March 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Research assistants wanted for bottlenose dolphin research
by Tilen Genov 05 Mar '10

05 Mar '10

*Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society* is seeking applications for: *RESEARCH ASSISTANTS for season 2010* * * *WHAT* Research assistants are required to assist with the ongoing long-term research and monitoring programme of the *Slovenian Dolphin Project*. The project focuses on the study, monitoring and conservation of the local population of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Slovenian and adjacent waters in the north Adriatic Sea since 2002, collecting information on distribution, abundance, social structure, habitat use, fishery interactions and tourism impact. *WHERE* The research base is located in Portoroz, Slovenia (EU). The fieldwork is carried out in Slovenian and adjacent waters (north Adriatic Sea). *WHEN* 20th June – 1st October 2010 Candidates are expected to committ to the project for a minimum of 1 month, but can also apply for the whole period. * * *DUTIES* The research assistant will be responsible for assisting the project leaders in all aspects of research and associated tasks. Duties include, but are not limited to: · daily fieldwork (boat surveys on a 5.7 meter RIB, land-based watches with binoculars and theodolite tracking, photo-identification, behavioural sampling, data recording) · database entry, database management, data analysis · boat upkeep and maintenance · research base upkeep and maintenance · coordinating teams of participants in Morigenos research camps *CONDITIONS* This position is unpaid, but accommodation and food are provided. Successful applicants need to cover their own travel costs. *IMPORTANT SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS* Essential: - A background in biology, veterinary medicine, geography or related sciences - Previous experience in cetacean research - Nautical licence and experience in handling RIBs - Good IT skills (Word, Excell and Access are a must) - Ability and willingness to work long hours outdoors, in often hot weather - Ability to work well in a small international team - Good verbal and written communication skills The following qualifications are not required, but one or more of the following will be considered an advantage: - Good knowledge of GIS - Previous experience and knowledge of photo-ID, distance sampling, habitat modelling, theodolite tracking or C-POD use - Experience in the use of software packages MARK, SOCPROG or R *HOW TO APPLY* Send a letter of interest and a CV, outlining why you are applying, your previous experience and qualifications, why you think you should be considered for the position and your availability in the given period. Include contact details of two references. Send your application to tilen.genov(at)gmail.com. Please specify *'MORIGENOS RESEARCH ASSISTANT'* in your subject title. Deadline: 3rd April 2010. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 13th April 2010. Morigenos team will be at the ECS conference in Stralsund, where we would be happy to talk to you. When you send your application, please let us know whether you are attending the ECS and we can possibly arrange a meeting. Tilen Genov *Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society* Jarska cesta 36/a SI-1000 Ljubljana Slovenia (EU) www.morigenos.org

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Job Announcement: Marine Mammal Spatial Ecologist - Honolulu, HI
by Charles.Littnan＠noaa.gov 05 Mar '10

05 Mar '10

Aloha All- We would like to announce a new job position opening as a Research Ecologist in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The person in this position will conduct research in support of the PIFSC Cetacean and Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Programs. Research activities will include characterizing species' distribution and terrestrial/marine habitat use and predictive modeling for population assessment and recovery efforts. Duties include: analyzes marine mammal spatial information; submits manuscripts for publication and works with other scientists to produce reports and scientific publications on the population assessment of Hawaiian monk seals and cetaceans; conducts and writes analysis to support permit applications for marine mammal conservation efforts; designs and develops studies on aspects of spatial distribution and other elements of Hawaiian monk seal ecology; conducts field studies as needed; works with other scientists and stakeholders to produce reports and presentations to inform the general public on the spatial ecology of Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific cetaceans. This is a Permanent full time federal position. You must be a US Citizen to be accepted for this job. For more details on job duties, application process and more please go to usajobs.gov and search for job number NMFS-PIC-2010-0012. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact the individual listed on the job announcement at the USAJobs website. Please pass this on to anyone that might qualify. Applications close on April 2, 2010. Cheers, Charles Charles Littnan Lead Scientist, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA Fisheries Service

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Gray Whale Research! - Internships Available Summer 2010
by UVIC WhaleLab Gmail 04 Mar '10

04 Mar '10

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2010 The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non- profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of near-shore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long-term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/ ). INTERNSHIPS Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program! MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology. Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard! We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships for June 2010. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and spaces are quite limited. QUALIFICATIONS This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research. Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife. THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station. Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime. APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the preaplication process on our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP. Two week Internship - $ 2200 Cdn Four week Internship - $ 3400 Cdn If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: UVICwhalelab(a)gmail.com **************************** Christina Tombach Wright Intern Coordinator Society for Ecological and Coastal Research P.O. Box 35052 Victoria, British Columbia CANADA V8T 5G2 UVICwhalelab(a)gmail.com

