January 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Now available - Marine Mammals Ashore, Second Edition
by Yates, Nathan 09 Jan '06

09 Jan '06

Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings (J.R. Geraci & V.J. Lounsbury)-in the hardcover format-is back! A comprehensive manual for understanding and dealing with a stranded seal, manatee, dolphin, whale, or sea otter, this book contains information for the interested beach dweller or student and for the scientist or marine resource manager. Marine Mammals Ashore describes rescue operations, how to organize a response team, and how to deal with the media and the public. It includes basic information on marine mammal biology, life history and health, and an extensive bibliography. The book also provides stranding network participants with practical guidelines for collecting data and specimens to better understand the biology and behavior of marine animals and the condition of their environment. All chapters have been updated and expanded, with emphasis on topics that include: * Enhancing network organization, public education, and media relations. * Natural and human-related mortality in each major marine mammal group. * Recognizing, responding to, and investigating unusual mortality events. * New or updated protocols for specimen and data collection (e.g., samples for PCR analysis; basic guidelines for investigating possible noise-related strandings; collecting environmental data and samples; and a detailed protocol for examining marine mammals for signs of human interactions). * Zoonoses and other public health issues. * Updated overview of marine mammal stranding frequency and distribution in North America, with coverage extended to Canada and Mexico. * Overview of special topics provided by invited authors: disentanglement (Peter Howorth, Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center, Santa Barbara CA); tagging and monitoring (Anthony Martin, British Antarctic Survey); and GIS applications (Greg Early, A.I.S., Inc., New Bedford, MA). * Close to 600 new references (and a few new carcass disposal stories!). The 372-page second edition features water- and tear-resistant paper, a vinyl cover and durable plastic coil binding. Cost (=$38 U.S. plus shipping and handling) * U.S. or Canada - $44 * Other countries (surface, 4-8 weeks) - $47 * Other countries (airmail, 7-12 days) - $54 For more information or to order, please visit www.aqua.org/research_marinemammalsashore.html. You can also email me at nyates(a)aqua.org for an order form. While supplies last, get a free copy of the Marine Mammals Ashore CD-ROM with every order. Support for the second edition (© 2005 by National Aquarium in Baltimore) was provided by NOAA/NMFS John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program and Office of Protected Resources; NOAA/NOS Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research; Marine Mammal Commission; National Aquarium in Baltimore; Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration; and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Comparative Medicine. Thanks, and let me know if you have any questions! -Nathan Yates _________________________________________ Special Projects Assistant, Biological Programs National Aquarium in Baltimore 501 East Pratt Street, Pier 3 Baltimore, MD 21202 410-576-3805 (ph) 410-576-1080 (fax) nyates(a)aqua.org www.aqua.org \par\i This electronic mail transmission may contain confidential or privileged information. As such, if you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply transmission and delete the message without copying or disclosing it.\i0

1 0

New publication on automated categorization of cetacean vocalizations
by Volker Deecke 08 Jan '06

08 Jan '06

Dear Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the following paper, published in the January edition of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Deecke, V.B. and Janik, V.M. 2006. Automated categorization of bioacoustic signals: Avoiding perceptual pitfalls. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 119 (1): 645-653 ABSTRACT Dividing the acoustic repertoires of animals into biologically relevant categories presents a widespread problem in the study of animal sound communication, essential to any comparison of repertoires between contexts, individuals, populations, or species. Automated procedures allow rapid, repeatable, and objective categorization, but often perform poorly at detecting biologically meaningful sound classes. Arguably this is because many automated methods fail to address the nonlinearities of animal sound perception. We present a new method of categorization that incorporates dynamic time-warping and an adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural network. This method was tested on 104 randomly chosen whistle contours from four captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), as well as 50 frequency contours extracted from calls of transient killer whales (Orcinus orca). The dolphin data included known biologically meaningful categories in the form of 42 stereotyped whistles produced when each individual was isolated from its group. The automated procedure correctly grouped all but two stereotyped whistles into separate categories, thus performing as well as human observers. The categorization of killer whale calls largely corresponded to visual and aural categorizations by other researchers. These results suggest that this methodology provides a repeatable and objective means of dividing bioacoustic signals into biologically meaningful categories. KEYWORDS Automated categorization, automated classification, killer whale, bottlenose dolphin, signature whistle, neural network, call recognition, repertoire size, dynamic time-warping Best regards Volker Deecke ============================================================== Volker Deecke, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Unit Cetacean Research Lab University of BC Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre AERL Bldg., 2202 Main Mall P.O. Box 3232 Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 Canada Canada Phone: +1.604.822.9150 +1.604.659.3429/3430 Fax: +1.604.822.8180 +1.604.659.3599 WWW: http://www.marinemammal.org/MMRU ==============================================================

