June 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PDA/Tablet data collection feedback request
by ALIGON＠aol.com 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Hi, I am interested in feedback from anyone who is working with or has researched the use of PDAs or touch-screen tablets to assist with data collection. My primary interest is to use a touch-screen tablet aboard a marine vessel to collect sighting data (various marine life and vessels) and poll devices such as GPS, Depthsounder, and possibly LASER rangefinder, and/or RADAR data/screen capture (for nearby vessel locations). I am also interested in using either PDA or small tablet (linked to GPS) for shoreline surveys and possibly in-water data-collection. If anyone can provide: - product suggestions/recommendations - software used - suggestions on device interface methods (Tablet/PDA w/ imbedded GPS, blue-tooth connections, other?) - advice on implementation experience/obstacles - any other resources, contacts, literature and suggestions these would be greatly appreciated. I also have not been able to find an underwater housing for a PDA with a depth rating of greater than 15ft. Any suggestions for dive-rated PDA housing rated to ~ 60ft would be also be appreciated. Please do not write to listserv, contact me directly at _aligon(a)kirc.hawaii.gov_ (mailto:aligon@kirc.hawaii.gov) . If I receive a number of responses, I will be glad to submit a summary back to the list. Many thanks, Allan Ligon _aligon(a)kirc.hawaii.gov_ (mailto:aligon@kirc.hawaii.gov) ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

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Request for information mass strandings Stenella frontalis
by Sociedad Ecológica SEA VIDA 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

Dear friends and colleagues: We are writing a manuscript on a mass stranding of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) involving more than a hundred individuals (La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, January 1998). Up to know, the only information on mass strandings of this species that we are aware of are two strandings in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1970 and 1994 (Rodríguez-López et al. 1995, XI Biennial Conf. Marine Mammals), another one in Mauritania (Nieri et al. 1999, Mar. Mamm. Sci.) and two strandings in Margarita Island, northeastern Venezuela (unpubl.). I wonder if any colleague in this list knows of any other paper or report on mass strandings of Atlantic spotted dolphins that we could use in our discussion section. A preliminary report, in Spanish, presented by Bolaños-Jiménez and Boher (2002) as an official Technical Report of the Venezuelan Ministry of Environment (IT-MARN-412) is available from me (megapterax(a)yahoo.com) upon request. A PDF of the final paper will be available for those interested too. I thank you very much in advance. Jaime Bolaños-Jiménez Director Ejecutivo Sociedad Ecológica Venezolana Vida Marina Sea Vida A.P. 162 Cagua, Estado Aragua Venezuela 2122 ______________________________________________ LLama Gratis a cualquier PC del Mundo. Llamadas a fijos y móviles desde 1 céntimo por minuto. http://es.voice.yahoo.com

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USCG Marine Biologist GS-0401-14
by Burkhart, Stephanie 12 Jun '07

12 Jun '07

The U.S. Coast Guard in Washington, D.C. is hiring a Marine Biologist to manage their Marine Protected Species Program. To see the vacancy announcement, log on to usajobs.opm.gov and search by the vacancy announcement number. Department: Department Of Homeland Security Agency: US Coast Guard Sub Agency: United States Coast Guard Vacancy Ann.#: 07-0745-HQAP-M1 Who May Apply: Status Candidates Pay Plan: GS-0401-14/14 Appointment Term: Permanent Job Status: Full-Time Opening Date: 6/11/2007 Close Date: 6/25/2007 Salary Range: $93822.00-$121967.00 1 vacancy at Washington DC Metro Area, DC The incumbent serves as Program Manager and is the principal technical expert regarding marine protected species for the Coast Guard. This position is responsible for program direction, oversight, administration, resource planning, technical leadership and execution of the Marine Protected Species (MPS) Program within the Coast Guard. This position also includes establishing, developing and overseeing long-term national regional partnerships and cooperative agreements for living marine resources with Department of State, Department of Defense, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serve, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, international organizations, industry, and research institutions. The position requires a secret clearance to research and review classified documents, access cutter schedule for ship missions, locations and intentions, and for cooperative meetings and joint sharing of critical information regarding protected species behavior, habitats and potential operational impacts. I am not involved in the hiring of this position, so please do not send resumes to me. For inquiries about this job, call USCG Applicant Support at 866-656-6830. Cheers! Ms. Stephanie M. Burkhart, M.Sc. Marine Biologist U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific Area

