February 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Staff needed on short notice on Cetacean Research Expedition Kenya
by Sophie Greatwood 15 Feb '06

15 Feb '06

MARINE RESEARCH JOB VACANCIES Needed to start immediately GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL, AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND MARINE RESEARCH EXPEDITION, SHIMONI, KENYA. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff to assist in developing and running an exciting new cetacean monitoring research programme One position available ASAP FOR MORE INFO READ BELOW If you are interested, are AVAILABLE WITHIN A MONTH and have the relevant qualifications and experience pls send me your CV and cover letter ASAP to sophie(a)gvi.co.uk Information . "Global Vision International promotes sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world by matching the general public, with international environmentalists, researchers and pioneering educators." Global Vision International, (www.gvi.co.uk) was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non profits and governmental agencies. Through their international network of 40 personnel in over 20 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe. GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with aid-reliant organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to Volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. GVI wildlife and Marine Expeditions work closely with local organisations and providing essential support monitoring the Kisite-/mpunguti National Marine Park, environmental and sustainable development education. Project: This new expedition combines a variety of both marine and terrestrial research together with community development projects within the tropical environment of East Africa. The expedition looks at the biodiversity of the immediate region around Shimoni and Wasini Island, utilizing a base in Shimoni on the Kenyan border with mainland Tanzania. The expedition examines how the local communities affect and utilise the region's natural resources, and aims to assist these communities to profit from their resources in a sustainable manner. GVI is working alongside many high profile local partners, including the Kenyan Wildife Service (KWS) and Kenyan Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). The expedition will focus on three main elements, wildlife research and the impact of development upon it, marine mammal research (specifically cetaceans) to determine trends related to tourism and populations and community development projects which together with many other activities will include teaching English programs, sustainable tourism workshops and development programs such as health centre construction. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff to assist in developing and running this exciting new expedition, which started in January 2006 Aims: The aim of the marine project is to create an extensive and comprehensive long-term cetacean monitoring programme within the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (MPA) to determine, primarily, which cetacean species utilise the MPA. Once species occurrence has been determined, the population ecology, biological condition and exposure to anthropogenic influences of those species, can be investigated. This information will be used to support conservation and long-term sustainable development with the Kisite-Mpunguti MPA. Whilst conducting this research, data will also be opportunistically gathered on other marine mega-fauna occurring within the study area, particularly whales, turtles, whale sharks and rays. Additional research focuses the expedition is involved in are Wildlife research on species such as Colobus monkeys and forest biodiversity studies. Teaching English, Environmental education, Rainforest re / degeneration, Sustainable tourism practices, and Community infrastructure development. Role: The project is managed by a young team of six full-time Researchers assisted by teams of temporary, overseas volunteers. The position open is as Marine Officer, however all staff will be trained in all areas of the expedition focuses: Marine position Assist in managing the marine programme, train Expedition Members in survey and monitoring techniques, teach survey techniques and identification, write reports, liaise with local partners and head office. Drive boat; maintain high health and safety standards, aid with logistics, budgeting and community programme, possible publications. Qualifications needed: Science degree and environmental studies/sustainable development background. Marine biological degree an advantage. Experienced boat handlers with a minimum of RYA boat handling level 2 or equivalent, essential. Extensive field experience in surveying and monitoring of cetaceans and 1st Aid qualifications essential. PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) instructor qualifications an advantage. Able to work as part of a team, in a remote area, in basic accomodation. International Driving licence. Excellent people skills essential, exposure to expedition life and experience working with volunteers or groups of people in isolated environments essential. This position also offers potential opportunities within the growing organisation of GVI, all around the world. Please look at the GVI website for more information on this exciting organisation www.gvi.co.uk Conditions All food, accommodation, equipment and essential transport provided, plus expedition monthly salary ($450) and flight contribution, paid at start and end of the contract. Own insurance has to be provided. Hours are long, with a day and a half off at weekends when not on duty. Conditions are basic living on a remote island and staff may have to share a room. Solar power provides limited electricity at night. The diet is generally vegetarian and staff are expected to join Expedition Members in camp duties such as cooking, base cleaning, maintenance of base and boats. Position starts End of February, closing date 28th February If you are not available before the end of March please DO NOT apply Enquiries and applications to Sophie Greatwood sophie(a)gvi.co.uk Cell: +2782 410 5539

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Job/MSc announcement
by Rogan, Emer 14 Feb '06

