May 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship Opportunity
by Wally Franklin 16 May '10

16 May '10

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship Opportunity The Oceania Project, during August-October 2010, is conducting vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study of the behaviour and social organisation of humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ] (Right Click to open links) The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ http://www.oceania.org.au/footer_stuff/about_us.html ] The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social behaviour, population dynamics and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V (E1) humpback whale group. In addition we are investigating genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay, the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. There is an opportunity for up to four Interns to participate in the research expedition each week during August-October 2010. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1950 Australian which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' collection, assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/internship.html ] No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order registrations are received. General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au ] Experiences with the humpbacks in Hervey Bay aboard the Whale Research Expedition can be viewed at: [ iWhales.org ] (Put mouse over screen and click play button) If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern you can register online. If you have questions or queries please email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV [ mailto:trish.wally@oceania.org.au ]. Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University .................................................................................................................. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 2 6685 8128 Mobile: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: The Oceania Project iWhales.org The Oceania Project | YouTube The Oceania Project | Facebook Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre

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Two new publications on marine mammals in Iran
by Gill Braulik 14 May '10

14 May '10

The following two papers on marine mammals in Iran were published last month. Please email Gillbraulik(a)downstream.vg if you would like a pdf of either one. Braulik, G. T., Savadkouhi, O. S., Fadakar, S., Mohammadi, H., Brownell Jr., R. L., Reeves, R. R., Nabavi, M. B. and Fernandez, A. 2010. A retrospective investigation of two dolphin mass mortality events in Iran, Autumn 2007. Zoology in the Middle East. 49:13-26. During the autumn of 2007, two mass mortality events involving at least 152 small cetaceans were reported from southern Iran. Both events occurred on the Gulf of Oman coast near the town of Bandar Jask, and were separated by a month in time and more than 170 km in distance. The first event, on 20 September 2007, involved 79 animals, probably all spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). Dead animals, all exhibiting a similar degree of decomposition, drifted to shore along 13 km of coastline over a period of approximately 24 hours. These circumstances suggest that the mortality was caused by a single acute event at sea. Several carcasses had evidence of traumatic injuries, the stranding event was spatially and temporally coincident with an active fishing ground, and other potentially bycaught and discarded species were found on the beach. This pattern is generally consistent with the hypothesis that the dolphin mortality was caused by fishing operations, although the available data are insufficient to confirm that hypothesis unequivocally. On 24 October 2007 there was a mass stranding of 73 live striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). The striped dolphin is a pelagic species believed to be rare in the Gulf of Oman. The most likely explanation for this mass stranding is that the dolphin group was trapped by a falling tide among the complex sandbanks of the Kangan estuary. Striped dolphins are not normally found in shallow water or near shore, and their occurrence in this area is considered unusual. The factor or factors that caused them to enter this atypical habitat remain unknown. The two mass mortality events involved different species and exhibited many different characteristics; there is no evidence to suggest that they were linked. As the cetacean fauna of Iran is little known, it is hoped that the great national and international interest generated by these events will enhance Iran's capacity and motivation for research and conservation of marine mammals. 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. 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. *************************************** Gill Braulik Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews, Fife, UK KY16 8LB Mob: +44 7530900550 Research Fellow Pakistan Wetlands Programme House 3, Street 4, Sector F7/2 Islamabad, Pakistan **************************************

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Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
by Adriana Bejarano 13 May '10

13 May '10

I am summarizing the effects of oil and PAHs on marine mammals and sea turtles to help assist ongoing efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Please contribute by providing any pdf articles related to the subject above. Thank you in advance for your help!. Please send pdfs to abejarano(a)researchplanning.com

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Volunteers needed for dolphin research in Sardinia Island, Italy
by Bruno Diaz 12 May '10

