April 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

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

24 Jun '09

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

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Marine Wildlife Volunteers required
by CBMWC 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

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

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JOB POSTING--MARINE RESOURCE SPECIALIST POSITION, NORFOLK, VA
by Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC LANT, EV22MS 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

************************************************************************ **** MARINE RESOURCE SPECIALIST POSITION Seeking qualified candidates with educational emphasis in scientific survey/sample design, statistical principles and methods, and habitat modeling as it relates to marine species monitoring (marine mammals, sea turtles, fish, seabirds, etc) - and with skills in research, written and oral communication. Job Duties: The person(s) selected for this position will directly support Navy training for the U.S. Fleet Forces and the U.S. Pacific Fleet around the world, as a member of the NAVFAC Marine Resources Support Group (MRSG). The MRSG, established in April 2004 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA is a group of Navy Biologists, scientists and planners who have particular expertise or experience in environmental planning and regulatory compliance in the marine environment. Duties will include providing support to essential fish habitat (EFH) assessments; marine species density estimates; marine mammal, sea turtle, and sea bird surveys; technical reports; Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 documentation; Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) small take authorization requests; mitigation and monitoring plans; endangered species surveys; scientific literature; and environmental studies assessing the environmental impacts of proposed Navy/Marine Corps training operations and homeporting/home basing actions. The person(s) selected will be expected to participate in consultations with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), coordinate projects with a multi-disciplinary team, and participate in project management for research and compliance documents. Experience or knowledge of the following is highly desirable: marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird or fisheries biology; scientific survey/sample design; statistical principles and methods; habitat modeling. Please send resumes electronically to: Mandy Shoemaker Marine Protected Species Biologist mandy.shoemaker(a)navy.mil 757-322-4555 Must be U.S. Citizen to apply. We are interested in hiring someone immediately, so please submit resumes ASAP for consideration.

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Marine Mammal Research Summer Internship in Cape Cod, MA
by Kimberly Amaral 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

Marine Mammal Research Summer Internship in Cape Cod, MA: The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is seeking interested applicants for their summer marine mammal research internship program out of Barnstable Harbor, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Interns will collect behavioral and distribution data on board commercial whale watching vessels and assist in ongoing research with WDCS. Interns also have the option to develop an independent project involving marine mammal research and/or education. College credit is also available through a collaboration with Cape Cod Community College. Through this internship program, participants will be exposed to field research design, observation, data collection and analysis, as well as assisting in educating the public about marine life. For more information or to apply, contact: Regina A. Asmutis-Silvia, Senior Biologist Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, North America 7 Nelson Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-2522 www.whales.org

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social organization of marine tucuxi dolphins
by Marcos Santos 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

Dear Marmamers: The following manuscript was recently published. The pdf file is available on request to sotalia(a)gmail.com Cheers, Marcos C. Santos, M.C. de O. and Rosso, S. 2008. Social organization of marine tucuxi dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, in he Cananéia estuary of southeastern Brazil. Journal of Mammalogy, 89(2):347-355. Abstract: Social organization is an important component of the population biology of a species that influences gene flow, the spatial pattern and scale of movements, and the effects of predation or exploitation by humans. An important element of social structure in mammals is group fidelity, which can be quantified through association indices. To describe the social organization of marine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) found in the Cananéia estuary, southeastern Brazil, association indices were applied to photo-ID data to characterize the temporal stability of relationships among members of this population. Eighty-seven days of fieldwork were conducted from May 2000 to July 2003, resulting in direct observations of 374 distinct groups. A total of 138 dolphins were identified on 1-38 distinct field days. Lone dolphins were rarely seen, while groups were composed of up to 60 individuals (mean + 1SD = 12.4 ± 11.4 individuals per group). A total of 29,327 photographs were analyzed, of which 6,312 (21.5%) were considered useful for identifying individuals. Half-weight (HW) and simple ratio (SR) indices were used to investigate associations among S. guianensis as revealed by the entire dataset, data from the core study site, and data from groups composed of < 10 individuals. Monte Carlo methods indicated that only 3 (9.3%) of 32 association matrices differed significantly from expectations based on random association. Thus, our study suggests that stable associations are not characteristic of S. guianensis in the Cananéia estuary. -- Dr Marcos César de Oliveira Santos Projeto Atlantis, Laboratório de Biologia da Conservação de Cetáceos PROGRAMA JOVEM PESQUISADOR - FAPESP Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro Av 24-A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, 13506-900. Telefone/Phone: 55-19-3526-4294 Fax: 55-19-3526-4300 E-mail: sotalia(a)gmail.com Endereço Residencial/Home Address: Avenida 8, Número 1837, Apto 63 Jardim Claret, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil 13503-210

