January 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Second edition of Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals
by William Perrin 28 Jan '09

28 Jan '09

The second edition of the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, edited by W. F. Perrin, B. Wuersig and J. G. M. Thewissen, has been published (2009). All articles have been updated. New articles have been added to cover new developments in marine mammal science, such as those related to climate change and the interface of ecology and conservation, as well as some established topics not fully explored in the first edition (2002). Significant changes since the first edition appeared extend to the roster of marine mammsl, with the discovery of new species (e.g., Omura's whale) and the extinction of another (the baiji). These and other changes are fully covered. Most illustrations are now in color. The new edition is available on the internet and directly from the publisher (Elsevier). -- William F. Perrin, Ph.D. Senior Scientist for Marine Mammals NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel. (858) 546-7096 Fax (858) 546-7003

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Volunteers required for killer whale and fin whale research in Spain
by Pauline Gauffier 28 Jan '09

28 Jan '09

The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe-asso.org) is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on killer whale energetic budget and fin whale collision risk assessment in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will take place from 15 March to 31 May 2009 for the killer whale project and from 1 June to 31 July for the fin whale project, using a similar protocol. Killer whale project: 15 March-31 May The killer whale population of the Strait of Gibraltar has a diet mainly based on Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This population is believed to be in danger due to the rapid decrease of their prey under human fishing. They usually feed on tuna using an “endurance-exhaustion” technique. This behaviour can be easily observed from 2 land based stations on top of the cliffs of La Breña national park, Andalucia, South of Spain. We wish to collect behavioural and positional data (using binos and theodolite) from these land stations as well as blow rates to assess the energetic budget of this foraging technique. Fin whale project: 1 June-31 July The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 2 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we would like to assess for this population the risk of collision with tankers or ferries, or even smaller vessels such as whale watching boats. We will use theodolite tracking from 2 land stations to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements. Volunteers should be available at least for one week study (see http://www.circe-asso.org/english/index.html?voluntariado_en.htm&1) but long period availability will be preferred. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once there, we will provide accommodation and transport to the land stations. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low. Successful applicants will:- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research- be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - have (at least!) notions of English and/or Spanish (French?) Preference will be given to those who:- can commit for a long period - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to voluntariado(a)circe-asso.org . The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV. Applications will be accepted until 1 March for the killer whale project and 15 May for the fin whale project although early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. For more information, see http://www.circe-asso.org/english/index.html?voluntariado_en.htm&1 (also available in Spanish and French) or contact voluntariado(a)circe-asso.org Best wishes Pauline GauffierRuth Esteban CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on CEtaceans)Cabeza de Manzaneda, 311390 Pelayo-Algeciras (CADIZ)SPAINhttp://www.circe-asso.org _________________________________________________________________ Découvrez toutes les possibilités de communication avec vos proches http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/default.aspx

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New Articles
by David S. Janiger 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

