March 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference
by Comisión RT 2008 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Cetáceos Uruguay and PROFAUMA are pleased to announce the XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference: STATUS OF AQUATIC MAMMALS IN LATINO AMERICA Dates: 13th to 17th of October 2008 Location: Montevideo City Council. Montevideo, Uruguay Conference convened by: Cetaceos Uruguay www.cetaceos.org.uy NGO PROFAUMA www.profauma.org Conference supported by: Yaqu pacha SOLAMAC (Latino American Society of Aquatic Mammals) Faculty of Sciences, University of the Republic, Uruguay Montevideo City Council Registration Fees: Students: U$S 65 until 1st of august; U$S 85 between 2nd of august and 13thof October Professionals: U$S 100 until 1st of august; U$S140 between 2nd of august and 13th of October. Abstract submission OPENS: 1st of April, 2008 Abstract submission DEADLINE: 15th of June, 2008 To register and to submit abstract online visit: http://www.softevents.com:8080/seapp/servlet/hevndsp?151 Note that abstract must be submitted online. For enquires contact the Organising Committee: comisionrt08(a)gmail.com<comsionrt08(a)gmail.com> See you in Montevideo. Organizing Committee Cetáceos Uruguay y PROFAUMA tienen el agrado de anunciar la XIII Reunión de Trabajo de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos de América del Sur – 7oCongreso SOLAMAC: " *Estatus de los mamíferos acuáticos en Latinoamérica"* Fecha: del 13 al 17 de Octubre de 2008 Lugar: Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay Conferencia organizada por: Cetáceos Uruguay www.cetaceos.org.uy ONG PROFAUMA www.profauma.org Apoyan: Yaqu- pacha SOLAMAC (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Mamíferos Acuáticos) Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo Precios Estudiantes: U$S 65 hasta el 1 de agosto Entre el 2 de agosto y el 13 de octubre U$S 85 Profesionales: U$S 100 hasta el 1 de agosto Entre el 2 de agosto y el 13 de octubre U$S 140 Fecha de apertura de resúmenes 1 de abril de 2008 Fecha de cierre de resúmenes 15 de junio de 2008 Nota: el envió de resúmenes se debe hacer online Para inscribirse y envió de resúmenes visite http://www.softevents.com:8080/seapp/servlet/hevndsp?151 Ante cualquier duda contacte al Comité organizador: comisionrt08(a)gmail.com<comsionrt08(a)gmail.com> Nos vemos en Montevideo. Comité Organizador -- Comisión Organizadora 13er Reunión de Trabajo de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos de América del Sur Montevideo - Uruguay

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SEAMAMMS 2008 - Early Registration Deadline
by Lori Schwacke 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

16th Annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) Early Registration Deadline - March 10, 2008 The deadline for early registration for the 16th Annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) has been extended to *March 10*. Registration information and forms can be found at (http://www.musc.edu/mbes/seamamms/registration.htm) Please take advantage of the extension to register at the reduced rate of $45. Registration at the door will be $60. Also, please make your reservations for the Saturday evening harbor cruise when you register. A final list of reservations for the cruise must be turned in by March 12, so we will be unable to sell cruise tickets at the door. Details on the requirements for preparation of posters have been added to the website (http://www.musc.edu/mbes/seamamms/poster.htm) We are pulling together a schedule of presentations and should have details posted within the next week, so please check for updates. Lodging information can also be found on the website (http://www.musc.edu/mbes/seamamms/travel.htm) A block of rooms has been reserved at a special rate of $97/night, but reservations must be made by March 14, 2008. We look forward to seeing you in Charleston!! Lori Schwacke Lori.Schwacke(a)noaa.gov

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New publication -- Dolphins in a bottle (...)
by bearzi＠tiscali.it 02 Mar '08

