February 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on Mediterranean monk seals
by Alexandros A. Karamanlidis 15 Feb '10

15 Feb '10

Dear all We would like to draw your attention on a new publication regarding parturition in Mediterranean monk seals: Karamanlidis, A.A., V. Paravas, F. Trillmich, P. Dendrinos. 2010. First Observations of Parturition and Postpartum Behavior in the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the Eastern Mediterranean. Aquatic Mammals, 36(1), 27-32. DOI 10.1578/AM.36.1.2010.27 Abstract: Understanding reproductive behavior, especially the circumstances surrounding parturition and the events following the first days postpartum, is essential in developing effective conservation strategies for endangered pinnipeds. In the case of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), difficulties in documenting events, such as parturition, are compounded by the very low population numbers and the inaccessibility of the habitat occupied by the species. In this study, the authors report the first observations of parturition for the species from the central Aegean Sea, Greece in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Using a state-of-the-art infrared remote-monitoring system two births were documented and important information on the total duration of the events, the total duration of attempted suckling, as well as, information on the presentation of the pups, their sex and habitat were recorded. This new information on the reproductive biology of the species in this part of its range outline the importance of suitable reproductive caves for the conservation of the species and the urgency of protecting them. In addition, considering the high cost and logistics of the study, monitoring the species on a large scale to effectively protect it, will require the development of new, low-cost and time-efficient methodologies. For reprints please contact: Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, PhD Wildlife Biologist MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal akaramanlidis(a)gmail.com

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new paper on the long term inshore observation of a solitary striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
by nikolina.rako＠plavi-svijet.org 13 Feb '10

13 Feb '10

Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: Rako, N., Holcer, D. & Fortuna, C. M. (2009): Long-term inshore observation of a solitary striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba, in the Vinodol Channel, Northern Adriatic Sea (Croatia). Nat. Croat., Vol. 18, No. 2., 427-436. Abstract: The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is not a common cetacean species in the northern Adriatic Sea. Its presence is generally related to deeper offshore areas beyond the continental shelf. Despite this fact, the analysis of data collected over the past 5 years indicates unusual site fidelity of a single individual in the relatively shallow Vinodol Channel of the northern Croatian Adriatic Sea. Summarizing the available data on its recent occurrence, this paper contributes to the current limited knowledge on striped dolphin presence and associations not only in this region. Please note that the full article is available open access at the following link: http://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&id_clanak_jezik=70132 Kind regards, Nikolina Rako Adriatic Dolphin Project, Head researcher Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation

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Marine Mammal Research Internship Opportunities
by Sharon Melin 12 Feb '10

12 Feb '10

NOAA Fisheries Service Alaska Fisheries Science Center announces their summer 2010 internships. This is a great opportunity to experience the Marine Sciences. Subjects range from Ecosystem studies to Marine Mammal research plus some internships have exciting field components. *Deadline:* Completed applications must be received by* March 19th, 2010* For more information follow the link at: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/

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Whale and Dolphin Internship Opportunities
by Lezanne Brits 12 Feb '10

12 Feb '10

Dear Marmammers On behalf of Oceans Research ( <http://www.m/> <http://www.oceans-research.com/> www.oceans-research.com) , I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for our dolphin and whale project for 2010 on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Background Skeleton Coast Marine Lab was established to formalise the ongoing marine mammal research of Dr. Simon Elwen of the University of Pretoria and Dr Ruth Leeney of Provincetown Centre for Coastal Studies. The laboratory is situated along the desert coast of Namibia at Walvis Bay, a world wide mecca of dolphin watching and desert tourism. The cool Benguela current is the driving force behind one of the world's most abundant marine environments and attracts dense populations of marine mammals such as the Heaviside's dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Cape fur seal and humpback whale. The Namibian coast line is considered one of the most undeveloped and beautiful places in the world. The Namib is the oldest desert in the world and is characterised by the conjunction of large fields of sand dunes meeting one of the world's richest marine environments, the cold currents of the Benguela ecosystem. The opportunity to conduct marine research here is a rare privilege that is made possible only through this project's dedicated association and work in Namibia. Research Projects - Use of photographic identification to estimate the abundance of bottlenose and Heaviside's dolphins in the bay. - Use of visual surveys and moored hydrophones to investigate distribution and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins relative to environmental variables and human impacts including aquaculture and harbour traffic. - Use of moored acoustic recorders (C-PODs) to investigate the acoustic behaviour, distribution and attendance patterns of Heaviside's dolphins and bottlenose dolphins at key sites. - Collection of skin and blubber samples from dolphin species to investigate population structure and dietary variation across sites and seasons using stable isotope and fatty acid analysis. Intern activities Assisting in running research vessels and research station Above water photo identification of dolphin species Above water focal behavioural follows of bottlenose dolphins Above water photo-identification of humpback whales. Above water genetic sampling of dolphin and whale species Acoustic monitoring of cetacean vocalisations Shore based tracking of dolphin species around hydrophones and tour boats For more information contact Lezanne Brits on <mailto:internship@oceans-research.com> internship(a)oceans-research.com

