March 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Anybody sequencing a baleen whale genome ?
by Per Palsböll 11 Mar '09

11 Mar '09

Hi Marmammer's; We are a group of people considering putting a proposal to sequence a baleen whale genome. We are aware of the fact that the bottlenose dolphin is up for low coverage (x2) sequencing, but feel that a baleen whale genome would complement that effort well (as would a sperm whale genome for that matter). To avoid duplicate efforts, though, we are asking if somebody else already have started on such an endeavor, or know somebody who has? Although I am preaching to the choir here, then it seems odd that only a dolphin genome is on the list giving how unique cetacean are amongst mammals, and the reason why we'd like to go ahead with a baleen whale genome now that prices are becoming "reasonable". Please respond to: Per.Palsboll(a)gmt.su.se<mailto:Per.Palsboll@gmt.su.se> Cheers, Per ----------------------------------------------- Prof. Per J. Palsboll Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Toxicology Stockholm University 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden Visiting address: Svante Arrheniusväg 16 E, room 545 Phone: +46 (0)8 16 1998 Mobile: +46 (0)73 518 2364

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Introductory distance sampling workshop, La Jolla CA 12-15 July 2009
by Eric Rexstad 11 Mar '09

11 Mar '09

Staff from the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, Univ. of St. Andrews will deliver this workshop hosted by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) this coming summer (12-15 July). The workshop instructors will be Drs. David Borchers, Len Thomas, and Tiago Marques. Over 3.5 days, we will focus on distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book Introduction to Distance Sampling (book will be provided). The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program Distance. Space is limited to 40 places and we expect this workshop to fill more quickly than did last year's North America workshop, so if you are interested, please visit the website (http://www.cetus.ucsd.edu/Distance.html) and register soon. This site also contains information on accommodation (campus housing at UCSD as well as other negotiated rates) along with information on the location and other details. Those interested in the application of passive acoustics in abundance estimation may also attend a SIO symposium the following day (http://www.cetus.ucsd.edu/Density.html) -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Moray Firth Dolphins and Organochlorine Paper
by Kimberly Ann McCallister 10 Mar '09

10 Mar '09

Hi MARMAM, Does anyone have access to the following paper? I have had trouble locating a full pfd and would appreciate anyone who could send it my way. I am hoping to use it for a research assignment in my Marine Mammal Biology class due Friday March 13th. Organochlorine residues in harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphins stranded on the coast of Scotland, 1988-1991. SCIENCE of the TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 151, 77-99 David E. Wells Corresponding Author Contact Information, a, Lesley A. Campbella, Harry M. Rossb, Paul M. Thompsonc and Christina H. Lockyerd Thanks, Kim McCallister Eckerd College mccallka(a)eckerd.edu --------------------------------------------------------------------- This mail sent via Eckerd College Webmail : https://webmail.eckerd.edu

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Publication on beluga echolocation
by Marc Lammers 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Dear colleagues, The following article was recently published online: Lammers, M.O. and Castellote, M. (2009). "The beluga whale produces two pulses to form its sonar signal" Biology Letters, doi:10.1098/rsbl.2008.0782 Odontocete cetaceans use biosonar clicks to acoustically probe their aquatic environment with an aptitude unmatched by man-made sonar. A cornerstone of this ability is their use of short, broadband pulses produced in the region of the upper nasal passages. Here we provide empirical evidence that a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) uses two signal generators simultaneously when echolocating. We show that the pulses of the two generators are combined as they are transmitted through the melon to produce a single echolocation click emitted from the front of the animal. Generating two pulses probably offers the beluga the ability to control the energy and frequency distribution of the emitted click and may allow it to acoustically steer its echolocation beam. A PDF copy of the article is available at http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2009/02/27/rsbl.2008.0… or by request from lammers(a)hawaii.edu. Best wishes, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marc O. Lammers, Ph.D. Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology P.O. Box 1106 Kailua, HI 96734 Tel: +1(808) 375-0010 Fax: +1(808) 247-5831 lammers(a)hawaii.edu

