July 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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Abstract: Hawaii killer whales
by Robin Baird 31 Jul '06

31 Jul '06

New publication: Baird, R.W., D.J. McSweeney, C. Bane, J. Barlow, D.R. Salden, L.K. Antoine, R.G. LeDuc and D.L. Webster. 2006. Killer whales in Hawaiian waters: information on population identity and feeding habits. Pacific Science 60:523-530. Abstract Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have only infrequently been reported from Hawaiian waters, and most of what is known about killer whales world-wide comes from studies in coastal temperate waters. Here we document 24 records of killer whales from within the Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone between 1994 and 2005. Killer whales were recorded 10 months of the year, most around the main Hawaiian Islands. While there were slightly more records than expected during the period when humpback whales are abundant around the islands, there is likely an increase in sighting effort during this period. Killer whales were documented feeding on both a humpback whale and cephalopods, and two species of small cetaceans were observed fleeing from killer whales. Although it is possible there are both marine mammal-eating and cephalopod-eating populations within Hawaiian waters, it seems more likely that Hawaiian killer whales may not exhibit foraging specializations as documented for coastal temperate populations, given the lower productivity and thus reduced selective pressure for specialization in tropical waters. Saddle patch pigmentation patterns were generally fainter and narrower than for those seen in killer whales from the temperate coastal North Pacific, though were most similar to the mammal-eating form of killer whale from those areas. Analysis of skin samples from two animals indicated two mitochondrial haplotypes, one identical to the "Gulf of Alaska transient 2" haplotype (a mammal-eating form), and the other a new haplotype one base different from haplotypes found for mammal-eating killer whales in coastal Alaskan waters. While more samples are needed, including samples from intervening areas, we suggest that killer whales around the Hawaiian Islands are likely isolated from populations in coastal temperate areas. PDF copies are available at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/hawaii.htm ======================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Phone 1-360-943-7325 Fax 1-360-943-7026 e-mail: rwbaird(a)cascadiaresearch.org www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/robin.htm

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proceedings of workshop on static acoustic monitoring of cetaceans
by Ruth Leeney 31 Jul '06

31 Jul '06

The proceedings of the workshop on Static Acoustic Monitoring (SAM) of cetaceans, held at the 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society in Gdynia, Poland, 2nd - 7th April 2006, is now available on the following website: http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/personnel/SAM_report.shtml The workshop was held to address issues relating to SAM for dolphins and porpoises. SAM of odontocetes has been developing steadily and has been used successfully to study environmental impacts of noise producing processes, cetacean habitat use, diel patterns of activity, fishery interactions and behaviour. Whilst the scope of the workshop was SAM in general, many of the studies discussed had used the T-POD device and consequently much of the discussion centered on issues specific to this device. For further information, please contact Ruth Leeney. Ruth H. Leeney Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus Tremough Penryn TR10 9EZ UK Tel: 01326 371 872 Mobile: 07717 567 122 http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/personnel/rl.shtml skype: ruth.leeney

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New publications week 27-30
by Jan Herrmann 30 Jul '06

