September 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

"Marine Predator Hot Spots" session at 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting
by Daniel M. Palacios 10 Sep '07

10 Sep '07

Dear Colleagues: We would like to invite you to present the latest results from your electronic tagging studies at our session on "Marine Predator Hot Spots", to be held during the 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting, 2-7 March 2008, in Orlando, Florida, USA. Please note that the abstract submittal deadline is 2 October 2007, less than a month away! The registration and abstract submission process is being handled on-line at: http://www.aslo.org/orlando2008/ About the session: Session #179: Marine Predator Hot Spots Organizers: Steven Bograd, NOAA NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, steven.bograd(a)noaa.gov Barbara Block, Stanford University, bblock(a)stanford.edu Daniel Costa, University of California, Santa Cruz, costa(a)biology.ucsc.edu Daniel Palacios, Joint Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawaii, daniel.palacios(a)noaa.gov The ocean environment is heterogeneous over a spectrum of spatial and temporal scales. This complexity creates a variety of habitats that marine organisms exploit throughout their life histories. Marine populations tend to aggregate for reproduction, foraging, protection, and migration. Locations where organisms concentrate regularly, or where there is high biological activity, are termed biological hot spots. Recent developments in electronic tagging now provide information on species aggregations and interactions in the context of the environment they are sampling. The expansion of large-scale biologging programs in recent years is providing unprecedented insight into the physical forcing, ecological function, and biodiversity of biological hot spots in diverse parts of the world ocean. This session will showcase new information on the location of essential habitats of marine predators that comes from the animals themselves by way of satellite telemetry and an increasingly sophisticated suite of instruments carried by the animals. Identification and monitoring of optimal species-specific habitat could constitute an effective approach to marine conservation and resource management. About the meeting: 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting - From the Watershed to the Global Ocean, 2-7 March 2008, Orlando, Florida, USA. Co-sponsored by the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, the American Geophysical Union, The Oceanography Society and the Estuarine Research Federation. http://www.aslo.org/orlando2008/ Abstract submittal deadline: 2 October 2007 An abstract submission fee of $50.00 USD is required for each submission, along with a full paid registration. This fee is non- refundable should it later be determined you are not able to attend and make your presentation. However, registration fees are refundable under the registration guidelines. Only one paper per first author will be accepted. Poster presentations are strongly encouraged and will play an important role in this meeting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ Daniel M. Palacios, Ph.D. Research Oceanographer (JIMAR) Environmental Research Division Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 1352 Lighthouse Avenue Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2097 voice: (831) 658-3203 fax: (831) 648-8440 email: Daniel.Palacios(a)noaa.gov http://www.pfeg.noaa.gov/~dpalacio

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Species identification from bones
by Gísli Víkingsson 07 Sep '07

07 Sep '07

Dear Marmamers My institute, the Marine Research Institute, Reykjavik, is the scientific authority in Iceland with regard to CITES, and thus has the obligation to issue statements on whether a potential export poses a threat to the species in question. We have run into problems in species identification when tourists want to bring home with them single bones they have found on the beach. I am not aware of any key (or other compiled source of information) to species identification of cetaceans from bones (perhaps with the exception of skulls) and would therefore like to ask if any of you know of such identification aid. I am aware of the potential of genetic species identification, but it seems like an overkill (in terms of expences and time) when someone wants to bring home a dolphin rib or a vertebra they found in Iceland. Also I would appreciate any advice from persons in the same position with regard to CITES permits how they handle cases like this in other countries. Best regards Gísli A. Víkingsson Head of whale research Marine Research Institute Reykjavik Iceland gisli(a)hafro.is -- Gísli A. Víkingsson Head of whale research Marine Research Institute PO Box 1390 121 Reykjavík Iceland Tel. (+354) 575 2000 Fax (354) 575 2001 Email gisli(a)hafro.is If you have troubles with emails at the above address you may try gisliviking(a)gmail.com

