November 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Position announcement
by Katie Touhey 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

The Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. (CCSN), a non-profit organization dedicated to marine mammal stranding response, is searching for a full-time Necropsy Coordinator/Technician. This position is a one year contract with the potential for renewal dependent on funding. Position Title: Necropsy Coordinator/Technician, Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. Opening Date: 5 November 2005 Closing Date: Open until filled Position Location: Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Duties and Responsibilities: This is a contract position, funded through a grant to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The Necropsy Coordinator reports jointly to the CCSN Director and the WHOI investigator, and serves as the lead in the necropsy of dead and euthanized marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds). Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Clean and organize necropsy lab and associated space. Order supplies and maintain inventory. Organize necropsies, including scheduling of volunteers, preparation, necropsy, clean up and report writing. Disseminate samples to researchers and laboratories. Track samples and maintain chain of custody on specific samples. Ensure compliance with all regulations including CITES. Prepare for and conduct field necropsies as necessary. Organize and oversee mass stranding and large whale necropsy response. Maintain sample inventory. Enter necropsy and sample tracking data in to databases. Coordinate use of shared lab space with other organizations. Process researcher requests for samples and data. Promote collaborative and cooperative efforts with academic and government researchers. Coordinate necropsy waste disposal. Conduct volunteer training session in Level A data collection and necropsy techniques. Assist volunteers with Level A data collection. Review and analyze data and draft reports as requested by supervisors. Assist other staff with stranding response duties as necessary. Other responsibilities as assigned. In conjunction with other staff members, the Necropsy Coordinator will provide emergency hotline coverage, response to stranded animals, and participate 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 species identification, necropsy, sampling methods, photography /videography, and lab safety required. Strong familiarity with data entry and database management (especially MS ACCESS) a must. Public speaking, outreach or education experience a plus A valid driver's license required Ability to walk on rough terrain during inclement weather, swim, and lift moderate weights (50#) Experience in live animal care a plus Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of marine mammal biology and necropsy techniques Hands-on experience with stranded cetaceans and pinnipeds 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(a)capecodstranding.net (Electronic submission in PDF or MS WORD format preferred)

1 0

Invitation to join mailing list concerning ANSI standard for "Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Animals"
by Aaron Thode 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

This is a general invitation to join a mailing list concerning the development of a potential "American National Standard (ANSI)"--a technical standard on passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) of marine animals, organized through the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). Both members and non-members of the ASA are welcome to participate in the drafting of the standard. The second meeting on the topic will occur at the upcoming Marine Mammal conference in San Diego, Thursday Dec. 15, from 19:00-22:00 in Betsy AB at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. To sign up for the list please access the following webstie: https://siomail.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/asa-pam-standard Background: The first step of the standard process is the formation of a working group, S1/WG28. The first meeting of the group was Oct. 19, 2005 at the most recent ASA meeting, but working group members do not have to be members of the ASA--hence this email to expand the outreach of the effort. There will be a meeting at the upcoming San Diego Marine Mammal Conference on this subject, TBA, and also at the ASA meeting at Providence, RI, June 2006. The working group will write the proposed draft, and then institutional members of the ASA standards committee will vote on the topic. If approved, the standard would be accepted by ANSI as a "voluntary consensus standard"-the use of the standard is not required, but organizations that report PAM activities would be encouraged to report compliance with the ANSI standard in their reports. The standard would be a US standard only, but ANSI is a member of the international ISO standards group, so any standard defined here could be used as a template for an eventual standard with a more international scope. Standards can be updated and revised with time. Further information about standards and the standards process is at http://asa.aip.org/standards/information/information.html. If you sign up for the mailing list you will have access to a strawman draft of the standard via the archives. Please note that the process is just starting so there is plenty of opportunity for feedback. Feel free to contact Aaron Thode at thode(a)mpl.ucsd.edu directly with questions. The initial focus of the standard is on towed array systems, but may be expanded to other types of PAM if there is a consensus to do so. The standard would have several proposed purposes(can be adjusted): (1) To establish a set of minimum procedures that would enable a technical non-specialist to maximize the likelihood of acoustic detection of a marine animal vocalization, if such a vocalization is made. The non-specialist may not have been responsible for the selection of the equipment provided. Thus much of this standard focuses on procedures, not equipment selection. (2) To define a set of data archiving, documenting, and reporting procedures so that results and conclusions from different PAM activities can be objectively compared by a neutral observer. For example, PAM measurements made from a large ship and a small sailboat in the same area might reach different conclusions about the presence or absence of a particular species in the area. In this situation it would be extremely important that information about the background noise levels recorded on both systems be declared in the report, as well as the sampling rates, dynamic range, and frequency response of the two systems. (3) To provide a set of minimum metrics for characterizing and reporting marine animal vocalization features, particularly those features that concern the concept of source level. It is thus hoped that greater consistency in reporting sound characteristics is achieved. (4) To recommend a set of additional procedures that would permit data collected by non-specialists on non-research platforms to be used for research into marine animal source levels, directionality, and ocean sound propagation loss, which in turn may eventually have relevance to studies of sound impacts on marine mammals. For example, PAM monitoring that attains type C or type D criteria would provide data that would be very useful to study these topics. (5) To facilitate the drafting of regulations, cruise plans, and reports by standardizing some basic procedures for collecting acoustic data for PAM purposes. Rather than reiterating these procedures, these documents may simply refer to the ANSI document for the essential requirements. (6) To ensure that reports that use PAM data for non-research purposes explicitly state the limitations and uncertainties associated with PAM. (7) To encourage the market to develop an expendable, calibrated sound source to permit PAM detection range to be empirically measured.

