April 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New article - Skin diseases in T. aduncus
by Jeremy KISZKA 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper, recently published in the last issue of Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: Lobomycosis-like disease and other skin conditions in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Indian Ocean. Pdf versions are available to jeremy.kiszka(a)wanadoo.fr Please see below the abstract: Lobomycosis is a chronic mycotic disease of the skin and subdermal tissues caused by the yeast-like organism Lacazia loboi, which affects humans and Delphinidae. Cases of lobomycosis and lobomycosis-like disease (LLD), a disease very similar to lobomycosis but for which a histological diagnostic is missing, have been reported in small cetaceans from the Americas and Europe. Here we report on LLD in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus from the tropical lagoon of Mayotte, between Mozambique and Madagascar. From July 2004 to June 2008, boat surveys were conducted in Mayotte waters. At least 71 adult dolphins were photo-identified. Six (5 males, 1 female) had multiple raised, greyish nodules on the dorsal fin, head, flanks, belly, back and tailstock that suggested LLD. The lesions were extensive in some cases. The calf of the positive female was also affected. LLD has been present in this community since at least 1999. As sampling was not possible, the aetiology of the disease could not be explored. The emergence of LLD in Mayotte may be related to degradation of the coastal environment associated with rapid urbanization, expanding agriculture and increased release of untreated freshwater runoffs. Other skin lesions included scars, healing wounds, whitish lesions and lumps.

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Volunteers for cetacean research fieldwork in Iceland
by Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Volunteers for cetacean research fieldwork in Iceland We need 2 3 field volunteers to assist a PhD student during cetacean research fieldwork in Húsavík, Iceland. The fieldwork primarily involves cetacean mapping and behaviour observations from a land-based station. Also, the fieldwork includes boat-based line-transect observations (1 2x a month) and behavioural observations during whale watching tours. The fieldwork is weather dependent, during observations volunteers are expected to work for 8 10 hours and get 2 3 days off each week. The research period will run from May to Sept. /Oct. 2009. It is possible to agree on a shorter stay but minimum working period is 2 months. Accommodation will be provided free of charge, however we do not have funding for volunteers daily living and travel expenses. We will assist prospective volunteers finding reasonably priced domestic travel tickets. Biological background is required, prior experience working on cetaceans is also preferred but not required. Volunteers will receive valuable experience in cetacean research fieldwork that can be very beneficial if one intends to seek further educational or working experience within the field. Priority will be given to applicants who can stay for the whole research period Please send an email to eem(a)hi.is with a motivation letter and a CV before as soon as possible Be specific about how much time you can commit to. Best wishes Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir (Ph.D student) Húsavík Research Center Hafnarstétt 3 640 Húsavík, Iceland Tel.: +354-464-5121 Mob.:+354-698-4478 E-mail: eem(a)hi.is

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World Cetacea Database
by William Perrin 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

A new website World Cetacea Database is now up and running at www.marinespecies.org/cetacea. It is primarily a taxonomic facility, but some information on biology, distribution, etc. is included. Coverage is limited to the living species, although one of them, the baiji or Yangtze river dolphin is possibly now extinct. Coverage of taxa includes families, genera, subgenera, species and subspecies. Names covered include junior synonyms, unjustified emendations, suppressed names, misspellings and other non-operative names; this is to help deal with the older literature. The core of the World Cetacea Database (WCD) is derived from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). Sources for the WCD include numerous taxonomic references (Mead and Brownell in Wilson and Reeder's Mammal Species of the World; Jefferson et al.'s Marine Mammals of the World, Rice's Marine Mammals of the World, Hershkovitz' Catalog of Living Whales, Perrin et al.'s Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, and others). It will be updated as changes occur and new taxa are described. The major sections of the database are Synonyms, Sources, Child Taxa [e.g., subspecies], Vernacular Names, Distribution, Habitat, Notes and Images. The vernacular names include obsolete names, again to help with the older literature. Please let me know of any omissions, typos, or errors you encounter. I'm also happy to review and discuss other issues, such as synonymies, controversial taxonomic assignments, or broader classification questions and to initiate changes if they are warranted. All inquiries and discussion will be evaluated promptly but critically and if deemed reasonable included quickly into the database. Additional vernacular names that you may know about are welcome (please specify the language they are in); we have a lot for Europe and the Americas but not many for other parts of the world. Some of the notes, images and other details are inherited from previous entries in the core database and are here a work in progress; comments and corrections are welcome. We also need good photographic images for most of the species; these should be submitted as jpg files (_<_50mb). Happy surfing. Bill Perrin - william.perrin(a)noaa.gov -- William F. Perrin, Ph.D. Senior Scientist for Marine Mammals NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel. (858) 546-7096 Fax (858) 546-7003

