March 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

mailing list for SMM student news
by Amanda Bradford 05 Mar '07

05 Mar '07

Greetings students! As the current Student Member-at-Large of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM), I recently established an electronic mailing list in order to communicate SMM and related student news (e.g., conference information, funding opportunities, student chapter updates, on-line and other marine mammal and professional resources) directly to interested students from time to time. Such communication will become increasingly important with the approaching Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Cape Town, South Africa. If you are currently an SMM student member, you should have already been notified that your SMM member email address was added to this mailing list, although please let me know if you have not. If you are not currently an SMM member, but are interested in SMM student issues and would like to be on this mailing list, email me <alb992(a)u.washington.edu> and I'll add you on. Please try to do so as soon as possible, as I will be sending out a first news installment within a few days. I look forward to connecting with you! All best, amanda (SMM Student Member-at-Large) | Amanda L. Bradford, MS | | WA Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit | School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences | University of Washington | Box 355020 | Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA | | Phone: 206.697.0143 | Fax: 206.616.9012 | E-mail: alb992(a)u.washington.edu

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[UNCLASSIFIED] National Seal Strategy - Australia
by Carolyn.Stewardson＠brs.gov.au 05 Mar '07

05 Mar '07

Notification that the following two reports: (1) National Seal Strategy Group. (2007). National Strategy to Address Interactions between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 20 pp. ISBN: 978-0-9775830-4-1 (2) National Seal Strategy Group and Carolyn Stewardson. (2007). National Assessment of Interactions between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 142 pp. ISBN: 978-0-9775830-4-8 are now publicly available at the following site: www.daff.gov.au/fisheries <http://www.daff.gov.au/fisheries> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT - This message has been issued by The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material. It is your responsibility to check any attachments for viruses and defects before opening or sending them on. Any reproduction, publication, communication, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of the information contained in this e-mail by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. The taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. If you have received this e-mail as part of a valid mailing list and no longer want to receive a message such as this one advise the sender by return e-mail accordingly. Only e-mail correspondence which includes this footer, has been authorised by DAFF ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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New Book - The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads
by Andrew Battle 05 Mar '07

05 Mar '07

New from Harvard University Press The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads Edited By Scott D. Kraus and Rosalind M. Rolland Harvard University Press / February 2007 / $55.00 543 pages, 34 color illustrations, 116 halftones, 48 line illustrations, 21 tables In 1980 a group of scientists censusing marine mammals in the Bay of Fundy was astonished at the sight of 25 right whales. It was, one scientist later recalled, "like finding a brontosaurus in the backyard." Until that time, scientists believed the North Atlantic right whale was extinct or nearly so. The sightings electrified the research community, spurring a quarter century of exploration, which is documented here. The authors present our current knowledge about the biology and plight of right whales, including their reproduction, feeding, genetics, and endocrinology, as well as fatal run-ins with ships and fishing gear. Employing individual identifications, acoustics, and population models, Scott Kraus, Rosalind Rolland, and their colleagues present a vivid history of this animal, from a once commercially hunted commodity to today's life-threatening challenges of urban waters. Hunted for nearly a millennium, right whales are now being killed by the ocean commerce that supports our modern way of life. This book offers hope for the eventual salvation of this great whale. For more information, including table of contents. see http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/KRAURB.html. -- Andrew Battle Publicity Department Harvard University Press 79 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Visit the publicity blog http://harvardpress.typepad.com

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Urgent Protection proposed for whale and dolphin habitats in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
by Fran Mallion 05 Mar '07