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FWRI Florida Manatee GIS Research Internship - Summer 2009
by Koslovsky, Stacie 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Any questions regarding the internship and applications should be directed to ManateeInterns(a)myfwc.com Manatee GIS Research Intern Interns' primary responsibilities are assisting with various GIS-related tasks related to ongoing projects by FWRI scientists in their research on manatee ecology and behavior. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Geographic Information System (GIS) section is looking for a detail-oriented intern or volunteer to work during the upcoming summer in St. Petersburg, Florida. The intern's primary responsibilities will involve assisting staff members in GIS tasks such as digitization; creation and modification of shapefiles and geodatabases; database management and development; and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of spatial data. Other responsibilities may include data entry and special projects. For the current project, the intern will be digitizing manatee sightings from recent aerial surveys and comparing the locations of sightings to existing FWRI manatee datasets. Qualifications: * Working knowledge of ArcGIS 8.x or 9.x * Knowledge of GIS theories and methods, as demonstrated by coursework or training * Basic database knowledge; Microsoft Access literacy preferred * Ability to work independently and as part of a group Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2009 (May-August). Internships require a minimum two-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible; hours are also somewhat flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Send a hard copy of your resumé with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient if not applying for internship credit), a list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Dr. William S. Arnold-Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applications may also be submitted as an e-mail attachment to: ManateeInterns(a)myfwc.com. This intern position is open until filled. All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided. For more information on internships, please visit the FWRI Internships <http://research.myfwc.com/careers/internships.asp> section.

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skin diseases in Guiana dolphins
by Marcos Santos 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Dear Colleagues: It is a nice pleasure to share another manuscript with you all. Anyone interested, please, get in touch and I'll promptly send the pdf file. Cheers, Marcos Santos Van Bressem, M-F; Santos, M. C. de O. & Oshima, J.E.F. 2009. Skin diseases in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Paranaguá estuary, Brazil: A possible indicator of a compromised marine environment. Marine Environmental Research, 67: 63-68. Abstract: We report on the presence of lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and nodular skin disease (NSD) in a community of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) inhabiting the biologically and chemically contaminated Paranagua estuary (Brazil) and on their absence in the community living in the cleaner Cananeia estuary. Prevalence rates of LLD and NSD were 3.9% and 12.6%, respectively, in 103 photo-identified (PI) dolphins from the Paranagua estuary in the period 2006–2007. Adults and calves were affected. Lobomycosis-like lesions may be extensive and form large plaques. Skin nodules were sometimes ulcerated and associated with cutaneous traumas suggesting that traumatic injuries may play a role in the pathogenesis of this condition. In two adult dolphins, NSD evoked the beginning of LLD. In 1996–2007 none of the 200 PI Cananeia S. guianensis had LLD or NSD, a highly significant difference. Interestingly, these dolphins were reported to harbour relatively low concentrations of organochlorines. LLD and NSD are possibly indicators of environmental changes. -- Dr Marcos César de Oliveira Santos Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia: Diversidade e Manejo de Vida Silvestre Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil, 93022-000 E-mail: mcos(a)unisinos.br Telefone/Phone: 51-3590-1229 & Projeto Atlantis, Laboratório de Biologia da Conservação de Cetáceos PROGRAMA JOVEM PESQUISADOR - FAPESP Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro Av 24-A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, 13506-900. E-mail: sotalia(a)rc.unesp.br Endereço Residencial/Home Address: Rua João Alfredo Panitz, 204, apto 602, Centro, São Leopoldo, RS 93010-150 E-mail: sotalia(a)gmail.com Telefone/Phone: 3037-2128

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New publication: genetic population structure in California sea lions
by Manuela Gonzalez 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Dear colleagues, A new paper describing the genetic population structure of the Mexican populations of the California sea lion has been recently published. You can send PDF requests to: manuela.gonzalez(a)snv.jussieu.fr<manuela.gonzalez(a)asu.edu> González-Suárez, M; Flatz, R; Aurioles-Gamboa, D; Hedrick, P; Gerber LR. (2009) Isolation by distance among California sea lion populations in Mexico: redefining management stocks. *Molecular Ecology*, 18:1088-1099. DOI:10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04093.x* * *Abstract*: Understanding the spatial structure of a population is critical for effective assessment and management. However, direct observation of spatial dynamics is generally difficult, particularly for marine mammals. California sea lions (*Zalophus californianus*) are polygynous pinnipeds distributed along the Pacific coast of North America. The species’ range has been subdivided into three management stocks based on differences in mitochondrial DNA, but to date no studies have considered nuclear genetic variation, and thus we lack a comprehensive understanding of gene flow patterns among sea lion colonies. In light of recent population declines in the Gulf of California, Mexico, it is important to understand spatial structure to determine if declining sea lion colonies are genetically isolated from others. To define population subdivision and identify sex biases in gene flow, we analysed a 355-bp sequence of the mitochondrial DNA control region and 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from 355 tissue samples collected from six colonies distributed along Mexican waters. Using a novel approach to estimate sex biases in gene flow, we found that male sea lions disperse on average 6.75 times more frequently than females. Analyses of population subdivision strongly suggest a pattern of isolation by distance among colonies and challenge current stock definitions. Based on these results, we propose an alternative classification that identifies three Mexican management units: Upper Gulf of California, Southern Baja Peninsula, and Upper Pacific Coast of Baja. This revised classification should be considered in future assessment and management of California sea lion populations in Mexican waters. Thank you Manuela -- "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." Mark Twain Manuela Gonzalez Suarez, Ph.D. CNRS - UMR 7625 Fonctionnement et évolution des systèmes écologiques Université Pierre et Marie Curie Case 237, Bâtiment A, 7 Quai St Bernard 75005 Paris, France http://ecologie.snv.jussieu.fr/eem/manuela_gonzalez_suarez

