February 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

In Memoriam: Dr. Ronald J. Schusterman
by Brandon Southall 19 Feb '10

19 Feb '10

All, On behalf of his closest colleagues, we are saddened to inform you that the marine mammal community has lost one of the true pioneers in our field with the passing of Ronald J. Schusterman on February 11th 2010. Many of you either knew Ron personally, especially if you liked to dance and have a good time at conferences, or through his outstanding contributions to many areas of marine mammal science, most notably sensory systems and cognition. Ours is a young and rapidly growing field of study, but Ron was part of a small, and, sadly, declining number of “pre-Act” marine mammal researchers who laid the foundations for our Society’s current appreciation of marine mammals, the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, and the foundation of what was to become the Society for Marine Mammalogy, of which he was a founding member. Ron was a native of New York City, specifically the Bronx, and proudly cherished his Big Apple heritage throughout his life; anyone who knew him quickly detected the unquenchable brash exuberance of a true New Yorker. After serving in the U.S. Army, Ron attended Brooklyn College, where his interest in psychology was kindled by Professor Mort Feinberg. After graduating from Brooklyn College, Ron, on the recommendation of Feinberg, began graduate studies with Winthrop Kellogg at Florida State University, where Ron received his Ph.D. in 1961. It may surprise some folks who knew Ron as a marine mammal scientist, and know of Winthrop Kellogg from his work on dolphin biosonar, that Ron went to work with Kellogg to study primates. Ron maintained a lifelong interest in primatology, especially gibbons and chimps, and was remarkably conversant with the literature on primate behavior, cognition and development. Like Bill Mason, his friend and famed primatologist who studied howler monkeys, Ron could produce startlingly realistic calls of gibbons, howler monkeys and other primates. His skills produced dramatic effects, both on his students and the resident primates, during field trips to the local zoo and to the UC Davis Primate Center. Ron did not transition into marine mammal studies until recruited to the Stanford Research Institute by Tom Poulter and Kellogg. Poulter was a well-known scientist and adventurer, having rescued Admiral Byrd during Byrd’s famous Antarctic overwintering expedition in 1934. Poulter was trained as a physicist and served as Byrd’s meteorologist, but he had become convinced that seals and sea lions possessed echolocation capabilities like those that had only recently been discovered in dolphins. Poulter hired Ron to help him prove that seals had sonar. He had not reckoned with Ron’s meticulous thoroughness as a researcher, nor Ron’s profound capacity for rigorous critical thinking. Ron, through a series of incisive and ingenious experiments, was unable to find a specialized sonar sense in seals or sea lions, though he did discover very intelligent animals with remarkable visual, auditory and cognitive capabilities that were sufficient to account for the behavior of these remarkable marine predators, even without active echolocation. In spite of considerable certainty by Poulter that biosonar must be there somewhere, Ron stood by his work, which led to some storied battles at what Ken Norris referred to as the “Poultergeist” meetings at Stanford Research Institute – annual gatherings of the small marine mammal scientific community in the late 1960s and early 70s that eventually led to the current biennial conferences. The search for specialized sonar capabilities in seals and sea lions continues, as it should – in science negative findings are never taken as proven – but it is a testament to Ron’s unequaled scientific skills that no one else has been able to find what Ron could not find 45 years ago. Ron continued to focus on both sensory biology and cognitive capabilities of marine mammals, first at Stanford Research Institute, then at California State University at Hayward (now Cal State East Bay), where Ron held joint appointments in the Psychology and Biology Departments and co-taught one of the first Marine Mammal Biology courses with Sam McGinnis, beginning around 1972. In 1985 Ron moved his research program to Long Marine Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz where it continues as a strong, vital center of pinniped sensory and cognitive research under the very capable direction of his former student and beloved colleague, Colleen Reichmuth. Ron’s nearly 50-year career in marine mammal science was overwhelmingly productive, with pioneering work in many different areas of sensory perception and learning. Ron is also extremely well known in the field of Comparative Psychology for his experimental work on language learning and the foundations of complex cognition in animals, as well as for studies of mother-offspring bonding during early development and into adulthood, and studies of reward expectancies and contingencies in children, non-human primates, and marine mammals. Many in the community may know that he used his extensive knowledge of conditioning and learning theory to develop some of the first, most creative, and most enduring approaches to training marine mammals in captivity. He was a founding member of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, and an Honorary Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society, the Acoustical Society of America, the American Psychological Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and just a few months ago, he was inducted into the California Academy of Sciences. Ron had just completed a historical perspectives article for Aquatic Mammals that will be posthumously published in the next issue of that journal. Perhaps even more important than the hundreds of papers, books, articles, lectures, and honors was the effect on the field he had through the students he mentored and colleagues he helped, too numerous to mention individually. Ron leaves a profound legacy in the form of a very close-knit family of colleagues, spanning multiple generations and disciplines. He influenced many of the most productive scientists in our community. We share in common the enduring imprint of an exceptional scientist and a compassionate optimist who was also a passionate lover of music, art, and baseball, dancing and dining with good friends, and of course, a zealous observer of the behavior of all creatures. Ron will surely be deeply missed by many, but his contributions will continue to enrich our science and our lives. Ron is survived by his wife Francie, his daughters Marisa, Nikki, and Lesli, his beloved grandchildren, Danielle, Max, Nacho, Alyssa, and his grandchildren by marriage, Isabella, Shawn, and Talia. A small funeral service was held in Santa Cruz, California on Monday the 15th of February, 2010 and a celebratory memorial is planned for Sunday the 28th of February in La Selva Beach, California - all are welcome! Additionally, several memorial funds are being established in his honor. For more information please contact: info(a)pinnipedlab.org <mailto:info@pinnipedlab.org>. Brandon Southall Colleen Reichmuth Bob Gisiner Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc. Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz 911 Center Street, Suite B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA 831.427.9529 (office); 831.427.9542 (fax) Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net

