August 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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Dolphin Research Internship
by Gwenael Beauplet 31 Aug '06

31 Aug '06

DOLPHIN PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter 2006/2007 (mid-October, 2006 - February, 2007). The MMRP is located on Galveston, southern Texas. Our research lab is coordinated under the auspices of the Institute of Marine Life Sciences (IMLS) at Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG). Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at MMRP, please visit our website, at http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/mmrp/ Internships at MMRP represent an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. It offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to participate in MMRP's ongoing research projects and to obtain laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced marine mammal researchers. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Successful applicants will be primarily responsible for assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry into the computer for analysis, library research, and involvement in special projects. This coming year, we will not be engaged in gathering data from vessels, although some limited shore-based work with bottlenose dolphin position information may be possible. Therefore, please be advised that this is primarily an intensive laboratory-analysis experience with marine mammals. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16-20 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. Starting and ending dates are flexible. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Successful candidate will also be responsible for providing their own housing. However, MMRP will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns desiring roommates. * Qualifications required: - Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred - Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. - Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. * The deadline for application is 16 January, 2006, and must contain the following: 1. Curriculum vitae, or "resumé", 2. Letter of intent, which clearly spells out what you would wish to accomplish with the internship, 3. Two letters of reference, from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits, 4. A letter listing classes taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary, but a copy is appreciated. Please send the above materials to : Marine Mammal Research Program, Attn. Internship Coordinator, 5007 Ave. U, Galveston, TX 77551. Interested applicants should correspond to: Dr. Gwenael Beauplet Marine Mammal Research Program Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Texas A&M University 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551, USA Email: ufuf(a)tamug.edu <mailto:ufuf@tamug.edu>

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ACS Conference: Whales Without Borders
by American Cetacean Society 30 Aug '06

30 Aug '06

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FW: Branding paper
by Stobo, Wayne 29 Aug '06

29 Aug '06

> On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to announce the publication of > the following paper in Wildlife Research. > > Pierre-Yves Daoust, G.Mark Fowler and Wayne T. Stobo. 2006. Comparison of > the healing process in hot and cold brands applied to harbour seal pups > (Phoca vitulina). Wildlife Research 33: 361-372 > > > Abstract. Hot branding has been used for many years by researchers to > identify seals from a long distance. In livestock, cold branding has been > proposed as an alternative because it is thought to be less painful. The > purpose of this study was to compare the healing process of hot and cold > brands applied to harbour seal pups (Phoca vitulina). A total of 306 > animals were each branded with a unique set of four characters: three > applied for 3-5 s with an iron heated to 500C, one applied for either 10 > or 20 s with an iron frozen to -175C. At three subsequent times over 10 > weeks, 43, 41 and 51 animals, respectively, were recaptured, the > macroscopic appearance of their brands recorded, and biopsies taken for > microscopic examination. Cold brands had a faster healing rate than hot > brands. However, they had less destruction of hair follicles, and cold > brands applied for 20 s had more depigmentation. Regrowth of hair > follicles could subsequently obscure brands, while depigmentation reduces > the contrast between the brand and the surrounding fur. Cold brands > applied for 20 s also had more extensive deep vascular damage, which > subsequently may have resulted in deeper wounds in some animals. Yet, > macroscopically, other cold brands, or portions thereof, were almost > invisible. Based on this short-term study, the technique of cold branding > that we used in harbour seals does not appear as reliable as that of hot > branding to provide permanent legible brands. > > > Wayne > > > Dr. Wayne T. Stobo > Population Ecology Division > Bedford Institute of Oceanography > Fisheries and Oceans Canada > B2Y 4A2 > > Phone: (902) 426-3316 > Fax (902) 426 -1506 >

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Conference "Cetaceans, sea turtles and sharks of the Adriatic Sea"
by Marco Affronte 29 Aug '06

29 Aug '06

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New publications week 34
by Jan Herrmann 29 Aug '06

29 Aug '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 34 / 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 Liste, F. et al. (2006): Anatomic and computed tomographic atlas of the head of the newborn bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 47(5): 453-460. McLeod, B.A., T.R. Frasier, and B.N. White (2006): Reply to the comment by Romero and Kannada on "Genetic analysis of 16th-century whale bones prompts a revision of the impact of Basque whaling on right and bowhead whales in the western North Atlantic". Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 1066-1069. Nogota, Y. and K. Matsumura (2006): Larval development and settlement of a whale barnacle. Biology Letters 2(1): 92-93. Ramp, C. et al. (2006): Survival of adult blue whales Balaenoptera musculus in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. Marine Ecology Progress Series 319(): 287-295. Romero, A. and S. Kannada (2006): Comment on "Genetic analysis of 16th-century whale bones prompts a revision of the impact of Basque whaling on right and bowhead whales in the western North Atlantic". Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 1059-1065. Thomsen, F., M. Laczny, and W. Piper (2006): A recovery of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the southern North Sea? A case study off Eastern Frisia, Germany. Helgoland Marine Research 60(3): 189-195. Moore, L.M. et al. (2006): Seal and Whale Meat: A Newly Recognized Food Allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 117(2, Supplement 1): S45. PINNIPEDIA Grellier, K. and P.S. Hammond (2006): Robust digestion and passage rate estimates for hard parts of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) prey. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 63(9): 1982-1998. Nelson, M.L., J.R. Gilbert, and K.J. Boyle (2006): The influence of siting and deterrence methods on seal predation at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms in Maine, 2001-2003. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 63(8): 1710-1721. Reid, K., D. Davis, and I.J. Staniland (2006): Spatial and temporal variability in the fish diet of Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 1025-1037. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Kwan, D., H. Marsh, and S. Delean (2006): Factors influencing the sustainability of customary dugong hunting by a remote indigenous community. Environmental Conservation 33(): 164-171. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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donating a hydrophone for exhibition
by Y. Reneé Mensing-Solick 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

