December 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

The Monachus Guardian 8 (2): December 2005
by William M. Johnson 19 Dec '05

19 Dec '05

THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, DECEMBER 2005 Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the December 2005 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> As indicated in our International News section, this is a much-truncated edition, reflecting current difficulties in obtaining the financial support necessary to continue publishing the journal to its familiar standard and format. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: International News: UN meetings in Athens and Slovenia hear of the monk seal¹s imminent extinction - Ministers adopt monk seal declaration. Hawaiian News: Marine refuge in NWHI¹s shallow waters is a big win; deep water next. Mediterranean News: Back from the Dead? Why a spate of new sightings may mean that reports of the monk seal¹s extinction in the Adriatic were premature after all. Plus... Understanding fisheries: a new conservation initiative for the monk seal in Greece. Features: Recent Sightings of the Monk Seal in Croatian areas of the Adriatic, by Martina Duras Gomercic, Tomislav Gomercic, Duro Huber and Hrvoje Gomercic. Mediterranean Monk Seal off Ginak Island, The Gambia: a new sighting at the southern fringe of the known range, by Roy Armstrong and Owen T. Nevin. Letters to the Editor: The National Marine Rubbish Tip of Zakynthos. Recent Publications. The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available from the Monk Seal Library <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/library.htm> 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(a)monachus-guardian.org. Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible. William M. Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org PS. Don't hesitate to let us know if you appear to be on this email information list in error. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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Federal Register Notice on Hawaii Spinner Dolphin proposed rulemaking
by MARMAM Editors 19 Dec '05

