April 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Contents: Marine Mammal Science Vol 24(1)
by Jan Herrmann 05 Apr '08

05 Apr '08

Dear all, Marine Mammal Science Vol 24(1) has the following table of contents. By clicking the following link you are guided to Blackwell Synergy, where you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/mms/24/1 All papers are open access. Users of the Papyrus Bibliography System (for Mac and DOS/Windows) can download the references with abstracts and contact information from http://www.cetacea.de/mms. The Papyrus Bibliography System is free: http://www.researchsoftwaredesign.com Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann ------ Marine Mammal Science Vol. 24(1) ------ REVIEW ARTICLE Wirsing, A.J. et al. 2008. Seascapes of fear: evaluating sublethal predator effects experienced and generated by marine mammals. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 1-15. ARTICLES Sigler, M.F. et al. 2008. Sperm whale depredation of sablefish longline gear in the Northeast Pacific ocean. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 16-27. Houser, D.S., A. Gomez-Rubio, and J.J. Finneran. 2008. Evoked potential audiometry of 13 Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gilli). Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 28-41. Baron, S.C. et al. 2008. Differences in acoustic signals from Delphinids in the western North Atlantic and northern Gulf of Mexico. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 42-56. Udevitz, M.S., D.M. Burn, and M.A. Webber. 2008. Estimation of walrus populations on sea ice with infrared imagery and aerial photography. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 57-70. Venn-Watson, S. et al. 2008. Use of a serum-based glomerular filtration rate prediction equation to assess renal function by age, sex, fasting, and health status in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 71-80. Garrigue, C., N. Patenaude, and H. Marsh. 2008. Distribution and abundance of the dugong in New Caledonia, southwest Pacific. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 81-90. Thiemann, G.W., S.J. Iverson, and I. Stirling. 2008. Variation in blubber fatty acid composition among marine mammals in the Canadian Arctic. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 91-111. Brotons, J.M., A.M. Grau, and L. Rendell. 2008. Estimating the impact of interactions between bottlenose dolphins and artisanal fisheries around the Balearic Islands. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 112-127. Knoff, A., A. Hohn, and S. Macko. 2008. Ontogenetic diet changes in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) reflected through stable isotopes. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 128-137. Thompson, P.M. and H. Wheeler. 2008. Photo-ID-based estimates of reproductive patterns in female harbor seals. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 138-146. Proffitt, K.M. et al. 2008. Using form analysis techniques to improve photogrammetric mass-estimation methods. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 147-158. Sinisalo, T. et al. 2008. Changes in diets of individual Baltic ringed seals (Phoca hispida botnica) during their breeding season inferred from stable isotope analysis of multiple tissues. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 159-170. Dunphy-Daly, M.M., M.R. Heithaus, and D.E. Claridge. 2008. Temporal variation in dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) habitat use and group size off Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 171-182. Clapham, P.J., A. Aguilar, and L.T. Hatch. 2008. Determining spatial and temporal scales for management: lessons from whaling. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 183-201. NOTES Duffy-Echevarria, E.E., R.C. Connor, and D.J. St. Aubin. 2008. Observations of strand-feeding behavior by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bull Creek, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 202-206. Horsburgh, J.M. et al. 2008. Determining feeding events and prey encounter rates in a southern elephant seal: a method using swim speed and stomach temperature. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 207-217. Tringali, M.D. et al. 2008. Simultaneous use of the X- and Y-chromosome genes SMCX, SMCY, and DBY for sex determination in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 218-224. Visser, I.N. et al. 2008. Antarctic peninsula killer whales (Orcinus orca) hunt seals and a penguin on floating ice. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 225-234. Boren, L., M. Morrissey, and N.J. Gemmell. 2008. Motor vehicle collisions and the New Zealand fur seal in the Kaikoura region. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 235-238. van den Hoff, J. and M.G. Morrice. 2008. Sleeper shark (Somniosus antarcticus) and other bite wounds observed on southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 239-247. BOOKS Reeves, R.R. 2008. Leviathan: the history of whaling in America. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 248-250. LETTERS Ray, C.E. 2008. The fossil record of Eumetopias. Marine Mammal Science 24(1): 251-252. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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ORCA JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Ferry-based Wildlife Education Officer
by Dylan Walker 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

