October 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper about Bottlenose Dolphins and fish farms
by Bruno Diaz 05 May '07

05 May '07

Dear All, The following paper is now available. PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com) THE IMPACT OF A FISH FARM ON A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. Bruno Díaz López, Luca Marini & Federico Polo. Thalassas, An international Journal of marine sciences. Vol 21 (2), 2005. ABSTRACT The increasing presence of aquaculture in coastal waters calls for a better understanding of its environmental effects. Despite a number of studies focusing on the impact of aquaculture on marine mammals, the interaction between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with fish farms has been the subject of few investigations. In this paper we report the results of our research on the interaction between bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm on the Sardinian coast (Italy) from 1991 to 2004. We divided the study area latitudinally into two sections: southern (Gulf of Olbia) and northern (Gulf of Congianus). In the southern section in November 1995 the plant of a small fish farm was completely increased and transformed. Data were pooled into two periods (1991 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004). All years but 2003 were sampled. During the first and second research periods the same land-based searches were conducted under fair to excellent weather conditions. A total of 255 sightings were carried out in over 1320 hours of research of dolphins: in the first period 52 sightings were recorded in 517 hours of research, in the second period 203 sightings were realized in 803 hours of research. The presence of bottlenose dolphins changed dramatically between the two research periods. Observations of dolphins indicate that they are mainly present in the southern area during the second period. The preference for the southern section seemed to be consistent after the transformation of the fish farm, since 1995. Keywords: bottlenose dolphins, aquaculture, fish farm, marine mammals, Sardinian coast Best regards, Bruno Díaz López Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com V.Diaz 4 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy tel: 00 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. --------------------------------- Get amazing travel prices for air and hotel in one click on Yahoo! FareChase

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mass stranding of bottlenose dolphins in Mozambique (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

MARMAM readers, While we do not normally forward messages regarding single strandings, or even mass strandings of species which regularly mass strand, mass strandings of bottlenose dolphins are rare enough that forwarding on this message to the list seems warranted. MARMAM Editors ------------------------------------------------ Dear All, The attached horrific pictures were taken at Bazaruto Island this past Saturday at approximately 16.00pm by myself and Derryk from Gone Fishin Pestana Bazaruto In total we witnessed 37 dead bottlenose dolphins on the beach and another barely alive one, of which we managed to get back into the water and after 30 minutes helping to resucitate it managed to swim past the shore breakers. This dolphin also turned back to the shore 4 times before heading out, to its inevitable death one would assume. We received further information from a couple of locals that in the morning at approximately 9am there were 41 dolphins on the beach of which a couple (approximately 6?) having been rescued and returned to the ocean at that time. We assume therefore that the pod consisted of between 44 - 47 dolphins. On inspection of the dolphins, to our untrained eyes, there were no discernable marks or otherwise indicating what may have caused this mass beaching. All dolphins witnessed appeared to be adults, there were no juveniles amongst them. They were spread over an area of approximately 200 meters of beach, no other marine life of any description was noted within virtually the whole ocean facing coastal expanse. Malcolm Warrick, a dolphin specialist and a team of National Geographic filmakers were consulted and they arrived on Bazaruto on Sunday midday to further investigate this very disturbing phenomenon. Further information has recently been received that a seismic buoy has been sighted around the Arcihpelago. Further photos are available on request. Nick ------------------------------------ Nick Raba Director nick.raba(a)kangela-mz.com Av. Das Industrias 605 Machava Mocambique tel: +258 21 748 088 tel2:+258 21 748089/90 fax: +258 21 750 630 mobile: +258 82 307 1940 www.kangelaenergy.co.za www.kangela.co.za

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Need Sei and Bowhead Whale Footage (D. Rees)
by Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC LANT, EV22MS 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

The Navy is currently updating its Marine Species Awareness Training video for our bridge watch and aircrew lookouts. We are in need of some Sei and Bowhead whale high-quality video footage and/or photos. If you have any footage or photos that you would be willing to send to us for this effort, we would really appreciate it. In order to meet our final production deadline, it would be most helpful if we received everything by mid-November. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Please respond to: Deanna Rees NAVFAC ATLANTIC Natural Resources (EV22DR) 6506 Hampton Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23507 (757) 322-4940 Deanna.rees(a)navy.mil

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PBS Special - Hawaiian Monk Seals: Surviving Paradise
by kabernat＠NGS.ORG 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