19 Dec '05

[Federal Register: December 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 237)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 73426-73429] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr12de05-25] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 216 [Docket No. 051110296-5296-01; I.D. 102405A] RIN 0648-AU02 Protecting Spinner Dolphins in the Main Hawaiian Islands From Human Activities that Cause ``Take,'' as Defined in the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Its Implementing Regulations, or To Otherwise Adversely Affect the Dolphins AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is considering whether to propose regulations to protect wild spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in the main Hawaiian Islands from ``take,'' as defined in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and its implementing regulations, or to otherwise adversely affect the dolphins. The scope of this advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) encompasses the activities of any person or conveyance that may result in the unauthorized taking of spinner dolphins and/or that may diminish the value to the dolphins of habitat routinely used by them for resting and/or that may cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. The proposed regulation would apply only to the main Hawaiian Islands and only to spinner dolphins. NMFS requests comments on whether--and if so, what type of-- conservation measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be appropriate to protect spinner dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands from the effects of these activities. DATES: Comments must be received at the appropriate address (see ADDRESSES) no later than January 11, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: E-mail: 0648-AU02.NOA(a)noaa.gov. Include in the subject line the following document identifier: 0648-AU02-NOA. Federal e-rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log =linklog&to=http://www.regulations.gov> . Mail: Marine Mammal Branch Chief, Protected Resources Division, Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Yates or Jennifer Sepez, Pacific Islands Regional Office, 808-944-2105; or Trevor Spradlin, Office of Protected Resources, 301-713-2322. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Viewing wild marine mammals in Hawaii is a popular recreational activity for both tourists and residents alike. In the past, most recreational viewing focused on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during the winter months when the whales migrate from their feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska to Hawaii's warm and protected waters to breed and calve. However, in recent years, recreational activities have increasingly focused on viewing small cetaceans, with a particular emphasis on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), which are routinely found close to shore in shallow coves and bays and other areas throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. NMFS is concerned that some of these activities cause unauthorized taking of dolphins, diminish the value to the dolphins of habitat routinely used by them for resting, and cause detrimental individual- level and population-level impacts. The biology and behavior of Hawaiian spinner dolphins has been well documented in the scientific literature. Hawaiian spinner dolphins are identified as a race of Pacific spinner dolphins found in and around the Hawaiian Islands, including both the main Islands of Hawaii and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Norris et al. 1994, page 17). Hawaiian spinner dolphins routinely utilize shallow coves and bays and other areas close to shore during the day to rest, care for their young and avoid predators before traveling to deeper water at night to hunt for food (W[uuml]rsig et al. 1994, Norris 1994). As the dolphins begin or end their resting period, they engage in aerial spinning and leaping behaviors that are noticeable from shore (W[uuml]rsig et al. 1994). However, when they are in a period of deep rest, their behavior consists of synchronous dives and extended periods swimming in quiet formation along the shallow bottom (see: Norris and Dohl 1980, Norris et al. 1985, Wells and Norris 1994, W[uuml]rsig et al. 1994). Scientific research studies have documented human disturbance of Hawaiian spinner dolphins during their resting periods along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, most notably in and around Kealakekua Bay. Norris and Dohl (1980) noted that ``cruise boats'' would seek out and run through groups of spinner dolphins during an initial study of the dolphins in 1970, and in follow up research, Norris et al. (1985) found that spinner dolphins were particularly sensitive to disturbance during the early stage of their entry into the bay. Forest (2001) compared sightings records of spinner dolphins in Kealakekua Bay from 1979-1980 and 1993-1994, and found that the dolphins were utilizing the bay and engaging in aerial behaviors less frequently than before, and suggested increasing human disturbance as a cause. Courbis (2004) reported high levels of vessel and swimmer traffic in Kealakekua Bay and neighboring Honaunau Bay and Kauhako Bay, and found that spinner dolphins exhibited decreased aerial activity during their entry and exit into Kealakekua Bay when compared to previous studies, as well as increased aerial activity during mid-day when dolphins typically rest. Spinner dolphins in Kealakekua Bay also appeared to have shifted their preferred resting area in response to vessel and swimmer presence. In Kauhako Bay, dolphins were documented avoiding swimmers and leaving the bay in response to being followed, while in Honaunau Bay, dolphins were documented to spend more time at the mouth of the bay or in deep water at the center of the bay when swimmers were present. [Ouml]stman-Lind et al. (2004) found that human disturbance was highest in mid-morning when spinner dolphins begin their rest period, and that secondary resting areas with less vessel traffic were utilized more than had been previously observed, and suggested the dolphins have been displaced from their primary resting areas. In addition, Ross (2001) found that Hawaiian spinner dolphins around Midway Atoll in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands exhibited short-term behavioral changes in response to vessels at distances of 300 meters and 100 meters. NMFS is concerned that displacement from primary resting areas has the potential for adverse impacts on the dolphins for a number of reasons, including that these secondary resting areas may not provide for the same quality of rest and protection that primary areas do and that the activities that displaced the dolphins from primary areas are likely to follow them. NMFS scientists are concerned about the potential for individual-level and population-level effects because of anthropogenic