March 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper - Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology
by Maddalena Bearzi 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new paper in the current issue of Contributions of Zoology entitled " Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology " co-authored by myself and Craig B. Stanford. Abstract Dolphins and African apes are distantly related mammalian taxa that exhibit striking convergences in their socioecology. In both cetaceans and African apes, two or more closely related species sometimes occur in sympatry. However, detailed reviews of the ways in which sympatric associations of dolphins and apes are similar have not been done. As fi eld studies of dolphins and apes have accumulated, comparisons of how the two groups avoid direct food competition when in sympatry have become possible. In this paper we review sympatric ecology among dolphins and African apes, and examine convergences in species-associations in each taxa. We review evidence for hypotheses that seek to explain avoidance of food competition, and consider whether ape-dolphin similarities in this area may be related to the way in which social groups in both taxa optimally exploit their food resources. For a free PDF copy please visit: http://dpc.uba.uva.nl/cgi/t/text/get-pdf?c=ctz;idno=7604a03 or send requests to: mbearzi(a)earthlink.net Regards, Maddalena Bearzi ______________________________ Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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Marine Wildlife Volunteers required
by CBMWC 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Marine Wildlife Volunteers required Are you planning a career in the marine environment or conservation volunteering is a great way to develop skills and gain essential experience! Enthusiastic volunteers needed to help with our ongoing research, education and interpretation programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. We primarily study the bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification, and also monitor harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centres work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. We welcome people with all sorts of skills to offer, and enthusiasm is as valued as experience, since training is provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and to gain knowledge and experience of the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay. It can be a great chance to gain experience of field work, research methods and public awareness and education programmes, gain essential skills for a career in the environment or conservation and meet people who share your interests. If you have any specific skills or experience such as in website creation, fundraising, the media, DIY skills, exhibition, interior or graphic design and would like to help with project development, please contact us. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat support and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. For further information To find out more about the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre and what activities you would be involved in visit www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> , email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org or call Sarah on 01545 560032. Volunteering at CBMWC Desired skills An interest in wildlife and conservation is most important, along with enthusiasm and willingness to work in a conscientious and responsible manner. It is also important that you are fluent in speaking English. We welcome people with experience working with the public or in environmental interpretation or education, however this is not essential. Indeed this is a great opportunity to gain skills in these areas. Good verbal and written communication skills and IT skills are likewise useful but not essential. Time commitment Volunteers are needed from April until November 2007. We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 weeks (due to training). Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Accommodation and expense arrangements Accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx £50 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to get involved Its easy to get involved just contact us by email at volunteer(a)cbmwc.org (preferred) with volunteer application 2008 in your subject line or post, enclosing a copy of your CV detailing your background and relevant experience together with a covering letter indicating your motivations for volunteering, please include when and for how long you are available to volunteer. We look forward to hearing from you. Postal address: FAO: Sarah Perry Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace New Quay, Ceredigion Wales, SA45 9PS As seen on: Iolos Welsh Safari, BBC1 Wales Autumn 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/behindthescenes/pages/newquay.shtml & BBC Natures Calendar Summer 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/summer/coast/cardigan_bay/cardigan_acce ss.shtml ______________________________________________ Sarah Perry Project Manager Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Ffôn/Tel. 01545 560032 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a Marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education and research Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg ac ymchwil. ______________________________________________ The contents of this e-mail are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this e-mail in error, please delete it and notify us either by e-mail or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the content of the e-mail.

