February 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

American Society of Mammalogists student honoraria
by Joy Lapseritis 06 Feb '06

06 Feb '06

Attention Graduate Students: The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) encourages graduate students to submit a manuscript to their competition for three student honoraria, the Anna M. Jackson, Elmer C. Burney, and A. Brazier Howell awards, to be awarded at the 2006 annual meeting of the Society in Amherst, MA, USA. The competition is open to all student members of the American Society of Mammalogists, a long standing society organized to promote the study of mammals. ASM has an international membership and encourages students internationally to join the Society and enter the competition. To become a member of the Society visit the ASM membership page at http://www.mammalsociety.org/membership/index.html Participants must not have received their Ph.D. before September 2006 and must not have received a previous honorarium from ASM. Each award carries an honoraria of $750. Honoraria will be awarded based on originality, quality, and written presentation of the research. Applicants should submit a manuscript on their current research written in the format of an article for the Journal of Mammalogy (please consult the journal webpage for style: http://www.asmjournals.org/perlserv/?request=index-html) Manuscripts must be single-authored and should not exceed 12 double spaced pages of text in length (not including figures, tables, and references). Authors must submit either pdf or Word files. No other formats will be accepted. Electronic submissions should be sent to http://www.mammalsociety.org/applications/ before 15 February 2006. Questions should be directed to Virginia Hayssen, Biology Department, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063 [413 585 3856]. Papers that do not meet the above requirements or are received after the deadline will not be considered. Applicants will be notified of award recipients around 15 March 2006. Winners of honoraria will be invited to present their research at the Plenary Session of the ASM annual meeting. These platform presentations will be 15 min in length (12 min for the presentation, 3 min for questions). Regardless of the outcome of the competition, applicants intending to present a paper at the meeting must submit the usual abstract and pre-registration material to the local committee before their deadline. Details regarding the meeting can be found at http://www.asm06.org/index.htm. Attention Undergraduate Students: The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) encourages undergraduate students to apply for the American Society of Mammalogists Undergraduate Student Research Awards to be presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the Society in Amherst, MA, USA . The competition is open to all student members of the American Society of Mammalogists, a long standing society organized to promote the study of mammals. ASM has an international membership and encourages students internationally to join the Society and enter the competition. ASM student members currently enrolled in an undergraduate program who will not graduate before May 2006 and who have not received a previous Undergraduate Award from ASM are eligible to apply. Three awards of $400 are available for winners of the competition. The Honoraria Committee will review applications and select award recipients on the basis of the originality and quality of research and the student's curriculum vitae. To become a member of the Society visit the ASM membership page at http://www.mammalsociety.org/membership/index.html Students applying for the awards also must present an oral or poster presentation at the Annual Meeting. Applicants should submit an abstract for an oral or poster presentation, a 1-page summary of the research project, a curriculum vitae, and a letter from their research advisor. Authors must submit either pdf or Word files. No other formats will be accepted. Electronic submissions should be sent to http://www.mammalsociety.org/applications/ before 15 February 2006. The advisor's letter must be submitted separately from the student's material. Applicants should also submit their abstract and pre-registration material to the local organizing committee before their deadline, see the ASM website for referral to the local committee¹s webpage http://www.mammalsociety.org/. Packets that do not meet the above requirements or are received after the deadline will not be considered. Applicants will be notified of award recipients around 15 March 2006. Questions should be directed to Virginia Hayssen, Biology Department, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063 [413 585 3856]. Details regarding the meeting can be found at http://www.asm06.org/index.htm. Respectfully submitted, Joy M. Lapseritis MIT/WHOI Joint Program Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution MS #32, 45 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA joyous(a)whoi.edu 508.289.3212

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New publications week 4
by Jan Herrmann 06 Feb '06

06 Feb '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 04 / 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 Argyle, P. (2006): Letters: Save the whale? The Veterinary Record 158(4): 139. Beedholm, K. and B. Møhl (2006): Directionality of sperm whale sonar clicks and its relation to piston radiation theory. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 119(2): EL14-EL19. Fish, F.E., A.J. Nicastro, and D. Weihs (2006): Dynamics of the aerial maneuvers of spinner dolphins. Journal of Experimental Biology 209(4): 590-598. Lusseau, D. et al. (2006): Quantifying the influence of sociality on population structure in bottlenose dolphins. Journal of Animal Ecology 75(1): 14-24. Reif, J.S. et al. (2006): Lobomycosis in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228(1): 104-108. PINNIPEDIA Matthee, C.A. et al. (2006): Mitochondrial DNA sequence data of the Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) suggest that population numbers may be affected by climatic shifts. Marine Biology 148(4): 899-905. OTHERS Hammer, A.S. et al. (2005): Malignant Lymphoma in a West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 41(4): 834-838. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internships
by Erin Brodie 05 Feb '06

