January 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Stranding of Beaked Whale on Utila, Honduras
by Steve Box 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

On the 3rd January an adult female beaked whale 17ft long was found stranded dead on the island of Utila, Bay Islands Honduras. Two days later a male calf 11ft long was found slightly further along the coast also dead. They have been provisionally identified as Cuviers Beaked Whales. A necropsy was performed on both animals with tissue samples and blood samples taken. I would be interested in hearing from anyone studying beaked whales so that we can provide you with further information about these strandings. Please contact me at steve(at)utilaecology.org Steve Box ------------------- Stephen Box Tel: +504 425 3026 Cel: +504 3303 6322 __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com

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Please post
by Steve Silva 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

A national consulting firm is seeking an experienced Marine Scientist/Marine Mammal Biologist for our Plano, TX office. The successful candidate would be responsible for scientific content on various environmental projects and contribute their marine mammal expertise to the existing Marine Sciences group. Projects include, but are not limited to, marine resources, environmental, and biological assessments. Job duties include: * Preparing the marine mammal sections of marine resources assessments and environmental assessment documents in support of NEPA, ESA, MMPA, CZCA, or the MSFCMA/SFA, as well as other projects; * Researching, acquiring, and synthesizing marine mammal data and literature for use in environmental reports; * Acting as a team leader/principal investigator with responsibility for specific projects or subject areas; * 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 attend meetings with third parties/clients as required; * Traveling to client locations, project sites, symposia or other meetings, or other GMI offices as required; and * Analyzing protected species survey data, including application of statistical tests, as necessitated by projects. Requirements Experience and Skills Required: A background integrating living marine resources and their physical marine environment is essential. Two to five years experience working preferably for, but not limited to, a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or military environmental group. The successful candidate will possess strong technical writing, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while functioning in an environment of changing priorities and time constraints. Candidates possessing experience in marine mammal surveying/monitoring, SAS, ESRI GIS, and/or EndNote™ software, 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. Education: M.S. degree in Marine Biology, Wildlife or Environmental Management, or Oceanography with emphasis in coursework and experience related to the study of marine mammals. We are presently accepting applications only from US Citizens and permanent residents. Interested candidates should submit a Resume and writing sample to Steve Silva, Search Consultant; steve.silva(a)tx.rr.com

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MARVET Caymans 2008
by Raymond Tarpley 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

> MARVET announces a new workshop in Marine Conservation Medicine to > be conducted in Grand Cayman, British West Indies from July 21- > August 2, 2008. Please see posting at www.marvet.org for details. > Thanks......Raymond. > > MARVET > P.O. Box 882 > College Station, TX 77841-0882 > 979-765-9193 tel (leave message) > www.marvet.org > info(a)marvet.org > MARVET Caymans 2008 [TAKING APPLICATIONS] (Grand Cayman, British > West Indies, July 21- August 2, 2008 ~ hosted by Boatswain’s Beach > and St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine) offers > veterinary students an introductory lecture and hands-on workshop in > the emerging professional field of Tropical Conservation Medicine, > with focus on veterinary care and rehabilitation of sea turtles and > the use of selected species of fish in ecosystem health assessments. > > Lectures will address concepts in conservation medicine, anatomy and > physiology of marine species (mammals, reptiles, fish), emerging > diseases in marine mammals, reptiles and amphibians, sea turtle > medicine, fish medicine, wildlife ecotoxicology, diagnostic > surveillance of wildlife morbidity and mortality, coral reef biology > and restoration, mangrove ecosystem biology, wildlife law and marine > wildlife medicine career opportunities for veterinarians. > > Students will participate in diagnostic wetlabs at the marine > facility, with an emphasis on physical examination, hematology, > biopsy, ultrasonography, necropsy techniques and marine quarantine > strategies, under the direction of veterinarians and biologists > active in marine medicine and conservation. A shark class will > demonstrate current methods for training and husbandry in sharks in > an aquarium habitat. > > Field activities will orient students toward key ecologic components > of marine ecosystem health, including mangrove forest kayaking and > coral reef snorkeling (with diving opportunities if desired). A site > visit will also be made to the Blue Iguana Habitat to investigate > this rare species and the conservation strategies being employed to > preserve it. Tuition includes lodging at Sunshine Suites and all > course activities.

