January 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Search for images of historic Norwegian killer whale catch
by Dag Vongraven 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

Hi Marmam readers I have been searching for photographs taken during the Norwegian killer whale "fisheries" that took place through 1981. I have searched a while in Norway without much luck. My last hope is that some of the many readers of this list have a clue or a hint or maybe even an image. Anything will be of interest. Please send responses directly to me at mailto:vongraven@npolar.no. Thanks ================= Dag Vongraven Senior adviser Norwegian Polar Institute N-9296 Tromso, Norway Tel +47 77750638 Fax +47 77750501 Mob +47 92059526 http://www.npolar.no http://pbsg.npolar.no

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New paper on pectoral fin contact among dolphins
by Kathleen Dudzinski 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

The following article has been published online. A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations KM Dudzinski, JD Gregg, CA Ribicc, SA Kuczaj Abstract: Contact behaviour involving the pectoral fin has been documented in a number of dolphin species, and various explanations about its function have been offered. Pectoral fin contact can take a variety of forms, and involves a number of body parts and movements, likely differing depending upon social or ecological context. For this study, we compare the pectoral fin contact behaviour of two species of wild dolphins: Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from around Mikura Island, Japan, and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) from The Bahamas. The two study populations exhibit surprising similarity in the ways in which pectoral fin contacts are used, despite differences in species and environmental conditions at the two sites. Differences in contact rates for calves between the two sites suggest that calf-focused aggression from adult dolphins is more prevalent at Mikura than in The Bahamas. Our results suggest that pectoral fin contact behaviour seems to be driven primarily by social pressures, and may be similar in function to allogrooming described in primates. A PDF file of our article is now available online through ScienceDirect at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2008.11.011 or by emailing me at kdudzinski(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org This article can be cited in press as: Dudzinski, K.M., et al., A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations. Behav. Process. (2008), doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2008.11.011 -- Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Director, Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org Www.thedolphinpod.com email: kdudzinski(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org

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NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE, EUBALAENA GLACIALIS, OBSERVED IN THE AZORES
by Lisa Steiner 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

On 5th January 2009 at 16:40 a North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis, was observed off the Azores by biologists from the University of the Azores Dept. of Oceanography and Fisheries (Monica Silva, Irma Cascão, Maria João Cruz, Rui Guedes, and Norberto Serpa), as well as a biologist from Whale Watch Azores (Lisa Steiner). The position of the animal was 38 22.698 N and 28 30.341W. The animal was observed travelling in a Westerly direction for just over an hour. Photographs of the callosities and flukes were taken for photo-identification. These photos were sent for comparison to the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalogue currently maintained by the New England Aquarium (www.rightwhaleweb.org) Philip Hamilton from the catalogue made a probable match to whale 3270 from the catalogue and this was later confirmed when more photographs were looked at. This whale was last seen in the Bay of Fundy on the 24th September 2008. The online North Atlantic Right Whale Catalogue has now been updated with this latest information. This is the first confirmed sighting of a right whale in the Azores since 1888. These results will be published at a later date. Any inquiries should be addressed to Monica Silva at DOP monica(a)uac.ptor to Lisa Steiner at wwa2(a)yahoo.com. Thank you for your interest. Apologies for cross posting. Monica Silva (Dept of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores) http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/cetamarh/ Lisa Steiner (Whale Watch Azores) http://www.whalewatchazores.com

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2009 Field Courses in Cetology
by cetus＠supereva.it 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

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Volunteers needed for fieldwork
by Anna Kopps 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

Hi all, I am looking for two volunteers to help me with field work for my PhD project. The assistants are needed 1 May to 31 July. We investigate genetic, social, and ecological factors influencing behavioural variation in bottlenose dolphins. The focus lies on the “sponging behaviour” – a foraging technique where dolphins use marine sponges as tools. To do so we conduct boat surveys where we record behaviour, take photos for photo ID, and collect biopsy samples for genetic analysis. The field site is located in Useless Loop, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Useless Loop is a remotely located closed mining community with restricted access. Due to its remoteness it will not be possible to leave the site during the field season. If you are interested we expect you to have good English communication skills, to be willing to get up early, to work long hours indoors (data processing) and outdoors (boat surveys), and to be able to get on well with others in a small team. A background in biology, a strong interest of cetaceans, and prior experience in boat based surveys and Photo ID are essential. We offer training in survey work and Photo ID and provide food and accommodation. Unfortunately, we are not able to pay for travel (to Denham, Shark Bay) and other expenses. To apply, please send your CV, a covering letter, contact details of two references to useless.loop.dolphins(a)gmail.com . *Deadline: 15 February 2009.* Cheers, Anna -- Anna Kopps School of BEES UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia Fax +61 2 9385 1558 Phone +61 2 9385 2198 Anthropologisches Institut und Museum Universität Zürich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland Fax +41 44 635 68 04 Phone +41 44 635 54 18 www.aim.uzh.ch/egg-3.html

