March 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Contents - Aquatic Mammals, Special Issue (2007) - Marine mammal noise exposure criteria
by Dagmar Fertl 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Apologies to those of you on both listserves, since you will receive cross-postings. The following are the contents and abstracts for the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals. This journal was established by the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) in 1974. The EAAM, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and International Marine Animal Trainer's Association sponsor the journal. Aquatic Mammals accepts a wide variety of papers on the care, conservation, medicine, and science of marine mammals. Dr. Jeanette Thomas of Western Illinois University is the editor and Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski of Mystic Aquarium is the co-editor. These abstracts are posted as a courtesy to the Marmam editors and the sponsoring societies, as well as the managing editor of Aquatic Mammals. For more information on the journal, please follow the link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ For purchase of this special issue, please use the following link: http://store.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/store/index.php?p=product&id=123&par… Thank you for your continued interest in these postings, as well as other publication postings to the listserves. With regards, Dagmar Fertl dagmar_fertl(a)hotmail.com Southall, B.L., A.E. Bowles, W.T. Ellison, J.J. Finneran, R.L. Gentry, C.R. Greene, Jr., D. Kastak, D.R. Ketten, J.H. Miller, P.E. Nachtigall, W.J. Richardson, J.A. Thomas, and P.L. Tyack. 2007. Marine mammal noise exposure criteria: Initial scientific recommendations. Aquatic Mammals 33(4):411-521. No abstracts or summary information is available, though the table of contents follows. This paper proposes, for various marine mammal groups and sound types, levels above which there is a scientific basis for expecting that exposure would cause auditory injury to occur. Recommended high priority categories of research include: (1) continued expansion of knowledge on basic marine mammal hearing capabilities, including sound localization, the detection of realistic sound signals, communication masking, and auditory “scene analysis”; (2) continued expansion of knowledge on baseline marine mammal behavioral patterns; (3) well-controlled, direct measurements (using appropriate, standardized acoustic metrics) of the effects of sound exposure on marine mammal hearing, behavior, and physiology; and (4) risk-assessment studies of the cumulative and synergistic effects of noise and other exposure(2) on individuals and populations. Overview Chapter 1 – Introduction Objectives Historical Perspective Acoustic Measures and Terminology Sound Production and Use in Marine Mammals Responses to Sound Chapter 2 – Structure of the Noise Exposure Criteria Sound types Marine Mammal Functional Hearing Groups Exposure Criteria metrics Levels of Noise Effect: Injury and Behavioral Disturbance Chapter 3 – Criteria for Injury: TTS and PTS Effects of Noise and Hearing in Mammals: TTS Data Injury from Noise Exposure: PTS Onset Calculation Criteria for Injury from a Single Pulse Criteria for Injury from Multiple Pulses Criteria for Injury from Nonpulses Chapter 4 – Criteria for Behavioral Disturbance Behavorial Response Data Analysis Procedures: Disturbance Criteria and Severity Scaling Criteria for Behavioral Disturbance: Single Pulse Behavioral Response Severity Scaling: Multiple Pulses Behavioral Response Severity Scaling: Nonpulses Chapter 5 – Research Recommendations Measurements of Anthropogenic Sound Sources and Ambient Noise Marine Mammal Auditory Processes Behavioral Responses of Marine Mammals to Sound Effects of Noise Exposure on Marine Mammals to Hearing and Other Systems Particularly Sensitive Species Necessary Progressions of Marine Mammal Noise Exposure Criteria Appendix A. Acoustic Measurements and Terminology Appendix B. Studies Involving Marine Mammal Behavioral Responses to Multiple Pulses Appendix C. Studies Involving Marine Mammal Behavioral Responses to Nonpulses _________________________________________________________________ In a rush? Get real-time answers with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refres…

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RIOS Workshop - on oiled wildlife response and preparedness (Algarve, Portugal, 17-19 April 2008)
by Elio Vicente 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