30 Jul '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 27-30 / 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 Caurant, F. et al. 2006. Lead contamination of small cetaceans in European waters - The use of stable isotopes for identifying the sources of lead exposure. Marine Environmental Research 62(2): 131-148. Clark, C.W. and N.S. Altman. 2006. Acoustic detections of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whale (B. physalus) sounds during a SURTASS LFA exercise. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering 31(1): 120-128. Debes, F. et al. 2006. Impact of prenatal methylmercury exposure on neurobehavioral function at age. Neurotoxicology and Teratology 28(3): 363-375. Godard, C.A. et al. 2006. Benzo[a]pyrene cytotoxicity in right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) skin, testis and lung cell lines. Marine Environmental Research 62(Suppl 1): S20-S24. Goldstein, J.D. et al. 2006. Hematologic, Biochemical, and Cytologic Findings from Apparently Healthy Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(2): 447-454. Kajiwara, N. et al. 2006. Geographical distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorines in small cetaceans from Asian waters. Chemosphere 64(2): 287-295. Kintisch, E. 2006. Navy to Limit Sonar. Science 313(5784): 159. Koopman, H.N. et al. 2006. Topographical distribution of lipids inside the mandibular fat bodies of odontocetes: remarkable complexity and consistency. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering 31(1): 95-106. Miller, B.S. et al. 2006. Middle-ear stiffness of the bottlenose dolphin tursiops truncatus. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering 31(1): 87-94. Pomilla, C. and H.C. Rosenbaum. 2006. Estimates of relatedness in groups of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on two wintering grounds of the Southern Hemisphere. Molecular Ecology 15(9): 2541-2555. Ridgway, S.H. et al. 2006. Functional imaging of dolphin brain metabolism and blood flow. Journal of Experimental Biology 209(15): 2902-2910. Siebert, U. et al. 2006. A decade of harbour porpoise occurrence in German waters-Analyses of aerial surveys, incidental sightings and strandings. Journal of Sea Research 56(1): 65-80. Tachibana, M. et al. 2006. Antibodies to Brucella spp. in Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins from the Solomon Islands. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(2): 412-414. Xiao, J. and D. Wang. 2006. Respiratory pattern of captive Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). Journal of Ethology 24(3): 205-212. PINNIPEDIA Buckles, E.L. et al. 2006. Fetus in Fetu in a Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardi): Histopathologic, Genetic, and Toxicologic Analysis. Veterinary Pathology 43(4): 541-544. Carlini, A.R. et al. 2006. The dynamics of male harem dominance in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at the South Shetland Islands. Polar Biology 29(9): 796-805. Cooper, M.H., S.J. Iverson, and K. Rouvinen-Watt. 2006. Metabolism of Dietary Cetoleic Acid (22:1n-11) in Mink (Mustela vison) and Gray Seals (Halichoerus grypus) Studied Using Radiolabeled Fatty Acids. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79(4): 820-829. Gili, C. et al. 2006. Ultrasonographic monitoring of the fetal growth of common seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina). The Veterinary Record 159(): 116-118. Harrison, P.J. et al. 2006. Incorporating movement into models of grey seal population dynamics. Journal of Animal Ecology 75(3): 634-645. Krafft, B.A., C. Lydersen, and K.M. Kovacs. 2006. Serum Haptoglobin Concentrations in Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida) from Svalbard, Norway. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(2): 442-446. Kumagai, S., D.A.S. Rosen, and A.W. Trites. 2006. Body mass and composition responses to short-term low energy intake are seasonally dependent in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 176(6): 589-598. Richmond, J.P., J.M. Burns, and L.D. Rea. 2006. Ontogeny of total body oxygen stores and aerobic dive potential in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 176(6): 535-545. Sinisalo, T. et al. 2006. Combining stable isotope and intestinal parasite information to evaluate dietary differences between individual ringed seals (Phoca hispida botnica). Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(6): 823-831. Sparling, C.E., J.R. Speakman, and M.A. Fedak. 2006. Seasonal variation in the metabolic rate and body composition of female grey seals: fat conservation prior to high-cost reproduction in a capital breeder? Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 176(6): 505-512. Tabuchi, M. et al. 2006. PCB-Related Alteration of Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid Hormone Receptor Gene Expression in Free-Ranging Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina). Environmental Health Perspectives 114(7): 1024-1031. Zarnke, R.L. et al. 2006. Serologic survey for Brucella spp., phocid herpesvirus-1, phocid herpesvirus-2, and phocine distemper virus in harbor seals from Alaska, 1976-1999. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(2): 290-300. Krafft, B.A. et al. 2006. Growth and population parameters of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from Svalbard, Norway, 2002-2004. ICES Journal of Marine Science 63(6): 1136-1144. Yu, L. and Y.-ping Zhang. 2006. Phylogeny of the caniform carnivora: evidence from multiple genes. Genetica 127(3): 65-79. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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new noise report published
by Frank Thomsen 27 Jul '06

27 Jul '06

Dear colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the following report that has just been published by COWRIE (collaborative offshore wind research into the environment): Thomsen, F. , Lüdemann, K., Kafemann, R. and Piper, W. (2006). Effects of wind farm noise on marine mammals and fish, 62 pp. This study on the "Effects of offshore wind farm noise on marine mammals and fish", based on an earlier report in German as part of EIA work for windfarms in German waters, comprises an assessment of noise during construction / operation based on measurements from across Europe, the transmission of the noise and definition of zones of noise influence (audibility, response, masking, Temporary Threshold Shift) on marine mammals and fish. The report provides the most recent review of studies undertaken in this area of research and will enable COWRIE to identify further work required to complement the existing programme of work being carried out by Subacoustech at UK offshore windfarm sites. The report is available as pdf at the COWRIE website (www.offshorewindfarms.co.uk/) under 'news'. In case of any problems, contact me. Best, Frank -- Dr. Frank Thomsen biologisch-landschaftsökologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft (biola) & Lehrbeauftragter Biozentrum Grindel Universität Hamburg ______________________________________________________________ Verschicken Sie romantische, coole und witzige Bilder per SMS! Jetzt bei WEB.DE FreeMail: http://f.web.de/?mc=021193

