November 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

The Monachus Guardian 11 (2): November 2008
by William M. Johnson 25 Nov '08

25 Nov '08

THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, NOVEMBER 2008 Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the November 2008 issue of The Monachus Guardian, the biannual electronic journal focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at <http://www.monachus-guardian.org> HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: Guest Editorial: Recovering the Balearic Islands for the monk seal, by Miquel À. Grimalt i Vert, Minister of the Environment, Government of the Balearic Islands... International News: Monk seal histories republished as open access ebooks... International Monk Seal Conservation Alliance takes shape in Madeira... Hawaiian News: Monk seal may gain ‘Critical Habitat’ on main Hawaiian Islands... Mediterranean News: Gibraltar: Seals on the Neanderthals diet... Greece: Monitoring in the Karpathos-Saria Ecodevelopment Area... Madeira: Aiming for higher public participation in monk seal monitoring... Mauritania: Lactation on an open beach in Cabo Blanco: first known record since 1945... Spain: Seal returns after 50-year absence... Turkey: Tourists captured on seal monitors... Badem released from ‘protective custody’... Research and analysis projects for Foça... Cover Story: One talking fish with a whale of a tale, by William M. Johnson... In Focus: Sighting and Response, by Antoni Font, Joan Mayol, Manu Sanfelix and Carlota Viada... Perspectives: Legal protection of the Mediterranean monk seal in Croatia, Petar Radošević... Research: The Song of the Sirens, by Panagiotis Dendrinos and Alexandros A. Karamanlidis... Research: The in situ treatment of a Mediterranean monk seal pup at Piperi Island, National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades (NMPANS), by Christos Neofitou, Lenie ‘t Hart, Vassilis Kouroutos, Kitty Attema, Elefteria Tsalie and Clare Reed... Letters to the Editor: Translocation plans – reasons for caution, by Xisco Avella... Recent Publications. The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available from the Monk Seal Library <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/library.htm>. Should you have any comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at: editor(a)monachus-guardian.org. Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible. William M. Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org PS. Don't hesitate to let us know if you appear to be on this email information list in error. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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New publications week 38
by Jan Herrmann 25 Nov '08

25 Nov '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 38/ 2008, 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 Barthelmess, K. (2007): The Commencement of Regular Arctic Cruise Ship Tourism: Wilhelm Bade and the "Nordische Hochseefischerei Gesellschaft" of 1892/1893. Tourism in Marine Environments 4(2-3): 113-120. Dagleish, M.P. et al. (2008): Fatal mycotic encephalitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus). The Veterinary Record 163(20): 602-604. Goldbogen, J.A. et al. (2008): Foraging behavior of humpback whales: kinematic and respiratory patterns suggest a high cost for a lunge. Journal of Experimental Biology 211(23): 3712-3719. Ilyukhina, V.A., M.N. Krivoshchapova, and G.V. Manzhosova (2008): Psychophysiological study of the effects of adaptation to tactile interaction with dolphins in six- to seven-year-old children. Human physiology 34(4): 421-430. Macé, M. and B. Crouau-Roy (2008): A highly polymorphic insertion in the Y-chromosome amelogenin gene can be used for evolutionary biology, population genetics and sexing in Cetacea and Artiodactyla. BMC Genetics 9(64): . Meshchersky, I.G., M.V. Kholodova, and E.Y. Zvychaynaya (2008): Molecular genetic study of the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas: Cetacea, Monodontidae) summering in the southern Sea of Okhotsk as compared to North American populations. Russian Journal of Genetics 44(9): 1105-1110. Quérouil, S. et al. (2008): Why Do Dolphins Form Mixed-Species Associations in the Azores? Ethology 114(12): 1183-1194. Rector, A. et al. (2008): Genomic characterization of novel dolphin papillomaviruses provides indications for recombination within the Papillomaviridae. Virology 378(1): 151-161. Rossi, M. (2008): Corrigendum to 'Modeling the unknown: how to make a perfect whale' [Endeavour 32 (2) (2008) 58-63]. Endeavour 32(3): 82. Sonne, C. et al. (2008): Effects of organohalogen pollutants on haematological and urine clinical-chemical parameters in Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 69(3): 381-390.Epub. Williams, R. and K. Crosbie (2007): Antarctic Whales and Antarctic Tourism. Tourism in Marine Environments 4(2-3): 195-202. PINNIPEDIA Cherel, Y. et al. (2008): Stable isotopes reveal the trophic position and mesopelagic fish diet of female southern elephant seals breeding on the Kerguelen Islands. Marine Ecology Progress Series 370(): 239-247. Frouin, H. et al. (2008): Toxic effects of tributyltin and its metabolites on harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) immune cells in vitro. Aquatic Toxicology 90(3): 243-251. Thums, M., C.J.A. Bradshaw, and M.A. Hindell (2008): Tracking changes in relative body composition of southern elephant seals using swim speed data. Marine Ecology Progress Series 370(): 249-261. Sonne, C. et al. (2008): Is there a link between hypospadias and organochlorine exposure in East Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris)? Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 69(3): 391-395. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Harr, K.E. et al. (2008): Debromoaplysia toxin in Lyngbya-dominated mats on manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in the Florida King's Bay ecosystem. Toxicon 52(2): 385-388. Lemelin, R.H. and B. Smale (2007): Wildlife Tourist Archetypes: Are All Polar Bear Viewers in Churchill, Manitoba Ecotourists? Tourism in Marine Environments 4(2-3): 97-111. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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PhD position available – University of Otago, New Zealand
by Will Rayment 23 Nov '08