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Marine Mammal Internships 2008- Whale Center of New England
by Jenn Tackaberry 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

Marine Mammal Research Internships (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the summer (May 19-August 22) and fall (August 18 – December 19) semester of 2008 and for the spring (February 2 - May 29) semester of 2009. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year. *We also have one opening for the spring 2008 semester (January 28-May 23) which will be filled on a first come first serve basis.* The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 27’ research vessel Silver II, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings. A fee of $1000 for the period will be charge and in return interns will receive housing and a $30 weekly food stipend. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2008 (to be determined at a later date). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2008. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available. *If you are applying for the spring 2008 semester, please send your application as soon as possible and instead of an in-person interview, a telephone interview can be arranged.* Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Jennifer Tackaberry P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) jenn(a)whalecenter.org No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1213 - Release Date: 1/7/2008 9:14 AM

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Job Vacancy - Cardigan Bay SAC Officer, West Wales , UK
by Annalisa Bianchessi 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

_____ From: Annalisa Bianchessi [mailto:annalisab@ceredigion.gov.uk] Sent: 24 December 2007 11:07 To: 'marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca' Subject: Details of a vacancy for the post of Cardigan Bay SAC Officer in West Wales, UK outlined below: This post is being advertised from 2nd January with a closing date for application of 17th January 2008. Post reference 40ESH 2301030/WM. Please visit www.ceredigion.gov.uk <http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/> for an application form or call 01545 572017 quoting job reference. Please note that the Council offices will be closed from the end of today (24th December) to the 2nd January 2008. Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation Officer Grade: Scale 6 Spinal: Point 26-28 (£21,412-22,845) Fixed-term post to March 2009 with possible extension Based at Penmorfa, Aberaeron, West Wales Department of Environmental Services and Housing (Planning Division) a. Cardigan Bay SAC Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is part of a network of sites identified under the EU Habitats Directive, 1992. Cardigan Bay was selected because of its importance for the Bottlenose Dolphin. Since then Atlantic grey seals, river and sea lampreys, reefs, sand banks and sea caves have been added to the designation. A Management Scheme for the SAC was produced in 2000 and is currently being reviewed and is out for public consultation. Further information about the SAC can be viewed on the Cardigan Bay SAC web site (www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk <http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/cbsac> ). The SAC is managed by the Cardigan Bay Relevant Authorities Group[1] (i.e. those authorities with specific responsibilities for the site). A Liaison Group has also been established as a means of ensuring that the wider community can be involved in management. Ceredigion has two marine SACs, covering approximately 2/3 of inshore waters (the other SAC being the Penllyn ar Sarnau SAC). In addition, the County Council is developing an approach for the integrated management of the coastal zone. In 2006 the Council opened a small marine information centre on the harbour at New Quay, the Cardigan Bay Boat Place, in order to promote codes of conduct amongst boat users of the Bay. The post therefore contributes to the wider aims of marine protected area management in the County. b. Overall objectives of post 1. To assist in the development, maintenance and implementation of a management scheme and related activities of the Cardigan SAC on behalf of the Relevant Authorities Group 2. To provide a focal point for liaison and consultation between the Relevant Authorities Group and statutory bodies, interest groups and local communities. 3. To provide information and interpretation on all aspects of the SAC. c. Duties and responsibilities 1. To contribute to the development and implementation of identified management actions within the revised management scheme 2. To keep the management scheme under review and the management scheme document updated. This will include the co-ordination of inputs, and collation and preparation of sections of the document as required. 3. To maintain and promote the liaison framework established between the public, user groups, local communities, and the Relevant Authorities Group. 4. To organize and coordinate occasional public consultations on all aspects of the SAC; analyse and report the consultation responses to the Relevant Authorities Group. 5. Provide information to the wider public on the management scheme via the production of occasional publications/press releases 6. To carry out regular marine patrols to raise awareness of appropriate behaviour at sea 7. To assist with raising awareness of appropriate behaviour at sea through the promotion of codes of conduct at the Cardigan Bay Boat Place. 8. The maintenance of the Cardigan Bay SAC website 9. To liaise with other management and monitoring/research groups, and establish or maintain effective working relations with representatives of local and national agencies, authorities and bodies as appropriate 10. Assist the Relevant Authorities Group with the identification of gaps in current knowledge and research needs. 11. Contribute to the establishment and management of scientific and administrative information systems for the SAC. 12. Identify and contribute to the development of appropriate protocols and strategies for monitoring the effectiveness of the management scheme. 13. Provide administrative and secretarial support for the Relevant Authorities Group and Liaison Group. 14. To contribute to the development of Local Biodiversity Action marine habitats and species plans and their implementation d. Conditions of employment The Relevant Authority Group (SACRAG) will provide overall direction to the work of the post-holder. The Countryside Council for Wales, in particular, will provide technical assistance and supervision to the scientific aspects of the post. The post-holder will be located in the Conservation Team in the Coast and Countryside Section of Ceredigion County Council at Penmorfa in Aberaeron and at the Cardigan Bay Boat Place, New Quay. The post-holder will be line-managed by and responsible to the Conservation Management Officer. Weekend and evening work will be required e. Post Requirements Education: * Degree or equivalent in an appropriate environmental science or discipline * Qualifications in a marine science would be an advantage, but not essential. Experience: * A background in the management, regulation or study of maritime operations would be an advantage. * Experience in environmental management (not necessarily marine) especially managing public use would be an advantage. * Mature and self-reliant; able to work on own initiative * Proven ability to work to timetables and target dates. Essential Skills / Competencies: * Advanced RYA Power boat qualification. (Training will be provided where necessary) * Comfortable dealing with the public and with conflict management. * Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. * Good writing skills and ability to collate summarise and present complex issues to a wide range of individuals and organisations. * Computer literacy essential (especially in use of databases); familiarity with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) an advantage. * Experience in, or knowledge of, a range of interpretation techniques/methods * Current full UK driving licence. Knowledge * Extensive knowledge of, and interest in, the marine environment (not necessarily in any professional capacity) * Working knowledge of relevant legislation (in particular the EU Habitats and Species Directives, and UK Regulations) an advantage. * A knowledge of Welsh would be an advantage f. Additional information Interviews will be held on February 1st with a view to the post holder commencing duties at the earliest opportunity after that date. For an informal discussion, contact Liz Allan, Conservation Management Officer on 01545 572142 from 7th January, 2008 This post is supported by Countryside Council for Wales and other Relevant Authorities ________________________ Liz Allan Conservation Management Officer Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion / Ceredigion County Council Penmorfa Aberaeron SA46 0PA Ph. +44 (0) 1545572142 _____ _____ [1] The Relevant Authorities Group comprises - Ceredigion County Council; the Countryside Council for Wales; Environment Agency Wales; Dwr Cymru; North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee; South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee; Pembrokeshire County Council; Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Trinity House

