June 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on habitat modelling/survey coverage in the marine environment
by Macleod, Colin D. 15 Jun '10

15 Jun '10

Dear Marmammers, The following publication (abstract below) is now available which presents a new tool for assessing whether any given survey coverage (planned or already undertaken) is sufficient to undertake habitat modelling of a marine species (such as cetaceans) within a given study area for a given set of habitat variables. If you do not have access to JMBA and are interested in a PDF, please email me at c.d.macleod(a)abdn.ac.uk All the best, Colin MacLeod, C.D. 2010. Habitat representativeness score (HRS): a novel concept for objectively assessing the suitability of survey coverage for modelling the distribution of marine species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdon. doi:10.1017/S0025315410000408 The occurrence of most species is linked to the distribution of specific combinations of environmental variables that define their occupied niche. As a result, the relationship between environmental variables and species occurrence can be used to model species distribution. However, when collecting data to construct such models, it is preferable to ensure that the survey coverage is representative of all available habitat combinations within the area as a whole to ensure that the model does not under- or over-estimate the actual species distribution. By using multi-variate statistical techniques, a habitat representativeness score (HRS) can be calculated to provide an objective assessment of whether a specific survey coverage will collect (or has collected) data that are representative of all available habitat variable combinations in an area. To demonstrate this approach, HRSs calculated using principal component analysis were used to assess the minimum number of evenly-spaced parallel north–south surveys required to adequately survey two study areas with differing levels of environmental heterogeneity for all available combinations of four habitat variables. For the more environmentally homogeneous study area, the HRS suggests that for this survey design a minimum of five evenly-spaced parallel transects, covering around 5% of the study area, would be required to obtain representative survey coverage for these four variables. However, for the more heterogeneous study area, at least eight evenly-spaced parallel transects, covering around 9% of the study area, would be required. Therefore, for a given survey design, more survey effort is required to obtain a representative survey coverage when the survey area is more variable. In both cases, conducting fewer surveys than these minimum values would produce an unrepresentative data set and this could potentially lead to the production of species distribution models that do not accurately reflect the true species distribution. ========================================================= Colin D. MacLeod, Ph.D. School of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK Tel: 01224 272648 Fax: 01224 272396 Email: c.d.macleod(a)abdn.ac.uk To save paper, please do not print this email unless it is essential. ========================================================= The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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Sound Analysis Workshop, June 28-July 2, 2010
by Liz D. Rowland 15 Jun '10

15 Jun '10

The Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY will be running a Sound Analysis Workshop from June 28th to July 2nd, 2010. There is one place available in this session (maximum class size is 10). Please see here for more details http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/sound-analysis-workshops The cost is $1,300, but there is a discounted rate of $1,040 for registered students (Bachelors, Master or Ph.D.). Please contact Liz Rowland, edr6(a)cornell.edu<mailto:edr6@cornell.edu> if you're interested or have questions. Liz Rowland Research Support Specialist Bioacoustics Research Program Tel: (607) 254-2136/2127

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Marine mammal observer and passive acoustic operator courses
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 14 Jun '10

14 Jun '10

Hi all Scanning Ocean Sectors – A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research. We have years of research behind the EFFECTIVE training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. Our training is to ensure INDUSTRY gets the MMOs they require, that they are HIGHLY trained, Efficient and EFFECTIVE in the job, and are prepared for all necessary actions. Our Passive Acoustic Monitoring course is run by professionals in the Acoustics field for over 25 years. The course is specialised for ALL aspects of working as a PAM operator not just one system. We teach you how to be a PAM operator and we are non-biased towards any one working system. If you have requirements to one particular system we can train you in that area, we have the technology and the right people! Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the quality standard of the MMO industry is gaining. *Please find below the Marine Mammal Observer course training dates for 2010 * *PLEASE NOTE THAT JULY COURSE IS NOW BEING HELD ON STANDARD PAYMENT REGISTRATION UNTIL THE 21ST JUNE ONLY* United Kingdom MMO Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) March 1st - 2nd March 3rd May 10th - 11th May 12th *July 12th - 13th* *July 14th* *August 9th - 10th* *August 11th* *September 13th - 14th* *September 15th* *October 25th - 26th* *October 27th* Australian MMO Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) January 18th - 19th January 20th April 12th - 13th April 14th *July 5th - 6th* *July 7th* *November 15th - 16th* *November 17th* South African MMO Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) March 22nd - 23rd March 24th *November 1st – 2nd * *November 3rd * * * * * *Please find below the Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course dates for 2010* *PLEASE NOTE THAT JULY COURSE **IS NOW BEING HELD ON STANDARD PAYMENT REGISTRATION UNTIL THE 21ST JUNE ONLY* United Kingdom PAM Training Course Dates January 12th February 22nd March 5th April 16th May 14th *July 15th* *August 12th* *September 17th* *October 29th* Australian PAM Training Course Dates January 22nd April 16th *July 9th* *November 19th* South African PAM Training Course Dates March 26th *November 5th * -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org www.marinemammaljobs.com

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Fossil walrus or sea lion in Gulf of Mexico?
by Gene Buck 14 Jun '10

