August 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Posting: Research Scientist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
by Chip Deutsch 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

The following position with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute in the Wildlife Research Section/Marine Mammal Subsection at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab in St. Petersburg, Florida, is currently being advertised. Applicants must apply through the People First web site, link below. OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWRI Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 4 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-04 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB009 Position Number: 77071671 Closing Date: 9/18/2006 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, FL County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $39,739 - $99,346 Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION: Hiring Rate: $50,000 - $55,000 annually, depending on qualifications (See job posting on People First for more details) Position Description: The Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking candidates for the position of scientific coordinator of the manatee necropsy program. This position will conduct research on the health, physiological and anatomical aspects of marine mammal biology including maintenance and analysis of manatee mortality data and collaboration with in-house and outside researchers. Primary responsibilities will be to lead or assist in the performance of necropsies on marine mammals (primarily manatees) to determine the cause of death and to collect samples for research. In collaboration with in-house and outside researchers, utilize gross observations, histopathology, microbiology, toxicology or any other diagnostic procedures to ascertain cause of death or epizootics. Prepare necropsy and technical reports, present findings at national meetings and publish results in refereed journals. Job duties will include: oversight of FWC's Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab (MMPL) including lab administration; fostering a safe working environment; develop and monitor annual salvage and necropsy working budgets, ensuring that expenditures do not exceed spending authority, participation in salvage, rescue, and research captures, and transport or assisting in the transport of animals to appropriate Oceanaria. Supervising of assigned staff and participation in public outreach efforts will also be required. Education: A master's degree and 4 yrs. of professional experience as described above; or a doctorate with 2 years of experience. Candidates with PhD will be given preference. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific research (especially physiological ecology-related research and general anatomy), methods of data collection and analysis of data, field techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis; personal computers and database software. Skill in the use of scientific laboratory, and field equipment. Ability to: collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to marine mammal stranding and deaths; conduct scientific research on wildlife health, physiology, anatomy and ecology; perform quantitative analysis of scientific data; prepare written technical reports and manuscripts; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; effectively supervise others; work independently; utilize problem solving techniques; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the research sciences; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 22'. Must be able to lift > 50 lbs. Please visit our site for a full position description and application instructions: http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=396828. Equal Opportunity Employer/ Affirmative Action Employer The State of Florida does not tolerate violence in the workplace. Pursuant to Chapter 295 F.S. veterans and spouses of veterans may receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance.

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job announcement
by Nelio Barros 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM SENIOR BIOLOGIST – DEPUTY PROGRAM MANAGER The Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research at Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) is soliciting applications for a Senior Biologist to serve in the position of Deputy Program Manager (DPM) with the Stranding Investigations Program. This is a full-time position with benefits, available starting 20 September 2006. Salary range is $35,000-$45,000, commensurate with experience. Duties and Responsibilities: The DPM will work closely with the Program Manager (PM) in responding to live and dead stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Duties include sharing responsibility for a 24-hour/day emergency stranding pager; assisting with the recovery and necropsy of stranded animals; supervising the efforts of a biologist and team of volunteer professionals and interns; submitting proposals to funding agencies for support of the Stranding Investigations Program; maintaining the stranding database; assisting in verification, rescue and recovery of sick, injured or dead manatees; assisting with rescues of live-stranded cetaceans and sea turtles; participating in the quarterly training classes; supervising the maintenance of the Stranding Investigations Program vehicles; meeting all deadlines to fulfill research contract/grant obligations; conducting high quality research resulting in scientific publications and presentations; responding to requests by the Program Manager, Center Director and Executive Vice President for Research. Support: Within two years, the candidate is expected to develop full-time extramural self support, including fringe benefits and MML indirect costs (78% of combined salary + fringe benefits). Several ongoing sources for program support have been established. Preferred Qualifications: Education: MSc in biology or related field is preferred. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience working with marine mammal strandings, including field response and necropsy. Background in cetacean life history or pathology is preferred. Work Authorization: Proof of United States citizenship or ability to lawfully work in the U.S. required upon beginning of employment on 20 September 2006. Valid Florida Driver’s License: Required within 30 days of start date. Skills and abilities: Computer knowledge (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Access, ArcView) and strong verbal and written communication skills. Applicants should have experience working with volunteers. Ability to swim, lift heavy objects, and to operate and trailer small boats and personal watercraft, including launching and retrieval, is also required. Please mail application materials (letter of intent, CV, names and contact information for 3 references) to Dr. Nélio Barros, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 or nbarros(a)mote.org. The deadline for submission of applications is 06 September 2006.

