October 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

paper on right whales off Nova Scotia
by Dave Mellinger 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

Seasonal occurrence of North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) vocalizations at two sites on the Scotian Shelf David K. Mellinger, Sharon L. Nieukirk, Haru Matsumoto, Sara L. Heimlich, Robert P. Dziak, Joe Haxel, Matt Fowler, Christian Meinig, Hendrick V. Miller Marine Mammal Science 23(4):856-867 (2007) A year-long acoustic survey for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales was conducted at two sites on the central and western Scotian Shelf. Autonomous hydrophones recorded sound continuously from July 2004 to August 2005. Right whale contact calls (upcalls) were identified using automatic recognition software, and the resulting detections were checked manually. Substantial numbers of hours with upcalls were observed at both sites, with approximately four times as many hours with calls at the western site as the central one. Calls occurred mainly from August through October, with the earliest calls in late June and the latest at the end of December at both sites. In addition to this seasonal trend, there was a significant diel pattern in calling at the central site but not at the more westerly site. Results are analyzed in light of feeding ecology and broad-scale movements of right whales. Key words: right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, North Atlantic, acoustic survey, moored hydrophone, automatic detection. Please contact me for reprints. Dave David.Mellinger(a)oregonstate.edu

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Conservation genetics in South American aquatic mammals
by Larissa Oliveira 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

Hello MARMAMers, In the following months I will be working on the chapter: "Conservation genetics in South American aquatic mammals: gene diversity, population structure and forensics" as part of the book: Conservation Biology Trends. For this, I intend to do a review of the most relevant genetic studies about South American aquatic mammals related to forensics, management and evolutionarily significant units, population structure, molecular phylogeography, effective population size and genetic bottlenecks. As well as the conceptual and informational gaps in related areas that need further development, using genetic tools to develop them. I was hoping that through MARMAM I could start creating a contact list and updating a bibliographical reference database of all South American aquatic mammal conservation genetic researchers to gather the and include past and current research, researchers and peer review literature for when the time comes. So, (again, if you are working on conservation genetics on South American aquatic mammals) please send: -Name -Current research institution and position -Email -Paper(s) or abstract(s) of your work to: lari_minuano(a)yahoo.com.br Thanks and sorry for any cross postings! Best, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira Larissa Rosa de Oliveira Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS) Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil Fone: + 55 51 3012.2886 Centro de Biologia Genômica e Molecular PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil Fone: + 55 51 3320.3500 R. 4727 Colaboradora do Laboratório de Biologia Evolutiva e Conservação de Vertebrados (LABEC) USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil Fone: + 55 11 3091.8092 Abra sua conta no Yahoo! Mail, o único sem limite de espaço para armazenamento!

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New publication available: Sponge carrying by an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin
by Guido J. Parra 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

The following short note was published recently: Parra, G.J. 2007. Observations of an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin carrying a sponge: object play or tool use? Mammalia 71(3): 147-149. Abstract Wild and captive delphinids are known to carry animate and inanimate objects on their rostra, melons, fins and tail flukes. Here I describe a sponge carrying event by an adult Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and discuss the potential functions of this behaviour in light of the observations made. The observations took place on November 9, 2006, during boat based surveys of coastal dolphins in the Hinchinbrook Channel (18o 16'S, 146o 04'E), northeast Queensland, Australia. The preliminary observations suggest the humpback dolphin was using the sponge, in some unknown way, while foraging. Humpback dolphins feed on a wide variety of estuarine fishes including bottom-dwelling species that posses serrated spines able to harm and kill dolphins. It is feasible that the humpback dolphin may have used the sponge as a "protective glove" while searching for food in the bottom. Future research is needed to assess if the behaviour described here is an isolated/random case or a foraging specialization involving tool-use. If you would like to receive a PDF copy, please email me: g.parra(a)uq.edu.au Thank you. Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Ph: (07) 3365-3066 Mob: 0437630843 Fax: (07) 3365-1255 Email: g.parra(a)uq.edu.au Webpage: http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/index.html?page=47564 <http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/index.html?page=47564&pid=47559> &pid=47559 Behavioural Ecology Research Group: http: //www.uq.edu.au/berg/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Mediterranean monk seal birth on camera
by a.karamanlidis＠mom 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

