April 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper about Bottlenose Dolphins and fish farms
by Bruno Diaz 05 May '07

05 May '07

Dear All, The following paper is now available. PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com) THE IMPACT OF A FISH FARM ON A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. Bruno Díaz López, Luca Marini & Federico Polo. Thalassas, An international Journal of marine sciences. Vol 21 (2), 2005. ABSTRACT The increasing presence of aquaculture in coastal waters calls for a better understanding of its environmental effects. Despite a number of studies focusing on the impact of aquaculture on marine mammals, the interaction between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with fish farms has been the subject of few investigations. In this paper we report the results of our research on the interaction between bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm on the Sardinian coast (Italy) from 1991 to 2004. We divided the study area latitudinally into two sections: southern (Gulf of Olbia) and northern (Gulf of Congianus). In the southern section in November 1995 the plant of a small fish farm was completely increased and transformed. Data were pooled into two periods (1991 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004). All years but 2003 were sampled. During the first and second research periods the same land-based searches were conducted under fair to excellent weather conditions. A total of 255 sightings were carried out in over 1320 hours of research of dolphins: in the first period 52 sightings were recorded in 517 hours of research, in the second period 203 sightings were realized in 803 hours of research. The presence of bottlenose dolphins changed dramatically between the two research periods. Observations of dolphins indicate that they are mainly present in the southern area during the second period. The preference for the southern section seemed to be consistent after the transformation of the fish farm, since 1995. Keywords: bottlenose dolphins, aquaculture, fish farm, marine mammals, Sardinian coast Best regards, Bruno Díaz López Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com V.Diaz 4 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy tel: 00 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. --------------------------------- Get amazing travel prices for air and hotel in one click on Yahoo! FareChase

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Duke Marine Lab Job Announcement - Project Manager
by Tara M. Cox 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

******************************************************************************************************** Research project manager, Associate in Research: Center for Marine Conservation, Duke University Marine Lab, (MS or Ph.D. level) We seek applicants for a new research associate position at the Duke University Marine Lab. This person will coordinate administrative tasks and oversee research projects at the Center for Marine Conservation at the Duke University Marine Lab (http://marcons.env.duke.edu/) The Duke Center for Marine Conservation is an interdisciplinary consortium within the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences focusing on research, education, and outreach in marine conservation. During the first year, the primary task of the research associate will be to manage Project GloBAL (http://bycatch.env.duke.edu/) an effort to improve our understanding of the effects of fisheries bycatch on seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals worldwide. The research associate will organize report writing, coordinate regular meetings of the principal investigators and staff, prepare scientific reports, and work with a financial official to track grant spending. In addition, the associate will provide general administrative support by facilitating communication among project staff (approximately 15 members), coordinating domestic and international travel, purchasing equipment, writing abstracts, planning and executing scientific workshops and conference sessions, and communicating with the Duke University administration. The research associate will also engage in data analysis, literature review, report writing, manuscript and grant preparation. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required as is the ability to work well as part of a large research team. The project manager may be responsible for organizing meetings and coordinating research in foreign countries, so travel experience and foreign language skills are a plus. Experience with maintenance or design of web pages would also be helpful. Qualifications: Advanced degree in ecology, oceanography, fisheries, marine policy, marine conservation, geospatial analysis, or a related field. Particularly strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are required, as is experience working with large research teams. For more information please contact: Larry Crowder, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516 (lcrowder(a)duke.edu) Please direct applications including CV, personal statement, and 3 references to Amy Long (amylong(a)duke.edu) Application review will begin immediately. Close date for the position will depend on applications received. Please direct questions regarding application procedure to amylong(a)duke.edu.