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VOLUNTEER POSITION FOR REMOTE WHALE RESEARCH STATION NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
by Hermann&Janie 04 Mar '10

04 Mar '10

VOLUNTEER POSITION FOR REMOTE WHALE RESEARCH STATION NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA Cetacealab is a non-profit research organization located on the southern end of Gil Island along the north coast of British Columbia. Our location is unique as we monitor the acoustic habitat of both orca and humpback whale populations. We are the only residents of Gil Island and Cetacealab the only facility.Volunteers must be prepared for the remoteness of our location. We are currently looking to fill volunteer positions starting in June until late September 2010. Priority will be given to those willing to stay for at least one month. Cetacealab has an array of hydrophone stations located from 5 to 20 km from the facility. All signals are broadcast to the lab and digitally recorded when cetaceans are present. In late spring northern resident orcas arrive, followed by groups of feeding humpback whales; transient orcas are found year round but not as frequent. In the last 3 years there has also been an increase in fin whale sightings. Volunteers will be asked to assist with the following: -Land based observations - scanning for blows and all marine mammals from the lab, listening for and digitally recording all cetacean vocalizations/activity -Boat surveys to collect digital photographs to add to our photo identification catalogue of orca, humpback and fin whales; document feeding and social behaviour during each cetacean encounter - Identification and organization of all cetacean photographs taken from survey - Knowledge of excel and data base entry essential -Updates to website of daily encounters -Cetacealab has recorded over 800 hours of humpback whale song display in the northern waters of BC before their annual migration south. This season there will be a strong emphasis on volunteers having some experience or to take the initiative to understand spectrographic analysis. -This facility is completely off the grid, powered only by sun, wind and water. Volunteers will be expected to help in the daily activity of living so remote. This will include chopping wood, helping with the maintenance of hydrophone stations and other more labour intensive types of jobs. -Volunteers will be asked to bring their own tent for accommodation and are asked to prepare their own breakfast and lunch in a supplied kitchen area. We will have a communal dinner each night in our house. Due to our extreme remote location we need to be informed of any medical conditions volunteers may have. Access to immediate medical care can be difficult. Transportation to Gil Island will be paid by the volunteer. While on Gil the only expense will be a monthly charge of $175 for food. Of all the qualities we are looking for a positive attitude and ability to work as a member of a team is vital. For those who decide to join us we know this will be an experience of a lifetime. To apply for a volunteer position please send a CV, with a letter describing your reason for wanting to join us this season and one letter of reference. Once your application has been received an interview via phone/Skype will be arranged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Website www.whaleresearch.ca Contact: Janie Wray/Hermann Meuter __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

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Marine Environmental Research Institute 2010 Internship
by Michelle Berger 04 Mar '10