Dear Sir/Madam We would like to draw your attention to the upcoming RIOS Workshop, which still is open for registration. The workshop will take place at Zoomarine, in Albufeira (Portugal), April 17-19, 2008. The RIOS workshop, which is organised by Nordeconsult, Zoomarine and Sea Alarm Foundation aims to: - evaluate the current state of oiled wildlife response and preparedness in Europe, and - identify the near future European priorities for research and development in this field. This workshop is still open for registration. At the RIOS workshop, outstanding scientists and experts will provide an overview of the state of the art knowledge in the various areas of oiled wildlife response and preparedness (please find attached the workshop programme). A background document that has been written as an introduction to the workshop is available (see http://www.nordeconsult.com/RIOS/Background%20Document.pdf) If you are interested in the scientific backgrounds of oiled wildlife response and preparedness, and/or you would like to get involved in the discussions to identify new international projects in this field, this is an event not to miss. The RIOS-Workshop is part of a European project, RIOS-Reducing the Impact from Oil Spills, funded by EU DG-Research. The RIOS project aims at developing a European Action Plan on the Research Needs for Reducing Impacts from Oil Spills on Wildlife. The Action Plan will be submitted to the European Commission and may be used by the Commission in the further development of the European research policy. The RIOS project is a serious attempt to create new European funding opportunities for research and development in the field of oiled wildlife response and preparedness - e.g., as part of future Research Framework Programmes. The outcomes of the RIOS Workshop will be used in the drafting of the European Action Plan. Draft versions of the Action plan will be made available for comments before it is submitted to the Commission. The target audience for the RIOS workshop are scientists, rehabilitators, veterinarians, national authority officials, NGO, and other professionals in the field of oiled wildlife response and preparedness. Registration forms for the RIOS Workshop can be downloaded from the dedicated website (http://www.nordeconsult.com/RIOS/Registration%20Form.pdf) For further information please contact RIOS Workshop's Secretariat at: rios(a)nordeconsult.com. We look forward to welcoming you next month in Albufeira! Sincerely, On behalf of the Organizing Committee Nordeconsult, Sea Alarm Foundation, Zoomarine Élio A. Vicente, Marine Biologist Director of Science and Education Our blog: http://zoomarine.blogdrive.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Zoomarine - Mundo Aquático S.A. Est. Nac. 125, Km 65, Guia - 8201-864 Albufeira PORTUGAL Phone: +351 289 560 311; Fax + 351 289 560 309 E-mail: eliovicente(a)zoomarine.pt; Webpage: www.zoomarine.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett http://www.therainforestsite.com

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Marine Mammal Stranding Regulations ANPR- Comment Period Extended
by Sarah Howlett 28 Mar '08

28 Mar '08

The public comment period for the NMFS Marine Mammal Stranding Regulations Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been extended until April 30, 2008. Marine Mammal Stranding Regulations Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking The Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, is considering proposing changes to its implementing regulations governing the taking of stranded marine mammals under section 109(h), section 112(c), and Title IV of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). We have published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register and are soliciting review and comment to better inform the process. The ANPR and MMPA implementing regulations (50 CFR part 216) can be found at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmpa_anpr.htm. A final rule was published (39 FR 1852, January 15, 1974, as amended at 56 FR 41307, August 20, 1991) establishing requirements for the taking of stranded marine mammals by State or local government officials in the course of their official duties. This includes the taking of live marine mammals, salvaging marine mammal specimens from dead animals, and transferring marine mammal specimens within and outside of the U.S. A final rule was published (61 FR 21933, May 10, 1996) establishing release requirements for rehabilitated marine mammals and procedures for the disposition of non-releasable rehabilitated marine mammals. The ANPR solicits general input from the public on how NMFS could streamline, clarify, or change the requirements and procedures for responding to stranded marine mammals and for determining the disposition of marine mammals, which includes procedures for the placement of non-releasable animals and for authorizing the retention of releasable rehabilitated marine mammals for scientific research, enhancement, or public display. The ANPR provides some recommendations for changes to the MMPA regulations but is not considered comprehensive. The ANPR will be followed by a proposed rulemaking once comments are received and reviewed. Please provide comments by the close of the comment period (April 30, 2008). Comments may be submitted as follows: . By mail to: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division Attn: Stranding Regulations ANPR Office of Protected Resources, NMFS 1315 East-West Highway Room 13635 Silver Spring, MD 20910 . By facsimile at (301) 427-2522 . Electronic submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov For further information please contact Sarah Howlett (Sarah.Howlett(a)noaa.gov) or David Cottingham (David.Cottingham(a)noaa.gov) by email or at (301) 713-2322. -- Sarah Howlett Fishery Biologist National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources 1315 East-West Highway, Rm 3504 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Ph: (301) 713-2322 ext. 202 Fax: (301) 427-2522 Email: sarah.howlett(a)noaa.gov

