March 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

93 blackfish stranded in Central Sulawesi Indonesia, 30 dead
by Putu Liza 22 Mar '06

22 Mar '06

Dear all, Just want to inform you that last Saturday, 18 March 2006, a total of 93 blackfishes stranded on the beaches of Ponggeran and Rerang villages, District of Ramsol, Donggala Regency, in the province of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. According to Media Indonesia (www.media-indonesia.com) Despite the locals' hard attempt to save the whales, 30 blackfishes still died during the rescue (another source quoted 45 died). By Monday morning (20 March), all the remaining 63 whales already returned back to the sea. It was hard to identify the species, especially when you were not there to witness the event (I reside in Bali, which is about two hours flight to the nearest airport, plus more than 100km of land travel). However, after scrutinizing the video image downloaded from one of our TV station (SCTV), I suspect the blackfish to be short finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), which are known to do mass stranding. The local weather during the mass stranding was not severe, so we didn't understand the cause of this event. To my knowledge, it was the largest stranding event on blackfish (and perhaps on other cetacean species) in Indonesia. In 2003, about 50 pilot whales also stranded in Banyuwangi, East Java, very next to the west tip of Bali. Back then, only one of the 50 whales died in during the rescue. Cheers, Putu Liza Candidate for Masters on Environmental Management School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography James Cook University putuliza(a)yahoo.com ; putu.liza(a)jcu.edu.au

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Wildlife Biologist job announcement
by Scott_Schliebe＠fws.gov 21 Mar '06

21 Mar '06

DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL!! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ACCESS THE USAJOBS WEB SITE BELOW: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is advertising a Wildlife Biologist GS-5/7/9 Full Time Term appointment Not To Exceed 4 yrs. The announcement can be accessed through USAJOBS internet site http://www.usajobs.gov/. The Job Announcement No. is FS108893-06-PS. The announcement was posted on March 20, 2006 and closes on March 31, 2006 This position will serve as a staff biologist in the polar bear program of the Marine Mammals Office. The person will also be responsible for monitoring the harvest of Pacific walrus in coastal villages. We are looking for an individual with the ability to work independently and with other publics; to demonstrate initiative in identification and solution of resource issues or problems; and to conduct field work in remote areas for extended periods of time.

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Job Opportunity - Education Officer
by HWDT Education 21 Mar '06

21 Mar '06

Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust Job Opportunity: Education Officer - maternity cover HWDT will be appointing an Education Officer to run its education programme. The post is full time (37 hrs) and will be for a minimum of 6 months from 1 May 06 to provide maternity cover for the current Education Officer. The post involves liaising with schools and delivering a programme of school visits, collaborating with universities and organisations to develop land and boat-based marine science courses, delivering a talks programme and making the general public aware of the importance of the sea and the life it contains. Knowledge of the curriculum and education systems in Scotland required. The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of Scotland's whales, dolphins and porpoises and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working with Hebridean communities. Further information can be found on the HWDT Website, www.hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> , or obtained by post from HWDT, 28 Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull PA75 6NU, tel. 01688 302 620.

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Job Opportunity - Marine Biodiversity Officer
by HWDT Education 21 Mar '06

21 Mar '06

Job Opening at Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT): Marine Biodiversity Officer HWDT intends to appoint an experienced Marine Biodiversity Officer to work as a key part of its scientific team on its programme of scientifically based conservation research and monitoring projects in Scottish west-coast waters. Many of these projects are conducted from the Trusts 60 ft ketch Silurian, often in collaboration with other partners. This position is funded through a Heritage Lottery scheme, called NADAIR 2 Nature and Sustainable Development in the Argyll Islands. SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage), AIE (Argyll and Islands Enterprise) and WWF Scotland also fund the project. Job description The key roles involve being the main monitoring officer onboard Silurian, undertaking a variety of marine mammal surveys. He/she will work with and supervise volunteers. In addition to this there will be involvement in land-based projects; assisting with land and boat-based courses; representation on local and regional forums; maintaining and developing relationships with key local and regional marine stakeholders and boat operators. The appointee must be a qualified marine biologist with appropriate field and analytical experience. The person appointed will be responsible to the Senior Scientist and work closely with other members of the team. This post holder will split his/her time between land and boat-based activities and office-based data entry and analysis tasks. Conditions:- This is a part time position (8 months) normally from April-November approx. Salary £10,900 Location:- Tobermory, Isle of Mull, West Scotland Please see HWDT website for further details: www.hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/>

