February 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Bar Harbor Whale Museum Internship Announcement
by Mindy Viechnicki 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

The Bar Harbor Whale Museum seeks an intern for the 2009 summer season. The position will require approximately 20-40 hours per week with flexibility to accommodate specific schedule needs. Duties include assisting with education programs, exhibit and museum gift shop maintenance, and organization of our Adopt-A-Whale program. This position is open to either a senior-level high school student or an undergraduate college student, and can be an academic or nonacademic internship position depending on the need of the student. This is an unpaid volunteer position; housing is not available. The Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a nonprofit museum dedicated to developing in people an appreciation for marine mammals and their integral role in the Gulf of Maine through education, conservation, and scientific research. The Bar Harbor Whale Museum works in collaboration with Allied Whale, the marine mammal research group at College of the Atlantic, and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch company. This internship experience allows the student to become familiar with marine mammal ecology, museum education and operation, customer service protocols, and working in a nonprofit environment. Knowledge of the ecology of the Gulf of Maine region or background in a related field, museum work, or customer service is helpful, but not required. Interested applicants must be reliable, self-motivated, capable of working well with others, and able to commit to a schedule. Application review will begin March 16, 2008. Please send resume and three references, two professional and one personal. Applicants should email materials with a cover letter outlining your interest in this position to khevner(a)coa.edu with subject 'Internship 2009', or mail to: Keri Hevner Bar Harbor Whale Museum 52 West Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 207-288-0288

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Grey whale bone morphology and osteometrics, help needed
by Klaus Barthelmess 18 Feb '09

18 Feb '09

Dear colleagues, I am cooperating with a small North German museum to prepare a little exhibition on "cetaceans in the North Sea", which is to open in a few weeks. We are planning to do a poster or two on the extinct North Atlantic grey whale and may be able to get two mandible fragments of some five feet length each as a temporary loan. They were dredged up from the North Sea by a fish trawler and are said by the owner to have been identified as grey whale mandibles. As authenticated bone finds of the North Atlantic grey whale are exceedingly scarce, I want to verify this tentative identification before initiating the loan process and putting them on display. Can anyone provide me with some guidelines for the identification of grey whale mandibles, their morphology and osteometrics, esp. for clues as to telling them from balaenopterid and balaenid jawbones? It has been a while that I saw them, but I do not recall the presence of tips and condyls on these fragments. If I remember the looks of grey whale mandibles in Japanese collections correctly, likewise seen a long while ago, I think I recall the presence of comparatively many openings for blood vessels on these bones. Can that recollection be correct? Your help will be much appreciated and be properly credited on the poster. For the same poster(s), we would also like to show a pic or two of benthic foraging of grey whales. If you have any such images and were willing to allow us to reproduce them on our poster - aaarrrrgh ... free of charge - this would equally be much appreciated and properly credited. Thanks for your thoughts and any - given the deadline: quick - input! With greasy greetings from Cologne, Cheers Klaus Barthelmess

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Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship Opportunity
by Wally Franklin 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship Opportunity The Oceania Project, during August-October 2009, is conducting vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study of the behaviour and social organisation of humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ] (Right Click to open links) The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ http://www.oceania.org.au/footer_stuff/about_us.html ] The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social behaviour, population dynamics and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V (E1) humpback whale group. In addition we are investigating genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay, the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. There is an opportunity for up to five Interns to participate in the research expedition each week during August-October 2009. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1950 Australian which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' and faecal sample collection, assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection, environmental data, water quality sampling and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/life.html ] A pdf with detailed information about the Internship Program is available for download. No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order registrations are received. General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au ] Experiences with the humpbacks in Hervey Bay aboard the Whale Research Expedition can be viewed at: [ iWhales.org ] (Put mouse over screen and click play button) If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern you can register online. If you have questions or queries please email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV [ mailto:trish.wally@oceania.org.au ]. Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University .......................................................................... Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 02 6685 8128 Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176 Mobile: 0418 797326 Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: http://www.oceania.org.au and http://www.iwhales.org PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/index.php

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Wildlife Research Technicians Job Announcement
by Janet Thibault 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Humboldt State University Sponsored Program Foundation, in cooperation with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, will be hiring 2 technicians to assist in conducting surveys of Common Murres and Steller sea lions along California’s northern coast during spring/summer 2009. Work involves open water surveys by zodiac of nesting Common Murres and Steller sea lions. Responsibilities include recording attendance patterns, behavior and distributions of Common Murres and sea lions, equipment maintenance, and data entry. Applicants must be comfortable working in a marine environment on the open ocean, have a strong work ethic and be capable of withstanding long hours in a small boat in inclement weather. Applicant will have prior field experience identifying seabirds and sea lions and experience on small motorized boats. Those holding DOI motorboat operating training certificates or equivalent may be given special consideration and should indicate status in cover letter. Applicants should possess at least a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Biology, or related degree, or substantial commensurate experience. Two technicians will be hired full time for 5 months each (Mid-March to July and Mid-April to Mid-September). Salary is 12.95/hr. To apply, send cover letter with original signature, resume, and contact information for 3 references (including phone numbers) to: Janet Thibault / Rick Golightly, Department of Wildlife, 1 Harpst St., Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521. To receive full consideration applications must be complete by March 1, 2009. Janet Thibault jmt86(a)humboldt.edu 707 826-3450