05 Feb '06

STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for spring/summer 2006 internships working with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid. Program description: The Stranding Department Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for covering the animal hotline and rotating the o/c pager. Interns will also coordinate rescue and triage response throughout The Center's 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for all on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Successful applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, Excel, and Filemaker Pro. All applicants should be in good general health, as the internship position requires a fair amount of physical activity. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability. Please forward all application materials to the following address: The Marine Mammal Center Attn: Erin Brodie Marin Headlands (GGNRA) 1065 Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, California 94965 Or via email to: BrodieE(a)TMMC.org There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of April 1 and the last available internship beginning August 1. All applications are due no later than February 28, 2006. Initial phone interviews will be conducted during the first week of March. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by the 15th of March. Celebrating its 30th year in 2005, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of ill and injured marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 10,000 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. www.marinemammalcenter.org Erin Brodie Stranding Coordinator The Marine Mammal Center 1065 Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, Ca 94965 phone: 415-289-7371 fax: 415-289-7376 email: brodiee(a)tmmc.org

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IWC SOCER 2006 - call for submissions
by Naomi Rose 03 Feb '06

03 Feb '06

SOLICITATION LETTER TO POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTORS TO THE STATE OF THE CETACEAN ENVIRONMENT REPORT (SOCER) INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE http://www.iwcoffice.org/commission/sci_com/socer2006.htm This letter is a call for submissions to enable us to produce a draft State of the Cetacean Environment Report (SOCER) for consideration by the International Whaling Commission's Scientific Committee. It will be the fifth SOCER produced. The ultimate objective is to provide Commissioners (in response to IWC Resolution 2000-7) and other interested parties with a non-technical periodic summary of events, developments and conditions in the marine environment that are relevant to cetaceans. Such developments might range from unusual mortalities to new legislation protecting marine habitats. The report is compiled on an annual basis, with pre-selected regions to be treated each year. These regions include: Mediterranean and Black Seas; North and South Atlantic; North and South Pacific; Arctic and Southern Ocean; Indian Ocean; and Global. This year will be devoted to the INDIAN OCEAN. Every 4-6 years, the regional reports will be combined, along with important additions pertaining to the various regions that occurred in the intervening period, into a complete global SOCER. We are asking for submissions of information that in your opinion merit inclusion in this report. This should primarily include information on events from 2004, 2005 and the months of 2006 before the submission deadline, although earlier data may be submitted if relevant over the long term. You may submit information in two ways: *Send an email to one of the SOCER editors (see contact information below) and include the relevant scientific paper(s) as an attachment; *Use the standardised data entry form (please go to http://www.iwcoffice.org/commission/sci_com/socer2006.htm) Please fill out all the relevant fields. Any additional information provided (see item VIII: 'additional information and remarks') will assist the editorial decision-making process regarding inclusion in the SOCER. If an event or development does not fit the format of the form, but you nonetheless believe it warrants inclusion, please specify this in Item VIII. The relevant scientific papers should be submitted with the submission form or otherwise drawn to the attention of the editors. With few exceptions, only information stemming from published scientific papers and reports or other authoritative sources can be accepted. However, any supporting documentation for an event or development - such as news items - may also be submitted with the form. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2006 SOCER IS: April 1, 2006. The SOCER will also contain a glossary of technical terms. The draft version of this report will be written by the principal SOCER editors (Michael Stachowitsch, Naomi Rose and Chris Parsons) and circulated as a Scientific Committee document in advance of the Scientific Committee meeting, where its content and format will be evaluated. Please note that, due to editorial considerations (succinct format for Commissioners), not all submissions may be incorporated (or incorporated in full) into the SOCER. We would greatly appreciate your input into this endeavor, which we intend to be a useful contribution to international understanding, particularly at the policy level, of cetaceans and their changing environment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Michael Stachowitsch Dept. of Marine Biology University of Vienna Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA Email: stachom5(a)univie.ac.at Naomi Rose Humane Society International 2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 USA Email: nrose(a)hsus.org Chris Parsons Department of Environmental Science and Policy George Mason University Fairfax, VA 22030 USA Email: ecm-parsons(a)earthlink.net

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New thesis on beaked whale ecology available as PDF
by Colin D. MacLeod 03 Feb '06