Dear MARMAMers In June 2007, the scientific team of MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the monk seal installed a remote video surveillance system in a pupping cave at the island of Kimolos, in the southeastern Aegean Sea. On the 2nd of October we managed to film the birth of a male Mediterranean monk seal pup - this footage has now been posted on our website, which is unfortunately for the time being, only in Greek. For those who want to view this extraordinary event and other footage from within the cave, please visit the following URL: http://www.monachoulis.gr Klick there on the right hand corner, where the symbol of the Live TV! is and you will be redirected to a monitor where you can see the footage. By using the Next and Previous buttons you can scroll through the 6 different sequences we have posted. Enjoy! For more information contact the research team of MOm at: research(a)mom.gr Alexandros A. Karamanlidis Email: a.karamanlidis(a)mom.gr MOm, HELLENIC SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF THE MONK SEAL 18 Solomou Str. GR-10682 Athens Greece. Tel.:+30.210.5222888, Fax: +30.210.5222450, web-site: www.mom.gr -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 2353 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len

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Last chance for books from Heyning library - half-price
by William Perrin 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

The sale of books from the research library of John Heyning will end 15 November. The final catalog of remaining titles can be seen at http://www.marinemammalogy.org/Heyning_catalog_III.pdf All books are now half-price. -- William F. Perrin, Ph.D. Senior Scientist for Marine Mammals NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel. (858) 546-7096 Fax (858) 546-7003

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Abstract: Vulnerability of a killer whale social network to disease outbreaks
by Robin W Baird 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

New publication Guimaraes, P.R. Jr., M.A. de Menezes, R.W. Baird, D. Lusseau, P. Guimaraes, and S.F. dos Reis. 2007. Vulnerability of a killer whale social network to disease outbreaks. Physical Review E 76, 042901. Abstract Emerging infectious diseases are among the main threats to conservation of biological diversity. A cruicial task facing epidemiologists is to predict the vulnerability of populations of endangered animals to disease outbreaks. In this context, the network structure of social interactions within animal populations may affect disease spreading. However, endangered animal populations are often small and to investigate the dynamics of small networks is a difficult task. Using network theory, we show that the social structure of an endangered population of mammal-eating killer whales is vulnerable to disease outbreaks. This feature was found to be a consequence of the combined effects of the toplogy and strength of social links among individuals. Our results uncover a serious challenge for conservation of the species and its ecosystem. In addition, this study shows that the network approach can be useful to study dynamical processes in very small networks. PDF copy available from www.cascadiaresearch.org ======================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Phone 1-360-943-7325 Fax 1-360-943-7026 e-mail: rwbaird(a)cascadiaresearch.org www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/robin.htm

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Research assistant post at SMRU Ltd, University of St Andrews
by Nicola Quick 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

Cetacean stock assessment Research Assistant, SMRU Ltd, St Andrews, UK SMRU Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of St Andrews that provides scientific advice to industry and government. SMRU Ltd works closely with the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) undertaking a wide variety of research contracts that build on the expertise of scientists and mathematicians within the organisations. The areas of work that we are currently involved in include advising on potential impacts of marine renewable energy projects; providing guidance on marine mammal populations; and assessing how wider commercial activities within the marine environment may affect marine organisms. SMRU Ltd currently invites motivated applicants to apply for the post of Research Assistant. The candidate will assist in a study of the relationships between cetacean stocks and oil and gas industry exploration and production noise. Key responsibilities will include: 1. A desk based review of current information on cetacean abundance. 2. Assisting with spatial and abundance estimation, for example using General Additive Model fitting and GIS 3. Draft key project reports in conjunction with the scientific team 4. Undertake other project-related work as required The successful applicant is expected to have an advanced degree in an environmental discipline, and must be able to demonstrate some experience of marine mammal research. The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in the statistical techniques used in marine mammal abundance estimation and GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with a team of at least eight scientists. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication in addition to producing specific project reports, so the ability to draft high quality scientific reports in English is essential. We encourage all qualified persons with the necessary visas and documentation to work in the UK to apply. The post is for 10 months with a preferred start date in late 2007, but some flexibility will be possible to accommodate a strong applicant. The salary available for this position will be close to £20,000 p/a pro rata. Interested candidates should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and list of referees by email or post to Fiona Skilbeck, fas(a)smru.co.uk, SMRU Ltd, 7 Woodburn Place, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LA. The deadline for applications is 7th November 2007. Fiona Skilbeck fas(a)smru.co.uk SMRU Limited 7 Woodburn Place St Andrews Fife KY16 8LA Tel: + 44 (0) 1334 479 100 Fax: + 44 (0) 1334 477 878 NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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Marine Mammal Permit Regulations Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
by Amy.Sloan 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