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new bycatch article in marine policy
by Jeffrey Moore 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

Apologies for cross postings. Some may be interested in the following article just published in Marine Policy: J. E. Moore, B. P. Wallace, R. L. Lewsion, R. Zydelis, T. M. Cox, and L. B. Crowder. 2009. A review of marine mammal, sea turtle and seabird bycatch in USA fisheries and the role of policy in shaping management. Marine Policy 33: 435-451 Abstract: This paper reviews the available information (observer programs, estimates, statutes, regulations) for bycatch of marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds in fisheries of the United States. Goals of the review were to evaluate the state of knowledge of bycatch and the role of existing protective legislation in shaping bycatch management for different taxa. Pressing issues are identified, as well as knowledge gaps and policy limitations that hinder multi-species bycatch reduction. The USA has made important progress toward reducing bycatch in its fisheries, but the efficacy of its management has been limited somewhat by a focus on taxon- and fishery-specific regulation and the lack of consistent mandate across taxa for taking a cumulative perspective on bycatch. Applying consistent criteria across taxa for setting bycatch limits (e.g., extending the approach used for marine mammals to sea turtles and seabirds) would be the first step in a multi-species approach to bycatch reduction. A population-based multi- species multi-gear approach to bycatch would help identify priority areas where resources are needed most and can be used most effectively. Online subscribers to Marine Policy may access the article here: <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2008.09.003> http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2008.09.003 Otherwise, go here: http://www.duke.edu/~jemoore/09_Moore%20et%20al_USA%20bycatch%20review.pdf Jeff ****************************************** Jeffrey Moore, Ph.D. Research Scientist Duke University Marine Laboratory 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort, NC 28516 Phone: (252) 504-7621 Fax: (252) 504-7689 Email: jemoore(a)duke.edu Web: www.duke.edu/~jemoore *****************************************

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[Fwd: request to Marmam readers for SSL anecdotes and observations]
by Terry Johnson 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

I am currently on sabbatical leave writing a book on Steller sea lions. Please contact me if you would be willing to share anecdotes or observations, from the field or lab, on SSL behaviors and phenomena. Also, observations and anecdotes on SSL researcher behaviors and phenomena. If you don't have time to write them out, email me with a contact number and I'll contact you by phone. Credit will be given or anonymity guaranteed, as you prefer. Terry Johnson, Professor of Fisheries University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program 1007 W. 3rd Ave. Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501 907-349-0147 sabbatical phone terry.johnson(a)uaf.edu Terry Johnson, Professor of Fisheries University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program 1007 W. 3rd Ave. Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501 907-274-9695 office 907-903-6876 cell 907-349-0147 sabbatical phone

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Shark attack dolphin off Brisbane
by Salvador Herrando-Perez 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

Dear colleagues, some of you may be interested in this apparent shark attack to a dolphin. See link below, including press cutting and video. Best regards, Salva http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/753001/shark-attack-dolphin-being-treate d Salvador Herrando-Pérez School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Office phone: +61 8 8303 5254 / Office fax: +61 8 8303 4347 / Mobile phone: +61 406049010 <https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/salvador.herrando-perez> https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/salvador.herrando-perez / salvador.herrando-perez(a)adelaide.edu.au

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new publication on humpback whales
by Adam A. Pack 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

Dear colleagues: We are pleased to inform you of our latest publication on humpback whales: Pack, A.A., Herman, L. M., Spitz, S. S., Hakala, S., Deakos, M. H., & Herman, E.Y.K. (2009). Male humpback whales in the Hawaiian breeding grounds preferentially associate with larger females. Animal Behaviour, 77, 653-662. An abstract appears below. If you are interested in a reprint, please email Adam Pack at pack(a)hawaii.edu. We wish all of you a happy, peaceful, and productive 2009. The competitive group appears to be a major component of the mating system of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), bringing together a single female (nuclear animal or NA) and multiple males (escorts) that compete for physical proximity to her. We examined the relation of body size of the NA to the number of attending escorts and, separately, we determined the relation of a female's body size to the size of her calf. Using underwater videogrammetry in Maui waters during 1997-2002, we measured the body length of the NA in each of 42 competitive groups. We also measured the lengths of the mother and her calf in each of 92 mother-calf groups. The number of initial escorts in a competitive group was positively correlated with NA body length. Longer mothers were associated with longer calves, even after accounting for seasonal differences in calf length. We conclude that male humpback whales prefer to associate with larger females, and that larger females produce larger calves. Theoretically, larger calves have a greater chance of survival than do smaller calves. The choice of a larger female may therefore increase the reproductive success of an escort that succeeds in mating. -- ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology and Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo Co-founder and Vice President, The Dolphin Institute Mailing Address: The Dolphin Institute P.O. Box 700694 Kapolei, HI 96709 V/F 808-679-3690 email: pack(a)hawaii.edu url: www.dolphin-institute.org

