October 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

The use of sonar to detect manatees
by Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske 27 Oct '09

27 Oct '09

It is my distinct pleasure to announce the publication of the following paper in the open access journal Endangered Species Research. Full text pdf can be downloaded at http://www.intres.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p249-257/ Gonzalez-Socoloske D, Olivera-Gomez LD, Ford RE (2009) Detection of free-ranging West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus using side-scan sonar. Endang Species Res 8:249-257 ABSTRACT: Turbid and tannin-stained waterways are difficult habitats to study and present problems with respect to the management of aquatic fauna, and especially of endangered and cryptic animals such as manatees Trichechus spp. Linnaeus. Throughout much of the range of the extant trichechid species (T. inunguis, T. manatus, and T. senegalensis), the scientific approaches that are used successfully to document the status of the Florida subspecies (T. m. latirostris) are not feasible, due either to constraints associated with habitat or to the high costs involved. We examined the use of side-scan sonar as a novel way to acoustically detect free-ranging West Indian manatees (T. m. latirostris and T. m. manatus), and evaluated the effectiveness of the technology under various environmental conditions. Blind transects, where one observer only looked at the sonar, were conducted in Mexico and Florida to confirm that manatees could be detected and to determine a preliminary manatee detection rate for the sonar unit. Quality sonar images were produced under most environmental conditions examined, provided that ambient water movement was low. Manatees were successfully detected laterally up to 18 m, and the best acoustic images were produced when the animals were stationary and oriented parallel to the boat. Preliminary detection was 81 and 93% in Florida and Mexico, respectively. We conclude that over limited areas, and under certain environmental conditions, side-scan sonar is a cost-effective option to accurately detect manatees and provide important information for conservation decisions. Like all survey techniques, it has limitations, but its unique advantages will be a welcomed alternative to aerial surveys and visual boat surveys of opaque waterways. Best Regards, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske -- Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske PhD Student University Program in Ecology Nicholas School of Environment Duke University dg52(a)duke.edu

1 0

Defenders of Wildlife Marine/Terrestrial Carnivore Conference Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors
by Jim Curland 26 Oct '09

26 Oct '09

hi all. We still need more exhibitors for the Carnivore Conference next month. Our exhibitor prices are very low and the conference is shaping up very nicely. As you may know, Defenders will host our seventh biennial Carnivore Conference in Denver on November 15th–18th, 2009. Carnivores 2009: Carnivore Conservation in a Changing World will present the latest information and insights on the many threats and challenges facing carnivores, including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, co-existing with humans and livestock, and how to address these threats in today’s world. Given your interest in wildlife and ecosystem conservation, I am writing to provide you with information regarding the conference in the hope that you will be able to attend. I am attaching the conference brochure as well as information on sponsorship benefit levels and exhibiting and other special opportunities for your consideration. You can learn more about the conference agenda, field trips, and other details about the event at www.carnivoreconference.org. We have received a record number of abstract submissions, and the conference will feature more than 30 sessions of presentations and roundtable discussions. Topics will include the ecological role of carnivores, the impact of climate change on carnivore communities, reducing conflicts between predators and humans and non-lethal control and management methods, among many others. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the conference and related activities. We hope to see you in Denver. The 2009 conference headquarters is the Grand Hyatt Denver. The conference tends to draw anywhere between 500-800 people. Again, for more information, including the registration brochure and exhibitor/sponsor brochure visit: www.carnivoreconference.org/ You can contact me (jcurland(a)defenders.org) Aimee Delach (aimee.delach(a)defenders.org) and/or Nina Fascione (nfascione(a)defenders.org) if you have any questions. Thanks for your help! Jim -- Jim Curland Marine Program Associate P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA 95039 Tel: 831-726-9010 | Fax: 831-726-9020 jcurland(a)defenders.org | www.defenders.org Sea Otter Awareness Week 2009, September 27-October 3, 2009 - http://www.defenders.org/seaotter/awareness Support Sea Otters Just in time to celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week, check out the new sea otter T-shirt : http://www.zazzle.com/sea_otter_awareness_week_shirt-235981870834003933 and mug: http://www.zazzle.com/sea_otter_awareness_week_mug-168795633507226870 Your purchase of these items will benefit Defenders, with 30% of the sale going to Defenders of Wildlife. Visit Defenders Zazzle Store for more sea otter items: http://www.zazzle.com/defenders1947/gifts?cg=196798507597641470 For Californians: Help Sea Otters and other California Endangered Species during Tax Season by Making A Donation When Filing Your Taxes. For more information visit: http://www.defenders.org/seaotter/taxday http://www.saveseaotters.org (Defenders' Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Defenders' Sea Otter Teaching Unit) http://www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/habitat_conservation/marine/in… (Defenders' Marine Program Page)