A one-hour film on Hawaiian monk seals will be premiering on PBS starting Wednesday, November 1, 2006 in most areas. Please check your local PBS listings for airdates. This natural history film documents efforts to understand monk seal foraging ecology in hope of finding remedies for the decline of the Hawaiian monk seal in recent decades. It shows how the use of innovative technology such as Crittercam, 'electric rocks' and research submarines have allowed scientists to discover critical aspects of foraging and habitat use that have in turn informed the process of establishing protections for the Hawaiian monk seal and their unique habitat, the Nothwestern Hawaiian Islands. To find out more about this National Geographic special please visit: http://press.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/index.jsp?pageID=pressRelease… Kyler Abernathy For the Remote Imaging team, Mission Programs - National Geographic Society 202-857-5802, kabernat(a)ngs.org

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Animal Physiology Professor
by Ecologia 31 Oct '06

31 Oct '06

Animal Physiologist - University of Valle (Cali, Colombia) The Department of Biology at Valle University (Cali) seeks a motivate scientist in the general area of Animal Physiology. Applications are invited for a full-time, tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor with start date of August 13, 2007. Applicants must hold a M.Sc. in Zoology (preferred Ph.D.) or a closely related field, have a record of research training, a potential for developing an externally funded research program in Animal Physiology, and record of peer-reviewed publications. The successful candidate will enhance and complement existing programmatic strengths in the areas of zoology, environmental biology, conservation and biodiversity with basic research program in some aspect of Animal Physiology. Areas o emphasis in which the Department seeks to develop further expertise include, but are not limited to, Animal Ecology and evolutionary biology. Teaching responsibilities will include upper-level animal physiology (undergraduate), and Evolution (undergraduate) or animal embryology (undergraduate), a course of candidate´s choice (postgraduate), as well as supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research/internships. Spanish language is required. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a rigorous research program involving graduate and undergraduate students.. University of Valle, located in Santiago de Cali (Valle del Cauca, Colombia), serves over 20,000 students annually in the faculties of Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Humanities, Engineering and Health Professions. The Department of Biology is an upper-division of Natural Sciences Faculty offering junior, senior and graduate level courses leading to bachelor´s degrees in Biology (emphasis in: Botany, Entomology, Genetics, Marine Biology and Zoology), and master´s and doctoral´s degrees in Sciences (emphasis in: Biodiversity, Conservation Biology and Biotechnology and Molecular Sciences). For additional information about the University and Department, please visit our web site at http://univalle.edu.co and http//biologos.univalle.edu.co Reception of applications will begin November 7, 2006 and concludes January 15, 2007. Review of applications and list of pre-selected candidates will conclude February 09, 2007. Personal interviews and academic test (lecture about selected topic and teaching interests) will be among March 12 - 16, 2007. Final decision will be to April 13, 2007. To apply, send a letter of application addressing qualifications, a statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae (attach support of academic degree and professional and academic expertise), two letter of professional references, unofficial transcripts, and other supporting materials to: Marta Gómez de García, Ph.D. Vicerrectora Académica, Universidad del Valle, Convocatoria Docente 2006, A.A. 25360, Cali - Colombia (Phone: ++57 2 3212100). Electronic applications will not be accepted. Additional information about teacher convocation, please visit the web site http://www.univalle.edu.co/convocatorias/docentes/index.html or contact by email at viceacad(a)univalle.edu.co The university of Valle is an Equal Opportunity Employment Institution. Woman and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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NMFS revised application instructions
by Amy Sloan 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

The Permits Division, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources has posted revised instructions for applying for a permit for research on or enhancement of marine mammals and threatened and endangered species. These instructions are applicable to requests for permits to take, import, or export species and specimens of species under NMFS jurisdiction, including the following: all cetaceans; pinnipeds (except walrus); sea turtles in water; shortnose sturgeon; smalltooth sawfish; and white abalone. We have also posted revised instructions for submitting a letter of intent under the General Authorization for Level B harassment of marine mammals and for applying for a marine mammal commercial or educational photography permit. The revised application instructions can be downloaded from our web site at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ or you can call us at 301-713-2289 to request a copy. If you are unsure if you need a permit or what type of permit or authorization to apply for, please use our Pre-Application Guide at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/guide.htm. Please call us at the number above if you have any questions or need assistance. Thank you. -- Amy Sloan NMFS Office of Protected Resources 1315 East West Highway SSMC3 F/PR1 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-713-2289 Fax: 301-427-2521 http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

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UK student conference
by UK Regional Student Chapter 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

