August 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

FWC Manatee Photo-identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 15 Aug '07

15 Aug '07

MANATEE PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Photo-identification program is looking for two detail-oriented interns to serve during the upcoming winter session in St. Petersburg, Florida. Interns will primarily assist staff members in photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay and assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. Interns are expected to work four days per week for approximately eight hours each day. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain field and lab experience at a government agency. Qualifications: * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred * Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred * Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment * Some field research experience with animals preferred * Preference will be given to applicants who possess a valid U.S. Driver's License Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the winter 2007-2008 session (December 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008). Internships, which ideally last four to five months, require a minimum three-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying and the dates you are available. Please send a hard copy of your resume with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Bill Arnold FWC/FWRI 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 These intern positions are open until filled. *All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jennifer M. Johnson Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Manatee Photo-Identification 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Jennifer.Johnson(a)MyFWC.com http://research.MyFWC.com

1 0

Illegal killing of small cetaceans in Brazil.
by Aline da Silva Cerqueira Holt 15 Aug '07

15 Aug '07

Dear Colleagues, Many of you might have already heard or read about the criminal killing of over 80 porpoises in the northern coast of Brazil a month ago (CBS News link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/17/tech/main3066834.shtml?source=) It is believed that this type of activity happens more often than it is witnessed by researchers, authorities and the press. According to a recent note published by the Brazilian press, the Federal Police of Brazil has identified the boats and respective crew involved in the crime. The responsibles for the slaughter will be judged in accordance with the countrys environmental law and each one of them can spend one year in jail per each porpoise that was killed. Although we must be relieved to know that justice seems to be on its way, we also must bear in mind that the lethargy and bureaucracy that involve the Brazilian politics can prevent justice from happening. Some Brazilian researchers and an environmental non-governmental organisation decided to take legal action against the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for their lack of concern and liability in dealing with this specific case. It is very important to stress that intentional abuse and killing of cetaceans is a federal crime in Brazil since 1987. What happened in the northern coast of Brazil one month ago (and was broadcasted nationwide by the most popular news TV channel of Brazil and can be watched though the web link: http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_070719_1.html) is totally different from accidental cetacean by-catch. The people involved in the killing aimed to kill porpoises and were aware of the implications of the law. Now, the most important thing to do is to stop this kind of thing from happening again. There are many marine mammal researchers engaged in environmental education programs along the Brazilian coast determined to decrease the mortality of cetaceans from the interaction with fisheries. However, due to the criminal nature of the episode in question, I believe that in order to tackle the problem it will be necessary to go beyond ecological awareness strategies. It will be necessary to secure the implementation of the existing laws and to do a close monitoring of fishery activities in areas where these animals are threatened by unscrupulous people. Hence it is fundamental that the Brazilian government and authorities employ pertinent measures to combat this type of crime everywhere in the coast. I believe this will only happen if they are pressurised to do so. Because protecting cetaceans does not get economic wins for the Brazilian economy, there is a big chance it might not be in the government priority list to save them. However, if the international public opinion moves the current scenario, there will be a chance the government and authorities will try to do something for the good of nature. The reason why I come here today is to ask for your help. I would be very grateful if researchers and leaders of this mailing list could take some of their time to write letters to the Brazilian government and authorities expressing their concerns and requesting effective measures to fight existing threats to cetaceans in the Brazilian waters. Their contact details are at the bottom of this message. I started a petition that now has a bit more than 1000 signatures (link to petition: <http://www.PetitionOnline.com/tucuxi07> http://www.PetitionOnline.com/tucuxi07) I understand that petitions are not a scientific way of attempting to resolve environmental problems. On the other hand, if thousands of people from everywhere in the globe sign an appeal document requesting to protect wild animals (that should be already legally protected), then I do think this document has a chance to endorse a campaign to stop the illegal killing of cetaceans in Brazil. Last, but not least, I want to apologise for the long text. I also would like to invite you to express your opinion or make comments about the issues raised in this message. Thank you very much for your attention and time. I do appreciate it. All the best, Aline Aline S. C. Holt Marine Biologist, M.Sc. Ph.D. Student School of the Environment University of Brighton Cockcroft Building Lewes Road Brighton BN2 4GJ Tel: +44 (0) 1273 64 2284 E-mail: <mailto:Aline.Holt@brighton.ac.uk> Aline.Holt(a)brighton.ac.uk Useful contact details of Brazilian politicians and authorities: President of Republic President Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva E-mail: <mailto:pr@planalto.gov.br> pr(a)planalto.gov.br Address: Palácio do Planalto 4º andar - sala 37 Praça dos Três Poderes Brasília - DF CEP: 70150-901 Brasil Presidency Office Chief: Mr. Fernando de Lima Santos E-mail: <mailto:%20fernandols@planalto.gov.br> fernandols(a)planalto.gov.br IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) President of IBAMA: Mr. Bazileu Alves Margarido Neto E-mail: E-mail: bazileu.margarido(a)ibama.gov.br Address: Setor de Clubes Esportivo Norte - SCEN, Trecho 2, Ed. Sede do IBAMA, Bloco "A", Brasília - DF CEP 70818-900 Brasil IBAMA's Regional Office in Amapá Director: Mr. Edivan Barros de Andrade E-mail: edivan.andrade(a)ibama.gov.br Address: ESCRITÓRIO REGIONAL DE AMAPÁ AV. FAB, Nº 293 CENTRO CEP: 68.950-000 Amapa Brasil Ministry of the Environment Minister Mrs. Marina Silva E-mail: marina.silva(a)mma.gov.br Address: Esplanada dos Misnitérios, Bloco B Brasília - DF CEP 70068-900 Brasil Brazilian Chamber of Deputies President: Dep. Arlindo Chinaglia E-mail: dep.arlindochinaglia(a)camara.gov.br Address: Gabinete 706 - Anexo IV Câmara dos Deputados Praça dos Três Poderes Brasília - DF CEP: 70160-900 Brasil

