July 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internship
by Phocid＠aol.com 29 Jul '08

29 Jul '08

Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internship Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization located on Salt Spring Island off the west coast BC, Canada. We are one of only two marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the country and operate under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. IWNCC's focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned, sick and injured Harbour Seal pups. We have one immediate internship opening from mid-August until end October, 2008. This is a volunteer position with housing and a grocery allowance. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn and/or improve their skills in the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups; stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals; diet preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process; gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques; proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease; administration of oral medications; behavioural and medical observation and proper record keeping; general care of many other indigenous avian and terrestrial species. For more information see our website at www.sealrescue.org. To apply, please e-mail a letter of interest with dates available and your resume. E-mail to iwncc(a)aol.com. Jackie Ballerone Program Director 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1N3 (250) 537-0777 ************** Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

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Science vs Cost
by William Rossiter 29 Jul '08

29 Jul '08

The advancement of your science is being impeded by the increasing cost of attending marine mammal-related conferences, workshops, and meetings. An increasing number of professionals and students are unable to find or justify the funds to attend. This should be of concern whether you are one of the few who can attend or one of the many who cannot. You are all missing out here. The overall problem facing your profession is perhaps more apparent to Cetacean Society International because we are one of the few sources for travel funds available to scientists, particularly entry-level students. A recent "helpful" post to MARMAM attracted worldwide requests from everywhere between the Ukraine, the Phillipines, and Tierra del Fuego, for at least five worthy events. The problem is also apparent to CSI because we see the talent in the emerging generation that you need to foster if your science is to prosper...face it, many of you are getting "mature", and you know it makes no sense to limit the next generation to those who can afford to travel. Does anyone on this list know enough about teleconferencing to work with CSI to develop a way to enable people to participate in your events from anywhere? Does anyone on this list know of foundations or other primary funders willing to use CSI, or any appropriate medium, to facilitate the application of teleconferencing to future events? The goal would be to enable organizers to provide significant benefits to distant participants, at little or no cost to either. An additional goal would be to allow events to benefit, for example, from plenary presentations by eminent people who cannot travel, perhaps for health reasons. Without better communications your science will suffer. Solutions are available, and I hope this stirs the pot enough to get something started. Thank you, Bill William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals 34(2); 2008
by Dagmar Fertl 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will get duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals, the scientific peer-reviewed journal of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). Abstracts are presented as a courtesy to the EAAM and the journal editors – Drs. Jeanette Thomas (managing editor; aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com) and Kathleen Dudzinski (co-editor; kdudzinski(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org) The journal publishes papers dealing with all aspects of the care, conservation, medicine and science of aquatic mammals. The journal receives support of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA). For more information on the journal, please go to: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. This issue introduces a new feature to the journal: “Historical Perspective” and will allow readers a chance to revisit some of the history of marine mammal science and scientists who make the field possible. Each contribution will include a brief biography of the author and an introduction to the topic on which he or she has written. The topic typically is one that was a focus or mainstay of the author’s career in the science or management of marine mammals. These features might include mild commentaries as well as personal stories, funny essays, advice to young scientists, or shared journeys with colleagues. The written essays for this section will also have archived video interviews available for a nominal fee. The video-documented interviews will be compiled onto DVD with additional images, video, and other archival material from each author. DVDs will be announced on the Aquatic Mammals website when available. Short trailers will be viewable on the website. These nominal fees will support the production of the DVDs as well as a fund to support graduate assistantships for the journal. Videos will be available beginning in Autumn 2008. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and these postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Ziphius EcoServices http://www.ziphiusecoservices.com Hasselmeier, I.*, S. Fonfara, J. Driver, and U. Siebert. 2008. Differential hematology profiles of free-ranging, rehabilitated, and captive harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) of the German North Sea. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):149-156. *Research and Technology Center Westcoast of the University of Kiel, Werfstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany; email: ih(a)ftz-west.uni-kiel.de The hematology profile is an established tool to monitor health status and to help detect emerging diseases in animals. Knowledge of normal ranges is required, however, to evaluate blood results (e.g., WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, hemoglobin). Differential hematology profiles of three harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) groups (free-ranging animals, rehabilitated pups, and captive seals at the Seal Center Friedrichskoog), collected between 1997 and 2004, were compared. The three different groups are representative of the population of harbor seals in the German North Sea. Results indicated that these groups differed significantly from one another in their hematology profiles, thus data were re-examined with respect to hematology profile variation according to location (i.e., wild, rehabilitated, captive), age (i.e., pups, yearlings, adults), and season (i.e., spring, summer, autumn). This represents the first time that a large number of hematology profile results (n = 793) were collected from three groups of a single population, resulting in the establishment of baseline values (5 and 95 percentiles, median). This study is an important contribution to the understanding and assessment of the health status of harbor seals. Sarran, D.*, D.J. Greig, C.A. Rios, T.S. Zabka, and F.M.D. Gulland. 2008. Evaluation of aqueous humor as a surrogate for serum biochemistry in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Aquatic Mammals 34(2):157-165. *The Marine Mammal Center, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA; email: gullandf(a)tmmc.org The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of post mortem aqueous humor analysis in estimating serum chemistry in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Serum and aqueous humor from the left eye were collected from 35 sea lions that were euthanized due to poor prognosis. Each animal was examined post mortem, and each head was preserved at ambient temperature. Aqueous humor was collected from the right eye either 24 or 48 h after death. All samples were analyzed with an automated chemistry analyzer by bichromatic photometry and potentiometry. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, chloride, and magnesium showed significant positive linear relationships between serum and aqueous humor values both at the time of death and 24 h later. For aqueous humor sampled after 48 h, the relationships were only significant for blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. For the remaining chemistry parameters, the relationship between levels of those from serum and in aqueous humor were not significant. Serum and aqueous humor collected from 15 animals diagnosed with renal failure were evaluated for antibodies to Leptospira using the microscopic agglutination test. All tested sera were positive for L. interrogans serovar pomona, with titers greater than 1:25,600. Of titers tested in the aqueous humor, 56% were positive, having values of 1:200 to 1:12,800. These results indicate that an accurate estimate of serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine can be made from the analysis of aqueous humor at necropsy of California sea lions within 48 h of death, facilitating the diagnosis of renal failure in beached carcasses (one of the most common causes of death in wild sea lions). Bossart, G.D.*, T.A. Romano, M.M. Peden-Adams, C.D. Rice, P.A. Fair, J.D. Goldstein, D. Kilpatrick, K. Cammen, and J.S. Reif. 2008. Hematological, biochemical, and immunological findings in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with orogenital papillomas. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):166-177. *Center for Coastal Research, Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA; email: gbossart(a)hboi.fau.edu The first cases of orogenital sessile papillomas associated with a novel gammaherpesvirus and papillomavirus were recently reported in free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The tumors appear to be sexually transmitted and are now occurring in epidemic proportions in some coastal areas. This study describes the hematological, biochemical, and immunological findings in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins with orogenital papillomas from the coastal waters of South Carolina and Florida. Blood samples were obtained from 22 dolphins with papillomas and 86 healthy dolphins. Few statistically significant differences were found for hematological and serum chemistry variables. Serum iron was significantly lower and serum bicarbonate significantly higher in dolphins with orogenital papillomas compared with healthy dolphins. However, dolphins with tumors had multiple abnormalities in serum proteins and immunologic parameters. Serum protein electrophoresis results demonstrated significantly elevated levels of total globulin, total alpha globulin, and alpha-2 globulin in dolphins with orogenital papillomas. Gamma globulins were also elevated in dolphins with orogenital papillomas although