June 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper about Bottlenose Dolphins and fish farms
by Bruno Diaz 05 May '07

05 May '07

Dear All, The following paper is now available. PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com) THE IMPACT OF A FISH FARM ON A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. Bruno Díaz López, Luca Marini & Federico Polo. Thalassas, An international Journal of marine sciences. Vol 21 (2), 2005. ABSTRACT The increasing presence of aquaculture in coastal waters calls for a better understanding of its environmental effects. Despite a number of studies focusing on the impact of aquaculture on marine mammals, the interaction between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with fish farms has been the subject of few investigations. In this paper we report the results of our research on the interaction between bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm on the Sardinian coast (Italy) from 1991 to 2004. We divided the study area latitudinally into two sections: southern (Gulf of Olbia) and northern (Gulf of Congianus). In the southern section in November 1995 the plant of a small fish farm was completely increased and transformed. Data were pooled into two periods (1991 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004). All years but 2003 were sampled. During the first and second research periods the same land-based searches were conducted under fair to excellent weather conditions. A total of 255 sightings were carried out in over 1320 hours of research of dolphins: in the first period 52 sightings were recorded in 517 hours of research, in the second period 203 sightings were realized in 803 hours of research. The presence of bottlenose dolphins changed dramatically between the two research periods. Observations of dolphins indicate that they are mainly present in the southern area during the second period. The preference for the southern section seemed to be consistent after the transformation of the fish farm, since 1995. Keywords: bottlenose dolphins, aquaculture, fish farm, marine mammals, Sardinian coast Best regards, Bruno Díaz López Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com V.Diaz 4 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy tel: 00 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. --------------------------------- Get amazing travel prices for air and hotel in one click on Yahoo! FareChase

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Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Summer Internship
by Marine Animal Lifeline 13 Aug '06

13 Aug '06

MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Marine Animal Lifeline in Portland, Maine, seeks applicants for a summer internship working with stranded harbor seal pups. The internship will begin on May 20th and end August 13th. This is a full time internship position with some flexibility of the start and end date of the internship. The internship is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for all travel and housing expenses. Job Summary/Program Description: This internship is designed to provide a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. The interns will have a leadership role in the rehabilitation team and interns will be responsible for a number of support tasks with rehabilitating stranded seals throughout the course of the internship. The positions will involve working under the Veterinary Technicians in providing medical care, feeding, cleaning and completing medical records in the rehabilitation program. The intern will be integrated into the department with assigned duties allowing them to progressively take on more responsibility. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist in marine mammal rescues as they arise. In addition, they will provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals, and assist in a number of other marine mammal care procedures. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. The internship is 5 days a week, 40 hours per week, however, due to the unpredictable nature of animal care, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Daily operations at the rehabilitation facility begin at 6:30 am and go until at least 8:30 pm often later, on a case-by-case basis. The Marine Animal Lifeline is an extremely busy rehabilitation facility and the animals often require late-night or overnight care. Interns must be able and willing to work long and flexible hours including weekends, holidays and occasional nights. Interns will be required to have fair physical strength and be in good health. Successful applicants will have leadership skills, or posses the ability to learn proper leadership skills quickly. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Duties Include: * Daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of work areas. * Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments. * Assisting with rescues and releases of injured or abandoned marine animals. * Assisting with the taking and processing of X-rays. * Assisting with blood handling and collection. * Assisting with necropsies. * Updating medical and laboratory records and logs. * Maintaining veterinary and rehab supplies and equipment. * Assisting in the feeding, cleaning and daily operations of the rehab area. * Other duties relating to the Center's goals and mission as required. Application Process: Interested individuals must send the following: - Letter of intent including reasons for wanting to do the internship. - Resume - 3 references Submit the above items through one of the following 3 ways: 1. Email: jjakush(a)stranding.org (via pdf file or MSWord) 2. Regular mail: Marine Animal Lifeline c/o Jennifer Jakush P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 3. Fax: 207-541-1936 The application submission deadline is March 15th and selection of applicants will be complete by March 31st. If you have any further questions, contact Jennifer Jakush at (207) 773-7377, Ext. 413 or email at jjakush(a)stranding.org If you would like to learn more about the Marine Animal Lifeline, visit our website at www.stranding.org Jennifer Jakush Veterinary Technician Marine Animal Lifeline P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 Phone: (207) 773-7377, Ext. 413 Fax: (207) 541-1936 jjakush(a)stranding.org www.stranding.org