1 0

Killer whales in Utila, Honduras
by Edita Magileviciute 14 Aug '07

14 Aug '07

Hello Marmams, Eleven killer whales there encountered on the north side of Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras on the 9th of August. Group was composed of one adult male, several adult females and juveniles. Seven individuals had distinct markings on their dorsal fins. We have photos of all of them. Orcas are not very often seen in the waters of Utila, and our organization started cetacean research in this area just few months ago. Thus, based on the local people knowledge it is thought that this is their migration route. We would be very grateful if the researchers conducting surveys on killer whales in surrounding areas could contact us, and we could compare photographs from our catalogue and may be find out from which area these orcas are coming or where they are going. Thank you. Edita Magileviciute __________________________ Head of Cetacean Research Utila Centre for Marine Ecology Bay Islands, Honduras C.A. www.utilaecology.org Tel: +504 425 3026 Cel: +504 98256527 Email: edita(a)utilaecology.org

1 0

Corrected Job Opportunity Announcement - Biological Scientist II / FWRI-Marine Mammals/St. Petersburg, FL
by Hines, Ellen 14 Aug '07

14 Aug '07

Here is the corrected info, sorry about the link that didn't' work. Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Research Scientist Marine Mammal Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 100 Eighth Ave SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 1-727 896-8626 x1926 Fax: 1-727 893-0176 Ellen.Hines(a)myfwc.com http://research.myfwc.com/ ________________________________ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Job Announcement Applicants must apply electronically through People First by the closing date at: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com or use link provided in the ad. For assistance please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. ________________________________ FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS <https://jobs.myflorida.com/applicationstart.html?erjob=184473> Req No: 77072847-51298923-20070807115824 Agency Name: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 2 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB008 Position Number: 77072847 Closing Date: 9/7/2007 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $1267.14 Biweekly Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION: OCCUPATION PROFILE This position is time-limited in accordance with Specific Appropriation 1879A, FY 03-04. Hiring is contingent upon continued funding. Grant award is pending. Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II Starting Salary: $1,267.14 bi-weekly JOB DESCRIPTION The Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking candidates for the position of Biological Scientist II. Job duties include: integrates GIS methods and analytical techniques with spatial databases resulting in applications and spatially explicit models of marine mammals to provide information to natural resource managers. Assists the FWC/FWRI Marine Mammal Program by developing, organizing, and maintaining GIS data that will contribute to biological and environmental investigations on marine mammal distributions and habitat use. Apply analytical GIS procedures to data relative to marine mammal distributions, environmental information, and marine vessel traffic. Develops vessel traffic GIS files, including quality control. Assists to acquire, manage, and analyze appropriate environmental data including sea surface temperature derived from AVHRR imagery. Maintains metadata documentation. Provides technical and analytical support to FWC staff in their use of GIS and technical tools for natural resource decision-making. Works closely with scientific and technical staff to assist in the maintenance and continued development and deployment of GIS databases and metadata related to our marine mammal program. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork. Minimum Required Education: A bachelor's degree and 2 yr. of professional experience as described above; or a Masters with 1 year of experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of marine mammal ecology, GIS methods and programs, spatial analysis techniques, data management principles. Ability to: maintain, manipulate, analyze, and interpret spatial data using GIS technology, including relational databases. Ability to maintain effective working relationships, plan and organize work assignments with minimal supervision, and communicate effectively with staff. Ability to effectively supervise others. Skill in the use of personal computers, GIS technology and databases. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge and skills using ArcGIS 9x and ArcView 3x and understanding of GIS theory. Experience using Spatial Analyst (experience working with raster data), model builder, and statistical software. Understanding of Quality Assurance / Quality Control concepts as they relate to databases and GIS. Ability to create, manage and perform analysis on spatial GIS data. Ability to manage extensive sets of GIS data. Understanding of relational database management system (RDBMS) concepts and experience working with an RDBMS. Ability to collect, manage and process large amounts of data in Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Access. Ability to write SQL queries. Ability to create and edit Access Queries, Forms and Macros. Familiarity with scripting languages and willingness to learn Python in order to apply and edit Python scripts used to handle operating system and GIS processes. Familiarity and experience working with the ESRI Geoprocessing framework. Knowledge of wildlife ecology concepts and marine mammals. Knowledge of the methods of data collection and ability to analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences. Ability to organize and coordinate work assignments, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to work in excess of 40 hours per week if needed. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Veterans' preference will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Requirements: Closest Major City Saint Petersburg Salary Range 30000 - 45000 Occupation BIOLOGICAL SCIENTISTS, ALL OTHER Education Bachelors (or equivalent work experience) Job Type Full Time Region/County Pinellas County Years of Experience 1-3 years <https://jobs.myflorida.com/referafriend.html> <https://jobs.myflorida.com/applicationstart.html?erjob=184473> <https://jobs.myflorida.com/joblist.html> Introduction <https://jobs.myflorida.com/index.html> | Login <https://jobs.myflorida.com/login.html> | Options <https://jobs.myflorida.com/options.html> | Search Vacancies <https://jobs.myflorida.com/joblist.html> | Help <http://hirehelp.hire.com/ER-7-1-90-build1/en_SOFL/cand-help/corp/WebHel p/job_postings/a_job_posting.htm>

