October 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

N. Pacific right whales up-swept calls?
by Bashar, Mohammad 12 Oct '06

12 Oct '06

Dear all. It is Bashar. I am doing PhD in Passive Acoustic Monitoring. (Detection of North Pacific Right Whales) Do you have any sample of typical up-swept call (non dispersive ones) of Right Whale in the Bering Sea in Alaska? Your help would be appreciated Regards Bashar EPS, Heriot Watt University Edinburgh, UK e-mail mb41(a)hw.ac.uk

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Marine Science Field Study- Apply for 07 Now
by Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

, Beam Reach offers undergraduates a rare opportunity to carry out an independent research project in the fields of marine science and sustainability. Please share this information with colleagues, department listserves, students, and anyone else you think might be interested. Thanks for your help in spreading the word. Students- this is your chance to follow your own curiosities about the marine environment and sustainability through an independent research project. During a 10- week experience, you will design a research project at the Friday Harbor Labs and implement it at sea, learning from instructors and guest experts about the marine environment, endangered killer whales, practicing science sustainably, and living sustainably. There is still time to apply for the Spring or Fall 07 program Apply Now: http://beamreach.org/apply.html/?1lrng06a07p We encourage non-science and science majors alike to apply. We do not have specific academic requirements. However, you must have the academic maturity of an advanced undergraduate. We accept undergraduates, recent graduates, and post-baccalaureates. What you can get by studying with Beam Reach that you can't get on campus: - two instructors for a maximum of 12 students - earn 18 science credits from the University of Washington outside the traditional classroom - learn to sail while exploring the San Juan Islands - the opportunity to pursue your interests in sustainability, the marine environment, and killer whales through the entire scientific process, from initial proposal to final presentation - the opportunity to work with a group of peers to create and implement positive solutions to marine environmental problems Learn More: http://beamreach.org/?2lrng06a07p Tracy Smith Beam Reach | Marine Science and Sustainability School www.beamreach.org tracy(a)beamreach.org 206.371.1254

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Marine Bioacoustics Course
by greene 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

Dear colleagues: Please bring the following course announcement to the attention of all potentially interested students. Participants will be primarily graduate students and postdocs although we will consider applications from highly qualified, advanced undergraduates as well. The course is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and Friday Harbor Laboratories; therefore, significant financial aid is available. Enrollment is capped at 12 students. Thank you. Cheers, Chuck Greene MARINE BIOACOUSTICS Session B July 16 - August 18, 2007 5 weeks: M-F 8-5; S 8-12 Ocean 578 (9 credits) Dr. Chuck Greene and Dr. John Horne The primary goal of this course is to provide advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral investigators with a broad understanding of the acoustic tools and techniques used to study fundamental questions about the behavior and ecology of cetaceans, fishes and zooplankton. By bringing together many of the top research scientists and students in marine bioacoustics and bioacoustical oceanography, new cross-disciplinary interactions will be encouraged. Students will be exposed to the latest methods in underwater acoustics as they pertain to studying pelagic animal behavior and ecology 'in situ.' Student also will have a unique opportunity to work with leading scientists using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Previous versions of this course have been offered with generous support from the Office of Naval Research since 1993. This summer's course will have a new, week-long component focusing on acoustic tracking of tagged animals. Enrollment limited to 12 students. For additional information contact: http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/studentClasslist2007.html chg2(a)cornell.edu http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/faculty/Greene.html. jhorne(a)u.washington.edu http://www.acoustics.washington.edu -- Charles H. Greene, Director Ocean Resources and Ecosystems Program Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences 2130 Snee Hall, Cornell University Telephone: (607) 255-5449 Ithaca, NY 14853-2701 FAX: (607) 254-4780

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Marine Mammal Sessions_Defenders of Wildlife's 6th Biennial Carnivore Conference-One Month Away
by Jim Curland 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

