December 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

thesis about Stenella longirostris
by Ana Paula Cazerta Farro 22 Dec '08

22 Dec '08

Dear Marmam subscribers, I work with Stenella longirostris genetics in Brazil and I’d like to compare my results with other genetic researches already developed with this species. However, I am having difficulty to assess one of these studies because it is a thesis. I've been unsuccessfully attempting to obtain it with the author. I also have contacted the library from the University where this thesis was developed but they answered that they did not have the copy there. Thus, I'm hoping that someone might be able to assist me with a pdf copy of the following thesis: GALVER, Luana Marie. The molecular ecology of spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris, genetic diversity and population structure. Ph.D., University of California , San Diego , 2002. 192p. THESIS G-35 Please, send the pdf to my personal email: anafarro(a)yahoo.com.br Thank you so much!! Best regards, Ana Paula C. Farro Departamento de Biologia - CCHN Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, Brazil 29043-900 Veja quais são os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com

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Whale-Seabird interactions: whales ingesting seabirds
by Trevor Haynes 22 Dec '08

22 Dec '08

Hi All, A topic for those who might be interested in cetacean-seabird interactions. We are just concluding a study focused on seabird forage flocks in southeast Alaska. We found that humpbacks often feed at seabird forage flocks, targeting the capelin that the flocks have trapped at the surface. We noted lunge feeding humpbacks ingesting seabirds during these feeding events. Given the relatively high frequency with which humpbacks were found feeding at forage flocks in our study area, there seemed to be a high potential for seabirds to be taken incidentally by whales. This sparked our interest in tracking down documented instances of whales ingesting seabirds or seabirds turning up in whale fecal samples. We've tracked down a few sightings of seabirds being ingested by whales from scientists in the Pacific. Recently, on a seabird listserv, there has been discussion on this topic. It generated a lot of interest and helped track down more sightings. I'm hoping that the MARMAM community can add more sightings of seabird ingestion or of seabirds in cetacean fecal matter and generate more discussion on the topic. Considering there are regions such as SE Alaska experiencing an increase in whale populations, seabird-cetacean interactions have the potential to occur more frequently. Cheers Trevor Haynes Oregon State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Email: th_ooo(a)yahoo.ca __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

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ECS conference 2009 - message to abstract authors
by Pierce, Prof Graham J. (School of Biological Sciences) 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

Dear all, ECS CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS We have not yet sent out all the responses to authors who submitted abstracts for the 2009 conference. A number of decisions (basically about which submissions should be oral presentations) are still pending - but everyone should have heard from us by Monday. We expect to divide the submissions into three categories 1. Talk 2. Poster but also on the reserve list for talks 3. Poster If you have submitted an abstract and don´t hear from the conference organizers/Scientific Comittee by Monday (or if you are unable to give your talk, etc) please contact me. Sorry for the delay! Regards Graham Pierce Instituto Español de Oceanografía Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo P.O. Box 1552, 36200, Vigo, España Tel +34 986 492111 (Fax 498626) e-mail: graham.pierce(a)vi.ieo.es<mailto:graham.pierce@vi.ieo.es> Skype: g.j.pierce and Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen Main Street, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB41 6AA, UK Tel +44 (0)1224 272459 (fax 274402) e-mail: g.j.pierce(a)abdn.ac.uk<mailto:g.j.pierce@abdn.ac.uk> RESEARCH www.abdn.ac.uk/marfish<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/marfish> European Cetacean Society http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/ecs/ Cephalopod International Advisory Council www.abdn.ac.uk/CIAC<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/CIAC> CTAM: http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/report/t/page1/default.htm Scientia Marina www.icm.csic.es/scimar/<http://www.icm.csic.es/scimar/> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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2nd call for ECS 2009 conference
by Simone Panigada 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

(2nd announcement) Dear Colleagues, Sorry for cross-posting.... This is the second call for the 23rd Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society to be held in Istanbul, Turkey on 2-4 March 2009. The theme of the conference is Climate Change and Marine Mammals. Before the main conference, on 28 February and 1 March, several exciting workshops are proposed. Please check our website for details and contact the workshop organizers: www.tudav.org/ecs2009 <http://www.tudav.org/ecs2009> . We have received more than 200 abstracts and their reviews were completed. Those who submitted abstracts should have heard from our Scientific Committee to confirm whether their abstract was accepted and whether it is as a talk or as a poster. Now you need to register for the conference! The deadline for the early registration is 7 January 2009 to benefit from the best rate of registration fee. You can register and renew your membership online at ECS website: www.europeancetaceansociety.eu <http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/> . The late registration deadline is 30 January 2009. The early hotel reservation by 31 December 2008 is also recommended. After that date, it will be quite difficult to find that rate. Istanbul is a busy city with so many conferences and fairs in these days. For more details, please visit our conference website: www.tudav.org/ecs2009 <http://www.tudav.org/ecs2009> . If you have any questions, please contact ecs2009(a)tudav.org <mailto:ecs2009@tudav.org> . Looking forward to seeing you soon in Istanbul! Regards, Ayaka Amaha Ozturk Secretary Organizing Committee for ECS 2009 Istanbul