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New publications week 10
by Jan Herrmann 20 Mar '06

20 Mar '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 10 / 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 Galatius, A. et al. (2006): Timing of epiphyseal development in the flipper skeleton of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) as an indicator of paedomorphosis. Acta Zoologica 87(1): 77-82. Lawson, P.A. et al. (2006): Catellicoccus marimammalium gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccus-shaped bacterium from porpoise and grey seal. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 56(2): 429-432. Mitani, Y. et al. (2006): Patterns of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the baleen of common minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata from the western North Pacific. Fisheries Science 72(1): 69-76. Mooney, T.A., P.E. Nachtigall, and M.M.L. Yuen (2006): Temporal resolution of the Risso's dolphin, Grampus griseus, auditory system. Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology 192(4): 373-380. Mowat, R.J.C. (2006): The Exploitation and Cultural Importance of Sea Mammals, Edited by Gregory G. Monks. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 35(1): 165-166. PINNIPEDIA Bertilsson-Friedman, P. (2006): Distribution and frequencies of shark-inflicted injuries to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Journal of Zoology (London) 268(4): 361-368. Rosing-Asvid, A. (2006): The influence of climate variability on polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and ringed seal (Pusa hispida) population dynamics. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(3): 357-364. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Job Posting:MARINE SCIENCES PROJECT MANAGER
by Steve Silva 20 Mar '06

20 Mar '06

MARINE SCIENCTIST/PROJECT MANAGER Responsibilities: Geo-Marine, Inc., an environmental and engineering consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Marine Scientist/Project Manager for its Hampton, VA office. The successful candidate would be responsible for all aspects of environmental project management and would contribute their expertise to the existing Marine Sciences team. Projects include, but are not limited to, marine resource, environmental, and biological assessments in support of NEPA, ESA, MMPA, CZCA, or the MSFCMA/SFA. Job duties include: directing and leading project teams, including oversight of the scientific content and approach; assuming responsibility for project financial and administrative tracking and control as well as labor/resource planning and implementation; establishing and adhering to project schedules; researching, acquiring, and synthesizing marine literature and data; collecting, reviewing, manipulating, and analyzing marine data, including application of statistical tests, as necessary; communicating with government, academic, and industry researchers and scientists; preparing and giving presentations to clients, colleagues, or at scientific or military meetings; participating in project team meetings and attending meetings with third parties/clients as required; interfacing with clients, other engineering/environmental firms, regulatory personnel, and in-house resource specialists; ensuring consistent production of thorough, accurate, and technically sound reports in client specified formats; maintaining project documentation and records; working to secure revenue through interface with current clients in addition to identifying and cultivating new or potential clients; and traveling to client locations, project sites, symposia/other meetings, or other GMI offices. Experience and Skills Required: An interdisciplinary background integrating living marine resources and the physical marine environment is essential. Seven to ten years experience in applied marine sciences, working preferably for, but not limited to, a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or military environmental group. Five plus years of project management experience is required. The successful candidate will possess strong writing, editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while functioning in an environment of changing priorities and time constraints. Although not required, candidates possessing experience with DISTANCEâ, ESRIâ GIS, and/or SASâ software; scientific SCUBA diving; marine/aquatic field collections or monitoring; or familiarity with marine regulations/legislation will have the advantage. U.S. Navy experience, particularly with operations or training, is also a plus. Education: M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Ecology, or Marine Sciences. Position is in the Hampton, Virginia office. Interested candidates should submit a scientific writing sample (sole author preferred but first author designation is also acceptable) with their resume. EMAIL TO: STEVE SILVA steve.silva(a)comcast.net Geo-Marine, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Seals research
by Natasha Nat 20 Mar '06

20 Mar '06

Hi all ! I'm a student of the Murmansk State Technical University (biological faculty). I work as a seals trainer in Murmansk oceanarium. I conduct research of harp seals nutrition in captivity (estimation of assimilation of fat and protein) by analyzing urine and excrement. Now I'm going to research changes in phisiological state of harp seals by analyzing urine and excrement (presence of glucose,hepatogenous pigments, albumen, pH and so on). I wonder if there were similar researchs on seals or other animals and where in the Internet I can get information about it. Any help will be much appreciated Good luck! Belkina Natasha --------------------------------- Вы уже с Yahoo!? Испытайте обновленную и улучшенную Yahoo! Почту!

