June 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Juvenile foraging ecology and growth
by Iain Field 17 Jun '07

17 Jun '07

Dear MARMAM subscribers, For those who may be interested, my PhD thesis entitled 'The role of juvenile foraging ecology and growth in the evolution of life history strategies for southern elephant seals' is now available as a PDF file on the web at the following web address: http://www.cdu.edu.au/ser/IainFieldProfile.htm#Theses (or http://adt.lib.utas.edu.au/public/adt-TU20051004.143116/) The main keywords for the thesis are ontogeny, intra-specific competition, life history and foraging ecology. Topics covered within this thesis are anaesthesia, foraging range and spatial/habitat use, diet, metabolic changes and growth of a large free-ranging marine mammal species, the southern elephant seal, in a dynamic environment. For any further inquiries or for reprints of publications from my thesis (listed below), please feel free to contact me directly at the following email address: Iain.Field(a)utas.edu.au Field IC, Bradshaw CJA, Burton HR, Hindell MA (2007) Differential resource allocation strategies for juvenile elephant seals in the highly seasonal Southern Ocean. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 331: 281-290 Field IC, Bradshaw CJA , van den Hoff J, Burton HR, Hindell MA (2007) Age-related shifts in the diet composition of southern elephant seals expand overall foraging niche. Marine Biology 150: 1441-1452 Field IC, Bradshaw CJA, Burton HR, Hindell MA (2005) Patterns of onshore mass change and metabolism in juvenile southern elephant seals. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 78(4):491-504 Field IC, Bradshaw CJA, Burton HR, Sumner MD, Hindell MA (2005) Resource partitioning through oceanic segregation of foraging juvenile southern elephant seals. Oecologia 142:127-135 Field IC, Bradshaw CJA, Burton HR, Hindell MA (2004) Seasonal use of oceanographic and fisheries management zones by juvenile southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Macquarie Island. Polar Biology 27:432-440 Field IC, McMahon CR, Bradshaw CJA, Harrington J, Burton HR (2002) Intravenous anaesthesia of elephant seals: effects of age, size, condition and function of haul-out. Veterinary Record, 151(8): 235-240 Also available is a PDF copy of my honours thesis titled 'Diving behaviour of the southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina from Macquarie Island in relation to water temperature'. Cheers for now, Iain Dr Iain Field CDU / AIMS Research Fellow Shark Tagging and Population Modelling Project School for Environmental Research Charles Darwin University Darwin, NT, 0909 http://www.cdu.edu.au/ser/MarineEcology.htm#sharks

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New Marine Mammal Field Guides
by Uko Gorter 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Dear All, After numerous requests at the last two SMM biennial conferences for a laminated field guide of marine mammals and sea turtles of the Atlantic coast (US & Canada), I am pleased to announce the release of this very publication, …and more. North Atlantic Coast, marine mammals and sea turtles ($5.95): This durable, high quality laminated field guide, covers most of the Western North Atlantic, from North Carolina, US, to Newfoundland, Canada. The guide includes full color illustrations of 25 cetaceans, 4 pinnipeds, and 5 sea turtles. Approximate maximum lengths are shown in meters. Scientific names are given, as well as their English and French-Canadian common names (With thanks to Veronique Lesage and Pierre-Henry Fontaine). North Atlantic Coast, marine mammal behaviors ($5.95): In this new series of behavior guides, we have depicted specific behavior and interesting features for humpback whales (front side), and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (back side). Behaviors like lobtailing, breaching, feeding, spyhopping, and many other features are highlighted on this guide. (With thanks to Mason Weinrich for additional information) Both guides will be available online through Rainforest Publications (http://www.rainforestpublications.com) Here you will find many other guides for different species of flora and fauna and locations. An updated field guide for marine mammals of Baja California and Pacific Coast, Mexico will also be available. Wholesale prices are available for larger orders. Any questions or suggestions, please contact me. Enjoy! Uko Gorter Natural History Illustration 12712 NE 91st Lane Kirkland, WA 98033 www.ukogorter.com uko(a)ukogorter.com 425-827-3437

