July 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

graduate course in Antarctic studies
by Shannon Leone Fowler 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

----------------------------------- Gateway Antarctica (The Antarctic Studies & Research Centre) at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, is now accepting applications for our Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies (GCAS) - the 14 week course that includes field studies in Antarctica. The field component is made possible with support from Antarctica New Zealand. Graduates from all disciplines/background are eligible to apply. Full details may be found at www.anta.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/gcas. The deadline for applications is 1 August 2008 and the course begins on Monday 17 November. For more information contact Michelle Rogan-Finnemore (GCAS 2008/09 Co-ordinator), details below. Please distribute this announcement widely to anyone that you think might be interested in the course. -------------------------- Michelle Rogan-Finnemore Centre Manager Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research University of Canterbury Private Bag 4800 Christchurch, New Zealand Phone 64 3 364 2273 Fax 64 3 364 2197 michelle.finnemore(a)canterbury.ac.nz www.anta.canterbury.ac.nz

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Collisions between sailing vessels and cetaceans
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

Dear MarmMamers! The German NGO M.E.E.R. is currently investigating the impact of sailing vessel and regattas on cetaceans. For this purpose, we are collecting reports of collisions and near miss events between sailing vessels and whales as well as dolphins. In cooperation with Noonsite.com, the global website for cuising sailors, we elaborated a questionnaire which is online from now until the end of this year (see also the press release given at the bottom of this email). With this, we would like to invite you to provide information, if you have knowledge of a collision or near miss event between a sailing vessel and a cetacean - or if you know someone who has such information. We would be grateful if you or the according person could answer some questions given in the online query and/or use a questionnaire, which is available for download. Please follow this link to get involved: http://www.m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=441&L=2 or go directly to the online survey at: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2bo3bbwfi64xbbh/start In general it has to be said that collisions of ships with cetaceans are globally a growing problem. Several whale population are under massive threat due to a high collision risk in some areas (e.g. right whales off the east coast of the US, the Mediterranean Sea finback whales or the sperm whales in the Canary Islands). Still, after several years of investigation, information is still scarce. This is especially true for collision between sailing vessels and marine life. Therefore, your support will be highly appreciated. We also welcome advise on where to publish such information so as to spread the word as widely as possible. Thank you very much for your contribution! Best, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin Germany T/F: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-Mail: ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _____________________________________________ The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *PRESS RELEASE *04 July 2008 *For Immediate Release *Contact: *Peta Stuart-Hunt* T: +44 (0)1590 679 621 M: +44 (0)7711 477 707 E: peta(a)prworksuk.com <mailto:peta@prworksuk.com> **Whale Collision Survey launched by noonsite.com** *noonsite.com - the global website for cruising sailors* - has joined forces with marine environmental group *MEER* (www.m-e-e-r.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> ) to launch a worldwide survey of collisions and near misses between cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and sailing yachts. Collisions between ships and cetaceans are increasing around the world and several whale populations are under massive threat owing to a high collision risk in some areas such as the US East Coast, the Mediterranean and around the Canary Islands. However, information on collisions involving sailing vessels is scarce. Marine biologist Fabian Ritter, working for the non-profit organisation MEER is investigating reports of collisions and near miss events between sailing vessels and cetaceans. As part of this research noonsite.com and MEER are inviting all sailors around the world to provide information on any whale/dolphin collisions or near misses during their sailing careers. All reports can be logged on www.noonsite.com <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> with the objective of gathering statistical information on actual collisions and near misses, to help understand the reasons for the collisions and to help reduce the risk both for sailors and for cetaceans. noonsite.com manager, Sue Richards, commented: "/Whales and dolphins are held in special affection by all sailors around the world. We know from the feedback from our site visitors - all of whom are cruising sailors - that concern for the marine environment is a high priority for them. We welcome this opportunity to help focus research through the global sailing community, for the benefit of both sailors and the marine mammals, and I urge all sailors to look back though their logs and help build up some significant research data/." The MEER research project will run on noonsite.com until the end of 2008. To log a report, visit www.noonsite.com <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> *- ends -* *Notes to Editors:* *KEY** INFORMATION* ** *noonsite**.com - the global website for cruising sailors *www.noonsite.com <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> * *The website for cruisers*: noonsite.com aims to provide a one-stop website featuring essential information on all matters of interest to sailors planning an offshore voyage anywhere in the world, whether already underway or still in the preparatory stages. * *Countries* : All cruising destinations are covered (currently 193 countries and almost 1800 ports) with information on clearance formalities, visa requirements, fees, weather, special events and other facts needed by visiting sailors. Also featured are details of repair facilities as well as marine and shore services for every major port visited by cruising boats. * *General Cruising Information*: These pages provide a library of cruising and routing information based on the experience of hundreds of cruising sailors around the world. * *Free to use: *All information on the noonsite.com is freeto view. * *Sponsors*: A range of sponsorships are available on noonsite.com to suit the needs of both large and small organisations, whose support is essential in maintaining noonsite.com as a free service. * *Cruising Community*: noonsite.com welcomes news and updates from the worldwide community of cruising sailors. * Noonsite.com is managed by the global cruising rally specialists World Cruising Club - www.worldcruising.com <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> *About MEER* www.m-e-e-r.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> M.E.E.R. e.V. is a non-profit association based in Berlin, Germany which runs the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera, Canary Islands. The Association's objectives are the promotion of environmental protection through scientific research and public education, particularly concerning cetaceans and their natural habitats and the study of peaceful encounters between man, whales and dolphins. *Media Images *A selection of images are available free for editorial use. Visit http://www.worldcruising.com/news/media_download_ns.htm <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m0BXv7GMb1kEUAHP_-vep6pRdxf6xbkdC8ElHCmI5HEfL547…> *Contact Information:* *Media Enquiries:* Peta Stuart-Hunt T: +44 (0)1590 679 621 M: +44 (0)7711 477 707 E. peta(a)prworksuk.com <mailto:peta@prworksuk.com> Fabian Ritter President, M.E.E.R. e.V E ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de <mailto:ritter@m-e-e-r.de> # # #

