February 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking volunteers
by Alvaro Berg 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

Volunteers needed for dolphin research Overview: A great opportunity is open for marine mammal enthusiasts to participate in hands-on research with dolphins in North Stradbroke Island, Southeast Queensland, Australia. The project aims to study the surface and acoustic behaviour of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and the potential effects of anthropogenic noise in their environment. Volunteers will help measure different aspects of the dolphins behaviour by using a variety of instruments to track their movements, identify individuals and record behaviour. This study is part of my doctoral studies and is supervised by Dr. Helene Marsh (James Cook University), Dr. Guido J. Parra (University of Queensland) and Dr. Michael Noad (University of Queensland). Conditions: Research will begin on the third week of April of this year and will extend to December 2007. Volunteers are expected to participate for a minimum of three months. The research team will be camping in a town called Amity Point, located at North Stradbroke Island, within Moreton Bay, adjacent to the Brisbane City area, in Southeast Queensland. We will camp for two weeks at a time, every month and share cooking duties. Although the project provides a communal research tent for the team, volunteers are free to bring their own tent and camping gear, for privacy purposes. The project will cover accommodation and food costs for these two camping weeks in the island. The other half of the month, however, will be responsibility of the volunteer. Research periods are not set in stone, as we depend largely on weather conditions. Thus, camping plans may vary each month and may extend for more than two weeks. The project will cover only transportation costs in and out North Stradbroke Island. All other transportation costs involved in arriving to Brisbane or Australia are responsibility of the volunteer. Eligible Criteria: The prospective applicant will satisfy the following criteria: Science background: Have a background in biology, zoology, marine biology, animal behaviour or a related field. Knowledge on cetaceans will be a plus but not essential. Long-term commitment: Be able to commit for a minimum of 3 months. High degree of flexibility: Fieldtrips to the island are highly variable due to weather patterns. Financially sustainable: Project will only cover living costs during fieldtrips and transportation costs in and out North Stradbroke Island Adaptability: Camping conditions may sometimes be harsh. To enjoy camping experiences, one must be able to adapt to all possible contingencies. Teamwork experience: Successful behavioural studies depend mainly on the ability to work as a team among the different components of the group. Previous experience (preferable but not essential): This research will use a series of instruments to study dolphin behaviour. Previous experience using these devices would be beneficial for the project: a. Theodolite or total station for surveying purposes b. Digital camera for photo-id purposes c. Video camera d. Boating e. First aid Good attitude: Long fieldtrip periods can affect moods and change behaviours. By maintaining a positive attitude at all times the research team can enjoy every moment of the research experience, and help others do the same. Play an instrument (definitely not essential): Playing an instrument releases stress, helps listening to others and creates team unity. It is only a plus, not a limiting factor; so do not hesitate in applying for this position if you do not play. Benefits: Travel and explore new places Meet interesting people Get involved in dolphin research Gain fieldwork experience Learn to use different research instruments: Theodolite, digital camera, video camera, sonobuoys, etc. Help advance our knowledge of dolphins to improve their conservation Enjoy the outdoors Enjoy the culinary talents of others and express your own. Contact: If interested or got queries, please contact research leader and send him your resume by Thursday, the 22nd of March (Please include dietary choice for planning purposes: i.e. carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, etc.): Alvaro Berg Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland St. Lucia, QLD 4072 Phone: 04 2311 9472 Email: alvaro_berg(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

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Harbour Seal Internships Deadline
by Phocid＠aol.com 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

Harbour Seal Rehabilitation Internships (deadline March 1st) Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, IWNCC’s focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals. For the 9th year, IWNCC will be offering summer internships. In the past, students have earned academic credit toward their degrees through the completion of these internships and the centre is also open to the creation and execution of short term, noninvasive research projects by the interns. There will be twelve staggered internships awarded this summer each lasting eight weeks. The internships are on a voluntary basis, however comfortable housing and a food stipend are provided. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns will work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups. Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Natural history of marine mammal species. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations. General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species. Applications need to be mailed by March 1, 2007. For more information and to download an application, please visit our web site at: www.sealrescue.org Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 www.sealrescue.org iwncc(a)aol.com

