December 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback Dolphin beak injury
by Sarah Louise Barry M.Sc 15 Dec '05

15 Dec '05

Dear All, A few weeks ago on one of our whale watch trips we noticed an adult Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin with a trauma to the beak. The beak appeared to have been broken/sliced off with the end hanging off. We encountered the animal (otherwise healthy adult, possibly female as with smaller individual) again yesterday. The lower jaw is now very pale in colouration, appears to be septic and is at a 20-30 degree angle to the right (looking at the animal from behind). Half of the upper jaw is missing but what is left is in a completely different tissue state to the lower jaw. The tissue still has the usual grey colouration but is incredibly swollen. Almost as if the animal has a second melon. The animal appears to be quite healthy otherwise, but the trauma is so massive there is no way the animal will be able to continue feeding in the correct manner. I was hoping someone may be able to shed some light on any encounters of beak traumas and how something like this may have occurred. I have a few quite clear photographs should anyone like to see them. The dorsal is pretty serrated too so the animal may have a tandency to get a little too close to boat props. Another point of interest is that last week we encountered a Cape Fur Seal with a trauma to its nose (Which I also have photos of). This is probably coincidence (and with 60,000 seals here just now, this is most likely) but thought it worth a mention. Many thanks, Sarah Barry. www.marineteam.com Dyer Island Cruises PO BOX 78 Gansbaai 7220 South Africa Tel: ++27 28 3840406

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marine conservation program
by Tara M. Cox 14 Dec '05

14 Dec '05

*Duke University Marine Lab (Summer) Integrated Marine Conservation Program *Dates: Summer Term II: 10 July - 11 August 2006 No course limit (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals) /Application deadline/ (if applying for Global Fellowship): 15 February 2006 /Application deadline/ (if applying for Tuition Scholarship): 1 April 2006 /Application deadline /(no funding support): 11 June 2006 Contact: ml_admissions(a)env.duke.edu; (252) 504-7502 The Duke University Marine Laboratory is offering an unparalleled educational opportunity from July 10 to August 11, 2006. 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 2005 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, Jack Musick, Karen Bjorndal 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 69 students from 40 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 specialized 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 specialized 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 two tuition scholarships to U.S. citizens (applications due April 1) and four 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(a)env.duke.edu; (252) 504-7502. Ms. Helen Nearing, Coordinator of Academic Programs Duke Marine Lab; 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd; Beaufort NC 28516 phone (252) 504-7502; fax (252) 504-7648 www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab> --

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Request for gray whale pectoral fin images
by MARMAM Editors 13 Dec '05

13 Dec '05

> Dear MarMam Colleagues, > > I am articulating an juvenile gray whale skeleton that will be on display at > the Slater Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound, > Tacoma, WA (USA). The specimen was originally prepared in 1977 by Murray > Johnson, former marine mammal commissioner and Slater Museum Director. I am > in search of resources that will illustrate the pectoral bone configuration > of a gray whale. Specifically, I am interested in drawings, photos or > electronic images. Thus far, I've researched a number of published > resources, contacted colleagues regarding the project, and inspected a few > of the articulated gray whale skeletons on display in the Pacific Northwest. > I have a good start, but I'm still interested in any additional images or > suggestions that MarMam colleges are willing to share. > > Thanks for your help. > Albert > > > Albert B. Shepard > Project Curator > San Juan Island > USA > > alberto(a)rockisland.com > albert(a)whalemuseum.org > 360.378.2250 > > > . > > >

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Internship Opportunity Websites
by MEER e.V. 13 Dec '05

13 Dec '05

Dear Marmamers, I am currently drafting a worldwide summary of opportunities for students, graduates and lay people to participate in cetacean research at. Fot this purpose, I am collecting web-addresses of cetacean research institutions and projects which offer the chance to take part in field and other work related to cetacean research. Internship opportunities for non-students, practical and theory courses in cetology and the like are of interest, too. Finally, I am also asking for websites of such organisations which promote research internships. If you are running such a website, I would be very grateful to receive the correct address including the subsites where the intership offer can be found. Please indicate, if the internship, course, etc. is available for students, graduates and/or others or not. Please also note if the internship lasts for days, weeks or months or as a field work for graduates. The results of this survey shall be published in a book. Although I think that in this way your institution will gain some publicity, please confirm that I will be allowed to publish the website address in a book. Thank you very much for your co-operation! Best, Fabian Ritter -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams)

