May 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Stomach contents data wanted for sperm whales and Kogia
by nhy038＠abdn.ac.uk 11 May '06

11 May '06

Dear Marmammers, I have a student who for their summer masters thesis project will be looking at the relative prey size consumed by sperm whales and Kogia. In the northeast Atlantic, it seems that these species all consume very similar prey sizes in relation to body size and the student will investigate whether this holds throughout the range of the three species or whether this is a local similarity. We are, therefore, looking for data on stomach contents of sperm whales and from Kogia species. We need data where the size of the whale is known and where the prey within the stomach have been measured. We are particularly interested in information from the western North Atlantic, the North Pacific and both coasts of South America, but would be interested in hearing from anyone who may have suitable data. If you have any data on prey sizes of Kogia and sperm whales and you may consider letting us use them in this master project, please let me know. I will look forward to hearing from you. All the best, Colin MacLeod University of Aberdeen, Scotland

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cetaceans' placenta
by Simona Sacchini 10 May '06

10 May '06

Hi all! My name is Simona and i'm a student at the last year of veterinary medicine at the faculty of Milan ( Italy ). I'm making my thesis about placenta in cetacenas, making use of NOS and TUNEL techniques. I'm working on two placentas of bottlenose dolphins ( and one of pinniped, too ). But i need more samples, and i've not much written material ( I found few information about placenta in cetaceans on books and internet ). Can anyone help? With everything you know about placenta in cetaceans ( most of all in bottlenose dolphins ). Istological images would be very usefull. I'd be very grateful if someone could help me. Thank you so much! Simona simotoby(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Scarica gratuitamente MSN Toolbar! http://toolbar.msn.it/

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Dissertation
by Parissa Yazdi 10 May '06