1 0

Summer & Fall Internship Opportunities
by core＠coreresearch.org 06 Jan '06

06 Jan '06

Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship Opportunities The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Essex, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. Cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. CORE's mission is to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. Our research focuses primarily upon the populations of fin and humpback whales found in the inshore waters of New England. We are currently working on several projects including: hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpback whales. novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales. the presence of orca scars on humpback whales, their main predator in the N. Atlantic. bias in whale watching i.e. data/photos collected on humpback whales vs. fin whales. shifts in distribution of whale species over time. on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales and pilot whales. CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate people about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment. We collect much of our data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. The types of data recorded on each trip include physical information - such as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates. There are also paid galley positions available to interns which provide another daily avenue for raising personal funds. Founded in 1996, CORE earned our non-profit status in 1999. Though we have no publications currently in print, we are currently analyzing data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as novel feeding behavior in fin whales, to observations of Sowerbys and Cuviers beaked whales in offshore submarine canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of research including: Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work. Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through photo analysis; data submission to educational on-line program, WhaleNet. Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researcher and students. Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge. Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics including GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation; handling lines; and knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol. In 2006, interns will also be instrumental in assisting in a new program we have developed with a local organization that oversees programming for 15,000 home-schooled children throughout the region. CORE will be providing specialized courses specifically for this group. A new and exciting addition to our educational outreach line up. CORE offers year-round internship opportunities to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates, as well as galley positions, aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. We do not provide room or board, but will assist interns in any way in finding housing and transportation. We also offer flexible hours, so that interns can obtain part-time jobs, if needed. Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock College, Boston, MA). Application deadline for the summer internship session is March 24th, with interviews being conducted during the first week of April. The deadline for the fall internship session is July 24th, with interviews during the first week of August. We also accept limited applicants for spring. To apply for an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and two letters of recommendation to the below address. The Center for Oceanic Research and Education internship applications can be found on our website at: www.coreresearch.org/intern form.htm. You may then use your browser's print function to print it out. We will contact applicants to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at core(a)coreresearch.org or 978-768-4560. Lisa Fox, Director Center for Oceanic Research and Education 245 Western Ave, Box 8, Essex, MA 01929 -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .

1 0

sea otter job in Alaska
by Verena_Gill＠fws.gov 05 Jan '06

05 Jan '06

Go to http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/?WT.svl=searchbutton, to find details and apply for this job. Closing date is 11 January. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE) SALARY RANGE: 30,846.00 - 40,091.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Thursday, December 29, 2005 to Wednesday, January 11, 2006 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0404-05 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Term appt NTE 4 yrs PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 07 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Anchorage, AK WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: U.S. Citizens JOB SUMMARY: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conserving the Nature of America Promotion Potential: GS-07 In this position you will provide support work to professional biologists working on biological programs for Northern sea otters, polar bears, and Pacific walruses. MAJOR DUTIES: Provides technical support and assistance to professional biologists engaged in scientific and technical work with marine mammals management. Work will include but is not limited to the following: - assembling basic information on wildlife populations such as habitat use, sex and age structure, seasonal movement, harvest characteristics, and condition of forage, range, or streams; - collecting anatomical materials and making preliminary assessments of such things as habitat preference and population dynamics; - preparing drafts of sections of field reports; - researching and extracting data from publications and manuscripts; - uses a combination of tranquilizer guns, traps, nets, and hypodermic syringes to tranquilize and capture wildlife for study, measurement, or collaring; - correlation and analysis of data and completion of reports or other documents related to a project using word processing. The work can include both office and outdoor work, as well as operation of small boats, cars, trucks, or other vehicles. Seasonal field studies involve considerable physical demands, such as frequent, extensive travel on foot; exertion from lifting and carrying equipment; and energy drain from cold, wet and windy weather. Field activities are normally conducted in remote locations and often under primitive living conditions. Small boats, canoes, or small aircraft may be used for travel or as a survey platform. Large numbers of biting insects are present during part of the year. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Verena A. Gill Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Marine Mammals Management 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 341 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 work phone: 907-786-3584 cell phone: 907-250-3721 fax: 907-786-3816 e-mail: verena_gill(a)fws.gov ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 0

Publication: Eusociality, menopause and information in matrilineal whales
by Hal.Whitehead＠Dal.Ca 05 Jan '06