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Cetacean stranding emergency numbers
by MEER e.V. 12 Dec '05

12 Dec '05

Der Colleagues, I am putting together an overview of emergency numbers for cetacean strandings worldwide. For this goal I am collecting telephone numbers of stranding networks, authorities and other bodies involved in cetacean rescue after stranding events. I am particularly interested in national contact numbers, although I am aware that in some countries there may be regional numbers, too. As the numbers shall be published in a (field guide style) book , I would like to ask all those who are willing to provide their numbers to send an email to the following address: meer.ritter(a)web.de Thank you very much for your collaboration! Fabian Ritter -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams)

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Adriatic bottlenose dolphin with a large wound – Summary of responses
by Tilen Genov 12 Dec '05

12 Dec '05

INTRODUCTION In November I sent out a message about a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with a large wound/lesion on the ventral side of its body. Photos of the wound can still be found at www.morigenos.org/dolphin_wound.htm I wish to thank all of you who provided me with your experience and comments. RESULTS We received responses from various areas and several people provided useful comments on the possible cause of the wound. However, although we do have some ideas about what might have caused the wound, we were unable to come to any definite conclusion. Therefore, the true cause is still unknown. As expected, nobody reported the possibility of the wound being caused by the animal's conspecifics. Furthermore, none of the list members, who responded, included the possibility of a shark bite. In fact, several people said they are absolutely sure that the wound was not inflicted by a shark. The following possible causes were suggested by the list members (the numbers in brackets represent the number of people who suggested that – the same person could also suggest more than one possible cause). - Harpoon (2) - Violent interaction with fishermen (1) - Injury from (damaged) fishing gear (1) - Other objects (1) - Other human launched projectile (1) - Bacterial infection (septicemic or dermal disease) / zoonosis (2) - Sea lamprey (1) - Erupted abscess (1) (this person reported a similar case in their study area) - Infection or "pealing" of the skin, resulting from a trauma (2) Several people reported that the wound has typical appearance of the healing wound and that it seems to be healing well. One of the list members noted that similar lesions have been observed in captivity, resulting from animals constantly rubbing themselves on pool sides, docks or other objects. CONCLUSION Alhtough we were unable to come to any definite conclusion, we got a useful insight into the possible causes. It is difficult to either reject or confirm any of the suggestions with the limited information that we have. All of the suggestions seem possible, although we believe some of them are more likely than others. The photos of the dolphin's ventral side prior to the observed wound and after the first observation would help us follow the development and healing of the wound. Therefore, additional and more accurate conclusions could be drawn from that. However, the dolphin only performed such aerial behaviours on that particular day, making it impossible for us to keep track of the wound-forming or wound-healing process. Nevertheless, should we acquire additional photos of that body part of the same animal, the photos could provide us with possible insight into the healing process, as well as additional documentation, which could help us determine the cause. Sincerely Yours, Tilen Genov Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.morigenos.org

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(no subject)
by balko＠Oswego.EDU 10 Dec '05

