November 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on killer whale acoustics
by Nicola Rehn 23 Nov '10

23 Nov '10

Dear Colleagues, The following paper has recently been published online by the journal Naturwissenschaften. Rehn, N., Filatova, O.A., Durban, J.W. & Foote, A.D. (2010). Cross-cultural and cross-ecotype production of a killer whale 'excitement' call suggests universality. Naturwissenschaften, DOI 10.1007/s00114-010-0732-5, published online 12 November 2010. Abstract Facial and vocal expressions of emotion have been found in a number of social mammal species and are thought to have evolved to aid social communication. There has been much debate about whether such signals are culturally inherited or are truly biologically innate. Evidence for the innateness of such signals can come from cross-cultural studies. Previous studies have identified a vocalisation (the V4 or 'excitement' call) associated with high arousal behaviours in a population of killer whales in British Columbia, Canada. In this study, we compared recordings from three different socially and reproductively isolated ecotypes of killer whales, including five vocal clans of one ecotype, each clan having discrete culturally transmitted vocal traditions. The V4 call was found in recordings of each ecotype and each vocal clan. Nine independent observers reproduced our classification of the V4 call from each population with high inter-observer agreement. Our results suggest the V4 call may be universal in Pacific killer whale populations and that transmission of this call is independent of cultural tradition or ecotype. We argue that such universality is more consistent with an innate vocalisation than one acquired through social learning and may be linked to its apparent function of motivational expression. Keywords Innateness . Universality . Close-range interactions . Vocal signal A pdf copy of the article is available here: http://www.springerlink.com/content/008330p691718502/. Any queries should be directed to nicola.rehn(a)arcor.de. Best wishes, Nicola Rehn

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Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins
by Julian Tyne 22 Nov '10

22 Nov '10

Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in five spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and at another control site, possibly off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins, in addition, group focal follows will be carried out on spinner dolphins both inside and outside the four resting bays. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed in two of the resting bays that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will be continuous (no duty cycle) and will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in January 2011. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The field season for 2011 begins in January and will last until December 2011. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate for longer will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawaii and their own living expenses. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> ). Julian Tyne, BSc Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/julian_tyne.html <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/julian_tyne.html> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners>

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Civilian job opportunity with the Navy Facilities Engineering Command in Hawaii
by Hanser, Sean F CIV NAVFAC Pacific, EV 21 Nov '10

21 Nov '10

There is an opening for a Natural Resources Management Specialist with a specialization in marine mammals and/or sea turtles at Naval Facilities Engineering Command at Pearl Harbor. The level is GS-12. The position responsibilities include: - participating in marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring and mitigation during Naval exercises - reviewing and creating NEPA documents generated by the Navy, such as Environmental Impact Statements, Marine Resource Assessments, Biological Assessments, and responses to designation of Critical Habitat - being a liaison between Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific's Natural Resources group and the offices of Pacific Fleet's Environmental Group - providing input as a subject matter expert on marine mammals and/or sea turtles - overseeing Navy contracts for monitoring and conservation actions associated with Naval facilities and exercises - assisting in generating reports summarizing the results of the Navy's marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring program for compliance with the Navy's Letter of Authorizations to operate issued by NMFS Applicants should have: - experience in the field with some aspect of marine mammal or sea turtle research; the emphasis for the job is on marine mammals, but knowledge and experience with sea turtles will be viewed positively - knowledge of NEPA, MMPA, ESA, Section 7 Consultation, and other Federal policies - strong writing and communication skills - willingness to develop strong interpersonal skills - at least a Masters level of education - GIS skills would be a benefit - an ecology or ecosystems-focused background is a plus The position is responsible to anywhere the US Navy (and any other branch of the armed forces) operates in the area outlined by the West Coast of North and South America west to Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean and from pole to pole. The position can expect travel up to ~25% of the time. The position is based in Pearl Harbor. Please send resumes or CVs to me at sean.hanser(a)navy.mil. We will starting reviewing CVs and interviewing immediately. This position could fill quickly. Because of security screening issues with individuals that are not citizens of the United States, only exceptionally qualified people from outside the United States will be considered for the position. Thank you for your time. Sean F. Hanser, PhD Supervisory Natural Resources Specialist for Marine Resources Naval Facilities Engineering Command 258 Makalapa Dr., Suite 100 Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134 phone: (808)472-1388

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UKRSC Meeting Registration Deadline Reminder
by UKRSC 19 Nov '10