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Save the date - whale watching conference
by Dickson, Eleanor 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

Hi all, I am writing to let you know about our forthcoming whale watching conference, to be held in Iceland from 12-14th March 2008. Please keep the date free – it would be great if you could take part. We want to celebrate the success of whale watching and give operators the chance to share ideas. This conference is relevant for all wildlife tour operators, tourism students and anyone considering setting up a business in wildlife tourism. Please forward this invite on to anyone you think might be interested. The conference is being organised by Icewhale (Iceland's Whale Watching Association), with support from IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Highlights of the conference include: Education onboard whale watching vessels – a talk followed by a workshop to share information and ideas. Research onboard – what techniques and equipment are available and why it would benefit your business. Making your business more economically sustainable. Sustainability of whale watching. Confirmed speakers include: Dr David Lusseau (University of Aberdeen, UK), Richard Fairbairns (Sealife Surveys, UK) and José Palazzo (Brazilian right whale scientist and long-time advocate of whale watching). The conference fee includes 3 nights accommodation at the Hotel Selfoss http://www.selfosshotel.is coach transfer to and from the hotel and all meals. The fee is ISK 25,000 (approximately £200, US$400 or €275). Return flights from Europe start at £175 (€250) and flights from the USA start at $400. Please do not book flights until your space has been confirmed in January. An additional option at the end of the conference is a one- day trip to Húsavik (in the north of Iceland). This will include flights, bus transfer, a guided tour of the Whale Museum and lunch. If you reserve your place before 16th January 08, you will get a 20% discount on the conference fee. No payment is required at this stage. We will get back to you early in January with booking details. Please book your places by emailing Ellie Dickson at IFAW on edickson(a)ifaw.org Yours truly, Ásbjörn Björgvinsson, Icewhale --------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged.

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Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals, Vol 33(3) - 2007
by Dagmar Fertl 06 Jan '08