10 May '06

Dear colleagues, I have finished my PhD thesis with the title: "Impact of tour boats on the behaviour and energetic of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Choros Island, Chile." The dissertation is written in german, but an english summary is included (see below). My thesis can be downloaded as pdf-file under: http://e-diss.uni-kiel.de/diss_1579/ Please send all requests to: mail(a)parissa-yazdi.de Yazdi, P. (2005): Einfluss der Tourismusboote auf das Verhalten und die Energetik der Großen Tümmler (Tursiops truncatus) vor der Insel Choros, Chile. Dissertation. Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel. Summary: Watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat has increased throughout the world. Since bottlenose dolphins are common in coastal regions, they are visited frequently by tour boats. Boats can affect the behaviour of dolphins. To what degree their presence changes the dolphins' energy budget was still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to examine how the activities and energetics of bottlenose dolphins are affected by boats. Furthermore, the focus was on the different reactions of dolphins to boats far away and nearby as well as on the dolphins' strategies to avoid boats. Observations were conducted in Chile off Choros Island in the summer months of 2000/2001. Swimming speeds and movements of the dolphins were recorded via theodolite tracking. The results of this study show that close boats (<100 m) affect the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins more strongly than boats further away (>100 m). Whereas dolphins reacted to distant boats in 44% (n=23) of observations, they responded to close boats 95% (n=82) of the time. Their activity budget did not change significantly with distant boats compared to controls. Close boats, however, induced a decrease of feeding (from 6% to 0%), resting (from 15% to 5%) and social behaviour (from 15% to 5%). The proportions of high-speed swimming (from 5% to 11%) and slow swimming (from 20% to 38%) increased. Close boats caused behavioural changes 3.5 times more often than controls. With a constant number of close boats, resting changed to diving and social behaviour to slow swimming (p<0.05). In addition, dolphins reacted with frequent speed changes: slow swimming changed to high-speed swimming and vice versa. As a result of an increasing number of boats in the proximity, the transitions of slow swimming to high-speed swimming and slow swimming to diving showed an increase. If the animals were diving, they most often maintained this activity. However, dive time decreased with the presence of close boats by 45% (without boats: = 108 s; with close boats: = 59 s), while the duration at the surface remained unchanged (without boats: = 35.8 s, with boats: = 39.0 s). Off Choros Island, all types of diving behaviour strongly associated with feeding constituted 53% of the controls. With close boats, however, these kinds of submergings were not observed. In the presence of close boats, dolphins were observed 6 times more frequently to leap (when swimming at the surface between dives) and 3.6 times more frequently to tail-slap (when swimming slowly) than under control conditions - an indication of disturbance. Bottlenose dolphins off Choros Island responded to close boats with evasive manoeuvres similar to techniques used for avoiding predators. They mostly showed horizontal avoidance in 37% (n=82) of the cases. This also includes weak reactions such as changes of movement patterns during slow swimming. In the absence of boats, dolphins swam slowly often in a zigzag-pattern (59%; n=27) usually within their preferred residence area. With boats, however, movements predominantly followed (71%; n=51) a direct path - most frequently to the west or northwest of Choros Island as boats always approached from the east. Primarily dolphins left their preferred residence area, when many boats stayed for a longer time in their surroundings. The number of close tour boats had a significant influence on the mean swim speed of the dolphins. With more than two close boats, animals swam approx. 37% faster (3-5 close boats: = 2.6 m s-1) than without close boats (without/ distant boats: = 1.9 m s-1). Without boats, dolphins swam long distances and straight at high speed. With boats the distances (without boats: = 842 m; with boats: = 501 m) and the durations (without boats: = 3.0 min; with boats: = 1.5 min) of the high-speed tracks were significantly shorter. There was a trend to movements in zigzag pattern. Here a second strategy of horizontal avoidance was displayed: escape. Bottlenose dolphins off Choros Island showed an increase of group dispersion or a tendency to split into subgroups, when exposed to more than two boats. Possibly group dispersion is a further avoidance strategy of dolphins: scattered emerging positions make movements more unpredictable. Furthermore, individuals or subgroups could follow different avoidance strategies, causing the splitting of a group. Diving as a vertical avoidance strategy constituted 16% of dolphin reactions (n=82) towards close boats. In 14% of the cases, there was a simultaneous occurrence of horizontal and vertical avoidance behaviour, for example when dolphins dove and swam westward, in order to leave the boat traffic area. That was mostly the case, when several boats stayed a long time in the proximity of the dolphins. Based on activity budget, average swim speeds, and leap frequencies of the bottlenose dolphins off Choros Island, an energy consumption of 2.93 W kg-1 was calculated. This corresponds to a daily energy demand of 50.6 MJ per dolphin with 200 kg body weight. Animals utilized 36% of their energy for the execution of their daily activities. A leap to a height of 9 m costs a dolphin 79.5 KJ, corresponds to approximately 0.25% of its daily resting metabolism. If the power of leaps is averaged over all group members, they constituted only 1% of the total energy consumption. With boats at close range, the mean power requirement of dolphins was around 15.4% higher than during controls. The quantifiable additional momentary costs amounted to 324 kJ per hour, which corresponds to the energy content of approximately 65 g fish. With close boats, dolphins used a third of their energy budget to avoid boats by swimming at high speed. Whether additional energetic costs could be induced by tour boats and which long-term consequences might have to be expected is discussed. In the light of these findings, recommendations for dolphin-watching guidelines are given. These contain among others the restriction of the number of boats in the proximity of dolphins (<100 m) to a maximum of two boats. Boats should keep a minimum distance of 30 meters or 50 meters, respectively, if bottlenose dolphins show resting or social behaviour. Guidelines would not only provide for the protection of the animals on a long-term basis, they would also increase the probability of satisfying encounters between tourists and these small cetaceans. Dr. Parissa Yazdi Marine Biologist ___________________________________________________________ Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - Jetzt mit 1GB Speicher kostenlos - Hier anmelden: http://mail.yahoo.de

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Summer field course -- Delphinid and Sirenian Field Studies in Belize
by Leszek Karczmarski 09 May '06