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Fishery Biologist position at NMFS SERO, St. Petersburg, FL
by Nancy Young 30 Apr '07

30 Apr '07

Dear MARMAM subscribers: The following vacancy announcement posted today on USA jobs: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=56810539&AVSDM=2007%2D04%… OR Go to USA Jobs: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and search for Vacancy Announcement: NMFS-SER-2007-0020. Fishery Biologist, GS-0482-11/12 - Promotion potential to GS13 Major Duties: The incumbent coordinates regional management activities associated with the Southeast Region Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program; develops and enhance plans, protocols, and agreements and organizes periodic program reviews to further develop the capabilities, professionalism, and expertise of network participants and to promote ocean health initiatives; coordinates Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team activities; works with stakeholders to negotiate plans to reduce bycatch while minimizing economic impacts; coordinates implementation of take reduction plans, including the preparation of rulemaking and associated NEPA documents; directs activities of contracted facilitators. The incumbnet also develops and disseminates outreach and education materials related to marine mammal conservation and marine mammal programs; provides timely and comprehensive written and verbal responses to agency, Congressional, and media inquiries regarding marine mammals; acts as primary point of contact for Marine Mammal Branch in responding to media inquiries; develops and disseminates outreach and educational materials; initiates and fosters opportunities for intra- and inter-agency cooperation to enhance effectiveness of marine mammal conservation programs; reviews and provides input on national and regional scientific research and conservation activities affecting marine mammal populations. This deadline for application is Friday, May 11, 2007. _________________________________________________________________ Mortgage refinance is Hot. *Terms. Get a 5.375%* fix rate. Check savings https://www2.nextag.com/goto.jsp?product=100000035&url=%2fst.jsp&tm=y&searc…

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posting please
by Yvonne Miles 29 Apr '07

29 Apr '07

Scanning Ocean Sectors Would like to invite interested people to take a Marine Mammal Observers (MMO) course The course is to allow people to work within the industry and be qualified for any other types of marine mammal observing including research. The course will take place at the RNLI College in Poole Dorset. on the Monday the 4th, Tuesday the 5th and Wednesday the 6th of June 2007 for half day practical session on the water. The course will be JNCC approved and JNCC will be attending the course The schedule will be two full days theoretical and one half day for practical training. You can get further details from Scanningoceansectors.com Please contact Yvonne Miles for further information and registration. Yvonnesmiles(a)gmail.com -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0435 017 524 mob 07 4124 8320 land line

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MARMAM posting
by Carol Scarpaci 29 Apr '07

29 Apr '07

Dear MARMAM Currently a few spaces are available for Honours research projects at Victoria University (Australia) that focus on marine mammal research (predominantly marine tourism) with Dr Carol Scarpaci as primary supervisor. Candidates must be Australian citizens and have successfully completed a degree in Science (or related topic). Students would be expected to begin by July 2007. For further information please email Carol.Scarpaci(a)vu.edu.au <mailto:Carol.Scarpaci@vu.edu.au> to discuss topics on interest. Dr Carol Scarpaci (PhD) Victoria University Department of Science and Biotechnology PO BOX 14428 (Footscray Nicholson) MCMC, 8001 Victoria, Australia Mobile: 0419 891 588

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US Behavioural Response Study Permit Application
by Sarah Dolman 29 Apr '07

29 Apr '07

Dear MARMAM list, I want to bring to your attention a US Federal Register notice for an application to expose several deep diving odontocetes to a variety of sound sources on the AUTEC naval training range in the Tongue of the Ocean, in the Bahamas. The species to be exposed include Cuvier's and Blainville's beaked whales, Risso's dolphins, pilot, melon-headed and sperm whales. Exposure will include mid frequency sonar, and other sources, to a maximum received level of 170dB. For more details, visit the website of the permit application: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/1121-1900_application.pdf <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/1121-1900_application.pdf> and draft Environmental Assessment: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/1121-1900_ea_draft.pdf <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/1121-1900_ea_draft.pdf> Whilst we need to improve our understanding of deep diving species in order to better protect individuals and populations from intense noise pollution, WDCS is very concerned generally about experiments that expose whales to powerful noise sources and in the case of this study we also note the following: 1. the lack of baseline data of any species in the vicinity of the AUTEC range in the Tongue of the Ocean; 2. the unknown history of exposure of animals in an area where active sonar is regularly used; and, 3. the level of accuracy with which the exposed individuals can be monitored in real time. Any comments on the proposed scientific research application and draft Environmental Assessment (EA) should be submitted to NMFS, as stated in the federal register notice, and are due on or before 17th May 2007. Sarah Dolman Sarah.dolman(a)wdcs.org 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. http://www.stopbloodywhaling.org <http://www.stopbloodywhaling.org> Sarah Dolman International Science Team WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society 44 Lord Hays Grove Aberdeen AB24 1WS M: +44 (0) 78 3449 8275 http://www.wdcs.org/ WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. 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.

