November 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

comments on southern California navy training proposed rule
by MARMAM Editors 07 Nov '08

07 Nov '08

NMFS is requesting comments on a proposed rule. A summary below and full details at http://www.epa.gov/EPA-IMPACT/2008/October/Day-14/i23618.htm The deadline for comments is November 13, 2008 [Federal Register: October 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 199)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 60835-60908] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr14oc08-26] [[Page 60836]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 216 [Docket No. 0808061069-81171-01] RIN 0648-AW91 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the Southern California Range Complex AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to training activities conducted in the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL), which extends south and southwest off the southern California coast, for the period of January 2009 through January 2014. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take and requesting information, suggestions, and comments on these proposed regulations. DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than November 13, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by 0648-AW91, by any one of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov. Hand delivery or mailing of paper, disk, or CD-ROM comments should be addressed to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jolie Harrison, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 713-2289, ext. 166. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Availability A copy of the Navy's application may be obtained by writing to the address specified above (see ADDRESSES), telephoning the contact listed above (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. The Navy's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for SOCAL was published on April 4, 2008, and may be viewed at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/ permits/incidental.htm. NMFS is participating in the development of the Navy's EIS as a cooperating agency under NEPA. Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) during periods of not more than five consecutive years each if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. Authorization shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses, and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking are set forth. NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as: An impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA) (Pub. L. 108- 136) modified the MMPA by removing the ``small numbers'' and ``specified geographical region'' limitations and amended the definition of ``harassment'' as it applies to a ``military readiness activity'' to read as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA): (i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment]. Summary of Request On April 1, 2008, NMFS received an application from the Navy requesting authorization for the take of individuals of 37 species of marine mammals incidental to upcoming Navy training activities, maintenance, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities to be conducted within SOCAL, which extends southwest approximately 600 nm in the general shape of a 200-nm wide rectangle (see the Navy's application), over the course of 5 years. These training activities are military readiness activities under the provisions of the NDAA. The Navy states, and NMFS concurs, that these military readiness activities may incidentally take marine mammals present within SOCAL by exposing them to sound from mid-frequency or high frequency active sonar (MFAS/HFAS) or underwater detonations. The Navy requests authorization to take individuals of 37 species of marine mammals by Level B Harassment. Further, though they do not anticipate it to occur, the Navy requests authorization to take, by injury or mortality, up to 10 beaked whales over the course of the 5-yr regulations. Background of Request The Navy's mission is to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas. Title 10, U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 5062 directs the Chief of Naval Operations to train all naval forces for combat. The Chief of Naval Operations meets that direction, in part, by conducting at-sea training exercises and ensuring naval forces have access to ranges, operating areas (OPAREAs) and airspace where they can develop and maintain skills for wartime missions and conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of naval weapons systems. The Navy proposes to implement actions within the SOCAL Range Complex to: Increase training and RDT&E operations from current levels as necessary to support the Navy-wide training plan, known as the Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP); ------------------------------------------------------------------- -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the text of all submissions. -To subscribe to MARMAM, go to lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

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New article on bottlenose dolphin pathology caused by gillnet depredation
by Martina Duras Gomercic 07 Nov '08

07 Nov '08

Dear list members, the following article can be viewed in the "Early View" section of Marine Mammal Science at the journal's website: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119881066/issue Martina Duras Gomercic, Ana Galov, Tomislav Gomercic, Darinka Skrtic, Snjezana Curkovic, Hrvoje Lucic, Snjezana Vukovic, Haidi Arbanasic, Hrvoje Gomercic: *Bottlenose dolphin (/Tursiops truncatus/) depredation resulting in larynx strangulation with gill-net parts. Marine Mammal Science. D*OI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2008.00259.x Abstract Cetacean interactions with fishing gear have been regularly reported and most frequently involve incidental capture. However, limited records exist related to depredation resulting in fishing gear ingestion. Here we present cases of depredation resulting in gillnet part ingestion and larynx strangulation documented for the first time in a cetacean species. The bottlenose dolphin (/Tursiops truncatus/) is the only resident species in the Adriatic Sea, where small-scale commercial and private fisheries use gillnets throughout the year. A total of 120 dead-stranded bottlenose dolphins found along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea were examined from 1990 to March 2008; twelve of them (10%) were affected by larynx strangulation with gillnet parts. The larynx of all affected animals showed at least one of the following pathological changes: edema, mucosal injury and hypergranulation. In the majority of cases it was a chronic condition. Larynx strangulations are found only in adult animals and appear more often in animals with reduced ability to catch free swimming prey. Martina Duras Gomercic, DVM, PhD Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb Heinzelova 55 10000 Zagreb Croatia e-mail: martina.gomercic(a)vef.hr