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New paper on sea lions and dolphins
by Maddalena Bearzi 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

Dear Marmamers, The following paper on sea lions and dolphins was recently published: Bearzi, M. 2006. CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS USE DOLPHINS TO LOCATE FOOD. Journal of Mammalogy 87(3):606-617. Abstract Aggregations by 3 species of dolphins (the bottlenose dolphin [Tursiops truncatus], the short-beaked common dolphin [Delphinus delphis], and the long-beaked common dolphin [Delphinus capensis]) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were investigated in Santa Monica Bay, California. Groups were followed and observed during 201 boat-based surveys conducted in 19972001 documenting that sea lions were aggregated in 18.6% of the sightings with bottlenose dolphins (150 bottlenose dolphin sightings) and in 45.9% of the sightings with 1 of the 2 species of common dolphins (98 common dolphin sightings). Aggregations of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions were observed in inshore (,500 m from shore) and offshore (.500 m) waters, whereas common dolphins and sea lions were observed only in offshore waters. These aggregations were often recorded feeding near escarpments and submarine canyons, showing a striking preference for these bathymetric features. The results show that sea lions spend a significant amount of time following dolphins, sea lions initiate aggregation and departure from dolphin schools, these aggregations occur more often than is expected by chance, and no aggressive behavior between sea lions and dolphins was ever observed at or near the surface. I argue that sea lions may take advantage of the superior food-locating abilities of dolphins. This paper provides the 1st detailed description of mixed-species aggregations and habitat usage by 3 dolphin species and sea lions. The paper is available through the journal¹s website: http://www.asmjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-pdf&doi=10.1644%2F04-MAMM-A -115R4.1 Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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2 day marine mammal courses UK
by Volunteer Coordinator (HWDT) 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust MARINE MAMMAL COURSES 2006 Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland ACTIVITIES: Boat Based Survey Techniques A day out on 65ft yacht Silurian to learn about marine life survey techniques from our science team, and a chance to see a number of marine animals. Survey Techniques include: a.. Identifying different marine mammals (whales, dolphins, porpoises, grey and common seals) b.. Estimating distance of animals from the boat c.. Photo identification - how to identify individual animals d.. Acoustic surveys - the use of a hydrophone to identify different marine mammal species Land Based Survey Techniques Spend an afternoon finding out what signs to look for when spotting cetaceans from shore; how to identify what you see; how land based surveys differ from boat based surveys and why they are important in cetacean monitoring; how to use survey equipment to monitor boat and cetacean movements. Marine life biology Learn first hand about the local marine life with a make-shift aquarium containing a variety of different marine animals - different varieties of crabs, lobster, starfish etc. Plankton Identification Plankton are at the source of the whole marine ecosystem, collect plankton samples and identify your catch under microscopes. Learn about the rich biodiversity of the area and why the Hebrides has such productive waters. Presentations: Different cetacean species present in UK waters and how to identify each of them Marine mammal behaviour, biology, ecology and acoustics The research carried out through the Trust and how you can get involved Discussions on topics of interest (dependent on participants) e.g. Marine pollution and other marine conservation topics Threats to local cetaceans Marine national parks Fisheries Etc. Practicalities DATES: (3 nights) March: Friday 24 - Sunday 26 April: Wednesday 12 - Friday 14 July: Sunday 9 - Tuesday 11 1/3 discount on last minute spaces for members of marmam September: Saturday 2 - Monday 4 GROUP SIZE: 6-9 persons Course not suitable for children, all persons should be over 18 SUITABILITY: The course is aimed at all who have an interest in marine life and wish to know more. Past participants have ranged from wildlife enthusiasts to those with PhD experience - all of whom have enjoyed and benefited from the course. This particular course is not suitable for children. All persons should be aged over 18. Please note that the boat is not equipped for wheelchairs, and is not suitable for those with poor balance or those who require assistance to stand. ACCOMMODATION: Bunk house accommodation can be provided at a cost of £12 per night: One room with 6 beds, one with 4 beds, en-suite showers in each room, self-catering kitchen facilities, small TV room, local pub within a minute's walk. A list of B&B's can be provided for those who wish to find their own accommodation FOOD: We provide the bunkhouse with basic foods such as bread, margarine, spreads, milk, cereals, teas, coffee, sugar, flour, seasonings etc . We will not be providing full meals. There is a fully equipped kitchen in the bunkhouse and a pub that serves meals is located around the corner. COST: The 2 day, 3 night course is: £150 per person - excluding accommodation (The last minute spaces in July are £100 per person) Accommodation is £12 per night extra. To book please contact Fiona Quarmby the course co-ordinator at:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org phone us on 01688 302620 Weekdays between 10am-6pm. Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull Argyll PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 Fax: 01688 302728 Web: www.hwdt.org