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new paper on cetacean strandings and bycatch
by ruth leeney 08 Jul '08

08 Jul '08

This paper is soon to be published in Biodiversity and Conservation - Leeney RH, Amies R, Broderick AC, Witt MJ, Loveridge J, Doyle J, Bodley BJ (2008) Spatio-temporal analysis of cetacean strandings and bycatch in a UK fisheries hotspot. Abstract Marine vertebrate strandings data can provide insights into the long-term dynamics of cetacean populations, and the threats they face. We investigate whether the spatio-temporal patterns of cetacean strandings around Cornwall, SW Britain, have changed in the past century. Analysis of strandings from 1911 to 2006 (n = 2,257) show that, since the mid-1970s, the relative frequency of strandings of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and pilot whales (Globicephala melas) has increased significantly. Seasonal peaks in strandings frequencies are apparent, between December and March for harbour porpoises and common dolphins, and between November and January for pilot whales. There were signifcant positive trends in the number of common dolphin and harbour porpoise strandings, as a proportion of total strandings, over time. Strandings of common dolphins, porpoises and all other species occur more frequently on the south coast of Cornwall. A total of 415 cetaceans were subject to full veterinary necropsy to determine cause of death, between 1990 and 2006, and 253 (61%) of these individuals were determined to have died due to bycatch in fishing gear. Analyses of industrialised fishing pressure in UK waters show the seas around Cornwall to be one of the most heavily fished areas of the UK. We suggest a number of factors that could be responsible for the recent increases in cetacean strandings in southwest UK waters in recent years, including survey effort, as well as abundance and range shifts that are potentially linked with climate change. Although detectable levels of bycatch rate have not increased over time, fisheries interactions are in significant part responsible for mortality patterns and are worthy of more detailed investigation. Pdfs are available from Ruth Leeney (rleeney(a)coastalstudies.org) Ruth H. Leeney Namibian Dolphin Project Walvis Bay, Namibia T: (+264)-81-386-3886 E: rleeney(a)coastalstudies.org W: www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com W: www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com Skype: ruth.leeney __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at Yahoo! http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/ymail/new.html

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Re: [MARMAM] Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium July 2009
by Dr. Charles Anderson 08 Jul '08

08 Jul '08

Dear All, My apologies. The Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium website is: www.mrc.gov.mv/iocs09.html Regards, Charles Anderson Maldives ----- Original Message ----- From: Wil Burns To: 'Dr. Charles Anderson' ; marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Cc: 'Shahaama' Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 6:42 PM Subject: RE: [MARMAM] Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium July 2009 Dear Charles, The link to the website for the conference doesn't work. Cheers, wil Dr. Wil Burns, Editor in Chief Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 1702 Arlington Blvd. El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA Ph: 650.281.9126 Fax: 510.779.5361 jiwlp(a)internationalwildlifelaw.org http://www.jiwlp.com From: marmam-bounces(a)lists.uvic.ca [mailto:marmam-bounces@lists.uvic.ca] On Behalf Of Dr. Charles Anderson Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 2:43 AM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Cc: Shahaama Subject: [MARMAM] Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium July 2009 Dear Colleagues, This is the second announcement of the Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium, to be held in the Maldives in July 2009. Dates and venue have now been finalized: Dates: 18-20 July 2009 Venue: Sun Island Resort and Spa, Ari Atoll, Maldives www.sun-island.com Symposium website: www.mrc.gov.mrc/iocs09.html To register or receive further information (including details of special conference rate at Sun Island) contact Ms. Shahaama Sattar: sasattar(a)mrc.gov.mv For more information about the Maldives: www.visitmaldives.com The past decade has seen a rapid expansion of the cetacean research in the Indian Ocean. This symposium will provide an opportunity for active cetacean researchers from across the region to gather, to present findings, and to plan collaborative research activities. It will also bring together representatives of international organisations concerned with cetacean research and conservation. A major output of the symposium will be a peer-reviewed proceedings volume. 2009 happens to be the 30th anniversary year of the declaration of the IWC's Indian Ocean Sanctuary. One of the objectives of the IOS is to promote benign research on cetaceans, and this meeting will provide a timely opportunity to review such activities. I hope to meet some of you here in the beautiful Maldives this time next year, Charles Anderson Male' Republic of Maldives

