June 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium
by ngs_abis＠ngs.org 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

First Announcement National Geographic Remote Imaging is pleased to host the Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium, a three day conference exploring the impact and potential of animal-borne imaging systems in behavior and ecology research. The Symposium will be held October 10-13, 2007, at the National Geographic Society, Washington DC. The primary objective is to foster interdisciplinary interaction between current and prospective researchers interested in employing animal-borne imaging capabilities in research, and to discuss the implications of this protocol for exploration, science, conservation, and education. A website is currently under construction. Until the website is live please contact us with any questions, by email at ngs_abis(a)ngs.org.

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New publications week 17
by Jan Herrmann 21 Jun '07

21 Jun '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 17 / 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 Borge, T. et al. (2007): Genetic variation in Holocene bowhead whales from Svalbard. Molecular Ecology 16(11): 2223-2235. Branch, T.A. et al. (2007): Past and present distribution, densities and movements of blue whales Balaenoptera musculus in the Southern Hemisphere and northern Indian Ocean. Mammal Review 37(2): 116-175. Gerber, L.R., A.C. Keller, and D.P. DeMaster (2007): Ten thousand and increasing: Is the western Arctic population of bowhead whale endangered? Biological Conservation 137(4): 577-583. Harino, H. et al. (2007): Accumulation of Organotin Compounds in Tissues and Organs of Stranded Whales Along the Coasts of Thailand. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 53(1): 119-125. Jorde, P.E. et al. (2007): Detecting genetic structure in migrating bowhead whales off the coast of Barrow, Alaska. Molecular Ecology 16(10): 1993-2004. Ortiz, G.G. et al. (2007): The Orbital Harderian Gland of the Male Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): A Morphological Study. Anatomia Histologia Embryologia 36(3): 209-214. Sassu, R. and B. Cozzi (2007): The External and Middle Ear of the Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen 1833). Anatomia Histologia Embryologia 36(3): 197-201. Westgate, A.J. et al. (2007): A new device to remotely measure heat flux and skin temperature from free-swimming dolphins. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 346(1-2): 45-59. Willis, P.M. and L.M. Dill (2007): Mate Guarding in Male Dall's Porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli). Ethology 113(6): 587-597. PINNIPEDIA Aguirre, A.A. et al. (2007): Infectious disease monitoring of the endangered hawaiian monk seal. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 43(2): 229-241. Cameron, M.F. et al. (2007): Site fidelity of Weddell seals: the effects of sex and age. Antarctic Science 19(2): 149-155. Spraker, T.R. et al. (2007): Hookworm enteritis with bacteremia in california sea lion pups on san miguel island. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 43(2): 179-188. Thomton, J. and J.-A.E. Mellish (2007): Haptoglobin Concentrations in Free-range and Temporarily Captive Juvenile Steller Sea Lions. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 43(2): 258-261. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Adulyanukosol, K. et al. (2007): Observations of dugong reproductive behavior in Trang Province, Thailand: further evidence of intraspecific variation in dugong behavior. Marine Biology 151(5): 1887-1891. Clementz, M.T., P.L. Koch, and C.A. Beck (2007): Diet induced differences in carbon isotope fractionation between sirenians and terrestrial ungulates. Marine Biology 151(5): 1773-1784. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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New Book -- History of Whaling in America (W. W. Norton)
by Ericjayd＠aol.com 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

Hello: I wanted to let you know about my new book -- LEVIATHAN: THE HISTORY OF WHALING IN AMERICA (W. W. Norton, 2007). It covers the social, economic, political, military, and biological history of American whaling from the early 1600s to 1924. For more information on the book (e.g., reviews, images, excerpts), please visit my website -- _http://www.ericjaydolin.com/_ (http://www.ericjaydolin.com/) , or see the writeup on Amazon.com. A good review of the book appeared in today's Wall Street Journal -- _http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB118229921486641333.html_ (http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB118229921486641333.html) . Another recent review appeared in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune -- _http://www.startribune.com/384/story/1246626.html_ (http://www.startribune.com/384/story/1246626.html) . If you live in New England, New York, or Washington, D.C., please take a look at my website, under tour dates, to see where I will be speaking and presenting my slide show this summer and fall. Any help you can provide in getting the word out about my book would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration. All the best! Eric Jay Dolin, Ph.D. Author Marblehead, Massachusetts ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