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1st Symposium for Manatee in Mesoamerica
by Gonzalez, Daniel (LLU) 23 Aug '06

23 Aug '06

This is a general invitation for scientists, students, managers of protected areas, and all others interested in participating in the 1st Symposium for the Biology and Conservation of Manatee in Mesoamerica that will be held at the X Congress of the Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation on October 28th November 3rd, 2006 in Antigua, Guatemala. The purpose of the symposium is to evaluate the current status of manatees in each Mesoamerican country and to examine the current investigations being conducted as well as to promote collaboration in the region. The deadline for abstracts is September 5th. More information can be found in the symposium website: http://www.wsdcinc.org/manatee/ Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske Loma Linda University dgonzalez01x(a)llu.edu León David Olivera-Gómez Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco Villahermosa, Tabasco, México leon.olivera(a)dacbiol.ujat.mx Ester Quintana-Rizzo Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota, FL, USA equintana(a)mote.org

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Number of commercial dolphin-watch licenses reduced because of impacts
by Lars Bejder 23 Aug '06

23 Aug '06

Dear Marmam Readers, The Minister of the Environment (Western Australia) has recently released a press release stating that the number of commercial dolphin-watch licenses in Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Australia will be reduced from two to one, based on scientific data showing: a) a reduction of dolphin abundance in the area where vessel-based tourism is occurring; and b) that female dolphins exposed to the vessels had lower reproductive success than females with less exposure. The Minister said that the Monkey Mia tourism industry was largely based on the dolphin experience and the withdrawal of one license was a necessary sacrifice for the long-term sustainability of the area. Please see the following link for the press release: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/media/media.nsf/news/958A19167C70F7934… All the best, Lars Bejder l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Murdoch University Murdoch 6150 Western Australia

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New article: Longman's beaked whale
by jeremy.kiszka 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

Dear all, On behalf my colleague R. Charles Anderson, I would like to announce the publication of the following paper in "Aquatic Mammals": Anderson, R.C., Clark, R., Madsen, P.T., Johnson, C., Kiszka, J. & Breysse, O., 2006. Observations of Longman's beaked whale (Indopacetus pacificus) in the western Indian Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 32(2): 223-231. Abstract Seventeen new sightings, and a total of 32 records, of the little-known Longman's beaked whale, (Indopacetus pacificus) (also called tropical bottlenose whale or Indo-pacific beaked whale) are reported from the western Indian Ocean. Field identification features are reviewed, and the possibilities of confusion with other beaked whales are noted. Mean group size for the western Indian Ocean sightings was 7.2 individuals (n = 22, SD = 10.9, range = 1 to 40). This is smaller than previously published estimates from the Pacific, reflecting a relatively large number of new sightings of individuals and small groups, which, in turn, reflect the recent description of the external appearance of this species. Recorded dive times were either short (mean = 14 min, range = 11 to 18 min, n = 5) or long (mean = 26 min, range = 20 to 33 min, n = 19). Longman's beaked whales appear to be widely distributed in the warmer (> 27° C) waters of the western Indian Ocean, but most sightings were over or adjacent to deep slopes (depths 250 to 2,000+ m). Mean sighting rates were much higher in the western Indian Ocean (1 sighting per 31 sea days for visual surveys) and particularly around the Maldives (1 sighting per 21 sea days) than have been reported from the Pacific (1 sighting per 200 sea days). Longman's beaked whales may therefore be more common in the western Indian Ocean than in the Pacific, although survey methodologies used in the two oceans were not identical. Widespread gillnet fisheries may pose a potential threat to this species in the Indian Ocean. Please contact me for a pdf copy to jeremy.kiszka(a)wanadoo.fr Best, Jeremy KISZKA.

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Announcement of Opportunity for Research Funding
by Ben Chicoski 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) of the U.S. and the Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Resource Management Integration (ICOSRMI) are currently seeking proposals under the following topic: · Marine Mammals (new and renewal awards) Up to $18.0 M USD over three years may be available for this solicitation, subject to appropriation and final approval by the ICOSRMI. For more information, please refer to the full Broad Agency Announcement: http://www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa/docs/baa_06_029.pdf NOPP is a collaboration of fifteen U.S. federal agencies to provide leadership and coordination of national ocean research and education initiatives. The ICOSRMI provides oversight to the nations ocean activities, including those involving ocean resource management. www.nopp.org http://ocean.ceq.gov/about/icosrmi.html *Promoting Partnerships for the Future of Oceanography* Thanks very much! Benjamin Chicoski NOPP Program Coordinator National Oceanographic Partnership Program Office Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education 1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 420, Washington, DC, USA ph. +1.202.448.1222 bchicoski(a)coreocean.org --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