02 Mar '08

Dear colleagues the following article was recently published: Bearzi G, Agazzi S., Bonizzoni S., Costa M., Azzellino A. 2008. Dolphins in a bottle: abundance, residency patterns and conservation of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the semi-closed eutrophic Amvrakikos Gulf, Greece. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 18(2):130-146. 1. Boat surveys were conducted between 2002-2005 to study bottlenose dolphins living in the 400 km2 Amvrakikos Gulf, western Greece. During 116 survey days, 4705 km of total effort resulted in the individual photo-identification of 106 animals, through long-term natural markings on their dorsal fins. 2. Mark-recapture analyses based on the Mth model provided estimates of 82 marked individuals in 2003 (95%CI=80-91), 92 in 2004 (95%CI=86- 108) and 98 in 2005 (95%CI=94-110). To include the unmarked portion of the population, the proportion of unmarked individuals was computed based on the number of photographs of marked and unmarked dorsal fins. The mean proportion of unmarked animals in the population was 0.338 (95%CI=0.288-0.389). By adding this to the estimate for marked animals in 2005, considered as the most robust, a total population estimate of 148 individuals (95%CI=132-180) was obtained. 3. Dolphin encounter rates in 2003-2005 did not show significant variations, and averaged 7.2 groups/100 km or 72.5 individuals/100 km. Encounter rates within the Gulf were about one order of magnitude greater than those found for bottlenose dolphins in nearby eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters. 4. Mean dolphin density in the Gulf was 0.37 animals/km2. This relatively high density, together with high levels of site fidelity shown by most individuals, was thought to be related primarily to prey availability, particularly of epipelagic schooling fish. 5. The importance of the semi-closed Amvrakikos Gulf for bottlenose dolphins and other threatened species encourages the adoption of measures aimed to conserve its valuable ecosystems and raise the naturalistic profile of the area, while promoting environment-conscious development. Meaningful action includes restoring natural hydrology (e.g. freshwater input from rivers), curtailing pollution from various sources, responsible fisheries and aquaculture management, and control of illegal fishing. Interactions between dolphins and fisheries also deserve careful quantitative investigation. The pdf file can be downloaded from web page below (Publications section): http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm Sincerely, Giovanni Bearzi _____________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.cetaceanalliance.org/ _____________________________________ _______________________________________________ Tiscali.Fax: ricevi gratis sulla tua email e invii a 12 cent per pagina senza scatto alla risposta http://vas.tiscali.it/fax//

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New paper on dugong
by Claire Garrigue 02 Mar '08

02 Mar '08

This paper has been published and is available online: Garrigue, C.; Patenaude, N. and Marsh, H. 2008. Distribution and abundance of the dugong in New Caledonia, Southwest Pacific. Marine Mammal Science, 24 (1): 81-90. New Caledonia is at the eastern limit of the dugongs range. In June 2003 standardized dugong aerial survey methodology was used to estimate the abundance and distribution of dugongs in the coastal waters of New Caledonia, resulting in a population estimate of 1,814 ¡¾ SE 332. This represents the largest concentration of dugongs in Melanesia and one of the largest populations in the world, outside Australia and the Arabian region. Calves comprised 7.2% of the population. The observed density of dugongs was highest in the center and southern part of the west coast of the island but not significantly different from the density on the north west and north east. In the central west region, sightings were associated with a pass in the barrier reef and up to a third of the on-survey sightings were outside of the barrier reef. The dugong distribution we observed during June 2003 differs from the reported locations of historical hunts in several respects. The paper is available free from: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/MMS/0/0 Dr Claire Garrigue Responsable scientifique Opération cétacés BP12827 98802 Noumea Nouvelle-Calédonie tel/fax : +687 24-16-34 site web/web site : operationcetaces.lagoon.nc

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Ruggedized laptop review summary
by Tom Norris 02 Mar '08

02 Mar '08

Hello Marmam-ers: A few weeks ago I requested information about field experiences with rugged-ized laptop computers and then summarized the few replies I received. Since then I have received several more replies on this topic. A fellow Marmam-er (Patrick Clemens) kindly posted this information on a wiki-site for all to view. Here is the link: http://ruggedlaptops.wikidot.com I will not be compiling or posting additional information relating to this topic but I understand that anyone can easily add a posting to the site. I hope this information is useful to our community. -Cheers -Tom Norris thomas.f.norris(a)bio-waves.net <mailto:thomas.f.norris@cox.net> Bio-Waves Inc. http://www.bio-waves.net

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Working with Marine Mammals Certificate and Summer Classes
by Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley 02 Mar '08

