September 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Website for a New Research Fund
by Roger.gentry＠comcast.net 26 Sep '06

26 Sep '06

(Please post on MARMAM when possible). Many in the bio-acoustics community have heard that a new research effort has begun in underwater acoustics called the "Joint Industry Programme on Sound and Marine Life". It is funded by several oil- and gas-producing companies and supports research on the sounds produced by offshore industry operations, their possible effects on marine animals, and mitigation measures. The purpose of this posting is to announce the opening this week of our website located at www.soundandmarinelife.org. This site is intended for the research comunity. It contains all the information an applicant for research support would need, from the program's history and objectives to its policies on animal care and publication, plus application procedures. The fund presently stands at about $8 million per year and is open to researchers in any part of the world. Proposals are selected following the practices used by public funding agencies. Our goal is to produce high quality research papers in peer-r eviewed journals. To contact the program directly please write to info(a)soundandmarinelife.org. Thank you. Roger L. Gentry, Ph. D., Program Manager Roger.gentry(a)comcast.net

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Book chapter available
by Peter Corkeron 26 Sep '06

26 Sep '06

Dear Marmamers I'm happy to offer a pdf my chapter from the book "Gaining Ground: In Pursuit of Ecological Sustainability" to the readership of Marmam. The chapter's entitled "How shall we watch whales?". There's no abstract. If you'd like a pdf of my chapter, please email me at peter.corkeron(a)gmail.com For those who are unaware of this new book, it is the result of a forum that IFAW held a couple of years ago at the University of Limerick. Authors include (among others) Sidney Holt, Jeff Hutchings, EJ Milner-Gulland, Justin Cooke and Valerius Geist. It's an interesting mix. Details of the book are: Gaining Ground: In Pursuit of Ecological Sustainability Editor: David M. Lavigne Published by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Guelph, Canada, and the University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. 2006 Format: Paperback ISBN: 0-9698171-7-7 Suggested List Price: £30; US $50; Can $60 Available in Canada and the United States from: IFAW 555 Admiral Drive London, ON, Canada N5V 4L6 gainingground(a)ifaw.org Global Distributor NHBS Environment Bookstore 2-3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN, United Kingdom www.nhbs.com Order forms will be made available at www.ifaw.org/forum Peter Corkeron

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Symposium on Sperm Whales and Acoustics - 19-20th of October 2006, Aarhus University (Denmark)
by Valeria Teloni 25 Sep '06

25 Sep '06

------ From: Valeria Teloni (valeria.teloni(a)biology.au.dk) Apologies to those of you who will receive cross-posts. ------ Symposium on Sperm Whales and Acoustics Arranged in conjunction with Valeria Telonis Ph. D. defense, 19-20th of October 2006, Aarhus University (Denmark) By Valeria Teloni, Peter T Madsen, Aarhus University (DK), And Magnus Wahlberg, Fjord & Bælt (DK) BACKGROUND The sperm whale carries one of the most spectacular adaptations in the animal kingdom. It has by far the largest sound production organ of any animal, which can produce the most intense sound in nature. Sperm whales are using sounds for finding prey but also for complex acoustic communication among strongly cohesive social units. The social behaviour is very different between the more solitary males at higher latitudes and the highly social groups of females and juvenile found in warmer waters. Very recent research has drastically changed our view on both sperm whale foraging ecology and their social behaviour. Valeria Telonis Ph. D. defense (Aarhus University, 19th of October) on sperm whale bioacoustics forms an ideal opportunity for bringing together sperm whale researchers to exchange experiences and ideas obtained in various parts of the world using a range of observational techniques. We therefore arranged a one day workshop (Aarhus University, 20th of October) including lectures by some of todays most prominent sperm whale researchers. PROGRAM Thursday, 19th of October 2006 at 1300, Aarhus University PhD defense: Bioacoustic study of clicks from diving sperm whales Candidate: Valeria Teloni (Aarhus University, DK) Supervisors: Bertel Møhl and Roy Weber (Aarhus University, DK) External examiners: Hal Whitehead (Dalhousie University, CA) and Peter McGregor (Centre for Applied Zoology, UK) Friday, 20th of October 2006 at 900, Aarhus University Symposium on Sperm Whales and Acoustics Program: 0900-0915 Introduction 0915-1000 Plenary Talk: Hal Whitehead, The sperm whale: cultures of the open ocean 1015-1100 Plenary Talk: Peter McGregor, Animal communication networks 1100-1130 Coffee break 1130-1200 Bertel Møhl (Aarhus University, DK), Sperm whale hyper-directionality 1200-1230 Magnus Wahlberg (Fjord&Bælt, DK), Bottlenose whale biosonar 1230-1330 Lunch break 1330-1400 Valeria Teloni, Foraging behavior of sperm whales 1415-1445 Peter Madsen (Aarhus University, DK), Sperm whale sound production 1500-1530 Jonathan Gordon (St. Andrews University, UK), Sperm whales in the Golf of Mexico 1545-1615 Luke Rendell (St. Andrews University, UK), Dialects in a small population: coda diversity in Mediterranean sperm whales 1615-1645 Coffee break 1645-1730 Ph. D. and M. Sc. students (Aarhus University, DK) working with bioacoustics will present their studies. 1730-1800 Plenary discussion Interested in coming? Please contact valeria.teloni(a)biology.au.dk NO LATER THAN 15th of October. The admission is open and free of charge.