1 0

Volunteers required for killer whale research in Spain
by Pauline Gauffier 19 Feb '10

19 Feb '10

Dear all, The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.biz) is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on killer whale energetic budget in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will take place from 5 April to 31 May 2010. Killer whale project: The killer whale population of the Strait of Gibraltar has a diet mainly based on Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This population is believed to be in danger due to the rapid decrease of their prey under human fishing. They usually feed on tuna using an “endurance-exhaustion” technique. This behaviour can be easily observed from 2 land based stations on top of the cliffs off La Breña national park, Andalusia, South of Spain. We wish to collect behavioural and positional data (using binos and theodolite) from these land stations as well as blow rates to assess the energetic budget of this foraging technique. Volunteers should be available at least for one week study (see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid… and http://circe-volunteers-2009.blogspot.com for last year project blog) but long period availability is possible. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once there, we will provide accommodation and transport to the land stations. Food will be at your own expenses. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - speak fluently English and/or Spanish Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including whale tracking - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to ruth/circe-asso.org. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV. Applications will be accepted until 15 March although early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. For more information, see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid… (also available in Spanish and French) or contact ruth/circe-asso.org. All the best Pauline <°)))< Pauline GAUFFIERCIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans), SPAIN http://www.circe.biz NEW PAGE!!! _________________________________________________________________ Discutez en direct avec vos amis sur Messenger ! http://www.windowslive.fr/messenger