1 0

Meeting on Codes of Conduct
by Deborah Benham 08 Nov '05

08 Nov '05

Dear All I am in the progress of organising an informal meeting/working lunch on codes of conduct for cetacean watching boats, to be held at the Biennial in San Diego next month. The general idea is to facilitate a discussion between operators, researchers and people developing and monitoring codes of conduct. The aim of this is to share ideas on best practice, what works, what doesn't, how to tell if a code is appropriate-based on the responses of the animals, problems which have arisen and how they have been solved etc. This would also be a way to meet others working in similar fields and just share experiences and expertise. Several researchers have confirmed their attendance already. Therefore I would particularly like to encourage attendance by operators and individuals or organisations who are using codes, or setting up new codes. We have a provisional room booking for Monday 12th December, during the foraging break (12.30-14.00). There is also an option to stay in the room into the afternoon session for anyone wishing to continue the discussion. Space is limited, so please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in attending. Replies should be made to deborah.benham(a)wdcs.org. Many thanks Deborah Benham Project Officer Dolphin Space Programme DSP PO Box 5890 Forres IV36 1WY Tel: 07921 106144 Email: deborah.benham(a)wdcs.org The Dolphin Space Programme is overseen by a steering group comprising VisitScotland, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the Wildlife Tour Boat Operators' Society, the Northern Constabulary, Grampian Constabulary, the Highland Council, Inverness Harbour Trust, the Maritime Coastguard Agency, the Tourism and Environment Forum, WildScotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________

3 2

Italian National Stranding Network 6th National Conference
by alex.bortolotto＠libero.it 07 Nov '05

07 Nov '05

to whom it may concern: Just a few lines to inform you all that on november 26th and 27th the 6th Italian National Conference on cetaceans and sea turtles will take place in Sperlonga (LT) (around 100 km to the south of Rome) organized by the Parco Regionale Riviera di Ulisse, Salin' srl, and Zoonomia on behalf and in cooperation with the Italian National Stranding Network, the Centro Studi Cetacei ONLUS. Several verbal and poster presentation related to these issues will be presented during the two-days conference. Furthermore we will be pleased with the presence of international invited speakers, such as Lucia Rueda, Seamus Kennedy and Charles C. Manire. Information available at <http://www.centrostudicetacei.org>, choose NEWS or DOWNLOAD. In days to come you will also find an updated program as well as the .pdf version of the abstracts book. Should you need any further information, please feel free to contact us. Cheers, Dr. Alessandro Bortolotto President of the Italian National Stranding Network centrostudicetacei(a)libero.it Scientific Secretary abortolotto(a)zoomarine.it