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Marine Scientist Vacancy Announcement
by Frederickson Joshua M CONT NPRI 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

Position: Marine Scientist Location: Newport, Rhode Island Position Description: Successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of marine biologists and environmental planners to provide technical expertise in support of Navy at-sea environmental planning projects. Candidate will support development of NEPA, MMPA, ESA, or other policy-driven projects. Successful candidate will have a strong background in marine science, with demonstrated experience supporting or leading projects involving assessment of effects to marine species. Candidate will be required to communicate with staff scientists and engineers, government personnel, and academic researchers and independently prepare and provide timelines, briefs, and presentations to sponsors. Candidate will also travel to and participate in scientific and industry-specific conferences. Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense Security Clearance. Required Skills: Minimum 3 years supporting marine science or environmental planning projects. Initiative; willingness to meet deadlines and adhere to schedules; experience multi-tasking and managing multiple, simultaneous, and diverse projects; ability to take ownership and accountability for a project and follow through to ensure completion of tasks. Successful candidate will be motivated and eager to address complex environmental issues involving biological, physical, and acoustic oceanography. Efficient computer skills for writing and reviewing documents are also necessary. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are absolutely necessary. Preferred Skills: Experience applying the NEPA process to Navy environmental planning projects. Experience with ESRI ArcGIS (9.x), EndNote and familiarity with Federal environmental law is highly preferred. Education: BS/BA (M.S. or advanced degree preferred) in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or related field. Contact: Send resume, writing sample, and contact information for at least 3 professional/academic references to: Linda Perry McLaughlin Research Corporation 132 Johnnycake Hill Middletown, RI 02842 Email (preferred): lperry(a)mrcds.com MRC offers a competitive wage and benefit package. Please visit the Human Resources section of our web site (<http://www.mrcds.com>) for information on benefits.

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new article: porpoise mate guarding
by pmwillis＠mail.utexas.edu 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

Dear All, The following paper is available online: Willis, P.M., and Dill, L.M. 2007. Mate guarding in male Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli). Ethology 113:587-597. Abstract Mate guarding, whereby a male closely attends and defends a fertile female from extra-pair matings, is one mating tactic males of many species use to protect their paternity. Although female defense occurs in many species of terrestrial mammal, comparable examples among cetaceans are largely absent, potentially as a result of the wide dispersion and mobility of females and their prey. Here, we investigate whether the close association of individual male Dall's porpoises with individual females during the breeding season is consistent with mate guarding. As mate guarding is predicted to be costly, and in other taxa is often associated with a reduction in foraging efficiency, we also examine whether males trade-off this activity with time at depth. Males maintained longer associations and closer distances with female partners than with male ones. They also surfaced in greater synchrony with, and more often approached, their female partners than male ones. In contrast to males with male partners, males paired with females engaged in agonistic interactions with other adult males, and infrequently affiliated with extra-pair individuals. These data suggest males are actively attempting to maintain their associations with females, while also acting to reduce female extra-pair copulations and increase their own paternity. Guarding males also undertook shorter dives than non-guarding males, suggesting that they trade-off time at depth with guarding. Such a trade-off is likely to involve a reduction in foraging opportunities, due to a decrease in time spent at foraging depth. Mate guarding in this species may be facilitated by the relatively smaller size and decreased mobility of newly calved, estrous females, particularly if females also benefit from guarding. Please contact me (pmwillis(a)mail.utexas.edu) for PDFs. Cheers, Pamela Willis Section of Integrative Biology University of Texas at Austin 1 University Station, C0930 Austin, TX, USA 78705 Phone: 612-475-6164 Fax: 512-471-3878 pmwillis(a)mail.utexas.edu

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NRDC fellowship - reminder
by Jasny, Michael 11 Jun '07