1 0

WDCS online Species Guide
by Nicola Hodgins 18 Feb '10

18 Feb '10

Dear MARMAM¹ers, WDCS has launched its new online species guide (see below) and would like to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK-YOU to all of you who kindly donated images to be used within!! We couldn¹t have done it without you and greatly appreciate your help! And so my next request is for Phase 2 we¹re going to be looking for acoustics and video ... So if you have any then you know who to get in touch with!! Thanks again and we hope you enjoy the new Guide! ---------------------------------- Launch of world¹s most comprehensive guide to whales and dolphins highlights the many mysteries that still remain The most comprehensive on-line guide to whales and dolphins is launched this week following over a year¹s painstaking work by researchers at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), which ironically, along with a number of fascinating facts, has revealed exactly how little we humans still know about these magnificent creatures. The guide, which is of particular use to students, researchers, the tourist trade, and journalists comes in three languages, and provides interesting and easy to use insights into the creature¹s habitats, behaviour, and where to find them. It also features 80 maps, over 400 images, a threat index (which highlights the level of danger facing each species). To have a look for yourself, go to http://www2.wdcs.org/species/index.php Nicola Hodgins International Projects Co-ordinator WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Phone: - +441249 449 537 Mobile: - +447841497597 http://www.wdcs.org *** WDCS International Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Wiltshire SN15 1LJ UK Since commercial whaling was banned¹ more than 30,000 whales have been killed. Help us Stop Whaling. www.whales.org <http://www.whales.org> WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. > Please consider the environment before printing this email. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (³WDCS²): Registered in England and Wales No. 2737421 WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN!5 1LJ. Registered Charity No. 1014705. Tel: 01249 449500 Fax: 01249 449501 WDCS Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Limited (Registered in England No. 2593116) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (Charity No. 1014705) and gift aids all post tax profits to the charity. WDCS Wildlife Centre: Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ. Tel: 01343 820339 Fax: 01343 829065 WDCS Australasia: WDCS, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, South Australia, Australia 5015. Tel: 1300 360 442 Fax: 08 8242 1595 WDCS Deutschland: WDCS, Altostraße 43, D-81245, München. Tel: 089 6100 2393 Fax: 089 6100 2394 WDCS (North America): 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: 1.888.MYWHALE (1.888.699.4253) WDCS (South America): Potosi 2087, B1636BUA, Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel-Fax + 5411- 4796-3191

1 0

In Memory: Nélio Baptista Barros, 1960-2010
by kmchugh＠mote.org 17 Feb '10

17 Feb '10

In Memory: Nélio Baptista Barros, 1960-2010 Dr. Nélio Baptista Barros passed away on Feb 10, 2010 in Tillamook, Oregon after a battle with cancer. He was born in Vila Velha, ES, Brazil on Jan 23, 1960. He received his BSc in Biological Oceanography in 1982 (Brazil) and then moved to the United States where he received his Masters degree from Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami in Biological Oceanography in July 1987, and earned his PhD from RSMAS under Dr. Dan Odell in 1993. He worked as a marine mammal consultant at SeaWorld in Orlando during 1991-1999, and as a Research Biologist and Senior Research Biologist at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute during 1994-2000. He joined Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, and served as Program Manager for Motes Stranding Investigations Program during 2000-2006, creating a model stranding response program for the southeastern U.S., and developing a laboratory for cetacean stomach content analyses. Dr. Barros then moved to Oregon and worked with Portland State University as a coordinator for the northern Oregon and southern Washington Stranding Network. He was an expert in feeding ecology of small and large cetaceans using stomachs and tissue samples to examine prey and trophic level interactions. He contributed to field studies throughout the world including the southeast coast of the United States, Hong Kong, Brazil, South Africa and the western United States. He authored or co-authored 34 peer-reviewed papers or book chapters, and helped many others with their publications, especially Latin American colleagues, through his constructive reviews and by serving as Editor of The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals. He was called upon often by institutions and government wildlife management agencies to provide information on the feeding habits of cetaceans and pinnipeds during Unusual Mortality Events and mass stranding events. He examined small structures including fish otoliths and cephalopod parts to determine ingested prey in stranded animals and later expanded this work by utilizing tissue samples for stable isotope analysis to determine longer term trends in trophic food webs. He contributed significantly to our understanding of the importance of sound-producing fish in the diets of bottlenose dolphins, and filled in many gaps in our knowledge of the biology and ecology of difficult-to-study pygmy and dwarf sperm whales. Dr. Barros was an avid organic gardener and loved to harvest eggs from his flock of free-range chickens (his girls). He was also a remarkable baker often surprising colleagues and friends with warm chocolate chip cookies hot from the oven. He travelled often for both work and pleasure. Along with his native Portuguese, he was fluent in English, Spanish and French and had been studying Russian. He was a remarkable friend and mentor to many and will always be remembered for his smile, generous spirit and his diligent work on behalf of marine mammals all over the globe. He is survived by his life partner Fred Casey, and his mother, father, brother and sister in Brazil. A reception in honor of Nélio will be held at the Jean Hendry Conference Hall of Mote Marine Laboratorys Marine Mammal Center at 3:00 pm on Saturday, 27 February, followed by a potluck celebration of his life at the home of Randall and Martha Wells in Sarasota, Florida. Please contact Randy Wells at rwells(a)mote.org or (941) 388-2705 if you are able to attend, and to get details and directions. If you are unable to attend, but wish to provide a video message, please prepare it in Windows Media (preferred) or QuickTime format, and embedded into a PowerPoint 2004 slide (please include both kinds of files in the same folder and send on CD; do not send in PowerPoint 2007). Audio recordings may be sent in MP3 or Wav formats on CD. Video messages should be sent to Randy Wells at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nélios name may be made to help repair the vandalized Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge, near his home in Oregon. To donate, please go to: http://capemeareslighthouse.org/index.html. Alternatively, donations may be made to help support the operations of Mote Marine Laboratorys Stranding Investigations Program. Checks may be sent to Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, with a notation: In memory of Nélio Barros. Submitted in loving memory by: Megan Stolen Ruth DeLynn Debbie Duffield Randall Wells