12 May '10

Hi everyone, on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com) I am pleased to announce that our centre is currently accepting volunteers applications for the Spring-Summer term (a minimum of 6 days of participation) in Sardinia Island, Italy. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI is a marine science and education centre committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of marine life to meet the needs of current and future generations. We invite you to join our ongoing study of the behaviour, communication and social lives of bottlenose dolphins along the Emerald coast, Sardinia Island, Italy. Dedicated to those who are interested to participate to dolphin research and conservation campaigns. No background knowledge of biology is required. You will assist researchers with data collection and recording while on the boat, helping to locate and keep track of dolphins, recording behavioural data, environmental information and recording sounds, video or photos. All expeditions are designed to enhance our awareness of dolphins, other marine life and the marine habitat that surrounds us. Our goal is to have each volunteer depart our centre with a greater understanding and appreciation of the marine environment and the wealth of life it supports. Benefits and advantages of the program: - Travel and explore new places - Get involved in dolphin research - Gain fieldwork experience - Learn to analyse and obtain conclusions with the data collected during the fieldwork - Learn to use different research instruments: GPS, Hydrophone, Secchi disk, digital SLR camera, sonar, camcorder, anemometer, compass, etc - Help advance our knowledge of bottlenose dolphins to improve their conservation - Meet interesting people - Enjoy the outdoors of the beautiful Emerald Coast (Sardinia Island) - Enjoy the culinary talents of others and express your own. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled. Please download the Volunteer opportunities general information at:http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/volunteers.pdf Further information can be found on our website (www.thebdri.com) or by e-mail at education(a)thebdri.com Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist / Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197

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Availability of (whale) ship strikes folder
by De Lichtervelde Alexandre 12 May '10

12 May '10

Please find below a message we would ask you to circulate: "The Belgian Ministry of Environment is happy to inform you about the release of a folder on ship strikes with whales. Ship strikes are now a recognized cause of mortality for whales globally. Every segment of the maritime industry is concerned, as well as sailing boats. The folder commissioned by Belgium includes advice to reduce the risk of collisions with whales. It also provides the link to the ship strikes database developed by the International Whaling Commission which offers an easy to use interface for data entry. Ship strikes are a priority area of work for the International Whaling Commission and other international organizations. The folder is available in six languages and can namely be used by ship strikes contact points, whale stranding networks coordinators and maritime authorities. Link to the folder: http://www.iwcoffice.org/sci_com/shipstrikes.htm Further information and printed copies of the folder can be obtained by contacting Alexandre de Lichtervelde, Chair of the IWC Ship strikes Working Group, at: Alexandre.delichtervelde(a)health.fgov.be". Yours sincerely. Alexandre de Lichtervelde Belgian Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain security and Environment Multilateral and Strategic Affairs Eurostation building (DG5) Room 02C368 Place Victor Horta 40, box 10 B-1060 Brussels Tel +32/(0)2/524 96 17 (direct line) Fax +32/(0)2/524 96 00 Mobile +32/(0)474/496 355 http://www.health.fgov.be <http://www.health.fgov.be/> NEW !!! Whales and dolphins exhibition in Brussels (till 29 August 2010): http://www.sciencesnaturelles.be/museum/exhibitions/whalesdolphins/flash /files/fr/index.html <http://www.sciencesnaturelles.be/museum/exhibitions/whalesdolphins/flas h/files/fr/index.html> Disclaimer : https://portal.health.fgov.be/portal/page?_pageid=56,8674425&_dad=portal&_s…

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SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 11 May '10

11 May '10

PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in five spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and at another control site, off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins before and after the implementation of time-area closures. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed in two of the resting bays that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will be continuous (no duty cycle) and will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in July 2010. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The field season for 2010 begins in July and will last until December 2010 / January 2011. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate for longer will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawaii and their own living expenses. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> ). Julian Tyne PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street, Murdoch, 6150 Western Australia http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/julian_tyne.html

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Whale Research Internships in June! Spaces Available at Discount due to Recent Cancellation - Apply Now!
by UVIC WhaleLab Gmail 11 May '10

11 May '10

Due to a Recent Cancellation, we are able to offer discounts for our June internships. We're offering our 4-week internship at $200.00 discount and our 2-week internship at $100.00 discount for applications received prior to 17-May. Apply now, spaces are limited!! 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@gmail.com **************************** Society for Ecological and Coastal Research P.O. Box 35052 Victoria, British Columbia CANADA V8T 5G2 UVICwhalelab(a)gmail.com

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Passive Acoustic Monitoring - Training Course
by Beth Mackey 10 May '10