11 Jun '07

Dear all, Just a reminder that applications for NRDC's two-year fellowship in marine mammal science are due this Friday, June 15. (See details below.) Best, Michael The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a national nonprofit conservation organization, has an opening beginning September for a two-year, full-time, marine mammal biologist in our Santa Monica, California office. The Fellow will work with NRDC's Marine Mammal Project as part of a team focusing on the impacts of environmental stressors, such as warming oceans and undersea noise, on populations of marine mammals. He/she will also collaborate with other science fellows in a newly established NRDC Science Center. This position is modeled after the AAAS Environmental Fellowship program and is designed as an opportunity to make practical contributions to the more effective use of scientific and technical information in environmental policy decision-making. Specific tasks will include developing policy recommendations for the integration of environmental factors into marine mammal stock assessments; assisting NRDC in preparing technical comments on the cumulative impacts of human activities on the marine environment; preparing publications for lay and scientific audiences on the assessment of environmental stress in marine mammal populations; and engaging the regulatory and scientific communities on these issues. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level degree in marine mammal science, population biology, or related field, with experience in modeling or statistics; an excellent scientific or technical background; and a strong interest in applying scientific knowledge to environmental problems. The successful applicant will also have excellent writing skills and enjoy working on an interdisciplinary team with people from different professional backgrounds. He/she should thrive under a fast-paced environment, with well-honed abilities to manage and prioritize a heavy workload. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. NRDC is an equal opportunity employer, and we particularly encourage women and people of color to apply. Interested applicants should forward a letter of interest, which addresses the following: a. why the fellowship is desired b. how the candidate is qualified c. what issues interest the candidate d. how the candidate hopes the fellowship will affect his/her career goals. Applicants should email cover letter, resume, and writing sample no later than June 15, 2007 to HR_DC(a)NRDC.org. In your correspondence, please indicate where you saw this job announcement. No phone calls or faxes, please. For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org. Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 fax 310-434-2399 mjasny(a)nrdc.org PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney-client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify me at the above telephone number.

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New publications week 15
by Jan Herrmann 10 Jun '07

10 Jun '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 15 / 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 Agnew, W. and A.C. Barnes (2007): Streptococcus iniae: An aquatic pathogen of global veterinary significance and a challenging candidate for reliable vaccination. Veterinary Microbiology 122(1-2): 1-15. Amemiya, K. et al. (2007): The ability of whale haploid spermatogenic cells to induce calcium oscillations and its relevance to oocyte activation. Zygote 15(2): 103-108. Jayachandran, K.V., R.S. Lal Mohan, and A.V. Raji (2007): A new species of Macrobrachium Bate, 1868 (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from the dolphin trenches of Kulsi River, N. India, possibly under threat. Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology 246(1): 43-48. Kass, M.D. (2007): LETTERS: The Loss of a Valuable Dolphin. Science 315(5819): 1663b. Nakata, H. et al. (2007): Bioaccumulation, temporal trend, and geographical distribution of synthetic musks in the marine environment. Environmental Science & Technology 41(7): 2216-2222. Patenaude, N.J. et al. (2007): Mitochondrial DNA Diversity and Population Structure among Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis). Journal of Heredity 98(2): 147-157. Thompson, P.M. (2007): Developing water quality standards for coastal dolphins. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54(2): 123-127. Wilson, J.Y. et al. (2007): Correlates of Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) Expression in Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Integument Biopsies: CYP1A1 EXPRESSION IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN BIOPSIES. Toxicological Sciences 97(1): 111-119. Wise, J.A., R.C. Harris, and C.A. Hill (2007): Comparative and evolutionary adaptation of muscle buffering capacity in species subject to varying degrees of acidosis. The FASEB Journal 21(6): A1399. Morin, P.A. et al. (2007): Comparative mitochondrial and nuclear quantitative PCR of historical marine mammal tissue, bone, baleen, and tooth samples. Molecular Ecology Notes 7(3): 404-411. PINNIPEDIA Maniscalco, J.M. et al. (2007): Alloparenting in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus): correlations with misdirected care and other observations. Journal of Ethology 25(2): 125-131. Vázquez-Medina, J.P., T. Zenteno-Savin, and R. Elsner (2007): Glutathione protection against dive-associated ischemia/reperfusion in ringed seal tissues. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 345(2): 110-118. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Hodgson, A.J. et al. (2007): Is attempting to change marine mammal behaviour a generic solution to the bycatch problem? A dugong case study. Animal Conservation 10(2): 263-273. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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New publication
by Pierre-Henry Fontaine 09 Jun '07