05 Mar '07

WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society today welcomes new proposals for large areas of protection in the Mediterranean and Black seas for some of the world's most threatened whale and dolphin populations. Within the proposals, important areas for feeding, breeding and rearing young used by fin, sperm, Cuvier's beaked and killer whales as well as bottlenose and common dolphins and harbour porpoises are highlighted for protection from encroaching industry and pollution. "These proposals are based on solid science and are some of the most far-reaching and significant to be recommended in European waters," says Erich Hoyt, WDCS Senior Research Fellow "They aim both to protect critical marine ecosystems as well as to reduce persistent threats to the whales and dolphins and the species and habitats they depend on." The proposals are being formally recommended to the 20-country parties to ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area) by the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee at the Meeting of the Parties later this year. WDCS calls on these countries to start the process to protect these areas. Most far reaching of the plans is the inclusion of the entire Alborán Sea and Straits of Gibraltar (approx. 25,000 sq km), with substantial portions of the national waters of Spain and Morocco as well as the adjacent high seas. This region is the most productive and diverse area in the Mediterranean and features 10 of the Mediterranean's whale and dolphin species in high numbers. Yet the area is under intense pressure from fishing, including illegal driftnet fishing, as well as shipping traffic, and maritime pollution. Other areas proposed include: 1. The Strait of Sicily (an area frequented by fin whales and various dolphins off Italy, Malta and Tunisia and on the high seas). This area requires further study to determine cetacean critical habitats and threats, and to identify appropriate boundaries. 2. Amvrakikos Gulf (NW Greece) where about 150 bottlenose dolphins live in a semi-enclosed area which could function as a natural laboratory for research. 3. Two areas important for Black Sea dolphins and harbour porpoises. 4. Eight areas for common dolphins in the Mediterranean (5 in Greece, 2 in Italy, as well as the Alborán Sea, already mentioned). Also announced this week is the official launch of a key new resource for marine protected areas called cetaceanhabitat.org, sponsored by WDCS. This website, dedicated to the conservation of the critical habitats of whales, dolphins and porpoises in national waters and on the high seas of the world's oceans, is aimed at whale and dolphin researchers, marine protected area practitioners, local conservationists and the interested public in more than 100 countries. Visitors to the site will find news on recent sanctuaries and marine protected areas (MPAs), including the new Mediterranean and Black seas proposals above; links to and descriptions of regional and world treaties on cetaceans and protected areas; definitions of key MPA terms such as critical habitat and ecosystem-based management; detailed references and downloads; and excerpts from Erich Hoyt's book Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, "We're hoping this will be a grassroots information tool that helps promote the creation of the best possible MPAs worldwide, in line with regional and international targets," says Hoyt, who helped develop the site. "But our key message is that for MPAs to be successful for cetaceans and ecosystems, cetacean threats have to be addressed in comprehensive ecosystem-based management plans with generous, highly protected zones containing critical habitat areas." For images, more information and interviews contact: Fran Mallion, WDCS Press Assistant, on 01249 449 534 or 07834 498277, or email fran.mallion(a)wdcs.org - Ends - Editors' Notes Erich Hoyt, WDCS Senior Research Fellow, helped organize a scientific workshop on specially protected areas last November in Monaco that examined and put forward the proposals through the scientific committee of ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Area). * The area highlighted for protection in the Alborán Sea and Straits of Gibraltar is being proposed in a number of Special Areas of Conservation and Ocean Reserves, as well as an international SPAMI (Special Area of Mediterranean Interest) under the Barcelona Convention whose signatories include most Mediterranean countries. * Except for the Alborán Sea proposal, the new MPA proposals do not include the vast southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean due to lack of knowledge; this will be the next frontier for ACCOBAMS work on cetaceans and protected areas. * For a special map of the newly designated areas prepared by cartographer Lesley Frampton, go to www.cetaceanhabitat.org <http://www.cetaceanhabitat.org/> (or see attached). The map may be published for free, with credit and copyright notice: Map by Lesley Frampton, © WDCS 2007. * The main feature of the cetaceanhabitat.org website is an interactive directory with data and maps detailing the nearly 600 MPAs and sanctuaries for cetaceans, both proposed and existing, located in every corner of the world. The listings include species, rationale, size, location, references and notes about cetacean research and habitat protection, as well as contacts for further information. Using online data entry forms, visitors to the site will have the chance to correct, update or expand any of the listings, or to recommend new listings of proposed or existing sites which feature or include cetacean habitat. The new data will be reviewed by an expert body within WDCS and then posted to the site. * To mark the launch of the website, a 40% discount on the WDCS book Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises published by Earthscan (London, 2005, 516 pages) will be offered for researchers, educators and students, or for use by a local or national conservation/NGO, while supplies last. Regular price is USD $40 or UK £24.95 (40% discount = $24 or £14.97 + postage). Contact erich.hoyt(a)mac.com. Fran Mallion Press Assistant (maternity cover) WDCS Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ UK T: +44 1249 449 534 F: +44 1249 449 501 E-mail: fran.mallion(a)wdcs.org http://www.wdcs.org <http://www.wdcs.org/> WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. Pro-whaling countries are mounting their biggest attack for decades on the bans on commercial whaling and international trade in whale products. Whaling is cruel, unnecessary and unsustainable. Help WDCS in our campaign to stop bloody whaling for good - it's time to act. www.stopbloodywhaling.org <http://www.stopbloodywhaling.org> This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS unless otherwise stated.