Hi, All Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(a)bcf.usc.edu Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(a)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(a)nhm.org Janiger Journals ACUTIS, PIER LUIGI; SIMONE PELETTO; ELENA GREGO; SILVIA COLUSSI; MARIA VITTORIA RIINA; SERGIO ROSATI; WALTER MIGNONE and MARIA CARAMELLI. GENOME 51(12):1062. 2008. Comment Comment on "Comparative genomic analysis of the whale (Pseudorca crassidens) PRNP locus''. 0.039 MB ALTER, S. ELIZABETH; SERGIO FLORES RAMIREZ; SERGIO NIGENDA; JORGE URBAN RAMIREZ; LORENZO ROJAS BRACHO and STEPHEN R. PALUMBI. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 100(1):34-46. 2009 Mitochondrial and nuclear genetic variation across calving lagoons in eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). 0.200 MB ANONMYOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 56(11):1818. 2008. Whales heard off New York City. 0.031 MB BAUMGARTNER, MARK F. and DAVID M. FRATANTONI. LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY 53(5 pt 2):2197-2209. 2008. Diel periodicity in both sei whale vocalization rates and the vertical migration of their copepod prey observed from ocean gliders. 6.864 MB BENOIT-BIRD, KELLY anD WHITLOW W. L. AU. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 125(1):539-546. 2009. Phonation behavior of cooperatively foraging spinner dolphins. 0.369 MB BERCAW EDWARDS, MARY K. AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW 113(5):1518-1519. 2008. Book review Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America. Eric Jay Dolin. W. W. Norton: New York. 479pp. 2007. 0.049 MB BILGMANN, K.; L. M. MOELLER; R. G. HARCOURT; R. GALES and L. B. BEHEREGARAY. ANIMAL CONSERVATION 11(6):518-528. 2008. Common dolphins subject to fisheries impacts in southern Australia are genetically differentiated: implications for conservation. 0.323 MB BOURRET, VINCENT; MATTHIAS MACE; MAXIME BONHOMME and BRIGITTE CROUAU-ROY. THE OPEN MARINE BIOLOGY JOURNAL 2:38-42. 2008. Microsatellites in cetaceans: An overview. 0.608 MB BRADFORD, AMANDA L.; DAVID W. WELLER; YULIA V. IVASHCHENKO; ALEXANDER M. BURDIN and ROBERT L. BROWNELL, JR. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 25(1):161-175. 2009. Anthropogenic scarring of western gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). 0.317 MB COTTEN, PAMELA B.; MARINA A. PISCITELLI; WILLIAM A. MCLELLAN; SENTIEL A. ROMMEL; JENNIFER L. DEAROLF and D. ANN PABST. JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY 269(12):1520-1538. 2008. The gross morphology and histochemistry of respiratory muscles in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. 0.750 MB CROVETTO, A.; R. FRANJOLA and R. SILVA. ARCHIVOS DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA (VALDIVIA) 40(3):305-308. 2008. Primer registro en Chile de Antarctophthirus microchir (Anoplura) en lobo marino comun (Otaria flavescens).(First record of Antarctophthirus microchir (Anoplura) in the southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens) in Chile) 0.244 MB DENNISON, SOPHIE; MARTIN HAULENA; D. COLETTE WILLIAMS; JOHN DAWSON; BRIAN S. YANDELL and FRANCES M. D. GULLAND. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 39(4):542-547. 2008. Determination of a sedative protocol for use in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with neurologic abnormalities undergoing electroencephalographic examination. 0.058 MB DOKSAETER, LISE; OLAV RUNE GODO; NILS OLAV HANDEGARD; PETTER H. KVADSHEIM; FRANS-PETER A. LAM; CARL DONOVAN and PATRICK J. O. MILLER. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 125(1):554-564. 2009. Behavioral responses of herring (Clupea harengus) to 1-2 and 6-7 kHz sonar signals and killer whale feeding sounds. 1.228 MB DOMELES, PAULO R.; JOSE LAILSON-BRITO; MARCOS A. S. FERNANDEZ; LARA G. VIDAL; LUPERCIO A. BARBOSA; ALEXANDRE F. AZEVEDO; ANA B. L. FRAGOSO; JOAO P. M. TORRES and OLAF MALM. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 156(3):1268-1276. 2008. Evaluation of cetacean exposure to organotin compounds in Brazilian waters through hepatic total tin concentrations. 0.351 MB DOMNING, DARYL P. and NICHOLAS D. PYENSON. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 28(3):923-927. 2008. "Snagging" teeth and premolar homologies in Paleoparadoxiidae (Mammalia: Desmostylia). 0.421 MB DUBEY, JITENDER P. JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY 55(6):467-475. 2008. The history of Toxoplasma gondii-The first 100 years. 0.110 MB DYCK, M. G.; W. SOON; R. K. BAYDACK; D. R. LEGATES; S. BALLUNAS; T. F. BALL and L. O. HANCOCK. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 5(4):289-302. 2008. Reply to response to Dyck et al. (2007) on polar bears and climate change in western Hudson Bay by Stirling et al. (2008). 1.367 MB ELORRIAGA-VERPLANCKEN, FERNANDO and DAVID AURIOLES-GAMBOA. BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH 126(1-3):148-164. 2008. Trace metal concentrations in the hair of Zalophus californianus pups and their relation to feeding habits. 0.505 MB FISH, FRANK E.; LAURENS E. HOWLE and MARK M. MURRAY. INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY 48(6):788-800. 