09 Jun '07

I would like to signal that the english version of Baleines et phoques published by Multimondes , Québec, Canada 2005 is now published by Schiffer publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, Pensylvania 19310 (info(a)schifferbooks.com) It is a new version of "whales of the North Atlantic, Biology and ecology" published by Multimondes in 1998. This new editon is completely rewieved, it contains now informations on the biology and ecology of the pinnipeds . A new chapter on the mounting of whales skeletons and the common errors usually found in rorqual skeletons mounted in various museums has been added, lots of pictures have been changed , which add more than 100 pages to the book. As in the previous edition, enmphasis is put on biology and ecology, and pictures, not drawings illustrate the different organs ans systems. The book contains also some facts sheets on the more common species of cetaceans and pinnipeds.

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marine biologists required for Maldives
by Elisabetta Colombo 08 Jun '07

08 Jun '07

MARINE EDUCATORS REQUIRED FOR A RESORT IN THE MALDIVES. FROM betticolombo(a)libero.it I am writing to enquire about the possibility of recruiting graduates or post graduates students for a vacancy as marine educators in a resort in the Maldives within your students group. I am in charge of the recruiting procedure, as I was responsible for the environmental education projects at the Four Seasons Resorts in Maldives from 2000 to 2005. I have copied the announcement for you to read and approve. Please let me know if it possible to make it visible on MARMAN. thank you in advance Best regards Betti Colombo JOB ANNOUNCEMENT The Maldives is one of the countries affected by the tsunami in 2004. Even though the number of fatalities was not as high as Indonesia and Sri Lanka, many local islands were damaged and some resorts were closed for months, being destroyed by the waves. Most of the Maldivians are employed in the resorts and the tourism industry is the main income for all the population. As the tsunami caused a huge damage to many of the inhabited islands and made thousands of locals homeless, tourists are realizing that, even after two years from the event, their visit to the Maldives can be a huge contribution towards the recovery of this small nation. Four Seasons Hotels operate in Maldives and manage two resorts, one in North Male Atoll and one in the Baa Atoll. The resort in North Male Atoll has reopened in September 2006. It was damaged by the tsunami and closed for reconstruction for two years. The resort in Baa Atoll opened in November 2006. Four Seasons has also a safari boat, the Four Seasons Explorer, a luxurious 39 metres catamaran, that travels around the atolls with tourists, and allows divers, water enthusiasts, nature lovers and explorers to discover remote shores and rarely visited dive and snorkelling sites, with different routes in the north and south atolls. The search is for independent consultants: marine biologists are requested as interpreters and educators the positions aim: - to help the guests appreciate the environment - to help local population to protect their fragile ecosystem The projects of environmental education aim to raise ecological awareness among the tourists and the local population. The importance of protecting the surrounding nature and the underwater life is a priority in the responsibilities of the marine experts. Present projects include: - Reef balls - Rejuvenation and reconstruction of the reef - Coral nurseries - A method to save corals in the lagoon during the construction of a resort - Fish breeding to minimize the aquarium trade and cancel wild catch - Manta rays survey and census STARTING DATE: JULY 2007 THEY MUST BE: a.. MARINE SCIENCE OR ENVIRONMETAL STUDIES GRADUATE WITH GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF TROPICAL MARINE LIFE b.. DIVE MASTER PADI QUALIFICATION c.. GOOD SKILLS IN COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC SPEACHES AND CONTACT WITH PUBLIC d.. FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKING. WELCOME ALSO OTHER LANGUAGES e.. CAPABLE OF LIVING FOR LONG PERIODS ON A SMALL ISLAND OR ON A BOAT THEY WILL BE BASED AT THE TWO RESORTS AND THE FOUR SEASONS CATAMARAN IN THE MALDIVES: MAIN DUTIES WILL INCLUDE: - MARINE BIOLOGY LECTURES AND TALKS ON TROPICAL CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS, GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND SPECIFIC PROJECTS. - GUIDED SNORKELLING AND GUIDED DIVES WITH GUESTS. - MARINE BIOLOGY CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS - POSSIBILITY TO GET INVOLVED INTO CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT. The paid contract is for a minimum of ONE YEAR. Board and sharing accommodation is free. Two ways flight is reimbursed. ALL CANDIDATES CAN SEND AN EMAIL WITH A RESUME AND CURRICULUM VITAE TO: ELISABETTA COLOMBO (mobile +39.380.3150509) email: betticolombo(a)libero.it web site: www.greenblueducation.com THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AND HELP THE CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM IN THE INDOPACIFIC REGION. Dr. Elisabetta Colombo Environmental Education Consultant Via Zanella 48/3 20133 Milano Italy mobile: (+39) 3803150509 email: betticolombo(a)libero.it www.greenblueducation.com