14 Feb '06

Research Assistant/MSc opportunity Pinniped research We have recently received funding from the Irish Marine Institute to examine habitat use, movement and diet of common seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) along the south coast of Ireland. We are currently looking to recruit a research assistant to help us with this project. The RA will have particular responsibility for the diet component of the project and it is envisaged that this work will lead to an MSc. Job description The successful candidate will be required to help out on boat-based photo-identification and tagging fieldwork along with collecting scats from a number of sites and participating in recovery and post-mortem examination of stranded or bycaught seals for stomach content analysis and fatty acid sampling. The candidate will be required to carry out the diet analysis and write up this section as an MSc. Requirements: * A basic knowledge of dietary analysis * The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a wider research group * The ability to communicate and work well, particularly with the fishing industry * Full driving licence * Small boat handling skills preferable * A third level qualification in biological sciences Duration and Salary Duration is 20 months. Salary is EUR 23,500pa and MSc fees will be covered (European students). Starting date ideally March 2006. Application Applications should include a letter of application, curriculum vitae & the names of two referees. Please send to: Dr Emer Rogan, Dept. Zoology, Ecology & Plant Science, University College, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland. Further details may be obtained from Emer Rogan (Email: E.Rogan(a)ucc.ie) or Michelle Cronin (Michelle.Cronin(a)ucc.ie) Closing date for applications: 20th February 2006

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Age determination workshop announcement
by F.L. Read 14 Feb '06

14 Feb '06

Dear Marmamers, Workshop announcement for age determination in marine mammals at this years ECS conference. Thanks, Fiona Read --------------------------------------------------------------------- Age determination in marine mammals: with special reference to techniques employed, interpretation of GLGs and anomalies, using both tooth sections and digital photos. Saturday 1st April 2005, 8:30 - 17.00 The workshop will be held immediately prior to the 20th European Cetacean Society in Gdynia, Poland at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk (Pilsudskiego 46) - only 15 min. walk away from the conference venue. Equipment available will include stereo microscopes (magnification x 10-50) and a laptop and a beamer/projector. Organisers: Fiona Read1, Patricia Lastra2 and Christina Lockyer3 (1) Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (f.read(a)erasmusmc.nl ) (2) Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, U.K. (p.lastra(a)abdn.ac.uk ) (3) Age Dynamics, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark (agedynamics(a)mail.dk ) Max. attendance: 20 Registration: The workshop is aimed at people already working on materials for determining age parameters and the number of participants is limited to 20 people. Registration will cost 10 euros per person, excluding lunch and pre-registration is essential. To register please contact Fiona Read (f.read(a)erasmusmc.nl) For those who are interested in bringing their own material (either teeth preparations or digital images), we would be deeply grateful whether you could let us know as soon as possible. Background and objectives: Background The estimation of age is important for the interpretation of many aspects of the biology, ecology and physiology of marine mammals and to provide information on population structure to underpin conservation and management measures. Interpretation of incremental and depositional structures (tooth dentine and cement, tympanic bulla, jaw bones, baleen plates, ear-plug, etc.,) is routinely used to estimate age in long-lived species such as marine mammals. Pinnipeds and Odontocetes are readily aged by counting incremental growth lines or Growth Layer Groups (GLGs; sensu Perrin & Myrick, 1980) present in dentine and/or cementum (Klevezal & Kleinenberg, 1967; Perrin & Myrick, 1980; Hohn et al., 1989; Lockyer, 1995; Hohn, 2002). Different preparation techniques and viewing platforms have been developed for estimating age in cetaceans and each has advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, the reliability of the technique depends on methodology, interpretation of GLGs, reader variability and availability of known-age animals to validate readings. Objectives The aim of this workshop is to bring together biologists working on life histories and population biology of marine mammals to discuss recent advances in age determination methods. We will review advantages and disadvantages of different techniques and identify gaps in knowledge. Finally, we will compile all the information gathered into a short report on the current status of age determination methods for marine mammals. Main aspects to be covered during the workshop 1- General background: Importance of age determination in the study of population biology in marine mammals. 2- Review of materials and methods (baleen, teeth, ear bones, eye lens, aspartic acid racemisation, etc.) and techniques used. Discuss new techniques / approaches for age determination and problems people have experienced during their work. 3- Discuss the term Growth Layer Group (GLG): Group discussion with a practical session. Split everyone into small groups to analyze prepared teeth from various species using different methods and then draw together an interpretation of GLGs. Discuss approaches to calibration of age in marine mammals: Known-age or known history animals Time-marking hard tissues by using tetracycline antibiotic treatments Other biological parameters supporting age: pregnancy records, female ovulation, etc. Tooth reading exercises using slides of own preparations. Discuss results from the practical session: Use of dentine and / or cementum Comparisons of our readings: inter-reader comparison. 4- Anomalies: Investigate and interpret unusually contrasting layering patterns present in the tooth ultra-structure (dentine &/or cement) of marine mammals. a- Slides presentation of different kind of anomalies b- Discuss causative factors likely linked to anomalies c- Discuss how to deal with such problems d- Use of anomalies in distinguishing populations, and life-history events Practical session: Small groups focusing on anomaly interpretation in different species. Summarized by a short group discussion. 5- Microscope investigations of prepared tooth sections with age trials followed by a question and answer session focusing on the slides examined. 6- Summary and conclusions of workshop and future work 7-Close Materials: All participants are encouraged to bring samples to the workshop, especially from known-age animals, teeth with anomalies, time-marked specimens, and samples from all types of marine mammals e.g. cetaceans, pinnipeds, polar bears, otters, etc. NOTE that this will be easy within the EC countries. If coming from outside the EC, a CITES permit for export and import may be necessary, and may need to be initiated a.s.a.p.. To circumvent this issue, we suggest bringing digital photographs instead wherever possible! References: Hohn, A.A., 2002. Age Determination. Encyclopedia of marine mammals. Edited by W. F. Perrin, B. Würsig and J. G. M. Thewissen. San Diego, Academic Press: 6-13. Hohn, A.A., Scott, M.D., Wells, R.S., Sweeney, J.C. and Irvine, A.B. 1989. Growth layers in teeth from known-age, free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. Mar. Mamm. Sci. 5(4): 315-342. Klevezal, G.A. and Kleinenberg, S.E. 1967. Age determination of mammals from annual layers in the teeth and bones. Translated from Russian by the Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem, Israel, 1969: 128pp. Lockyer, C. 1995. A review of factors involved in zonation in odontocete teeth, and an investigation of the likely impact of environmental factors and major life events on harbour porpoise tooth structure. Rep.int. Whal.Commn (Special Issue 16) : 511 -529. Perrin, W.F. and Myrick Jr, A.C. (Eds) 1980. Age determination of toothed whales and sirenians.Rep.int.Whal.Commn (Special Issue 3) : 229pp. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Fiona Read Life History of Harbour Seals Department of Virology Erasmus MC P.O. Box 1738 3000 DR Rotterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)10 408 8069 Fax: +31 (0)10 408 9485 E-mail: f.read(a)erasmusmc.nl Visiting address: Dr Molewaterplein 50 3015 GE Rotterdam ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