2008. Hydrodynamic flow control in marine mammals. 0.478 MB FREITAS, CARLA; KIT M. KOVACS; ROLF A. IMS; MICHAEL A. FEDAK and CHRISTIAN LYDERSEN. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 375:247-261. 2009. Deep into the ice: Over-wintering and habitat selection in male Atlantic walruses. 1.075 MB FRID, ALEJANDRO; JENNIFER BURNS; GREGORY G. BAKER and RICHARD E. THORNE. OECOLOGIA (BERLIN) 158(4):775-786. 2009. Predicting synergistic effects of resources and predators on foraging decisions by juvenile Steller sea lions. 0.365 MB GERPE, MARCELA S.; ALBERTO PONCE DE LEON; RICARDO BASTIDA; VICTOR J. MORENO and DIEGO H. RODRIGUEZ. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 375:239-245. 2009. Sharp accumulation of heavy metals after weaning in the South American fur seal Arctocephalus australis. 0.195 MB GOETZ, SABINE; MATTHIAS WOLFF; WOLFGANG STOTZ and MARIO J. VILLEGAS. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 65(9):1739-1746. 2008. Interactions between the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) and the artisanal fishery off Coquimbo, northern Chile. 0.376 MB GONZALEZ-SUAREZ, MANUELA and LEAH R. GERBER. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 22(6):1608-1618. 2008. A behaviorally explicit demographic model integrating habitat selection and population dynamics in California sea lions. 0.633 MB GONZALEZ-SUAREZ, MANUELA and LEAH R. GERBER. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 89(6):1521-1528. 2008. Habitat preferences of California sea lions: Implications for conservation. 0.532 MB GRECH, A.; H. MARSH and R. COLES. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 18(7):1127-1139. 2008. A spatial assessment of the risk to a mobile marine mammal from bycatch. 0.288 MB HEBSHI, AARON J.; DAVID C. DUFFY and K. DAVID HYRENBACH. AQUATIC BIOLOGY 4(1):89-98. 2008. Associations between seabirds and subsurface predators around Oahu, Hawaii. 0.381 MB HEINZELMANN, LARISSA; PEDRO CESAR CHAGASTELLES; DANIEL DANILEWICZ; JOSE A. B. CHIES and JAQUELINE ANDREADES-MIRANDA. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 100(1):119-122. 2009 The karyotype of franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). 0.186 MB HERREMAN, JASON K.; GAIL M. BLUNDELL and MERAV BEN-DAVID. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 374:287-300. 2008. Evidence of bottom-up control of diet driven by top-down processes in a declining harbor seal Phoca vitulina richardsi population. 0.348 MB KAKUSCHKE, ANTJE; SIMONE GRIESEL; SONJA FONFARA; TANJA ROSENBERGER and ANDREAS PRANGE. BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH 127(1):28-36. 2009. Concentrations of selected essential and non-essential elements in blood of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups of the German North Sea. 0.296 MB KIMURA, SATOKO; TOMONARI AKAMATSU; KEXIONG WANG; DING WANG; SONGHAI LI; SHOUYUE DONG and NOBUAKI ARAI. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 125(1):547-553. 2009. Comparison of stationary acoustic monitoring and visual observation of finless porpoises. 0.341 MB KOYAMA, SATOSHI; SHOKO FUJITA; TADAO HIROTA; TOSHIYUKI SATOH; YOSHIAKI OBARA; HIROSHI HOSHINO; AKIHIKO WADA; VLADIMIR N. BURKANOV and KAZUO WADA. ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES 47(6):781-787. 2008. Genetic structure of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) rookeries in the Sea of Okhotsk. 0.390 MB LAW, ROBIN J.; PHILIPPE BERSUDER; JON BARRY; BRYONY H. WILFORD; COLIN R. ALLCHIN and PAUL D. JEPSON. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 42(24):9104-9109. 2008. A significant downturn in levels of hexabromocyclododecane in the blubber of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded or bycaught in the UK: An update to 2006. 0.667 MB LORION, JULIEN; SEBASTIEN DUPERRON; OLIVIER GROS; CORINNE CRUAUD and SARAH SAMADI. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 275(1654):177-185. 2009. Several deep-sea mussels and their associated symbionts are able to live both on wood and on whale falls. 0.597 MB LOSETO, L. L.; G. A. STERN; D. DEIBEL; T. L. CONNELLY; A. PROKOPOWICZ; D. R. S. LEAN; L. FORTIER and S. H. FERGUSON. JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS 74(3-4):1012-1024. 2008. Linking mercury exposure to habitat and feeding behaviour in Beaufort Sea beluga whales. 0.686 MB MARCOUX, MARIANNE. ARCTIC 61(4):456-460. 2008. Social behaviour, vocalization and conservation of narwhals. 2.398 MB MCBRIDE, MICHAEL P.; MICHELE A. SIMS; ROBERT W. COOPER; AKINYI NYAOKE; CHERYL CULLION; MATTI KIUPEL; SALVATORE FRASCA JR.; NAOMI FORRESTER; SCOTT C. WEAVER and E. SCOTT WEBER. JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE 39(4):631-637. 2008. Eastern equine encephalitis in a captive harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). 0.340 MB MIYAZAKI, MASAYUKI; YUICHI NOGI; YOSHIHIRO FUJIWARA; MASARU KAWATO; TAKAHIKO NAGAHAMA; KAORU KUBOKAWA and KOKI HORIKOSHI. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY 58(12):2815-2820. 