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International Marine Conservation Congress
by Sarah Wilson 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONSERVATION CONGRESS (20-24 May 2009) CALL FOR PAPERS SCOPE: The Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology will be hosting its first stand-alone meeting, the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC), from 20-24 May 2009 at George Mason University near Washington D.C. This will be an interdisciplinary meeting that will engage natural and social scientists, managers, policy-makers, and the public. The goal of the IMCC is to put conservation science into practice through public and media outreach and the development concrete products (e.g., policy briefs, blue ribbon position papers) that will be used to drive policy change and implementation. This meeting will encompass the 2nd International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC1 was held in Geelong, Australia in October 2005). The IMPAC2 component will consist of an organized cross cutting issue within the IMCC addressing MPAs though the full range of posters, papers, workshops and symposia. IMCC encourages authors to submit papers that apply to the major themes and tracks below, describing original work, including methods, techniques, applications, tools, issues, reporting research results and/or indicating future directions. Major themes that will be addressed include: * Global Climate Change, * the Land-Sea Interface, * Ecosystem-based Management, and * Poverty and Globalization Cross-cutting issues encompass topics of global relevance and importance to marine conservation that relate to the major themes. Cross cutting issues include: * Marine Protected Areas * Education, Outreach and Capacity Building * Governance Arrangements * Fisheries and Aquaculture * Economics We anticipate that cross-cut issues will result in proposals on a variety of sub-topics. Potential topics include but are not limited to: networks and system development, MPA and MPA network monitoring and evaluation, high seas impacts, ocean resource use and planning, international instruments and trans-boundary relations, human/animal impacts, ecological impacts of ocean acidification, technology, stakeholder involvement, indigenous issues, improving public ocean knowledge, incorporating traditional and local knowledge into decision making, and valuing marine ecosystem services. In an attempt to tackle the most pressing issues currently facing marine conservation, IMCC will host exciting plenary talks and solicit creative submissions for interactive symposia and workshops. The conservation community will be challenged to go beyond the typical communication of data and propose symposia and/or workshops where talks will be followed by lively, participatory discussions to address a controversial topic or develop innovative solutions to a current conservation challenge. Individuals are limited to presenting only one symposium, workshop, oral, speed, or poster presentation. If your name appears on more than one abstract, make sure you are listed as the presenter for only one of them. SYMPOSIA ORGANIZERS will be encouraged to invite a select group of speakers and to devise creative ways to facilitate discussion both within invited group and the audience. WORKSHOPS will be held to bring together people with diverse expertise with the goal of developing a list of recommendations, outlining a publication, co-writing a policy briefing or white paper on a specific topic. Workshops can be held for up to 4 consecutive days. ORAL PRESENTATIONS will be limited to 15 minutes: 12 minutes for presentation and 3 minutes for questions. Contributed oral presentations will be grouped by theme and topic. Please choose from the list of themes and general topic areas below. This will assist us in selecting an appropriate session for your presentation. If your abstract is accepted but cannot be accommodated as an oral presentation, we may offer you the opportunity to present a poster. POSTER PRESENTATIONS Poster presenters will receive general instructions on poster format in the email notification of acceptance. Posters will be displayed prominently and for the entire meeting; special sessions dedicated to posters will allow in-depth discussion between authors and attendees. SPEED PRESENTATIONS If your paper topic would be of interest to a wide range of people and you would like your presentation to lead to an extended conversation with colleagues who are specifically interested in your work, you may wish to submit an abstract for a speed presentation. In the first hour of a speed presentation session, 15 speakers will be given four (4) minutes each to present their key ideas and results. In the second hour, presenters will station themselves at separate tables where they can interact with people who are interested in learning more about their work. PLENARY SPEAKERS Dr. Daniel Pauly, Dr. Ratana Chuenpagdee, Dr. Rod Fujita, Dorothy Childers and Alexandra Cousteau. Dr. Callum Roberts will be giving the Dr. Ransom A. Myers Memorial Lecture at the evening banquet on May 24th. PAPER SUBMISSION