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FW: Premiere of killer whale documentary this Sunday
by Dagmar Fertl 11 Feb '10

11 Feb '10

The following might be of interest to some Marmam subscribers. Killer Whales A Pangolin Pictures documentary Featuring the oceans’ top predator & the research of Dr. Ingrid Visser Premiering this Sunday, February 14, 2010 on the Discovery Channel 9 pm Eastern Standard Time (USA) _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/

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false killer whale comments due
by Jasny, Michael 11 Feb '10

11 Feb '10

Dear all, This is just a reminder that comments on the scope of NMFS' take reduction team for Hawaiian false killer whales are due February 18th. NMFS has announced that the take reduction team will address interactions between the Hawaii pelagic, Hawaii insular, and Palmyra Atoll stocks of false killer whales (FKWs) with Hawaii's two longline fisheries (deep-set and shallow-set). As many of you know, these teams are essential for helping reduce bycatch in vulnerable populations. Hawaii pelagic FKWs are listed as a "strategic stock" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and NMFS recently found that listing the insular population under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. As presently conceived, however, the new take reduction team would not address several other fisheries that are very likely to interact with at least the insular population of FKWs: Hawaii's shortline and kaka fisheries, which often work within the population's range and target its typical prey species. Comments should be (1) submitted electronically through www.regulations.gov (regulation number 0648-XT76), or else (2) mailed to: Assistant Regional Administrator, Protection Resources, NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814. More information is available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr75-2853.pdf. Again, the deadline for receipt of comments is February 18th. Thanks, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 mob. 310-560-5536 fax. 310-434-2399 PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney-client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communication. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify us at the above telephone number.

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Programme and late registration deadline of the 24th Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Stralsund, Germany
by Verfuss Ursula Dr. 10 Feb '10

10 Feb '10

Dear all, I would like to draw your attention to the programme of the 24th Conference of the European Cetacean Society, which is held from 22nd to 24th March 2010 in Stralsund, Germany! The programme can be downloaded on the conference webpages http://www.ozeaneum.de/en/ecs-2010/programme.html . Please note: Late registration deadline for the conference is closing soon: Friday, 12.02.2010! For registering please visit the website of the European Cetacean Society www.europeancetaceansociety.eu . Looking forward to welcoming you in Stralsund in March 2010! Ursula Verfuß On behalf of the Organizing Committee Mit freundlichen Grüßen im Auftrag Dr. Ursula Verfuß Wiss. Mitarbeiter FB Wissenschaft Deutsches Meeresmuseum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Katharinenberg 14-20 18439 Stralsund Tel.: +49 (3831) 2650-390 Fax: + 49 (3831) 2650-209 ursula.verfuss(a)meeresmuseum.de <mailto:ursula.verfuss@meeresmuseum.de> www.meeresmuseum.de <http://www.meeresmuseum.de/> Der Direktor Dr. Harald Benke Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/141/02545

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Marine Mammal Research Volunteers - Summer 2010
by Jennifer Tackaberry 10 Feb '10

10 Feb '10

Marine Mammal Research Volunteer Positions 2010 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. In addition to internship positions, we are currently looking to fill research volunteer positions for the summer (May 24-August 20) semester of 2010. Start and end dates may be flexible for the volunteer position. The Whale Center of New England volunteer position provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 42' research vessel The Mysticete, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, and attendance at conferences and meetings. There is no fee required for the volunteer position. The volunteer is required to find their own housing and provide a means of transportation to the boats we work on in Boston and Gloucester, MA (the Whale Center will not be providing any means of financial assistance). Volunteer applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for the volunteer position: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, an updated transcript, and the application form found on our website. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during a weekend in March 2010 (to be determined at a later date). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2010. Applicants should note that they are interest in the volunteer position rather then the internship position. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Jenn Tackaberry Jennifer Tackaberry P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) jenn(a)whalecenter.org

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Free The Pod- Integrated Dolphins Release
by dolphins＠freethepod.org 10 Feb '10

10 Feb '10

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Final call for March Marine mammal observer and passive acoustic operator course
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 09 Feb '10

09 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 * *LAST DATE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION ON MARCH UK COURSE IS 14TH FEBRUARY 2010* *LAST DATE FOR EARLY REGISTRATION ON MARCH SA COURSE IS 7TH MARCH 2010* ** 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 note that the February PAM course registration is now closed* * * *Please find below the Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course dates for 2010* United Kingdom PAM Training Course Dates January 12th February 22nd March 5th April 16th May 14th July 16th August 12th September 17th October 29th Australian PAM Training Course Dates January 22nd April 16th June 11th November 19th South African PAM Training Course Dates March 26th We look forward to seeing you! -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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