May 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Fluke Matching Volunteer Opportunity at The Dolphin Institute
by Kathryn Rose 27 May '09

27 May '09

Volunteer Opportunity: The Dolphin Institute (TDI) in Honolulu, Hawai’i is offering a limited number of volunteer positions for college-level students to assist in the processing of data collected on humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. TDI is a Hawaii-based non-profit marine mammal science and education organization dedicated to whales and dolphins through research, education, and conservation. It is directed by Dr. Adam Pack, Assistant Professor at University of Hawai’i at Hilo, and Dr. Louis Herman, an emeritus professor at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Further information on TDI can be found at www.dolphin-institute.org. TDI’s archival catalog of identification photographs of humpback whales spans over three decades and includes over 22,000 observations of over 5,000 individual humpbacks. This archive is a rich resource for investigating the behavior and biology of Hawaii’s humpback whales. During the summer of 2009, TDI volunteers will have a unique opportunity to work alongside one of our researchers to help uncover the life histories of individual humpback whales by matching photographs of their tail flukes (the “finger print” of a humpback) to our digitized archival catalog. TDI is looking for extremely motivated and dedicated individuals. Volunteer openings are available for an immediate start date. Accepted volunteers must complete at least 1 full day each week, or alternatively 2 half days, for a three-month period. Continuation is evaluated based on dedication and performance. Volunteers are responsible for their own housing and transportation to TDI’s Honolulu office. Desirable qualifications: College or post-college education preferred, experience in marine mammal research, previous fluke matching experience, experience with computer programs such as Aperture, Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, Excel, and experience working with large data sets. Send a cover letter indicating your qualifications and why you are seeking a volunteer position with TDI along with a complete resume including two letters of reference. Send applications or inquiries by email to Kathryn Rose at krose.tdi(a)gmail.com. Positions are open until filled, but early application is encouraged.

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New paper: Domoic acid in Kogia from Southeast U.S.
by Spencer Fire 26 May '09

26 May '09

Dear Colleagues: The following paper is now available from the journal "Harmful Algae" (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/15689883) Fire SE, Wang Z, Leighfield TA, Morton SL, McFee WE, McLellan WA, Litaker RW, Tester PA, Hohn AA, Lovewell G, Harms C, Rotstein DS, Barco SG, Costidis A, Sheppard B, Bossart GD, Stolen M, Durden WN, Van Dolah FM (2009) DOMOIC ACID EXPOSURE IN PYGMY AND DWARF SPERM WHALES (KOGIA SPP.) FROM SOUTHEASTERN AND MID-ATLANTIC U.S. WATERS. Harmful Algae 8:658-664. ABSTRACT: The neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) was detected in urine and fecal samples recovered from pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) stranding along the U.S. Atlantic coast from 1997 to 2008. Of the 41 animals analyzed from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, 24 (59%) tested positive for DA at concentrations of 0.4-1.8 ng/mL in urine and 12-13,566 ng/g in feces as determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Feces appeared to be the best indicator of DA exposure in Kogia spp., with 87% of all fecal samples analyzed testing positive for this toxin. Additional stranded animals (n = 40) representing 11 other cetacean species were recovered from the same region between 2006 and 2008 and analyzed by LC-MS/MS, however DA was not detected in any of these individuals. DA is produced naturally by diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Although blooms of DA-producing Pseudo-nitzschia have been associated with repeated large-scale marine mammal mortalities on the west coast of the U.S., there is no documented history of similar blooms on the southeast U.S. coast, and there were no observed Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the region associated with any of these strandings. The feeding habits of Kogia spp. are poorly documented; thus, the vector(s) for DA exposure to these deep-diving species remains to be identified. Toxin accumulation in these pelagic whale species may be an indication of cryptic harmful algal bloom activity in offshore areas not currently being monitored. This study highlights the need for a better understanding of the role of toxigenic algae in marine mammal morbidity and mortality globally. For more information, please contact me at spencer.fire(a)noaa.gov Sincerely, Spencer E. Fire, Ph.D. Marine Biotoxins Program Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research NOAA/National Ocean Service 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 www.chbr.noaa.gov/marinebiotoxins Tel: 843.762.8574 Fax: 843.762.8700