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2 articles on flipper rubbing behaviour in bottlenose dolphins
by Mai SAKAI 07 Jun '07

07 Jun '07

Dear All, We would like to inform you the following 2 articles have been published in behavioural brain research and marine mammal science. For PDF reprints, please contact Mai Sakai at mai(a)ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp. ---- Sakai, M., Hishii, T., Takeda, S. & Kohshima, S. 2006. Laterality of flipper rubbing behaviour in wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus): Caused by asymmetry of eye use? Behavioural Brain Research, 170(2), 204-210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2006.02.018 Abstract To determine whether wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) at Mikura Island, Japan, show asymmetry of eye or flipper use during a social behaviour, we investigated the laterality of flipper-to-body (F–B) rubbing, in which one dolphin (“rubber”) rubs the body of another (“rubbee”) with its flipper. We analysed 382 episodes of video-recorded F–B rubbings performed by identified individuals (N= 111 rubbers). F–B rubbing was conducted significantly more frequently with the left flipper than with the right flipper. The duration of F–B rubbings was also significantly longer with the left flipper than with the right flipper. Of 20 dolphins, nine individuals showed significant left-side bias as the rubber in this behaviour, whereas no dolphins showed significant right-side bias. The results indicate a population-level left-side bias of the rubber in F–B rubbing. An analysis of the swimming configurations during this behaviour suggests that the asymmetry in F–B rubbing was caused not only by the laterality of the rubber, but by a preference for use of the left eye in both dolphins during this behaviour. Dolphins used the left eye significantly more frequently than the right eye during the inquisitive behaviour, while they showed no significant bias in flipper use during the object-carrying behaviour. These facts also suggest that the asymmetry of F–B rubbing is caused by the preference for using the left eye. Significant left-side bias was observed only in F–B rubbings initiated by the rubbee, in which the rubbee determined its position during this behaviour. This suggests that this behavioural asymmetry was enhanced by the rubbees choosing the left side of the rubber to ensure better and longer rubs. ---- Sakai, M., Hishii, T., Takeda, S. & Kohshima, S. 2006. Flipper rubbing behaviors in wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Marine Mammal Science, 22(4), 966-978. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2006.00082.x Abstract “Flipper rubbing” behavior was quantitatively analyzed in wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) around Mikura Island, Tokyo, Japan. We observed two types of flipper rubbing: (1) F-B rubbing; one dolphin (Rubber) rubbed its flipper over various parts of a partner’s (Rubbee) body, and (2) F-F rubbing; both dolphins rubbed each other’s anterior flipper edge in alternating shifts. F-B rubbings tended to be initiated by the Rubbee and were terminated by the Rubber. The Rubbee often moved actively its body part that was in contact with the Rubber’s flipper, and assumed side-up, upside-down, or other postures while the Rubber remained horizontal in most cases. These facts suggest that the Rubbee engaged in F-B rubbing more actively than the Rubber, and might receive some benefit from the frictional contact during F-B rubbing. Dolphins often switched their roles as Rubber and Rubbee between episodes of flipper rubbing bout. Adults and subadults exchanged F-B rubbing and F-F rubbing most often with individuals of the same sex in the same age class. F-B rubbing was frequent in mother-and-calf dyads. Our results suggest that flipper rubbing is an affiliative behavior which could be a quantitative measure of social relationships among individuals of this species in future studies. ---- Mai SAKAI mai(a)ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp International Coastal Research Center, Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 2-106-1 Akahama, Otsuchi, Iwate 028-1102, Japan phone:+81-193-42-5611, fax: +81-193-42-3715

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