May 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

2-day Workshop | Model Selection and Multimodel Inference in the Life Sciences, Dr. David R. Anderson
by John Skinner 19 May '10

19 May '10

Dear list members, The Alaska SeaLife Center will be hosting a 2-day workshop on AIC model selection and model averaging methods presented by Dr. David R. Anderson. We would like to invite others to participate as space remains available. Please read the description below and come join us for this wonderful and informative course! MODEL SELECTION AND MULTIMODEL INFERENCE IN THE LIFE SCIENCES Presented by Dr. David R. Anderson Alaska SeaLife Center | Seward, AK | 26-27 August 2010 | 8am - 5pm This workshop is intended for graduate students, post-docs, faculty, government scientists, resource managers and any other individuals interested in understanding and applying AIC model selection and multimodel inference methods in their work. Please visit the workshop homepage below for more information and to register for this course. Workshop Homepage: http://sites.google.com/site/aslcworkshops/ Contact John Skinner (email: johns(a)alaskasealife.org) if interested or you have any questions. Best regards, John _______________________________________________ John Skinner Research Associate Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Ave Seward, AK 99664 907 224 6888

1 0

Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2010-2011 winter season - applications accepted through May 24th
by Thea Johanos-Kam 19 May '10

19 May '10

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works closely with The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii, and will be accepting applications for the upcoming 2010-2011 winter field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal at Laysan Island and possibly other locations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected. In addition, researchers will periodically handle, weigh, and administer de-worming medication to immature seals at Laysan, and possibly other sites in an effort to increase seal condition and survival by removing parasite loads. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from mid-July 2010 through May 2011, or for a subset of this period (from mid-July through January). The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Travel to Honolulu and food and lodging while in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation between Honolulu and the field site, and food and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by a 4 member team in a remote camp at Laysan Island. Researchers live in wall tents, and the site is accessible by ship (4 day travel; 1,300 km from Honolulu). Field work at other possible sites is accomplished by 2-4 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. Employment will be provided by JIMAR, which hires its program and scientific staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH). To search and apply for RCUH positions, refer to the following website: http://www.rcuh.com/ **NO LATER THAN MAY 24, 2010 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* * *IMPORTANT:* Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available, remote field experience, animal handling experience, and boating skills. The job postings for the JIMAR PIFSC Biological Research Assistant recruitment (for Field Camp Assistant) and JIMAR PIFSC Biological Technician recruitment (for Field Camp Leader) are below. Each position needs to be applied for separately. Please apply directly to RCUH Human Resources following the methods stated in the posting by the closing date. *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT -- ID#10218.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (6) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: *$1,730.00/Mo. *DUTIES*: Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp and with the processing of field data. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:* High School Diploma or equivalent. *EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience with handling of wildlife. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data entry. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:* Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:* Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. Possess NOAA certification for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training) to work at multiple-island atolls. *_INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-5018 (Oahu). _APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job Announcements/Apply for a Job." However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022, mail, or hand-deliver to: Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Online applications and faxed documents must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time). Mailed documents must be postmarked by the closing date. Hand-delivered documents must be received by our HR office by 4 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. *_CLOSING DATE: May 24, 2010._ *EEO/AA Employer. *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN -- ID#10215.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:* $1,871.00. *DUTIES:* Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:* Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography or other related field. *EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals. Experience handling monk seals. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Good communications skills (both written and oral). Leadership and decision-making skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:* Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: *Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. *_INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-5018 (Oahu). _APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: *The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job Announcements/Apply for a Job." However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022, mail, or hand-deliver to: Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Online applications and faxed documents must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time). Mailed documents must be postmarked by the closing date. Hand-delivered documents must be received by our HR office by 4 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. _*CLOSING DATE: May 24, 2010. *_EEO/AA Employer. -- Thea Johanos Lead, Monk Seal Population Assessment Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 808-944-2174 office 808-941-0307 fax

1 0

New publication - Fatal Ingestion of Net Debris by Sperm Whales
by Jeffrey Jacobsen 19 May '10