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Cetacean Research Project
by Liz Sandeman 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

Cetacean Project - Greece 2006 UK charity the Marine Connection has joined forces with Fiskardos Nautical and Environmental Centre(FNEC)who are based on the beautiful island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, with regards to a vital dolphin and whale research programme. During the last four years volunteers have been recording dolphin and whale numbers, species, distribution, habitat use and boat disturbance. The Marine Connection is offering a limited number of places to join the field project for a minimum period of one week. Species seen range from common, striped and bottlenose dolphins. Other species sighted can include killer whales, pilot whales, rissos dolphins, minke whales or even passing fin whales. Spaces are filling fast and the only dates left for this year are :July 17th, July 31st, August 14th, August 28th, September 11th, September 25th and October 2nd. Included in the price, for qualified divers is the opportunity, when not on research survey's to go diving, using the projects equipment and boat. For further details click here: http://www.marineconnection.org/projects/Greece_2006.htm Liz Sandeman Director of Operations The Marine Connection (reg UK charity 1062222) PO Box 2404, London, W2 3WG Tel: 020 7499 9196 fax: 020 7409 2133 www.marineconnection.org

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Volunteer oportunities in dolphin foto-id-research program
by Stefan Austermühle 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

Dear marmamers The Peruvian conservation group Mundo Azul is launching a volunteer based dolphin-photo-id research program on bottlenose dolphins south of the countries capital Lima. If you are interested you may find more information on our english website: http://www.mundoazul.org/english/volunteer_conservation.htm Thank you very much for your interest Sefan Austermühle Mundo Azul

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literatur on impacts of tourism on dolphins and whales
by Stefan Austermühle 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

Dear colleagues I am currently writing on a book about development of whale and dolphin watching in Peru. I would be very thankfull for anybody that could provide additional information to what I already have on the topic of negative impacts of tourism on cetaceans. Please see the list below Thank you very much for your help Stefan Austermühle Mundo Azul Peru Anonymous, 1995: Report of the Workshop on the Scientific Aspects of Managing Whale Watching, Montecastello Di Vibio, Italy, 30th March - 4th April 1995 Baxter, Andrew and Donoghue, Michael: Management of Cetacean Watching in New Zealand, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Bejder, L. 1997: Behavior, ecology and impacts of tourism on Hector's dolphins (Chephalorhynchus hectori) in Porpoise Bay, New Zealand. MSc. thesis. University of Otago, New Zealand. 101 pp. Egas, Wouter; 2002: Whale Watching in Europe - Aspects of sustainability; University of Amsterdam, Leiden, May 2002 Hammond, Jane, 2006: Dolphin watching harms animals AAP, May 14, 2006; <http://tursiops.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2492> http://tursiops.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2492 Queensland Department of Environment, 2002: Conservation and management of whales and dolphins in Queensland 19972001, The State of Queensland, ISBN 0 7242 6522 8 Lien, Jon, 2001: The Conservation Basis for the Regulation of Whale Watching in Canada by the Department of Fisheries and oceans A precautional Approach; Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2363; Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Johns, Newfoundland; Submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ottawa, 31 March 2000, Central and Arctic Region, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6 Lusseau, D.; 2004: The hidden cost of tourism: detecting long-term effects of tourism using behavioral information. Ecology and Society 9(1): 2. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol9/iss1/art2 Samuels, Amy; Bejder, Lars; and Heinrich, Sonja, 2000: A Review of the Literature Pertaining to Swimming with Wild Dolphins; prepared for the Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 905, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Timmins, Graham: 2004: Is Dusty dangerous? <http://www.irishdolphins.com/webpilot/list/details.asp?contentid=57&l=1 0> http://www.irishdolphins.com/webpilot/list/details.asp?contentid=57&l=10

