March 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on striped dolphin in the Adriatic Sea
by Martina Duras Gomercic 21 Mar '08

21 Mar '08

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in JMBA2-Biodiversity Records Article title: Records and genetic diversity of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea Authors: Ana Galov, Gordan Lauc, Nela Nikolić, Zlatko Šatović, Tomislav Gomerčić, Martina Đuras Gomerčić, Ivna Kocijan, Branka Šeol, Hrvoje Gomerčić Abstract: The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is a small, pelagic and cosmopolitan cetacean. Though it is the most common dolphin species in the Mediterranean Sea, it is not considered resident in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. Fifteen striped dolphins were found dead in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea in the last eight years (1999–2007). More specimens were found in southern than in the northern part of the Adriatic. Analysis of twelve microsatellite loci and sequencing of a 882 base pair (bp) fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region were performed for genetic characterization. The mean allelic diversity (7 ±0.78) and mean expected heterozygosity (0.727 ±0.05) reveal high genetic variation. Significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed at two loci. Sequence analysis of the mtDNA control region identified seven unique haplotypes with 22 polymorphic sites in ten individuals. The haplotype diversity (0.911 ±0.077) was high, while nucleotide diversity was strikingly low (0.006 ±0.003). Results presented here support the notion of the striped dolphin not being resident species in Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. We are pleased to inform you that our article is now available online via the following link: http://www.mba.ac.uk/jmba/jmba2biodiversityrecords.php or send requests to: anagalov(a)zg.biol.pmf.hr <mailto:anagalov@zg.biol.pmf.hr> Ana Galov, PhD Department of Animal Physiology Faculty of Science Rooseveltov trg 6 10000 Zagreb Croatia tel: ++385 1 4826266 fax: ++385 1 4826260 e-mail: anagalov(a)zg.biol.pmf.hr

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Pinniped Ultrasonography Workshop
by Ward Testa 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

Pinniped Reproductive ULTRASONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Two Workshops on Pinniped Reproductive Ultrasonography are being sponsored in tandem by the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Aquarium with the intention of providing background knowledge and hands-on experience for veterinarians, research scientists, and students. Workshop I will be held May 5-7 at the University of Saskatchewan and will review the principles of ultrasound, equipment and operation, new techniques, and will provide demonstrations and hands-on training with mid-size domestic species. Workshop II will convene at the Vancouver Aquarium June 12-14 to extend that training to applications in pinniped reproductive biology using captive Steller sea lions. As principal instructors for the Ultrasonography Workshops, Drs. Gregg Adams and Don Bergfelt, will review the principles of ultrasonography, equipment and operation, and new techniques, and will provide demonstrations and hands-on training. Company sponsors will make the latest ultrasound equipment available to participants for use in lab sessions. New information on reproductive physiology will be presented with discussions of ultrasonographic imaging of nonpregnant and pregnant pinnipeds. The registration fee of $800 (Can$) includes enrollment in one or both Workshops. The registration fee after April 30, 2008 will increase to $1000. Note: Registration for Workshop II will be limited. For registration and more information, contact Don Bergfelt, (e-mail: <mailto:Bergfelt.Don@epamail.epa.gov> Bergfelt.Don(a)epamail.epa.gov; tel: 202-564-8472; fax: 202-564-8483).

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Marine Mammal Biologist position available
by Steve Silva 19 Mar '08