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Summer Internship Opportunity
by Kuczaj Laboratory 04 Mar '07

04 Mar '07

Summer Internship: Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS Period of Service: May August 2007 The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. College credits for the internship are awarded by the University of Southern Mississippi. Interns gain hands-on experience during boat surveys studying the Mississippi Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns assist with observations of wild dolphin behaviors and photo-identification. In addition, interns learn how to gather physical and biological data on board using a variety of scientific tools. In the research laboratory, at the USM Hattiesburg campus, interns learn about photo-identification, behavioral analysis, and acoustical analysis. Lectures given on topics in Experimental and Comparative Psychology may occur throughout the internship period. The internship is a full-time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements. Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship are required to send: · an application form (found on website listed below) · a resume · a letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship) · an unofficial or official copy of your transcripts · a minimum of two letters of recommendation (preferably from college professors who know you personally) All materials should be sent to: Stan Kuczaj, Ph.D. Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, but the complete application must be postmarked by the deadline by April 1st For further information please contact: Kuczaj_Laboratory(a)yahoo.com or visit: http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/internship.htm --------------------------------- Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games.

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Research request regarding Thailand marine mammals
by J&B 04 Mar '07

04 Mar '07

I have been asked to prepare a review paper on the management of marine mammals in the waters of Thailand. I have found little in the way of recorded information. I would appreciate any leads you might have as to species, environment, interactions between humans and other animals.The grey literature and personal communications would also be valuable. Thank you for any help you may be able to give me. Professor Keith Ronald kronald(a)rogers.com

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PhD Opportunity for a veterinarian
by Ciaglia, Michaela 04 Mar '07

04 Mar '07

> PhD Opportunity for a veterinarian > > The Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC), Sydney, has an > opening for a PhD student to commence in March 2008. > > The PhD student would need to be a qualified veterinarian with > clinical experience in anaesthetics. > > While the focus of the PhD would need to be on Antarctic pinnipeds the > project itself can be either one the successful candidate has chosen > or a component of an existing project being conducted as part of our > current research program. > > A requirement of the student would be that they are available to > participate in the 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 Antarctic field > seasons (3 to 4 months over summer). There is no scholarship > associated with this project so the successful candidate would need > to be eligible for a scholarship or have other means to financially > support themselves for the duration of their PhD. Program support, > equipment, logistical support and your travel to and from Antarctica > and support while in Antarctica, are supported by the AMMRC program. > For a copy of the Centre's ten year report outlining the research activities of the Centre please email mciaglia(a)zoo.nsw.gov.au. > If you are interested in being considered for this position please > forward a copy of your University transcript along with your CV to > mciaglia(a)zoo.nsw.gov.au by 5.00pm Friday 27 April 2007. > ____________________________________________________________________ This message is intended for the addressee named only and may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales. ____________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for viruses for the Zoological Parks Board of NSW by MCI's Internet Managed Scanning Services - powered by MessageLabs. For further information visit http://www.mci.com