1 0

Request - worldwide regulations relating to seismic exploration and disturbance of marine mammals
by Ross Compton 07 Nov '05

07 Nov '05

Dear all, I am in the process of compiling a review of worldwide regulations relating to minimising the disturbance of marine mammals during seismic surveys. This is part of a wider project between the University of Plymouth and industrial partner Westland GeoProjects, aiming to understand and reduce the disturbance of marine mammals during seismic exploration. The review is intended to inform industrial partners, existing MMOs and marine science students who may be potential MMOs. I have accessed regulations and reports from the UK, USA, CANADA and AUSTRALIA. If anyone can help with providing any regulations or report documents on this subject from other countries, this would be much appreciated. Any information can be sent electronically to me at either: rossco(a)wgeo.co.uk or ross.compton(a)plymouth.ac.uk Many thanks for your help with this, Ross Compton Ross Compton BSc (Hons) MSc AMIBiol Environmental Manager WGP (Westland GeoProjects Ltd) Tel: UK+44(0)1288 356090 Fax: UK+44(0)1288 357910 Email: RossC(a)wgeo.co.uk <mailto:RossC@wgeo.co.uk> Web: www.wgeo.co.uk <http://www.wgeo.co.uk/> This e-mail and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee and are confidential. They may also be legally privileged. Copyright in them is reserved by Westland GeoProjects Limited ["The Company"] and they must not be disclosed to, or used by, anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail and any accompanying files in error, you may not copy, publish or use them in any way and you should delete them from your system and notify us immediately. E-mails are not secure. The Company does not accept responsibility for changes to e-mails that occur after they have been sent. Any opinions expressed in this e-mail may be personal to the author and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Company. The Company cannot guarantee that any attachments to this e-mail are free from viruses. You should therefore ensure that you take appropriate precautions to check for viruses before opening them. Our postal address is Westland GeoProjects Ltd, Belle Vue Lane, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8BR, United Kingdom.

1 0

dugong listed in Okinawa's RDB.
by Simon Varnam 06 Nov '05

06 Nov '05

Dear Marmam, In case you've not been following the Henoko blog, I'm writing to make sure you know that the dugong in Japan has at last (Nov 1st) been listed as an endangered species, Class 1 A, i.e. in danger of extinction in the near future. However this revision is only in the newly-revised Red Data Book of the dugong's home ground, Okinawa. In the Japanese Environment Ministry's national Red Data Book it remains unlisted. How this will affect plans to build an airbase for the US Marines in the dugong's last Japanese habitat at Henoko, Okinawa, is hard to say. I will be able to send further information from Okinawa's Red Data Book as soon I've translated it. If you have any requests for particular information or other species than dugong, please ask. Could you please pass this information on to all who may be interested? Thanks very much. Simon simon_dugong(a)mac.com

