January 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Request for information of manatee toxicology
by Venkata 29 Jan '07

29 Jan '07

Dear MARMAMERS, My name is Venkata Kolli and I am currently pursuing a PhD at the Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University , Lubbock , Texas . I am interested in the impact of toxins and toxicants on manatees. I have gathered all the literature I could find on the subject but was not able to find many papers overall. I am interested in all reports, grey literature and peer-reviewed publications dealing with the topic of manatee toxicology and I would be most grateful if you could send me any relevant references, abstract, reprints or PDF that you may know of. My email is kolli_kiran(a)yahoo.com. Sincerely Venkata Kolli Venkata Kolli TIEHH Texas Tech University Box 41163 Lubbock TX 79409-1163 Ph:(806) 445-6599 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Yahoo! Small Business. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/domains/?p=BESTDEAL

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Professional advice and support requested - Rights and Whales at Fundy
by art＠bayoffundy.ca 28 Jan '07

28 Jan '07

The Bay of Fundy is vital to Northern Right Whales, Finbacks, Humpbacks, Harbour Porpoise, Minke; other marine mammals; an abundance of seabirds; and 2,000 to 3,000 marine invertebrates. The huge tides and the consequent mixing produces an extremely high level of productivity that centres on the mouth of Head Harbour Passage, the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay. The passage is the centre of feeding activity and supports an astounding abundance of life. Dr. David Gaskin identified this area as the principal Harbour Porpoise nursery and all species of whales and seals occur there when the Meganyctipanes and Calanus populations are high. From a social point of view the area is the centre of the herring weir industry, aquaculture, and ecotours and revenues from these and related industries are just under a billion dollars annually. The area thrives on this unique "eco-economy". Currently 2 applications for LNG terminals on the Maine shore of Passamaquoddy are before FERC the US energy regulatory body. Another terminal has just been announced. If the 2 terminals are approved and built, as many as 400 huge LNG tankers and their tugs, in addition to the approximately 100 coastal freighters that currently go to Eastport and Bayside ports, will pass through Head Harbour Passage and important whale habitat. It is clear that the increased number of ships will result in additional ship strikes particularly to right whales. We are also concerned about the effects of sound in the Passage itself. Since the Passage is basically a tube, will the echo effect and/or sound distortion disorient resident whales. In particular what will the impacts be on mothers and calfs? Will sound and physical disturbance result in the displacement of cetaceans from this important feeding ground, putting additional pressure on other more marginal areas? What other impacts should be expected? There are many unanswered questions and the forthcoming hearing will require expert knowledge, advice, and support that can be brought to bear on this issue. If you can help, please contact me, Art MacKay, at art(a)bayoffundy.ca. I post information on my website at www.bayoffundy.ca and fundywhale.blogspot.ca. I have registered as an intervenor in the hearings through my employer St. Croix Estuary Project Inc., a nonprofit community group that carries out environmental research and provides information on environmental and social issues. Please participate if you can. Thanks. Hope you can help. Art MacKay

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New article: Marine mammals and turtles
by Dagmar Fertl 27 Jan '07

27 Jan '07

Thanks to the generous sharing of information via the various listserves and conferences, my coauthor and I are pleased to announce the publication of our article: Fertl, D., and G.L. Fulling. 2007. Interactions between marine mammals and turtles. Marine Turtle Newsletter 115:4-8. The following link will take you directly to the full newsletter, which I encourage all of you to read in full. We hope that our marine mammal researcher colleagues will take great interest in seeing what our sea turtle researcher colleagues are up to. http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/PDF/MTN115.pdf The article will provide information on where to find the online link to the full-blown list of various types of interactions. Again, many, many thanks to everyone who provided information and showed great interest in the topic, whenever it was presented and discussed. Regards, Dagmar Fertl Geo-Marine, Inc. 2201 Avenue K, Suite A2 Plano, Texas 75074 USA 972-423-5480 FAX 972-422-2736 dfertl(a)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com