19 Mar '08

Geo-Marine, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Marine Mammal Biologist for our Plano, TX office. The successful candidate would be expected to contribute to ongoing projects through the contribution of their technical expertise. Projects include, but are not limited to, shipboard and aerial surveys in the near shore and offshore environments, statistical modeling of protected species distribution, and marine resource, environmental, and biological assessments in support of NEPA, ESA, MMPA, CZCA, or the MSFCMA/SFA. Excellent writing and communication skills are a must, as is the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. Previous working experience with consulting firms, state or federal agencies, and marine mammals is required, as are project management skills. Responsibilities include: *researching, acquiring, and synthesizing marine literature and data; *participating in research field efforts; *collecting, reviewing, manipulating, and analyzing marine data, including application of statistical tests, as necessary; *ensuring consistent production of thorough, accurate, and technically sound reports in client specified formats; *maintaining project documentation and records; *act as a team leader/principal investigator with responsibility for specific project/subject areas; *communicating with scientists in government agencies, academia, and industry; *participating in project team meetings and attending meetings with third parties/clients as required; and *traveling to client locations, project sites, symposia/other meetings, or other regional offices as required. Requirements An interdisciplinary background integrating living marine resources and the marine environment is essential. M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Oceanography, or other related discipline. Three to seven years experience in applied marine sciences, working preferably for, but not limited to, a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or military environmental group. The successful candidate will possess strong writing and editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while functioning in an environment of changing priorities and strict time constraints. Although not required, those candidates possessing experience with DISTANCE, ESRI, GIS, SAS, and/or EndNote software; scientific SCUBA diving; marine/aquatic field collections or monitoring (including shipboard and aerial survey experience); and familiarity with marine regulations/legislation will have the advantage. U.S. Navy experience, particularly with operations and/or training, is also desirable. To apply for this position, interested candidates should submit a resume and a scientific writing sample (sole author preferred but first author designation is also acceptable) by email to Steve Silva, Corporate Recruiter, at steve.silva(a)tx.rr.com We are presently accepting applications only from US Citizens and permanent residents. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit our website at www.geo-marine.com

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Whales, Dolphins & Turtle Biology Field Course
by Tracy Price 18 Mar '08

18 Mar '08

I thought you might be interested in hearing a bit about our exciting and innovative course on Marine Mammals & Turtle Biology, hosted by ourselves here at UMBSM and with fieldwork in the Clyde and on and around the beautiful island of Mull. This course is intended both to provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of marine mammals and turtles, and to use these charismatic large animals to illustrate concepts of marine ecology and animal behaviour. Taught during the summer vacation at UMBSM and on the Isle of Mull, it is pitched at final year undergraduate level. However, it is also accessible to students who have a strong personal interest in marine biology. It would also be valuable as the basis for a masters-level course, especially for students with no prior knowledge of large marine vertebrates. The dates of the course this year are: Group 1: 415 July 2008 Group 2: 819 July 2008 and the cost is £665 including full board & lodging at UMBSM; self-catering at Arle Lodge near Tobermory, Isle of Mull; boat trips; and travel between Millport and Tobermory. Please note that accommodation at UMBSM is on a shared-room basis. There is a single occupancy supplement of £57.05. For further information, please refer to our website at www.gla.ac.uk/Acad/Marine and click on "Teaching" then "stand-alone". To enquire about reserving a place on the course, contact Dr D McCafferty of the Department of Adult & Continuing Education in Glasgow University at d.mccafferty(a)educ.gla.ac.uk or myself here at the University Marine Biological Station. I shall look forward to speaking with you. Tracy Price Secretary to Director University Marine Biological Station Millport Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0EG email: tracy.price(a)millport.gla.ac.uk Tel 01475 530581 Fax 01475 530601 http://www.gla.ac.uk/Acad/Marine/

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EWDA Conference
by Martina Duras Gomercic 18 Mar '08

18 Mar '08

Dear list members, The European Wildlife Disease Association (EWDA) will hold its biennial Conference on the Adriatic coast, in Rovinj, Croatia. The EWDA invites members and others interested in all aspects of wildlife diseases and in promoting wildlife health to submit papers and attend the Conference. Through the quality and the content of presentations we strive to make the EWDA Conference the leading event for the dissemination of valuable scientific information as well as an enjoyable one. Veterinarians, pathologists, zoologists, wildlife biologists, epidemiologists, ecologists, and any person interested in wildlife health should attend and join together in a challenging opportunity to discuss the imminent issues surrounding wildlife diseases. Associates from an array of animal and human health fields should also attend promoting and sharing knowledge among professionals, discussing hot topics. As we invite you to Croatia, we want you to share with us the feeling, and the spirit of “The Mediterranean as It Once Was”. The town of Rovinj is one of the most visited seaside resorts in Croatia. Located on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula, in a picturesque ambience of an ancient town, surrounded by beautiful pine forests. For more information visit: www.ewda2008.org <http://www.ewda2008.org/> Conference - October 2-5 Abstract submission opens - May 2 Registration opens - May 2 Abstract submission deadline - June 16 Early registration closes - June 20 Registration closes - September 22 Martina Duras Gomercic, DVM, PhD Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb Heinzelova 55 10000 Zagreb Croatia

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Reminder: Sign up for the N-W Student Chapter Meeting, April 12th
by Pamela Allen 16 Mar '08

