September 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Science and Noise
by Hal.Whitehead＠dal.ca 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

The following Letter to the Editor is now published and has just been sent out in the October issue of Marine Mammal Science. The Letter refers to an email exchange which illustrates some conflict of interest issues between marine mammal scientists and funding agencies. A transcript of this email exchange can be viewed at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lw/emails.htm Authentication of this email exchange can be viewed at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lw/NRDC_authentication.pdf ------------------------------------------- MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 21(4), (October 2005) SIGNAL-TO-NOISE: FUNDING STRUCTURE VERSUS ETHICS AS A SOLUTION TO CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST RESPONSE TO RESONANCE AND DISSONANCE: SCIENCE, ETHICS, AND THE SONAR DEBATE, MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 20:898899. Gannon et al. (2004) take issue with comments made primarily by one of us (HW1) at a special session on The Science Behind Noise and Marine Mammals at the biennial meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Greensboro, NC. The intent of the comments was misunderstood by Gannon et al. (2004) and others. The comments were that: (1) It is becoming clear that sounds produced by navies are dangerous to marine mammals (the U.S. Navy has admitted its own sonar was most likely responsible for the deaths of several whales in the Bahamas; National Marine Fisheries Service and United States Navy 2001); (2) The U.S. Navy funds a major part of marine mammal science (sponsoring 70% of all marine mammal research in the U.S., and 50% of marine mammal research worldwide);2 (3) For instance, all the presenters of The Science Behind Noise and Marine Mammals at the special session were partially funded by the U.S. Navy, as was the conference itself; (4) This is a major problem, akin to a situation where most research on lung cancer, and a special information session on lung cancer at a professional meeting of oncologists, was funded by the tobacco industry. Gannon et al. (2004) state that . . . the objectivity of scientists investigating the effects of military sonar on marine mammals was called into question because of the source of their funding. In fact, there was no such comment. Many marine mammal scientists, including some of us, have collaborated with military agencies in a variety of ways. HWs point was aimed at the structural problem of naval funding of marine mammal science rather than at the objectivity and ethical behavior of any scientist. Conflicts-of- interest exist independently of the actions of those burdened by them, and one should, in a mature debate, be able to raise concern about the former without being assumed to have impugned the latter. The problem faced by marine mammal science is severe. If all ONR (U.S. Office of Naval Research) funded scientists were completely objective, and even if there were no attempts to influence their public statements, there is a substantial problem of perception of conflict-of-interest. It is easy to understand why many scientists and members of the public see a potential conflict when the U.S. Navy, a major noise producer, directly funds the majority of research on the effects of noise on marine mammals and holds the dominant funding position in marine mammal research. Perceived conflict of interest can erode public trust in science and scientists (Anon. 2001). As scientists, that trust is among our most precious assets. The problem of perceived conflict-of-interest in marine mammal science has been previously raised by some of us (Whitehead and Weilgart 1995), and noted by the U.S. National Research Councils Report on Marine Mammals and Low- Frequency Sound (National Research Council 2000; p. 84): . . . sponsors of research need to be aware that studies funded and led by one special interest are vulnerable to concerns about conflict of interest. For example, research on the effects of smoking funded by [the U.S. National Institute of Health] is likely to be perceived to be more objective than research conducted by the tobacco industry. The importance of funding by ONR has resulted in scientists being reluctant to speak out against the U.S. Navy for fear that it could affect their future research funding (Whitehead and Weilgart 1995). Even if the Navy actually took no action against researchers, such self-censorship would impede marine mammal science and conservation. However, ONR does not function separately from the operational side of the Navy as Gannon et al. (2004) claim. There are clear demonstrations of this connection in public record e-mails disclosed by the U.S. Navy in recent litigation.3 Increasingly, in recent years, U.S. Navy funding for marine mammal research has also come from the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, further blurring any separation between the