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Satellite tags on medium sized cetaceans
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 20 Jun '07

20 Jun '07

Dear Marmamers, we are currently preparing a project on satellite tagging of medium sized, deep diving cetaceans in the Canary Islands and would like to know if anyone has gathered experience with tagging e.g. pilot and/or beaked whales or similar species. After having contacted several specialist working in the US and looking at the scientific literature, we are aware that tag size has to be accustomed both to the physiology and to the diving behaviour of the according species, and such tags probably will have to be assembled individually. We herewith would like to inquire if other Marmamers also have used such tags or know which system likely will be successful. We also would like to know if there are other satellites except ARGOS that might be used in such a project, especially if there are European systems or companies available. We have so far come across a number of companies offering tags or sets, including the following: Telonics, Wildlife Computers, SirTrack, Microwave Telemetry If you should be aware of others and are willing to share you experience with us, we would be extremely grateful. Thanks and many greetings, Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. Manuel Carillo, Canarias Conservacion -- *********** Fabian Ritter M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 12161 Berlin Germany T/F: +49-(0)30-85 07 87 55 e-Mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to..." (After Douglas Adams)

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Posting
by Christine Gleason 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

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Fw: New ESR Articles
by Brendan Godley 19 Jun '07

19 Jun '07

New ESR ArticlesDear Marine Vertebrate Colleagues I am please to note that the following relevant articles have just been published: Michaud J, Taggart CT (2007) Endangered Species Research Lipid and gross energy content of North Atlantic right whale food, Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy Snover ML, Avens L, Hohn AA (2007) Endangered Species Research Back-calculating length from skeletal growth marks in loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta PDF copies of these articles and all other ESR content are freely available at the ESR website http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/. Also please note that the call is still open for the Special Theme Issue "Tracking Vertebrates for Conservation". We now have >10 mss in review for this and the volume will be published by end 2007. More information at http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/ or from me. Please forward this message to anyone who might be interested in ESR. With kind regards Brendan Dr. Brendan J. Godley Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology Centre for Ecology & Conservation School of Biosciences University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research <http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/> Homepage <http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/>

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help with placentophagia survey
by noonan＠canisius.edu 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Dear Colleagues: I wonder if you would help me with a research project on placentophagia. It is widely reported that it is normal for female mammals to eat the placenta after they give birth. It is even reported in many places that this behavior occurs in just about every mammal species. However, my own experience has led me to suspect that there are some exceptions to this rule, and I am now convinced that it would be beneficial to document exactly which species do, and which species do not, demonstrate placentophagia. If you have ever witnessed a marine mammal birth in any species, would you please let me know whether the mother did, or did not, eat the placenta. The best way to do this is by going to the following web site to answer a simple set of questions: www.canisiuspsychology.net/survey/fillsurvey.php?sid=21 When the results are tabulated, I will seek to publish the findings in an appropriate journal. I will also gladly email you a preview summary. Thanks very much in advance. Michael Noonan, PhD Professor of Animal Behavior Canisius College Buffalo, New York 14208 USA PS: If you have any questions about this study, or any suggestions that will help, please contact me at noonan1(a)canisius.edu.