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Volunteers required for humpback whale survey, Western Australia
by Rebecca Dunlop 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Shark Bay Humpback Whale Survey, 2008 Project title: Population status of Western Australian humpback whales Project outline: This project will complement a major existing data set from surveys undertaken in 1999 and 2005 on northward migrating humpback whales from one of seven currently recognized southern hemisphere breeding stocks (Breeding Stock D). As in 2005, there will be two components (i) an aerial survey over two months, covering the peak migration period past Shark Bay, WA, where regular aerial surveys provided relative abundance and trend information over 1982-1994; (ii) a land-based survey over a shorter period, to 'ground-truth' the aerial survey. The result should be an estimated current absolute abundance for this Breeding Stock for use in comprehensive assessments of southern hemisphere whale stocks, essential for their conservation and rational management. Up to 6 participants are needed as part of a team to help with the land-based element of an aerial survey for humpback whales off Shark Bay, Western Australia. Shark Bay is located on the most western point of the coast of Australia and fieldwork will be undertaken on Dirk Hartog Island, an island within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area world renowned for its significant conservation values due to its diverse and ecologically important species of plants and animals. When: for approx 2 weeks from approx 6th July 2008. What: to observe, count and record northbound humpback whales within visual range of the cliffs of Dirk Hartog Island, off the west coast of Shark Bay. Who: Participants must - have an interest in marine biology - show common sense and have proven ability to work as part of a team - have general outdoor field experience (camping will be involved) Desired: - have a first degree in science Preferred: - have previous cetacean experience - previous experience in theodolite tracking and Cyclopes 4 wheel drive ability would be an advantage. All expenses will be covered during the survey. Some limited assistance may be available for transport Perth/Denham and return. Anyone interested should email Rebecca Dunlop and Joshua Smith (see below) immediately, with a cover letter, CV, the names of two referees and contact details. Dr. Rebecca Dunlop School of Veterinary Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD 4072 Tel: +61 7 33652088 0437434041 Email: r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au and Joshua Smith School of Integrative Biology University of Queensland St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia Phone: +61 7 3365 4825 Email <j.smith(a)sib.uq.edu.au>

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CALL FOR ABSTRACT: XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference:
by Comisión RT 2008 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Cetáceos Uruguay and PROFAUMA are pleased to announce the XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference: STATUS OF AQUATIC MAMMALS IN LATINO AMERICA Dates: 13th to 17th of October 2008 Location: Montevideo City Council. Montevideo, Uruguay Abstract submission OPENS: 1st of April, 2008 Abstract submission DEADLINE: 15th of July, 2008 Please visit the OFFICIAL conference website: www.cetaceos.org.uy/congreso/ Information regarding the conference will be on this web site. To register and to submit abstract online visit: http://www.softevents.com:8080/seapp/servlet/hevndsp?151 Note that abstract must be submitted online. For inquiries contact the Organizing Committee: comisionrt08(a)gmail.com<comsionrt08(a)gmail.com> See you in Montevideo. Organizing Committee XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference LLAMADO PARA PRESENTAR RESUMENES Cetáceos Uruguay y PROFAUMA tienen el agrado de anunciar la XIII Reunión de Trabajo de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos de América del Sur – 7oCongreso SOLAMAC: " *Estatus de los mamíferos acuáticos en Latinoamérica"* Fecha: del 13 al 17 de Octubre de 2008 Lugar: Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay Conferencia organizada por: Cetáceos Uruguay www.cetaceos.org.uy ONG PROFAUMA www.profauma.org Fecha de apertura de resúmenes 1 de abril de 2008 Fecha de cierre de resúmenes 15 de julio de 2008 Por favor visite la página OFICIAL de la XIII RT: www.cetaceos.org.uy/congreso/ Aquí encontrará toda la información relacionada a la XIII RT 2008. Nota: el envió de resúmenes se debe hacer online Para inscribirse y envió de resúmenes visite http://www.softevents.com:8080/seapp/servlet/hevndsp?151 Ante cualquier duda contacte al Comité organizador: comisionrt08(a)gmail.com<comsionrt08(a)gmail.com> Nos vemos en Montevideo. Comité Organizador XIII RT de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos de América del Sur – 7o Congreso SOLAMAC