ORCA job announcement Job Title Ferry-based Wildlife Education Officer - working aboard the DFDS Seaways Ferry between Newcastle (UK) and Bergen (Norway) Responsible to Project Development Officer and ORCA trustees Main Purpose To actively develop, manage and communicate an educational programme to promote the importance of whales, dolphins and the marine environment to the general public. Also to raise awareness of the important research and conservation work being undertaken through the ORCA and DFDS Seaways partnership. Contract Five month contract beginning between 15th May and 1st June. Potential for contract extension if successful. Fee £4500 plus food and accommodation whilst onboard. Number Two positions are available. About ORCA ORCA is a UK-based charity committed to the study of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and the promotion of their conservation worldwide through enthusing, inspiring and educating others. Responsibilities and duties 1a. Co-ordination 1.1 Work alongside ferry staff to ensure communication and promotion of whale & dolphin awareness onboard the ferry. 1.2 Manage, facilitate and present educational events on board to meet the needs of passengers (both adults and children), DFDS and ORCA. 1.3 Measure the success of any events you set up against agreed criteria. 1.4 You will be expected to be based permanently on board and will work a 2 week on 2 week off rota. 1.5 Actively design, promote and develop the ORCA educational package, seeking out opportunities to improve educational value and increase public involvement. Liaise with the other WO in order to share best experiences and refine the work accordingly. Some initial training will be given. 1.6 Provide your line manager with a monthly activities calendar and relevant statistics for your time on board. 1.7 Encourage the public to report sightings and assist the ORCA survey team as and when required. 1.8 Actively seek out news stories and press opportunities. Provide regular web updates of sightings and other news. 1.9 Act as an ambassador to champion the importance of ORCA research and encourage passengers to get involved. 2.0 Ensure that all legislation is adhered to and provide training where required to meet with ORCA and legal levels of compliance. 1b. Daily tasks Auditorium presentation: Enlivened and fun talks about whales, dolphins and other wildlife of the North Sea, with a strong emphasis on audience participation. Childrens story-telling: This was a fantastically popular activity during our trial last October, with both parents and children enjoying it immensely. Duration approximately one hour. Wildlife watching (weather dependent): WO will assist the public with spotting, identifying and discussing the birds, whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals present on this route. Binoculars and field guides will be provided. The Hands on Experience: The WO will provide a range of sea creatures for passengers to touch, pick up, and discuss. Bones, whale baleen, shells and seaweeds in a clear tray filled with seawater are an instant attraction to children, who will jump at the opportunity to get their hands wet! This pioneering idea for a ferry will be the ideal mobile presentation, luring people from around the ship and out on deck. 2. Other Tasks 3.1 To support ORCA with other requests as and when required. 3.2 Respond to Passengers and DFDS questions and correspondence regarding ORCA on DFDS Ferries. 3. Experience and Skills Required (unless stated) ESSENTIAL (a) Efficient, well organised and able to tackle a large and varied workload (b) Self motivated and enthusiastic about the marine environment (c) Excellent communication skills and strong written skills (d) Experience in income generation / promotion (e) Pro-active, and ready to tackle new problems (f) Able to deal confidently with all cultures and age groups (g) Sets clear goals, prioritises them and sees them through to completion (h) Adaptable to change and confident in working alone and as part of a team (i) Able to cope with long periods at sea, rough weather, etc (j) Computer literate DESIRABLE (a) Speak fluent English and at least one of the following languages: Norwegian, Swedish, Danish (b) A good knowledge of cetaceans and seabirds Further details about ORCA are available at www.orcaweb.org.uk Deadline for submissions is 1st May 2008. Interviews will be held during the week beginning 5th May. The post will begin on 15th May and 1st June respectively. Please note that acknowledgement of receipt of applications will begin on 21st April. Please send ORCA, in electronic format, your CV with a covering letter describing why you think you would be the ideal candidate for this post to: Dylan Walker Project Development Officer ORCA 17 Embassy Court Kings Road Brighton BN1 2PX United Kingdom Email: dylan(a)orcaweb.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1273 739284 --------------------------------- Yahoo! for Good helps you make a difference