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Dolphin Photo-ID Catalogue Officer & Sightings Officer required
by CBMWC 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Email Volunteer(a)cbmwc.org Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Catalogue Officer Marine Wildlife Sightings Officer We need enthusiastic volunteers to assist with our ongoing research and education programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. We primarily study the bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification, and also monitor harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations. Our organisation relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. We welcome people with all sorts of skills to offer, and enthusiasm is as valued as experience, since training can be provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and to gain knowledge and experience of the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay. It is a great chance to gain experience of field work, research methods and public awareness and education programmes. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat time and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas might be feasible. About the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (Est.1996): The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting public awareness of the marine species, habitats and conservation of the marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay through research and education. The group is affiliated to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and supported by Environment Wales. The centre is in the heart of New Quay overlooking the beautiful beach and harbour. It is used as a base for our research and also includes our Visitor Centre. The primary purpose of our ongoing research is to study the local marine mammal populations through non-invasive and non-disruptive methods. Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Catalogue Officer * Overseeing the cataloguing of the bottlenose dolphin photo-ID images, matching to previous years images and producing the final 2007 catalogue and report. * Ensuring systems for reliability of photoID are implemented. * Conducting talks on the photo-ID work to interested parties. Marine Wildlife Sightings Officer * Ensuring that the land and boat based sighting are updated on our website and in our visitor centre on a daily basis. * Providing press releases and articles regarding sightings, for example for the BBC Wales website. * Ensuring that all sightings data collected during surveys are input onto the computer. * Ensuring that the Welsh sightings database is kept up to date with data from our surveys and that data submitted by other organisations is input promptly and correctly. All volunteers Boat Based Work * Assisting with boat based photo identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins. * Assisting with collection of data on marine mammals & other wildlife in Cardigan Bay * Educating passengers about the wildlife in Cardigan Bay. Land-based work * Assisting with the day-to-day operation of the Visitor Centre, including staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings and answering enquiries. * Advising visitors to the centre about local marine wildlife and our research work. * Assisting development of our education programme and interpretational materials. * Conducting land based mammal surveys from New Quay. * Assisting with photo-ID, analysis & cataloguing of bottlenose dolphin data. * Recording sightings information, update sightings boards and our central database. * Updating website pages with sightings, articles and other info. * Training new volunteers in collection of data and survey work. Desired skills An interest in marine wildlife and conservation is most important, along with enthusiasm and willingness to work in a conscientious and responsible manner. Fluency in English, good verbal and written communication skills and IT skills are important. We welcome people with experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education, however this is not essential. Indeed this is a great opportunity to gain skills in these areas. Time commitment The Photo-ID Officer role requires a commitment of at least four months, including July to October 2007. Applicants for the Marine Wildlife Sightings Officer need to be available for a minimum of three months between June and October. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part time basis are also welcome to apply. Volunteers who are available for shorter periods are also needed; please see our advert for Research and Education Volunteers. Accommodation and expense arrangements Accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx £45 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. Further information Please see our website www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> or call Steve or Sarah on 01545 560032 or 07796 135490. How to apply Please contact us by post, or email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org, enclosing a copy of your CV detailing your background and relevant experience together with a covering letter indicating when and how long you are available to volunteer. Send to: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace New Quay, Ceredigion Wales, SA45 9PS

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seal finger
by Derek Lee 25 Jan '07

25 Jan '07

Anyone who knows anything about the infection 'seal finger' recurring, and/or not responding to Tetracycline (1.5 g initially, then 500mg QID), please respond, we have a volunteer who is in danger of losing her fingers to an antibiotic-resistant infection acquired from elephant seals. Reply to: dlee(a)prbo.org Thank you, -Derek Lee Derek E. Lee Farallones Biologist PRBO Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive, #11 Petaluma, California 94954 www.prbo.org

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: Marine Animal Care Coordinator, Massachusetts
by Kathy Zagzebski 24 Jan '07