02 Mar '08

California State University Monterey Bay and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories *http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/*<http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/>offer one-week intensive *summer classes* open to any individuals interested animal training or in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. In addition, *hands-on internships** *for people of all ages and levels of experience are also available at the lab working with marine mammals. The successful completion of both courses and a five-day internship will earn a *Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy. *The classes' instructor, Dr. Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley has over 20 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience, across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. For further information on class content, registration, housing and costs see below and please contact: jzeligs(a)mlml.calstate.edu<jhurley(a)mlml.calstate.edu> *Classes: **TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: Bio 348 *(July 7-13, 2008)*: *This 3 credit interactive course provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior. These techniques will be demonstrated daily using trained sea lions at Moss Landing Marine Labs where the course is taught. Horses, birds, and other animals will also be used to demonstrate these techniques. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include:* *Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. Tuition: $585 + $39 campus fee per semester is payable to CSUMB-EE. An additional $50 lab fee is payable to MLML on the first day of class. *WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: Bio 347 *(July 21-27, 2008)*: *This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. Tuition: $585 + $39 campus fee per semester is payable to CSUMB-EE. An additional $50 lab fee is payable to MLML on the first day of class. (If you book both classes- you will pay the $39 campus fee only once). *Registration: *For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact Cal State Monterey Bay *http://extended.csumb.edu/*<http://extended.csumb.edu/>or call them at 831-582-4500. How to Register in the course(s): Visit the Forms page on the http://extended.csumb.edu website and download the CSUMB EE Registration form [ http://extended.csumb.edu/EEregistration.htm ] Fax registration form with credit card information to 831-582-4502. or Mail form and payment to: CSUMB - Extended Ed 100 Campus Center, Bldg 201,Suite 201 Seaside, CA 93955 No refunds after June 10, 2008. *Enrollment details and housing*: *Enrollment for each class limited to 17*. *Summer registration for open enrollment begins April 28, 2008*. The classes are open for enrollment to *any high school graduate* regardless of age or nationality and there are no prerequisites, however no transportation or housing is included in the enrollment price. For help with housing please contact sskrvoan(a)mlml.calstate.edu (housing is available for a weekly rate of $175). Courses will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. -- Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley, Ph.D. Science and Environmental Policy, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Science Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/ -- Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley, Ph.D. Science and Environmental Policy, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Science Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/

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Information release-Hawai'i sonar restrictions ordered
by Paul Achitoff 01 Mar '08

01 Mar '08

On February 29, 2008, Hawaii federal district Judge David A. Ezra found that the Navy is violating federal law and enjoined it from carrying out its Undersea Warfare Exercises in Hawaiis waters without adhering to additional mitigation measures to protect marine mammals. The Navy is also required to take a hard look at the impacts of its high-intensity, mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar by preparing an Environmental Impact Statement. Earthjustice, on behalf of the Ocean Mammal Institute, the Animal Welfare Institute, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Surfrider Foundations Kauai Chapter sued the Navy last May. Judge Ezra issued a preliminary injunction after finding the Navy was violating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), and was likely to cause harm if allowed to proceed without greater protections. He noted the Navys harm threshold173 decibels (dB)contradicts the best available science, and cast into serious doubt the Navys assertion that, despite over 60,000 potential exposures to MFA sonar, marine mammals will not be jeopardized. The Court said further the Navy had failed to analyze reasonable alternatives to conducting its exercises in the manner it proposed, failed to notify and involve the public as required by law, and failed to take into account the potential for serious harm from an exceptionally controversial activity. The Court pointed out the importance of proper training, but concluded the Navy could conduct effective training while taking greater precautions, and ordered the Navy to do so. Specifically, Judge Ezra ordered that the Navy, in addition to following all of its proposed protocols, must also: reduce sonar power by 6 dB whenever a marine mammal is spotted within 1,500 meters of the vessel, by 10 dB at 750 m, and shut it down completely at 500m; ramp up sonar power slowly, by starting at a low level and increasing it, to allow marine mammals to escape; monitor the area for marine mammals 60 minutes before each day sonar is used, including using at least one dedicated aircraft for monitoring beginning 60 minutes before using sonar and continuing throughout the duration of the exercise; use three dedicated lookouts in addition to its normal watch component, plus passive monitoring to the extent practical, including use of bottom-mounted hydrophones at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai; monitor for 10 minutes before deploying dipping sonar from helicopters; power-down the sonar by 3 dB when any two of the following factors are present, by 6 dB when any three, and shut off sonar transmission when all are present: 1. rapid change in under water bathymetry; 2. multiple sonar-transmitting vessels; 3. chokepoints, which are areas surrounded by land masses, separated by less than 35 nm, and at least 10 nm in length, or an embayment; and 4. historical presence of a significant surface duct, which is an oceanographic condition that allows sound to travel farther without losing power. Please contact Paul Achitoff at Earthjustice in Honolulu, at (808) 599-2436, for a copy of the complete decision, or for more information.

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