03 Feb '06

Dear Marmamers, A PDF copy of the following Ph.D. thesis is available on request. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please email c.d.macleod(a)abdn.ac.uk. The file size is just over 6mb. Thanks. Colin MacLeod, C.D. 2005. Niche partitioning, distribution and competition in North Atlantic beaked whales. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. SUMMARY The beaked whales remain the least known family of large mammals. Little is known about much of their ecology and there has been little investigation of ecological differences between species within this family. The primary reason for this lack of knowledge is that studying living beaked whales in the wild is technically and logistically difficult due to their occurrence in deep, oceanic waters, often far from shore. This study aimed to investigate the ecology of the six species of beaked whales that occur in the North Atlantic, and define and compare the niches that each species occupies in this area in relation to a number of factors. To counteract the difficulties of studying beaked whales in the wild, a variety of different approaches were used to investigate their ecology. These included the analysis of stomach contents, biochemical analysis bone collagen, the creation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and ecological modelling. The ecological aspects that were investigated where prey type preferences, prey size preferences, trophic level, geographic distribution, preferred temperature and latitude ranges, water depth, seabed gradient and seabed aspect. >From these analyses, a general beaked whale niche could be identified, covering the niches of all members of the family Ziphiidae in the North Atlantic, as deep-diving oceanic predators of deep-water squid, fish and to a much lesser extent other organisms, in areas with a sloping seabed and in all latitude and temperature ranges. However, no one species occupies this entire general beaked whale niche and each species occupies its own niche partition defined by individual species preferences for specific ranges of different niche factors. The primary partitioning of the general beaked whale niche is based on prey size, with one group of species, the large prey consumers (LPCs), consisting of two species that consume all prey sizes but preferentially take larger prey, and a second group, the small prey consumers (SPCs), consisting of four species that specialise in consuming smaller prey items. Within the LPCs, the two species are segregated geographically, probably by water temperature preferences, with Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) only occurring in warmer, more southern waters and northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus), only occurring in colder, more northern waters. Within the SPCs, there is a similar geographic partitioning, with Sowerby's beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) only occurring in the coldest, most northern waters, Gervais' beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) in warmest, most southern waters and True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus) in intermediate waters between these two species. The last beaked whale species in the North Atlantic, Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) differs from all other species in the habitat it occupies, preferentially occurring in over steeper areas of seabed and in relatively shallow waters, especially around oceanic islands, while all other species preferentially occur over areas with more gentle gradients and deeper water depths. This partitioning of the general beaked whale niche may allow all six species to occur in the North Atlantic without undue levels of competition. For example, LPCs and SPCs can co-exist at the same location because of differences in their diet. However, it is also possible that the observed distributions of each species in the North Atlantic is, in part, determined by competitive interactions between species, with some species being competitively excluded from certain locations. For example, competitive exclusion may explain why the two different LPC species are rarely recorded in the same place at the same time. Differences in adaptations to different water temperature ranges may mean that Cuvier's beaked whales can out compete and exclude northern bottlenose whales from warmer waters, while the opposite occurs in colder waters. Therefore, the distribution of individual species of beaked whale in the North Atlantic may be determined both by the niche each species occupies and by competition with other species with similar niche preferences. The actual niche occupied by a species will define its 'fundamental' distribution (all locations where the conditions are sufficient for the species to survive), while competition with other beaked whale species will, in part, define the species 'realised' distribution where the species can exclude potentially competing species and so where it actually occurs. ================================================== Dr. C.D. MacLeod, Ph.D. School of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK Tel: 01224 272648 Fax: 01224 272396 Email: c.d.macleod(a)abdn.ac.uk ===================================================

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Spinner dolphin publication
by Marc O. Lammers 02 Feb '06

02 Feb '06

The following article was published in this month's Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. PDF reprints are available by contacting lammers(a)hawaii.edu. "The spatial context of free-ranging Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) producing acoustic signals" Marc O. Lammers, Michiel Schotten, and Whitlow W. L. Au To improve our understanding of how dolphins use acoustic signals in the wild, a three-hydrophone towed array was used to investigate the spatial occurrence of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) relative to each other as they produced whistles, burst pulses, and echolocation clicks. Groups of approximately 30 to 60 animals were recorded while they traveled and socialized in nearshore waters off Oahu, Hawaii. Signaling animals were localized using time of arrival difference cues on the three channels. Sequences of whistles occurred between dolphins separated by significantly greater distances than animals producing burst pulses. Whistles typically originated from dolphins spaced widely apart (median = 23 m), supporting the hypothesis that whistles play a role in maintaining contact between animals in a dispersed group. Burst pulses, on the other hand, usually came from animals spaced closer to one another (median = 14 m), suggesting they function as a more intimate form of signaling between adjacent individuals. The spacing between echolocating animals was more variable and exhibited a bimodal distribution. Three quarters of echolocating animals were separated by 10 m or more, suggesting that the task of vigilance in a pod may not be shared equally by all members at all times.