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Internship Available- Cascadia Research, Olympia, WA USA
by Erin Falcone 14 Feb '07

14 Feb '07

Cascadia Research, a non-profit marine mammal research organization in Olympia, Washington, is offering a volunteer internship position this spring and/or summer. The primary activities of this position will be to assist staff in our long-term photo-ID studies of humpback, blue, and gray whales off the US West Coast and the inside waters of Washington state. In this capacity, you will be expected to do quite a bit of matching, and may additionally be involved in processing of digital images and data entry. The position will be largely office-based, although there will be some opportunities to assist staff in field data collection, which is conducted primarily in small boats. Spring interns also assist in collection of gray whale photo-ID and sighting data in weekly surveys aboard local whale watch charters. In addition to this, interns will assist staff in stranding response (Cascadia responded to roughly 80 strandings in 2006). Responsibilities will include data and specimen collection, data entry, and participation in necropsies of both pinnipeds and cetaceans. Responses may involve hiking into remote areas and carrying heavy loads, and participants should be comfortable with the sight of blood, and strong, unpleasant odors. This is a learning position and prior experience in marine mammal research is not a prerequisite, however preference will be given to applicants with some experience in digital photography, good computer skills, and a basic working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access. Familiarity with boats is also a plus, as is the ability to acquire new skills quickly and work independently. The position is unpaid, however students can arrange to receive credit through their educational institution. Although room and board is not provided, we are willing to assist candidates in finding accomodations in the Olympia area. The duration of the internship is flexible, but we appreciate a minimum commitment of 8 weeks at 30-40 hours per week. If interested, please send a cover letter and current CV to Erin Falcone (efalcone(a)cascadiaresearch.org) Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview and may be asked to provide letters of recommendation or references. Thanks, Erin Falcone Erin Andrea Falcone Cascadia Research 218 1/2 West 4th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 360-943-7325 (Office) 360-943-7026 (Fax) 360-789-6474 (Cell) www.cascadiaresearch.org

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Revision: Internship Posting
by Jennifer Lewis 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

Revision of previous internship posting: Time period required is minimum one month during the below time frame. Period of Service should read Period of Research. Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Period of Service: April - October 2007 Details of Position: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on bottlenose dolphins in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of behavior and environmental data on dolphins and aiding with fish sampling. Off water duties will include data entry, management and analysis in addition to equipment maintenance. Interns will receive training in field and lab techniques used in cetacean research. Requirements: Must be upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours (8+ per day) under extreme heat (up to 37 degrees Celsius). Must be in good physical condition (for deploying and hauling nets when fish sampling). Positions are voluntary. All work conducted will be done under a Letter of Confirmation for Level B Harassment (MMPA 1972). For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Doctoral Candidate Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences 11200 SW 8th St. Miami, Florida 33199 (305) 348-7429

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job announcement -- please post
by Dr. Nelio Barros 13 Feb '07

13 Feb '07

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY Animal Biologist The Department of Biology at Hofstra University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, assistant professor position in any sub-discipline in Organismal Biology. The successful candidate will be qualified to teach an introductory Animal Form and Function course, as well as courses that compliment current and future department interests (including, but not exclusive to urban ecology, environmental biology, vertebrate biology, physiology, fresh water/marine biology). An interest in and/or experience with innovative teaching techniques is especially desirable. We seek an individual who is able to teach courses at a variety of levels, i.e. to non-majors, undergraduate majors, and Master's students. Faculty in Biology must maintain an active research program accessible to both undergraduate and Master's level students. The specific areas of research are open, however candidates who use an integrative, interdisciplinary approach are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline and demonstrated teaching experience. Post-doctoral experience is preferred. Candidates should submit a letter of application, their CV, statements of research and teaching interests (indicating specific and detailed teaching experience), and have three letters of recommendation sent to the following address: Faculty Search, Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1140. The Department of Biology is a medium-sized, diverse, and growing department. Additional information about the department, faculty, facilities, etc. is posted on the web at: . Application materials should be received by 15 March 2007.