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Volunteer field assistant
by Cristiane Cavalcante de Albuquerque Martins 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Field Assistant Opportunity: 2 field assistants are needed for fieldwork for a PhD student's dissertation from the Complex System Laboratory (Université de Montréal). Fieldwork involves baleen whales behaviour data collection from a land-based station at the Saint Lawrence estuary, Quebec (Canada). The field season will run for 2 months, August and September. Assistants will be expected to work 6 days per week, for up to 10 hours at a time. Black flies are often present. Days off are usually taken in raining days. Prior experience working on cetaceans and land-based observations is preferred but not required. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. Familiarity with spreadsheet software; positive and flexible work ethic, and enthusiasm are essential. This is not a paid position. Assistants will have housing and breakfast (arranged with a Hostel next to the observation site). Assistants will need to pay for their plane tickets to Montreal or Quebec. Priority will be given to applicants who can stay for the duration - a minimum commitment of one month is required. Please send an email to albuquerquecris(a)gmail.com with a motivation letter and a CV before May 1st. Be specific about how much time you can commit to. Cristiane Cristiane C. de Albuquerque Martins Candidat au doctorat/Ph.D. candidate Laboratoire sur les systèmes complexes/ Complex systems laboratory Université de Montréal Département de Géographie 520 chemin côte Ste-Catherine Montréal (QC), Canada H2V 2B8 Tél.: (514) 343-8064 Veja quais são os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com

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Baiji River Dolphin Questionnaire
by leigh＠vaquita.org 13 Apr '09

13 Apr '09

Subject: Why Did The Yangtze River Dolphin Become Functionally Extinct? A Socio-Economic Analysis of Historical Baiji Conservation Efforts: Dear Colleagues, China's Yangtze River dolphin or baiji (Lipotes vexillifer) made world headline news in December 2006 after an extensive six-week survey of its historical range failed to find a single surviving individual. Since this time no authentic sightings have been reported, and the species is considered to be probably extinct. This represents the disappearance of an entire mammal family, and the first cetacean species to have been wiped out by human activity. The probable extinction of the baiji also represents the first disappearance of a large-bodied vertebrate species since the emergence of an international network of conservation organizations that have tended to prioritize conservation efforts on such charismatic animals. Many other cetaceans (such as the vaquita and the Indian river dolphins), and a growing number of other species worldwide, are also in imminent danger of extinction. It is therefore imperative to identify the key lessons that can be learnt from the history of attempts to conserve the baiji, and the ultimate failure of these attempts to prevent the extinction of this species, before this knowledge is lost with time. How was it possible for a species of river dolphin to become extinct, when it should have been the focus of intensive conservation attention and activity? Without a fuller understanding of the failure of baiji conservation efforts - in terms of management, bureaucracy and implementation of recovery plans - the same failures are fated to play themselves out with other Critically Endangered species. With support from the US Marine Mammal Commission, Hong Kong Ocean Park Foundation, the Zoological Society of London and the People?s Trust for Endangered Species, we are conducting an in-depth investigation into the socio-economic factors that influenced international baiji conservation efforts over recent decades. In order to collect meaningful comparative data on this crucial subject, we have developed a standard baiji conservation questionnaire. We are currently distributing this questionnaire to organisations and participants who have been involved with past baiji conservation efforts, in order to quantify the different types of baiji conservation efforts that were conducted or supported; the economic resources made available for these efforts; the factors that influenced support for different strategies; and perceptions regarding roles and responsibilities concerning strategy implementation. It is our intention to make this study as broad and inclusive as possible. A Chinese-language version of this questionnaire is being sent to all key government agencies, officials and scientific institutions within China who have been involved in baiji conservation efforts during the last four decades. An English-language version is being sent to all individuals and organizations outside China who played a prominent role in historical baiji conservation efforts. We are also making the questionnaire available on-line, so that it can be completed by any other individuals or conservation organisations that were also involved in baiji conservation. If the latter applies to you or your organization, we would be extremely grateful if you could find the time to complete the questionnaire and return it to us by email at the following address: leigh(a)vaquita.org Copies of the 'Individual' and 'Organization' questionnaire can be downloaded from the following website: www.vaquita.org All questionnaires are anonymous, although we request that the informant?s name or organisation should be included for the purpose of classifying different responses prior to analysis of results. The results of this study will be prepared for publication in an international peer-reviewed conservation science journal. Your contribution will be invaluable for us to learn what went wrong for the baiji, and how we can work to prevent similar failures from taking place in the future. If you have any questions about the questionnaire please do not hesitate to contact us. We thank you in advance for giving your valuable time to this initiative. Kind regards, Leigh Barrett leigh(a)vaquita.org