activities. NMFS has received an increasing number of complaints from constituents alleging that spinner dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands are routinely being disturbed by people attempting to closely approach and interact with the dolphins by vessel (motor powered or kayak) or in the water (``swim-with-wild-dolphin'' activities). Concerns have been expressed by officials from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, as well as representatives of the Native Hawaiian community, scientific researchers, wildlife conservation organizations, public display organizations, and some commercial tour operators. Additionally, there are growing public safety concerns associated with human-dolphin interactions. Although there are no known reports of Hawaiian spinner dolphins injuring humans, people have been seriously injured while trying to interact with various species of marine mammals in the wild, including species of dolphins (Webb 1978, Shane et al. 1993, NMFS 1994, Wilson 1994, Orams et al. 1996, Seideman 1997, Christie 1998, Santos 1997, Samuels and Bejder 1998, Samuels and Bejder 2004, Samuels et al. 2000). In addition, researchers have documented Hawaiian spinner dolphins behaving aggressively towards people in the water by charging and making threat displays (Norris et al. 1985, Johnson and Norris 1994). There is also a potential risk of shark attack, since sharks prey upon spinner dolphins and often are seen with them along the coast (Johnson and Norris 1994, Norris 1994). In June 2003, an adult male swimmer was attacked by a shark while trying to swim with spinner dolphins off the coast of Oahu. The man suffered injuries to his leg, which required medical attention (Hoover and Espanol 2003). NMFS encourages members of the public to view and enjoy spinner dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands in ways that are consistent with the provisions of the MMPA, and supports responsible wildlife viewing as articulated in agency guidelines (see Web citations below). NMFS is concerned that some activities occurring in Hawaii are not in accordance with these guidelines, and cause unauthorized taking of spinner dolphins, diminish the value to the dolphins of habitat routinely used by them for resting, or cause detrimental individual- level and population-level impacts to these dolphins. Current MMPA Prohibitions and NMFS Guidelines and Regulations The Marine Mammal Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., generally prohibits the ``take'' of marine mammals. Section 3(13) of the MMPA defines the term ``take'' as ``to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.'' Except with respect to military readiness activities and certain scientific research activities, the MMPA defines the term ``harassment'' as ``any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which--(i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild, [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering [Level B harassment].'' In addition, NMFS regulations implementing the MMPA further describe the term ``take'' to include: ``the negligent or intentional operation of an aircraft or vessel, or the doing of any other negligent or intentional act which results in disturbing or molesting a marine mammal; and feeding or attempting to feed a marine mammal in the wild'' (50 CFR 216.3). The MMPA provides limited exceptions to the prohibition on ``take'' for activities such as scientific research, public display, and incidental take in commercial fisheries. Such activities require a permit or authorization, which may be issued only after a thorough agency review. Although Hawaiian spinner dolphins are not a listed species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are specific regulations for some ESA-listed marine mammals which address interactions with humans in the wild. These regulations prohibit approaches within 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) of particular Steller sea lion rookeries in the Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska (50 CFR 223.202), approaches closer than 100 yards (91.4 m) to humpback whales in Hawaii, approaches closer than 100 yards (91.4 m) to humpback whales in Alaska, and approaches closer than 500 yards (460 m) to right whales in the North Atlantic (50 CFR 224.103). Documentation for these latter two regulations (66 FR 29502, May 31, 2001, and 62 FR 6729, February 13, 1997) cites rulemaking authority under both the ESA and the MMPA. For both ESA-listed species and for MMPA-protected species, wildlife viewing must be conducted in a manner that does not cause ``take.'' This is consistent with the philosophy of responsible wildlife viewing advocated by many federal agencies to unobtrusively observe the natural behavior of wild animals in their habitats without causing disturbance (see http://www.watchablewildlife.org/ <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log =linklog&to=http://www.watchablewildlife.org/> and http://www.watchablewildlife <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log =linklog&to=http://www.watchablewildlife> .org/publications/marine--wild life--viewing-- ng-- Each of the six NMFS Regions has developed recommended viewing guidelines to educate the general public on how to responsibly view marine mammals in the wild and avoid causing a ``take.'' These guidelines are available on line at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log =linklog&to=http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/> prot-- res/MMWatch/MMViewing.html. The guidelines developed by the NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office for marine mammals in Hawaii are also available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/MMWatch/hawaii.htm <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log =linklog&to=http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/MMWatch/hawaii.htm> . The Regional Office viewing guidelines for Hawaii recommend that people view wild dolphins from a safe distance of at least 50 yards (45 m) and refrain from trying to chase, closely approach, surround, swim with, or touch the animals. To support the guidelines in Hawaii, NMFS has partnered with the State of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary over the past several years to promote safe and responsible wildlife viewing practices through the development of outreach materials, training workshops and public service announcements. NMFS' education and outreach efforts have also been supported by a partnership with the Watchable Wildlife program, a consortium of Federal and State wildlife agencies and wildlife interest groups that encourages passive viewing of wildlife from a distance for the safety and well-being of both animals and people (Duda 1995, Oberbillig 2000). However, despite the regulations, guidelines and outreach efforts, interactions through swim-with-dolphins programs continue to occur and are increasing in Hawaii. Advertisements on the