1 0

Stranding Department Internship at The Marine Mammal Center
by Erin Brodie 25 Oct '09

25 Oct '09

STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP AT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER, SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working at our main hospital in Sausalito with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid. (There are also unpaid internship positions available at our satellite facilities in Monterey Bay and San Luis Obispo Operations. For more information on these positions at our satellite facilities, please send an email to brodiee(a)tmmc.org<mailto:brodiee@tmmc.org>.) Program Description: The Stranding Department Internship at our main hospital site is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating the after hours on-call. Interns will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for all on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability. Please forward all application materials to the following address: The Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands 2000 Bunker Road Sausalito, California 94965 Attn: Erin Brodie Or via email to: BrodieE(a)TMMC.org There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of February 1 and the last available internship beginning June 14. Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance Approximate Internship Time Winter November 9, 2009 November 13, 2009 November 20, 2009 February - April 2010 Spring February 8, 2010 February 12, 2010 February 19, 2010 April - June 2010 Summer February 8, 2010 February 19, 2010 February 26, 2010 June - August 2010 Celebrating its 35th year in 2010, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 15,700 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/>. Erin Brodie Stranding Coordinator The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, Ca 94965 phone: 415-289-7371 fax: 415-754-4050 email: brodiee(a)tmmc.org

1 0

Abnormal swelling in Stenella frontalis
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 23 Oct '09

23 Oct '09

Dear Marmamers! * *During the 2009 field season off La Gomera we encountered a large number of Atlantic spotted dolphins (/Stenella frontalis/), a species present year-round in the Canary Islands. In one of the groups, containing a large number of calves, we observed a young animal showing an *e*xtrordinarily swollen genital area. The reasons for this phenomenon remain unknown. Luckily, we managed to photograph the animal during aerial behaviours. The according images can be seen at our website: http://www.m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=458&L=2 The calf was sighted early May 2009. It obviously was a female, recognisable by the very visible nipples next to the genital slit. The prominent swelling, however, was extraordinary. As the swellling affected the genital area, and no injury could be seen, we initially suspected a hormonal reason. And even if this was true, the question would remain why a young calf showed this feature. Denise Herzing, working with Stenella frontalis in the Bahamas, was so kind to provode images of a normal female adult dolphin during lactation as a comparison. These images also can be seen at our website. With this we would like to ask our cetologist colleagues, if anyone has seen something similar before, either in this or in a different species. Also we would like to know the (potential) reasons for this unusual symptom. Does anyone have an idea? Any helpful information or comments should be directed to <ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de> With my best greetings, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin NEW NUMBER!- T/F: +49-(0)30-644 97 230 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)

1 0

Recent published paper on dentinal anomalies in harbour porpoise teeth
by Lastra, P. 23 Oct '09