Marine Mammal Permit Regulations Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking The Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, is considering proposing changes to its implementing regulations and criteria governing the issuance of permits for scientific research and enhancement activities under Section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). We have published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register and are soliciting review and comment to better inform the process. The ANPR and MMPA implementing regulations (50 CFR part 216) can be found at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/mmpa_anpr.htm. On May 10, 1996, a final rule was published establishing requirements for issuing permits to take, import, or export marine mammals (including endangered and threatened marine mammals) and marine mammal parts under NMFS jurisdiction for purposes of scientific research and enhancement, photography, and public display. NMFS intends to revise these regulations to streamline and clarify permitting requirements, simplify procedures for transferring marine mammal parts, possibly apply the General Authorization (GA) to research activities involving Level A harassment of non-ESA listed marine mammals, and implement a 'permit application cycle' for application submission and processing of all marine mammal permits. NMFS intends to write regulations for photography permits and is considering whether this activity should be covered by the GA. Any other recommendations regarding regulations at 50 CFR part 216 received in response to this ANPR will be considered prior to proposed rulemaking. The scientific research permitting process has been under considerable review and increased scrutiny during the past few years. The ANPR provides some recommendations for changes to the MMPA regulations but is not considered comprehensive [note: ESA implementing regulations at 50 CFR part 222 are not being considered at this time]. We would appreciate your review and any suggestions on where improvements in the regulations would benefit the permitting process. The ANPR will be followed by a proposed rulemaking once comments are received and reviewed. Please provide comments by the close of the comment period (November 13, 2007). Comments may be submitted as follows: . By mail to: Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division Attn: Permit Regulations ANPR Office of Protected Resources, NMFS 1315 East-West Highway Room 13705 Silver Spring, MD 20910 . By facsimile at (301) 427-2521, followed by mail; . By email to NMFS.Pr1Comments(a)noaa.gov (include in the subject line of the email "Permit Regulations ANPR"); or . Via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. For further information please contact Michael Payne (Michael.Payne(a)noaa.gov) or Amy Sloan (Amy.Sloan(a)noaa.gov) by email or at (301) 713-2289. -- Amy Sloan Biologist, Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway SSMC3, F/PR1, Room 13730 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-713-2289 x 136 Fax: 301-427-2521 http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

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New publication in Advances in Marine Biology
by Shannon Gowans 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