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FW: Marine Mammale Rescue Internship Program
by Marine Mammal Rescue 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

Please post on behalf of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Thank you Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) Internship Program Mission Statement of the Vancouver Aquarium: The Vancouver Aquarium is a self-supporting, non-profit association dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research, and direct action. About the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre One of the Vancouver Aquarium’s direct action programs, the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, works to rescue, rehabilitate and successfully release abandoned, injured, or standed marine mammals. Located approximately 15 minutes east of the Vancouver Aquarium, patients are brought to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre’s hospital facility from all over the B.C. coast and cared for until they are well enough to be released into the wild. Since the Aquarium started helping distressed marine mammals in the 1960s, MMR has treated elephant seals, sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and killer whales. Harbour seals are the most common patient at the facility and the facility can care for over 100 animals at a time. MMR Internship Program The MMR Internship is an unpaid internship. It will provide students with hands-on experience in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and the conservation of marine life. Students will engage in laboratory procedures, rescue techniques and help with the veterinary care of marine mammals. MMR presents a unique internship opportunity for: * Pre-veterinary students enrolled in a biology or similar university program * Veterinary technician students * Veterinary students Requirements Successful candidate will be: • Full time students enrolled in, a college or university, in zoology, marine biology, or related animal science, or completed all or part of a course study in veterinary technology from a recognized institution • Interested in a career as a veterinary technician, veterinarian, or a marine biology • Extremely self motivated with a desire for continuing education • Experienced in the animal care field either paid work or volunteer • Appling for position in a timely manor with resume and letter of interest outlining why you are interested in the program, your availability, educational background and where you heard about the program • Able to provide 2 letters of reference • Able to secure the necessary funds for relocation, accommodations and living expenses for the entire placement • Able to lift 20kg, be in good physical shape and be able to work both inside and outside in various weather conditions Intern shifts will be approximately 8 hours long, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week. Work schedules will include week-ends, evenings and holidays. Responsibilities (applicant responsibilities may include, but are not limited to): * Food preparation and animal feeding * General cleaning duties and animal habitat maintenance * Receiving animals when rescued including ability to weigh, assist in physical examinations, and animal record keeping * Assisting the veterinarian and staff in surgical and medical cases when required * Assist in researching information to aid in animal care * Limited laboratory procedures * May assist with rescues and releases Accommodation All candidates are expected to find their own accommodations in Vancouver. Placement dates and application procedures: There are six (6) internship positions over the summer, each 6 weeks in length and one (1) full-time position offered for the full summer. Early summer placement: three (3) students between June 25th – Aug 7th, 2009 Late summer placement: three (3) students between July 24th – Sept 4th, 2009 Full summer placement: one (1) student between June 25th and Sept 4th, 2009 Placement Application deadline Telephone Interview Period Notification period Start date Early/Full Summer March 20th March 20th – 31st April 10th, 2009 June 25th Late Summer March 20th March 20th - 31st April 10th, 2009 July 24th Applications will be processed by the MMR Coordinator. Please send resume, letter of intent and two references to rescue(a)vanaqua.org<mailto:rescue@vanaqua.org> with "MMR Internship Application" in the subject line OR mail to the attention of: MMR Internship Application Vancouver Aquarium PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B3X8. Good luck to all our applicants. Thank you for your interest in the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Internship program. ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU

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Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist Position
by Joe Gaspard 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