Carnivores 2006 Logo - Copyright Steve Oliver Here are the various marine mammal sessions (revised slightly as of Oct. 5) sprinkled throughout Defenders of Wildlife's 6th Biennial Carnivore Conference, Habitats, Challenges, and Possibilities, to be held November 12-November 15 at the Hilton Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. The conference 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. For more information, please visit: http://www.carnivoreconference.org/. You can view a tentative, detailed schedule at this site for other session topics. On this year's Conference Science Advisory Committee is a team of 15 scientists, including 5 marine scientists: * From Mote Marine Lab: Dr. John Reynolds, Dr. Randy Wells, Dr. Nélio B. Barros, Dr. Damon Gannon * From the Center for Ocean Health, U.C. Santa Cruz/Long Marine Lab: Dr. Jim Estes Monday, November 13 Climate Change and Carnivores I 10:00 am-1:30 pm 1. Conservation in the Face of Climate Change, Lara Hansen 2. Effects of Climate Change on Ice-Breeding Harp and Hooded Seals, David Lavigne 3. Impacts of Diminishing Snow Cover on Ringed Seals, Brendan Kelly 4. Long-Term Trends in Polar Bear Ecology in Relation To Climatic Change, Nick Lunn 5. Global Warming, the Arctic Region and Preserving Endangered/Threatened Species- Another Case of Pre-Hurricane Katrina Thinking? Michael Belanger Climate Change and Carnivores II 1:30 pm -3:30 pm 1. Climate-Ocean Effects on the Marine and Terrestrial Habitats of the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Jason Baker 2. The Implications of Global Warming on a Snow Dependent Species - A Case For the Wolverine, Jeffrey Copeland 3. Whitebark Pine, Grizzly Bears, and Climate Change, Katherine Kendall DISCUSSION Human Interactions With Marine Mammals 10:00 am-1:30 pm 1. Human Interactions With Marine Mammals in the Wild: An Overview of the Policies, Guidelines and Regulations Developed in the U.S. To Address Activities of Concern, Trevor Spradlin 2. Feeding and Harassment of Wild Bottlenose Dolphins in the Southeast Region: Overview of Activities of Concern and Mitigation Efforts, Stacey Carlson 3. Evidence of Recreational Fishing Interactions in Stranded Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphins: 1997-2005, Wendy Durden 4. Impacts of Human Activities on a Long-Term Resident Community of Bottlenose Dolphins on Florida's West Coast, Randall Wells 5. Recent Phocid and Canid Interactions in the Cape Cod Area of Massachusetts, Betty Lentell Human Interactions With Marine Mammals II 1:30 pm-3:30 pm 1. Large Carnivores and Tourism: a Symbiotic Or Parasitic Relationship?, John Dobson 2. The Impacts on Human/Bear Conflicts: Why We Need To Learn To Coexist, Minette Johnson DISCUSSION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tuesday, November 14 Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging Ecology I 8-10:30 am 1. Assessing the Effects of Fishing on Bottlenose Dolphins With Qualitative Models, Donald Baltz 2. Bottlenose Dolphin Vocalizations Suppress Calling Rates and Elevate Stress Hormones in a Prey Species, the Gulf Toadfish, Opsanus beta, Douglas Nowacek 3. How To Catch a Fish? Foraging Tactic Fidelity of Bottlenose Dolphins in Florida Bay, Florida, Leigh Torres 4. Role of Ecological Disturbance in the Foraging Ecology of Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins, Damon Gannon 5. Stomach Content Analysis of Bottlenose Dolphins Stranded in South Carolina, Michelle Pate 6. Variation in Feeding Habits Among Bottlenose Dolphins From Two Southeastern U.S. Estuaries As Determined By Stable Isotope Analysis, Melissa Recks Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging Ecology II 10:30-1:30 pm 1. Bottlenose Dolphin Population Differentiation and Trophic Studies Using Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur Stable Isotopes and Stomach Content Analyses, Nélio Barros 2. Molecular Scatology As a Tool For Investigating Cetacean Diet: Development, Assessment and Application of DNA-Based Diet Investigation Methods For Bottlenose Dolphins, Glenn Dunshea DISCUSSION Sea Otters 3:30 pm-5:30 pm 1. Patterns of Body Size, Growth and Condition Among Sea Otter Populations: What Can It Tell Us About Population Status? Daniel Monson 2. Persistence of Spilled Oil in Nearshore Sediments and Pathways of Exposure To Foraging Sea Otters, James Bodkin 3. Recovery, Foraging Patterns, and Prey Selection of Washington's Sea Otter Population, Harriet Allen 4. Nutrient Composition of the Diet Consumed By Threatened Southern Sea Otters, Alice Green 5. No Place Like Home: a Comparison of Habitat Use Strategies Between Southern Sea Otter Populations of Varying Density, Gena Bentall 6. Movement Patterns of Female Southern Sea Otters Vary With Reproductive Status, Christine Alfano 7. Sea Otters Translocated To San Nicolas Island: Individual Fates, Population Growth, and Projected Persistence of a Small Population, Lilian Carswell Posters Health Assesment of California Sea Lions Utilizing Fluctuating Asymmetry, Amber Bifolck Evidence of Human Interaction in Pinnipeds Stranded in New York State, Rebecca Scott - Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010 (phone) 831-726-9020 (fax) ? 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. Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Carnivores 2006: Habitats, Challenges and Opportunities A Conference on Carnivore Biology & Conservation Find out more at: November 12-15, 2006 ~ St. Petersburg, Florida http://www.carnivoreconference.org/ 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)