04 Mar '10

The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is recruiting to fill a Research Internship position for the spring/summer of 2010. This internship requires a 6-month commitment (minimum), with a possible extension to one year. MERI is a non-profit scientific research and education organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants on wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information to a broad audience. Current projects include Seals as Sentinels, a long-term investigation of the impacts of pollutants on northwestern Atlantic harbor seals and the Blue Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Project. MERI collaborates with Northeast Region Stranding Network in the response to marine mammal strandings in Downeast Maine. MERI is located on the Blue Hill Peninsula in a unique coastal ecosystem bridging mid-coast and Downeast Maine. This rocky coastline is primary habitat for a rich variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife including bald eagles, ospreys, seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales. The landscape is dotted with uninhabited islands, rocky ledges, small fishing villages, boatyards, and blueberry fields. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine, or public health to gain practical experience assisting with a variety of wildlife research projects and communicating the results to the scientific community and the public. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment, wildlife, and human health, and will be committed to the mission of the organization. Primary Internship Responsibility This position involves assisting the Research and Monitoring staff with the implementation of the Seals as Sentinels project, MERI's long-term investigation of pollutant levels, trends and health effects in stranded and free-ranging seals and their major prey fish, as well as studies of pollutant-related disease in domestic animal sentinel species. Primary responsibilities include assisting in marine mammal stranding response, necropsies, sample collection and sample processing, storage, and shipping; performing literature searches, data interpretation, and science communication. Additional duties assisting with a new pinniped monitoring survey, photo-documentation, and community outreach. Internship Description: * Assist with response to marine mammal strandings: travel to stranding locations, assess animal condition; work with MERI's stranding specialist to report strandings to the network * Assist with necropsy of stranded marine mammals in the field and in the MERI laboratory; perform tissue collection from stranded animals for toxicology studies; process and store tissue samples in the MERI Tissue Bank * Assist with collection of tissues and health assessment data from veterinarians for studies of pollutant-related hyperthyroid disease in domestic animal sentinel species * Prepare samples for shipment, maintain chain-of-custody documentation for samples * Assist with the pilot phase of a boat and aerial survey of harbor and gray seals in Blue Hill Bay * Communicate with cooperating network organizations, veterinarians, and laboratories to ensure compliance with sampling protocols * Assist with literature surveys, enter references into Endnote, compile articles relevant to preparation of publications and reports * Photo-document research and monitoring activities for web-available reports and lectures; contribute to the MERI image library * Create Power Point presentations and perform other tasks related to science communication and preparation of publications and reports * Assist the Education department with mentoring and training of young scientists * Pitch in, as all employees do, to help with MERI events, lectures, and programs and activities as needed Reports to: Senior Research Assistant and MERI Director Qualifications Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in environmental health sciences, ecotoxicology, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, or related field. Applicants should be well-organized and detail oriented. Experience collecting, processing and documenting biologic samples according to standard protocols is required. Experience with sick or injured animals, working in a veterinary clinic, or performing animal necropsies is a plus. Experience handling small to medium-size boats in marine waters is highly desirable. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and digital photography is required. Experience with statistics (SPSS), Endnote, and graphics software is highly desirable. As this position requires some local travel, applicants must possess (or be able to obtain) a valid U.S. driver's license and have a good driving record. Applicants must be available to work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. This position requires physical activity and applicant should be able to lift up to 40 lbs and maintain balance while walking on uneven terrain (island ledges) and on small boats. Time Requirements: This position requires a 6-month commitment (minimum) from approximately April to October 2010 (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Upon a satisfactory review, the internship may be extended up to one year. Full-time hours (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by intern and the Director. Compensation: Stipend and shared housing in Blue Hill, Maine. Housing is within walking distance to the Marine Environmental Research Institute. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses, food, and visa arrangements if applicable. To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your experience, CV, a relevant writing sample, and three references to: Michelle Berger, Senior Research Assistant, mberger(a)meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Website:. <http://www.meriresearch.org/> www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Michelle Berger Senior Research Assistant Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) P.O. Box 1652 Blue Hill, ME 04614 (207) 374-8980

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Abstracts - The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, vol. 6, issue 2, 2007
by Dagmar Fertl 03 Mar '10