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autonomous ambient noise recordings
by Frank Thomsen (Cefas) 08 Jul '08

08 Jul '08

Dear colleagues I am currently surveying information on devices to monitor ambient noise in near shore areas for extended periods of time. The devices should be self-contained data loggers and should be able to record underwater sound with a reasonable bandwidth (at least up to 22 kHz; better higher than that). They should be reasonably handy to be deployed near an existing buoy or on the seafloor (provided there is a kind of a pop up mechanism). A predefined sampling regime for the recordings should be incorporated. Please respond directly to me; I will collect the replies and post them as a summary for anyone else interested. Best Frank ________________________________ Frank Thomsen Marine Scientific Advisor, Cefas Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK Tel: +44 (0)1502 52 4284 www.cefas.co.uk *********************************************************************************** This email and any attachments are intended for the named recipient only. Its unauthorised use, distribution, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted. If you have received it in error, please destroy all copies and notify the sender. In messages of a non-business nature, the views and opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation from which it is sent. All emails may be subject to monitoring. ***********************************************************************************

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Marine mammal environmental services survey
by Nicolas Schmitt 08 Jul '08

08 Jul '08

Hello, My name is Nicolas Schmitt and I'm doing a thesis research for a master degree in business administration in Spain. I'm interested in environmental services business and I'm doing a prospection of the market as part of the subject of my research. I'm wondering if some of you can help me. If you have used marine mammal related environmental services or you provide this kind of services (environmental impact assessment or mitigation, population assessments, marine mammal observations, etc.) I will really appreciate if you can help me answering the following online surveys at SurveyMonkey. You can go directly to the surveys by using the links below: MMES Users<http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=VS_2bT1FyQ8IjlHlWPlSro_2fw_3d_3d> or http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=VS_2bT1FyQ8IjlHlWPlSro_2fw_3d_3d MMES Providers<http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Gt2gyQM20pt02_2bs9YvLkeg_3d_3d> or http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Gt2gyQM20pt02_2bs9YvLkeg_3d_3d Thank you in advance for your kind help. Best regards from Murcia in Spain. Nicolas Schmitt MBA Student Murcia, Spain

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spinner and bottlenose dolphin research in mauritius
by CDSWhale 08 Jul '08

08 Jul '08

Hi Marmammers The together with the Mauritian marine Conservation Society, Centre for Dolphin Studies has embarked on a study of the dolphin watching industry in Mauritius and the dolphins exploited in this industry. To give a little background: The dolphin watching industry has grown unregulated and uncontrolled over the last 5 or 6 years. (a whale watching industry is nascent and may take off at any moment). On a typical day, groups of spinner dolphins, sometimes up to 100 animals, but typically 50 dolphins, will be visited by an average of 50 boats (sometimes up to 100) over a 4 hour period, early to mid- morning. With a non-ending stream of snorkellers jumping in the water to be near them. On occasion, perhaps 20% of the time, small groups (2 to 5) of bottlenose dolphins are subjected to the same fate. Contrary to what might be expected, I think the bottlenose are the major conservation issue. What I expect to find, based purely on intuition and not science, is a very small population of Tursiops, probably around 100 to 150 animals. I say this because the Island coastline is only 170km long and the barrier reef on average 750 m wide. So this gives an area of habitat of about 120square km and from experience coastal bottlenose occur at a maximum of about 1 per square km. In contrast, I expect that the spinners visiting the coast daily are part of a larger population, probably around 3000 to 5000 strong - perhaps 1 or 2 thousand less. But, that is all conjecture, we need to establish the sustainability of the industry and the conservation status of the dolphins scientifically. We have three students working on this: 1. Examining the socio-economic aspects, what the industry is worth, how many people, from where etc etc. 2. Behavioural aspects, what the dolphins are doing in the area, what they do before the boats arrive, during and after. 3. Determining numbers and identity of both species. The trouble is we have a limited budget and we, like most science, need to augment this in some way. Hence, we are looking for paying volunteers to come to Mauritius and help us with this work. Other than the research (undertaken by three PhD students) outlined above, the programme also encompasses: Working with schools to promote environmental awareness. Lobbying Government, the dolphin watching industry and private business, in an effort to gain support for sustainable marine eco-tourism. So, not only is there opportunity to help the three PhD students with their research, but there will be ample opportunity to work with the MMCS in their educational and awareness campaign. We would like to host a maximum of two volunteers at any one time to help. Help would mostly be collecting data at sea, on our new boat, or somehow helping the collection of research data. Volunteers will be accommodated with two of the students in a small furnished house in Black River (GPS 20o 21.77'S, 57o 21.48'E). Volunteers will share a room and food will be provided, the same food eaten by the students. Anything outside of this will be for the volunteer's own account. Volunteers will be expected to contribute to housework, cleaning etc. The house is well appointed, two toilets, one bathroom with shower. It is about 750 m from a shopping centre that has a well stocked supermarket. The beach is about 100 m away. Openings for volunteers are available immediately. Charges will be around 350 Euros per week, including airport pick up and return, with a minimum of 4 weeks (and a maximum of 8 weeks, because of Government stipulation). For more info on volunteering, contact: Jacqueline Sauzier (MMCS Chair) zakinsau(a)intnet.mu Imogen Webster (PhD candidate) iwebster(a)mmcs-ngo.org or www.mmcs-ngo.org or, of course, me! Vic Cockcroft info(a)dolphinstudies.co.za www.dolphinstudies.org