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Excellent underwater footage of a deep diving sperm whale
by Victoria Turner 20 Mar '06

20 Mar '06

Dear All, I have just been sent this amazing footage from an oil and gas exploration email list. I don't have the full details yet, but apparently it was taken from an ROV working in the Gulf of Mexico. It shows excellent footage of a sperm whale slowly investigating a sub sea structure. Various markings can be seen clearly on the animal including the tail flukes. The person who sent it to me said the footage was taken at 900m but I'm not clear what the DQ depth on the screen means yet. If anybody is interested in obtaining more details about this sighting, please contact me and I'll get more information. There may well be sound to go with the footage. The short film can be viewed on the following web page: http://www.appinscientific.com/ . Scroll down to bottom of the home page under the 'news' heading. Kind regards, Victoria Turner Dr. Victoria Turner Appin Scientific Limited 46 Kellie Place Dunbar, East Lothian Scotland EH42 1GF Tel: +44 (0)1368 869 902 Mobile: + 44 (0)7719 489 415 v.turner(a)appinscientific.com http://www.appinscientific.com This email is strictly confidential and intended solely for the addressee. It may contain information which is covered by legal professional or other privilege. If you are not the intended addressee you must not use, disclose or copy this transmission. This email is not intended to impose nor shall it be construed as imposing any legally binding obligation upon Appin Scientific Limited and/or any of its associated companies. Neither Appin Scientific Limited nor any of its associated companies gives any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this E-Mail. Appin Scientific Limited shall not be held liable to any person resulting from the use of any information contained in this E-Mail and shall not be liable to any persons who acts or omits to do anything in reliance upon it.

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Photo-ID research assistant required
by Stockin, Karen 17 Mar '06

17 Mar '06

PHOTO-ID RESEARCH ASSISTANT REQUIRED We are seeking a dedicated volunteer research assistant to help with common dolphin photo-id in association with the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (Massey University, Auckland Campus) For more information about the project please visit the following websites <http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/people/staff_ks.asp> http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/people/staff_ks.asp and <http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/main.htm> http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/main.htm We require a self-motivated assistant to help with our ongoing research on common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand. Primarily, we are seeking an assistant who is competent with photo-identification cataloguing. Other duties, both land- and field-based, will be involved in the position although photo-id will remain the primary focus of this internship. This position runs from 1 April 2006 and is a 2 month fixed-term placement. Travel, accommodation and food remain the responsibility of the applicant although on site accommodation has been arranged and available at cost rate - details upon request. To apply: Please contact Karen Stockin by email at <mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz with a copy of your CV detailing your background and relevant experience - Photo-id experience should be clearly highlighted in you application. Closing date for applications: Friday 24th March 2006 ========================================= Karen A Stockin Coastal - Marine Research Group Ecology, Zoology and Environmental Sciences Institute of Natural Resources Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Tel: + 64 9 414 0800 Ext 41127 Fax: + 64 9 443 9774 Cell: + 64 21 146 5511 Email: k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/people/staff_ks.asp The New Zealand Common Dolphin Project is proudly affiliated with the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme http://www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk =========================================

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Preliminary pathological study "Beaked whale mass stranding on Almería´s coasts in Southern Spain"(26th - 27th January, 2006)
by Ana Cañadas 17 Mar '06