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Pilot-Whale Rehabilitation - Portugal
by Artur Santos 23 Sep '06

23 Sep '06

Dear All: The following URL regards the rehabilitation process of the pilot-whale calf who stranded on the 27th of Aug. The SPVS Marine Mammal Unit is doing a great job considering that improvements have been shown in almost a month of rehabilitation. http://www.cienciasdomeioaquatico.com/naz/naz1.html In this message i would like to thank all of those who replied to my previous posting regarding a request for "Marine Mammal Stranding Protocol". Best regards & wishes, -- Artur Santos > )))) º> >))))º> >))))º> >))))º> O o Ooº º o O Oºo >))))º> ))))º> >))))º> >))))º>

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new caribbean stranding network requests educational materials.
by alesha naranjit 22 Sep '06

22 Sep '06

Hello, My name is Alësha Naranjit from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. I am part of a group trying to form a marine mammal stranding network in response to the country's history of cetacean strandings on our beaches. We are also engaged in awareness programmes along our coasts as many communities do not know the correct response to a stranding and have in the past looked on the animals as a free source of protein. We would like to show the community members an example of a successful stranding resuce and would appreciate if any of you can send us pictures or video clips that may help. Looking forward to your support. Alësha You must be the change you wish to see in the world.Gandhi "There are two ways to live your life - one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Get on board. You're invited to try the new Yahoo! Mail.

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Job posting - Stranding Coordinator at UNE/MARC
by Keith Matassa 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Hi- Could you please post this Job position on the list serve- thanks! POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT- Stranding Coordinator at UNEs MARC The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (MARC) at the University of New England is seeking a qualified dynamic, motivated candidate to fill the position of Stranding Coordinator. This is a full time, one-year grant funded position and eligible for benefits. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Stranding Coordinator will work closely with the Rehabilitation Coordinator and other organizations in responding to live and dead cetaceans and dead pinnipeds in Southern Maine. Duties include sharing responsibility for 24-hour/day emergency stranding pager; assisting with the recovery, necropsy and sampling of stranded animals; purchasing of equipment needed to support the stranding program; supervising and training teams of volunteers to assist in the recovery and necropsies; submitting proposals to funding agencies for support of the program; creating and maintaining needed databases; work with other staff members in the formation and implementation of training sessions; conducting quality research resulting in scientific publications and presentations; working in close association with the facilities consulting veterinarians. SUPPORT: This is a grant-funded position, so the candidate is also expected to develop continuing extramural support for the position and program. Several sources of support are already being pursued, but the candidate will be expected to assume responsibility for these projects and bring them to fruition. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 5 years of experience working with marine mammal strandings, including field response and necropsy are essential. Background in cetacean and/or pathology is preferred. Skills in computers (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint) with strong verbal and written communication skills and experience working with volunteers. The ability to lift 50 lbs, and to operate small boats are also sought after skills. WORK AUTHORIZATION: Proof of United States citizenship or ability to lawfully work in the U.S. required before being employed. For general information on the facility, please go to UNEs website http://www.une.edu/cas/msc/. Applications should include a cover letter, resume and 3 letters of recommendation, and be submitted to: Human Resources, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Rd., Biddeford, ME 04005, or email applications to mmclaughlin(a)une.edu . Review of applications will begin on September 30th and continue until the position is filled. The University of New England is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and strongly encourages the application of candidates of diverse backgrounds. Please see our website (http://www.une.edu) for additional information. Keith A. Matassa Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Coordinator Marine Science Education and Research Center University of New England 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, Maine 04005 207-283-0171 ext 2670 kmatassa(a)une.edu