Internet and in local media in Hawaii promote activities that contradict the NMFS guidelines. NMFS has received letters from the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC), members of the scientific research community, environmental groups, the public display community, and members of the general public expressing the view that swimming with and other types of interactions with wild marine mammals have the potential to harass and/or disturb the animals by causing injury or disruption of normal behavior patterns. NMFS has also received inquiries from members of the public and commercial tour operators requesting clarification on NMFS' policy on these matters. The MMC sponsored a literature review by Samuels et al. (2000) to compile information regarding human interactions with wild dolphins. Upon review of the report, the MMC stated: The information and analyses in the report provide compelling evidence that any efforts to interact intentionally with dolphins in the wild are likely to result in at least Level B harassment and, in some cases, could result in the death or injury of both people and marine mammals. The MMC subsequently recommended that NMFS ``promulgate regulations specifying that any activity intended to enable in-water interactions between humans and dolphins in the wild constitutes a taking and is prohibited'' (Letter from MMC to NMFS dated May 23, 2000). In 2002, NMFS published an ANPR requesting comments from the public on what types of regulations and other measures would be appropriate to prevent harassment of marine mammals in the wild caused by human activities directed at the animals (67 FR 4379, January 30, 2002). The 2002 ANPR was national in scope and covered all species of marine mammals under NMFS' jurisdiction (whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions), and requested comments on ways to address concerns about the public and commercial operators closely approaching, swimming with, touching or otherwise interacting with marine mammals in the wild. Several potential options were proposed for consideration and comment, including: (1) Codifying the current NMFS Regional marine mammal viewing guidelines into regulations; (2) codifying the guidelines into regulations with additional improvements; (3) establishing minimum approach rules similar to the ones under the ESA regulations for humpback whales in Hawaii and Alaska and North Atlantic right whales; and (4) restricting activities of concern similar to the MMPA regulation prohibiting the public from feeding or attempting to feed wild marine mammals. The 2002 ANPR specifically mentioned the concerns about Hawaiian spinner dolphins and increasing human interactions. Over 500 comments were received on the 2002 ANPR regarding human interactions with wild marine mammals in United States waters and along the nation's coastlines. A portion of the comments specifically addressed Hawaii concerns and recommended a wide spectrum of measures from no action to restricting swim with activities through regulations or time-area closures. Request for Comments NMFS is requesting comments on whether --and if so, what type of-- conservation measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be appropriate to protect spinner dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands from human activities that result in the unauthorized taking of spinner dolphins and/or that may diminish the value to the dolphins of habitat routinely used by them for resting and/or that may cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. If a rule were proposed, the agency could further delineate the definition of ``take'' in the Code of Federal Regulations for situations involving Hawaiian spinner dolphins, focusing on the take of individual dolphins. The agency could also design regulations to address possible adverse effects at the population level, where repeated intrusions into resting areas cumulatively have the potential to disrupt the behavioral patterns within the population of dolphins and/or have the potential to injure the stock as a whole through displacement of animals from their preferred habitat. The agency could also act to protect essential habitats, including mating grounds and areas of similar significance to the dolphins. NMFS offers several possible options for consideration and comment: Codify the current NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office's marine mammal viewing guidelines--Codifying the guidelines as regulations would make them requirements rather than recommendations, and would provide for enforcement of these provisions and penalties for violations. Codify the current NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office's marine mammal viewing guidelines with improvements--The current guidelines could be revised to more clearly address specific activities of concern, such as those discussed below, and then codified as enforceable regulations. Establish minimum approach rule--Similar to the minimum approach rules for humpback whales in Hawaii and Alaska, and right whales in the North Atlantic (50 CFR 224.103; 66 FR 29502, May 31, 2001), a limit could be established by regulation to accommodate a reasonable level of dolphin viewing opportunities while minimizing the potential detrimental impacts from humans. If establishing a minimum approach rule is appropriate, then NMFS would have to consider whether the current guideline of 50 yards is appropriate for this regulation. NMFS would consider exceptions for situations in which marine mammals approach vessels or humans as well as other situations in which approach is not reasonably avoidable. Restrict individual activities of concern--Similar to the prohibition on feeding wild marine mammals (50 CFR 216.3), a regulation further delineating the definition of ``take'' for the case of Hawaiian spinner dolphins could clarify which specific activities are prohibited. Such activities could include actions engaged in by individuals, e.g., swimming with, touching (either directly or with an object), or otherwise acting on or with a Hawaiian spinner dolphin in the wild. It could also include operating a vessel or providing other platforms from which such interactions are conducted or supported. Restrict vessel activities of concern--Activities of concern engaged in by vessels could also be prohibited through a regulation further delineating the definition of ``take'' for the case of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. These activities of concern could include actions engaged in by vessels, e.g., the use of vessels to herd dolphins, surround dolphins, or otherwise prevent a reasonable means of escape, to ``leapfrog'' dolphins by positioning in their predictable paths, separate calves from attending adults, approach at or above specified speeds, or to ``run through'' a group of dolphins in order to elicit bow-wake riding. Establish time-area closures in resting bays--Similar to the prohibitions used to protect fish stocks or habitat, a regulation restricting human access to specific areas could be established. These restrictions could be for full-time, or limited to certain times of the day when dolphins have the most potential to be present. They could: restrict all human entry to the area; restrict only specified types of activities; restrict human access to an entire area or a particular zone within an area; or a closure could be any combination of the above parameters. NMFS also recognizes that the most appropriate regulations may be some combination of the above measures, or that additional possibilities may exist. The geographic scope of these regulations, if proposed, would be the near shore habitats off the main Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Kohoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau, and their nearby land or land-like masses (e.g., Molokini, Kaohiakipu, etc.). These are the locations where activities of concern are concentrated. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) do not currently have a significant level of activities of concern, and NMFS feels the remoteness of these islands makes it unlikely that they will develop at significant levels in the future. In addition, a marine sanctuary is contemplated which would encompass the NWHI. NMFS requests comments on the geographic scope of this ANPR, including whether the agency should be considering a larger or smaller overall geographic scope to protect Hawaiian spinner dolphins. NMFS invites comment on the above options and other possible measures that will help the agency decide what type of regulations, if any, would be most appropriate to consider for protecting spinner dolphins in the main Hawaiian Islands from human activities that cause unauthorized taking of spinner dolphins, diminish the value to the dolphins of habitat routinely used by them for resting, or cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts to these dolphins. Classification This advance notice of proposed rulemaking was determined to be significant for purposes of E.O. 12866. Dated: December 6, 2005. William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. References Christie, S. 1998. Learning to live with giants: Elephant seals get the right of way at Piedras Blancas. California Coast & Oceans, 14(1):11-14. Courbis, S.S. 2004. Behavior of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in response to vessels/swimmers. Masters Thesis, San Francisco State University. 209 pp. Duda, Mark D. 1995. Watching Wildlife: Tips, Gear and Great Places for Enjoying America's Wild Creatures. Falcon Press Publishing Co., Helena and Billings, MT. 117 pp. Forest, A. 2001. The Hawaiian spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris: Effects of tourism. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. 91 pp. Johnson, C.M. and K.S. Norris. 1994 Social Behavior. In: K.S. Norris, B. W[uuml]rsig , R.S. Wells and M. W[uuml]rsig (Eds.), The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press, Berkeley. Pp. 14-30. Marine Mammal Protection Act. 16 U.S.C. et seq. and 50 CFR part 216. NMFS. 1994. Report to Congress on Results of Feeding Wild Dolphins: 1989-1994. NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. 23 pp. Norris, K.S. 1994. Predators, Parasites, and Multispecies Aggregations. In K.S. Norris, B. W[uuml]rsig , R.S. Wells and M. W[uuml]rsig (Eds.), The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press, Berkeley. Pp. 14-30. Norris, K.S. and T.P. Dohl. 1980. Behavior of the Hawaiian spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris. Fishery Bulletin, 77(4):821- 849. Norris, K.S., B. W[uuml]rsig, R.S. Wells, M. W[uuml]rsig, S.M. Brownlee, C. Johnson and J. Solow. 1985. The behavior of the Hawaiian spinner dolphin, Stenella longirostris. NMFS Southwest Fisheries Center Administrative Report No. LJ-85-06C. 213 pp. Norris, K.S., B. W[uuml]rsig, and R.S. Wells. 1994. The Spinner Dolphin. In K.S. Norris, B. W[uuml]rsig , R.S. Wells and M. W[uuml]rsig (Eds.), The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press, Berkeley. Pp. 14-30. Oberbillig, D.E. 2000. Providing Positive Wildlife Viewing Experiences: A Practical Handbook. Watchable Wildlife, Inc., Colorado Division of Wildlife Publication. 68 pp. Orams, M.B., G.J.E. Hill and A.J. Baglioni, Jr. 1996. ``Pushy'' behavior in a wild dolphin feeding program at Tangalooma, Australia. Marine Mammal Science, 12(1):107-117. [Ouml]stman-Lind, J., A. Driscoll-Lind and S.H. Rickards. 2004. Delphinid abundance, distribution and habitat use off the western coast of the Island of Hawaii. NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center Administrative Report LJ-04-02C. 28 pp. Ross, G. 2001. Response of Hawaiian spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris, to boat presenece in Midway Atoll. Masters Thesis, San Francisco State University. 74 pp. Samuels, A., and L. Bejder. 1998. Habitual interactions between humans and wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Panama City Beach, Florida. Report to the Marine Mammal Commission, Silver Spring, MD. 13 pp. Samuels, A., and L. Bejder. 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. Samuels, A., L. Bejder and S. Heinrich. 2000. A Review of the Literature Pertaining to Swimming with Wild Dolphins. Report to the Marine Mammal Commission. 57 pp. Santos, M.C.d.O. 1997. Lone sociable bottlenose dolphin in Brazil: Human fatality and management. Marine Mammal Science, 13(2):355-356. Seideman, D. 1997. Swimming with trouble. Audubon, 99:76-82. Shane, S.H., L. Tepley and L. Costello. 1993. Life threatening contact between a woman and a pilot whale captured on film. Marine Mammal Science, 9(3):331-336. Webb, N.G. 1978. Women and children abducted by a wild but sociable adult male bottlenose dolphin. Carnivore, 1(2):89-94. Wells, R.S. and K.S. Norris. 1994. The island habitat. In K.S. Norris, B. W[uuml]rsig, R.S. Wells and M. W[uuml]rsig (Eds.), The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press, Berkeley. Pp. 31-53. Wilson, B. 1994. Review of dolphin management at Monkey Mia. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Western Australia. 37 pp. W[uuml]rsig, B., R.S. Wells, K.S. Norris and M. W[uuml]rsig. 1994. A spinner dolphin's day. In K.S. Norris, B. W[uuml]rsig, R.S. Wells and M. W[uuml]rsig (Eds.), The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press, Berkeley. Pp. 65-102. [FR Doc. 05-23928 Filed 12-9-05; 8:45 am] ------------------------------------------------------------------- -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the text of all submissions, and ensure your message has an appropriate subject heading (ie., not "Message for MARMAM") -Do not submit attached files or HTML/MIME messages. -To subscribe to MARMAM, go to lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam -To contact the MARMAM editors, write to: marmamed(a)uvic.ca -MARMAM Editorial Policy & FAQ: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/marmam.htm