17 Mar '06

Dear all, On the 26th of January the NGOs (Almeria PROMAR) and the Spanish Cetacean Society (SEC) requested the collaboration of the Unit of Cetacean Research (Veterinary Pathology Unit, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School) from Las Palmas University in the Canary Islands, to conduct a pathological study of four whales that mass stranded on the Almeria´s coats in Southern Spain. The veterinary pathologists carried out the necropsy of two males and two females beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, family Ziphiidae). All animals were in good body (nutritive) conditions with some rests of ingested prey. Three carcasses were in fresh condition and the fourth was moderately decomposed when necropsied. The epidemiological data showed an atypical beaked whale mass stranding involving four whales which died during the evening and/or night of the 26th of January 2006. Two animals were found alive and two were found dead. The two live animals appeared to show clear signs of sickness and died soon after being found. All the four animals showed a Gas and Fat Embolic Syndrome as a result of the pathological study. This syndrome, as it has been previously described in beaked whales, would be responsible for the stranding and death of these animals. When whales with this syndrome strand alive, they develop a more severe cardiovascular clinico-pathological picture and die shortly afterwards. The pathological findings in the Almeria mass stranding is very similar to previous referenced in atypical beaked whale mass strandings associated spatially and temporally to military naval exercises (Bahamas, 2000; Canary Islands, 2002, 2004). In all of these cases mid- frequency active sonar was used before or during the time of strandings. The whales involved were mainly of the Ziphiidae family. Based on current scientific knowledge, and the pathological findings in this study, the most likely primary cause of this type of beaked whale mass stranding event is anthropogenic acoustic activities, most probably anti-submarine active mid-frequency sonar used during the military naval exercises (Jepson et al. 2003, Fernandez et al. 2004, 2005, Cox et al. 2006). For more details please contact: Antonio Fernández, DVM, PhD, ECVP Profesor of Veterinary Pathology Co-ordinator Unit of Cetacean Research (Members): Manuel Arbelo, DVM Eva Sierra, DVM Mariña Méndez, DVM Ana Godinho, DVM Maria José Caballero, DVM, PhD Gustavo Ramirez, DVM Veterinary Histology and Pathology Email: afernandez(a)dmor.ulpgc.es Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA) Veterinary School University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Bibliography: Jepson, P.D., Arbelo, M., Deaville, R., Patterson,I.A.P., Castro, P., Baker, J.R., Degollada, E., Ross, H.M., Herraez, P., Pocknell, A.M., Rodriguez, F., Howie, F.E., Espinosa, A., Reid, R.J., Jaber, J.R., Martin, V., Cunningham, A.A. and Fernández, A. 2003. Gas-bubble lesions in stranded cetaceans. Nature 425:575-576. Fernández, A. 2004. Pathological findings in stranded beaked whales during the naval military manoeuvres near the Canary Islands. Pp. 37-40 In Proceedings of the Workshop on Active Sonar and Cetaceans (P. Evans and L. Miller, eds.). Fernández, A., Arbelo, M., Deaville, R., Patterson, I.A.P., Castro, P., Baker, J.R., Degollada, E., Ross, H.M., Herráez, P., Pocknell, A.M., Rodríguez, F., Howie, F.E., Espinosa, A., Reid, R.J., Jaber, J.R., Martin, V., Cunninghan, A.A., and Jepson, P.D. 2004. Beaked Whales, Sonar and Decompression Sickness. Nature 10: 1038. Fernández, A., Edwards, J.F., Rodriguez, F., Espinosa de los Monteros, A., Herraez, P., Castro, P., Jaber, J.R., Martin, V. and Arbelo, M. 2005. "Gas and fat embolic syndrome involving a mass stranding of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) exposed to anthropogenic sonar signals. Veterinary. Pathology. 42:446-57. T.M. Cox1, T.J. Ragen1, A.J. Read2, E. Vos1, R.W. Baird3, K. Balcomb4, J. Barlow5, J. Caldwell6, T. Cranford7, L. Crum8, A. DAmico9, G. DSpain10, A. Fernández 11, J. Finneran9, R. Gentry12, W. Gerth13, F. Gulland14, J. Hildebrand10, D. Houser15, T. Hullar16, P.D. Jepson17, D. Ketten18, C.D. MacLeod19, P. Miller20, S. Moore21, D. Mountain22, D. Palka23, P. Ponganis10, S. Rommel24, T. Rowles25, B. Taylor5, P. Tyack18, D. Wartzok26, R. Gisiner27, J. Mead28, L. Benner29. Understanding the Impacts of Anthropogenic Sound on Beaked Whales. [1] This paper arose out of a workshop convened in April 2004 by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

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