24 Jan '07

ANIMAL CARE COORDINATOR (full-time): The National Marine Life Center, a marine animal rehabilitation and release facility on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, seeks a full-time animal care coordinator to work with stranded sea turtles and seals. If you are flexible, organized, conscientious, and a team player with initiative, read on! Responsibilities include: developing husbandry policies and protocols, animal husbandry, animal handling and restraint, food preparation, feeding, administering vitamins and medications, cleaning, facilities maintenance, water quality testing, and maintaining the life support systems. Additional duties include: volunteer training and supervision, presenting educational programs to the public, participating in fundraising activities, and assisting with general office duties. Requirements: experience rehabilitating sea turtles and seals; B.A./B.S. in biology, zoology, or related field, and/or veterinary technician degree/certification, and/or equivalent work experience; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with standard MS Office software. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Send cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to Kathy Zagzebski, President & Executive Director, kzagzebski(a)nmlc.org <mailto:doneil@nmlc.org> , (fax) 508-759-5477, National Marine Life Center, P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, MA, 02532-0269. Application deadline: 28 February 2007. The National Marine Life Center is an equal opportunity employer. www.nmlc.org <http://www.nmlc.org/> . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kathy Zagzebski President & Executive Director The National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 phone: 508 743-9888 x15 fax: 508 759-5477 e-mail: kzagzebski(a)nmlc.org web: http://www.nmlc.org/ "Caring for stranded marine animals." I GoodSearch for the National Marine Life Center. You can help, too, just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch - <http://www.goodsearch.com> www.goodsearch.com. Thanks for your support! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kathy Zagzebski President & Executive Director The National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 phone: 508 743-9888 x15 fax: 508 759-5477 e-mail: kzagzebski(a)nmlc.org web: http://www.nmlc.org/ "Caring for stranded marine animals." I GoodSearch for the National Marine Life Center. You can help, too, just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch - <http://www.goodsearch.com> www.goodsearch.com. Thanks for your support! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Pinniped rehabilitation internship
by Lanni Hall 24 Jan '07

24 Jan '07

MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE/REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, CA seeks applicants for 2 summer internships working with stranded seals and sea lions. These positions are open to undergraduate and veterinary students. Internship dates will run May 14-July 9 and July 10-September 2, 2007. Start and end dates are flexible with the chosen interns. This is unpaid position, however a small stipend is offered to offset living expenses. Interns are responsible for travel and housing. Housing may be available for qualified interns. Description: The internship is designed to give exceptional hands-on experience with pinnipeds in a rehabilitation facility setting including Pacific harbor seals, California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, Steller's sea lion, Northern fur seals. The intern will take on a leadership role among 20-30 volunteers and will be directly responsible to the Director. Interns will be involved in all aspects including, rescues, transports, veterinary procedures, animal care, releases, public relations and fundraisers. Qualifications: The internship is open to undergraduates, veterinary students and recent graduates. Applying: Interested individuals should send the following: Cover letter and resume to: Lanni Hall, Director Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 424 Howe Drive Crescent City, CA 95531 www.northcoastmmc.org or fax to: (707) 465-6265 or email to: lhall(a)northcoastmmc.org No phone calls please.

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Marine Education Internship
by Lea Paddock 24 Jan '07