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INTERNSHIPS IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON
by Tony Martin 02 Feb '06

02 Feb '06

INTERNSHIPS IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON Study species: Boto (Amazon river dolphin) Inia geoffrensis & tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis Location: Mamirauá Reserve, near Tefé, Brazil Duration: Minimum 6 months, but 9 months preferred Age range: 20 - 33 years Qualification: at least first degree level, preferably in zoology or related subject Start date: 2006, negotiable Closing date for applications: Feb 12 2006 Remuneration: 70 USD per month; all living expenses free Language requirements: At least moderate Portuguese or good Spanish plus good English. No exceptions. Notes. Projeto Boto has been running for 12 years, during which time around 45 interns have helped in the collection of observational data on a population of marked dolphins (now nearly 400 animals). We have a team on the water almost every day of the year, working from boats based at own floating house/lab. The research base is in the heart of the flooded forest, surrounded by myriad wildlife. Many dolphin encounters are guaranteed each day. There is a rolling programme of intern recruitment, and we are now seeking cetacean enthusiasts to begin during 2006. The normal team is of 2 interns plus our resident local research assistant who knows each dolphin individually, and our flooded forest reserve like the back of his hand. Interns are recruited one by one, and given a 4-week understudy with their predecessor. After a further 3 or 4 months they become the senior intern when the next handover has been completed. We are seeking keen young scientists/enthusiasts who are willing to spend 6-9 months in a remote and stunningly beautiful location, dedicated to observing and recording botos. Their hard work will contribute to a productive and exciting research programme which is providing the first quantitative understanding of the biology and ecology of any river dolphin. Life on the raft is fairly basic but clean and safe, with solar power, cold showers, flush toilet and gas-powered fridge/freezer and cooker. Candidates with previous experience of fieldwork will be considered favourably. The nearest town with shops/hospital/airport is 2 hrs away by boat. Due to the close relationship between this study and both the local population and reserve management, all of whom speak Portuguese, we must insist on at least moderate skills in spoken Portuguese or good Spanish. Good spoken English is also necessary. We will only recruit people with the attributes outlined above; please do not reply if you are unable to meet these requirements. Furthermore, this advertisement is intended only for posting on MARMAM. It should NOT be copied and posted elsewhere without our specific approval. Please apply to us by e-mail, including a CV and a short letter explaining why you wish to join the project. Copy the application to both addresses. Tony Martin (arm(a)bas.ac.uk) and Vera da Silva (tucuxi(a)inpa.gov.br) -- This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in an electronics records management system.

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opportunity for students
by Stan Kuczaj 02 Feb '06

02 Feb '06

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an opportunity for students to earn four hours of course credit while participating in a field study of dolphins in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Utila, located off the northern coast of Honduras. Students will learn to record and analyze marine mammal sounds and behaviors, and will gain firsthand experience in the joys and frustrations associated with field studies of wild dolphin behavior. The dates of the course are May 20 - June 10, 2006. For further information, contact the University of Southern Mississippi Office of International Programs (601-266-4344; e-mail: frances.sudduth(a)usm.edu)

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2006 NERS Conference
by Kimmel, Tricia 02 Feb '06

02 Feb '06

ANNOUNCING 2006 Northeast Region Stranding Network Conference March 23-26, 2006 Holiday Inn Oceanfront Ocean City, Maryland Hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Aquarium in Baltimore, and MERR Institute The annual Northeast Region Stranding Network (NERS) Conference provides an opportunity for stranding network members and researchers to discuss issues and present data and results related to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings. This year the meeting will consist of workshops, a closed business meeting and oral and poster presentations. There will be a workshop on Thursday afternoon followed by a reception, a business meeting on Friday, and presentations all day Saturday. A banquet will be held Saturday night and another workshop will be held Sunday morning to conclude the conference. Details regarding the meeting can be found at http://www.stranding.org/conf/conf.htm The deadline for abstracts and early registration is February 23rd. Tricia Kimmel Natural Resources Biologist Maryland Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Oxford Laboratory 904 S. Morris Street, Oxford, MD 21654 410-226-5908 x137 (W) 410-226-0120 (F) tkimmel(a)dnr.state.md.us

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Internship Dolphin Behavior and Ecology
by Jennifer Lewis 01 Feb '06

01 Feb '06

Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Period of Service: Minimum (one month), maximum (up to 7 months) between April and November 2006 Details of Position: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on a residential population of bottlenose dolphins located in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of behavior and environmental data, data entry/analysis and equipment maintenance. Interns will receive training in field and lab techniques used in cetacean research. Requirements: Must be upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours (8+ per day) under extreme heat (up to 37 degrees Celsius). Positions are voluntary. All work conducted will be done under a Letter of Confirmation for Level B Harassment (MMPA 1972). For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida

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