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Position opening - Cetacean Ecologist - Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
by Dave Johnston 29 Apr '08

29 Apr '08

Position opening - Cetacean Ecologist - Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center The Protected Species Division of the NMFS’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu is seeking a well-qualified candidate to lead their developing Cetacean Research Program. Over 24 species of cetaceans are known to inhabit the 1.5 million sq miles of water in the Pacific Islands Region surrounding Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef, Baker, Howland, Johnston and Wake Islands, However; very little is known about cetacean population dynamics, distribution and movements, and stock structure in this vast area. The successful applicant will lead a small research team to address large gaps in our knowledge of cetacean in the region, providing incredible opportunities for scientific discovery. Due to the limited support of this young program, a highly collaborative approach to research is required to address applied scientific questions in this large area. The ideal candidate will possess a broad background in the study of cetaceans including but not limited to skills in stock assessment, photo-identification, passive acoustics, habitat assessment, and evaluation of marine mammal/ fishery interactions. Cetacean Ecologist: ZP-408-03/04 Announcement Number: NMF-PIC-2008-0019 Position: Research Ecologist Location: Honolulu, HI Open: 04/24/2008 Close: 05/14/2008 Salary: $48,148.00 TO $105,420.00 The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Center administers scientific research and monitoring programs that support the domestic and international conservation and management of living marine resources. For more information on The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, please visit our website at: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/ Vacancies are posted at http://www.usajobs.gov/ Questions on all vacancies may be directed to NOAA Workforce Management: Jasmine Bayou-Young at Jasmine.Bayou-Young(a)noaa.gov or (202) 526-6064 Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

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Late registration for June Marine Mammal Observer course in UK
by Yvonne Miles 28 Apr '08

28 Apr '08

*Scanning Ocean Sectors – A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* We have years of research behind the effective training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. *Please note that early registration has closed and late registration ends on the 7th May 2008 * NOTE – There will be *no courses in July* *18th to 20th June 1st Course 26th to 28th June 2nd Course * *NOTE – There will only be one MMO course running in October 27th – 29th * * ** Due to high request we will be running a two day Passive Acoustic Monitoring course for MMOs on 30 - **31st October 2008** * Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note – There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment.* www.scanningoceansectors.org info(a)scanningoceansectors.org -- 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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Cetacean survey training courses
by Edita Magileviciute 28 Apr '08

28 Apr '08

Cetacean survey training courses Cetacean survey training courses in New Quay, West Wales Join a short course to learn all about British cetaceans and the techniques used to survey for them, and contribute to their conservation! Two-days weekend course dates for 2008: · 14th -15th June 2008 · 6th -7th September 2008 Boat courses will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local research vessel. The lectures and videos will focus on general biology and classification of cetaceans, species identification, conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, and recommended monitoring survey methods. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, where our Welsh office is based, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Boat-based work will teach participants the skills needed for: · identifying the various cetaceans species found in the area · estimating group size and distinguishing between calves, juveniles and adults · determining cetaceans behaviours · assessing sea state and other key environmental features · learning some basic photographic techniques aimed at identifying single individuals All participants will receive a detailed manual on how to record and monitor cetaceans, a species identification booklet and a certificate for completing the course. The courses will be taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff from the Sea Watch Foundation. Outline of the course Day 1 Indoor session 1: · General introduction to cetaceans: biology, classification, species to be seen in Cardigan Bay · Introduction to Cardigan Bay and Sea Watch Foundation’s work · Sightings network: history, how the public can participate, how to do watches and choose sites · Filling forms: different forms to use, when, why and how Outdoor session 1: · 2 hours land watch from Birds rock · 4 hours boat trip in the Cardigan Bay Special area of Conservation Day 2 Indoor session 2: · UKcetaceans species identification · UKcetaceans conservation issues · Research techniques for monitoring cetaceans: line-transect and photo-identification · Bioacoustics and T-PODs Outdoor session 2: · 4 hours boat trip in the Cardigan Bay Special area of Conservation Please note that, due to the unforeseeable weather conditions, the program might change and, in case of particularly adverse weather, the course might even be cancelled. In this latter case, a new date will be set for the course or the money will be returned. For more information about the training courses and to book a place please contact us: Tel: +44 (0)1545-561227 Email: sightings(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Edita Magileviciute Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Wales Paragon House, Wellington Place New Quay SA45 9NR Wales, UK Phone: +44(0)1545 561227 edita.magileviciute(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