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on line article
by Dunn, Larry 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Dear Marmam Readers: I am pleased to announce the release of the following in press manuscript on the Marine mammal Science website: http://www.marinemammalogy.org/ MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 22(4): 1004-1007 (October 2006) C_ 2006 by the Society for Marine Mammalogy DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2006.00073.x MULTIPLE-AGENT EUTHANASIA OF A JUVENILE FIN WHALE, BALANOPTERA PHYSALUS J. LAWRENCE DUNN The report documents the employment of multiple agents and routes of administration to safely and humanely euthanize a >13m fin whale without the environmental concerns associated with the more commonly used large quantities of sodium pentobarbital. J. Lawrence Dunn VMD Director of Animal Health Department of Research and Veterinary Services Mystic Aquarium 55 Coogan Blvd Mystic, CT 06355 860-572-5955 ext 103 860-572-5972 FAX ldunn(a)mysticaquarium.org jlarrydunn(a)wmconnect.com

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FINS 3(1), ACCOBAMS Newsletter is available online
by ACCOBAMS Secretariat 21 Sep '06

21 Sep '06

Dear List, The ACCOBAMS Secretariat has the pleasure of announcing you that FINS 3(1) is available as a downloadable pdf file (915 kb) from the ACCOBAMS website at the following URL: http://www.accobams.org/2006.php/newsletter/all Should you encounter any difficulties in downloading FINS, the Secretariat will be happy to send you it as an email attachment. FINS 3(1) Table of contents: - Editorial - Historical perspective on ACCOBAMS - Ziphius material wanted - SPECIAL: ship strikes - News from the Scientific Committee - News from the Range States: Croatia - News from the Secretariat - Short News - Calendar of events - Acknowledgments If you want to be cancelled from our mailing list, please reply to this email by placing in the subject line: FINS/Unsubscribe. The Editorial Board of FINS would like to thank for all the contributions received and remind that all new inputs and/or suggestions from your side are highly welcome. FINS, the newsletter of ACCOBAMS, Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara Editor Via Benedetto Marcello 43 - 20124 Milano, Italy Tel: +39 335 6376035, +39 02 29402867, Fax: +39 02 700518468 email: disciara(a)tin.it Marie-Christine Van Klaveren ACCOBAMS Executive Secretary Les Terrasses de Fontvieille, Jardin de l'UNESCO MC-98000 Monaco TEl: +377 93158010/2078, Fax: +377 93154208 email: accobams(a)accobams.net; mcvanklaveren(a)accobams.net

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new publication on humpback whales
by Carlos Olavarria (INACH) 20 Sep '06