1 0

New Articles
by David S. Janiger 05 Nov '05

05 Nov '05

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(a)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(a)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(a)nhm.org AINLEY, DAVID G.; GRANT BALLARD; BRIAN J. KARL and KATIE M. DUGGER. ANTARCTIC SCIENCE 17(3):335-340. 2005. Leopard seal predation rates at penguin colonies of different size. 0.176 MB AKINEDEN, O.; A. A. HASSAN; J. ALBER; A. EL-SAYED; A. T. S. ESTOEPANGESTIE; C. LAMMLER; R. WEISS and U. SIEBERT. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY 110(1-2):147-152. 2005. Phenotypic and genotypic properties of Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus isolated from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German North Sea during the phocine distemper outbreak in 2002. 0.145 MB BALLARD, GRANT and DAVID G. AINLEY. ANTARCTIC SCIENCE 17(3):385-386. 2005. Short note Killer whale harrassment of Adelie penguins at Ross Island. Orcinus orca 0.067 MB BARR, WILLIAM and JAMES P. C. WATT. POLAR RECORD 41(4):281-304. 2005. Pioneer whalers in the Ross Sea, 1923-33. 0.633 MB BOSSI, ROSSANA; FRANK F. RIGET and RUNE DIETZ. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 39(19):7416-7422. 2005. Temporal and spatial trends of perfluorinated compounds in ringed seal (Phoca hispida) from Greenland. 0.208 MB CALL, KATHERINE A. and THOMAS R. LOUGHLIN. FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY 14(Supp 1):212-222. 2005. An ecological classification of Alaskan Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) rookeries: A tool for conservation/management. 0.533 MB CANADAS, A.; R. SAGARMINAGA; R. DE STEPHANIS; E. URQUIOLA and P. S. HAMMOND. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 15(5):495-521. 2005. Habitat preference modelling as a conservation took proposals for marine protected areas for cetaceans in southern Spanish waters. 1.084 MB DELFOUR, FABIENNE and KEN MARTEN. ACTA ETHOLOGICA 8(1):57-64. 2005. Inter-modal learning task in bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): A preliminary study showed that social factors might influence learning strategies. 0.263 MB DOMNING, DARYL P. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 25(3):685-701. 2005. Fossil Sirenia of the West Atlantic and Caribbean region. VII. Pleistocene Trichechus manatus Linnaeus, 1758. 0.405 MB EVANS, K.; R. THRESHER; R. M. WARNEKE; C. J. A. BRADSHAW; M. POOK; D. THIELE and M. A. HINDELL. BIOLOGY LETTERS 1(2):147-150. 2005. Periodic variability in cetacean strandings: Links to large-scale climate events. 0.194 MB FADELY, BRIAN S.; BRUCE W. ROBSON; JEREMY T. STERLING; ANGIE GREIG and KATHERINE A. CALL. FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY 14(Supp 1):243-258. 2005. Immature Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) dive activity in relation to habitat features of the eastern Aleutian Islands. 1.858 MB FUNG, CHRISTIAN; A. SCHLEICHER; T. KOWALSKI and H. H. A. OESCHLAGER. BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN 66(4-6):353-356. 2005. Mapping auditory cortex in the La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). 0.359 MB HOFFMAN, JOSEPH I. and WILLIAM AMOS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 272(1576):2017-2022. 2005. Does kin selection influence fostering behaviour in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella)? 0.160 MB ICHISHIMA, HIROTO and MASAICHI KIMURA. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 25(3):655-664. 2005. Haborophocoena toyoshimai, a new early Pliocene porpoise (Cetacea; Phocoenidae) from Hokkaido, Japan. 0.404 MB KAKUSCHKE, ANTJE; ELIZABETH VALENTINE-THON; SIMONE GRIESEL; SONJA FONFARA; URSULA SIEBERT and ANDREAS PRANGE. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 39(19):7568-7575. 2005. Immunological impact of metals in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) of the North Sea. 0.225 MB KANNAN, K.; K. RAMU; N. KAJIWARA; R. K. SINHA and S. TANABE. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 49(3):415-420. 2005. Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Irrawaddy dolphins from India. 0.143 MB LIMM, J. D. CURRENT SCIENCE 89(6):939-940. 2005. The first dolphin fossil from the Miocene of Korea. 0.069 MB LIN, REBECCA C.; EMMANUEL ENGELI; ALLAN W. PROWTEN; HOLLIS N. ERB; NORM G. DUCHARME and LAURIE R. GOODRICH. VETERINARY SURGERY 34(4):358-365. 