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Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals 34(1); 2008
by Dagmar Fertl 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '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/ Please find below, the addresses (including email) of the authors to whom reprint requests and other inquiries should be directed. 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 Schofield, D.T.*, G. Early, F.W. Wenzel, K. Matassa, C. Perry, G. Beekman, B. Whitaker, Brent; E. Gebhard, W. Walton, and M. Swingle. 2008. Rehabilitation and homing behavior of a satellite-tracked harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals 34(1):1-8. *Current address: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814; email: David.Schofield(a)noaa.gov A yearling male harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) stranded alive on the shores of Avon, North Carolina, and was rehabilitated for nearly 10 mo at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the University of New England. The porpoise was released over 1,204 km north of its original stranding location and was tracked for 63 d with a satellite tag. The porpoise remained in the Gulf of Maine for 3 wks before moving south along the edge of the continental shelf, returning near to its original stranding site on the coast of North Carolina. Data suggests that the animal was thriving at the time of tag failure, 63 d after release. In this paper, the rehabilitation, release, tagging, tracking, and homing behavior (returning to a previously occupied home range or activity area) are described for this Northwest Atlantic harbor porpoise. **************************************************************** Blanchet, M-A.*, T. Nance, C. Ast, M. Wahlberg, and M. Acquarone. 2008. First case of a monitored pregnancy of a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) under human care. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):9-20. *Current address: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA; no email address was provided Most of the data collected on the reproduction of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) comes from by-caught or stranded animals and is therefore opportunistic in nature. Harbour porpoises kept in a human-controlled environment offer a unique opportunity to gather data on the same individual with a known history over a long period of time. At Fjord&Baelt in Kerteminde, Denmark, Freja, a 10-y-old female harbour porpoise, became pregnant in September 2005 and gave birth during the night between 24 and 25 July 2006. Routinely sampled parameters, such as food intake, weight, blubber-thickness, body-girth measurements, and respiration rates, did not follow the seasonal patterns observed the preceding years at the facility. These variables either increased or remained stable during the pregnancy. As the first sign of the approaching parturition, a dramatic drop in food intake occurred 8 d prior to her giving birth followed by a decrease in body temperature of 1° C at about 62 h before giving birth. Freja's intermammary distance also increased as the date of the birth approached, although this parameter cannot be used for immediate diagnosis of impending parturition. The newborn calf was found dead a few hours after the birth and appeared to be the result of a full-term gestation. This study describes some observable changes in behavioural, physical, and physiological parameters occurring in a primiparous harbour porpoise during gestation, which could be used in animal husbandry for this species. Zani, M.A.*, J.K.D. Taylor, and S.D. Kraus. 2008. Observation of a right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) birth in the coastal waters of the southeast United States. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):21-24. *Edgerton Research Laboratory, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA: email: mzani(a)neaq.org The coastal waters of the southeast United States between Brunswick, Georgia, and Cape Canaveral, Florida, is the only known calving ground for the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). On 1 January 2005, during the New England Aquarium research team's standard aerial survey, a single right whale was observed at the surface 17 nmi east of the northern tip of Talbot Island, Florida. While circling over the whale to obtain photographs for individual identification, observers noticed a red coloration visible in the water around the whale that looked like blood. The water around the whale's belly, side, and flukes was clearly red, but the color was dispersing quickly due to the thrashing behavior of the whale. After 3 min and 37 s of observation, a calf appeared to the side of the adult. The calf had no visible cyamid coverage on the head, body, or flukes. The flukes appeared to be slightly limp and curled under at both tips. The mother lifted the calf to the surface on her back. As the mother rose to the surface, the calf was draped limply over her body. The calf rolled off the mother's back into the water and began to swim next to the mother. The event described here is the first known observation of behaviors that have been interpreted as a birth of a right whale calf. ******************************************************************** Trites, A.W.* and D.G. Calkins. 2008. Diets of mature male and female Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) differ and cannot be used as proxies for each other. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):25-34. *Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre, Room 247, AERL, 2204 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4; email: a.trites(a)fisheries.ubc.ca Disturbance of otariid breeding sites (rookeries) to determine diet from fecal remains (scats) could be eliminated if the diets of males using adjoining bachelor haulouts could be used as a proxy for diets of breeding females. We collected scats from sexually mature Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) at one male resting site (haulout) and three female dominated breeding sites (rookeries) at Forrester Island, southeast Alaska (June and July, 1994 to 1999) to test whether the diets of bachelor bulls differed from that of breeding females. Female diets were fairly evenly distributed between gadids, salmon, and small oily fishes (forage fish) and contained lesser amounts of rockfish, flatfish, cephalopods, and other fishes. The female diet did not differ significantly between the three rookeries, but it did differ significantly from that of males. Males consumed significantly fewer salmon and more pollock, flatfish, and rockfish compared to females. The males also consumed larger pollock compared to females. These dietary differences may reflect a sex-specific difference in foraging areas or differences in hunting abilities related to the disparity in physical sizes of males and females. The similarity of the female diets between rookeries suggests that female diets can be determined from samples collected at a single site within a rookery complex. Unfortunately, summer diets of breeding females cannot be ascertained from hard parts contained in the scats of mature male Steller sea lions. LaCommare, K.S.*, C. Self-Sullivan, and S. Brault. 2008. Distribution and habitat use of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Drowned Cayes area of Belize, Central America Aquatic Mammals 34(1):35-43. *University of Massachusetts, Boston, Department of Biology, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA: email: kslacommare1(a)hotmail.com Belize, Central America, has long been recognized as a stronghold for Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Caribbean (O'Shea & Salisbury, 1991). The Drowned Cayes area, in particular, has been noted as an important habitat (Bengston & Magor, 1979; O'Shea & Salisbury, 1991; Auil, 1998, 2004; Morales-Vela et al., 2000). It is critical to evaluate habitat use and the relative importance of different habitat types within these cayes because this area is increasingly impacted by human activities (Auil, 1998). The two research objectives for this paper are (1) to document manatee distribution within the Drowned Cayes, Swallow Caye, and Gallows Reef, and (2) to examine habitat use patterns in order to identify habitat characteristics influencing the probability of sighting a manatee. Binary logistic regression was used to examine whether the probability of sighting a manatee varied in relation to several habitat variables. The probability of sighting a manatee across all points was 0.31 per scan (n = 795). Habitat category, seagrass category, and habitat category interaction with resting hole were the most important variables explaining the probability of sighting a manatee. The Drowned Cayes area clearly constitutes a manatee habitat area. Seagrass flats and cove habitats with resting holes were especially important habitat characteristics. ****************************************************************** Goodwin, L. 2008. Diurnal and tidal variations in habitat use of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in southwest Britain. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):44-53. *Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circhus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK; email: lissa.goodwin(a)plymouth.ac.uk With the United Kingdom required to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under Natura 2000 by 2012, it is important to understand site-specific activity and habitat use in order to identify potential sites. Shore-based observations of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were carried out from two sites in North Devon, UK. Morte Point was surveyed during August and September 2001 and Lee Bay was observed during August and September 2002. Focal group follows were conducted to monitor porpoise behaviour and movement over tidal and diurnal cycles. At Morte Point, porpoises were found to aggregate in an area of high tidal flow, where prey items are likely to be abundant. While no differences were observed in occurrence during diurnal and tidal cycles, group size and distance from shore were found to be statistically significant with time of day at Morte Point. Porpoises were observed feeding here 59.9% of the time, with 78.0% of feeding taking place in multi-species associations and larger group sizes being observed at this site. At Lee Bay, porpoises were found to utilise an area of high heterogeneity, where rocky out-crops divide an otherwise sandy bay. In contrast to Morte Point, porpoises were observed feeding at Lee Bay 27.6% of the time, spending 34.7% of the time engaged in travelling in smaller groups. Despite these differences, behaviour and group size between the two sites were not found to be significantly different. At Lee Bay, tidal variation was observed in behaviour, group size, and distance from shore. It is thought that Morte Point represents an important feeding area, while Lee Bay provides a corridor between more productive feeding sites. This study highlights the site-specific nature of diurnal and tidal trends as differences in habitat use were observed for two sites geographically close together. ********************************************************************** Mazzoil, M.S.