1 0

Grants available for Latin America and the Caribbean
by William Rossiter 13 Aug '07

13 Aug '07

Small grants from Cetacean Society International (CSI) are available, for Latin America and Caribbean nationals, in support of cetacean- related science, conservation or education projects, or for travel related to the projects, such as to conferences, workshops or foreign study. CSI's priority is to support entry-level professionals, such as graduate students, whose work has conservation applications. Our goal is to help as many people as possible, preferring to give the minimum amount to complete the project after other funding options are explored. We do not fund entire projects, and rarely provide follow-on funds over years. Additional support is often given by providing appropriate resources, contacts, and equipment. We will consider any project that does not conflict with CSI's ethical positions. A current CSI grant request form must be used, and is available upon request from <rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org>. Please include your complete contact information and use the following format as the subject / title: "Your last name: CSI grant application". 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

1 0

Marine Mammal Observation (a chance to fund your own research)
by Geomotive 13 Aug '07

13 Aug '07

Job Title: Marine Mammal Observation (a chance to fund your own research) Company : GeoMotive Inc. Work Location: Gulf of Mexico Would you like to fund your research without piles of paperwork? If so, why not work for us as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in the Gulf of Mexico? You can earn $34,000 to $43,000 for 6 months work and still have 6 months free for your own projects. You will help us to ensure the protection of cetaceans and sea turtles. You will work on seismic research vessels to ensure that all operations comply with Marine Mammal Mitigation Legislation. Duties include visual observation of Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles (good vision essential), and written recording of animal sightings and behaviour etc. (basic computer skills required). You will also need to liaise with the vessel crew, so good communication and diplomacy skills are essential. Work is based on 6 week rotations. This means 6 weeks offshore working every day, and then a 6 week rest period when you are free to do as you like. Rotations starting 26th of August and through Fall 2007. Travel to vessel and home again arranged and prepaid, travel days paid, meals/lodging paid, full insurance while working. No taxes withheld by employer, individuals are responsible for reporting earnings to relevant government bodies. Candidates MUST have: US/Canadian residency or a US B1 OCS visa. At least a Bachelors degree in related field: Biology, Oceanology, Zoology, etc. Proven offshore Marine Mammal observation experience (researchers, whale watching guides, etc), and preferably Mitigation experience on a seismic survey vessel or other offshore mitigation experience (fisheries, conservation). Dedication to Marine Mammal research and conservation. Good diplomacy skills. You will also need: Offshore medical -We can provide information on how to get one. Offshore survival and Protected Species Observer training -If you do not have this training you must be able to attend classes 26/27 August 2007 (application deadline for this training is 22 August). Further training to be announced for September/October. Qualified applicants please send CV and request an application form from: MMO(a)geomotive.net

1 0

New Article: Cetaceans in Santa Marta, Colombian Caribbean.
by Mario A. Pardo 12 Aug '07

