November 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NPRB 2011 RFP released
by Carrie Eischens 05 Jan '11

05 Jan '11

Please distribute (apologies for cross-postings). Dear Colleagues, The North Pacific Research Board announces the release of its regular 2011 Request for Proposals (RFP). Total funds available for the 2011 RFP is $3.55 million. Please consult the 2011 RFP and the NPRB Science Plan for further details on this year's research priorities. Proposals must be submitted online in accordance with instructions in the RFP. Online submission will be available from early November 2010 to December 10, 2010. The deadline for proposal submission is 4 p.m. (Alaska time), December 10, 2010. For more information visit our website at: http://x.jango20.com/y.z?l=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nprb.org%2Fproposals%2Fcurrent_… We look forward to receiving your proposals. Please distribute this notice widely, Cheers, Carrie Carrie Eischens, Ph.D. Program Manager North Pacific Research Board 1007 West 3rd Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 907-644-6712 *You have received this message because your email has been among those compiled for: North Pacific Research Board, COSEE, AOOS and the Alaska SeaLife Center listservs. This e-mail was sent by North Pacific Research Board, located at 1007 W 3rd Ave, Ste 100, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 (USA). To receive no further e-mails, please reply to this e-mail with "unlist" in the Subject line.

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Holiday Offer from Aquatic Mammals
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 30 Nov '10

30 Nov '10

Happy Holidays!! Aquatic Mammals Journal is offering a 2010 Holiday Special on our Historical Perspective Series DVDs Select any 6 Historical Perspective DVDs from the 33 available interviews and two summary DVDs listed online at the Aquatic Mammals Web Site (http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org) under the Historical Perspectives page and pay only $75 US plus $10 shipping in North America; $30 elsewhere. This offer is valid from December 1 to December 31, 2010 only. Your selected six (6) Historical Perspective DVDs will be packaged in one case with a cover featuring your chosen six (6) interviewees. Orders are accepted only in multiples of 6. The Editorial Team at Aquatic Mammals hopes you have a happy and festive December and holiday season. Cheers Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php

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new pub - cetaceans off Guam and CNMI
by Dagmar Fertl 29 Nov '10

29 Nov '10

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, I am posting information for the senior author per his request and on his behalf as he is currently in the field. This paper is currently available as early view by Pacific Science (open to everyone, not just journal subscribers, I double-checked the link) at: http://pacificscience.wordpress.com/early-view/ Or can be requested from me (please use email address below, since sometimes Hotmail munches emails). Fulling, G.L., P.H. Thorson, and J. Rivers. in press. Distribution and Abundance Estimates for Cetaceans in the Waters off Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Pacific Science. Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January–April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols. Trackline coverage (11,033 km) was dominated by high sea states (88.2%); however, 13 cetacean species were recorded. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was the most frequently encountered whale, followed by Bryde’s and sei whales (Balaenoptera edeni and B. borealis, respectively). The occurrence of the sei whale is unique, since the species had not been confirmed to occur south of 20º N. The pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was the most frequently sighted delphinid, followed by the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were acoustically detected and later seen off of Saipan. Numerous cetacean sightings were associated with steep bathymetric features including the West Mariana Ridge, the Mariana Ridge, and the Mariana Trench. Abundance estimates were based on 80 on-effort sightings for 12 species. Species were pooled into three separate groups for estimating detection probabilities: Balaenoptera spp., blackfish (medium size odontocetes), and small dolphins. A separate detection function was generated for the sperm whale. Precision of the abundance estimates are very low for all species due to low sighting rates and high sea states, however, these abundance estimates serve as the best scientific data available for the area and establish vital baseline information for future research efforts. With regards, Dagmar Fertl dfertl(a)gmail.com

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Aquatic Mammals 36.4 no available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 29 Nov '10

