March 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Re: [MARMAM] Introductory Training Event for Cetacean Surveyors
by John Arnott (BDRP) 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Introductory Training Event for Cetacean Surveyors The premier research charity Marinelife, which has been operating its successful Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) since 1995, is recruiting volunteer cetacean and seabird surveyors to service an expanding portfolio of survey routes from UK ports in the 2008 season. To facilitate this, a special shore-based training opportunity for those with some cetacean and/or seabird observation skills is being held near Poole, Dorset, England, on Sunday 6th April 2008 at 10:00h, finishing at 12:45h. The programme will include an introduction to ocean-going cetacean and seabird survey techniques and protocols, a brief overview of identification issues, guidelines on how to become more actively involved with Marinelife/BDRP pelagic surveys and an opportunity to network with key personnel and other volunteer surveyors. This will be followed up with opportunities for more rigorous scientific training at sea under the guidance of experienced team leaders through our programme of monthly research voyages on ferry and freight routes (cabins provided free) from UK ports. This will ensure that all data collected by volunteer researchers during ongoing projects is of the same high quality and continues to be at the forefront of current best practice. For further details about the event, including booking information, please email John Arnott, Marinelife/BDRP Research Teams Manager, at john.arnott(a)biscay-dolphin.org.uk. There is a nominal charge of £5 per person, payable in advance. For more information about our activities please visit our website at www.marine-life.org.uk.

