December 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Request on (no-engine vessel) whale watching collisions
by Barbara Galletti 21 Dec '09

21 Dec '09

Dear MARMAM subscribers, I am compiling a list of events of whale and dolphin collisions with whale watching vessels that have no engine, such as kayaks or sailboats. If you have any information on situations like a whale that jumped near or on top of a kayak or similar, I would appreciate it very much. Best wishes and Merry Christmas, Bárbara Bárbara Galletti V.M. Centro de Conservación Cetacea Casilla 19178, Correo Lo Castillo Vitacura, Santiago - CHILE F/F: (56 2) 228 2910 Email: barbara(a)ccc-chile.org URL: www.ccc-chile.org Síguenos en Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Centro-de-Conservacion-Cetacea/167308609018?v=wall Síguenos en Twitter: http://twitter.com/CCC_Chile

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2010 Alaska Marine Science Symposium: Online Agenda Now Available
by Carolyn Rosner 21 Dec '09

21 Dec '09

Please distribute (apologies for cross-postings). Thank you. 2010 ALASKA MARINE SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM January 18-22, 2010 Hotel Captain Cook Anchorage, Alaska www.alaskamarinescience.org<http://www.alaskamarinescience.org/> Agenda Now Available View the schedule of events, including plenary session speakers, workshops and other sessions, lunchtime events, and keynotes: http://www.alaskamarinescience.org/agenda.html Register Online (free) Until January 5, 2010 http://register.alaskamarinescience.org<http://register.alaskamarinescience.org/> Reserve your Hotel Room Get the group rate of just $99/night until January 4, 2010 http://www.alaskamarinescience.org/hotel.html Carolyn Rosner Chair, Alaska Marine Science Symposium Organizing Committee

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Announcing the 2010 Annual Meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy: Durham, 4-6th February 2009
by UK Regional Student Chapter 21 Dec '09

21 Dec '09

We would like to announce that the annual meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will be held at Durham University between the 4th and 6th of February 2010. (An Icebreaker will be held on the evening of Thursday 4th presentations will not start until Friday 5th). A brief introduction to Durham - it is a small, historic town located in the north east of England, just south of Newcastle. Bill Bryson famously mentioned Durham in his book Notes from a small Island; I got off at Durhamand fell in love with it in a serious way. Why, its wonderful a perfect little cityif you have never been to Durham, go there. Take my car. We encourage all registered UK students that are interested in, or are actively involved in, marine mammal research to attend. The atmosphere of the conference is relatively informal, giving students a platform to discuss their research with other students and prominent researchers. All students are invited to submit an abstract for a 15 minute talk or a poster (well be asking everyone to talk for a couple of minutes about their work/interests anyway, so why not give a slightly longer talk instead?!). The talks traditionally vary in content: from talks by new students discussing their future plans or the basis of their project, to students whose Ph.D.s are near completion. We will also have guest speakers and a genetics workshop, details of which shall follow closer to the time. There is no registration fee, and we may have funds to help with travel and accommodation. You dont need to be an existing member of the Chapter you can register for the Chapter at the same time as registering for the conference. Registration forms and abstracts for talks and posters will be accepted until the 5th of January 2010 (please contact ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk and well email you the registration form). The abstract should be no more than 300 words and can be sent as part of an email or as a word document. All abstracts, completed registration forms and any other questions should be sent to: ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Hope to see you all in Durham in February, With best wishes, The committee of the UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy -- UKRSC Chapter Contact c/o Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute East Sands St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Scotland, UK http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ University of St Andrews Webmail: https://webmail.st-andrews.ac.uk

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Second announcement of the 24th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, Stralsund, Germany: 22-24th March 2010
by Verfuss Ursula Dr. 21 Dec '09