06 Jan '08

Apologies to those of you on both listserves, since you 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, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and International Marine Animal Trainer's Association 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. For more information on the journal, please follow the link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ 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 dagmar_fertl(a)hotmail.com ********************** Bjørge, A., N. Øien, and K-A Fagerheim. 2007. Abundance of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Norway based on aerial surveys and photographic documentation of hauled-out seals during the moulting season, 1996 to 1999. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):269-275. Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, N-5817 Bergen, Norway; email: Arne.Bjorge(a)imr.no The first nationwide aerial survey to count harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Norway was conducted between 1996 and 1999. Haulout sites were surveyed during the early moult period of the seals in the second half of August, and most of the known haulout sites along the Norwegian coast (excluding Svalbard) were covered. The haulout sites were photographed, and the films were subsequently analysed at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen. The number of seals hauled-out and documented during aerial surveys numbered 7,272. Some haulout sites in fjords of the alpine landscape of western Norway were difficult to cover by aerial surveys, so 193 hauled-out seals counted from boat surveys in these fjords were added, and the total counted population was 7,465. Applying a correction factor for estimating the total population from the number of hauled-out harbour seals in the adjacent Swedish Skagerrak, the total estimate was 13,000 seals in Norway. We assumed that this was possibly an overestimate of the true population, however, because the tidal amplitude and diurnal light variation differ significantly along the Norwegian coast and are reported to affect the haulout patterns of harbour seals. When correction factors based on regional studies in Norwegian Skagerrak, western Norway, and Finnmark in northern Norway of haulout behaviour in relation to tidal amplitude and diurnal light variation were applied, the total population was estimated at 10,000 harbour seals. Most sites were surveyed only once; consequently, there is no estimate of variance. Because survey methods have changed from previous questionnaire studies and boat-based surveys, the current estimate cannot be used to assess trends in population size. Harbour seals in Norway are currently intensively hunted, however, and they are subject to high by-catch levels. A decline in numbers is expected under the current management regime, and there is an urgent demand for a new abundance estimate and improved survey design and methodology to account for bias, as well as the appropriate measures of uncertainty involved. ********************** Iñíguez, M.A.* and V.P. Tossenberger. 2007. Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) off Ría Deseado, Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):276-285. *Fundación Cethus, Potosí 2087, Olivos, (1636), Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; email: miguel.iniguez(a)cethus.org Studies of the biology and ecology of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) in the Ría Deseado estuary (47º 46' S, 65º 58' W) were carried out during January-February 1986 to 1991 and 1994 to 1997, August 1987 and 1988, September 1995, and May 2003. Commerson's dolphins were consistently located along a 24-km stretch of the Ría Deseado. Twenty-six dolphins were identified using marks, scars, and differences in the black and white pigmentation of the head, back, and sides. Two adult dolphins with the typical grey colour pattern of the calves of this species have been observed since 1994. Behavioural observations were recorded and fell into four general categories: (1) traveling (51%), (2) resting (21%), (3) feeding (19%), or (4) socialising (9%). Feeding behaviours included dolphins feeding at the surface, near anchor lines, and around piers. Commerson's dolphins were directly observed feeding on silversides (Odontesthes). Calves were observed between mid-September and mid-March, which suggests that calves are born in the austral spring and early summer. Interactions between dolphins and seabirds/marine mammals were recorded. Killer whales (Orcinus orca) may prey on Commerson's dolphins in this area. ********************** Desportes, G.*, L. Buholzer, K. Anderson-Hansen, M-A Blanchet, M. Acquarone, G. Shephard, S. Brando, A. Vossen, and U. Siebert. 2007. Decrease stress; train your animals: The effect of handling methods on cortisol levels in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) under human care. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):286-292. *Fjord and Bælt Centre, DK-5300 Kerteminde, Denmark; email: genevieve(a)gdnatur.dk Circulating cortisol levels are accepted as a sensitive indicator of acute stress in marine mammals, particularly in relation with capture and handling. The present study provides the first long-term monitoring of cortisol levels in four harbour porpoises held in human care—an adult male and adult female and two juvenile females. It also compares levels in blood obtained after removing the animal from the water (OWR sampling) with levels in blood obtained at poolside under voluntary husbandry behaviours (VHB sampling). Cortisol levels differed significantly between the four porpoises, although they all exhibited quite high variations in cortisol levels, with averages of 64.9 and 70.5 μg/l in the adult male and female, respectively, and 90.7 and 51.4 μg/l in the juvenile females. OWR sampling induced significantly higher cortisol levels than VHB sampling, with a dramatic threefold decrease in circulating cortisol levels obtained under VHB sampling compared to levels obtained under OWR sampling (16.6 and 20.2 μg/l compared with 64.9 and 70.5 μg/l in the adult male and female respectively). Even if the porpoises showed some habituation to handling, regular and frequent handling over several years did not suppress a significant stress response in the porpoises when they were removed from the water, pointing to the advantage of using VHB for limiting stress in husbandry practices. ********************** Lockyer, C., A.A. Hohn, W.D. Doidge, M.P. Heide-Jørgensen, and R. Suydam. 