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Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals Volume 34, Isssue 3 (2008)
by Dagmar Fertl 06 Nov '08

06 Nov '08

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will get duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals, the scientific peer-reviewed journal of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). Abstracts are presented as a courtesy to the EAAM and the journal editors – Drs. Jeanette Thomas (managing editor; aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com) and Kathleen Dudzinski (co-editor; kdudzinski(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org) The journal publishes papers dealing with all aspects of the care, conservation, medicine and science of aquatic mammals. The journal receives support of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA). For more information on the journal, please go to: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and these postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Ziphius EcoServices dfertl(a)gmail.com http://www.ziphiusecoservices.com Gomes, F.F.A.,* J.E. Vergara-Parente, and S.F. Ferrari. 2008. Behaviour patterns in captive manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) at Itamaracá Island, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):269-276. *Department of Biology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, 49.100-000 São Cristóvão – SE, Brazil Email: biola_gomes(a)hotmail.com The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is distributed along much of the northern and eastern coasts of Brazil, although relatively little is known of the ecology or behaviour of the members of this population. In the present study, the behaviour of seven juvenile manatees earmarked for reintroduction to the wild was monitored using focal animal sampling over a 20-d period at the Aquatic Mammal Centre (CMA/ICMBIO) on Itamaraca Island, Pernambuco. The primary aim of this study was to characterise behaviour patterns, especially individual differences, as a baseline for monitoring during reintroduction. In particular, it was hoped that specific patterns could be identified as a diagnostic reference for the evaluation of an individual’s potential for successful reintroduction. Overall, while resting was the predominant activity of all but one subject, considerable individual variation was recorded in all behavioural categories. In addition, significant differences were recorded between morning and afternoon sessions, with some individuals presenting a given category during only one part of the day. Some of the behaviour patterns, such as circular movement, appeared to be related to anxiety or stress and might be useful for the behavioural diagnosis of individuals earmarked for reintroduction, although it will only be possible to interpret the exact implications following the reintroduction process. ************************************************************ Maniscalco, J.M.*, D.G. Calkins, P. Parker, and S. Atkinson. 2008. Causes and extent of natural mortality among Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):277-287. *Department of Conservation Science, Alaska SeaLife Center, P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664, USA Email: john_maniscalco(a)alaskasealife.org The authors studied the causes and extent of mortality in endangered Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups at a small rookery in the northern Gulf of Alaska over seven consecutive summers (2001 to 2007). Mortality among pups up to 2.5 mo post-partum (n = 69) averaged 15.4% (range = 3.8 to 27.8%) and was not dependent on number of pups born. The causes of mortalities varied greatly from year to year, although high surf conditions and killer whale predation accounted for more than half of all deaths. Stillbirths, traumatic injury, and maternal abandonment were individually relatively minor sources of mortality. Causes of mortality were age-dependent. Pups greater than 2 wks old were not washed away by high surf conditions or killed by traumatic injury; whereas pups less than 1 mo old were not subject to predation. The authors also summarize historical observations of pup mortality in this species to compare similarities over time and differences between regions. Current and historic evidence suggests that rates of pup mortality have been higher in the eastern/increasing population of Steller sea lions compared to the western/decreasing population. Therefore, an increase in pup mortality was probably not a major cause of the overall population decline or current lack of recovery. **************************************************************************************** Oswald, J.N.*, S. Rankin, and J. Barlow. 2008. To whistle or not to whistle? Geographic variation in the whistling behavior of small odontocetes. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):288-302. *Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA 92038, USA Email: oswald.jn(a)gmail.com Whistles are used by odontocetes to varying degrees. During a visual and acoustic survey of dolphin abundance in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP), whistles were heard from 66% of single species schools and from 98% of mixed species schools. In contrast, whistles were heard from only 24% of single species schools and 23% of mixed species schools during a survey of temperate waters off the western United States. The most common species encountered in the ETP were Stenella coeruleoalba, S. attenuata, and Tursiops truncatus, all of which whistled frequently. The most common species encountered in the temperate study area were Delphinus delphis, Phocoenoides dalli, Lissodelphis borealis, and Phocoena phocoena, only one of which whistled (D. delphis). Why do small odontocete species living in the ETP whistle more frequently than those living in colder waters farther north? Six hypotheses are explored: (1) predator avoidance, (2) group size, (3) school composition, (4) behavior state, (5) temporal variation, and (6) anatomical differences. Multivariate logistic regression with whistling as the dependent variable and group size, school composition, time of day, presence of a beak, and study area as independent variables showed that all variables were significant (p < 0.001). An explanation of the aggregation of whistling species in the tropical study area and nonwhistling species in the temperate study area is likely found in some combination of the hypotheses discussed. Hauser, D.D.W.*, C.S. Allen, H.B. Rich, Jr., and T.P. Quinn. 2008. Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Iliamna Lake, Alaska: Summer diet and partial consumption of adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Aquatic Mammals 34(3):303-309. School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195, USA Current Address: 78 Marine Drive, Logy Bay, Newfoundland A1K 3C7, Canada (DDWH) Email: donna.hauser(a)gmail.com This study assessed the summer diet and consumption patterns of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) resident in Iliamna Lake, Alaska. The authors predicted that adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), a seasonally abundant and nutrient-rich prey source, would dominate diets when available and that seals would preferentially consume the most energetically profitable portion of salmon carcasses. Diet was examined by identifying hard parts of prey found in harbor seal scats, and consumption patterns were measured by collecting carcasses of harbor seal-killed sockeye salmon along island spawning grounds. Salmonids were present in 98% of scats that contained identifiable prey, followed by petromyzontids, osmerids, cottids, coregonids, and gasterosterids. The carcass surveys provided evidence of selective consumption patterns of sockeye salmon body parts. Harbor seals consumed the bodies of nearly all (96.6%) male salmon collected, leaving little but the head. In contrast, the belly and eggs were consumed in 63.6% of the female samples, and the entire body was eaten in only 31.3% of females. The harbor seals in Iliamna Lake thus took advantage of the seasonally abundant adult sockeye salmon by consuming them selectively and as a high proportion of their diet, but they also consumed smaller resident fishes, which presumably sustain them during the rest of the year. ********************************************************* Jefferson, T.A.