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Need "Marine Mammals Ashore"
by William Rossiter 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

Two copies of the stranding response guide: _Marine Mammals Ashore_ are needed by Cetacean Society International to send free to users in Brazil and the Cape Verdes Islands. The book was written by Dr Joseph Geraci and published in 1993, with a possible second printing. Only one used copy is available at Amazon.com ($50) and CSI will be willing to pay that price for a copy in very good condition. We would be happier, of course, to offer a fair market value tax deduction for anyone donating a copy to CSI. Amazon also advertises a collector-quality book at $250. Is there one gathering dust on your shelf? Given the growth of marine mammal science in Latin America, and the upcoming SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC conference this November in Merida, there may be a need for more copies of this book for free distribution, which CSI would be pleased to facilitate. And reasonably current laptops are always in need...again a potential tax deduction for you rather than a fee for disposal. Thanks, Bill William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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Paper available - melon-headed whales in the Marianas
by Dagmar Fertl 10 Oct '06

10 Oct '06

The following recently published paper is available upon request (see contact information below). Jefferson, T.A., D. Fertl, M. Michael, and T.D. Fagin. 2006. An unusual encounter with a mixed school of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) at Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. Micronesica 38:239-244. Little information is available on marine mammals occurring in the Northern Mariana Islands. On 4 July 2004, a group of about 500-700 melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) was observed and photographed at the surface and extensively underwater for several hours at the island of Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands. An unidentified number of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) also were part of the sighting. Bottom depths ranged from about 77 to 1,100 m over the course of the sighting. Regards, Dagmar Fertl Marine Mammal Biologist Geo-Marine, Inc. 2201 Avenue K, Suite A2 Plano, Texas 75074 USA 972-543-4137 FAX 972-543-4130 dfertl(a)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com

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Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internship Opportunity
by Higgs, Kari 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

MANATEE PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Photo-identification program is looking for one or two detail-oriented interns to serve during the upcoming winter session in St. Petersburg, Florida. Interns will primarily assist staff members in photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay and assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. Interns are expected to work four days per week for approximately eight hours each day. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain field and lab experience at a government agency. Qualifications: * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred * Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred * Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment * Some field research experience with animals preferred * Preference will be given to applicants who possess a valid U.S. Driver's License Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the winter 2006-2007 session (December 1, 2006 - March 31, 2007). Internships, which ideally last four to five months, require a minimum three-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Please send a hard copy of your resume with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Bill Arnold FWC/FWRI 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 This intern position is open until filled. *All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.