03 Mar '10

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will get duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue of The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM). LAJAM is distributed to members of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuaticos/Latin American Society of Experts on Aquatic Mammals (solamac.org) and the Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina/Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy (www.somemma.org) For more information on subscriptions to LAJAM or manuscript submittals, please go to: solamac.org. Abstracts are presented as a courtesy to LAJAM's Editor-in-Chief – Dr. Daniel Palacios (Daniel.Palacios(a)noaa.gov) and Managing Editor – Dr. Salvatore Siciliano (sal(a)ensp.fiocruz.br) LAJAM publishes articles concerning research, management and conservation biology of aquatic mammals in Latin America, regardless of the nationality of the authors. Articles on techniques broadly applicable to the study of aquatic mammals will also be considered regardless of author's nationality. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and these postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl dfertl(a)gmail.com ******************* Cappozzo, H.L.*, M. F. Negri, F.H. Pérez, D.Albareda, F. Monzón, and J.F. Corcuera. 2007. Incidental mortality of franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in Argentina. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 127-137. cappozzo(a)retina.ar; Laboratorio de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos - Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (CONICET), Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR, Buenos Aires. Argentina; Estación Hidrobiológica de Puerto Quequén (MACN – CONICET), Quequén, Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata River dolphin or franciscana, Pontoporia blainvillei, is an endemic small cetacean of the Southwest Atlantic coast. It is threatened all along its distribution by a sustained high level of incidental mortality in fisheries. Here we assess levels of franciscana bycatch in Argentine waters between 1997 and 2003. We surveyed 18 localities along the coast of the Buenos Aires Province, between General Lavalle (35°06’S, 57°08’W) and Bahía Blanca (Puerto Rosales-Ingeniero White harbour: 38°47’S, 62°16’W). We recorded data on incidental mortality, fishing gears and fishing effort through 209 personal interviews with fishermen. We estimated annual mortality, fishing effort and catch per unit of effort (CPUE) for each locality and period of time. Mortality was caused by gillnets and trawling gears, purse seine nets and shrimper gears. The total mortality estimated for 1997-2000 was 354 dolphins/year (95% CI = 318-392) and 307 dolphins/year (95% CI = 273-343) for 2002-2003. In the entire survey, CPUE of the northern coast of Buenos Aires Province (Bahía Samborombón and Cabo San Antonio) was significantly higher than CPUE for the southern coast (from Mar del Plata to Bahía Blanca estuary). In addition, CPUE of the northern coast decreased significantly throughout the years. This study suggested that even though the gears or fleet behavior changed locally, Buenos Aires Province evidenced an overall mortality relatively constant during the survey. If we consider a minimum of 400 dolphins killed each year in fishing gear and the estimated population values of 15000 individuals for the Argentine coast; mortality represent more than 2% of the Argentine franciscana population, suggesting that it would be subject to decline. Trends in mortality need to be periodically monitored in this area in order to articulate programs of conservation for the species. *********** Sanfelice, D.* and T.R.O. de Freitas. 2007. The ontogeny of shape disparity in three species of otariids (Pinnipedia: Mammalia). The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 127-137. d.sanfelice(a)ucl.ac.uk; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal IB/UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Museu de Ciências Naturais/FZBRS. Av. Salvador França, 1427, Porto Alegre, 90690-000, RS, Brazil. We compared skull ontogenies in three otariid species to identify evolutionary novelties and to understand their relationships with diversity. The species studied were Arctocephalus australis, Callorhinus ursinus and Otaria byronia. We analyzed evolutionary changes in three parameters of developmental trajectories of skull shape: shape at the outset of ontogeny, allometric pattern, and the amount of change undergone over the course of ontogeny, which depends on its duration (the length of the ontogenetic vector) and on the rate of development. Initial shapes were always very different among the species and the distances between shapes increased with time, independently from size. Furthermore, when the complete samples were considered, all the ontogenetic trajectories were significantly different concerning the directions of the allometric vectors during ontogeny. Ontogenetic trajectories also differed significantly among almost all compared pairs, except for the trajectories of males of A. australis and C. ursinus. However, these differences are expected by chance (considering the range of angles within each sample). A similar pattern was found when the subadults were compared in pairs of species, as well as adult males of A. australis and O. byronia. The correlation found between ontogenies of juveniles was expected by chance, with exception of C. ursinus and O. byronia. The ontogenetic trajectory of C. ursinus is the shortest and that of O. byronia is the longest, with the latter being near the triple of the former. A. australis has an intermediary length of ontogenetic trajectory. Considering all three species, disparity increased significantly over ontogeny since the disparity of the adults is near double that between juveniles. However, the pattern of disparity did not change considerably during ontogeny. For any ontogenetical stage, O. byronia is the species that most contributed to the disparity of the group, followed by C. ursinus. Finally, ontogenies examined herein are clearly not constrained (almost every developmental parameter of shape that could evolve was observed) and perhaps the differences in patterns have additive effects in the differentiation of the ontogenies. *************** de Oliveira, G.C., J.F.M. Barcellos, and F.C.W. Rosas. 2007. Age estimation in giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) (Carnivora: Mustelidae) using growth layer groups in canine teeth. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 155-160. frosas(a)inpa.gov.br; Universidade Federal do Amazonas - UFAM, Manaus, AM, Brazil. The canines of six giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis (5 males and 1 female) from the zoological collection of the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) were analyzed for age estimation. Of these, two were from known-age individuals of 2 and 5 years. Ages were read counting the Growth Layer Groups (GLGs) observed in thin sections (30μm) of decalcified teeth. GLGs were present in the dentine but were not conspicuous; age estimates were only reliable when counted in the cementum. Periodicity of GLGs and age estimates were calibrated with the known-age individuals. Results revealed an annual deposition pattern of GLGs in the cementum of giant otter canines, and no apparent differences were found in the GLG patterns observed between males and females, or between captive and free-ranging individuals. The youngest and oldest giant otters analyzed were 2 and 20 years old, respectively. These results suggest that the longevity of captive giant otters is around 20 years. The age determination technique applied here proved to be useful for age estimation in giant otters and can contribute as a powerful tool for future studies on the population dynamics of P. brasiliensis, which is currently classified as endangered. ********** Mattos, P.H.*, L. Dalla Rosa, and P.F. Fruet. 2007. Activity budgets and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Patos Lagoon Estuary, southern Brazil. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 161-169. biofurg(a)yahoo.com.br; Museu Oceanográfico Prof. “Eliézer C. Rios”, Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, 96200-970, Brazil. The common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, is one of the world’s best known cetaceans. However, there are few studies on the activity budgets and distribution of this species along the Brazilian coast. This study aimed at describing and quantifying the behavioral activity of T. truncatus in the Patos Lagoon Estuary, Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil (ca. 32°09’S, 52°05’W). The study area was divided into three sub-areas according to the proximity to the estuary mouth. The behavioral data were gathered every 5 minutes following a focal group sampling approach. A total of 34 boat surveys were conducted between December 2001 and January 2003, totaling 66.95h of direct observation and 672 records of behavioral activities. The first 15 minutes of each group encounter were discarded to avoid the influence of the boat approach on dolphin behavior. The most observed behavior was feeding (37.64%), followed by traveling (29.17%), travel-feeding (21.87%), socializing (5.8%), milling (4.33%) and resting (1.19%). There was not a significant difference among the frequencies of commonly observed behaviors: feeding, traveling and travel feeding (p>0.05, t-test for proportions). Dependence between activity and season was detected in subareas I and II (p<0.001; Pearson’s X2), as well as an association between activity and sub-areas (p<0.001; Pearson’s X2). Regarding group size, 56.41% of the activities recorded were carried out by groups of 1 to 3 dolphins, 31.63% from 4 to 6, 10.25% from 7 to 10, and 1.71% by groups with more than 10 individuals. This study confirmed the importance of the Patos Lagoon Estuary as an area for bottlenose dolphins to conduct their daytime activities, in particular feeding. ********** García-Godos, I., K. Van Waerebeek, J.C. Reyes, J. Alfaro-Shigueto, and M. Arias-Schreiber. 2007. Prey occurrence in the stomach contents of four small cetacean species in Peru. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 171-183. ag_godos(a)yahoo.com; Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research (CEPEC). The diets of long-beaked common dolphins Delphinus capensis (n=117), dusky dolphins Lagenorhynchus obscurus (n=72), Burmeister’s porpoises Phocoena spinipinnis (n=69) and offshore common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus (n=22) were determined based on the analysis of the stomach contents collected from animals landed in ports along the Peruvian central coast and from Marcona, in southern Peru, during 1987-1993. The number of prey ingested was obtained by counting the number of fish otoliths and cephalopod mandibles (beaks). Only fish could be identified to species level. Long-beaked common dolphins fed mainly on Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens (70.0% by number), Panama lightfish Vincigerria lucetia (7.8%) and slimtail lanternfish Lampanyctus parvicauda (6.7%). Dusky dolphins consumed mainly anchovies (49.7%, 16.8%), slimtail lanternfish (23.6%, 0.1%), Inca scad Trachurus murphyi (17.1%, 0%) and mote sculpin Normanichthys crockeri (0%, 76.0%) off the central Peruvian coast and Marcona, respectively. In the same areas, Burmeister’s porpoises fed mainly on anchovy (88.9%, 77.6%), silverside Odontesthes regia (6.5%, 0%), mote sculpin (0%, 8.1%) and South Pacific hake Merluccius gayi (0.6%, 7.9%). Offshore common bottlenose dolphins consumed mainly slimtail lanternfish (39.2%), barracuda Sphyraena sp. (13.5%) and Peruvian pilchard Sardinops sagax (13.3%). The diversity indices of the diet and temporal shifts in the main prey suggest an opportunistic feeding strategy for the four cetacean species studied, which take advantage of the locally most available epipelagic and mesopelagic schooling fish. Cluster analysis shows high similarity in their diets, with these four marine top predators being able to optimally exploit the high productivity of the Peruvian upwelling ecosystem. **** Baldassin, P.* ,M.R. Werneck, C.B. Barbosa, B.M.G. Gallo, H. Gallo, and M. Walsh. 2007. Veterinary treatment of an injured wild franciscana dolphin calf (Pontoporia blainvillei, Gervais & D‘Orbigny, 1844). The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 185-187. paula(a)institutoargonauta.org; Aquario de Ubatuba. Rua Guarani, 859. Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto Argonauta para a Conservação Costeira e Marinha. Rua Guarani, 835. Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. This case report describes the husbandry and medical management of an injured orphan female Pontoporia blainvillei calf entangled in a fishing net, and rescued by a diver in the shallow waters of São Sebastião, São Paulo state (23°21’20’’S) on 9 January 2006. *************** Fernandes, M.F., A.S. Cordeiro, D.M.R. Carvalho, W.R. Santos, and R. Ramos. 2007. An interaction between a juvenile Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) and seismic survey vessel M/V Ramform Challenger - PGS, Bacia de Santos, Brazil. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 189-192. micheleffernandes(a)gmail.com; Everest Tecnologia em Serviços Ltda. Av. João Batista Parra 633, 9th floor, Vitória, ES, 29052-123 Brazil. No abstract was provided. The authors report on a prolonged interaction (~56 hrs) between a dolphin and a seismic ship off Brazil. During the three days of observation, the dolphin showed no obvious outward signs of illness, starvation or injury, and was highly active throughout the time period. The animal did appear to be foraging as on more than one occasion it was seen to attack small shoals of fish. ************* Félix, F.*, N. Botero, and J. Falconí. 2007. Observation of a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) feeding in coastal waters of Ecuador. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2): 193-197. fernandofelix(a)femm.org; Fundación Ecuatoriana para el Estudio de Mamíferos Marinos (FEMM). PO Box 09-01-11905. Guayaquil, Ecuador; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE). Av. 12 de Octubre and Patria, Quito, Ecuador The presence of the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in continental waters of Ecuador is known from only a few reports. Here we present photographic evidence of a blue whale feeding in costal waters of this country. The event occurred on 17 July 2007, 2 nm west of Salinas, Santa Elena Peninsula (2°12’08"’S, 81°02’31"W). The whale was followed during 31 minutes aboard a whalewatching boat. At one point, the whale was observed moving fast at the surface and rolling over its right side with its mouth open. Although the type of food being consumed was not evident, the behavior is similar to that described as surface feeding on euphausiid swarms. Despite the intense whale research effort conducted over the past 15 years in coastal waters of Ecuador, this is the first time a blue whale is recorded in nearshore waters. ************* Sepúlveda, M.*, M.J. Pérez-Alvarez, P. López, and R. Moraga. 2007. Presence and re-sighting of southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina (L. 1758), on the north-central coast of Chile. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2):199-202. Maritza.Sepulveda(a)uv.cl; Eutropia. Centro de Investigación de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos de Chile. 1 Poniente 960, Depto. 1102, Viña del Mar, Chile; Centro de Investigación y Gestión en Recursos Naturales (CIGREN), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso. Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile. No abstract was provided. This note reports the presence and re-sighting of southern elephant seals within the Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt (RNPH), in central Chile. ************** Gómez, A.* and M. Mendez. 2007. Marine protected areas in South America: spatial assessment of cetacean distribution coverage. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 6(2):203-207. mm1772(a)columbia.edu; Columbia University Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, New York, NY, USA. No abstract was provided. The authors analyzed the degree to which marine protected areas in South America cover the ranges of cetacean species. Due to its spatial distribution and limited overall area, the current marine protected area in South America was determined to likely provide few real conservation benefits to cetaceans in the region. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/