2008. Amphritea japonica sp. nov. and Amphritea balenae sp. nov., isolated from the sediment adjacent to sperm whale carcasses off Kagoshima, Japan. 0.121 MB NEWSOME, SETH D.; MICHAEL A. ETNIER; DANIEL H. MONSON and MARILYN L. FOGEL. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 374:229-242. 2008. Retrospective characterization of ontogenetic shifts in killer whale diets via d13C and d15N analysis of teeth. 0.433 MB POLITIKOS, D. V. and D. E. TZANETIS. MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTER MODELLING 49(3-4):505-515. 2009. Population dynamics of the Mediterranean monk seal in the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Greece. 1.048 MB REHTANZ, MANUELA; GREGORY D. BOSSART; BETHANY DOESCHER; ANNABEL RECTOR; MARC VAN RANST; PATRICIA A. FAIR; FRED B. JENSON and SHIN-JE GHIM. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY 133(1-2):43-53. 2009. Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) papillomaviruses: Vaccine antigen candidates and screening test development. 0.848 MB ROBINSON, S.; R. GALES; A. TERAUDS and M. GREENWOOD. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 18(7):1189-1199. 2008. Movements of fur seals following relocation from fish farms. 0.314 MB ROBINSON, S.; A. TERAUDS; R. GALES and M. GREENWOOD. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 18(7):1180-1188. 2008. Mitigating fur seal interactions: Relocation from Tasmanian aquaculture farms. 0.180 MB ROUTTI, HELI; ROBERT J. LETCHER; AUGUSTINE ARUKWE; BERT VAN BAVEL; NIGEL G. YOCCOZ; SHAOGANG CHU and GEIR W. GABRIELSEN. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 42(23):8952-8958. 2008. Biotransformation of PCBs in relation to phase I and II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme activities in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Svalbard and the Baltic Sea. 0.535 MB ROWE, LUCY E. and STEPHEN M. DAWSON. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 56(4):239-248. 2008. Laser photogrammetry to determine dorsal fin size in a population of bottlenose dolphins from Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. 0.327 MB SCHULTZ, JENNIFER; JASON D. BAKER; ROBERT J. TOONEN and BRIAN W. BOWEN. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 100(1):25-33. 2009 Extremely low genetic diversity in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). 0.187 MB SHARP, JULIE A.; CHRISTOPHE LEFEVRE and KEVIN R. NICHOLAS. BMC BIOLOGY 6(48): 15pgs. 2008. Lack of functional alpha-lactalbumin prevents involution in Cape fur seals and identifies the protein as an apoptotic milk factor in mammary gland involution. 1.096 MB SHAW, SUSAN D.; DIANE BRENNER; MICHELLE L. BERGER; FU FANG; CHIA-SWEE HONG; RUDOLF ADDINK and DAVID HILKER. CHEMOSPHERE 73(11):580-586. 2008. Bioaccumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in harbor seals from the northwest Atlantic. 0.386 MB TAKAESU, AZUSA; KIYOTAKA WATANABE; SHINJI TAKAI; YUKAKO SASAKI and KOICHI ORINO. ACTA VETERINARIA SCANDINAVICA 50(1). Article 42. 10pp. 2008. Sequence analysis of dolphin ferritin H and L subunits and possible iron-dependent translational control of dolphin ferritin gene. 0.283 MB TERASAWA, FUMIO; TOSHIRO ARAI; TOHRU TOKURA and ISAO OHSHITA. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE 70(11):1277-1279. 2008. Fibrinogen concentrations in captive bottlenose dolphins during pregnancy. 0.143 MB TEZANOS-PINTO, GABRIELA; CHARLES SCOTT BAKER; KIRSTY RUSSELL; KAREN MARTIEN; ROBIN W. BAIRD; ALISTAIR HUTT; GREGORY STONE; ANTONIO A. MIGNUCCI-GIANNONI; SUSANA CABALLERO; TETUSYA ENDO; SHANE LAVERY; MARC OREMUS; CARLOS OLAVARRIA and CLAIRE GARRIGUE. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 100(1):11-24. 2009 A worldwide perspective on the population structure and genetic diversity of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in New Zealand. 0.529 MB TUNEZ, JUAN I.; HUMBERTO L. CAPPOZZO and MARCELO H. CASSINI. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 65(9):1733-1738. 2008. Regional factors associated with the distribution of South American fur seals along the Atlantic coast of South America. 0.266 MB VIRICEL, ARMELIA; ALLAN E. STRAND; PATRICIA E. ROSEL; VINCENT RIDOUX and PASCALE GARCIA. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 63(2):173-185. 2008. Insights on common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) social organization from genetic analysis of a mass-stranded pod. 0.579 MB WHITFIELD, JOHN. SCIENCE (WASHINGTON D. C.) 322(5909):1786-1787. 2008. Marine mammals: Does 'Junk Food' threaten marine predators in northern seas? 0.188 MB WHITING, SCOTT D. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 56(4):215-222. 2008. Movements and distribution of dugongs (Dugong dugon) in a macro-tidal environment in northern Australia. 2.316 MB YEUNG, L. W. Y.; Y. MIYAKE; Y. WANG; S. TANIYASU; N. YAMASHITA and P. K. S. LAM. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 157(1):17-23. 2009. Total fluorine, extractable organic fluorine, perfluorooctane sulfonate and other related fluorochemicals in liver of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from South China. 0.263 MB