12 Aug '07

Dear All, The following paper has been published. Pardo, M.A. and D.M. Palacios. 2006. Cetacean occurernce in the Santa Marta region, Colombian Caribbean, 2004-2005. LAJAM 5(2): 129-134 PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: mpardor0600(a)ipn.mx ) -- Mario A. Pardo Mar. Biol. B.Sc. M.Sc.Student. Instituto Politécnico Nacional Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas Departamento de Oceanología Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos La Paz, B.C.S. México Voice: (+521) 612 1404111 E-mail: biomario(a)gmail.com mpardor0600(a)ipn.mx URL: www.cicimar.ipn.mx **

1 0

New publications week 22
by Jan Herrmann 11 Aug '07

11 Aug '07

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 22 / 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 Buchholtz, E.A. (2007): Modular evolution of the Cetacean vertebral column. Evolution & Development 9(3): 278-289. Emslie, S.D. and W.P. Patterson (2007): Abrupt recent shift in {delta}13C and {delta}15N values in Adelie penguin eggshell in Antarctica. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104(28): 11666-11669. Haviland-Howell, G. et al. (2007): Recreational boating traffic: A chronic source of anthropogenic noise in the Wilmington, North Carolina Intracoastal Waterway. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 122(1): 151. Holt, S.J. (2007): Whaling: Will the Phoenix rise again? Marine Pollution Bulletin 54(8): 1081-1086. Isobe, T. et al. (2007): Isomer specific determination of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in small cetaceans from the South China Sea - Levels and temporal variation. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54(8): 1139-1145. Pine, M.D., K. Greer, and D. Busbee (2007): Comparison of reactive oxygen scavenging systems between a cetacean (DKN(1)) and a porcine renal epithelial cell line (LLC-PK(1)). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 147(2): 550-555. Remington, N. et al. (2007): Genetic diversity of coastal bottlenose dolphins revealed by structurally and functionally diverse hemoglobins. Gene 398(1-2): 123-131. Vander Zanden, M.J. and W.W. Fetzer (2007): Global patterns of aquatic food chain length. Oikos 116(8): 1378-1388. PINNIPEDIA Brennan, A.J. et al. (2007): The tammar wallaby and fur seal: models to examine local control of lactation. Journal of Dairy Science 90(): E66-E75. Cherel, Y. et al. (2007): Stable isotopes document seasonal changes in trophic niches and winter foraging individual specialization in diving predators from the Southern Ocean. Journal of Animal Ecology 76(4): 826-836. Williams, T.M. et al. (2007): Seasonal variability in otariid energetics: implications for the effects of predators on localized prey resources. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 80(4): 433-443. Wolf, J.B. and F. Trillmich (2007): Beyond habitat requirements: individual fine-scale site fidelity in a colony of the Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) creates conditions for social structuring. Oecologia 152(3): 553-567. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Gur, B.M. and C. Niezrecki (2007): Autocorrelation based denoising of manatee vocalizations using the undecimated discrete wavelet transform. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 122(1): 188. Williams, N. (2007): US signals threat to global warming icon. Current Biology 17(2): R37-R38. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

1 0

Corrected version - Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals, vol. 33, no. 2
by Dagmar Fertl 10 Aug '07