* and S.K. Hung. 2008. Effects of biopsy sampling on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in a polluted coastal environment. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):310-316. *Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Email: sclymene(a)aol.com We conducted a biopsy sampling study of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Hong Kong between October 2004 and January 2006. Humpback dolphins were sampled with a Barnett Ranger RX-150 crossbow. In total, 87 shots were taken at ranges of 8 to 28 m, and 36 tissue samples were collected. The hit rate was 56.3%, and the success rate was 41.4%. There was a better chance of hitting the dolphin with the dart when animals were closer to the shooter (all hits were at < 23 m distance). Humpback dolphin reactions to the procedure were mostly slight, with a few moderate reactions but no extreme ones. Humpback dolphins reacted similarly to hits and misses, and their reaction can best be characterized as a startle response. All reactions were short-term, and there was virtually no evidence of long-term impacts on behavior, social organization, or distribution patterns. Wounds appeared to heal well and were healed over with tissue in < 21 d. When conducted carefully by experienced persons, biopsy sampling of humpback dolphins can be done safely and effectively. ************************************************************************************************ Vila, A.R.*, C. Campagna, M. Iniguez, and V. Falabella. 2008. South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) avoid killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):317-330 Wildlife Conservation Society, CC794, (8400) Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina Email: alevila(a)speedy.com.ar South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) are predictably preyed on by killer whales (Orcinus orca) at their breeding colonies in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina. Captures occur in shallow waters along the coastline. Killer whales strand in the surf where sea lion pups practice their swimming skills. Being slow and apparently unaware of danger (nonvigilant), pups are the most vulnerable prey (87% of captures). Adult sea lions escaped most attacks by increasing their swimming speed, changing directions swiftly, grouping, and hauling out of the water. In our observations, predator avoidance behaviours were contextual and based on the presence of killer whales and the degree of risk in the areas used by sea lions during their movements between rookeries. Swimming speed increased in sites where the risk of predation was highest and when killer whales were present. Vigilance and escape manoeuvres were recorded at these dangerous sites, characterized by deeper water and a sloping beach, which allowed the killer whales to strand or approach the coast safely. Predictability of the killer whales in space and time facilitates the South American sea lions in developing a reliable antipredation behaviour. Killer whales become more proficient at being predators, and adult sea lions become better at avoiding being preyed upon as they accumulate experience. The inexperience of the sea lion pups is the currency that sustains the killer whale’s high rate of take.********************** Simard, P.* and S. Gowans. 2008. Group movements of white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) near Halifax, Canada. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):331-337. *University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South,St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA Email: psimard(a)marine.usf.edu Movement patterns of animals are important in understanding their role in the environment (e.g., foraging, residency) and may provide insight into an animal’s life history and social structure. Movement is particularly important for animals where resources are highly temporally and spatially variable such as in the marine environment. Groups of white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) were tracked at sea near Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, during the early summer months from 2003 to 2005. Twelve groups were followed for 20 min or more, and GPS positions of the research vessel when within approximately 10 m of the dolphins were used to determine group movements. For each group, movements were quantified by determining the straight-line bearing, swim speed, and directional deviation (the degree of deviation from straightline travel). Spearman’s correlations were calculated between these variables and day, time, mean water depth, bathymetric variability, dolphin group size, and number of young dolphins in the group. Significant negative correlations were found between bathymetric variability and swim speed (rs = -0.839, p = 0.001) and between bathymetric variability and directional deviation (rs = -0.608, p = 0.036). A significant positive relationship was found between directional deviation and mean water depth (rs = 0.755, p = 0.005). This indicates a tendency for dolphin groups to vary their direction of travel more frequently in areas with lower bathymetric variation and deeper water and to increase their swim speed in areas of lower bathymetric variation. A significant positive relationship was also found between group size and swim speed (rs = 0.880, p < 0.001). A possible explanation is that these dolphins are altering their movement patterns and group size in relation to foraging activities. Trimble, M.* and R. Praderi. 2008. Assessment of nonmetric skull characters of the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) in determining population differences. Aquatic Mammals 2008, 34(3):338-348. * Cetáceos Uruguay, Sección Etología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, Montevideo C.P. 11400, Uruguay Email: mica.trimble(a)gmail.com The franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) is a small endemic dolphin of the Atlantic coast of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina that presents conservation problems because of its incidental mortality in nets of artisanal fisheries throughout its entire distribution. An important step in managing small cetaceans is to define the populations involved because each identified population requires evaluation and treatment as a separate unit. Since 1991, morphological and genetic differences among franciscanas of different regions have been detected. Nonmetric characters (i.e., coded by discrete states and also known as qualitative traits) have been employed for the analysis of population differentiation of more than 50 mammal species because it has been assumed that they are exposed to minimum selection pressure. The aim of this study was to identify potentially useful nonmetric skull characters of the franciscana for comparison among individuals from different locations in order to investigate geographic variation in these traits and to determine their frequencies in individuals of the Uruguayan coast. Twenty-six characters were examined for 115 skulls belonging to the cetacean collection of the National Museum of Natural History and Anthropology (Montevideo, Uruguay). The potential existence of character dependence on body length, sex, and time period was examined. A total of 12 characters were excluded from subsequent analyses: seven were not sufficiently variable, four were dependent on body length, and one showed sexual dimorphism. Only 14 characters were remaining, and their frequencies were calculated. None of them was dependent on time period. Due to the low number of potentially useful nonmetric skull characters found in this study, the utility of this technique as an additional tool for franciscana population assessment is uncertain. The authors give some general methodological recommendations for use of nonmetric characters in population differentiation studies. ***************************************************************** Weir, C.R. 2008. Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) respond to an airgun ramp-up procedure off Gabon. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):349-354. 1 Ketos Ecology, 4 Compton Road, West Charleton, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 2BP, UK 2 Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK Email: c.r.weir(a)abdn.ac.uk; Caroline.Weir(a)ketosecology.co.uk The ramp-up is a standard procedure within the offshore geophysical industry for mitigating the potential impacts of seismic airgun sound on marine mammals. However, the efficiency of the ramp-up as a mitigating procedure is poorly documented. In March 2008, a pod of 15 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) was monitored before, throughout, and following a 30-min ramp-up procedure during a 2-D seismic survey off Gabon. No change in behaviour was apparent during the initial period of the rampup. However, 10 min into the ramp-up procedure (at airgun volume of 940 cu3), the nearest whale subgroup turned sharply away from the airguns. Subsequent behaviour included milling, tailslapping, and a 180° change of course to travel in the opposite direction from the seismic vessel. The observation described here suggests that pilot whales did initially demonstrate an avoidance response to the ramp-up. However, the movement away from the source was limited in time and space. Recommendations are made for further research into the efficiency of the ramp-up procedure for marine mammal mitigation. ***************************************************************************************************************** Dendrinos, D., A.A. Karamanlidis, S. Kotomatas, V. Paravas, and S. Adamantopoulou. 2008. Report of a new Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) breeding colony in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):355-361. MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Street 18, 10682 Athens, Greece Email: a.karamanlidis(a)mom.gr Identifying and effectively protecting the last remaining Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) populations and their habitats is a key priority for the survival of this critically endangered species. Following the opening of a restricted naval area at the island of Gyaros in the central Aegean Sea, Greece, the authors initiated efforts to verify the existence and assess the status of the species in the area. Using established monk seal habitat suitability criteria and survey techniques, the authors aimed to identify suitable habitat and document possible pup production of the species in this new area. Throughout the coastline of the island eight coastal caves were located, three of which were considered suitable for resting and pupping, while the remaining five were considered suitable for only resting. Pup production was recorded during the 2004, 2005 and 2007 pupping seasons and a minimum of ten, four and seven pups were identified respectively. In addition, mother – pup associations and interactions on three open beaches, a behavior that has not been observed in this species in the Mediterranean Sea recently, were recorded. This newly discovered colony, with relatively high natality compared to other breeding sites in the Mediterranean Sea and the rare use of open beaches, is of outstanding conservation value and is in urgent need of effective protection. Fahrni Mansur, E.*, B.D. Smith, R. Mansur Mowgli, and M.A. Abu Diyan. 2008. Two incidents of fishing gear entanglement of Ganges River dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica) in waterways of the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):362-366. *Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project, Shonadanga R/A, Khulna, Bangladesh Email: mowgliz(a)gmail.com Incidental mortality in fishing gear, especially gillnets, is considered among the most severe threats to the endangered Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica). However, almost no information is available about actual interactions of the species with fisheries. An emaciated adult Ganges River dolphin was found stranded on Katka Beach where the eastern Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh meets the Bay of Bengal. The dolphin had a piece of fine-thread, mono-filament, 5-cm mesh-size gillnet, used to catch hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) in large rivers and coastal areas, wrapped tightly around its rostrum. It also had a thicker strand, double-filament, 2.5- to 3.5-cm meshsize gillnet, used to catch medium-size fin fishes in large rivers and small creeks, entangled in its teeth at the end of the rostrum. The dolphin was disentangled and released. In another incident, the carcass of a nonlactating female Ganges River dolphin was also retrieved from a local fishing boat in the northeast portion of the Sundarbans. The dolphin had become entangled in a long-line fishing gear very similar to the rolling hooks used in the Yangtze River that have been cited as among the primary factors contributing to the probable extinction of the baiji (Lipotes vexillifer). These incidents confirm that Ganges River dolphins are vulnerable to being accidently killed by becoming entangled in gillnets and long-lines. These events also indicate the importance of monitoring mortality rates and establishing a protected area network in channel segments where the species occurs in relatively high numbers. *************************************************************************************************************** Evans, W.E. 2008. Historical perspectives: A short history of the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):367-380. evans1930(a)sbcglobal.net No abstract provided. Dr. William Eugene Evans is a world-renowned marine mammal acoustician and ecologist with special interest in marine mammal management and conservation biology. He worked with the Navy for many years and provides a brief synopsis on the history of the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program. ************************************************************ Cockcroft, V.* 2008. Book Review: Whales and dolphins off the Southern African Subregion. Peter B. Best. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2007. Aquatic Mammals 34(3):381. *Centre for Dolphin Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 1856, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa Email: info(a)dolphinstudies.co.za See how Windows® connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life Click here _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live Hotmail now works up to 70% faster. http://windowslive.com/Explore/Hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_faster…