19 May '10

Hello - The following paper has just been assigned its page numbers and will be published in the current edition of Marine Pollution Bulletin. Jeff K. Jacobsen, Liam Massey, Frances Gulland. 2010. Fatal ingestion of floating net debris by two sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Marine Pollution Bulletin 60:765–767 Abstract In 2008 two male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded along the northern California coast with large amounts of fishing net scraps, rope, and other plastic debris in their stomachs. One animal had a ruptured stomach, the other was emaciated, and gastric impaction was suspected as the cause of both deaths. There were 134 different types of nets in these two animals, all made of floating material,varying in size from 10 cm2 to about 16 m2. The variability in size and age of the pieces suggests the material was ingested from the surface as debris rather than bitten off from active gear. These strandings demonstrate that ingestion of marine debris can be fatal to large whales, in addition to the well documented entanglements known to impact these species. The article can be found at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0025326X or thereabouts, in the "Articles In Press" section until the move it to Vol 60 Issue 5, or by emailing me at jkj1(a)humboldt.edu. We welcome and will compile any reports of similar events, and encourage thorough examination of stomach contents for debris, which sadly seems to be only on the increase. onward, jj -- Jeff K Jacobsen jkj1(a)humboldt.edu Humboldt State University Vertebrate Museum Department Biological Sciences Arcata, CA 95521

1 0

Abstracts - Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 11(1), 2010
by Dagmar Fertl 18 May '10