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ERRATUM: XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference
by Comisión RT 2008 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Dear Colleagues: There was an error in the due date for submission of abstract for the XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference: STATUS OF AQUATIC MAMMALS IN LATINO AMERICA. We apologize for the inconvenience. Abstract submission OPENS: 1st of APRIL, 2008 Abstract submission DEADLINE: 15th of JUNE, 2008 Please visit the OFFICIAL conference website: www.cetaceos.org.uy/congreso/ Information regarding the conference will be on this web site. 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 inquiries contact the Organizing Committee: comisionrt08(a)gmail.com See you in Montevideo. Organizing Committee XIII South American Meeting of Specialist in Aquatic Mammals – 7th SOLAMAC Conference E-mail: comisionrt08(a)gmail.com Web: www.cetaceos.org.uy/congreso

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Plastic bags and marine animals
by Sarah Wilson 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

FYI..... Sincerely, Sarah Wilson Ocean Institute Manager, Cooperation in Research and Education (949) 496-2274 ext. 337 www.ocean-institute.org <http://www.ocean-institute.org/> and Web Coordinator Thank You Ocean Campaign National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation sarahw-thankyouocean(a)hotmail.com www.thankyouocean.org P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail -----Original Message----- From: owner-scuttlebutt(a)vims.edu [mailto:owner-scuttlebutt@vims.edu] On Behalf Of Jane Stevens Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 7:05 AM Subject: Re: [MARMAM] Plastic bags and marine animals Here's part of a series we did on leatherback turtles that addresses plastic bags. As Dr. Jim Spotila points out, it's difficult to know if plastic bags kill turtles directly or weaken them because they can't digest enough food. The accompanying photos show plastic removed from green turtles. Perhaps there's more information from green turtle researchers? http://www.topp.org/blog/did_missing_turtles_eat_plastic_bags Cheers, Jane Jane Ellen Stevens Multimedia journalist, news organization consultant Editorial director, Oceans Now (TOPP.org, GreatTurtleRace.com) Lecturer, UCBerkeley Graduate School of Journalism jstevens(a)mmjourno.com ________________________________ There have been recent reports in some Australian media and internet discussions that plastic bags do not harm marine animals. This discussion has come about as a result of incorrect information initially claiming that 100,000 animals die from plastic bags when it should have said 100,000 animals die from discarded nets. Certain sectors are now claiming plastic bags are actually harmless. One UK report can be read here:http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3508263.ec e <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3508263.ece> Can anyone here help in providing strong evidence that marine animals are killed by plastic bags, how they are killed, or maybe even suggestions that they are not of concern in the marine environment. Thankyou in advance. Winston P. Smith wps101(a)hotmail.com ________________________________ _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list

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Methods to assess cetaceans' abundance in Italian waters
by Antonella Arcangeli 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Methods to assess cetaceans' abundance in Italian waters As you know, Italy has taken several commitments in terms of monitoring populations, in accordance with a number of international Conventions, Agreements, European Directives and Regulations such as, the CBD, ACCOBAMS, the Pelagos Sanctuary, the Habitats Directive and Regulation (EC) 812/2004. To strengthen the coherence among the different monitoring system and to enhance their scientific appropriateness the Italian Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT, www.apat.gov.it) the Central Institute of Marine Research (ICRAM, www.icram.org) and the National Consortium inter-universities of Marine Sciences (CoNISMa, www.conisma.it) organized a workshop on "Methods to assess cetaceans' abundance in Italian waters". The workshop is supported by the Ministry of Environment of the Land and the Sea (www.minambiente.it) The workshop, that will be held in Rome on the 21st and 22nd of April 2008, is aimed to focus on standardisation of methods for data collection to estimate absolute abundance. The first day will be open to the participation of all interested people and invited observers. The second day will be organised in working groups and will be limited to Italian scientist operating in this field. The main goal of the workshop is to provide an agreed methodological basis on which relevant administrations could build up a national monitoring system for cetaceans' abundance and coordinate research efforts. You are kindly invited to attend the first day. Registration form at: www.apat.gov.it Best regards, Organizing Committes