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Re: [MARMAM] WDCS Call for Applications
by Nicola Hodgins 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Dear Fellow MARMAM¹ers, It¹s that time of year again and WDCS has pleasure in announcing the 2008/09 ³Call² for research applications to be considered for funding through its International Science Projects programme. All details (as below) and relevant forms can be found at http://www.wdcs.org/funding Please feel free to forward the relevant details onto anyone you think would be interested in submitting an application to the grants programme and if you (or they) have any further questions then please ask them to contact me directly. Thank-you and Good Luck, Nicola Applications for funding WDCS provides funding for marine mammal researchers to conduct cetacean conservation science projects around the world. Forms to apply for funding can be found at the bottom of this page. Who can apply? WDCS invites individual scientists, university affiliated researchers and non-governmental organisations to apply for funding. All applications will be treated on a case-by-case basis however preference will be given to applicants seeking funding for conservation research to be conducted in their country of nationality. (There are of course exceptions, e.g. areas where local expertise is lacking; however in these cases a capacity-building element for local researchers must be incorporated into the project.) When can I apply? There are 2 funding cycles per annum: - Application Deadline (1) 1st June Notification (on or before) 1st September Funding available from 1st October Application Deadline (2) 1st December Notification (on or before) 1st March Funding available from 1st April NB. Applications for Emergency Funding will be accepted at anytime. How much can I apply for? WDCS grants are in general, small. There is however, no minimum or maximum amount that can be applied for. Please include a full budget as it is important to provide a complete overview of the project¹s financial commitments. Can I apply for multi-year funding? Multi-year applications are encouraged however WDCS will only commit to funding on an annual basis. Continued funding is reliant on several factors. Does WDCS cover salaries? In general, no, however we do cover basic living expenses. There are obviously exceptions and each project is considered on a case by case basis. Please include a salary component in your budget even if it is being paid by an alternative organisation/foundation. Does WDCS fund Invasive Research Techniques? WDCS strives to ensure that benign research methods are promoted as a guiding principle, both for the organisation and the researchers that we fund. WDCS takes the use of invasive research techniques very seriously and expects researchers operating through funding supplied by WDCS supporters to act accordingly. ALL alternatives should be considered before deciding on the inclusion of an invasive method and long-term monitoring of the impacts of any invasive research must be considered. However, WDCS acknowledges that there may be extenuating circumstances where invasive methods may be considered as part of a solution, but only where they are likely to result in swift , long-term and significant conservation or welfare benefit. If your project plans to utilise methods which contain an invasive element, please ensure that you complete the ³Invasive Research Questionnaire². In addition to the normal ³funding process² (see below), projects that include the use of an invasive research technique will also be externally assessed by an Ethics Committee. Is there anything that WDCS does not fund? Yes: - (a) International flights. (b) WDCS will not fund captivity-based projects. (c) WDCS will not joint-fund projects directly with THE CAPTVITY INDUSTRY or any organisation that has direct links to the captivity industry. N.B. ³Captivity Industry² relates to all establishments that keep cetaceans in captivity, this includes swim-with programmes. What is the application process? (1) All applications must be on a WDCS Application Form. (2) If the project is to include an invasive research technique, an Invasive Research Questionnaire must also be completed. (3) If the project is to include in-water research, an In-water Questionnaire must also be completed. Completed applications should be returned (by the appropriate deadline date see above), preferably by e-mail to nicola.hodgins(a)wdcs.org, however postal applications will also be accepted, please send to: - Nicola Hodgins WDCS International Projects Co-ordinator 38 St Paul Street Chippenham SN15 1LJ Wiltshire, UK (4) All applications will engage in the ³funding process² which includes: - (a) an internal review relevant regional, campaign and/or programme lead; and (b) an external review conducted by an advisory panel of leading cetacean experts. WDCS Application Checklist (1) Completed Application form (2) If necessary, completed Invasive Research Questionnaire (3) CV (4) All relevant publications, supporting documents etc. Thank-you and Good Luck! Nicola Hodgins International Projects Co-ordinator WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Phone: - +441249 449 537 Mobile: - +447841497597 http://www.wdcs.org *** Nigel Marven is running the London Marathon in support of WDCS¹s Protect Our Dolphins campaign. Please click here <http://www.justgiving.com/nigelmarven> to sponsor him. Extinction is forever the Moray Firth dolphins cannot be replaced we must act now! *** WDCS International Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Wiltshire SN15 1LJ UK WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. > Please consider the environment before printing this email. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (³WDCS²): Registered in England and Wales No. 2737421 WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN!5 1LJ. Registered Charity No. 1014705. Tel: 01249 449500 Fax: 01249 449501 WDCS Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Limited (Registered in England No. 2593116) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (Charity No. 1014705) and gift aids all post tax profits to the charity. WDCS Wildlife Centre: Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ. Tel: 01343 820339 Fax: 01343 829065 WDCS Australasia: WDCS, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, South Australia, Australia 5015. Tel: 1300 360 442 Fax: 08 8242 1595 WDCS Deutschland: WDCS, Altostraße 43, D-81245, München. Tel: 089 6100 2393 Fax: 089 6100 2394 WDCS (North America): 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: 1.888.MYWHALE (1.888.699.4253) WDCS (South America): Potosi 2087, B1636BUA, Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel-Fax + 5411- 4796-3191

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job opportunity in The Netherlands
by Bos, Oscar 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Marine mammal reseacher To carry out, independently and/or in close cooperation with other research colleagues, research on the distribution, population dynamics and ecology of marine mammals in Dutch waters and possibly elsewhere in the world. Research on the impact of human use on marine mammal population is also one of your tasks. The research consists of the execution of field studies, experimental studies, data management and analyses, desk and literature studies or any combination thereof. Besides reporting within the grey literature you will be expected to publish your work in scientific journals. Guiding of students can be a part of your tasks. Requirements You are academically trained with preferentially a specialization in marine ecology. Experience with research on the population ecology of marine mammals, gained through education or during your professional career, is desired. You are able to work in a team. Experience with project management and tendering of research projects will be advantageous. Furthermore you are a good communicator and you are well informed on the developments within your research domain. Finally you should be able to make a scientific achievement within the limits of a contract-research organisation. Organization Wageningen University and Researchcentre The recently founded institute Wageningen IMARES intents to grow out to the national institute for strategic and applied ecological marine research, focussing on protection, harvesting and spatial usage of ocean and coastal areas, in other words: Marine Living Resource Management. Within Wageningen IMARES the central themes are: ecology, nature, environment, fisheries, aquaculture and other applications of marine and coastal areas and river basins. Therefore, it focuses on field research, experimental research, laboratory studies, data management, modelling and scientific counselling. Conditions of employment Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 3500 - 4000 Salaryscale 10. Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 3835 Employment basis: Temporary for specified period Duration of the contract: 1 year Maximum hours per week: 36 Additional Information Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from: Drs. J. Asjes Telephone number: (+31)06 30712140 E-mail address: jakob.asjes(a)wur.nl <mailto:jakob.asjes@wur.nl?subject=Additional%20information%20about%20the%20vacancy%20Marine%20mammal%20reseacher%20%28Academictransfer%29> Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links. http://www.wageningenimares.wur.nl/UK/ <http://www.wageningenimares.wur.nl/UK/> Application You can apply for this job before 15-04-2008 by sending your application to: Wageningen Imares Mr. J.M. de Graaff PO Box 68 1970 AB IJmuiden The Netherlands E-mail address: john.degraaff(a)wur.nl <mailto:john.degraaff@wur.nl?subject=Application%20Marine%20mammal%20reseacher> When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT200809. The short URL code for this job opening is: 00363-2548. You can use this as a direct link to the job by adding the code to the URL www.academictransfer.org/ <http://www.academictransfer.org/00363-2548>