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Skeleton deformation on a Southern Right Whale CAndrea Steffen )
by Andrea Steffen 26 May '09

26 May '09

Dear MARMAN Members, On a Research Trip to South America we found in a Museum near Montevideo in Uruguay, a skeleton of a Southern Right Whale with an lot of bony excrescence on several vertebras. Does anybody seen a skeleton with such a deformation? Does anybody know what could be the cause for such bony outgrowths? And, more theoretical, what could be the impact of the whales live? Photos are available on http://www.pottwale.de/srw We would appreciate any information to: Andrea.Steffen(a)wale-delfine.de Best regards Andrea Steffen Project leader Society for Dolphin Conservation Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delfine e.V. Germany

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Undersea with Google Earth
by William Rossiter 25 May '09

25 May '09

MARMAMER's may find it useful that Google Earth's updated ocean topography includes, perhaps unintentionally, an ability to "fly" underwater, providing an unusual perspective of oceanic terrain features that may be applicable to various studies. The accuracy and detail depend upon the location chosen, as with surface views. For the adventurous it is possible to "fly" at 1000 knots along the bottom of, or loop in the Puerto Rican Trench, but the slower aircraft program should permit even the faint-hearted a chance to see their area of interest at a more leisurely pace. The normal mouse commands are sufficient to control the "flight" with a little practice, although guidance from any teenage lab assistant with gaming experience may be useful. There is no penalty for "crashing". Open Google Earth (4.3 and later). Position over a location such as Monterey Bay or some area with prominent canyon features. Drop to 1<km above the surface and tilt to near horizontal. Select Tools / flight simulator / F16. Dive angle down with cursor "up", Shift/F twice to raise flaps, press G to raise gear, Page Up for power, and control the descent through the water's surface, when underwater features become clear. Google's made many recent improvements to Google Ocean data that include videos and other references at selected areas. There remains enormous potential to enhance the public's perception of the marine environment, from the perspective of the creatures living there, which is why Google should welcome your professional comments and assistance with future improvements. Please consider this your professional opportunity to enhance the publics' interest and participation in marine mammal issues. Would anyone consider contributing computerized visuals of behaviors, such as humpbacks making bubble nets, sperm whales diving to forage <2000m, or several hundred oceanic dolphins moving quickly at the surface, from below? Have a nice flight, Bill Rossiter Cetacean Society International

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New Policy Paper on Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs by lmarino@emory.edu
by Lori Marino 22 May '09

22 May '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce the release of a new Animals & Society Institute policy paper by myself and Kristen Stewart entitled: "Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs: Policies, Problems and Alternatives," Summary: We examine dolphin protection policy, particularly the question of harassment, as it pertains to recreational human-dolphin interactions in the wild and in captivity. We conclude that current policy measures are inconsistent and deficient and we offer recommendations for improving the welfare of both dolphins and humans. Please see the Press Release below. To purchase a copy of the paper and support ASI, please go to: https://plus7.safe-order.net/psyeta/catalog/index.php?cPath=3 Thank you. Lori Marino News Release For immediate release May 18, 2009 Contact: Kenneth J. Shapiro, Executive Director, Animals and Society Institute, (301) 963-4751 Swimming with Dolphins: Experts Find Dolphin Protection Laws and Policies Flawed (Ann Arbor, Michigan): A national animal protection organization has issued a policy paper concluding that current dolphin protection laws are inconsistent, based on unsupported assumptions, and ultimately detrimental to dolphins. Published by the nonprofit Animals and Society Institute, "Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs: Policies, Problems and Alternatives," was co-authored by Kristin L. Stewart. J.D., Ph.D. and Lori Marino, Ph.D. Dr. Marino is a senior lecturer in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University whose work focuses on cetacean and primate intelligence and brain evolution. Dr. Stewart is an attorney, scholar and consultant concentrating on animal law, policy and ethics. The paper is being circulated to institutions, organizations and government agencies related to marine mammal protection. In their paper, Stewart and Marino examine the conditions under which both wild and captive dolphins interact with human beings. The practice of people swimming with dolphins in the ocean or in marine parks, under the guise of both recreation and therapy, has become increasingly popular but also increasingly problematic. Considering the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other laws and regulations aimed at protecting dolphins from harm and harassment, thereby undercutting the basic aim of such policies: to keep dolphins safe from harm. Says Kenneth J. Shapiro, executive director of the ASI, "The purpose of this paper is to encourage a wholesale review of policies that should be providing consistent protection to both wild and captive dolphins. Despite the intent of U.S. law, evidence shows that dolphins are subject to exploitation, harassment, and other kinds of harm." The paper concludes with several recommendations, and challenges the current law's continued sanctioning of dolphin display facilities and swim-with-dolphins programs. The Animals and Society Institute, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a nonprofit, independent research and educational organization that advances the status of animals in public policy and promotes the study of human-animal relationships. The policy paper about dolphins is the fifth in a series that focuses on contemporary animal protection issues. Additional information is available at <http://www.animalsandsociety.org/> www.animalsandsociety.org. ### Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program 1462 Clifton Road, Suite 304 Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-7471