24 Jan '07

MERI Announces Marine Education Internships Summer 2007 The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), located in Blue Hill, Maine, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research and education on the impacts of pollution on marine life, and to protecting the health and biodiversity of the marine environment for future generations. We are currently recruiting to fill three Marine Education Internships for the 2007 Summer. These are full-time positions requiring a commitment of 11 weeks (June 18th September 1st). Current work includes community-based marine education programs, water quality monitoring, and field research on the effects of pollution on marine mammals. MERI's education programs focus on marine life along the rocky Maine coast and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. Education internships are offered on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate level college students. MERI Education Internships offer young adults an invaluable exposure to the ocean environment, intensive training and mentoring in their fields, and encouragement to reach their potential as marine educators who will become leaders for future generations. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science education or environmental education to gain practical experience in the field. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. Primary Job Responsibility: This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in key components of the MERI education program, including leading boat and island ecology trips for children and adults, planning and implementing educational science materials for adult and child community programs, and assisting with the day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies. Job Description: * Assist with the implementation of educational programming, including educational Boat Cruises, MERI's Summer Day Camp, Ocean Story Hour, Ocean Video Night, and Ocean Aquarium Room programs * Interpret exhibits in the Ocean Aquarium Room to visiting groups and the general public * Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, including staffing the reception desk and the Ocean Room, and attending some weekend and evening programs and special events * Help maintain Ocean Room aquaria and touch tank, including collection of species for exhibit in the tanks * Work with Education Department staff and volunteers to reorganize and catalogue the Sea Lending Library * Compile background information, assist with production of Fact Sheets, Teaching Kits and informational materials as assigned and for an individual project subject area * Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public * Stocking and maintaining educational program materials * Setting up and cleaning areas required for educational programs * Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required Reports to: Education Program Coordinator and Education Director Qualifications: Applicants should be working towards or possess a BA or BS degree (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to apply) in environmental education, marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major. Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching science-related topics and preferably have experience teaching science to groups of students, ages 2-18. Applicants should be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Good public speaking and writing skills are required. Applicants must be flexible, able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel required. Must possess a valid drivers license, a good driving record, and ability to drive or learn to drive a manual transmission. Knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and water safety is a plus. Time Requirements: June 18 - September 2 (11 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week) Compensation: Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend are available. A common house is used, where interns live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms may be shared with one other person. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. Deadline: Until filled To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by email a letter of interest with your updated résumé and contact information for 3 references to: MERI Search Committee/Summer 2007 Education Internship <mailto:education@meriresearch.org> education(a)meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04616 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 Website: <http://www.meriresearch.org> www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer **************************** Lea Paddock Education Coordinator Marine Environmental Research Institute 55 Main Street PO Box 1652 Blue Hill, ME 04614 Tel: 207-374-2135 Fax: 207-374-2931 lpaddock(a)meriresearch.org

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Navy exempts itself from MMPA
by Jasny, Michael 24 Jan '07

24 Jan '07

FYI: the U.S. Navy yesterday issued itself a 2-year exemption from the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for its training with mid-frequency sonar. The exemption covers all of the Navy's sonar training on its ranges and operations areas and all of its major exercises, which take place in various sites around the globe. It follows a decision from the California Coastal Commission a few weeks ago, under a different law, to require additional mitigation when the Navy uses sonar off the California coast. Please contact me if you'd like a copy of the Navy's exemption or the Coastal Commission's decision. Best, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 fax 310-434-2399 mjasny(a)nrdc.org PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney-client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify me at the above telephone number.

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New publication on dolphin echolocation
by Adam A. Pack 22 Jan '07

22 Jan '07

Aloha colleagues, For your interest, we have just published the following article on dolphin echolocation: Branstetter, B. K., Mevissen S. J., Pack, A. A., Herman, L. M., Roberts, S. R., and Carsrud, L. K. (2007). Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) echoic angular discrimination: Effects of objects separation and complexity. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 121, 626-635. Summary of article A bottlenose dolphin was tested on its ability to echoically discriminate horizontal angular differences between arrays of vertically oriented air-filled PVC rods. The blindfolded dolphin was required to station in a submerged hoop 2 radial m from the stimuli and indicate if an array with two rods (S+) was to the right or the left of a single rod (S-). The angular separation between the two rods (thetaw) was held constant within each experiment while the angle between the S+ and the S- stimuli (thetab) varied to produce angular differences (Deltatheta=thetab-thetaw) ranging from 0.25 to 4°. In experiment I, thetaw was maintained at 2° and in experiment II, thetaw was maintained at 4°. Resulting 75% correct thresholds (method of constant stimuli) were 1.5 and 0.7°, respectively. The two main findings of this study are: (1) decreasing the number of targets does not aid in localization, and (2) increasing the space between the rods enhances localization. Taken as a whole, the experiments suggest dolphins have a well-developed ability to resolve spatial information through sonar. Reprint pdfs may be obtained from Brian Branstetter at branstet(a)hawaii.edu or from Adam Pack at pack(a)hawaii.edu. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2007, Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Vice President and Research and Education Program Manager, The Dolphin Institute Affiliate Graduate Faculty, University of Hawaii at Manoa P.O. Box 700694 Kapolei, HI 96709 808-679-3690

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