05 Jan '06

The following very short "Update" has recently been published: McAuliffe, K and H. Whitehead. 2005. Eusociality, menopause and information in matrilineal whales. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 20:650. It is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/hw/McAuliffe_Whitehead_2005.pdf As it is very short, the text is below. Katie McAuliffe and Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(a)dal.ca) In their recent article in TREE [1], Foster and Ratnieks make the interesting proposal that humans should be considered eusocial on the grounds that females spend a substantial part of their adult life reproductively sterile and help their close relatives [1]. The authors consider that menopause, in this sense of the term, is unique among vertebrates to humans. However, female shortfinned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus, killer whales Orcinus orca, and probably a few other species of cetacean, such as sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus, have menopause with similar attributes to human females [24]. In all these species, reproduction ceases at approximately 40 years of age, although females routinely live on for several more decades. Thus, cetaceans can also be considered eusocial if the term can be used in the context of within-individual classes of reproductives and sterile helpers. The cetacean species in which menopause is known or probable all have matrilineal social systems in the sense that most of the females spend their lives grouped with their mothers when both are alive [5]. This correlation, and the presence of menopause in these cetaceans which (unlike modern humans) have not faced a dramatic recent change in their living conditions, strongly indicate that menopause is adaptive, and results from the tradeoff between continued reproduction and assisting kin. Given that menopause invariably occurs in these species, the benefits of assisting kin must outweigh the costs of reproductive cessation. What is not clear, however, is how these menopausal grandmothers help. Among menopausal cetaceans, assistance in foraging is not seen [5], and at least in killer whales, defence against predators is rare. Similar to human grandmothers [1], menopausal cetacean females have experience that might benefit other members of their matrilines. The value of this information could explain why females in these species live about a third of their lives as post-reproductive members of their social groups. The informative role of cetacean grandmothers is consistent with an emerging body of information indicating cultures in matrilineal cetacean species [6]. Thus, in both cetaceans and humans, the storage and provision of information might be the primary function of menopausal females and, thus, the driver of eusociality [1]. References 1 Foster, K.R. and Ratnieks, F.L.W. (2005) A new social vertebrate? Trends Ecol. Evol. 20, 363364 2 Marsh, H. and Kasuya, T. (1984) Changes in the ovaries of the shortfinned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus, with age and reproductive activity. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. 6, 311335 3 Marsh, H. and Kasuya, T. (1986) Evidence for reproductive senescence in female cetaceans. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. 8, 5774 4 Olesiuk, P. et al. (1990) Life history and population dynamics of resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the coastal waters of British Columbia and Washington State. Rep. Int. Whal. Commn. 12, 209243 5 Whitehead, H. and Mann, J. (2000) Female reproductive strategies of cetaceans. In Cetacean Societies (Mann, J. et al., eds), pp. 219246,University of Chicago Press 6 Rendell, L. and Whitehead, H. (2001) Culture in whales and dolphins. Behav. Brain Sci. 24, 309324

1 0

Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Cara Pekarcik 05 Jan '06

05 Jan '06

Marine Mammal Research Internships (For a detailed description and more information, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the summer (May 22-August 25) and fall (August 21 - December 22) semester of 2006 and for the spring (January 29 - May 26) semester of 2007. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year. *Please note: We are also accepting applications to fill one position for our spring 2006 session (January 30 - May 29, 2006). Please contact Cara Pekarcik (information below) for more information. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 27' research vessel Silver II, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2006 (11th-12th & 18th-19th). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2006. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Cara Pekarcik The Whale Center of New England P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) cara(a)whalecenter.org

1 0

Extended Comment Deadline: Letter From Concerned Scientists_Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program
by Jim Curland 04 Jan '06