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Position opening: Manatee Photographic Identification Technician
by tetequintana＠comcast.net 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Position Title: Manatee Photographic Identification Technician Position Location: Sarasota, Florida Application Deadline: June 29 or until position is filled The Manatee Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory (www.mote.org) Florida, has openings for one full-time and one half-time (20 hours per week) photographic identification technicians for one year starting August 2007. The full-time position includes complete benefits. Mote Marine Laboratorys manatee photo-identification project collaborates with partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the U.S. Geological Surveys Sirenia Project in the management of a statewide scar catalog of individual manatees, the Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System (MIPS). Responsibilities will include: 1. Laboratory: The photographic identification technicians will be primarily responsible for assisting with the processing of photographic images (i.e. labeling, sorting, and matching) and updating, entering, and verifying sighting and image data. These positions require that work be performed competently, accurately, and efficiently and the technician must have good problem recognition/resolution skills. The technician will also be responsible for various tasks pertaining to report preparation and proofreading. A limited amount of assistance with other funded contract work related to manatee ecology and habitat may also be involved as needed. 2. Field Work: This person will also conduct periodic photo-identification surveys of wild manatees in southwestern Florida. Field sampling requires proficiency with trailering, launching, and operating small (up to 21 ft) vessels, as well as operating SLR 35 mm digital cameras. Vessel maintenance and familiarity with Florida in-shore waters are advantageous skills. Manatee Photographic Identification Technicians are required to have or obtain USCG or Power Squadron Boating Certification. Fieldwork may require travel and/or nights and weekends. For clarity, the vast majority of the time will be spent in the laboratory assisting with existing photo files. Qualifications: 1. B.S./B.A. Degree (Biology, Zoology, or closely-related field). 2. Valid Florida drivers license. Applicants who do not have a Florida drivers license but who are willing to obtain one will be considered. 3. Vision must be correctable through glasses or contact lenses for observing images on the computer screen and photographic slides, as well as for operating laboratory vessels, vehicles, and cameras. 4. Good/excellent verbal communication skills. The photo-identification project requires multiple staff members to work closely together on the same and/or overlapping datasets, necessitating communication and the ability to work well as a team. 5. Ability to spend long hours working at a computer station and/or light table with a high degree of accuracy. Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations, which may include tropical to temperate climate conditions (hot or cold, high humidity, intense sunlight, rainy weather, etc.). Ability to carry/move moderately heavy objects (30-50 lbs). Ability to swim. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience conducting photo-identification of marine mammals. Candidates must currently be authorized and able to work in the United States through at least June, 2008. These positions may continue for more than one year, if funds remain available. Applications should include a cover letter, resume, names and contact information of three references, and be submitted to: Deanna Chapman Human Resources Manager Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 HumanResources(a)mote.org Thank you, Ester Quintana-Rizzo, Ph.D. Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236

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Solomon Islands dolphin populations
by William Rossiter 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

This is an urgent request for current, perhaps unpublished data, estimates, or expert opinions of the distribution and abundance of dolphin species in the territorial waters of the Solomon Islands. Recently captured dolphins are being readied for export from the Solomon Islands, probably concurrent with the nation becoming a party to CITES about 24 June. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavarehas has called publicly for evidence that such a take would be detrimental to dolphin populations. While proponents of the development of the international trade in dolphins claim populations range from 300,000 to 800,000, and Fisheries Minister Nollen Leni has said publicly that 1,000 dolphins per year would not be detrimental, the evidence for these allegations is unknown. To export the government must first void a ban on exports imposed by the previous government, triggering a possible embargo of tuna products with associated economic consequences. Given the difficulty of international researchers operating in the nation's waters it is possible that little reliable data exists. Data, estimates and opinions from researchers of similar regional populations will have value. The government needs sound, expert advice. If you can provide it please contact: Prime Minister Mannesah Sogavare: <amaesulia(a)pmc.gov.sb> Fax (-)-677-28154 Fax (-)-677-28626 Whether or not you contact the government directly please pass your comment to me. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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New publications week 16
by Jan Herrmann 18 Jun '07

18 Jun '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 16 / 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 Au, W.W.L., D.S. Houser, and L.A. Dankiewicz (2007): Acoustic backscatter from a diving dolphin (A). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 121(5): 3106. Grebner, D.M., D.L. Bradley, and D.E. Capone (2007): Localization of killer whale (Orcinus orca) vocalizations using a triangular hydrophone array in Johnstone Strait, British Columbia, Canada (A). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 121(5): 3105. Newman, K. and A. Springer (2007): Nocturnal activity by transient killer whales at St. Paul Island, AK (A). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 121(5): 3105-3106. Punt, A.E. and G.P. Donovan (2007): Developing management procedures that are robust to uncertainty: lessons from the International Whaling Commission. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64(4): 603-612. Mercado, E., III et al. (2007): Implications of shallow water propagation for ranging by marine mammals (A). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 121(5): 3106. PINNIPEDIA Hammill, M.O. and G.B. Stenson (2007): Application of the precautionary approach and conservation reference points to management of Atlantic seals. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64(4): 702-706. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Miksis-Olds, J.L. et al. (2007): Noise level correlates with manatee use of foraging habitats. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 121(5): 3011-3020. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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