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Job announcement: Marine Mammal Research Technician
by Stephen McCulloch 13 Apr '09

13 Apr '09

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute's Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program at Florida Atlantic University will be hiring a Research Technician to perform primary animal care and husbandry duties in rendering care and assistance to sick and/or injured marine mammals. Please see attached job posting and instructions on how to submit an application. Please note, direct your inquiries via online application to <https://jobs.fau.edu/> https://jobs.fau.edu/, reference position number 980528. An online application must be completed in order to be considered for this position.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Research Technician (Position # 980528) Closing Date: 4/24/09 Position Summary: As directed by supervisor, performs primary animal care and husbandry duties in rendering care and assistance to sick and/or injured marine mammals. Maintains and/or assists in the operation of animal care facilities, including but not limited to: life support systems, pools, food preparation, clinical diagnostics equipment, and other associated equipment and systems. Serves as a member of the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation team in support of program activities and to accomplish established outcomes. Provides assistance to faculty and staff as required to support program activities and accomplish established outcomes. Will help to coordinate response, recovery, and transport or stranded marine mammals and maintain those supplies and equipment necessary to perform these responsibilities. Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and four years experience in marine mammal (to include cetaceans, sirenia, and pinnipeds) husbandry, care, handling and behavioral conditioning; maintenance/management of marine mammal facilities. Bachelor degree in a directly related field may substitute for years of experience. Knowledge of maintaining biological life support systems and water quality required. Ability to safely operate and navigate small craft in near coastal waters required. Experience involving marine mammal transports, design & maintenance of transport systems required. Proficient PC skills. Ability to work flexible hours including nights/weekends (e.g. to provide critical care and assistance to sick or injured marine mammals). Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, staff, and the public. Valid Florida Drivers License or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. Work days and hours: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm. Ability to work flexible hours including nights/weekends may be required. Work schedule to be determined by supervisor. <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Salary Range: $34,500 - $47,500 Special Instructions to the Applicant: Preference in appointment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of eligible veterans in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 295.07. Individuals requiring accommodation call 561-297-3058 (1-800-955-8771 TTY) Job involves frequent standing and sitting during long hours of sustained observation in the field; frequent use of the computer keyboard and mouse; may involve lifting up to 100 lbs. Work is performed in an external environment, including small boats, beach, water tank or pool and worker may be exposed to adverse environmental conditions 50% of the time. Work is also performed in an internal environment (lab or office) 50% of the time. The worker may be required to wear personal protective equipment as part of the job duties. Online application must be completed in order to be considered for this position. <https://jobs.fau.edu/> https://jobs.fau.edu/, reference position number 980528. Florida Atlantic University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and is committed to the diversity of its workforce. Stephen D. McCulloch Founder / Program Manager Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Center for Marine Ecosystems Health Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University 5600 U.S. 1 North Fort Pierce, FL 34946 772.465.2400, x604 772.595.3332 fax <http://www.hboi.fau.edu> www.hboi.fau.edu <http://www.protectwilddolphins.org/> www.ProtectWildDolphins.org <http://www.protectfloridawhales.org/> www.ProtectFloridaWhales.org