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Request photos of nasal structures in killer whales
by Uko Gorter 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Dear MARMAM-ers, As part of an assignment for the Seattle Aquarium, I am currently working on a detailed illustration of the anatomy of the nasal structures in a killer whale (Orcinus orca). I have searched numerous papers and publications (i.e. Google Scholar, JSTOR). However no clear photos were found. One paper of help was: Mead, J. G. 1975. Anatomy of the external nasal passages and facial complex in the Delphinidae (Mammalia: Cetacea). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, 207: 1-72. To make the illustration as accurate as possible, I am looking for necropsy photos and/or scans of a killer whale's (Orcinus orca) head. These can be transverse and/or sagittal cross-sections. Basically, I am interested in detailed images of the nasal passages, diverticula (i.e. vestibular, nasofrontal or tubular, and premaxillary air sacs), nasal plug muscle, phonic lips (MLDB complex) and melon in situ. Photos or images will be for personal reference use only, and not made public. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Huge, huge thanks, Uko Uko Gorter Natural History Illustrations 12712 NE 91st Lane Kirkland, WA 98033 www.ukogorter.com uko(a)ukogorter.com (425) 827-3437

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Raven Pro 1.3 is released
by Raven 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Cornell University's Bioacoustics Research Program is proud to announce the release of Raven Pro 1.3! Raven Pro is an interactive sound analysis program intended for bioacoustics research. This version of Raven features detection, correlation, and multiple selection tables, as well as many other additions and improvements. For more information on Raven's features and ordering or upgrading Raven, visit our website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/raven/Raven.html. We'd like to thank all the users who've helped us beta test Raven Pro 1.3. We hope you enjoy the results! Raven Software Team

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Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) Operator Vacancies
by Nick Robinson 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

> Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences > Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental > contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major > integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects > for major clients in the UK and overseas. As part of our continued > growth there are immediate vacancies for the following positions: > > PAMS OPERATIONAL TECHNICIAN > > As a PAMS Operational Technician you will be responsible for the > maintenance, despatch and receipt of all Marine Wildlife Departmental > equipment, both nationally and internationally, in accordance with > appropriate legislation. Assist with the compilation and preparation > of PAMS reports and the processing of acoustic data. > > Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a > relevant discipline and possess an understanding of Marine Mammals, > their biology and identification. Familiarity with the use of PAMS or > previous marine survey experience would be advantageous. > > MMO / PAMS OPERATIVE > > As an MMO / PAMS Operative you will be required to undertake marine > mammal observation, passive acoustic monitoring and environmental > survey activities in the field and provide general assistance in the > production of marine wildlife reports and the processing of data. > > Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a > relevant discipline and possess an understanding of Marine Mammals, > their biology and identification. Familiarity with the use of PAMS or > previous marine survey experience would be advantageous. > > Both positions require the individual to spend in the region of 60 - > 120 days at sea, dependent on project requirements, with the remaining > time being office based (Great Yarmouth). As well as a competitive > salary, these roles also include offshore allowances and a range of > employee benefits, such as; personal and professional development, a > further range of employee benefits and world wide travel > opportunities. > > For further details and an application form please contact Allan > Tucker, Recruitment Officer on 01493 845600, email hr(a)gardline.com or > write to; Human Resources Department, Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, > Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK, NR30 3NG with an application letter and > your CV. > > Closing date: 18th April 2008 > > Nick Robinson