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Publication of LAJAM 6(2)
by Daniel Palacios 03 Mar '10

03 Mar '10

3 March 2010 Dear LAJAM readership, On behalf of our Editorial Board, I am pleased to announce that the latest issue of LAJAM, No. 6(2) of December 2007, is now available. We sincerely apologize for the great delay in getting this number out. As you may be aware, the journal has faced many challenges and hurdles in the last couple of years, including the recent passing of our Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Nélio Barros. We are currently working very hard to expedite backlogged issues and appreciate your patience and willingness to work with us in the meantime. The Table of Contents for issue No. 6(2), along with the abstracts and the e-mail address of the corresponding authors for requesting PDF copies will be posted separately on SOLAMAC’s web site as well as on MARMAM. LAJAM is distributed to members of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos/Latin American Society of Specialists on Aquatic Mammals (solamac.org) and the Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina/Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy (www.somemma.org ). If you are a paid member of SOLAMAC or SOMEMMA for 2007-2008 you should be receiving a printed copy of the journal in the mail in the coming weeks. LAJAM’s Managing Editor, Dr. Salvatore Siciliano, will be handling the mailing, so if you have any inquiries in this regard please direct them to him (sal(a)ensp.fiocruz.br) LAJAM is published twice a year (June and December) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We are currently working on three issues simultaneously, with the goal of publishing them sometime later this year. The first two issues, 7(1) and 7(2), will be combined into a single tome for 2008, as a strategy to make up some time. Issue 8(1), for June 2009, will be a special issue containing the results of the “Workshop on Research and Conservation of the Genus Sotalia,” held in Armaçao dos Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 19-23 June 2006. For this special issue we have assembled a team of guest editors made up by Drs. Marcos Santos, Eduardo Secchi, Monica Borobia, Susana Caballero, and Carlos Olavarría. Because of his pivotal role in the organization of the workshop as well as for his many years of outstanding service to LAJAM, we plan to include a dedication in this issue to Dr. Nélio Barros. LAJAM publishes articles concerning research, management and conservation biology of aquatic mammals in Latin America, regardless of the nationality of the authors. Articles on techniques broadly applicable to the study of aquatic mammals are also considered regardless of author’s nationality. We are currently accepting submissions for issue 8(2) and beyond. An updated file containing the most recent “Instructions for Authors” will be posted on SOLAMAC’s web site shortly, or it can be requested from me (Daniel.Palacios(a)noaa.gov) Please make sure you follow these instructions closely before submitting, as otherwise your manuscript will be returned, causing further delays. Finally, we are always looking for reviewers who are interested in assisting authors whose first language is not English in polishing their manuscripts. If you would like to help out with this please contact me directly. Sincerely, Daniel Palacios Editor-in-Chief Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse David Aurioles Susana Caballero Diane Gendron Carlos Olavarría Marcos Santos Maritza Sepúlveda Jorge Urbán Alexandre Zerbini Board of Associate Editors Salvatore Siciliano Managing Editor Eduardo Secchi Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