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Field-Specific Bottlenose Dolphin Courses (Spring & Summer Season)
by Bruno Diaz 12 Apr '09

12 Apr '09

Change your way of learning! Are you looking for a field-specific research course? Please see the announcement below. There are still places available. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI is pleased to offer comprehensive and intensive Bottlenose Dolphin Research Courses during the 2009 Spring & Summer Season for marine science students and biologist, who are seeking thorough training in approaches to the study of free ranging wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the life of bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities in their distribution and behaviour since 1999. These intensive educational courses (lasting 6 or 13 days) provide experience in specialized non-invasive dolphin research techniques in Sardinia Island (Italy). Combined with lectures, you wll be trained during this field and laboratory-intensive course in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, statistical analysis and presentation; giving public talks and much more. Learning, at its best, should be an active process, one in which the students are challenged on a daily basis with responsibilities that play a large part in the outcome of the research projects. If the results of our research projects to date (with numerous scientific publications and thesis that substantially increase present understanding of bottlenose dolphins) are any indication, then our field courses should be very productive, both in terms of our own enlightenment about the life of these free-ranging dolphins and in producing information bearing directly on the conservation and management of this dolphin species and others. Research courses can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the training course. Course 1. Bottlenose dolphins: Field methods in the wild Dates: June 15, July 20, August 17 or September 14 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Marine mammals biology - Dolphins ecology: habitat use and bottlenose dolphin presence - Behavioural sampling methods - Interaction between dolphins and human activities - General notions about Photo-identification techniques - General notions about diving behaviour - General notions about bioacoustics - Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis in dolphins distribution studies. - Fisheries & Aquaculture: Socio-economical importance and impact on coastal ecosystems. - Ecological & behavioural transcription - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation. Course 2. Study of bottlenose dolphin behaviour Dates: May 04, June 29, July 27 or August 24 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Bottlenose dolphins biology - Behavioural sampling methods - Behavioural patterns & events - Analysis of underwater videos - Focal individual and focal group behaviour - Interaction between dolphins and human activities - Fisheries & Aquaculture: Socio-economical importance and impact on coastal ecosystems. - Bottlenose dolphin feeding behaviour - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation Course 3. Photo-identification technique & bottlenose dolphins social structure Dates: May 18, July 06, August 03, August 31 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Bottlenose dolphins biology - Dolphin photo-identification tecniques - Notions about photography with SLR cameras - Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis in dolphins distribution studies. - Use of habitat studies - Software for analysis of digital pictures for photoidentification purposes - Bottlenose dolphin social structure and population estimates - Software for analysis of dolphins social structure (SOCPROG) - Ecological & behavioural transcription of data - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation & databases Course 4. Bioacoustics of wild bottlenose dolphins Dates: June 01, July 13, August 10, September 04 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Bottlenose dolphin biology - Bottlenose dolphins sound production and reception - Bottlenose dolphin vocalizations - Whistles categorization - Sound analysis - Noise pollution - Acoustic deterrent devices - Software to bio-acoustical studies - Bottlenose dolphin behaviour - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation The courses are limited to 8 students, so they provide an opportunity for students to interact closely with the course instructor(s), and to collaborate with other students who share the same interests. Cost: from 550 Euros (6 days), 1150 Euros (13 days) with special fees for students. The costs include accommodation in apartment, dolphin research training, lectures, certificate of attendance, printed material and all associated field and lab costs. Participants will share rooms with 1-2 persons of the same gender and couples can be accommodated in a private room. Single/Private bedrooms may be available in some periods. Pre-approval is necessary for registration. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled. For more information on this course, please contact Bruno Diaz Lopez education(a)thebdri.com For more information on BDRI, including a list of publications and thesis, please visit www.thebdri.com Bruno Diaz Lopez Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist Chief Researcher The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy http://www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Golfo-Aranci-Italy/BOTTLENOSE-DOLPHIN-RESEARC… Tel: + (39) 346 081 5414