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Job Posting - Population Ecologist
by Chip Deutsch 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

The FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida is searching for a Quantitative Population Ecologist to conduct research on endangered marine mammal populations. Title : Associate Research Scientist Agency : Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Classification : Full time Position Website : https://jobs.myflorida.com/index.html Description : Designs and conducts research and statistical assessments on various aspects of marine mammal populations. Conducts statistical analyses and builds mathematical models of manatee and right whale populations in collaboration with other investigators within and external to FWRI, using available databases (e.g. mortality, aerial survey, telemetry, habitat, genetics, and photo ID) or obtaining additional data as necessary. Designs studies and monitoring programs for research on manatee and right whale populations and related habitat issues. Evaluates and recommends appropriate changes to data collection methods to correct for or reduce sampling bias and increase reliability. Ensures that all data and modeling undergo rigorous quality control and quality assurance. Consults with and advises government agencies in evaluation of manatee population data collected by FWC and other agencies. Prepares reports and manuscripts of findings from above studies for Florida's marine resource managers. Publishes data in refereed journals or peer-reviewed books and proceedings. Reviews and evaluates reports, proposals, and manuscripts pertaining to marine mammals. Seeks extramural funding. Serves on committees and working groups as assigned. Provides guidance to Imperiled Species Management on data interpretation. Provides leadership and participates in program planning. Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel in a coaching and mentoring manner to maintain a team-oriented approach to section goals. Supervisory duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee and ensuring compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with other sections in the Institute. Location : St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Salary : $1783.89 - $2000.00 biweekly Education and Experience: A master's degree and 4 yrs. of professional experience as described above; or a doctorate with 2 years of experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of wildlife biology, terminology, principles and techniques used in research on marine mammals or other wildlife species; statistical and simulation modeling methods, Bayesian statistics including hierarchical models; and aerial surveys, genetics, or other population survey techniques. Ability to collect and maintain scientific data related to population research, biology and modeling; to perform quantitative analysis and modeling of scientific data; to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; to publish manuscripts in refereed scientific journals; to work independently; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to effectively supervise people; to establish and meet work-related goals; to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, to access and formulate budgetary needs, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel & database management; use of statistical analysis software; use of word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Must apply online: https://jobs.myflorida.com/ Search for Position #: FWC-FWRI #77072679 Application Deadline : 2/12/2009 Contact Person : Kathy Kulaas Phone Number : 727-896-8626 E-mail : Kathy.Kulaas(a)MyFWC.com [Do not hit reply to this message.]