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new publication on ship strikes of large whales in Washington State
by Annie Douglas 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

The following article on ship strikes of large whales in Washington State based on stranding data has recently been published: Douglas, A.B., J. Calambokidis, S. Raverty, S.J. Jeffries, D.M. Lambourn and S.A. Norman. 2008. Incidence of ship strikes of large whales in Washington State. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. doi:10.1017/S0025315408000295, Published online by Cambridge University Press 17 March 2008 ABSTRACT: Ship strikes of large whales cause mortalities worldwide, but there is uncertainty regarding the frequency and species involved. We examined 130 records (from 1980-2006) of large whale strandings in Washington State. Nineteen strandings (seven species) had evidence of ship-strikes. Fin whales Balaenoptera physalus had the highest incidence of ante-mortem ship strike (five of seven, with the remaining two possibly post-mortem) and all but one occurring since 2002. Six grey whales Eschrichtius robustus suffered 'possible ship strike' injuries, likely the result of their large numbers in the area, rather than high levels of ship strikes. Only one possible ship-struck humpback whale was recorded, despite concentrations of humpbacks feeding within shipping lanes in this region. This study shows dramatic differences in occurrences of ship-struck large whales by species, which we believe results from a combination of species' vulnerability to ship strikes, and how likely a struck whale is to be caught up on the bow of a ship and brought to waters where it can be examined. Please contact the authors for a PDF of the article, or it can be downloaded directly from the journals website: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?sort_by=publishedDate& jid=MBI&volumeId=-1&issueId=-1 Annie Douglas abdouglas(a)cascadiaresearch.org Annie Douglas Cascadia Research 218 1/2 W. 4th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 wk. (360)943-7325 www.cascadiaresearch.org

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Plastic bags and marine animals
by Peter Smith 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Dear MARMAMers, There have been recent reports in some Australian media and internet discussions that plastic bags do not harm marine animals. This discussion has come about as a result of incorrect information initially claiming that 100,000 animals die from plastic bags when it should have said 100,000 animals die from discarded nets. Certain sectors are now claiming plastic bags are actually harmless. One UK report can be read here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3508263.ece Can anyone here help in providing strong evidence that marine animals are killed by plastic bags, how they are killed, or maybe even suggestions that they are not of concern in the marine environment. Thankyou in advance. Winston P. Smith wps101(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ It's simple! Sell your car for just $30 at CarPoint.com.au http://a.ninemsn.com.au/b.aspx?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fsecure%2Dau%2Eimrworldwide%…

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Job announcement, CRRU Scotland
by Dr. Kevin Robinson 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

6-month Research Position with the CRRU in Scotland, approx. May to Nov 2008 The Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit is currently looking to recruit an experienced marine mammal scientist to assist the research team in northeast Scotland with ongoing studies of minke whales in the outer southern Moray Firth. The candidate will preferably have experience in the use of TDRs with cetaceans or radio tracking in general, and must be quick to learn and a competent skipper with powerboats. Photography skills (particularly photo-ID) and experience with GIS and relational databases would be useful as well, in addition to a demonstrated ability for report writing and publication. The candidate will be required to assist in the general day-to-day running of an active cetacean field research and education programme, and experience of working with volunteers and student field assistants would be desirable. Based in a small Scottish sea town community, this fully paid position would be suitable for someone with an easy-going and affable personality who is able to work well both by themselves and within a flexible team environment. For more details or to register your interest in this position, please email: kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk For selected publications, please go to: http://www.crru.org.uk/research/publications.htm With best wishes and thanks Kevin Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) P.O. Box 11307 Banff AB45 3WB SCOTLAND Tel: (+44) 01261 851696 Email: mailbox(a)crru.org.uk Website: www.crru.eu Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473 Supported by the Earthwatch Institute www.earthwatch.org & Care for the Wild International www.careforthewild.com

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