23 Oct '09

To whom it may concern: I am pleased to announce a new paper that I have just published in Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, volume 89, issue 05, pp. 893-902. Dentinal anomalies in teeth of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Scottish waters: are they linked to sexual maturation and environmental events? P.L. Luque, G.J. Pierce, J.A. Learmonth, M.B. Santos, E. Ieno, A. Lopez, R.J. Reid, E. Rogan, A.F. Gonzalez, J. Boon, R.J. Law and C.H. Lockyer ABSTRACT We examined the tooth ultra-structure of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Scottish waters to determine whether the incidence of mineralization anomalies could be related to certain life history events (e.g. the achievement of sexual maturation) as well as other factors that affect the general health of the individual (e.g. persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in blubber). Five distinct types of mineralization anomalies were recorded: accessory lines, marker lines, dentinal resorption, cemental disturbance and pulp stones and the occurrence of these anomalies was scored by sex, age and maturity state. Overall, the incidence of mineralization anomalies was high and tended to increase with age. Marker lines and accessory lines were the most commonly recorded anomalies while pulp stones were least frequent. Duplicate teeth (i.e. from the same individual) always showed the same pattern of anomaly occurrence. Fitted binary generalized linear and additive models indicated that the presence of dentinal resorption, cemental disturbance and marker lines in harbour porpoise teeth increased with age, body length and maturity. Males displayed marker lines more frequently than females. Age was the best predictor of the incidence of dentinal resorption and cemental disturbance while age and sex were the best predictors of the incidence of marker lines. The time course of appearance of dentinal resorption and cemental disturbance suggests that their occurrence could be related to physiological stress linked to sexual maturation. Marker lines were found within growth layer groups which coincided with the beginning of weaning and sexual maturation, suggesting an association with these two major life history events. Accessory lines were found in most teeth and may be a normal characteristic of porpoise teeth or reflect regular events. Pulp stones appeared only in mature animals. We found no evidence that the presence of anomalies in teeth was significantly related to POP concentrations in the blubber. The pdf may be available for you by email request at my address p.lastra(a)abdn.ac.uk<mailto:p.lastra@abdn.ac.uk> and or it can be accessed here: http://journals.cambridge.org/repo_A59M51C2 Dr. Patricia Lastra Luque Instituto Español de Oceanografía Centro Oceanografico de Santander Promontorio de San Martin s/n 39004 email: patricia.lastra(a)st.ieo.es<mailto:patricia.lastra@st.ieo.es> Tlf: (+34) 942291717 www.ieo.es<http://www.ieo.es/> and Honorary staff University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue S/N AB24 2TZ www.abdn.ac.uk<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

1 0

Transfrontier marine park a first
by Angie Gullan 21 Oct '09

21 Oct '09

FYI Transfrontier marine park a first Barbara Cole October 21 2009 at 02:26PM Africa's first - and largest - transfrontier marine conservation area has been established, connecting Maputaland in South Africa's World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, with Mozambique's first marine conservancy, the Ponto de Ouro Marine Protected Area. This creates a vast protected marine area covering 300km of unbroken coastline and near-pristine beaches, from St Lucia in the south to Mozambique's Maputo Special Reserve. It is made up of 220km on the South African side and 80km in Mozambique. The Mozambique protected area of 678 square kilometres includes Inhaca and Portuguese islands, the Maputo Special Reserve, and stretches three nautical miles out to sea. Continues Below ↓ The site is an important feeding area for turtle Additionally, Mozambique has lodged an application for its protected area to be declared a World Heritage Site, just as neighbouring iSimangaliso is. iSimangaliso was awarded this status in December, 1999, on the basis of its biodiversity. It is also the largest significant breeding place for leatherback turtles in Africa. If Mozambique's application to Unesco is successful, it, along with iSimangaliso, would form Africa's first Transboundary Marine World Heritage Site, said Andrew Zaloumis, iSimangaliso chief executive and chairman of the Ponta do Ouro/Kosi Bay Transfrontier Conservation Task Team. The Ponta de Ouro Protected Marine Area is considered one of eight key biodiversity sites (seascapes) of global importance within the Eastern African Marine Ecoregion (EAME), according to the submission to Unesco by the Mozambican National Directorate for Culture. In its statement of "Justification of Outstanding Universal Value", the Unesco submission describes the Ponto de Oura Protected Marine Area's coral reefs as among the highest latitude coral reefs in the world, with characteristics that make them unique, says the submission. It has taken five years for Mozambique to proclaim the protected area "The reef complex, located in the central area (Ponta Dobela to Ponta Techobanine), is considered the best in southern Mozambique and (is) of unique value in the country." Considereda recruitment source of coral larvae for the iSimangaliso coral reefs to the south, fish associated with these reefs are also highly diverse, with about 400 recorded species. The site is an important feeding area for turtle, dugong and migratory birds, such as Whimbrel and flamingos. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest along the beaches from October to January between Inhaca Island and Ponta de Ouro. Cites-listed species requiring special protection include the turtles as well as dugong, whales, white and whale sharks, and some bird species. It is also the northern limit of migration for Southern Right whales. It has taken five years for Mozambique to proclaim the protected area, because it initially did not have relevant legislation in place, said Zaloumis. Activities such as commercial fishing, fishing on coral reefs and fishing with explosives are now banned. Driving on the beaches is also prohibited. However, recreational fishing - under strict controls - will be permitted. The Mozambique tourism minister, Fernando Sumbana, said in a statement: "This is a vital step in protecting marine turtles that nest in high densities along the pristine beaches of the Maputo Special Reserve, other rare or endangered species, marine mammals and ecosystems." For the Love of Dolphins Angie Gullan DolphinCare-Africa / EnCOuntours research, volunteer, conservation www.dolphincare.org info(a)dolphincare.org 00258 84 330-3859 dolphin interaction programs & beachcamp bookings www.dolphin-encountours.co.za info(a)dolphin-encountours.co.za +27 11 462-8103 / 082 920-8952 A Memorandum of Understanding exists between the Natural History Museum of the University Eduardo Mondlane & Cetacea Charters Lda t/a Dolphin EnCOuntours / Care Africa. The purpose of the MOU is a collaborated effort in education & research with the intention of increasing the understanding of the ecology of marine mammals together with the monitoring of tourism impacts in Mozambique. Africa's pioneer dolphin interaction & research center is situated on the southern most shores of Mozambique. Under the guidance of marine mammal experts, Dolphin EnCOuntours established Africa's first dolphin swim program during the early 90’s in Ponta do Ouro. This has resulted in ‘awareness & research’ based dolphin tourism that delicately balances humanities fascination with dolphins while fulfilling the needs of educating, conserving and researching. Having initially started as a pilot study in the early ’90’s the program has been instrumental in working towards the protection of both resident and migratory cetacean species. Please consider the environment before printing this email