2007. Age determination in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas): A quest for validation of dentinal layering. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):293-304. *NAMMCO, Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway; email: christina.lockyer(a)nammco.no A workshop for experts in age determination of beluga whales was convened to (1) determine the number of dentinal Growth Layer Groups (GLGs) in beluga teeth and the variation therein among readers; (2) assess the deposition rate of dentinal GLGs in beluga teeth, specifically on the question of one or two GLGs per year; (3) define the appearance of dentinal GLGs in order to standardize reading methods among readers of beluga teeth; and (4) provide a consensus report with specific conclusions on deposition rate and GLG definition. Tooth specimens from ten belugas, all originally from Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, with captive histories ranging from 4 to 30 y, were the focus of the investigation. Three of these animals had medication histories of tetracycline antibiotics which "time-mark" hard tissues. Results from the inter-reader GLG comparisons, GLG counts compared with captive history, and tetracycline mark placement indicated that despite considerable problems with the inter-reader count variability, using certain assumptions, there was evidence that two GLGs per year was not possible in six of the ten specimens; however, there were some specimens for which it was clear that two GLGs per year could be feasible, and yet others where the derived estimate of age at first capture did not appear to be compatible with the most likely age for that size of animal. The conclusions were that one GLG annual deposition rate in dentine was clearly upheld in some instances but that the results were equivocal for several specimens for a variety of reasons. In light of the fact that tooth GLGs are likely to continue being the predominant method for aging in this species, the workshop members agreed on a list of seven recommendations that included, as a priority, experimental approaches that could help to standardize and validate GLG counting in age determination. ********************** Hayes, V.J., and J.M. Terhune. 2007. Underwater call sequences of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) at the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):305-314. Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada E2L 4L5; email: terhune(a)unbsj.ca Repeated sequences of different call types have been reported in some recordings of underwater calls of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) but not others. Recordings made during the breeding seasons of 1990 (1 site, n = 1,136 calls), 1991 and 1992 at three and seven sites, respectively (n < 210 calls per study site) at the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica, were examined. Calls were classified into 16 types, and series of calls were examined for two data sets (1990) and for all years. The low number of seals at these breeding sites resulted in a long series of calls with no overlap, thus facilitating the opportunity for sequence analyses. At most, but not all, study sites there was a three-call-sequence that occurred above chance levels. Thirty-five of 43 three-call-sequences were only detected in one year at one recording location; the other eight were heard at up to four study sites in the same year. Five sets of three-call-sequences occurred in the reverse order of other sequences. Pairs of calls were common, and most occurred in one order and not the reverse. During 3 h of observations of a male-female pair of Weddell seals lying quietly in a pool, there were no sequences of calls or dueting (n = 241 calls). Our findings support the hypothesis that some Weddell seals make nonrandom series of calls, but the functional significance of these patterns is uncertain. Because similar sequences occurred at several study sites, however, it is not likely that call sequences could be used as a natural acoustic tag to identify individual seals. ************************* Aurioles-Gamboa, D., and F.J. Camacho-Ríos. 2007. Diet and feeding overlap of two otariids, Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus townsendi: Implications to survive environmental uncertainty. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):315-326. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias-Marinas – Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Biología Marina y Pesquerías, Apdo. Postal 592, La Paz, Baja California Sur, México; email: dgamboa(a)ipn.mx The San Benito Islands in Mexico host a population of about 7,000 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and have been recolonized by Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) since 1997. Due to similarities in natural history between the two species, we undertook a study to determine their feeding habits, measure diversity of their diets, examine trophic feeding level and overlap as indicators of competition, and estimate ability to adjust to changes in prey availability. During winter and summer 2001 and 2002, 289 sea lion scats and 218 fur seal scats were collected. To identify prey species, samples were sieved to recover otoliths and cephalopod beaks. A total of 1,495 structures were recovered from the sea lion scats: 83.8% otoliths and 16.2% cephalopod beaks. The most prevalent prey was in fish species (Argentina sialis, Merluccius angustimanus, andSebastes spp.) and the squid (Loligo opalescens). Of the 1,866 structures recovered from the Guadalupe fur seal scats, 95.6% were cephalopod beaks and 4.4% were otoliths, with L. opalescens as the most prevalent prey. The diversity of the trophic spectrum (H') of the sea lion was greater than the fur seal in every one of the samples, placing it as a "generalist predator" (Levins Index B = 4.65) in comparison to the fur seal (B = 1.53). The only significant trophic overlap (Morisita-Horn Index) occurred during the summer of 2001 (CH = 0.73). Both species consumed prey at similar trophic levels (sea lion = 4.42; fur seal = 4.22), which placed them as secondary-tertiary carnivores. The evidence suggests that the California sea lion forages in both benthic and pelagic habitats, resulting in a broader feeding spectrum and better adaptations to cope with changes in prey availability than the Guadalupe fur seal. ************************* Pires, R.