1 0

Marine Mammal Observers and Passive Acoustic Monitoring MARCH Courses - LAST CALL FOR REGISTRATION
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 16 Feb '10

16 Feb '10

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. Our training is to ensure INDUSTRY gets the MMOs they want, that they are HIGHLY trained, Efficient and EFFECTIVE in the job, and they are prepared for all necessary actions. Our Passive Acoustic Monitoring course is run by professionals in the Acoustics field for over 25 years. The course is specialised for ALL aspects of working as a PAM operator not just one system. We teach you how to be a PAM operator and we are non-biased towards any one working system. If you have requirements to one particular system we can train you in that area, we have the technology and the right people! Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the quality standard of the MMO industry is gaining. *Please find below the Marine Mammal Observer course training dates for 2010 * *PLEASE NOTE THAT MARCH COURSE IS NOW ON LATE PAYMENT REGISTRATION ONLY* United Kingdom Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) March 1st - 2nd March 3rd May 10th - 11th May 12th July 12th - 13th July 14th August 9th - 10th August 11th September 13th - 14th September 15th October 25th - 26th October 27th Australian Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) January 18th - 19th January 20th April 12th - 13th April 14th June 7th - 8th June 9th November 15th - 16th November 17th South African Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) March 22nd - 23rd March 24th * * * * *Please find below the Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course dates for 2010* *PLEASE NOTE THAT MARCH COURSE IS NOW ON LATE PAYMENT REGISTRATION ONLY* United Kingdom Training Course Dates January 12th February 22nd March 5th April 16th May 14th July 16th August 12th September 17th October 29th Australian Training Course Dates January 22nd April 16th June 11th November 19th South African Training Course Dates March 26th -- 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

1 0

Marine Mammal Behavior & Cognition Lab Internships
by Courtney Smith 16 Feb '10

16 Feb '10

The Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi offers an internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. There are three available internship periods each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Interns work on research projects being conducted by faculty members and graduate students, and will gain experience in both behavioral and acoustic data collection and analysis. Specific experiences depend on the research projects that are ongoing at the time of the internship. Summer 2010 Internship: We will be accepting two interns for this internship period.The primary research being conducted at this time involves field abundance surveys and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in Mississippi Sound. Applications due March 15th. Anticipated start date is May 1st. This internship is an unpaid voluntary position, and interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. Interns are also required to receive college credit for the internship; enrollment may be with The University of Southern Mississippi or an academic institution of their choice. Students interested in applying are required to send: * Complete application form (pdf or word) * CV or Résumé * Letter of intent describing your career goals, reason(s) for wanting the internship, and what you expect to contribute to and gain from the internship * Unofficial or official copy of your transcripts * At least two letters of recommendation (preferably from those who can attest to your academic and scientific abilities) All materials should be sent to: Internship Coordinator: Courtney Smith Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Internship Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, but all materials must be postmarked by the pertinent deadline: Fall - July 1st; Spring - December 1st; Summer - March 15th Please direct all information requests and related materials to Courtney Smith at kuczaj_laboratory(a)yahoo.com. -- Courtney Smith MA,PhD Student Internship Coordinator Marine Mammal Behavior & Cognition Lab Experimental Psychology Program University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Dr. #5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025

1 0

Places for VA/DC students for a marine mammal class in Scotland
by Chris Parsons 16 Feb '10