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AGA Conservation Genetics Meeting - NYC
by Matthew S. Leslie 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Hello MarMam: Please see the announcement below - and any pardon cross-postings. --------------------------------------------------- ConGen3: The 3rd biannual International Symposium on Conservation Genetics sponsored by the American Genetic Association Date: 27-29 September, 2007 Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA Website: http://genomics.amnh.org/congen3 E-mail: congen3(a)gmail.com ConGen3 will be held at the AMNH Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics in New York City. Session topics: - Genetic research for biodiversity surveys, characterization of unique microbial communities, and barcoding initiatives. - Conservation Genetics in Time: conservation phylogenetics and tree reconstruction for identification of hidden biodiversity and examination of hybrid zones. - Ex Situ Conservation Genetics: intensive metapopulation management in theory and practice. - Genetics of Invasive Species: patterns and control. POSTER ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS OPEN - Deadline July 1 REGISTRATION FEE: STUDENTS (US$100), POSTDOCS, RESEARCHERS, PROFESSORS (US$250) More information regarding registration will be made available soon at http://genomics.amnh.org/congen3. Interested participants can exchange information on New York City related travel and housing options on the online forum http://groups.google.com/group/congen3 On behalf of the organizers: George Amato (American Museum of Natural History) Gisella Caccone (Yale University) Rob DeSalle (American Museum of Natural History) ============ Matthew S. Leslie Program Manager Center for Conservation Genetics Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024 -USA- office: +1 212 769 5584 lab: +1 212 313 7617 fax: +1 212 769 5277 http://congen.amnh.org

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new publication
by Paulo A.C Flores 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Dear all Please find below the abstract of a recent in press publication. Feel free to contact me for pdf copies. Yours, ___________________ Paulo A.C. Flores, Ph.D. Analista Ambiental - mat. 1512986 Centro de Mamíferos Aquáticos - CMA Núcleo de Unidades de Conservação - NUC Ibama / Iconbio - AM Tel & Fax +55 (92) 36133277 / 36133094 / 3096 r. 229 e 233 cel +55 (92) 91951968 e (48) 91169711 paulo.flores(a)ibama.gov.br & flores.p(a)terra.com.br Flores, P.A.C. & Fontoura, N.F. 2006. Ecology of marine tucuxi, Sotalia guianensis, and bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, in Baía Norte, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 5(2): 105-115. ABSTRACT:The marine tucuxi (Sotalia guianensis) occurs in coastal waters of western Central and South America sympatric to the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) throughout its range. This paper presents information on ecology based on 228 marine tucuxi and 36 bottlenose dolphin sightings collected during 226 boat-based surveys conducted from 1993 to 2002 in Baía Norte (27º30´S and 48º31´W), Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Both species were found year round although seasonal occurrence, sighting indices, sightings per unit of effort as well as group size and composition were strongly different. These features were different for marine tucuxis but similar to bottlenose dolphins when compared to other areas. Marine tucuxis were only found in the western part of the bay while bottlenose dolphins occurred mostly in the eastern section. Distances between species' sightings on the same days averaged 6.9km. Observations were made of both dolphin species feeding on the same fish species, of tucuxis being displaced by bottlenose dolphins and of an adult tucuxi bearing tooth rakes likely to have been caused by bottlenose dolphin attacks. Spatial segregation was not clearly explained by the environmental variables analyzed, suggesting that biological features such as aggression or competition may be influencing tucuxi distribution and social structure in Baía Norte. RESUMO: O golfinho ou boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) ocorre em águas costeiras orientais da América do Sul e Central, simpátrico ao golfinho-nariz-de-garrafa (Tursiops truncatus) em toda sua distribuição. Este trabalho apresenta informações ecológicas baseadas em 228 avistagens de boto-cinza e 36 de golfinhos-nariz-de-garrafa coletadas durante 226 levantamentos embarcados realizados entre 1993 e 2002 na Baía Norte (27º30´S and 48º31´W), sul do Brasil. Ambas espécies foram encontradas ao longo do ano, embora diferindo em ocorrência sazonal, índices de avistagens, avistagem por unidade de esforço, assim como apresentando distintos tamanho e composição de grupo. Estes aspectos foram diferentes para o boto-cinza, mas similares para o golfinho-nariz-de-garrafa quando comparados a outras áreas. O boto-cinza foi encontrado apenas na porção oeste da baía, enquanto o golfinho-nariz-de-garrafa ocorreu principalmente no setor leste. A distância média entre locais de avistagens das duas espécies quando estas ocorreram no mesmo dia foi de 6.9km. Ambas espécies foram observadas capturando ou se alimentando de mesmas espécies de peixes. Em uma ocasião um grupo de boto-cinza se retirou de área previamente ocupada devido à aproximação de golfinhos-nariz-de-garrafa, enquanto em outra oportunidade um boto-cinza grande (presumivelmente aduto) foi observado e fotografado com profundas e extensas marcas de dentes potencialmente causadas por um ataque de golfinho(s)-nariz-de-garrafa. A segregação especial não parece claramente explicada pelos fatores ambientais analisados, sugerindo que aspectos biológicos como agressão inter-específica e/ou competição podem estar influenciando a distribuição e a organização social do boto-cinza na Baía Norte. Keywords: marine tucuxi, Sotalia guianensis, bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, distribution, ecology, interspecific interactions, southern Brazil.