18 May '10

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 11, issue 1, 2010) of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. 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 abstract postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl ************************************* Williams, R.*, and O'Hara, P. 2010. Modelling ship strike risk to fin, humpback and killer whales in British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):1-8. *Contact email: r.williams(a)fisheries.ubc.ca Many cetacean species are susceptible to mortality or serious injury from vessel collisions. Spatially explicit assessments of risk per whale can help identify potential problem areas to guide appropriate mitigation measures. Canada’s Pacific waters host high cetacean densities and intense maritime traffic, and the issue of vessel collisions has taken on a high priority in British Columbia (BC) recently due to several major industrial development applications. Spatially-explicit statistical modelling and Geographic Information System (GIS) visualisation techniques identified areas of overlap between shipping activity and waters used by humpback, fin and killer whales. Areas of highest risk were far removed from areas with highest concentrations of people, suggesting that many beach-cast carcasses could go undetected. With few exceptions, high-risk areas were found in geographic bottlenecks, such as narrow straits and passageways. Port expansion and a proposed pipeline for carrying oil from Alberta to BC’s north coast (with associated oil tanker traffic) would increase ship strike risk for all three species. The risk assessments illustrate where ship strikes are most likely to occur, but cannot estimate how many strikes occur. Propeller wounds on live killer whales are common in the region, and fatal collisions have been reported in BC for all three species. Procedures were used to estimate potential mortality limits in accordance with a wide range of quantitative management objectives from jurisdictions around the world. While the extent of under-reporting of ship strikes has not been evaluated, the few known cases of collisions involving fin whales suggest that mortality due to ship strike for this species may already be approaching or even exceeding mortality limits under the most risk-averse management objectives. It is hoped that risk maps may inform environmental impact assessments of marine traffic because it will be easier to plan new shipping lanes so that they avoid high-density areas for whales than it will be to move the lanes after they become entrenched. Givens, G.H.*, Hoeting, J.A., and L. Beri, L. 2010. Factors that influence aerial line transect detection of Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas bowhead whales. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):9-16. * Contact email: geof(a)lamar.colostate.edu This paper presents a rich, complex dataset including 25 years of aerial line transect surveys for bowhead whales in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, for which a distance detection function was estimated. The analysis was limited to the autumn migratory period and to the portions of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas occupied by bowhead whales during this period. The primary purpose of the work was to improve the understanding of what factors significantly affect detection. Comprehensive model selection efforts based on the AIC identified useful predictors. Results showed that Beaufort Sea state, ocean depth, inter-sighting waiting distance and year were among the factors affecting detections. For example, increased depth and long wait distances between sightings were both associated with narrower effective strip widths. Some of the results can be interpreted as evidence for a relationship between detection probabilities and whale behaviour. The complexity of the overall dataset required substantial data organisation and offered many alternative analysis approaches, but the results were fairly consistent across such choices. Notwithstanding successful estimation of the detection function, the data present substantial challenges to standard abundance estimation using line transect methods. _____________ Sadykova, O.*, and T. Schweder. 2010. Migration ranks for bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) at Barrow in spring. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):17-21. *Contact email: dinara.sadykova(a)bio.uio.no In a series of aerial photographic surveys of bowhead whales migrating past Barrow in Alaska in the spring, 40 individuals were captured in more than one year. To study individual-specific persistency in migratory pattern, the relative ranks of the captures of these whales among all captures that year were analysed. Controlling for body length and the presence of calves, the correlation of relative ranks in individuals captured multiple times was found not to be significantly different from zero (p-value=0.78). ____________________ Quieroz Da-Silva, C.*, and Domingues Tieurcio, J. 2010. Empirical Bayes estimation of the size of a closed population using photo-identification data. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):23-29. *contact email: cibeleqs(a)unb.br Photo-ID data are broadly used for estimating animal abundance using capture-recapture models. Animals that do not possess either natural or acquired marks sufficient to allow re-identification are called unmarked, and when a substantial part of the population is composed of such individuals, the classical models described in the literature do not apply. In this paper an Empirical Bayes capture-recapture analysis for dealing with the estimation of the capture probabilities and the estimation of abundance N for populations that include unmarked individuals is presented. Using a Gibbs sampling approach, Monte Carlo estimates for the posterior distribution of N were obtained. The Empirical Bayes approach was found to improve precision in the estimation of N compared to the results obtained using other Bayesian methods. Additionally, when the population Included a very large number of unmarked individuals, Inferences for N obtained using the Empirical Bayes approach were definitely superior to those obtained using any of the vague beta priors tested. The methodology was applied to bowhead whale data for the 1985 and 1986 photo-ID surveys. ______________________________________ Laran, S., Joiris, C., Gannier, A., and Kenney, R.D. 2010. Seasonal estimates of densities and predation rates of cetaceans in the Ligurian Sea, northwestern Mediterranean Sea: an initial examination. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):31-40. *contact email: sofy8(a)yahoo.com The Ligurian Sea is one of the most attractive areas for cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea, and is now included in a Marine Protected Area, the Pelagos Sanctuary. Despite a lower species diversity than in other parts of the world, because of their abundance, cetaceans are thought to represent significant consumers in this ecosystem. Surveys were conducted within the Pelagos Sanctuary from 2001 to 2004. Densities of five species: striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba); fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus); sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus); long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas); and Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), were estimated and converted to biomass. Total biomass density of cetaceans in the Ligurian Sea was estimated as 93kg km-2 (CV=28%) in winter (October to March) and 509kg km-2 (CV=16%) in summer (April to September). Daily predation rates by cetaceans were estimated as 2.9kg km-2 d-1 in winter, increasing to 10.4kg km-2 d-1 in summer, corresponding to a total annual ingestion of 2.4t km-2 y-1. The annual primary production required for cetaceans was estimated to be 12.6gC m-2 y-1, corresponding to 6-15% of the net primary production known for this area. Estimated cetacean predation on fish was similar to reported fisheries landings, nevertheless, management of artisanal fisheries and accurate quantification of the resources they exploit will be necessary for the responsible management of fisheries in this Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. ___________________ Poncelet, E., Barbraud, C., and Guinet, C. 2010. Population dynamics of killer whales in the Crozet Archipelago, southern Indian Ocean: A mark-recapture study from 1997 to 2002. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):41-48. *contact email: guinet(a)cebc.cnrs.fr Population size and annual survival probabilities for the killer whales (Orcinus orca) inhabiting the inshore waters of Possession Island, Crozet Archipelago, southern lndian Ocean, were estimated through mark-recapture modelling. Capture histories were generated from a set of photographs taken under a photo-identification protocol and a set of photographs taken opportunistically, between 1964 and 2002. Photographs were selected according to their intrinsic quality and the degree of natural marking of individuals. Under those conditions, only well-marked individuals were considered as 'marked' from a capture-recapture perspective. The purpose of this double selection was to minimise identification errors and reduce the heterogeneity of capture probabilities. Abundance estimates were derived from the M'h sequential model for closed populations and adjusted for the proportion of well-marked individuals in the study population and for the number of photo-identified individuals. Under this framework, estimates of 98 (95% CI 70-156) individuals in 1988-89, and 37 (95% CI 32-62) individuals in 1998-2000 are proposed. After a weighted model averaging, the Cormack-Jolly-Seber models with the strongest support from the data produced low survival probability estimates, decreasing from 0.935 (95% CI 0.817-0.979) to 0.895 (95% CI 0.746-0.961) for males, and from 0.942 (95% CI 0.844-0.980) to 0.901 (95% CI 0.742-0.966) for females over the period 1977-2002. A Jolly-Seber model was used as a 'second opinion' model. It confirmed the worrying status of the population with a constant survival probability estimated at 0.89 (95% CI 0.84-0.93) and a constant rate of increase (applying to the well-marked fraction of the population) estimated at 0.94 (95% CI 0.90-0.99) for the period 1987-2000. This rate of increase is consistent with the abundance estimates presented here. Possible violations of the underlying model assumptions were investigated and it was concluded that the abundance estimates for the period 1988-89 and the CJS survival estimates should be the most reliable results. It is feared that the killer whales around Possession Island are in sharp decline, as may be true for the whole Crozet Archipelago. The effect of low prey stocks and lethal interactions with fisheries as the most likely causes of this decline are discussed. ________________ Braulik, G. T.*, Ranjbar, S., Owfi, F., Aminrad, T., Dakhteh, S. M. H., Kamrani, E. and Mohsenizadeh, F. 2010. Marine mammal records from Iran. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):49-63. *contact e-mail: GillBraulik(a)downstream.vg Iran has 1,700km of coastline that borders the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea in the northwest Indian Ocean. Apart from a handful of records, almost nothing is known about which marine mammal species occur in Iranian waters. This review was conducted to fill this information gap. A total of 127 marine mammal records of 14 species were compiled from Iranian coastal waters. Ninety-nine were from the Persian Gulf, 26 from the Gulf of Oman and 2 were of unknown location. Records of finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) (25), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) (24) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) (22) were by far the most numerous, a probable reflection of their inshore distribution and local abundance. Other species recorded were long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis tropicalis), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and dugong (Dugong dugon). Records of 26 Mysticetes were compiled, 10 of which were tentatively identified as Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni), 1 possible fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), 3 Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and the remainder were not identified to species. The largest threat to small cetaceans in Iran is likely to be incidental capture in fishing gear. Nine finless porpoises were recorded as bycatch and this and other coastal species may be declining due to unsustainable mortality rates. Some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes pass through Iranian waters and ship strikes are likely to be the largest threat to Mysticetes in the area. ___________________________________ Minton, G.*, Cerchio, S., Collins, T., Ersts, P., Findlay, K.P., Pomilla C., Bennet, D., Meyer, M.A., Razafindrakoto, Y., Kotze, P.G.H., Oosthuizen, W.H., Leslie, M., Andrianarivelo N., Baldwin, R., Ponnampalam, L., and Rosenbaum, H.C.. 2010. A note on the comparison of humpback whale tail fluke catalogues from the Sultanate of Oman with Madagascar and the East African mainland. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):65-68. *Contact e-mail: gianna.minton(a)gmaii.com The photo-identification catalogue of humpback whale tail flukes from Oman was compared with those from Antongil Bay, Madagascar and study sites in South Africa and Mozambique collectively termed the 'East African Mainland'. No matches were found, supporting other lines of evidence that the humpback whales studied off the coast of Oman form part of a discrete Arabian Sea population, which adheres to a Northern Hemisphere breeding cycle, and has little or no ongoing exchange with the nearest neighbouring populations in the southern lndian Ocean. While the sample size from Oman is small, and low levels of ongoing exchange might not be detected in this type of catalogue comparison, the study nonetheless emphasises the need to pursue research and conservation efforts in the known and suspected range of the Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale population. ______________________________ O'Brien, J. M., S. D. Berrow, C. Ryan, D. McGrath, I. O'Connor, G. Pesante, G. Burrows, N. Massett, V. Klotzer, and P. Whooley. 2010. A note on long-distance matches of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around the Irish coast using photo-identification. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(1):71-76. *contact e-mail: joanne.obrien(a)gmit.ie Images of 120 individual bottlenose dolphins from around the Irish coast were obtained from three photo-identification catalogues. Twenty three individuals were subsequently re-sighted, which is a re-sighting rate of 19%. The distance between re-sightings ranged from 130 to 650km and the duration from 26 to 760 days. Images were also compared to a catalogue of resident dolphins from the Shannon Estuary candidate Special Area of Conservation and from Wales but no matches were found. This short study provides strong evidence that bottlenose dolphins in Irish coastal waters are regularly undertaking large movements around the entire Irish coast and must be considered highly mobile and transient. These results have important implications for the conservation and management of this species. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:…