16 Feb '10

Re: Places for VA/DC students for a marine mammal class in Scotland We have three places available for Virginia (or Washington DC consortium) students (undergraduate or graduate) for the summer course "Marine Mammal Biology & Conservation" [EVPP 490/505 (4 credits) or BIOL 440/507 (4 credits)] to be held in July 2010 (final dates to be determined). The course takes place at the University Marine Biological Station Millport, Scotland and the Isle of Mull. The two week courses includes over 20 hours of lectures, a lab class and multiple field sessions. Course Fees ($3,250.00) include roundtrip airfare (from Washington DC), daily transportation, field Station fees and 4 credits of (in state) tuition. A deposit of $500.00 is required as soon as possible to hold a seat in the class. For more information about the academic requirements of this course or the syllabus contact Professor Chris Parsons ( <mailto:ecm-parsons@earthlink.net> ecm-parsons(a)earthlink.net) For more details about the class, and the course application process email <mailto:cfs@gmu.edu> cfs(a)gmu.edu or <mailto:gjustice@gmu.edu> gjustice(a)gmu.edu (or call (1) 703-993-1740 Monday through Friday 9am to 4:30pm). Department of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, USA

1 0

Marine Mammal Behavior & Cognition Lab Internships
by Courtney Smith 16 Feb '10

16 Feb '10

The Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab<http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/>at the University of Southern Mississippi offers an internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. There are three available internship periods each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Interns work on research projects being conducted by faculty members and graduate students, and will gain experience in both behavioral and acoustic data collection and analyses. Specific experiences depend on the research projects that are ongoing at the time of the internship. *Summer 2010 Internship: *We will be accepting two interns for this internship period. The primary research being conducted at this time involves field abundance surveys and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in Mississippi Sound. *Applications due March 15th. Anticipated start date is May 1st.*** This internship is an unpaid voluntary position, and interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. Interns are also required to receive college credit for the internship; enrollment may be with The University of Southern Mississippi or an academic institution of their choice. Students interested in applying for the internship are required to send: - Complete application form (pdf<http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/Information/internapp.pdf>or word <http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/Information/internapp.doc>) - CV or Résumé - Letter of intent describing your career goals, reason(s) for wanting the internship, and what you expect to contribute to and gain from the internship - Unofficial or official copy of your transcripts - At least two letters of recommendation (preferably from those who can attest to your academic and scientific abilities) All materials should be sent to: Internship Coordinator: Courtney Smith Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Internship Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, all materials must be postmarked by the pertinent deadline: Fall - July 1st; Spring - December 1st; Summer - March 15th Please direct all information requests and related materials to Courtney Smith at *kuczaj_laboratory(a)yahoo.com.* Best, Courtney -- Courtney Smith MA,PhD Student Internship Coordinator Marine Mammal Behavior & Cognition Lab Experimental Psychology Program University of Southern Mississippi