PROCEDURES Please go to www.conbio.org/IMCC IMPORTANT DATES 1st Call for symposia and workshops: 1 April - 1 June 2008, decisions by 15 July 2008 2nd Call for 1500 word submissions: 1 August - 15 September 2008, decisions by 30 October 2008 1st Call for oral presentations, speed presentations, and posters: 1 September - 15 October 2008, decisions by 30 November 2008 2nd Call for 1500 word submissions: 1 December 2008 - 15 January 2009, decisions by 1 February 2009 Early bird registration: 15 November 2008 - 15 February 2009 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION We encourage proposals from individuals or groups involved in cutting edge conservation science or practice who can demonstrate an alignment with the goals of the Society for Conservation Biology and the SCB Marine Section, which are: * Conservation Science: The scientific research and knowledge needed to understand and conserve biological diversity is identified, funded, completed, disseminated and applied to research, management and policy. * Conservation Management: Conservation practitioners and managers are provided the scientific information and recommendations needed to conserve biological diversity at all scales. * Policy: Policy decisions of major international conventions, governments, organizations, and foundations, are effectively informed and improved by the highest quality scientific counsel, analysis, and recommendations so as to advance the conservation of biological diversity. * Education: Education, training, and capacity building programs are identified, strengthened, and developed to inform the public, education leaders, and support current and future generations of conservation scientists and practitioners. Individuals may submit more than one proposal; however, no individual may give more than one presentation in the following categories: symposium, workshop, oral presentation, speed presentation, or poster. Reviewers have access to the entire abstract except the names of the presenters. To increase the probability that your abstract will be accepted, and in your preferred format, please consider the following criteria carefully: 1. scientific merit 2. application to marine conservation/management 3. relevance to chosen theme/cross-cutting issue(s) 4. relevance to IMCC theme ("From science to management and policy") 5. clarity of presentation (e.g. abstract begins with a clear statement of an issue and ends with a substantive conclusion) Please note: We do require that all presenters register for the IMCC by the end of early bird registration: 15 February 2009. TRAVEL GRANTS To encourage international and student participation, we will offer the opportunity to apply for grants to offset travel and other expenses. Please monitor the website for further information. MENTORING PROGRAM To encourage participation of members whose first language is not English, we will offer a mentoring service for participants who wish to submit abstracts for oral, speed or poster presentations. If you want to take advantage of this mentoring program, simply submit an abstract according to the standard guidelines; indicate that English is not your first language, and that you would like your abstract to be mentored. Instructions will be sent to your email address after you submit your abstract online. A mentor will contact you and provide guidance on grammar and clarity of writing. The mentor also will ensure that the abstract meets the technical criteria for submission. Note that it is NOT the role of the mentor to provide scientific guidance, or to write the abstract. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please email IMCCprogram(a)conbio.org Sincerely, Sarah Wilson IMCC Communciations Committee Sarah Wilson Ocean Institute Manager, Cooperation in Research and Education (949) 496-2274 ext. 337 www.ocean-institute.org <http://www.ocean-institute.org/> and Web Coordinator Thank You Ocean Campaign National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation sarahw-thankyouocean(a)hotmail.com www.thankyouocean.org P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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recent publication - sperm whale reactions to fixed-wing aircraft - PDF available
by Mari Smultea 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Dear MarMam Subscribers, The following recently published article is available.... Smultea, M.A., J.R. Mobley, Jr., D. Fertl, and G.L. Fulling. 2008. An unusual reaction and other observations of sperm whales near fixed-wing aircraft. Gulf and Caribbean Research 20:75-80. The specific objectives of the paper are to report our visual observations of sperm whale reactions to straight-line aircraft fly-bys (i.e., passes), to report a unique observation of a recognized "stress behavioral reaction" exhibited by sperm whales during an overhead circling by a small fixed-wing aircraft, and to provide a summary review of published related studies. The observations detailed were made off Hawaii, but with application to conservation/management concerns in the Gulf of Mexico. Please direct pdf or other related inquiries to me (Mari Smultea, senior author) at: <mailto:msmultea@msn.com> msmultea(a)msn.com With regards, Mari A. Smultea, M.Sc. Marine & Terrestrial Wildlife Scientist Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC & Cetos Research www.cetosresearch.org 29333 SE 64th St. Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 222 9591 cell (206) 571 9578 msmultea(a)msn.com