2005. Antebrachial fractures in four captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus). 0.400 MB MANN, DAVID A.; DEBBORAH E. COLBERT; JOSEPH C. GASPARD; BRANDON M. CASPER; MANDY L. H. COOK; ROGER L. REEP and GORDON B. BAUER. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A SENSORY, NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 191(10):903-908. 2005. Temporal resolution of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) auditory system. 0.281 MB MCCAFFERTY, D. J.; S. MOSS; K. BENNETT and P. P. POMEROY. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY 175(6):423-431. 2005. Factors influencing the radiative surface temperature of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups during early and late lactation. 0.345 MB MORENO, IGNACIO B.; ALEXANDRE N. ZERBINI; DANIEL DANILEWICZ; MARCOS C. DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS; PAULO C. SIMOES-LOPES; JOSE LAILSON-BRITO JR. and ALEXANDRE F. AZEVEDO. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 300:229-240. 2005. Distribution and habitat characteristics of dolphins of the genus Stenella (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in the southwest Atlantic Ocean. 0.840 MB OLAWALE, KASSIM O.; ROYANN J. PETRELL; DAVID G. MICHELSON and ANDREW W. TRITES. PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT 26(5):627-637. 2005. The dielectric properties of the cranial skin of five young captive Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and a similar number of young domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) and sheep (Ovis aries) between 0.1 and 10 GHz. 0.301 MB POTH, C.; C. FUNG; O. GUNTURKUN; S. H. RIDGWAY and H. H. A. OELSCHLAGER. BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN 66(4-6):357-360. 2005. Neuron numbers in sensory cortices of five delphinids compared to a physeterid, the pygmy sperm whale. 0.161 MB RAUSCH, ROBERT L. COMPARATIVE PARASITOLOGY 72(2):129-135. 2005. Diphyllobothrium fayi n. sp (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) from the Pacific walrus, Odobenus rosmarus divergens. 0.148 MB SHAW, SUSAN D.; DIANE BRENNER; ANNA BOURAKOVSKY; CHRISTIE A. MAHAFFEY and CHRISTOPHER R. PERKINS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 50(10):1069-1084. 2005. Polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) from the northwestern Atlantic coast. 0.455 MB SICILIANO, SALVATORE and STELLA MARIS S. FRANCO. BOLETIM DO MUSEU NACIONAL (RIO DE JANEIRO) 12(1). 44pgs. 2005. Catalogo da colecao de mamiferos aquaticos do museu nacional. 0.998 MB SINCLAIR, ELIZABETH H.; SUE E. MOORE; NANCY A. FRIDAY; TONYA K. ZEPPELIN and JANICE M. WAITE. FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY 14(Supp 1):223-242. 2005. Do patterns of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) diet, population trend and cetacean occurrence reflect oceanographic domains from the Alaska Peninsula to the central Aleutian Islands? 0.907 MB SOUTHWELL, COLIN. ANTARCTIC SCIENCE 17(3):328-334. 2005. Response behaviour of seals and penguins to helicopter surveys over the pack ice off East Antarctica. 0.108 MB TRONE, A.; S. KUCZAJ and M. SOLANGI. APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE 93(3-4):363-374. 2005. Does participation in Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs affect bottlenose dolphin behaviour? 0.125 MB UEMURA, YUSUKE; SADAKI ASAKUMA; TADASHI NAKAMURA; IKICHI ARAI; MICHIHIRO TAKI and TADASU URASHIMA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA - GENERAL SUBJECTS 1725(3):290-297. 2005. Occurrence of a unique sialyl tetrasaccharide in colostrum of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). 0.436 MB VAN DE VIJVER, KRISTIN INNEKE; PHILIPPE HOFF; KRISHNA DAS; SOPHIE BRASSEUR; WALTER VAN DONGEN; EDDY ESMANS; PETER REIJNDERS; RONNY BLUST and WIM DE COENT. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 39(18):6978-6984. 2005. Tissue distribution of perfluorinated chemicals in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the Dutch Wadden Sea. 0.123 MB WAFO, EMMANUEL; LUC SARRAZIN; CATHERINE DIANA; FRANK DHERMAIN; THERESE SCHEMBRI; VERONIQUE LAGADEC; MAGALI PECCHIA and PIERRE REBOUILLON. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 348(1-3):115-127. 2005. Accumulation and distribution of organochlorines (PCBs and DDTs) in various organs of Stenella coeruleoalba and a Tursiops truncatus from Mediterranean littoral environment (France). 0.211 MB