21 Dec '09

Please apologize any cross-posting! Dear colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the second announcement of the 24th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, held in Stralsund, Germany from 22-24th March 2010. Theme of the conference is “Marine Mammal Populations: Challenges for Conservation in the Next Decade” More details can be found under http://www.ozeaneum.de/en/ecs-2010.html In connection to the conference, several interesting workshops are held on the 20th and 21st March 2010. Please check our website http://www.ozeaneum.de/en/ecs-2010/programme.html for more information and contact the workshop organizers for registration. We have received around 260 abstracts and their reviews were completed. Those who submitted abstracts should have heard from our Scientific Committee to confirm whether their abstract was accepted. Now you need to register for the conference! The deadline for the early registration is 15th January 2010 (along with the video submission deadline) to benefit from the best rate of registration fee. You can register and renew your membership online at ECS website: www.europeancetaceansociety.eu . The late registration deadline is 12th February 2010. Please note that some hotel reservation deadlines end in early January! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! On behalf of the ECS2010 conference organizing team Ursula Verfuß Mit freundlichen Grüßen im Auftrag Dr. Ursula Verfuß Wiss. Mitarbeiter FB Wissenschaft Deutsches Meeresmuseum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Katharinenberg 14-20 18439 Stralsund Tel.: +49 (3831) 2650-390 Fax: + 49 (3831) 2650-209 ursula.verfuss(a)meeresmuseum.de <mailto:ursula.verfuss@meeresmuseum.de> www.meeresmuseum.de <http://www.meeresmuseum.de/> Der Direktor Dr. Harald Benke Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/141/02545

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EAAM - 2010 Annual Symposium (Lisbon, Portugal)
by Elio Vicente 20 Dec '09

20 Dec '09

Dear All, Allow me to remind you that the upcoming Annual Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM - www.eaam.org) will be held in Lisbon, between March 12 and 15. The conference will be hosted by Lisbon Zoo (www.zoolisboa.pt) and will be dedicated to all disciplines of marine mammal husbandry, veterinary medicine, training, conservation, research, environmental education, display, et cetera. This will be the first Green Conference of the EAAM and, as such, considerable changes will be implemented in the structure and dynamics of the event. All relevant information can be obtained through the conference's website (www.eaam2010.net/Default.htm) and the Symposium's Committee (eaam(a)eaam2010.net) On behalf of Claudia Gili, President-elect of the EAAM, we thank you for your time, and do look to see you in Portugal, next spring! Kind regards, E. Vicente

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Summer 2010 Dolphin Research Internship Openings
by Kelly Melillo 18 Dec '09

18 Dec '09

Apologies for cross-posting. Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2010 Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2010. These internships have both field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 8-12 weeks. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. As a team, DCP research scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns are needed at our Bimini, Bahamas research site, where we study Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: ¨ Travel to and assist for 3-4 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning mid-July) ¨ Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs, underwater video) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions ¨ Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data analysis tasks ¨ Assist with on-board and outreach education At the office: ¨ Travel to and assist office staff for 4-6 weeks at our Connecticut office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning ~1 June) ¨ Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds ¨ Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both at the office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee which will cover expenses in the field, including room and partial board. Room, board and transportation while in Connecticut are the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in securing this may be available. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://tinyurl.com/DCPinternship. Interested applications should read this page thoroughly before applying. Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org. Applications are due 1 February 2009. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (in-person or via telephone) may be arranged for selected candidates. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo at kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org. Thank you, Kelly Melillo Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org www.thedolphinpod.com ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/main/index.php?option=com_conten…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Ribic, C.A., Kuczaj, S.A. 2009. A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 80:182-190 Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly Melillo Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org www.thedolphinpod.com

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JOB POSTING-BIOLOGIST POSITION, NEWPORT, RI
by Campbell, Ryan J CIV NUWC NWPT 18 Dec '09

18 Dec '09

BIOLOGIST POSITION (Environmental Planning) The individual selected for this position will directly support environmental planning for U.S. Navy testing and training. The incumbent will prepare and review marine related documentation including endangered species and marine mammal consultation packages, Environmental Assessments (EAs)/Overseas Environmental Assessments (OEAs), Categorical Exclusions (CATEXs), mitigation and monitoring plans, and related special environmental studies or technical reports assessing the environmental impacts of proposed Navy actions at-sea. The incumbent will be expected to participate/lead efforts that require interaction with state and Federal regulators, coordinate projects with a multi-disciplinary team, and participate/lead project management for research and compliance documents. At the senior ND4 level, the incumbent will act as a project lead and manager for multiple high visibility projects for the Center, NAVSEA, and Fleet requiring support management, budget development for project funds, timeline management, integration of scientific analysis and results, and overall development of high quality environmental planning documentation. Responsibilities include coordinating the scientific work of those involved in the project (i.e., contractors and NUWC scientists), assigning tasks, reviewing work, and providing status reports to the customer, Program manager and Division Head. The incumbent will interact directly with managers, supervisors, scientists and customers at Science and technology (S & T) and Research and Development (R & D) organizations within NAVSEA, fleet, academia, and industry to provide expert advice and guidance on specific technical aspects of projects, scientific concepts, and results. Experience or knowledge of the following is highly desirable: marine mammal, sea turtle biology; research design for marine species monitoring programs; principals of underwater acoustics; statistical principles and methods; ESRI GIS products; environmental legislation and DoD/Navy policy; project management. This is not a field biologist position, but there are numerous opportunities for travel. The positions are located onsite at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Rhode Island and are open to all U.S. citizens. Please follow the USAJOBS link (below) for additional information on the position and how to apply: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=85165705&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0 &FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&q=biologist&pg=1&re=0&cnme=newport%2c+ri&rad=20&rad_u nits=miles&rfn=1&AVSDM=2009-12-18+00%3a03%3a00&rc=3&TabNum=1 If further information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact Carole James at 401-832-1020.