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Humpback whale in the northern Adriatic Sea
by Tilen Genov 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

Dear MARMAM and ECS subscribers, apologies for cross-posting. A humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) was observed in Piran bay (Slovenia, Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea) today. The animal has apparently stayed in Slovenian waters during the past week or so, as we have been receiving several sighting reports. The whale was sighted off the towns of Koper, Izola, Piran (Slovenia) and Trieste (Italy). Today, our research group managed to locate, observe and photograph the whale. It appeared to be an adult, about 10-12 m long, in normal body condition. It performed clustered dives of 2-3 short ventilations (dives lasting 5-20 seconds) followed by a long dive (between 5 and 10 minutes). It even breached once (total body except the tail fluke was clear out of the water). The animal stayed in Piran Bay for the whole day. Flocks of seagulls could be seen feeding in the same general area. Photographs of the animal can be found at: http://www.morigenos.org/index.php?path=Megaptera (photo-ID shots are towards the bottom) We would be very interested in knowing whether anybody working in the Mediterranean (or the Atlantic, for that matter) has seen this animal before. Higher-resolution photos are available upon request. Unfortunately, we did not manage to take any good photos of the flukes, but the dorsal fin is not too bad. Furthermore, we would be very interested in your feedback about cases of humpback whales in the Mediterranean (Ionian Sea - Greece, Adriatic Sea - Italy,...). in the past few years and in receiving any photographs from previous sightings. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need additional information. Sincerely Yours, Tilen Genov Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.morigenos.org

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volunteers
by Imogen Webster 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

Hi All The Mauritian Marine Conservation Society has embarked on a study of the dolphin watching industry in Mauritius and the dolphins exploited in this industry. To give a little background: The dolphin watching industry has grown unregulated and uncontrolled over the last 5 or 6 years. (a whale watching industry is nascent and may take off at any moment). On a typical day, groups of spinner dolphins, sometimes up to 100 animals, but typically 50 dolphins, will be visited by an average of 30-40 boats over a 4 hour period, early to mid- morning. With a non-ending stream of snorkellers jumping in the water to be near them. On occasion, perhaps 20% of the time, small groups (2 to 5) of bottlenose dolphins are subjected to the same fate. At the moment the population of bottlenose is the major conservation issue. We expect to find, based purely on intuition and not science, a very small population of Tursiops, probably around 100 to 150 animals. In contrast, the spinners that visit the coast daily are probably part of a larger population, probably around 3000 to 5000 strong - perhaps 1 or 2 thousand less. But, that is all conjecture, we need to establish the sustainability of the industry and the conservation status of the dolphins scientifically. We have two students working on this: 1. Behavioural and ecological aspects, what the dolphins are doing in the area, what they do before the boats arrive, during and after. 2. Determining numbers and identity of both species. In addition the examination of the socio-economic aspects, what the industry is worth, how many people, from where etc etc will be continued. The trouble is we have a limited budget and we, like most science, need to augment this in some way. Hence, we are looking for paying volunteers to come to Mauritius and help us with this work. Other than the research (undertaken by two PhD students) outlined above, the programme also encompasses: Working with schools to promote environmental awareness. Lobbying Government, the dolphin watching industry and private business, in an effort to gain support for sustainable marine eco-tourism. So, not only is there opportunity to help the PhD students with their research, but there will be ample opportunity to work with the MMCS in their educational and awareness campaign. We would like to host a maximum of two volunteers at any one time to help. Help would mostly be collecting data at sea, on our boat, or somehow helping the collection of research data. Volunteers will be accommodated with one of the students in a small furnished house in Black River (GPS 20o 21.77'S, 57o 21.48'E). Volunteers will have their own room and food will be provided, the same food eaten by the students. Anything outside of this will be for the volunteer's own account. Volunteers will be expected to contribute to housework, cleaning etc. The house is well appointed, two toilets, one bathroom with shower. It is about 750 m from a shopping centre that has a well stocked supermarket. The beach is about 100 m away. Openings for volunteers are available immediately. Charges will be around GBP200 per week, with GBP50 airport pick up and return, with a minimum of 4 weeks (and a maximum of 8 weeks, because of Government stipulation). For more info on volunteering, contact: Imogen Webster Principle Research Officer (PhD candidate) iwebster(a)mmcs-ngo.org or Skype imogen.webster or www.mmcs-ngo.org

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