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ACS/Puget Sound Chapter 2008 GRANT (deadline, March 30, 2008)
by Uko Gorter 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Notice of pending deadline: March 30, 2008 American Cetacean Society-Puget Sound Grant for 2008 Request for Research Proposals The American Cetacean Society (ACS), the oldest whale and dolphin conservation organization (est. 1967) protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats and ecosystems through public education, research grants, and conservation actions. ACS has supported worthwhile research projects in past years and continues to do so today. The Puget Sound Chapter of ACS (ACS/PS) was re-established in the summer of 1999 and has more than 70 members. Despite being a newer chapter, we have already awarded one grant in 2000 and two grants in 2001, one in 2002, two in 2004, one in 2005, and two in 2007. This year we are offering one (1) $1,000 grant to be restricted to research of Southern Resident Killer Whales within the waters of Oregon, Washington or British Columbia, Canada. Eligibility The individual conducting the research must submit the proposal, in addition to a CV. Project Managers or Principal Investigators will oversee all fieldwork. Applicants must have obtained any necessary permits or authorizations for conducting the proposed research prior to any awards being disbursed. This grant is available to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a college or university and graduate students currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a masters or doctorate program who meet the evaluation criteria. The research must be conducted within the waters of Oregon, Washington State or British Columbia (Salish Sea). Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted through 30 MARCH 2008, and letters of acceptance or denial will be issued no later than 30 APRIL 2008. Grant The grant award will be available on 15 MAY 2008. Funding for this year’s grant has been generously provided by the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest (WWOANW) and from the following whale-watch operators: Prince of Whales, Springtide Charters, and San Juan Safaris. Guidelines Please visit our website (www.acspugetsound.org) and click on “Research Grants”, then “Proposal Guide” for a full description of the guidelines for the research proposal and review process. Expected Deliverables There is no deadline for the completion of work; however, a brief report describing the progress/status of the research should be presented to ACS/PS no later than one (1) year after receipt of funds. This report will be featured in a future issue of our chapter newsletter, Whulj. In addition, the Salish Sea grant recipient will be invited to present a talk at one of our chapter meetings. Contact Information For submission of proposals or request for information, please contact: American Cetacean Society - Puget Sound Chapter P.O. Box 17136 Seattle, WA 98127 USA E-mail: acspsgrants(a)acspugetsound.org Uko Gorter,ACS/PS chapter president Stephanie Norman DVM, ACS/PS Grants chair

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Bering Land Bridge and Gray Whale Populations
by tmorse＠teleport.com 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