04 Jan '06

Dear Marmam members, The SEIS for the Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program is available for public comment and the deadline has been extended until March 6, 2006. A coalition of groups that are working on drafting comments (Defenders of Wildlife, The Ocean Conservancy, Friends of the Sea Otter, Sea Otter Defense Initiative, a project of Earth Island Institute's International Marine Mammal Project, and The Humane Society of the United States) thought it would be good to circulate a letter to get sign-ons for this very critical policy issue for southern sea otter recovery. Please let me know (all of my contact information is below this letter): your name, title, affiliation if you would like to sign on to this letter. For the first go round of collecting signatures, I did not receive many e-signatures, so I think we will forego this. I will just list names, titles, affiliations. Defenders was an exhibitor at the SMM biennial and thank you to those who signed the letter at the conference and to those who have emailed me thus far. If you would like to sign on, please let me know by February 28th. If you have any interest in reviewing any of the SEIS before agreeing to sign on, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/ventura/es/SSOrecplan/seaotter_index.html Thanks, Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife LETTER FROM CONCERNED SCIENTISTS XX, 2006 Diane Noda Field Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office 2493 Portola Road, Suite B Ventura, California 93003-7726 Dear Diane Noda: We applaud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) preferred alternative presented in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on the translocation of southern sea otters. The DSEIS represents an important and scientifically responsible step toward successfully recovering the southern sea otter. In the final SEIS and proposed regulations to implement it, we strongly urge the FWS to implement the preferred alternative of terminating the Southern Sea Otter translocation program, ending the no-otter management zone south of Pt. Conception, and allowing the sea otters currently residing south of Pt. Conception, including sea otters residing around San Nicholas Island, to remain. This action will allow sea otters to move freely and naturally expand their range, which will help ensure this species' survival and recovery. Historically, the southern sea otter could be found all along the California coast and into Baja California, likely numbering 16,000 in the 1800s. Fur traders then killed almost all southern sea otters, with only a few dozen surviving in a remote cove off of Big Sur. They were declared threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1977, and today there are about 2,500 sea otters along our coast. Sea otters are the classic example of a keystone species. Sea otters allow for a natural check in the nearshore ecosystem by keeping populations of invertebrate grazers, such as sea urchins, from overtaking the system and denuding the kelp forests. The near-extinction of sea otters along the California coast altered the coastal ecosystem; bringing back sea otters throughout their range represents a critical step to restoring coastal ecosystems--creating healthy kelp forests and diverse populations of fish and invertebrate species. In 1987, the FWS began a translocation program to establish a new colony of southern sea otters on San Nicolas Island (SNI) in an attempt to protect the species from a catastrophic event (e.g. oil spill) and ultimately restore their dwindling numbers off the coast of California. Out of the original 140 sea otters translocated from 1987-1990 to SNI, just over 30 remain at the island today. The others either died or swam away and three years after the translocation program ended in 1990, there were fewer than 25 sea otters at SNI. While the population at SNI has shown some signs of recruitment, it is far from the predicted viable population that FWS estimated at between 150-500 sea otters. In addition, capturing and transporting sea otters tends to be unsuccessful because typically the sea otter is harmed or simply swims back to its initial location. For example, between 1987 and 1993, 24 sea otters were moved, 4 of those animals died. Also introducing a new sea otter into an already existing group of sea otters may disrupt the established social hierarchy of that group. Because moving sea otters places them at risk, the FWS and the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Team concluded that moving otters and impeding natural range expansion southward is likely to jeopardize the species' continued existence. The southern sea otter translocation program has failed to meet its objective of establishing a viable, independent colony of sea otters to serve as a safeguard for the population, as a whole, in the event of a natural or human-caused event. The recovery and management goals for southern sea otters cannot be met by continuing the program. Given that in the last ten years, the southern sea otter population has exhibited periods of growth and decline, and is still listed as threatened under the ESA, we are especially pleased to see the FWS recommendation to both protect and allow the sea otters currently in the translocation and management zones to remain. Implementation of the preferred alternative in the DSEIS will ensure a sustainable sea otter population and will allow sea otters to expand their range. We strongly urge you to finalize the SEIS and implement the preferred alternative. Sincerely, Provide Name, Title, Affiliation -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010 (phone) 831-726-9020 (fax) jcurland(a)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Defenders' Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Defenders' Sea Otter Teaching Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Defenders' Marine Program Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Defenders' California Marine Program Page) _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca http://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

1 0

Defenders of Wildlife Marine and Terrestrial Carnivore Conference 2006-Abstract Deadline-June 1st
by Jim Curland 04 Jan '06

04 Jan '06

Carnivores 2006: Conference Announcement & Call for Papers Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Carnivores 2006: Habitats, Challenges, and Possibilities. The conference, the sixth biennial, which has averaged between 700 and 800 attendees over the last two conferences, will be held at the Hilton Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, November 12-15, 2006, and will feature three full days of sessions on terrestrial and marine carnivore issues, plus a poster session, field trip, silent auction, banquet and ambassador wolf sessions. Defenders is accepting oral and poster presentation submissions for Carnivores 2006. Abstract submissions must be received by 1 June 2006. We will consider any papers covering topics such as biology, behavior, taxonomy, general ecology, recovery, management, and economic impacts of terrestrial, avian and marine carnivore species (canids, bears, cats, mesocarnivores, raptors, pinnipeds, whales, dolphins, sea otters, sharks, etc), and also papers addressing carnivore habitat issues, with some of the focus in the southeastern U.S. (including but not limited to habitat conservation, planning and linkages, invasive species, land use and development challenges, etc). Please visit our official conference website, www.carnivoreconference.org or leave a message at 202-789-2844 x315 for complete Carnivores 2006 details. To get an idea of the nature of talks, please let me know if you'd like me to email you a pdf of a past conference agenda. If submitting an abstract, please follow the online instructions, and, in addition, please cc me with your abstract. thanks, Jim Curland Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax jcurland(a)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection)