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY: Faculty Position in Mammalian Evolutionary or Ecological Biology
by Per J Palsboll 19 Dec '05

19 Dec '05

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY: Faculty Position in Mammalian Evolutionary or Ecological Biology The Department of Integrative Biology and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology seek a colleague at the Assistant Professor and Assistant Curator level in the area of Mammalian Evolutionary or Ecological Biology. We seek an individual who will develop an outstanding field- and collection based research program in evolution and/or ecology, using any taxa of extant mammals as a study system. The successful candidate will share an appointment in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and the Department of Integrative Biology. Previous museum experience is not required but the successful candidate must demonstrate an intellectual commitment to museum-based research, the potential to use and add to MVZ collections, a clear vision of the multiple roles of museum collections in the 21st century, and the capacity to integrate intellectual activities of the MVZ and the Department of Integrative Biology. We encourage applicants from all areas of mammal biology. Candidates should have a strong commitment to both undergraduate and graduate teaching. The position is available 1 July 2006. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a statement of research and teaching objectives, including a vision for the future of natural history museums such as the MVZ. Applications, including at least three letters of recommendation, should be sent directly to the search committee at: Search Committee, Mammalian Evolutionary/Ecological Biology Search, Department of Integrative Biology, 3060 VLSB, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3140. The deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January 2005. Applicants should refer their reviewers to the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentiality at http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html. Further information about the department, the MVZ, and this faculty position can be found at http://ib.berkeley.edu/ and http://mvz.berkeley.edu. The University of California, Berkeley, is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NB: New email spam filters at Berkeley may result in emails bouncing back. If so, please advise me by fax (510-643-5098, Attn.: Per Palsboll) Per J. Palsboll Assistant Professor of Conservation Genetics Mail address: Ecosystem Science Division Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management University of California at Berkeley 137 Mulford Hall #3114 Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, USA Web-sites: Department http://cnr.berkeley.edu/espm/index.html Faculty page http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/espm/directory/fac/palsboll_p.html Phone nos: Office +1 510.643.8225 Main laboratory +1 510.643.0956 Student & Post doc office +1 510.643.5142 Fax +1 510.643.5438

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new article
by Danielle Lima 18 Dec '05

18 Dec '05

Dear colleagues The article below has just been published: Lima, D. S.; Vergara-Parente, J. E.; Young, R. J.; Paszkiewicz, E. Training of Antillean Manatee Trichechus manatus manatus (Linnaeus, 1758) as a management technique for individual welfare. LAJAM 4(1): 61-68, January/June 2005 Those interested can send a e-mail to limadanielle(a)terra.com.br Best Regards Danielle Lima Projeto Onças d'água do Amanã Programa Mamíferos Aquáticos Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá Av. Brasil 197 - Bairro Juruá Tefé, Amazonas, Brasil +55 21 (97) 3343-4672 ABSTRACT: Behavioral training is a method used in institutions that keep captive animals to assist in husbandry and health assessment issues. It consists of training animals using positive reinforcement to perform behaviors that facilitate veterinary procedures without the use of physical restraint or drugs, thereby improving animal welfare. A female Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), eight years old, weighing approximately 400kg and measuring 266cm, was the subject of this study. The training method used was operant conditioning with positive reinforcement, which encourages the animal to cooperate during veterinary inspections. The animal was trained that every time it performed a commanded behavior correctly, it would be rewarded with food and verbal praise. Furthermore, just prior to the moment of the reward a whistle was sounded; thus the animal associated this sound with the correct performance of the commanded behavior. To control the body position, the animal was trained by operant conditioning to touch a target. Our subject was trained in two stages, to perform necessary behaviors to collect biological samples (e.g. blood). Some of the possible factors influencing the training sessions were evaluated, such as the identity of the keeper, the impact of sounds and the number of days between training sessions. Only the identity of the keeper was found to influence training sessions. Our subject rapidly learned to express a number of commanded behavior patterns to assist its management in captivity. Therefore we consider this method to have been successful. We consider this method indispensable when managing large endangered species in captivity, as training reduces stress for the animal and reduces risk to its human caregivers. Finally, the application of this method will allow us to collect more biological data about this endangered species.