16 Mar '08

Hello all, This is an e-mail reminding interested students to sign up for the Northwest Student Chapter Society for Marine Mammology (NWSSMM) Meeting that will be held at UBC in Vancouver on April 12th and 13th. This meeting welcomes all students studying and interested in marine mammals. This meeting is a great way for us students to get to know each other, and also be introduced to the kinds of research being conducted in the area. The meeting will be held on April 12th, and will consist of a full day of short talks from various students, with an introduction and short presentation from Andrew Trites, the director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit. On April 13th, there is an optional outing to the Vancouver Aquarium, so that we can better get to know each other, and see the facilities. If you would like more information, please read the attached meeting announcement, which is posted below and on the NWSSMM website http://www.marinemammalogy.org/student/chapter.cfm?id=4&page=4. If you would like to attend, please fill out the registration form posted on the NWSSMM website and return it to me at allen(a)zoology.ubc.ca by March 28th. If you are a student, please consider giving a short presentation about your research. This meeting is very informal, and is a great place to practice your presentation skills and convey your message. I hope to see you all there! -Pam and the students in the Marine Mammal Research Unit, UBC. Pamela Allen, MSc Candidate University of British Columbia Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 allen(a)zoology.ubc.ca MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT SMM Northwest Student Chapter Meeting, Vancouver, BC, April 12-13, 2008 Please email your registration form to allen(a)zoology.ubc.ca by March 28, 2008. The Northwest Student Chapter of the Society of Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) meeting focuses on exchanging ideas and constructive feedback between fellow students from the Pacific Northwest community involved in marine mammal research. Presentations are usually 15 minutes long and can concentrate on a research proposal, a progress report (what data you have and what is left to be done), a rehearsal for your defense, or a summary of a summer research project. If you don't have a presentation, you are welcome to attend, learn about current research, provide feedback, and network with other student researchers in our field. Undergraduate students are more than welcome to attend. Regardless of the stage you are at now, you can contribute to and benefit from this meeting! The meeting will be held on the weekend of April 12-13 at the University of British Columbia, Marine Mammal Research Unit in Vancouver, BC. The schedule includes a full day of presentations on Saturday followed by an optional group dinner somewhere local. On Sunday, we are planning an optional, fun outing to get another chance to chat with students from other schools. We are planning a breakfast out, and then a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium to possibly see our research facilities and the different public exhibits. For those of you who are not based in Vancouver, we are offering accommodation with local students, however there are only a few spots available. We can also suggest some relatively cheap rooms in which to stay. The registration fee will be small and covers lunch and snacks for the attendees. While the exact amount will depend on the number of people that register, for the past three years it has been less than $20, and we expect the same to be true again this year. REGISTRATION FORMS: A registration form is attached with this e-mail, and will also be available on the NWSSMM website (http://www.marinemammalogy.org/student/chapter.cfm?Id=4) Please fill it out electronically and email it to Pam ( <mailto:allen@zoology.ubc.ca> allen(a)zoology.ubc.ca) by March 28th. SIGN UP NOW: The sooner you register the better. Give yourself a deadline to share your research and/or collaborate with your peers. We look forward to corresponding with you soon, and seeing you in April! Please contact me (allen(a)zoology.ubc.ca) if you need clarification on meeting details. If you have any questions about the NWSSMM, please check out the website (http://www.marinemammalogy.org/student/chapter.cfm?id=4) Hope to see you there! Pam Allen MSc Student Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC allen(a)zoology.ubc.ca

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Research Assistants Needed for Dolphin Diet in Australia
by Shannon McCluskey 15 Mar '08