19 Nov '10

Annual Meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy: St. Andrews, 27-29th January 2011 REMINDER FOR REGISTRATION DEADLINE We would like to remind you that the annual meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will be held at St Andrews University from the 27th to the 29th of January, 2011. (An Icebreaker will be held on the evening the 26th). We encourage all students registered in Universities across the UK and Ireland, that are interested, or are actively involved, in marine mammal research, to attend. The atmosphere of the conference is relatively informal, giving students a platform to discuss their research with other students and prominent researchers. We invite postgraduate students to submit abstracts for oral presentations. For planning purposes, we have divided presentations into 5-10 minute and 15-20 minute slots. We encourage new postgraduate students to talk about their future research plans using the 5-10 minute slots and for those further along in their studies to present for the longer 15-20 minutes. Undergraduates with an interest in the field are also welcome to attend. The talks traditionally vary in content: from talks by new students discussing their future plans or the basis of their project, to students whose Ph.D.’s are near completion. We will also have guest speakers and a workshop, details of which shall follow closer to the time, please visit our website for updates, ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk. The deadline for presentation abstracts (max 300 words) will be the 20th of December 2010. There is no registration fee. You don’t need to be an existing member of the Chapter – you can register for the Chapter at the same time as registering for the conference. Please submit your registration form by e-mail attachment to ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk before the 26th of November 2010. Registration Forms can be downloaded from our website at www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/. For those members traveling to St. Andrews, we will provide a list of accommodation options before the Christmas holidays, and directions to St. Andrews will be available on our website soon. Please visit our website for updates (www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/) If you have any further questions regarding the meeting, please don't hesitate to get in touch, ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk With best wishes, The committee of the UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy -- UKRSC Chapter Contact c/o Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute East Sands St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Scotland, UK http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/

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Perception of a cetacean mass stranding in Italy: the emergence of compassion
by Giovanni Bearzi 19 Nov '10

19 Nov '10

The following article has just become available online: Perception of a cetacean mass stranding in Italy: the emergence of compassion Giovanni Bearzi, Nino Pierantonio, Silvia Bonizzoni, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Massimo Demma. 2010. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1135 ABSTRACT 1. The view that whales are malicious monsters has been pervasive throughout history. Conversely, the idea that these animals experience suffering has emerged only recently. One way of investigating perceptual, as well as behavioural, shifts is assessing general public reactions to mortality events involving wild, rare and charismatic animals. 2. Here, the responses of 118 individuals to questions regarding the mass stranding of seven sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) along the Adriatic Sea coast of Italy in December 2009 are reported through interviews taken at the stranding site and in the direct proximity of the dead animals. 3. When asked why the whales were stranded, 44.1% of the respondents suggested anthropogenic causes and 21.2% non-anthropogenic. The remaining 34.7% mentioned a generic disorientation¹ or stated they did not know. When asked how they felt about the whales, 68.6% expressed feelings of compassion or care towards the animals. Clearly non-compassionate attitudes accounted for only 4.1% of the sample. Finally, 21.2% expressed feelings that were ambiguous in terms of being suggestive of compassionate or non-compassionate attitudes, including 11.9% amazement, 4.2% deprecation and 5.1% powerlessness. 4. These results are in stark contrast with information obtained from accounts of similar events that have occurred in historical times, up until the first half of the 20th century. For centuries, responses to cetacean live strandingstypically including killing and harming of the animalswere either utilitarian or characterized by feelings including fear and a desire to subjugate the beast¹, with no apparent concern for their suffering and death. 5. It is concluded that attitudes towards whalestoday strikingly revolving around sadness, compassion and a sense of losshave changed dramatically over time, with a steep turnaround in the 1970/1980s. Full appreciation of the ongoing evolution in public perception can channel marine conservation efforts and assist in the design of response strategies to marine mammal strandings. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.1135/abstract or from me: giovanni.bearzi(a)gmail.com ________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ ________________________________________________

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new publication on dolphin cognition
by Adam Pack 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

Aloha Colleagues: I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper on the synergistic relationship of laboratory and field studies in the investigation of dolphin cognition and behavior. "Pack, A. A. (2010). The synergy of laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, pp. 538-565." The abstract is presented below: Dolphin behavior and cognition have been studied in both the laboratory and the wild. Laboratory studies provide high levels of control over experimental variables and the opportunity to investigate the cognitive mechanisms of behavior. However, laboratory studies are typically limited to a few subjects. Field studies have the benefit of examining behavior and social interactions among large numbers of individuals. They can reveal how cognitive abilities are expressed naturally, and can provide external validity for observations in the laboratory. However, there is typically less control over experimental variables in field studies than in the laboratory. Thus, a synergistic relationship has emerged between laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition with each contributing information and ideas to the other that can lead to new questions and insights. This relationship is demonstrated using four issues: a) the types of percepts and mental representations dolphins can form through echolocation; b) the complexity of relationships that dolphins can understand; c) the dolphin‟s competency in symbolic referential communication; and d) the dolphin‟s ability to manage joint attention through pointing and gazing. Pdfs copies can be obtained from the following journal link http://comparativepsychology.org/ejournal.html#i234 or directly from pack(a)hawaii.edu. Best regards and happy holidays, Adam ------------------------------------------------------------ Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Associate Professor Psychology & Biology University of Hawaii at Hilo Mailing Address: Psychology Department University of Hawaii at Hilo 200 West Kawili St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Voice: 808-375-7892 email: pack(a)hawaii.edu