2007 Annual Meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Date: 1-2 February 2007 Location: Scottish Association for Marine Science Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory Near Oban www.sams.ac.uk Call for Abstracts The UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy would like to invite postgraduate students enrolled at UK Universities to submit abstracts for oral presentations (max 300 words). The presentations should be timed for 12 minutes followed by 3 minutes for questions. Please submit by email to ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk before 20th December 2006. We invite all participants to bring along a poster for display during the annual meeting (preferred but not compulsory). We encourage postgraduate students working in marine mammal science to join our Student Chapter. This is an informal forum for discussion and information and it is FREE to join, see our website http://bmprojects.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/ Any questions regarding the conference please email Lindsay or Caroline at ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk -- UKRSC Chapter Contact Sea Mammal Research Unit Gatty Marine Lab University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB UK ------------------------------------------------------------------ University of St Andrews Webmail: https://webmail.st-andrews.ac.uk

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Graduate Student Opportunity - Texas A&M University at Galveston
by Dr. Christopher D. Marshall 30 Oct '06

30 Oct '06

GRADUATE STUDENT POSITION available for FALL 2007 in the lab of Dr. Christopher D. Marshall in the Department of Marine Biology & Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University at Galveston (http://www.marinebiology.edu <http://www.marinebiology.edu/> /marshall). Dr. Marshall¹s research interests are in vertebrate functional morphology & biomechanics, ecomorphology, and sensory ecology. Other research opportunities are available. Funding will be provided either as a 9-month teaching assistantship or research assistantship, depending on funding availability and student background. Texas A&M University offers financial support and fellowships for incoming graduate students; sources of support are awarded on a competitive basis. Potential students should submit a Curriculum Vita that includes undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and a concise statement of experience and interests before applying to the graduate program. Applications without this information will not be considered. Please send all material to Dr. Marshall by email to marshalc(a)tamug.edu. ------------------ Christopher D. Marshall, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston 5007 Avenue U Galveston, TX 77551 Phone: (409) 740-4884 Fax: (409) 740-5002 email: marshalc(a)tamug.edu HTTP://www.marinebiology.edu/marshall

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New publication: GIS Analysis of Ice-Breeding Seal Strandings
by Barbara Lelli 29 Oct '06

29 Oct '06

Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of our article: David E. Harris & Sat Gupta. 2006. GIS-based Analysis of Ice-breeding Seal Strandings in the Gulf of Maine. Northeastern Naturalist 13(3):403-420. Abstract: Phoca groenlandica (harp seals) and Cystophora cristata (hooded seals), two species of ice-breeding seals, are being sighted more frequently onshore in the Gulf of Maine since 1990, but little is known about their behavior in this ecosystem. We obtained records of 904 ice-breeding seal stranding locations in the Gulf of Maine between 1996 and 2002 from NOAA Fisheries and used a geographic information system (GIS) to conduct group-wise comparisons by species (using non-parametric techniques), and to determine the predictors of high seal-stranding density (using ordinal logistic regression analysis). Compared to harp seals, hooded seals stranded closer to deep water, farther north, and near different intertidal shoreline types. Predictors of high seal-stranding density included being closer to an offshore basin, deep water, public land, and areas of lower human population. These results may reflect seal behavior and reporting bias. Reprints are available on request by email to deharris(a)usm.maine.edu. Please specify if you want a hard copy (a limited number are available) or a PDF file. _____________________________________________________ David E. Harris, Ph.D. Lewiston-Auburn College University of Southern Maine 51 Westminster Street Lewiston, Maine 04240 deharris(a)usm.maine.edu

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call for abstracts for the Society for Conservation Biology meeting in South Africa, July 2007
by Ellen Hines 27 Oct '06

27 Oct '06

Please excuse cross-postings CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED PAPERS AND POSTERS - SCB 2007 The 21st annual meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology, "One World, One Conservation, One Partnership," will be held from 1-5 July 2007 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) welcomes proposals for short courses, symposia, workshops, and organized discussions. We encourage the participation of marine students and scientists. The Call for Contributed Papers and Posters for the 21st Annual Conference of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is now open. Please submit your abstracts before 8 January 2007. The Local Organizing Committee expects to complete the review process towards the end of February 2007. Please see http://www.nmmu.ac.za/scb/callpapo.htm for instructions for preparing abstracts and submit your abstract ONLINE. For more information about the meeting, please visit the meeting website: www.conbio.org/2007 <http://www.conbio.org/2007> The LOC is committed to raising funds for travel, particularly for participants from developing countries. Travel awards will be announced at: http://www.nmmu.ac.za/scb/tawards.htm Ellen Hines, PhD Visiting Professor Moss Landing Marine Labs Moss Landing, CA (831) 771-4441 ehines(a)mlml.calstate.edu ehines(a)sfsu.edu

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