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New article on NZ fur seals
by al_baylis＠yahoo.com.au 11 Apr '09

11 Apr '09

Dear colleagues, The following article was recently published on-line in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Baylis, A.M.M and Nichols, P.D (2009) Milk fatty acids predict the foraging locations of the New Zealand fur seal: continental shelf versus oceanic waters. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 380: 271 - 286 A PDF copy is available through: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v380/ or upon request: al_baylis(a)yahoo.com.au Kindest regards Al Baylis ABSTRACT: Lactating New Zealand fur seals Arctocephalus forsteri utilise 2 ecological regions: continental shelf habitats and oceanic habitats associated with the Subtropical Front. Using milk fatty acids (FA) obtained from 29 satellite-tracked fur seals, we characterised the FA composition of seals that foraged on the continental shelf, and those that foraged in oceanic waters. Seals that foraged within oceanic waters were characterised by milk being comparatively high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; 47.4 ± 4.4%, mean ± SD), and lower in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 23.8 ± 4.0%) when compared to seals that foraged in continental shelf waters (MUFA 36.7 ± 5.4 and PUFA 31.4 ± 5.5%). Based on FA compositions, we predicted the likelihood that milk samples collected at random (n = 131) represented individual seals having foraged either on the continental shelf or in distant oceanic waters. Results indicated that 74% (n = 97) of seals were likely to have foraged in oceanic waters, with 26% (n = 34) likely to have foraged within continental shelf waters. These results were supported by the small sub-sample of 29 satellite-tracked seals, which indicated that 62% of seals had foraged in oceanic waters. FA analysis and satellite-tracking results contrasted with scat analyses, from which only 7% of scats contained prey remains from oceanic waters. The results suggest scats were biased toward females foraging on the continental shelf. To further understand the diet of New Zealand fur seals, additional information on potential prey species that inhabit waters associated with the Subtropical Front south of Australia is required, as well as the continued development and application of alternative dietary techniques. The new Internet Explorer 8 optimised for Yahoo!7: Faster, Safer, Easier.

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Marine Education Training Conference
by Tanya Grady 10 Apr '09