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Contents of LAJAM 5:1 (2006) and subscription information
by Eduardo Secchi 04 Mar '07

04 Mar '07

Dear Marmamers, On behalf of our Editorial Board, I would like to inform you that articles published in the issue of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM 5:1) is now available in pdf. This issue includes the following articles which can be obtained from the author (their e.mail addresses are included): CONTENTS Clarke R. (2006) The origin of ambergris. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):7-22. robertclarke007(a)hotmail.com Rossi-Santos, M., Wedekin, L.L. and Sousa-Lima, R. (2006) Distribution and habitat use of small cetaceans off Abrolhos Bank, Eastern Brazil The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1): 23-28 mrosantos(a)pop.com.br Szteren, D.(2006) Predation of Otaria flavescens over artisanal fisheries in Uruguay: opportunism or prey The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):29-38 dszteren(a)ipn.mx Van Waerebeek, K., Sequeira, M., Williamson, C., Sanino, G.P., Gallego, P. and Carmo, P. (2006) Live-captures of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus and unassessed bycatch in Cuban waters: evidence of sustainability found wanting The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):39-48. cepec(a)speedy.com.pe Van Bressem,M.-F , Van Waerebeek, K. and Bennett, M. (2006) Orthopoxvirus neutralising antibodies in small cetaceans from the Southeast Pacific. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):49-54. marievanbressem(a)yahoo.co.uk Trimble, M. and Praderi, R. (2006) What is the colour of the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei)? a review and a proposed assessment method . The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):55-64. micatn25(a)yahoo.com.ar Rosas, F.C. W., da Rocha, C.S. and de Mattos, G.E. (2006).A method to measure captive giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) without sedation The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):65-66. frosas(a)inpa.gov.br Muelbert, M.M.C. and de Oliveira, L.R. (2006) First records of stranded pregnant female South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis, in the southern Brazilian coast. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1): 67-68 mamiferos(a)furg.br Sorisio,L.S., De Maddalena, A. and Visser, I.N. (2006) Interaction between killer whales (Orcinus orca) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna sp.) in Galápagos waters. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1): 69-72 a-demaddalena(a)tiscali.it Iriarte, V. (2006) Killer whale (Orcinus orca) occurrence at Ila de Lobos, Uruguay. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):73-76. verorcinus(a)gmail.com Pérez-Cortés, H., Barrera, C.A. and Ollervides, F. (2006) First record of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) mother and calf inside Bahia Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):77-80 hperez(a)fieldstudies.org Wedekin,L.L., Daura-Jorge, F.G. and Simões-Lopes, P.C. (2006) Comments on Flores and Bazzalo (2004). The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1): 81-84. wedekin(a)uol.com.br Flores, P.A.C. and Bazzalo, M. (2006) Reply to the comments on Flores and Bazzalo (2004). The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1):85-88. paulo.flores(a)ibama.gov.br For non-members of SOLAMAC, subscriptions to LAJAM can be made by check (or money order), in U.S. dollars, payable to "LAJAM". Please send payment to LAJAM/SOLAMAC c/o Nélio Barros, P.O. Box 36 Tillamook, OR 97141-2441 USA. LAJAM's subscription rates for 2006 and 2007 are (in US dollars): REGULAR PRICE * Students $30.00 Non-students $50.00 Libraries or other institutions $60.00 * Add US $10.00 for subscriptions from North America, Europe, Japan and Australia/New Zealand * Add US $5.00 for subscriptions from Africa, Asia and other Australasian countries Both students and non-students from developing countries (outside Latin-America) may be exempted of mailing costs upon a duly supported request, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Issues 1(1) and 2(1) are currently out of print. A very limited number of issues 2:2 and 3:1 are available. Other recent issues 3:2, 4:1 and 4:2 are available at a cost of $25 each. Any further information can be obtained from the editors (LAJAM(a)infolink.com.br) Best regards, Eduardo Secchi Editor-in-chief, LAJAM ************************************ Eduardo R. Secchi, Ph.D Professor Adjunto Laboratório de Tartarugas e Mamíferos Marinhos Departamento de Oceanografia Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG Cx.Postal 474 Rio Grande - RS, Brasil 96200-970 Fone: ++55-53-3233-6749 Fax: ++55-53-3233-6601 e.mail: edu.secchi(a)furg.br www.furg.br e Laboratório de Mamíferos Marinhos Museu Oceanográfico Prof. E.C. Rios - FURG Cx.P. 379 Rio Grande-RS, 96200-970, Brasil Celular: ++53-9241-0300 Fone: ++53-3232-9107 or 3231-3496 Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com