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Southern Right Whale Hervey Bay & Ballina - Queensland Memoirs
by Wally Franklin 14 Feb '06

14 Feb '06

Hi MarMamers, The following note has been published in the current issue of Queensland Memoirs. A SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE, (EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS), IN HERVEY BAY, QLD AND BALLINA, N NSW. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 51(2): 308. 2005 PDF copies are available from the authors at trish.leilani(a)bigpond.com or dburns12(a)scu.edu.au Trish Franklin & Dan Burns Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW Australia ........................................................................ .. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 02 6685 8128 Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176 Mobile: 0418 797326 Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: http://www.oceania.org.au PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/theteam.html

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URGENT-Available Internship in New Zealand
by Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto 13 Feb '06

13 Feb '06

URGENT-Available Internship: Photo-ID and genetics of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand I am currently seeking an experienced intern to work with, at the Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The position entails assisting during field surveys in the scenic landscapes of the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf researching bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) abundance and genetics. Assistance with data entry, matching and labelling of photographs will also be required. The placement shall run for 6 to 9 weeks commencing in March 2006 (although a long-term assistant is preferred, short-term periods may be discussed). The position involves a variety of tasks including assisting during fieldwork trips (for photo-identification and biopsy sampling), sorting, labelling and data entry. The successful candidate ideally should have photo-identification and boat handling experience and good motivation to collaborate with land- based tasks. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Please apply immediately by e-mail to: GABRIELA DE TEZANOS PINTO at: g.tezanospinto(a)auckland.ac.nz Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. More info about the project can be found at http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/projects/bottlenose… ins.htm Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto PhD Candidate Population Genetics & Evolution Lab The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland New Zealand http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/gabriella.htm ·´¯`·.¸¸..><((((º>.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸ ..¸<º))))><`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.<º))))><.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. <º))))><¸.·´¯`·.¸. ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/