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New publications week 10
by Jan Herrmann 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 10/ 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 de la Gala-Hernández, S.R. et al. (2008): Comparative swimming effort of migrating gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) and calf cost of transport along Costa Azul, Baja California, Mexico. Canadian Journal of Zoology 86(4): 307-313. Foote, A.D. (2008): Mortality rate acceleration and post-reproductive lifespan in matrilineal whale species. Biology Letters 4(2): 189-191. Foote, A.D. and J.A. Nystuen (2008): Variation in call pitch among killer whale ecotypes. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 123(3): 1747-1752. Hartman, K.L.et al. (2008): Social structure of Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) at the Azores: a stratified community based on highly associated social units. Canadian Journal of Zoology 86(4): 294-306. Jones, B.A. et al. (2008): Classification of broadband echoes from prey of a foraging Blainville's beaked whale. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 123(3): 1753-1762. Lammers, M.O. et al. (2008): An ecological acoustic recorder (EAR) for long-term monitoring of biological and anthropogenic sounds on coral reefs and other marine habitats. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 123(3): 1720-1728. Oelschläger, H.A. (2008): The dolphin brain - A challenge for synthetic neurobiology. Brain Research Bulletin 75(2-4): 450-459. Rickwood, P. and A. Taylor (2008): Methods for automatically analyzing humpback song units. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 123(3): 1763-1772. Yang, F. et al. (2008): Preliminary hazard assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans to yangtze finless porpoise in Dongting Lake, China. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 27(4): 991-996. PINNIPEDIA Locke, M. (2007): Structure of ivory. Journal of Morphology 269(4): 423-450. Robertson, K.L. et al. (2008): Spatial and temporal patterns of territory use of male California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Canadian Journal of Zoology 86(4): 237-244. Routti, H. et al. (2008): Bone-Related Effects of Contaminants in Seals May Be Associated with Vitamin D and Thyroid Hormones. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 27(4): 873. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) Operator Vacancies
by Nick Robinson 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

> Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences > Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental > contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major > integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects > for major clients in the UK and overseas. As part of our continued > growth there are immediate vacancies for the following positions: > > PAMS OPERATIONAL TECHNICIAN > > As a PAMS Operational Technician you will be responsible for the > maintenance, despatch and receipt of all Marine Wildlife Departmental > equipment, both nationally and internationally, in accordance with > appropriate legislation. Assist with the compilation and preparation > of PAMS reports and the processing of acoustic data. > > Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a > relevant discipline and possess an understanding of Marine Mammals, > their biology and identification. Familiarity with the use of PAMS or > previous marine survey experience would be advantageous. > > MMO / PAMS OPERATIVE > > As an MMO / PAMS Operative you will be required to undertake marine > mammal observation, passive acoustic monitoring and environmental > survey activities in the field and provide general assistance in the > production of marine wildlife reports and the processing of data. > > Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a > relevant discipline and possess an understanding of Marine Mammals, > their biology and identification. Familiarity with the use of PAMS or > previous marine survey experience would be advantageous. > > Both positions require the individual to spend in the region of 60 - > 120 days at sea, dependent on project requirements, with the remaining > time being office based (Great Yarmouth). As well as a competitive > salary, these roles also include offshore allowances and a range of > employee benefits, such as; personal and professional development, a > further range of employee benefits and world wide travel > opportunities. > > For further details and an application form please contact Allan > Tucker, Recruitment Officer on 01493 845600, email hr(a)gardline.com or > write to; Human Resources Department, Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, > Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK, NR30 3NG with an application letter and > your CV. > > Closing date: 18th April 2008 > > Nick Robinson

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Request for information on dugong re-appearance and large scale movements.
by Gary Haskins 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Hello all, I am working for the organisation C3- Community Centred Conservation based in the Comores and due to our location, acquiring specific information can often be difficult. Primarily, I am seeking a copy of this publication : LONG-DISTANCE OCEANIC MOVEMENT OF A SOLITARY DUGONG (Dugong dugon) to the COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS. Hobbs, J-P.A.*, A.J. Frisch, J. Hender, and J.J. Gilligan. 2007. Aquatic Mammals 33(2):175-178. In addition any further evidence, anecdotal or otherwise of large migrations in dugongs and their re-establishment/appearance in areas where thought to be extinct would be appreciated. I am aware only of examples in the Cocos Islands and the Aldabra atoll Seychelles. Many thanks, Gary Haskins. haskinsgary(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Get Hotmail on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 now! http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx

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