I am pleased to announce the publication of a new paper entitled: "The social structure and strategies of delphinds: Predictions based on an ecological framework" by Shannon Gowans, Bernd Würsig and Leszek Karczmarski in Advances in Marine Biology (2008) volume 53 pages 195-294. Please contact me if you would like a pdf copy. Thank you. Shannon Gowans gowanss(a)eckerd.edu Abstract Dolphins live in complex social groupings with a wide variety of social strategies. In this chapter we investigate the role that differing habitats and ecological conditions have played in the evolution of delphinid social strategies. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding natural patterns of delphinid social structure in which the spatial and temporal predictability of resources influences the ranging patterns of individuals and communities. The framework predicts that when resources are spatially and temporally predictable, dolphins should remain resident in relatively small areas. Predictable resources are often found in complex inshore environments where dolphins may hide from predators or avoid areas with high predator density. Additionally, available food resources may limit group size. Thus, we predict that there are few benefits to forming large groups and potentially many benefits to being solitary or in small groups. Males may be able to sequester solitary females, controlling mating opportunities. Observations of inshore populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) and island-associated spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) seem to fit this pattern well, along with forest-dwelling African antelope and primates such as vervets (Cercopithicus aethiops), baboons (Papio sp.),macaques (Macaca sp.) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). In contrast, the framework predicts that when resources such as food are unpredictable, individuals must range further to find the necessary resources. Forming groups may be the only strategy available to avoid predation, especially in the open ocean. Larger home ranges are likely to support a greater number of individuals; however, prey is often sparsely distributed, which may act to reduce foraging competition. Cooperative foraging and herding of prey schools may be advantageous, potentially facilitating the formation of longterm bonds. Alternately, individuals may display many short-term affiliations. These large groups make it difficult for a male or a small group of males to sequester a female, and polygynandry is the most likely mating strategy. While it is difficult to study wide-ranging delphinids to examine these predictions, this ranging and behavioural pattern has been suggested for dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) and mixed species of dolphins in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. These patterns also resemble the ranging and social strategies of open savannah African antelopes and desert-dwelling macropods. Resource availability exists in a range of complex distributions and we predict that delphinid ranging patterns will also vary. At intermediate-ranging patterns, the framework predicts that individuals should form mid-sized groups balancing intra-group competition with predation protection. Humpback dolphins (Sousa sp.) appear to fit this pattern, with some site fidelity over relatively large ranges. They display fluid associations with other individuals. Predation pressure is not sufficiently high to cause large groups to form, and individuals probably reduce predation pressure more by hiding whenever possible. This pattern is likely to prevent the formation of long-term complex bonds. In contrast, killer whales (Orcinus orca) also display intermediate-ranging patterns, but have extremely strong social bonds within familial groups. Cooperative and altruistic behaviour in killer whales facilitate the formation of life-long bonds, similar to those observations in sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and elephants (Loxodonta africana). This conceptual framework remains largely untested, and for many species it is not currently possible to describe ranging behaviours, anti-predator tactics or social behaviour in sufficient detail for appropriate examination of these ideas. Few studies on dolphins have been conducted to explicitly test this type of framework; however, existing observations of delphinid social strategies and communities are used throughout this chapter to examine this framework. Additionally, we anticipate that the present framework may provide a starting point to test hypotheses regarding the evolution of social strategies of delphinids.

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New publication on POPs and stable isotopes in Southern Resident killer whales
by Peggy Krahn 25 Oct '07

25 Oct '07

New publication Krahn, M.M., Hanson, M.B., Baird, R.W., Boyer, R.H., Burrows, D.G., Emmons, C.K., Ford, J.K.B., Jones, L.L., Noren, D.P., Ross, P.S., Schorr, G.S. and Collier, T.K. In press. Persistent organic pollutants and stable isotopes in biopsy samples (2004/2006) from Southern Resident killer whales. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Abstract-$B!F!F(BSouthern Resident$B!G!G(B killer whales include three $B!F!F(Bpods$B!G!G(B (J, K and L) that reside primarily in Puget Sound/Georgia Basin during the spring, summer and fall. This population was listed as $B!F!F(Bendangered$B!G!G(B in the US and Canada following a 20% decline between 1996 and 2001. The current study, using blubber/epidermis biopsy samples, contributes contemporary information about potential factors (i.e., levels of pollutants or changes in diet) that could adversely affect Southern Residents. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes indicated J- and L-pod consumed prey from similar trophic levels in 2004/2006 and also showed no evidence for a large shift in the trophic level of prey consumed by L-pod between 1996 and 2004/2006. PCBs decreased for Southern Residents biopsied in 2004/2006 compared to 1993-1995. Surprisingly, however, a three-year-old male whale (J39) had the highest concentrations of $B-t(BPBDEs, $B-t(BHCHs and HCB. POP ratio differences between J- and L-pod suggested that they occupy different ranges in winter. PDF copy available on-line from the $B!H(BArticles in press$B!I(B section of Marine Pollution Bulletin (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0025326X) or from the author at the e-mail address below. ========================================== Dr Peggy Krahn Deputy Director, Environmental Conservation Division 2725 Montlake Boulevard East Seattle, WA 98112 Phone: (206) 860-3326 Fax: (206) 860-3335 E-mail: peggy.krahn(a)noaa.gov

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