29 Nov '10

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 36, issue 4, 2010) of Aquatic Mammals. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal's website to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com H. S. Harris, S. C. Oates, M. M. Staedler, M. T. Tinker, D. A. Jessup, J. T. Harvey, & M. A. Miller (2010). Lesions and Behavior Associated with Forced Copulation of Juvenile Pacific Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) by Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 331-341 Nineteen occurrences of interspecific sexual behavior between male southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) and juvenile Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) were reported in Monterey Bay, California, between 2000 and 2002. At least three different male sea otters were observed harassing, dragging, guarding, and copulating with harbor seals for up to 7 d postmortem. Carcasses of 15 juvenile harbor seals were recovered, and seven were necropsied in detail by a veterinary pathologist. Necropsy findings from two female sea otters that were recovered dead from male sea otters exhibiting similar behavior are also presented to facilitate a comparison of lesions. The most frequent lesions included superficial skin lacerations; hemorrhage around the nose, eyes, flippers, and perineum; and traumatic corneal erosions or ulcers. The harbor seals sustained severe genital trauma, ranging from vaginal perforation to vagino- cervical transection, and colorectal perforations as a result of penile penetration. One harbor seal developed severe pneumoperitoneum subsequent to vaginal perforation, which was also observed in both female sea otters and has been reported as a postcoital lesion in humans. This study represents the first description of lesions resulting from forced copulation of harbor seals by sea otters and is also the first report of pneumoperitoneum secondary to forced copulation in a nonhuman animal. Possible explanations for this behavior are discussed in the context of sea otter biology and population demographics. S. E. Fire, Z. Wang, M. Berman, G. W. Langlois, S. L. Morton, E. Sekula-Wood, & C. R. Benitez-Nelson (2010). Trophic Transfer of the Harmful Algal Toxin Domoic Acid as a Cause of Death in a Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Stranding in Southern California. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 342-350 Unusually high concentrations of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) were detected in a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) carcass recovered during a severe harmful algal bloom (HAB), which occurred in southern California in April 2007. Cell fragments of the toxigenic diatom Pseudonitzschia australis were observed in whale gastric fluid and feces, corresponding to a dominance of Pseudonitzschia spp. in the phytoplankton com-munity at the time of stranding. A high abundance of otoliths from a prominent DA vector, the northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), were recovered in whale stomach contents, indicating trophic transfer of DA via the food web. Whale feces contained 258 μg DA per gram sample, exceeding DA concentrations reported for any marine mammal. DA intoxication was identified as the cause of mortality of this animal, expanding on the limited understanding of the impacts of DA-producing HABs on large whales. O. A. Lee, F. Gelwick, & R. W. Davis (2010). Summer Foraging Tactics in Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris): Maintaining Foraging Efficiencies in a Stable Population in Alaska. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 351-364 Foraging specializations in large populations can reduce intraspecific competition for food. When individuals do not specialize on particular prey species, resource partitioning might occur as different search strategies at the sex and age group levels. This study focused on the foraging tactics of sea otters in a stable population in Alaska by testing cost-minimizing, energy-maximizing, and efficiency-maximizing models. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to analyze the boat-based behavioral observations of 119 foraging bouts for adult males and females, females with pups, and juveniles. Observations were conducted during one summer breeding season. A foraging efficiency ratio was calculated using the gain variable—estimated mean energy values from captured prey—and the cost variables—inter-dive distances traveled and dive depths. Foraging efficiency ratios were not significantly different between all adults, including females with pups. Juveniles had significantly lower foraging efficiency ratios related to low mean energy gains and a higher proportion of unsuccessful dives. A cost-minimizing strategy was identified in females with pups that minimized travel costs and obtained low prey energy per dive. Adult males and females without pups used an energy- maximizing strategy of high travel costs and high prey energy gains per dive. The ability of adult females to change foraging strategies with the demands of raising a pup indicate female adult sea otters can have flexible foraging strategies while maintaining high foraging efficiencies. H. Frouin, L. Ménard, L. Measures, P. Brousseau, & M. Fournier (2010). T Lymphocyte-Proliferative Responses of a Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Exposed to Heavy Metals and PCBs in Vitro. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 365-371 This study investigated in vitro the effects of methylmercury chloride (CH3HgCl), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), cadmium chloride (CdCl2), lead acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2), and PCBs (Aroclor mixtures) on the proliferation of T lymphocytes from the thymus, lymph node, and blood from one female grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) juvenile. After exposure to heavy metals, a dose-response curve was observed with a decrease in proliferation of both T lymphocytes from blood and the lymph node. Exposure to Aroclor mixtures led to a mostly reduced proliferation of thymocytes and T lymphocytes from the lymph node and blood. Lymph node cells seem less sensitive to heavy metals than peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lymph node lymphocytes are more sensitive to PCBs than peripheral blood lymphocytes but less than thymocytes. These results suggest that the sensitivity of T lymphocytes from one grey seal to contaminants may be due to inherent tissue/matrix differences in the sensitivity of these cells to contaminants; however, an individual response cannot be excluded in the present case. That is, samples from a single individual are not extrapolated to the species as a whole in this paper but discussed relative to exposure response by tissues. A. Foley, D. McGrath, S. Berrow, & H. Gerritsen (2010). Social Structure Within the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Population in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 372-381 The Shannon Estuary is home to Ireland’s only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and is designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) for this species. Proper conservation management of these dolphins requires an understanding of the social structure of this population. Four years of photo-identification data (2005 to 2009, excluding 2007) were used to construct sociograms that complement a cluster analysis of individually marked dolphins and their associates. The results found little evidence of social stability or group fidelity for this study’s dolphin population. Analysis of dolphins observed in consecutive years showed that the probability of group members encountering an individual dolphin in the second year did not depart from a random model. The social parameters for this resident population seem to be typical for this species. Bottlenose dolphins are found to exhibit a highly fluid, dynamic social structure within which individuals change their composition and associates regularly. These dolphins in the Shannon Estuary appear to live in a fission- fusion based society. Short Notes S. H. Elwen & R. H. Leeney (2010). Injury and Subsequent Healing of a Propeller Strike Injury to a Heaviside’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii). Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 382-387 Historical Perspectives R. L. Gentry (2010). Marine Mammal Research Then and Now. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 388-399 K. C. Balcomb III (2010). Whales in a Changing World. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 400-408 Book Reviews D. Fertl (2010). The Question of Animal Culture. K. N. Laland & B. G. Galef. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 409 M. Schotten (2010). The Dusky Dolphin: Master Acrobat Off Different Shores. B. Würsig & M. Würsig ........410 Obituary and Tributes William Eugene Evans. (2010). Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 411-419