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stable isotope ecology in Argentina
by Luciano Valenzuela 06 Nov '08

06 Nov '08

This e-mail is not exlusively about marine mammals but many researchers in this field have conducted or are interested on stable isotope analyses. This is an invitation to subscribe to the new electronic list ISESECOL-AR (isotopes estables en ecologia Argentina – stable isotope ecology in Argentina), a discussion about the use of stable isotopes in ecological studies in Argentina. This list was created with one general objective, to enhance communication among researchers interested in the use of stable isotopes in ecology in Argentina and further develop this field both in Argentina and South America in general. Although the list was initiated by ecologists, we hope that researchers from other fields such as anthropology, archaeology, physiology and forensics will subscribe and find it useful as well. We hope that ISESECOL-AR will be a great place for the exchange of ideas and information such as courses, meetings, funding sources, collaboration in research projects and access to specialized literature and laboratories conducting stable isotope analyses. To subscribe send an e-mail to: isesecol-ar-subscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more information about the list or about us, you can send and e-mail to: isesecol(a)gmail.com or contact us directly using our contact info below. Sincerely, Luciana Riccialdelli and Luciano O. Valenzuela Luciana Riccialdelli Licenciada en Biología CADIC-CONICET Bernardo Houssay 200. CPV9410CAB Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Tel: (54) (2901) 422310 int. 149 lriccialdelli(a)gmail.com Luciano O. Valenzuela Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Biology University of Utah 257 South 1400 East Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA Phone: 1-801-587-3405 valenzuela(a)biology.utah.edu

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Second and last announcement for workshop on remote sensing to assess distribution and abundance of marine mammals and seabirds
by Dähne Michael 06 Nov '08