I am looking for information on the effect of geological/oceanographic factors on Pacific gray whale populations, especially how they were impacted by and responded to loss of access to arctic feeding grounds due to the Bering land bridge. For instance, did the Pacific population undergo repeated bottlenecks due to the loss of the feeding grounds, or were they able to manage on resources in the northern Pacific ocean? (Secondarily, I am interested in how the closing of the Central American seaway affected the subsequent evolution of Atlantic and Pacific gray whales.) I searched Google Scholar, Ebsco Host (which I have access to courtesy of my public library), Wikipedia, and did a general web search with Google, using search terms such as "eschrichtius biogeography" and "eschrichtius land bridge." So far, the only reference I have located is an article by Victor Scheffer in The Bering Land Bridge, edited by David M. Hopkins, which I have on order but have not yet seen. Can anyone suggest other relevant references? Thank you, Terry Morse 935 SW 10th St. #6 Newport, Oregon 97365 tmorse(a)teleport.com http://home.teleport.com/~tmorse/index.html * "The grand leap of the whale up the Fall of Niagara is esteemed, by all who have seen it, as one of the finest spectacles in nature." - - Benjamin Franklin, satiric 1765 letter to the editor of a London newspaper.

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Manatee & Dolphin Field Course & Research Opportunity
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 25 Mar '08

25 Mar '08

Ecology, Behavior & Conservation of Manatees & Dolphins A Unique Field Course in the Drowned Cayes, Belize May 31 - June 13, 2008 Sign-up now - space is limited to 24 students! Want to be a marine mammal scientist? Here's your chance to join our team for 2 intense weeks of research on Antillean manatees and bottlenose dolphins in Belize! You will be totally immersed in the study of manatees and dolphins through lectures, literature review, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize, as part of a long-term research project in place since 1998. You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands and seagrass beds searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll help reduce and analyze data, and interpret results. To date, research on this project has resulted in 6 presentations at scientific conferences, 3 peer-reviewed publications, 1 MS Thesis, and 1 PhD Dissertation (visit link to Instructor's CV, below, for more information). For more information: http://sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2008.html http://sirenian.org/CourseFlyer2008.pdf http://sirenian.org/RegistrationForm2008.pdf Credit: The course is hosted by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center as a non-credit course. The lecture and field lab hours are equivalent of a 4-credit hour academic course; instructor will work with your academic advisor if credit is desired. Location: Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge http://www.belizeadventurelodge.com; extra-curricular activities include snorkeling on the reef, and exploring an ancient Maya City. Your Share of Costs: $2495 includes housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfers fees - DOES NOT include airfare, insurance, or credit hours; students are required to have in place or purchase travel insurance equivalent to DAN Insurance, which costs $99/year. Instructor: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. (May 2008) http://sirenian.org/Self-SullivanCV2008.pdf Caryn Self Sullivan, Marine Scientist 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Email: caryn(a)sirenian.org Mobile: 540.287.8207 Personal Fax: 540.242.9126 http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html ================================== Texas A&M University, Ph.D. (May 2008) Sirenian International, President & Co-Founder Earthwatch Institute, Principal Investigator Coastal Carolina University Class of 1997 Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador online at sirenian.org The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org.

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Habitat characterization of two populations of bottlenose dolphins
by ARTURO SERRANO SOLIS 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