not significantly. Innate immunity was up-regulated in dolphins with tumors. Granulocytic and monocytic phagocytosis and superoxide respiratory bursts were significantly higher in dolphins with orogenital tumors compared with healthy dolphins. Adaptive immunity appeared to be relatively intact with an up-regulated humoral immune response; statistically significant increases were found in B-lymphocyte proliferation and antibody titers to the common marine microorganisms Escherichia coli, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Mycobacterium marinum, Vibrio cholerae, V. carchariae, V. vulnificus, and V. parahemolyticus. The only adaptive immune system variable significantly lower in dolphins with tumors was the percentage of lymphocytes expressing MHC class II molecules, suggesting possible impaired or down-regulated expression as has been noted in humans with viral infections. The clinically relevant results indicate that dolphins with orogenital papillomas demonstrate hypoferremia, hyperglobulinemia, and hyperalphaglobulinemia likely associated with an acute-phase inflammatory response and up-regulated innate and humoral immunity, all possible responses to the tumors and/or the viruses associated with the tumors. Also, dolphins with orogenital papillomas may have enhanced innate and humoral adaptive immunity because of increased exposure to other directly transmitted pathogens. Beekman, G.K.* 2008. Type III hiatal hernia in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina concolor). Aquatic Mammals 34(2):178-181. *Marine Rehabilitation Center, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA; email: gbeekman(a)maine.rr.com (current address: Coastal Cats Feline Health Care, 470 U.S. Route One, York, ME 03909, USA) A 1-y-old male harbor seal (Phoca vitulina concolor), identified by a flipper tag as an animal previously rehabilitated, was found stranded and was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a type III hiatal hernia, with the lower esophageal sphincter and approximately 80% of the stomach within the hernia sac. The stomach had an organoaxial volvulus. No ingesta were found in the animal's digestive tract, and the hernia likely contributed to this animal's stranding. During the animal's previous stay in a rehabilitation facility, it had undergone inhalation anesthesia, including intermittent positive pressure ventilation. This appears to be the first description of hiatal hernia in a phocid seal. Gulland, F.M.D.*, F.B. Nutter, K. Dixon, J. Calambokidis, G. Schorr, J. Barlow, T. Rowles, S. Wilkin, T. Spradlin, L. Gage, J. Mulsow, C. Reichmuth, M. Moore, J. Smith, P. Folkens, S.F. Hanser, S. Jang, and C.S. Baker. 2008. Health assessment, antibiotic treatment, and behavioral responses to herding efforts of a cow-calf pair of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Sacramento River Delta, California. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):182-192. *The Marine Mammal Center, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA; email: gullandf(a)tmmc.org A mother and female calf humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) pair were observed at an atypical location, 72 nmi inland in the Port of Sacramento, California, on 16 May 2007. Sequencing of mtDNA from a skin biopsy showed the cow to be an E1 haplotype, which is common in the California feeding population. Both animals had lacerations, suggesting sharp trauma from a boat strike. Photographs taken over 11 d showed generalized deterioration of skin condition and necrotic wound edges. Behavioral responses were recorded during attempts to move the animals downriver to the Pacific Ocean. The attempts included playback of alarm tones, humpback and killer whale sounds, banging hollow steel pipes ("Oikami pipes"), spraying water from fire hoses on the water surface, and utilizing tug and power boat engine noise and movement. None of these deterrents resulted in significant, consistent downstream movement by the whales. Antibiotic therapy (ceftiofur) was administered by a dart, representing the first reported antibiotic treatment of free-ranging live whales. After 11 d, the animals swam downstream from fresh water at Rio Vista to brackish water, and their skin condition noticeably improved 24 h later. The animals followed the deep-water channel through the Sacramento Delta and San Francisco Bay, reaching the ocean at least 20 d after first entering the Sacramento River. Visser, I.N.*, M.P. Drennan, R.W. White, S.F. MacLean, L.C. Lagerstrom, and J.M. Francis. 2008. Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) observed predating Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and chinstrap penguins (P. antarctica), Antarctic Peninsula. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):193-199. *P.O. Box 402043, Tutukaka, 0153 New Zealand; email: ingrid(a)orca.org.nz Fur seals of various species are known to feed on penguins. This has been ascertained primarily from scat analyses and occasionally from behavioural observations. In February 2007, five cases of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) predating on Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Chinstrap penguins (P. antarctica) were observed. These observations might indicate an increase in fur seal predation on seasonally abundant penguins or simply might reflect a biased sample of a few individuals who specialize in this type of foraging. Stockin, K.A.*, G.J. Pierce, V. Bindell, N. Wiseman, and M.B. Orams. 