1 0

Volunteer Assistants Needed-Sperm Whales and Tourism
by Wendy Markowitz 21 Oct '09

21 Oct '09

We are looking for volunteers to participate in the Sperm Whales and Tourism research project at Kaikoura, New Zealand. Data are collected from multiple platforms including shore, tour vessels, aircraft, and research vessel based platforms. Skills that will be obtained include behavioural and acoustic data collection from a research vessel, behavioural data collection from shore using a surveyor's theodolite, collection of photographic, video and behavioural data from aircraft and tour vessels, and additional research tasks and data entry and analyses. We are seeking candidates with previous experience working with cetaceans from research vessels or from shore, although prior experience is not required. You must be comfortable working in the field in a variety of conditions and with a large, international team of scientists and students. The next field season begins December 15th and runs through February 2010. Additional field seasons include April-June and August-October 2010. Minimum duration of volunteer positions are two months, with a 3-month commitment preferred. Project funding is limited and you must be able to provide your own transportation to the field site, housing, food and cell phone (limited communications costs with the research team leader will be covered). Information on the cost of housing in New Zealand can be found at http://www.kaikoura.co.nz. To apply, please provide a letter of interest, C.V. and contact information for 3 references to: wendy.markowitz(a)yahoo.com. Cheers, Wendy

1 0

Ship strikes from the Mediterranean Sea
by Simone Panigada 21 Oct '09

21 Oct '09

Dear list members, The Tethys Research Institute is presently collecting data on cetaceans ship strike events from the Mediterranean Basin. We are mainly focusing on large animals, fin and sperm whales, but data on small cetaceans will also be registered. This action is part of a project commissioned by the Italian Ministry of the Environment to the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS). The main aims of the project are to: Synthesize the knowledge regarding ship strikes with large cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea and place them in a global context. Suggest conservation and mitigation measures. We would like to collate information from strandings, reports by ships' captains and crews, and observation of whales carcasses floating at sea. We are also interested in information on live whales presenting evidence of a ship strike, such as propeller scars or open wounds. We are in close contact with the Ship Strike Working Group established within the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, and we are aware of the global effort to gather similar information; the data received will be entered into the IWC database. We have recently prepared a dedicated web page ("www.collisioni.org") with information on ship strikes and cetaceans from the Mediterranean, together with public awareness material, available on request also by mail. Any data you wish to contribute can be reported online at "http://www.tethys.org/collisioni/segnala_en.htm". Pictures or videos can be sent by email to "collisionicetacei(a)gmail.com". Any picture provided would be very welcomed and would be posted on the web page with the author's permission. Given the difficulties in achieving our aims, your contribution is extremely important and we would like to thank you all in advance for sharing your data with us. Every contribution will be fully acknowledged, and in case of publication all contributors will be contacted beforehand for formal consent and to discuss co-authorship. Best regards, Simone Panigada ___________________________ Simone Panigada, Ph.D. Vice-President panigada(a)inwind.it Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947 / 0272013943 fax +39 0286995011 tethys(a)tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/>