06 Nov '08

Sorry for cross posting This is the second and last announcement for the workshop: Remote sensing to assess the distribution and abundance of seabirds and marine mammals: Possible applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Stralsund/Germany, November 20/21 2008. The assessment of distribution and abundance of marine mammals and seabirds is essential for the monitoring of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and crucial in the course of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), e.g. for the construction of wind farms. The most commonly used techniques such as standard line transect surveys with ships or planes are costly, heavily influenced by weather conditions and can provide statistically sound results only for larger areas. This necessitates thinking about new methods to enable researchers and consultancies to find appropriate measures for nature protection as well as reasonable ways to incorporate species protection into marine building activities. A possible solution for these specific problems could be the increased use of remote sensing methods to reduce cost and logistic effort. While high-definition video surveys have already been used for the monitoring of larger whales and seabirds it is questionable, whether its resolution is adequate for smaller mammals and birds. In these cases, the higher resolution of still images might be preferable. The following workshop will focus on the current applications of remote sensing for marine and terrestrial research and the possibilities to employ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for such research aims. One important issue of this workshop will be the general discussion of remote sensing technologies and their use in the research of marine mammals and avifauna. The second part of the workshop will be dedicated to UAV-technologies, their possible future use, availability to non-military users and current limitations. Advantages and disadvantages of UAVs shall be highlighted. The presentations will demonstrate the wide range of current and future applications of UAV’s for monitoring environmental issues on sea and land. The workshop is organized by the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund in cooperation with the Rostock University. The workshop will be held in Stralsund, Germany in the new-built facilities of the OZEANEUM from November 20th noon to November 21st noon. The workshop fee will be 20 € for participants. In accompany with the workshop, a special dinner will be offered in the evening of the 20th November for an additional charge of 28 €. The finalized program can be found on the following website. Registration is still opened until November 14th 2008. You can either register via the workshop-webpage: http://www.auf.uni-rostock.de/gg/veranst/UAV/default.aspx or by sending me an e-mail. Please inform us also if you want to join us for dinner on Nov 20th in the Ozeaneum and whether you prefer vegetarian food. Best regards Michael Dähne and Görres Grenzdörffer German Oceanographic Museum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Katharinenberg 14-20 18439 Stralsund Tel.: +49 (3831) 2650-391 Fax: + 49 (3831) 2650-249 michael.daehne(a)meeresmuseum.de www.meeresmuseum.de <http://www.meeresmuseum.de/> Director Dr. Harald Benke Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/141/02545

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WINTER 2009 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT
by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda 06 Nov '08

06 Nov '08

Me gustaría sacarme el siguiente curso, pero es bastante carillo, podríamos conseguir alguna subvención? qué opinas del curso? Te mando la información del curso a continuación: > > WINTER 2009 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT > > WELCOME- to all those interested in marine mammals. > > This is an opportunity for you to consider our unique offering in the > study of a fascinating but curiously unknown aquatic form of life > through: THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S > GLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (MMM). # > CZMT 0636-DE1 > > THIS COURSE IS OFFERED TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE > LEARNING. > > Registration starts December 1, 2008, closes on January 9, 2009 > > There are four versions: > a) full three credit graduate level - $745/credit hour. 3 credit course > = $2235. > > b) an undergraduate credit - $950 > > c) a general interest (audit) diploma - $1117.50 > > d) as part of the graduate certificate - contact the coordinator at > douganj(a)nova.edu <mailto:douganj@nova.edu> > > MMM runs from JANUARY 5 TO MARCH 27, 2009, and covers a range of > pertinent topics as indicated by the Table of Contents: > > Information for Current Term > > Chapter 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals > > Chapter 2. Marine Mammal Management > > Chapter 3. Introduction to Cetaceans > > Chapter 4. Beluga Whale, and ?toxic soups? > > Chapter 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use > > Chapter 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance > > Chapter 7. Orcas, of killers and Keikos > > Chapter 8. Pilots, stranding and utilization > > Chapter 9. Introduction to Pinnipeds > > Chapter10 Monk Seals > > Chapter11. California Sea Lion, Big Sur and survival > > Chapter12. Harp Seal, to hunt or not to hunt? > > Chapter13. Introduction to Sirenids > > Chapter14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore > > Chapter15. Introduction to Marine Fissipeds > > Chapter16. Polar Bear, the Inuit, success and hope > > Chapter17. Acoustic Stimuli of Marine Mammals > > Chapter18. Marine Mammal Conservation & Future Management > > There are two essay assignments for those taking the credit versions. > First is due on FEBRUARY 8th with a value of 30%; the last on MARCH 22nd > for 60% of the final mark. The remaining 10% is held for Interaction > evaluation ? how well the candidate participates within any class e-mail > discussion and replies to requests. > Candidates will receive comments on the first assignment, mainly as an > aid in the final essay, and evaluation. The last essay is equivalent of > a final exam and is not returned. > Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments and > participate in the Interaction; however, not for marks, but certainly > for comment. > As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via > e-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of > communication and submitting essays. Essays should be sent using "MS > Word" format. > > For general information on the course, contact: > http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html > > and http://www.nova.edu/ocean/disted.html for general information on the > Oceanographic Center's distance education programs. > For registration http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html > > Thank you. > > Professor Keith Ronald and Barra L. Gots > > Instructors for the Marine Mammal Management Distance Education course. > > Please reply to Barra Gots: gots(a)nova.edu <mailto:johnbarra@sympatico.ca> > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > MARMAM mailing list > MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca > https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam > > > End of MARMAM Digest, Vol 40, Issue 6 > ************************************* >