10 Dec '05

Tropical Marine Ecology - 4 credit biology elective [lecture portion of course taught online, lab = one week at Marine Science Institute] Learn about tropical marine ecology while taking an online science elective through the SUNY Learning Network [http://SLN.suny.edu] Travel to the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, Honduras, over Spring Break [March 19th - 25th] to complete the Lab Portion of this Course. Tropical Marine Ecology is a 4 credit sophomore-level class with a 3-credit lecture plus a one-week trip to Honduras for field study at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science. Contact Information: Liz Balko PhD [balko(a)oswego.edu] OR OCC Biology Dept. [315-498-2411]. Registration Information & questions regarding online courses: http://SLN.suny.edu This unique course will introduce you to the natural history of coral reefs and the diverse life forms that they support through a combination of online exercises and hands-on experience. Students will gain the ability to identify, observe and study enchanting marine organisms going about their daily lives on the reefs embracing the island of Roatan, Honduras. The online portion of this course will introduce you to the biology and taxonomy of life surrounding Caribbean reef systems. The field trip segment will take you beyond studying the natural history of coral reefs by enlightening participants to the critical need to conserve these fragile ecosystems as well as the efforts of the dive community and scientists to protect the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve. A highlight of the trip to Honduras will be the dolphin specialty segment that introduces dolphin anatomy, physiology, cognition, communication and behavior. Instruction on dolphin behavior and biology will be implemented through lectures and hands-on interactions with 17 dolphins kept in natural flow through seawater enclosures in the lagoons around RIMS. Students also take an active role in studying dolphin behavior and communication by participating in dolphin swims, recording observations of dolphin behavior and participating in dolphin training sessions. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to compare the biology of coral reefs to that of a tropical rain forest. We will visit a cloud forest on the mainland that is home to jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and white-faced capuchins. Take your love of the environment to the next level and join us in this opportunity to learn about the environment you enjoy. The trip will be lead by Dr Liz Balko [OCC & SUNY-Oswego] and her teaching assistant Jennifer Hunter [UC Davis]. While at the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences (RIMS) we will coordinate lectures and field experiences with the RIMS education and dolphin staff. The school group will be housed in accommodations provided by Anthony's Key Resort. This renowned dive resort has been in operation for over 28 years and works in conjunction with RIMS to extend its luxuries to the students and professors. It consists of private cabins, SCUBA shop and service station, photo shop, gift shop, open dining area, and bar. Everything one might need is within easy access. We will have use of our own dive boat to make our daily trips to the reef system surrounding the island. The trip to Honduras is covered by the additional lab fee of $2,000 [includes airfare from US departure city (Miami or Houston), room board, all facility uses fees, dolphin specialty lectures & training, roundtrip airfare from Roatan to mainland Honduras to visit Pico Bonito + ground transportation and lunch @ park]. Requires valid passport, completed medical form, and Study Abroad application form. NOTE: Tuition and trip costs may be covered by student financial aid.

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Corrected DATE & AGENDA: SI Meeting at SMM in San Diego
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 10 Dec '05

10 Dec '05

The Sirenian International Participating Members Biennial Meeting will be held Thursday night, December 15th, 2005, 7-9:30 PM in Elizabeth "A" (NOT December 17th as previously posted). The Agenda is included below. No registration fee, but please register online at http://www.sirenian.org/membership.html. Walk-ins also welcome as space permits! An opportunity will be provided for networking among manatee & dugong scientists and for follow-up discussion from the USGS/USFWS International Sirenian Workshop on Sunday morning. Cheers, Caryn WHAT: Sirenian International, Inc., Biennial Participating Membership Meeting WHEN: Thursday 15 December 2005 19:00 - 21:30 WHERE: SMM Meetings - Room Elizabeth "A" The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. AGENDA 19:00 Introductions and Thanks * Sirenian International is a totally inclusive organization of grassroots people who share a dedication to manatee & dugong conservation on a global scale. We are a research, education, and conservation organization, not an advocacy group. However, we encourage Participating Members to be advocates at their local level as they deem appropriate. * Introduction of our current Board of Directors (SIBOD) * Introduction of our current Scientific Advisory Council (SISAC) * Participating Membership (PM) - What is it? * Supporting Membership (SM) - What is it" * 2006-2008 SIBOD Slate of Nominees & Nominations from the Floor 19:30 Financial Report 2000-2005 19:45 New Business - Background and Open Discussion * A Brief History of Sirenian International * Calls for Proposals & Manatee & Dugong Projects Supported to Date * Where do we go from here? Recommendations for fundraising & recruitment of both Participating and Supporting Members 20:15 Break-out Groups * Leadership Roundtable - Current SIBOD and Nominees gather round and discuss the future of Sirenian International * Networking Roundtable -Sunday's Workshop Presenters, Attendees, and SAC gather round to make connections, share ideas, and mentor new sirenian scientists * Association to Save the Northernmost Dugong - Please join Yuuki Iwashina who is seeking scientific advice regarding conducting an EIA in Japan on the new proposed US Military Site. 21:15 Final Feedback and Discussion 21:30 Adjourn

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Request for information relating weather conditions to whales
by mary sternfeld 09 Dec '05