operational side of the Navy and marine mammal funding. The above-mentioned e-mail exchanges show that the operational U.S. Navy considered that ONR-funded scientists had obligations to the U.S. Navy in their public comments on controversial noise-related conservation issues. Thus, the behavior of funding agencies can subject scientists to unacceptable pressures that can make the conflict-of- interest real as well as perceived, and from which they should be protected. A statement such as that made by HW pointing out this potential conflict of interest would be uncontroversial in other fields, such as pharmacology, that have been faced with these issues for much longer than marine mammal science. In the title, and final paragraph, of their letter, Gannon et al. (2004) lay the Naval funding debate out as an ethical issue.We disagree: while there are ethical sides, the primary problem is structural. More ethical guidelines will not solve the problem: scientists will always be human. We do not, for instance, expect parents to shed their bias when writing letters of reference for their children. Instead, we simply do not allow it, even though some parents could be capable of perfectly objective assessments. While peer-review, non-interference by the sponsor into the research and publishing, the absence of prepublication vetting of manuscripts, and other ethical guidelines undoubtedly help reduce some aspects of the problem of conflict-of-interest, it still remains a substantial issue. Because of the way marine mammal science is funded, it is vulnerable to a failure of public confidence. Why place scientists in difficult positions when one could restore trust by altering the funding structure? We believe the funding system should be changed to safeguard the credibility of the field and to protect us all from conflicts-of-interest. The U.S. Navy is to be commended for its generosity in funding, but funds need to be administered independently, through a nonaligned body. An independent committee that has power and meaningfully represents all major stakeholders could establish priorities for the research, commission it, and recommend regulations. For instance, the U.S. National Research Councils Report on Marine Mammals and Low-Frequency Sound suggested: Concern for peer review, efficiency, and independence argues for having an agency such as [the U.S. National Science Foundation] take the lead in managing an interagency research program on the effects of noise on marine mammals (National Research Council 2000; p. 84). Gannon et al. (2004) are correct that . . . many members of our Society are funded by organizations having political agendas. While the U.S. Navy is a polluter, taxpayer supported, and overwhelmingly dominant compared with any other funder, it would also be desirable for environmental groups and others to channel their funds through independent bodies. We hope that the goal of vigorous, constructive scientific debate mentioned in Gannon et al. (2004) will allow a dispassionate review of the funding structure of marine mammal science. As Nature Medicine (Anon. 2001) notes for the medical community, marine mammalogy must win back crucial public trust before the situation becomes irrevocable, and we believe a crucial step is to remove the overwhelming position of the U.S. Navy in our field. 1 Personal communication from Damon P. Gannon, Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 29 March 2005. 2 S. Tomaszeski, Oceanographer of the U.S. Navy; presentation at the First Plenary Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals, 35 February 2004, Bethesda, Maryland. Available at http://www.mmc.gov/sound/plenary1/pdf/plenary%201_tomaszeski 2.pdf. 3 A transcript of these e-mails can be obtained from lweilgar(a)dal.ca or from: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lw/emails.htm LITERATURE CITED ANON. 2001. In science we trust. Nature Medicine 7:871. GANNON, D. P., D. W. JOHNSTON, A. J. READ AND D. NOWACEK. 2004. Resonance and dissonance: Science, ethics, and the sonar debate. Marine Mammal Science 20: 898899. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE AND UNITED STATES NAVY. 2001. Joint interim report. Bahamas marine mammal mass stranding event 1516 March 2000. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL. 2000. Marine mammals and low-frequency sound. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. WHITEHEAD, H., AND L. WEILGART. 1995. Marine mammal science, the U.S. Navy and academic freedom. Marine Mammal Science and 11:260263. LINDA WEILGART and HAL WHITEHEAD, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada; e- mail: lweilgar(a)dal.ca; LUKE RENDELL, Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8ES, United Kingdom; JOHN CALAMBOKIDIS, Cascadia Research, 218 1/2 W 4th Ave., Olympia, Washington 98501, U.S.A. Received 31 January 2005. Accepted 3 May 2005. Lindy Weilgart, Ph.D. Research Associate and Assistant Professor Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Ph.: (902) 494-3723 Fax: (902) 494-3736 E-mail: lweilgar(a)dal.ca