Dear All, For those who might be interested, the following paper was recently published: VÁZQUEZ-CASTÁN, L., SERRANO, A., LÓPEZ-ORTEGA, M., GALINDO, J.A., VALDES-ARELLANES, M. & NAVAL-ÁVILA, C. 12007. Habitat characterization of two populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus Montagu 1821) in the Northern coast of the State of Veracruz, Mexico. UDO Agrícola. 7(1): 285-292. ABSTRACT Marine mammals require special habitat characteristics for their reproduction, breeding and feeding. There are no studies regarding marine mammal habitat characterization in the northern coast of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The goal of this study was to characterize the habitat of two populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821) along the northern coast of Veracruz, Mexico. The study area was divided into two zones: Tamiahua, and Tuxpan; 22 boat-based surveys were carried out during 18 months, and dolphins where sighted in 16 of these surveys. The environmental variables measured included: depth, bottom type, sea surface temperature, salinity, pH, sea conditions, conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solids. Also, we estimated chlorophyll concentration (mg/m3) using images obtained by the SeaWifs satellite. The main factors that characterized bottlenose dolphins habitat for these 16 sightings were: bottom type, water depth, sea conditions and chlorophyll concentration. In all the areas dolphins preferred the sandy bottom over other bottom types. Mean bottom depth for sightings were observed was 25,9 m (s.d. ±18,33) in Tamiahua, and 28,9 m (s.d. ±26,50) in Tuxpan. Mean chlorophyll concentration for dolphin sighting locations were 663,6 mg/m3 (s.d. ±871,08) in Tamiahua, and 1.579,63 mg/m3 (s.d. ±1525,68) in Tuxpan. This study shows that there are differences in habitat characteristics among the two bottlenose dolphins populations studied. Key words: Habitat characterization, population, bottlenose dolphins, bathymetry, physical-chemical parameters. ______________________________ Dr. Arturo Serrano Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Veracruzana km 7.5 Carretera Tuxpan-Tampico C.P. 92850 Tuxpan, Veracruz MEXICO Cel.: (783) 112 0346

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new article on humpback whales
by marcos.rossi＠baleiajubarte.com.br 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

Dear Marmamers, I´d like to inform you about a recent published article about the occurrence and distribution of humpback whales in Brazil. Please, feel free to request pdf copies from the authors at the address below. Rossi-Santos, M. R., Neto, E. S., Baracho, C. G., Cipolotti, S. R., Marcovaldi, E., and Engel, M. H. 2008. Occurrence and distribution of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the north coast of the State of Bahia, Brazil, 2000-2006. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65. The Abrolhos Bank off Brazil is considered the main breeding ground for the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Southwest Atlantic. However, owing to an increase in the occurrence of the species along the north coast of the State of Bahia, it has been suggested that the species is reoccupying that region, which was probably utilized by the whales before commercial whaling. Information is presented on the occurrence and distribution of humpback whales along the north coast of the State of Bahia, with a comparative overview, for the period 2000-2006. Daily research cruises were conducted from July to October, departing from Praia do Forte (138400S 388100W) and lasting 9 h. Data on sampling and sighting effort, and geographical position and composition of groups of humpback whales, were collected on standardized field sheets. In all, 230 surveys were performed, covering some 9740 nautical miles in 1645 h of sampling effort, during which 1626 humpback whales were sighted, including 118 calves.Humpback whales were sighted throughout the study area. Solitary individuals and pairs were the most frequent group composition, 26% and 37% of the observed groups (n = 723), respectively. Depth of water varied from 15 to 1657 m (mean = 62.4; s.d. = 99). The sightings values were grouped into depth classes to ascertain the highest frequencies (30%) for the two classes, i.e. between 35.1 and 55 m of water. There was an increase in the encounter rates of humpback whales on the north coast of the State of Bahia between 2000 and 2006, identifying a difference in SPUE [sightings per unit (h) of effort] among years (Kruskal-Wallis H = 30.155, d.f. = 6, p , 0.05). The results support the hypothesis that humpback whales are reoccupying former breeding areas along the Brazilian coast. Keywords: Brazil, distribution, humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, State of Bahia. Best whishes! _____________________________ Marcos Rossi-Santos Research Biologist marcos.rossi(a)baleiajubarte.com.br Instituto Baleia Jubarte Av do Farol, s/n, CP 92, Praia do Forte Mata de São João, Bahia, Brasil 48.280-000 www.baleiajubarte.com.br

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New Publication: Crittercam Offers Insight into the Competitive Behavior of Humpback Whales on Their Hawaiian Wintering Grounds
by Elia Herman 21 Mar '08