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Visiting Scientist Position Available
by Lance Barrett-Lennard 03 Mar '07

03 Mar '07

The Vancouver Aquarium is pleased to announce the inception of a Visiting Scientist position as part of its Cetacean Research Program. This unpaid position would suit an established cetacean researcher on study leave from his or her institution wanting focused time for analysis and writing, needing a base while conducting field-based research in the region, or wishing to conduct studies at the Aquarium. Inquiries are welcome from researchers studying cetacean conservation, behaviour, evolution, physiology, cognitive or sensory abilities, social structure, genetics, ecology, or population biology. The tenure of the position is 6 - 12 months. Additional details and contact information are available at the following website: www.vanaqua.org/visiting-scientist.

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PhD opportunities - Dr C. Scott Baker, OSU
by steel, debbie 02 Mar '07

02 Mar '07

Graduate opportunities at the Marine Mammal Institute, Cetacean Conservation and Genetic Laboratory, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University February 28, 2007 Two positions are available for graduate research with the Cetacean Conservation and Genetic Laboratory of the Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, under supervision of Dr. C. Scott Baker. Successful applicants are expected to be based primarily at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon and enrolled in the graduate program at the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Potential research topics include: 1. Genetic structure of humpback whale populations in the South Pacific (PhD) 2. Maternal fidelity and recruitment among humpback whales of Glacier Bay, Alaska (MSc) 3. Diversity of the Major Histocompatibility Complex in whales and dolphins (MSc or PhD) 4. Population dynamics of recovering and exploited whales (MSc or PhD) Funding: A graduate assistantship is available for a period of 1-2 years for each student, providing a tuition waiver and stipend of $19,000/year. Students are expected to find funding for completion of the program through grants or other fellowships. Students with independent funding are encouraged to apply. Academic qualifications and conditions: An MSc degree in an appropriate subject is required for enrolment in the PhD program. Applications: Make all application or expressions of interest by email to Debbie Steel (research assistant) debbie.steel(a)oregonstate.edu Applications must include a subject header: Graduate opportunities, CCGL-MMI Applications must include a one page Statement of Interest, a CV (1-2 pages, including references for publications, conference presentations or technical reports), a copy of your academic record and GREs (unofficial) and names of two references (by email), including your current or past academic supervisor. References will be requested for a short list of applicants. Applicants should also visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center webpage and links to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife: http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/programs.html#dept or contact Nancy Allen, head advisor for the Department, by email: nancy.allen(a)oregonstate.edu Deadlines: March 15, 2007 for expressions of interest. March 15, 2007, is also the normal deadline for applications to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife for entry into Fall Semester, 2007, but late entries may be accepted for successful applicants. Dr. C. Scott Baker Associate Director, Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport OR 97365 Phone: 541-867-0255; Fax: 541-867-0345 email: scott.baker(a)oregonstate.edu

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