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paper on stereotyped whistles in wild killer whales
by Frank Thomsen 18 Dec '05

18 Dec '05

Dear colleagues, I would like to draw your attention on an article on stereotyped whistles in wild killer whales, in press in 'Animal Behaviour'. The pdf can be downloaded free from the journals webpage (under 'articles in press'). For further questions / inquiries, please contact me (drthomsen(a)web.de) Merry christmas and a happy new year to all of you! Frank Article title and abstract: Stability and group specificity of stereotyped whistles in resident killer whales, Orcinus orca, off British Columbia Rüdiger Riesch1), John K.B. Ford 2) and Frank Thomsen 1) 1 Biozentrum Grindel, Universität Hamburg, Germany 2 Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, Canada Resident killer whales off British Columbia form four acoustically distinct clans, each with a unique dialect of discrete pulsed calls. Three clans belong to the northern and one to the southern community. Resident killer whales also produce tonal whistles, which play an important role in close-range communication within the northern community. However, there has been no comparative analysis of repertoires of whistles across clans. We investigated the structural characteristics, stability and group specificity of whistles in resident killer whales off British Columbia. Acoustic recordings and behavioural observations were made between 1978 and 2003. Whistles were classified spectrographically and additional observers were used to confirm our classification. Whistles were compared across clans using discriminant function analysis. We found 11 types of stereotyped whistles in the northern and four in the southern community with some of the whistle types being stable over at least 13 years. In northern residents, 10 of the 11 whistle types were structurally identical in two of the three acoustic clans, whereas the whistle types of southern residents differed clearly from those of the northern residents. Our study shows that killer whales that have no overlap in their call repertoire use essentially the same set of stereotyped whistles. Shared stereotyped whistles might provide a community-level means of recognition that facilitates association and affiliation of members of different clans, which otherwise use distinct signals. We further suggest that vocal learning between groups plays an important role in the transmission of whistle types. Dr. Frank Thomsen biologisch-landschaftsökologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft (biola) & Lehrbeauftragter Biozentrum Grindel Universität Hamburg __________________________________________________________________ Nur bis 31.12.: 1&1 DSL mit WEB.DE Preisvorteil! Jetzt einsteigen und die Vorteile sichern! http://1und1dsl.web.de/?mc=021130

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Marine Mammal Internship Kauai
by Mark Deakos 17 Dec '05

17 Dec '05

The Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research (HAMER) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and protecting Hawaii's marine resources. Please visit www.hamerhawaii.com for a list of current research efforts, staffing, and publications. HAMER is seeking one or two interns to assist with data collection in conjunction with the Structure of Populations, Levels of Abundance, and Status of Humpbacks (SPLASH) project. Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, SPLASH is a multinational, collaborative effort involving over 300 researchers working together to answer important questions about Humpback Whales in the North Pacific. Working alongside a Ph.D. researcher from the University of Hawaii, interns will be involved with all field logistics. These include maintenance of research equipment, collection and processing of marine mammal sighting data, photo-identification data, and tissue biopsy samples. Research will be conducted daily from a small boat during the month of February, in waters off the coast of Kauai. Room and board will be provided. Additional research off the island of Maui is tentative. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience handling small boats around marine mammals, and those with photo-identification and biopsy training. Please email inquiries with an attached CV to: deakos(a)hawaii.edu *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** Mark H. Deakos President, Director HAMER The Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research, Inc. PMB #175 5095 Napilihau St. 109B Lahaina, HI 96761 808-280-6448 (cell) 808-669-8998 (fax) www.hamerhawaii.com ***********************************************************************