09 Dec '05

Please reply directly to: francaaustral(a)fcien.edu.uy Paula Franco Fraguas writes: Since 2001 we have been working systematically on the Francaaustral project in Uruguay. Our aim is to evaluate the presence of southern right whale in our Atlantic coast. We have been doing land and air surveys (including photo identification). Along this years we have found the presence of this whales in our coast is variable along the spring season including its peak period (August-October). We hypothesizes the whether conditions may be affecting their presence in our coast. Uruguay is situated on the subtropical region characterized by a hydrologic and meteorological complex system affected by the semi permanent anticyclone belt. Meteorological cycles occur by the movements and confluence of the cold air masses from the south and hot air masses from the north. This, together with our south exposed oceanic coast affects strongly the coastal conditions. My thesis objective is to evaluate the relation between the presence of southern right whale in our coast with the synoptic conditions of the region. By means of synoptic maps I will relate atmospheric pressure tendencies (which reflects the whether conditions) and wind intensity with the presence of this whales in our coast. I have found scarce references on this topic, this is why I will really appreciate your help locating relevant references. [see the bibliography below] Cheers, Paula Franco Fraguas PROYECTO FRANCAAUSTRAL http://francaaustral.fcien.edu.uy Maldonado 1463/401 CP:11200 Montevideo-Uruguay _Bibliografía_ /1/. Payne R.* *(1986). Long term behavioral studies of the southern right whales /(Eubalaena australis). /Rep. Int. Whal. Comm. (Special Issue 10): 161-167. /2/. Whitehead H., R. Payne & M. Payne. (1986). Populations estimate for the right whale off Península Valdés, Argentina, 1971 76. Rep. Int. Whal. Comm. (Special Issue 10): 169- 71. /3./ Payne R, V. Rowntree, J. S. Perkins, J. G. Cooke & K. Lankester. (1990). Populations size trends and reproductive parameters of right whales /(Eubalaena australis) /off Península Valdés. Rep. Int. Whal. Comm . (special issue 12): 271- 78. /4./ Costa, P.; Piedra, M.; Franco Fraguas, P., 2004. Presencia de la ballena franca austral (/Eubalaena australis/) en la costa atlántica uruguaya. 11*º *Reunión de Trabajo de Mamíferos Acuáticos de América del Sur y 5º Congreso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos (SOLAMAC) Quito, Ecuador. /5./ Piedra, M.; Costa, P., Franco Fraguas, P.; E. Paez. 2005. Relevamiento de la ballena franca (/Eubalaena australis/) en la costa atlántica uruguaya : recomendaciones para su conservación. Terceras jornadas de Conservación y uso sustentable de la fauna marina. Montevideo, Uruguay Pag. 25. /6./ Guerrero, R.A., Lasta, C.A., Acha, E.M., Mignzan, H.W. y Framiñan, M.B. 1997. Atlas Hidrográfico del Río de la Plata, 1997. Comisión administradora del Río de la Plata. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero. /7/. Balay, M., 1961. El Río de la Plata entre la atmósfera y el mar. Servicio de Hidrografía Naval, H621, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 153 pp. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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origins and radiation of the Neoceti
by R. Ewan Fordyce 09 Dec '05

09 Dec '05

Dear Marmamers with interests in phylogeny: We are organizing a proposal for a symposium on origins and radiation of the Neoceti, as part of a meeting of Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) in October 2006. This is a statement of intent; the symposium has yet to be confirmed by SVP. We are interested in the initial radiation of the Neoceti (namely, divergences between and within early Odontoceti and early Mysticeti). Many contributions would be fossil-osteological, but we are interested to include molecular studies, or anatomical studies (e.g. "evo-devo" issues and functional complexes) on living species, that contribute in any way to understanding pattern and process in the early divergences between and within Odontoceti and Mysticeti. Symposium would be part of: 66th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, October 18-21, 2006; at Marriott Ottawa/The Crowne Plaza Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. If interested, talk to Ewan Fordyce or Mark Uhen at the San Diego meeting. R. Ewan Fordyce Associate Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NZ fax 64-3-479-7527, tel 64-3-479-7510 web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/ref.htm Editor, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology Research Associate, Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

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