1 0

Marine Mammal Observer UK Training Courses
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 18 May '10

18 May '10

Scanning Ocean Sectors provides a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training course for individuals and companies across the world. The training courses which are run in the UK and Australia have recognised and approved by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Scanning Ocean Sectors has a proven track record in training effective and efficient MMOs across the world. The courses are taught by industry professionals in their specialised fields and accompanied by fully trained and experienced MMO which means you will be fully prepared for all necessary actions whilst in the field. The Marine Mammal Observer training course consists of three days in total, two days theory with continuous assessment for each unit and the final day will be the practical assessment at sea, in this unit you will be expected to put into practice everything you have been taught in the two days of theory. Each student receives a graded certificate to ensure the quality standard of the MMO industry is gaining. United Kingdom Training Course Dates - July 12th - 14th - August 9th - 11th - September 13th - 15th - October 25th - 27th To register for the course you can book online via our website at http://www.scanningoceansectors.org. If you wish to arrange a private course for your team or company at a chosen location then please contact me directly for a quote. Yvonne Miles info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

1 0

Online resources on opportunistic sightings of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea
by Philip Loos 18 May '10

18 May '10

Dear list members, The following publications have been made available for download lately: Loos, P., Cooke, J.G., Deimer, P., Fietz, K., Hennig, V., Schütte, H.J. (2010) Opportunistic sightings of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea at large Kattegat, Belt Sea, Sound, Western Baltic and Baltic Proper. AC17/Doc.5-05(P). ASCOBANS, Bonn è http://www.service-board.de/ascobans_neu/files/ac17/AC17_5-05_OpportunisticS ightingsHarbourPorpoisesBalticSea.pdf Loos, P. (2009) Opportunistic sightings of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea at large Kattegat, Belt Sea, Sound, Western Baltic and Baltic Proper. Bachelor thesis, University of Hamburg, Germany è http://gsm-ev.de/en/veroffentlichungen/ ABSTRACT: In order to supplement current knowledge on trends in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) occurrence, incidental sightings of harbour porpoises have been collected in the Baltic Sea. During the seasons 2003 - 2008 a total number of 5561 sightings were collected and saved for further analysis. Seasonal variation of harbour porpoise sightings, group size and group composition were examined. Sightings with juveniles (n = 539) were of special interest and were therefore analysed separately. Possible calving and nursing grounds (proposed by Koschinski, 2002) have been mapped together with all juvenile sightings in order to see if there are any notable clusters of juvenile sightings within these (or other) areas. To investigate seasonal and spatial trends in porpoise densities, sightings were divided into five different geographical and five different temporal subsets. Corresponding indices of relative density were computed using an adaptation of an effort correction method, described by Cooke (1984). Obtained results indicate that the seasonal distribution of porpoise sightings largely reflects the activity patterns of water sports enthusiasts. The group size was relatively small as in most sightings one single individual was observed. Very few reports refer to sightings of more than five individuals. Sightings with juveniles were found in nearly all proposed calving and nursing grounds, and three additional areas with a cluster of juvenile sightings could be identified. Harbour porpoise densities were found to severely decline from (north-) west to (south-) east in the western Baltic Sea. A seasonal variation in porpoise densities was detected at the end of summer with dropping densities in August and September. The study shows that incidental sightings of non-professional observers do have scientific value and provide data for various analyses concerning porpoise distribution, occurrence, and density. KEY WORDS: Harbour porpoise × Incidental sightings × Relative density × Distribution ******************************************** Philip Loos Society for the Conservation of Marine Mammals (GSM) ploos(a)gsm-ev.de , www.gsm-ev.de