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job announcement
by Frances Gulland 13 Feb '06

13 Feb '06

Please post Thank you Frances Gulland EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Staff Veterinarian APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 11, 2006 The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking candidates for the full-time position of STAFF VETERINARIAN. This is a supervisory position reporting to the Director of Veterinary Science. The mission of The Center is to rescue and rehabilitate injured and sick marine mammals; and, once healthy, to release them into the ocean. The Center also conducts significant research and public education in the protection of marine mammals and their habitats. The staff veterinarian is responsible for the clinical care of marine mammals in rehabilitation. The candidate supervises and trains veterinary technicians and visiting students in anesthesia, radiology, sample collection and processing, drug administration, record keeping and animal husbandry. In addition to clinical care, the staff veterinarian must have the knowledge, interest, and ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, and conservation and education staff. He/she must be able to communicate effectively before large and small gatherings, and work successfully on multidisciplinary teams to advance the mission of The Center. Requires supervisory and budget management experience; 5 years experience in clinical marine mammal veterinary medicine; knowledge of current marine mammal health and disease issues demonstrated through a publication and presentation record; a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent and a higher degree (Masters, Doctorate, or Board Certification); and must have a current California State License to practice veterinary medicine. Salary will be based on education and experience. To apply: mail resume and salary requirements to: Director of Human Resources, The Marine Mammal Center, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965, or email lechleitnerj(a)tmmc.org. No faxes or telephone calls please. Applications must be received by March 11, 2006.

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Job Announcement
by Valerie Park 13 Feb '06

13 Feb '06

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: MAMMAL CURATOR This position is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the Alaska SeaLife Center mammal division including marine mammal husbandry of permanent resident, research, and rehabilitation animals. Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 1. Oversees all mammal-related care and operations. 2. Provides excellent care and well being of all animals. 3. Supervises personnel matters within the Mammal Division. Assigns and checks work, establishes schedules, sets deadlines, and delegates authority. Sets performance standards for staff. Prepares annual performance evaluations. Makes personnel related recommendations to the Husbandry Director. 4. Ensures all Mammal personnel are properly trained and equipped for their assigned tasks, and conducts or arranges for training as necessary to carry out the Department's objectives. 5. Maintains SCUBA certification. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in marine biology, biology, zoology or related field. A minimum of ten years experience in animal husbandry with a minimum of five years of management experience. Extensive background in marine mammal training and husbandry required. Experience with marine mammal research and rehabilitation required. Experience in a research setting preferred. Knowledge in all phases of animal husbandry programs, systems design, physical life support operations, and exhibit design and display techniques. Ability to interface with researchers as required. This is a regular, full-time position. The SeaLife Center offers a competitive wage (DOE) with great benefits, 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: ASAP Apply by: March 3, 2006 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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New publications week 5
by Jan Herrmann 13 Feb '06

13 Feb '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 05 / 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. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Das, K. et al. (2006): Zn, Cu, Cd and Hg binding to metallothioneins in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from the southern North Sea. BMC Ecology 6(2): . Sundaram, B. et al. (2006): Acoustical dead zones and the spatial aggregation of whale strandings. Journal of Theoretical Biology 238(4): 764-770. PINNIPEDIA Bowen, L. et al. (2006): MHC gene configuration variation in geographically disparate populations of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Molecular Ecology 15(2): 529-533. Wheatley, K.E. et al. (2006): Chemical immobilization of adult female Weddell seals with tiletamine and zolazepam: effects of age, condition and stage of lactation. BMC Veterinary Research 2(8): . OTHERS Vianna, J.A. et al. (2006): Phylogeography, phylogeny and hybridization in trichechid sirenians: implications for manatee conservation. Molecular Ecology 15(2): 433-447. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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SPRING CAMPAIGN: ATLANTIC CROSSING AND CARIBBEAN SURVEY
by MARIA MORELL 13 Feb '06

