December 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publications week 49
by Jan Herrmann 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 49 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Beineke, A. et al. (2007): Increased blood interleukin-10 mRNA levels in diseased free-ranging harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 115(1-2): 100-106. Dere, E. et al. (2006): The case for episodic memory in animals. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 30(8): 1206-1224. Durie, B.G.M. and H. Jones (2006): New Bioaccumulations of Toxins in Resident Coastal Dolphins Signal Dangers of Human Myeloma. Blood. 108(11): 5062. Foote, A.D. et al. (2006): Killer whales are capable of vocal learning. Biology Letters 2(4): 509-512. Hung, C.L. et al. (2007): Risk assessment of trace elements in the stomach contents of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins and Finless Porpoises in Hong Kong waters. Chemosphere 66(7): 1175-1182. Newell, C.L. (2006): Unusual gray whale Eschrichtius robustus feeding in the summer of 2005 off the central Oregon Coast. Geophysical Research Letters 33(L22S11): . Slooten, E., W. Rayment, and S. Dawson (2006): Offshore distribution of Hector's dolphins at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand: is the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal sanctuary large enough? New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 40(2): 333-343. PINNIPEDIA Hemilä, S. et al. (2006): High-frequency hearing in phocid and otariid pinnipeds: An interpretation based on inertial and cochlear constraints. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(6): 3463-3466. Makhado, A.B., R.J.M. Crawford, and L.G. Underhill (2006): Impact of predation by Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus on Cape gannets Morus capensis at Malgas Island, Western Cape, South Africa. African Journal of Marine Science 28(3&4): 681-687. Mashburn, K.L. and S. Atkinson (2006): Seasonal and predator influences on adrenal function in adult Steller sea lions: Gender matters. General and Comparative Endocrinology 150(2): 246-252. McIntosh, R.R., B. Page, and S.D. Goldsworthy (2006): Dietary analysis of regurgitates and stomach samples from free-living Australian sea lions. Wildlife Research 33(8): 661-669. McMahon, C.R. et al. (2006): Assessing hot-iron and cryo-branding for permanently marking southern elephant seals. Journal of Wildlife Management 70(5): 1484-1489. Trites, A.W. et al. (2007): Bottom-up forcing and the decline of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatas) in Alaska: assessing the ocean climate hypothesis. Fisheries Oceanography 16(1): 46-67. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Positions for 2007
by Thea Johanos-Kam 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2007 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries,entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from early April to mid-September, though some positions will continue until early October. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first 4-5 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. *NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam(a)noaa.gov Phone (808) 983-5713 Fax: (808) 983-2902 Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to: Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 2570 Dole St. Honolulu, HI 96822 Please also send duplicate cover letters and resumes to: Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms Email: officeafl(a)hawaii.rr.com (preferred) or By mail to: 49-139 Kam Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Employment will be provided by Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii) a contractor that provides Scientific Support Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants. First time leaders will receive a base salary of $14.87/hr and first time assistants will receive $10.73/hr. Some overtime will be paid during the field portion of employment. Returning leader and assistant salaries will be based on experience. FIELD CAMP LEADER One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

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new article
by pedrom＠servidor.unam.mx 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: Salivary cortisol in captive dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): a non-invasive technique. Animal Welfare 2006, 15: 359-362 C Pedernera-Romano, RA Valdez, S Singh, X Chiappa, MC Romano and F Galindo Dolphins in captivity have to cope with severe changes in their environment. So far, there are few studies on the welfare of these animals under these conditions. The aim of the present study was to find if cortisol was present in the saliva of dolphins and to explore the possibility of performing serial, non- invasive cortisol assays in captive dolphins. Saliva was collected non- invasively during a month from four dolphins that had responded to previous training, in order to provide saliva samples, in two aquaria in Mexico City. In addition, serum and saliva time-matched samples were obtained in an aquarium in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Cortisol concentrations in saliva and blood were measured by radioimmunoanalysis (RIA). Results show for the first time that measurable quantities of cortisol are secreted within the saliva of dolphins. Salivary cortisol measurements could be a useful tool for carrying out long- term cortisol sampling. It is far less invasive than blood-sampling and could be used, in conjunction with behavioural observations, to monitor the welfare of captive dolphins, non-invasively. For reprints please contact: Cecilia Pedernera Romano PhD Student Unidad de Fisiología Animal Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona <º))))>< pedrom(a)servidor.unam.mx cecilia.pedernera(a)campus.uab.es Best regards, Cecilia Pedernera-Romano ------------------------------------------------- www.correo.unam.mx UNAMonos Comunicándonos

