifications include five to seven years of professional experience, including grant writing, project management, and scientific publication. Candidates must have a doctoral degree and strong background in biological oceanography, familiarity with principles of ecosystem management, and interest in fisheries issues and public policy beyond his/her own specialty. Excellent communication and leadership skills essential. Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Submit cover letter, resume and writing sample to: Senior Scientist Search, Center for Coastal Studies, PO Box 1036, Provincetown, MA 02657 or as e-mail attachments to jeyoung(\)coastalstudies.org. -- Janet E. Young Administrator Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street P.O. Box 1036 Provincetown, MA 02657 508-487-3622, ext. 110 (o) 508-487-4495 (f) jeyoung(\)coastalstudies.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 10:24:54 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cetacean ventilation and diving (fwd) From: "Dearolf, Jennifer" Greetings, MARMAMers, My name is Jenn Dearolf, and I am an assistant professor in the biology department of Hendrix College, a small liberal arts school in Conway, AR. Thanks to the assistance of the UNC Wilmington Marine Mammal Stranding Program, my student and I have undertaken a study to determine if correlations exist between select ventilatory parameters (breathing frequency, inspiratory time, and maximum breath-hold dive time) and morphological characteristics of the diaphragm. These characteristics include fiber-type profile, myoglobin concentration, and the concentration of two oxidative and one glycolytic enzyme. I am writing to the list to ask for assistance. My student and I are having difficulty finding information about the ventilatory parameters of some of the cetacean species in our diaphragm data set. Our access to appropriate biological abstract search engines is limited, so we have only found a few papers about these parameters. We were hoping that members of this list might be able to help us with references or even data. I will include the references we have found to date in this e-mail and will follow up with any references that I receive from members of the list. My student and I thank you in advance for your assistance. The species that we have in our data set include: bottlenose, common, striped, and spotted dolphins, harbor porpoises, pilot whales, and dwarf sperm whales. We hope to add to this list, as stranded specimens become available. The references we have so far: Ventilatory rate and inspiratory time Kastelein RA, Vaughan N, Groenenberg HJ, Boekholt HA, Schreurs VVAM. 1997. Respiration in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). In: Read AJ, Wiepkema PR, Nachtigall PE (eds.) The Biology of the Harbour Porpoise. De Spil Publishers, Woerden, The Netherlands. p 203-215. Kooyman GL, Cornell LH. 1981. Flow properties of expiration and inspiration in a trained bottle-nosed porpoise. Physiol Zool 54: 55-61. Olsen CR, Hale FC, Elsner R. 1969. Mechanics of ventilation in the pilot whale. Respir Physiol 7: 137-149. Maximum dive time Schreer JF, Kovacs KM. 1997. Allometry of diving capacity in air-breathing vertebrates. Can J Zool 75: 339-358. There are also some dive time references in the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (2002), edited by Perrin WF, Wursig B, and Thewissen JGM. Academic Press, San Diego, California. Sincerely, Jenn Dearolf dearolf(\)mercury.hendrix.edu Jennifer Dearolf, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Biology Department Hendrix College 1600 Washington Avenue Conway, AR 72032 (501) 450-4530 (office) (501) 450-4547 (fax) ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 20:30:00 -0700 From: Wendy Szaniszlo Subject: information re: managing aggressive sea lion interactions with surfers Dear MARMAM: I have been undertaking sea lion research in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BC Canada for the past four years, with particular focus on disturbance of sea lions by viewing activities. Recently the Park has been receiving reports of surfers being harassed by Steller sea lions. Although I have literature on pinnipeds being disturbed by vessels, I have not come across any information of humans (particularly surfers) having aggressive encounters with sea lions in the water. Have you any information regarding such aggressive behavior between surfers and sea lions and recommendations for management? Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has several wildlife management programs in place aimed to protect wildlife and to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment. At this time we have little information to educate visitors other than to recommend that they exit the water. Recently the frequency and level of aggression has increased to a point that injury has become a concern. The most recent interaction with a surfer lasted approximately 15 minutes. The sea lion continually circled the surfer, bumping the board and grabbing the board?s leash, pulling on it. The animal growled and showed its teeth within three feet of the surfer. The surfer was not able to get away and even hit the sea lion on the back several times. When the surfer was able to escape, the sea lion followed and began harassing another surfer, biting and pulling on the surfboard leash. The haulout off Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a year-round haulout for Steller sea lions. All reports of sea lion harassment have been by sub-adult males. It is not possible to know whether it is the same individual animal(s) aggressing surfers. Complicating the issue is the shear number of visitors engaged in water activities in the Long Beach area, only a few kilometers from the sea lion haulout: the number of water users has increased by 133 percent between 2002 and 2003. Surfing alone has increased by 65 percent. Although Park Wardens have management strategies in place such as hazing and temporary area closures to address issues with terrestrial carnivores, information regarding how to deal with aggressive sea lion behavior in areas of high visitor use is lacking. Any information would be appreciated to help Park staff make decisions that would help protect sea lions and keep visitors safe. Thank-you. Wendy Wendy Szaniszlo Pacific Rim National Park Reserve wendy.szaniszlo(\)pc.gc.ca 250-726-7165 ext. 231 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 07:20:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: PhD research position available on Australian fur seals (fwd) PhD research position The following PhD research project is available for a suitable candidate for commencement in 2005 under the co-supervision of Dr John Arnould (Deakin University, Burwood Campus) and Dr Roger Kirkwood (Phillip Island Nature Park). Foraging ecology of juvenile Australian fur seals Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) breed at 10 sites in south-eastern Australia and produce an estimated 19,000 pups per annum. Since 1970, pup production for the species has almost doubled as part of the recovery from commercial harvesting in the 1800s. Most of this increase has occurred at sites in the north of the breeding range, with two colonies in particular now accounting for 55% of the total population for the species: Seal Rocks (25%) and Lady Julia Percy Island (30%). With the recent increases in fur seal numbers there has been rising interest in their diet, foraging areas, and prey consumption in order to better understand their role in marine ecosystem and potential interactions and conflict with commercial fisheries. While much recent work has focussed on the foraging ecology of adult females and adult males, there is little information for juvenile animals. As the early period of nutritional independence is likely to be a critical time for the survival of juvenile animals, knowledge of their foraging ecology is crucial for understanding the factors which may influence the rate of population recovery as well as gaining a better knowledge of potential fisheries interactions. This project, therefore, aims to investigate the foraging ecology of known-age juvenile (up to 4 yr) Australian fur seals. Individuals from two colonies with contrasting foraging environments will be studied: Seal Rocks which is located >200 km from the edge of the continental shelf in central northern Bass Strait at the entrance to Western Port; and Lady Julia Percy Island which is situated on a narrow strip of continental shelf, 30 km from the shelf-edge. Components of the study will include determining: 1) At-sea movements, foraging locations and haul-out patterns 2) diving behaviour; rates of prey capture and foraging efficiency 3) prey composition and energetic value; 4) indices of diving capacity (total blood volume/ oxygen carrying capacity) and body condition; 5) surveys of the foraging environment (sea-surface temperature, sea-conditions, prey abundance, competitor abundance, fisheries activity) While the logistical support for this project is already funded, the candidate will need to secure financial support for their own living expenses (i.e. scholarship or equivalent). We require a self-motivated student with proven field skills. Field trips of up to 14 days to remote seal colonies on islands in Bass Strait will need to be organised by the student, including arranging field assistants. A keen interest in marine research and familiarity with marine mammal science would be required. Previous experience at handling large animals would be an advantage as would a sound knowledge of statistics and proven writing skills. Interested students should contact either of the stated co-supervisors by email or telephone to discuss the project further. Dr John Arnould Dr Roger Kirkwood School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Phillip Island Nature Park Deakin University PO Box 97 221 Burwood Highway Cowes, VIC 3922 Burwood, VIC 3125 Australia Australia Telephone: +61 (3) 9251 7465 Telephone: +61 (3) 5951 2844 Facsimile: +61 (3) 9251 7048 Facsimile: +61 (3) 5956 8394 E-mail: jarnould(\)deakin.edu.au E-mail: rkirkwood(\)penguins.org.au ---------- Dr J.P.Y. Arnould School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Deakin University 221 Burwood Highway Burwood Victoria, 3125 Australia Telephone +61 (3) 9251 7465 Facsimile +61 (3) 9251 7048 Mobile +61 0438 212 334 E-mail jarnould(\)deakin.edu.au ---------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 13:38:45 -0700 From: Kate Stafford Subject: new paper on Antarctic blue whale calls The following paper is now available: > > Stafford KM, Bohnenstiehl DR, Tolstoy M, Chapp E, Mellinger DK and > Moore, SE. 2004.Antarctic-type blue whale calls recorded at low > latitudes in the Indian and eastern Pacific Oceans. Deep-Sea Research I, > 51(10):1337-1346. > > Pdf available from kate.stafford(\)noaa.gov. Abstract: Blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, were once abundant around the Antarctic during the austral summer, but intensive whaling during the first half of the 20th century reduced their numbers by over 99%. Although interannual variability of blue whale occurrence on the Antarctic feeding grounds was documented by whalers, little was known about where the whales spent the winter months. Antarctic blue whales produce calls that are distinct from those produced by blue whales elsewhere in the world. To investigate potential winter migratory destinations of Antarctic blue whales, we examined acoustic data for these signals from two low-latitude locales: the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Antarctic-type blue whale calls were detected on hydrophones in both regions during the austral autumn and winter (May-September), with peak detections in July. Calls occurred over relatively brief periods in both oceans, suggesting that there may be only a few animals migrating so far north and/or producing calls. Antarctic blue whales appear to use both the Indian and eastern Pacific Oceans concurrently, indicating that there is not a single migratory destination. . Acoustic data from the South Atlantic and from mid-latitudes in the Indian or Pacific Oceans are needed for a more global understanding of migratory patterns and destinations of Antarctic blue whales. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 12:12:24 -0700 From: Dave Mellinger Subject: paper on acoustic detection of right whales The following paper is now available. Please contact me (David.Mellinger(\)oregonstate.edu) for a PDF. Mellinger, D.K. 2004. A comparison of methods for detecting right whale calls. Canad. Acoust. 32:55-65. North Atlantic, North Pacific, and southern right whales all produce the 'up' call, a frequency-modulated upsweep in the 50-200 Hz range. This call is one of the most common sounds, and frequently the most common sound, received from right whales, and as such is a useful indicator of the presence of right whales for acoustic surveys. A data set was prepared of 1857 calls and 6359 non-call sounds recorded from North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) near Georgia and Massachusetts. Two methods for the detection of the calls were compared: spectrogram correlation and a neural network. Spectrogram correlation parameters were chosen two ways, by manual choice using a sample of 20 calls, and by an optimization procedure that used all available calls. Neural network weights were trained via backpropagation on 9/10 of the test data set. Performance was measured separately for calls of different signal-to-noise ratio, as SNR heavily influences the performance of any detector. Results showed that the neural network performed best at this task, achieving an error rate of less than 6%, and is thus the preferred detection method here. Spectrogram correlation may be useful in situations in which a large set of training data is not available, as manual training on a small set of examples achieved an error rate (26%) that may be acceptable for many applications. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 23:08:16 +0200 From: Jaap van der Toorn Subject: EAAM 33rd annual symposium announcement The Board of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals is proud to announce its 33rd annual symposium. The symposium will be held from Friday, March 11, 2005 until Monday, March 14, 2005 in Harderwijk, the Netherlands and is hosted by the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk. The Board would like to invite you to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations. The abstract submission form can be downloaded from the dedicated symposium web site (see below). Following the symposium, two workshops are being organized. On March 14 and 15, there will be a workshop on dolphin reproduction. Participation is by invitation only. On March 16, there will be a workshop on rehabilitation of cetaceans and this workshop is open to anyone interested in this topic. Information about the symposium and the workshops can be found on the dedicated symposium website: http://www.eaam2005dolfinarium.nl. Registration, hotel and travel information will be made available on this site. We hope to see you in Harderwijk, the Netherlands in March. On behalf of the EAAM Board, Jaap van der Toorn (EAAM Webmaster) webmaster(\)eaam.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 18:50:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Faculty Research Assistant job opening with OSU Marine Mammal Program (fwd) The Oregon State University Marine Mammal Program in Newport, Oregon is accepting applications for a F/T fixed-term, 12-month Faculty Research Assistant, with reappointment at the discretion of the hiring authority. Salary $26K. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology, science, computer science or related field. Duties include: digital photo ID, photo/video editing and cataloguing, tag building, data analysis, writing and field work as assigned. Preferred qualifications include a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. For review of the full position announcement and instructions on how to apply, refer to our website at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs and look for Job# 001-2128 under "Academic and Professional Faculty Vacancies." For full consideration, apply by 27 September 2004. OSU is an AA/EOE. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 13:39:40 -0400 From: Jill Lewandowski Organization: NOAA Subject: open positions with NOAA Fisheries' Office of Protected Resources The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources (OPR) currently has two positions open in its Silver Spring, Maryland office. 1) The first position is as a fishery biologist with OPR's scientific research permitting and small take authorization programs. This position closes on September 20, 2004. 2) The second position is as an economist and would support national oversight for NOAA Fisheries economic activities, including permits, regulations, NEPA documents, and fishery management actions affecting protected resources. This position closes on September 15, 2004. More information on these positions and links to apply online can be found at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/vacancy.html. This webpage is also updated as new OPR positions become available. Additional information on the office and its programs can be found online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 23:25:49 +0200 From: Jaap van der Toorn Subject: EAAM Symposium correction Posted by Jaap van der Toorn, EAAM Webmaster, on behalf on Niels van Elk, President-Elect of the EAAM: The board of EAAM has, after careful consideration, decided to postpone the reproduction workshop. Two workshops and a full conference program are probably to heavy a burden on everybody's schedule at the start of the season. Regretfully this was not yet communicated to our webmaster. The definite program thus will be: a.. 11 March IWG meeting and Icebreaker b.. 12-14 March EAAM conference c.. 15 March rehabilitation program Details and registration forms are available on the conference website: http://www.eaam2005dolfinarium.nl Kind regards Niels van Elk President Elect EAAM ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2004 04:04:14 +1200 From: =?iso-8859-1?q?Eduardo=20Secchi?= Subject: new issue of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals ------ Dear Marmamers, I would like to announce that LAJAM_3(1) is published. The articles shown in this volume are listed below. Further information about LAJAM can be found in our web page (www.solamac.net) or directly with the editors (lajam(\)infolink.com.br). Best regards, Eduardo Secchi LAJAM editor-in-chief ___________________________________________ Contents of LAJAM 3(1) Dental anomalies in the Atlantic population of South American sea lion, Otaria byronia (Pinnipedia, Otariidae): evolutionary implications and ecological approach ......................................... 7 C.J.Drehmer, M.E.Fabi=E1n and J.O.Menegheti Using canine teeth for sex determination of the South American fur seal, Arctocephalus australis ........ 19 D.Molina-Schiller and M.C.Pinedo Assessment of the level of surface activity in humpback whales during the breeding season ........ 25 F.F=E9lix Home ranges and movement patterns of the marine tucuxi dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis, in Ba=EDa Norte, southern Brazil ................................... 37 P.A.C.Flores and M.Bazzalo Preliminary observations on habitat use patterns of the marine tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis, in Cispat=E1 Bay, Colombian Caribbean coast .................... 53 C.Garc=EDa and F.Trujillo Incidental catches of franciscana in coastal gillnet fisheries in the Franciscana Management Area III: period 1999-2000 .................................. 61 E.R.Secchi, P.G.Kinas and M.Muelbert Strandings of antillean manatees, Trichechus manatus manatus, in northeastern Brazil ................... 69 C.L.Parente, J.E.Vergara-Parente and R.P.Lima Galapagos fur seals, Arctocephalus galapagoensis, in Mexico ............................................ 77 D.Aurioles-Gamboa, Y.Schramm and S.Mesnick Stranding of an Antarctic minke whale, Balaenoptera bona=EBrensis (Burmeister, 1867), on the northern coast of South America ............................ 81 A.C.O.Meirelles and M.A.A.Furtado Neto New record of mother-calf pair of southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, off the Peruvian coast ............................................. 83 L.Santill=E1n, M.Roca, M.Apaza, L.R.Oliveira and K.Ont=F3n Notes on the distribution of tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea: Delphinidae), in Ecuadorian Amazonia .........................................85 G.Zapata-R=EDos and V.Utreras B. =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D ************************************ Eduardo R. Secchi Lab. Mam=EDferos Marinhos Museu Oceanogr=E1fico =93Prof. E.C. Rios=94 - FURG Cx.P. 379 Rio Grande-RS, 96200-970, Brasil Phone (work): ++53-232-9107 or 231-3496=20 Phone (home): ++53-236-2937 FAX: ++53-232-9633 e.mail: edu.secchi(\)furg.br Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 20:32:58 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Two new publications on Weddell seals Marine Mammal Community, I would like to announce two new publications about our team's work with Weddell seals hunting below the sea ice in Antarctica. 1. For the General public: The Hunter's Breath: On expedition with the Weddell seals of Antarctica. by Terrie M. Williams (M. Evans Publ, 2004; available at Amazon.com) This book was written for both scientists and non-scientists interested in how we conduct marine mammal research in one of the most remote places on earth. It brings the reader into the daily lives of marine biologists and a remarkable diving seal. "The Hunter's Breath" provides an introduction to "what it takes" to be a marine mammal biologist including the excitement of discovering the hidden world of Antactica's Weddell seals. 2. For the scientific community: The cost of foraging by a marine predator, the Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii: pricing by the stroke. Terrie M. Williams, Lee A. Fuiman, Markus Horning, and Randall W. Davis Journal of Experimental Biology 207: 973-982. For further information on these publications and the PDF ffor the JEB article contact Terrie M. Williams at williams(\)biology.ucsc.edu. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 20:37:26 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Bottlenose dolphin nasal region ultrasonography (fwd) Dear Marmam: we are a group of vet and biologists at the University of Bari (Italy) looking for information on ultrasonography of the nasal region and melon in bottlenose dolphin during sound production. We are going to apply this technique on captive individuals. Have you any ultrasonographic image regarding these cranial regions for making comparative analysis? Thank you in advance for your kind help. Daniela S. Pace c/o Prof. Angelo Quaranta, DVM Dipartimento di Produzione Animale Sezione di Fisiologia Veterinaria Universite di Bari Strada Prov.le per Casamassima, Km 3 70010 Valenzano (BA) Tel. +39 080 4679927 - 4679825 Fax +39 080 4679883 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2004 08:47:05 +0200 From: Mats Amundin Subject: SV: Bottlenose dolphin nasal region ultrasonography (fwd) ------ Dear Daniela, I have tried this technique on harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins = and found it not so yielding. There are, as you may know, several sets of air sacs, in particular the vestibular sacs, and nasofrontal sacs, which shie= lds off structures below. Instead we have used CT scanning and MR scanning, which is very useful. Also I have used serial cryosectioning, feeding the structures from the slides into a computer graphics programme that reconstructed the anatomy. If you are interested I can send you a copy of= my dissertation. Also refer to several papers by Ted W. Cranford. Regards, Mats Amundin=20 ************************************************************* Mats Amundin, PhD, Adj. prof. Linkoping University Research director/Zoo zoologist Kolmardens Djurpark S-618 92 Kolmarden Sweden Phone: +46 11 24 90 18 Cellphone: +46 705 47 04 27 -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- Fr=E5n: MARMAM Editors [mailto:marmamed(\)uvic.ca]=20 Skickat: den 9 september 2004 05:37 Till: MARMAM(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA =C4mne: Bottlenose dolphin nasal region ultrasonography (fwd) Dear Marmam: we are a group of vet and biologists at the University of Bari (Italy) looking for information on ultrasonography of the nasal region and melon = in bottlenose dolphin during sound production. We are going to apply this technique on captive individuals. Have you any ultrasonographic image regarding these cranial regions for making comparative analysis? Thank you in advance for your kind help. Daniela S. Pace c/o Prof. Angelo Quaranta, DVM Dipartimento di Produzione Animale Sezione di Fisiologia Veterinaria Universite di Bari Strada Prov.le per Casamassima, Km 3 70010 Valenzano (BA) Tel. +39 080 4679927 - 4679825 Fax +39 080 4679883 http://is.dal.ca/~whitelab/marmam.htm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:14:18 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ACS Conference - Early Bird Deadline next week (fwd) **Register soon and SAVE - Early Bird deadline is September 17th** American Cetacean Society's 9th International Conference Learning from Whales: Education, Inspiration & Action RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA November 11-14, 2004 Our theme this year is a central part of our mission to protect cetaceans---education, and how to use it to inform and inspire. We want attendees to leave the conference armed with new information, excited about new discoveries and how they can help save whales. We have added a new and exciting component to this year's program. Thursday, November 11th, we will have a workshop to provide hands-on, practical ideas for teachers and naturalists. We will present valuable information, include break-out groups for peer interaction and provide materials to be used when attendees return to their classrooms or boats. Take a moment to mark your calendar for Thursday, November 11th, 2004 (educator's workshop), Friday, November 12th, 2004 (exciting pre-conference activities) and November 13th-14th, 2004 our 9th biennial conference. For further information and registration forms, please check our newly redesigned website www.acsonline.org Prices start at just $149 - register by September 17th to receive the greatest discount! Great Sessions, such as: Learning from Whales Cognition in Cetaceans Using Science to Build Policy Whales in Local Waters Strandings Fantastic Field Trips: The Santa Barbara based Condor express will pick us up in Long Beach for an all-day deep-water adventure you won't want to miss! The Natural History Museum of LA County will host a tour of their Marine Mammal Warehouse. Visit the Marine Mammal Care Center and International Bird Rescue and Rehab Facility for a behind-the-scenes tour. Photo Contest: Deadline: October 15, 2004 ACS invites amateur photographers to participate in the "Learning From Whales" photo contest. All entries must be RECEIVED at ACS National headquarters in San Pedro, CA by October 15, 2004 along with the entry fee ($5 per photo for conference participants/$10 for non-participants). Please contact Photo Contest Coordinator, Bernardo Alps, whalephoto(\)earthlink.net with any questions. And More... Please visit our website for more information www.acsonline.org, or feel free to contact me at See you there! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Diane Alps Administrative Assistant DianeAlps(\)ACSonline.org ACS: For and about whales, dolphins and porpoises! AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY National Headquarters P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 Fax (310) 548-6950 Email: info(\)ACSonline.org Website: www.acsonline.org ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 10:24:24 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org AGAZZI, S.; G. BEARZI and E. POLITI. EUROPEAN RESEARCH ON CETACEANS 15:351-353. 2004. Common dolphin prey species in the eastern Ionian Sea: Insight from fish scales sampled during surface foraging. 0.220 MB ALLEN, SIMON; HELENE MARSH and AMANDA HODGSON. PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES 125:211-216. 2004. Occurrence and conservation of the dugong (Sirenia: Dugongidae) in New South Wales. 0.272 MB BEAN, K.; W. AMOS; P. P. POMEROY; S. D. TWISS; T. N. COULSON and I. L. BOYD. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 13(8):2365-2370. 2004. Patterns of parental relatedness and pup survival in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). 0.151 MB BEARZI, GIOVANNI; DRASKO HOLCER and GIUSEPPE NOTARBARTOLO DI SCIARA. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 14(4):363-379. 2004. The role of historical dolphin takes and habitat degradation in shaping the present status of northern Adriatic cetaceans. 0.218 MB BEARZI, G.; F. QUONDAM and E. POLITI. EUROPEAN RESEARCH ON CETACEANS 15:292-293. 2004. Bottlenose dolphins foraging alongside fish farm cages in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters. 0.055 MB BRUNNER, SYLVIA; MICHAEL M. BRYDEN and PETER D. SHAUGHNESSY. SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY 2(1):83-110. 2004. Cranial ontogeny of otariid seals. 0.618 MB BRUNO, S.; E. POLITI and G. BEARZI. EUROPEAN RESEARCH ON CETACEANS 15:49-51. 2004. Social organisation of a common dolphin community in the eastern Ionian Sea: Evidence of a fluid fission-fusion society. 0.289 MB DAS, KRISHNA; LUDO HOLSBEEK; JULIE BROWNING; URSULA SIEBERT; ALEXEI BIRKUN and JEAN-MARIE BOUQUEGNEAU. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 131(2):197-204. 2004. Trace metal and stable isotope measurements (delta C-13 and delta N-15) in the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta from the Black Sea. 0.253 MB DEROCHER, ANDREW E.; NICHOLAS J. LUNN and IAN STIRLING. INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY 44(2):163-176. 2004. Polar bears in a warming climate. (Ursus maritimus) 0.115 MB DI BENEDITTO, ANA PAULA MADEIRA. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(2):311-314. 2004. Presence of Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) remains in the stomach of a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri) captured in southeastern Brazil. 0.082 MB DYCK, MARKUS G.; JACKIE M. BOURGEOIS and EDWARD H. MILLER. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 264(1):105-110. 2004. Growth and variation in the bacula of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Canadian Arctic. 0.124 MB EVANS, KAREN and MARK A. HINDELL. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 263(3):237-250. 2004. The age structure and growth of female sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in southern Australian waters. 0.230 MB FELIX, FERNANDO. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 3(1):25-36. 2004. Assessment of the level of surface activity in humpback whales during the breeding season. (Megaptera novaeangliae) 0.666 MB GODARD, CELINE A. J.; ROXANNA M. SMOLOWITZ; JOANNA Y. WILSON; ROGER S. PAYNE and JOHN J. STEGEMAN. TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES 80(2):268-275. 2004. Induction of cetacean cytochrome P4501A1 by beta-naphthoflavone exposure of skin biopsy slices. 0.587 MB GOLDSMITH, MORRIS and ASHER KORIAT. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES 26(3):345-346. 2003. Dolphins on the witness stand? The comparative psychology of strategic memory regulation. 0.054 MB HAMMILL, M. O.; V. LESAGE; J. F. GOSSELIN; H. BOURDAGES; B. G. E. DE MARCH and M. C. S. KINGSLEY. ARCTIC 57(2):183-195. 2004. Evidence for a decline in northern Quebec (Nunavik) belugas. 0.483 MB HUBARD, CARRIE W.; KATHY MAZE-FOLEY; KEITH D. MULLIN and WILLIAM W. SCHROEDER. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(2):299-310. 2004. Seasonal abundance and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Mississippi Sound. 0.807 MB HUNG, C. L. H.; M. K. SO; D. W. CONNELL; C. N. FUNG; M. H. W. LAM; S. NICHOLSON; B. J. RICHARDSON and P. K. S. LAM. CHEMOSPHERE 56(7):643-651. 2004. A preliminary risk assessment of trace elements accumulated in fish to the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in the northwestern waters of Hong Kong. 0.329 MB JESSOPP, M. J.; J. FORCADA; K. REID; P. N. TRATHAN and E. J. MURPHY. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 263(3):251-258. 2004. Winter dispersal of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx): Environmental factors influencing demographics and seasonal abundance. 0.136 MB KAJIWARA, NATSUKO; DAISUKE UENO; ATSUSHI TAKAHASHI; NORIHISA BABA and SHINSUKE TANABE. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(14):3804-3809. 2004. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorines in archived northern fur seal samples from the Pacific coast of Japan, 1972-1998. 0.097 MB KANNAN, K.; N. KAJIWARA; B. J. LE BOEUF and S. TANABE. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 131(3):425-434. 2004. Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in California sea lions. 0.266 MB LARSEN, FINN and PHILIP S. HAMMOND. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 263(4):343-358. 2004. Distribution and abundance of West Greenland humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). 0.360 MB MARSILI, L.; A. D'AGOSTINO; D. BUCALOSSI; T. MALATESTA and M. C. FOSSI. CHEMOSPHERE 56(8):791-801. 2004. Theoretical models to evaluate hazard due to organochlorine compounds (OCs) in Mediterranean striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). 0.325 MB MARTIN, A. R. and V. M. F. DA SILVA. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 263(3):295-305. 2004. River dolphins and flooded forest: Seasonal habitat use and sexual segregation of botos (Inia geoffrensis) in an extreme cetacean environment. 0.312 MB MULLIN, KEITH D.; WAYNE HOGGARD and LARRY J. HANSEN. GULF OF MEXICO SCIENCE 22(1):62-73. 2004. Abundance and seasonal occurrence of cetaceans in outer continental shelf and slope waters of the north-central and northwestern Gulf of Mexico. 0.911 MB NOWACEK, STEPHANIE M.; RANDALL S. WELLS; EDWARD C. G. OWEN; TODD R. SPEAKMAN; RICHARD O. FLAMM and DOUGLAS P. NOWACEK. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 119(4):517-523. 2004. Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris, respond to approaching vessels. 0.267 MB NUMMELA, SIRPA; J. G. M. THEWISSEN; SUNIL BAJPAI; S. TASEER HUSSAIN and KISHOR KUMAR. NATURE (LONDON) 430(7001):776-778. 2004. Eocene evolution of whale hearing. 0.264 MB PARSONS, E. C. M. ANTHROZOOS 17(1):73-80. 2004. Sea monsters and mermaids in Scottish folklore: Can these tales give us information on the historic occurrence of marine animal in Scotland? 0.040 MB POLITI, E.; G. BEARZI and S. AIROLDI. EUROPEAN RESEARCH ON CETACEANS 15:234-236. 2004. Evidence for malnutrition in bottlenose dolphins photoidentified in the eastern Ionian Sea. 0.196 MB ROBECK, T. R.; K. J. STEINMAN; S. GEARHART; T. R. REIDARSON; J. F. MCBAIN and S. L. MONFORT. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 71(2):650-660. 2004. Reproductive physiology and development of artificial insemination technology in killer whales (Orcinus orca). 0.344 MB RYCHEL, AMANDA L.; TOD W. REEDER and ANNALISA BERTA. MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION 32(3):892-901. 2004. Phylogeny of mysticete whales based on mitochondrial and nuclear data. 0.376 MB VAN PARIJS, SOFIE M.; CHRISTIAN LYDERSEN and KIT M. KOVACS. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 68(1):89-96. 2004. Effects of ice cover on the behavioural patterns of aquatic-mating male bearded seals. 0.736 MB VAN TUINEN, M. and E. A. HADLY. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 95(3):200-208. 2004. Calibration and error in placental molecular clocks: A conservative approach using the cetartiodactyl fossil record. 0.198 MB WILLIS, PAMELA M.; BERNARD J. CRESPI; LAWRENCE M. DILL; ROBIN W. BAIRD and M. BRADLEY HANSON. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82(5):828-834. 2004. Natural hybridization between Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). 0.256 MB ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 09:07:39 +0200 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: fish encounter rates during visual surveys Dear List members I would be grateful to anyone who could send me information on the use of encounter rates obtained during visual surveys from (fast-moving) boats as a rough index of abundance for fish that can be seen at the surface. Encounter rates of cetaceans are routinely related to cetacean abundance, but of course marine mammals need to come regularly to the surface to breath. Did anyone use similar methods to explore trends in the abundance of fish that can be seen at the surface, e.g. swordfish, tuna, shark, sunfish, flyingfish etc.? Any information or article on fish sightings being used as an index of fish abundance would be greatly appreciated. Please reply to me and not to the list. If appropriate I will compile all responses and post back to the list. Best regards, giovanni _________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(\)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute and Contract professor of Cetacean conservation, University of Venice c/o Venice Natural History Museum Santa Croce 1730, 30135 Venezia, Italy voice: +39 0412750206; fax: +39 041721000 http://www.tethys.org ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 19:55:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job vacancy at SMRU (fwd) SCHOOL OF BIOLOGY SEA MAMMAL RESEARCH UNIT POOL FACILITY TECHNICIAN SALARY: 13,953 - 19,050 PA The SMRU is seeking to recruit an animal technician to work with seals in our pool facility. You will join a small team of scientists and technicians and assist in all aspects of day to day care and research programmes. The primary focus for the candidate will be to take on the role of animal trainer and take responsibility for the training program, hence previous training experience is a must and experience with marine mammals would be an advantage. Please quote ref: JJ22/04 Closing Date: 20 September 2004 Application forms and further particulars are available from http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/recruitment/vacancies or from Human Resources, University of St Andrews, College Gate, North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AJ, (tel: 01334 462571, by fax 01334 462570 or by e-mail Jobline(\)st-andrews.ac.uk). The University is committed to equality of opportunity. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 07:12:31 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Stenella malayana (fwd) Dear all, Does anyone know if Stenella malayana (Flores Sea Dolphin) still legally acknowledge as a species (or subspecies)? The IUCN red data base does not list the animal in its list, however, I and my friends recently encountered a species that looks like S. longilostris in the Flores Sea, and we thought it might be S. malayana. many thanks, Icha Putu Liza Kusuma Mustika (Icha) TESAG - JCU office ph. +61 7 4781 6930, fax. xx 4020 home ph. +61 7 4781 5783 mobile ph. 0421 450 740 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:30:11 +0100 From: Alexa Kershaw Subject: Posting for MARMAM Whale and Dolphin Research trip to the Seychelles Join Sea Life Surveys on our first 'Seychelles Explorer' research trip. This is an exploratory cruise to find out more about the whales and dolphins that are found in the Seychelles. Until now, there have been only two limited surveys undertaken in the area. These surveys indicate it is a very rich area with up to 25 different species of whales & dolphins recorded. However, more information is required about this important area which forms part of the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. The research cruise is aboard the 120ft MV Indian Ocean Explorer from which we will be conducting visual surveys, photo identification and acoustic searches for whales and dolphins. We will also be collecting whale shark data and undertaking bird counts. In these projects Sea Life Surveys works closely with local conservation groups in the Seychelles including Marine Conservation Society Seychelles and The Nature Protection Trust Seychelles. We are looking for up to 14 people to assist us in learning more about these little-studied waters. If you want to be part of this exploratory cruise email seychelles(\)sealifesurveys.com or go to www.sealifesurveys.com for more information. Trip departs the UK 21st November 2004. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:22:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Cetacean Taxonomy research workshop report (fwd) The report from the workshop, "Shortcoming of Cetacean Taxonomy in Relation to Needs of Conservation and Management" is now available online. The Workshop took place at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, from April 30 to May 2, 2004, following a two-day open symposium, Cetacean Systematics: Approaches in Genetics, Morphology, and Behavior. The main purpose of the conference was to address the shortcomings in our understanding of species-level and subspecific variation in cetaceans in relation to their conservation and management by bringing together experts with a variety of taxonomic approaches. The goal was to develop recommendations for improving that understanding, with an emphasis on molecular approaches and modern techniques for communicating and facilitating progress in taxonomy and forensic applications. The Workshop report, edited by Reeves et al., Perrin, Taylor, Baker and Mesnick (94 pages, in pdf format) includes reports from three working groups: the Working Group on Species- and Subspecies-level Taxonomy, the Working Group on Killer Whales as a Case Study and the Working Group on Achieving a Validated Molecular Taxonomy. The report also includes an updated list of cetacean species and updated list of cetacean species and subspecies, with priority on rankings for taxonomic research taking into account both taxonomic uncertainty and conservation risk. The workshop report is now available online on: The website of The Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography: http://cmbc.ucsd.edu or The website of the Protected Resources Division, NOAA Fisheries. Follow the links to the Population Identity Program, Cetacean Taxonomy and Systematics: http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/prd/PROGRAMS/POP-ID/default.htm - Sarah L. Mesnick, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 and Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Mail Code: 0203 Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093-0203 858.546.7148 (phone) 858.546.7003 (fax) email: Sarah.Mesnick(\)noaa.gov sarahlyn(\)ucsd.edu http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRD/PROGRAMS/POP-ID/default.htm http://cmbc.ucsd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 11:19:37 -0400 From: Molly Harrison Organization: NOAA Fisheries/Office of Protected Resources Subject: Zero Mortality Rate Goal Report to Congress by NMFS The report to Congress entitled, "Review of Commercial Fisheries' Progress Toward Reducing Mortality and Serious Injury of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations," is available to viewing on the following website: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/readingrm/Fisheries/zmrg_final_report_w_letters.pdf Tom Eagle Tom.Eagle(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 20:30:38 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Immediate Volunteer/Internship Opening (fwd) Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship or Volunteer Opportunity=20 =20 Due to unforseen circumstances, we have an immediate opening for our fa= ll internship session. We are accepting applications and will be conducting interviews at the applicants' earliest convenience. =20 The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Essex, MA= , is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. Cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. CORE's mission = is to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. CORE's research focuses primarily upon the populations of f= in and humpback whales found in the inshore waters of New England. We are currently working on several projects including:=20 =20 - a study regarding the hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpbac= k whales.=20 - novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales.=20 the presence of orca scars on humpback whales, their main predator in th= e North Atlantic.=20 - bias in whale watching regarding data collection and photo opportuniti= es on humpback whales vs. fin whales.=20 - shifts in distribution of whale species over time=20 - on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales an= d pilot whales. =20 =20 CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor t= o educate people about endangered whales and their marine environment.=20 =20 CORE collects most of its research data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip= as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. = The types of data recorded on each trip include physical information =AD suc= h as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well= as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester i= s included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates.=20 =20 CORE is somewhat of a fledgling organization, founded in 1996, we earned our non-profit status in 1998. Though we have no publications currently = in print, we are in the process of collecting data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as hierarchy within humpback whale social and feeding groups, t= o observations of Sowerby's and Cuvier's beaked whales in offshore submari= ne canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of fac= ets of research including:=20 =20 - Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work.=20 - Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through pho= to analysis; data submission to other research organizations and an educational on-line program WhaleNet.=20 - Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations= , researchers and students.=20 - Use of scientific tools - hydrophones, secchi disk, plankton tows. - Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and wil= l be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge.=20 - Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics includi= ng GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation machines; handling lines; and general knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol.=20 =20 Boat work will continue through the end of October. Fall internships involve more active office work - photo analysis, data analysis, archivi= ng, updating catalogs and general data input. =20 CORE offers year-round internship opportunities to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. We have immediate availability for housing. W= e also offer flexible hours, so that interns can obtain part-time jobs, if needed.=20 =20 Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design an= d implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock Colle= ge, Boston, MA). =20 The application deadline for the fall internship session has been extended, with interviews being conducted at the earliest convenience of the applicant. We are also accepting applications for the spring or wint= er sessions. To apply for an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and a letter of recommendation to the below address.=20 =20 Center for Oceanic Research and Education Intern Application forms can b= e accessed on the CORE website's internship section, www.coreresearch.org, then use your browser's print function to print. We will contact applica= nts to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials.=20 =20 If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Fox at the below phone number or e-mail me at: core(\)coreresearch.org. =20 =20 Lisa Fox, Director=20 Center for Oceanic Research and Education=20 245 Western Ave, Box 8, Essex, MA 01929=20 978.768.4560=20 =20 =20 =20 -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . =20 =20 =20 =20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 20:50:41 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: multivariate analysis course in Latin America (proposal) (fwd) PLEASE FIND AT THE BOTTOM AN ENGLISH VERSION OF THIS MESSAGE =20 Estimad(\)s colegas, =20 Soy un ecologo acuatico espanol, y vengo trabajando en ecologia poblacion= al desde 1992 e impartiendo cursos sobre metodos multivariados aplicados la investigacion de distintos grupos taxonomicos. =20 Quisiera proponer a las instituciones gubernamentales y no gubernamentale= s latinoamericanas que trabajan con ecologia y conservacion de mamiferos ac= uaticos (cetaceos, pinnipedos, sirenios y nutrias), la realizacion de un curso de posgrado sobre metodos estadisticos de analisis multivariado. =20 El curso da una perspectiva general a los distintos metodos de ordenacion multivariada, y se detiene a ahondar en los fundamentos matematicos y apl= icaciones ecologicas del Analisis de Componentes Principales, Ajuste Multidimension= al, MANOVA basadas en distancias y los ultimos metodos canonicos descritos (e= .g. CAP). =20 La adaptacion del curso al tema de los mamiferos acuaticos se realiza med= iante una busqueda bibliografica en las bases de datos BIOSIS y ASFAS (1969-20= 04), y una posterior recoleccion de 1/ publicaciones con aplicaciones multivar= iadas (reprints, pdf) y 2/ datos crudos de articulos ya publicados en la litera= tura internacional y donados por los autoridades que suscriben los articulos. El curso tiene una duracion de 80-100 horas, y se propone para alguno de los periodos siguientes: Marzo-Mayo 2005 o Septiembre-Noviembre 2005. En el caso de que haber inter=E9s por acoger el curso en su institucion, = les agradeceria que se pusieran en contacto conmigo y les haria llegar una pr= opuesta detallada sobre las caracteristicas del curso. Un cordial saludo, Salvador Herrando-Perez BSc. MPhil. C/ Padre Jofre 19 12006 Castellen de la Plana ESPANA telefonos (34) 657787340 / (+34) 964038845 salherra(\)ono.com ENGLISH VERSION Dear colleagues, I am a Spanish ecologist working on population ecology from 1992 and lect= uring postgraduate courses on multivariate methods applied to various taxonomic= al groups from 2001. I would like to propose Latin American Institutions working on aquatic ma= mmal ecology and conservation (cetacean, pinnipeds, sirenids, otters) a postgr= aduate course on multivariate methods. The course gives an overview of the array of ordination methods available for ecological data analysis, and concent= rates upon PCA, MDS, distance-based MANOVA procedures, and the lattest canonica= l methods described in the literature (i.e. CAP). The course focus on aquatic mammal science is attained by means of a thor= ough literature review in the BIOSIS and ASFAS data bases (1969-2004), and out of the latter the subsequent collection of 1/ aquatic mammal publications including multivariate methods in them (reprints, pdf), and 2/ raw data sets published in the international literature and donated by a number of authors. The course has a duration of 80-100 hours, and tentative holding dates wo= uld be March-May 2005 and September-November 2005. Should you have any interest in holding this kind of course at your insti= tution, please contact me and I would submit to you a detailed proposal featuring the main aspects of the course. Looking forward to hearing from you. Salvador Herrando-Perez BSc. MPhil. C/ Padre Jofre 19 12006 Castellen de la Plana SPAIN telefonos (34) 657787340 / (+34) 964038845 salherra(\)ono.com Salvador Herrando-Perez C/Padre Jofre 19, piso 3, pta 7 12006 Castellon de la Plana, SPAIN Telephone 34 - 657787340 / 964038845 salherra(\)ono.com / salherra(\)ull.es =20 =20 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 09:22:52 -0400 From: Michael Lueck Subject: Inaugural Issue of "Tourism in Marine Environments" ------ Dear All, it is with great pleasure that I announce the first issue of "Tourism in=20 Marine Environments". Information on subscription and guidelines for pape= r=20 submissions can be found at http://www.cognizantcommunication.com All the Best! micha Content of Vol 1 (1) Editorial (M. L=FCck) **Refereed Papers** Estimating the Economic Contribution of a Cruise Ship Visit (L. Dwyer, N.= =20 Dounglas, Z. Livaic) Why dolphins May Get Ulcers: Considering the Impacts of Cetacean-Based=20 Tourism in New Zealand (M. Orams) Marine Tourism Impacts on the Great Barrier Reef (V. J. Harriott) No Detectable Improvement in Compliance to reguilations by=20 "Swim-With_Dolphin" Operators in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia (C. Scarpaci, D. Nugegoda, P.J. Corkeron) Sustainable Management of Marine Fishing Tourism. Some Lessons From Norwa= y=20 (Trude Borch) **Commentaries/Research Notes** Editorial (M.L. Miller) Tourists Still Getting the Bends (J. Wilks, M. Coory, D. Pendergast) **Conference Reviews** International Lake Conference (T. Haerkoenen, C.M. Hall) Marine Mammal Viewing Workshop (J. Lewandowski) ** Book Reviews** Cruise Ship Blues: The Underside of the Cruise Industry (R. Dowling) Marine Ecotourism: Issues and Experiences (M. Sigala) *************************************************************************= ************************** Michael Lueck, Ph.D. Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies Brock University St. Catharines, Ontario Canada, L2S 3A1 Phone: +1 905 688 5550 ext. 4580 Fax: +1 905 984 4843 e-mail: mlueck(\)brocku.ca ************ Editor-in-Chief Tourism in Marine Environments http://www.cognizantcommunication.com *************************************************************************= ************************** ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2004 09:17:55 +0200 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: fish encounter rates during visual surveys Dear List members I had promised to compile information following a previous message titled "fish encounter rates during visual surveys from boats", posted on both the marmam and fish-sci lists. While I received a number of messages from people who were interested in the results of this search, only a few researchers provided information. It appears that there is much interest in this field, and a number of marine mammal researchers routinely record sightings of fish and other species during visual surveys from boats. However, many researchers have not yet managed to publish those data. Peter Nelson pointed me to the National Marine Fisheries Service web page, where there is mention to data collection on flyingfish during marine mammal cruises in the eastern tropical Pacific: http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRD/PROJECTS/star/default.htm Robert Kenney reported that boat-based visual surveys are relatively ineffective for any species that does not routinely and conspicuously break the surface of the water. One of the things that were analyzed by Shoop and Kenney (1992) was the proportion of sightings from aerial vs. shipboard platforms: large cetaceans - 56% aerial small cetaceans - 68% fish (sharks, rays, sunfish) - 91% turtles - 95% In his e-mail message, Dr. Kenney noted that "the difference was due to the effect of differing angles of view between aerial and shipboard observers. For any animal that is below the surface, the more vertical the observer's angle of view is, the deeper he or she will be able to see. The effect increases with low sun angles (i.e., early in the morning or late in the afternoon). Shipboard observers are always looking at relatively shallow angles, therefore can detect submerged animals only if they are very close to the vessel." Finally, Peter Stevick and Robert Kenney pointed me to a number of references relating to aerial surveys. These were relevant because of similar problems of accounting for variable availability of animals at the surface: Brill, R. W., M. E. Lutcavage, G. Metzger, J. Stallings, P. Bushnell, M. Arendt, J. Luch, C. Watson, and D. Foley. 2002. Horizontal and vertical movements of juvenile North Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the western North Atlantic determined using ultrasonic telemetry, with reference to population assessment by aerial surveys. Fishery Bulletin 100:155-167. Fishery Bulletin, US 100:155-167. Kenney, R. D. 1996. Preliminary assessment of competition for prey between leatherback sea turtles and ocean sunfish in northeast shelf waters. Pages 144-147 in J. A. Keinath, D. E. Barnard, J. A. Musick, and B. A. Bell, editors. Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFSC-387. National Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL. Kenney, R. D., R. E. Owen, and H. E. Winn. 1985. Shark distributions off the northeast United States from marine mammal surveys. Copeia 1985:220-223. Lutcavage, M. E., J. Goldstein, and S. D. Kraus. 1997. Distribution, relative abundance, and behavior of giant bluefin tuna in New England waters, 1995. International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Collected Volume in Science 96:332-347. Lutcavage, M. E., and S. D. Kraus. 1995. The feasibility of direct photographic aerial assessment of giant bluefin tuna in New England waters. Fishery Bulletin, US 93:495-503. Lutcavage, M. E., S. D. Kraus, and W. Hoggard. 1997. Aerial assessment of giant bluefin tuna in the Bahama Banks-Straits of Florida, 1995. Fishery Bulletin, US 95:300-310. Lutcavage, M. E., and N. Newlands. 1999. A strategic framework for fishery-independent aerial assessment of bluefin tuna. International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Collected Volume in Science XLIX. Newlands, N., and M. E. Lutcavage. 2001. From individuals to local population densities: Movements of North Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Gulf of Maine/Northwestern Atlantic. Pages 421-441 in J. R. Sibert, and J. L. Nielsen, editors. Electronic Tagging and Tracking in Marine Fisheries. Academic Press, Kluwer. Schick, R. S., J. Goldstein, and M. E. Lutcavage. 2004. Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) distribution in relation to sea surface temperature fronts in the Gulf of Maine (1994-1996). Fisheries Oceanography 13:225-238. Shoop, C.R. and R.D. Kenney. 1992. Seasonal distributions and abundances of loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles in waters of the northeastern United States. Herpetological Monographs 6: 43-67. Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi _________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(\)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute and Contract professor of Cetacean conservation, University of Venice c/o Venice Natural History Museum Santa Croce 1730, 30135 Venezia, Italy voice: +39 0412750206; fax: +39 041721000 http://www.tethys.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 19:56:34 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: internship opportunity (fwd) INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Field research with humpback whales in Maui, Hawaii. Openings for several interns. Interns will assist in a long-term continuing research project by The Dolphin Institute/Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory on the winter assembly of North Pacific humpback whales in Hawaii. Dr. Adam Pack will be the field director and Dr. Louis Herman will be the consulting expert. Historically, our research has investigated a variety of topics including migration destinations, inter-island movement, habitat preferences associated with different classes of whales, residency characteristics, competitive behavior, song, body size and social roles, individual life histories, and much more. For a partial list of publications, reports, theses, and dissertations see: http://www.dolphin-institute.org/our_research/ whale_research/whaleresearchpublications.htm. During the winter/spring 2005 season we will focus on several issues: continuing individual identification and underwater body size measurements, skin biopsy sampling in Maui waters through the SPLASH project, mitigation measures to avoid ship/whale collisions, and Crittercam deployment together with the National Geographic Society. All research staff, including interns, will be provided room and board in Maui. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Maui. On-water research will be on our 18- and 21-foot outboards. Shore-based research will be from elevated platforms along the Maui coast using theodolites and laptop computers. Interns will rotate between these two activities, as well as data processing at the field house. Two levels of internship are available: full season and half season. Full season runs from late December 2004 to May 15, 2005. Half-season is either late December through March 10, 2004 or March 1 through May 15, 2005. Requirements: Senior standing in college or college graduate; experience in research, especially field research; excellent letters of recommendation, ability to live and work closely and harmoniously as part of a team. Desirable, qualification: marine mammal experience, boating experience, familiarity with computers, digital phtography experience, theodolite experience. Send cover letter indicating why you are seeking this internship and why you feel you are qualified, complete resume, college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Indicate which intern track you are seeking: full season, half season early, or half season late, or any. Send applications or inquiries by email to pack(\)hawaii.edu or by snail mail to the Dolphin Institute, 420 Ward Ave., Suite 212, Honolulu HI 96814. Positions are open until filled, but early application is encouraged. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 20:34:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 8th International Wildlife Law Conference (fwd) Below please find the program for the 8th International Wildlife Law Conference. The registration form can also be downloaded and printed on our website: http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org. I hope you can join us in New Orleans. cheers, wil burns Wil Burns, Co-Chair American Society of International Law - International Environmental Law Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 510.217.7060 ASILWildlife(\)internationalwildlifelaw.org http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org _____________________________________________ Eighth International Wildlife Law Conference International Wildlife Law and the Protection of the Marine Environment November 19 - 20 Tulane University School of Law 6329 Freret Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Sponsored by the American Society of International Law International Environmental Law Group & the Tulane Environmental Law Institute Panel A Cetaceans Friday November 1910:00 am - 12 :00 pm Y. Iino, D. Goodman & J. Morishita Institute of Cetacean Research, Tokyo, Japan What makes the International Whaling Commission dysfunctional and how does this bode for the future of the organization? Halvard P. Johansen Deputy Director General Royal Ministry of Fisheries, Oslo, Norway The management of minke whales in the North Atlantic: Is there a realistic regional alternative to the International Whaling Commission? Kitty Block Special Counsel, HSUS, United Nations Treaties Department, Washington, DC USA Evolving Nature of Cetacean Agreements from Conservation to Protection with an emphasis on the IWC Wil Burns Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Redlands, & Editor in Chief, Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, Redlands, California, USA The Agreement on Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS): The viability of a Regional Cetacean Regime Lunch 12:00 - 1:00 Panel B Environmental Governance in International waters Friday November 19 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Gunther Handl Eberhard Deutsch Professor of International Law, Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Marine Protected Areas on the High Seas Richard Caddell Senior Lecturer and Director of the Baltic Legal Research Centre, International University, Tallinn, ESTONIA Driftnets and Cetaceans: The Role of EU Law in By-Catch Mitigation Eric Dannenmaier Director, Tulane Environmental Law Institute, Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Deep Democracy: Public Access to Decision-Making Concerning Wildlife in International Waters Panel C International Species Conservation Frameworks Friday November 19 2:30 - 6:00 (with break) Amanda Vincent Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation, Director, Project Seahorse, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Seahorse Conservation and CITES Shilpa Rajkumar & Sali J. Bache Centre for Maritime Policy, University of Wollongong, Australia The Forgotten Marine Mammal Conservation and Management of Pinnipeds William O. Barnhill, III Geo-Marine, Inc., Plano, Texas, USA Are international regimes effective at protecting manatees? A progress re= port on the 1995 Regional Management Plan for the West Indian manatee Joel T. Heinen Chair, Department of Environmental Studies, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA RAMSAR in Action: National Wetland Conservation Policy Implementation in Nepal and its Regional Implications for the Conservation of Migratory Birds Sudhir K. Chopra Visiting Fellow, The Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law, U= niversity of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources = in the 21st Century David Godfrey Executive Director, Caribbean Conservation Corporation and Sea Turtle Survival League, Gainesville, Florida, USA Conservation of Sea Turtles under International Regimes Friday Reception 6:00 pm Live Music and Local Fare SATURDAY PROGRAM Panel D Ocean NoiseSaturday November 20 9:00 am - 11:00 am Jim Cummings Acoustic Ecology Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico Moderator David Cottingham Director, US Marine Mammal Commission, Washington, DC, USA Managing in the Face of Uncertainties Cara Horowitz National Resources Defense Council, Washington, DC, USA Ocean Protection and Military Readiness: Lessons for Undersea Noise Regulation Maya Tolstoy Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, New York, New York A Research Perspective on Ocean Noise Regulation Michael Stocker Michael Stocker Associates, Lagunitas, California Ocean Bioacoustics and Scalable Noise Criteria Panel E Invasive Species Saturday November 20 11:30 pm - 12:30 pm Jeremy Firestone Assistant Professor, Marine Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA Evaluating Risk of Species Introduction to Facilitate Implementation of the New Global Ballast Water Convention and Conserve Marine Biodiversity Bivan Parnaik US Coast Guard, Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, Washington, DC, USA The Coast Guard's Approach to Controlling Invasive Species Lunch 12:30 - 1:30 Panel F Coastal Conservation And Management Saturday November 20 1:30 - 3:00 SA Ebbin, AH Hakon, AK Sydnes IDGEC/Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, Connecticut, USA; University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway The Performance of the Exclusive Economic Zone: Implications for Governan= ce of Marine Living Resources; Michael Vincent McGinnis Acting Director, Ocean & Coastal Policy Research Center, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA The Politics of Marine Ecosystem Management and Planning: The Case of the Southern California Bight Howard Schiffman Director and Assistant Clinical Professor, M.S. Program in Global Studies, NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies, New York, NY, USA Reservations in Marine Conservation Agreements: Practical Observations and Legal Limitations Accommodations A limited number of rooms have been blocked at the following hotels at special conference rates for Thursday through Saturday night, November 18 - 20. While we have blocked rooms to assure availability, registrants are responsible for their own accommodations. To secure conference rate, identify yourself as a participant in the ASIL /Tulane Conference You must contact the hotel directly to make reservations. Avenue Plaza Hotel 2111 St. Charles Avenue (Located in the Garden District, 20 minutes by Street Car from Tulane campus (800) 535-9575 or (504) 566-1212 www.avenueplazahotel.com (Conference rate =3D $89/night if reserved by October 1)=20 Park View Guest House 7004 St. Charles Avenue (Located on the corner of historic Audubon Park, across the street from Tulane campus) (800) 533-0746 or (504 861-7564 www.parkviewguesthouse.com (Rates vary depending on room =3D $79-139 weekdays; $89-149 weekends) -----------------------------------------------------------------------= ----------------------------------- Registration Name: ______________________________ Phone:= _____________________________ Title: ______________________________ Fax= : _____________________________ Affiliation: ______________________________ E-Mail:= _____________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: __________________________________ Fees: Pre-Registration (before November 1) = [$80] ______ Regular Registration (post November 1 and at door) [$1= 00] ______ Student/Senior (>64) = [$30] ______ Payable by check to Tulane Law School or by credit card: For Credit Card Payment Only (may be faxed or sent by e-mail to enlaw(\)law.tulane.edu): Card Type (MC/Visa/Amex): ____________________ Card Number:________________________ Authorized Signature: __________________________ Expires on: ___/___ Mail, fax, or e-mail this form to: Tulane Institute for Environmental Law 8th IWLC Conference 6329 Freret Street New Orleans, LA 70118-6231 (504) 862-8827 (504) 862-8760 (fax) enlaw(\)law.tulane.edu If you have questions about the conference, please contact Wil Burns, William_Burns(\)redlands.edu or 650.281.9126. William C.G. Burns, Chair American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 801.838.8710 http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 23:37:15 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: report available - MMS Completes Environmental Review of Seismic Activities and Effects on Marine Mammals (fwd) Please note that this is an extremely large document (400+ pages), so som= e of you might have to wait a bit for downloading. ********************************************************** For Release: August 3, 2004 Release# 3113 Contact: Debra Winbush (504) 736-2597 Caryl Fagot (504) 736-2590 MMS Completes Environmental Review of Seismic Activities and Effects on Marine Mammals The Minerals Management Service has announced the completion of an environmental assessment (EA) evaluating the potential environmental impa= cts of geological and geophysical (G&G) activities in the Gulf of Mexico. Th= e EA analyzed the best available information on the effects of seismic surv= eys on marine resources, and in particular marine mammals, including sperm whales. Hundreds of documents were reviewed from around the world. The activities analyzed in the EA include seismic surveys, deep-tow side-scan surveys, electromagnetic surveys, geological and geochemical sampling, and remote-sensing surveys which are used extensively to suppor= t oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. The impact-producing fact= ors considered in the EA include seismic survey noise, vessel and aircraft noise, seafloor disturbance, and space-use conflicts with seismic arrays. Each year there are about twenty MMS-permitted 3D seismic surveys conduct= ed in the Gulf of Mexico. The conclusion of the EA was that G&G activities are not expected to resu= lt in significant adverse impacts to any of the potentially affected resourc= es. Potentially adverse but not significant impacts were identified for marin= e mammals, except the manatee, for which negligible impacts were identified. As a result, MMS has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact. The EA will be included as part of an information package used by MMS in = the near future to petition the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrati= on. This petition will request NOAA to issue regulations to allow small =93ta= kes=94 incidental to seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, under the enabling regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. To obtain a copy of the EA, (MMS 2004-054) you may contact the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Attention: Public Information Office (MS 5034), 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Room 114, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 (1-800-200-GULF). You may also view the EA= on the MMS website at http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/nepa/2004-054.pdf. The Minerals Management Service is the federal agency in the U.S. Departm= ent of the Interior that manages the nation=92s oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf in Federal offshore wate= rs. The agency also collects, accounts for, and disburses mineral revenues fr= om Federal and American Indian lands. MMS disbursed more than $8 billion in= FY 2003 and more than $135 billion since the agency was created in 1982. Nearly $1 billion from those revenues go into the Land and Water Conservation Fund annually for the acquisition and development of state a= nd Federal park and recreation lands. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 00:23:23 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Faculty position Wyoming Animal Ecology University of Wyoming The Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming invites applications for a tenure-track position in animal ecology beginning August, 2005 at the level of assistant professor, or at a higher rank for an individual with an outstanding research and funding record. Ph.D. required for faculty rank. Teaching responsibilities include an introductory course in ecology or fisheries and wildlife biology plus an upper division course in the candidate's area of expertise. Research interests can involve any aspect of animal ecology although a focus on spatial aspects of population dynamics and habitat use would complement existing areas of expertise in our department. The candidate will be expected to develop an extramurally funded research program, advise undergraduates in our wildlife and fisheries biology major, and mentor graduate students. The candidate will be encouraged to interact with natural resource agencies and with the University of Wyoming's School of Environment and Natural Resources. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2004. Applicants should send curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to: Chair, Animal Ecology Search Committee, Department of Zoology and Physiology, Dept. 3166, 1000 E. University Ave., University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. Website: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/Zoology. The University of Wyoming is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 10:39:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Part time animal care coordinator position available (fwd) The National Marine Life Center, a new interim marine animal rehabilitation center on Cape Cod, is seeking a part-time animal care coordinator to work with cold-stunned, stranded sea turtles and possibly seals. Responsibilities include, under supervision of veterinarian and animal care supervisor: general animal husbandry, food preparation, cleaning and maintenance of facility, aid in implementing and presenting educational programs to the public, help with volunteer training and coordinating, and water quality and general water filtration system maintenance. Requirements: general wild animal handling experience a must, seal and/or sea turtle rehabilitation experience a plus, college degree (biology, zoology, wildlife), be hard-working, flexible, understand and support NMLC mission, be able to work with other facilities in area. Please send cover letter, resume and three professional references to Danielle O'Neil at doneil(\)nmlc.org, fax to 508-759-5477 or mail to National Marine Life Center, PO Box 269, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Please no phone calls. All resumes to be received by October 12, 2004. Danielle O'Neil National Marine Life Center Animal Care Supervisor ph: 508-743-9888 fax: 508-759-5477 email:doneil(\)nmlc.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 11:50:06 -0400 Reply-To: phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov From: Phil Clapham Subject: Bill Watkins It is with great sadness that I note the death of Bill Watkins, who passed away last week at his home in Falmouth, Massachusetts, after a long illness. Bill was truly one of the marine mammal field's founding members, as detailed in the biography below, which was put together by his long-time colleague, Mary Ann Daher. Speaking personally, Bill was a significant influence in my career. Bill was always willing to take time to give advice or to share his extensive knowledge with me or any other scientist (young or old), and his editorial skills were legendary. With his passing, the field now suffers a huge loss, for Bill was an extraordinary repository of unique information and experience stretching back more than four decades. He leaves behind him a quite extraordinary record of achievements and publications, and a legacy from which virtually anyone working with marine mammals today has benefitted (whether they realize it or not). A memorial service will be held on October 10 at 2PM at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, in the Clark building, 5th floor. If anyone would like further details, please contact Mary Ann Daher (mdaher(\)whoi.edu). Notes of condolence can be sent to Bill's wife Joan at the following address: Joan Watkins 34 Cranberry Crossing East Falmouth, MA 02536 Phil Clapham William A. Watkins, brief biography ----------------------------------- William A. Watkins was a pioneer in marine mammal bioacoustics, studying the acoustic behavior of whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environments. After graduating in Anthropology from Wheaton College, Watkins moved back to West Africa, where he had been born and raised. He built and operated an international radio station in Liberia until 1957. When Watkins moved to Cape Cod, William Schevill of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and founder of marine mammal bioacoustics, immediately recognized that Watkins had unique skills in the field of electronics. In 1958 Watkins was hired as a research assistant at WHOI to assist Bracket Hersey and William Schevill to record ambient noise, maintain equipment and analyze records. Thus began a 40-year collaboration with Schevill at WHOI. Watkins built the first tape recorder capable of recording marine mammals at sea, enabling a sudden blossoming of field studies. In 1980, Watkins was invited by the Japan Dept. of Education to study at the University of Tokyo, where he earned a Ph.D in Whale Biology, after defending his thesis in Japanese. Bill had mastered 30 languages in his lifetime, including many African languages which are disappearing. Bill's research interests included underwater recording of animals at sea, distribution and behavior of cetacea, and sonar studies of underwater animal activity. Bill was the author or coauthor of more than 150 scientific papers. Bill will be sorely missed. -- 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) 495-20666 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 15:34:56 -0300 From: Hal Whitehead Subject: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada From: Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(\)dal.ca), Co-chair Marine Mammals Specialist Subcommittee COSEWIC, and Dalhousie University, Halifax COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada); two issues: 1. COSEWIC is looking for applicants for two volunteer members of the Marine Mammals Specialist Subcommittee. In particular we are looking for one individual with knowledge of east coast (Atlantic provinces and Quebec) cetaceans and another individual with knowledge of west coast (British Columbia) cetaceans. For further information, please see: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct7/index_e.cfm#CFA 2. The Marine Mammals Specialist Subcommittee is meeting in Vancouver at the Vancouver Aquarium on October 9-10. We may hold a public session (probably from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday 9 October) if there is sufficient interest. We would explain the function and work of COSEWIC and the Marine Mammals Specialist Subcommittee, answer questions, and listen to concerns. If you are interested in attending please let me know (hwhitehe(\)dal.ca). ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 13:34:02 +1200 From: Rochelle Constantine Subject: Position available: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioinformatics Reference Number: A517-04K Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioinformatics Department: Bioinformatics Institute Location: Auckland Closing Date: 01/11/2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Term of Contract: Fixed Term of 2 Years Closing Date: 1 November 2004 (extended fom 1 October) Position Overview: A vacancy exists for a two-year postdoctoral research fellow to work on computational and statistical methods for integrating population genetics with population dynamics models of whales (see Baker and Clapham, 2004, TREE 19:365- 371). Ideally, the candidate will have a PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Population Biology, Computational Statistics, Bioinformatics or a related discipline, with a significant computing and modelling component. The researcher will be familiar with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for Bayesian inference, and an understanding of genealogy-based population genetics. In addition, familiarity with modelling using differential equations will be an advantage. Knowledge of Java, C++, or C is essential. Application for this position can be made by following this link: http://www.vacancies.auckland.ac.nz/positiondetail.asp?P=2621 For further information contact: Prof. Allen Rodrigo or Assoc. Prof. C. Scott Baker citing the Subject: Postdoctoral Fellowship Rochelle Constantine, Ph.D. School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand Ph: 64-9-373 7599 ext.85093 ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 2 Oct 2004 07:51:17 -0400 Reply-To: phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov From: Phil Clapham Subject: New book on right whales For those interested in right whales, a popular account has just been published: Clapham, Phil. 2004. Right whales: natural history and conservation. Voyageur Press, Stillwater, MN. (Note that "popular" here means "lay and non-technical" rather than "likely to make the author a small fortune in royalties"!) The book, which contains numerous color photographs, can be viewed on the Voyageur Press website: http://www.voyageurpress.com/showbook.cfm?isbn=0-89658-657-X In the UK, the book is available from Colin Baxter Photography. Phil Clapham pclapham(\)whsun1.wh.whoi.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 17:41:19 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: job posting-veterinary technicians (fwd) JOB POSTING-Marine Mammal Veterinary Technicians The Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur is seeking two candidates to fill the grant-funded positions of Veterinary Technician. These technicians will work under the guidance of full-time staff and consulting veterinarians to assist with animal intake assessment, diagnostic and pre-release examinations and ensure consistency and high quality of healthcare of each patient. They will also help oversee volunteers in all aspects of animal care. Responsibilities: Technicians will collect blood samples, take and develop radiographs, manage wound care, administer medications and fluids and complete in-house urinalysis and fecal analysis, assist with general animal husbandry and other tasks as assigned. They will be able to operate diagnostic equipment which includes an x-ray machine, film processor, modern anesthesia system, on-site laboratory. Qualified candidates will have experience and ability as surgical assistants. Additionally, they will perform sampling upon necropsy and prepare samples for shipment to outside laboratories. They will also set-up and clean-up after all procedures listed above. Technicians will be expected to assist in production of professional quality publications and presentations for dissemination at conferences, meetings and appropriate public forums. Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have a Registered Veterinary Technician certification, have worked in practice for one-two years and have marine mammal experience. These candidates will be able to demonstrate a proven ability to work independently, yet effectively, with volunteers and be adept at performing medical procedures such as venipuncture, wound management, administration of fluids, assisting with ultrasound, radiology and surgery, and administration of anesthesia. Additionally, these candidates will possess the ability to work with, handle and restrain animals ranging in size from 20-600 pounds. Successful candidates will have the ability to maintain medical inventory and keep accurate records. Positions are grant-funded for a two year period for up to 30 hours /week (up to 4 days/week), at a rate of $15/hr. For general information on the facility, please go to our website at www.mar3ine.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Please submit cover letter and resume to: Jackie Jaakola, Director Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur 3601 S. Gaffey St. San Pedro, CA 90731 Positions will be filled as soon as appropriate candidates are found. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 20:32:48 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Immediate opening at the Riverhead Foundation (fwd) IMMEDIATE OPENING The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation (www.riverheadfoundation.org) has one full time position opened. We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible. Please send your resume and references to: The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation Attention: Julika Wocial 467 E. Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 email: jwocial(\)riverheadfoundation.org tel. 631-369-9840 fax. 631-369-9826 Job description: Biological Technician/Educator A candidate for this full time position should have a bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related fields, be able and willing to work long and flexible hours and be on 24 hour call. The candidate should be able to lift at least 50 lbs and work in the field under various weather conditions. In addition, the candidate should be self motivated, have a strong knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Additional computer skills are a plus. This position also requires strong leadership and communication skills, an ability to follow directions well and the ability to work within a team setting, as well as independently. Previous educational experience is a plus but not necessary. A person hired for this position will perform the following tasks: Conduct public lectures and educational programs with elementary, high school, and college age students Conduct beach walk, beach clean ups, seal walks and seal cruises Assist with grant writing Perform daily animal husbandry tasks Maintain the equipment and water quality of the tanks Respond to calls about stranded marine mammals and sea turtles (requires driving on the beach) Assist with fundraising activities Work with digital stills and video footage to create educational displays and PowerPoint presentations Assist with aerial, ship, and land based surveys on seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and porpoises One full-time position available. Health benefits after 6 months of full-time employment. Starting salary $22,000 - $25,000 a year depending on experience. The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization that operates the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program in New York State. The primary mission of the Riverhead Foundation is to preserve and protect our marine environment through education, rehabilitation, and research. The Riverhead Foundation is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Some of these species are critically endangered and may become extinct in our lifetime. All are protected under N.Y. State, Federal and in some cases, International Law. We are the only organization authorized by New York State to carry on this important work in conserving the marine environment. The Riverhead Foundation's Rescue Hotline is a 24-hour phone line the public may call when they discover an animal in need of our care. The Riverhead Foundation's educational efforts are dedicated to informing the public about our marine environment and how they can aid in its preservation. The Riverhead Foundation engages in tours of the facility, after school programs, lectures, seal cruises, ecology walks, and beach cleanups to foster good stewardship of the environment. In addition to rehabilitation and education, the Riverhead Foundation engages in research. We are currently conducting an extensive marine mammal and sea turtle abundance study throughout the coastal waters of New York State. The study encompasses aerial, shipboard, and land-based surveys. The goal of this project is to establish baseline populations for several species of marine mammals and sea turtles. Julika Wocial The Riverhead Foundation for Marine research and Preservation 467 E. Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 tel.: 631-369-9840 x 32 fax: 631-369-9826 www.riverheadfoundation.org hotline: 631-369-9829 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 20:38:28 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Posting Alaska Sealife Center (fwd) RESEARCH SUPPORT TECHNICIAN The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation and public education is seeking candidates for a: Research Support Technician This position supports a wide range of field research activities and provides logistical assistance aimed at studies of Steller Seal Lions in Alaska. The R.S.T. reports directly to the Field Coordinator of the Steller Sea Lion Research Program. Primary responsibilities: Ability to interface with researchers, biologists, and agency officials in order to assist in the coordination of field studies and provide accurate and timely information to supervisory personnel. Assist with the procurement, inventory, and maintenance of equipment and supplies to be used in research projects. Assist in gathering information required for budgeting and ensure that appropriate record keeping is maintained including sample and equipment tracking records and database management. Become proficient in ASLC vessel operation, engine trouble-shooting, and perform boat-based support. Assist in health monitoring and care of research animals. Requirements include: A 4-year degree from an accredited college or university in a field or specialty area that relates to maritime technology, marine biology, fisheries, wildlife science, ecology or a closely related field. A minimum of 2 years experience in support of programmatic functions and/or research is also required. Additional training or licensing may be required or requested of the incumbent in order to meet certain programmatic needs. This is a year round, full-time position. Competitive wage and benefits package. Position is located in Seward, Alaska. Apply by: October 15, 2004 Start date: ~ November 15, 2004 Send resume, application (downloadable at web site), & references to: Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, PO Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329. Or e-mail HR(\)alaskasealife.org. www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 20:43:42 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: bottlenose dolphins and killer whales: new publication (fwd) Dear all, The following article is now available online in the OnlineEarly section of Ecology Letters: Lusseau, D., Williams, R., Wilson, B., Grellier, K., Barton, T.R., Hammond, P.S. & Thompson, P.M. 2004 Parallel influence of climate on the behaviour of Pacific killer whales and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins Ecology Letters 7: in press. A pdf version is available from the journal's website (at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/rd.asp?code=3DELE&goto=3Djournal) or at my website (www.lusseau.org go to the Publications page) best wishes, David Dr. David Lusseau Postdoctoral visiting fellow University of Aberdeen School of Biological Sciences Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, IV11 8YJ, UK website: http://www.lusseau.org Tel/Fax: 44 (0) 1381 600 548 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 21:00:21 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Summary: Beaked whale occurrence in Norwegian fjords and other (fwd) Dear MARMAM subscribers, I would like to summarize the information I received after my request dated May 31. Thank you to everyone who contributed his/her knowledge and pictures I received following information on sightings in European fjordlike and other coastal areas. in fjords: There is a fjord in the north of the Faroes where bottlenose whales are occ asionally captured. Sightings of this species in fjords are reported in Bloch et al. 1996 (J. Zool. Lond. 239: 123-40) during their southward migration No sightings in Norwegian fjords were reported. in shallow water: Bottlenose whales are irregularly seen in relatively shallow shelf waters (50-200m) off the north-west coast of Scotland. For example, in 1998 a pair of bottlenose whales spent over three weeks in Broadford Bay, Skye, UK, spending much of the time in waters just a few meters deep. Another sighting occurred in the Kyles of Bute (near Glasgow). There have also been a number of strandings (e.g. Shrimpton, J. and Parsons, E.C.M. 2000. Cetacean conservation in West Scotland. Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Mull, Scotland. 99pp. http://whales.gn.apc.org/downloads/ conservation-report.pdf ) There is a record of a northern bottlenose whale coming into a harbour in Holland. (Kastelein and Gerrits 1991. Aquatic Mammals 17(1):20-30). In June 2001, a Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) was seen in shallow waters off the coast of north Norfolk, UK. This animal -a 5.65 m long bull- later stranded. The animal was slightly underweight and the teeth were loose which may indicate that the animal was old. (first record (?) for the UK section of the southern North Sea). All these sightings seem to have been outside their "typical" habitat (steep slopes of canyons and along the continental shelf). Distribution of main prey species such as the squid Gonatus fabricii seems to be important for the whales. These do not regularly occur in shallow waters. Nearshore sightings in Scotland may be due to their migration route relatively close to the shore (along the shelf edge?). In the North Sea , life sightings of beaked whale species are rare or non existent. Most information is on strandings. Northern bottlenose whales may accidentally get trapped in the North Sea on their southward migration (June-Sept). (The Norwegian Trench may act as a funnel?). It is not known what proportion of these animals may escape these shallow waters again. All the best, Sven Sven Koschinski Kuehlandweg 12 D-24326 Nehmten Germany tel. ++49 (0)4526-381716 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2004 15:38:26 -0400 From: Lucy Keith Subject: harp seal The University of New England's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (MARC) is currently seeking an APHIS-approved home for a juvenile male harp seal. This seal stranded on Cape Cod, MA in February 2004 and has been at MARC ever since. NMFS has deemed this seal unreleasable but has said we can place him at a facility, so we need to find a suitable home for him. For more information about this seal, please contact Dr. Gerry Beekman at gbeekman(\)une.edu Thank you! ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 10:34:19 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New article on Baikal seals diving (fwd) Dear all, The following new paper on Baikal seals diving has been published. Watanabe Y, Baranov EA, Sato K, Naito Y, Miyazaki N (2004) Foraging tactics of Baikal seals differ between day and night Marine Ecology Progress Series 279:283-289 ABSTRACT: Some pinniped species appear to forage during both daylight and darkness. To determine any differences in the foraging tactics between day and night, we attached data loggers with a newly developed time-scheduled release system to 2 free-ranging female Baikal seals Phoca sibirica. The system released the loggers from the seals 24 h after deployment, and allowed us to retrieve the loggers via VHF radio signals. We obtained the first time-series diving data on Baikal seals. The seals dived almost continuously, to an average of 68.9 m, with dives deeper than this (>150 m) being concentrated around dusk and dawn. They showed distinctly different diving patterns between day and night in terms of swimming speed profile and the sequential pattern in maximum dive depth . In the daytime, dives were characterized by higher swimming speeds (mean 1.2 m/s) and upward-directed acceleration events. At night, dives were shallower around midnight and characterized by lower speeds (mean 0.9 m/s) and undirectional deceleration events. We suggest that these differences reflect predation on pelagic fishes by seals using visual cues during the day and predation on swarming crustaceans by seals using tactile cues at night. Reprints request may be addressed to: yuuki(\)ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp Best regards, Yuuki ********************************************* Yuuki Watanabe Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo 1-15-1 Minamidai, Nakano, Tokyo 164-8639, JAPAN Phone: +81-3-5351-6409 Fax: +81-3-5351-6530 E-mail: yuuki(\)ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 10:45:16 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for Kogia feeding video (fwd) Dear Marmamers, As a division of my thesis work, I am quantifying the behavioral performance of feeding for Tursiops, Kogia breviceps and Kogia sima. I have recorded sequences of kogiids feeding underwater, but am seeking additional kogiid data. I would be very interested in speaking with anyone who may have additional underwater video footage of pygmy or dwarf sperm whales feeding or mouthing objects. I would also be interested in speaking with anyone who is aware of any Kogia presently in a captive setting. Thank you. brian Brian Bloodworth Master's Candidate Texas A&M University=20 5007 Ave. U Galveston, Texas USA 77551 409-741-4318 office 409-740-5002 fax bloodwob(\)neo.tamu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 09:49:27 +0100 From: "Helen Bailey (Aberdeen)" Subject: theodolite tracking: new publication The following paper is published in the next issue of Marine Mammal Science: Bailey H. & Lusseau D. (2004). Increasing the precision of theodolite tracking: modified technique to calculate the altitude of land-based observation sites. Marine Mammal Science 20 (4): 880-885. A PDF version is available from http://www.lusseau.org/Publications/publications.html Best wishes, Helen ---------------------------------------------------- Helen Bailey University of Aberdeen Lighthouse Field Station Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8UY Scotland Tel: 01381 600548 E-mail:h.bailey(\)abdn.ac.uk Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse/ ---------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 09:43:57 +0900 From: masao amano Subject: Abstract: Population Differentiation in the Pacific White-sided Dolphin The following paper has been published; Hayano, A., Yoshioka, M., Tanaka, M. and Amano, M. 2004. Population Differentiation in the Pacific White-sided Dolphin Lagenorhynchus obliquidens Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA and Microsatellite Analyses. Zoological Science 21: 989-999. ABSTRACT: We investigated genetic diversity and differentiation of the Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) in Japanese coastal waters and offshore North Pacific by analyzing mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellite variation. A total of 519 bp of the mitochondrial control region was sequenced and five microsatellite locus were genotyped for 59 individuals. A high level of haplotypic diversity (h= 96.1%), moderate level of nucleotide diversity (Pi=1.65%) and average expected heterozygosity (HE=0.66-0.76) were within an extent of those reported for other odontocetes. Consistent genetic difference between the samples from Japanese coastal Pacific-Sea of Japan and offshore North Pacific was indicated by analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) based on mtDNA and microsatellite variations, comparison of genetic variabilities, and geographical distributions of mtDNA haplotypes and microsatellite alleles. This result suggests that Pacific white-sided dolphins in each of the above two areas belong to different populations between which gene flow has been severely restricted. The low genetic diversity and mtDNA genealogy of the population in Japanese coastal waters suggest that it originated from a small population that colonized the Sea of Japan or that experienced population reduction when this Sea was isolated from the North Pacific during a glacial period in the Late Pleistocene. PDF reprints are available at http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/zsj/21/9/_contents ******************************************* Masao Amano International Coastal Research Center Ocean Research Institute The University of Tokyo Otsuchi, Iwate 028-1102, Japan tel:+81-193-42-5611, fax:+81-193-42-3715 mailto:amano(\)wakame.ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp ******************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 14:25:00 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ------ Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org AZNAR, F. J.; H. L. CAPPOZZO; D. TADDEO; F. E. MONTERO and J. A. RAGA. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82(5):726-733. 2004. Recruitment, population structure, and habitat selection of Corynosoma australe (Acanthocephala) in South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis, from Uruguay. 0.157 MB BRENEZ, CECILE; PASCAL GERKENS; GABRIEL MAZZUCCHELLI; THIERRY JAUNIAUX; GAUTHIER EPPE; EDWIN DE PAUX and MARIE-CLAIRE DE PAUW-GILLET. TALANTA 63(5):1225-1230. 2004. A strategy to identify specific biomarkers related to the effects of a PCDD/F mixture on the immune system of marine mammals. 0.248 MB CASSINI, MARCELO H.; DIANA SZTEREN and ESTEBAN FERNANDEZ-JURICIC. JOURNAL OF ETHOLOGY 22(2):127-133. 2004. Fence effects on the behavioural responses of South American fur seals to tourist approaches. 0.366 MB DABIN, WILLY; GWENAEL BEAUPLET; ENRIQUE A. CRESPO and CHRISTOPHE GUINET. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82(7):1043-1050. 2004. Age structure, growth, and demographic parameters in breeding-age female subantarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus tropicalis. 0.159 MB GALES, NICK; ROBERT D. MCCAULEY; JANET LANYON and DAVE HOLLEY. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 31(3):283-290. 2004. Change in abundance of dugongs in Shark Bay, Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia: Evidence for large-scale migration. 0.833 MB GREENE, CHARLES R.; MILES W. MCLENNAN; ROBERT G. NORMAN; TRENT L. MCDONAL= D; RAY S. JAKUBCZAK and W. JOHN RICHARDSON. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 116(2):799-813. 2004. Directional frequency and recording (DIFAR) sensors in seafloor recorders to locate calling bowhead whales during their fall migration. 1.582 MB HEAZLE, MICHAEL. MARINE POLICY 28(5):361-374. 2004. Scientific uncertainty and the International Whaling Commission: An alternative perspective on the use of science in policy making. 0.263 MB IWATA, HISATO; MAFUMI WATANABE; YUKA OKAJIMA; SHINSUKE TAMABE; MASAO AMAN= O; NOBUYUKI MIYAZAKI and EVGENY A. PETROV. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(13):3505-3513. 2004. Toxicokinetics of PCDD, PCDF, and coplanar PCB congeners in Baikal seals, Pusa sibirica: Age-related accumulation, maternal transfer, and hepatic sequestration. 0.169 MB KUKANICH, BUTCH; MARK PAPICH; DAVID HUFF and MICHAEL STOSKOPF. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(2):179-184. 2004. Comparison of amikacin pharmacokinetics in a killer whale (Orcinus orca) and a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) 0.075 MB LAIDRE, KRISTIN L. and MADS PETER HEIDE-JORGENSEN. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 121(4):509-517. 2004. Arctic sea ice trends and narwhal vulnerability. 0.394 MB LECLAIR, DANIEL; LORRY B. FORBES; SANDY SUPPA; JEAN-FRANCOIS PROULX and ALVIN A. GAJADHAR. PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH 93(6):507-509. 2004. A preliminary investigation on the infectivity of Trichinella larvae in traditional preparations of walrus meat. 0.167 MB LIPEJ, LOVRENC; JAKOV DULCIC and BORIS KRYSTUFEK. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(4):861-862. 2004. On the occurrence of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in the norther= n Adriatic. 0.060 MB MACLEOD, KELLY; RICHARD FAIRBAIRNS; ALISON GILL; BRENAN FAIRBAIRNS; JONATHAN GORDON; CHRIS BLAIR-MYERS and EDWARD C. M. PARSONS. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 277:263-274. 2004. Seasonal distribution of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata in relation to physiography and prey off the Isle of Mull, Scotland. 0.674 MB MAZZARO, LISA M.; J. LAWRENCE DUNN; DAVID J. ST AUBIN; GORDON A. ANDREWS and PATRICIA S. CHAVEY. ZOO BIOLOGY 23(3):205-218. 2004. Serum indices of body stores of iron in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and their relationship to hemochromatosis. 0.157 MB MCKINNEY, MELISSA A.; AUGUSTINE ARUKWE; SYLVAIN DE GUISE; DANIEL MARTINEA= U; PIERRE BELAND; ANDRE DALLAIRE; STEPHANE LAIR; MICHEL LEBEUF and ROBERT J. LETCHER. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM) 69(1):35-49. 2004. Characterization and profiling of hepatic cytochromes P450 and phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence River Estuary and the Canadian Arctic. 0.233 MB OLIVERA-GOMEZ, L. D. and E. MELLINK. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 121(1):127-133. 2004. Distribution of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) as a function of habitat characteristics, in Bah=EDa de Chetumal, Mexico. 0.394 MB OXLEY, ANDREW P. A. and DAVID B. MCKAY. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY 101(4):235-243. 2004. Fecal shedding of Helicobacter spp. by co-housed Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) and Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus). 0.275 MB OXLEY, ANDREW P. A.; MARK POWELL and DAVID B. MCKAY. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 42(8):3505-3512. 2004. Species of the family Helicobacteraceae detected in an Australian sea lio= n (Neophoca cinerea) with chronic gastritis. 0.561 MB PARENTE, CRISTIANO LEITE; JOCIERY EINHARDT VERGARA-PARENTE and REGIS PINT= O DE LIMA. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 3(1):69-75. 2004. Strandings of Antillean manatees, Trichechus manatus manatus, in northeastern Brazil. 0.620 MB PASTOR, T.; J. C. GARZA; P. ALLEN; W. AMOS and A. AGUILAR. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 95(4):291-300. 2004. Low genetic variability in the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal. 0.300 MB PEMBERTON, DAVID and ROSEMARY GALES. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 31(3):301-309. 2004. Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) breeding in Tasmania: Population size and status. 2.041 MB RAYNE, SIERRA; MICHAEL G. IKONOMOU; PETER S. ROSS; GRAEME M. ELLIS and LANCE G. BARRETT-LENNARD. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(16):4293-4299. 2004. PBDEs, PBBs, and PCNs in three communities of free-ranging killer whales (Orcinus orca) from the northeastern Pacific Ocean. 0.196 MB RUIZ-COOLEY, R. I.; D. GENDRON; S. AGUINIGA; S. MESNICK and J. D. CARRIQU= IRY. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 277:275-283. 2004. Trophic relationships between sperm whales and jumbo squid using stable isotopes of C and N. 0.162 MB SCOTT, N. J. and E. C. M. PARSONS. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84:1101-1104. 2004. A survey of public awareness of the occurrence and diversity of cetaceans in south-west Scotland. 0.073 MB SHAO, QIN; MACHELLE D. WILSON; CHRISTOPHER S. ROMANEK and KEITH A. HOBSON. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL STATISTICS 11(3):323-337. 2004. Time series analysis of elemental and isotopic data from biomineralized whale tissue. 0.635 MB SHERRILL, J.; G. M. PEAVY; M. J. KOPIT; M. M. GARNER; C. H. GARDINER and = L. M. ADAMS. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(2):232-241. 2004. Use of laser rhinoscopy to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). 1.514 MB SICILIANO, SALVATORE; MARCOS CESAR DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS; ANDRE F. C. VICENT= E; FERNANDO S. ALVARENGA; EMERSON ZAMPIROLLI; JOSE LAILSON BRITO JR.; ALEXANDRE F. AZEVEDO and JOSE LUIS A. PIZZORNO. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(4):857-859. 2004. Strandings and feeding records of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in south-eastern Brazil. 0.083 MB SILVA-JR., JOSE MARTINS; LIZETE JARDIM PANDOLFO and IVAN SAZIMA. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(2):271-274. 2004. Vomiting behavior of the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and squi= d meals. 0.216 MB SILVA-JR., JOSE MARTINS and IVAN SAZIMA. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 3(2):1-5. 2003. Whalesuckers and a spinner dolphin bonded for weeks: Does host fidelity p= ay off? 0.107 MB SIMARD, PETER and SHANNON GOWANS. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(2):330-334. 2004. Two calves in echelon: An alloparental association in Atlantic white-side= d dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus)? 0.387 MB SKAUG, HANS J.; NILS OIEN; TORE SCHWEDER and GJERMUND BOTHUN. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES 61(6):870-886. 2004. Abundance of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Northeast Atlantic: Variability in time and space. 0.711 MB SLOCUM, RACHEL. ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING D-SOCIETY & SPACE 22(3):413-438. 2004. Polar bears and energy-efficient lightbulbs: Strategies to bring climate change home. 0.291 MB THODE, AARON. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 116(1):245-253. 2004. Tracking sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) dive profiles using a towed passive acoustic array. 2.031 MB THOMPSON, DAVID; IAN STRANGE; MICHAEL RIDDY and CALLAN D. DUCK. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 121(3):357-367. 2004. The size and status of the population of southern sea lions Otaria flavescens in the Falkland Islands. 0.400 MB VAN PARIJS, SOFIE M.; TEO LEYSSEN and TIU SIMILA. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 116(1):557-560. 2004. Sounds produced by Norwegian killer whales, Orcinus orca, during capture. 0.572 MB WEDEKIN, LEONARDO L.; ANA FREITAS; MARCIA H. ENGEL and IVAN SAZIMA. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(2):327-329. 2004. Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) catch diskfishes while interacting with humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Abrolhos Ba= nk breeding ground, southwest Atlantic. 0.052 MB ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 07:46:59 -1000 From: Chris Yates Subject: Marine Mammal Protection Act Vacancy Posted Announcement Number: WPIR040485.C03.JN Title: Wildlife Biologist / Res Mgmt Spec (MMPA) PP/Series/Grade: ZP/0486/03 Organization: National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office Protected Resources Division Location: Honolulu, HI You can view the vacancy announcement on the COOL website at http://www.jobs.doc.gov Contact Tamra Faris, tamra.faris(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2004 07:45:31 -1000 From: Chris Yates Subject: Monk Seal Recovery Coordinator Vacancy Posted Announcement Number: WPIR040483.C04.JN Title: Wildlife Biologist / Res Mgt Spec (Monk Seal Recovery Coordinator) PP/Series/Grade: ZP/0486/04 Organization: National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office Protected Resources Division Location: Honolulu, HI You can view the vacancy announcement on the COOL website at http://www.jobs.doc.gov Contact: Tamra Faris, tamra.faris(\)noaa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 19:46:16 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Killer Whale Tales free to qualifying elementary schools (fwd) Killer Whale Tales Receives Grants from the Russell Family Foundation and the Washington Foundation for the Environment September 20, 2004- Vashon, WA -Killer Whale Tales, (KWT), headquartered in Vashon, WA, has been awarded grant funding by both the Russell Family Foundation and the Washington Foundation for the Environment. These funds will allow KWT to offer their program tuition free to qualifying elementary schools throughout the Puget Sound region. Killer Whale Tales is dedicated to promoting the understanding and active stewardship of the Puget Sound killer whales and their habitat by students through experiential science-based activities and storytelling using a unique approach - bringing the current science from the field directly to the classroom. "Our goal is to permanently integrate the local environment into curricula at schools throughout the area. The Russell Family Foundation and the Washington Foundation for the Environment grants enables us to provide training and resources needed to work collaboratively on developing and implementing projects that will have enormous benefits for the children and their communities," said Jeff Hogan, Executive Director, Killer Whale Tales. "My hope is to reach as many kids as we can so that sustainability and stewardship of the Puget Sound killer whales becomes 'second nature' for these students". Teachers interested in participating in the tuition free program should contact the Executive Director, Jeff Hogan at 206-660-0835 or jeff(\)killerwhaletales.org. For more information visit www.killerwhaletales.org. Media Contact Jeff Hogan Executive Director Killer Whale Tales 206-660-0835 jeff(\)killerwhaletales.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 09:57:28 -0700 From: Dave Mellinger Subject: Bill Watkins obituary in NYT There is an obituary for Bill Watkins in today's New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/11/obituaries/11watkins.html Here are the first few lines: "William Watkins, 78, Recorder of Marine Mammals' Calls, Dies" William A. Watkins, a leading researcher of marine mammal acoustics who created a database of thousands of underwater calls from more than 70 species, died on Sept. 24 at his home in East Falmouth, Mass. He was 78. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 14:56:47 +1300 From: Debbie Steel Subject: Recent publications - reprints available ********************************************************** We are pleased to announce recent publication of four articles from members of the Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Evolution, University of Auckland. Reprints (in the form of PDF files) are available on request by email to d.steel(\)auckland.ac.nz, with the subject header 'Reprint request - author'. Due to mailbox space limitations, we can respond only to email addresses associated with an institutions (NOT Hotmail or Yahoo accounts). ********************************************************** Baker, C.S. and P.J. Clapham. 2004. 'Modelling the past and future of whales and whaling' Trends in Ecology and Evolution 19:365-371. ABSTRACT: Historical reconstruction of the population dynamics of whales before, during and after exploitation is crucial to marine ecological restoration and for the consideration of future commercial whaling. Population dynamic models used by the International Whaling Commission require historical catch records, estimates of intrinsic rates of increase and current abundance, all of which are subject to considerable uncertainty. Population genetic parameters can be used for independent estimates of historical demography, but also have large uncertainty, particularly for rates of mutational substitution and gene flow. At present, demographic and genetic estimates of pre-exploitation abundance differ by an order of magnitude and, consequently, suggest vastly different baselines for judging recovery. Here, we review these two approaches and suggest the need for a synthetic analytical framework to evaluate uncertainty in key parameters. Such a framework could have broad application to modelling both historical and contemporary population dynamics in other exploited species. Constantine, R., D. H. Brunton and T. Dennis. 