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Winter 2009 Marine Mammal Management Course Announcement
by J&B 05 Nov '08

05 Nov '08

WINTER 2009 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT WELCOME- to all those interested in marine mammals. This is an opportunity for you to consider our unique offering in the study of a fascinating but curiously unknown aquatic form of life through: THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S GLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (MMM). # CZMT 0636-DE1 THIS COURSE IS OFFERED TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING. Registration starts December 1, 2008, closes on January 9, 2009 There are four versions: a) full three credit graduate level - $745/credit hour. 3 credit course = $2235. b) an undergraduate credit - $950 c) a general interest (audit) diploma - $1117.50 d) as part of the graduate certificate - contact the coordinator at douganj(a)nova.edu <mailto:douganj@nova.edu> MMM runs from JANUARY 5 TO MARCH 27, 2009, and covers a range of pertinent topics as indicated by the Table of Contents: Information for Current Term Chapter 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals Chapter 2. Marine Mammal Management Chapter 3. Introduction to Cetaceans Chapter 4. Beluga Whale, and “toxic soups” Chapter 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use Chapter 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance Chapter 7. Orcas, of killers and Keikos Chapter 8. Pilots, stranding and utilization Chapter 9. Introduction to Pinnipeds Chapter10 Monk Seals Chapter11. California Sea Lion, Big Sur and survival Chapter12. Harp Seal, to hunt or not to hunt? Chapter13. Introduction to Sirenids Chapter14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore Chapter15. Introduction to Marine Fissipeds Chapter16. Polar Bear, the Inuit, success and hope Chapter17. Acoustic Stimuli of Marine Mammals Chapter18. Marine Mammal Conservation & Future Management There are two essay assignments for those taking the credit versions. First is due on FEBRUARY 8th with a value of 30%; the last on MARCH 22nd for 60% of the final mark. The remaining 10% is held for Interaction evaluation – how well the candidate participates within any class e-mail discussion and replies to requests. Candidates will receive comments on the first assignment, mainly as an aid in the final essay, and evaluation. The last essay is equivalent of a final exam and is not returned. Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments and participate in the Interaction; however, not for marks, but certainly for comment. As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via e-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of communication and submitting essays. Essays should be sent using "MS Word" format. For general information on the course, contact: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html and http://www.nova.edu/ocean/disted.html for general information on the Oceanographic Center's distance education programs. For registration http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html Thank you. Professor Keith Ronald and Barra L. Gots Instructors for the Marine Mammal Management Distance Education course. Please reply to Barra Gots: gots(a)nova.edu <mailto:johnbarra@sympatico.ca>

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Job Announcement, Executive Director FMSA
by Bob Wilson 04 Nov '08

04 Nov '08

FARALLONES MARINE SANCTUARY ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Background The Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to support and protect the resources of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The National Marine Sanctuary occupies over 1,200 square miles of rich and diverse marine habitat off the northern California coast and the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association has a Cooperating Agreement with it. In collaboration with the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association coordinates and implements diverse education and coastal monitoring programs. Key Responsibilities of Executive Director Development Because the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association is dependent upon fundraising to provide the means of carrying out its mission, the Executive Director must: • Lead fundraising efforts to support an annual budget of over $700,000, including writing grant proposals and reports and building relationships with funders. • Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, foundations and corporations. • Build opportunities to engage new members and sustain existing membership. Management As a mid-size non-profit organization, the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association is seeking an Executive Director with experience and ability to: • Create a Strategic Plan for the organization. • Manage and implement a long-term financial plan. • Develop an annual budget for approval by the Board and ensure that financial books and records are accurate, timely, accountable and transparent. • Effectively manage the organization’s staff of approximately 10 employees, sustaining a positive and productive work environment. • Assure current personnel policies are met and conduct annual performance evaluation of staff. • Present the organization and its mission and programs to the public in strong, positive images to relevant audiences. Collaboration and Coordination with Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) As all of the major programs of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association are conducted with and on behalf of Sanctuary, the Executive Director will: • Ensure that FMSA’s mission, programs and products are aligned with the GFNMS Joint Management Plan. • Responsible for overseeing agreements with the Marine Sanctuary and developing a productive working relationship with the Sanctuary Superintendent. • Work cooperatively in developing strategic programs, raising funds to support them and overseeing their achievement. Qualifications The ideal candidate will have substantial leadership experience and a familiarity with nonprofit organizations and governance. • Leadership, decisiveness and vision. • A proven ability to work collaboratively (internally, externally and with diverse communities and government agencies) to reach organizational goals. • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong comfort in public speaking. • Demonstrated leadership in non-profit fundraising including the ability to raise money from a variety of sources, most particularly major donors, corporations and foundations. • Proven management experience including hiring, supervising and supporting staff. • Experience in budgeting and financial management. • Passion for and commitment to environmental protection and marine issues. Salary and Benefits Salary is commensurate with experience. FMSA offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation, health care and dental coverage. The option of a flexible work schedule may be available for the right candidate with extensive experience. To Apply Send cover letter and resume, preferably by email, to: jobsearch(a)farallones.org or write to: FMSA Jobsearch The Presidio, 991 Marine Drive San Francisco, CA 94129 Review begins immediately. Closing date is November 21, 2008. No calls, please refer to the website: www.farallones.org. FMSA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