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Florida Student Chapter of SMM 1st Annual Research Symposium
by Bills,Meghan L 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

We are pleased to announce the first annual Florida student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s research symposium on January 30, 2011 with an ice breaker January 29th. This year’s symposium will be hosted by the University of Florida’s Aquatic Animal Health Program in Gainesville, FL. We encourage all students (graduate, undergraduate, professional, etc) actively involved or interested in marine mammal research to attend. This is an informal symposium which will give students the opportunity to present their research in a relaxed environment and to meet and exchange ideas with other students from the state of Florida and surrounding areas. We also have scheduled round table discussions with prominent marine mammal researchers from both the academic and government arena. Presentation slots will be 12 minutes with 3 minutes for questions. If you wish to present on your current or proposed research project please submit your abstract (300 word maximum) and registration form available at our website<http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/extension/aquatic/events/#conferences> no later than December 20th, 2010 to floridasmm(a)gmail.com<mailto:floridasmm@gmail.com>. All registration forms for attendees are due by the December 20th date. In addition to the symposium, there is a planned marine mammal anatomy tutorial and dissection planned for January 31st. Also, you will have the unique opportunity to attend free-ranging manatee health assessment captures in Crystal River, Florida with Dr. Bob Bonde, USGS Sirenia Project, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on February 1 or 2, 2011. Preference for both events will be given to those who register early! To alleviate the cost of room and board, there will be limited free accommodations so again, please register early. Please check our website<http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/extension/aquatic/events/#conferences> and Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=102486243157815> event page for updates. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at floridasmm(a)gmail.com<mailto:floridasmm@gmail.com>. Thank you and we look forward to meeting all of you! The committee of the Florida Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy Meghan Bills Doctoral Candidate University of Florida-College of Veterinary Medicine PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, FL 32610 billsm(a)ufl.edu

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New publications concerning humpback whale song
by Leslie Walsh 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

Hello, I am please to announce that the following paper is now published. PDF copies are available from me upon request at the following email address: lelquest(a)gmail.com. Wright, A.J. & Walsh, L.A. 2010. Mind the gap: why neurological plasticity may explain seasonal interruption in humpback whale song. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2010, 90(8), 1489–1491 The abstract is as follows. Much is unknown about humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) song. The behaviour is limited almost exclusively to males, occurs almost exclusively on the calving grounds and is identical within a population, although it changes periodically throughout the season. Much of current thinking associates humpback whale song with breeding, although it is not clear if it is intended to attract a mate, fend off challengers, or a combination of the two. There is, however, very little information on the internal biology of these large, sea-going mammals, so the majority of hypotheses have not considered much in the way of physiological mechanisms. Nonetheless, we believe that there is enough information available to infer that a seasonal process of neurological development and atrophy similar to that found in other animals may be present in humpback whales. We believe this explains why humpback whale song is not produced between breeding seasons and also why it does not vary between seasons, while it does so within a season. It also adds additional weight to the idea that humpback whale song is an honest signal of fitness to a potential mate or competitor. Best regards, Leslie Walsh

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Announcement of Special Issue of the International Journal of Comparative Psychology
by Stan Kuczaj 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