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Paper Announcement
by Erika Zollett 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

The following paper has recently been published in Fishery Bulletin: Depredation of catch by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Florida king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) troll fishery Erika A. Zollett and Andrew J. Read Abstract: We documented depredation by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Florida king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) troll fishery. Between March and June 2003, we conducted 26 interviews of charter and commercial fishermen in Islamorada, Florida and 23 along Floridas east coast from Fort Pierce south to Lake Worth Inlet. All fishermen indicated they had observed bottlenose dolphins depredating bait or catch, with king mackerel the species most often taken by dolphins. During on-board observations of depredation between March and June 2003, we found that dolphins took 6% of king mackerel caught by charter fishermen and 20% of fish caught by commercial fishermen. We conclude that depredation by bottlenose dolphins occurs commonly in this fishery and has the potential to incur a significant economic cost to king mackerel fishermen. To address this concern, we conducted preliminary tests of a gear modification designed to reduce depredation in the king mackerel fishery between December 2003 and January 2004. These tests demonstrated that a modification to the outrigger planer will successfully deter bottlenose dolphins from engaging in depredation, without causing a reduction in catch. The paper is available at: http://fishbull.noaa.gov/1043/zollett.pdf Reprints can be requested from: erika.zollett(a)unh.edu --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

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MCBI Tegner Awards - announcement
by Jen Palmer 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

Below please find Marine Conservation Biology Institute's (MCBI) announcement for the Mia J. Tegner Award. We encourage you to distribute at will, apologies for cross postings. Thanks! -jen Jennifer L. Palmer, Conservation Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute Deadline is Sept 29, 2006 Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is pleased to announce the Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants in Marine Environmental History and Historical Ecology. The program is looking to fund studies examining past ecosystem conditions (i.e., historical baselines). This work should be relevant to policy makers and conservationists in their efforts to restore and conserve marine biodiversity. The program will support projects from both natural and social scientists that seek to uncover interactions between natural and human history in the marine and estuarine environments worldwide. MCBI is particularly interested in studies that seek to describe systems prior to large-scale human impacts and industrialization. Research may draw on sources ranging from culturally and geographically derived data, to biological and physical data. Examples of possible information resources include fishery data, letters, journals, interviews, oral histories, historical documents, maps, photos, field surveys, etc. MCBI is especially interested in proposals focused on the following areas: 1) studies combining scientific with traditional knowledge, and/or the significance of traditional resource management systems in maintaining biological and cultural diversity, especially in the regions of Northern Australia, South Pacific, Sea of Cortez and Gulf of California; 2) research that provides documentation of deep-sea marine populations prior to the onset of modern deep-sea fishing (especially fishing on the High Seas); 3) examination of ecological connections between diadromous fish that depend on a river habitat and the populations of offshore predators such as tunas, billfish, bluefish, and sharks that relay on diadromous species as primary prey. Application Guidelines- The deadline for submission is September 29, 2006. MCBI will notify awardees by the end of 2006. Grants can range up to a maximum of $10,000 (USD) for a period no longer than one year. Eligibility- MCBI invites individuals and collaborative teams from academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to apply. Preference will be given to graduate students and post-graduate researchers. Visit www.mcbi.org <http://www.mcbi.org/> for full details. MCBI is a non-profit, tax-exempt scientific and conservation advocacy organization. From our offices in Bellevue, WA, Glen Ellen, CA and Washington DC, we work to protect and restore marine life throughout the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, lecturing, producing books and other publications to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people. Thanks, Lance Morgan, Ph.D., Chief Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 25 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 USA 1 707 938 3214 (o) 1 707 996 4842 (fax) lance(a)mcbi.org www.mcbi.org <http://www.mcbi.org/> Marine Conservation Biology Institute Protecting Ocean Life through Science and Conservation Advocacy Save deep sea corals! <http://www.mcbi.org/DSC_statement/2005_statement.htm>