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Extended deadline UK marine mammal student meeting
by UK Regional Student Chapter 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Subject: Extended Abstract Deadline & Registration of Interest 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 To register your interest in attending and to submit abstracts, please email ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk before 18:00 on 16th January 2007. _________________________________________________________________ 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. 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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Job Announcement
by Jenelle Gilding 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: Animal Care Technician (Seasonal) This position is responsible for providing logistical support for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine wildlife admitted to the ASLC Stranding Program. Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 1. Assisting in the care and maintenance of animals managed by the Center's Stranding Program. 2. Daily animal diet preparations, water quality testing, and routine cleaning of animal enclosures, holding pools, food preparation facilities and rehabilitation work areas. Following procedures for animal care, food preparation, and clean up, including proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment. 3. Assisting with logistics pertaining to live and dead stranded wildlife including rescues, animal transport and releases. 4. Under direction of the stranding coordinator, assisting research and veterinary services staff in facilitation of research projects and the collection of data samples, etc. Maintaining written and computer based records. 5. Participating in educational presentations to visitors and the public on topics relating to marine mammal stranding and ASLC operations. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology or related field. Some captive or stranding marine mammal and/or avian experience is required. Soft and technical skills should include: exceptional time management /organizational skills; self-motivated; ability to communicate effectively with various levels in the organization; computer skills including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and database programs; excellent written and oral communication skills. Certified open water S.C.U.B.A. diver preferred. Must be physically fit with a good sense of balance and be able to lift over 50 lbs. Must have a valid driver's license. This is a seasonal, full-time position. The SeaLife Center offers a competitive wage in a beautiful setting. Seward is a tourist destination, located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, boasting incredible recreation opportunities. Imagine partaking in world-class halibut and salmon fishing, rafting, and kayaking in Resurrection Bay and on the Kenai River. Experience icebergs calving from glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike the 200 miles of trail in the Chugach National Forest, viewing wildlife like moose, black and brown bears, bald eagles, and Dall Sheep. Start Date: May 1, 2007 Apply by: February 15, 2007 Send resume & application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> ) to Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, P. O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(a)alaskasealife.org <mailto:human_resources@alaskasealife.org> . www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Dolphin photoID Research Internship: final call
by Gwenael Beauplet 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

DOLPHIN PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Spring/Summer 2007 semester (February - June 2007). The MMRP is located on Galveston, southern Texas. Our research lab is coordinated under the auspices of the Institute of Marine Life Sciences (IMLS) at Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG). Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at MMRP, please visit our website, at http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/mmrp/ Internships at MMRP represent an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. It offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to participate in MMRP's ongoing research projects and to obtain laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced marine mammal researchers. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Successful applicants will be primarily responsible for assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry into the computer for analysis, library research, and involvement in special projects. This coming year, we will not be engaged in gathering data from vessels, although some limited shore-based work with bottlenose dolphin position information may be possible. Therefore, please be advised that this is primarily an intensive laboratory-analysis experience with marine mammals. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16-20 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. Starting and ending dates are flexible. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Successful candidate will also be responsible for providing their own housing. However, MMRP will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns desiring roommates. * Qualifications required: - Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred - Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. - Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. * The deadline for application is 15th January 2007, and must contain the following: 1. Curriculum vitae, or "resumé", 2. Letter of intent, which clearly spells out what you would wish to accomplish with the internship, 3. Two letters of reference, from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits, 4. A letter listing classes taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary, but a copy is appreciated. Please send the above materials to : Marine Mammal Research Program, Attn. Internship Coordinator, 5007 Ave. U, Galveston, TX 77551. Interested applicants should correspond to: Dr. Gwenael Beauplet Marine Mammal Research Program Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Texas A&M University 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551, USA Email: ufuf(a)tamug.edu

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Volunteers Sought for Cetacean Survey
by David Smith 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) have again been given the opportunity to join a platform of opportunity for cetacean observations in collaboration with the French Research Institute IFREMER. This institute participates in the "International Bottom Trawl Survey" or IBTS every year and have offered berths to ORCA on their February 2007 cruise; ORCA volunteers also joined this cruise in 2005 and 2006. The survey area is the North Sea, Kattegat and Skagerrak on the survey vessel "Thalassa" (http://www.ifremer.fr/fleet/navires/hauturiers/thalassa/index.htm) The survey will depart from Brest, France and will undertake oceanographic sampling and fishing trawls throughout the survey area. There are 3 parts to the survey: Brest (France) to Boulogne Sur Mer (France): 27th January - 2nd February Boulogne Sur Mer to Ijmuiden (The Netherlands): 2nd February - 9th February Ijmuiden to Boulogne Sur Mer: 11th February to 24th February. There are a maximum of three berths available for experienced cetacean observers during each of the survey periods. Volunteers will be asked to undertake cetacean observations using a pre-defined protocol. Observers may take part in one, two or all three parts of the survey. These are strictly voluntary positions and no travel costs can be reimbursed. However, berth and food onboard 'Thalassa' are provided free of charge. ORCA are interested in collecting effort-related cetacean sightings data during this survey to contribute to ORCA's existing cetacean database. We hope that the opportunity to join the IBTS in the North Sea will be a long-term arrangement and will provide an excellent opportunity to collect monitoring data on distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans during the winter. For further information about volunteering on this survey please send a CV with details of your experience to ORCACONSERVATION(a)aol.com by December 22nd. _________________________________________________________________ Find Singles In Your Area Now With Match.com! msnuk.match.com