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Senior Marine Scientist Search Announcement
by Steve Silva 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

Sr. Marine Scientist/Project Manager Location: Hampton, VA Position Summary A national consulting firm is seeking an experienced Senior Marine Scientist/Project Manager for their Hampton, VA office. The successful candidate will be responsible for the direction of an interdisciplinary staff of marine scientists. Responsibilities will also include the direction of marine science projects conducted by the Hampton office. Demonstrated experience in staff management, multiple project management, report production, and budgeting is essential. The successful candidate would be expected to contribute to ongoing projects through the contribution of their technical expertise. Projects include, but are not limited to, marine resource, environmental, and biological assessments in support of NEPA, ESA, MMPA, CZCA, or the MSFCMA/SFA. Job duties include: . directing and leading project teams, including oversight of the scientific content and approach; . assuming responsibility for project financial and administrative tracking and control as well as labor/resource planning and implementation; . establishing and adhering to project schedules; . researching, acquiring, and synthesizing marine literature and data; . collecting, reviewing, manipulating, and analyzing marine data, including application of statistical tests, as necessary; . communicating with government, academic, and industry researchers and scientists; . preparing and giving presentations to clients, colleagues, or at scientific or military meetings; . participating in project team meetings and attending meetings with third parties/clients as required; . interfacing with clients, other engineering/environmental firms, regulatory personnel, and in-house resource specialists; . ensuring consistent production of thorough, accurate, and technically sound reports in client specified formats; . maintaining project documentation and records; . working to secure revenue through interface with current clients in addition to identifying and cultivating new or potential clients; and . traveling to client locations, project sites, symposia/other meetings, or other regional offices. Requirements An interdisciplinary background integrating living marine resources and the physical marine environment is essential. M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Ecology, or other related Marine Science discipline. Three to seven years experience in applied marine sciences, working preferably for, but not limited to, a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or military environmental group. Five or more year's project management experience, preferably for an environmental consulting firm, is required. Candidates with a B.S. degree and commensurate additional experience will be considered. The successful candidate will possess strong writing and editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while functioning in an environment of changing priorities and time constraints. Although not required, candidates possessing experience with DISTANCE, ESRI GIS, and/or EndNote software; scientific SCUBA diving; marine/aquatic field collections or monitoring; and familiarity with marine regulations/legislation will have the advantage. U.S. Navy experience, particularly with operations or training, is also a plus. To apply, please send resume and a scientific writing sample to Steve Silva, Executive Recruiting Consultant via email: steve.silva(a)tx.rr.com We are presently accepting applications only from US Citizens and permanent residents.

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infrared thermal sensing
by MICHAEL POOLE 15 Jun '07

15 Jun '07

We are interested in using infrared thermal sensing and imaging equipment to detect humpback whales at night within 1km of shore. Wayne Perryman conducted night surveys of migrating gray whales along the central California coast in the late 1990s. Is there anyone who has experience with more recent versions of thermal infrared cameras? Michael Poole, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Program BP 698 Maharepa, Moorea French Polynesia Tel/Fax: 689 56 22; cell: 689 775 007 Email: michaelpoole(a)mail.pf

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Funding Opportunity -- National Whale Conservation Fund 2007 RFP
by Susie Holst 14 Jun '07

14 Jun '07

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is now accepting proposals for the National Whale Conservation Fund. For more Program information and the 2007 RFP, please visit the 'Request for Proposals' link at the following address: www.nfwf.org/whalefund<http://www.nfwf.org/whalefund> Susie Holst Assistant Director -- Marine Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-857-0166 Fax: 202-857-0162

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Dolphin Research Internship, Charleston, SC
by Richard Defran 13 Jun '07

13 Jun '07

From: "Dr. R.H. Defran" rh.defran(a)gmail.com The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill two Dolphin Photo-identification Internship positions for the Fall of 2007. The MMPR is organized within NOAA's National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 15 week period from Tuesday, September 4, 2007 to Friday, December 14, 2007. Interns will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD). Three useful sources of information about the CDAD project are: 1) Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892; and 2) The Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution (CDAD) Project: Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) for Field and Photographic Analysis Procedures; and 3) Speakman, T., E. Zolman, J. Adams, R.H. Defran, D. Laska, L. Schwacke, J. Craigie, and P. Fair. 2006. Temporal and spatial aspects of bottlenose dolphin occurrence in coastal and estuarine waters near Charleston, South Carolina. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 37. You can download pdf versions of these documents at the web sites listed at the bottom of this message. The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston SC area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics, including temporal and spatial aspects, of the distribution of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. During the internship interns must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in the behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of interns with well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The internship application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should first correspond with Dr. Defran by email before preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship position by the middle of July 2007. Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Dr. R.H. Defran Email: rh.defran(a)gmail.com Defran Home Page: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/CBL/Director.html Zolman .pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Zolman2002.pdf CDAD SOP .pdf download: *http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD_Internship_SOP.pdf <http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD_Internsh…> * Speakman et. al. pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Speakman_et_a…