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Position Announcement
by Georgia Zern 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT for MANATEE OBSERVER The Volusia County Manatee Protection Program is seeking a candidate for the position of Manatee Observer. This is a part time position, starting immediately, and lasting until mid to late October. The work environment is a dredging project and it involves being on-site during all dredging activities. The project site is located in Ponce Inlet, Florida. The small town of Ponce Inlet is situated on the central, east coast of Florida just a few miles south of the city of Daytona Beach. The position will report to the Manatee Protection Program Manager, and will be responsible for the daily observation of a boat ramp dredging activity in waters in which manatees are known to frequent. Among other duties, the job will entail the accurate, detailed documentation of any manatee sighting, and the responsibility for ordering the immediate shut down of dredging operations if a manatee(s) is spotted within 50 feet of the operation. Job duties will involve: The advisement of all dredge personnel that all vessels associated with the construction project shall operate at "No Wake/Idle Speed" at all times while in the construction area and while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four-foot clearance from the bottom. The advisement of project personnel that all vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible. Ordering the shut down of all equipment, including vessels, if a manatee(s) comes within 50 feet of the operation. Ensuring that dredging activities or boat operation does not resume until the manatee(s) has moved beyond the 50-foot radius of the project operation, or until 30 minutes elapses if the manatee(s) has not reappeared within 50 feet of the operation. Ensuring that animals are not herded away or harassed into leaving. The instruction of all dredge personnel on how to observe for the presence of manatees, and the need to avoid collisions with and injury to manatees. The advisement of all construction personnel that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees, which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. Ensuring that siltation or turbidity barriers are made of material in which manatees cannot become entangled, and that they are properly secured. Regular monitoring of the siltation barriers in order to avoid manatee entanglement or entrapment, and ensuring that the barriers do not block manatee entry to or exit from habitat. The recording of all manatee sightings, including documentation of the manatee's position, behavior, scar patterns, and photo documentation, if possible. Immediately reporting any collision with, injury to, or harassment of a manatee to the Volusia County Manatee Protection Program Manager, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Hotline, and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jacksonville. The successful candidate will have a degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Experience in observing manatees, other marine mammals, or sea turtles is preferred. Observation experience will be defined by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission standards. She/he must be physically fit, able to swim, and be able to remain in hot, and in some circumstances inclement weather conditions for long periods of time. She/he must be willing and able to assert authority, and at the same time, work successfully in a team atmosphere. This is a part time, contract position paid on an hourly basis at $9 per hour; benefits are not included. Please send a resume and a list of at least three references, with contact information, to the Volusia County Manatee Protection Program Manager: Georgia K. Zern, Manatee Protection Program Manager Environmental Management 123 West Indiana Avenue DeLand, Fl 32720 gzern(a)co.volusia.fl.us