23 Nov '08

We are seeking a PhD student to work on the Hector’s dolphin photo-ID project at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. The project has been running continuously since 1985, focusing on the conservation biology of Hector’s dolphin using non-invasive research techniques. The student will be based at the University of Otago’s Marine Mammal Research Group in Dunedin, but will spend much of their first three years in the field at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. The successful applicant will be responsible for the day to day running of the project, involving operation of the research vessel, managing the photo-ID catalogue and coordinating volunteer field assistants. The student is expected to be conservation focused and maintain a high level of photo-ID effort, but opportunities exist for other forms of fieldwork including acoustic surveys, aerial surveys and land-based observations. Previous work has focused on the topics of population size, demographic rates, impacts of fishing, social structure, distribution, acoustics, behaviour, oceanographic processes, movements of individuals and morphometrics, many of which are implicitly linked with conservation management of the population. The student will be encouraged to seek new directions for the project, but possibilities include evaluating new management options, fine-scale habitat use studies, effects of aquaculture and studies of echolocation behaviour using T-PODs. Essential attributes - MSc in related field (Marine Biology, Zoology) - Strong academic record - Extensive experience skippering small, outboard powered research vessels - Photo-ID skills - Strong analytical skills - Ability to work unsupervised and show initiative - Team player - Driver’s license Desirable attributes - Boating qualifications, e.g. skipper’s ticket, VHF operator’s ticket - SCUBA diving experience - Good practical skills, e.g. outboard motor maintenance The successful applicant will be provided with a research vessel, tow vehicle, digital SLR camera and associated equipment for the duration of the project. Accommodation costs and running costs while in the field at Banks Peninsula will also be covered. The student will be responsible for covering their food costs, all costs while in Dunedin and their tuition fees. Information on University of Otago scholarships can be found at http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/ The student will be expected to help with applying for funding for the project. The successful applicant will be expected to start as soon as is convenient, but by September 2009 at the latest. Information about PhD study at Otago University can be found at http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/phd/index.html Please send a letter stating why you are interested in this PhD position and outlining your relevant experience, along with a CV, to will.rayment(a)otago.ac.nz ------------------------------------- Will Rayment Post-doctoral Research Fellow Marine Science Department PO Box 56 University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand ph. + 64 3 479 5476 mob. + 64 21 488961