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Emergency in the Eastern Aegean Sea
by Jen Palmer 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

From: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara [mailto:disciara@tin.it] Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 5:21 AM To: disciara(a)tin.it Subject: emergency in the Eastern Aegean Sea Importance: High Dear Friends and Colleagues, I received a piece of quite alarming news from my colleague Anastasia Miliou, scientific director of "Archipelagos Aigaiou", and NGO from Greece (see attachment). The Greek Armed Forces are apparently planning to conduct tomorrow military excercises, involving explosions, within two protected islands of the Aegean Sea which are extremely valuable from the natural point of view, but also quite vulnerable. These unhinabited islands contain critical habitat for monk seals (one was sighted only a few days ago in Petrokaravo) and Eleonora's falcons, among many other protected species. At a minimum, these planned activities will result in the dislodgment of these rare and endangered species from what little has remained of their habitat, although direct killing may also not be discounted. It is astonishing to discover that military institutions of an European Member State may so blatantly plan to flout national, European and international regulations. I find it equally astonishing that such level of disregard for the Mediterranean natural heritage, which so many institutions and individuals have been painstakingly tried to preserve for future generations, can be allowed. Nobody challenges the military's need to practice their job. However, this must be done in full respect of existing rules. Unless the manoeuvers will be called off, tomorrow a vessel parade of protesters including local fishermen and islanders, led by Archipelagos Aigaiou, will sail to Anhydro and Petrokaravo to discourage the military from perpetrating their illegal operations, at the risk of their life. Your help and support in this dramatic circumstance is very important. If you think, as I am sure you do, that the Mediterranean natural heritage cannot be jeopardized by careless and reckless mismanegement, please express your concern to: Minister of National Defence Spilios Spiliotopoulos: minister(a)mod.mil.gr Undersecretary Vasilis Michaloliakos: dmod_michaloliakos(a)mod.mil.gr Undersecretary Ioannis Lampropoulos: dmod_lampropoulos(a)mod.mil.gr Information address: journalists(a)mod.mil.gr Information: info(a)mod.mil.gr Prefectorial Self-government of Dodecanese: email: kep(a)nad.gr Hellenic Ministry for the Enviroment, Physical Planning & Public Works: service(a)dorg.minenv.gr <mailto:service@dorg.minenv.gr> General Secretariat Of Public Works: dplir(a)ggde.gr Minister of Rural Growth and Foods : Evaggelos Mpasiakos: ax2u077(a)minagric.gr <mailto:ax2u077@minagric.gr> Undersecretary of Rural Growth and Foods: Alexandros Kontos: ax2u050(a)minagric.gr <mailto:ax2u050@minagric.gr> Ministry of Aegean: Info(a)Ypai.gr Office of General Secretary email: gg(a)ypai.gr Press Office & Public Relations: email: typos(a)ypai.gr Thank you for your attention and support. Yours sincerely, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Tethys Research Institute Via Benedetto Marcello 43 - 20124 Milano, ITALY tel. +39 335 6376035, +39 02 29402867; fax +39 02 700518468 email: disciara(a)tin.it http://www.disciara.net <http://www.disciara.net/> http://www.tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/> Jennifer L. Palmer, M.S., Conservation Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 25 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 Ph. 707. 938. 3214 Fax 707. 996. 4842 jen.palmer(a)mcbi.org www.mcbi.org Marine Conservation Biology Institute Protecting Ocean Life through Science and Conservation Advocacy

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Dolphin Research Internships (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

Subject: FW: Dolphin Research Internships- Immediate Openings Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter/Spring term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety to research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on the job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with behavioral research sessions. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Specific job duties include: Collecting observational data Preparing stimuli for interactive research sessions Setting up equipment for interactive research sessions Operating video equipment Entering data into the computer for analysis General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our website, at www.dolphins.org Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A.M., & Guarino, E. 2005. Understanding of the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Vol. 119, No.3. pp. 296-303. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. The deadline to apply is October 1st. Application materials can be found on our website at www.dolphins.org. Emily Guarino, Research Coordinator drc-res(a)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 http://www.dolphins.org

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Aberdeen University/WDCS Research Post Available - Moray Firth Dolphins
by Paul Thompson 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

We are recruiting a recent graduate to conduct research and develop science-based interpretation on the conservation and ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth, NE Scotland. This post is available for a fixed period of 30 months, on a salary of £19-24K per annum. Closing date for applications is 14th October 2005. The Research Associate will work within Aberdeen Universitys School of Biological Sciences on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership grant with WDCS, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. The project aims to enhance WDCSs scientific capability by developing a high quality programme of research and interpretation on cetacean biology. The post will be based at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay on the Moray Firth coast, but some time will also be spent at the Universitys Lighthouse Field Station in Cromarty. Applicants must have at least a 2.1 Hons Degree in Marine Biology, Ecology or a related subject, and have experience of field research on marine mammals. A strong commitment to marine conservation and an interest in using technology to study marine environments is also essential. Experience of working with volunteers and leading small groups is desirable. For application details, please see: <http://www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs/display.php?recordid=YGL103R> Dr Paul Thompson, University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ. Phone & Fax: 01381600548 Email: lighthouse(a)abdn.ac.uk www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse

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Tissue sample Gray's Beaked Whale
by oli.yates＠conservation.org.fk 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

Dear All, I have tissue samples of a stranded beaked whale, thought at this time to be a female Gray's Beaked Whale Mesoplodon grayi from the remains found yesterday. The whale was washed up in the south east of the Falkland Islands. There are pictures and measurements for anyone interested and it would be excellent to pass on the genetic tissue for DNA analysis if possible. Please contact me for further details. Best, Oli Yates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- Oli Yates Project Leader Albatross and Petrel Programme Falklands Conservation Stanley Falkland Islands Tel: 00 500 22247 Fax: 00 500 22288 oli.yates(a)conservation.org.fk

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Aerial images of east coast large whale species etc. (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 25 Sep '05

25 Sep '05

From: Michael Moore <mmoore(a)whoi.edu> Recently the following website came on line: http://www.gulfofmaineproductions.com/ This site is more than just a place to view/acquire spectacular images taken by Tim Voorheis. There are a number of images that show unique perspectives of marine mammal behavior. Apologies for cross-postings. Right whale afficianados will especially enjoy the image of Admiral skim-feeding. FYI the altitude from which these images were taken is 1000 to 1200 feet. -- Michael Moore Biology Department, Mailstop 50 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole MA 02543 508 289 3228 t, 508 457 2134 f www.whoi.edu/people/mmoore ------------------------------------------------------------------- -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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Lunnar effect on behavior humpback whales
by Isabel Avila 25 Sep '05

25 Sep '05

Dear Marmams Im doing a research about the behavior of humpback whales in Colombia, South America. I found that some adults show differences in some of its behavior across the moon phases. The phase of the moon seems to influence the behavior of a number of animals, but until now I didnt found studies about the lunar effect on cetacean. Please send me an email if anybody knows something about this theme. Thanks Isabel Cristina Avila Isabel_c_avila(a)yahoo.com Isabel Cristina Ávila Jiménez Bióloga Investigadora en Mamíferos Marinos Estudiante MSc Biología, Universidad del Valle Investigadora Adjunta, Fundación Yubarta Tel. celular: (57) 315 7550330 Colombia, Sur América E-mail: isabel_c_avila(a)yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Correo Yahoo! Espacio para todos tus mensajes, antivirus y antispam ¡gratis! Regístrate ya - http://correo.espanol.yahoo.com/

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pilot whale fetus
by Mota, Mario J 23 Sep '05

23 Sep '05

Good afternoon. Sorry for the mass posting, but this is for US folks... While cleaning our freezer I found a pilot whale fetus that we got from a life stranding a couple of years ago. I got it CAT scanned and the images will be eventually available online through a collaborative project with the Univ of Florida vet school for a marine mammal anatomical/histological library. However, before I necropsy it, I was wondering if anyone out there in marmam has any particular interest in getting specific body parts. Please have the required permits and contact me at motamj(a)kscems.ksc.nasa.gov before I necropsy it on Sunday. Regards, Mario

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Please post to MARMAM: Marine Mammal Aerial Survey Safety
by Leslie Cornick 23 Sep '05

23 Sep '05

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, At the 2003 Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Greensboro, NC the Scientific Advisory Committee took up the issue of aerial survey safety, and formed a working group to develop guidelines for improving aerial survey safety. We have enlisted the assistance of a low-altitude flight safety expert to develop a set of recommendations for the working group, but we are also interested in hearing directly from scientists and technicians in the field. The committee is interested in hearing your experiences, questions, concerns, etc. relative to planning and executing marine mammal aerial surveys. We're particularly interested in hearing about concerns related to the following: * aircraft * pilotage * training * equipment * funding (related specifically to survey safety) * risk assessment * mishap response * issues in developing countries Once fully developed, these guidelines will be posted on the Society's website to be freely available to the worldwide aerial survey community. Please help us to develop a set of guidelines that will meet your safety needs! ************************************************************** Leslie A. Cornick, Ph.D. Chair, Aerial Survey Safety Working Group Assistant Professor, Marine Biology & Statistics Department of Environmental Science Alaska Pacific University 4101 University Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 lcornick(a)alaskapacific.edu 907-564-8885

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Announcement: 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine M ammals Workshop Announcement
by Juli Goldstein 23 Sep '05