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Latest JMATE issue
by michael.belanger＠utoronto.ca 03 Mar '10

03 Mar '10

Hi Everyone The Oceanographic Environmental Research Society, publishers of the Journal of Marine Mammals and Their Environment (JMATE), would like to announce the publication of its latest issue: Volume 2, Issue 2; 2009 Journal of Marine Animals and Their Environment (JMATE) TABLE of CONTENTS Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2009 EDITORIAL...........................................pg 1 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...............................pg 2 BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS Variation in external morphology of resident Bottlenose dolphins in Bahia San Antonio patagonia, Argentina. Vermeulen E, Cammareri A............................pg 3-6 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS REVIEW/COMMENTARY ARTICLES: Endocrine disruptors: an overview and discussion on issues surrounding their impact on marine animals. Zhou J, Cai ZH, Zhu ................................pg 7-17 This latest JMATE issue and other past issues are available for free on the our website at: oers.ca And we are also very proud to announce that JMATE is now available on the Directory of Open Access Journals at: http://www.doaj.org/openurl?genre=journal&issn=19118929 The editors would also like to focus the next JMATE issue on pinnipeds and are inviting submissions for this special issue. We are also seeking other manuscripts for publication. The Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology is an electronic journal focused but not limited to issues related to the preservation of the marine environment, protection, conservation, rescue and rehabilitation of marine life with the unique goal of attracting a diverse and broad consumer base by having a multi-disciplinary approach. You may send your manuscripts to: editor(a)oers.ca with 'jmate' in the subject heading. Thank you JMATE Editors

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(Please, Forward) EAAM - 2010 Annual Symposium (Lisbon, Portugal)
by Élio Vicente 03 Mar '10

03 Mar '10

Dear All, As you may recall, the upcoming Annual Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM - www.eaam.org) will be held in Lisbon, next week, between March 12 and 15. The conference will be hosted by Lisbon Zoo (www.zoo.pt) and will be dedicated to all disciplines of marine mammal husbandry, veterinary medicine, training, conservation, research, environmental education, display, et cetera. This will be the first Green Conference of the EAAM and, as such, considerable changes will be implemented in the structure and dynamics of the event. All relevant information can be obtained through the conference's website (www.eaam2010.net/Default.htm) and the Symposium's Committee (eaam(a)eaam2010.net) We do look forward to see you in Portugal! On behalf of Claudia Gili, President-elect of the EAAM, Kind regards, Élio Vicente

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Animal Behavior Field Course-Social Behavior and Communication of Wild Dolphins in the Bahamas
by Daisy K 02 Mar '10