*, H.C. Neves, and A.A. Karamanlidis. 2007. Activity patterns of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the Archipelago of Madeira. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):327-336. *Parque Natural da Madeira, Quinta do Bom Sucesso, Caminho do Meio, Funchal 9064-512, Portugal Activity patterns of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) were examined in the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve in the archipelago of Madeira. Activity of seals at sea was recorded from 25 lookout sites positioned along the reserve's coastline and correlated to site location, season, time of day, and state of tide. From 1994 to 2005, monk seal activity, related mainly to the reproductive behaviour of the species, was recorded primarily at the three pupping sites within the reserve. Activity was influenced by site location, season, and state of tide but not by the time of day. Activity was highest during the autumn and winter months and was related to the pupping and post-parturition necessities of the species, and during high tide, when the incoming action of the sea led monk seals to move out of coastal caves, which are used for resting and breeding. Differences in activity among the three sites monitored were attributed to the level of protection offered by these locations against wind and wave action. The findings of this study, the most extensive study of its kind, have enabled the identification of priority research, and conservation actions for the species in the area. ************************* Goldstein, T., C.A. Stephens, S.S. Jang, P.A. Conrad, C. Field, L.J. Dunn, and J.E. Mellish. 2007. Longitudinal health and disease monitoring in juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in temporary captivity in Alaska compared with a free-ranging cohort. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):337-348. *current address: The Marine Mammal Center, 1065 Fort Cronkite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA: email: goldsteint(a)tmmc.org From March 2003 to June 2006, 77 juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) from the endangered western stock were captured in Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound, Alaska. Thirty-one were brought into temporary captivity (transient juveniles) for short-term research studies, and 46 were captured, sampled, and released for a control comparison. The groups of wild-caught sea lions were rotated through a quarantine facility. The objectives of this study were to measure exposure to marine and terrestrial mammalian pathogens in temporarily captive Steller sea lions over time, screen for commensal and pathogenic bacteria, and monitor changes in antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella marinus were detected in both free-ranging and transient juveniles. Although an increase in titers to Leptospira spp. and phocine herpesvirus-1 was detected in a small number of sea lions while housed in temporary captivity, none developed evidence of clinical disease. Additionally, exposure was also found to these potential pathogens in the free-ranging control Steller sea lions. There were no significant differences among the variety of bacterial types obtained from any culture site or animal groups, and antibiotic resistance did not occur in any transient juveniles while in captivity nor in isolates from the free-ranging controls. Results therefore indicated that free-ranging Steller sea lions were not placed at risk for disease following the release of the transient juveniles back into the marine environment. ****************** Finerty, S.E.*, G.R. Hillman, and R.W. Davis. 2007. Computer-matching of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) nose scars: A new method for tracking individual otters. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):349-358. *Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Texas A&M University, 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551, USA; email: shannonfinerty(a)yahoo.com The Sea Otter Nose Matching Program, or SONMaP, was developed to identify individual Alaskan sea otters using a blotch-pattern recognition algorithm based on the shape and location of lightly colored nose scars. The program ranks all the images in order of similarity, most similar first, with six images displayed at a time. The user then selects the final match. In this study, the performance of the SONMaP program was tested using images of otters that had been previously matched by visually comparing every otter in a catalog of 1,638 animals. After running the images through SONMaP, they were classified as BEST, AVERAGE, or WORST based on whether the correct match was within the first 10%, 11 to 50%, or 51 to 100% of images in the catalog, respectively. In 48.9% of the previously visually matched images, the program accurately selected the correct image in the first 10% of the catalog, which compares favorably with other computer-assisted photo-identification studies of marine mammals. ****************** McGuire, T.L.* and T. Henningsen. 2007. Movement patterns and site fidelity of river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the Peruvian Amazon as determined by photo-identification. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):359-367. *Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A&M University, Galveston, TX 77551-5923, USA; tmcguire(a)lgl.com Photo-identification was used to examine range, rate of movement, and site fidelity of the river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in Peru's Pacaya-Samiria Reserve from 1991 to 2000 (field work conducted all years and all seasons). Dolphins were identified by scars, cuts, nicks, pigmentation patterns, and abnormal beaks. Seventy-two Inia and 7 Sotalia were identified, and 25 Inia and one Sotalia were resighted. Sighting histories ranged from 1 d to 7.6 y. Maximum range of movement for Inia was 220 km, with a mean range of 60.8 km. Maximum range for Sotalia was 130 km. The greatest rates of movement observed were 120 km/2 d for Inia, and 56 km/9 h for Sotalia. The mean rate of movement was 14.5 km/d for Inia and 56 km/d for Sotalia. Identified dolphins were not observed to move between surveyed tributaries of the Marañón River but, instead, were always observed within the same tributary system. Ninety percent of all Inia resighted in one river system were seen in the same lake at least once, and 33% of dolphins resighted in the lake were never seen outside of the lake. Although photo-identification yielded new information about river dolphin movements and site fidelity, its utility was limited due to behavioral, morphological, and ecological characteristics of these cetacean species. ***************** Beasley, I.L.* and P.J.A. Davidson. 2007. Conservation status of marine mammals in Cambodian waters, including seven new cetacean records of occurrence. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):368-379. *School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Australia; email: isabel.beasley(a)jcu.edu.au The first dedicated, boat-based marine mammal surveys in Cambodian coastal waters were conducted over seven discrete survey periods, spanning February to September 2001. These surveys covered the majority of Cambodian coastal waters, in addition to the main offshore islands. As a result of these surveys, ten marine mammal species have now been confirmed to occur in Cambodian waters. Six of these, the false killer whale, a long-beaked form of common dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, dwarf spinner dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, constitute new country records for Cambodia. Additionally, a short-finned pilot whale was found live-stranded, constituting a further new country record. These initial results indicate that the current status of marine mammals in Cambodian waters is encouraging, both in terms of species diversity and abundance. Cambodian waters appear to support regionally, if not globally, significant populations of several of these species. The dugong is almost certainly the most highly threatened marine mammal in the region. Studies to date have provided important baseline knowledge regarding the status, distribution, and important areas of occurrence for marine mammals in Cambodia. It is now essential that conservation and management strategies are developed and implemented. Public education and awareness and community-based management programs, as well as stricter laws, regulations, and adequate enforcement will be essential to conserving the remaining marine mammal populations and ensuring their survival in Cambodian coastal waters. ******************* Highfill, L.E., and S.A. Kuczaj II. 2007. Do bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have distinct and stable personalities? Aquatic Mammals 33(3):380-389. *Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive #5025, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA; email: Lauren.Highfill(a)usm.edu Psychologists have long been interested in the role of individual differences in the behavior of many species, particularly consistent differences that might reflect temperament or personality. Only recently has animal personality become an important and credible topic of research, however. In an effort to add to the literature on animal personality, the possibility of consistent personality characteristics was explored for a previously unstudied species, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Dolphin personality was assessed using a measure that evaluated possible personality characteristics. The measure consisted of a list of adjectives and descriptions commonly associated with dolphin behaviors (e.g., "curious: appears to be interested in new situations or objects"). Judges rated each animal on each description using a seven-point rating scale. The stability of individual dolphin personality characteristics was assessed by comparing results from judgments of individual dolphin personalities collected prior to Hurricane Katrina with those collected approximately 15 months later. In the interval between these two ratings, the dolphins' home at MarineLife Oceanarium was destroyed, and the dolphins were subsequently relocated to a facility in the Bahamas. The second set of judgments was made by individuals in the Bahamas who had no experience with the dolphins prior to Hurricane Katrina and no information about the results of the earlier dolphin personality assessments. The results support the notions that dolphins demonstrate different personalities and that these personalities are relatively stable over time and across situations. ***************' Book Reviews ***************' Simmonds, M. 2007. Book Review: Whales, Whaling and Ecosystems. Editors: J.A. Estes, D.P. DeMaster, D.F. Doak, T.M. Williams, and R. Brownell. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):390-391. Email: mark.simmonds(a)wdcs.org *** Prothero, D.R. 2007. Book Review: Neptune’s Ark: From Ichthyosaurs to Orcas. Author: D. Rains Wallace. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):392-393. No email provided; Donald R. Prothero, Department of Geology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA *** Thewissen, J.G.M. 2007. Book Review: Morphology of the Auditory and Vestibular Organs in Mammals, with Emphasis on Marine Mammals. Author: G.N. Solntseva. Aquatic Mammals 33(3):394-395. No email provided; J.G.M. Thewissen, Department of Anatomy, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA _________________________________________________________________ Make distant family not so distant with Windows Vista® + Windows Live™. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/digitallife/keepintouch.mspx?ocid=TXT_TAGL…