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Photos of the 1986 blue whale - fin whale hybrid are online now
by Klaus Barthelmess 23 Nov '08

23 Nov '08

Dear colleagues, As a follow-up on my message posted at MARMAM on 1 November about the 1986 hybrid between an blue whale and a fin whale, I'd like you to know that seven of the - sadly poor - photos I took of this whale at the whaling station, as well as a PDF of my original 1987 article in Flemish can now be found at this URL http://www.cetacea.de/artikel/feature/2008/hybrid/index.php Thanks to Jan Herrmann for posting them on his fine website! Regards Klaus Barthelmess Whaling Research Project Cologne, Germany

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Volunteer opportunity for project on Hector's dolphins in New Zealand
by Silvia Scali 21 Nov '08

21 Nov '08

Hi, I am a PhD student with the University of Otago and I am looking for volunteers for a project on Hector's dolphins in New Zealand from the 6th until the end of January 2009. The fieldwork will be in beautiful Akaroa in the South Island of New Zealand. We will be theodolite tracking Hector's dolphins from a cliff overlooking the harbour in order to gather informations on the detections range of some acoustic devices (T-PODs) that will be deployed in the water during the observations. Full training will be provided however a biology background and previous experience working with marine mammals is a bonus. The succesful applicant must be responsible and ready to work long hours outdoor. Due to limited fundings we are not able to provide an accomodation however Akaroa offers a number of options including backpackers and camping grounds. In order to apply please send your CV together with a cover letter to scasi259(a)student.otago.ac.nz Silvia Scali PhD Candidate Marine Mammal Research Group Dept.of Marine Science University of Otago Ph. +64 9 950 3266 Cell. +64 021 222 6284

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New publication
by Simon Allen 20 Nov '08

20 Nov '08

G'day folks, We're pleased to announce another publication from MUCRU: Finn, H., Donaldson, R. and Calver, M. 2008. Feeding Flipper: A case study of a dolphin-human interaction. Pacific Conservation Biology 14: 215-225. Abstract: We document a human-dolphin interaction involving the illegal feeding of wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia from 1993-2003. In 1993 only one dolphin was considered conditioned to human interaction through food reinforcement. By 2001, 16% (n = 12) of the resident community of 74 adult dolphins were conditioned, and at least 14 dolphins were conditioned by 2003. Of the 13 conditioned dolphins of known sex, 11 (85%) were males. We observed conditioned dolphins initiating interactions by approaching recreational fishing boats and by residing for several hours at boat ramps and shore-based fishing sites. We only observed recreational fishers feeding dolphins, although anecdotal reports indicated additional feeding sources. We used belt transects to determine the densities of recreational boats and encounter rates for conditioned dolphins across habitats within Cockburn Sound. Encounter rates and boat densities were positively correlated, suggesting an association between recreational boat density and the ranging patterns of conditioned dolphins. This study demonstrates how illegal feeding interactions can intensify over time to affect a potentially biologically significant proportion of a local dolphin population. This emphasizes the need for early and pro-active intervention and demonstrates the value of longitudinal, individual-specific wildlife studies. Key words: Bottlenose Dolphins, Feeding wildlife, Human-wildlife interaction, Marine mammals, Provisioning, Tursiops, Wildlife management. PDFs/re-prints are available on request from Dr. Hugh Finn (H.Finn(a)murdoch.edu.au) and will appear for download on the MUCRU website (www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru) shortly. Kind regards, Simon P.S. For those unfamiliar with Pacific Conservation Biology, it is a quarterly journal that publishes, amongst other things, peer-reviewed scientific research articles including those detailing cetacean conservation and management issues. For example: Stone & Yoshinaga 2000. Hector's dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori calf mortalities may indicate new risks from boat traffic and habituation. Pacific Conservation Biology 6: 162-170. Allen & Bejder 2003. Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis sightings on the Australian coast and the increasing potential for entanglement. Pacific Conservation Biology 9: 228-233. We encourage submission of relevant manuscripts and institutional subscription as per the details below. ------------ Pacific Conservation Biology (http://pcb.murdoch.edu.au/) Edited by Emeritus Professor Harry F Recher, AM The Pacific region has profound problems in conservation and management that require urgent attention. The region also has people with world-class skills and training in conservation oriented biological research. One broadly recognized impediment to effective conservation and management is inadequate communication among research biologists and conservation managers and administrators. Pacific Conservation Biology enhances this communication. It provides a forum for discussion about regional conservation problems; debate about priorities and mechanisms for conservation oriented biological research; and dissemination of the results of relevant research. Emphasis is placed on making clear the relevance and management implications of the research. The primary readership is composed of research biologists, wildlife managers and administrators of government and non-government conservation agencies. Each issue includes: a section of news and correspondence; a forum with a key discussion paper and responses; and contributed papers that present high quality original research. Reviews on relevant topics, especially those that focus on the region, are welcome. All subscriptions and business matters to: Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Ltd PO Box 8159 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Australia Ph: +61-2-96023888 E-mail: surreybeatty(a)iform.com.au ----------------------------------------------------- Simon Allen Research Fellow, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University South St., Murdoch Western Australia 6150 mob: +61(0) 416 083 653 ph: +61(0)8 9360 2823 fax: +61(0)8 9360 6303 email: s.allen(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:s.allen@murdoch.edu.au> web: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/simon_allen.html <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/simon_allen.html>