2004. 'Dolphin-watching tour boats change bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) behaviour' Biological Conservation 117:299-307. Abstract: Over the last decade there has been considerable growth in marine mammal-watching tourism throughout the world. Due to the species use of coastal habitats, bottlenose dolphins are most frequently exposed to dolphin-watching tourism. We conducted boatbased focal follows of schools of bottlenose dolphins to determine the effect of boats on dolphin behaviour. A CATMOD analysis showed that behaviour differed by boat number, in particular, resting behaviour decreased as boat number increased. Dolphins rested less and engaged in more milling behaviour in the presence of permitted dolphin-watching boats compared to non-permitted boats. An increase from 49 to 70 permitted trips per week and a change in their departure times resulted in a further decrease in resting behaviour. Currently the effects of boats, in particular permitted boats, on dolphin resting behaviour whilst they are in the Bay of Islands, are substantial. In the light of these findings we suggest that current legislation in New Zealand is not affording this isolated population protection from disturbance. Garrigue, C., R. Dodemont, D. Steel and C. Scott Baker. 2004. 'Organismal and 'gametic' capture-recapture using microsatellite genotyping confirm low abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales on the wintering grounds of New Caledonia (South Pacific)'. Marine Ecology - Progress Series 274:251-262. ABSTRACT: The abundance and reproductive autonomy of humpback whales from the New Caledonia (South Pacific) wintering grounds were investigated using capture-recapture models and paternity inference based on nuclear microsatellite genotyping, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, molecular sex identification and photographs of natural markings (photo-identification). The analyses included records of 213 individuals (excluding 16 calves used in paternity inference) identified by genotypes (9 loci), and 210 identified by fluke photographs, collected from 1995 to 2001. By comparing records of 175 individuals identified using both genotypes and photographs, a small number of errors were detected (and corrected) in the photo-identification catalogue and in the field and laboratory notes of the genotypes. Using the weighted mean of the Petersen capture-recapture model, the estimate of abundance based on genotyping (N = 533, CV = 0.15) was larger than the estimate based on photo-identification (N = 327, CV = 0.11). Sex-specific estimates of abundance based on genotypes were similar for males and females although the variance of the female estimate was greater than the male (Nf = 248, CV = 0.30; Nm = 288, CV = 0.18, respectively). The paternity of 5 calves from 16 sampled cow/calf pairs was inferred from the total sample of 133 non-calf males (one offspring each). The 16 sampled cow/calf pairs and the 5 inferred paternities were used for an alternate 'gametic recapture' estimate of male abundance. This gametic recapture estimate (Nm = 379, CV = 0.30) was similar to the sex-specific estimate based on the organismal recapture using a 2-sample model (Nm = 382, CV = 0.22). The close agreement of the organismal and gametic recapture estimates support the assumption that this humpback whale wintering ground represents an autonomous population unit that is relatively closed to demographic and reproductive interchange. The current low abundance of the New Caledonian breeding unit highlights the slow recovery of this and some other regional populations in the Southern Hemisphere following intensive 20th century commercial and illegal whaling. Dalebout, M. L., C. S. Baker, V. G. Cockcroft, J. G. Mead, and T. K. Yamada. 2004. 'A comprehensive molecular taxonomy of beaked whales (Cetacea: Ziphiidae) using a validated mitochondrial and nuclear DNA database'. Journal of Heredity. In press (available in November). ABSTRACT: DNA sequences from orthologous loci can provide universal characters for taxonomic identification. Molecular taxonomy is of particular value for groups in which distinctive morphological features are difficult to observe or compare. To assist in species identification for the little known family Ziphiidae (beaked whales), we compiled a reference database of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (437 bp) and cytochrome b (384 bp) sequences for all 21 described species in this group. This mtDNA database is complemented by a nuclear database of actin intron sequences (925 bp) for 17 of the 21 species. All reference sequences were derived from specimens validated by diagnostic skeletal material or other documentation, and included four holotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA sequences confirmed the genetic distinctiveness of all beaked whale species currently recognized. Both mitochondrial loci were well suited for species identification, with reference sequences for all known ziphiids forming robust species-specific clades in phylogenetic reconstructions. The majority of species were also distinguished by nuclear alleles. Phylogenetic comparison of sequence data from ''test'' specimens to these reference databases resulted in three major taxonomic discoveries involving animals previously misclassified from morphology. Based on our experience with this family and the order Cetacea as a whole, we suggest that a molecular taxonomy should consider the following components: comprehensiveness, validation, locus sensitivity, genetic distinctiveness and exclusivity, concordance, and universal accessibility and curation. Debbie Steel Technician Molecular Ecology School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland ph 64 9 3737599 ext 84588 fax 64 9 3737417 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 16:16:35 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publication on the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal (fwd) From: "Alexandros Karamanlidis" The following paper has been published: Karamanlidis A.A., P. Dendrinos, E. Tounta & S. Kotomatas. 2004. Monitoring human activity in an area dedicated to the protection of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Coastal Management 32: 293-306. Abstract Mediterranean monk seal populations have declined dramatically and survive in subpopulations scattered throughout their original distribution. The National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades is the first Marine Protected Area dedicated to the protection of the species in the Mediterranean. A Monitoring and Awareness Project has been carried out in the area from 1993 - 2000, the results of which have produced a detailed profile of the human usage pattern of the Park and indicated a significant reduction of illegal activities in the area. The pattern of human usage has enabled the monitoring team to adjust their efforts in the Park overtime, and provided essential baseline data for future management. The combined monitoring and awareness efforts have contributed significantly to the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal by protecting successfully pupping sites and reducing human-induced mortality of the species in the area. For reprints or PDFs please contact: Dr. Spyros Kotomatas MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal Athens/Greece Email:research(\)mom.gr ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 20:12:33 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new article on marine tucuxi dolphin (fwd) Dear folks we are pleased to anounce the publication of the article Flores, P.A.C. and Bazzalo, M. 2004. Home ranges and movements patterns of the marine tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis in Ba=EDa Norte, southern Brazil. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 3(1): 37-52. The pdf format (1.7kbites) can be downloaded from http://iwc.org/IWC_Brazil/index.htm If you have any problems please contact us. Paulo Flores and Mariel Bazzalo ____________________ Paulo A.C. Flores, Ph.D. International Wildlife Coalition Brazil P.O. Box 5087, Florianpolis, SC 88040-970 BRASIL tel (48) 91041793 / 2330895 fax/tel (48) 2330895 flores.p(\)terra.com.br http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/flores.html ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 20:15:35 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job Posting: Executive Director (fwd) NATIONAL MARINE LIFE CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The National Marine Life Center is searching for an Executive Director to head the organization. The Center is a Cape-based non-profit organization with a small staff, dedicated to the construction of a veterinary hospital which would treat the medical needs of marine mammals and sea turtles. The facility is located in Buzzards Bay and the planned hospital is to be constructed on the same site. Significant planning, fund-raising and operations have occurred to date. Candidates should have seven or more years of experience in senior level positions in a non-profit organization as well as significant experience in fund-raising, marine or oceanographic work or research, building design and construction, permitting and developing partnerships. Experience in obtaining grant funding, media relations, marketing and community relations are a major plus. Knowledge of Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts is desired. The salary and benefits of the position are comparable to similar organizations. Send resume and a letter describing your interest in the position to NMLC Search Committee, P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Deadline for applications is November, 22, 2004. The NMLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. E-mail applications in MSWord format, send to Christine Duren at cduren(\)nmlc.org Christine Duren cduren(\)nmlc.org Christine Duren, Asst. Director National Marine Life Center P O Box 269 - 120 Main St. Buzzards Bay, MA. 02532-0269 Off: 508/743-9888 Fax: 508/759-5477 cduren(\)nmlc.org www.nmlc.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 14:10:37 +0300 From: "William M. Johnson" Subject: News Updates on The Monachus Guardian Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" NEWS UPDATES ON THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN This is to let you know that we have published two news updates on The Monachus Guardian: Monk Seal Pup =B3Hippocrates=B2 Rescued on Kos: A two-week old orphaned m= onk seal pup has been rescued on the Greek island of Kos, and is now in intensive care in the rehabilitation unit of MOm - the Hellenic Society f= or the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal. Orphaned Seal Sets New Diving Record: Meanwhile, satellite data continues= to show that another orphaned seal, released in May this year, is alive and well. Criss-crossing the Northern Sporades Marine Park, =B3Dimitris=B2 ha= s also set new diving records, effectively re-writing contemporary scientific knowledge of the species. We have published a satellite tracking map of h= is latest movements. With best wishes William M. Johnson=20 editor(\)monachus-guardian.org _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(\)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 22:31:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new paper on southern elephant seal polygyny (fwd) Dear all, the following article has recently been published: Anna Fabiani, Filippo Galimberti, Simona Sanvito, and A. Rus Hoelzel 2004. Extreme polygyny among southern elephant seals on Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands. Behav. Ecol.15: 961-969. Elephant seals are known from long-term behavioral studies to be highly polygynous and to show high variance in reproductive success among males. However, genetic studies have determined that the level of polygyny varies between the closely related northern and southern elephant seals. In the present study, we investigate paternal success at the Sea Lion Island southern elephant seal colony in the Falkland Islands by using both behavioral measures and genetic markers. We find that the average success of harem holding males at Sea Lion Island is significantly higher than both the northern species and the nearby southern elephant seal population at Punta Delgada. We compare genetic paternity with various behavioral indices of male mating success, and we find that the behavioral measures provide a good estimate of the variance in male reproductive success. Only 28.2% of males achieved paternities, and among these, harem holders accounted for 89.6%. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of the demographic and physical environment. Specifically, a comparatively high variance in resource holding potential among males, differences in male social behavior, and a small tidal cycle limiting peripheral male access during female departure from the harem at this colony may be important factors leading to the comparatively high variance in male reproductive success at Sea Lion Island. Reprints (PDF file) are available on request by email from: anna_fabiani(\)libero.it or fabiani(\)uniroma3.it) Best regards, Anna Fabiani ------------------------------------- Anna Fabiani, PhD University of Tor Vergata Department of Biology 0133 Roma - Italy work: +39 0672595977 mobile: +39 3343683846 anna_fabiani(\)libero.it ------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 22:33:03 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 1975 monograph on Stenella spp. reissued (fwd) From: "William Perrin" The following has been reissued by Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD) as a pdf file and is available at http://repositories.cdlib.org/sio/techreport/26/ Perrin, W. F. 1975. Variation of spotted and spinner porpoise (genus Stenella) in the eastern Pacific and Hawaii. Bulletin of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography 21:1--206. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 15:20:29 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publication: Social structure of Bottlenose dolphins (fwd) Hello all, I am pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: Rogers, C. A., B.J. Brunnick, D.L. Herzing, and J.D. Baldwin. 2004. The Social Structure of Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 688-708. A PDF file of this paper can be downloaded by visiting the library page on the website www.wilddolphinproject.org or you can email Cindy Rogers at wdpcindy(\)earthlink.net. Thanks, Cindy Rogers wdpcindy(\)earthlink.net ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 09:34:06 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: The 19th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (fwd) The 19th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society will take place in La Rochelle, France, between April 2-7, 2005, and will be hosted by the University of La Rochelle (Laboratoire de Biologie et Environnement Marins Centre de Recherche sur les Mammiferes Marins, Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement), in co-operation with the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chize, CNRS. The theme of the conference is: "MARINE MAMMALS AND FOOD : FROM ORGANISMS TO ECOSYSTEMS" Call For Papers and workshops People are invited to submit their abstract for presentation and proposal for workshop before December 10th, 2004. A Scientific Committee, chaired by Vincent Ridoux, will arrange for all abstracts to be peer reviewed (see the Abstract guidelines) and authors will be informed whether their presentations are accepted by January 21st, 2005. Conference Booking and Fees Conference booking and fees are outlined in the conference website. Early registration for the conference is strongly recommended; the closing date for early registration is February 4th, 2005. Please visit our website for further information : http://www.univ-lr.fr/labo/lbem/ecs2005/ecs_2005.htm Any request can be addressed to : ECS2005(\)univ-lr.fr REMARK: the ECS web site www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs will not be updated until next weekend! ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2004 14:10:15 -0500 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: cetacean interactions with sea turtles Dear Marmam subscribers, I am reviewing the interaction of cetaceans with turtles (sea and freshwater) in captivity and in the wild. I would be interested in hearing from anyone with information regarding published and/or unpublished accounts regarding this topic. At the end of this message is a list of literature that I have currently collected. Please respond directly to me and not the listserve. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Regards, Dagmar Fertl Geo-Marine, Inc. 550 East 15th Street Plano, Texas 75025 USA dfertl(\)geo-marine.com Brown, D.H. Behavior of a captive Pacific pilot whale. Journal of Mammalogy 41(3):342-349. Brown, D.H., and K.S. Norris. 1956. Observations of captive and wild cetaceans. Journal of Mammalogy 37(3):311-326. Caldwell, D.K. 1956. Unintentional removal of a disturbing object by an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Journal of Mammalogy 37(3):454-455. Caldwell, D.K., and M.C. Caldwell. 1969. Addition of the leatherback sea turtle to the known prey of the killer whale, Orcinus orca. Journal of Mammalogy 50:636. Caldwell, M., R. Overman, and L. Parker. 2003. Tursiops truncatus feeding behaviors associated with turtle excluder device. Abstract, 15th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Greensboro, NC. Esquivel, C. et al. 1993. Primera observacion directa documentada sobre la depredacion de la tortuga marina Lepidochelys olivacea por Orcinus orca. Cuadernos Mexicanos di Zoologia 1(2):96-98. Kritzler, H. 1952. Observations on the pilot whale in captivity. Journal of Mammalogy 33(3):321-334. McBride, A.F., and D.O. Hebb. 1948. Behavior of the captive bottle-nose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Journal of Comparative Physiology and Pyschology 41:111-123. Pitman, R.L., and P.H. Dutton. 2004. Killer whale predation on a leatherback turtle in the Northeast Pacific. Pacific Science 58(3):497-498.46-59. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural observations of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera, Canary Islands (1995-2000), with special reference to their interactions with humans. Aquatic Mammals 28(1):46-59. Da Silva, V.M.F., and R.C. Best. 1982. Amazon River dolphin (Inia) preys on turtle (Podocnemis). Investigations on Cetacea 13:253-256. Sarti, M. et al. 1994. Evidence of predation of killer whale (Orcinus orca) on a leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Michoacan, Mexico. Revista de Investigation Cientifica 2:23-26 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 07:05:53 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: FW: mammal/bird teacher/curator job Olympia, WA Position: Mammalogy/Ornithology Institution: Evergreen State College Location: Washington Date posted: 9/24/2004 Application deadline: 10/25/2004 Learn more about this institution in The Chronicle's Employer Profiles section. The Evergreen State College seeks a faculty member with training in ornithology and mammalogy for a full-time position beginning in the 2005-06 academic year. We invite applications from broadly trained biologists with academic training in ornithology and mammalogy and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. Evergreen has a long history of field-based natural history programs that integrate zoology and botany and often include more than twenty field days per quarter. In addition, we support field programs abroad, with emphasis on Latin America. This position involves planning and teaching sixteen-credit, team-taught interdisciplinary programs, as well as programs addressing ornithology and mammalogy individually. The college is located at the south end of Puget Sound, 60 miles south of Seattle; a wide variety of ecosystems are accessible within a day's drive; the thousand-acre campus retains some wildness and borders the Sound. Due to our unique curricular structure, faculty can plan extended field trips as a regular part of their programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong curiosity about the natural world, excellence in teaching, and enthusiasm for teaching undergraduate students in an interdisciplinary environment. In addition to teaching natural history in the field, he/she will teach in classroom, museum, and laboratory settings. Other disciplinary responsibilities will include evolution, systematics, ecology, behavior, and general vertebrate biology. A secure grounding in natural history will complete the disciplinary requirements. Curatorial skills pertaining to a vertebrate museum will require the candidate to demonstrate the ability to prepare study skins of birds and mammals, along with the skills required to prepare and curate specimens of the other vertebrates. She/he will have primary responsibility for managing The Evergreen State College Museum of Natural History, which currently houses some 2000 vertebrate specimens collected over 30 years. The candidate will teach primarily in the undergraduate curriculum, but will have opportunities to teach in the Masters in Environmental Studies program and to supervise undergraduate research in addition to a personal research agenda. We wish to find a person who will mentor our outstanding undergraduate and graduate students and who has research goals compatible with Evergreen's mission to involve undergraduate students in pure and applied research. Although the candidate will be hired for his/her expertise in the advertised opening, faculty are also expected to teach in other areas of academic interest and expertise in interdisciplinary programs. Qualifications: * Ph.D. in zoology, biology or closely related field. *Teaching experience. *Academic training in ornithology, mammalogy, evolutionary biology, organismal biology, and vertebrate zoology (including ecology, behavior, and systematics). *Experience in museum curation. To send additional application materials or for questions regarding this position, contact: Faculty Hiring Coordinator The Evergreen State College 2700 Evergreen Parkway, L-2211 Olympia, WA 98505 -- Dr. Michael A. Mares Research Curator Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 Chautauqua University of Oklahoma Norman, OK 73072 phone: 405-325-9007 fax: 405-325-7699 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 13:52:03 -1000 From: Joseph Mobley Subject: video output from Big Eyes Colleagues: I'm working with a team that will be using shipboard radar to detect cetaceans in the Mediterranean this winter. We will be using Big Eyes to visually groundtruth any radar detections. However, we additionally need video output from the Big Eyes as well. It would be helpful for us to have the advice of researchers who have mounted video cameras on Big Eyes before; i.e., what worked, what didn't. Please respond to me directly at: jmobley(\)hawaii.edu We would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Joe Mobley Univ. of Hawaii ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 12:44:58 +0100 From: Len Thomas Subject: JOBS: Research Fellows in Wildlife Statistics/Software Development Comments: To: "stat-tws(\)rana.er.usgs.gov" , "ecolog-l(\)umdd.umd.edu" , "consbio(\)u.washington.edu" , "tws-l(\)listserv.vt.edu" , "envstat(\)jiscmail.ac.uk" , "allstat(\)jiscmail.ac.uk" , distance-sampling , "stat-l(\)lists.mcgill.ca" UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) (http://www.creem.st-and.ac.uk/) Two vacancies exist in CREEM. You will form part of a team developing methods and software for modelling and predicting animal distribution and abundance from distance sampling survey data. Salary: 19,460-35,883 UK pounds per annum Post 1 - Grade 2 - Reference no: SK58/04 ---------------------------------------- This post is from 14 - 18 months over a two-year period in the first instance. You must have a research record in quantitative assessment of wildlife populations and experience of estimation software development, preferably in a wildlife population assessment context. The post involves extending the capabilities of the industry-standard software "Distance" to incorporate innovative methods, to be developed in part by you. You will be expected to take some responsibility for management of project finances and will from time to time be required to manage other research staff on the project(s) for which you are responsible. Experience in budget and staff management is highly desirable. Post 2 - Grade 1A/2 - Reference no: SK59/04 ------------------------------------------- This post is for 2 years in the first instance. You should have an MSc, or equivalent qualification in statistics or an undergraduate degree in biology, maths or statistics with at least two years experience using statistical methods. Programming ability is essential and experience using the languages Splus or R is highly desirable. An interest in conservation issues and/or wildlife population assessment methods is desirable. Informal enquiries to Dr David Borchers Email: dlb(\)mcs.st-and.ac.uk, Tel: (+44) 1334 461843. The closing date for both posts is 19 November 2004. Application forms and further particulars are available from http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/recruitment/vacancies or from Human Resources, University of St Andrews, College Gate, North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AJ, tel: (+44) 1334 462571, by fax (+44) 1334 462570 or by e-mail to Jobline(\)st-andrews.ac.uk). The University is committed to equality of opportunity. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 10:43:03 +0200 From: Jan Herrmann Subject: Contents: Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(4) ; format="flowed" Dear all, Marine Mammal Science Vol 20(4) has the following table of contents. By clicking the following link you are guided to Allen Press, where you can find Abstracts and contact information: http://www.cetacea.de/mms/20_4.html Users of the Papyrus Bibliography System (Mac and DOS/Windows) can download the references with abstracts and contact information from http://www.cetacea.de/mms. The Papyrus Bibliography System is now free to use: http://www.researchsoftwaredesign.com Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann ------ Marine Mammal Science Vol. 20(4) ------ Nachtigall, P.E. et al. 2004. Temporary threshold shifts after noise exposure in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) measured using evoked auditory potentials. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 673-687. Rogers, C.A. et al. 2004. The social structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 688-708. Buckstaff, K.C. 2004. Effects of watercraft noise on the acoustic behavior of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 709-725. Branch, T.A., K. Matsuoka, and T. Miyashita. 2004. Evidence for increases in Antarctic blue whales based on Bayesian modelling. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 726- 754. George, J.C.C. et al. 2004. Abundance and population trend (1978-2001) of western Arctic bowhead whales surveyed near Barrow, Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 755-773. Reeves, R.R. et al. 2004. Historical observations of humpback and blue whales in the North Atlantic Ocean: Clues to migratory routes and possibly additional feeding grounds. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 774- 786. Mullin, K.D. and G.L. Fulling. 2004. Abundance of cetaceans in the oceanic northern Gulf of Mexico, 1996-2001. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 787-807. Noren, S.R. 2004. Buffering capacity of the locomotor muscle in cetaceans: Correlates with postpartum development, dive duration, and swim performance. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 808-822. Raum-Suryan, K.L. et al. 2004. Development of dispersal, movement patterns, and haul-out use by pup and juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in alaska. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 823-850. Reif, J.S. et al. 2004. Morphometry, hematology, and serum chemistry in the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 851-860. Greaves, D.K. et al. 2004. Changes in heart rate variability during diving in young harbor seals, Phoca vitulina. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 861-871. NOTES (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Mellinger, D.K. et al. 2004. Detection of North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) calls in the Gulf of Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 872-879. Bailey, H. and D. Lusseau. 2004. Increasing the precision of theodolite tracking: Modified technique to calculate the altitude of land-based observation sites. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 880-885. Harting, A., J. Baker, and B. Becker. 2004. Non-metrical digital photo-identification system for the Hawaiian monk seal. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 886-895. BOOKS (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) O'Corry-Crowe, G. 2004. BOOKS: REVIEWS: Belugas in the North Atlantic and the Russian Arctic. M. P. Heide- Joergensen and Oe. Wiig, eds. ISBN 82-91578-11-7. NAMMCO Scientific Publications Volume 4. Scientific Committee. The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, Tromsoe, 2002. 270 pp. Norwegian kroner 150. (The book can be ordered on line at: http:// www.nammco.no/). Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 896- 897. LETTERS (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Gannon, D.P. et al. 2004. LETTERS: Resonance and dissonance: Science, ethics, and the sonar debate. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 898-899. ERRATUM (without additional information on the Allen Press Homepage) Tahmindjis, M.A. 2004. ERRATUM: In the article:"Use of a pethidine and midazolam combination for the revesible sedation of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus)" by Tahmindjis et al. that was published in Marine Mammal Science 19(3):581-589, the reference to King and Bryden (1981) on p. 582 and in the Literature Cited (p. 589) should be Ling and Bryden (1981). Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 899. -- Jan Herrmann | Wagnerweg 24A - 26409 Wittmund | Tel.: +49-(0)4462-923341 | Fax : +49-(0)721-151-503127 +--------------------------------- Vorlesungsreihe Wal und Mensch +----> http://www.cetacea.de ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 14:36:14 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New empirical paper on toothed whale brain evolution (fwd) Dear fellow Marmamers, My co-authors and I want to let you know about a new paper entitled: The origin and evolution of large brains in toothed whales by L. Marino, D. McShea, and M. D. Uhen on-line at The Anatomical Record Early View website: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jissue/109061850 The abstract follows: Toothed whales (Order Cetacea: Suborder Odontoceti) are highly encephalized, possessing brains that are significantly larger than expected for their body sizes. In particular, the odontocete superfamily Delphinoidea (dolphins, porpoises, belugas, and narwhals) comprises numerous species with encephalization levels second only to modern humans and greater than all other mammals. Odontocetes have also demonstrated behavioral faculties previously only ascribed to humans and, to some extent, other great apes. How did the large brains of odontocetes evolve? To begin to investigate this question we quantified and averaged estimates of brain and body size for thirty-six fossil cetacean species using Computed Tomography and analyzed these data along with those for modern odontocetes. We provide the first description and statistical tests of the pattern of change in brain size relative to body size in cetaceans over 47 million years. We show that brain size increased significantly in two critical phases in the evolution of odontocetes. The first increase occurred with the origin of odontocetes from the ancestral group Archaeoceti near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary and was accompanied by a decrease in body size. The second occurred in the origin of Delphinoidea only by 15 million years ago. You can obtain an html version of the paper on the website. If you would like a pdf version (which will be coming out shortly) please email me at lmarino(\)emory.edu. Thanks very much, Lori Marino -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Emory University 1462 Clifton Road, Suite 304 Phone: (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-7471 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2004 14:40:22 -0400 From: Scott Kraus Subject: Position Announcement: Senior Scientist, Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction Position Announcement Senior Scientist Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction Edgerton Research Lab, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA We are looking for a senior scientist with a strong background in the mitigation of fisheries bycatch to coordinate the operations of the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction. The consortium includes the New England Aquarium, the University of New Hampshire, Duke University, and the Maine Lobstermens Association. Additional members, including fishermen's groups and academic institutions are expected to join in the next year. The mission of the consortium is to evaluate, characterize, and mitigate conflicts between fishing activities and marine mammals, turtles, seabirds, and habitats, and to promote sustainable fishing practices. Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include 1) organizing and hosting an annual workshop to exchange information on latest bycatch mitigation findings, 2) fundraising and coordinating for the development and testing of new fishing technology and practices, 3) fostering collaborations between industry, scientists, managers, engineers, and conservationists, 4) expanding the efforts of the consortium by adding expertise to the membership, and 5) providing the latest information on international efforts for bycatch mitigation through a website and the compilation and distribution of information from the peer-reviewed literature. Experience in research, policy, and fisheries management background is helpful. The successful candidate must be as comfortable on a fishing boat as in Washington D.C. They must also have the knowledge and personal skills to interact with practicing fishermen, scientists, and policymakers. This is a grant-funded position with one year of start-up funding. MS with experience required, PhD preferred. Experience and willingness to write proposals is required. Experience in website development helpful. For additional information, please contact Human Resources at the New England Aquarium or Dr.Scott Kraus, Vice President for Research (email jobs(\)neaq.org or skraus(\)neaq.org). Posting date 10/20/04. This position will be officially advertised through the New England Aquarium's Human Resources Department. Scott D. Kraus, Ph.D. New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 10:40:33 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Two Year Marine Policy Graduate Fellowship/Research Assistantship (fwd) Two Year Marine Policy Fellowship Marine Policy Program Graduate College of Marine Studies University of Delaware A research assistantship is available from the Marine Policy Program in the Graduate College of Marine Studies at (CMS) the University of Delaware for a qualified student-applicant interested in policy-focused research related to commercial vessels collisions with north Atlantic right whales along the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts. The project is directed by two Marine Policy faculty members: PI, Jeremy Firestone, and Co-PI, James Corbett. Working with a Canadian collaborator, the NOAA-NMFS funded research project will model ship traffic spatially and temporally, by vessel class along the Atlantic coast using spatial and port-specific data. The investigation will expand regionally-specific insights to enable better assessment of the collision risk between ships and right whales. Motivated individuals with experience; education in policy, science and/or economic disciplines; and a strong interest in interdisciplinary policy-focused research are encouraged to apply for admission to the CMS Marine Policy Program. A background in statistics and/or GIS is highly desirable. Fellowship funds include tuition waiver and stipend for a minimum of two years. Twelve-month stipends are $20,800 for Ph.D. students and slightly less for master's students. A Ph.D. student is preferred but strong masters applicants will be considered. Depending on need and individual circumstances, a nine-month stipend will be considered as well. The CMS Marine Policy Program prepares students for successful careers in government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. Ongoing research in the Marine Policy Program addresses various aspect of marine affairs, including: domestic and international marine law and policy; maritime transportation; invasive species; protection of marine fauna (including marine mammals) and flora, environmental and natural resource economics, management of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (including the development of offshore wind power and aquaculture), and coastal zone management. The Marine Policy program admits Master=92s and Ph.D. students for the Spring (February) and Fall terms. We are presently considering students for admission to the Spring 2005 (February) term; consideration of Fall 2005 applications will begin immediately. Fall 2005 applications must be received NO LATER THAN March 1, 2005. For information about the Marine Policy Program, see our website at www.ocean.udel.edu. For further information on the fellowship, contact Professor Jeremy Firestone, Marine Policy Program, Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, tel: (302) 831-0228, email: jf(\)udel.edu ********************************** Jeremy Firestone, J.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Graduate College of Marine Studies Marine Policy Program 212 Robinson Hall University of Delaware Newark, Delaware 19716-3501 Tel: (302) 831-0228 Fax: (302) 831-6838 Email: jf(\)udel.edu Internet: www.ocean.udel.edu/cms/jfirestone ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 10:46:44 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Impact of Jet-ski on marine mammals (fwd) From: Jeremy KISZKA Dear members! I am looking for published or unpublished analysis/records on the impact of Jet-ski on marine mammals, especially sirenians and dolphins. Indeed, this activity tends to increase in the lagoon of Mayotte, in the northern Mozambique Channel, Indian Ocean. In order to propose a new project to assess the impact of this activity on marine mammals (mainly on dugongs, Tursiops sp. and Sousa plumbea, ranging inside of the 1,200 km2 lagoon), and to provide management plans, I would like to make an overview about the situation in other places to local policical actors. Thanks in advance for your help! Jeremy KISZKA Charg=E9 d'=E9tude =E0 l'Observatoire des Mammif=E8res Marins de Mayotte, O= c=E9an Indien Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage (ONCFS) & Direction de = l'Agriculture et de la For=EAt (DAF). BP 103, 97600 Mamoudzou, Mayotte (FR)= . Tel. +33 (0)2.69.69.42.42 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 14:30:15 -0400 From: Lori Marino Organization: Emory University Subject: New paper on killer whale brain Dear Marmamers - I'd like to call your attention to a new paper on killer whale brain neuroanatomy online in The Anatomical Record Early View: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jissue/109061850 Below is the citation and abstract: Marino, L., Sherwood, C. C., Tang, C. Y., Delman, B. N., Naidich, T. P., Johnson, J. I., and Hof, P.R. 2004. Neuroanatomy of the killer whale (Orcinus orca) from Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The Anatomical Record. This paper presents the first series of MRI-based anatomically-labeled sectioned images of the brain of the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Magnetic resonance images of the brain of an adult killer whale were acquired in the coronal and axial planes. The gross morphology of the killer whale brain is comparable to that of other odontocete brains. In contrast to other smaller species it possesses an exceptional degree of cortical elaboration in the insular cortex, temporal operculum, and the cortical limbic lobe. The paper will appear in the December issue of AR and is available online right now as html. I will be receiving pdf versions in the next couple of weeks. If you would like a pdf please email me at lmarino(\)emory.edu. Thanks! Lori Marino -- Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program Emory University 1462 Clifton Road, Suite 304 Phone: (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-7471 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 14:08:52 +0930 From: sa(\)mccn.org.au Subject: Re: Impact of Jet-ski on marine mammals (fwd) In-Reply-To: <200410231746.i9NHkjrv051522(\)unix6.uvic.ca> ------ At 03:16 AM 24/10/2004, you wrote: >From: Jeremy KISZKA Jeremy - you may have noticed in the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone=20 Management reference on recreational boating impacts that they mentioned= "=20 Despite concerns regarding PWC use, several studies indicate that harbor=20 seals tend to react more strongly to paddled vessels than to motorized=20 ones" - which I know may not be particularly relevant to your seal-free=20 situation - however if there are any proposed sea kayaking operations in the region= =20 the Tasmanian Sea Kayaking Code of Conduct may be of interest The final guide - Leave No Wake - A Guide to Minimal Impact Sea Kayaking = in=20 Tasmania http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/recreation/misk/index.html the web based guide does not have the cetacean recommendations from the=20 draft - these are below Another useful item that should be looked at with regards to marine=20 tourism in SA is something along the lines of the Guidelines for Managing Visitation to Seabird Breeding Islands developed = by=20 the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/publications/seabirds/ Trust these are of use / interest Cheers Tony Flaherty MCCN (SA) 3.7 Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) Several species of whales and dolphins are commonly found in the waters=20 around Tasmania. They range in size from the common dolphin which average= s=20 2 metres in length to the sperm whale which grows to 18 metres. Dolphins=20 are the most commonly encountered species though killer whales and pilot=20 whales are sometimes seen. Dolphins=92 behaviour around kayaks is variabl= e.=20 Sometimes they will engage in playful acrobatics around the boat, whilst = at=20 other times they will disregard the presence of kayaks. Humpback and=20 southern right whales may be encountered during their migrations, typical= ly=20 in the sheltered bays of the east coast of Tasmania. It is especially=20 important not to disturb southern right whales as fewer than one thousand= =20 individuals remain. 3.8 General recommendations for whales and dolphins =B7 Boats should approach both whales and dolphins from a direct= ion=20 parallel and slightly to the rear. Alternatively, position your kayak at=20 least 300 metres ahead, well clear of their path and allow them to approa= ch=20 you. =B7 Within 300 metres of whales or dolphins move at a constant slo= w=20 speed no faster than the slowest animal. =B7 Avoid sudden or repeated changes in speed or direction. =B7 Do not approach whales or dolphins closer than 100 metres. I= f=20 they approach within 100 metres of your kayak, either slowly steer a=20 straight course away from them, or stay put and let them come to you. =B7 Do not chase whales or dolphins when they leave you. =B7 Do not attempt to approach mothers and young calves. =B7 When leaving whales or dolphins, move off slowly till you are = at=20 least 300 metres away. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 16:55:13 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: European Parliament resolution on active sonar (fwd) Today, in Strasbourg, France, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the use of high-intensity naval active sonar. The resolution begins by expressing concern over the strandings and mortalities associated with the use of mid-frequency sonar and over the other impacts that military sonar may have on marine mammals and ocean wildlife. It ends by urging members to take action on the issue. Among other things, it calls on member states to develop international agreements, through a Multinational Task Force, for regulating noise levels in the world's oceans; to monitor, investigate, and report mortality events associated with sonar use; and to "immediately restrict the use of high-intensity active naval sonars in waters falling under their jurisdiction." It also calls on the European Commission to assess the environmental impacts of current deployments in European waters. The English text of the resolution is available on the EU's website at www2.europarl.eu.int/omk/sipade2? L=EN&OBJID=90142&LEVEL=3&MODE=SIP&NAV=X&LSTDOC=N. Best wishes, Michael Jasny Michael Jasny Senior Policy Consultant Natural Resources Defense Council 2336 W. 14th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6K2W3 604-736-9386 mjasny(\)telus.net ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 16:58:45 -0700 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: publications tuna/dolphin and Russian osteological collections (fwd) The following are available in hard copy from Bill Perrin (william.perrin(\)noaa.gov): 1) Perrin, W. F. 2004. Chronological bibliography of the tuna-dolphin problem, 1941--2001. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-356, 194pp. 2) Perrin, W. F., G. E. Zubtsova and A. A. Kuz'min. 2004. Partial catalog of cetacean osteological specimens in Russian museums. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-364, 26pp. Please include mailing address. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 09:28:32 +0100 Reply-To: "Colin D. MacLeod" From: "Colin D. MacLeod" Subject: New publication on beaked whales Dear Marmammers, I am happy to announce the publication of the following paper. Currently, no PDFs are available for this publication, however, a very small number of paper reprints are available from the authors. MacLeod, C.D. and Herman, J.S. 2004. Development of tusks and associated structures in Mesoplodon bidens (Cetaceae, Mammalia). Mammalia, 68 (2-3):175-184. This study examined the developmen of the tusks and associated skeletal structures in a series of 18 specimens of Sowerby's beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) from Scotland. The relative position of the tusks along the length of the mandible was found to move from 23% of mandible length from the anterior extremity in the smallest animal to around 37% in adults, due to a lengthening of the symphyseal region. A previously undescribed sexual dimorphism was noted, a bony abutment, or ossicular dental support, situated directly posterior to the erupted tusks of adult males. Ontogenetic changes associated with male maturity include an increase in tusk length, an increase in the length of the alveolus, a high level of wear on tusks, an increase in the depth of the mandible posterior to the alveolus, an increased level of mesorostral ossification and an overall thickening of the rostrum and the symphyseal region of the mandible. The tusks are presumed to be used in intraspecific aggressive interactions and the ossicular dental support may counter-act backward and outward forces on them as they cut through an opponent's flesh, while the thickening of the rostrum and the mandible may reduce the risk of damage when the two animals make contact. All the best, Colin ================================================== Colin D. MacLeod, M.Sc., B.Sc School of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK Tel: 01224 272648 Fax: 01224 272396 Email: c.d.macleod(\)abdn.ac.uk =================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 11:43:24 -0700 From: ACS/Puget Sound Organization: Puget Sound Chapter of the American Cetacean Society Subject: ACS Puget Sound Grant for 2005 ACS PUGET SOUND GRANT for 2005 -- Request for Research Proposals The American Cetacean Society (ACS), the oldest whale and dolphin conservation organization (est. 1967) protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats and ecosystems through public education, research grants, and conservation actions. ACS has supported worthwhile research projects in past years and continues to do so today. The Puget Sound Chapter of ACS (ACS/PS) was re-established in the summer of 1999 and has more than 60 members. Despite being a small chapter, we have awarded one grant in 2000, 2 grants in 2001, 1 in 2002, and 2 in 2004. This year we are offering 1 grant that will be open to research on killer whales (Orcinus orca) within waters of the greater Puget Sound. GRANT ELIGIBILITY The individual conducting the research must submit the proposal and a CV. Project Managers or Principal Investigators will oversee all fieldwork. Applicants must have obtained any necessary permits or authorizations for conducting the proposed research prior to any awards being disbursed. Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply. This grant is available to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a college or university and graduate students currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a masters or doctorate program who meet the evaluation criteria. The research must be conducted in the waters of the greater Puget Sound. Proposals will be accepted through 31 JANUARY 2005 and letters of acceptance or denial will be issued no later than 1 MARCH 2005. Grants One (1) $500 grant will be awarded. Funds will be available on 15 MARCH 2005. APPLICATION GUIDELINES Proposal Format: The proposal should be no more than two (2) pages in length. It should indicate why the researcher believes this research will benefit the species of interest. The proposal should also include the budget item, or items, toward which the researcher intends to apply this grant money. A CV must be included with the proposal. The proposal may be sent either electronically to grants(\)acspugetsound.org or via regular mail to the Research Fund Department at the address listed below. Expected Deliverables: 1) A brief report describing the progress/status of the research should be presented to ACS/PS no later than one (1) year after receipt of funds. This report will be featured in a future issue of our chapter newsletter, Whulj. 2) As long as it is physically practical, the recipient will deliver an oral presentation to a general meeting of the ACS/PS chapter no later than two (2) years after receipt of funds. Note: there is no deadline for completion of the research CONTACT INFORMATION For submission of proposals or request for information, please contact: American Cetacean Society - Puget Sound Chapter Stephanie Norman, Grants Chair P.O. Box 17136 Seattle, WA 98127 USA E-mail: Please do not respond to this e-mail, but instead write to: grants(\)acspugetsound.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 10:58:17 -0700 From: Dave Mellinger Subject: paper on right whales in Gulf of Alaska The following paper is now available: Detection of North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) calls in the Gulf of Alaska David K. Mellinger, Kathleen M. Stafford, Sue E. Moore, Lisa Munger, and Christopher G. Fox Marine Mammal Science 20:872-879, 2004. Abstract: The eastern stock of North Pacific right whales is now one of the rarest cetaceans in U.S. waters and one of the most endangered in the world, with only two verified sightings from the Gulf of Alaska in recent decades. An acoustic survey was conducted using autonomous hydrophones from May 2000 to July 2001 at seven sites in the Gulf. Recordings were analyzed using automatic call detection software configured for right whale 'up' calls, with manual verification of detected sounds and manual scanning of time periods surrounding the detected calls. On five separate days between 7 Aug and 10 Sep 2000, 71 right whale calls were found from the deep-water site at 53 N 157 W. These are in addition to 10 previously found from near Kodiak Island at 57 N 152 W on 6 Sep 2000. These results show that right whales occurred in the Gulf of Alaska in 2000, and that acoustic monitoring coupled with automatic call recognition techniques can provide information on the occurrence of rare cetaceans. Please contact me if you would like a copy. Dave Mellinger David.Mellinger(\)oregonstate.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 15:18:24 -0700 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org AU, W. W. L. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(4):454-462. 2004. Echolocation signals of wild dolphins. 0.259 MB BENOIT-BIRD, K. J. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 145(3):435-444. 2004. Prey caloric value and predator energy needs: Foraging predictions for wild spinner dolphins. 0.332 MB BERON-VERA, B.; E. A. CRESPO; J. A. RAGA and S. N. PEDRAZA. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(4):860-863. 2004. Uncinaria hamiltoni (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) in South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens, from Northern Patagonia, Argentina. 0.171 MB BRAGULLA, H.; R. M. HIRSCHBERG; U. SCHLOTFELDT; M. STEDE and K. D. BUDRAS ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA-JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES C 33(5):263-272. 2004. On the structure of the adrenal gland of the common seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina). 0.800 MB BUTLER, PATRICK J. RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY & NEUROBIOLOGY 141(3):297-315. 2004. Metabolic regulation in diving birds and mammals. 0.324 MB DAVIS, RANDALL W.; LORI POLASEK; REBECCA WATSON; AMANDA FUSON; TERRIE M. WILLIAMS and SHANE B. KANATOUS. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 138(3):263-268. 2004. The diving paradox: New insights into the role of the dive response in air-breathing vertebrates. 0.252 MB DUBROVSKY, N. A.; A. GLADILIN; B. MOHL and M. WAHLBERG. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(4):463-468. 2004. Modeling of the dolphin's clicking sound source: The influence of the critical parameters. 0.065 MB GANNIER, ALEXANDRE. AQUATIC MAMMALS 30(2):227-236. 2004. The large-scale distribution of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering in French Polynesia during 1997-2002. 0.886 MB GORZELANY, JAY F. COASTAL MANAGEMENT 32(3):215-226. 2004. Evaluation of boater compliance with manatee speed zones along the Gulf Coast of Florida. 0.918 MB HARADEN, JOHN; SAMUEL F. HERRICK; DALE SQUIRES and CLEMENT A. TISDELL. ENVIRONMENTAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS 28(4):451-468. 2004. Economic benefits of dolphins in the United States eastern tropical Pacific purse-seine tuna industry. 0.124 MB HOBSON, K. A.; F. F. RIGET; P. M. OUTRIDGE; R. DIETZ and E. BORN. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 331(1-3):69-82. 2004. Baleen as a biomonitor of mercury content and dietary history of North Atlantic minke whales (Balaenopetra acutorostrata): Combining elemental and stable isotope approaches. 0.330 MB HOLT, W. V.; J. WALLER; A. MOORE; P. D. JEPSON; R. DEAVILLE and P. M. BENNETT. JOURNAL OF ANATOMY 205(3):201-211. 2004. Smooth muscle actin and vimentin as markers of testis development in the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). 0.383 MB IVANOV, M. P. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(4):469-479. 2004. Dolphin's echolocation signals in a complicated acoustic environment. 0.160 MB KARAMANLIDIS, ALEXANDROS. A.; PANAYIOTIS DENDRINOS; ELENI TOUNTA and SPYROS KOTOMATAS. COASTAL MANAGEMENT 32(3):293-306. 2004. Monitoring human activity in an area dedicated to the protection of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. 1.048 MB LAIDRE, K. L.; M. P. HEIDE-JORGENSEN; M. L. LOGDSON; R. C. HOBBS; P. HEAGERTY; R. DIETZ; O. A. JORGENSEN and M. A. TREBLE. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 145(4):821-831. 2004. Seasonal narwhal habitat associations in the high Arctic. 2.446 MB LESAGE, VERONIQUE; MIKE O. HAMMILL and KIT M. KOVACS. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 82:1070-1081. 2004. Long-distance movements of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) from a seasonally ice-covered area, the St. Lawrence River estuary, Canada. 1.968 MB LEVIN, M.; B. MORSEY; C. MORI and S. DE GUISE. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PART A-CURRENT ISSUES 67(19):1517-1535. 2004. Specific non-coplanar PCB-mediated modulation of bottlenose dolphin and beluga whale phagocytosis upon in vitro exposure. 0.162 MB MADSEN, P. T.; I. KERR and R. PAYNE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 116(4):1909-1912. 2004. Source parameter estimates of echolocation clicks from wild pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) (L). 0.266 MB MCLAUGHLIN, JOSEPH. B.; JEREMY SOBEL; TRACEY LYNN; ELIZABETH FUNK and JOHN P. MIDDAUGH. EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES 10(9):1685-1687. 2004. Botulism Type E outbreak associated with eating a beached whale, Alaska. 0.626 MB MOORS, HILARY B. and JOHN M. TERHUNE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 116(2):1261-1270. 2004. Repetition patterns in Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) underwater multiple element calls. 0.386 MB MULLIN, KEITH D. and GREGORY L. FULLING MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 20(4):787-807. 2004. Abundance of cetaceans in the oceanic northern Gulf of Mexico, 1996-2001. 0.262 MB MURANISHI, YUKI; MOTOKI SASAKI; KENGO HAYASHI; NORIHITO ABE; TAKUMA FUJIHIRA; HAJIME ISHIKAWA; SEIJI OHSUMI; AIKO MIYAMOTO and YUTAKA FUKUI. ZYGOTE 12(2):125-132. 2004. Relationship between the appearance of preantral follicles in the fetal ovary of Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and hormone concentrations in the fetal heart, umbilical cord and maternal blood. 0.160 MB MURATA, K.; K. MIZUTA; K. IMAZU; F. TERASAWA; M. TAKI and T. ENDOH. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 90(4):896-898. 2004. The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wind and captive cetaceans from Japan. 0.080 MB OLIVEIRA DE MEIRELLES, ANA CAROLINA and MANUEL ANTONIO DE ANDRADE FURTADO-NETO. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 3(1):81-82. 2004. Stranding of an Antarctic minke whale, Balaenoptera bonaerensis Burmeister, 1867, on the northern coast of South America. 0.526 MB PORTER, BOYD T. and ANDREW W. TRITES. MAMMALIA 68(1):23-26. 2004. Suckling attempts during winter by two non-filial Steller sea lion pups (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.284 MB RASMUSSEN, MARIANNE H.; MAGNUS WAHLBERG and LEE A. MILLER. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 116(3):1826-1831. 2004. Estimated transmission beam pattern of clicks recorded from free-ranging white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris). 0.297 MB SANTILLAN, LUIS; MILENA ROCA; MANUEL APAZA; LARISSA ROSA DE OLIVEIRA and KARINA ONTON. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 3(1):83-84. 2004. New record of mother-calf pair of southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, off the Peruvian coast. 0.600 MB SUKHORUCHENKO, M. N. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 50(4):485-492. 2004. Auditory detection of paired pulses by a dolphin in the presence of a pulse jam. 0.089 MB TAJIMA, YUKO; YOSHIHIRO HAYASHI and TADASU K. YAMADA. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE 66(7):761-766. 2004. Comparative anatomical study on the relationships between the vestigial pelvic bones and the surrounding structures of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides). 0.207 MB TONDER, MIKA and JUHA JURVELIUS. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION 31(2):122-129. 2004. Attitudes towards fishery and conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal in Lake Pihlajavesi, Finland. 0.108 MB VAN DEN HOFF, JOHN. POLAR BIOLOGY 27(10):604-612. 2004. A comparative study of the cephalopod prey of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) near Macquarie Island. 0.242 MB WHITEHEAD, HAL; LUKE RENDELL; RICHARD W. OSBORNE and BERND WURSIG. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 120(3):427-437. 2004. Culture and conservation of non-humans with reference to whales and dolphins: Review and new directions. 0.216 MB ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 16:14:41 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: GIS - cetacean studies - USA institutions (fwd) From: Dear all, My name is Maria Ines Seabra. I am currently working at the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries (DOP) University of Azores (Horta, Faial Island, Portugal), as a post-graduated student, in the scope of a project named CETAMARH Ecology and population structure of bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales in the Azores: assessing the relationship with habitat features. One component of this project is the study of cetacean distribution along the archipelago of the Azores Islands. Using geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling, we pretend to assess the relation between environmental characteristics and the occurrence/distribution and habitat use patterns for each species, and to analyze temporal changes in this relation. I have an opportunity to apply for a grant that allows Portuguese students that are presently working in a Portuguese research institution to spend a short-time period (2-4 months) at a research institution in the USA. These grants are funded by a foundation that promotes scientific cooperation and educational interchange between Portugal and USA, the Luso-American Foundation for the Development (FLAD). The purpose of these grants is that Portuguese graduated students working in marine ecology can achieve technical training and learn with American specialists that work in the same research areas. I am interested on learning more about the application of GIS and habitat prediction modeling for the study of cetacean distribution and habitat use. In particular, I am especially concerned in improving my knowledge on spatial analysis and geostatistics and to have training in using innovative GIS techniques and more automatic software tools. The only problem is that I was just informed about this grant in the last three days and since the deadline for the applications is at the 3rd of November, next Wednesday, I have really short time. I would please ask you to send me, as fast as it is possible, a contact of a possible host researcher of an institution in USA, that is working with GIS application to cetacean studies. Thank you very much. Looking forward to receive your suggestions, Maria Ines Seabra ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 16:18:13 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstract: grey seal mating tactics (fwd) Here is a new publication on the success of male mating tactics in the grey seal. PDFs are available from dcl2(\)st-andrews.ac.uk Lidgard, D. C., Boness, D. J., Bowen, W. D., McMillan, J. I. & Fleischer, R. C. 2004. The rate of fertilization in male mating tactics of the polygynous grey seal. Molecular Ecology, 13 3543-3548. Studies using molecular markers have shown that some grey seal males may be gaining success through exhibiting alternative mating tactics. We estimated the probability of fertilization success of grey seal males exhibiting the primary tactic and one alternative tactic of mating with departing females on Sable Island, Nova Scotia during the breeding seasons of 1997 to 2002. Although the fertilization rate of the primary tactic (27%-43%) was greater than that of the alternative tactic (10-12%), these low rates indicate the potential fitness value of alternative mating tactics in this size-dimorphic pinniped species. Damian C. Lidgard, PhD Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow Dept. of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia, B3H 4JI Canada work: +902 494 2564 fax: +902 494 3736 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 20:35:36 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Abstracts of symposium on cetacean systematics (fwd) The abstracts of the symposium "Cetacean Systematics: Approaches in Genetics, Morphology and Behavior" held 28--29 April in La Jolla, California are available in pdf format at: http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/PRD/PROGRAMS/POP-ID/research/cettaxworkshop.html Click on "abstract book" First authors: P. Arnold, C. S. Baker, A. S. Barreto, S. Caballero, S. J. Chivers, M. L. Dalebout, D. A. Duffield, L. Fajardo, R. C. Fleischer, P. M. Formica, C. W. Fung, J. Gatesy, M. Goode, L. T. Hatch, J. Hey, A. Higa, A. R. Hoelzel, T. A. Jefferson, W. E. Johnson, M. Kruetzen, S. Lavery, R. LeDuc, M. Martinez-Vergara, J. McDonald, J. G. Mead, S. L. Mesnick, P. A. Morin, W. F. Perrin, B. Plater, S. A. Price, P. Rosel, H. C. Rosenbaum, I. Segura Garcia, J. A. Seminoff, S. Siciliano, K. M. Stafford, B. L. Taylor, K. Viaud, R. S. Waples, R. K. Wayne, T. K. Yamada, H. R. Zornetzer email: william.perrin(\)noaa.gov William F. Perrin ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 09:21:41 EST From: Kara Buckstaff Subject: paper on boat disturbance in Sarasota Bay, Florida The following paper is now available: Buckstaff, K.C. 2004. Effects of watercraft noise on the acoustic behavior of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Marine Mammal Science 20(4): 709-725 Abstract: Watercraft may provide the greatest source of anthropogenic noise for bottlenose dolphins living in coastal waters. A resident community of about 140 individuals near Sarasota, Florida are exposed to a vessel passing within 100 m approximately every six minutes during daylight hours. I investigated the circumstances under which watercraft traffic may impact the acoustic behavior of this community, specifically looking for short-term changes in whistle frequency range, duration, and rate of production. To analyze whistles and received watercraft noise levels, acoustic recordings were made using two hydrophones towed from an observation vessel during focal animal follows of 14 individual dolphins. The duration and frequency range of signature whistles did not change significantly relative to vessel approaches. However, dolphins whistled significantly more often at the onset of approaches compared to during and after vessel approaches. Whistle rate was also significantly greater at the onset of a vessel approach than when no vessels were present. Increased whistle repetition as watercraft approach may simply reflect heightened arousal, an increased motivation for animals to come closer together, with whistles functioning to promote reunions. It may also be an effective way to compensate for signal masking, maintaining communication in a noisy environment. Please contact me if you would like a copy. Kara Buckstaff kara(\)mote.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2004 09:12:32 +0100 From: Krishna Das Subject: new abstract ------ Dear All, Here is a new abstract recently published in Marine Ecology Progress Series. PDF reprint are available under request to krishna.das(\)ulg.ac.be Cheers, Krishna=20 Das K, Siebert U, Fontaine M, Jauniaux T, Holsbeek L, Bouquegneau JM Ecological and pathological factors related to trace metal concentrations in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena=A0from the North Se= a and adjacent areas MEPS 281:283-295 Abstract: There is growing concern about the health status of the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena in the North Sea and adjacent areas. The interaction between toxicological results (Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Se, Hg), stable isotope data (l13C and C15N) and the most common pathological findings, namely emaciation and lesions of the respiratory system, were investigated in 132 porpoises collected along the coasts of Northern France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Iceland and Norway between 1994 and 2001. The body condition of harbour porpoises stranded on the French, Belgian and German coasts was poor compared to that of by-catch individuals from Iceland and Norway, as reflected by blubber thickness and hepatic to total body-mass ratio. High Zn and Hg concentrations were observed in some porpoises collected along the southern North Sea coast compared to by-catch individuals from Iceland, Norway and the Baltic Sea. Increasing Zn levels were observed with deteriorating health condition (emaciation and bronchopneumonia), while Hg increases were not significant. The increases were not related to shrinking liver mass which remained unchanged. These observations indicate a general redistribution of trace metals within the organs (muscles and blubber to liver), as a result of protein and lipid catabolism. Muscle M13C and C15N values remained unchanged with deteriorating body condition. Cd concentrations were associated only with age and low 15N values, indicating that high Cd concentrations in Iceland and Norway porpoises may be partly diet-related, i.e. a result of Cd contaminated prey.=20 KEY WORDS: North Sea =B7 Marine mammals =B7 Stable isotopes =B7 Trace met= als =B7 Harbour porpoise =B7 Health status ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2004 13:18:31 -0600 From: Yoko MITANI Subject: New article on 3D diving behavior of Weddelll seals (Apple Message framework v553) Dear all, The following paper is now available: "3D diving behavior of Weddell seals with respect to prey accessibility and abundance" Mitani Y, Watanabe Y, Sato K, Cameron MF, Naito Y MEPS 281:275-281 (2004) ABSTRACT: The foraging behavior of predators is influenced by the distribution of prey at different spatial and temporal scales. In marine environments, aquatic animals move in 3 spatial dimensions; however, previous studies of the fine-scale movements of predators were limited to only the vertical component of diving behavior. Here, we have analyzed image data along the 3D dive paths of Weddell seals Leptonychotes weddellii to address the 3D nature of their interactions with prey at the spatial and temporal scales relevant to an individual predator. The 3D dive paths were calculated using acceleration and geomagnetic intensity data. A prey index was estimated using image data taken by digital still picture loggers. The descent and ascent phases of a dive were more linear than the bottom phase, and the prey index during the bottom phase was significantly higher than those during the descent and ascent phases. These results suggest that the bottom phase does indeed represent time spent foraging in a prey patch, and that the descent and ascent phases represent the transit between an ice hole and a prey patch. The 3D dive paths of individual seals were affected by the location of breathing holes in the ice and by the slope of local bathymetric features around their breeding colony. Our data suggest that once seals encounter prey, they dive no further, which minimizes their distance from the breathing hole and maximizes their time spent foraging. KEY WORDS: Foraging behavior, 3D dive paths, Prey distribution, Prey availability, Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii PDF reprints are available at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps2004/281/m281p275.pdf or upon request to: mitaniy(\)tamug.edu Best regards, Yoko -------------------------------------------------------------------- MITANI, Yoko Ph.D Texas A&M University at Galveston 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551 Phone: 409-740-4713 Fax: 409-740-5002 Email: mitaniy(\)tamug.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2004 18:23:51 +0100 From: Sociedad Ecologica SEA VIDA Subject: First call for International meeting on aquatic mammals in Venezuela ------ Dear friends and colleagues: The Venezuelan non-governmental organizations Sociedad Ecologica Venezolana Vida Marina (SEA VIDA)and the Centro de Investigacion de Cetaceos (CIC) are pleased to announce the: ** INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC MAMMALS AND RESEARCH TECHNIQUES. ** INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC MAMMALS. to be held next 21-26 February, 2005, in the city of Puerto la Cruz, stat= e of Anzoategui, Northeastern Venezuela. Invited instructors and lecturers include: Maria Claudia Diazgranados, Earth Island Institute Latin America, Lilian Florez-Gonzalez Fundaci=F3n Yubarta, Colombia,=20 Toni Frohoff, Marine Mammal Consultant, the Humane Society of the United States=20 Nathalie Ward, Eastern Caribbean Cetacean Network Gerardo Huertas, The World Society for the Protection of Animals Tony Mignucci, Caribbean Stranding Network (to be confirmed),=20 Juan Carlos Murillo, The World Society for the Protection of Animals Fernando Trujillo, Fundaci=F3n Omacha, Colombia Erin Vos, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission (to be confirmed) Selected speeches will be presented at the Symposium by more than a dozen Venezuelan researchers and government officers including: Luis Bermudez Jaime Bola=F1os Alvin Delgado (to be confirmed) Carlos Gimenez (to be confirmed) Tatiana Leon Adda Manzanilla Keyla Matos Lenin Oviedo Sonsiree Ramirez Alejandro Sayegh Noemi Silva SEMINAR PROGRAM (21-23 February, 2005) Legal aspects Identification of cetaceans in the field Strandings Planning a survey Studying behavior Cetacean clinic Release protocols for rehabilitated animals Populational studies: the Distance program and mark-recapture methods Bioacoustics Management of Whalewatching. Including a case study: humpback whales in the Colombian Pacific FIELD TRIP to the Mochima National Park: 24 February, 2005 (encounter rat= e with long snouted common dolphin groups over 90%) SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM (Selected speeches, 25-26 February, 2005) * Conservation and management of sirenians * Conservation and management of south American mustelids * Conservation and management of freshwater dolphins * International Agreement for Conservation of Dolphins * The public display industry * Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) * Whalewatching in Colombia=20 * Whalewatching in Venezuela=20 * Conservation and management in the Venezuelan Atlantic * Conservation and management in western Venezuela * Conservation and management in the the State of Nueva Esparta * Environmental Education in the Caribbean Sea * Environmental Impact Assesments * Conservation and management Priorities for Venezuela For additional information do not hit the reply button, please contact us at: Prof. Luis Bermudez,=20 Centro de Investigacion de Cetaceos (CIC) e-mail: cicvenezuela(\)yahoo.com www.cicvenezuela.com Lic. Jaime Bolanos,=20 SEA VIDA e-mail: sea_vida(\)yahoo.es =09 __________________________________=20 Do you Yahoo!?=20 Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page.=20 www.yahoo.com=20 =20 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2004 06:47:49 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Request for Bids - SPLASH Research Activities, Hawaii (fwd) REQUEST FOR BIDS SPLASH Research Activities in the Main Hawaiian Islands Winter 2004-2005 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary State Sanctuary Office Division of Aquatic Resources Department of Land and Natural Resources November 1, 2004 Background The state office of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is requesting bids for winter 2004-2005 SPLASH research activities in Hawaii. Bids will only be accepted from researchers who wi= ll hold prior to start of work all necessary Federal and State marine mammal research permits authorizing them to work with humpback whales in Hawaiia= n waters. The research activities entail collecting fluke identification photograph= s and tissue biopsies from humpback whales around the Main Hawaiian Islands during the 2004-2005 winter humpback whale season. Separate bids are requested for the nine projects detailed below. For more information on SPLASH, please visit the sanctuary=E2=80=99s web = site: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/special_offerings/sp_off/splash/splas= h.html. Descriptions of Services 1. Big Island The sanctuary requires an organization or individual having demonstrated experience with, and knowledge of, the distribution, group composition an= d behavior of humpback whales that inhabit the waters on the west side of t= he Big Island. Specifically, they must have demonstrated skills finding and following groups of whales as well as identifying individuals and their behavioral roles within the groups. They must have experience collecting identifying photographs and linking those images with the associated fiel= d data collected. Experience in collecting tissue biopsies is preferred. The sanctuary will provide biopsy collection and preservation equipment, and data forms (if requested). The sanctuary is seeking support in the following areas: =E2=80=A2 Collection of identification photographs, associated data a= nd tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, during the peak of the whale season (mid January to mid April), in the waters off th= e western side of the Big Island =E2=80=A2 Access to other identification photographs gathered in the = area, outside of SPLASH project protocols. The selected organization or individual shall perform these technical support activities by delivering the following: Task 1. Collection of identification photographs, associated data and tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, during the peak of the whale season (mid January to mid April), in the waters off the western side of the Big Island. The Contractor will provide a vessel, imaging equipment and personnel capable of conducting twenty days at sea, in the waters on the western si= de of the Big Island, using SPLASH protocols to locate and sample both individual and groups of humpback whales. These protocols prioritize identification of individual whales through obtaining images (film or digital stills) of tail fluke patterns, as well as the collection of associated data describing each individual(s) behavioral role. In additi= on where practical, associated images of each individual=E2=80=99s dorsal fl= ank and tailstock, will be collected. Tissue biopsies will also be collected usi= ng established SPLASH protocols. The sanctuary can provide data forms as needed. After collection in the field, images of each individual and its associat= ed data will be provided to the sanctuary in either electronic or printed form, in a manner allowing their unambiguous addition to, and comparison with, other similar data collected throughout the North Pacific during th= e SPLASH project. Tissue samples will be processed and placed into vials, = as per SPLASH protocols, and will be preserved in equipment provided by the sanctuary. In addition, beyond the data required by the SPLASH protocols, the contractor may propose to collect other associated data deemed of value t= o their own ongoing research interests. Whether this complementary data collection will be allowed during SPLASH funded days at sea will be determined by the sanctuary upon evaluating the impact of its collection = on the efficiency of obtaining SPLASH target sample sizes, and upon its complementary value to the research and management goals of the sanctuary. Researchers are encouraged to form collaborations in this regard in order to maximize the collection of data of interest to each respective researcher. Deliverable: Research support services as stated above. Timeline: Twenty days spread throughout the peak of the whale season (mi= d January to mid April). Images and associated data will be submitted to the sanctuary by the end of May of the season contracted. Task 2. Access to other identification photographs gathered in the area, outside of SPLASH project protocols. The Contractor will provide the SPLASH project, through the sanctuary, a suitably formatted copy of identification images of unique individuals obtained during their own research (outside of the SPLASH funded days), along with basic associated information (e.g. date, location). These images will be used in limited SPLASH analyses (e.g. alternate population estimates, evaluation of the representativeness of the SPLASH data). Any use in publications will require the consent of the contributor, with agreed upon accreditation. Deliverables: Appropriately formatted electronic or printed images and data, as described above. Timeline: Images and data should be submitted no later than the end of December of the year contracted. 2. Kauai The sanctuary requires an organization or individual having demonstrated experience with, and knowledge of, the distribution, group composition an= d behavior of humpback whales that inhabit the waters of Kauai. Specifically, they must have demonstrated skills finding and following groups of whales as well as identifying individuals and their behavioral roles within the groups. They must have experience collecting identifyin= g photographs and linking those images with the associated field data collected. Experience collecting tissue biopsies is preferred. The sanctuary will provide biopsy collection and preservation equipment, and data forms (if requested). The sanctuary is seeking support in the following areas: =E2=80=A2 Collection of identification photographs, associated data a= nd tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, during the peak of the whale season (mid January to mid April), in the waters around Kauai. =E2=80=A2 Access to other identification photographs gathered in the = area, outside of SPLASH project protocols. The selected organization and individual shall perform these technical support activities by delivering the following: Task 1. Collection of identification photographs, associated data and tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project in t= he waters surrounding Kauai during the peak of the whale season. The Contractor will provide a vessel, imaging equipment and personnel capable of conducting twenty days at sea during the peak of the whale season (February and March), in the waters of Kauai, using SPLASH protoco= ls to locate and sample both individual and groups of humpback whales. Thes= e protocols prioritize identification of individual whales through obtainin= g images (film or digital stills) of tail fluke patterns, as well as the collection of associated data describing each individual(s) behavioral role. In addition where practical, associated images of each individual=E2= =80=99s dorsal flank and tailstock, will be collected. Tissue biopsies will be collected, with training and equipment provided by the Sanctuary, where appropriate. The sanctuary can provide data forms as needed. After collection in the field, images of each individual and its associat= ed data will be provided to the sanctuary in either electronic or printed form, in a manner allowing their unambiguous addition to, and comparison with, other similar data collected throughout the North Pacific during th= e SPLASH project. Tissue samples will be processed and placed into vials, = as per SPLASH protocols, and will be preserved in equipment provided by the sanctuary. In addition, beyond the data required by the SPLASH protocols, the contractor may propose to collect other associated data deemed of value t= o their own ongoing research interests. Whether this complementary data collection will be allowed during SPLASH funded days at sea will be determined by the sanctuary upon evaluating the impact of its collection = on the efficiency of obtaining SPLASH target sample sizes, and upon its complementary value to the research and management goals of the sanctuary. Researchers are encouraged to form collaborations in this regard in order to maximize the collection of data of interest to each respective researcher. Deliverable: Research support services as stated above. Timeline: Twenty days in the peak of the whale season (February and March). Images and associated data will be submitted to the sanctuary b= y the end of May 2005. Task 2. Provide personnel for SPLASH sampling cruises in the waters off Kauai during the early and late season. The selected organization or individual will supply a minimum of two qualified personnel to conduct SPLASH sampling in the waters surrounding Kauai in the early and late season (likely five days in December/January and 5 days in April/May). Unless otherwise negotiated, the sanctuary wil= l provide the vessel and captain. The contractor need only estimate the total cost of personnel, travel and the cost of post-processing the data for submission to the sanctuary. All tissue sampling and preserving equipment will be provided by the sanctuary. Deliverables: The selected organization or individual shall provide experienced personnel capable of collecting the images and associated dat= a required under the SPLASH protocols. Timeline: These personnel will fly to Kauai (currently estimated at twic= e in December and twice in April/May) to meet the vessel and captain provid= ed by the sanctuary for five days of sampling in December and five days of sampling in April/May. Each sampling trip will consist of 2-3 consecutiv= e days. 3. Oahu The sanctuary requires an individual or organization having demonstrated experience with, and knowledge of, the distribution, group composition an= d behavior of humpback whales that inhabit the waters of Oahu. Specificall= y, they must have demonstrated skills finding and following groups of whales as well as identifying individuals and their behavioral roles within the groups. They must have experience collecting identifying photographs and linking those images with the associated field data collected. Experienc= e collecting tissue biopsies is preferred. The sanctuary is seeking support in the following areas: =E2=80=A2 Collection of identification photographs, associated data a= nd tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project The selected organization or individual shall perform these technical support activities by delivering the following: Task 1. Collection of identification photographs, associated data and tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project. The Contractor will provide a vessel, imaging equipment and personnel capable of conducting ten days at sea, in the waters of Oahu, using SPLAS= H protocols to locate and sample both individual and groups of humpback whales. These protocols prioritize identification of individual whales through obtaining images (film or digital stills) of tail fluke patterns, as well as the collection of associated data describing each individual(s= ) behavioral role. In addition where practical, associated images of each individual=E2=80=99s dorsal flank and tailstock, will be collected. Tiss= ue biopsies will be collected, with training and equipment provided by the Sanctuary, where appropriate. The sanctuary can provide data forms as needed. After collection in the field, images of each individual and its associat= ed data will be provided to the sanctuary in either electronic or printed form, in a manner allowing their unambiguous addition to, and comparison with, other similar data collected throughout the North Pacific during th= e SPLASH project. Tissue samples will be processed and placed into vials, = as per SPLASH protocols, and will be preserved in equipment provided by the sanctuary. In addition, beyond the data required by the SPLASH protocols, the contractor may propose to collect other associated data deemed of value t= o their own ongoing research interests. Whether this complementary data collection will be allowed during SPLASH funded days at sea will be determined by the sanctuary upon evaluating the impact of its collection = on the efficiency of obtaining SPLASH target sample sizes, and upon its complementary value to the research and management goals of the sanctuary. Researchers are encouraged to form collaborations in this regard in order to maximize the collection of data of interest to each respective researcher. Deliverable: Research support services as stated above. Timeline: Ten days during the peak of the whale season (mid January to mi= d April). Images and associated data will be submitted to the sanctuary b= y the end of May 2005. 4. =E2=80=93 8. Maui - Peak Season (Five research teams =E2=80=93 separat= e bids required for each team.) The sanctuary requires organizations or individuals having demonstrated experience with, and knowledge of, the distribution, group composition an= d behavior of humpback whales that inhabit the waters of western Maui, from Makena to Kapalua and west to Lanai. Specifically, they must have demonstrated skills finding and following groups of whales as well as identifying individuals and their behavioral roles within the groups. Th= ey must have experience collecting identifying photographs and linking those images with the associated field data collected. Experience collecting tissue biopsies is preferred. The sanctuary is seeking support in the following areas: =E2=80=A2 Collection of identification photographs, associated data a= nd tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, off the we= st coast of Maui during the peak of the whale season The selected organizations or individuals shall perform these technical support activities by delivering the following: Task 1. Collection of identification photographs, associated data and tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, off the west coast of Maui during the peak of the whale season. The Contractor will provide a vessel, imaging equipment and personnel capable of conducting ten days at sea, in the waters of west Maui, using SPLASH protocols to locate and sample both individual and groups of humpback whales. These protocols prioritize identification of individual whales through obtaining images (film or digital stills) of tail fluke patterns, as well as the collection of associated data describing each individual(s) behavioral role. In addition where practical, associated images of each individual=E2=80=99s dorsal flank and tailstock, will be c= ollected. Tissue biopsies will be collected, with training and equipment provided b= y the Sanctuary, where appropriate. The sanctuary can provide data forms a= s needed. After collection in the field, images of each individual and its associat= ed data will be provided to the sanctuary in either electronic or printed form, in a manner allowing their unambiguous addition to, and comparison with, other similar data collected throughout the North Pacific during th= e SPLASH project. Tissue samples will be processed and placed into vials, = as per SPLASH protocols, and will be preserved in equipment provided by the sanctuary. In addition, beyond the data required by the SPLASH protocols, the contractor may propose to collect other associated data deemed of value t= o their own ongoing research interests. Whether this complementary data collection will be allowed during SPLASH funded days at sea will be determined by the sanctuary upon evaluating the impact of its collection = on the efficiency of obtaining SPLASH target sample sizes, and upon its complementary value to the research and management goals of the sanctuary. Researchers are encouraged to form collaborations in this regard in order to maximize the collection of data of interest to each respective researcher. Deliverable: Research support services as stated above. Timeline: Ten days spread throughout the peak of the whale season (mid January to mid April), or approximately one day per week. Images and associated data will be submitted to the sanctuary by the end of May 2005. 9. Maui - Early and Late Season (One research team.) The sanctuary requires organizations or individuals having demonstrated experience with, and knowledge of, the distribution, group composition an= d behavior of humpback whales that inhabit the waters of western Maui, from Makena to Kapalua and west to Lanai. Specifically, they must have demonstrated skills finding and following groups of whales as well as identifying individuals and their behavioral roles within the groups. Th= ey must have experience collecting identifying photographs and linking those images with the associated field data collected. Experience collecting tissue biopsies is preferred. The sanctuary is seeking support in the following areas: =E2=80=A2 Collection of identification photographs, associated data a= nd tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, off the we= st coast of Maui during early and late whale season. The selected organizations or individuals shall perform these technical support activities by delivering the following: Task 1. Collection of identification photographs, associated data and tissue biopsies using the protocols developed for the SPLASH project, off the west coast of Maui during the early and late periods of the 2004-2005 whale season. The Contractor will provide a vessel, imaging equipment and personnel capable of conducting ten days at sea, in the waters of west Maui, using SPLASH protocols to locate and sample both individual and groups of humpback whales. These protocols prioritize identification of individual whales through obtaining images (film or digital stills) of tail fluke patterns, as well as the collection of associated data describing each individual(s) behavioral role. In addition where practical, associated images of each individual=E2=80=99s dorsal flank and tailstock, will be c= ollected. Tissue biopsies will be collected, with training and equipment provided b= y the Sanctuary, where appropriate. The sanctuary can provide data forms a= s needed. After collection in the field, images of each individual and its associat= ed data will be provided to the sanctuary in either electronic or printed form, in a manner allowing their unambiguous addition to, and comparison with, other similar data collected throughout the North Pacific during th= e SPLASH project. Tissue samples will be processed and placed into vials, = as per SPLASH protocols, and will be preserved in equipment provided by the sanctuary. In addition, beyond the data required by the SPLASH protocols, the contractor may propose to collect other associated data deemed of value t= o their own ongoing research interests. Whether this complementary data collection will be allowed during SPLASH funded days at sea will be determined by the sanctuary upon evaluating the impact of its collection = on the efficiency of obtaining SPLASH target sample sizes, and upon its complementary value to the research and management goals of the sanctuary. Researchers are encouraged to form collaborations in this regard in order to maximize the collection of data of interest to each respective researcher. Deliverable: Research support services as stated above. Timeline: Five days in mid December through mid January and five days in mid April through mid May. Images and associated data will be submitted = to the sanctuary by the end of May 2005. Funding Information and General Requirements No single bid is expected to total more than $23,500. Applicants, as individuals or organizations, may submit bids on one or more of the above projects. Each project will be funded via a State of Hawaii Requisition and Purchase Order and administered in accordance with State of Hawaii small purchase procurement procedures. How to Submit a Bid Completed bids containing the following information must be postmarked or received at the address specified below on or before November 15, 2004. Bids, not to exceed 3 pages, should include the following: 1. A cover letter outlining the applicant=E2=80=99s experience and oth= er qualifications relevant to successful completion of the services, e.g., previous experience with SPLASH methodologies, evidence of required feder= al and state permits, etc. 2. A single bid amount for all costs to be billed to the sanctuary. Bid Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria: 1. Evidence of required federal and state research permits. 2. Applicant=E2=80=99s previous research performance, publication reco= rd and demonstrated competence. Previous experience with SPLASH research methodologies is preferred. 3. Cost effectiveness. Send bids to: David Nichols Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Division of Aquatic Resources Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl, Rm 330 Honolulu, HI 96813 For more information contact: David Nichols at (808) 587-0437, Fax (808) 587-0115, or david.s.nichols(\)hawaii.gov ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 20:52:20 +0100 From: Peter Pissierssens Subject: IOC of UNESCO: survey on the IODE programme If you are not involved in marine sciences/oceanography then please simply delete this message or send a blank message to unsubscribe(\)iode.org to inform us that you do not wish to receive any more messages from IOC. Dear colleague, The "International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange" (IODE)" programme (http://www.iode.org) of the "Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC)" was established in 1961 to enhance marine research, exploitation and development by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between participating Member States and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products. The IOC is now undertaking a review of the IODE programme so we can ensure that IODE effectively and efficiently addresses the needs of the ocean science and observation community. We believe that the best way to find out how we can better serve your needs is by asking you, a marine expert, directly. We therefore designed a short web-based survey. The survey can be found on the following URL: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=71514696388 Filling this survey will take only 5 minutes. It is subdivided in 5 pages and has a total of 35 questions, most of which are answerable by picking from a list of options. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. For any information on IODE or on this survey please contact Peter Pissierssens, Head Ocean Services IOC at p.pissierssens(\)unesco.org or p.pissierssens(\)iode.org or find out more about the IODE review on http://ioc3.unesco.org/iode/categories.php?category_no=86 Please note that your email address will NOT be used for any non-official purpose unrelated to IOC. However if you do not wish to receive any other messages from IOC then please send blank message to unsubscribe(\)iode.org and we will remove your address from our records. Peter Pissierssens Head, Ocean Services Section Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO 1 rue Miollis 75732 Paris Cedex 15 FRANCE Tel: +33 1 45 68 40 46 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2004 20:44:02 -0800 From: "R.H. Defran" Subject: Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internship From: "Dr. R.H. Defran" The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill two Dolphin Photo-identification Internships for the Spring of 2005. The MMPR is organized within NOAA's National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 16 week period from Jan 10, 2005 to April 29, 2005. Interns will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD) (see Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892.). The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics of Charleston dolphins as part of a comprehensive health assessment of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Interns and must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of interns who have well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The intern application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should correspond with Dr. Defran by email before submitting application materials. We anticipate filling these internship positions by the first week of December 2004. Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Dr. R.H. Defran Email: rdefran(\)sunstroke.sdsu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2004 09:35:18 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: new publication on the ecology of the Mediterranean monk seal (fwd) The following paper has been published: Karamanlidis, A.A., R. Pires, N.C. Silva & H.C. Neves. 2004. Resting and pupping habitat availability for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal in the archipelago of Madeira. Oryx 38(2): 180-185. Abstract In order to describe the resting and pupping habitat of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus and facilitate the identification of preferences of the species for suitable habitat for resting and pupping, 94 sea caves in the archipelago of Madeira were located, charted, and categorized using six characteristics. A cluster analysis indicates that there are eight different types of cave, in three groups. Observations of cave usage indicate that monk seals in the archipelago do not appear to exhibit a preference for certain cave types for resting. When taking care of young, however, the species appears to prefer sea caves that have beaches above sea level during high tide and long entrance corridors. Based on these preferences we believe that although there is a large number of caves in the area that are suitable for resting, only 16 (17%) of the caves are suitable for pupping. The survival of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal will depend on the allocation of sufficient suitable habitat for reproduction. For reprints or PDFs please contact: Alexandros Karamanlidis Department of Biological Sciences Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece Email: alkar(\)bio.auth.gr or Rosa Pires Parque Natural da Madeira Funchal Portugal Email:rosapnm(\)hotmail.com Alexandros Karamanlidis ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 07:13:50 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Involving Fisherpersons in Species at Risk Monitoring (fwd) I am presently developing a program on the Quebec lower north shore to monitor wolfish, harbour porpoise, fin whales, blue whales, and humpback whales in the gulf of St. Lawrence. Interested in knowing if anyone has involved fishermen in collecting data to determine presence, distribution and abundance of marine species. Thanks, Patricia A. Nash Senior Biologist / Director of Biodiversity Conservation Quebec Labrador Foundation / Fondation Quebec Labrador P.O. Box 495 Lourdes de Blanc Sablon Quebec Canada G0G 1W0 tel: 418.461.3427 email: tnash(\)qlf.org website: www.qlf.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 07:25:43 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job: Mathematical/statistical modeller (fwd) Mathematical/Statistical Modeller Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) School of Biology University of St Andrews SALARY: 19,460 - 35,883 pounds sterling PA The SMRU in collaboration with the Centre for Research into Environmental and Ecological Modelling (CREEM) has a vacancy for a mathematical/statistical modeller to develop management models for cetacean bycatch as part of a major European project. You will join an interdisciplinary team with a wide range of experience in the mathematical and statistical modelling of biological populations. You will have research experience in population modelling including the use of simulation to explore model robustness and the analysis of population data. Direct experience of developing operational management models will be an advantage. The post is for up to two years, starting as soon as possible. Informal enquiries to: Dr Philip Hammond (tel +44(0)1334 463222), e-mail psh2(\)st-andrews.ac.uk Please quote ref: JB84/04 Closing Date: 26 November 2004 Application forms and further particulars are available from http://www.st-andrews. ac.uk/hr/recruitment/vacancies or from Human Resources, University of St Andrews, College Gate, North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AJ, UK (tel: + 44 (0)1334 462571, by fax +44 (0)1334 462570 or by e-mail Jobline(\)st-andrews.ac.uk). The University is committed to equality of opportunity. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:35:28 +0100 From: Michael Scheer Subject: New publication on s-f pilot whales Dear Marmamers, we are happy to announce the publication of the following paper. PDFs (1.7 MB) for this publication are available directly from the authors. Send your request to bianka.hofmann(\)uni-bremen.de Hofmann, B., Scheer, M. and Behr, I.P. 2004. Underwater behaviors of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Tenerife. Mammalia, 68 (2-3): 221-224. This article was published as a 'Short Note', thus an abstract is not available. All the best, Bianka Hofmann Michael Scheer Itay P. Behr easi GbR Project easi Cetacean Field Studies Am Wall 69/70 28195 Bremen Germany bianka.hofmann(\)uni-bremen.de ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:22:51 +0000 From: Steve Isaac Subject: Book announcement: MPAs for whales, dolphins & porpoises Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ 10th November 2004 Announcing 'Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises:=20 A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation',=20 a new WDCS book by Erich Hoyt This month, WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and Earthscan (London) announce the publication of Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, researched and written by WDCS Senior Research Fellow Erich Hoyt. Worldwide in coverage, the 520-page book reveals the inside story on more than 500 existing and planned marine protected areas (MPAs), national parks and sanctuaries. It is designed to be a key resource for scientists= , research institutions, students, wildlife conservation agencies, MPA managers, and anyone who cares about cetaceans and the special places where they live.=20 The book is also a =91call to action=92 for more than 200 areas detailed = in the book which are proposed for expansion and greater protection and need attention now. The high seas, outside national marine boundaries, in particular, require urgent action in order to conserve species, critical habitat and ecosystems. The book includes a special colour section of cetacean illustrations and photographs, 30 maps and figures, 9 case studies, more than 50 tables and boxes, references and index. Published in the UK and USA in simultaneous hardcover and paperback editions, books will be available to be shipped 4 November 2004 and may be ordered at discount through bookstores, the amazon websites and variou= s other sources (see below). Along with the book, WDCS has produced a huge poster map (A1 and A0-size) showing the more than 500 cetacean MPAs and sanctuaries worldwide, with illustrations by Pieter Folkens. Check www.cetaceanhabitat.org and www.phinz.com for more information about ordering a copy of this special map, proceeds from which will help support WDCS=92s research and conservation efforts. For a limited time, WDCS, through www.phinz.com, plans to give away free folded copies of the A1-size poster with all purchases of the book. Advance Comments and Back Cover copy, Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: =91The definitive account of the status and protection of cetaceans =96 a well-written and interesting work on an important subject, accessible to both experts and general readers.=92 - Prof. Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University, twice winner of the Pulitze= r Prize; author of The Diversity of Life, The Future of Life, On Human Nature, Consilience =91Multiple strategies are needed to reverse the decline of whales and dolphins, and one of these is creating protected areas for them. Renowned writer and leading authority on whale watching Erich Hoyt takes us on a fascinating journey across the complex and uncharted world of protected areas for cetaceans. This highly informative book will become a source of inspiration and understanding for the decision-maker as well as for the layperson, and an exhaustive repository of information and references for the specialist.=92 - Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Deputy chairman, IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group and, founder, Tethys Research Institute, Italy This exhaustive handbook launches a new chapter in cetacean conservation with its investigation into the habitat needs and protection requirements of some 84 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. This is the first book to bridge the disciplines of marine protected areas (MPAs) and cetacean conservation. The early chapters outline the principles for creating the best possible MPAs for cetaceans, stemming from the identification of critical habitat using ecosystem-based management and networks of reserves and through an inclusive process involving all stakeholders =96 local community, NGOs, researchers, the fishing and tour= ism industries, along with government planners and wildlife managers. The extensive fifth chapter provides in-depth surveys of all 18 marine region= s around the world, with marine region maps and tables containing profiles of the more than 500 proposed and existing MPAs with cetacean habitat, including nine detailed case studies. Erich Hoyt is Senior Research Fellow with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Co-Director of the Far East Russia Orca Project. He is author of 14 books and more than 350 papers, reports and articles. Citation: Hoyt, E. 2005. Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation. Earthscan, London. 512pp. ISBN: 1844070638 (hardback) and 1844070646 (paperback). =95 For more about the book, or to order individual copies, go to www.cetaceanhabitat.org, www.phinz.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk or www.earthscan.co.uk. =95 More information on ordering the poster is available from www.cetaceanhabitat.org and www.phinz.com. =95 For trade or quantity discounts, go to www.earthscan.co.uk (for book only), or contact Erich Hoyt, erich.hoyt(\)mac.com (for book and map-poster= ). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *= =20 * * * * Sender: Steve Isaac Policy and Science Assistant WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WDCS Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ http://www.wdcs.org WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS unless otherwise stated. ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email=20 ______________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 18:50:01 +0000 From: Dylan Walker Subject: New Publication - ORCA No.3 - Annual report of Organisation Cetacea ------ Dear Marmamers, ORCA No.3, the annual report of Organisation Cetacea, has just been published. This 80 page, A5, full-colour report is designed for all naturalists, conservationists and researchers with an interest in North Atlantic cetaceans and seabirds. The report is lavishly illustrated with artwork and distribution maps, with over 50 photographs of marine wildlife including 16 species of cetacean. Highlights include rare images of Cuvier's Beaked Whale and Gray's Beaked Whale. Articles are preceded by English, Spanish and French summaries. This year's report includes the following articles and papers: =20 The 2001 Cetacean and Bird Report for the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. By Dylan Walker, Kelly Macleod, Dave Gray & James Diamond. Identification of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) =96 a review of current knowledge. By Simon Mustoe. >From the Old World to the New. An incredible journey across the North Atlantic. By Simon Cook. Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) in the Bay of Biscay. By Hugh Harrop The Drake Passage - An eminent whale-watching arena. By Morten Joergensen. A preliminary study using visual criteria to assess group composition of Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) in the North Atlantic. By Graeme Cresswell & Dylan Walker. Sightings and strandings of cetaceans along the French coast of the Dover Strait and adjacent areas (1972-2001). By Jeremy Kiszka. The 2001 Bailiwick of Guernsey Sea Mammal and Shark Report. By Martin Gavet. ISSN: 1477-1217. Editor: D. Walker The report is published by Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) and financially supported by WILDGuides (www.wildguides.co.uk). ORCA promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education and provides a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. The report costs =A38.00 plus =A31 postage and packing. Copies can be obtained from: Dylan Walker, Organisation Cetacea, 28 Farrar Road, Bangor, LL57 1LJ, UK. Please make cheques payable to 'Organisation Cetacea' Credit card sales and orders outwith the UK (approx. $15/=8012) are dealt with by our distributor -NHBS Mailorder Bookstore, 2-3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon,TQ9 5XN, UK.Tel: + 44 (0) 1803 865913. Web link for sales online is: http://www.nhbs.com/xbscripts/bksrch?r=3D94602;l=3D3 If you would like any further information on the above please contact me at the address below: Regards, Dylan Walker =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Dylan Walker Organisation Cetacea 28 Farrar Road Bangor LL57 1LJ U.K. Tel: 00 44 (0)1248 355827 Email: dylanwalker(\)homecall.co.uk -- This mail sent through http://webmail.bangor.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 20:49:54 -0400 From: Raul Rosario Delestre Subject: Mortality cases of dolphins due to accidental choking on theirprey Content-type: multipart/alternative; boundary="B_3182964594_103923" > 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. --B_3182964594_103923 charset="ISO-8859-1" Hello=20 Greetings to all from Puerto Rico. We are researching mortality cases of dolphins due to accidental choking = on their prey items. We documented a case of a bottlenose dolphin dying beca= use it tried to swallow a large black margate (Anisotremus srinamensis). We would appreciate if anybody can help us with references of scientific literature or anecdotal accounts of stranding/mortality cases on marine mammals due to the animal choking on the prey they were trying to feed on. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide us. At the end of this message is a list of literature that I have currently collected. Aguayo, C.G. 1954. Notas sobre los cet=E1ceos de aguas Cubanas. Circular = del Museo y Biblioteca de Zoolog=EDa 13(351):1125-1126. Agudo, A.I. 1993. Base de datos 3Fundacetacea2 sobre varamientos de balle= nas y delfines en Venezuela (Cetacea: Mysticeti y Odontoceti). Caracas, Venezuela: Unpublished report, Fundacetacea, 74 pp. Agudo, A.I., A.L. Viloria, J.R. Coty and J.R. Acosta. 1994. Cetofauna (Mammalia: Cetacea) del Estado de Zuli=E1, Venezuela noroccidental. Anart= ia, (Univ. de Zuli=E1), 5: 1-23. Bonnelly de Calventi, I. 1986. Informe sobre los recursos marinos de la Rep=FAblica Dominicana con =E9nfasis en los mam=EDferos marinos y su prot= ecci=F3n. Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana: Univ. Aut=F3n. Santo Domingo, Fac. C= ien., Centro Inves. Biol. Mar. (CIBIMA). Bree, P.J.H. van. 1975. Preliminary list of the cetaceans of the southern Caribbean. Studies Fauna Cura=E7ao. Lutra 48: 79-87. Caldwell, D.K., M.C. Caldwell, W.F. Rathjen and J.R. Sullivan. 1971b. Cetaceans from the Lesser Antillean Island of St. Vicent. Fishery Bull. 6= 9: 303-312. Caldwell, D.K., M.C. Caldwell. 1975. Dolphin and small whale fisheries of the Caribbean and West Indies: occurrence, history and catch statistic-wi= th spacil reference to the Lesser Antillean island of St. Vincent. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 32:1105-1110. Erdman, D.S. 1961. New fish records and one whale record from Puerto Rico. Caribb. J. Sci. 1: 39-40. Erdman, D.S. 1970. Marine Mammals from Puerto Rico to Antigua. J. Mammal. 51: 636-639. Erdman, D.S., J. Harms and M. Marcial-Flores. 1973. Cetacean records from the northeastern Caribbean region. St. Agustine, Florida: Cetology (Biol. Syst.), 17: 1-14. Geraci, J. R., and V. J Lounsbury. 1993. Marine Mammals ashore: A field guide for strandings. Texas A&M Sea Grant College Program, TAMUSG-93-601, Galveston, Texas. 305 pp. Mignucci-Gianonni, A.A. 1989. Zoogeography of Marine Mammals in Puerto Ri= co and the Virgin Islands. Caribbean Journal of Science 34(3-4): 173-190. Prieto-Rodr=EDguez, M. 1988. Reporte de algunos cet=E1ceos del Caribe Colombiano. Bol. Fac. Biol. Mar. (U. Jorge Tadeo Lozano) 8: 30-40 Romero, A., A. Maguayo and A. I. Agudo. 1991. Los cet=E1ceos recientes de Venezuela. Memoria (Soc. Ciencias Nat. La Salle) 51: 135-136. Vidal, O. 1990. Lista de mamiferos aquaticos de Colombia. Museo de Mar, Univ. Bogot=E1 Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Informe 37, 18pp. ______________________________________________________________________ Raul J. Rosario-Delestre Caribbean Stranding Network Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory PO Box 38030 Airport Station San Juan, Puerto Rico USA 00937-1030 Tel 787-766-1717ext 6600, Fax 787-751-5386 Emergencies 787-752-0781, Cell 787-550-4681 Webpage http://rcv.caribe.net e-mail ziphius(\)prtc.net --B_3182964594_103923 charset="ISO-8859-1" Mortality cases of dolphins due to accidental choking on their pre= y Hello