09 May '06

Summer Field Course: Delphinid and Sirenian Field Studies in Belize For those interested in delphinid and sirenian field research experience this summer, please see the web-links listed below. We have still two places available for the first session, June 15-26, 2006. Check out the following websites: a. Detailed Course Description: http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20HPF%20mari… <http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20HPF%20mari…> b. 1-Page Course Flyer: http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20Flyer.pdf c. Registration Form: http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20Registrati… For further details contact either L. Karczmarski or C. Self-Sullivan Dr. Leszek Karczmarski E-mail: karczmal(a)tamug.edu Caryn Self Sullivan, Ph.D. Candidate Email: caryn(a)sirenian.org Tel: (540) 287-8207 To sign up for the course, contact: Caryn Self-Sullivan Email: caryn(a)sirenian.org Course Summary The course will provide an overview of population ecology, behavior, and conservation biology of cetaceans and sirenians, and will focus on field and laboratory research techniques used in studies of these marine mammals. Classes will include review of recent scientific literature, and open discussion on current issues in behavioral, population, and conservation ecology. Emphasis will be given to hands-on practical experience in data collection and analyses, especially in behavioral and ecological research, such as photo-ID mark-recapture techniques, population assessment, behavioral sampling, genetic research, etc. Students will participate in boat-based research surveys investigating population ecology and social dynamics of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and conservation biology of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Drowned Cayes area, central Belize. The course will last 10 days, and - weather permitting - we are going to be on the water at least during five or six of these days. Students will actively participate in data collection and analyses as part of an ongoing research. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in delphinid and sirenian field research in a unique tropical habitat of central Belize. All classes will be in a form of either (a) lectures that will lead to more "informal" discussion, hopefully ending with a constructive brain-storming on a specific topic, or (b) instructions with hands-on practical component, especially when it involves field techniques or analytical lab techniques. The course will be hosted by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education (HPF) as a non-credit course. The lecture and lab hours are equivalent of a 4-credit academic course, and, when applicable, credits might be issued by the participating student's own university. In such a case a written assignment will be to follow by e-mail within six weeks of the completion of the course. Location The courses will take place at a unique field location, Spanish Lookout Caye (SLC), a small (184-acre) tropical mangrove island formation off the coast of Belize. SLC is approximately 10 miles east of Belize City and less than 2 miles west of the Belize Barrier Reef -- the second largest barrier reef in the world. This is approximately 20 minutes by boat from Belize City. Spanish Lookout encompasses two of several mangrove islets within the Drowned Cayes range. The Drowned Cayes represent pristine mangrove habitat, surrounded by seagrass beds and coral patch reefs, within the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon system. SLC is privately owned, with approximately 10% of the island developed exclusively for the conservation and research center. We will be hosted at the facilities of Spanish Bay Conservation and Research Center (SBCRC), home to the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education (HPF) . Both SBCRC and HPF are in partnership with (and supported by) Hugh Parkey's Belize Dive Connection, the largest commercial diving operator in Belize.

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VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED - BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
by CBMWC 09 May '06

09 May '06

Apologise for cross-posting! BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PHOTO-ID VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Volunteer positions have recently become available for the 2006 season. If you are interested in volunteering at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre in New Quay, West Wales, please contact Sarah Perry on volunteer(a)cbmwc.org. For more information please visit our website <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org. Our 2005 Bottlenose dolphin photo-identification catalogue can be found on our website, (http://www.cbmwc.org/current_res/photo-idcatalogue.htm) We are recruiting willing volunteers to assist with our ongoing research and education programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay, primarily the bottlenose dolphins (photo-identification), harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seals. Undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects can be supported with boat time and office space. Please contact us to discuss feasible projects email: info(a)cbmwc.org. We support non-invasive and non-disruptive research. Some of the skills volunteers will learn include: * Species identification skills * How to estimate group size * How to distinguish between adult, juvenile and calf bottlenose dolphins & harbour porpoise * How to assess key environmental factors and how to record this information * How to estimate distance from recording platform * How to analyse & catalogue photo-identification images of bottlenose dolphins * How photo-identification techniques help to monitor cetaceans * How to conduct land based watches and record marine mammal sightings and how to monitor boat activity * How to record and distinguish different behaviours As well as learning about the bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay. Volunteers will also: * Assist with boat based photo identification surveys. * Assist with collection of data on marine mammals & other wildlife in Cardigan Bay * Act as a marine mammal "lookout". * Educate passengers about the wildlife in Cardigan Bay. * Assist with other ongoing projects at our centre including opportunistic jellyfish surveys and sunfish surveys amongst others. * Help crew research vessel, Sulaire. * Assist with the day-to-day operation of our Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife visitor centre, including staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings and answering enquiries. * Advise visitors to the centre and the public about the Marine Wildlife in Cardigan Bay and the work that is being conducted. * Creation and regular updating of our website pages with sightings and other information. * Conduct land based surveys from New Quay in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council. * Record sightings information, update sightings boards in our centre and central database with information gained from our boat and land based research surveys. * Assist with analysis & cataloguing of photo identification of the bottlenose dolphins. Commitment for a minimum of 2 weeks is preferred. Accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx 45 - 50GBP per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. Local volunteers are always welcome to join us. For further information about the work we do please visit - <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org To apply: Please contact Sarah Perry by email at volunteer(a)cbmwc.org and include a copy of your CV detailing your background and relevant experience together with a covering letter indicating when and how long you are available to volunteer. Or alternatively post your application to: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales (UK) Tel: +44 (0) 1545 560032/ (0) 7796135490 www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/>