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Sirenian Population Genetics Conference 2008
by Coralie Nourisson 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

We are looking forward to the upcoming Sirenian Population Genetics Conference in Orlando, Florida on 20-21 April 2008. Information on specifics of the conference is outlined below. I hope that you will all be able to attend. Also, enclosed is a draft of the scheduled speakers. We are very excited about the opportunity to share the genetic research with management and all interested parties. *Sirenian Population Genetics Conference* *20-21 April 2008* *Orlando, Florida* This is notice for the upcoming Sirenian Population Genetics Conference hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey that will be held at the Holiday Inn International Drive Resort in Orlando on 20 and 21 April 2008. On the first day (Sunday) the conference will consist of an instructional primer covering information on general genetics and examples of population applications. The second day (Monday) will consist of several short presentations dealing with all aspects of sirenian genetics. We hope that you will be able to attend on both days. Unfortunately we will not be able to provide funding for transportation, lodging, or meals. There is no registration fee, but space may be limited so we strongly urge you to register early with me (rbonde(a)usgs.gov) There are several hotels and restaurants in the immediate area. However, for a limited time a block of rooms are available at a reduced rate. Accommodations at the Holiday Inn are provided at a discounted rate of $99/night for up to four guests per room. Mention code *USG* when registering for a room at the Holiday Inn. Please make reservations by 20 March. Hotel contact information and registration site: *Holiday Inn International Drive Resort* *ORLANDO, FLORIDA* *6515 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819* *407-351-3500, Hotel Main Line* *866-253-2183, Hotel Toll Free Line* * http://www.hiinternationaldriveorlandohotelsite.com/* *Tentative Schedule* *20 April 2008* *21 April 2008* <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Robert K. Bonde Biologist - Sirenia Project U.S. Geological Survey Florida Integrated Science Center 2201 NW 40th Terrace Gainesville, Florida 32605-3574 Phone: (352)264-3555 FAX: (352)374-8080 Email: rbonde(a)usgs.gov http://cars.er.usgs.gov/Manatees/manatees.html <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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Spanish translation of The Monachus Guardian now published
by William M. Johnson 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Dear Colleagues We are delighted to inform you that, thanks to the support of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Spain, the November 2007 issue of The Monachus Guardian has been published in Spanish. If you have Spanish-language friends or colleagues who you think might be interested in the publication, please forward them this email. The Spanish translation can be accessed at: <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/spanish> or through our ³home² page <http://www.monachus-guardian.org> via the linked flag. With kind regards William Johnson Editor _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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New publications week 07-09
by Jan Herrmann 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 07-09/ 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 Acebes, J.M.V. et al. (2007): Status and distribution of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in northern Luzon, Philippines. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 37-43. Allen, S. et al. (2007): The voluntary code of conduct for dolphin watching in Port Stephens, Australia: is self-regulation an effective management tool? Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 159-166. Best, P.B. et al. (2007): Sighting history and observations of southern right whales following satellite tagging off South Africa. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 111-114. Clark, L.S. et al. (2008): A Morphological and Histological Examination of the Pan-tropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) and the Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) Adrenal Gland. Anatomia Histologia Embryologia 37(2): 153-159. Costa, P. et al. (2007): Distribution and habitat use patterns of southern right whales, Eubalaena australis, off Uruguay. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 45-51. da Fonseca, R.R. et al. (2008): The adaptive evolution of the mammalian mitochondrial genome. BMC Genomics 9(1): 119. Dawson, S.M. et al. (2008): Design and field methods for sighting surveys of cetaceans in coastal and riverine habitats. Mammal Review 38(1): 19-49. de Moura, J.F. et al. (2008): Epimeletic behavior in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) on the east coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (6061): 1-3. Dickinson, A. et al. (2005): Twentieth-Century Shore-Station Whaling in Newfoundland and Labrador. ISBN 978-0773528819. McGill-Queen's University Press, Montreal, Quebec. Ford, J.K.B. et al. (2008): Fight or flight: antipredator strategies of baleen whales. Mammal Review 38(1): 50-86. Gero, S. et al. (2007): Population, estimate and inter-island movement of sperm whales, Physeter macrocephalus, in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 143-150. Heide-Jørgensen, M.