Greetings to all from Puerto Rico.

We are researching mortality cases of dolphins due to accidental choking = on their prey items. We documented a case of a bottlenose dolphin dying b= ecause it tried to swallow a large black margate (Anisotremus srinamensis= ). We would appreciate if anybody can help us with references of scientif= ic literature or anecdotal accounts of stranding/mortality cases on marin= e mammals due to the animal choking on the prey they were trying to feed = on. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide us. At the end of this= message is a list of literature
that I have currently collected.

Aguayo, C.G. 1954. Notas sobre los cetáceos de aguas Cubanas. Circ= ular del Museo y Biblioteca de Zoología 13(351):1125-1126.

Agudo, A.I. 1993. Base de datos 3Fundacetacea2 sobre varamientos de balle= nas y delfines en Venezuela (Cetacea: Mysticeti y Odontoceti). Caracas, V= enezuela: Unpublished report, Fundacetacea, 74 pp.

Agudo, A.I., A.L. Viloria, J.R. Coty and J.R. Acosta. 1994. Cetofauna (Ma= mmalia: Cetacea) del Estado de Zuliá, Venezuela noroccidental. Ana= rtia, (Univ. de Zuliá), 5: 1-23.

Bonnelly de Calventi, I. 1986. Informe sobre los recursos marinos de la R= epública Dominicana con énfasis en los mamíferos mar= inos y su protección. Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana: Univ. A= utón. Santo Domingo, Fac. Cien., Centro Inves. Biol. Mar. (CIBIMA)= =2E

Bree, P.J.H. van. 1975. Preliminary list of the cetaceans of the southern= Caribbean. Studies Fauna Curaçao. Lutra 48: 79-87.
Caldwell, D.K., M.C. Caldwell, W.F. Rathjen and J.R. Sullivan. 1971b. Cet= aceans from the Lesser Antillean Island of St. Vicent. Fishery Bull. 69: = 303-312.

Caldwell, D.K., M.C. Caldwell. 1975. Dolphin and small whale fisheries of= the Caribbean and West Indies: occurrence, history and catch statistic-w= ith spacil reference to the Lesser Antillean island of St. Vincent. J. Fi= sh. Res. Bd. Can. 32:1105-1110.

Erdman, D.S. 1961. New fish records and one whale record from Puerto Rico= =2E Caribb. J. Sci. 1: 39-40.

Erdman, D.S. 1970. Marine Mammals from Puerto Rico to Antigua. J. Mammal.= 51: 636-639.

Erdman, D.S., J. Harms and M. Marcial-Flores. 1973. Cetacean records from= the northeastern Caribbean region. St. Agustine, Florida: Cetology (Biol= =2E Syst.), 17: 1-14.

Geraci, J. R., and V. J Lounsbury. 1993. Marine Mammals ashore: A field g= uide for strandings. Texas A&M Sea Grant College Program, TAMUSG-93-6= 01, Galveston, Texas. 305 pp.

Mignucci-Gianonni, A.A. 1989. Zoogeography of Marine Mammals in Puerto Ri= co and the Virgin Islands. Caribbean Journal of Science 34(3-4): 173-190.=

Prieto-Rodríguez, M. 1988. Reporte de algunos cetáceos del = Caribe Colombiano. Bol. Fac. Biol. Mar. (U. Jorge Tadeo Lozano) 8: 30-40<= BR>
Romero, A., A. Maguayo and A. I. Agudo. 1991. Los cetáceos recient= es de Venezuela. Memoria (Soc. Ciencias Nat. La Salle) 51: 135-136.

Vidal, O. 1990. Lista de mamiferos aquaticos de Colombia.  Museo de = Mar, Univ. Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Informe 37, 18pp.


______________________________________________________________________ Raul J. Rosario-Delestre
Caribbean Stranding Network
Caribbean Marine Mammal Laboratory
PO Box 38030 Airport Station
San Juan, Puerto Rico USA 00937-1030
Tel 787-766-1717ext 6600, Fax 787-751-5386
Emergencies 787-752-0781, Cell 787-550-4681
Webpage http://rcv.caribe.net
e-mail ziphius(\)prtc.net

 --B_3182964594_103923-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 14:44:31 +0000 From: Dylan Walker Subject: ORCA announce forthcoming 'Spouting Off!' event ------ Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) announce forthcoming 'Spouting Off!' event The ultimate day out for the ocean-going naturalist is almost upon us. So come and join ORCA on Saturday 20 November at the London Aquarium, UK, fo= r a day of spouting off! This event, now in its fourth year, is packed with fascinating talks by eminent speakers. You can also try the famous whale and dolphin quiz, pos= e your questions to the experts during Question Time, and spend time chatti= ng to the ORCA team who will be available throughout the event, not to menti= on FREE access to the London Aquarium! The day will also give you the opportunity to find out how ORCA has progressed in the last year and what is up and coming over the next year too. Speakers at this year=B9s event are as follows: Colin Macleod Colin MacLeod is based at the University of Aberdeen and has been studyin= g beaked whales in the North Atlantic for almost a decade. His focus is on = the habitat preferences of beaked whales and understanding how threats to the= se animals from potentially harmful human activities can be minimised. Jolyon Chesworth of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, previously worked for t= he European Commission, based in Italy, developing new methodologies for fisheries monitoring. These techniques are currently in front of the European Council for ratification and transposition in to EU policy for a= ll European member states. Phil Coles Phil Coles has been involved with ORCA since its early days. He is a television producer for a wildlife film company called Parthenon and has worked on films dealing with topics from dung beetles to dinosaurs and Ke= nya to Kazakhstan. But cetaceans are Phil=B9s biggest passion, and he will be showing his new film entitled =8CThe Harbour Porpoise =AD good things com= e in small packages=B9, and discussing how the film was made. Admission to Spouting Off is FREE to ORCA members and =A310 to non-member= s. Spaces for Spouting Off are limited and must be booked in advance and no later than the 15 November. Members and non-members must reserve their pl= ace by contacting the ORCA secretary by email or post. Non-members wishing to attend will need to send a cheque for =A310 payable to =8CORCA=B9, to the= ORCA secretary or pay on the day. Please send all correspondence to: Gareth Rondel ORCA Secretary 9 Prospect Row St. Neots Cambridgeshire PE19 1JS UK Email: secretary(\)orcaweb.org.uk Spouting Off! Itinerary 10.30 Welcome 11:00 Introduction by the Chairman 11:15 Beaked Whales in UK Waters, Colin Macleod talks about this enigmatic group. 11:45 Break 12:00 The Work of the South East Marine Programme Jolyon Chesworth introduces the work of the Marine Programme in promoting marine conservat= ion in the South-east region 12:30 Question Time. The audience poses its marine questions to the assembled experts 13:00 Lunch Break (lunch is at the cost of the individual) 14:00 Harbour Porpoise =AD Good things come in small packages. Phil Co= les will introduce you to this overlooked cetacean 14:30 Websites and Beaked Whales. John Young will introduce ORCA=B9s revamped website and a new development in Beaked Whale conservation =AD t= he Resource 15:10 Break 15:30 AGM 17:00 Finish Further details and directions for the London Aquarium can be found at www.orcaweb.org.uk Regards, Dylan Walker (Chairman) -- This mail sent through http://webmail.bangor.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2004 10:20:58 -0500 From: SSoldavin(\)islandpress.org Subject: post for your list serv - Eye of the Whale This is a multipart message in MIME format. --=_alternative 0055359B85256F42_= Please consider posting the following on MARMAM. Many thanks for your consideration, Susan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Eye of the Whale - New in Paper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book follows the migration of the gray whale from Mexico's Baja peninsula to the Arctic's Bering Strait Dick Russell's EYE OF THE WHALE offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and natural history. Originally named "Devil-fish" by nineteenth-century whalers, the gray whale's friendly overtures toward humans over the past generation helped to spark the growth of today's whale-watching industry. This majestic marine mammal has also become a focus of controversy, as environmentalists fought to protect its breeding area from industrial development, some protested renewed hunting by a Native American tribe, and, more recently, scientific studies have noted a new decline in the whale's population. Russell offers a stirring account of a creature that is changing our consciousness about the relationship between human beings and the animal kingdom. For more information: http://www.islandpress.org/books/detail.html?SKU=1-55963-088-4 EYE OF THE WHALE is published by Island Press, a non-profit environmental publisher with a mission to provide solutions-oriented information and resources. Susan Shoup Soldavin Electronic Marketing Coordinator Island Press 1718 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20009 202-232-7933 x26, fax: 202-234-1328 ssoldavin(\)islandpress.org www.islandpress.org This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email (and all attachments) from your computer system. Thank you. ****************************************************************** --=_alternative 0055359B85256F42_=
Please consider posting the following on MARMAM.

Many thanks for your consideration,
Susan

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Eye of the Whale - New in Paper
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Book follows the migration of the gray whale from Mexico's Baja peninsula to the Arctic's Bering Strait
Dick Russell's EYE OF THE WHALE offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and natural history. Originally named "Devil-fish" by nineteenth-century whalers, the gray whale's friendly overtures toward humans over the past generation helped to spark the growth of today's whale-watching industry. This majestic marine mammal has also become a focus of controversy, as environmentalists fought to protect its breeding area from industrial development, some protested renewed hunting by a Native American tribe, and, more recently, scientific studies have noted a new decline in the whale's population. Russell offers a stirring account of a creature that is changing our consciousness about the relationship between human beings and the animal kingdom.

For more information:
http://www.islandpress.org/books/detail.html?SKU=1-55963-088-4


EYE OF THE WHALE is published by Island Press, a non-profit environmental publisher with a mission to provide solutions-oriented information and resources.




Susan Shoup Soldavin
Electronic Marketing Coordinator
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009
202-232-7933 x26, fax: 202-234-1328
ssoldavin(\)islandpress.org
www.islandpress.org

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or
used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received
this e-mail in error, please advise the sender immediately and
delete the email (and all attachments) from your computer system.
Thank you.
****************************************************************** --=_alternative 0055359B85256F42_=-- ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 20:30:28 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Video monitoring of marine mammals (fwd) Hello, Just sending info to see if my company, SeeMore Wildlife Systems would be a good resource for your listserv members. We provide equipment for remote monitoring of marine mammals, including harbor seals, steller sea lions, and elephant seals, to customers worldwide featuring: -Live, real-time video of wildlife in their natural habitat -Interactive cameras that pan, tilt, and zoom -Streaming video to the web and full-bandwidth broadcast -Wireless transmissions from 1km to over 100km We have recently updated our website, which you can visit at: www.seemorewildlife.com Call or email if I can answer any questions for you. Todd Erickson General Manager SeeMore Wildlife Systems, Inc. Ph. (907)235-1492 Fax (907)235-1541 terickson(\)SeeMoreWildlife.com www.SeeMoreWildlife.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:46:36 -0500 From: David Taylor Subject: cetacean pelvic bone pictures boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0001_01C4CA82.AA59AF20" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C4CA82.AA59AF20 charset="us-ascii" I have been taking digital pictures of the pelvic bones of cetaceans and have recently posted them on the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution web site. Those interested can view the pictures at http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/whalepelvics/. David Taylor dbtaylor(\)whoi.edu ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C4CA82.AA59AF20 charset="us-ascii"

I have been taking digital pictures of the pelvic bones of = cetaceans and have recently posted them on the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution = web site.  Those interested can view the pictures at = http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/whalepelvics/.

 