10 Aug '07

The previous posting inadvertently omitted the authors of one of the articles. This is the corrected version. ************** Apologies, to those of you on both listserves who will receive cross-postings. The following are the contents and abstracts for the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals. This journal was established by the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) in 1974. The EAAM and the Board of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums sponsor the journal. Aquatic Mammals accepts a wide variety of papers on the care, conservation, medicine, and science of marine mammals. Dr. Jeanette Thomas of Western Illinois University is the editor and Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski of Mystic Aquarium is the co-editor. These abstracts are posted as a courtesy to the Marmam editors and the sponsoring societies, as well as the managing editor of Aquatic Mammals. Please find below, the addresses (including email) of the authors to whom reprint requests and other inquiries should be directed. Thank you for your continued interest in these postings, as well as other publication postings to the listserves. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Geo-Marine, Inc. dfertl(a)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com <http://www.geo-marine.com/> ********************** Stamation, K.A.*, D.B. Croft, P.D. Shaughnessy, and K.A. Waples. 2007. Observations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding during their southward migration along the coast of southeastern New South Wales, Australia: Identification of a possible supplemental feeding ground. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):165-174. *School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; E-mail: <mailto:k.stamation@optusnet.com.au> k.stamation(a)optusnet.com.au There is anecdotal evidence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding in southeastern New South Wales (NSW) waters on their southward migration (Paterson, 1987). This paper reports the frequency of feeding whales observed from waters just north of Narooma (36° 5' S, 149° 55' E) to just south of Eden (37° 16' S, 150° 17' E). Observations were made from commercial whale-watching vessels from late September to early November in 2002, 2003, and 2005; and from two land-based whale-watching sites, Montague Island (36° 15' S, 150° 14' E) and Green Cape (37° 16' S, 150° 03' E), in the same period for 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Feeding pods were seen on 24.5% of all whale-watching trips and during 14% of all observations made from land-based sites. Whales fed on schools of small pelagic fish as well as the coastal krill species (Nyctiphanes australis). The number of feeding pods observed in 2005 was more than four times that observed in the two previous years and most likely was due to the warmer current systems operating in the area in 2005. All observations from land-based sites were made when no vessels were in the vicinity of the focal pod. Feeding behaviour did not alter in the presence or absence of vessels; however, the time between feeding lunges increased when the movements of the vessel were not consistent with NSW whale-watching regulations and when more than one vessel was present. While many of the reports of humpback whales feeding in mid- to low-latitude waters in both the southern and northern hemisphere classify this behaviour as a rare opportunistic event, it is probable that southeastern NSW is a significant supplemental feeding ground for migrating whales, especially when oceanographic conditions are optimal for food productivity. Hobbs, J-P.A.*, A.J. Frisch, J. Hender, and J.J. Gilligan. 2007. Long-distance oceanic movement of a solitary dugong (Dugong dugon) to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):175-178. *Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, and School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; E-mail: Jean-Paul.Hobbs(a)jcu.edu.au In this paper, we report on the arrival of a small (2 m long) male dugong (Dugong dugon) to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (12° 12' S, 96° 54' E), Indian Ocean. The dugong arrived in June 2002 after travelling more than 1,000 km across deep open ocean, during which time it would have been vulnerable to predation and presumably unable to feed. This is the longest recorded dugong movement and demonstrates that dugongs have the capacity to make long-distance oceanic movements to colonise distant, unoccupied locations. The solitary dugong has remained at the Cocos Islands for at least four years and exhibits unusual habitat use and behaviour; it frequently occupies deep water on the edge of the coral reef and interacts with SCUBA divers. Dendrinos, P.*, E. Tounta, A.A. Karamanlidis, A. Legakis, and S. Kotomatas. 2007. A video surveillance system for monitoring the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Aquatic Mammals 33(2):179-184. *Mom/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Str. 18, 10682 Athens, Greece; email: p.dendrinos(a)mom.gr The components and specifications of a surveillance system developed in a pilot study to monitor Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are presented. The system consisted of two B/W CCD cameras, infrared illuminators, a CCTV video web server, and photovoltaic solar panels, and it was operated under harsh outdoor conditions for three and a half months. It enabled the recording of rarely observed aspects of the Mediterranean monk seals' social and reproductive behaviour, as well as provided a method to document demographic parameters of the local seal population. Advantages of the system include its non-invasive nature and its autonomous operation, while the primary disadvantage is the high initial cost, which should decrease as technology continues to improve. This system could prove to be a valuable tool in the conservation of critically endangered seal species such as the Mediterranean monk seal. Greig, T.W., J.A. Bemiss, B.R. Lyon, G.D. Bossart, and P.A. Fair. 2007. Prevalence and diversity of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli found in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, and Charleston Harbor area, South Carolina. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):185-194. National Ocean Service Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, 219 Fort Johnson, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; email: Thomas.grieg(a)noaa.gov A total of 724 Escherichia coli isolates sampled from 38 wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Charleston Harbor area, South Carolina, and the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, were screened for resistance to 25 antibiotics. The percentages of animals harboring at least one resistant isolate differed significantly between sampling locations. No resistance was detected in E. coli from dolphins at either site for six of the 25 antibiotics tested. Resistance to penicillin was most common followed by cephalothin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. Within-animal isolate variability was examined in addition to between sampling locales. Isolates from animals sampled in the Charleston Harbor area exhibited a greater complexity of resistance patterns and within individual diversity compared to isolates sampled from animals in the Indian River Lagoon. Causes related to the observed heterogeneity are discussed. Larson, S., and C.J. Casson. 