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Study marine mammals at the Shoals Marine Lab in Maine (USA)!
by Robin Hadlock Seeley 16 Dec '08

16 Dec '08

Shoals Marine Lab 2009 Summer Course: Anatomy & Function of Marine Vertebrates <http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_cc_anatfunc.html> Dates: June 8-22, 2009 Credits: 4 (issued through Cornell University) Course limit: 15 students (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, teachers) Application and scholarship deadline: 15 February 2009 Cost (tuition, room, board, boat transportation, fees): $4,372 Anatomy & Function of Marine Vertebrates<http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_cc_anatfunc.html> The Shoals Marine Laboratory (run jointly by Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire on Appledore Island, Maine) invites applications to its summer field course on the anatomy and function of marine vertebrates. The course is designed to introduce students to a comparative study of the principal organ systems of vertebrates (i.e., *fishes, sea turtles, marine birds, marine mammals*) that are specifically adapted to the marine environment. Rather than focusing only on description of anatomical structure, the anatomy of structures will be integrated with function, biological role, and evolutionary relationships. Laboratory exercises cover osteology, dissection, behavior and biomechanics. *Faculty*: Dr. Frank Fish <http://darwin.wcupa.edu/%7Ebiology/fish/> Department of Biology, West Chester University Dr. Willy Bemis <http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/Bemis/default.html> Cornell University, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology AND Director, Shoals Marine Laboratory Join students at the Shoals Lab from all over the US and the world in studying on Appledore Island this summer. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Apply early to receive first consideration for aid. Paid research internships<http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_students_internships.html>are also available to undergraduates: deadline Feb. 15, 2009 For more information: shoals-lab(a)cornell.edu <shoals-lab(a)cornell.edu><mL_admissions(a)nicholas.duke.edu>(Tel: 607-255-3717). For other courses offered in summer 2009, see our complete course listing<http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_students_internships.html> Robin Hadlock Seeley, Ph.D (607) 255-3717 Assistant Director for Academic Advising & Senior Research Associate Shoals Marine Laboratory/Cornell University G-14 Stimson Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 (607)-255-3717 phone (607) 379-3342 cell (607)-255-0742 fax rhs4(a)cornell.edu www.sml.cornell.edu <http://www.sml.cornell.edu>

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Dolphin Research Courses - Winter Season 2009
by Bruno Diaz 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Please see the announcement below. There are still places available. Please note: further information can be viewed and printed out from the following website: http://www.thebdri.com The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI - is a marine mammal science and education center in Sardinia Island, Italy. BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the life of bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities in their distribution and behaviour. Sardinia Island is a marine biologist's paradise and the dolphin behaviour you will witness is unsurpassed. BDRI offers comprehensive and intensive bottlenose Dolphin Research Courses during the 2009 Winter Season (February - March) for motivated individuals, who are seeking thorough training in approaches to the study of free ranging wild bottlenose dolphins. BDRI training courses provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work hard, have fun, and learn from the dolphins and each other. Learning, at its best, should be an active process, one in which the students are challenged on a daily basis with responsibilities that play a large part in the outcome of the research projects. These intensive educational courses provide experience in specialized non-invasive research techniques, consisting of field sessions and lectures. The courses will last 6 or 13 days, and - weather permitting - we will be out on the water during 4 or 8 of these days respectively. Onboard our research vessels you will work together with our team in search of cetaceans. Dolphin research courses can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the course. 16th February 2009 - Bottlenose dolphins: Field methods in the wild - Marine mammals biology - Dolphins ecology: habitat use and bottlenose dolphin presence - Behavioural sampling methods - Interaction between dolphins and human activities - Photo-identification techniques - Diving behaviour - Bioacoustics - Ecological & behavioural transcription - Cleaning of equipment and primary data analyses - Computer orientation. 09th March 2009 - Study of bottlenose dolphin behaviour - Bottlenose dolphins biology - Behavioural sampling methods - Behavioural patterns & events - Analysis of underwater videos - Focal individual and focal group behaviour - Interaction between dolphins and human activities - Opportunistic feeding behaviour - Cleaning of equipment and primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation 23rd March 2009 - Photo-identification technique & bottlenose dolphins social structure - Bottlenose dolphins biology - Dolphin photo-identification tecniques - General notions about photography with SLR cameras - Use of habitat studies - Software for analysis of digital pictures for photoidentification purposes - Bottlenose dolphin social structure and population estimates - Software for analysis of dolphins social structure - Ecological & behavioural transcription - Cleaning of equipment and primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation 06th April 2009 - Bioacoustics of wild bottlenose dolphins - Bottlenose dolphin biology - Bottlenose dolphins sound production and reception - Bottlenose dolphin vocalizations - Whistles categorization - Sound analysis - Noise pollution - Acoustic deterrent devices - Software to bio-acoustical studies - Cleaning of equipment and primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation - Training courses’ fee The training courses costs include your accommodation in an student's apartment in Golfo Aranci, dolphins research training, certificate of attendance, printed material and all associated field and laboratory costs during your stay with us. Successful applicants will be responsible for their transportation to and from the research camp on Golfo Aranci (Sardinia, Italy). There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled. Please download the dolphin research courses general information at: http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/courses.pdf Further information can be found on our website (www.thebdri.com) or by e-mail at education(a)thebdri.com Recent selected scientific publications by BDRI: 1. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62(6):887-894. 2. Diaz Lopez B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212:292-303. 3. Diaz Lopez B., Shirai, J.A.; Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K 88(6):1153-1157. 4. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the noth-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K, 87, 113-117. 5. Díaz López, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32(3): 305 - 310 pp. 6. Díaz López, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951 pp. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy http://www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com Tel:

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Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internships
by Phocid＠aol.com 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internships Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, IWNCC’s focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals. This spring and summer we will be awarding 14 internships. Internships last eight weeks and run between late May to early November. In the peak of summer the hours are long. The work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until well past midnight. A shift can be 10 - 12 hours per day, six days a week, with one day off. The internships are on a voluntary basis, however comfortable housing with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are provided as well as wireless internet and a shared vehicle. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns will work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn or improve your skills in the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups. Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Natural history of marine mammal species. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations. General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species. For more information and an application see our website at www.sealrescue.org. E-mail <iwncc(a)aol.com> Jeff Lederman, Director Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 ************** Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp& icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)

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River Dolphin population estimates needed for National Geographic
by William Rossiter 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

Posted for Darcy Bellido de Luna, /National Geographic/. Please provide email contacts for accurate current estimates, unless you can provide them Thanks, Bill Rossiter Cetacean Society International -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Nat'l Geo-River Dolphins Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:08:16 -0500 From: Darcy Bellido de Luna <darcybell(a)mac.com> To: rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org Dear Mr. Rossiter, I am a contract researcher working for /National Geographic/ Art Department on a graphic conveying the four river dolphin species in the context of their genetic relationship. This concept originated from the research work of Dr. Healy Hamilton, Director of the Center for Biodiversity Research with the California Academy of Sciences. I have been asked to obtain current population numbers for these dolphin groups and I am hoping that you might be able to help me. The four dolphin (genetically related) species we are graphing are: Amazon River dolphins, La Plata River dolphins, Indus and Ganges River dolphins, and the Baiji dolphins. My goal is to have population numbers by the end of next week (19 Dec) since many people will be out of the office during the holidays and this graphic deadline is mid-January. Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration. Please refer me to another consultant if you feel they could better assist with this project. With best regards, Darcy

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needed: occupational health physician (US) familiar with zoonotic diseases associated with marine mammals
by Linda Rhodes 14 Dec '08

14 Dec '08

Our research center is involved in North Pacific marine mammal and seabird research, and our Institutional Biosafety Committee is developing guidelines for researchers interacting with live animals and handling tissues from necropsies. (Our sources for the guidelines include Hunt et al, 2008, Dis. Aquatic Organ 81:81; regional marine mammal veterinarians; Northwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network; Washington State Department of Health.) We would like to have our guidelines reviewed by an Occupational Health Physician (OHP) who is familiar with zoonotic diseases associated with marine mammals and seabirds. If you are (or know of) an OHP in the U.S. with this expertise, could you please send me contact me. In advance, thank you. -- Linda Rhodes Research Microbiologist Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Boulevard East Seattle, WA 98112 Office/lab: (206) 860-3279 Fax: (206) 860-3467

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New publications week 39
by Jan Herrmann 13 Dec '08

13 Dec '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 39/ 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 Berggren, P. and J.Y. Wang (2008): Letters: The Baltic harbour porpoise and the precautionary principle in conservation: a response to Palmé et al. Oryx 42(4): 489. Lukoschek, V. and B.L. Chilvers (2008): A robust baseline for bottlenose dolphin abundance in coastal Moreton Bay: a large carnivore living in a region of escalating anthropogenic impacts. Wildlife Research 35(7): 593-605. Möller, L.M. et al. (2008): Multi-gene evidence for a new bottlenose dolphin species in southern Australia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 49(2): 674-681. Palmé, A. et al. (2008): Letters: The genetic structure of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea relative to adjacent waters remains to be clarified: a reply to Berggren & Wang. Oryx 42(4): 490. Zhao, X. et al. (2008): Abundance and conservation status of the Yangtze finless porpoise in the Yangtze River, China. Biological Conservation 141(12): 3006-3018. PINNIPEDIA McClenahan, S.D. et al. (2008): Genomic characterization of novel marine vesiviruses from Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) from Alaska. Virus research 138(1-2): 26-35. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Lemelin, R.H. and E.C. Wiersma (2007): Gazing Upon Nanuk, The Polar Bear: The Wildlife Tourist Gaze and Ocular Consumption in Churchill, Manitoba. Polar Geography 30(1-2): 37-53. Thiemann, G.W., A.E. Derocher, and I. Stirling (2008): Polar bear Ursus maritimus conservation in Canada: an ecological basis for identifying designatable units. Oryx 42(4): 504-515. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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