1 0

certificate in marine mammals
by Stefani Skrovan 18 May '10

18 May '10

Please accept the following posting for summer classes working with marine mammals. Sincerely, Dr. Jenifer Zeligs California State University Monterey Bay and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories *http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/*<http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/>offer one-week intensive *summer classes* open to any individuals interested animal training or in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. In addition, *hands-on internships** *for people of all ages and levels of experience are also available at the lab working with marine mammals. The successful completion of both courses and a five-day internship will earn a *Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy. *The classes' instructor, Dr. Jenifer Zeligs-Hurley has over 25 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience, across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. For further information on class content, registration, housing and costs see below and please contact: jzeligs(a)mlml.calstate.edu<jhurley(a)mlml.calstate.edu> *Classes: **TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: Bio 348 *(June 14-20, 2010) CRN 30047 *: *This 3 credit interactive course provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior. These techniques will be demonstrated daily using trained sea lions at Moss Landing Marine Labs where the course is taught. Horses, birds, and other animals will also be used to demonstrate these techniques. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include:* *Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. Tuition: $585 + $39 campus fee per semester is payable to CSUMB-EE. An additional $50 lab fee is payable to MLML on the first day of class. *WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: Bio 347 *(June 28- July 4, 2010) CRN 30048*: *This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. Tuition: $585 + $39 campus fee per semester is payable to CSUMB-EE. An additional $50 lab fee is payable to MLML on the first day of class. (If you book both classes- you will pay the $39 campus fee only once). *Registration: *For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact Dr. Jenifer Zeligs at jzeligs(a)mlml.calstate.edu <jhurley(a)mlml.calstate.edu> *Enrollment details and housing*: *Enrollment for each class limited to 17*. *Summer registration for open enrollment begins May 3, 2010*. The classes are open for enrollment to *any high school graduate* regardless of age or nationality and there are no prerequisites, however no transportation or housing is included in the enrollment price. For help with housing please contact sskrovan(a)mlml.calstate.edu<sskrvoan(a)mlml.calstate.edu>(limited housing is available for a reasonable weekly rate ). Courses will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. -- Jenifer Zeligs, Ph.D. Science and Environmental Policy, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Science Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/

1 0

MSc Thesis on melon-headed whales in Hawai‘i
by Jessica Aschettino 17 May '10

17 May '10

The following M.Sc. thesis was recently accepted by Hawai‘i Pacific University. Aschettino, J.M. 2010. Population size and structure of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) around the Main Hawaiian Islands: evidence of multiple populations based on photographic data. M.Sc. Thesis, Hawai‘i Pacific University. 117 pp. A pdf copy available at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/melonheadedwhale.htm ABSTRACT: Despite the presence of melon-headed whales in tropical and sub-tropical waters world-wide, little is known about this species. Melon-headed whales frequent offshore waters surrounding the Main Hawaiian Islands where aerial surveys by Mobley and colleagues suggest a relatively small population (154 individuals (CV=0.88)). A 2004 near mass-stranding in Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i occurred when an embayment of 150 – 200 animals coincided with naval mid-frequency sonar use. To assess population size and movements in Hawai‘i, more than 40,000 photos were collected from 47 encounters around the Main Hawaiian Islands between 2002 and 2009, and additional photos were obtained from collaborators from 1986 – 2001. Using only good quality photographs, there were 1,433 unique individuals in the photo-identification catalog, of which 1,046 were distinctive. Of these, 330 (31.5%) were seen on more than one occasion. Re-sighting data combined with social network analyses showed evidence of two distinct populations – a smaller, resident population, seen exclusively off the northwest region of the island of Hawai‘i, and a much larger Main Hawaiian Islands population, seen throughout the entire range of the Main Hawaiian Islands. Depth of encounters with the resident population were significantly shallower (median = 381 m) than those with the Main Hawaiian Island population (median = 1,844 m). Re-sightings of individuals have occurred up to 22 years apart for the Hawai‘i resident population and up to 13 years apart for the Main Hawaiian Islands population, suggesting long-term residency for both populations. Dorsal fin disfigurements suggest that fisheries interactions occur with members of both populations. Abundance estimated through mark-recapture analyses (corrected for the non-distinctive individuals), was 447 (CV = 0.12) for the Hawai‘i residents and 5,794 (CV = 0.20) for the Main Hawaiian Islands population. These estimates provide more accurate and precise population estimates of melon-headed whales in Hawai‘i. Although the total population size of melon-headed whales in Hawai‘i is higher than once believed, the restricted range of the small resident population may pose additional management implications for these individuals. _____________________ Jessica Aschettino, M.Sc. jma803(a)yahoo.com Hawai‘i Pacific University Kaneohe, HI 96744 and Research Associate Cascadia Research Collective