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New publications week 17
by Jan Herrmann 09 May '06

09 May '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 17 / 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 Hung, C.L. et al. (2006): An assessment of the risks associated with polychlorinated biphenyls found in the stomach contents of stranded Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Hong Kong waters. Chemosphere 63(5): 845-852. Nelson, M.E. and M.A. Maciver (2006): Sensory acquisition in active sensing systems. Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology 192(6): 573-586. Mancia, A. et al. (2006): The Immunoglobulin G Heavy Chain (IGHG) genes of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 144(1): 38-46. Munn, C.B. (2006): Viruses as pathogens of marine organisms-from bacteria to whales. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 86(3): 453-467. PINNIPEDIA Kuiken, T. et al. (2006): The 2000 Canine Distemper Epidemic in Caspian Seals (Phoca caspica): Pathology and Analysis of Contributory Factors. Veterinary Pathology 43(3): 321-338. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Bowen, L. et al. (2006): Expressed MHC class II genes in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from geographically disparate populations. Tissue Antigens 67(5): 402-408. Kenny, D.E. and C. Bickel (2005): Growth and development of Polar bear Ursus maritimus cubs at Denver Zoological Gardens. International Zoo Yearbook 39(1): 205-214. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Postdoctoral position in Marine Bioacoustics
by Finneran, James SPAWAR 08 May '06

08 May '06

The NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Award for research in Bioacoustics at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, CA The NRC will offer a postdoctoral research award for research to be conducted at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program in the investigation of the hearing abilities of and effects of sound on marine animals. This research involves conducting behavioral and electrophysiological measurements of hearing sensitivity, measuring noise-induced temporary threshold shifts, and developing acoustic impact criteria and safe exposure guidelines for marine animals. Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. in acoustics, engineering, physics, experimental psychology (specializing in psycho-acoustics), or biology with a strong background in mathematics. ELIGIBILITY: US citizenship with PhD earned no more than 5 years as of date of application STIPEND: $52,500 per year PROVISIONS: Relocation, professional travel, and health insurance DURATION: One year renewable up to three years maximum Interested individuals are encouraged to contact: Dr. James J. Finneran, U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Code 2351 53560 Hull St., San Diego, CA 92152-5001 Phone: 619-767-4098, Fax: 619-553-0899, E-mail: james.finneran(a)navy.mil Detailed program information, including information on how to apply, is available on the NRC Web site at: http://www.national-academies.org/rap Questions should be directed to the NRC at 202-334-2760 or rap(a)nas.edu

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Announcement: Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum - MAY 15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE
by Andrea Hoyt 05 May '06