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gas refinery discharge impact on cetaceans
by shay fennelly 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Hello, I am seeking information, published papers on the effects of (produced water) marine effluent discharges from gas refinerys on marine mammals. Discharges include Hydrocarbons(PAH,BTEX,TPH) -0.5mg/l Phenol-0.001mg/l, Metals (As,Cd,Cr,Cu,Hg,Ni,Pb)-0.5mg/l Copper -0.05mg/l, Cadmium 0.0005mg/l, Arsenic 0.05mg/l,Mercury-0.0001mg/l,Lead-0.005mg/l volumn emitted per day 720 cubic metre for 15 years. Any information appreciated. Shay Fennelly Dublin Ireland.

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Cases of immunoblastic lymphoma in marine mammals
by hardy Jones 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

I am looking for any occurrance of Immunoblastic Lymphoma in dolphins or other marine mammals. The only reported cases have been by Dr. Greg Bossart who found three species of dolphin in Florida in a short period of time and a case in the Canary Islands. I have asked Dr. Bossart if he knows of other incidences but he does not. I have searched databased and found nothing but Dr. Bossart's report and the report from the Canaries. I am now trying to reach any on the list who may have encountered this disease but not yet written it up. Thank you, Hardy Jones _________________________________________________________________ Valentines Day -- Shop for gifts that spell L-O-V-E at MSN Shopping http://shopping.msn.com/content/shp/?ctId=8323,ptnrid=37,ptnrdata=24095&tco…

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Cetacean research in Scotland volunteers needed
by Fiona Quarmby HWDT 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust carries out visual and acoustic cetacean surveys every summer from our research vessel, Silurian. Our research investigates cetacean distribution, relative abundance and habitat preferences using observers, acoustic monitoring and photo identification. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the research, and will receive full training in survey techniques. As our survey vessel is a sailing boat, there is also the opportunity to learn sailing skills. No specific experience is required to work as a volunteer onboard. However you should have basic computing skills and be proficient in the English language. Prices and dates for 2007 surveys are as follows: April 5th 13th (8 nights on board)Spring Price - only £400 July 11th 19th (8 nights on board) £695 July 20th 31st (11 nights on board) £795 August 1st 12th (11 nights on board) £795 September 4th 12th (8 nights on board) £695 September 23rd October 4th (11 nights on board) £795 Prices cover all expenses during the project incl. all food, 11 (or 8) nights accommodation on board our fully equipped 60ft sailing vessel, and all scientific and yachting training. Further information and how to apply can be found on our website, by phoning HWDT on +44 1688 302620 or by e-mailing me at <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> Fiona Quarmby Volunteer Co-ordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6RF Tel:01688 302620 Web:www.hwdt.org e-mail:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org

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Internship Posting
by Jennifer Lewis 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Period of Service: April - October 2007 Details of Position: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on bottlenose dolphins in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of behavior and environmental data on dolphins and aiding with fish sampling. Off water duties will include data entry, management and analysis in addition to equipment maintenance. Interns will receive training in field and lab techniques used in cetacean research. Requirements: Must be upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours (8+ per day) under extreme heat (up to 37 degrees Celsius). Must be in good physical condition (for deploying and hauling nets when fish sampling). Positions are voluntary. All work conducted will be done under a Letter of Confirmation for Level B Harassment (MMPA 1972). For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Doctoral Candidate Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences 11200 SW 8th St. Miami, Florida 33199 (305) 348-7429

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New publications week 04+05
by Jan Herrmann 12 Feb '07