I am pleased to announce the publication of the following special issue of the International Journal of Comparative Psychology: Research withe Captive Marine Mammals is Important - Part 2 The table of contents for this issue is listed below: More evidence that research with captive marine mammals is important: An introduction to the second special issue Stan A. Kuczaj II The synergy of laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition Adam A. Pack Overlap between information gained from complementary and comparative studies of captive and wild dolphins Kathleen M. Dudzinski Observing cognitive complexity in primates and cetaceans Christine M. Johnson Studying dolphin behavior in a semi-natural marine enclosure: Couldn't we do it all in the wild? Amir Perelberg, Frank Veit, Sylvia E. van der Woude, Sophie Donio, and Nadav Shashar Recent studies on captive cetaceans in Japan: Working in tandem with studies on cetaceans in the wild Tadamichi Morisaka, Shiro Kohshima, Motoi Yoshioka, Miwa Suzuki, and Fumio Nakahara Can dolphins plan their behavior? Stan A. Kuczaj II, Mark J. Xitco Jr., and John D. Gory Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Kelly Jaakkola, Emily Guarino, and Mandy Rodriguez The occurrence and context of S-posture display by captive belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) Kristina M. Horback, Whitney R. Friedman, and Christine M. Johnson Play in wild and captive cetaceans Robin D. Paulos, Marie Trone, and Stan A. Kuczaj II Ovarian follicular dynamics during the luteinizing hormone surge in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Holley Muraco, Pat Clough, Valerie Teets, Dennis Arn, and Mike Muraco Non-invasive multidisciplinary approach to the study of reproduction and calf development in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): The Rimini Delfinario experience Raffaella Tizzi, Pier Attilio Accorsi, and Massimo Azzali Advances in husbandry training in marine mammal care programs Sabrina I. C. A. Brando Marine mammals enact individual worlds Fabienne Delfour Learning about manatees: A collaborative program between New College of Florida and Mote Marine Laboratory to conduct laboratory research for manatee conservation Gordon B. Bauer, Debborah E. Colbert, and Joseph C. Gaspard II This issue has just appeared on the IJCP website (see below) and all articles are available for free download. (You may also download the entire issue at once if you choose). http://comparativepsychology.org/ejournal.html#i234 Sincerely, Stan Kuczaj Editor, IJCP s.kuczaj(a)usm.edu<mailto:s.kuczaj@usm.edu>

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Wanted: Marine Biology Instructors for summer programs
by Broadreach and Academic Treks 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

To view this email as a web page, go to the link below, or copy and paste it into your browser's address window. http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f0454b21ccd0a38050b4586b4747193897f21… and Academic Treks are hiring! WANTED: Professors To Teach Summer Experiential Marine Science Programs Abroad Academic Treks has summer employment job offerings to individuals with graduate degrees in Marine Science fields. - Shark Behavior and Conservation (Fiji) - Sea Turtle Ecology and Conservation (Costa Rica) - Tropical Marine Biology (Leeward Caribbean Islands) - Dolphin Studies (Belize)High school-age programs only - Marine Biology Adventure (Bahamas)High school programs only - Oceanography (Leeward CaribbeanIslands)College programs only (PhD preferred, Masters required). - Marine Resource Management (Leeward Caribbean Islands) - Marine Mammal Ecology (Vancouver Island, Canada) AT and AT College offers high school and college students the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture while experientially studying Marine Science and earning college credit. Instructors are needed to teach marine science courses in many locations abroad. In addition to teaching the course, instructors are responsible for facilitating groups, leading adventure activities and field trips such as hiking, involving students in community service projects, facilitating home stays and handling various other Course Instructor responsibilities. Qualifications: Masters or PhD in Marine Science or relevant field (specific to program applying for), teaching experience in the subject area, proficiency in language spoken, international travel experience, experience working with young adults, and flexibility. Dates: Staff training includes a couple weekend trainings in April/May, as well as a week in late May. Courses run from May-August. Each course is about 21 to 35 days. For more information about our high school programs, please visit http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f916cc9b93d284b1905a865da07e00eceda99… www.academictreks.com . For our college programs, please visit http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f3922b4996aff11bd63ef721ff9b18c9dd87e… www.academictrekscollege.com . Apply online at http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f0eb958a14f23785380a798e264c59d36728f… www.broadreachstaff.com or send resume, cover letter, photo, and contact information for 3 references to Broadreach Academic Treks, 806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27603. Fax: 919-833-2129 Phone 919-256-8200/888-833-1907 Email: mailto:staffinquiry@gobroadreach.com staffinquiry(a)gobroadreach.com . BROADREACH AND ACADEMIC TREKS806 McCulloch St., Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27603 | 888-833-1907 http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f4cc56ad47828fd6723e860886a113c89e31d… www.gobroadreach.com and http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f9abe9ae12c1e3629c0d570e9b905c1c18608… www.academictreks.com All contents and photography (c) Broadreach 2007 ---------------------------------------- This email was sent by: Broadreach and Academic Treks 806 McCulloch St., Suite 102 Raleigh, NC, 27603, We respect your right to privacy - visit the following URL to view our policy. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99fe1a5d98942d38f1ad2529e71cd958dec21f6… ) ---------------------------------------- Visit the following URL to manage your subscriptions. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f2da3f2897224a870d4044a1fe5a8bb5feb65… ) Visit the following URL to update your profile. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99fa14af72dd85484b6e5554498a266caad0e4b… ) Visit the following URL to unsubscribe. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99fb93fa936972c1a3f8bb0420e54decd7ea8d8… )

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