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Aspects of Dredging & Potential Harm to marine life
by Yvonne Miles 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Dear colleagues, A water theme park and a new marina are threatening Hervey Bay Queensland, Australia. These projects involves the creation of a sea based marine park using sea water and being constructed on the beach which will use dredging as well as the project for a new marina, this will involve dredging of a channel to allow for the transit of larger vessels. ships. We are know the marine mammal species distributed around these areas consist of dolphins, dugongs, indo pacific humpback dolphins and turtle populations. We are looking for any reports and articles dealing with the potential disturbances resulting from these kinds of human activities of noise disturbance, boat traffic, increased turbidity, sea grass die-off...etc and we would greatly appreciate the help of the list members with this. Please contact me by email info(a)scanningoceansectors.org if you are aware of any previous work that could be of help. Many thanks in advance Yvonne -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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Announcement and Call for Abstracts 2009 International Sirenian Conservation Conference
by Juli Goldstein 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

The Georgia Aquarium in collaboration with the Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program are pleased to announce: The 2009 International Sirenian Conservation Conference Call for Abstracts and Registration. This conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia March 23-24, 2009. Highlights include: - Current Field and Laboratory Research, Management Perspectives and Veterinary Aspects of Rehabilitation and Release - Two student travel awards - Open to anyone interested in the biology, management and medicine of sirenians Please refer to the following website for details and registration http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/sirenian.aspx Juli D. Goldstein, D.V.M. Associate Veterinarian Assistant Research Scientist Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Center for Coastal Research Harbor Branch Oceanographic 5600 US 1 North Ft. Pierce, Fl 34946 772-465-2400 ext. 434

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Information on harp seals
by Mazzaro, Lisa 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Hello, I'm looking for information on behavior, training, housing with other marine mammal species and aggression of harp seals in a zoo or aquarium setting. If anyone has maintained harp seals or knows of a facility that has, please contact me (contact info below) directly. I have searched online for this information and have turned up a very limited number of facilities that appear to have maintained this species in the past. I am attempting to contact those facilities, but I'm hoping that anyone with information will contact me. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Lisa Mazzaro, Ph.D. Assistant Director of Research and Animal Care Mystic Aquarium 55 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT 06355 860-572-5955 x 109 fax: 860-572-5972 email: Lmazzaro(a)mysticaquarium.org Lmazzaro(a)aol.com

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Dolphin Research Internships
by Emily Guarino 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

> Dolphin Research Internships > > Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for > Research Interns for the Summer term. DRC is a not-for-profit education > and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins > and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of > the Florida Keys. > > Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as > an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal > facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research > projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research > methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing > marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with > research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. > > Specific job duties include: > * Collecting observational behavioral data > * Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions > * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental > research sessions > * Operating video equipment > * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis > * General support of the facility through participation in the > volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with > public programs, guest interactions, etc.) > > Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For > information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our > website, at www.dolphins.org <http://www.dolphins.org > . > > Publications: > Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. > (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose > dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. > > Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. > The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their > own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or > matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful > candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and > flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. > > The deadline to apply is *** February 1st ***. To apply, download the > application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then > "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities". > > The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and > letters of recc.) must be mailed to DRC. > > -------------------------------- > Emily Guarino > Admin. Director of Research > emily(a)dolphins.org > Dolphin Research Center > 58901 Overseas Hwy. > Grassy Key, FL 33050 > www.dolphins.org >

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OPCFHK scientific project application 09-10
by Anna Situ 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Dear Sir/Madam, The Foundation is now inviting new funding applications for conservation research projects in 2009-2010. The application form and guideline can be downloaded from our website: www.opcf.org.hk<http://www.opcf.org.hk>. Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues who are interested in application of funding. As the conservation arm of Ocean Park, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) advocates, facilitates and participates in the conservation of wildlife and habitats, with an emphasis on the Asian region, through research and education. Our vision is to ensure the sustainability of wildlife and biodiversity. Funding support will be given to research and conservation projects on, but not limited to, marine mammals, giant pandas, amphibians, fishes, birds, terrestrial mammals and reptiles. To encourage Ocean Park to directly support the conservation projects, we welcome project proposals in collaboration with Ocean Park. The financial assistance will be used to cover project related expenses, including travelling and field equipment but not to cover the in-house staff cost. Submission deadline for applications is Jan 31, 2009. All the funding applications will then go through our Scientific Advisory Committee members (SACs) for review and recommendation. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the reviewing process. Research projects recommended by SACs will be further reviewed by the Foundation's Trustees. With Trustees' approval, confirmation of funding will be announced in late June 2009, the Foundation will set up agreements with the Principal Investigators or the Institutes who are in charge of the recommended projects. Thank you for your kind attention. Please return the completed form (with signature) by email to researchfund(a)oceanpark.com.hk<mailto:researchfund@oceanpark.com.hk>. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Yours Sincerely, Anna Situ Scientific Officer OPCFHK Tel: 852-3923-2679 Fax: 852-2553-5840 E-mail: anna.situ(a)oceanpark.com.hk<mailto:anna.situ@oceanpark.com.hk> Please think GREEN before printing this e-mail. Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please delete it from your system. If you require assistance, please contact us at opc(a)oceanpark.com.hk Beginning 1 January 2006, Ocean Park raises its conservation commitment further by donating part of the admission to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (www.opcf.org.hk) to support its research projects and public awareness programmes for wildlife conservation in Asia.

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