1 0

ACS: beaked whale issue dedicated to John Heyning
by Uko Gorter 20 Oct '09

20 Oct '09

Special beaked whale issue of ACS Whalewatcher honoring John Heyning. The American Cetacean Society has just published a special issue of our journal “Whalewatcher”. This unique full color issue is completely devoted to beaked whales and honors the late John Heyning. John had a keen fascination for beaked whales, and has contributed much to our knowledge of these enigmatic whales, as well as marine mammal science in general. John was also a great friend and supporter of the American Cetacean Society. We hope that this special issue serves as a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man. ACS would like to take the opportunity to thank all contributors to this issue. The editors: Mason Weinrich, Bernardo Alps, Kaye Reznick, Uko Gorter. Whalewatcher journal 2009, Vol. 38 Number 1 In this issue: In Honor of John Heyning, and the Whales That Were His Passion, by ACS vice president, Mason Weinrich From Corinne, a tribute by Corinne Heyning A History of the Diversity of Beaked Whales, by James G. Mead The Accidental Whale, by William F. Perrin Meet the Family, illustrated plates of all known beaked whales by Uko Gorter Beaked Whale Science Coming of Age: Progress From Hawai’i, by Robin W. Baird (A PDF copy of this article is available on: www.cascadiaresearch.org/Robin/hawaii.htm) Sonar: A Severe Blow to Beaked Whales, by Taryn Kiekow Rare Close-ups, by photographer Todd Pusser Science and Friendship Grew, by Emmanuel Rosales John Heyning, (a selected) Bibliography, compiled by Mason Weinrich ----------------------------- To order your copy: Contact Kaye Reznick, ACS administrator. Email: acsoffice(a)acsonline.org Call: (310) 548-6279 Price: $ 6.00 (including mailing) Check with Kaye for international mailing. SPECIAL REQUEST: Corinne Heyning would like to invite those who knew and worked with John to write letters, c/o ACS, to share their experiences and help capture them as memories that she can share and keep for her children. Please, direct your letter to: Corinne Heyning c/o Kaye Reznick American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391

1 0

new article
by Prof. Pellegrini 20 Oct '09

20 Oct '09

Dear Colleagues, Hi-all I'm pleased to announce a new paper that I've just published in Journal of Comparative Physiology B: "Structural and functional characterization of Delphinus delphis hemoglobin system" by B.Manconi, I.Messana, F.Maggiani, A.Olianas, M.Pellegrini, R.Crnjar, M.Castagnola, B.Giardina, M.T.Sanna J. Comp. Physiol. B (2009) 179, 971-983. The abstract: Structural analysis of the hemoglobin (Hb) system of Delphinus delphis revealed a high globin multiplicity: HPLC–electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis evidenced three major β (β1 16,022 Da, β2 16,036 Da, β 3 16,036 Da, labeled according to their progressive elution times) and two major a globins (α1 15,345 Da, α2 15,329 Da). ESI-tandem mass and nucleotide sequence analyses showed that b2 globin differs from b1 for the substitution Val126 → Leu, while β3 globin differs from β2 for the isobaric substitution Lys65 → Gln. The α2 globin differs from the a1 for the substitution Ser15 → Ala. Anion-exchange chromatography allowed the separation of two Hb fractions and HPLC–ESI-MS analysis revealed that the fraction with higher pI (HbI) contained β1, β2 and both the a globins, and the fraction with lower pI (HbII) contained β3 and both the a globins. Both D. delphis Hb fractions displayed a lower intrinsic oxygen affinity, a decreased effect of 2,3-BPG and a reduced cooperativity with respect to human HbA0, with HbII showing the more pronounced differences. With respect to HbA0, either the substitution Proβ5 → Gly or the Proβ5 → Ala is present in all the cetacean β globins sequenced so far, and it has been hypothesized that position 5 of β globins may have a role in the interaction with 2,3-BPG. Regarding the particularly lowered cooperativity of HbII, it is interesting to observe that the variant human HbA, characterized by the substitution Lysβ65 → Gln (HbJ-Cairo) has a decreased cooperativity with respect to HbA0. The pdf may be available for you by email request at my address: pelleg(a)unica.it and I'll send one your way best regards Mariagiuseppina Pellegrini

1 0