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Another paper
by Peter Corkeron 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

Marmamers I've had a paper published in the latest issue of Marine Ecology Progress Series, entitled "Reconsidering the science of scientific whaling" The Abstract is: Scientific whaling is one of the most publicly contentious applications of marine ecological research today. An evaluation of the second phase of Japan's Institute of Cetacean Research (ICR) program in the western North Pacific (JARPN II) is soon to be conducted under the auspices of the Scientific Committee (SC) of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Previous IWC SC reviews identified serious problems with the programs, yet reached inconsequential conclusions, and the JARPN II review is the first under a new format. The basic design of this study—forestomach sampling coupled with acoustic and trawl surveys for prey—is an unsophisticated approach to investigating the foraging ecology of Balaenoptera spp. Published results of the JARPN II feasibility study demonstrate problems with the execution of field work. Data analyses were simplistic. Non-lethal studies into the foraging ecology of Balaenoptera spp., using far fewer resources, have produced more definitive information. The recent changes in the IWC SC review process should result in unambiguous advice on how to improve the design of JARPN II. If the review recommends improvements that are not acted upon by the program's proponents, the IWC may need to decide whether the JARPN II program can be considered to be scientific research under Article VIII of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. The paper is available here: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v375/p305-309/ or, if you don't have access to MEPS (if not, why not?) send me an email to peter.corkeron(a)gmail.com and I'll send one on. Coincidentally, the JARPN II review is taking place this week. Peter -- Peter J. Corkeron website: http://aleakage.blogspot.com/

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Right whale and fetus skeletons in New Bedford, Mass, USA
by Michael Moore 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

MARMAMers might be interested in images at http://flickr.com/photos/nbwm/sets/72157609649292222/ of the installation of what we believe to be a unique museum display of a right whale skeleton and her fetus at the New Bedford Whaling Museum www.whalingmuseum.org This was a vessel strike case from the Mid Atlantic in 2004. Michael Moore (WHOI)

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Marine Mammal Summer Internship
by Kuczaj Laboratory 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates for the summer of 2009. College credits for the internship are awarded by the University of Southern Mississippi. Interns will work with faculty and graduate student researchers and will have an opportunity to help in the analysis of data from USM’s Mississippi Wild Dolphin Project, a boat-based research project surveying the Mississippi Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns may assist in the analysis of environmental, behavioral, and acoustic data, as well as photo-ID. In the research laboratory, interns will gain experience in different areas, such as behavioral analysis using video and ethogram data and acoustic analyses of a variety of cetacean species, including killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, and bottlenose and rough-tooth dolphins. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist graduate students in the collection of behavioral data of captive rough-tooth dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Interns are also encouraged to complete a small personal research project on a topic relevant to their research interests. The internship is a full time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements. Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship are required to send: a resume a letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship) an unofficial or official copy of your transcripts at least two letters of recommendation (preferably from college professors who know you personally) All materials should be sent to: Internship Coordinator Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, but the complete application must be postmarked by April 1st. We encourage interested applicants to become familiar with the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab. For more information, please visit our website at www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj or you can email the internship coordinator at kuczaj_laboratory(a)yahoo.com.