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The Monachus Guardian 10 (1): June 2007
by William M. Johnson 13 Jun '07

13 Jun '07

THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, JUNE 2007 Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the June 2007 issue of The Monachus Guardian, the biannual electronic journal focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at <http://www.monachus-guardian.org> HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: Guest Editorial: A joyful loss, by Ilksen D. Bas... Hawaiian News: NMFS report warns of Hawaiian monk seal extinction... Mediterranean News: Greece:- Mixed signals from the management bodies of key protected areas, by Spyros Kotomatas... Madeira:- Habitat study around Madeira Island, by Rosa Pires & Manel Gazo... Turkey:- Monk seal pup ³Badem² returns home, by Cem Orkun Kiraç and Harun Güçlüsoy... Stop Press: Orphan's behaviour provoking concerns in Turkey, by William M. Johnson... Cover Story: Mediterranean: Making a blue sea green, by William M. Johnson... In Focus: Pup rescue in Samandag, by Ali Cemal Gücü, Evrim Erbil, Meltem Ok, Serdar Sakinan and Billur Celebi. Research 1: Possible seal pox in the Monachus monachus Cyprus colony Is stress and hunger a contributing factor? by Huseyin Cihan, Nilufer Aytug and Ali Cemal Gücü. Research 2: Monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings in the Croatian part of the Adriatic with a special reference to the population of open-sea islands, by J. Antolovic, M. Antolovic, N. Antolovic, B. Furlan, Lj. Adamic-Antolovic, R. Antolovic and I. Cok. Monachus Science: Results of a research and information campaign on the possible presence of monk seals on the west coast of Algeria, by M. Bouderbala, D. Bouras, D. Bekrattou, K. Doukara, M.F. Abdelghani and Z. Boutiba. Monachus Science Posters: Conservation status and priorities of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in the archipelago of Madeira, by R. Pires, H.C. Neves & A.A. Karamanlidis. Letters to the Editor. Recent Publications. The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available from the Monk Seal Library <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/library.htm> and may either be viewed on-line, or downloaded as PDF files. Should you have any comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at: editor(a)monachus-guardian.org. Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible. William M. Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org PS. Don't hesitate to let us know if you appear to be on this email information list in error. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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Job Announcement
by Cynthia Reyes 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Job Opening: Assistant Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator Summary/Position Description: California Wildlife Center (CWC) in Malibu, California is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital, and release of rehabilitated animals back to the wild. CWC is seeking a candidate to fill the part-time grant-funded position of Assistant Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator. This person is responsible for helping to manage the day-to-day activities of the Stranding Department. He/she will coordinate, oversee and participate in the assessment, rescue and transport of sick and/or injured marine mammals (primarily pinnipeds) to the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro for rehabilitative care. These duties will include: * Responding to all marine mammal stranding reports in a timely and courteous manner. * Assessment of stranded marine mammals and determination of level of response needed. * Coordination and oversight of volunteer response teams in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals. * Transport of sick/injured marine mammals to rehabilitation. * Maintaining detailed records of strandings. * Collection and preparation of biological samples from dead marine mammals. * Presentation of marine mammal assessment/rescue volunteer training programs. * Maintenance of stranding response equipment. Qualifications: Applicant must have at least two years' direct experience in marine mammal rescue (primarily pinnipeds), BA/BS or higher (preferably in a biological science) and supervisory experience with volunteers. He/she should have proven ability to effectively coordinate and oversee teams of people with varying skill levels, good written and verbal communication skills, and superior ability to work with and relate to a variety of people and organizations. This position requires physical strength and endurance including the lifting and carrying of heavy objects, walking distances on uneven rocky and sandy terrains, agility in the capture and caging of large mammals, and operation of a rescue vehicle. In order to operate the rescue vehicle the applicant must be at least 25 years old and have a good driving record. The candidate should be willing and able to work weekends and/or holidays. This position is part-time grant funded at a rate of $13.01 per hour with funding currently guaranteed through October, 2007. Application Process: Please apply in writing by providing a cover letter, resume and professional references to: Cynthia Reyes Director, Marine Mammal Response California Wildlife Center P.O. Box 2022 Malibu, California 90265 Or by Email (preferred): Cynthia(a)californiawildlifecenter.org This position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is found. For more information about California Wildlife Center, please visit our website at www.californiawildlifecenter.org <http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org/>

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