Dolphin and Whale Hospital and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist The position of Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist at Mote Marine Laboratory requires advanced knowledge in the care, feeding, and husbandry of marine mammals and sea turtles. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist should have advanced knowledge in animal welfare, food acquisition and preparation, and maintaining non-medical facilities and equipment. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist should be familiar with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requirements for housing marine mammals and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) for housing sea turtles. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist will assist in the training of other animal care employees, interns, and volunteers. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the MML employee manual. General Duties: Under the direction of the Medical Care Coordinator, the Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist is responsible for but not limited to the following tasks: preparing the daily diet for animals undergoing rehabilitation in the hospital, assisting in administering the feeds and medications, assisting in medical examination, and coordinating the handling of animals undergoing rehabilitation. This position will also be responsible for maintaining food, supplies, and facilities in strict accordance with NMFS and FFWCC requirements. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist is responsible for assisting with the training of staff, interns, and volunteers in the feeding of animals undergoing rehabilitation. This may include acting as shift leader on some designated shifts for round the clock care of critical rehabilitated animals. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist may be required to participate in beach rescue and/or animal transport operations, and should be familiar with the procedures for transporting marine mammals and sea turtles by land, sea, and air. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist is responsible for maintaining life support systems for marine mammals and sea turtle medical tanks including water quality monitoring, water exchanges, backwashing of filters, and cleaning fractionators. The Rehabilitation Animal Care Specialist will assist with routine medical care of marine mammals and sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation. Such activities may include acquiring radiographs, ultrasound, or other veterinary diagnostics. Working Hours: Working hours will be dictated by the needs of animals requiring care. Animals undergoing rehabilitation typically require specialized care 24 hours a day. This position requires a flexible schedule and may involve any hour of the day or night. Late night, early morning and weekend hours are common. Minimum Requirements: -Bachelors degree -Experience with care and food preparation for marine mammals and sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation, including requirements specified by NMFS and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission -US citizenship or foreign citizens U.S. work permit appropriate for the work -Valid Florida drivers license or ability to obtain in one month -Ability to work flexible schedule, including late nights and weekends -Ability to lift/carry/move heavy objects (100+ pounds) -Excellent swimming abilities -Good verbal/communication skills -Work well with others -Scuba certification is preferred Application: The closing date to apply for this position is March 13, 2009. Applications should include a letter of interest, resumé, and the contact information for three references. Please submit application materials to Human Resources at <mailto:humanresources@mote.org> humanresources(a)mote.org or: Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Joseph Gaspard Manatee Care, Training, and Research Coordinator Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone - (941) 388-4441 x460 Fax - (941) 388-4317 jgaspard(a)mote.org

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2009 NW Student Chapter of SMM conference/annual meeting
by Sasha McFarland 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

The Northwest Student Chapter of the Society of Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) will be held on Saturday, May 2 2009 at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. The meeting focuses on exchanging ideas and constructive feedback between fellow students from the Pacific Northwest community involved in marine mammal research. Presentations are 12 minutes long with 3 minutes for feedback and can concentrate on a research proposal, a progress report (what data you have and what is left to be done), a rehearsal for your defense, or a summary of a summer research project. If you don’t have a presentation, you are welcome to attend, learn about current research, provide feedback, and network with other student researchers in our field. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to attend. Regardless of the stage of your work, you can contribute to and benefit from this meeting! The day will begin with a plenary talk by Steve Jeffries from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, followed by a full day of presentations and an optional group dinner/happy hour somewhere local. For those of you who will be traveling to get to Bellingham and would like to stay the night, we are offering limited accommodation with local students. We can also suggest some relatively cheap rooms in which to stay. The registration fee will be small and covers lunch, snacks, and printing of abstract books for the attendees. While the exact amount will depend on the number of people that register, for the past four years it has been less than $20, and we expect the same to be true again this year. We will let you know the cost, which can be paid on the day of the conference. REGISTRATION FORMS: A registration form is attached with this e-mail, and will also be available on the NWSSMMwebsite (*http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127&Itemid=163* <http://www.marinemammalogy.org/student/chapter.cfm?Id=4*>). Please fill it out electronically and email it to Sasha McFarland at NWSSMM(a)gmail.com <2009NWSSMM(a)gmail.com> by April 10, 2009. SIGN UP NOW: The sooner you register the better. Give yourself a deadline to share your research and/or collaborate with your peers. We look forward to seeing you in May! Sasha McFarland Please contact me (NWSSMM(a)gmail.com <http://www.ac.wwu.edu/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=allen%40zoology.ubc.ca>) if you need clarification on meeting details. If you have any questions about the NWSSMM, please check out the website (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…) <http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…>.

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