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Graduate Student Opportunity in Whale Acoustics at the UW School of Oceanography
by William Wilcock 16 Dec '09

16 Dec '09

I am a marine geophysicist by training in the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington who has fairly recently started working using seafloor seismic networks to track baleen whales. I am looking for a new PhD graduate student in this field. The School of Oceanography has an active Biological Oceanography program but it is known for studies of small organisms and thus, grad students interested in marine bioacoustics would be unlikely to look to the School for opportunities. If you know of any potential graduate students who might be interested in my research, please point them in my direction. My personal web site which describes all my research including this opportunity is at http://gore.ocean.washington.edu/ The School of Oceanography web site is at http://www.ocean.washington.edu/. Thanks William Wilcock -- _____________________________________________________________________ William S. D. Wilcock Office: MSB 126 School of Oceanography Tel: 206-543-6043 University of Washington Fax: 206-543-0275 Box 357940 wilcock(a)u.washington.edu Seattle WA 98195-7940 http://gore.ocean.washington.edu _____________________________________________________________________

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Mass stranding of sperm whales - matching with previously photo-identified whale
by Alexandros Frantzis 14 Dec '09

14 Dec '09

Dear all, Sad events like the recent mass stranding of sperm whales in east Italy may at least provide some advance in our understanding of their cause and of several biological/ecological aspects of the species involved. During the last 12 years we are studying the sperm whales of the Greek Seas with particular emphasis in the area of the Hellenic Trench that includes the eastern Ionian Sea (located SE of the stranding position). A short documentary on this work made by EarthOcean can be watched at: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr/en/homepage/index.html As a result 176 sperm whales (the estimated total is close to 200) have been photo-identified. Therefore, it would be very interesting to know if the seven whales stranded in Italy were part of the population unit that inhabits the Hellenic Trench. In this respect, we have asked Italian colleagues (and they have kindly forwarded our request to colleagues involved in the stranding) to communicate or gather the kind of photos that are necessary from each animal in order to make a comparison possible. These are photos of: 1) The left and right side of the dorsal fin area (for pigmentation marks) 2) The *dorsal and ventral* surface of the flukes (for pigmentation marks) 3) The trailing edge of the flukes 4) The humps (dorsal part) of the tailstock in one single photo 5) The pigmentation pattern of and around the lower jaw 6) The pigmentation of the ventral area, in front of the genital area 7) Any other mark or characteristic (e.g. parasites at the top of the head) To show how likely it is that these whales and their "long history" is known, we have tried to match some low resolution photos that are available in the internet with known individuals. Although very few photos were useful in this sense, */we have already identified one male individual that was well known from our work. He had been sighted 8 independent times in different years, starting from the year 2000/*. All 8 sightings of this whale were at least 400 nm away from the stranding position. For this particular individual (and any other that may be known) it will be very important to know his age (as well as other relevant information). Checking the rest of the stranded whales for matchings is equally important. The above finding makes the death of this whale an even sadder event for us, but it also provides one more evidence that /*the sperm whales of the entire eastern Mediterranean Sea are very few*/. The fact that a mass stranding due to whatever natural or anthropogenic cause can remove a so important part of the population shows that this population is extremely fragile./* Urgent conservation measures*/ have to be taken with no further delay by the Greek government, as well as at the regional level. Sincerely, Alexandros Frantzis -- ___________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Scientific director Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 Vouliagmeni, GREECE Tel.: +30-210-8960108 e-mail: afrantzis(a)otenet.gr website: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr ___________________________________________

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XXXII International Meeting for Marine Mammals (SOMEMMA) Webpage
by Ibiza Martínez Serrano 14 Dec '09

14 Dec '09

> Xalapa, Veracruz, México > > 2-6 May 2010 > > > Convened by: > Universidad Veracruzana (UV) > Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina (SOMEMMA) Our webpage is ready with all the information you need to come. Please visit: http://www.isotecmexico.com/somemma/index.html

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