2008. Factors affecting the occurrence and demographics of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):200-211. *Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Ba 102 904, North Shore MSC, New Zealand; email: K.A.Stockin(a)massey.ac.nz The common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) is the most frequently observed cetacean species in the Hauraki Gulf, a large shallow body of water on the northeastern coastline of North Island, New Zealand. Herein, we present the first data relating to the occurrence and distribution of common dolphins in this region and assess the possible effects of abiotic parameters on the demographics of this population. The presence of associated marine species is quantified, and differences in the occurrence and demographics of single and multi-species groups are examined. Sightings data were collected between February 2002 and January 2005 during boat-based surveys. We recorded 719 independent encounters with common dolphins, involving 1 to > 300 animals. Dolphin presence was significantly affected by month, latitude and depth. Group size varied significantly by month, season, depth, sea surface temperature (SST) and latitude, and was highly skewed towards smaller groups made up of < 50 animals. Larger aggregations were most frequent during the austral winter when nutrient upwelling typically leads to increased prey availability within the region. Over 70% of groups encountered contained immature animals and 25% of groups included neonates. Calves were observed throughout the year but were most prevalent in the austral summer months of December and January. Month, season, depth, and SST significantly affected group composition. Common dolphins were observed in association with four cetacean and eight avian species, most frequently with the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator) and the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei). The distribution of dolphin-only groups differed significantly from that of dolphin-whale groups, with mono-specific groups found on average in waters that were 3.6 m shallower and 3.1°C warmer. The year-round occurrence and social organisation of common dolphins in Hauraki Gulf waters suggest this region is important both as a calving and nursery ground. Hasselberg, B.A.*, and J.A. Thomas. 2008. Using an infrared temperature sensor to study microhabitat selection in captive California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Aquatic Mammals 34(2):212-228. *Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, 3561 60th Street, Moline, IL 61265, USA; email: bhasselb(a)uiuc.edu and jeanettethomaswiu(a)gmail.com We used the Professional Equipment T7350 Series Infrared Thermometer to measure the temperature of haulout areas and pool water available to three adult California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) at the Peoria Zoo. The handheld, battery-operated sensor was pointed at a surface, a red laser light indicated the location of the reading, and the temperature was read on the digital display. To test its reliability over distance, repeated measurements were taken on each sea lion held at station by a trainer in an indoor enclosure at 1 and 3 m away. Ambient air temperature and the temperature of eight haulout areas, as well as the water temperature in the three pools, were taken at 15-min intervals during zoo operating hours each week over a 10-mo period; weather conditions ranged from cold winter (−2.8° C [27.0° F]) to hot summer (37.8° C [100.0° F]) days. At the same intervals, each of the sea lion's skin temperatures (at the dorsal torso, fore-flipper, and hind-flipper) were measured and their location in the exhibit was noted. In addition, each sea lion's behavior was scored into one of eight classes when the measurements were taken. The sensor could not measure the body temperature of a submerged sea lion, only the water temperature. However, the infrared thermometer accurately measured the sea lion's skin temperature while on land, exposed skin when the animal was partially submerged, and the temperature of the substrate. Since the unit is inexpensive, non-invasive, portable, and takes readings at a reasonable distance, the infrared temperature sensor is a useful tool to help zookeepers monitor the temperatures of the microhabitats of the captive animals. In addition, the sensor could have applications for studies of thermoregulation or health in captive and wild pinnipeds. Some topics for further research are identified, which would help clarify the overall usefulness of this infrared sensor. Historical Perspectives Scheffer, V.B. 2008. Reflections on the human condition. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):231-254. Book Reviews Osinga, N. and P. ‘t Hart. 2008. Book Review: Whales, Dolphins and Seals: A Field Guide to the Marine Mammals of the World. Hadoram Shirihai (Author) and Brett Jarrett (Illustrator). A&C Black Publishers Ltd., London. 2006. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):255-256. *Contact info: Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Hoofdstraat 94a, 9968 AG Pieterburen, The Netherlands; email: no address provided Simmonds, M. 2008. Book Review: In Defense of Dolphins: The New Moral Frontier. Thomas I. White. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, UK. 2007. Aquatic Mammals 34(2):257-258. *Contact info: International Director of Science, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ, UK; email: mark.simmonds(a)wdcs.org _________________________________________________________________ Use video conversation to talk face-to-face with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/connect_your_way.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_W…