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Temporary Field Assistant required for summer 2009 cetacean research project in the north-eastern and mid-Atlantic
by Lacey, Claire 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

Please could you post the following: Temporary Field Assistant required for summer 2009 cetacean research project in the north-eastern and mid-Atlantic. IFAW's Song of the Whale research team is seeking experienced and enthusiastic individual(s) to join the team as temporary field work assistant(s) during a project in the north-eastern and mid-Atlantic during the summer of 2009. Working in close collaboration with other research groups, the project will take place during summer 2009, beginning in May, and will primarily focus on detecting beaked whales with passive acoustics, although other cetaceans will be documented/recorded too. The project will be conducted from IFAW's dedicated sailing research vessel, Song of the Whale. SOTW is a 22 m long, purpose-built sailing research vessel with accommodation for 10. Experience in boat-based field work on cetaceans, particularly acoustic research is required as is familiarity with the use of computers. The team onboard will be made up of IFAW staff, visiting scientists and volunteers/student interns. For further information about the SOTW team and projects please see www.ifaw.org/sotw <http://www.ifaw.org/sotw> . Specific information about life on board for interns is also posted on the website. Availability for all or part of the project will be considered for the right candidate(s). Reasonable travel expenses and board and lodging onboard the boat will be provided and a small weekly allowance may also be available. Please email a letter of interest and CV, outlining your previous experience, why you think you should be considered for the post and your availability between May and October to the following email address sotwteam(a)ifaw.org <mailto:sotwteam@ifaw.org> by the 24th of February 2009. A member of the SOTW team will be at the ECS in Istanbul, please indicate in your email whether you are attending the ECS and we may be able to arrange a meeting. Claire Lacey Programme Assistant Song of the Whale team International Fund for Animal Welfare www.ifaw.org/sotw clacey(a)ifaw.org --------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged.

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Marine Research Internship - Gray Whales and Other Coastal Marine Species --- SEACR
by UVIC WhaleLab 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2009 The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non- profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of nearshore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several longterm ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/ ). INTERNSHIPS Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program! MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology. Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard! We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships for May and June 2009. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. QUALIFICATIONS This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research. Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife. THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station. Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime. APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the preaplication process on our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP. Two week Internship - $ 2000 Cdn Four week Internship - $ 3000 Cdn If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: whalelab(a)mail.geog.uvic.ca **************************** Laura Joan Feyrer - SEACR Director & Christina Tombach Wright - SEACR Intern Coordinator Society for Ecological and Coastal Research P.O. Box 35052 Victoria, British Columbia CANADA V8T 5G2 whalelab(a)mail.geog.uvic.ca =============================== Christina Tombach Wright Wildlife Biologist / Marine Mammal Specialist "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed . . . " -- Jung

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Swordfish imports and the MMPA
by Michael Milne 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

NMFS has an important public comment period open until Jan. 29th that greatly affects cetacean (and indirectly sea turtle) conservation: enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. As you are aware, the Marine Mammal Protection Act requires any country wishing to import fish products into the United States to provide proof that the country¹s fishing practices do not harm or kill marine mammals in excess of U.S. standards. Recent information, obtained from a Freedom of Information Act request, has revealed that the U.S. government has ignored the mandatory duty of Section 101(a)(2) for decades. Section 101(a)(2) of the MMPA states, ³The Secretary of the Treasury shall ban the importation of commercial fish or products from fish which have been caught with commercial fishing technology which results in the incidental kill or incidental serious injury of ocean mammals in excess of United States standards.² NMFS is soliciting comments regarding how they should proceed with a petition requesting that the U.S. government immediately comply with MMPA Section 101(a)(2). See the Federal Register Notice here: <http://frwebgate5.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=999330266259 +0+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve>. The Center for Biological Diversity and Sea Turtle Restoration Project have requested NMFS immediately comply with the requirements of the MMPA and ban the imports of foreign swordfish until exporting countries can provide proof that their fishing practices are equally protective of marine mammals as methods used by U.S. fishermen. Please consider adding your organization to our sign-on letter: http://www.seaturtles.org/downloads/Swordfish_signon_letter.pdf Individuals, go to: http://www.seaturtles.org/article.php?id=1262 to tell the Secretary of Commerce to enforce Section 101(a)(2) of the MMPA and restrict imports from countries that don't comply with the law. Go to: http://www.seaturtles.org/downloads/Swordfish%20Import%20Petition.pdf to see a full copy of the petition to the Secretary of Commerce. Thank you, Mike Milne Leatherback Campaign Coordinator Sea Turtle Restoration Project www.seaturtles.org 415-663-8590 ext. 106 -- Mike Milne Leatherback Campaign Coordinator Sea Turtle Restoration Project www.seaturtles.org 415-663-8590, ext. 106 415-250-4006 (cell) ***new number*** Check our blog! http://blog.seaturtles.org

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