*, S.D. McCulloch, M.J. Youngbluth, D.S. Kilpatrick, E.M. Murdoch, B. Mase-Guthrie, D.K. Odell, and G.D. Bossart. 2008. Radio-tracking and survivorship of two rehabilitated bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):54-64. *Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University – Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA; email: Mmazzoil(a)hboi.fau.edu Despite an increase in the number of stranded dolphins rehabilitated and returned to the wild, the survivorship of these cetaceans is poorly documented. Since rehabilitation and release programs remain limited in scope, the release of dolphins from different age and sex cohorts provides information that is pertinent to protocols for future release candidates. Novel opportunities to track the survivorship of two rehabilitated bottlenose dolphins with radio transmitters occurred in 2001 and 2003 in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Both dolphins were male and had been identified prior to rehabilitation during a photo-identification monitoring program. Dolphin C6 stranded with multiple life-threatening shark wounds in 2000, at age 24, and was released after a successful 6-mo period of rehabilitation. This dolphin re-established an existing male pair-bond with dolphin C7, traveled 67 km from the release site, and survived 100 d before he died from asphyxiation by an exotic fish that lodged in his pharynx. Carter, a calf orphaned in 2003 at 1 y of age, was released following a 3-mo period of care that provided adequate nutrition and weight gain needed for survival in the wild. This young dolphin remained within a 10-km radius of the release site, failed to form a stable relationship with other dolphins, and appeared to have survived only 7 d when radio transmissions from an acoustic tag ceased. These two cases represent the radio-tracking studies of the oldest and youngest known bottlenose dolphins rehabilitated and released in the IRL. **************************************************************** Watson, A.*, R.J. Bahr, and T. Matheson. 2008. Metacarpo-phalangeal anomalies in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 34(1):65-70(6). *Department of Physiologcal Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; email: awatson(a)okstate.edu Radiographs of 99 intact flippers from 60 sub-adult to adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), all stranded on the Texas coast from 1990 to 1995, were examined to determine location and nature of lesions in the metacarpal and phalangeal bones. Eleven flippers from seven mature dolphins (2.35 to 2.45 m TL) had radiographically obvious lesions: three dolphins had conjoined metacarpal III - first phalanx, which appeared as a bilateral congenital developmental anomaly with incomplete separation and defective formation of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint; two dolphins had degenerative joint disease of the metacarpal III - first phalangeal joint; and two dolphins had metacarpal II - first phalanx lesions. The acquired lesions showed similarities to those seen in domestic mammals. The distinct affinity of both developmental and degenerative lesions for the metacarpal III - first phalanx in these dolphins is noteworthy. ************************************************************************** Weir, C.R.* 2008. Overt responses of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) to seismic exploration off Angola. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):71-83(13). *Ketos Ecology, 4 Compton Road, West Charleton, Kindsbridge, Devon TQ7 2BP, UK; email: Caroline.weir(a)ketosecology.co.uk A total of 2,769 h of marine mammal observation was conducted from a seismic survey vessel off Angola between August 2004 and May 2005. A dual-source airgun array firing a total volume of either 5,085 in3 (Survey 1) or 3,147 in3 (Survey 2) in an alternate source activation sequence was active during 51% of the analysed effort. A total of 207 sightings of humpback whales (n = 66), sperm whales (n = 124), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (n = 17) was recorded. The encounter rate (sightings/h) of humpback and sperm whales did not differ significantly according to airgun operational status. The mean distance to humpback and sperm whale sightings was greater during full-array operations than during guns off, but this difference was not significant. Atlantic spotted dolphin encounters occurred at a significantly greater distance from the airgun array (p < 0.001) during full-array operations than during guns off. Positive-approach behaviour by Atlantic spotted dolphins (n = 9) occurred only during guns-off periods. There was no evidence for prolonged or large-scale displacement of each species from the region during the 10-mo survey duration. Sperm whale sightings showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) during the survey, while Atlantic spotted dolphin encounters occurred at similar rates. A decreased occurrence of humpback whale sightings (p < 0.001) corresponded with established seasonal migration out of the survey area. Contrary to expectation based on perceived sensitivity, Atlantic spotted dolphins exhibited the most marked overt response to airgun sound of the three cetacean species examined. *********************************************************** Steiner, A.