10 Apr '09

Friday, April 10, 2009 *Contacts*: Tanya Grady, PCCS: 508-247-7665, tgrady(a)coastalstudies.org Carole Carlson, Dolphin Fleet: 508-487-0374, science(a)whalewatch.com Regina Asmutis-Silvia, WDCS: 508-451-3853, regina.asmutis-silvia(a)wdcs.org MARINE EDUCATION CONFERENCE SET *(PROVINCETOWN, CAPE COD, MA)* – The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, in partnership with the Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, will host a 3-day marine education conference at the Hiebert Marine Laboratory in Provincetown, beginning at 9a.m., April 24 through April 26, 2009. “Today’s naturalists understand that the most valuable aspect of whale watching is its potential to educate people of all ages and from all backgrounds to appreciate, value and understand marine mammals,” said Dr. Carole Carlson, of the Dolphin Fleet and adjunct scientist at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. “The goal of our workshop is to help naturalists, through dedicated seminars and discussion, to translate the whale watch experience to a wider audience and to inspire greater involvement and follow-up activity from those who participated.” The purpose of the conference is to educate naturalist/science educators, interns, volunteers, and those directly involved with whale watch tours or research in the Gulf of Maine region. The conference will include morning lectures that address the status of great whales and seals in the region, physical oceanography and current conservation concerns. Afternoon workshops include; “Plankton and the Ecosystem,” which includes lectures and hands-on identification of multiple species; and “Photo-Identification Catalogues,” how to best use them as both a research and education tool. Primary funding for the conference is made possible with support from the Wendy Joan Shadwell Fund for Whale Watch Naturalist Training and Education, created from a generous bequest from Wendy Joan Shadwell, a long time supporter of PCCS and devotee of whale watching aboard the Dolphin Fleet. The fund was established by PCCS to support ongoing education programs for whale watch naturalists. “Responsible whale watching literally saves whales,” according to WDCS Senior Biologist, Regina Asmutis-Silvia. “It is an economically viable alternative to whaling, a platform for research, and a means to educate millions of people about whales and the importance of the marine ecosystem.” The conference culminates on Sunday with a whale watch tour hosted by Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown, weather permitting. For more information, or to register for the conference, please contact Regina Asmutis-Silvia at regina.asmutis-silvia(a)wdcs.org. # # # * * *Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS)* is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving marine mammals and ecosystems in the Gulf of Maine through research, education, public policy initiatives, and management strategies. PCCS played a key role in the federal designation of Stellwagen Bank as a national marine sanctuary and Cape Cod Bay as a critical habitat for the North Atlantic right whale. To learn more about our work and our results, visit www.coastalstudies.org. *Dolphin Fleet* *of Provincetown*, locally-owned since 1975, is a commercial whale watch company dedicated to the promotion of responsible whale watching through education, science and high standards of vessel operation. The Dolphin Fleet is recognized world-wide as a leading example of high quality, sustainable whale watching, learn more at www.whalewatch.com. *Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (North America)* *Inc., (WDCS)* is the global voice for the protection of whales and dolphins and their environment. It is based in Plymouth, MA and is the US office of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, a charity registered in the United Kingdom. Among our programs, WDCS works to reduce the threat of vessel strikes and entanglements to whales and promote responsible whale watching world wide as an alternative to whaling. For further information on the extent and scope of the organization's work, or adopting a whale, please visit <http://news.findlaw.com/prnewswire/20080220/%3ca>www.wdcs-na.org. -- Tanya L. Grady Communications Coordinator Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 508-247-7665 tgrady(a)coastalstudies.org www.coastalstudies.org

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Letter to editor on Oceanus article
by Jasny, Michael 10 Apr '09

10 Apr '09

The following letter to the editor, replying to the same Oceanus article that Naomi Rose just responded to, has been posted on the Oceanus website (www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewArticle.do?id=6941) To the Editor: Had Oceanus contacted us, we could have corrected inaccuracies that undermine the force of your story ("Supreme Court Weighs in on Whales and Sonar"). In fact, environmental enforcement has been responsible for millions of dollars in research on noise in the ocean. The Marine Mammal Research Program under Scripps' Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate project in 1995, the ONR-funded Scientific Research Program regarding Low Frequency Active sonar in 1997, and, most recently, almost $15 million in new research on both marine mammal acoustics and basic ecology under a settlement with the Navy in December 2008 - all of these have been undertaken or expanded in direct response to environmental advocacy, as Dr. Tyack, who was involved in both the ATOC and LFA research initiatives, can attest. Moreover, without this advocacy, the Navy would almost certainly still be training illegally with sonar around the world, with too little regard for marine impacts - just as it had for decades before environmental advocates forced them to respond. Time after time, the Navy has rejected meaningful safeguards, and in case after case the federal courts have found them in violation of the law. Although in Winter v. NRDC the Supreme Court, based on the Court majority's view of the public interest, lifted two of the six mitigation conditions imposed by the lower courts, it did not challenge their legal judgment that the Navy had violated the law nor did it accept the Navy's astonishing claim that the President, at the Navy's request, could overrule a federal court. All of us are fortunate to live in a nation of laws, but our environmental laws are meaningful only if enforced. To portray environmental advocacy as hindering scientific research, as your article does, is not only factually inaccurate but fundamentally at odds with the longstanding commitment of the scientific community to conservation of our oceans. Joel Reynolds Natural Resources Defense Council Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 mob. 310-560-5536 fax 310-434-2399 mjasny(a)nrdc.org PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney-client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify me at the above telephone number.

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