David Taylor

dbtaylor(\)whoi.edu

------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C4CA82.AA59AF20-- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2004 19:30:18 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Marine Mammal Behavior & Cognition Internship at USM (fwd) Forwarded message: > The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to students who will be going into their Junior or Senior year in college and recent college graduates. The internship position is for Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. The application deadline for Spring 2005 is December 1st. It can be arranged to receive college credits for the internship. Interns will work with faculty and graduate student researchers and will gain experience in many different areas, such as boat based research on wild dolphins, behavioral research and observations of captive dolphins, and assisting with the data analysis in the research laboratory. Interns will gain hands-on experience during the Wild Dolphin Project boat surveys studying the Mississippi Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns assist with observations of wild dolphin behaviors as well as gaining photo-identification skills. Interns will also learn how to gather physical and biological data onboard using a variety of scientific tools. At the MarineLife Oceanarium in Gulfport, MS, student interns will assist in gathering behavioral observations of the captive bottlenose dolphins. Interns are also expected to help with any cognitive or communicative experiments currently being conducted at MarineLife Oceanarium, by our researchers during the internship period. In the research laboratory, at the USM Hattiesburg campus, interns will gain valuable experience in learning about photo-identification, behavioral analysis, and acoustical analysis. There will be a series of lectures given on various topics in Experimental and Comparative Psychology. Interns will also be required to complete a small project on an assigned relevant topic. The internship is a full-time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements while an intern. However, there is no charge for the internship. Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship should e-mail Kuczaj_Laboratory(\)yahoo.com to request an application in PDF form. For more information on our laboratory, please visit our website at: http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/ Thank you! ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2004 19:43:24 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Internships (fwd) Forwarded message: > MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT > > The Marine Animal Lifeline in Portland, Maine is seeking applicants for > 2004-2005 winter internships working with stranded seals. > > > > Interns will be selected on an ongoing basis. Each internship will be a > minimum of 8 weeks long. The start date of each internship is flexible > and will continue 8 weeks from the start date. The earliest start date > is Dec 1, 2004 and the last available start date is March 6, 2005. This > is at least a 30 hour a week unpaid position with interns being > responsible for all travel and living expenses. > > > > Job Summary/Program Description: > This internship is designed to provide a dynamic educational experience > in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. > The interns will have a leadership role in the rehabilitation team and > interns will be responsible for a number of support tasks with > rehabilitating stranded seals throughout the course of the internship. > The positions will involve working under the Animal Care Technicians in > providing medical care, feeding, cleaning, and completing medical > records in the rehabilitation program. The intern will be integrated > into the department with assigned duties allowing them to progressively > take on more responsibility. Interns may also have the opportunity to > assist in marine mammal rescues as they arise. In addition, they will > provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals, and assist > in a number of other marine mammal care procedures. > > Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: > The internship is open for all to apply. Undergraduate students as well > as non-students can utilize the internship. If the intern intends to > receive academic credit, the interns will be responsible for making all > arrangements with their educational institutions. The internship is 4-5 > days a week, at least 30 hours per week. Intern hours will fall between > 6:30am and 8:30pm, dependent on need. Interns will be required to have > fair physical strength and be in good health. Successful applicants will > have leadership skills, or posses the ability to learn proper leadership > skills quickly. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work > in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal > experience is a plus but not required. > > Duties May Include: > * Daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of work areas. > * Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments. > * Assisting with rescues and releases of injured or abandoned > marine animals > * Assisting with the taking and processing of x-rays. > * Assisting with blood handling and collection. > * Assisting with necropsies. > * Updating medical and laboratory records and logs. > * Maintaining veterinary and rehab supplies and equipment. > * Assisting in the feeding, cleaning and daily operations of the > rehab area. > * Other duties relating to the Center's goals and mission as > required. > > Application Process: > Interested individuals are encouraged to send the following: > > > - Resume & letter of intent including reasons for wanting to do the > internship delivered at least 30 days prior to the requested start. > > The application submission deadline is an ongoing basis with position > being open until filled. > > Please forward all application materials via one of the methods listed > below. > > > > Email: > > ldoughty(\)stranding.org > > > > Regular mail: > > Marine Animal Lifeline > > c/o Lynda Doughty > > P.O. Box 621 > > Portland, ME 04104 > > > > Fax: 207-541-1936 > > > > If you have any further questions, contact Lynda Doughty at (207) > 773-7377, or email at ldoughty(\)stranding.org > > If you would like to learn more about the Marine Animal Lifeline, visit > our website at www.stranding.org > ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 13:05:51 -0500 From: J&B Subject: MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT 4th EDITION MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT WELCOME- all those interested in marine mammals. This is a reminder that registration is now open for the most recent edition of : THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S GLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (MMM). THIS COURSE IS OFFERED TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING. There are four versions: a) full three credit graduate level b) a three credit undergraduate version c) a general interest diploma, which will be awarded all successful candidates d) as part of the graduate certificate (contact the coordinator douganj(\)nova.edu). MMM runs from JANUARY 3 TO MARCH 18, 2005. Registration ends on January 8th. There are two assignments for those taking the credit versions. First, due on FEBRUARY 11th with a value of 35% The last on MARCH 18 for the remaining 65% of the final mark Candidates will receive comments on the 1st. assignment for use in the final essay. Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments, but not for marks, but certainly for comment. As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via E-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of communication and submitting essays. Essays should be sent using "MS Word" format. For general information on the course contact http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html and http://www.nova.edu/ocean.html for general information on the Oceanographic Center's programs. For registration http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html Professor Keith Ronald Instructors for marine mammal management distance education course kronald(\)nova.edu and johnbarra(\)sympatico.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 22:17:07 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Sea Otter Proceedings (fwd) From: "Daniela Maldini" Scientists publish recommendations for sea otter research Proceedings available from Alaska Sea Grant Research on sea otters in Southwest Alaska, and the steps needed to address their decline, are detailed in the just-released proceedings of the Alaska Sea Otter Research Worshop. The workshop was held in April 2004, and brought together scientists, agency officials and marine groups. The workshop was sponsored by the Alaska SeaLife Center and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Southwest Alaska sea otter population showed signs of decline beginning in the early 1990s. University, state, and federal scientists have been trying to understand the causes of the decline. Participants in the workshop detailed the current state of scientific knowledge and together developed recommendations aimed at better understanding the decline. The proceedings, edited by D. Maldini, D. Calkins, S. Atkinson, and R. Meehan, also summarizes sea otter research programs, the status of sea otter populations, and research methods. The 104-page proceedings is available from Alaska Sea Grant for $10.00. Contact Sherri Pristash at 907-474-6707 for more information, or go to http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/Pubs_Videos/pubs/AK-SG-04-03.html. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 22:59:27 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Early December training scheduled for whale watch volunteers with Dr. (fwd) Forwarded message: ---------------- Message requiring your approval (159 lines) ------------------ NEWS RELEASE November 16, 2004 (04-80) MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Rivers Alsea Bridge Interpretive Center 541-563-2002 (Waldport) Email: mike.rivers(\)state.or.us Early December training scheduled for whale watch volunteers Oregon's "Whale Watching Spoken Here" program will offer training for winter whale watch week volunteers December 4-5 at the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. The training will prepare participants to help visitors view migrating gray whales as they pass 26 "Whale Watching Spoken Here" sites along the Oregon coast and viewpoints in Crescent City, California, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center on Washington's Cape Disappointment. The volunteers will serve at the sites December 26, 2004-January 2, 2005 daily from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Renowned whale expert Bruce Mate of Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Program will open the training Saturday (December 4) with an introduction to gray whale natural history and biology. The Saturday session will be from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. following registration, which will begin at 8 a.m. An interpretive field trip to Depoe Bay will highlight Sunday (December 5) activities. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) staff will provide a preview of the new "Whale Watching Spoken Here" headquarters on Depoe Bay's seawall. An optional afternoon charter boat whale watching trip will conclude the two-day event. "Participants in the training have a rare opportunity to learn about whale behavior and activity observed around the world," said Mike Rivers, OPRD whale watch week volunteer coordinator. "Dr. Mate recently stated that he is now monitoring six species of whales in four of the world's oceans." A "Call for Volunteers" packet, which includes training application forms, may be obtained by contacting Rivers-by telephone at 541-563-2002 or e-mail, mike.rivers(\)state.or.us-or by writing to the Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center, P.O. Box 693, Waldport, OR 97394-0693. Recipients who donate $20 for help defray the cost of printing will receive a new "Whale Watching Spoken Here" pocketed t-shirt and two waterproof field guides. Free RV and tent campsites in nearby South Beach and Beverly Beach state parks are available to training participants during the weekend. Arrangements may be made through Gretchen Mills at Reservations Northwest, 1-888-953-7677. The whale watch weeks are coordinated by OPRD, the Oregon State University/Sea Grant Hatfield Marine Science Center and the OSU Marine Mammal Program. The event is also supported by 11 other sponsors: the Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head; Yaquina Lights, Inc.; the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport; U.S. Cellular; Newport Internet; Marine Discovery Tours of Newport; the U.S. Forest Service's Cape Perpetua Scenic Area; Haystack Rock Awareness Program; Shoreline Education for Awareness, Bandon; Washington State Parks and Sea Lion Caves, Florence. Rivers said 174 winter whale watch week volunteers helped more than 12,728 whale watchers last year. "One of the greatest rewards for our training graduates is the opportunity to share whale watching experiences with visitors, especially families," said Rivers. More information on the "Whale Watching Spoken Here" program is on the Internet at http://www.whalespoken.org. ### The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) manages Oregon's 95,000-acre state park system and is responsible for natural, recreational and heritage resource programs that include Ocean Shores, Oregon Scenic Waterways, Willamette River Greenway, Oregon Recreational Trails, the state's All Terrain Vehicle program and Local Government Grants. The department's Heritage Conservation Division includes the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Pioneer Cemetery Commission. The OPRD headquarters address is: OPRD, 725 Summer Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301-1271 - Mike Rivers Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Historic Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center 620 NW Spring St on Hwy.101 PO Box 693 Waldport OR 97394 541-563-2002 Fax 541-563-6086 http://whalespoken.org http://yaquinalights.org http://exploreoregoncoast.org I've abandoned my old mjrivers(\)teleport.com address, please change your address book to this one, mike.rivers(\)state.or.us ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 14:17:35 -0600 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: abstracts - Aquatic Mammals, 2004, vol. 30, issue 2 Dear Marmam and ECS-Mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive crossposts. The following are the abstracts for the latest issue of _Aquatic Mammals_= ; these are posted as a courtesy to the European Association for Aquatic Mammals and the journal editor, Dr. Jeanette Thomas. _Aquatic Mammals_ i= s the scientific, peer reviewed journal of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). More information on the EAAM, society membership, journal subscriptions, and author guidelines are found at the website: http://eaam.org/. Additionally, journal-related inquiries may be directed= to the journal editor: Dr. Jeanette A. Thomas Laboratory of Sensory Biology Western Illinois University-Quad Cities 3561 60th Street Moline, IL 61265, USA Phone +1 309 762 9481, ext. 262 Fax +1 309 762 6989 aquatic_mammals(\)eaam.org The address of the author to whom reprint requests should be directed follows each abstract. Thank you for your continued interest in these postings. Warm regards, Dagmar Fertl Marine Mammal Biologist Geo-Marine, Inc. 550 East 15th Street Plano, Texas 75025 USA dfertl(\)geo-marine.com *************************************************************************= *** Mazzoil, M.*, S.D. McCulloch, R.H. Defran, and M. E. Murdoch. 2004. Use o= f digital photography and analysis of dorsal fins for photo-identification = of bottlenose dolphins. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):209-219. *Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Division of Dolphin Research an= d Conservation, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Ft. Pierce, Florida 34946, USA The essential elements of a digital-based dorsal fin photo-identification program for dolphins are described and compared to more conventional film-based systems. The account begins with a description of digital-specific camera features, controls, and options, including sensor type, as well as image acquisition, resolution, compression, and storage. Detailed descriptions are given of how these digital-specific features ar= e integrated with nondigital-specific features, such as autofocusing, shoot= ing mode, metering, and telephoto lens specifications. The most compelling features of a digital-based system, especially when compared to film-base= d systems, are realized during the laboratory analysis of digital images (i. e., the processes of sorting, matching, and cataloging). During these laboratory phases of analysis, the most important system elements are the broad and powerful range of photographic image analysis, manipulation, an= d file management tools available in Adobe Photoshop Version 7.0 and the methods developed to integrate these tools into a system of dorsal fin analysis. This account concludes with a review of what the authors like m= ost about the system and why, the process of transitioning from a film - to a digital-based system, and an analysis of the operational and acquisition costs of this digital dorsal fin photo-identification system. ****************************************************************** Mooney, T.A.*, P.E. Nachtigall, and W.W.L. Au. 2004. Target strength of a nylon monofilament and an acoustically enhanced gillnet: Predictions of biosonar detection ranges. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):220-226. *Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734, USA Thousands of marine mammals die each year in fisheries-related entanglements. A substantial number of these animals entangle themselves = in gillnets. Two populations in immediate danger are the coastal stock of th= e mid-Atlantic bottle-nose dolphin, _Tursiops truncatus_, and the Gulf of Maine harbour porpoise, _Phocoena phocoena_. We investigated the efficacy= of using an alternative net material made with barium sulphate hypothesized = to be acoustically more reflective than traditional nets. By using simulated dolphin echolocation clicks, the target strength of the experimental net = was compared with the target strength of a similar gauge nylon net. Results demonstrated that at angles greater than normal incidence, but less than 40=B0, the new barium sulphate net was acoustically more reflective than = the nylon net; however, there was no significant difference in the target strength of the two nets at 0=B0. At angles greater than 40=B0, both nets= were difficult to discern from background noise. Target strengths of the nets were used to calculate detection ranges for _T. truncatus_ and _P. phocoena_. Both species should be able to detect the experimental nets at= a distance greater than the nylon nets. For _T. truncatus_, this distance m= ay be enough to reduce entanglement; however, because of _P. phocoena's_ low= er source level echo-location signals, they may not detect either net with echolocation in time to avoid contact. ****************************************************************** Gannier, A.* 2004. The large-scale distribution of humpback whales (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) wintering in French Polynesia during 1997-2002._Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):227-236. *Groupe de Recherche sur les Cetaces, BP715, 06633, Antibes, France The distribution of wintering humpback whales, _Megaptera novaeangliae_, = was investigated during the 1997-2002 period with most data coming from dedicated small boat surveys. In complement, sightings were collected systematically during an opportunistic large vessel survey in 1999, and a sighting program was set up with the French Armed Forces in 2001 and 2002. Every year, dedicated surveys were organized on a 12-m sail-boat during t= he September to November period: a three-observer standard sighting protocol was maintained, with systematic hydrophone sampling to detect singing mal= es. Surveys took place in the Society Islands (the Societies) (1997-2002), Australes Islands (1999 and 2000), Marquesas Islands (2000), and Tuamotu Archipelago (2002). These surveys totaled 12,695 km of effective effort a= nd 2,594 acoustic samples. A total of 129 on-effort sightings were collected= , with groups numbering up to six animals, including a calf or juvenile, on= 38 occasions. Singers were detected acoustically in three archipelagos, averaging 20.7% of hydrophone stations, with a maximum of 27.0% (Windward group of the Societies) and a minimum of 9.4% in the Tuamotu; no whale wa= s heard in the Marquesas. Although survey effort included offshore waters, whales were mostly (83%) found less than 2 km from the shoreline. All surveyed islands sheltered at least one male humpback, and female/calf pa= irs were seen in three archipelagos, suggesting that mating occurs over a wid= e area. The extensive distribution range was confirmed by 29 complementary sightings from the Armed Forces and 17 sightings from the opportunistic survey vessel. The distribution range of whales embodies three archipelag= os and a total area of nearly 2,000,000 km 2, but humpback whales are marginally present in the Marquesas. The sighting rate for individuals we= re estimated for inshore waters of different archipelagos from visual data: = a maximum of 1.54 whale/100 km was found in the Windward Islands, 1.48 whale/100 km in the Australes, 0.72 in the Tuamotu, and a minimum of 0.35 whale/100 km around the Leeward Islands. These results suggest that hump-back whales winter around more than 84 islands in French Polynesia, mostly away from scientific monitoring. ****************************************************************** Lammers, M.O.* 2004. Occurrence and behavior of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (_Stenella longirostris_) along Oahu's leeward and south shores. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):237-250. *Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Marine Mammal Research Program, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734, USA The spinner dolphin (_Stenella longirostris_) is a delphinid that occurs = in both pelagic and coastal tropical and subtropical habitats worldwide. A model of the behavior and ecology of this species was described for a resident population along the Kona coast of the island of Hawaii by Norri= s et al. (1994). To assess the applicability and variability of this model = in divergent coastal habitats, the occurrence and behavior of spinner dolphi= ns resident along the southern and western shores of the island of Oahu, Hawaii, was studied over a five-year period. The findings reveal that spinner dolphins off Oahu carry out their daily cycle in a manner similar= to those off Kona, but that some noteworthy differences exist in the manner = in which dolphins off Oahu use the nearshore habitat. Spinner dolphins exhibited strong preferences for specific locations along the west coast = of Oahu, but not along the southern shore, where the average pod size was consistently larger. Resting and social behaviors were tied primarily to = the time of day, rather than to any specific site along the coast. Spinner dolphins consistently exhibited a strong affinity for the 10-fathom isoba= th, indicating that shallow waters are likely the primary coastal feature promoting daytime residence. Foraging was initiated typically in the late afternoon along the edges of banks where vertically and horizontally migrating mesopelagic prey presumably first ascend to shallower depths. Spinner dolphins on Oahu use the coast opportunistically and, therefore, over time, could respond to recent increases in human encroachment by shifting the location and/or timing of their occurrence and behavioral activities. ****************************************************************** Sanvito, S.*, F. Galimberti, K.M. Delahunty, and D.W. McKay. 2004. Blood spots in Pinnipedia hormone studies: Measure of cortisol levels in southe= rn elephant seals (_Mirounga leonina_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):251-256. *Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada The collection of blood spots on filter paper for hormone analysis has become quite popular in human and primate studies, mostly because of the ease of handling, storage, and transportation of samples, but has never b= een tested in wild marine mammals. In this paper, we describe a protocol for = the collection of blood spots and the analysis of cortisol in southern elepha= nt seal (Mirounga leonina) weanlings. We demonstrated that cortisol measured= in blood spots is very well correlated to cortisol measured in serum samples= , and we calculated equations to convert between the two. We describe the possible pitfalls of the blood spot analysis protocol, and suggest solutions. The use of blood spots for hormone analysis presents many advantages for field research, may open interesting opportunities like th= e serial sampling of unrestrained adult individuals, and represents a step towards the reduction of invasiveness of hormone studies. ****************************************************************** Manire, C.A.*, H.L. Rhinehart, N.B. Barros, L. Byrd, and P. Cunningham-Smith. 2004. An approach to the rehabilitation of _Kogia_ spp. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):257-270. *Dolphin and Whale Hospital, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ke= n Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Pygmy (_Kogia breviceps_) and dwarf (_K. sima_) sperm whales are rarely s= een in the wild, but often seem to live-strand, particularly in cow-calf pair= s. The rehabilitation of live-stranded individuals of both species has prove= n to be exceedingly difficult. The few released animals might not have been completely healthy, an alternative chosen due to their poor survival in captivity. The rehabilitation challenges for _Kogia_ are numerous because limited knowledge exists regarding even the basic biology of both species. This report provides information derived from the rehabilitation of 13 live-stranded _K. breviceps_ and _K. sima_ (including five calves) over t= he last decade at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital at Mote Marine Laboratory a= nd Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. One _K. breviceps_ calf survived for almos= t 21 months in captivity and one _K. sima_ survived for over 15 months, bot= h apparent world-wide records. From these cases we learned that it is criti= cal to provide supplemental fluids in addition to solid food to maintain continuous activity of the intestinal tract, especially if maintained in chlorine-treated water, and that digestibility of squid species typically fed to captive marine mammals was poor. Both species appear to be susceptible to adverse reactions to a number of the drugs commonly used during rehabilitation. In addition, an artificial calf formula was develo= ped to provide adequate nutrition for young calves. Finally, gastric and intestinal stasis appears to lead to death in many of these whales in captivity. ****************************************************************** Silva-Jr., J.M.*, L.J. Pandolfo, and I. Sazima. 2004. Vomiting behavior o= f the spinner dolphin (_Stenella longirostris_) and squid meals. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):271-274. *Centrol Golfinho Rotador, CP 49, 53990-000 Fernando de Noronha, Pernambu= co, Brazil We describe and illustrate the vomiting behavior of the spinner dolphin (_Stenella longirostris_), an eliminative behavior poorly known for cetaceans in the wild. The vomiting may be conveniently described in six behavioral phases: opening beak, closing beak (water intake), swallowing water, pausing, opening beak about to void, and voiding offal and water. Spinners vomit after a meal rich in squids, and, therefore, we relate thi= s eliminative behavior to the presumably irritating remains of this meal ty= pe (squid beaks). The vomits are a rich and predictable food source for plankton-eating reef fishes. ****************************************************************** Watson, A.*, R.J. Bahr, and J.W. Alexander. 2004. Thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis and compression fracture of a thoracic vertebra in a capti= ve bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):275-27= 8. *Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2014, USA A captive-born, 7-year-old male bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) suddenly acquired a dorsal hump at the cranial base of its dorsal fin. Subsequent clinical signs or swimming abnormalities were not observed and one year later it died suddenly. Necropsy revealed chronic cholangiohepatitis and lymphadenitis suggestive of a viral infection, wit= h kyphoscoliosis centered on an old malunion compression fracture of the 12= th thoracic vertebra associated with moderate bony proliferation, fusion, an= d lysis of this and adjacent vertebrae. Possible causes of fractures, particularly conspecific aggression, and the remarkable functional longev= ity of dolphins with vertebral malformations are discussed. ****************************************************************** Goodwin, L.*, and P.A. Cotton. 2004. Effects of boat traffic on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Aquatic Mammal= s_ 30(2):279-283. *School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, U.K. Boat traffic is widely believed to cause disturbance and physical injury = to cetaceans and is frequently cited as an important threat to their welfare and conservation. As a result, numerous codes of practice have been propo= sed which restrict the movement of boats in the vicinity of cetaceans. There are, however, relatively few quantitative studies on the behaviour of cetaceans in the presence of boats. Here, we report on a study of bottlen= ose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in Teignmouth Bay, UK. We show that the presence of dolphins in the study area was unrelated to the number of boa= ts present. When boats were stationary, the behaviour of dolphins did not differ significantly between boat classes; however, there was a highly significant difference in the response of dolphins to different classes o= f boats in motion. Speedboats and jet skis were associated with aversive behaviours, even when boats were not directly approaching the dolphins. ****************************************************************** Yonezaki, S.*, M. Kiyota, N. Baba, T. Koido, and A. Takemura. 2004. An en= ema technique to collect dietary information from northern fur seals (_Callorhinus ursinus_) at sea. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):284-288. *Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan An enema technique was developed to obtain dietary information on norther= n fur seals (_Callorhinus ursinus_) at sea. The enema apparatus consisted o= f a hand pump and a soft PVC tube connected to a plastic tank filled with seawater. The tube was inserted into the fur seal's anus, and fecal sampl= es flushed out into a polyethylene bag enveloping the posterior of the fur seal. The efficacy of the enema sampling was tested on 23 fur seals captu= red and killed off the Pacific coast of northern Japan in April 1998. Twenty = of 23 enema samples contained hard prey items such as fish otoliths and squi= d beaks. The average number (=B1 SD) of hard prey items retrieved from the = whole large intestine was 26.9 =B1 33.0% for fish otoliths, 37.3 =B1 38.5% for = squid upper beaks, and 43.3 =B1 40.9% for squid lower beaks. Size distributions= of these prey items retrieved from the enema samples were similar to that remaining in the large intestines. These results indicated that the enema technique could provide dietary information that is comparable to intesti= nal contents and scat analysis. Combination of the enema technique with a pelagic live capture method using gillnets could provide a nondestructive way to investigate the feeding ecology of individual fur seals migrating offshore. ****************************************************************** Garc=EDa-Aguilar, M.C.* 2004. Breeding biology of the northern elephant s= eal (_Mirounga angustirostris_) at the Isla San Benito del Oeste, eastern Pacific, Mexico. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):289-295. *Centro Interdisciiplinaro de Ciencias Marinas del Instituto Politecnico Nacional. Av. IPN s/n, Col, Playo Palo de Santa Rita, CP 23096, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico The reproduction of the northern elephant seal (_Mirounga angustirostris_= ) has been studied within the colonies of California, but little informatio= n exists for the colonies of the Pacific coast of Mexico. Here, I present information for two consecutive breeding seasons (2001-2002 and 2002-2003= ) collected at one of the San Benito Islands, close to the southern limit o= f the distribution of the species. The number of females that arrived at th= e island was higher in 2002-2003, but this did not indicate that the colony= is increasing in population. The principle reproductive parameters (the leng= th of stay on land and the duration of lactation), and the birth and death rates were similar for both years. The breeding season was estimated to begin in early December and end in early March, lasting for 100 days or more, and the peak of the season, with the greatest number of females, occurred on January 19 in both years. There were some differences between San Benito and information reported from other northern colonies: the duration of the breeding season is longer in San Benito, the peak of the season occurred earliest, and the preweaning pup mortality was less. ****************************************************************** Noke, W.D.* 2004. The association of echeneids with bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA. _Aquati= c Mammals_ 30(2):296-298. *Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 6295 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Flori= da 32821-8043, USA Fish belonging to the remora family (Echeneidae) attach to other bony fishes, elasmobranchs, sea turtles, manatees, ships, and other floating objects. Echeneids also associate with several cetacean species. Recently= , two occurrences of echeneids associating with bottlenose dolphins (_Tursi= ops truncatus_) in the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, USA, were documented. = The first occurrence was of an unidentified echeneid observed at close range = (< 2 m) attached to a long-term, photo-identified bottlenose dolphin. The second case involved a sharksucker (_Echeneis naucrates_) attached to a moderately decomposed dolphin. While echeneids associate with several cetacean species, there are few published reports of close-range focal observations of dolphin-echeneid associations. Additionally, occurrences = of sharksuckers on moderately decomposed, stranded bottlenose dolphins are n= ot often reported. This paper documents the first published reports of bottlenose dolphin-echeneid associations in the Indian River Lagoon. ****************************************************************** Hubard, C.W.*, K. Maze-Foley, K.D. Mullin, and W.W. Schroeder. 2004. Seasonal abundance and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in Mississippi Sound. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):299-310. *Present address: National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA Line-transect and photo-identification methods were used to examine bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) abundance and site fidelity in = a 446 km2 portion of the Mississippi Sound in the north-central Gulf of Mex= ico from May 1995 through September 1996. For estimating density and abundanc= e, north-south transect lines were surveyed using a 6.4-m boat. The density = and abundance of dolphins in the area surveyed within Mississippi Sound varie= d seasonally, peaking in summer 1995 with 1.3 dolphins/km2 and 584 dolphins (CV =3D 0.17), and dropping to a low in fall 1995 with 0.6 dolphins/km2 a= nd 268 dolphins (CV =3D 0.23). Density estimates were comparable to previous seasonal estimates for Mississippi Sound. Dolphins were widely distribute= d throughout the study area during all seasons. Group sizes ranged from 1 t= o 50 dolphins with an overall median of 4.0 (x =3D 6.5, SE =3D 0.45, n =3D = 288). Group size varied by season, with the smallest groups in fall and winter (median =3D 3.0 for each), slightly larger groups in spring (median =3D 3= .5), and largest groups during the summers (median =3D 5.0 and 5.5). Groups containing calves were significantly larger than groups without calves (median =3D 10.0 and 3.0, respectively) (p =3D 0.001). Five hundred fift= een individuals were photo-identified, but resighting rates were low, with a mean of 1.57 sightings/dolphin. The most frequently sighted dolphin was observed on six occasions. Evidence of site fidelity over various time scales was found, including possible long-term site fidelity. Two dolphin= s first photographed in 1991 and two dolphins freeze-branded in 1982-1983 w= ere resighted during this study. ****************************************************************** Di Beneditto, A.P.M.* 2004. Presence of franciscana dolphin (_Pontoporia blainvillei_) remains in the stomach of a tiger shark (_Galeocerdo cuvier= i_) captured in southeastern Brazil. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):311-314. *Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, CBB, Laboratorio de Ciencias Ambientais, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2.000, Campos/RJ, 28013-600, Brazil The franciscana dolphin, _Pontoporia blainvillei_, inhabits the coastal Atlantic waters of South America (~18=BA-42=BA S). This paper reports the presence of _P. blainvillei_ in the stomach of a tiger shark, _Galeocerdo cuvieri_, captured in southeastern Brazil. On 15 March 2003, the shark specimen, 4.0 m and 400 kg male, was captured in a bottom-set gill net placed approximately 2.2 nautical miles from the coastline and 15 m deep. The caudal peduncle keels and fin were entangled in the lower frame line; however, the net mesh, as well as the frame line, were not damaged by thi= s capture. Analysis of the tiger shark stomach contents revealed the presen= ce of an entire head belonging to a franciscana dolphin and some fish specie= s. The present record is the first report of interactions between this speci= es of shark and franciscana dolphins in Brazilian waters. The tiger shark is= a voracius predator and its capture characteristics, with lower frame line involvement without net mesh damage, and preys recovered from its stomach= , may indicate an opportunistic feeding activity. The shark could have been held in the frame line while feeding upon the fishes and the franciscana that were enmeshed. Further reports are necessary to determine if shark predation on franciscana dolphin is an important factor in its natural mortality in southeastern Brazil, where this species also is affected by coastal fisheries. ****************************************************************** Marino, L.*, K. Sudheimer, D.A. Pabst, W.A. Mclellan, S. Arshad, G. Naini= , and J.I. Johnson. 2004. Anatomical description of an infant bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) brain from magnetic resonance images. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):315-326. *Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University. Atlanta, Georgia, USA Cetacean brains are among the least studied mammalian brains because of t= he formidable histological preparations of such relatively rare and large specimens. Although the bottlenose dolphin, _Tursiops truncatus_, has bee= n the most extensively studied cetacean species, there have been relatively few studies of the brain of the infant bottlenose dolphin. In this study,= we present the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based study of the bra= in of an infant bottlenose dolphin. Magnetic resonance images in the coronal plane were originally acquired and used to digitally generate a set of resectioned virtual images in orthogonal planes. A sequential set of imag= es in all three planes was anatomically labeled and reveals major neuroanatomical features. Some of the distinctive features of cetacean brains are already evident in the infant bottlenose dolphin brain, while other features may represent differences that deserve further study. ****************************************************************** Wedekin, L.L.*, A. Freitas, M.H. Engel, and I. Sazima. 2004. Rough-toothe= d dolphins (_Steno bredanensis_) catch diskfishes while interacting with humpback whales (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) off Abrolhos Bank breeding ground, southwest Atlantic. _Aquatic Mammals_ 30(2):327-329. *Projeto Baleia Jubarte-Instituto Baleia Jubarte/IBAMA, Praia do Kitongo s/n, Caravelas BA 45900-000, Brazil We provide a summary of interactions between humpback whales (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) and rough-toothed dolphins (_Steno bredanensis_) observed during a long-term study conducted at the Abrolhos Bank off Brazil, with additional notes on the behaviour of both cetacean species. One dolphin caught and likely preyed on a diskfish (Echeneidae) while interacting wit= h the whales, these latter displaying avoidance behaviour. This encounter m= ay be regarded as a negative interaction with short-term and nonlethal impac= ts on the whales. In addition, we present evidence that the sharksucker (_Echeneis naucrates_) is preyed on by the rough-toothed dolphin while interacting with the whales. *************************************************************************= ** Simard, P.*, and S. Gowans. 2004. Two calves in echelon: An alloparental association in Atlantic white-sided dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus acutus_)? _Aquatic Mammals_ 30 (2):330-334. *Blind Bay Cetacean Studies, 5102 Prospect Road, Blind Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3Z 1M2 Cetacean calves routinely swim in echelon position with their mothers and occasionally with other individuals. In August 2002, we observed an adult Atlantic white-sided dolphin (_Lagenorhynchus acutus_) swimming with two calves in echelon position, one on each side, three times over a 90-min period. Four possible explanations for this behaviour are considered: (1) twins, (2) chance association, (3) alloparental association in the form o= f "babysitting," or (4) adoption. We believe that it is unlikely that this behaviour can be explained by chance or twins; therefore, we believe it represents alloparental association. The presence of a dead lactating fem= ale in the area five days before the observation lends support for the adopti= on hypothesis to explain this unusual observation. *************************** Book Reviews Best, P.B. - Sperm whales: Social Evolution in the Ocean (H. Whitehead) Lapseritis, J.M. and T.J. O'Shea - Toxicology of Marine Mammals (J.G. Vos= et al., eds) Wahlberg, M. - Echolocation in Bats and Dolphins (J.A. Thomas et al., eds= ) Odell, D.K. - Dolphins, Whales, and Manatees of Florida (J.E. Reynolds II= I and R.S. Wells) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 09:57:34 -0500 Reply-To: tara(\)dolphins.org From: Tara Morris Subject: Employment Opportunity -- Research Staff at Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, FL Please post the following employment opportunity to MARMAM subscribers. Thank you, Tara Morris Human Resources Coordinator Dolphin Research Center Grassy Key, FL drc-hr(\)dolphins.org www.dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center Twenty Years of Teaching...Learning...Caring...for Marine Mammals and the Environment We Share. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ Dolphin Research Center (DRC) currently has one full-time opening for Research Staff. DRC is a not-for-profit education & research facility located on Grassy Key, Florida & home to 16 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and 2 California Sealions. Current investigations involve behavior, cognition, & communications systems of the dolphins & sea lions that reside permanently at DRC. More information about the facility can be found at http://www.dolphins.org. Requirements: (a) Computer skills, including familiarity with Excel/spreadsheet & MS Word. Knowlege of MS Access is a plus. (b) Adept with electronic equipment including video, VCR, and audio recording equipment. (C) Must work well individually, be organized, flexible, and detail oriented. (d) Must be able to lift 50 lbs. (e) Must be able to create and/or modify research equipment using common materials, such as PVC pipe. (f) Must take direction easily and be team player. (g) Previous reasearch or animal background is helpful. (h) College degree preferred. Duties: This is an entry level position and the primary job function is to support the department with on-going research projects at DRC. Duties include, but are not limited to (a) equipment set-up, operation, and break-down for research sessions, (b) troubleshooting and maintenance of research equipment, (c) data collection, analysis, and preparation of summary reports, (d) Communicating training progress or issues to appropriate parties, (e) Assisting wherever needed to keep research on track and progressing smoothly, and (f) Create and/or locate props needed for research sessions. E-mail resume to drc-hr(\)dolphins.org. Closing date for the position is 01/31/05. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 08:20:35 -0500 From: V=?ISO-8859-1?B?6XJvbmlrIGRlIGxhIENoZW5lbGno?=re Subject: Job posting in Quebec ------ Dear all,=20 GREMM is a non-profit organization. Founded in 1985 and based in Tadoussa= c (Quebec, Canada), it is dedicated to scientific research on the marine mammals of the St. Lawrence and education for the conservation of the mar= ine environment. We have a job opening for a senior staff member. Principal responsibiliti= es will pertain to the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network. Flue= nt in French a must! For more information: http://www.gremm.org/ , and click on "Offre d'emplo= i". Have a good day,=20 V=E9ronik de la Cheneli=E8re Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals GREMM 108 de la Cale s=E8che Tadoussac, Qc, Canada G0T 2A0 email: vcheneliere(\)gremm.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 17:35:55 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: position announcement Texas (fwd) TITLE: MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGIST Location: Geo-Marine, Inc., Dallas, Texas Announcement: Geo-Marine, Inc., an environmental and engineering consulting firm, is seeking an experienced marine mammal biologist for its Dallas, Texas office. The successful candidate will contribute their expertise to the existing Marine Sciences teams in Dallas and in Newport News, Virginia. Projects include, but are not limited to, marine resources, environmental, and biological assessments in support of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Excellent writing and communication skills are a must, as is the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. Previous working experience with consulting firms and marine mammals in the North Pacific Ocean are a plus, as are project management skills. Responsibilities: Research and identify, acquire, and synthesize marine mammal literature and data, as well as assist in interpretation of marine mammal seasonal occurrence patterns; Communicate with scientists in government agencies, academia, and industry; Act as a team leader/principal investigator with responsibility for specific project/subject areas; Prepare and give presentations to clients, colleagues, or at scientific or military meetings; Participate in project team meetings and attend meetings with third parties/clients as required; Travel to client locations, project sites, symposia and other meetings, and other GMI offices, as required; and Collect marine field data on occasion as required by projects. Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. in marine mammalogy or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Experience working for or interfacing with government agencies (DOD-Navy, Air Force; DOI-USFWS, MMS, NOAA/NMFS) is a plus. Consulting experience is preferred, but not required. A candidate having experience with DISTANCE, ESRI GIS, SAS, and/or EndNote software, marine mammal monitoring, and working knowledge of marine regulations/legislation (i.e., NEPA) will have an advantage. Demonstrated writing ability is required. Interested parties should submit a scientific writing example (sole author preferred, but first author designation is also acceptable) with their resume. U.S. Citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S. only, please. Closing date: Open until filled. Salary: $40,000 $60,000 depending on experience. Contact: please visit our website: www.geo-marine.com/careers. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 16:04:48 -0500 From: "Barlas, Margie" Subject: Florida FWC Manatee Tracking Internship Opportunity ------ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mamm= al Research Group is looking for one motivated intern or volunteer to ser= ve for the upcoming winter-spring session in St. Petersburg, FL. Position description: The intern's primary responsibility is to assist re= searchers in the Manatee Behavioral Ecology and Movements Program with tr= acking manatees in the Tampa Bay area by following tagged individuals fro= m land and small boats to record behavioral observations. The principle = aims of this study are to characterize manatee use of warm-water refugia = and essential winter foraging habitat using state-of-the-art satellite-li= nked GPS technology. Other duties include equipment maintenance, data en= try, miscellaneous office tasks, and public outreach as needed. Interns = are expected to work a minimum of 3 days a week. Hours are generally Mon= day-Friday, 8am-5pm, but some evening and weekend hours may be required. = Applicants should understand that this job requires them to be wet, dirt= y and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid, housin= g is not provided and interns must provide their own transportation to an= d from the office.=20 Qualifications:=20 * Must be a college junior or senior student to be eligible for internsh= ip credit. Volunteers do not need to meet this requirement. * Should have some research field experience and be comfortable speaking= to the public * Must be computer literate * Must be a competent swimmer * Ability to trailer boats and operate watercraft up to 22' in length is= desirable but can be trained * Experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but can be= trained * Should be proficient in the use of 35mm cameras, telephoto lenses and = filters=20 * Interns must possess a valid driver's license. =20 Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the winter 2004- spring 2005 = session (December 2004- May 2005). Internships, which ideally last five t= o six months, require a minimum three-month commitment. Starting and endi= ng dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position = for which you are applying. Please send a hard copy of your r=E9sum=E9 wi= th your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient if n= ot applying for internship credit), a list three references and contact i= nformation to the following address: TO APPLY: Bill Arnold FWC-FWRI 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 email: ManateeInterns(\)myfwc.com=20 Check out our website at http://research.myfwc.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 17:39:37 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Bioacoustics course Friday Harbor, WA (fwd) From: greene MARINE BIOACOUSTICS at Friday Harbor Laboratories, Friday Harbor, WA AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 20, 2005 3 weeks: M-F 8-5; S 8-12 Fish 507 B (6 credits) Dr. Charles H. Greene, Cornell University Dr. John Horne, University of Washington A primary goal of this course is to provide advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral investigators with a broad understanding of the acoustic tools and techniques required to address fundamental questions pertaining to the behavior and ecology of cetaceans, fishes, and zooplankton. By bringing together many of the top research scientists in marine bioacoustics and bioacoustical oceanography, new cross-disciplinary interactions will be encouraged. Students will be exposed to the latest theories in underwater acoustics as they pertain to studying pelagic animal behavior and ecology in situ. Students also will have a unique opportunity to work side by side with active scientists using state-of-the-art tools and techniques (see Deep-Sea Research Part II, Vol. 5, No. 7, 1998). Enrollment is limited to 12 students. For additional information contact: chg2(\)cornell.edu Chuck Greene's home page: http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/faculty/Greene.html John Horne's research website:: http://www.acoustics.washington.edu -- Charles H. Greene, Director Ocean Resources and Ecosystems Program Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences 2130 Snee Hall, Cornell University Telephone: (607) 255-5449 Ithaca, NY 14853-2701 FAX: (607) 254-4780 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 17:42:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: FLORIDA MARINE MAMMAL HEALTH CONFERENCE II April 7-10, 2005 (fwd) FLORIDA MARINE MAMMAL HEALTH CONFERENCE II University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center Gainesville, Florida April 7-10, 2005 See conference website for agenda, registration information, Call for Abstracts, etc. http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/marinemammal/ See link on home page, or under Seminars The purpose of this conference is to address issues bearing on the health and well being of the four principal species of wild marine mammals found in Florida waters: manatees, bottlenose dolphins, pygmy sperm whales and Northern right whales, as well as captive marine mammals at theme parks, aquariums, and zoos. The specific areas of focus for the conference are Emerging Diseases, Pathology, Health Assessment, Protect Wild Dolphins Project, and Boats and Manatees. This four-day conference will bring together approximately 200 people working on these and other marine mammals in order to address the current health status of these animals and future directions of investigation and action that are likely to produce benefits to their health and survival. In addition the conference will provide a forum for constructive interactions between various constituencies affected by policies and regulations associated with these issues, most notably in the Saturday sessions on Boats and Manatees. Registration will be waived for international students. Online hotel and conference registration will begin January 15, 2005. Direct all inquiries to: Roger Reep, Lead Organizer reep(\)ufbi.ufl.edu Roger L. Reep Professor Dept. of Physiological Sciences Box 100144 HSC University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32610 e-mail: reep(\)ufbi.ufl.edu Phone: (352) 392-4700 ext 3859 Fax: (352) 392-5145 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 17:47:02 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: social networks: new publication (fwd) From: "David Lusseau" Dear all, The following article is now available at the Proceedings of the Royal Society- Biology Letters website (http://www.pubs.royalsoc.ac.uk/bio_let_homepage.shtml First Cite section): Lusseau D. & Newman M.E.J. 2004. Identifying the role that animals play in their social networks. Biology Letters DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2004.0225. Abstract Techniques recently developed for the analysis of human social networks are applied to the social network of bottlenose dolphins living in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. We identify communities and subcommunities within the dolphin population and present evidence that sex- and age-related homophily play a role in the formation of clusters of preferred companionship. We also identify brokers who act as links between sub-communities and who appear to be crucial to the social cohesion of the population as a whole. The network is found to be similar to human social networks in some respects but different in some others, such as the level of assortative mixing by degree within the population. This difference elucidates some of the means by which the network forms and evolves. The article will be as well shortly available as a pdf at my website (www.lusseau.org). David Dr. David Lusseau Postdoctoral fellow University of Aberdeen School of Biological Sciences Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, IV11 8YJ, UK website: http://www.lusseau.org Tel/Fax: 44 (0) 1381 600 548 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 16:43:32 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: marine mammal fishery interactions off Chile (fwd) From: "Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete" The following article has recently been published: CCAMLR Science, Vol. 11 (2004): 127-140 OPERATIONAL INTERACTIONS OF SPERM WHALES AND KILLER WHALES WITH THE PATAGONIAN TOOTHFISH INDUSTRIAL FISHERY OFF SOUTHERN CHILE R. Hucke-Gaete, C.A. Moreno and J. Arata Abstract Interactions of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and killer whales (Orcinus orca) with Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishe= ry operations were assessed in southern Chile during surveys with observers = on board industrial fishing vessels between April 2002 and March 2003. For t= he 180 hauls monitored, the evidence of damaged catch when cetaceans were present included toothfish lips (n =3D 121), heads (n =3D 16) and trunks = (n =3D 3). The mean rate of depredation was 3% (=B12% CI 95%; n =3D 180 sets) an= d ranged between 0 and 100%. Considering that no interactions were recorded= in 153 (84%) of the effectively monitored sets, and that the mode and median= of the depredation rate was 0, the global impact of cetaceans on the fishing yield is considered to be low. When mixed sightings of killer and sperm whales were encountered (n =3D 12), the rate of depredation decreased to = 0%; this could be the result of killer whales preferring to predate on sperm whales rather than on the fish caught on the line, as suggested by the response of sperm whales to the presence of killer whales (grouping into tight parallel formations). High sperm whale densities were found to be associated with various =91hotspots=92 which had high fishing yields. Thi= s relationship tends to support the hypothesis that the richest fishing grounds are also traditional feeding grounds for sperm whales. Financial loss associated with operational interactions involving depredation was US$92 684 (CI 95% US$47 302=96153 745) for the whole fleet, with a mean l= oss per set of US$138 (CI 95% US$74.76=96249.3). Please contact rhuckeg(\)telsur.cl for PDF reprint requests. Best regards, Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete, Dr.Cs. Centro Ballena Azul (CBA), | Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Sta. Rosal=EDa 111, Valdivia, Chile. | Wildlife Conservation Society,=20 T.: (56) 63 200461, F: (56) 63 221344. | Marine Program. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 16:39:34 -0800 From: "David S. Janiger" Subject: New Articles Hi, all! Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. For those of you who can't handle the 8MB PDF of Calambokidis, et. al. You should be able to download it from the NMFS Fishery Bulletin website. If not I will have it up on our FTP server upon request. Because of the holidays, next month's message won't be sent out on Marmam. When replying to this email, please use an address that I can use for a one-time batch mailing for next month message. Because the computer will make the file automatically, alternate address won't be detected. I would like to this moment thank the Marmam editor(s) for making this listserve a platform for my monthly messages. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(\)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(\)nhm.org BONDE, ROBERT K.; A. ALONSO AGUIRRE and JAMES POWELL. ECOHEALTH 1(3):255-262. 2004. Manatees as sentinels of marine ecosystem health: Are they the 2000-pound canaries? 