* and M. Bossley. 2008. Some reproductive parameters of an estuarine population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Aquatic Mammals 34(1):84-92(9). *Universite de Neuchatel, Faculte des Sciences, rue Emile-Argand 11, 2007 Neuchatel, Switzerland; email; aude.steiner(a)unine.ch The Port River estuary (Adelaide, South Australia) supports a population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) despite its heavily modified habitat. This paper reports the calving season, birth rate, calf mortality, and inter-birth interval of the resident population, all factors important in the conservation of this population. Between 1989 and 2005, 1,176 boat surveys were undertaken, covering all seasons for each year. All dolphins encountered were photographed, and their location, number, age category, and behaviour were recorded. Dolphin identity was determined a posteriori using photo-identification. Results indicated a calving season from December to March, which coincided with the maximum surface water temperature of the estuary. Inter-birth intervals were consistent with the literature—3.8 y when the previous calf was weaned and 1.7 y when the previous calf died—with the exception of one special case. Forty-five calves were born to resident females between 1989 and 2005, and the average crude birth rate was 0.064, which is similar to that found for other bottlenose dolphin populations. First-year calf mortality (30%) and mortality rate for calves prior to weaning (46%) were higher than mortality rates described for other locations. Minimal predation is thought to occur in the estuary, and there was no evidence of poor condition in the mothers, suggesting that the high mortality rates were caused by direct impacts on calves such as entanglements, boat strikes, deliberate attacks, or exposure to toxic pollution. **************************************************************** Vecchione, A.*, M.M. Peden-Adams, T.A. Romano, and P.A. Fair. 2008. Recent cytokine findings and implications toward health assessment of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 34(1):93-101. *Department of Bioscience, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK; email: anna_vecchione(a)hotmail.com Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are top-level marine predators and represent a sentinel species for ocean health. The study of cytokines and immunocellular function are important components for assessing the overall health status of wild dolphins. Recent studies have generated an increased number of identified cytokine molecules in T. truncatus, which will help in furthering health assessment in this species as they can be used in vitro to determine how pollutants or environmental stressors can influence plasma cytokine expression profiles, cell proliferation, and cytokine gene expression in tissues. Additionally, identification of T. truncatus immune modulators is important as the use of nonspecies-specific cytokines in some assays could lead to ambiguous results. Herein, the authors review some of the recent findings regarding T. truncatus cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and indicate the possible use of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) for in vitro qualitative and quantitative production of macrophage granulocyte lineages in bottlenose dolphins. Finally, the authors underline the importance of cytokine biological activity to obtain an accurate evaluation of the bottlenose dolphin immuno-physiological status in relation to environmental contamination. **************************************************** Young, J.K.* and L.R. Gerber. 2008. The influence of social composition on reproductive behavior of territorial male California sea lions. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):102-108. *School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501 USA; email: jyoung(a)wcs.org The behavior of territorial males in a polygynous mating species may be influenced by a variety of factors related to site-specific conditions. In this paper, the behavioral dynamics of territorial male California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are characterized throughout the breeding season and across rookery sites at Los Islotes Island in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Observations focused on three spatially distinct rookeries at Los Islotes that varied in the number and density of territorial males, the number of females, and the number of subadult males. Rates of male and female aggression were similar among sites and across the season. However, differences in female/territory defense and self-maintenance behaviors were exhibited by territorial males among sites and throughout the breeding season. Multiple regression analysis revealed a relationship between self-maintenance behavior and the number of females and males present. The time territorial males spent moving and in territorial maintenance was associated with the density of females within a territory. Males also exhibited higher levels of movement when more males were present. Finally, male California sea lions showed lower movement rates but higher amounts of time spent in territorial defense as the breeding season progressed. By comparing behaviors of territorial male California sea lions under different social compositions, this study illustrates the costs, benefits, and mechanisms of male territoriality. *************************************************************** Sousa-Lima, R.S.