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American Society of Mammalogists - request for workshop and symposium proposals
by Daniel K. Odell 05 Jan '08

05 Jan '08

The deadline for the receipt of complete symposium and/or workshop proposals for the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists are due on Friday, 14 March 2008. The 2009 meeting will take place at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks in June. Symposium and workshop proposal guidelines and proposal submission forms are available on the ASM web page under the Committees / Program Committee link. http://www.mammalogy.org/committees/index.asp A list of previous symposia and workshops is posted on the Program Committee web page. Daniel K. Odell Chair, ASM Symposium sub-committee dodell(a)cfl.rr.com

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New publications week 35-37
by Jan Herrmann 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 35-37 / 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.php 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 Alter, S.E. and S.R. Palumbi (2007): Could genetic diversity in eastern North Pacific gray whales reflect global historic abundance? Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104(52): E3. Christensen, A., S. Rowe, and M. Needham (2007): Value Orientations, Awareness of Consequences, and Participation in a Whale Watching Education Program in Oregon. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 12(4): 289-293. Dietz, R. et al. (2007): Upside-down swimming behaviour of free-ranging narwhals. BMC Ecology 7(1): 14. Forman, D. et al. (2007): LETTERS: Toxoplasma in cetaceans around the British Isles. The Veterinary Record 161(8): 279. Givens, G.H. and I. Ozaksoy (2007): Population structure and covariate analysis based on pairwise microsatellite allele matching frequencies. Statistical Applications in Genetics and Molecular Biology 6(1): Article 31. Guimaraes, P.R., Jr. et al. (2007): Vulnerability of a killer whale social network to disease outbreaks. Physical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics 76(4): 042901. Harino, H. et al. (2007): Accumulation of Organotin Compounds in Tissues and Organs of Dolphins from the Coasts of Thailand. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 54(1): 145-153. Jackson, J.A. et al. (2008): How few whales were there after whaling? Inference from contemporary mtDNA diversity. Molecular Ecology 17(1): 236-251. Jaramillo-Legorreta, A.M. et al. (2007): Saving the Vaquita: Immediate Action, Not More Data. Conservation Biology 21(6): 1653-1655. Jiang, M. et al. (2007): Springtime transport and retention of Calanus finmarchicus in Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays, USA, and implications for right whale foraging. Marine Ecology Progress Series 349(): 183-197. Kon, T. et al. (2007): Phylogenetic position of a whale-fall lancelet (Cephalochordata) inferred from whole mitochondrial genome sequences. BMC Evolutionary Biology 7(1): 127. Lauriano, G. et al. (2007): Short Note: Observations of top predators foraging on fish in the pack ice of the southern Ross Sea. Antarctic Science 19(4): 439-440. Palsbøll, P.J., M. Bérubé, and F. Larsen (2007): Could genetic diversity in eastern North Pacific gray whales reflect global historic abundance? Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104(52): E2. Rossi-Santos, M.R. et al. (2007): Cetacean sightings near South Georgia islands, South Atlantic Ocean. Polar Biology 31(1): 63-68. Smith, T.B. and L. Bernatchez (2008): PREFACE TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE: Evolutionary change in human-altered environments. Molecular Ecology 17(1): 1-8. Weilgart, L.S. (2007): The impacts of anthropogenic ocean noise on cetaceans and implications for management. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85(11): 1091-1116. Zamon, J.E. et al. (2007): Winter observations of southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) near the Columbia river plume during the 2005 spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) spawning migration. Northwestern Naturalist 88(3): 193-198. O'Brien, C.M. (2007): Short Book Reviews: Analysing Ecological Data by Alain F. Zuur, Elena N. Ieno, Graham M. Smith. International Statistical Review 75(3): 426-427. PINNIPEDIA Cronin, M.A., C.D. Duck, and O.Ó. Cadhla (2007): Erratum to "Aerial surveying of grey seal breeding colonies on the Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry, the Inishkea Group, Co. Mayo and the Donegal Coast, Ireland"[J. Nat. Conserv. 15(2) (2007) 73-83] Michelle A. Cronin, Callan D. Duck and Oliver Ó. Cadhla. Journal for Nature Conservation 15(4): 265. Higdon, J.W. et al. (2007): Phylogeny and divergence of the pinnipeds (Carnivora: Mammalia) assessed using a multigene dataset. BMC Evolutionary Biology 7(1): 216. Lancaster, M.L., S.D. Goldsworthy, and P. Sunnucks (2007): Multiple mating strategies explain unexpected genetic mixing of New Zealand fur seals with two congenerics in a recently recolonized population. Molecular Ecology 16(24): 5267-5276. Lewer, D. et al. (2007): Mandibular fracture repair in a harbor seal. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry 24(2): 95. Luque, S.P. et al. (2007): Ontogeny of body size and shape of Antarctic and subantarctic fur seals. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85(12): 1275-1285. Wiig, Ø. et al. (2007): Historical sex-specific distribution of Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in Svalbard assessed by mandible measurements. Polar Biology 31(1): 69-75. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Job Announcement - Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Unit
by Charles Littnan 04 Jan '08

04 Jan '08

Aloha Everyone- We are seeking applications for a Research Ecologist with the NOAA Fisheries Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Unit in Honolulu, Hawaii. The person in this position conducts and oversees scientific studies, provides advice, and prepares status reports and manuscripts on recovery research and enhancement efforts for endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Some examples include participating in Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Team meetings, attending conferences and Symposia (i.e. Marine Mammals, Conservation Biology), working with Pacific Island Regional Office staff to implement the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery plan action items, overseeing preparation and publication of scientific manuscripts from staff conducting monk seal research. The incumbent also publishes reports and scientific papers on Hawaiian monk seals and answers scientific questions and inquiries in a timely manner for partners and stakeholders (e.g., PIRO, State of Hawaii, WestPAC, F/PR). Innovative and appropriate research will be required to meet management needs and enhance the conservation of monk seals through a variety of techniques which will include but are not limited to population assessment, characterization of monk seal foraging, monitoring of health and disease, and investigation of methods to mitigate mortality. Specifc details about the position and application process can be found by searching for job # NMF-PIC-2008-0011 at http:// www.usajobs.opm.gov/ For more information regarding the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Unit visit: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/mmrp/monkseals.php For more information on the Hawaiian monk seal recovery plan and mortality mitigation efforts visit: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/ recovery/hawaiianmonkseal.pdf All qualified U.S. citizens, and current Federal employees serving under a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, former Federal employees with reinstatement rights, CTAP/ ICTAP eligibles, and applicants eligible under special authorities. Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). Applications are due January 23, 2008 Cheers, Charles Littnan Head, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Unit Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries charles.littnan(a)noaa.gov

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