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Publication of A New Marine Animal Journal
by michael.belanger＠utoronto.ca 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

Hi Everyone The Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS) is pleased to announce that the first issue of their new journal- the Journal of Marine Animals & Their Ecology (JAMATE)is now available! JAMATE is an electronic journal focused on issues related to the protection, conservation, rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals and their environment. The goal of the journal is to increase interest and the exchange of ideas and knowledge in this rapidly growing area of marine animals and their ecology. The broad and diverse topics will be of interest to scientists, biologists, managers, rehabilitation specialists, veterinarians, and the public. Volume 1, Issue 1; 2008 Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology (JMATE) TABLE of CONTENTS EDITORIAL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INVITED COMMENTARY Cost of rehabilitation ? why save one seagull? Belanger MP BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS Assessment of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) habitat characteristics in estuary waters of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, South Australia. Cribb N, Miller C, Seuront L ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS TECHNICAL SECTION: A hand held PDA system for seabird data collection during cetacean surveys. Bearzi M, Saylan C CLINICAL REPORTS: Staphylococcal pyelonephritis and cystitis in a California Sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Fravel V, Evans RH SCIENTIFIC SECTION: Winter abundance estimates for the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) in the western approaches of the English Channel and the effect of responsive movement. De Boer MN, Leaper R, Keith S, Simmonds MP The nature of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanliae) song. Parsons ECM, Wright AJ, Gore M REVIEW ARTICLES: Contaminants in Sirenians and recommendations for future research and conservation strategies. Belanger MP, Wittnich C JAMATE can be downloaded, free of charge, at: www.oers.ca/journal/journal.html The Editors are now inviting submissions for the next issue (Dec/08) with the deadline being October 1st, 2008. Instructions for Authors can be found at: www.oers.ca/journal/journal.html OERS wishes to express its thanks to everyone who made this first issue possible and hopes that JAMATE becomes a journal that will allow anyone with an interest in marine animals to publish their data, ideas or express their opinions. Mike Belanger Director Oceanographic Environmental Research Society

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new paper on accidental entanglement of Mediterranean monk seals
by a.karamanlidis＠mom 28 Jul '08

28 Jul '08

Dear colleagues, A new paper on the effects of accidental entanglement of Mediterranean monk seals was recently published online in Endangered Species Research. ABSTRACT: The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is the most endangered seal in the world with <600 ind. currently surviving. The species faces a number of threats to its survival: accidental entanglement has been identified as one of the most important amongst them. Here we made the first attempt to systematically describe the nature of this threat and assess its impact on Mediterranean monk seal populations. We based our study on information from an extensive literature review, questionnaires carried out in various locations in Greece and necropsies performed in Greece and in the Madeira Islands, Portugal. Our results indicate that accidental entanglement has been, and still is, a major threat to the species in its main distribution area in the northeastern Mediterranean, and that this threat may increase throughout the seal's range. Accidental entanglement occurs mainly with fishing nets, and affects mostly sub-adult seals. Short-term conservation actions should include the identification of critical pupping sites and their protection through the establishment and enforcement of fishing regulations. A long-term course of action will require detailed knowledge of the causes of accidental entanglement of Mediterranean monk seals in fishing gear. KEY WORDS: Endangered species · Mediterranean monk seal · Accidental entanglement · Conservation · Seal-fishery interactions · Greece · Madeira You can send PDF requests to: a.karamanlidis(a)mom.gr Thanks, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, PhD MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal Solomou Str. 18 10682 Athens GREECE -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 2701 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len

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[ECS-TALK] & MARMAM Summary of Cetacean news week 30 (July 21 - 27, 2008)
by Catharina Clausen 27 Jul '08

27 Jul '08

Dear ECS and MARMAM - Lists subscribers, please find a few Summer Cetacean news of week 30 in the following: (July 21, 2008) Rise and rise of the killer whale? - http:// news.scotsman.com/scotland/Rise-and-rise-of-the.4306836.jp (July 22, 2008) Life jacket saves baby dolphin in Japan - http:// www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUST31030120080722 (July 20, 2008) Tougher laws introduced for white whale protection - http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24045302-3102,00.html (July 23, 2008) Beijing unveils environment fresco - http:// www.cctv.com/program/cultureexpress/20080723/101444.shtml (July 21, 2008) Blue whales return to local waters - http:// www.pvnews.com/articles/2008/07/21/local_news/news1.txt (July 21, 2008) Make Dolphins Part of Your Family Vacation - Tips to Make Your Family’s Encounter Memorable, Enjoyable and Safe - http:// www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-736- The_Alliance_Offers_Tips_to_Choose_Dolphin_Interactive_Programs&mybc=blo g (July 23, 2008) Killer whales suspected in deaths of 3 humpbacks; other causes could be boat strikes or starvation. - http:// www.adn.com/front/story/472527.html (July 24, 2008) There Will Be Blubber - a drama of whale oil and petroleum at museum - http://www.easthamptonstar.com/dnn/Home/News/ Blubber/tabid/6135/Default.aspx (July 25, 2008) On identifying a dolphin skull - http:// scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/07/ identifying_dolphin_skull.php? utm_source=sbhomepage&utm_medium=link&utm_content=channellink (July 25, 2008) The noise made by whales - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/07/26/borot126.xml (July 27, 2008) Swimming with dolphins may not have any health benefit - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2463404/Swimming- with-dolphins-may-not-have-any-health-benefit.html All best, Catharina Clausen ************************************************************************ ** baiji.org foundation Kanzleistrasse 127 CH-8004 Zurich Switzerland tel. (+41) 43 317 10 00 fax (+41) 43 317 10 09 mobil (+41) 79 281 18 65 catharina(a)baiji.org ************************************************************************ **