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Marine Mammal Observer Positions, Gulf of Mexico USA
by Geomotive 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Job Title: Marine Mammal Observers Company : GeoMotive Inc. Work Location: Gulf of Mexico Description: Experienced Marine Mammal Observers Candidates must have: - US/Canadian residency or a US B1 OCS visa - Mitigation experience on a seismic survey vessel or other offshore mitigation experience (fisheries, conservation) OR Marine Mammal observation experience Offshore (researchers, whale watching guides, etc). - Willingness to be flexible and travel at short notice. - Dedication to Marine Mammal research and conservation. - At least a Bachelors degree in related field: Biology, Oceanology, Zoology, etc. (unless you have 3 years or more field experience). - Offshore medical (we can provide information on how to get one) - Offshore survival and Protected Species Observer training** **If you are able to attend classes in Galveston, TX on 26th and 27th of April, this requirement will be fulfilled. Spaces limited. Short term or long term work with fixed rotations. Work starting immediately (27th April/4 May). All travel arranged and prepaid, travel days paid, meals/lodging paid, full insurance whilst working etc. Attractive day rate. If you meet the requirements above, please send a resume to JuliAnne at mail(a)geomotive.net

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New publications week 13
by Jan Herrmann 23 Apr '07

23 Apr '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 13 / 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 Basberg, B.L. (2007): WHALING IN THE FALKLAND ISLANDS DEPENDENCIES 1904-1931: A HISTORY OF SHORE AND BAY-BASED WHALING IN THE ANTARCTIC. Ian B. Hart. 2006. Newton St Margarets, Hertfordshire: Pequena. vxi + 365 p, illustrated, hard cover. ISBN 0-9552924-0-09. £25.00. Polar Record 43(2): 182-184. Currie, D. (2007): Whales, Sustainability and International Environmental Governance. Review of European Community & International Environmental Law 16(1): 45-57. Doniol-Valcroze, T. et al. (2007): Influence of thermal fronts on habitat selection by four rorqual whale species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Marine Ecology Progress Series 335(): 207-216. Marcoux, M., L. Rendell, and H. Whitehead (2007): Indications of fitness differences among vocal clans of sperm whales. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 61(7): 1093-1098. Morgera, E. (2007): Book Reviews: Whaling Diplomacy: Defining Issues in International Environmental Law - by Alexander Gillespie. Review of European Community & International Environmental Law 16(1): 114-115. Morgera, E. (2007): Competence or Confidence? The Appropriate Forum to Address Multi-Purpose High Seas Protected Areas. Review of European Community & International Environmental Law 16(1): 1-11. Nikaido, M., O. Piskkurek, and N. Okada (2007): Toothed whale monophyly reassessed by SINE insertion analysis: The absence of lineage sorting effects suggests a small population of a common ancestral species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 43(1): 216-224. Whitehead, H. (2007): Learning, climate and the evolution of cultural capacity. Journal of Theoretical Biology 245(2): 341-350. Jacques, I., M. Grayon, and J.-M. Verger (2007): Oxidative metabolic profiles of Brucella strains isolated from marine mammals: contribution to their species classification. FEMS Microbiology Letters 270(2): 245-249. PINNIPEDIA Beck, C.A. et al. (2007): Sex differences in grey seal diet reflect seasonal variation in foraging behaviour and reproductive expenditure: evidence from quantitative fatty acid signature analysis. Journal of Animal Ecology 76(3): 490-502. Fernández-Juricic, E. and M.H. Cassini (2007): Intra-sexual female agonistic behaviour of the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) in two colonies with different breeding substrates. Acta Ethologica 10(1): 23-28. Hadley, G.L., J.J. Rotella, and R.A. Garrott (2007): Evaluation of reproductive costs for Weddell seals in Erebus Bay, Antarctica. Journal of Animal Ecology 76(3): 448-458. Krafft, B.A., K.M. Kovacs, and C. Lydersen (2007): Distribution of sex and age groups of ringed seals Pusa hispida in the fast-ice breeding habitat of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Marine Ecology Progress Series 335(): 199-206. Sakahira, F. and M. Niimi (2007): Ancient DNA Analysis of the Japanese Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus japonicus Peters, 1866): Preliminary Results Using Mitochondrial Control-Region Sequences. Zoological Science 24(1): 81-85. Spence-Bailey, L.M., D. Verrier, and J.P.Y. Arnould (2007): The physiological and behavioural development of diving in Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) pups. Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 177(4): 483-494. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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a new paper on kw acoustics
by Frank Thomsen (Cefas) 20 Apr '07