23 Sep '05

16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Workshop Announcement: Health Assessment of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina Chairs: Drs. Gregory D. Bossart and Patricia A. Fair Symposium Coordinator: Dr. Juli D. Goldstein E-mail: jgoldstein(a)hboi.edu Day/Date: Sunday December 11 Time: 9:00-5:00pm Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: Conference room TBD. Cost: Free to all conference registrants Summary: The Bottlenose Dolphin Health and Risk Assessment (HERA) Project was initiated in 2003 by researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Ocean Service. The HERA Dolphin Project is a comprehensive, integrated, multi-disciplinary research program designed to assess overall dolphin health and environmental and anthropogenic stressors that may affect health and long-term viability. Standardized and comprehensive protocols are being used to understand dolphin health, the top-predator of coastal ecosystems in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL and Charleston (CHS), SC. This study is focusing on developing tools and techniques to better assess the health of bottlenose dolphins and to identify health threats and develop linkages to possible environmental stressors. This symposium will highlight studies by multiple HERA investigators who will report on their findings from a wide range of disciplines such as emerging disease, pathology, biomarkers, contaminants, and immunology. Tentative Agenda and List of Speakers 9:00-9:10 am Welcome/Introductions Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, Dr. Patricia A. Fair, Dr. Juli D. Goldstein 9:10-9:25 am Overview of Dolphin Health Assessments Dr. Teri Rowles, National Marine Fisheries 9:25-9:40 am Overview, Goal, and Objectives of HERA Dolphin Project Dr. Patricia Fair and Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC/Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution 9:40-9:55 am Integrating Bottlenose Dolphin Health and Photo-Identification Data Jeffrey D. Adams, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 9:55-10:10 am Spatial Aspects of Bottlenose Dolphin Occurrence Near Charleston, SC and in the Indian River Lagoon, FL Dr. R.H Defran, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution & National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 10:10-10:25 am Hematologic, Serum Biochemistry and Cytologic Findings From Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon, Florida Dr. Juli D. Goldstein, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution 10:25-10:40 am Evaluation of a portable clinical analyzer of the critical care blood gases and electrolytes in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins Dr. Rene A Varela, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution 10:40-10:55 am COFFEE BREAK 10:55-11:10 am Lobomycosis in Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) From the Indian River Lagoon, Florida 11:10-11:25 am New Viral Findings and the Development of Seroepidemiological Screening Tests and the Corresponding Vaccines Dr. Manuela Rehtanz and Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Brown Cancer Center 11:25-11:40 am Antibiotic Resistant Escherichia coli Found in Florida and South Carolina Wild Bottlenose Dolphins Barbara Lyon, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 11:40-11:55 pm Orogenital Neoplasia in Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution 11:55-1:00 pm LUNCH BREAK 1:00-1:15 pm Feeding Habits of Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins assessed using stable isotope and fatty acid signature analysis Dr. Graham Worthy, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida 1:15-1:30 pm Emerging contaminants in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Charleston Harbor, SC and the Indian River Lagoon, Fl Magali Houde, Environmental Biology University of Guelph/National Water Research Institute, Burlington, Ontario 1:30-1:45 pm Comparisons of trace metal contamination in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations along the southeast Atlantic coast Hui-Chen Wang, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 1:45-2:00 pm Changes in Gene Expression in the Skin-Blubber Biopsy as Measures of Chemical Exposure and Effect in the Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus Eric Montie, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 2:00-2:15 pm Establishment of Epidermal Cell Lines Derived from the Skin of the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus Blake C. Ellis, Department of Neurosciences and Neuroscience Institute/Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Charleston, SC 2:15-2:45 pm COFFEE BREAK 2:45-3:00 pm Genetic structure of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida Christine Politz, Harbor Brach Oceanographic Institution 3:00-3:15 pm Development of a Dolphin cDNA Microarray Dr. Annalaura Mancia, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina 3:15-3:30 pm DNA Strand Breaks as Determined by the Comet Assay in Blood Samples from Dolphins Collected from Charleston Harbor(SC) and Indian River Lagoon (FL) Dr. Richard Lee, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 3:30-5:00 pm PANEL DISCUSSION/CLOSING REMARKS Juli D. Goldstein, D.V.M. Post-Doctoral Fellow Division of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Harbor Branch Oceanographic 5600 US 1 North Ft. Pierce, Fl 34946 772-465-2400 ext. 434

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