Hello, I am writing to see if anyone has a retired/unusable hydrophone that they are will to part with for an exhibit component about underwater sounds. This component is part of an exhibition called Wild Music. This is a national traveling exhibition that investigates the many parallels between human music and musical sounds of the animal world. Specifically, we would like to utilize this hydrophone as a display for museum visitors to look at while listening to audio recordings of a variety of organisms (e.g., snapping shrimp, spiny lobster, earthquake, etc.). Please do let me know if you have one available. Thank you very much. Cheers, Reneé Y. Reneé Mensing-Solick, M.F.A. Exhibit Developer! Science Museum of Minnesota 120 West Kellogg Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55102 rmensingsolick(a)smm.org (651) 221-2501 ------------------------------------------------------------

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Vice President, Zoological Operations, Mystic Aquarium
by Jeremy Dewey 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

Job Announcement Vice President, Zoological Operations Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Mystic, CT Job Summary - The Vice President of Zoological Operations establishes and leads the zoological collection master plan and implements long-range collection plans in support of exhibition, education, and conservation purposes. The VP also develops and directs collection short-term plans with input from departmental curators and oversees day-to-day management. S/he develops, administers and monitors the overall collection budget and prioritizes the implementation of significant capital expenditures. This position reports to the President & CEO and oversees a department of over 40 full- and part-time employees including three direct reports. Requirements - A minimum of ten year's experience in a related field with experience including compliance with animal collection regulations and accreditation standards, daily and long-term care, exhibition and collection planning, and specimen acquisitions and de-acquisitions; demonstrated advanced working knowledge of the husbandry and exhibit design appropriate for captive marine mammals, birds, fishes and invertebrates and their life support systems; excellent communication skills; ability to foster teamwork; Master's Degree in Biology, Marine Science or related field. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Interested parties should send a C.V. in confidence to: James Abruzzo Managing Director, Nonprofit Practice DHR International, Inc. c/o James Jordan jjordan(a)dhrinternational.com The Mystic Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.

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Capricornia Cetaceans Project
by Daniele Cagnazzi 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

PROJECT TITLE: Southern Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project RESEARCH CENTRE: Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre The SCUWRC is a cetacean centre that was established in 2001 at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, Australia. The principle objective of the centre is to undertake research on cetacean populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student at SCUWRS is looking for volunteers, to cover the period from Jenuary 2007 to April 2007 to assist the researcher during the field work. We conduct boat-based research with the primary objective to investigate population parameters, size, social dynamics, habitat preference, movement, range, seasonal occurrence and abundance and pattern of diurnal behaviour of Snubfin dolphin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin along the Fraser/Curtis Coast. Furthermore, we collect occasional information on all the cetacean species, mainly members of the Delphinidae family, sighted during the surveys. We also work closely with local communities, environmental agencies, and government organisations to educate the general public and to promote a general awareness and understanding of the significance of Cetaceans. The primary aims of the project are: 1) To estimate the distribution and abundance of the inshore dolphins ( primarly Snubfin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin) in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Region. 2) To determine the southern-most limit for Snubfin dolphins in Australia. 3) To identify key habitats for dolphins feeding and resting and socialising. 3) Collecting data of any other species recorded in the study area. The field work will be conducted on a daily basis on the 6m research vessel, Sousa, mainly in coastal waters and estuaries. Volunteers will help during: 1.. boat-based line transect surveys 2.. collect data on cetacean sightings 3.. data entry for cetacean sightings 4.. photo-id work and analysis Volunteers will share a house close to the beach with the researcher and the rest of the team but will have to partecipate to the accomodation and food costs. Applicants please reply to my e-mail address, dcagna10(a)scu.edu.au, attaching a CV, including previous experiences and background studies. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student SCUWRC Daniele Cagnazzi PhD Candidate Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University P.O. Box 157, Lismore, N.S.W. Australia, 2480 Mobile 0439-782-243 Ph. +61 7 4938-8563 Fax. +61 2 6621-2669

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brain evolution
by Louis Herman 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

Aloha all: A recent article by Paul Manger in Biological Review (2006, 81, 293-338) posits that the evolution of big brains in the Cetacea was a response to ocean cooling in the Oligocene to provide for more efficient thermogenesis. To bolster this hypothesis, Manger argues that the big brains of the cetaceans do not support advanced information processing capabilities (i.e., the increases in brain size were not a response to the need for and advantages of advanced information processing capabilities). He argues further that, in fact, cetaceans, dolphins included, are not very intelligent after all, and critiques negatively several studies reporting advanced or special cognitive skills in dolphins. Unfortunately, there has been extensive publicity the press and television about "dimwit dolphins" that are really no smarter than rats, etc., etc. You may have seen or heard some of these reports. A problem is that Manger's review of the cognitive literature is limited and includes little of the large body of contemporary laboratory and field data showing advanced cognitive skills in dolphins. For those who are interested, and request a copy, I can send a PDF of a chapter I recently published that reviews much of the contemporary laboratory data. The reference is Herman, L. M. (2006). Intelligence and rational behaviour in the bottlenosed dolphin. In S. Hurley & M. Nudds (Eds.) Rational animals? Pp. 439-468. Oxford University Press. For recent relevant fieldwork on bottlenosed dolphins, I highly recommend the chapter by Richard Connor and Janet Mann, Social cognition in the wild: Machiavellian dolphins? Pp. 329-370, published in that same volume. Louis (Lou) Herman

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