05 May '06

Good day everyone, We're coming up on the registration deadline for Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum, which will be held in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, Canada - on the coast of the spectacular Beaufort Sea! The theme of the Youth Forum is Change and Sustainability in Arctic Coastal Communities and we're inviting all youth (age 15-29) to come and share their knowledge and enthusiasm on topics relating to change and sustainability. For more information, check out our website at http://www.czc06.ca/e/youth.html. On the website, you will find the registration form, some info on the schedule, and a bit of background information on Tuktoyaktuk and the Coastal Zone Canada Association and biennial conference series. Please pass on this note to any youth you think might be interested in participating. Registrations are due by May 15, 2006. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at Youth.Forum(a)czc06.ca. Thanks in advance, Andrea Calling all Youth! Re: Invitation to Attend Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT We would like to invite you to participate in the Coastal Zone Canada Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk, in Canada's Western Arctic, August 11-14, 2006. If you're between the ages of 15 and 29, and interested in the environment and change, Tuktoyaktuk NWT is where you'll want to be this summer! The Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk will be an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about new and emerging ways to manage and adapt to coastal change. The theme of this year's conference is "change and sustainability in Arctic coastal communities" and Participants will be considering how livelihoods depend on the coast, from research, to hunting and fishing, to shipping and travel routes. We will look at how coastal residents can better adjust to changing times and conditions. We are confident that the Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum will provide many opportunities to learn and share with other youth from the Arctic and the rest of the world. Enclosed is some information about the Youth Forum, which may answer some questions you may have about the Forum. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact me at Youth.Forum(a)czc06.ca, or by replying to this letter at the address above. See you in Tuktoyaktuk! Yours truly, ________________________________________________ Andrea J. Hoyt Co-chair, Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum c/o Fisheries Joint Management Committee Box 2120 Inuvik, Northwest Territories X0E 0T0 Tel: (867) 777-2828, ext. 235 Fax: (867) 777-2610 E-mail: Youth.Forum(a)czc06.ca <mailto:fjmc-rp@jointsec.nt.ca> http://www.czc06.ca/e/youth.html

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Pinniped post-doc position, Kodiak Alaska
by Kate Wynne 05 May '06

05 May '06

Position Announcement Post-doctoral Fellow: Pinniped Foraging Ecology Gulf Apex Predator-prey Study Application Review Begins: Monday,14 May 2006 For further information, please contact: Kate Wynne E-mail: ffkmw(a)uaf.edu -------------------------------------- The Gulf Apex Predator-prey Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic person for a post-doctoral fellowship focused on the foraging ecology of pinnipeds in the western Gulf of Alaska. The position is based in Kodiak, Alaska at the University of Alaska's Fishery Industrial Technology Center. This individual will join a multi-disciplinary team studying apex predator-prey interactions in Kodiak Island waters. The successful candidate will assist in the a) analysis and synthesis of existing pinniped diet data in the context of related prey and foraging data, b) development of trophodynamic models, and c) preparation and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, reports, and proposals. This person will also be responsible for designing and implementing a short-term study of Steller sea lion pup weaning ontogeny and may be asked to assist in the collection of cetacean photos and samples on inter-related research projects. The candidate must be willing to work in the field and at sea in potentially inclement conditions, perform occasional heavy lifting, and travel by boat or plane in remote settings. Applicants are required to have marine mammal research experience with a focus on pinniped population dynamics, foraging ecology, and/or energetics. Candidate should also have a strong interest- and preferably experience- in modeling predator-prey systems and trophodynamics in marine ecosystems. The successful applicant will be expected to work independently but in collaboration with a team of interdisciplinary researchers. The ideal applicant will be organized, self motivated, independent, and have strong writing and communication skills. A proven ability to produce tangible and/or publishable results from significant or difficult tasks is desirable. This position is for 12 months commencing early summer 2006 with potential for extension, contingent on additional funding. The position is open until filled. To apply, please send electronically your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, how you think you would fit into the organization, your professional experience, and the names of three references with contact information to: Kate Wynne Associate Professor University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences 118 Trident Way Kodiak, AK 99615 (907) 486-1517 ffkmw(a)uaf.edu

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Position: CRS, Analyst in Marine and Coastal Resources Management
by Gene Buck 05 May '06

05 May '06

Colleagues: In anticipation of my retirement in 5 or so years, CRS has posted a position opening in "marine and coastal resources management." The individual hired under this posting will work on policy analysis for the U.S. Congress, including marine mammal policy, with me until I retire. The position can be found on CRS's employment page, under Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, at: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/ This page also has links to background about CRS, etc. Closing date on this posting in May 31, 2006. Please pass this along to whomever might be interested. I'd be glad to answer any questions about CRS or this position ... just drop me an e-mail. Gene Buck, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy Congressional Research Service gbuck(a)crs.loc.gov

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