2007. Reproductive hormone levels within captive female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) with and without chemical contraceptives. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):195-201. *Seattle Aquarium, 2483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101-2059, USA; email: shawn.larson(a)seattle.gov Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) are hold in only a few institutions within the United States and the world. The Seattle Aquarium was the first institution to successfully breed and raise captive Northern fur seals from conception to adulthood. The captive group that was the focus of this study consisted of one adult male and five adult females. One female was related to the adult male and was placed on chemical contraceptives to prevent inbreeding. Another female was exposed to a chemical spill in the wild while in utero, had some health problems throughout the study period, and never became pregnant. The remaining three females were though to be reproductively normal throughout most of the study period, although one became pregnant and gave birth. Serum estrogen, progerstone, and testerone levels were measured using standard competitive binding antibody radio ad enzyme immunoassay techniques. Individual animal longitudinal data are reported for samples collected over the 7-year study period. The hormone data revealed changes associated with chemical contraceptives, pregnancy, and animals becoming sexually mature and senescent. Green, S.R.*, E. Mercado, III, A.A. Pack, and L.M. Herman. 2007. Characterizing patterns within humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) songs. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):202-213. *Department of Pyschology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; email: srgreen(a)buffalo.edu Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) produce long songs that contain predictably repeated sound patterns. Other animals (including humans) identify patterns in acoustic sequences based on regularities in transitions between sounds. The present study examined transitional probabilities within humpback whale songs to determine whether relative acoustic changes from unit to unit are sufficient for identifying repeating patterns within humpback whale songs. To identify such patterns, four humpback whale songs were analyzed by first classifying song units using a self-organizing map, and then calculating transitional probabilities based on these classifications. Two separate analyses of transitional probabilities were conducted: one involved units classified based on their absolute acoustic features (e.g., duration, peak frequency, and amplitude) as well as changes in these features relative to adjacent units, and the other used units classified based on the relative changes alone. Both analyses revealed repeated sequences of units within humpback whale songs, but the analysis based on relative changes alone yielded a larger number of predictable transitions. This finding suggests that relative acoustic changes within humpback whale songs may provide robust indicators of repeating patterns. Bossart, G.D.*, G. Hensley, J.D. Goldstein, K. Kroell, C.A. Manire, R.H. Defran, and J.S. Reif. 2007. Cardiomyopathy and myocardial degeneration in stranded pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (Kogia sima) sperm whales. Aquatic Mammals 3(2):214-222. *Center for Coastal Research, Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA; email: GBossarst(a)hboi.edu Cardiomyopathy (CMP) has been documented as a disease associated with stranded pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (Kogia sima) sperm whales in the United States and Asia. In this study, hearts from 27 pygmy and two dwarf sperm whales stranded in the coastal U.S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico from 1999 to 2006 were analyzed. Gross and microscopic examinations were conducted according to a standardized protocol designed to ensure systematic examination of tissue and data recording. Hearts were weighed and specific measurements made for selected tissues. Fourteen (48.3%) pygmy sperm whales had a microscopic diagnosis of CMP, 12 (41.4%) showed evidence of mild myocardial degeneration (MCD), one (3.4%) had moderate myocarditis and two (6.9%) had no pathological lesions. One dwarf sperm whale had CMP, and the other had mild MCD. The majority of stranded Kogia spp. with cardiac lesions came from the southeast Atlantic region (19/27, 70.3%). Cardiomyopathy and MCD lesions were found predominantly among adult whale. An excess of males was found for CMP and MCD (approximately 75% of both groups). The predominant histological lesions found in both disorders were anisokaryosis with karyomegaly and nuclear rowing, followed in frequency by interstitial edema. Cardiac weight, ventricular wall thickness, and valve circumference were compared between pygmy sperm whales with CMP and those with MCD. The largest differences were found for heart weight and intraventricular septum wall thickness, but none of the differences were statistically significant. Further adjustments for sex and body length did not alter the results. In this aggregate, these findings suggest that CMP in Kogia spp. is a chronic, progressive condition that represents a continuum from MCD to the more severe forms of the disorder. The etiology of this complex disorder remains unknown. Gerpe, M.*, D. Rodriguez, V. Moreno, R. Bastida, and J. Aizpun. 2007. Copper, zinc, cadmium, and mercury in southern sea lions (Otaria flavescens) from Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):223-228. *Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas (CONICET), Argentina; email: msgerpe(a)mdp.edu.ar or msgerpe(a)hotmail.com Copper, zinc, mercury, and cadmium were studied in the muscle, liver, and kidney of three adults and one juvenile Southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens) found dead on the beaches of Argentina. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry; cold vapor and air/acetylene flame techniques were applied for mercury and for the rest of the metals, respectively. Previous acid digestion was made with nitric/sulphuric (Hg) and percholoric/nitric (Cd, Zn, Cu) mixtures. Quality was checked with a Certified Reference Material. Mercury concentrations were highest in the liver, whereas cadmium levels were highest in the kidney. The juvenile and adults presented the same tissue distribution pattern for all studied metals. Hepatic mercury concentrations ranged from 23.2 μg/g (juvenile female) to 47.6 μg/g (adult male), with renal cadmium concentrations between 0.8 μg/g and 5.7 μg/g, respectively. Esteves, M.A.*, and L.A. Oviedo. 2007. Potential morphotype of common dolphin (Delphinus spp.) on the northeast coast of Venezuela. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):229-234. *Proyecto Delphinus, Isla de Margarita, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela 6010 Records of the common dolphin on the northeast coast of Venezuela have been widely documented. The complex topography and bathymetry of this area and the enhanced productivity due to upwelling processes promote the occurrence of occurrence of common dolphin populations. It has not been clear, howeve,r whether the species involved is Delphinus delphis or D. capensis. The aim of this contribution is to review taxonomically Delphinus spp. from the northeast coast of the country through skull morphometric analysis. A sample of 30 skulls comprised of specimens collected in Nueva Esparta State (n=28) and Sucre State (n=2) in Venezuela were analyzed using the morphometric parameters rostrum length (RL) and zygomatic width (ZW), including the ratio of the measurements RL/ZW. Only skulls identified as mature individuals (n=16) were included in the analysis. The data were compared with published records of South Atlantic dolphins from Brazil and West Africa. Rostral length showed significant differences within the Venezuelan sample (p<0.05) and between the dolphins from Brazil and West Africa. Zygomatic width also showed clear differences (Venezuela to Brazil, p <0.05; Venezuela to West Africa, p < 0.05). In contrast, no differences were found for the RL/ZW ratio (Venezueal to Brazil, p=0.21; Venezuela to West Africa, p=0.33). Observations in the study area during sightings of common dolphins noted small females with calves. These observations suggested the occurrence of a small morphotype of common dolphin on the northeast coast of Venezuela, a semi-enclosed basin. Habitat conditions in this kind of ecosystem could lead to morphologic differences between smaller coastal forms and larger off-shore forms, an effect that could be related to feeding ecology. Bossart, G.D.*, L. Hansen, J.D. Goldstein, D. Kilpatrick, S. Bechdel, E. Howells, K. Kroell, M. De Sieyes, M.K. Stolen, W.K. Durden, J.S. Reif, R.H. Defran, and S.D. McCulloch. 2007. Pathologic findings in a rare mass stranding of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) in Florida. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):235-240. *Center for Coastal Research, Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA; email: GBossarst(a)hboi.edu Pathologic findings associated with the mass stranding of five melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) along the Atlantic coast of Florida are reported. Four of the five whales were freshly dead, and the fifth was moderately decomposed. Body weights ranged from 160 to 180 kg, and all whales had mild to moderate weight loss evidenced by postnuchal depression and pronounced scapulae and peduncular vertebrae. All whales had from 10 to 21 ovoid dermal scars consistent with healed cookie-cutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis) wounds. Gastric compartments of all whales contained from 6 to 20 squid beaks with no other solid food items present. The peritoneum of all whales contained many parasitic cestode cysts consistent with Monorygma spp. In all cases, the alimentary tract had gross and microscopic lesions. Colons had an unusual microscopic lesion diagnosed as particularly florid examples of the collagenous stage of microcscopic colitis known as collagenous colitis as reported in humans. The lesion was characterized by a diffuse, irregular, moderate thickening of the colonic wall due to deposition of subepithelial collagen between the muscularis mucosae and basement membrane of the surface epithelium in the lamina propria. The surface epithelium and collagen layer had mild multifocal infiltrates of neutrophils and eosinophils and mildly increased numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Additionally, mild to moderate myocardial degeneration was a consistent finding in all cases. Less consistent lesions included erosive esophagitis, ulcerative gastritis, granulomatous gastritis, ulcerative dermatitis, and Nasitrema-associated suppurative sinusitis. The case of the mass stranding was not determined; however, all whales exhibited pathological changes consistent with pre-existing chronic disease with inanition that developed prior to the stranding event. Luque, S.P.*, J.W. Higdon, and S.H. Ferguson. 207. Dentine deposition rates in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas): An analysis of the evidence. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):241-245. *Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John's NL A1B 3X9, Canada; email: sluque(a)mun.ca Accurately determining the age of belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) has been difficult and the source of considerable uncertainty in demographic studies of this species. Previous studies have predominantly assumed that two growth layer groups (GLGs) are deposited annually in beluga teeth; however, recent evidence from aquarium-raised individuals and radiocarbon dating assays of teeth lends support to the hypothesis that one dentinal GLG is deposited annually in beluga, rather than to the competing hypothesis claiming the rate is twice as large. We present the allometric relationship between female age and length at maturity among delphinoid cetaceans and suggest that estimates of beluga age at maturity based on one GLG per annum are in better agreement with this relationship than estimates base on the competing hypothesis. Our results, and a reanalysis of previously published evidence, give further support to the one annual GLG hypothesis; however, a change in the pattern of deposition rate at sexual maturity remains a possibility, and research is needed to determine whether changes in dentine deposition rates during life stages of beluga. Gregg, J.D.* 2007. Book review: Rational animals? Editors: Susan Hurley and Matthew Nudds. Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN 0-19-852826-4. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):246-247. *School of Psychology, Aras an Phiarsaigh, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland; email: justin(a)dolphincommunication.com ********************** Simmonds, M.* 2007. Book review: A guide to the identification of the whales and dolphin of Ireland. Editors: Jim Wilson with Simon Berrow. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. ISBN o-9540552-2-5. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):248-249. *The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ, UK; email: mark.simmonds(a)wdcs.org ******************** Ecott, T.* 2007. Book review: Sensuous seas: tales of a marine biologist. Eugene H. Kaplan. Princeton University Press, 2006. ISBN 0-691-12560-0. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):250. *no mailing address provided; email: timecott(a)hotmail.com ***************** Reynolds, J.E., III.* 2007. Book review: The Florida manatee: biology and conservation. Roger L. Reep and Robert K. Bonde. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. ISBN 81302949X. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):251. *Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida 34236, USA (no email address provided) *************************** Fertl, D.* 2007. Book review: Marine conservation biology: the science of maintaining the sea's biodiversity. Editors: E.A. Norse and L.B. Crowder. Island Press, Washington, D.C., 2005. ISBN 1559636629. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):252-253. *Geo-Marine, Inc., 2201 K Avenue, Suite A2, Plano, TX 75074, USA; email: dfertl(a)geo-marine.com Price, S.* 2007. Book review: Horns, tusks, and flippers: the evolution of hoofed mammals. Editors: Donald R. Prothero and Robert M. Schoch. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore and London, 2002. ISBN 0-8018-7135-2. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):254. *National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent), 2024 W. Main Street, Suite A200, Erwin Mills Building, Durham, NC 27705, USA; no email address provided