1 0

Dolphin Skin Affliction
by Barbara Ann Saberton 17 May '10

17 May '10

Hi, Could you please post this response to the Marmam List, regarding the email posted 15/4/10 on the same subject. Thank you. Barb Saberton Report on "Wave", an Adult female Tursiops sp and 1 year old calf suffering skin lesions. Port Adelaide Australia, April 11, 2010 and ongoing. Many thanks to all who responded to our Marmam posting of April 15, 2010. Wave and calf first reported with major skin lesions on April 11. Wave's were on her right flank and the calf's on the left flank. Following posting on Marmam a number of responses were received concerning possible cause of the lesions. The most common cause suggested was burning (chemical, hot water or sunburn). Several respondents commented that this was the most severe case of skin lesion in a living dolphin they had seen. Several people suggested swabbing the lesions to determine nature of the initial and/or secondary infection. After due consideration this option was rejected as too invasive, and unnecessary given continued improvement of both animals. It was also noted that even if the nature of a possible infection could be ascertained the application of treatment would be problematic. Enquiries in the local area have failed to provide evidence of any cause of the lesions. No other dolphins in this estuarine resident community have shown evidence of lesions. The survival (so far at least) of Wave with her dependant calf under the circumstances is remarkable. It may have ramifications for determining the necessity for euthanasia in other dolphins suffering similarly. The dolphins have been monitored closely since the lesions were discovered. Photos from the observations can be supplied upon request, with the latest photos being from this morning, 17th May, 2010. Please specify from which period / date you would like photos and whether or not you would like high / low resolution. About half of the area original area afflicted is now covered by scar tissue. The calf has now almost totally healed. Thank you and Kind Regards, Barbara Saberton

1 0

Volunteers required for a behavioural response study on humpback whales in Australia
by Michael Noad 16 May '10

16 May '10

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A BEHVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab at the University of Queensland is seeking applications from volunteers for a 5 week Behavioural Response Study (BRS) on humpback whales from September 18 to October 24 this year. The study will examine how humpback whale behaviour is affected by noise from seismic airguns and is the first in a series of studies that will examine this issue over the next 4 years in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Curtin University, and the Australian Marine Mammal Centre. The study will be conducted at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast just north of Brisbane and follows several successful studies of humpback whale vocalisations and behaviour at the same site during the Humpback whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC). Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. Approximately 3,000 whales should migrate southwards within 10km of Peregian Beach during the field period making the site ideal for land-based tracking and observations of behaviour. We will also have a fixed hydrophone array moored offshore allowing us to record ambient noise and whale vocalisations and acoustically track singing whales in real time. Some whales will be tagged with Dtags. Although volunteers will be used to help out on the boats, opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work are limited and most time will be spent doing the land-based observations. Volunteers will also have opportunities to participate in the acoustic recording and tracking of whales. Individual volunteers will spend approximately five hours daily (in two shifts) counting and observing passing whales from the headland. Volunteers will get at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. Volunteers must be sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of a team of up to 60 people with shared cooking and cleaning duties. Volunteers must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (close to Brisbane international airport) but food and accommodation are provided once there. As meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying (vegetarians are fine). This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques, acoustics and behavioural response studies. Applicants should also be highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience, particularly of marine mammals, or a strong mathematical or modelling background, will be preferred. Applicants should reply with an email to Michael Noad (mnoad(a)uq.edu.au) and Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au) outlining why they would be suitable for this survey, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees. The closing date for applications is 31 May and successful applicants will be notified during June. The research project is being funded by the Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life (JIP) (www.soundandmarinelife.org ) and the US Minerals Management Service (www.mms.gov ) as part of a broad investigation into the potential interaction between the sounds that are generated by the offshore petroleum industry and the marine environment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Noad BVSc PhD Senior Lecturer, Veterinary Anatomy Leader, Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland - Gatton Campus, Qld 4343, Australia. P. +61 (0)7 54601876 M. 0416270567 W. http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/ceal ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 0