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Intern needed for Humpback whale foraging ecology study in British Columbia
by Robin Abernethy 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

This August and September North Coast Cetacean Society (NCCS) will be starting a new field project looking at the foraging ecology of Humpback whales in Whale Channel on the North Coast of British Columbia, Canada. NCCS, founded in 2001 is based on Gil Island and is in an ideal location to study humpback and killer whales. For more information regarding their ongoing research projects check out their web page – www.whaleresearch.ca. We are looking for one intern to join us this summer from the end of July to mid September (exact dates TBA). This will be an excellent chance for an upper level undergraduate student (or recent grad) to gain valuable cetacean field experience. This research will be multifaceted involving photo-identification, tracking the movements of the whales from shore using a theodolite, collecting acoustical recordings, and more. Although the hope is to include the intern in all aspects of the research their main task will be to operate the theodolite station. The dates for this project are tentatively set from July 26th to September 16th. This will be a volunteer position although the cost of travel from Vancouver Island to Gil Island and back will be covered, as will food costs during the 6 week period. Accommodation will also be provided at Cetacealab although it will be tight quarters – one may consider bringing along a tent for a bit of personal space. The main things we are looking for are: - Experience using a theodolite would be a benefit although it is not a requirement. - A demonstrated ability to live and work well with others in tight isolated living conditions. - The ability to work independently yet respond well to supervision and instruction - Good problem solving and communication skills. - Strong attention to detail. Applicants must be able to come to the Nanaimo area (British Columbia) for an interview. The position is open until filled. If you are interested please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references to aber_robin(a)yahoo.ca .

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References needed for India manuscript
by William Rossiter 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