0.146 MB BORSA, PHILIPPE and GALICE HOARAU. PACIFIC SCIENCE 58(4):579-584. 2004. A pygmy blue whale (Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) in the inshore waters of New Caledonia. (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) 0.866 MB BUDGE, SUZANNE M.; MARGARET H. COOPER and SARA J. IVERSON. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY 77(4):682-687. 2004. Demonstration of the deposition and modification of dietary fatty acids in pinniped blubber using radiolabelled precursors. 0.212 MB CALAMBOKIDIS, JOHN; GRETCHEN H. STEIGER; DAVID K. ELLIFRIT; BARRY L. TROUTMAN and C. EDWARD BOWLBY. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(4):563-580. 2004. Distribution and abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and other marine mammals off the northern Washington coast. 8.019 MB COX, TARA M. and ANDREW J. READ. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 279:275-282. 2004. Echolocation behavior of harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena around chemically enhanced gill nets. 0.159 MB DANILEWICZ, DANIEL; JUAN A. CLAVER; ALEJO L. PEREZ CARRERA; EDUARDO R. SECCHI and NELSON F. FONTOURA. FISHERY BULLETIN 102(4):581-592. 2004. Reproductive biology of male franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei) (Mammalia: Cetacea) from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. 0.258 MB DI BENEDITTO, ANA PAULA MADEIRA and RENATA MARIA ARRUDA RAMOS. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(6):1245-1250. 2004. Biology of the marine tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis) in south-eastern Brazil. 0.158 MB ELSON-RIGGINS, JOCELYN G.; SCOTT A. RIGGINS; FRANCES M. D. GULLAND and EDWARD G. PLATZER. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES 40(3):466-475. 2004. Immunoglobulin responses of northern elephant and Pacific harbor seals naturally infected with otostrongylus circumlitus. 0.143 MB FABIANI, ANNA; FILIPPO GALIMBERTI; SIMONA SANVITO and A. RUS HOELZEL. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY 15(6):961-969. 2004. Extreme polygyny among southern elephant seals on Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands. 0.239 MB FENWICK, S. G.; P. J. DUIGNAN; C. M. NICOL; M. J. LEYLAND and J. E. B. HUNTER. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES 40(3):566-570. 2004. Short Communications A comparison of Salmonella serotypes isolated from New Zealand sea lions and feral pigs on the Auckland Islands by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. 0.098 MB HARMS, CRAIG A.; RACHEL LO PICCOLO; DAVID S. ROTSTEIN and ALETA HOHN. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES 40(3):588-593. 2004. Short Communications Struvite penile urethrolithiasis in a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps). 0.086 MB HAYANO, AZUSA; MOTOI YOSHIOKA; MIHO TANAKA and MASAO AMANO. ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE 21:989-999. 2004. Population differentiation in the Pacific white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus obliquidens inferred from mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analyses. 0.362 MB HOFFMAN, JOSEPH I.; IAN L. BOYD and WILLIAM AMOS. EVOLUTION 58(9):2087-2099. 2004. Exploring the relationship between parental relatedness and male reproductive success in the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella. 0.437 MB IKEMOTO, T.; T. KUNITO; H. TANAKA; N. BABA; N. MIYAZAKI and S. TANABE. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 47(3):402-413. 2004. Detoxification mechanism of heavy metals in marine mammals and seabirds: Interaction of selenium with mercury, silver, copper, zinc, and cadmium in liver. 0.378 MB JESSUP, DAVID A.; MELISSA MILLER; JACK AMES; MIKE HARRIS; CHRISTINE KREUDER; PATRICIA A. CONRAD and JONNA A. K. MAZET. ECOHEALTH 1(3):239-245. 2004. Southern sea otter as a sentinel of marine ecosystem health. 0.122 MB KENNY, DAVID E.; JEFFERY BAIER; FELICIA KNIGHTLY; DANIEL STEINHEIMER; DAVID M. GETZY and G. DIANE SHELTON. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(3):409-411. 2004. Myasthenia gravis in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus). 0.037 MB KUNITO, TAKASHI; SHINJI NAKAMURA; TOKUTAKA IKEMOTO; YASUMI ANAN; REIJI KUBOTA; SHINSUKE TANABE; FERNANDO C. W. ROSAS; GILBERTO FILLMANN and JAMES W. READMAN. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 49(7-8):574-587. 2004. Concentration and subcellular distribution of trace elements in liver of small cetaceans incidentally caught along the Brazilian coast. 0.360 MB LARSSON, CHRISTINA; KARIN NORSTROM; IOANNIS ATHANANSIADIS; ANDERS BIGNERT; WILFRIED A. KONIG and AKE BERGMAN. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 38(19):4950-4955. 2004. Enantiomeric specificity of methylsulfonyl-PCBs and distribution of bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone in grey seal tissues. 0.094 MB LAWSON, PAUL A.; GEOFFREY FOSTER; ENEVOLD FALSEN; NICK DAVISON and MATTHEW D. COLLINS. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY 54(5):1753-1756. 2004. Streptococcus halichoeri sp nov., isolated from grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). 0.295 MB LEWISON, REBECCA L.; LARRY B. CROWDER; ANDREW J. READ and SLOAN A. FREEMAN. TRENDS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION 19(11):598-604. 2004. Understanding impacts of fisheries bycatch on marine megafauna. 0.236 MB NORMAN, S. A.; C. E. BOWLBY; M. S. BRANCATO; J. CALAMBOKIDIS; D. DUFFIELD; P. J. GEARIN; T. A. GORNALL; M. E. GOSHO; B. HANSON; J. HODDER; S. JEFFRIES; B. LAGERQUIST; D. LAMBOURN; B. MATE; B. NORBERG; R. OSBORNE; J. RASH; S. RIEMER and J. SCORDINO. JOURNAL OF CETACEAN RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT 6(1):87-99. 2004. Cetacean strandings in Oregon and Washington between 1930 and 2002. 1.049 MB OHISHI, KAZUE; KIYOTAKA TAKISHITA; MASARU KAWATO; RYOKO ZENITANI; TAKEHARU BANDO; YOSHIHIRO FUJISE; YOSHITAKA GOTO; SABURO YAMAMOTO and TADASHI MARUYAMA. MICROBES AND INFECTION 6(13):1199-1204. 2004. Molecular evidence of new variant Brucella in North Pacific common minke whales. 0.281 MB PIERCE, G. J.; M. B. SANTOS; R. J. REID; I. A. P. PATTERSON and H. M. ROSS. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(6):1241-1244. 2004. Diet of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata in Scottish (UK) waters with notes on strandings of this species in Scotland 1992-2002. 0.130 MB REEVES, RANDALL R.; ELIZABETH JOSEPHSON and TIM D. SMITH. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 282:295-305. 2004. Putative historical occurrence of North Atlantic right whales in mid-latitude offshore waters: 'Maury's Smear' is likely apocryphal. 0.516 MB RUTISHAUSER, MATTHEW R., DANIEL P. COSTA; MICHAEL E. GOEBEL and TERRIE M. WILLIAMS. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY 77(4):669-681. 2004. Ecological implications of body composition and thermal capabilities in young Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella). 0.266 MB SCHEUMANN, MARINA and JOSEP CALL. ANIMAL COGNITION 7(4):224-230. 2004. The use of experimenter-given cues by South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus). 0.206 MB SIGLER, MICHAEL F.; JAMIE N. WOMBLE and JOHANNA J. VOLLENWEIDER. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES 61(8):1475-1484. 2004. Availability to Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) of a seasonal prey resource: a prespawning aggregation of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus). 0.221 MB SOTO, KARIM H.; ANDREW W. TRITES and MILENA ARIAS-SCHREIBER. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 264(4):419-428. 2004. The effects of prey availability on pup mortality and the timing of birth of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in Peru. 0.083 MB SOUTHWELL, COLIN. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (LONDON) 264(4):399-402. 2004. Satellite-linked dive recorders provide insights into the reproductive strategies of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus). 0.103 MB TORNERO, VICTORIA; ASUNCION BORRELL; JAUME FORCADA and ALEX AGUILAR. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 280:275-283. 2004. Tissue distribution of retinoids in common dolphins Delphinus delphis. 0.104 MB VERMA, SUNIL KUMAR; RAVINDRA KUMAR SINHA and LALJI SINGH. MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION 33(2):280-288. 2004. Phylogenetic position of Platanista gangetica: Insights from the mitochondrial cytochrome b and nuclear interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein gene sequences. 0.313 MB WATANABE, YUUKI; EUGENE A. BARANOV; KATSUFUMI SATO; YASUHIKO NAITO and NOBUYUKI MIYAZAKI. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 279:283-289. 2004. Foraging tactics of Baikal seals differ between day and night. 0.518 MB WEIR, CAROLINE R.; JONATHAN STOKES; CLIVE MARTIN and PABLO CERMENO. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 84(5):1095-1099. 2004. Three sightings of Mesoplodon species in the Bay of Biscay: first confirmed True's beaked whales (M. mirus) for the north-east Atlantic? 0.188 MB WELLS, RANDALL S.; HOWARD L. RHINEHART; LARRY J. HANSEN; JAY C. SWEENEY; FORREST I. TOWNSEND; RAE STONE; DAVID R. CAPER; MICHAEL D. SCOTT; ALETA A. HOHN and TERI K. ROWLES. ECOHEALTH 1(3):246-254. 2004. Bottlenose dolphins as marine ecosystem sentinels: Developing a health monitoring system. 0.131 MB XITCO, JR., MARK J.; JOHN D. GORY and STAN A. KUCZAJ. ANIMAL COGNITION 7(4):231-238. 2004. Dolphin pointing is linked to the attentional behavior of a receiver. 0.257 MB YEN, PEGGY P. W.; WILLIAM J. SYDEMAN and K. DAVID HYRENBACH. JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS 50(1-2):79-99. 2004. Marine bird and cetacean associations with bathymetric habitats and shallow-water topographies: implications for trophic transfer and conservation. 1.356 MB ZUCCA, PAOLO; GIOVANNI DI GUARDO; ROBERTO POZZI-MUCELLI; DINO SCARAVELLI and MARCO FRANCESE. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 35(3):391-394. 2004. Use of computer tomography for imaging of Crassicauda grampicola in a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). 0.980 MB ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 12:51:16 -0500 From: Kerry Kilburn Subject: Meeting announcement: The American Society of Mammalogists The 85th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists will be held 15-19 June, 2005 at Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. In addition to contributed oral and poster presentations covering all aspects of mammalian biology, this year's program will feature "Adaptive Evolution in Mammalian Populations", a symposium convened by Drs. Hopi Hoekstra and Jay Storz and "Careers in Mammalogy", a workshop led by Drs. Deidre Parish and Greg Wilson. Special addresses will be offered by the recipients of the Joseph Grinnell (Dr. Norman A. Slade) and C. Hart Merriam (Dr. O.J. Reichman) awards, as well as by student honorees. Our capstone speaker will be announced at a later date. Also included are the usual ASM socials, ideal for professional interaction. Non-members who are interested in attending the meetings and/or presenting papers should request materials from the Chairman of the Local Program Committee, Dr. Tom Tomasi, Department of Biology, Southwest Missouri State University (tomtomasi(\)smsu.edu). For additional information, please visit the meeting website at http://www.asm.smsu.edu. For more information about the ASM, please visit our website at http://www.mammalsociety.org. The primary purpose of a liberal education is to make one's mind a pleasant place in which to spend one's time. -- T. H. Huxley Kerry S. Kilburn, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA 23529 http://www.lions.odu.edu/~kkilburn/home.htm ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 09:29:58 -0600 From: Sin Nombre Subject: Delphinus capensis in Venezuela ------ From: "Sonsir=E9e Ram=EDrez" The following article has recently been published: Bolet=EDn del Centro de Investigaciones Biol=F3gicas 38(2):140-149. 2004. FIRST RECORD OF THE COMMON DOLPHIN (Delphinus capensis: Gray, 1828) IN THE GULF OF VENEZUELA S. Ram=EDrez Carroz and M. Gonz=E1lez-Fern=E1ndez Abstract Presence of the common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) was recorded for the first time in the Gulf of Venezuela. In October, 2002, during travels along the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Venezuela, the partial skeleton of a dolphin was located. Preliminary identification was based on the presence of palatine grooves characteristic of dolphins belonging to the genus Delphinus. Identification was later corroborated using specialized bibliography. Morphometrics and meristic cranial measurements are presented. This report broadens the distribution of D. capensis to western Venezuela. Best regards, Sonsir=E9e Ram=EDrez Sociedad Conservacionista AQUA Maracaibo, Venezuela e-mail: scaqua(\)cantv.net Telefax: +58 261 7870641 _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Informaci=F3n de Estados Unidos y Am=E9rica Latina, en Yahoo! Noticias. Vis=EDtanos en http://noticias.espanol.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 05:53:01 +0000 From: Sarah Courbis Subject: thesis on spinner dolphin behavior available I recently completed my master's thesis "The behavior of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in response to vessels/swimmers." The study was conducted on the big island of Hawaii in Kealake'akua, Honaunau, and Kauhako Bays. If anyone is interested in receiving a copy of this thesis, I would be happy to forward it to you. Sarah Courbis dolphinspice(\)hotmail.com San Francisco State University ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 18:16:34 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: global bycatch: position announcements (fwd) Positions open at Duke University Marine Laboratory and Blue Ocean Institute "Reversing Declines of Seabirds, Sea Turtles, and Marine Mammals: An Integrated Assessment of Bycatch in Fisheries" We are looking for up to six post-doctoral researchers, two Ph.D. students, and a project manager to participate in a recently funded project to develop a global perspective on incidental catch for seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, including both US and international fisheries. Building on efforts from existing databases, our primary activity will be to update datasets to generate a comprehensive picture of fishing effort for key fisheries. For fisheries monitored by international fisheries commissions, this will extend across all ocean basins. For some fisheries, however, this will cover regional hotspots where data are available. We will develop a network of scientists and managers in key regions where conflicts between fishing activity and protected species are thought to occur. We also will invite data holders to participate in data sharing workshops, where participants can bring data to the table for synthetic analyses. For all species with available demographic data, our objective is to put bycatch levels into a population-level context. Qualifications for Post-doctoral applicants: Recent Ph.D. in ecology, oceanography, fisheries, marine policy, marine conservation, geospatial analysis or related fields. Strong quantitative, statistical, and geospatial analysis skills preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills are required. Travel experience and foreign language skills desirable; applications from international scientists are encouraged. The grant will support up to six post-doctoral researchers, four at Duke University and two at Blue Ocean Institute. Qualifications for Ph.D.: Undergraduate or Master's degrees in ecology, oceanography, fisheries, marine policy, marine conservation, geospatial analysis or related fields. Strong quantitative, statistical, and geospatial analysis skills preferred. Travel experience and foreign language skills desirable. Applications from international students are encouraged. The grant will support two Ph.D. students at Duke University. Qualifications for project manager: The successful applicant will act as the point of contact for project investigators to organize report writing, coordinate regular meetings of the principal investigators and staff, compile annual progress reports, and track grant spending. In addition, the associate will provide general administrative support by facilitating communication among project staff (approximately 15 members), coordinating domestic and international travel, purchasing equipment, writing abstracts, planning and executing scientific workshops and conference sessions, and communicating with the Duke University administration. The research associate will also engage in data analysis, literature review, report writing and manuscript preparation. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. The project manager will be responsible for organizing meetings of data providers in foreign countries, so travel experience and foreign language skills are strongly preferred. Undergraduate or Master's degrees in ecology, oceanography, fisheries, marine policy, marine conservation, geospatial analysis or related fields. Very strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are required. For more information please contact: Larry Crowder, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516 (lcrowder(\)duke.edu). Please direct post-doctoral applications including CV, personal statement, and 3 letters of recommendation to Sloan Freeman (sloan.freeman(\)duke.edu) by January 1, 2005. Ph.D. applications are due to the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences no later than December 31, 2004. Please contact Andy Read (aread(\)duke.edu) regarding admission to the Ph.D. program. Please direct project manager applications including CV, personal statement, and 3 references to Sloan Freeman (sloan.freeman(\)duke.edu) by January 1, 2005. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sloan A. Freeman Research Associate Duke University Marine Lab 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd Beaufort, NC 28516 252-504-7633 (f) 252-504-7638 sloan.freeman(\)duke.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 08:55:24 +0000 From: Kelly MacLeod Subject: High powered binocular Dear all, we are currently looking for high powered binoculars to use during a cetacean survey, focusing on the harbour porpoise, as part of the SCANS-II project ( http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/scan2) Line transect shipboard surveys will be conducted using double platform methods. The tracker platform observers need to search far away from the vessel and out with the focal search area of the primary observers. We are therefore looking at using high powered binoculars, which we will probably have to fit with a reticle and manufacture an adjustable pedestal stand. We cannot afford big eyes (e.g. Fujinon 25 x 150) and so are looking for cheaper, but quality alternative. The spec for the Fujinon 15 x 80 looks good but we don't know anyone who's used them in the field. Can anyone who's used this binocular or other high powered binocular at sea give us a brief review or offer some advice? I'll gladly summarise any responses I get to the list. I look forward to hearing from you. RESPOND TO: km53(\)st-andrews.ac.uk Best wishes, Kelly ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 12:39:41 -0600 From: Dagmar Fertl Subject: PDF avaiable - Melanistic southern right whale dolphins The following paper is available by contacting the second author (information is listed below after the abstract). Visser, I.N., D. Fertl, and L.T. Pusser. 2004. Melanistic southern right-whale dolphins (Lissodelphis peronii) off Kaikoura, New Zealand, wi= th records of other anomalously all-black cetaceans. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 38:833=96836. Reports of anomalously pigmented cetaceans, including melanistic (all-bla= ck) individuals are infrequent. We observed four melanistic southern right-wh= ale dolphins (Lissodelphis peronii) including a calf, off Kaikoura (42=B034=B4= S, 173=B050=B4E), New Zealand. We also compiled records of melanistic indivi= duals from five other species of cetaceans. The ecological context of melanisti= c pigmentation of cetaceans is not well understood; however, it may increas= e heat absorption, affect ability to capture prey, impair visual/social communication, and/or increase conspicuousness to predators. Dagmar Fertl dfertl(\)geo-marine.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 20:14:47 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Southern Sea Otter RFP (fwd) The Otter Project Student Research Grant for 2005 -- Request for Research Proposals with a Nexus to the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan The Otter Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1998. The Otter Project's mission is "to promote the rapid recovery of the California sea otter, an indicator of near shore ocean health, by facilitating research and communicating research results to the general public and policy makers." Since its inception, The Otter Project has supported and/or facilitated funding for a variety of research efforts including: * Investigations into the interactions between sea otters and the nearshore live-fish fishery. * Longevity of sea otters in captivity. * Building a unified database for sea otter necropsy data. * Sea otter nutrition (current). * Analysis of contaminants in sea otter tissues (current). Although we have indirectly provided funding for graduate and post-doc research in the past, this is our first effort reaching out directly to the graduate student community. This effort is directly funded by the 4000 members of The Otter Project. GRANT ELIGIBILITY This grant is available to graduate students currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a masters or doctorate program who meet the evaluation criteria. Post-doc researchers are also eligible. The proposed research must have a clear nexus to the US Fish and Wildlife Service "Final Revised Recovery Plan for the Southern Sea Otter, 2003" (available on our website www.otterproect.org ). A faculty advisor must oversee or approve all work. Researchers must have obtained any necessary permits or authorizations for conducting the proposed research prior to any awards being disbursed. Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply. The individual(s) conducting the research must submit a brief and concise proposal along with supporting documents. Proposals will be accepted through 15 March 2005 and letters of acceptance or denial will be issued no later than 15 April 2005. GRANTS $6000 is available to fund one or more grants. Funds will be available on 30 April 2005. The Otter Project reserves the right to decline all proposals or to extend the application deadline. APPLICATION GUIDELINES Proposal Format: Please be concise. The proposal should be no more than five (5) pages in length (single spaced, 1" margins, text not smaller than 11 pt.) The proposal should include: * Current and accurate contact information. * Current and accurate contact information for the faculty advisor. * Clear nexus to the recovery tasks listed on pages 31 through 47 of the Final Revised Recovery Plan for the Southern Sea Otter. Please cite the nexus by page and paragraph number. * Narrative description of the project including a concise project description, summary of methodology, justification for the proposed project, expected impacts, and the project's relevance to sea otter research and conservation (not more than 3 pages). * Budget (we cannot provide support for overhead or indirect costs). * Source of additional funds required for the completion of the project. * Project timeline including at least two intermediate benchmarks per year and a final completion date. * A single-page CV must be included with the proposal (not included in the 5 page limit). * Letter of support from primary academic advisor (not included in the 5 page limit). Proposal Delivery: The proposal may be sent either electronically to exec(\)otterproject.org (please put Research Proposal in the subject line) or via regular mail to: Research Proposal, The Otter Project, 3098 Stewart Court, Marina, CA 93933. The Otter Project may ask for additional clarifying information. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES 1) A brief, plain English report describing the progress/status of the research should be presented to The Otter Project no later than eight months after receipt of funds. This report will be featured in a future issue of our newsletter, The Recovery Report. 2) A full written report, including mutually agreed upon data (this will be mutually agreed upon in advance of the selection), should be delivered to The Otter Project on or before the final completion date included in the Project Proposal. 3) A two-page or less, plain English, summary of the full written report should be included as an addendum to the full report. This summary will be featured in a future issue of our newsletter, The Recovery Report. NON-INTERFERRANCE BY THE OTTER PROJECT Our purpose is to facilitate recovery focused research. A sub-committee of The Otter Project board of directors (including researchers) will select the most appropriate proposal. After selection, we will not interfere or influence the research project. We may check-in with the researcher or faculty advisor if mutually agreed upon benchmarks are missed. CONTACT INFORMATION For submission of proposals or request for information, please contact: The Otter Project Steve Shimek, Executive Director 3098 Stewart Court Marina, CA 93933 831/883-4159 exec(\)otterproject.org website: www.otterproject.org Steve Shimek Executive Director The Otter Project 3098 Stewart Court Marina, CA 93933 831/883-4159 exec(\)otterproject.org www.otterproject.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 20:51:59 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Available Internship-Bottlenose dolphins in New Zealand (fwd) From: Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto Available Internship: Photo-ID and genetics of bottlenose dolphins in New= =20 Zealand I am currently seeking an experienced intern to work at the Molecular Eco= logy=20 and Evolution Laboratory at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The= =20 position entails assisting with the catalogue of bottlenose dolphins (Tur= siops=20 truncatus) from New Zealand waters and fieldworks trips. The placement shall run for 6 to 9 weeks commencing 1st February 2005=20 (although a long-term assistant is preferred, shorter-term contracts may = be=20 possible). The position involves a variety of tasks including assisting d= uring=20 fieldwork trips (for photo-identification and biopsy sampling), sorting,=20 labelling, data entry and digital matching using FinScan. The successful= =20 candidate should have photo-identification and boat handling experience a= nd=20 good motivation to collaborate with land-based tasks.=20 The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation, living=20 expenses and travel costs. Visas will be the responsibility of the candid= ate=20 as well. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Ideally the candidate should have: =95Experience with marine mammal photo-identification =95Experience with boat handling=20 =95Good English language skills - must be fluent in both written and spok= en=20 english =95Motivated and able to work well independently =95A team player with good communication skills Applicants should include a CV, intention letter, and 2 references and ap= ply=20 by mail to:=20 GABRIELA DE TEZANOS PINTO Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. More info about the project can be found at=20 http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/projects/bottleno= sedolp hins.htm Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto PhD Candidate Population Genetics & Evolution Lab The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland New Zealand http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/gabriella.htm ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2004 09:32:03 -0500 Reply-To: phillip.clapham(\)noaa.gov From: Phil Clapham Subject: Society for Marine Mammalogy membership renewals All: If you have not yet renewed your membership in the Society for Marine Mammalogy, please be aware that DECEMBER 15TH is the LAST date by which we can guarantee uninterrupted delivery of Marine Mammal Science. If you renew after this date, you will not receive the January issue (you'll start in 2005 with April), and will have to purchase it separately. You can now renew your membership online using a credit card (please go to the Society's website at www.marinemammalogy.org/members). Student members can also do this, but please note that you MUST email or fax proof of current student status to us at the same time. Please see the website for further details. Any renewals sent by mail must be postmarked no later than December 15th. So please... save us all a lot of headache and go do it now! Thanks. Phil Clapham SMM Membership Chair -- 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 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 14:12:08 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Two recent papers now available on-line (fwd) Dear Marmam and ECS-all readers, Apologies to those of you who will receive crossposts. The following two review papers of the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute and co-authors have been published earlier this year in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. PDF files of these papers (as well as of most other publications of Pelagos Institute) can now be downloaded by visiting the publication page (PELAGOS button) on the website: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr or by following the direct link: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr/en/pelagos/index3.html FRANTZIS A., NIKOLAOU O., BOMPAR J.-M. and CAMMEDDA A., 2004. Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea. The Journal of Cetacean Research Management. 6(1): 25-28. 303 KB FRANTZIS A., ALEXIADOU P., PAXIMADIS G., POLITI E., GANNIER A. and CORSINI-FOKA M., 2003. Current knowledge of the cetacean fauna of the Greek Seas. The Journal of Cetacean Research Management. 5(3): 219-232. 1123 KB If you have any problem in downloading the files please let us know in order to send you a PDF file by e-mail. Best wishes, Alexandros -- ________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 VOULIAGMENI GREECE tel/fax : ++30-210-8960108 e-mail : afrantzis(\)otenet.gr web: www.pelagosinstitute.gr ________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 14:15:25 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: Position Announcement (fwd) Position Announcement Education Director Pacific Marine Mammal Center Laguna Beach, California Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization with a mission to rescue, medically treat, and rehabilitate marine mammals that strand along Orange County coastline due to illness or injury; release healthy marine mammals to their natural habitat; and increase public awareness of the marine environment through education. The Center is currently looking for a strong candidate to fill a full-time Education Director position. Responsibilities of the Education Director: v Recruiting, supervising, training and scheduling of education volunteers and staff v Maintaining and improving existing education programs v Developing new education programs v Working with the Director of Development/Marketing to publicize and find funding for education programs v Working with the Director of Development/Marketing to maintain and expand the Center's Public Awareness Campaign v Collaborating with Director of Operations/Animal Care and Medical Director to provide accurate information to the public regarding the medical condition of the marine mammal patients. v Improving and maintaining educational displays and equipment for maximal effectiveness v Developing budget and maximizing income from education department v Scheduling education program participants v Ensuring visitors are treated courteously and provided with correct information v Managing the public during education and special events v Maintaining and developing professional relationships with other organizations in the community v Administering a positive instructional environment and providing excellent customer service through the delivery of educational programs Requirements for the Education Director position: v Bachelor's degree in a related field v A minimum of 2 years informal/formal education experience v Experience with project and budget management v Demonstrate flexibility to deal with various age groups v Demonstrate ability to develop fun and creative curricula, while maintaining educational integrity v Experience leading a team of volunteers and/or personnel v Exceptional time management, organizational and communication skills Salary Range for the Education Director position: $36,000 - $40,000, plus $1,200 annually for dental/medical insurance Contact Information: Michele Hunter Director of Operations/Animal Care mhunter(\)pacificmmc.org (949) 494-3050 > > > > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 09:05:07 -0500 Reply-To: sarah(\)dolphins.org From: Sarah Wilson Subject: Employment Opportunity- Research position (\) Dolphin Research Center From: Sarah WIlson sarah(\)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center (DRC) currently has one full-time opening for Research Staff. DRC is a not-for-profit education & research facility located on Grassy Key, Florida & home to 16 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and 2 California Sealions. Current investigations involve behavior, cognition, & communications systems of the dolphins & sea lions that reside permanently at DRC. More information about the facility can be found at http://www.dolphins.org. Requirements: (a) Computer skills, including familiarity with Excel/spreadsheet & MS Word. Knowlege of MS Access is a plus. (b) Adept with electronic equipment including video, VCR, and audio recording equipment. (C) Must work well individually, be organized, flexible, and detail oriented. (d) Must be able to lift 50 lbs. (e) Must be able to create and/or modify research equipment using common materials, such as PVC pipe. (f) Must take direction easily and be team player. (g) Previous reasearch or animal background is helpful. (h) College degree preferred. Duties: This is an entry level position and the primary job function is to support the department with on-going research projects at DRC. Duties include, but are not limited to (a) equipment set-up, operation, and break-down for research sessions, (b) troubleshooting and maintenance of research equipment, (c) data collection, analysis, and preparation of summary reports, (d) Communicating training progress or issues to appropriate parties, (e) Assisting wherever needed to keep research on track and progressing smoothly, and (f) Create and/or locate props needed for research sessions. E-mail resume to drc-hr(\)dolphins.org. Closing date for the position is 01/31/05. Sarah Wilson Assistant Director of Education Dolphin Research Center Twenty years of teaching, learning, and caring for marine mammals and the environment we share. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 20:47:20 -0300 From: Ecovoluntarios Subject: PDF - Interaction sea lion and fishery ------ The following thesis has recently been published which may be of interest= to MARMAM subscribers.=20 Lezama, C. 2002. Damage cause by the southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens= ) to the artisanal fishery in Piriapolis port, Uruguay. Thesis. Opci=F3n Zoolog=EDa de Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Rep=FA= blica. Montevideo. Uruguay. 24 pp. For PDF version please contact : Biol. Cecilia Lezama checha(\)netgate.com.uy CID/Karumbe Tortugas Marinas del Uruguay J. Paullier 1198/101 Montevideo - 11200 Uruguay karumbe(\)adinet.com.uy www.karumbe.8k.com Telfax: 598 2 4010101 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 14:24:58 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: marine research collaboration ----------------------------------------------------- Sir/Madam, We are interested to establish a long term strategic partnership or collaboration with other interested institutions for Marine Research, Conservation and Exploration. We are in position to sponsor required research and exploration equipment and trained Support Staff from our side for the scientific research. We recently also acquired highly sophisticated observation and work class underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles and other underwater research equipment such as wet submarine, underwater jets, monitoring and sensors for our various underwater expedition requirements. As we don't have their use round the year, we are willing to provide their services when we are not using them, for other scientific community at no cost. Please contact us back with your any expedition or strategic = collaboration plans as soon as possible. You can know more about our ROVs www.osir.org.in. Note: We can also provide manned submarine to carry scientists in depths upto 3000 SWF. If you have any requirement for the same please let us know as soon as possible. We are eagerly waiting for your reply. With regards, for OSIR Ms. Kalavathi Armala Project Director URL: http://www.osir.org.in eMail: armala(\)osir.org.in =20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------= ------- OSIR.org.in - In quest of science in true nature. absence of evidence is not evidence of absence" ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 20:58:39 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Mia J. Tegner Grants in Marine Environmental History and Historical (fwd) Apologies for cross-postings. Marine Conservation Biology Institute is embarking on the third year of the Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants in Marine Environmental History and Historical Ecology. To date MCBI has awarded 17 grants, each $6000 and below (http://www.mcbi.org/Advancing/Advancing.htm#mia). This program provides funding for high-quality, results-oriented research projects in the areas of marine environmental history and historical ecology. To our knowledge, this is the first dedicated program for funding research in this neglected and important area of study. This grants program is dedicated to the memory and scientific legacy of Mia J. Tegner, a marine biologist from Scripps Institution of Oceanography who lost her life in January 2001 while carrying out research in the waters of Southern California. Dr. Tegner's primary research focused on the ecology of kelp forest communities. She studied the ecology and restoration of abalone populations in southern California, and her long time series of observations made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of the effects of ocean climate on nearshore ecosystems. Dr. Tegner was a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her work, her dedication to the field of marine biology and her contribution to a seminal paper on historical ecology, was the inspiration for creating this program to both insure Dr. Tegner's legacy and honor her memory. Applications are due by January 28, 2005. Please view additional details and application guidelines at: http://www.mcbi.org/Advancing/Tegner_grant_announcement%202004.htm. -------------------- Sara Maxwell Program Assistant Marine Conservation Biology Institute 15805 NE 47th Court Redmond WA 98052 USA 425.883.8914 425.883.3017 (fax) www.mcbi.org ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 21:01:11 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: ECS Conference 2005 - reminder (fwd) Dear all, This is a reminder of the deadline for abstract submissions for the next ECS Conference to be held in La Rochelle. The deadline is : *Friday 10 December 2004* Please visit our website for further information : http://www.univ-lr.fr/labo/lbem/ecs2005/ecs_2005.htm The 19th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society will take place in La Rochelle, France, between April 2-7, 2005, and will be hosted by the University of La Rochelle (Laboratoire de Biologie et Environnement Marins Centre de Recherche sur les Mammiferes Marins, Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement), in co-operation with the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chize, CNRS. The theme of the conference is: "MARINE MAMMALS AND FOOD : FROM ORGANISMS TO ECOSYSTEMS" Call For Papers and workshops People are invited to submit their abstract for presentation and proposal for workshop before December 10th, 2004. A Scientific Committee, chaired by Vincent Ridoux, will arrange for all abstracts to be peer reviewed (see the Abstract guidelines) and authors will be informed whether their presentations are accepted by January 21st, 2005. Conference Booking and Fees Conference booking and fees are outlined in the conference website. Early registration for the conference is strongly recommended; the closing date for early registration is February 4th, 2005. Please visit our website for further information : http://www.univ-lr.fr/labo/lbem/ecs2005/ecs_2005.htm Any request can be addressed to : ECS2005(\)univ-lr.fr ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 13:23:17 +0000 From: Steve Isaac Subject: Collation of info on global strandings responses Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ------ Re: Collation of information on global strandings responses. Dear MARMAMERS, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) is currently conducting a survey of responses to cetacean strandings around the world. WDCS has been working with communities responding to stranded cetaceans in various parts of the world for a number of years and we are involved in a growing number of strandings networks in various regions. We intend to collate all the current Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for strandings responses from around the globe, with the aim of developin= g a global document listing the various organisations/individuals involved in strandings responses and the resources available. We also intend to compare and contrast the various approaches to strandings and note how these differ regionally according to various factors. In order to help us achieve this I would be most grateful if you could take the time to read through the following list and provide us, where possible, with information on each of the following aspects of strandings responses in your country or region. Where SOPs or official codification does not exist, then anecdotal accounts of common strandings practices would be welcomed:=20 =B7 Response alerts (and public education); =B7 Management of strandings =96 who is responsible? =B7 Triage and responses to individual and mass strandings; =B7 Re-flotation techniques and equipment; =B7 Beach therapy (antibiotics, re-hydration etc.); =B7 Transportation (either for re-floatation sites or captive rehab.); =B7 Captive rehabilitation options; =B7 Euthanasia (policy and/or techniques); =B7 Management of rescue workers (health and safety); =B7 Managing the public at stranding events; =B7 Zoonoses (occurrence and protection against); =B7 Training of staff and volunteers; =B7 Network approaches; =B7 Funding rescue activities and resources; =B7 Strandings reports and identification. In addition to information on the basic stranding responses it would also be helpful to have information on: =B7 any survivorship investigations for refloated cetaceans that have bee= n conducted in your country or region; =B7 information on protocols on data collection for live and dead strande= d animals; =B7 any publications resulting from your involvement with strandings work= , or work in the region; =B7 legislation (protection for stranded cetaceans). Please send your responses to: Philippa Brakes WDCS PO Box 81 Lyttelton Canterbury 8012 New Zealand Or via email on: [ mailto:Philippa.Brakes(\)wdcs.org ]Philippa.Brakes(\)wdcs.org And CC: [ mailto:steve.isaac(\)wdcs.org ]steve.isaac(\)wdcs.org Thank you for taking the time to help us collate this information.=20 Yours faithfully Philippa Brakes WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Steve Isaac Policy and Science Assistant WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WDCS Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ T: 01249 449 542 F: 01249 449 501 http://www.wdcs.org WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS unless otherwise stated. ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email=20 ______________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 10:03:16 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Reports on Underwater Noise and Audiograms (fwd) Dear All, The following reports relating to the effects of underwater noise have recently been published. They are available from the Subacoustech downloads page, which is linked from the top right of the Subacoustech homepage: www.subacoustech.com. Dr J. Nedwell, Mr B. Edwards, Dr. A. Turnpenny, Dr. J. Gordon, 'Fish and Marine Mammal Audiograms: A summary of available information.', Subacoustech Report Reference: 534R0214, September 2004, To: Chevron Texaco Ltd., TotalFinaElf Exploration UK Plc, DSTL, DTI and Shell U.K. Exploration and Production Ltd. Dr J. Nedwell, Mr. J. Langworthy & Mr D. Howell, 'Assessment of sub-sea acoustic noise and vibration from offshore wind turbines and its impact on marine wildlife; initial measurements of underwater noise during construction of offshore windfarms, and comparison with background noise.',Subacoustech Report Reference: 544R0424, November 2004, To: COWRIE, The Crown Estate, 16 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH Dr J. Nedwell, Mr D. Howell, 'A review of offshore windfarm related underwater noise sources.', Subacoustech Report Reference: 544R0308, November 2004, To: COWRIE, The Crown Estate, 16 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH Kind regards, Daren Howell daren.howell(\)subacoustech.com T: +44(0)1489 891849 F: +44(0)8700 513060 W: www.subacoustech.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 10:10:21 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New publication on Otaria (fwd) Dear All, The following article has recently been published H=FCckst=E4dt LA & MC Krautz (2004) Interaction between southern sea lions Otaria flavescens and jack mackerel Trachurus symmetricus commercial fishery off Central Chile: a geostatistical approach. Marine Ecology Progress Series 282: 285-294. Abstract A spatial description of the operational interaction between southern sea lions and jack mackerel fishing fleet off Central Chile is presented. The descriptive analysis showed a similar spatial trend for the number of sea lions per haul and catch per haul, both increasing in the SE direction, and decreasing in the NW direction. The number of sea lions was positively correlated with catches at intermediate distances from land, while negatively correlated with the number of fishing vessels at the greatest distance from the land. The geostatistical analyses corroborate the trends found during the descriptive analysis: 2 nuclei of high abundance of sea lions were found, which spatially overlapped 2 nuclei of high jack mackerel catches; nuclei that we proposed here as hot-spots for this interaction. Both hot-spots were located on the continental slope and over the deep ocean bed. No spatial relation was found between the number of sea lions and the number of fishing vessels. Thus, it is proposed that the area enclosed between 38=9640=B0 S and 74=9675=B0 30=92W constitutes the sector of higher interaction between the southern sea lions and jack mackerel industrial fishing fleet. Please contact lhuckst(\)udec.cl for PDF reprint requests. Sincerely yours, Luis A. H=FCckst=E4dt, M. Sc. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 08:33:12 -1000 From: Thea Johanos-Kam Organization: NOAA Subject: Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2005 Aquatic Farms (, Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii) provides Scientific Support Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2005 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation 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 & spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & 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://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ There are two primary periods of employment available: late February/early March until mid/late-August, and early April to mid/late August, though some positions will last until September. IMPORTANT: Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available. The first 3-4 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, 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 supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. *NO LATER THAN JANUARY 21 BUT SOONER IS BETTER*, Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numebrs of three work related references to: Aquatic Farms Kathy Ciulla, Coordinator Email: officeafl(\)aol.com Phone (808) 239 2929 Fax (808) 239 8436 The National Marine Fisheries Service Contact Person is: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam(\)noaa.gov Phone (808) 983-5713 Fax: (808) 983-2902 Resumes sent to the NMFS will be forwarded to Aquatic Farms. Applicants will be considered for either Biological Technician I or III positions. Biological Technician II (monthly salary $2,955 + overtime) One Biological Technician II serves as the senior person in a field camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. Biological Technician I (monthly salary $2,186 + overtime) One or two Biological Technician I's participate in each field camp. Under guidance of Biological Technician II and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 11 Dec 2004 06:12:21 +1100 From: Peter Corkeron Subject: letter in Science re EBFM and marine mammals Fellow MARMAMers I've had a letter published in Science (www.sciencemag.org) today - 10th December - regarding ecosystem-based fishery management and the new Norwegian policy on marine mammal management. It might be of interest. In the letter, my affiliation is given as IMR Norway. Since its submission, I have resigned my position at IMR over Norway's new policy. sincerely Peter Corkeron petercorkeron2000(\)yahoo.com.au Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 21:03:37 +0000 From: Rachel Saward Subject: Ship strikes request for resources (Apple Message framework v551) ------ Whale and Dolphin Magazine requests resources for Editorial on ship=20 strikes and boat collisions: If you can supply first-hand account and / or photographs of boat=20 injuries or ship/ferry strikes on any species of cetacean, or would=20 simply like to take the opportunity of this platform to get a=20 professional=A0opinion across in a consumer publication please get in=20 touch. Summary: Which species / populations / geographical areas=A0most at risk=20 and why The role of commercial ships / military in strikes=A0and recreational=20 boats, waterskis in propeller injury Extent of self reporting from boats Prevention measures and education programmes Publication details: Intended for publication March 2005. UK-based=20 consumer magazine sold by subscription internationally and in=20 independent newsagents across UK and Ireland. Pitched at general reader=20 /=A0cetacean enthusiast. If=A0you can help with resources=A0or would like to make quotable comment= s=20 please contact Rachel Saward Publishing Editor rachel(\)wdmag.co.uk Rachel Saward Publishing Editor Whale and Dolphin Magazine PO Box 134 Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 4YB rachel(\)wdmag.co.uk Tel: 01892 823089 www.wdmag.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 11:24:23 -0500 From: J&B Subject: Marine Mammal Management Course Reminder ------ MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE REMINDER WELCOME- all those interested in marine mammals !! This is a reminder that Registration is now open for the most recent=20 edition of the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University's=20 Global Distance Education Course in Marine Mammal Management (MMM). This=20 Course is offered to anyone, anywhere in the world through Distance=20 Learning. Registration ends on January 10th, 2005. There are four versions: a) full three credit graduate level; b) a three credit undergraduate version; c) a general interest diploma, which will be awarded all successful=20 candidates; d) as part of the graduate certificate (contact the coordinator=20 douganj(\)nova.edu ). MMM runs from JANUARY 3 TO MARCH 18, 2005, and covers a range of=20 pertinent topics as indicated by the Table of Contents: Dedication Information for Current Term Chapter 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals Chapter 2. Marine Mammal Management Chapter 3. Introduction to Cetaceans Chapter 4. Beluga Whale, and =93toxic soups=94 Chapter 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use Chapter 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance Chapter 7. Orcas, of killers and Keikos Chapter 8. Pilots, stranding and utilization Chapter 9. Introduction to Pinnipeds Chapter10 Monk Seals Chapter11. California Sea Lion, Big Sur and survival Chapter12. Harp Seal, to hunt or not to hunt? Chapter13. Introduction to Sirenia Chapter14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore Chapter15. Introduction to Marine Fissipeds Chapter16. Polar Bear, the Inuit, success and hope Chapter17. Acoustic Stimuli of Marine Mammals Chapter18. Marine Mammal Conservation & Future Management Finis! There are two assignments for those taking the credit versions. First, due on FEBRUARY 11th with a value of 35%, and the last on MARCH=20 18 for the remaining 65% of the final mark. Candidates will receive comments on the 1st assignment for use in the=20 final essay. Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments; not for=20 marks, but certainly for comment. As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via=20 E-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of=20 communication and submitting essays. Essays should be sent using "MS=20 Word" format. For general information on the course contact: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Alternately: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ for general information on the=20 Oceanographic Center's programs. For registration: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html Professor Keith Ronald Instructors for2005 Marine Mammal Management Distance Education course Professor Keith Ronald, kronald(\)nova.edu and=20 Barra Gots, johnbarra(\)sympatico.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 11:15:51 +0100 From: Christopher D Marshall Subject: Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" ------ Dear MarMamm Moderators, I would like to post the following announcement. Please let me know if y= ou need further information. Thank you, Christopher Marshall GRADUATE STUDENT POSITION available for FALL 2005 in the lab of Dr. Christopher D. Marshall in the Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG; http://www.marinebiology.edu/marshall.htm= ). Dr. Marshall=B9s research interests include vertebrate functional morphol= ogy & biomechanics, ecomorphology, and sensory ecology. Other research opportunities are available. Support will be provided either as Teaching= or Research Assistantships, depending on funding availability and student background. TAMUG and Texas A&M University offers financial support and fellowships for incoming graduate students; sources of support are awarde= d on a competitive basis. Additionally, the university and multiple other sources may provide students with funding for projects. Potential studen= ts are requested to submit a resume or Curriculum Vita that includes undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and a concise statement of experience and interests to the address below before applying to the graduate program. Please send all material to Dr. Christopher D. Marshall, Department of Marine Biology, 5007 Avenue U, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galvest= on, TX 77551 or by email to marshalc(\)tamug.edu. ____________________________ Christopher D. Marshall, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston 5007 Avenue U Galveston, TX 77551 email: marshalc(\)tamug.edu www.marinebiology.edu/marshall.htm phone: 409 740 4884 fax: 409 740 5002 "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." -- Vincent Van Gogh ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 10:25:45 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Save the Date, Call for Papers: IWLC (fwd) The 9th International Wildlife Law Conference, coordinated by the Wildlife Committee of the International Law Association-American Branch, will take place at Tulane University Law School on November 4-5, 2005. Anyone who wishes to be placed on the mailing list to receive the snail mail version of the program should contact me. Also, we are still seeking proposals for presentations for the following panels: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; The Convention on Migratory Species Caribbean wildlife conservation instruments I hope that many of you can join us at Tulane. This year's conference will include a sumptuous Louisiana-style feast on Friday night, including a jazz band, and a swamp tour near New Orleans. cheers, wil burns William C.G. Burns, Co-Chair American Society of International Law - International Environmental Law Group 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 801.838.8710 http://www.internationalwildlifelaw.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 18:59:14 +0000 From: Rebecca Bridgland Subject: Call for submission of articles. Hello MARMAM, ORCA (Organisation Cetacea - http://www.orcaweb.org.uk) is a UK-based registered charity that promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education. ORCA also provides a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. The next ORCA annual report is currently being developed for publication in the summer of 2005. It will include the regular update on cetacean sightings and research across the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, as well as a variety of articles on other research projects both in the North Atlantic and abroad. We are keen to hear about new research in remote areas, or on species that are poorly understood and difficult to study. In particular we are seeking articles on how to identify species (both birds and cetaceans) at sea. ORCA would welcome the submission of articles and papers for the ORCA No.4 report. Articles on any subject related to cetaceans, seabirds or the marine environment will be considered by the editor. If you would like to send a summary of your idea, or would like to ask a few questions, please feel free to e-mail us at orca_editor(\)hotmail.co.uk, and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can post a letter or CD/disc with your proposal and contact details to the address below. We would ask that all summaries/proposals be sent to us by February 28th 2005. If you would like to purchase previous issues of the ORCA report please go to www.orcaweb.org.uk. Thank you very much, and Merry Christmas. Rebecca Bridgland, Editor ORCA No.4. c/o 3 Warriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5LE, Scotland. _________________________________________________________________ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:18:30 -1000 From: Charles Littnan Organization: NOAA Subject: Job Opportunity: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LIAISON, Honolulu ------ Please do not send inquiries to MARMAM or me. All questions can be directed to Kevin Higaki 808-956-7729. JIMAR PIRO STATE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LIAISON =96 ID# 24655. School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Joint Institute for Marine & Atmospheric Research. Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine & Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds.=20 Minimum Monthly Salary: $2,929.00.=20 Duties: Working with PIRO, acts as coordinator of the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) matters regarding the supplementing, revising, and resubmitting an incidental take permit application pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Provides support and expertise to assist the State in supplementing, revising, finalizing, and resubmitting the permit application. Also collaborates with State of Hawaii (including State staff in all main Hawaiian Islands counties) and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to develop and manage a plan for implementation of the elements of the permit, were it to be granted.