*, A.P. Paglia, and G.A.B. da Fonseca. 2008. Gender, age, and identity in the isolation calls of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus). Aquatic Mammals 34(1):109-122. *Bioacoustics Research Program, Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850; email: rs132(a)cornell.edu Empirical evidence of individual vocal recognition has been reported for the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) and the West Indian manatee (T. manatus). Underwater vocalizations of 15 Antillean manatees (T. m. manatus) were recorded to verify if this subspecies also conveys individual information through their calls. The isolation calls selected for analysis were digitized to measure eight different variables. Individual vocal patterns were analyzed within two age classes (calves and others) and between sexes. Discriminant function analysis for each age class grouped vocalizations by individual, based on variables related to the fundamental frequency and call duration. Female calls were longer in duration and presented a higher fundamental frequency but lower peak frequency values than males. Calves had significantly higher values for all eight acoustic variables measured with respect to frequency and time. Higher values for all frequency parameters in calf calls and the inverse relationship between total body length and peak frequency suggests that younger, smaller animals emit higher frequency sounds. Furthermore, higher values obtained for the fundamental frequency range of calves and the inverse relationship of this variable with total body length suggest that the fundamental frequency becomes more defined as the animal ages. Vocal learning and genetic inheritance are discussed based on the analyses of vocal patterns among related individuals. In addition to facilitating individual recognition as a possible factor in Antillean manatee social interactions, vocal identity provides a potential means of estimating the size and structure of sirenian populations. ********************************************************************* Vergara, V.* and L.G. Barrett-Lennard. 2008. Vocal development in a beluga calf (Delphinapterus leucas). Aquatic Mammals 34(1):123-143. *Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, #6270 University Boulevard, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4: email: vergara(a)zoology.ubc.ca Acoustic communication is central to the socioecology of cetaceans. Knowledge of the ontogeny of their extensive repertoires is scant, and even less is known about the role of learning in vocal development. To examine these issues, the development of calls of one male beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) calf was systematically studied at the Vancouver Aquarium throughout his first year of life and opportunistically through his second and third years. He vocalized within the first hour after birth, producing exclusively low energy, broadband pulse trains. Both the dominant frequency and the pulse repetition rate of the pulsed calls increased with age. He acquired rudimentary whistles at 2 wks of age. During the second month, whistle production increased substantially. Whistle dominant frequency tended to increase with age, and at least in his first year, whistles did not attain full stereotypy. The calf started using mixed call types consistently at 4 mo. While some sounds tended to be more variable at later ages, his mixed calls progressively lost variability and increasingly resembled his mother's most predominant stereotyped mixed call type. By 20 mo, this call type was fully stereotyped. Six months after he was exposed to his father's sounds, he incorporated one of his father's call types into his repertoire. These findings are discussed in light of current theories of sound production mechanisms in odontocetes, developmental stages of vocal acquisition, and vocal learning. ********************************************************************** Broderick, A.C. *2008. Book review: Turtles of the World by Franck Bonin, Bernard Davaux, and Alain Dupré. Translated by Peter C.H. Pitchard. John Hopkins University Press. 2006. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):144-144. *Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK; no email address provided ********************************************************************* Solntseva, G.N. *2008. Reply to J. G. M. Thewissen's Review of the Book Morphology of the Auditory and Vestibular Organs in Mammals, with Emphasis on Marine Species by Galina N. Solntseva. Pensoft Publishers and Brill Academic Publishers, Sofia, Leiden. 2007. Aquatic Mammals 34(1):145-146. *Professor at the Laboratory for Bioacoustics, A.N. Severtsov, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences; email: g-solntseva(a)yandex.ru _________________________________________________________________ Make i'm yours. Create a custom banner to support your cause. http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Contribute/Default.aspx?source=TXT_TAGHM_MS…