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Volunteer required to help establish a cetacean monitoring program on Ascension
by Rachel Amies 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

I am looking for a volunteer to assist with setting up a cetacean monitoring program on Ascension Island. The project is basically to monitor cetaceans around the island which has never systematically been done, so there is an opportunity to write up the information and try to get it published. We will be working for the Island's Conservation Department. Their website can be found at http://www.ascensionconservation.org.ac/ THE FIELD WORK There are various sites around the island that were designated as dolphin monitoring sites - you sit at these recording sightings and environmental information for a minimum period of 3 hours - some of the sites take a walk of a few hours to get to, as there are not so many roads on the island. There is also a round the island boat trip which we could do every 2 weeks, and record data on the boat trip. This is the basic monitoring which could be enhanced by: * Trips on boats that are fishing anyway just to get more at sea records * Promoting the sightings programme during the time we are there to get more records * Working with the school to enhance awareness of cetaceans amongst children * Including more sites/longer hours at sites/same sites at different times. We would probably end up with a data collection for a week that would be repeated each week. OUTPUTS We would collate the data that already exists, add our data to it, and write a report for the Islands Conservation Department. Then... (if we wanted to and the data is good enough) we could develop this into a paper for publication. ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES While out on Ascension, there may also be opportunities to assist with other conservation activities, such as beach cleaning for turtles, bird surveys, land crab monitoring and community talks. LOCATION The small island of Ascension is located just south of the equator in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island is renowned for green turtles but the ocean surrounding the island abounds with shark, wahoo, barracuda, tuna, bonita, sailfish, marlin and other game fish, in addition to whales and dolphins. For more information on the island, visit: http://www.ascension-island.gov.ac/ascension.htm EXPECTED COST Flights (from the UK) are from Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) and will cost £500 return. Additional to this are living costs - accommodation will be about £10 per night. For more information on flights, visit http://www.aws.co.uk/ DATES I have between September and December available in which to travel out to Ascension for this project. As the research is flexible in terms of arrival/departure dates and duration, I can negotiate the length of the trip with anyone who is interested. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I have recently graduated in BSc biological sciences and am going on to do a MSc in marine biology. Ideally I am looking for someone of a similar age in a similar situation, who has an interest in and some knowledge of marine mammals. As the project could potentially last a few months and we will just be working as a pair, its important that we get along! So, while I m looking for someone who is responsible and conscientious, Id hope that they are enthusiastic and lively too. If you think youd like to help out, please email or mail me ASAP with a description of yourself including a photo if possible, and a brief description of your interest in cetaceans, or any relevant experience you may have had with these animals. Please also include details of your availability and confirm that you will be able to be financially self-sufficient. Any additional questions or enquiries can also be made to me via the email address provided below. Thanks, Rachel Address: Rachel Amies The Paddock Heathfield Road Audlem Cheshire CW3 0HH Email: rachel_amies(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN Search Toolbar now includes Desktop search! http://join.msn.com/toolbar/overview

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Sea Lions of the World Proceedings
by Kathy Kurtenbach 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

Alaska Sea Grant has a new publication that you may want to add to your library: Sea Lions of the World http://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-06-01.html The September 2004 symposium, Sea Lions of the World, part of Alaska Sea Grant's Wakefield Symposia series, brought sea lion researchers together in Anchorage, Alaska. This proceedings book contributes to understanding why sea lion populations fluctuate, including Alaska's Steller sea lions. Interspecies comparisons shed light on why some populations decline while others increase, and insights are gained on whether trends in the abundance of sea lions are related to fishing activities through food dependencies or through conservation measures. Authors also discuss parasites, contaminants, nutrition, pup survival, foraging, wintering, historical fluctuations, and other topics. Editors: A.W Trites, S.K. Atkinson, D.P. DeMaster, L.W. Fritz, T.S. Gelatt, L.D. Rea, and K.M. Wynne Price: $50.00 To order and for more information, go to http://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-06-01.html Thanks, Kathy Kurtenbach Sales and Marketing Coordinator Alaska Sea Grant Fairbanks, AK 907.474.7476 fnkk1(a)uaf.edu

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