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MMO Course October and PAM course October
by Yvonne Miles 26 Jul '08

26 Jul '08

Hi All *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 the early registration on the October courses **HAS**closed * *After the 27**th **August course costs will be £500 2008* *Late registration after 27**th **September will cost £550 * *Registration will close two weeks before course starts. * NOTE – There will be *ONLY ONE MMO COURSE IN OCTOBER 27TH- 29TH * * ** Due to high request we will be running a Passive Acoustic Monitoring course for MMOs on 30 - **31st October 2008** * *This course is booking up quickly so don't leave it late* Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses At the end of July there will be 2009 dates for training up on the website *Note – There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment.* If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue is due out in July 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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incorrect address
by PeterStevick＠aol.com 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

For reasons that are obscure to me, my e-mail address was provided in a recent posting in relation to a paper with which I am not involved (Smith, J. N., Goldizen, A. W., Dunlop, R. A. & Noad, M. J. 2008. Songs of male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are involved in intersexual interactions. Animal Behaviour, 76, 467-477). The correct address from which to request a reprint of that paper is _j.smith(a)sib.uq.edu.au_ (mailto:j.smith@sib.uq.edu.au) **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

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Infrared Cameras for Marine Mammal Monitoring Applications
by James Martin 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

Dear All, I am looking for information concerning infrared cameras used to monitor for the presence of marine mammals surrounding marine construction sites. Any information concerning camera specifications would be greatly appreciated I would like to mount several cameras capabable of video and still imaging on multiple vessels. Ideally the cameras could be routed to a series of monitors. I would like to obtain a range of approximately 500 meters. JFM

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new paper on song function in humpback whales
by Josh Smith 24 Jul '08

24 Jul '08

Dear colleagues, The following paper has recently been published: Smith, J. N., Goldizen, A. W., Dunlop, R. A. & Noad, M. J. 2008. Songs of male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are involved in intersexual interactions. Animal Behaviour, 76, 467-477 ABSTRACT: Male humpback whales produce complex songs during the breeding season, yet the singing behaviour of males and whether songs function in male contests and/or through female choice are still poorly understood. We investigated song function by obtaining simultaneous observations of the positions and movements of singing and nonsinging whales in real time during their migration off the east coast of Australia. We collected movement data by acoustic tracking using a hydrophone array, land-based visual tracking and observations from a small boat. Of the 114 singers analysed, 66 (58%) associated with conspecifics. Singers were significantly more likely to join groups containing a motherecalf pair than other groups. Males started to sing after joining groups only if they consisted of a motherecalf pair not escorted by another male. Singers also associated longer and sang for a significantly greater proportion of time with motherecalf pairs than any other group type. Associating with motherecalf pairs has been shown to be a reproductively successful strategy for males. In contrast, whales that joined singers were usually lone males; these associations were brief and singers typically stopped singing in the presence of other males. This is the highest reported incidence in humpback whales of males singing when escorting females and supports an intersexual function of song in humpback whales. We suggest that males joining singers are prospecting for females rather than engaging in male social ordering and that singing may incur the cost of attracting competing males. Pdf files of the paper are available from the Animal Behaviour website for those subscribed or from j.smith(a)sib.uq.edu.au <mailto:peterstevick@aol.com> Cheers, Josh Smith -- _______________________________________________________ Joshua Smith School of Integrative Biology University of Queensland St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia Phone: (office) +61 7 3365 4825 Fax +61 7 3365 1655 Email <j.smith(a)sib.uq.edu.au> Webpage: http://www.uq.edu.au/berg/josh Behavioural Ecology Research Group: Website: http://www.uq.edu.au/berg/

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