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Marine Mammal Postdoctoral Research Post
by Sutton, Gerry 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Beaufort Postdoctoral Researcher Inter-Species Interactions: Impacts of Top Marine Predators Applications are invited for a seven year postdoctoral position on marine ecology / megafauna. The Beaufort Marine Research Award is grant aided as part of the Irish Government’s National Development Plan (NDP), by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) under the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (SSTI) and the Sea Change Strategy. The candidate will be a postdoctoral researcher, employed through the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork http://cmrc.ucc.ie <http://cmrc.ucc.ie/> . The project will be jointly implemented in partnership between University College Cork, the Marine Institute and Queens University Belfast. Background: The capability of fishing activity to alter fish populations and to impact on the ecosystem is considerable. There is now an acceptance that we must move away from traditional single stock fisheries advice and embrace a more ecosystem based approach to fisheries management. A sustainable fish stock is now a minimum criterion for fisheries management. However, an equally important goal is to maintain the overall quality of the ecosystem which supports the stock to be both productive and robust. Project The overall aim of this Beaufort Marine Award is to harness and integrate the diverse research expertise required to develop a Centre of Excellence on the Island of Ireland that focuses on the development of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAF). It brings together a consortium with a research track record that will collaborate to turn the available concepts and principles of an EAF into pragmatic action plans that can be used for the sustainable management of fisheries in the waters around Ireland. By doing so, the consortium will be cognisant of principles of ecosystems approach such as those outlined in International agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). As marine mammals and seabirds are located near or at the top of food webs they may have considerable impact on the structuring of pelagic ecosystems. The status of their populations reflect the health of the ecosystem and the sustainability at which it is being managed, thereby acting as high-trophic level indicators which can be used to inform management in an ecosystem approach to managing marine ecosystems. The objectives of this position are to assess the trophic interactions between top marine predators and fisheries in Ireland by determining abundance estimates, food consumption, at-sea distributions and habitat use of pinniped and seabird populations in selected study sites. Candidate: The Postdoctoral researcher will require the following skills profile: * PhD with three years relevant research experience * Knowledge of pinniped and seabird abundance estimate methodologies and other relevant survey methodologies * Experience of GIS data modelling (e.g. ArcMarine), databases and metadata standards * Experience with statistical analysis and statistical modelling e.g. GLMM and GAMM * Experience with applying telemetry technologies (and spatial data analysis) to determine habitat use of top marine predators * Experience of top predator dietary analysis (e.g. otolith ID, FASA and SIA) * Understanding of current fisheries management practices, in particular in Irish waters * Good publication track record * Proven ability of team leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills * Demonstration of project management and networking skills * Proven ability to secure relevant research funding Duration and salary: Duration is 7 years conditional upon review at the end of year three. Starting salary (gross) is €55,000 pa rising to €67,000 pa with annual increments. Application: The closing date for applications is Friday 9th May 2008. Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae including references via email to Grainne Lynch: grainne.lynch(a)ucc.ie. ******************************* Gerry Sutton, B.Sc, M.Sc., MIS. Deputy Director Coastal & Marine Resources Centre ERI, University College Cork, Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cobh, County Cork, Ireland. Tel: +353 21 4703113 Fax: +353 21 4703132 <http://crc.ucc.ie/>

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