October 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Industrial Research Chairs in Marine Animal Tracking
by hwhitehe＠Dal.Ca 12 Oct '10

12 Oct '10

Dalhousie University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology. The Department of Biology at Dalhousie University (http://biology.dal.ca) is accepting applications for two Industrial Research Chairs, a Senior and an Associate Chair, both to work in collaboration with AMIRIX-VEMCO (http://www.vemco.ca) The successful candidates will be expected to go through the proposal and peer review process run by NSERC (http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/CFS-PCP/IRC- PCI_eng.asp). The appointment of a Senior Chair will be at the tenured, full Professor level; the appointment of an Associate Chair will be at the probationary tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor level. A PhD is required for both positions. The successful candidate for the Senior Chair will be an internationally recognized, outstanding scientist with demonstrated success in research, graduate training and undergraduate teaching, as well as in service to the academic community. The successful candidate for the Associate Chair will be a scientist with demonstrated potential to become an internationally recognized and outstanding scientist. One of the appointments is for a FIELD-ORIENTED MARINE BIOLOGIST with expertise and interest in the use of acoustic tracking, telemetry and bio- logging approaches as a backbone for interdisciplinary studies linking organism condition, behaviour and other attributes with the environment. The other appointment is for a QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGIST with expertise and interest in advancing the analysis of electronic tracking data to assist in the understanding of marine animal movement patterns, behaviour, and distribution in conservation and resource management contexts. For more information, see: http://www.ecoevo.ca/common/AD%20IRC%20FINAL%20OCT%206%2020 10.doc Posted by Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University

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Right Whale News Sept10
by Jim Hain 12 Oct '10

12 Oct '10

The September 2010 issue of Right Whale News has been posted at _www.rightwhaleweb.org_. Select Right Whale News and then Current Issue tabs. Contents: * Roger Payne: Same Voice, New Mission * 2010: An Unusual Season in the Bay of Fundy * FY2010 Right Whale Spending Plan (Continued) * Right Whale Critical Habitat to be Revised * Draft Stock Assessment Reports for Review Informational Items: * Changes * Calendar * Scientific Literature and Reports

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workshop in Brazil
by Clÿffffe1udia Faustino 12 Oct '10

12 Oct '10

Dear all, this an announcement for the full day workshop "Monitoring programs to mitigate anthropogenic effects” taking place on the 24th October 2010 during the XIV Working Meeting of Experts on Marine Mammals of South America (www.rt2010brasil.com) This workshop is being organized The Foundation Aquatic Mammals (Brazil) in conjunction with SMRU Ltd (UK). The workshop will focus on monitoring programs designed to inform mitigation to minimise anthropogenic effects, with special emphasis on work carried out in South America. The 1-day workshop is structured in 3 sessions: i) overview of the reasons why marine mammals need to be monitored (legislation, management, conservation) ii) case studies of monitoring programmes primarily from South America but also the USA and UK; and iii) talks and discussion on the issues and challenges for the future. The workshop will be bilingual (English-Portuguese) to facilitate communication between all participants. Participants are requested to complete the registration form and return to Cláudia Faustino, cf(a)smru.co.uk. Spaces are limited. There is an entrance fee for the workshop. The cost of the workshop is R$60 for the full day and will be collected on the day. Best regards, Cláudia Faustino Research Scientist Project Leader – South America email: cf(a)smru.co.uk www.smru.co.uk http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk/

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Questionnaire on “monitoring cetacean using fixed transects a survey in Europe”
by antoarca＠libero.it 12 Oct '10

12 Oct '10

Questionnaire on “monitoring cetacean using fixed transects a survey in Europe” During the ECS meeting in Stralsund, a workshop on “Fixed Transect surveys for cetaceans on ferries and other reasearch platforms - best practise and collaboration on research and policy applications” was undetaken. A lot of people partecipated and several others asked for the different presentation. We intend to write a comprensive report of the workshop, of the methodologies but also about the different reaserch undergoing in Europe that uses the same practice. We would appreciate researchers that in Europe (but not only) monitor cetacean using “Fix Transect” to send us an e-mail to: roberto.crosti(a)isprambiente.it so to include in the report also their research activity. If you are members of the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC) or of one of the Italian groups networked by ISPRA no need to reply. Sincerely Antonella, Colin & Tom

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Acoustic Analysis Help
by Ashley Duquette 11 Oct '10

11 Oct '10

Dear MARMAM folks, I am a graduate student hoping to defend my masters thesis next spring/summer. My research requires that I analyze about 1100 hours of acoustic data that I collected using hydrophones secured within crab pots. I have tried my hand at RAVEN and XBAT and all I have learned is that I am not quite as computer savvy as I once thought. If any of you have any advice on working these programs or other programs that can scan these recordings for me, please let me know. Any and all help is incredibly welcome and appreciated. I am scanning the recordings (each is 50 minutes long) for dolphin whistles and echolocation. For the echolocation, I do not need the exact number of clicks but the length and number of click trains. Again, any and all advice/help would be most appreciated (especially by my sanity). If you have any questions about the project or goals, feel free to email me as well. Please send responses and/or questions to amd82886(a)gmail.com Ashley Duquette

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The Marine Mammal Center - Stranding Internships
by Erin Brodie 10 Oct '10