1 0

Re: [MARMAM] right whale gis position at FWRI, St. Petersburg (DO NOT REPLY TO SENDER)
by Hines, Ellen 10 Aug '07

10 Aug '07

Please use the website below to apply: https://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?optlink-view=view-184473&ERFormI D=newjoblist&ERFormCode=any Req No: 77072847-51298923-20070807115824 Agency Name: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST II Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 2 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB008 Position Number: 77072847 Closing Date: 9/7/2007 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $1267.14 Biweekly Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION: OCCUPATION PROFILE This position is time-limited in accordance with Specific Appropriation 1879A, FY 03-04. Hiring is contingent upon continued funding. Grant award is pending. Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II Starting Salary: $1,267.14 bi-weekly JOB DESCRIPTION The Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking candidates for the position of Biological Scientist II. Job duties include: integrates GIS methods and analytical techniques with spatial databases resulting in applications and spatially explicit models of marine mammals to provide information to natural resource managers. Assists the FWC/FWRI Marine Mammal Program by developing, organizing, and maintaining GIS data that will contribute to biological and environmental investigations on marine mammal distributions and habitat use. Apply analytical GIS procedures to data relative to marine mammal distributions, environmental information, and marine vessel traffic. Develops vessel traffic GIS files, including quality control. Assists to acquire, manage, and analyze appropriate environmental data including sea surface temperature derived from AVHRR imagery. Maintains metadata documentation. Provides technical and analytical support to FWC staff in their use of GIS and technical tools for natural resource decision-making. Works closely with scientific and technical staff to assist in the maintenance and continued development and deployment of GIS databases and metadata related to our marine mammal program. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork. Minimum Required Education: A bachelor's degree and 2 yr. of professional experience as described above; or a Masters with 1 year of experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of marine mammal ecology, GIS methods and programs, spatial analysis techniques, data management principles. Ability to: maintain, manipulate, analyze, and interpret spatial data using GIS technology, including relational databases. Ability to maintain effective working relationships, plan and organize work assignments with minimal supervision, and communicate effectively with staff. Ability to effectively supervise others. Skill in the use of personal computers, GIS technology and databases. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge and skills using ArcGIS 9x and ArcView 3x and understanding of GIS theory. Experience using Spatial Analyst (experience working with raster data), model builder, and statistical software. Understanding of Quality Assurance / Quality Control concepts as they relate to databases and GIS. Ability to create, manage and perform analysis on spatial GIS data. Ability to manage extensive sets of GIS data. Understanding of relational database management system (RDBMS) concepts and experience working with an RDBMS. Ability to collect, manage and process large amounts of data in Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Access. Ability to write SQL queries. Ability to create and edit Access Queries, Forms and Macros. Familiarity with scripting languages and willingness to learn Python in order to apply and edit Python scripts used to handle operating system and GIS processes. Familiarity and experience working with the ESRI Geoprocessing framework. Knowledge of wildlife ecology concepts and marine mammals. Knowledge of the methods of data collection and ability to analyze scientific data relating to the biological sciences. Ability to organize and coordinate work assignments, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to work in excess of 40 hours per week if needed. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Veterans' preference will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Requirements: Closest Major City Saint Petersburg Salary Range 30000 - 45000 Occupation BIOLOGICAL SCIENTISTS, ALL OTHER Education Bachelors (or equivalent work experience) Job Type Full Time Region/County Pinellas County Years of Experience 1-3 years Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Research Scientist Marine Mammal Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 100 Eighth Ave SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 1-727 896-8626 x1926 Fax: 1-727 893-0176 Ellen.Hines(a)myfwc.com http://research.myfwc.com/

1 0