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paper on ships strikes
by s p 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Dear Marmam list, the following paper has recently been published on Marine Pollution Bulletin, Panigada, S., Pesante, G., Zanardelli, M., Capoulade, F., Gannier, A., Weinrich, M.T. 2006. Mediterranean fin whales at risk from fatal ship strikes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 52:1287-1298. Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes ship collision records for the relatively isolated population of fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea from 1972 to 2001. Out of 287 carcasses, 46 individuals (16.0%) were certainly killed by boats. The minimum mean annual fatal collision rate increased from 1 to 1.7 whales/year from the 1970s to the 1990s. Fatal strike events (82.2%) were reported in or adjacent to the Pelagos Sanctuary, characterized by high levels of traffic and whale concentrations. Among 383 photo-identified whales, 9 (2.4%) had marks that were attributed to a ship impact. The reported rates are unusually high for baleen whales. The high likelihood of unreported fatal strikes combined with other anthropogenic threats suggests an urgent need for a comprehensive, basin-wide conservation strategy, including ship strike mitigation requirements, like real-time monitoring of whale presence and distribution to re-locate ferry routes to areas of lower cetacean density, and reducing ship speed in high cetacean density areas. Keywords: Fin whale; Marine protected areas; Ship collision; Mortality rates; Anthropogenic threats; Mediterranean sea The article is now available online via the following DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.03.014 Best regards, Simone ___________________________ Simone Panigada, Ph.D. Vice-President panigada(a)inwind.it Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947 / 0272013943 fax +39 0286995011 tethys(a)tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/>

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Humpback whales sighted off Ghana
by Eriksen, Nina 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Dear All, On a Danish research vessel, the Galathea 3, we have encountered several humpack whale pods including a mother and possible newborn calf in Ghanese waters between N 04'02.676'' W 01'56.015'' and N 04'54.402'' W 00'35.895'' on Oct 1 and 2. We were able to get photo id (fluke prints) from 2 individuals.Does anybody have any knowledge of humpback whales in these waters during this time of the season? Please email to Nina Eriksen: neriksen(a)bi.ku.dk or Marianne Rasmussen: mhr(a)biology.sdu.dk Sincerly, Nina Eriksen and Marianne Rasmussen

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Job Posting
by Cheryl Schroeder 04 Oct '06

04 Oct '06

Listserv managers---Please post the following job description. Thanks for your assistance. JOB TITLE: Marine Mammal Biologist JOB Location: Geo-Marine, Inc., Hampton, VA Contact Address: mhamilton(a)geo-marine.com Application Website: www.geo-marine.com/careers JOB Announcement: Geo-Marine, Inc., an environmental and engineering consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Marine Mammal Biologist for its Hampton, VA office. The successful candidate would be responsible for scientific content on various environmental projects and contribute their marine mammal expertise to the existing Marine Sciences group. Projects include, but are not limited to, marine resources, environmental, and biological assessments. Job duties include:- - Writing the marine mammal sections of marine resources assessments and environmental assessment documents in support of NEPA, ESA, or MMPA as well as other projects; - Researching, acquiring, and synthesizing marine mammal data and literature for use in environmental reports; - Acting as a principal investigator with responsibility for specific subject areas; - Communicating with government, academic, and industry researchers and scientists; - Preparing and giving presentations to clients, colleagues, or at scientific or military meetings; - Participating in project team meetings and attend meetings with third parties/clients as required; - Traveling to client locations, project sites, symposia or other meetings, or other GMI offices as required; and - Analyzing protected species survey data, including application of statistical tests, as necessitated by projects. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: A background integrating living marine resources and their physical marine environment is essential. Two to five years experience working preferably for, but not limited to, a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or military environmental group. The successful candidate will possess strong technical writing, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while functioning in an environment of changing priorities and time constraints. Candidates possessing experience in marine mammal surveying/monitoring, SAS, ESRI GIS, and/or EndNoteT software, marine/aquatic field collections or monitoring, ,and familiarity with marine regulations/legislation will have the advantage. U.S. Navy experience, particularly with operations or training, is also a plus. EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular Full-Time w/ full benefits, available immediately. TO APPLY: Interested candidates should visit our website, www.geo-marine.com/careers, to post their resume/CV and submit an application. Geo-Marine, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested candidates should also submit a scientific writing sample (sole author preferable but first author designation is also acceptable) to the attention of Martha Hamilton, Human Resources Manager. ******************************************************************** Cheryl Schroeder <>< <>< Manager, Marine Sciences <>< Geo-Marine, Inc. <>< <>< 2713 Magruder Boulevard, Suite D <>< Hampton, VA 23666 <>< <>< Tel: 757.873.3702 <>< Fax: 757.873.3703 <>< <>< Cell: 214.912.2243 <>< <>< www.geo-marine.com This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are the property of Geo-Marine, Inc. The information transmitted via this e-mail is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information, by persons or entities other than the intended recipient, is strictly prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your computer.

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