20 Apr '07

Dear colleagues, heres' a new paper that might be of interest. Please also note my new working address....(out of Germany, finally.....). For those having questions or for assistance, please refer to me directly. Best, Frank Structural and temporal emission patterns of variable pulsed calls in free-ranging killer whales (Orcinus orca) Authors: Rehn, Nicola; Teichert, Stefanie; Thomsen, Frank Source: Behaviour, Volume 144, Number 3, 2007, pp. 307-329(23) Abstract: Resident killer whales off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, produce variable burst pulsedcalls most commonly during close-range interactions such as socialising or social-travelling. Earlier studies indicated that variable calls are graded and can be arranged into a scale from low-frequency calls to high-frequency ones. These graded calls are often emitted in sequences, were call-classes of similar frequency follow one another more often than different classes. However, a detailed analysis of sequences was lacking to date. Therefore, our understanding of the function of variable calls during interactions among killer whales is rather limited. Simultaneous recordings of underwater vocalizations and behavioural observations from resident killer whales were collected off Vancouver Island, British Columbia during1996-2001. Socialising activities were divided into four categories: male-female, male-male, female-juvenile and juvenile-juvenile. Variable call sequences were analysed with RTS and SIGNAL acoustic-software. We found no positive correlation between group-size and number of used calls or the duration of sequences, indicating that only one or a few animals were involved in the production of each sequence. Furthermore, sequences were present in all four behaviour categories and the composition of the group had no influence on the duration of calls and used call-classes. One particular call class (V4) could be further separated into structurally distinct sub-classes. These sub-classes often formed rather stereotyped sequences. The results of our study indicate that sequences of variable calls emit broad motivational information that is not age or sex-related. Sequences of distinct sub-classes might encode more subtle information on emotional states during socialising. Therefore, variable calls might posses different functions, depending on the nature of the interaction. Thus, variable calls might be of great importance for close-range communication in wild killer whales. Dr. Frank Thomsen Cefas Regulatory Assessment Team Burnham Laboratory Remembrance Avenue Burnham-on-Crouch Essex CMO 8HA Tel : ++ 44 (0) 1621 787 227 Fax : ++ 44 (0) 1621 784 989 Mobile: ++ 44 (0) 7984586499 www.cefas.co.uk *********************************************************************************** This email and any attachments are intended for the named recipient only. Its unauthorised use, distribution, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted. If you have received it in error, please destroy all copies and notify the sender. In messages of a non-business nature, the views and opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation from which it is sent. All emails may be subject to monitoring. ***********************************************************************************

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Information on Grey Seal abundance
by Sandra Blömacher 20 Apr '07

20 Apr '07

Hello! I got this list address from a member of alien-species list because I have a question concerning the abundance of seal species. A possible resettlement of grey seals at the German Baltic coast rises questions on maximal abundances of seals in a definded area as fishery is concerned about the impact of seals on fish populations. Does anyone have experience with population densities (e. g. at haul outs in breeding seasons) in a defined area? Thanks very much! Greetings from Rostock, Germany Sandra -- Dr. Sandra Blömacher Tel. : +49-174-330 83 94 email: s.bloemacher(a)gmx.de

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