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Marine Mammal Sessions_Defenders of Wildlife's 6th Biennial Carnivore Conference
by Jim Curland 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Here are the various marine mammal sessions sprinkled throughout Defenders of Wildlife's 6th Biennial Carnivore Conference, Habitats, Challenges, and Possibilities, to be held November 12-November 15 at the Hilton Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. The conference will feature three full days of sessions on terrestrial and marine carnivore issues, plus a poster session, field trip, silent auction, banquet and ambassador wolf sessions. For more information, please visit: http://www.carnivoreconference.org/. You can view a tentative, non-detailed schedule at this site for other session topics. On this year's Conference Science Advisory Committee is a team of 15 scientists, including 5 marine scientists: * From Mote Marine Lab: Dr. John Reynolds, Dr. Randy Wells, Dr. Nélio B. Barros, Dr. Damon Gannon * From the Center for Ocean Health, U.C. Santa Cruz/Long Marine Lab: Dr. Jim Estes Monday, November 13 Climate Change and Carnivores I 10:00 am-1:30 pm 1. Conservation in the Face of Climate Change, Lara Hansen 2. Climate-Ocean Effects on the Marine and Terrestrial Habitats of the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Jason Baker 3. Impacts of Diminishing Snow Cover on Ringed Seals, Brendan Kelly 4. Long-Term Trends in Polar Bear Ecology in Relation To Climatic Change, Nick Lunn 5. Global Warming, the Arctic Region and Preserving Endangered/Threatened Species- Another Case of Pre-Hurricane Katrina Thinking? Michael Belanger Human Interactions With Marine Mammals 10:00 am-1:30 pm 1. Human Interactions With Marine Mammals in the Wild: An Overview of the Policies, Guidelines and Regulations Developed in the U.S. To Address Activities of Concern, Trevor Spradlin 2. Feeding and Harassment of Wild Bottlenose Dolphins in the Southeast Region: Overview of Activities of Concern and Mitigation Efforts, Stacey Carlson 3. Evidence of Recreational Fishing Interactions in Stranded Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphins: 1997-2005, Wendy Durden 4. Impacts of Human Activities on a Long-Term Resident Community of Bottlenose Dolphins on Florida's West Coast, Randall Wells 5. Non-Lethal Deterrence of California Sea Lions and Pacific Harbor Seals, Monica DeAngelis 6. Recent Phocid and Canid Interactions in the Cape Cod Area of Massachusetts, Betty Lentell Human Interactions With Marine Mammals II 1:30 pm-3:30 pm 1. Large Carnivores and Tourism: a Symbiotic Or Parasitic Relationship?, John Dobson 2. The Impacts on Human/Bear Conflicts: Why We Need To Learn To Coexist, Minette Johnson DISCUSSION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tuesday, November 14 Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging Ecology I 8-10:30 am 1. Assessing the Effects of Fishing on Bottlenose Dolphins With Qualitative Models, Donald Baltz 2. Bottlenose Dolphin Vocalizations Suppress Calling Rates and Elevate Stress Hormones in a Prey Species, the Gulf Toadfish, Opsanus beta, Douglas Nowacek 3. How To Catch a Fish? Foraging Tactic Fidelity of Bottlenose Dolphins in Florida Bay, Florida, Leigh Torres 4. Role of Ecological Disturbance in the Foraging Ecology of Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins, Damon Gannon 5. Stomach Content Analysis of Bottlenose Dolphins Stranded in South Carolina, Michelle Pate 6. Variation in Feeding Habits Among Bottlenose Dolphins From Two Southeastern U.S. Estuaries As Determined By Stable Isotope Analysis, Melissa Recks Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging Ecology II 10:30-1:30 pm 1. Bottlenose Dolphin Population Differentiation and Trophic Studies Using Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur Stable Isotopes and Stomach Content Analyses, Nélio Barros 2. Molecular Scatology As a Tool For Investigating Cetacean Diet: Development, Assessment and Application of DNA-Based Diet Investigation Methods For Bottlenose Dolphins, Glenn Dunshea DISCUSSION Sea Otters 3:30 pm-5:30 pm 1. Patterns of Body Size, Growth and Condition Among Sea Otter Populations: What Can It Tell Us About Population Status? Daniel Monson 2. Persistence of Spilled Oil in Nearshore Sediments and Pathways of Exposure To Foraging Sea Otters, James Bodkin 3. Recovery, Foraging Patterns, and Prey Selection of Washington's Sea Otter Population, Harriet Allen 4. Nutrient Composition of the Diet Consumed By Threatened Southern Sea Otters, Alice Green 5. No Place Like Home: a Comparison of Habitat Use Strategies Between Southern Sea Otter Populations of Varying Density, Gena Bentall 6. Movement Patterns of Female Southern Sea Otters Vary With Reproductive Status, Christine Alfano 7. Sea Otters Translocated To San Nicolas Island: Individual Fates, Population Growth, and Projected Persistence of a Small Population, Lilian Carswell -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.saveseaotters.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/ (Above link is Defenders California Programs) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection)