=20 Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.=20 Experience: At least two (2) years of experience in areas of natural resource management which includes the performance of technical assignments and reporting results; working with diverse community constituencies to implement policy and management. Experience with data analysis, databases and computer applications. Experience in conducting public outreach. Experience in project management, including multi-disciplinary and multi-agency projects.=20 Abil/Know/Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, State of Hawaii statutory and regulatory processes, and other laws and policies related to marine protected resources. Knowledge of biology, habitat requirements, and social impacts associated with endangered species occurring in the main Hawaiian Islands. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and creative abilities when confronted with issues requiring new approaches and/or lacking existing protocols. Ability to integrate the efforts, requirements, and responsibilities of government agencies at many levels and the public. Ability to synthesize data from many sources, produce written reports, integrate issues, and provide concise explanations of data sources and gaps. Ability to manage the design of survey research.=20 Physical/Medical Requirements: Must be able to work occasionally in the field.=20 Desirable Qualifications: Master=92s Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Knowledge of State of Hawaii statutes and regulations associated with fishing in State waters, protected species management, and environmental assessment. Experience in managing staff. Experience in program evaluations.=20 Inquiries: Kevin Higaki 956-7729 (Oahu).=20 Application Requirements: The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on =93Employment=94 and navigate to =93Job Announcements/Apply for = a Job.=94 However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Closing Date: December 29, 2004. EEO/AA Employer. --=20 Charles Littnan, Ph.D. Research Ecologist=20 Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 2570 Dole St. Honolulu HI 96822 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 09:11:23 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Newspaper series about marine mammal strandings (fwd) >From LISTSERV(\)UVVM.UVIC.CA Wed Dec 15 07:27:43 2004 Received: from UVVM.UVic.CA (uvvm.uvic.ca [142.104.5.6]) by castle.comp.uvic.ca (8.12.11/8.12.11) with ESMTP id iBFFRhOI9240748 for ; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:27:43 -0800 Received: by UVVM.UVic.CA (IBM VM SMTP Level 430) via spool with SMTP id 8795 ; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:26:15 PST Received: from UVVM.UVIC.CA (NJE origin LISTSERV(\)UVVM) by UVVM.UVIC.CA (LMail V1.2d/1.8d) with BSMTP id 9202; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:26:15 -0800 Received: from UVVM (NJE origin SMTP(\)UVVM) by UVVM.UVIC.CA (LMail V1.2d/1.8d) with BSMTP id 9200; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:26:15 -0800 Received: from castle.comp.uvic.ca [142.104.5.97] by UVVM.UVic.CA (IBM VM SMTP Level 430) via TCP with SMTP ; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:26:14 PST X-Comment: UVVM.UVic.CA: Mail was sent by castle.comp.uvic.ca Received: from cousteau-sbs.CousteauSociety.local ([204.232.43.2]) by castle.comp.uvic.ca (8.12.11/8.12.11) with ESMTP id iBFFRXHQ9498874 for ; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:27:33 -0800 charset="us-ascii" X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft Exchange V6.5.6944.0 Subject: Newspaper series about marine mammal strandings Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:29:21 -0500 Message-ID: <5BA0093E5A0DAA40A1864F04F2C52BFC0EB0AE(\)cousteau-sbs.CousteauSociety.local> X-MS-Has-Attach: X-MS-TNEF-Correlator: Thread-Topic: Newspaper series about marine mammal strandings thread-index: AcTiutmAT14BEfVSRLG3CePwkbMouQ== From: "Clark Lee Merriam" To: X-UVic-Virus-Scanned: OK - Passed virus scan by Sophos (sophie) on castle X-UVic-Virus-Scanned: OK - Passed virus scan by Sophos (sophie) on castle X-UVic-Spam-Scan: castle.comp.uvic.ca Not_scanned_LOCAL X-UVic-Spam-Scan: castle.comp.uvic.ca No_recips_rejected X-UVic-Spam-Status: No X-UVic-Spam-Score: 1.5 UVIC_NORDNS X-UVic-Spam-Level: Spam-Level S X-Scanned-By: MIMEDefang 2.33 (www . roaringpenguin . com / mimedefang) X-MIME-Autoconverted: from quoted-printable to 8bit by castle.comp.uvic.ca id iBFFRhOI9240748 The Virginian Pilot newspaper (Norfolk, VA) published a well researched and carefully written series of articles about marine mammal strandings, the scientists who study them and the reasons they could be important. It is thorough and accurate enough to be of use for instructors, policy-makers and scientists. The final article in the series can be found at http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=79238&ran=15020 with links to the preceding ones. Clark Lee Merriam Cousteau Society ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 09:13:38 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Re: _Arctocephalus vagrants_ (fwd) Dear Marmamers I am currently doing research on vagrant fur seals,_Arctocephalus_ spp. While I have obtained some information from all of the readily available journals, much seems to be recorded only in less well known local journals, bulletins, institution newsletters and theses, which are difficult to get hold of. I would be grateful to those who have written on this subject, or who know others who may have written on this subject, if they could contact me. Many thanks Greg Hofmeyr -- Greg Hofmeyr Mammal Research Institute Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)12 420 4608 Fax: +27 (0)12 420 2534 Email: ghofmeyr(\)zoology.up.ac.za ------------------------------------------------------------------ This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://www.it.up.ac.za/documentation/governance/disclaimer/ for full details. / Hierdie boodskap en aanhangsels is aan 'n vrywaringsklousule onderhewig. Volledige besonderhede is by http://www.it.up.ac.za/documentation/governance/disclaimer/ beskikbaar. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 18:50:57 -0500 From: Artie Kopelman Subject: CRESLI Mini-Conference on the Impacts of Offshore Energy Dear colleagues, In light of recent proposals to develop offshore energy facilities (wind farms south of Jones Beach, NY and Cape Cod, MA; and a LNG terminal in Long Island Sound), CRESLI (Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island) is organizing a full day mini-conference to take place at Dowling College's new Melville NY facility, on March 23, 2005, entitled "Mini-Conference on the Impacts of Offshore Energy Development On Coastal Marine Wildlife" The goal of this mini-conference is to assess the state of our knowledge and to facilitate the formulation and discussion of the questions that need to be asked regarding the environmental impacts of such projects on the following groups: marine mammals, sea turtles, pelagic birds and benthic organisms. We've got panelists for avifauna, but need others in the remaining areas. If you available to participate as a panelist with expertise in marine mammals and assessment of offshore energy development impacts, please contact me as soon as possible. If not, perhaps you might know of someone who might be a good choice. We are hopeful that we will a broad array of stake-holders since our audience capacity is 75 individuals and will be open to the public, as well as some invited guests. Please contact me at your earliest convenience at the number above or via e-mail at president(\)cresli.org or kopelman(\)optonline.net. I look forward to hearing from you and to your participation in this important endeavor. Thanks, Artie Kopelman Arthur H. Kopelman, Ph. D. President Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island president(\)cresli.org www.cresli.org (all e-mails scanned for viruses before sending) "When the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again" William Beebe ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 09:16:01 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Publication on killer whale vocal communication (fwd) The following article was recently published in the online edition of the journal Animal Behaviour: Deecke, V. B., Slater, P. J. B. & Ford, J. K. B. 2005. The vocal behaviour of mammal-eating killer whales (Orcinus orca): Communicating with costly calls. Animal Behaviour, in press. ABSTRACT The cost of vocal behaviour is usually expressed in energetic terms; however, many animals pay additional costs arising from predators or potential prey eavesdropping on their vocal communication. The northeastern Pacific is home to two distinct ecotypes of killer whales (Orcinus orca): resident killer whales feed on fish, a prey with poor hearing abilities, whereas transient killer whales hunt marine mammals, which have sensitive underwater hearing at the frequencies of killer whale vocal communication. In this study, we investigated how the superior hearing ability of their prey has shaped the vocal behaviour of the transient ecotype. We recorded pulsed calls and the associated behavioural context of groups of transient and resident killer whales in British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. Transient killer whales emitted pulsed calls significantly less frequently than residents. Transient killer whales only exhibited significant amounts of vocal behaviour after a marine mammal kill or when the whales where displaying surface-active behaviour. Vocal activity of transients increased after a successful attack on a marine mammal. Since marine mammals are able to detect killer whale pulsed calls and respond with anti-predator behaviour, the reduced vocal activity of transients is probably due to a greater cost for calling in this ecotype resulting from eavesdropping by potential prey. The increase in vocal behaviour after a successful attack may represent food calling (informing other animals in the area about the presence of food), but is more likely to reflect an increase in social interactions during feeding and/or the fact that the cost for vocal behaviour is comparatively low after a successful attack. KEYWORDS: predator-prey interaction; predator-prey coevolution; vocal activity; vocal communication; vocal behaviour; eavesdropping; killer whale; Orcinus orca; Northeast Pacific; hearing For further information please contact Volker Deecke Pamela Rosenbaum North Pacific Universities Marine Mammal Research Consortium UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit Room 18, Hut B-3, 6248 Biological Sciences Road Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4 Telephone: (604) 822-8181 Facsimile: (604) 822-8180 www.marinemammal.org ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 09:22:20 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: PDF avaiable A. australis (fwd) Dear All, The following paper is available: Molina-Schiller, D. & Pinedo, M. C. 2004. Using canine teeth for sex determination of the south american fur seal, Arctocephalus australis. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM) (1):19-24. PDF request to daniza(\)marinemammals.cl Cheers, Daniza Abstract - Upper and lower canine teeth of 221 Arctocephalus australis (104 males, 66 females and 51 unknown sex) were extracted from dead animals stranded on the Rio Grande do Sul coast from 1977 to 1997. These teeth were measured and used as a tool in sex estimation. Measurements of the angle of the crown on canine teeth (method 1) and measurements of the crown and root on canines (method 2) were compared with the purpose of evaluating which method is more reliable in sex estimation. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that method 2 was the most reliable. Discriminant functions for upper and lower canines were obtained for males and females where sex was known. Discriminant functions were also obtained for all canines according to the physical maturity of skull (physically immature and physically mature). Keywords: Arctocephalus australis, South American fur seal, canines, teeth sex determination, sexual dimorphism, Southern Brazil Address: Daniza Molina-Schiller Marine Biologist, PhD. Candidate daniza(\)marinemammals.cl www.marinemammals.cl -------------------------------------------------------------------------= ------- Daniza Molina-Schiller Marine Biologist, PhD. Candidate=20 daniza(\)marinemammals.cl www.marinemammals.cl Programa de P=F3s-Gradua=E7=E3o em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gon=E7alves 9500.=20 Cx. Postal 15007, Porto Alegre, RS CEP: 91540-000, BRASIL Phone: ++55-51-33383346 (Brasil) =20 Address Chile:=20 Casilla 215, Quilpu=E9, Chile Phone: ++56-32-730486=20 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2004 08:35:24 +1100 From: Sophie Hall-Aspland Subject: New articles on leopard seal diet ------ The following articles have recently been published. Hall-Aspland, S.A., Hall, A.P and Rogers, T.L. A new approach to the solution of the linear mixing model for a single isotope: application to the case of an opportunistic predator. Oecologia DOI:10.1007/s00442-004-1783-0 ABSTRACT Mixing models are used to determine diets where the number of prey items are greater than one, however, the limitation of the linear mixing method is the lack of a unique solution when the number of potential sources is greater than the number (n) of isotopic signatures +1. Using the IsoSourc= e program all possible combinations of each source contribution (0=96100%) = in preselected small increments can be examined and a range of values produced for each sample analysed. We propose the use of a Moore Penrose (M-P) pseudoinverse, which involves the inverse of a 2=D72 matrix. This i= s easily generalized to the case of a single isotope with (p) prey sources and produces a specific solution. The Antarctic leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) was used as a model species to test this method. This seal is a= n opportunistic predator, which preys on a wide range of species including seals, penguins, fish and krill. The M-P method was used to determine the contribution to diet from each of the four prey types based on blood and fur samples collected over three consecutive austral summers. The advantage of the M-P method was the production of a vector of fractions f for each predator isotopic value, allowing us to identify the relative variation in dietary proportions. Comparison of the calculated fractions from this method with means from IsoSource allowed confidence in the new approach for the case of a single isotope, N. Hall-Aspland, S.A. and Rogers, T.L. Summer diet of leopard seals in Prydz Bay, Eastern Antarctica. Polar Biology 27(12):729-734 ABSTRACT The diet of male and female leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) was investigated in Prydz Bay, Eastern Antarctica. A total of 70 scats, 1 regurgitate and 3 stomach contents were collected, during the austral summer, between November 1999 and March 2002. Eight prey species were identified, including birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates. Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) were the main prey item and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus), benthic and pelagic fish, amphipods and krill were found to supplement the diet. Cephalopods did not occur in the diet. Crabeater seals were still being captured well after weaning, and were found in the diet of both male and female leopard seals. For further information please contact Sophie Hall-Aspland Sophie Hall-Aspland PhD student Department of Veterinary Science J.D Stewart Building University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, 2001 Australia Phone: +612 9351 2707 email: shal2097(\)mail.usyd.edu.au ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 13:31:47 -0500 From: Joseph O'Neill Subject: AAAS Fellowships Deadline Approaches AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships, 2005:06 Help shape public policy in Washington, DC. Scientists and engineers are invited to apply for one-year science and technology policy fellowships in Washington, DC, beginning September 2005. These 10 programs, administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), are designed to provide each Fellow with a unique public policy learning experience and to bring technical backgrounds and external perspectives to decision-making in the U.S. government. The application deadline is January 10, 2005 Fellows serve in the Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Agency for International Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and other federal offices. Applicants must have a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree by the application deadline from any physical, biological or social science, any field of engineering or any relevant interdisciplinary field. Individuals with a master's degree in engineering and at least three years of post-degree professional experience also may apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and federal employees are ineligible. Stipends begin at $62,000. For application instructions and further information about the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Programs, contact: 1200 New York Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202/326-6700 E-mail: fellowships(\)aaas.org Web: www.fellowships.aaas.org. Persons from underrepresented minority groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2004 10:14:07 +0200 From: Wendy Kant Subject: Position available Marine Mammal Specialist BAYWORLD comprises a Museum, Oceanarium and Snake Park and is located in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth on the South Eastern coast of South Africa. A Marine Mammal Department was established at the Museum in the 1970's although research and a collection of marine mammal material had commenced much earlier. The post of Marine Mammal Scientist has been vacant for some years and new challenges with regard to the management of the resource of South Africa indicates the need for a shift in focus with regard to research and collections to ensure a sustained and integrated conservation effort in the region. Bayworld wishes to contract a suitably qualified Marine Mammal Scientist to assess and expand the focus of its Marine Mammal Department and to direct its collection strategies and data management of the non-living collections and sustainability of the living collections housed for research and education. In addition to the curation of the collections and initiation and supervision of relevant research, the incumbent will also be required to render assistance regarding the live marine mammals in the oceanarium. The aim is to propose a scientific foundation to ensure the sustainable husbandry management of existing captive dolphins, Tursiops aduncus and Cape Fur Seals, Archtocephalus pucillus held at the Oceanarium. Ongoing interaction between veterinary scientists and live animal curators will be required. Contract period: 3 years Requirements: PhD in the field of Marine Mammalogy Salary: Negotiable Detailed CV to be sent to the email address below. Enquiries to: The Director, Bayworld Telephone: 27 41 5840650 Facsimile; 27 41 5840661 Email: svanzyl(\)icon.co.za . . ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2004 13:53:17 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Call for Abstracts - IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group Symposium (fwd) The IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group is organizing a one-day symposium at the 9th International Mammalogical Congress (IMC9), Sapporo, Japan, 31 July - 5 August 2005. The symposium will focus on the current status of all sirenian species. The morning session will primarily consist of invited review papers dealing with the status of sirenian species and subspecies. There will also be a small amount of time for a few oral and poster presentations on the status of heavily impacted sirenian subpopulations. We are soliciting abstracts for these presentations. As an example, we would like to request that the various individuals working on Okinawa's dugongs collaborate to provide an abstract regarding conservation of that population. Oral presentations will be limited to 10 minutes and should be presented in English. Spaces for oral presentations are very limited, so please indicate if you are interested in an oral and/or poster presentation. Abstracts are due by 15 January 2005. Please submit abstracts and inquiries to: Cynthia Taylor Wildlife Trust taylor(\)wildlifetrust.org For information on IMC9 please visit www.imc9.jp ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cynthia R. Taylor Conservation Biologist Wildlife Trust 15 Paradise Plaza #369 Sarasota, FL 34239-6905 941-232-4587 (cell) taylor(\)wildlifetrust.org www.wildlifetrust.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 18:31:31 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Job announcement: Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation Officer (fwd) From: "Jamie Davies" COAST and counTRyside Section SAC Officer (Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation) Grade: Scale 6 Spinal: Point 26-28, (=A320,295- =A321,654) + annual pay = award Fixed-term post to March 2006 with possible extension Cardigan Bay candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) is part of a network of sites identified under the EU Habitats Directive, 1992. Cardigan Bay was selected because of its importance for the Bottlenose Dolphin. Since then additional habitats and species have been added to the designation. The post-holder will make a major contribution to the management of the cSAC, in particular: * Assisting in the development and implementation of a management scheme and related activities of the Cardigan Bay cSAC on behalf of the Relevant Authorities Group * Providing a focal point for liaison and consultation between the Relevant Authorities Group, other organisations and local communities. * Providing information and interpretation of all aspects of the cSAC You should have a degree or equivalent in an appropriate environmental discipline. Experience in the management, regulation or study of maritime operations would be an advantage. Communication, organisational and IT skills are essential. The ability to speak Welsh would be an advantage. For an informal discussion, contact Liz Allan, Conservation Management Officer on 01545 572142 Closing date: 10th January 2005 Application forms and job descriptions for the above positions are available from the Personnel Officer, Ceredigion County Council, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA46 OPA, UK. Tel: 01545 572013 (24 hour answer phone). E-mail: jobs(\)ceredigion.gov.uk. Ceredigion County Council: www.ceredigion.gov.uk Cardigan Bay cSAC: www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk This post is supported by Countryside Council for Wales and other = Relevant Authorities ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 18:33:34 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: summer Marine Conservation Program at Duke, NC (fwd) From: "Sloan A. Freeman" APOLOGIES FOR CROSS LISTINGS Duke University Marine Lab (summer) Integrated Marine Conservation Program Dates: Summer Term II: 11 July - 12 August 2005 No course limit (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals) Application deadline (if applying for Global Fellowship): 15 February 2005 Application deadline (if applying for Tuition Scholarship): 1 April 2005 Application deadline (no funding support): 11 June 2005 Contact: ml_admissions(\)env.duke.edu; 252/504-7502 The Duke University Marine Laboratory is offering an unparalleled educational opportunity from July 11 to August 12, 2005. Duke's Integrated Marine Conservation Program teaches the principles necessary for the conservation and preservation of the coastal and oceanic environment. The focus is on interdisciplinary problem solving--using natural and social science theory to resolve real world environmental problems. This program is a tremendous opportunity for students at any level to think about conservation biology and policy in an environment full of students and faculty grappling with the same issues. The core class (BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy) involves field trips, discussion groups, role play (in 2003 it was a fishery management scenario), lecture, and a final project for graduate students that focuses on the integration of science and policy. Undergraduate students will have a case-study based final exam. Students will leave the class with an appreciation of the policy process, as well as with a grounding in the fundamentals of marine conservation. There may be no other course, anywhere, that can offer as much in an intensive 5-week summer session. In addition to the classwork, the session hosts a Distinguished Conservation Scholar each week to give a lecture, to lead discussions, and to be available to meet with students on an individual basis. Speakers in the past have included such scientists as Jane Lubchenco, Jeremy Jackson, Ram Myers, Carl Safina, Jim Estes, and Kai Lee, and non-scientists such as Pulitzer-Prize winning environmental reporter John McQuaid. A final and critical dimension to the class comes from the presence of international students, who often have first-hand knowledge of conservation battles and have worked to influence environmental policy. Past international participants have included 51 students from 34 different countries. In any particular year, we expect 5-15 international fellows. Interaction with these individuals does much to foster awareness of the difficulty of implementing conservation at the ground level. Participants in the Integrated Marine Conservation Program usually enroll in the program's 'core' course (Conservation Biology and Policy) and one of five elective courses offered (Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Marine Ecology; Marine Invertebrate Zoology; and Independent Research). Enrollment in any one course is also possible. Applications for the Integrated Marine Conservation Program will be accepted until the program is full. Approximately ten Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis to international students, especially those from developing countries, and will fully cover travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for both BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy plus one elective course subject to availability. Electives include: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Marine Ecology; Marine Invertebrate Zoology; and Independent Research. The Global Fellows in Marine Conservation application credentials are due February 15. See http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/scholarship.html Additionally, a grant from Panaphil Foundation allows the Duke Marine Laboratory to offer three tuition scholarships to U.S. citizens (applications due April 1) and three Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation to international students choosing Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles as their second course (applications due February 15). Duke University Marine Lab summer tuition scholarships are awarded to either U.S. or non-U.S. citizens on a competitive basis and cover full tuition for any one course in Term II. These summer tuition scholarship applications are due April 1st. For further information, visit http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/summer2.html or contact ml_admissions(\)env.duke.edu; 252/504-7502. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sloan A. Freeman Research Associate Duke University Marine Lab 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd Beaufort, NC 28516 252-504-7633 (f) 252-504-7638 sloan.freeman(\)duke.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2004 18:35:51 +0100 From: Giovanni Bearzi Subject: Conservation Plan for short-beaked common dolphins in the Mediterranean ------ A Conservation Plan for short-beaked common dolphins in the Mediterranean has been recently produced by the UNEP=B9s Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS). This comprehensive 90-page document - the first of its kind in the Mediterranean region - was co-funded by ACCOBAMS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and ASMS OceanCare. =20 The Plan was strongly welcomed by the Contracting Parties to the Agreement, that met last November in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. =20 The Plan can be downloaded from the Science section of the ACCOBAMS web site at: http://www.accobams.org/index_science.htm Bearzi G., Notarbartolo di Sciara G., Reeves R.R., Canadas A., Frantzis A. 2004. Conservation Plan for short-beaked common dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea. ACCOBAMS, Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area. 90 pp. The text of the Resolution adopted by the Parties to the Agreement shows below. --- =20 Resolution 2.20 =20 CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHINS (_DELPHINUS DELPHIS_) =20 The Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Area, on recommendation of the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee: =20 Aware that the short-beaked common dolphin has declined in the last few decades, and has almost completely disappeared from large portions of its former range; =20 Taking into account the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, that in 2003 classified the Mediterranean common dolphin population as Endangered; =20 Conscious that most of the factors that are responsible for the decline of common dolphins in the Mediterranean are likely to derive from human activities that are unsustainable and/or illegal (e.g., overfishing, use of driftnets, habitat degradation); =20 Considering that the principal management measures that will benefit common dolphins are already embedded in existing legislation and treaties; =20 Convinced that if all such measures, invoked by the existing international, regional and national legal instruments for the management of the Mediterranean Sea, were to be fully implemented and enforced, the decline of common dolphins would likely cease; =20 Recalling: =20 - Resolution 1.9 of the Implementation Priorities, and in particular Action #7 on the common dolphin conservation plan, and Action #4 on pilot conservation and management actions in well-defined key areas containing critical habitat for populations belonging to priority species; =20 - Resolution 2.14 on Protected Areas and cetacean conservation; =20 1. Strongly welcomes the Conservation Plan for Mediterranean common dolphins (MOP2/Doc 49); =20 2. Thanks the authors for their considerable work and thanks the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and ASMS OceanCare for their financial support to implement common dolphin conservation actions and for co-funding the preparation of the Conservation Plan; =20 3. Invites Parties and Riparian States to implement appropriate parts of the Conservation Plan for Mediterranean common dolphins without prejudice to other international obligations; introduce relevant activities into their national action plans; and report on these efforts to the ACCOBAMS Permanent Secretariat; =20 4. Charges The Scientific Committee to: =20 - Review, further develop and propose amendments to the Conservation Plan as appropriate, =20 - Ensure a regular assessment of the adequacy of the provisions advocated by the Conservation Plan for Mediterranean common dolphins, on the basis of the advances in scientific knowledge and feedback received from the Countries; =20 5. Instructs the Secretariat to explore the possibility of appointing a co-ordinator in consultation with the Bureau; =20 6. Incites Parties, other Riparian States, Inter-governmental Organisations, and Non-governmental Organisations to look for financial support for this appointment. =20 _______________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(\)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute and Contract professor of Cetacean conservation, University of Venice c/o Venice Natural History Museum Santa Croce 1730, 30135 Venezia, Italy tel. +39 0412750206; fax +39 041721000 http://www.tethys.org _______________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Dec 2004 09:10:37 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Call for proposals (fwd) American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Chapter Marine Mammal Student Research Grants Spring 2005 Request for Proposals The American Cetacean Society (ACS) is pleased to announce its Marine Mammal Student Research Grants. Each year we will award two $1000 grants (one in the spring, one in the fall) to San Francisco Bay Area college students conducting marine mammal research. To learn more about ACS, visit our website: www.acs-sfbay.org When: Proposals are due by February 1, 2005 Where: Please submit either an electronic copy to moserd(\)tmmc.org or submit five copies of your proposal to Doreen Moser-ACS; 1020 F Los Gamos Rd.; San Rafael, CA 94903 Proposal Criteria: * Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at any San Francisco Bay Area college or conducting research in the Bay Area. * Research project must focus on any marine mammal species. * Proposals on either field or laboratory studies will be considered * ACS Research Committee will review all proposals and make their recommendations to the board. * Students will be notified of our decisions by May, 2004 * Students awarded grants must present their work at a public presentation for ACS members within two years of the award. Proposal Guidelines: Proposals must include the following sections: 1. Cover Sheet should have title, your name/contact information, name of university or college, and major advisor's name/contact information. 2. Abstract should be a brief summary of your project including hypothesis, objectives, and proposed findings (not to exceed one page). 3. Project Details should include an expanded introduction, objectives, hypothesis, proposed findings, methods, and significance, (not to exceed three pages) 4. Financial Sheet should include all expected project costs and other financial sources (proposed or already received). ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Dec 2004 09:14:37 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Internship Opportunity (fwd) Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship Opportunities=20 =20 The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Essex, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. Cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. CORE's mission i= s to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. CORE's research focuses on the fascinating social interactio= ns among whales, as well as distribution and identification studies of sever= al different cetacean species including humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales and rare beaked whales. CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate as many people as possible about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment.=20 =20 CORE collects most of its research data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip = as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. T= he types of data recorded on each trip include physical information =AD such= as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well = as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates.=20 =20 CORE is somewhat of a fledgling organization, founded in 1996, we earned our non-profit status in 1998. Though we have no publications currently i= n print, we are in the process of collecting data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as hierarchy within humpback whale social and feeding groups, to observations of Sowerby's and Cuvier's beaked whales in offshore submarin= e canyons.=20 =20 Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of research and education including:=20 - Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work.=20 - Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through phot= o analysis; data submission to educational on-line programs with whom we ar= e associated.=20 - Developing educational materials; participating in public education forums; watershed and beach clean-ups. - Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researchers and students.=20 - Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to master important background knowledge.=20 - Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics includin= g GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation machines; handling lines; and general knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol.=20 CORE offers year-round internship opportunities to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. We do not provide room or board, but will assi= st interns in any way in finding housing and transportation (if necessary). = We also offer flexible hours, so that interns can obtain part-time jobs, if needed.=20 Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock Colleg= e, Boston, MA Application deadline for the summer internship session is March 31st with interviews conducted through mid-April. The deadline for the fall internship session is July 31st, with interviews through mid-August. We also accept applicants for spring or winter. To apply for an internship, please send a resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and a letter of recommendation to the below address. We wil= l send an application and contact applicants to schedule an interview as so= on as we receive the above materials. Applications and further information o= n CORE can be obtained through our website: www.coreresearch.org=20 Lisa Fox Director=20 Center for Oceanic Research and Education=20 245 Western Ave, Box 8 Essex, MA 01929=20 978.768.4560=20 www.coreresearch.org core(\)coreresearch.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Dec 2004 09:33:15 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Marine Mammal Seminars in January by Leading Researchers (fwd) Camp Ocean Pines is hosting two weekend seminars in January focusing on Sea Otters and Elephant Seals. Set in the most beautiful location and led by the best scientists in the field, I thought you might be interested. Please pass the news along! Chris Cameron Director, Camp Ocean Pines MARINE MAMMAL SEMINARS at CAMP OCEAN PINES in CAMBRIA, CA Enjoy a unique opportunity to join leading researchers in field observations of elephant seals, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and other marine mammals. Lectures and written materials will be provided during daily conversations with these experts. January 21-23, 2005 Elephant Seals - Dr. Burney LeBoeuf, internationally respected elephant seal researcher and author, will be our featured scientist He will focus on land-based behaviors and reproduction. Join him in the field to watch the amazing spectacle of enormous male elephant seals battling for territory and females seals giving birth to the new crop of pups! January 28-30, 2005 Sea Otters and Sea Lions - Participants will join Dr. Jim Estes and Dr. Terrie Williams to observe and discuss sea otters and sea lions in California. We are privileged to have these research scientists, authors and professors whose research and writing have taken them from Alaska to the Antarctic to study marine mammals. They present a big picture view of apex predators. Join them for the latest on the California sea otter. COST $195 PER PERSON: INCLUDES TWO NIGHTS LODGING & FIVE DELICIOUS MEALS. REGISTER ONLINE OR BY PHONE (805) 927-0254, www.campoceanpines.org Limited number of participants -- sign up now! Co-Sponsored by: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Friends of the Elephant Seal ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Dec 2004 09:36:35 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: New and Improved NOAA Ocean Acoustics Website (fwd) MARMAM subscribers, Our acoustics program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admisitration (NOAA) has recently completed an overhaul of our website. We will be adding some new features and additional information over the coming months, but the new site is now operational and we wanted to call it to your attention: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/ Any comments are appreciated (via the website), as our program is very interested in providing as much information as possible on marine acoustics issues and our role in them. Thank you, Brandon Southall ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 10:16:14 -0800 From: Kerri Danil Organization: Southwest Fisheries Science Center Subject: thesis available: D. delphis growth & reproduction MARMAM subscribers, The following master's thesis is available from the author in pdf format: Danil, K. 2004. Growth and reproduction of female short-beaked common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, in the eastern tropical Pacific. Master's thesis. University of San Diego. 192 pp. The three main chapters cover (1) Precision and bias of age determinations using light microscopy and enhanced digital microscopy, (2) Growth and reproduction of females, and (3) Spatial and temporal variability in total body length, age, and breeding seasonality of females Cheers, Kerri Danil (Kerri.Danil(\)noaa.gov) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 11:54:28 -0100 From: "MEER e.V." Subject: M.E.E.R. Field Courses, Springtime 2005 (MARMAM) ------ Dear All! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field courses in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: 1. "Assisting in field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" 2. "Springtime Research 2005" __________________________ 1. Practical course: "Assisting in field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera". 08-22 April 2005 http://www.meer.voigt-media.de/index.php?id=3D208 The waters off La Gomera (Canary Islands) provide almost perfect conditions for cetacean field studies. Only a few miles off the shoreline the Atlantic Ocean reaches depths of 2000 m and more. It is predominantly a pelagic habitat, which is underlined by the presence of some purely pelagic species such as sperm and beaked whales. Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are resident within the area. Comparable conditions we can find only in very few places around the world. The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since several years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. The research is supervised by the Universidad de La Laguna (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain) and the Humboldt-Universit=E4t (Berlin, Germany). At certain universities, the course is fully accepted for the study of Biology. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt", which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". One course is offered during the 2005 springtime field season: 08-22 April 2005. The price is 875.- EURO including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written course material & a certificate of attendance. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the prize.) Members of the M.E.E.R. association will receive a 7% discount. For further information please visit our website at http://www.meer.voigt-media.de/index.php?id=3D208 Email contact address: praktika(\)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ 2. "Springtime Research 2005" 11-18 March 2005 http://www.meer.voigt-media.de/index.php?id=3D289 The platform for the collection of data is a 40 m sailing boat and its small dingy (outboard rubber boat). In springtime, cetaceans can be sighted very often off La Gomera, as during March through May highest sighting rates have been recorded in the past. There is a high probability to encounter several different species, mostly dolphins, but also large whales. During Springtime Research, we will try to encounter as many cetaceans as possible. Every sighting will be recorded systematically, i.e. sighting data will be noted and the sighting will be plotted on a sea chart to find out the water depth, etc. We will photograph individual animals and try to identify them. There will be space for opportunistic behavioural observations with the option to discuss individual and /or group behaviour in comparison to what we have experiences in the past. On occasion, we will also use a hydrophone to listen to the vocalisations of the cetaceans. One of the objectives of the study is to determine the significance of the Canary waters for cetaceans. Moreover the results will raise the knowledge on some of the less known species, such as the rough-toothed dolphin (seen regularly off La Gomera and Tenerife). The over-all aim of this research project is the establishment of a marine protected area (MPA) off La Gomera. A protected area substantially contributes to the public awareness of the outstanding qualities of the area as well as to sustain the attractiveness of the people's and the cetaceans' home. These are necessary steps to develop whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans in the sense of a responsible ecotourism. The prize for one week is 799.- Euros, members of MEER receive a 7% discount. The price include accomodation aboard, food, scientific supervision, several lectures, certificate of atendance and a donation to MEER. For further information please visit our website at http://www.meer.voigt-media.de/index.php?id=3D289 Email contact address: wellenreiter(\)terra.es _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), " and the "Club de Mar" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). www.m-e-e-r.org ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 10:21:09 +0000 From: Harun Guclusoy Subject: Cetacean strandings along the coast of Izmir, Turkey In-Reply-To: <200412202012.iBKKCo7L026678(\)unix6.uvic.ca> Dear List Members, The following article has recently been published. Guclusoy, H., Veryeri N. & Cirik, S. 2004. Cetacean strandings along the coast of Izmir Bay, Turkey. Zoology in the Middle East. 33:163-168. Abstract - The present paper provides information on the strandings of cetaceans in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea between 1992 and 2004. The data were collected opportunistically during sightings and stranding data collection for monk seals. A total of 12 cetacens, namely Bottle-nosed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus (n=3D6), Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis (n=3D3), - reported for the first time - and Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba, (n=3D3) were found to be stranded.=20 Limited number of reprints are available from the first author upon request. Please write to hguclusoy(\)yahoo.com. With best regards & happy new year. Harun Guclusoy =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D *********************************************** Harun Guclusoy =20 Arastirma G=F6revlisi / Research Assistant Dokuz Eylul Universitesi=20 Deniz Bilimleri ve Teknolojisi Enstit=FCs=FC Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology =20 Adres/Address: Baku Bulvari, 32, 35340, Inciralti Izmir / Turkey Tel: ++90 232 278 5565 - ext 131 Faks/Fax: ++90 232 278 5082 E-posta/E-mail: harun.guclusoy(\)deu.edu.tr =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 Akdeniz Foklari Hakkinda: For information on monk seals: =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =09 =09 =09 ___________________________________________________________=20 ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.me= ssenger.yahoo.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 14:11:04 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: 2005 Manatees in Belize Internship (fwd) Summer 2005 Internship Announcement=20 This internship is unpaid, and interns must pay for their travel expenses to Belize; food and accommodations will be provided at no costs to interns while they are onsite. This Announcement can be found online at http://www.sirenian.org/LogisticsInternBelize.html DO NOT REPLY to this email...SEND ALL queries to Caryn Self-Sullivan (caryn(\)sirenian.org) Title: Logistics and Research Internship Project: Behavioral and Habitat Ecology of Manatees in Belize, Central America Primary Funding Organizations: The Earthwatch Institute (EW) and The Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education (HPF) Additional support from: Texas A&M University, University of Massachusetts, Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, Belize Dive Connections, and Manta Ray Charters Principal Investigators: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Texas A&M University, and Katherine S. LaCommare, University of Massachusetts - Boston Field Location: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, the Drowned Cayes, Belize, Central America Research Permits issued by: Conservation Division-Forestry Department, Belize; Fisheries Department, Belize Project Details & Expedition Briefing: Available Online at Earthwatch http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/lacommare.html Approximate Dates for Internship: 1 June - 22 August 2005 Qualifications: Science oriented upper level undergraduate, graduate student, or post-doc. The successful applicant must be fluent in English, be a strong swimmer, be well organized and comfortable with coordinating logistics (with an emphasis on meals) for groups of 12 or more people, have cooking experience, and must be comfortable working with volunteers and living under rustic/primitive conditions. A positive "can do" attitude, love of interacting with an eclectic group of people, patience in dealing with both the public (volunteers) and scientists, high self-esteem, and a fun-loving nature will be extremely important to a successful field season. First aid, CPR, and snorkeling experience are of added value as is a background in biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, environmental or marine science, and/or conservation biology. We are accepting applications Immediately. CLOSING DATE: February 15, 2005. Introduction: Be prepared to work very hard in exchange for this opportunity to participate in a unique manatee field research project in Belize. This is a highly competitive volunteer position; to call it an internship is a bit of an understatement. Our Logistics Interns are Team Leaders with three principle responsibilities: (1) coordinate and train EW volunteers; (2) coordinate camp logistics (with an emphasis on weekly shopping and meal preparation); and (3) oversee collection and reduction of field data (including, GPS data, acoustic recordings, and seagrass samples). As Team Leaders, interns will also lead snorkeling trips on the reef, and in mangrove and seagrass habitats. This year, our interns may also be needed to assist with field courses taught at Spanish Bay and or give short lectures to cruise ship tourists. Our study site is located in Belize, a former British colony surrounded by Latin American countries - the culture is truly unique. Our living conditions are rustic; we have limited solar power and collect rainwater in vats for washing and drinking. Yes, there are sandflies and mosquitoes...it's a mangrove island. We spend considerable time in and on the water beneath a hot tropical sun. About 8 hours a day are spent on a small boat and another 6 hours are devoted to the "logistics of living" on a mangrove island. We have zero tolerance for illegal drugs, alcohol abuse, and intimate relationships between intern(s) and EW Volunteer(s) during the EW Expedition; in other words, if an intern meets his/her soul mate - s/he must refrain from acting on his/her feelings until after the end of the EW Expedition - it's only 2 weeks! Interns will be required to sign a Project Standards of Practice and Earthwatch Policies Agreement. Interns who fail to abide by this agreement will be removed from the project immediately at their own expense. This is not an easy internship... however, if you believe you are up to the challenge, it could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your young career! Just ask our previous interns...All applicants are required to communicate with previous interns and read information about out project online prior to submitting an application. Please email caryn(\)sirenian.org for previous intern list and project URLs. Camp Conditions: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center is situated on the east side of a 143-acre mangrove island in the Drowned Cayes. The Drowned Cayes are located about 10 miles east of Belize City and 2 miles west of the Belize barrier reef. If you are familiar with the Drowned Cayes area, you might know our island as Spanish Lookout Caye or Spanish Bay Caye and our research station as "Spanish Bay Resort". The Resort was purchased by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education in 2004. Our project base station is migrating from the fish camp (Pink House) where we've been housed for the past 4 years, to Spanish Bay for the 2005 Field Season. Spanish Lookout Caye is privately own in it's entirety; we will share the 143 acres with the staff, cruise ship day-guests, and other research/educational program participants, and 2 island dogs. We will live in a wood frame bunkhouse and have screens, showers, and toilet facilities. Separate buildings serve as our kitchen, research labs, and social rooms. Our limited water (rainwater catchment vat) and electricity (solar + generator) must be conserved at all times. There is no nightlife on the island, other than that we make ourselves! We bring all our food and supplies by small boat from Belize City once a week. Fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling can be done right from our front yard; sunrises, sunsets, stars, and moonsets are brilliant. The Conservation & Research Center is currently under major renovations, so the exact logistics and accommodations cannot be described in detail at this time. Be prepared for primitive and you should be pleasantly surprised. Compensation: This is a highly competitive volunteer position; to call it an internship is a bit of an understatement but there is no salary! The successful applicant will be considered an EW Team Leader and will have some insurance coverage provided by the Earthwatch Institute. The intern must purchase their own airfare to Belize. While at our camp, living expenses (room and board) will be provided by our EW Budget and the HPF. Interns will have time to travel around Belize (at thier own expense) between Earthwatch Teams, if he or she desires. To Apply: AFTER communicating with at least 2 previous interns and reviewing the recommended websites, submit (1) a cover letter indicating your interests, the term you are applying for, and the statement that you have read this announcement completely, visited the recommended websites, and communicated with a previous intern; (2) a CV or resume; and (3) three references. Each of your references should send a brief letter of recommendation that includes their name, institution or organization, telephone numbers, and email address. Your references will be contacted and asked to answer a questionnaire by email. ALL SUBMISSIONS AND REFERENCE LETTERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL. WE ARE OFTEN TRAVELING OR IN THE FIELD AND MAYNOT RECEIVE YOUR APPLICATION OR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION IF THEY ARE SENT BY SNAIL MAIL. The 4 phase application process to selecting an intern includes: 1. Email Caryn to get contact information for previous interns; communicate with at least 2 previous interns; read all online information provided. 2. Submit an application by email as described above; deadline is February 15, 2005. 3. If your application is selected for further consideration, we will send each of your references a questionnaire in late February or March. 4. Upon receipt of answers to the questionnaire, IF we feel your strengths and weaknesses are a good match for ours, we will set up a telephone or personal interview in March or April. Invitations for the internship will be sent by email at least 30 days prior to the start date (i.e. May 1, 2005). You must accept and commit to the internship or reject the internship within 5 days of the invitation. Commitment means that you have purchased your airfare! Submit your application to: Caryn Self-Sullivan EMAIL: caryn(\)sirenian.org Acknowledgments: The Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education,Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center, and the Earthwatch Institute provide financial support for our Logistics Internships. We are extremely grateful for their help in providing internship opportunities. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 14:17:32 -0800 From: MARMAM Editors Subject: Boto internship in Brazil Study species: Boto (Amazon river dolphin) Inia geoffrensis Location: Mamirau=E1 Reserve, Brazil Duration: Minimum 6 months, but 9 months preferred Age range: 20 * 33 years Qualification: at least first degree level, preferably in zoology or rela= ted=20 subject Start date: Negotiable Closing date for applications: January 10th 2005 Remuneration: 70 USD per month; all living expenses free Language requirements: At least moderate Portuguese or good Spanish plus = good English. No exceptions. Notes. Projeto Boto has now been running for more than a decade, during w= hich=20 time around 40 interns have helped in the collection of observational dat= a on a population of marked dolphins (now nearly 400 animals). We have a = team on the=20 water almost every day of the year, working from boats based at own float= ing=20 house/lab. There is a rolling programme of intern recruitment, and we are= now=20 seeking cetacean enthusiasts to begin during 2005. The normal team is of = 2=20 interns plus our resident local research assistant who knows each dolphin= =20 individually, and our flooded forest reserve like the back of his hand. I= nterns are recruited one by one, and given a 4-week understudy with their= predecessor. After a further 3 or 4 months they become the senior intern= when the next=20 handover has been completed. We are seeking keen young scientists/enthusiasts who are willing to spend= 6-9=20 months in a remote and stunningly beautiful location, dedicated to observ= ing and recording botos. Their hard work will contribute to a productive = and exciting research programme which is providing the first quantitative understandi= ng of the biology and ecology of any river dolphin. Life on the raft is fairly= basic but clean and safe, with solar power, cold showers, flush toilet a= nd=20 gas-powered fridge/freezer and cooker. Candidates with previous experienc= e of=20 fieldwork will be considered favourably. The nearest town with=20 shops/hospital/airport is 2 hrs away by boat. Due to the close relationship between this study and both the local popul= ation=20 and reserve management, all of whom speak Portuguese, we must insist on a= t least moderate skills in spoken Portuguese or good Spanish. Good spoken= English is=20 also necessary. We will only recruit people with the attributes outlined above; please do= not=20 reply if you are unable to meet these requirements. Furthermore, this=20 advertisement is intended only for posting on MARMAM. It should NOT be co= pied and posted elsewhere without our specific approval. Please apply to us by e-mail, including a CV and a short letter explainin= g why=20 you wish to join the project. Copy the application to both addresses. Tony Martin (arm(\)bas.ac.uk) and Vera da Silva (tucuxi(\)inpa.gov.br) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 18:21:33 +0000 From: ATRIBO Subject: Portuguese cetacean stranding network - www.cetaceos.net Dear List members, "rede Cetaceos" is the new Portuguese Cetacean Stranding Network created recently by group of Portuguese marine biologists. Our efforts to save and to record dead cetaceans are done entirely without government financial support. We decided to create this network as an alternative to the existing governmentally funded networks. In our view they exist but lack of vital "energy" to work correctly. One of our main objectives is to aware people that live from and in the sea about cetaceans. It seems to us that there is still a lot of misunderstanding about cetaceans among many communities. Our activities can be followed on the website: http://www.cetaceos.net We would be grateful if people from this list who are experts in strandings could help us and get involved in the network. Great regards. Antonio Migueis www.cetaceos.net info(\)cetaceos.net ___________________________________________________________ ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com