10 Oct '10

STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid. Internship Opportunities are available at the following locations. · San Luis Obispo Operations (summer only) · Monterey Bay Operations (summer only) · Main Hospital in Sausalito Program Description: The Stranding Department Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating the after hours on-call. Interns will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability. Please forward all application materials to the following address: The Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands 2000 Bunker Road Sausalito, California 94965 Attn: Erin Brodie Or via email to: BrodieE(a)TMMC.org There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of February 1 and the last available internship beginning September 12. Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance Approximate Internship Time Winter November 1, 2010 November 8, 2010 November 22, 2010 February - April 2011 Spring February 7, 2011 February 14, 2011 February 28, 2011 April - June 2011 Summer February 7, 2011 February 21, 2011 February 28, 2011 June - August 2011 Fall May 23, 2011 May 30, 2011 June 6, 2011 Sept - November 2011 Celebrating its 36th year in 2011, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 16,600 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org>

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BP Oil Spill official reports
by William Rossiter 10 Oct '10

10 Oct '10

MARMAM members concerned with species at risk from anthropogenic marine issues may be interested in reviewing official reports beginning to be available online. The (U.S.) National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling is providing resources which may be of value for future events at: www.oilspillcommission.gov/library#supporting-documents Bill Rossiter Cetacean Society International

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New paper - Context specificity of bottlenose dolphins whistles
by Bruno Diaz 10 Oct '10

10 Oct '10

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to inform you of my last publication on bottlenose dolphins acoustic communication. The following paper is now available online which considers the context specificity of whistle characteristics. Article title: Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour.Journal title: Mammalian BiologyFirst author: Mr. Bruno Diaz LopezDOI information: 10.1016/j.mambio.2010.06.006 Abstract Bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus) are an extremely vocal mammalian species and vocalcommunication plays an important role in mediating social interactions. Very little is known about how wild bottlenose dolphins use whistles in different contexts and no data exist for context specificity of whistle characteristics. This study describes, for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, the whistle characteristics of bottlenose dolphins in their natural repertoire. Over 35h of behavioural observations and simultaneous recordings, 3032 tonal, frequency modulated whistles were detected. Our findings further support, for the first time in wild bottlenose dolphins, the suggestion that acoustic features may be good predictors of behavioural state and viceversa. These results advocate that these parameters may be used to communicate specific information on the behavioural context of the individuals involved. Additionally, visual inspection reveals that upsweeps and multilooped whistles play an important role in the natural communication system of bottlenose dolphins. Likewise, this study demonstrates how dynamic bottlenose dolphin whistle characteristics are and how important it is to consider many factors in analysis. High intraspecific variability in whistle characteristics demonstrates its integral role in the complex social lives of wild bottlenose dolphins. If you are interested in a reprint, please email Bruno Diaz Lopez at bruno(a)thebdri.com This article is now published online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2010.06.006 Best regards, Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197

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new manuscript on contamination levels of small cetaceans in Brazil
by Marcos Santos 09 Oct '10

09 Oct '10

Dear Marmamers: The following manuscript (with abstract attached) was recently published. PDf requests with Dr. Marcos Santos (sotalia(a)gmail.com) Yogui, G.T.; Santos, M.C. de O.; Bertozzi, C.P. & Montone, R.C. 2010. Levels of persistent organic pollutants and residual pattern of DDTs in small cetaceans from the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 60: 1862-1867. The state of Sao Paulo is the most developed area in Brazil and was impacted by persistent organic pollutants for several decades. This study investigated organochlorines in five species of small cetaceans (Pontoporia blainvillei, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus and Steno bredanensis) found dead along the coast of Sao Paulo between 1997 and 2003. DDTs (15.9 µg -1 lipid; mean for all pooled individuals) and PCBs (8.08 µg -1) exhibited the highest concentrations in the animals, reflecting large amounts formerly used in Brazil. Lower levels of mirex 0.149 µg -1), HCB (0,051 µg -1), CHLs (0.008 µg -1) and HCHs (0.007 µg -1) were detected in all species. Residual patterns of DDTs in dolphins suggests that o,p’-DDT is more recalcitrant than p,p’-DDT in the body of the animals and/or the environment. In contrast to p,p’-DDT, residues of o-p’-DDT seem to be preferentially converted into o,p’-DDD rather than o,p’-DDE. -- Dr. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos Projeto Atlantis, Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Cetaceos PROGRAMA JOVEM PESQUISADOR EM CENTROS EMERGENTES- FAPESP Programa de Pos-Graduação em Zoologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro

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New article
by Hiroshi OHIZUMI 08 Oct '10

08 Oct '10

Dear MARMAM members, I would like to inform you a new article about blood gas analysis in Pacific white-sided dolphin. Please request pdf copy to ohizumi(a)scc.u-tokai.ac.jp. Best wishes, Hiroshi Effect of Breath-Hold on Blood Gas Analysis in Captive Pacific White-Sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). F. Terasawa, H. Ohizumi and I. Ohshita. 2010. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 72(9), 1221-1224. Abstract The effect of a breath-hold on blood gas was evaluated in captive Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Serial blood collections were performed from a vessel on the ventral surface of the flukes during breath-hold. In total, 178 blood samples were taken from three dolphins for five trials in each animal. During a breath-hold, partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) decreased from 152.5 to 21.8 mmHg and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Po2) conversely increased from 31.8 to 83.6 mmHg. The range of pH was 7.54 to 7.25, suggesting drastic change from alkalemia to acidemia. These wide ranges of blood gas imply a considerable change of oxygen affinity caused by the Bohr effect during breath-hold, which enable effective uptake and distribution of oxygen to metabolizing tissues. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hiroshi OHIZUMI Ph. D. Tokai University Department of Marine Biology School of Marine Science and Technology 3-20-1 Orido, Shimizu, Shizuoka 424-8610 Japan Tel: +81-543-334-0411 Fax: +81-543-337-0239 ohizumi(a)scc.u-tokai.ac.jp ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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