Posted on behalf of Anoop.A.Krishnan, India, by Bill Rossiter, Cetacean Society International: Sir, I am Anoop.A and I am working on marine mammals of India. I went for a southern ocean expedition and has collected some datas on sightings of whale and presently making a manuscript of the same. I am having problem getting some important reference which i feel will make my paper good. I am sending the list of references as attachment. If you can help me out or lead me to a people who have these reference it was of of good help. Anoop.A.Krishnan Senior Research Scholar MRC of CMFRI, P. B No. 244, Bolar, Mangalore-575001, India Phone: 09448152501 Fax: +918242424061 email: anoopenv(a)rediffmail.com Borsa, P. 1997. Seasonal trends in the occurrence of marine mammals in the Golfe du Morbihan, Kerguelen Islands. /Mar. Mam. Sc/i, 13 (2):314-316 Cockcroft, V.G. and Young, D.D. 1998. An investigation of the status of coastal marine resources along the west coast of Madagascar. /Mission// Repor/t. 58 pp. Corbett, H.D. 1994. The occurrence of cetaceans of Mauritius and in adjacent waters. /Rep. Int. Whal.Commn. /44:393-97 De Boer, M.N. 2000. Observations on Occurrence and Distribution of Cetaceans in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary and Southern part of the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. Paper SC/52/O9 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee. De Boer, M.N. 2001. A note on cetacean observations in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary and the South China Sea, Mauritius to the Philippines, April 199/9. J. Cetacean. Res. Manag/e. 2(3):197-200 De Boer, M.N., Frizell, J., Sonntag, R. 1999. Cetacean observations in the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean Sanctuaries. Paper SC/51/O12 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, 16 pp. Kasamatsu, F., Joyce, G.G., Ensor, P., Mermoz, J. 1990. Current occurrence of cetacea in the southern hemisphere; results from the IWC/IDCR Southern Hemisphere minke whale assessment cruises, 1978/79-1987/88. Paper SC/42/0 15 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, June 1990 Kasuyo, T. and Wada, S. 1991. Distribution of large cetaceans in the Indian Ocean: data from Japanese sighting records, November-March. In: S. Leatherwood and G. P. Donovan, eds. /Cetaceans andcetacean research in the //Indian Ocean// sanctuar/y. Marine Mammal Technical Report No. 3. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. pp 139-170 Leatherwood, S. and Donovan, G.P. 1991. Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. /In: /S. Leatherwood and G. P. Donovan (eds). /Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Oceansanctuar/y. Marine Mammal Technical Report No. 3. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. Leatherwood, S., Todd, S., Thomas, J.A. 1982. Incidental records of cetaceans in southern seas, January and February 1981. /Rep. Int. Whal. Commn /. 32. 515-520 Parker, D.A.A. 1978. Observations of whales on ANARE voyages between Australia and Antarctica. /Aust. Wildl. Res. /5, pp 25-39 Peddemors, V.M., Best, P.B., Cockcroft, V.G., Oosthuizen, W.H. 2002. The status of South African cetaceans. Paper SC/54/O22 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee. Robineau, D.1998. The cetaceans of the Arabo-Persian Gulf: a review. Paper SC/50/SM1 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, April 1998. 15 pp. Robineau, D. 1991. Balaenopterid sightings in the western tropical Indian Ocean (Seychelles Area), 1982-1986. /In: /S. Leatherwood and G. P. Donovan (eds). /Cetaceans and cetacean research in the IndianOcean sanctuar/y. Marine Mammal Technical Report No. 3. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. pp 171-179. Stensland, E, Berggren, P., Johnstone, R. 1998. Marine mammals in Tanzanian waters: urgent need for status assessment. /Ambio /Vol. 27 (8) pp 771-774. Thiele, D., Chester, E.T., Gill, P.C. 2000. Cetacean distribution off Eastern Antarctica (80°E-150°E) during the Austral Summer of 1995/96. /Deep-Sea Res. I/I, 47:2543-2572 Tynan, C.T. 1997. Cetacean distribution and oceanographic features near the Kerguelen Plateau. /Geophysical Research Letters /24(22):2793-2796.

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Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: behaviour
by David Lusseau 25 Jun '06

25 Jun '06

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the release of the following accepted manuscript on the journal Behavioural Processes' website: Why do dolphins jump? Interpreting the behavioural repertoire of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand Abstract: Only a limited number of studies have tried to determine the purpose of surface behavioural events performed by dolphins. To date only one study has attempted to aggregate the behavioural events observed in a population in contextual groups using co-occurrence as the grouping factor. In the present study I tried to characterise the behavioural repertoire of a bottlenose dolphin population (Tursiops sp.) present in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. I first looked at the relationship between events performed by individuals depending on the behavioural state of their schools. I then assessed the likelihood for events to co-occur. Four main behavioural categories (orientation, travel, social displays and fights) emerged from this analysis. Aerial events (jumps) did not fall into one category, showing that different aerial behaviours play different roles. Moreover, it appears that dolphins used side-flopping and upside-down lobtailing to communicate motivation. Side-flops occurred when the focal schools finished a behavioural bout and started to travel, while upside-down lobtails occurred when the focal schools instigated a behavioural bout after travelling. This non-vocal communication can take place over a few meters to hundreds of meters. Having signals that are effective over very short ranges avoids unwanted signalling to prey, predators, or conspecifics. It is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/ (Journal: Behavioural Processes, section: Article in Press) I will make it also available at lusseau.org in the coming week. best wishes, David ______________ David Lusseau, PhD Killam Postdoctoral Fellow Dalhousie University Department of Biology 1355 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 4J1 Canada Tel: (902) 494 3723 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)dal.ca website: http://www.lusseau.org

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