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Fourth edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity"
by Naomi Rose 21 May '09

21 May '09

Dear colleagues: The fourth edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity" was released today and is available at http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/MarMamCptvtyBklt.pdf. This joint publication of The Humane Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals was first published by The HSUS in 1995 - the third edition, published in 2006 by The HSUS and WSPA, was entirely updated and reformatted. In the three years since, new research has been published and many events have occurred (particularly related to the capture of live dolphins for international trade), leading to a fourth edition with more than 80 new endnotes and several new sections and updated information in the main text. If you would like a hard copy of this document, please let me know (and send your postal address) and I will post one to you as soon as possible. Best, Naomi Rose _______________________________ Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist International Policy Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA Ph 301 258 3048 Fax 301 258 3082 Eml nrose(a)hsi.org http://www.hsi.org <http://www.hsi.org> http://www.hsus.org <http://www.hsus.org/> NOTICE: This message is intended 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. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately at the telephone number above. Thank you.

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JNCC MMO Training and PAM Course
by Alison Gill 21 May '09

21 May '09

Dear MARMAM Subscribers I am pleased to announce a new Training and Consultancy Company "Intelligent Ocean" offering Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer Training and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Training. Please see the website for details www.intelligentocean.com I will be running the following courses next week and there are some spaces available. Please view the website for details of the content for each course. Wednesday 27th May 2009 - JNCC MMO Training (1 Day Course costing £100 per person) Thursday 28th May 2009 - PAM Training - Introductory Course (1 Day Course costing £100 per person ) If you book the JNCC MMO Training and PAM Training courses together the cost will be £180 per person The courses are located in Downham Market, Norfolk which can be easily reached by train from London. Please contact me at alisongill(a)intelligentocean.com if you wish to make a booking or ask further questions. Regards Alison Gill Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean 21 Pentney Lakes Kings Lynn Norfolk PE32 1LE Tel: +44 (0) 208 123 6965 email: alisongill(a)intelligentocean.com website: www.intelligentocean.com

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Manatee OPS Database and GIS Specialist position at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
by Koslovsky, Stacie 20 May '09