15 Mar '08

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS WHAT: Volunteer assistants are requested to partake in a PhD project investigating diet and foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins. WHERE: Bunbury, South Western Australia (180 km south of Perth). A beautiful coastal town with easy access to Perth, the Margaret River wine region, surfing and bush walking. WHEN: June to September 2008; January to March 2009; June to September 2009; and January to March 2010. DUTIES: Relative composition and abundance of prey species in the Koombana Bay region will be sampled using beach seine nets, fish traps, and gillnets. Volunteers will be required to manually deploy and retrieve fish traps, seines and gillnets, assist in the operation of a research vessel, identify, count, weigh, and measure fish and invertebrate species. Stomach contents of stranded dolphins and scat samples will be analyzed for prey content. This will involve separating and identifying hard parts in scat and stomach samples. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with postmortem examinations of stranded dolphins. Spatial analysis to determine foraging hot spots will be carried out using point observational data. Assistants will be required to assist in the creation of data layers by entering data into an ArcGIS format and learn to use some basic GIS tools. Data entry and management, equipment maintenance, and other office and lab tasks will be required. QUALIFICATIONS: Mandatory -Primary requirement is a good attitude, work ethic, and ability to work in a physically demanding environment. This can include long hours in extreme weather conditions and long days on the water. Hauling fish traps and nets is physically demanding work. Volunteers must be able to repeatedly lift over 23 kg (~51 lbs). -Must be able to commit to a minimum of one month. People able to commit for longer periods will be preferred. Preferred, but not mandatory -Undergraduate degree in the biological sciences -Previous field work experience, specifically with fisheries or marine mammals -Experience using ArcGIS or similar spatial analysis software -Experience managing large datasets -Experience operating vessels up to 7 meters in length COMPENSATION: Regrettably volunteers will be required to arrange their own transportation to Bunbury, accommodation and all living expenses. (Backpackers and rooms in shared houses are available for approximately AU$90/week). Schedules may be flexible to allow volunteers to work on a part-time basis if legally able in Australia (e.g. possession of a working holiday visa). Academic credit may be earned if arranged through your local institution. Valuable field and lab experience in the ecological sciences will be gained through participation in this project. HOW TO APPLY: Please send a CV, letter of interest, and two letters of reference to: Shannon McCluskey Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit c/o Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury, Western Australia 6230 or electronically to: S.McCluskey(a)murdoch.edu.au LINKS OF INTEREST: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ Dolphin Discovery Centre: http://dolphins.mysouthwest.com.au/ Information on Bunbury: http://www.mybunbury.com/ or http://www.travelau.com.au/wa/bunbury/

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Harbour porpoises move southern in the Aegean Sea
by Alexandros Frantzis 14 Mar '08

14 Mar '08

Dear all, We apologize for cross-postings to the ECS and Marmam lists. Some decades ago the harbour porpoise was considered as extinct species in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 1997 ten strandings (two live) have been recorded in a limited area of the North Aegean Sea and particularly in its north-eastern part (Thracian Sea). Six skin samples that were analysed so far for mtDNA showed the relatedness of the Aegean porpoises with the Black Sea population, but do not exclude and actually indicate an isolation from it. In addition, the recorded strandings occurred all year round and included all age classes also indicating that the Aegean harbour porpoises are likely to belong to a very small resident population. The analysis of 6 more samples is still pending. During the last 1.5 year three more specimens were found stranded (one along the Turkish coasts of the Aegean Sea). Surprisingly, one after the other these last strandings were significantly expanding the known range of the subspecies (P. phocoena relicta) further south, at both the west and east coasts of the Aegean Sea. One week ago on Sunday 9 March 2008 the last stranding was recorded in the suburbs of Athens (Vouliagmeni), some 250 nautical miles southern than the northern Aegean and Thracian Seas. There is no easy explanation of this sudden appearance of harbour porpoises in southern and hotter seas. A relative note including necropsy results and an update on the Aegean harbour porpoises is being prepared. The harbour porpoise is rare in the Aegean Sea and both the Aegean and Black Sea sub-populations have been proposed to be listed as "Endangered" by a joint ACCOBAMS-IUCN workshop in 2006. Relative downloadable references: The first five of the following papers can be downloaded through the link: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr/en/pelagos/index3.html Frantzis A., Gordon J., Hassidis G., Komnenou A., 2001. The enigma of harbor porpoise presence in the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Mammal Science 17 (4): 937-944. Rosel P.E., Frantzis A., Lockyer C., Komnenou A., 2003. The Source of Aegean Sea harbour porpoises. Marine Ecology Progress Series 247: 257-261. Frantzis A., Alexiadou P., Paximadis G., Politi E., Gannier A., Corsini-Foka M., 2003. Current knowledge of the cetacean fauna of the Greek Seas. The Journal of Cetacean Research Management. 5(3): 219-232. Birkun A.Jr. and Frantzis A. 2006. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta (Black Sea subspecies). Pp 39-47 in Reeves R., Notarbartolo di Sciara G. (compilers and editors). The status and distribution of cetaceans in the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga, Spain. 137 pp. Viaud-Martinnez K.A., Martinnez Vergara M., Gol'din P.E., Ridoux V., Ozturk A.A., Ozturk B., Rosel P.E., Frantzis A., Komnenou A., Bohonak A.J., 2007. Morphological and genetic differentiation of the Black Sea harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 338: 281-294. H. Guclusoy H., 2007. The first confirmed report of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phoceana) in the Turkish Aegean Sea. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records. 2 pp. Best wishes, Alexandros -- ___________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Scientific director Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 Vouliagmeni, GREECE Tel.: +30-210-8960108 e-mail: afrantzis(a)otenet.gr website: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr ___________________________________________