21 Mar '08

Aloha colleagues: We are pleased to inform you of a new publication using Crittercam to study the underwater behavior and mating system of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. If you would like a pdf, please contact elia.herman(a)duke.edu. *Herman, E. Y. K., Herman, L. M., Pack, A. A., Marshall, G., Shepard, C. M., Bakhtiari, M. Winter 2007/2008. When Whales Collide: Crittercam Offers Insight into the Competitive Behavior of Humpback Whales on Their Hawaiian Wintering Grounds. Marine Technology Society Journal, 41(4): 35-43.* ABSTRACT Despite years of study, the humpback whale mating system remains an enigma. Sustained observations of subsurface behavior may help reveal important components of the mating system. In 2005 and 2006, we deployed Crittercam, an animal-borne imaging and data-logging tool, on humpback whales in their winter grounds. We focused our efforts on competitive groups, believed to be the epicenter of mate selection. Over 27 days of fieldwork in Maui waters we deployed 10 front- or rear-facing Crittercams on escorts (males) in competitive groups. This work revealed: (1) Five whales swimming to depths of over 150 m, with one animal diving down 298 m; (2) Instances of competitive behavior (inflated pleats, chasing) occurring along the seafloor; (3) The displacement of a primary escort (the whale closest to the female) by a challenger; (4) A detailed time budget of one principal escort maintaining his position over a 73-min observation window; (5) Threats and body strikes between secondary escorts; (6) Apparent affiliative behavior by females, including possible pectoral fin stroking of a principal escort and drafting in a principal escort's pressure wave; and (7) A secondary escort resting on the bottom while sculling its pectoral fins through the substrate, throwing up clouds of sand. In summary, Crittercam allowed us to observe diving behavior and sustained micro-interactions between animals in competitive groups occurring far below the surface. Such observations can have significant bearing on interpretation of the mating system by assisting in uncovering behaviors that may be involved in mate guarding, dominance hierarchies, and female choice. (c) Winter 2007/2008 Marine Technology Society Journal -- Elia Y. K. Herman Masters of Environmental Management Candidate, 2008 Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences Duke University

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new publication on killer whale attacks on humpback whales
by Gretchen Steiger 21 Mar '08

21 Mar '08

The following article on killer whale attacks on humpback whales as discerned through rake mark scars has recently been published: Steiger, G.H., J. Calambokidis, J.M. Straley, L.M. Herman, S. Cerchio, D.R. Salden, J. Urbán-R, J.K. Jacobsen, O. von Ziegesar, K.C. Balcomb, C.M. Gabriele, M.E. Dahlheim, S. Uchida, J.K.B. Ford, P. Ladron de Guevara-P, M. Yamaguchi and J. Barlow. 2008. Geographic variation in killer whale attacks on humpback whales in the North Pacific: implications for predation pressure. Endangered Species Research 4:247-256. ABSTRACT: We examined the incidence of rake mark scars from killer whales Orcinus orca on the flukes of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae throughout the North Pacific to assess geographic variation in predation pressure. We used 3650 identification photographs from 16 wintering or feeding areas collected during 1990 to 1993 to determine conservative estimates in the percentage of whales with rake mark scarring. Dramatic differences were seen in the incidence of rake marks among regions, with highest rates on wintering grounds off Mexico (26 vs. 14% at others) and feeding areas off California (20 vs. 6% at others), 2 areas between which humpback whales migrate. Although attacks are rarely witnessed, the prevalence of scars demonstrates that a substantial portion of animals are attacked, particularly those that migrate between California and Mexico. Our data also suggest that most attacks occur at or near the wintering grounds in the eastern North Pacific. The prevalence of attacks indicates that killer whale predation has the potential to be a major cause of mortality and a driving force in migratory behavior; however, the location of the attacks is inconsistent with the hypothesis that animals migrate to tropical waters to avoid predation. Our conclusion is that, at least in recent decades, attacks are made primarily on calves at the wintering grounds; this contradicts the hypothesis that killer whales historically preyed heavily on large whales in high-latitude feeding areas in the North Pacific. The article can be downloaded for free from the publishers website: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2008/4/n004p247.pdf or from Cascadia Research: http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/reports/Steiger-etal.2008.pdf Gretchen H. Steiger Research Biologist Cascadia Research Olympia, Washington 360.943.7325

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