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Tagging through the stages
by Elliott L. Hazen 29 Nov '10

29 Nov '10

Dear All, Please find a link below to a flyer for the Biologging IV Symposium workshop: 'Tagging Through The Stages: Technical and Ecological Challenges in Observing Life Histories through Biologging,' scheduled for March 16, 2011 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Wrest Conference Center in Hobart, Tasmania. The use of electronic bio-logging has revolutionized our understanding of animal movements. However, the life histories of marine species have been poorly studied, particularly juvenile stages. This workshop aims to expand the use of bio-logging, through a combination of expertise from tagging scientists and designers, to determine how the use of bio-logging can be expanded to very young life stages. Broad scale environmental change (such as climate change) is likely to impact all life stages of a species and it is therefore important that we gain a better understanding of juvenile movements and behavior, and how this may impact their dispersal and adaptability as adults. The workshop intends to to assemble a group of early career and established international scientists and tag manufacturers to discuss tag designs and attachment methods that could be used to observe juvenile life stages, whilst minimizing the impacts on the animals. We will also determine the complimentary techniques that need to be developed and integrated within an interdisciplinary framework to scale up bio-logging findings. Attendance at this workshop is free, but space is limited. If you would like to attend, please e-mail George Shillinger (georges(a)stanford.edu) or Helen Bailey (hbailey(a)cbl.umces.edu) If you would like to give a presentation at this workshop, please e-mail a title and abstract (limit 250 words) that summarizes the work you are planning to present. Please also state if you are interested in contributing a manuscript to the MEPS special theme section and plan to bring a manuscript to the workshop. Travel grants are available for student and young scientists. More information is available at the Biologging website: http://www.cmar.csiro.au/biologging4/workshops.htm. Please note that the workshop application deadline has been extended from 15 December 2010 to 15 Jan 2011. Thank you for your interest and consideration. Sincerely, George Shillinger, Helen Bailey, and Elliott Hazen http://www.duke.edu/~eh23/TTTS.pdf

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Marine Bioacoustics Course for Spring 2011
by Susan Parks 29 Nov '10

29 Nov '10

We are pleased to announce a graduate-level course in Marine Bioacoustics offered by the Penn State Graduate Program in Acoustics Distance Education Program for the spring 2011 semester. The course is accessible over the Internet via streaming video (see http://www.acs.psu.edu/DistanceEducation/default.aspx for a description of the Distance education program): Instructors: Dr. S. E. Parks & Dr. J. Miksis-Olds This course provides an introduction to the role of acoustics in studying organisms in the marine environment. Topics include introductions to underwater sound propagation, sound producing marine organisms, sound production and reception by marine organisms, effects of noise on marine life, and remote sensing of marine organisms using both passive and active acoustics. Integrated activities and problem-based assignments will provide an interactive learning experience. Required text: Principles of Marine Bioacoustics - Whitlow Au and Mardi C. Hastings For information on the course structure and material, please contact Susan Parks (sep20(a)psu.edu) or Jennifer Miksis-Olds (jlm91(a)psu.edu) For registration and cost information, please contact Christine Popovich (cxp23(a)psu.edu or 814-863-6078).