20 Sep '06

Dear Marmam Readers, I am sending this email in behalf of the authors of the paper. Best regards, Carlos Olavarria School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand & Centro de Estudios del Cuaternario (CEQUA), Punta Arenas, Chile --------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article. Please note this paper is written in spanish: Filopatría de la ballena jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae Borowski, 1781), al área de alimentación del estrecho de Magallanes. Jorge A. Acevedo, Anelio Aguayo-Lobo y Luis A. Pastene. Revista de Biología Marina y Oceanografía 41(1): 11 - 19, julio de 2006. Resumen.- La ballena jorobada migra entre las áreas de alimentación en las altas latitudes y las áreas de reproducción en las bajas latitudes, exhibiendo un marcado grado de filopatría hacia sus destinos migratorios. La ballena jorobada del Pacífico suroriental migra entre el área de reproducción, principalmente en las aguas de Ecuador y Colombia, y el área de alimentación alrededor de la península Antártica. Estudios previos han sugerido una segunda área de alimentación para esta población, localizada en las aguas del estrecho de Magallanes. El presente estudio evalúa la filopatría de la ballena jorobada esta segunda área de alimentación en el estrecho de Magallanes, usando datos de foto-identificación obtenidos durante 10 cruceros de avistamiento realizados en tres veranos australes consecutivos (2002-2003 a 2004-2005). Si el estrecho de Magallanes constituye una segunda área de alimentación para una parte de los animales de la población del Pacífico suroriental, entonces se debería esperar un alta proporción de retorno de esos animales foto-identificados a esta área, en diferentes veranos australes. La filopatría de los ejemplares foto-identificados a esta segunda área de alimentación en el estrecho de Magallanes muestra ser alto (=78,9%). Además, la filopatría de los ejemplares no mostró ser significativamente diferentes entre sexos ni entre categorías de clase/edad. Finalmente, la alta tasa de retorno de los ejemplares foto-identificados en los diferentes veranos australes, indica que el estrecho de Magallanes constituye otra zona de alimentación para, al menos, una parte de la población de ballena jorobada del Pacífico suroriental. Palabras clave : Cetacea, Pacífico suroriental, foto-identificación, Chile --------------------------------------------- Site Fidelity of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae Borowski, 1781) to the Magellan Strait feeding ground Abstract.- Humpback whales migrate annually between high latitude feeding grounds and low latitude breeding grounds, exhibiting a marked degree of fidelity to migratory destinations. Southeastern Pacific humpback whales migrate between the reproductive area located principally off Ecuador and Colombia and the feeding area located around the Antarctic Peninsula. Previous studies suggested a second feeding area for this population in the Magellan Strait. This study evaluates the site fidelity of humpback whales to the Magellan Strait feeding area using photo-identification data obtained during 10 sighting cruises carried out in three austral summer seasons (2002-2003 to 2004-2005). If the Magellan Strait is a second feeding area for some whales of this population, a high return rate of the same animals photo-identified to this area than by chance would be expected. The site fidelity of humpback whales in different austral summer seasons shown a high return rate (=78.9%). Furthermore no significant differences were found in the return rate between female and males or between different class/age categories. Finally, the high return rate humpback whale, indicate that Magellan Strait is another feeding ground at least for a part of the Southeastern Pacific humpback whales population. Key words : Cetacea, Southeast Pacific, photo-identification, Chile You can have access to the PDF in the following link: http://www.revbiolmar.cl/resumenes/v411/411-11.pdf. Otherwise, PDF or printed copies can be requested to: aaguayo(a)inach.cl. Best regards, Jorge Acevedo, MSc Centro de Estudios del Cuaternario Punta Arenas, Chile

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Job Posting - Marine Mammal Spatial Analyst
by Chip Deutsch 20 Sep '06

20 Sep '06

The following position with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in St. Petersburg, Florida is now open. For more detailed information and to apply through People First, please visit our web site: http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=410233 For personnel information and assistance, you can also contact Kathy.Kulaas(a)MyFWC.com. Please do NOT reply to the sender. Position Description: The Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Research Scientist. Job duties include: integrates GIS methods and analytical techniques with spatial databases resulting in applications and spatially explicit models of marine mammals including North Atlantic right whales and Florida manatees primarily to provide information to natural resource managers. Works to develop models of marine mammal movements, risk assessments, and effectiveness of proposed management strategies using empirical data on spatial distribution, habitat variables, and vessel traffic patterns. Serves as scientific lead for FWRI's right whale research program and supervises GIS staff and field coordinator for right whale project. Provides statistical inference from existing spatial databases, and assists in the development of efficient sampling designs for the collection of future data. Works closely with scientific and technical staff to assist in the maintenance and continued development and deployment of GIS databases and metadata related to our marine mammal program. Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel in a coaching and mentoring manner to maintain a team-oriented approach to section goals. Other duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee and ensuring compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with their sections in the Institute. 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 research techniques for wildlife and habitats. Ability to collect and manage data; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; a demonstrated ability to supervise assigned personnel in a coaching and mentoring manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and to work in excess of 40 hours per week if needed. Skill in use of ArcGIS including programming (such as Python or other scripting languages) and experience with ArcGIS Model builder, statistical software, and database management. Salary: $49,558 / yr This position is a State of Florida Full Time Employee (FTE) position which provides a full benefit package.

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