02 Mar '10

To whom it may concern,I would like to post the following message on MARMAM. Sincerely,J. Daisy Kaplan Animal Behavior Field Course-Social Behavior and Communication of Wild Dolphins in the Bahamas This field course provides students with an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on field experience studying animal behavior while participating in a research project studying the social behavior of wild dolphins. The Bahamian dolphin populations are very acclimated to human beings, allowing for the unique opportunity to observe these animals up-close, in their natural environment. Students who join our team during our weekly research trips will assist researchers in recording the dolphins’ underwater and surface vocal and behavioral interactions. Observations are made underwater while snorkeling, and on the water’s surface from a skiff. Students must know how to swim and snorkel, but no other special skills or experience is required to participate. Costs and Dates: The cost of this field course is $2,290 per person. The course runs from August 21st-27th. Cost includes 6 nights accommodation and all meals and snacks. Travel and accommodations are aboard a 65-foot sailboat in double and triple occupancy, air-conditioned cabins with shared baths. Trips begin and end in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. The boat is anchored or traveling most of the week at the research sites, so we will almost always be in dolphin territory. Airfare is not included, nor is ground transportation or gratuity (recommended 10-15% of the cruise rate, or ~$230). Other dates may open up for other trips in August. Details of the trip can be found at http://www.oceanicsociety.org/nhexp_BahamasProjectDolphin Course Outline for Both Credit and Non-Credit Participants: The coursework will be comprised of the following: · Pre-trip workshop and orientation at Hunter College (Optional for students not receiving credit for this course. Workshop will be taught by Hunter College Professor Dr. Diana Reiss) · Involvement in daily research activities · Daily lectures during the trip · Reading materials—to be read before the trip commences. · A writing assignment due by the end of the semester. This assignment will require the students choose a behavior they find interesting, write a literature review on this behavior, and pose potential research questions for the further study of this behavior. This assignment would also include describing basic methodology that could be used to investigate these questions. (Not required for students not taking this course for credit.) Daily Research Activities: Students will take part in underwater (if desired) and onboard ship observations. Students that feel comfortable with photo ID may also assist in taking underwater photo ID pictures. In addition, students will have several tasks while above-water, including recording environmental data, recording details of sightings, matching photos of dolphins seen to the photo ID catalogue in order to identify the dolphins, and being 'on watch' to look for approaching dolphin groups. Course Lecture Series: Introductory Lecture (lecture at Hunter College prior to trip commencement): · I. Marine Mammal Behavior and Communication · II. Conducting Field Research: Methods and Techniques · III. Orientation to field project: overview of the research, and student roles and responsibilities Day 1: Orientation: (at field site)· I. Review of research roles & student responsibilities, general safety, how to conduct one’s self while in the water with dolphins. · II. General life history of spotted and bottlenose dolphins. · III. Photo Identification of Dolphins – How to tell who’s who. Day 2: (at field site) · I. Coral Reef fishes · II. Review of required reading and field research methods Day 3: (at field site) · I. Marine mammal anatomy & physiology, evolution of marine mammals · II. Marine mammal sensory perception (hearing, echolocation, vision) Day 4: (at field site) · I. Animal Intelligence & Cognition · II. Current topics in marine mammal conservation Day 5: Comparative Studies: life histories of killer whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales Day 6: · Trip Wrap-up Assigned Reading: · The life history of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis): Age classes, color phases, and female reproduction. D. L. Herzing. 1997. Marine Mammal Science 13(4):576-595 · The bottlenose dolphin: Social relationships in a fission-fusion society. R. C. Connor, R. S. Wells, J. Mann, and A. J. Read. 2000. In: Mann, J., R. C. Connor, P. L. Tyack, and H. Whitehead, eds. Cetacean societies: Field studies of dolphins and whales. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago · Unraveling the dynamics of social life: Long-term studies and observational methods. J. Mann. 2000. In: J. Mann, R. C. Connor, P. L. Tyack, and H. Whitehead, eds. Cetacean societies: Field Studies of dolphins And whales. U. of Chicago Press, Chicago & London. · Mirror self-recognition in the bottlenose dolphin: A case of cognitive convergence. D. Reiss and L. Marino. 2001. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 98(10):5937-5942 · Cetaceans have complex brains for complex cognition. L. Marino, R. C. Connor, R. E. Fordyce, L. M. Herman, P. R. Hof, L. Lefebvre, D. Lusseau, B. McCowan, E. A. Nimchinsky, A. A. Pack, L. Rendell, J. S. Reidenberg, D. Reiss, M. D. Uhen, E. Van der Gucht, and H. Whitehead. 2007. PLoS Biology 5(5):966-972 Instructors: Field course to be taught by Hunter College Professor Dr. Diana Reiss and CUNY Graduate Center PhD student J. Daisy Kaplan Credit and Non-Credit Options: You make take this course as a non-credit or a credit course. For those students who are part of the CUNY (City University of New York) System and wish to sign up for credit, you can sign up for this course as an independent study. Additional fees to Hunter College apply. Please contact Daisy Kaplan at daisykaplan(a)hotmail.com for further details on receiving credit. For-credit requirements include a written assignment and a 3-hour workshop at Hunter College offered in early August 2010, prior to the trip commencement (date TBA). This workshop will be team taught by Dr. Diana Reiss, Professor in the Department of Psychology at Hunter College and the Biopsychology & Behavioral Neuroscience Program, CUNY Graduate Center, and Daisy Kaplan, PhD student in the Biopsychology & Behavioral Neuroscience Program, CUNY Graduate Center. If you are not part of the CUNY system, you may be able to receive credit through your own university for an independent study/ research project. You may also participate in this course for non-credit, in which case there will be no workshop or writing requirement. If you wish to receive credit through Hunter College and are not a CUNY student, options may be available – please contact me for more details. To reserve your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is due by April 1st. Trip cost must be paid in full by May 1st. For further questions or to reserve a space, please contact Daisy Kaplan at daisykaplan(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/

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