10 May '10

The use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is becoming an increasingly important tool in both marine mammal research and applied in industry. It is important that individuals using any passive acoustic monitoring software are properly trained to use the software to maximise its full potential. Feedback from users is also important in the ongoing development of such software. PAMGUARD is currently funded by the OGP E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program, and has been established to address the fundamental limitations of existing cetacean passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) software capabilities. PAMGUARD seeks to provide open-source PAM software based on a platform-independent (e.g. Windows or Linux), flexible, modular architecture. The open-source aspect of software development is facilitated through the project's presence on SourceForge, where a community of altruistic developers provides extra resources. This community currently includes developers with proven PAM experience from both the UK and the USA. Open development means that the software is free and access to the code is easy and assured. It also allows the code's copyright to be protected in perpetuity so that it cannot readily be closed and commercialised to the detriment of its users. It ultimately means that more people have access for development. This generally speeds up innovations and improves the performance and maintainability of the code. SMRU Ltd are running a PAMGUARD Training course on the 13th and 14th May, in St Andrews. There are still some places available on this course. The course will be lead by Dr Doug Gillespie of St Andrews University, one of the principle architects of the Pamguard software. If you are interested in attending the course please see the Pamguard website for further details: http://www.pamguard.org/training.shtml or email info(a)smru.co.uk Best wishes Beth Dr Beth Mackey SMRU Limited Scottish Oceans Institute New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR D: + 44 (0)1334 466906 T: + 44 (0)1334 479100 F: + 44 (0)1334 477878 W: www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk <http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk/> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ. Dr Beth Mackey SMRU Limited Scottish Oceans Institute New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR D: + 44 (0)1334 466906 T: + 44 (0)1334 479100 F: + 44 (0)1334 477878 E: blm(a)smru.co.uk <mailto:fas@smru.co.uk> W: www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk <http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk/> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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Marine Mammal and Seabird Observer posts
by Jo Wharam 10 May '10

10 May '10

Dear Colleagues, Emu Limited is seeking Marine Mammal and Seabird Observers - see e-mail below. Please circulate to colleagues who may be interested. Please send CVs and direct all queries regarding these posts to emurecruitment(a)handoverhr.co.uk Kind regards, Jo. Observers - Marine Mammal & Seabird Team Vacancies exist within Emu Limited for full-time Observers to join the Marine Mammal and Seabird Team. These positions will be based at Trafalgar Wharf, Portchester in Hampshire and offshore. The roles will be involved with all aspects of marine mammal and seabird projects including, but not limited to; § Boat-based visual and acoustic surveys of marine mammals and seabirds. § Data entry and processing. § Planning and preparation of fieldwork. § Report writing and interpretation. The successful applicants will be educated to degree level, or have extensive work experience in this field and demonstrate an interest in the marine environment. They will also have experience of spending long periods at sea, significant experience of boat-based marine mammal and seabird survey techniques, excellent identification skills of marine mammals and seabirds of the UK and Europe, as well as experience of data analysis, report writing and interpretation. JNCC approved Marine Mammal Observer (visual and acoustic) qualifications and a European Seabirds at Sea accreditation would be advantageous. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience, plus an excellent benefits package. The working pattern for this role is 1 month on, 1 month off (further details to be provided at interview). Please apply by sending a CV and covering letter to emurecruitment(a)handoverhr.co.uk or by post to Emu Limited HR Department, Chase Mill, Winchester Road, Bishops Waltham, Hants, SO32 1AH Please Note: In order to meet the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, Emu Limited requires that all applicants have the right to work within the UK. Closing Date: 28th May 2010

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Grey whale in Israel!
by scheinin 08 May '10

08 May '10

Earlier today, 09:00 AM, IMMRAC team was alerted to a presence of a whale, a mile and a half off Herzliya Marina. Upon arrival, the ca 13 m long whale was spotted and followed for two hours, southward along the coast. The whale made a continuous series of short (3-5 minute) dives occasionally displaying its flukes. Size, coloration and a distinct dorsal hump with successive small tubercles along the dorsal aspect of the tail stock pointed to it being a sperm whale and excitement was high, it being the first occasion when this species was sighted by IMMRAC staff. Some features being "wrong" with the head and the blow-hole were dismissed and the first report to the Media upon return to shore was of a sperm whale. Closer inspection of the photographs back home showed quite a lot of head in front of an elevated blowhole, flukes unlike those of a sperm whale, unwrinkled and white-patched skin, all leading to the incredible but inescapable conclusion that it was indeed a grey whale! It was last spotted off Jaffa, still in a southward direction. Comments and suggestions of how it got here and what are his chances of surviving would be more than welcome. Aviad Scheinin Dan Kerem Contact e-mail: scheinin(a)013.net.il A few pictures are attached crop20100508_Her_Aviad045_.jpg crop20100508_Her_Aviad053_IMMRAC.jpg crop_20100508_Her_Aviad010 copy.jpg 20100508_Her_Aviad074_IMMRAC.jpg Photographs: Dr. Aviad Scheinin __________________________________________________________________ Aviad Scheinin, Ph.D <mailto:scheinin@research.haifa.ac.il> scheinin(a)013.net.il <http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/> http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/ Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center ECS council member Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 052-3571193 __________________________________________________________________

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