20 May '09

Please direct any questions to the contact information below. Apply electronically in People First by the closing date: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. If you experience technical difficulties, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Stacie Koslovsky Research Associate - Marine Mammals Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish & Wildlife Research Institute Email: Stacie.Koslovsky(a)MyFWC.com ________________________________ FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS Req No: 77900909-51196773-20090519102859 Agency Name: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: OPS FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO S Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 2 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB008 Position Number: 77900909 Closing Date: 6/18/2009 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $15.00 per hour Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION: Working Title: OPS Database and GIS Specialist Section: Wildlife Research Sub-Section: Marine Mammals Job Duties: This is a technical position that supports Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) scientists in managing tabular and spatial (GIS) data for research on the Florida manatee and its habitat. The manatee program collects a wide range of biological data, including aerial counts, behavior, mortality, photo-identification, telemetry, and habitat characteristics. The person in this position is responsible for working with researchers and field staff on a variety of projects and performing multiple tasks including entering tabular and spatial data; assisting with the creation, maintenance, quality assurance and quality control of multiple databases including manatee biology and habitat; producing maps and data summaries for use in publications, reports, field research, and management purposes; assisting with metadata documentation; and locating, retrieving, and compiling biological and environmental data. He/she will implement database structure, such as creating data entry forms with built-in QA/QC and queries to extract relevant information. The person in this position will communicate technical information to coworkers while maintaining a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with the Marine Mammal Program at FWRI. The person will occasionally participate in public outreach efforts and may have the opportunity to take part in a limited amount of fieldwork, depending on interests, skills, and program needs. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the natural sciences or geography. Qualified applicants must have working knowledge of relational databases, data management principles, and GIS theory and methods. This position requires strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access and ArcGIS. Experience with SQL and SQL Server is a plus. Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary, including the ability to work well with others in a team and to effectively communicate technical GIS and database information to coworkers with less experience. This position requires a person who is organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated. Qualified applicants will need to be adept at problem solving and time management to succeed in this position. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation Requirements: Closest Major City Saint Petersburg Occupation FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS Education Bachelors (or equivalent work experience) Job Type Full Time Region/County Pinellas County Years of Experience 0-1 year <https://jobs.myflorida.com/referafriend.html> <https://jobs.myflorida.com/applicationstart_intermediate.html?erjob=352 177>

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NEW DATES FOR MMO AND PAM COURSE JUNE 2009
by Yvonne Miles 20 May '09

20 May '09

Hi All *Scanning Ocean Sectors – A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* We have years of research behind the effective training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. Each student is *graded* in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard* of the MMO industry is gaining. *Please NOTE that the mid **UK** May & June courses have been combined into one course, the date has changed* *Registration will close two weeks before course starts. * * ** **JUNE 15TH – 17TH 2009** IS THE MMO COURSE * *JUNE 18TH -19TH 2009 IS THE PAM COURSE* *This course is booking up quickly so don’t leave it late* Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note * *When you register for a course the course prices will be sent directly to you* *WE WILL ALSO BE RUNNING A COURSE IN IRELAND 2009 * * * *IN EITHER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER THE DATES HAVE NOT BEEN CONFIRMED YET, BUT IF YOU **ARE** INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH THE WEBSITE INFORMATION **FORM**. * *Note – There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment.* If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue www.scanningoceansectors.org info(a)scanningoceansectors.org -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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Request for CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine: Health, Disease, and Rehabilitation
by William Rossiter 19 May '09

19 May '09

Wild Earth Foundation (WEF) of Argentina urgently requests a donated copy of the 2001 /CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine: Health, Disease, and Rehabilitation/, edited by Leslie A. Dierauf & Frances M.D. Gulland. The book is too expensive for WEF to purchase, but it is a necessary resource for WEF's marine mammal veterinarians and rescue/rehabilitation staff. The 2002 Pocket Version is also acceptable. If donated through Cetacean Society International, by regular US mail to P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA, the book will immediately be shipped at CSI expense to WEF in Argentina, and a US donor can claim a tax-deductible donation of US$142 (current Amazon.com price), if the book is in good condition. WEF, <www.puertopiramides.gov.ar/turismo/wef-en.htm> has assisted injured sea lions and several cetacean live strandings of Southern right whales, orcas, and recently, a juvenile dusky dolphin that was rehabilitated for 72 hours before a successful ocean release. WEF Contact Information: Email: wef.director(a)gmail.com Phone: +54 2965 495008 Cell Phone: +54 9 2965 201889 Postal Address: Wild Earth Foundation WEF / Fundacion Tierra Salvaje Av de las Ballenas y Segunda Bajada al Mar, U9121XAQ, Puerto Piramides, Chubut, Argentina If interested in making this donation, or for more information on WEF, please contact Gaby Bellazzi <wef.director(a)gmail.com> and Bill Rossiter <rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org>. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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