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New Publication on Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling
by Michael Tillman 03 Nov '08

03 Nov '08

This is to let you know that the following article was recently published in a journal that is likely not familiar to many of you: Tillman, M.F. 2008. The international management of aboriginal whaling. Reviews in Fisheries Science 16(4): 437-44. Abstract: Prior to the development of commercial whaling, several indigenous communities undertook hunts of whales to ful?ll their subsistence needs. Fortunately, the two international conventions that implemented the regulation of commercial whaling did not lose sight of the needs of these aboriginal communities. How this was done, as well as the eventual evolution of the management of aboriginal whaling, is summarized in this review. The record shows that, whether in terms of exempting these aboriginal hunts from required management actions or of setting precautionary catch limits for otherwise protected stocks, an overriding management principle has emerged wherein international managers have been willing to accept conservation risks for aboriginal hunts that they otherwise would not assume for commercial operations. Although these risks were accepted, it was done at the cost to the aboriginal hunters of undertaking conservation measures often not applied to commercial hunts. While it is not clear from the record whether this guiding principle arose explicitly or implicitly, it is nevertheless explicitly clear that it has been and continues to be applied, and successfully so, when considering the conservation of the affected stocks. Keywords: aboriginal whaling, conservation, depleted stocks, hunts, IWC, management, subsistence, whales If you desire reprints, please contact the journal.

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Publication about Hawaiian Spinner dolphins and Vessel and Swimmer Traffic
by Sarah Courbis 03 Nov '08

03 Nov '08

The following article will be appearing in Marine Mammal Science (I can provide a pdf on request): Courbis, S. and G. Timmel. 2008. Effects of vessels and swimmers on behavior of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in Kealakeakua, Honaunau, and Kauhako Bays, Hawaii. Studies of the influence of boat traffic on small cetaceans have shown that the animals exhibit behavioral responses, including changes in swimming speed, diving and aerial behavior, vocalization patterns, and movement patterns (e.g., Au and Perryman 1982; Janik and Thompson 1996; Constantine et al. 2004; Delfour 2007). Janik and Thompson (1996) cautioned that such disruptions could cause longer-term changes in behavior, ecology, or status of a population, including avoidance of certain areas or increases in mortality rates. In some cases, injury or death of dolphins (Stone and Yoshinaga 2000) and injury or death of humans (Shane et al. 1993; Santos 1997) have been reported. Recent studies have begun to discover dolphin avoidance of high traffic areas (Lusseau 2004, 2005; Bejder et al. 2006a). Concerns have been raised about the effects of vessel and swimmer traffic on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) resting in Hawaiian bays (Lammers 2004, Delfour 2007). Vessel and swimmer traffic in Kealakeakua and other Hawaiian bays has increased (Östman-Lind et al. 2004, Delfour 2007) since the original studies of Ken Norris and his colleagues (Norris and Dohl 1980; Norris et al. 1985, 1994). Spinner dolphins in the bays attract people, and dolphin disturbance as a result of increased swimmer and boat traffic needs to be assessed. Spinner dolphins use Hawaiian bays as havens in which to rest during the day (Norris et al. 1994), so disturbance by vessels and swimmers may affect their activity budgets and fitness. Concerns regarding dolphin disturbance have caused NOAA Fisheries to propose new regulations for interaction with Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Department of Commerce 2005, 2006). In response to these concerns, the purpose of our study was to document behavior of Hawaiian spinner dolphins in three bays with respect to vessel and swimmer traffic. Sarah Courbis Ph.D. Candidate Portland State University sarahc(a)rogue.com

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