1 0

job openings
by Delphine Vanderpool 03 Jan '06

03 Jan '06

IMMS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES General: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), a private, non-profit corporation located in Gulfport, Mississippi, is seeking to immediately fill several research positions. These positions are part of a substantial interdisciplinary collaborative effort with other universities and scientists to study marine mammals both in the wild and in a controlled setting. The scope of research projects is vast, including such fields as acoustics, genetics, population dynamics, ecology, behavior, physiology and biomedical studies. All positions will be for a period of two years with the possibility of continued employment depending on performance and funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Position: Research Scientist - Population Biologist/Ecologist Responsibilities: Coordinate research activities between IMMS and collaborating scientists, participate in these research projects and document research progress; develop and conduct new research projects in population biology and ecology appropriate to the mission of IMMS and secure funding for such projects; oversee and track equipment usage, write reports for submission to state and federal agencies, and assist in writing and preparing grant proposals for funding. Candidate will be expected to conduct research studies and publish. Qualifications: Requires a Ph.D. in biology, marine biology, zoology, ecology, or marine science from an accredited university with experience in population dynamics and ecology. Candidate must have proven ability in publishing, report writing, organizing and conducting research projects, and in securing funding. Boat handling experience and experience in dolphin research, husbandry, or training a plus. Eligible candidates should also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Position: Research Associate Responsibilities: Assist with coordinating research activities between IMMS and collaborating scientists, participate in and develop new research projects, document research progress, track equipment usage, assist with report writing and grant writing. Respond to dead and live marine mammal strandings, perform necropsies, assist with live stranded animal rehabilitation. Candidate is also expected to assist in seeking additional funding and will have an opportunity to participate in research and publish. Qualifications: Requires a Master's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, psychology, or marine science from an accredited university. Candidate must have proven ability in publishing, report writing, and in organizing research projects. Dolphin or other cetacean stranding and necropsy experience necessary. Boat handling experience and experience in dolphin research, husbandry, or training a plus. Eligible candidates should also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Position: Research Assistant Responsibilities: Participate in research projects and assist with stranded dolphin study; provide logistical support for field surveys, including boat and equipment operation, response to dead and live marine mammal strandings, the collection of biological samples and the performance of necropsies; assist with live stranded animal rehabilitation; document research progress, track equipment usage and assist with report writing. Candidate will be encouraged to assist with grant writing and the seeking of additional funding. Candidate will also have an opportunity to publish. Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, psychology, or marine science from an accredited university. Candidate must have experience in dolphin/cetacean stranding response and necropsies, boat operation, organizing research projects, and in writing reports. Experience in dolphin research, husbandry, or training a plus. Eligible candidates should also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Interested parties please indicate for which position you are applying and send C.V. or a detailed resume with three references and a photo to: Dr. Delphine Vanderpool Institute for Marine Mammal Studies P.O. Box 207 Gulfport, MS 39502 Or attach as a Microsoft Word document and email to: vanderpoold(a)imms.org. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is an equal opportunity employer. You can learn more about the Institute at www.imms.org

1 0

Abstract: suspected surplus killing of harbor seal pups by killer whales
by Robin W. Baird 03 Jan '06

03 Jan '06

New publication: Gaydos, J.K., S. Raverty, R.W. Baird and R.W. Osborne. 2005. Suspected surplus killing of harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina) by killer whales (Orcinus orca). Northwestern Naturalist 86:150-154. No abstract is available. This note describes necropsy results on five harbor seal pups from San Juan County, Washington USA, with gross lesions indicating predation without consumption. Based on wound measurements, wounds were consistent with the mandibular span and dentition of killer whales. The possible killer whale populations involved in the killings and potential causes are discussed. Pdf copies can be obtained from www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/GaydosetalNWN2005.pdf ============================================ Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective Affiliate Assistant Professor, University of Washington Mailing address: Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501 USA http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Robin/robin.htm Phone 1-360-943-7325 Fax 1-360-943-7026 E-mail rwbaird(a)cascadiaresearch.org

1 0