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Job announcement - Marine Resource Specialist
by Swiader, J Erin CIV NAVFAC Lant 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Would you please post the following Job Announcement: MARINE RESOURCE SPECIALIST POSITIONS The Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Norfolk, Virginia is currently seeking qualified candidates with outstanding research, written and oral communication skills for a career position in the Marine Resources Section. Duties will include preparation, management, and review of marine resources assessments; marine species density estimates; marine species survey plans and reports; Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 documentation; Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) small take authorization requests; mitigation and monitoring plans; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation; and environmental studies assessing the environmental impacts of proposed Navy/Marine Corps at-sea training operations. The person(s) selected will be expected to participate in consultations with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), coordinate projects with a multi-disciplinary team, and manage contracts for research and compliance documents. Experience or knowledge of the following is highly desirable: marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird or fisheries biology; research design for marine species monitoring programs; principals of underwater acoustics; statistical principles and methods; ESRI Geographic Information System (GIS) products; environmental legislation and DoD/Navy policy. This is not a field biologist position, but there are numerous opportunities for travel. Starting salary range is $45,040 to $58,557 depending on education and experience. Applicants are encouraged to send a resume (no more than 2 pages long) to Erin Swiader (Jennifer.swiader(a)navy.mil) by Dec. 1. J. Erin Swiader Marine Resources Section Head Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic 757.322.4960 DSN 262.4960

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cetaceans in Libya?
by Ibrahim Benamr 19 Nov '08

19 Nov '08

Dear all, My name is Ibrahim Benamr, a marine biologist from Libya. I am gathering information about cetaceans in Libya in a prior step to a survey afterward. I would be very grateful if anyone could supply me with any information, ideas, clues about the eastern side of the country (Cyrnaica) in which the survey will take place. Any information can be forwarded to my email: ibrahim_benamr(a)msn.com and thank you all in advance All the best ======================================== Ibrahim Benamr MSc Marine and Fisheries Science University of Aberdeen Tel: (+44) 77 4843 0212 Lecturer in Omar Elmukhtar University / Libya Tel: (+218) 92 436 5384 (+218) 91 859 6751 P.O. box: 6961 Tripoli E mail: Ibrahim_benamr(a)msn.com

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Job posting
by sophie LARAN 18 Nov '08