1 0

PhD Thesis,Malaysia
by LEELA RAJAMANI A/P RAMNATH RAJAMANI 16 Feb '10

16 Feb '10

Dear Colleagues, A PDF copy of my thesis is available on dugongs in Sabah,Malaysia Rajamani L.2009. The Conservation biology of the dugong (Dugong dugon) in Sabah,Malaysia : a basis for conservation planning. PhD Thesis.Borneo Marine Research Institute.Universiti Malaysia Sabah.288 pp. ABSTRACT : Prior to 1999, dugongs were rarely observed in Malaysia. This first comprehensive study of dugongs and their related seagrass habitats in Sabah, investigated the local stakeholder environment, the abundance and distribution of dugongs, identified and monitored threats to dugongs, and mapped seagrass habitats relevant to dugongs. The study was conducted in two spatial scales namely, 1) Regional (to determine dugong distribution in Sabah) (excluding Tawau) 2) Local - to determine local dugong abundance, conduct seagrass mapping and community surveys at two study sites Banggi island and Mantanani island. Community surveys consisted of a census, interview surveys, a dugong monitoring programme and participant observation. This information was used to determine stakeholder characters, and their perceptions of the researcher, research project, dugongs and seagrasses. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) of dugongs and seagrasses was also sought. The abundance, composition and habitat area of seagrass was assessed using a method of visually estimating above-ground seagrass biomass at sites along one kilometre transects perpendicular to the coast. Biomass was estimated every 50 metres in shallow areas (up to 5 metres depth) and every 100 metres in deep areas (greater than 5 metres depth). These sites later form the basis of seagrass meadows using GIS applications. Standardised aerial surveys were conducted regionally for the coastal waters of Sabah to determine dugong distribution patterns. The communities of Banggi and Mantanani are economically disadvantaged, practise destructive fishing and have little understanding of ecological processes and concepts of conservation. However, the reasons for dugong decline are known. Appreciation of the aesthetic value of dugongs within the communities is varied. However, the community appears to have adequate local knowledge of the dugong having cultural linkages through a dugong myth. Approximately, 70% of the total population is young below the age of 30, who could be receptive to new ideas. Outside influences from the media is widely available to the community. The community is able to develop a relationship with the researcher and participate cordially in research activities. Dugong numbers are very low in Sabah. Fifty two dugongs were sighted in Sabah excluding Tawau. Based on these results, crude estimates of minimal count are between 688 and 1376 dugongs residing in coastal Sabah. Key dugong areas were identified to be Brunei Bay, Labuan Island, and Sandakan Bay. Banggi Island and Mantanani Island supports a small population of dugongs respectively. Based on this study, dugongs were subject to threats, which were mostly anthropogenic. They were 1) blast fishing, 2) incidental entangling in nets and 3) unsupervised tourism and vessel strikes. The number of mortalities in Sabah (especially in Banggi Island), are high compared to dugong abundance results obtained in this study. When Potential Biological Removal (PBR) estimates were compared to crude estimates of yearly mortality, it is confirmed that dugong populations are declining. Ten species of seagrass from two families were found in Banggi Island and Mantanani Island. These include Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis (broad and thin variety), Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Halophila decipiens, Halophila spinulosa, Cymodocea serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Enhalus acoroides. A new unidentified species of Halophila was collected in Molleangan Island, west of Banggi Island. Approximately, 415 ha and 112 ha of seagrass meadows were mapped in Banggi island and Mantanani island respectively giving a total of 527 ha of seagrass available for dugong consumption. The information obtained on the local communities, seagrass and dugong provided the basis to inform a comprehensive conservation plan in Sabah. Key conservation strategies include a dialogue and community education programme, provision of alternative livelihoods, improving enforcement to prevent illegal fishing methods, co-management of dugong and seagrass resources, stringent controls on ecotourism and vessel strikes, zoning of seagrass in marine protected areas and further research. As the dugong is a migratory species, conservation management at an international level with the neighbouring state of Sarawak, and countries of Brunei, the Philippines and Indonesia is necessary. Please let me know if you are interested in reading it and I will send a copy. Best Regards Leela Leela Rajamani, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota Kinabalu Malaysia. Skype address: leela.rajamani ---------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail has been sent via JARING webmail at http://www.jaring.my

1 0

Mediterranean Monk seal in Israeli waters
by scheinin 16 Feb '10

16 Feb '10

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Shalom Dear Marmmamers, We would like to inform you about exciting news we have from the easternmost part of the eastern Mediterranean basin. In the last 4 month <http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/> IMMRAC team has received more than 40 reports, some of them including video or photographs, of a seal sighted in many locations along the entire Israeli coastline from Ashkelon near the southern border of Gaza Strip to Rosh- HaNikra at the northern border with Lebanon. The first photographed report that verified the reports to be of the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, was given on January 7th 2010. We have consulted with monk seal researchers from Turkey, Greece and Holland about the photos and the consensus was that it is a relatively young female. The female has been seen swimming inside Herzliya Marina, and was photographed sleeping in a small alcove on the sea side of its breakwater, until disturbed. Other images that we have gotten since this sighting were not clear enough in order to ascertain whether there are more than one seal along the coast. However the locations and the timings of some of the sightings suggest at least 2 animals. Monk seals have not been observed in the Israeli coast for the last 50 years. In the case that seals are indeed showing re-colonization attempts, it may indicate a shift in their habitat or that the colony in the north (south-east Turkey) acts as a nursery as suggested by Ali Cemal Gucu from Middle East Technical University Institute of Marine Sciences, Turkey. Aviad Scheinin, Oz Goffman, Dani Kerem IMMRAC - Israeli Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center ( <http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/> http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/) scheinin(a)013.net.il

1 0