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Back issues of Marine Mammal Science journal
by Christine Hudak 29 Nov '10

29 Nov '10

Back issues of Marine Mammal Science are available: 2001 - 2007 Issues are free, but request covering the cost of shiipping. Please respond to: cahudak(a)hotmail.com Christy Hudak

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Positions available with Sea Watch Foundation in Cardigan Bay 2011
by Gemma Veneruso 29 Nov '10

29 Nov '10

The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for various positions as part of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” in 2011. This project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” and coordinating the project volunteers. Start Date: April 11th 2011 End Date: October 17th 2011 Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers – in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota. Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, Database entry and more. Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer – research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicants’ interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or more) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and boating experience are beneficial.The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in Access and/or GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication.This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. MARINE RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS: The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Awareness raising · Education initiatives · Acoustic monitoring · Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks Important skills/qualifications Essential: · an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner · strong commitment to volunteering work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · good IT skills (Office package) · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · prior experience in boat-based survey work · good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking · experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. EDUCATION & AWARENESS ASSISTANT The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: • Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools • Write news reports and articles • Pilot a blog and manage it throughout the season as part of our ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ campaign • Promote Sea Watch campaigns • Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch • Come up with new educational initiatives • Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans • Assist in the organisation of training courses The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks in the field: • Land-based surveys • Boat-based surveys There may also be the opportunity to help with some other office based duties if any are of particular interest such as: • Photo-identification studies • Database entry • Acoustic monitoring • Behavioural studies Important skills/qualificationsEssential:• a strong interest in marine conservation and education• confidence to interact with the public• good verbal and writing skills• must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position• strong commitment to volunteering work• an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner• an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable:• a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar • a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans • good IT skills (Office package)• prior experience in public speaking• prior experience in boat-based survey work • willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather Research volunteers and the education/awareness assistant will be required from April until October 2011, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around £55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2011: Period 1 25/04 – 5/06, Period 2 6/06 – 17/07, Period 3 18/07 – 28/08, Period 4 29/08 – 9/10 To apply: Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting any relevant experience you have. For Research Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator and Research Volunteer applications please send to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Applications for the Education & Awareness Assistant should be sent to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadlines: 31st of January 2011. Please specify the name of the position into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2011. THE SEAWATCH FOUNDATION The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. Sea Watch is internationally recognised for its work and regularly produces reports for a number of bodies worldwide. Visit http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk to see our achievements, publications and lots more. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods.

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Search for the comprehensive whale sounds web library
by Vladimir O. Murovets 27 Nov '10

27 Nov '10

Dear colleagues, Due to some bioacoustic interests I’ve watched the web for the baleen whales and sperm whales sounds for the long period of time and found only a few of short calls. It seems that these whales are completely passed over unlike the dolphins and orcas. May be you know any comprehensive web library (non-commercial)of baleen whales and sperm whales calls? TIA Vladimir O. Murovets, PhD Pavlov Institute of Physiology of RAS mailto:murovets@yahoo.com

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Recent publication regarding shark predation on seals at Sable Island, Nova Scotia
by Zoe Lucas 27 Nov '10

27 Nov '10

Lucas, Z.N. & Natanson, L.J. 2010. Two shark species involved in predation on seals at Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science 45(2):64-88. Summary: Between 1993 and 2001, 4906 seal corpses bearing wounds likely inflicted by sharks were examined on Sable Island, Canada. Five seal species were involved: grey Halichoerus grypus, harp Pagophilus groenlandica, harbour Phoca vitulina, hooded Cystophora cristata, and ringed Phoca hispida seals. Flesh wounds on seal corpses indicated that two or more shark species prey on seals in waters around Sable Island. Wounds were categorized as either slash or corkscrew, with different predators identified for each type. Wound patterns, tooth fragments, and marks on bones indicated that white sharks Carcharodon carcharias were involved in the slash wounds, which comprised a small proportion of attacks. Ninety-eight percent of seal corpses, however, bore the corkscrew wounds that could not be attributed to shark species identified in attacks on pinnipeds in other regions and these wounds are previously unreported in the literature. Circumstantial evidence indicates that attacks by Greenland sharks Somniosus microcephalus were responsible for the clean-edged encircling corkscrew wounds seen on seal corpses washed ashore on Sable Island. Sent by Zoe Lucas zoelucas(a)greenhorsesociety.com

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