-P. et al. (2007): Autumn space-use patterns of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in West Greenland. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 121-126. Heide-Jørgensen, M.-P.et al. (2007): Estimates of large whale abundance in Greenland waters from a ship-based survey in 2005. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 95-104. Kishiro, T. (2007): Geographical variations in the external body proportions of Baird's beaked whales (Beradius bairdii) off Japan. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 89-94. Lauriano, G. et al. (2007): A note on the acoustic assessment of bottlenose dolphin behaviour around fishing gears in the Asinara Island National Park, Italy. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 137-141. Leduc, R.G. et al. (2007): Patterns of genetic variation in Southern Hemisphere blue whales, and the use of assignment test to detect mixing on the feeding grounds. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 73-80. McPherson, C. et al. (2007): Application of a three-dimensional hyperbolic location system to the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) depredation issue. International Journal of Global Environmental Issues 7(4): 312-321. Melnikov, V. et al. (2007): Chukotka Peninsula counts and estimates of the number of migrating bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 29-35. Melnikov, V.V. et al. (2007): Killer whale (Orcinus orca) in waters adjacent to the Chukotka Peninsula. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 53-63. Mikkelsen, B. et al. (2007): A note on movements of two fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) tracked by satellite telemetry from the Faroe Islands in 2001. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 115-120. Nollens, H.H. et al. (2007): Characterization of a parainfluenza virus isolated from a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Veterinary Microbiology 128(3-4): 231-242. Øen, E.O. et al. (2007): Euthanasia of whales: the effect of .375 and .458 calibre round-nosed, full metal-jacketed rifle bullets on the central nervous system of common minke whales. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 81-88. Parsons, E.C.M. et al. (2007): Whales and whaling in P. Robbins (): Encyclopedia of Environment and Society Vol. : 1947-1950. Sage Publications, Inc, San Antonio, TX Pitman, R. et al. (2007): Killer whales preying on a blue whale calf on the Costa Rica Dome: genetics, morphometrics, vocalizations and composition of the group. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(2): 151-158. Pulster, E.L. et al. (2008): Geographic specificity of Aroclor 1268 in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia (USA). Science of the Total Environment 393(2-3): 367-375. ten Hallers-Tjabbes, C.C. (2007): Underwater Noise from Maritime Sources and Impact on Marine Life. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs 6(2): 225-233. Thomas, L. et al. (2007): Designing line transect surveys for complex survey regions. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 1-13. Tosi, C.H. et al. (2008): Meat consumption of a Fraser dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) stranded alive on the northern Brazilian coast. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (5969): 1-2. Venn-Watson, S.K. et al. (2007): Big brains and blood glucose: common ground for diabetes mellitus in humans and healthy dolphins. Comparative Medicine 57(4): 390-395. Williams, R. et al. (2007): Distribution and abundance of marine mammals in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9(1): 15-28. PINNIPEDIA Atkinson, S., et al. (2008): Anthropogenic causes of the western Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus population decline and their threat to recovery. Mammal Review 38(1): 1-18. Burns, J.M. et al. (2008): Fine-scale habitat selection of crabeater seals as determined by diving behavior. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 55(3-4): 500-514. McDonald, B.I. et al. (2008): Body condition as an index of winter foraging success in crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga). Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 55(3-4): 515-522. Southwell, C.J. et al. (2008): Estimating population status under conditions of uncertainty: the Ross seal in East Antarctica. Antarctic Science 20(2): 123-133. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Tsukinowa, E. et al. (2008): Fecal microbiota of a dugong (Dugong dugong) in captivity at Toba Aquarium. The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 54(1): 25-38. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Registration dates for May Marine Mammal Observer course in Australia