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The Impact of human activity on the behaviour of Indo-pacific humpback dolphins in Zanzibar Arcipelago, Tanzania
by bertulla＠supereva.it 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Dear all, I am an Italian marine biology researcher. I am interested in studying the Indian humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) population inhabiting the waters off Zanzibar Arcipelago, Tanzania. I think it would be necessary to monitor these cetaceans and their inshore distribution that renders them particularly susceptible to the effects of human activities in the coastal zones. On this purpose, I would like to run a project studying their behavioural ecology and reactions towards vessel activity, making a comparison between Unguja and Pemba Island. In fact, on Unguja Island theres a lot of disturbance caused by human activities, while in Pemba these anthropogenic factors seem to be really rare. Thus, I would like if anyone has some articles about the situation of humpback dolphins in this area, that can be really useful for my project. These are the articles that I have already found: - Amir, Jiddawi and Berggren (2005) The occurrence and distribution of dolphins in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with Comments on the Differences between two species of Tursiops. Western Indian Ocean J.Mar.Sci.Vol.4, No 1, pp. 85-93. - Amir,O., Berggren,P.,Ndaro,G.M. and Narriman,J. (2005) Feeding ecology of the Indo-Pacific bottlnose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) incidentally caught in the gillnet fisheries off Zanzibar, Tanzania. - Barros, Nelio B. (1991) Prey of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) stranded in eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Aquatic Mammals, 17.3:134-136. - Borobia,M. (1997) Small cetaceans of eastern, western and centrals African regions: a summary report. Paper presented at the scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling commission (IWC)30 September-11October in Bournemouth, UK, Document IWC/SC/49/SM48 - Fachinetti,C. (2001) Contributo alla studio della cetofauna nellArcipelago di Zanzibar, Tanzania. Bachelor thesis, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Corso di laurea di Scienze Naturali. - Karcmarski,L., Thorthon,M. and Cockcroft,V.G. (1997) Description of selected behaviours of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis. Aquatic Mammals,23.3,127-133. - Karcmarski,L. (2000) Conservation and management of humpback dolphins: the South African perspective. Oryx.Vol 34(3), 207-216. - Karcmarski,L., Cockcroft,V.G. and McLachlan,A. (2000) Habitat use and preferences of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa, Bay, South Africa. Marine Mammal Science, 16(1):65-79. - Karczmarski,L. and Cockcroft,V.G. (1998) Matrix photo-identification technique applied in studies of free-ranging bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Aquatic Mammals, 24.3,143-147. - Karcmarski,L., Cockcroft,V.G. and McLachlan,A. (1999) Group size and seasonal patterns of occurrence of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. S.Afr.J.Mar.Sci. 21:89-97. - Peddemors,V.M. and Thompson,G. (1994) Beaching behaviour during shallow water feeding by humpback dolphins Sousa plumbea. Aquatic Mammals, 20.2, 65-67. - Karcmarski,L., Thorthon,M. and Cockcroft,V.G. (2000) Daylight occurrence of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. - Stensland,E. (2004) Behavioural ecology of Indo-Pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins. PhD thesis. - Stensland, Carlen, Särnblad, Bighert and Berggren (2006) Population size, distribution, and behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose (Tursiops aduncus) and humpback (Sousa chinensis) dolphins off the south coast of Zanzibar. Marine Mammal Science,22(3):667-682. - Stensland, Berggren, Johnstone and Jiddawi (1998) Marine Mammals in Tanzania: Urgent need for status management. Ambio vol.xxvii. No 8:771-774. - Tocchetti,M., Bortolotto,A., and Jiddawi,N. (2001) The Zanzibar Cetacean Project. 29Th EAAM Annual Symposium, Genoa, Italy, 9-12 March 2001. - Van Parijs, S. and Corkeron,P. (2001) Boat traffic affects the acoustic behaviour of Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. Thank you in advance, Chiara Bertulli c/o Hvalsafari AS P.O. Box 58 8483 Andenes, Norway ciarabertulli(a)yahoo.it mobile :+39/340/6933102 home phone:+39/02/70000549 home address: viale Mugello 2 20137 Milano, Italy --------------------------------------------------------------- Mettiti al centro del mondo! Crea il tuo blog e condividi con i tuoi amici idee, immagini e video, da web e da cellulare! http://beta.dada.net/ ---------------------------------------------------------------

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New Article on Irish cetaceans
by Dave Wall IWDG 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Dear Marmamers, The Following article is available as a PDF: Dave Wall, Joanne O'Brien, John Meade, & Brendan M. Allen. Summer distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans off the west coast of Ireland. Biology and Environment Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 106B(2):135-142. Abstract >From May to September 2004 a survey of cetacean distribution and relative abundance was conducted on board a 'ship of opportunity'-a vessel used as a survey platform but not chartered for this purpose-off the west coast of Ireland. In total, 508 hours of survey effort were completed, with 304.2 hours in Beaufort sea-state 3 or less. Two hundred and thirty one sightings of eight species-common dolphin Delphinus delphis (L.), Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus (Gray), bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu), harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena (L.), Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus (Cuvier), pilot whale Globicephala melas (Traill), minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata (Lacepede) and fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (L.)-were recorded, totalling 2,933 individuals. The greatest diversity and relative abundance were recorded on the Rockall Bank, where Atlantic white-sided dolphin was the most abundant species. The common dolphin was the most abundant species recorded on the continental shelf to the south-west of Ireland, while the relative abundance of cetaceans off the north coast was very low. The data suggest that cetacean species composition and relative abundance can vary greatly between adjacent marine habitat types and over relatively small geographical distances. A pdf copy is available from the Royal Irish Academy's website (open access): http://www.ria.ie/cgi-bin/ria/papers/100578.pdf

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