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Re-posting Internship Dolphin Ecology Florida Keys
by Jennifer Lewis 14 Mar '08

14 Mar '08

Re-posting: Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Period of Service: May 5-June5 2008 Details of Position: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on bottlenose dolphins in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of dolphin behavior and fish sampling. Off water duties will include data entry, management and analysis in addition to equipment maintenance. Interns will receive training in field and lab techniques used in cetacean research. Requirements: Must be upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours (8+ per day) under extreme heat (up to 37 degrees Celsius). Positions are voluntary. All work conducted will be done under a Letter of Confirmation for Level B Harassment (MMPA 1972). For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida -- Doctoral Candidate Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida 33199 305-348-7429

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Two new papers on sperm whales
by Valeria Teloni 14 Mar '08

14 Mar '08

Dear All, For those who might be interested, the following two papers were recently published: Teloni, V., Zimmer, W. M. X., Wahlberg, M., and Madsen, P. T. (2007). Consistent acoustic size estimation of sperm whales using clicks recorded from unknown aspects. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 9: 127-136. Abstract: The multipulse structure of sperm whale clicks offers a unique way to acoustically estimate body length, as the inter-pulse intervals within the clicks relate to the two-way travel time within and thereby to the size of the hypertrophied nose in this species. Despite its large potential to allow the estimation of length acoustically, the technique has only been used in a few studies to assess the length composition of sperm whale populations. Its limited use may relate to the fact that only some clicks within a click series normally display the regular multipulsed structure required for size estimation. The inter-pulse intervals of usual clicks vary with the recording aspect to the clicking whale and the pulse delays are not necessarily directly related to the length of the spermaceti organ. To overcome these difficulties, a method is provided to estimate sperm whale body lengths, based on averages of cepstra derived from a large number of clicks recorded from whales in unknown recording aspects. This study shows that the two-way travel time in the spermaceti organ can consistently be estimated by a peak in the averaged cepstra when a large number of clicks are analysed. This method is shown to give a consistent estimation of the size of the spermaceti organ when recording the whale in an unknown orientation and also when recordings are heavily influenced by surface reflections. Teloni, V., Johnson, M., Miller, P.O., and Madsen, P. T. (2008). Shallow food for deep divers: dynamic foraging behavior of male sperm whales in a high latitude habitat. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 354: 119-131. Abstract: Groups of female and immature sperm whales live at low latitudes and show a stereotypical diving and foraging behavior with dives lasting about 45 min to depths of between 400 and 1200 m. In comparison, physically mature male sperm whales migrate to high latitudes where little is known about their foraging behavior and ecology. Here we use acoustic recording tags to study the diving and acoustic behavior of male sperm whales foraging off northern Norway. Sixty-five hours of tag data provide detailed information about the movements and sound repertoire of four male sperm whales performing 83 dives lasting between 6 and 60 min. Dives ranged in depth between 14 and 1860 m, with a median depth of 175 m, and 92% of the surfacings lasted less than 15 min. The four whales clicked for an average 91% (SD=10) of the dive duration, where the first usual click was produced at depths ranging between 4 and 218 m and the last usual click at depths ranging between 1 and 1114 m. Echolocation buzzes, which are used as an indication of prey capture attempts, were emitted at depths between 17 and 1860 m, during both the descent and ascent phase of deep dives. The foraging behavior varied markedly with depth, with the timing and duration of prey capture attempts during shallow dives suggesting that the whales target more sparsely distributed prey. In contrast, deep dives involve frequent prey capture attempts and seem to target more dense food layers. The evidence of exploitation of different food layers, including epipelagic prey, is consistent with the hypothesis that male sperm whales may migrate to high latitudes to access a productive, multi-layered foraging habitat. Copies are available upon request from: vteloni(a)tiscali.it Best regards, Valeria --- Valeria Teloni +31 (0)6 17105152 vteloni(a)tiscali.it

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