12 Feb '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of weeks 04 and 05 / 2007, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Fontaine, M.C. et al. (2007): Long-term feeding ecology and habitat use in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from Scandinavian waters inferred from trace elements and stable isotopes. BMC Ecology 7(): 1. Goetz, K.T. et al. (2006): Habitat use in a marine ecosystem: Beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Marine Ecology Progress Series 330(): 247-256. Goméz de Segura, A. et al. (2007): Comparing cetacean abundance estimates derived from spatial models and design-based line transect methods. Marine Ecology Progress Series 329(): 289-299. Hao, Y.J. et al. (2006): Serum concentrations of gonadotropins and steroid hormones of Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis in middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River. Theriogenology 67(4): 673-680. Joergensen, M. (2007): First photographed observation of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in Svalbard. Polar Record 43(1): 73-74. Krahn, M.M. et al. (2007): Use of chemical tracers in assessing the diet and foraging regions of eastern North Pacific killer whales. Marine Environmental Research 63(2): 91-114. Mangerud, J. et al. (2006): Marine (14)C reservoir ages for 19th century whales and molluscs from the North Atlantic. Quaternary Science Reviews 25(23-24): 3228-3245. Olavarría, C. et al. (2007): Population structure of South Pacific humpback whales and the origin of the eastern Polynesian breeding grounds. Marine Ecology Progress Series 330(): 257-268. Oleson, E.M. et al. (2007): Behavioral context of call production by eastern North Pacific blue whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series 330(): 269-284. Paniz-Mondolfi, A.E., O.R. Jaimes, and L.D. Jones (2007): Lobomycosis in Venezuela. International Journal of Dermatology 46(2): 180-185. Thompson, P.M. (2007): Developing water quality standards for coastal dolphins. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54(2): 123-127. Urashima, T. et al. (2006): Chemical characterization of the oligosaccharides in Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis lesson) milk. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 146(2): 153-159. Watanabe, N. et al. (2007): Molecular cloning and histological localization of LH-like substances in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) placenta. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 146(1): 105-118. Westgate, A.J. and A.J. Read (2007): Reproduction in short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from the western North Atlantic. Marine Biology 150(5): 1011-1024. Yang, J., H. Harino, and N. Miyazaki (2006): Transplacental transfer of phenyltins from a pregnant Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) to her fetus. Chemosphere 67(2): 244-249. Gaston, A.J. et al. (2007): Birds and marine mammals in southwestern Foxe Basin, Nunavut, Canada. Polar Record 43(1): 33-47. Wilson, D.M. (2007): THE S.S. TERRA NOVA (1884-1943): FROM THE ARCTIC TO THE ANTARCTIC, WHALER, SEALER AND POLAR EXPLORATION SHIP. Michael C. Tarver. 2006. Brixham, Devon: Pendragon Maritime Publications. 256 p, illustrated, hard cover. ISBN 0-9552208-0-7. £30.00. Polar Record 43(1): 80-81. PINNIPEDIA Austin, D. et al. (2006): Linking movement, diving, and habitat to foraging success in a large marine predator. Ecology 87(12): 3095-3108. Buckles, E.L. et al. (2007): Age-prevalence of Otarine Herpesvirus-1, a tumor-associated virus, and possibility of its sexual transmission in California sea lions. Veterinary Microbiology 120(1-2): 1-8. Clark, C.A. et al. (2006): A longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of total body oxygen store development in nursing harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 177(2): 217-227. Harcourt, R.G. et al. (2007): Paternity analysis shows experience, not age, enhances mating success in an aquatically mating pinniped, the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 61(4): 643-652. Lalas, C. et al. (2007): Predation by New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) as a threat to the viability of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) at Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Biological Conservation 135(2): 235-246. Martina, B.E. et al. (2007): In vitro and in vivo replication of seal gammaherpesviruses in cells of multiple species. Microbes and Infection 9(1): 40-46. Quakenbush, L.T. (2007): Polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds in ringed, bearded, spotted, and ribbon seals from the Alaskan Bering Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54(2): 232-236. Sanvito, S., F. Galimberti, and E.H. Miller (2007): Observational Evidences of Vocal Learning in Southern Elephant Seals: a Longitudinal Study. Ethology 113(2): 137-146. Sanvito, S., F. Galimberti, and E.H. Miller (2007): Vocal signalling of male southern elephant seals is honest but imprecise. Animal Behaviour 73(2): 287-299. Sparling, C.E., M.A. Fedak, and D. Thompson (2007): Eat now, pay later? Evidence of deferred food-processing costs in diving seals. Biology Letters 3(1): 94-98. Wang, D. et al. (2007): Organochlorines in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) tissues from the northern Gulf of Alaska. Environmental Pollution 146(1): 268-280. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Dietz, R. et al. (2006): Age and seasonal variability of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in free-ranging East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Environmental Pollution 146(1): 166-173. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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