13 Feb '06

Dear MARMAMers, The Spanish EDMAKTUB NGO is an association for the study and conservation of the aquatic environment, specially focusing on cetacean research. EDMAKTUB is proud to announce its coming project: SPRING CAMPAIGN: ATLANTIC CROSSING AND CARIBBEAN SURVEY During the next four months, the Association 15m motor sailor will cross the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and sail the Antilles, from Dominica to the Dominican Republic, before going back to the Azores before Summer. The route will depart from Barcelona and go through the Gibraltar Strait, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, the Antilles and the Azores, then will reach again the Gibraltar Strait, and finally will end in Barcelona. The main objective of the project is to monitor cetacean populations through acoustic surveys and underwater video recordings. The vessel is fully equipped with the appropriate technology: towed hydrophone array and digital acquisition system as well as professional underwater cameras to allow the localization, identification and recording of cetaceans. EDMAKTUB offers its collaboration to any individual scientist or research group interested in the field work or data analysis. EDMAKTUB would also appreciate if groups working in the Atlantic crossing routes and the Caribbean Sea would get in touch to share information. For any comment or further information please contact us at edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Or visit our website www.edmaktub.com With kind regards, Eduard Degollada PhD, DVM EDMAKTUB Association President

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One Last Opportunity: Letter From Concerned Scientists_Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program
by Jim Curland 07 Feb '06

07 Feb '06

I've pasted the letter below with the names of the current list of signators. Dear Marmam members, We are on the home stretch for providing written comments on the Draft SEIS for the Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program (DSEIS). The public comment 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. Currently we have 42 signatures and we would love to get, at a minimum 100. So, we at least need 58 more names. 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. We thank those of you who signed the letter! If you would like to sign on, please let me know by February 28th (three weeks from today). 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 February XX, 2006 or March 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 Nicolas Island (SNI), 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 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 to implement the preferred alternative Sincerely, Peter Adam Graduate Student University of California, Los Angeles Christine Alfano Graduate Student University of Minnesota Marci Allen Instructor Birch Aquarium Homero Aridjiis President Grupo de los Cien Internacional/Mexico Stefan Austermühle Executive Director Asociacion Mundo Azul/Lima, Peru Sarah Barry, MSc Marine Team Melissa Batka Marine Mammal Education and Research Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA Ilana Bismuth, MSc President Faune § Etude/France Rachel Cartwright Professor California State University, Channel Islands Don Croll, PhD Associate Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Santa Cruz/Center for Ocean Health Daphna Feingold Committee Member, Israeli Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center Dept. of Marine Civilizations, University of Haifa, Israel Amanda Harris Marine Mammal Education and Research Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA Jim Harvey, PhD Professor Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Kara Johnson Graduate Student College of the Atlantic Caroline Karp Chair, National Committee on Marine Wildlife and Habitat Sierra Club Carol Keiper Marine Biologist Dan H Kerem, PhD President Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center/ The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies/The University of Haifa Tom Kieckhefer Research Associate Pacific Cetacean Group Marcy Kober Education Curator The Whale Museum/Friday Harbor, WA Shawn Larson, PhD Curator of Animal Health and Research Seattle Aquarium Nina Mak Graduate Student Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy Karen Martin, PhD Professor, Frank R. Seaver Chair of Biology Pepperdine University/Malibu, CA Katherine Maze-Foley Fisheries Biologist III IAP Worldwide Services/NOAA Fisheries, Pascagoula Laboratory, MS Katherine McHugh Graduate Student University of California, Davis Thomas Norris Senior Scientist / Marine Vertebrate Biologist Science Applications International Corp. John Ogden, PhD Professor of Biology University of South Florida Diana Reiss Senior Research Scientist New York Aquarium of the Wildlife Conservation Society and Columbia University Alicia Retes Museum "Whaler"/Whale Watching San Diego Natural History Museum Cynthia Reyes Stranding Coordinator California Wildlife Center Wendy Ritger Environmental Scientist TEC, Inc. Naomi Rose Marine Mammal Scientist The Humane Society of the United States William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International John Sorenson President Ocean Network Communications Ryan Uulff Graduate Student Scripps Institute of Oceanography Marie-Francoise Van Bressem, DVM, PhD Head, Cetacean Conservation Medicine Group Cetacean Conservation Medicine Group (CMED), CEPEC/Germany Scott Veirs, PhD President Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School Frank Veit, PhD Director International Laboratory for Dolphin Behaviour Research/Israel Jo Wharam Project Officer Durlston Marine Project/UK Robert Wilson The Marine Mammal Center George M. Woodwell, PhD Director Emeritus The Woods Hole Research Center Erika Zollett Marine Mammal Scientist Ocean Process and Analysis Laboratory/Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space/University of New Hampshire -- 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)

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