by Yvonne Miles 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Hi All Please note the dates for registration for the JNCC approved Marine Mammal Observer Course to be run in Australia Hervey Bay Boat Club Hervey Bay Queensland Australia Early registration will be before the 26th March 2008 NOW CLOSED After the 26th March Late registration after 26th April Please go to the website to register www.scanningoceansectors.org If you have any enquiries please contact info(a)scanningoceansectors.org Student funding available Please go to website for further information Regards Yvonne -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0432 812 465 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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Wise Research software a Revolution in Data Collection at Sea
by scheinin 26 Mar '08

26 Mar '08

Dear Marmamers, I´d like to inform you about a recent development of a new research tool we are currently using. Wise-Research is a joint venture of IMMRAC and Wise Mobility. IMMRAC (Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center) is an NGO performing research on the cetacean populations inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea since 1994. IMMRAC is an ACCOBAMS scientific partner since 2004 and its academic sponsorship is through the Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies of the University of Haifa. http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/. Wise Mobility produces mobile distributed solutions. The focus is on connecting the field operator with back office applications using his handheld device/laptop. http://www.wisemobility.com. The Wise-Research project has started in 2005 and it was field approved after 2 years in January 2007. Since then IMMARC researchers have stopped using papers and collect all the field data using PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) with the dedicated software. The "WiseResearch" software is a generic versatile platform, suitable for diverse research requirements. The technology used is based on Microsoft Infrastructure #C (.net), using the Off-The-Shelf Windows Mobile Operating system (WM5/WM6).The database is MS SQLServer2005 and SQL mobile MS for the hand-held devise. The hardware is off the shelf PDA with GPS and Windows Mobile Operating system (WM5/6), such as: HP iPAQ rx5940/5710, Mitac AIRIS 620, HTC TyTN II/ Kaiser, etc. To enable us to use the PDA in wet and harsh conditions, we use the OtterBox 1900 PDA Case. It is waterproof, crushproof and drop-proof. The software allows the collection of standard navigational data (sea state, swell height etc.) Observational data (group size, behavior categories, respiration pattern, etc.) Geographic coordinates and time stamp is attached automatically to each data. Why is it good for the heads of each research group? • All the researchers in their group will collect similar data • The quality and amount of data collected in the field will grow enormously • They can easily check upon the quality of data collected within their research group immediately after the survey. • The premade reports will enable them to analyze the data immediately after the survey. • They will not have to spend many hours correcting type error frequently done while transferring the data from tape recorder/paper to the computer Why is it good for the field researcher? • The simplicity of collecting data with PDA will encourage the researcher to collect more data in the field, in all weather conditions. • No more transferring data from the tape-recorder or paper to the computer after a long tiring day at the sea. • The time spent on transferring data can be now devoted to doing more surveys or improving methods or analyzing the data. More facts you need to know about wise research • The old Access datasets/ Excel sheets collected by the researchers can be easily transfer to SQL. • Wise Mobility can supply the hardware and will guide each new user with the first steps with the software. • Step by step manual is provided with the software. The software was presented in the ECS conference in the Netherlands. Outcomes of the conference: • Worldwide, all coastal marine mammal‘s researchers, working from small crafts are still collecting the data in an inefficient way of using pencil, paper pad and hand held GPS (Sarasota, Shark Bay, British Columbia… ). • There are many similar coastal researches going on, hardly any collaborate to share data. With the Wise research software collaborating data between neighbor research groups can be easily done. For more details please contact: Aviad Scheinin _________________________________________________________________ Aviad Scheinin <mailto:scheinin@research.haifa.ac.il> scheinin(a)research.haifa.ac.il <http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/> http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/ Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center Ph.D Student, Department of Maritime Civilizations, Haifa University. The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies, Haifa University Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905 Israel Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 052-3571193 Fax: 972-4-8240493 __________________________________________________________________

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