18 Nov '08

Marine Ecologist: marine mammal (english) Applications are invited for jobposition (9 months) at the Centre de Recherche sur les Cétacés – Marineland in Antibes, France. Candidate:Applicants should have a minimum qualification of a Master degree or equivalent, preferably on marine ecology with experience in marine mammals. The candidate should be highly motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Applicants should have good computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, Power point and GIS (preferably ArcView) and be familiar with some of these domains: statistical analysis, abundance estimation, GIS, modelling distribution, oceanography, remote sensing. Experience in cetaceans surveys at sea is an advantage. French language is not compulsory, otherwise English will be needed. Duration and Salary: Duration is 9 months. Salary (gross) is 1 650€ per month. Closing date for applications is 30th December 2008. Applications should include curriculum vitae, a letter of application and a list of name of referees. Submit should be sent via e-mail to Sophie Laran: crc(a)marineland.fr or to the staff manager, Séverine Roussel : s.roussel(a)marineland.frpar snail mail to Marineland, 306 avenue Mozart 06600 Antibes, France. Roles - Marine mammals observers : line transect sampling (shipboard and aerial), biopsies collection, ... - Data coding, report editing, map editing using ArcView (8) - Assisting Project Manager on different project: GIS project with remote sensing imagery, habitat model, … - Developing new research projects on marine mammals of Marineland Assistant chargé de Mission (French) Le Centre de Recherche sur les Cétacés du Marineland d’Antibes ouvre un poste en CDD pour une durée de 9 mois. Profil : Le candidat(e)doit détenir un Master ou équivalent, de préférence en écologie marine avec une expérience sur les mammifères marins. La personne doit être très motivée et capable de travailler de manière indépendante comme en équipe. De bonnes compétences informatiques sont demandées notamment sur Microsoft Excel, Word et Power Point et le SIG (si possible ArcView). Le candidat(e) doit également être familier avec certains de ces domaines : analyses statistiques, estimation d’abondance, SIG, modélisation de la distribution, l’océanographie et/ou la télédétection. De plus l’expérience de terrain est un avantage. Durée : 9 mois à compter de début 2009 Salaire mensuel : 1650€ (brut) Date limite de candidature le 30 décembre 2008. Les candidatures doivent inclure un CV, une lettre de motivation et une liste de personnes référentes à contacter. Elles sont à adresser à Sophie Laran : crc(a)marineland.fr ou au service du personnel : Séverine Roussel : s.roussel(a)marineland.fr ou par courrier au Marineland, 306 avenue Mozart 06600 Antibes, France Les taches à réaliser : - Observation en mer transect linéaire (à bord d’un bateau ou avion), collecte de biopsies, ... - Encodage de données, rédaction de rapport, réalisation de cartes en utilisant ArcView (8) - Assister le responsable de projet sur différent projets: SIG et image satellites, modélisation, … - Développer de nouveaux projets de recherche sur les animaux du Marineland Sophie Laran (PhD) Centre de Recherche sur les Cétacés Marineland - Parques Reunidos 306 av Mozart, 06600 Antibes, France tel: +33 (0)4 93 33 55 77 / fax: +33 (0)4 93 33 76 91

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M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2009
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 17 Nov '08

17 Nov '08

------ Dear All! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from 19 April - 03 May 2009 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt", which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208&L=2 One course is offered during the 2009 springtime field season: 19 April - 03 May 2009. The price is 875.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 December 2008 at a price of 814.- € For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to info(a)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), and the "Oceano Gomera" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. & Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. Ritter, F. (2007): BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS TO A DEAD NEWBORN CALF. Marine Mammal Science, 23(2): 429-433 Carrillo, M. & Ritter, F. (2008). Increasing Numbers of Ship Strikes in the Canary Islands: Proposals for Immediate Action to Reduce Risk of Vessel-Whale Collisions. IWC Document SC/60/BC6. -- Fabian Ritter -Vorsitzender- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-Mail: ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _____________________________________________ The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams)

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