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Estuarine dolphins scars, wounds, lesions and so on
by leonardo flach 16 Dec '05

16 Dec '05

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FINIALLY: The Mammals of North America, 2nd Edition by E. Raymond Hall is NOW AVAILABLE from The Blackburn Press
by Blackburn Press 16 Dec '05

16 Dec '05

MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THIS BOOK ! The classic book, The Mammals of North America, 2nd Edition, by E. Raymond Hall, 2 volume box set, ISBN 1-930665-35-0, is NOW AVAILABLE from The Blackburn Press. Enter your order now on our website http://www.blackburnpress.com/biologybooks.html or via fax at 973-228-7276. Reprinted here from the 1981 edition by John Wiley and Sons, The Mammals of North America is the only work to provide all-inclusive information for the entire continent and continues to be an indispensable reference source for zoologists, botanists, entomologists, epidemiologists, parasitologists - all whose interests touch on the native mammals. E. Raymond Hall was one of the outstanding mammalogists of the century. The Mammals of North America is considered to be among the most important faunal works ever published. Hall was President of the American Society of Mammalogists in 1940-41. He was Director of the Museum of Natural History at the University of Kansas in Lawrence from 1944 until his retirement in 1967. The Blackburn Press was founded with the mission of keeping in print and available for purchase book titles that larger publishers have lost interest in and have declared "out-of-print." We specialize in scientific, medical, and technical books and textbooks. The Blackburn Press is interested in hearing of other titles we might consider returning to print. Your suggestions are welcome. Thank you. Maryanne Kenny The Blackburn Press Publishers of classic scientific and technical books Post Office Box 287 Caldwell, NJ 07006 Tel: 973-228-7077 Fax: 973-228-7276 E-mail: MKenny(a)Blackburnpress.com Explore the latest additions to our list at www.Blackburnpress.com <http://www.blackburnpress.com/> All of our books are available at www.Amazon.com

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Dugong capture using nets
by Jeremy KISZKA 15 Dec '05

15 Dec '05

Dear colleagues, A new tagging program on dugongs is planned in 2006 in the lagoon of Mayotte (Mozambique Channel). This program will assess fine scale habitat use, preferences and activity budget of dugongs in a tropical lagoon ecosystem. This would also provide information on the critical home range of this endangered species. This project will be conducted by the Marine Mammal Observatory, in collaboration with James Cook University (Queensland, Australia) and the University of la Rochelle (France). We are actually thinking about the catching technique, and we would rather use nets (of a very small mesh size) than the rodeo technique, considering local environmental characteristics. The use of nets for dugong capture has never been used, but this technique has been used for West Indian manatees.Then, I would highly appreciate any advises to apply a similar protocol for dugongs, with probable adaptations due to different behavioural response of these two species. Many thanks for your collaboration! Jeremy KISZKA (jeremy.kiszka(a)wanadoo.fr) ___________________________________________________ Jeremy KISZKA, research fellow Marine Mammal Observatory, Mayotte (western Indian Ocean) French Wildlife Service & Agricultural and Forestry Office BP 103 F-97600 Mamoudzou, Mayotte (FRANCE)

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Request for information on Aquaculture/cetacean interactions
by Kathy Warhurst 15 Dec '05

15 Dec '05

Dear MARMAM collegues, I am in the process of preparing a report for WDCS (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) on the worldwide impact of aquaculture operations on cetaceans. While I am aware of many areas and issues of concern and am familiar with the more widely known problems, I would be interested in receiving information on aquaculture operations in your area especially countries with smaller or developing marine based aquaculture industries, any known impacts, or documented cases (not necessarily published) on cetaceans. If you know of a particular issue that you have concerns over, I would like to hear from you. The report covers all forms of marine-based aquaculture, i.e. finfish, mollusc, crustacean and seaweed (macro-algae). Of particular interest to me are any known interactions between cetaceans and seaweed cultivation operations. No information supplied will be used without prior consent. The report will be finalised mid 2006. Thanks, Kathryn Warhurst, Aquaculture Researcher Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WDCS Australasia Inc. PO Box 720 Port Adelaide Business Centre SA 5015 AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 (08) 8440 3706 Fax:+61 (08) 8447 4211 Email: kathy.warhurst(a)wdcs.org Mobile: 0404 558 360 Website: www.wdcs.org.au WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. WDCS is proud to have been adopted as a partner to the UN Convention on Migratory Species. A positive partnership for international cetacean conservation. For more information, please go to http://www.wdcs.org/wildoceans ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________

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