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Final Announcement: Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium October 10-13, 2007
by ngs_abis＠NGS.ORG 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Final Announcement: Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium October 10-13, 2007 The National Geographic Society is hosting the first Animal-Borne Imaging Symposium from October 10-13. The goal is to bring researchers together to share their experiences and to discuss the implications of this protocol for exploration, science, conservation, and education. Space is limited. To register, please visit our website at www.nationalgeographic.com/abis. Limited funding for student travel is available. Please indicate your interest when registering. Questions? E-mail us at ngs_abis(a)ngs.org We look forward to seeing you in October! Birgit Buhleier NGS – Remote Imaging 1145 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 202-828-8034

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research possibility
by CDSWhale 05 Sep '07

05 Sep '07

Marmammers In conjunction with the Mauritian Marine Conservation Society, we are wanting to initiate a programme of research investigating the influence of boat based dolphin watching and swimming on inshore bottlenose and spinner dolphins around Mauritius. We have funding for capital equipment and running costs (and for office and personnel accommodation), but not much else. Would any one be interested in a not for remuneration (no payment) opportunity to undertake this study, which could be used for a research based PhD? If so, please let me know and I'll send more information. Vic Cockcroft cdswhale(a)worldonline.co.za www.dolphinstudies.org

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Song of the Whale job announcement
by ojboisseau＠350.com 02 Sep '07

02 Sep '07

Dears, IFAW is currently advertising for a research technician/second mate aboard the research vessel Song of the Whale. Details are provided below with further information available online at www.ifaw.org/uk/employment. Research Technician and Second Mate for Whale Research Team IFAW is seeking a flexible, committed and technically able individual to join the research team onboard IFAW's dedicated whale research vessel, Song of the Whale as Research Technician/2nd Mate. The Song of the Whale team operates the 22m long, purpose built sailing research vessel conduct conservation focused research on whales and other marine mammals around the world, using passive acoustic and visual research techniques. With a strong practical background in electronic engineering and computing the post holder should have some sailing experience (e.g. RYA Yachtmaster or equivalent) and a keen interest in the day to day running of a research vessel and associated research equipment and systems. Experience of working in a small team (10 people) in challenging circumstances would be useful. Further information about the work of the Song of the Whale team can be found at www.ifaw.org/sotw. For a copy of the job description and to download an application form please visit: www.ifaw.org/uk/employment. Closing date for receipt of completed applications: 4pm Monday 17 September 2007 by email to recruituk(a)ifaw.org or by post to RecruitUK, IFAW UK, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UD. Applications should include a covering letter, application form and CV. It is expected that interviews will be held in London at the end of September/beginning of October. Please note that if applicants have not heard from IFAW within one month of the closing date, they should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

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Cat litter killing whales, dolphins, porpoises
by William Rossiter 01 Sep '07

01 Sep '07

Cat litter killing whales, dolphins, porpoises <http://divinginmalaysia.com/science/cat-litter-killing-whales-dolphins-porp… <http://divinginmalaysia.com/science/cat-litter-killing-whales-dolphins-porp…>> Posted under <http://divinginmalaysia.com/category/science <http://divinginmalaysia.com/category/science>>Science Pet owners who flush used cat litter down the lavatory may be responsible for the deaths of whales, dolphins and porpoises around Britain's coast, according to academics and public health experts. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/aug/30/3 <http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/aug/30/3>>They have found evidence of a common parasite in dead marine mammals and say family cats could be be the unwitting source. Cats are essential to the life cycle of toxoplasma gondii, which can infect most mammals and birds but only as part of the food chain. The possible link to dolphin deaths has been raised by staff from Swansea and Glamorgan universities and the National Public Health Service for Wales in a letter to the Veterinary Record. They say that in California concern that cat faeces have contributed to sea otter deaths has led to disposal warnings on bags of cat litter. But little is known about infection in marine species around Britain. Blood samples from dead stranded cetaceans revealed infection in one in 70 harbour porpoises, in six of 21 common dolphins and in the only hump-backed whale tested. Nearly one in eight Swansea University and health service employees admitted flushing cat litter away.

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