1 0

Aberdeen University Post-Doc Post Available - Population Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in Scottish Waters
by Paul Thompson 05 Nov '05

05 Nov '05

We're currently recruiting a Post-doc Research Fellow to manage a Scottish Executive-funded project on the abundance and population structure of bottlenose dolphins around the Scottish coast. They will need a PhD in biological science, and at least 3 years experience in conducting and managing field-based research projects in marine ecology, ideally involving marine mammals. This should include a proven ability to work in remote rural areas, and of leading and motivating boat-based research teams. Experience of the field and analytical techniques required to conduct photo-identification, acoustic or aerial surveys would be advantageous. Excellent writing, communication and networking skills, illustrated by a strong publication record and evidence of effective communication with the public and other stakeholders are also required. The post will be based in our group at the Universitys Lighthouse Field Station in Cromarty (www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse) and the work will be carried out in collaboration with Prof Philip Hammond at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (http://smub.st-and.ac.uk/) and Dr Ben Wilson at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (http://www.sams.ac.uk/) Online application forms and further particulars are available from www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs Alternatively email jobs(a)abdn.ac.uk or telephone (01224) 272727 (24-hour answering service) quoting reference number YGP073R for an application pack. The closing date for the receipt of applications is Monday 28 November 2005. The salary is £20,044 - £26,470 per annum Professor Paul Thompson, University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ. Phone: 01381600548 Fax:01381 600841 Email: lighthouse(a)abdn.ac.uk

1 0

Humpback photo I.D. position available
by Rosemary Seton 04 Nov '05

04 Nov '05

Please post to the MARMAM list. Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine curates several large ocean-basin catalogues of individual humpback and fin whales including the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue. We are currently seeking a person to conduct humpback flukes matching. The position runs for 6 months full time and will start immediately. Desirable skills include experience in humpback photo I.D. analysis and knowledge of image management software iMatch or ACDSee. Rate of pay is commensurate with experience. Housing is available for a reasonable rent. Please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and two references via snail mail or email to: Judy Allen Director, North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic 105 Eden St. Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609, USA jallen(a)coa.edu

1 0

new publication: Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins
by David Lusseau 04 Nov '05

04 Nov '05

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Journal of Animal Ecology (abstract below): Lusseau, D., Wilson, B., Hammond, P.S., Grellier, K., Durban, J.W., Parsons, K.M., Barton, T.R. & Thompson, P.M. 2005. Quantifying the influence of sociality on population structure in bottlenose dolphins. Journal of Animal Ecology The article is available in the Online Early section of the journal ( http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/jae) and a pdf reprint is available from the Lighthouse Field Station's website ( http://www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse/) Summary *1.* The social structure of a population plays a key role in many aspects of its ecology and biology. It influences its genetic make-up, the way diseases spread through it and the way animals exploit their environment. However, the description of social structure in nonprimate animals is receiving little attention because of the difficulty in abstracting social structure from the description of association patterns between individuals. *2.* Here we focus on recently developed analytical techniques that facilitate inference about social structure from association patterns. We apply them to the population of bottlenose dolphins residing along the Scottish east coast, to detect the presence of communities within this population and infer its social structure from the temporal variation in association patterns between individuals. *3.* Using network analytical techniques, we show that the population is composed of two social units with restricted interactions. These two units seem to be related to known differences in the ranging pattern of individuals. By examining social structuring at different spatial scales, we confirm that the identification of these two units is the result of genuine social affiliation and is not an artefact of their spatial distribution. *4.* We also show that the structure of this fission-fusion society relies principally on short-term casual acquaintances lasting a few days with a smaller proportion of associations lasting several years. These findings highlight how network analyses can be used to detect and understand the forces driving social organization of bottlenose dolphins and other social species. -- Dr. David Lusseau Research Fellow University of Aberdeen School of Biological Sciences Lighthouse Field Station George Street Cromarty, IV11 8YJ, UK Tel: +44 1381 600 548 Fax: +44 1381 600 548 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)abdn.ac.uk david.lusseau(a)gmail.com Website: http://www.lusseau.org

1 0