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new article
by Martina Duras Gomercic 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: B. Seol, M. Duras Gomercic, T. Naglic, T. Gomercic, A. Galov, H. Gomercic (2006) Isolation of Clostridium tertium from a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Adriatic Sea. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 42: 709-711 Abstract: Bacteriologic examination of an abscess found between blubber and musculature of a striped dolphin (Stenella coerulaoalba) found dead on 30 March 2002 in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, was performed and an aerotolerant, nontoxogenic Clostridium tertium was isolated in pure culture. National Collections of Industrial Food and Marine Bacteria (NCIMB Ltd., Aberdeen, Scotland, UK) confirmed the results. Sequencing results showed it to be C. tertium with 100% similarity. The strain was named Clostridium tertium strain Zagreb, acceded to the culture collection and assigned the accession number NCIMB 13970. This is the first record of. C. tertium in marine mammals. For reprints please contact: Martina Duras Gomercic, PhD, DVM Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb Heinzelova 55 10000 Zagreb Croatia e-mail: martina.duras(a)vz.htnet.hr Best regards, Martina Duras Gomercic

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Cetacean Surveyor Training Event
by John Arnott (BDRP) 16 Dec '06

16 Dec '06

The charity Marinelife, which has been operating its successful Biscay Dolphin Research Programme for twelve years, is running a special shore-based training opportunity for volunteer whale and dolphin surveyors in preparation for the 2007 season. The programme will include an introduction to ocean-going cetacean and seabird survey techniques and protocols, a brief overview of identification issues, guidelines on how to become more actively involved with Marinelife/BDRP pelagic surveys and an opportunity to network with key personnel and other volunteer surveyors. This will be followed up with opportunities for more rigorous scientific training at sea under the guidance of experienced team leaders through our programme of monthly research voyages on ferry routes in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay. This will ensure that all data collected by volunteer researchers during ongoing projects is of the same high quality and continues to be at the forefront of current best practice. This training event is being held at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, England, on Saturday 13th January 2007 at 13:30h, finishing at 16:30h. The cost will be £20 per person, payable in advance. For further details, including booking information, please email John Arnott, Marinelife/BDRP Research Teams Manager, at john.arnott(a)marine-life.org.uk or john.arnott(a)biscay-dolphin.org.uk.

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Job Posting - Postdoctoral Investigator -Biostatistician
by Stephen McCulloch 15 Dec '06

15 Dec '06

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. Announces an immediate opening Postdoctoral Investigator -Biostatistician Participates in a multi-disciplinary research project that will conduct spatial and epidemiologic analyses of environmental databases. This scientist will work in collaboration with colleagues at Harbor Branch and elsewhere to develop and maintain a comprehensive environmental database for the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem, to assist in the design of research/monitoring of water quality and marine mammal and ecosystem health, and to conduct conventional and spatial statistical data analyses. The Postdoctoral Investigator/Research Associate is expected to pursue this work with general guidance or advice from the immediate supervisor. Conducts research on projects approved by the supervisor, with minimal supervision. This will involve both laboratory and fieldwork. Summarizes experimental results in the form of manuscripts for scientific publication; internal research reports; and presentations at scientific meetings. Maintains clear, precise, explicit and legally sound records of research in the form of lab notebooks and computer files. Maintains equipment and orders supplies used in his/her research. Aids in maintaining a clean and safe workplace in compliance with the Harbor Branch safety program. Performs related duties as required. Job involves frequent standing. Also involves occasional walking, sitting, bending and using a computer and other electronic equipment. Requires ability to swim, snorkel, and/or scuba dive. Work is performed in an internal (lab, office) environment ca. 90-95% of the time. Work may be performed in an external environment (field, at sea) 5-10% of the time. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 1. Ph.D. degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related discipline. 2. Documented skills in ability to use GIS methods for spatial analyses of environmental data; experience with the development, maintenance, and analysis of environmental databases. 3. A willingness to learn new techniques and/or applications, to complete individual assignments in an efficient and timely manner, and to work as a team member is expected. To be considered, complete an Application for Employment from the website, referencing job #06 CR 09. Include curriculum vitae and names of three references. Submit by mail or fax to: Human Resources , Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, 5600 N US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946; FAX: (772) 466-3644; e-mail: <mailto:humanresources@hboi.edu> humanresources(a)hboi.edu. EOE/AAP/DFWP. Submitted by: Stephen D. McCulloch Project Manager - Center for Coastal Research Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION 5600 U.S. 1 North Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 Ph: 772.465.2400, x 604 Fx: 772.595.3332 http://www.hboi.edu <http://www.hboi.edu/>

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