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Agony and death of a newborn bottlenose dolphin
by Giovanni Bearzi 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Dear MARMAM members on the 3rd of July, 2008, we observed and filmed the agony and death of a newborn bottlenose dolphin in the semi-closed waters of the Amvrakikos Gulf, western Greece. The observation lasted about 70 min. We posted a short preliminary report, a 7-min video and a selection of 33 photos at: http://www.istitutotethys.org/_video/DeadCalves/ We are working on a manuscript that also reports a similar observation done one year ago in the same area (3-4 July 2007, see link above). We would be grateful to list members who have observed such behaviours and want to share information and thoughts regarding 1) calf pathologies and possible causes of death, as suggested by the available photo and video documentation, and 2) evidence of mourning among cetaceans and other animals. We are largely aware of the existing literature on epimeletic and care-giving behaviour among dolphins (many thanks to MARMAM members who responded to a previous post). However, we found little about larger cetaceans. Has care-giving behaviour been observed (and published) among Mysticetes? Please write to Joan Gonzalvo <joan.gonzalvo(a)gmail.com>. _______________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.cetaceanalliance.org/ _______________________________________

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solitary, social cetaceans - new Lone Rangers Cetacean Network
by Liz Sandeman 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

Lone Rangers Cetacean Network (LRCN) The Marine Connection is hosting a new networking online forum/e-group with regards to solitary, social cetaceans – the Lone Rangers Cetacean Network. Membership is open to those having both a non-professional and professional interest in the subject including NGOs, scientists and researchers. The aim of the group is to share details of solitary, social cetaceans worldwide, highlighting and discussing issues surrounding the welfare of these animals and to report recent sightings of known or new individuals. Please subscribe at LRCN-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you. Liz Sandeman Director of Operations Marine Connection www.marineconnection.org Reg.UK charity no. 1062222 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.4.5/1537 - Release Date: 06/07/2008 05:26

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New publications week 22
by Jan Herrmann 06 Jul '08

06 Jul '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 22/ 2008, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.php Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Azevedo, A.F. et al. (2008): Human-induced injuries to marine tucuxis (Sotalia guianensis) (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Brazil. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (6191): 1-5. Gazo, M., J. Gonzalvo, and A. Aguilar (2008): Pingers as deterrents of bottlenose dolphins interacting with trammel nets. Fisheries Research 92(1): 70-75. de Moura, J.F. et al. (2008): Several organochlorine pesticides in the milk of a marine tucuxi dolphin incidentally captured with its calf in Barra de São João, east coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (6201): 1-3. de Queiroz, R.E.M. and R.G. Ferreira (2008): Sampling interval for measurements of estuarine dolphins' (Sotalia guianensis) behaviour. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (6210): 1-5. Rossi, M. (2008): Modeling the unknown: how to make a perfect whale. Endeavour 32(2): 58-63. Venn-Watson, S., C.R. Smith, and E.D. Jensen (2008): Primary bacterial pathogens in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus: needles in haystacks of commensal and environmental microbes. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 79(2): 87-93. Yousuf, K.S.S.M. et al. (2008): Observations on incidental catch of cetaceans in three landing centres along the Indian coast. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (6254): 1-6. PINNIPEDIA Härkönen, T. et al. (2008): Seasonal activity budget of adult baltic ringed seals. PLoS ONE 3(4): e2006. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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