14 Jun '10

I have a congressional office asking whether there are any fossil records of any species of walrus and/or sea lion ever occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, or what has become the Gulf of Mexico? I haven't been able to locate any references to such, but need to check to see if anyone might have run across such a record. Gene Buck, specialist in natural resources policy Congressional Research Service Washington, DC

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River dolphin internships in Brazil
by Tony Martin 14 Jun '10

14 Jun '10

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak fluent Spanish, in addition to English. There are no exceptions. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 50 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially the relatively new harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking 2 people to commence work as soon as possible, ideally in July or August 2010. But we would also like to hear from people available later in 2010 or early 2011. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 450 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend. Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Further information on all aspects of the work is available at www.projetoboto.com Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (tucuxi(a)inpa.gov.br) Closing date is 26 June 2010. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 3 days, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 June latest. Read amazing stories to your kids on Messenger Try it Now! _________________________________________________________________ http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/195013117/direct/01/

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Blue whale with tumor-like growth on its head
by Miranda van der Linde 11 Jun '10

11 Jun '10

On June 4th and 5th 2010 a blue whale was observed south of São Miguel Island in the Azores. This whale had a very large tumor-like growth on the right side of its head. Several photographs were taken, which can be viewed online: http://www.digicamsoft.com/mirandavanderlinde/Blue_20whale_20with_20tumor_2… Does anybody know what this growth could be? Has anybody seen or heard of cases like this before? I am also interested in knowing if this particular whale has been seen anywhere else. Miranda van der Linde _________________________________________________________________ Singles online now! Browse profiles for FREE http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/163036679/direct/01/

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Re: [MARMAM] Animated whaling graphs
by Nicola Hodgins 09 Jun '10

09 Jun '10

Dear MARMAMMER¹s, Another on-line resource that many of you may find useful/interesting .... !! Animated Whaling Graphs The on-line animated graphs published today by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), Humane Society International (HSI) and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), use figures from whaling nations and the IWC to provide the user with a clear overview of the numbers of whales killed from when the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling was signed in 1946 to the present day. The user friendly tool provides information and animated graphs about: Whaling Today and Yesterday Total Catches (1946 2009) Catches 1982 to 2009 within the following categories and by countries: Commercial Whaling, Special Permit (³Scientific²) Whaling, Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling. Additional information on the IWC moratorium, the integrity of data used and commentary on the implications of the package proposed by the Chair of the IWC. The animated graphs can be seen at http://www.wdcs.co.uk/whaling_graphs/main.swf <http://www.wdcs.co.uk/whaling_graphs/main.swf> Nicola Hodgins International Projects Co-ordinator WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Phone: - +441249 449 537 Mobile: - +447841497597 http://www.wdcs.org *** WDCS International Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Wiltshire SN15 1LJ UK Save Whales, NOT whaling - Help WDCS prevent a return to commercial whaling www.whales.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fanofWDCS Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org WDCS blog from the Front Line: http://www2.wdcs.org/blog/ > Please consider the environment before printing this email. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (³WDCS²): Registered in England and Wales No. 2737421 WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN!5 1LJ. Registered Charity No. 1014705. Tel: 01249 449500 Fax: 01249 449501 WDCS Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Limited (Registered in England No. 2593116) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (Charity No. 1014705) and gift aids all post tax profits to the charity. WDCS Wildlife Centre: Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ. Tel: 01343 820339 Fax: 01343 829065 WDCS Australasia: WDCS, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, South Australia, Australia 5015. Tel: 1300 360 442 Fax: 08 8242 1595 WDCS Deutschland: WDCS, Altostraße 43, D-81245, München. Tel: 089 6100 2393 Fax: 089 6100 2394 WDCS (North America): 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: 1.888.MYWHALE (1.888.699.4253) WDCS (South America): Potosi 2087, B1636BUA, Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel-Fax + 5411- 4796-3191

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Aquatic Mammals 36.2 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 09 Jun '10

09 Jun '10

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk 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 36, issue 2, 2010) ofAquatic Mammals. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit Ingenta Connect to download all articles from this volume: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/eaam/am Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com Aquatic Mammals 36(2) | Contents T. R. Frasier, P. K. Hamilton, M. W. Brown, S. D. Kraus, & B. N. White: Reciprocal Exchange and Subsequent Adoption of Calves by Two North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 115-120, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.115 Baleen whales have among the lowest reproduc tive rates in the animal kingdom, coupled with high energetic demands on lactating mothers to support the rapid growth of their offspring. Because each offspring represents a large portion of a female’s reproductive effort, strong selec tion pressure should be in place to minimize the potential for misplaced parental effort. However, we describe a case in which two North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) offspring were switched between mothers and remained with their “adopted” mothers throughout their first year of life (until they were weaned). The most reason able explanation is that this swap was an accident caused by the females calving in close spatial and temporal proximity. The calves likely associated with the wrong mothers before any mother-off spring recognition system had developed, and an association then formed between these non-bio logical mother-offspring pairs. These data raise intriguing questions regarding how often this may occur in other wildlife populations, what mecha nisms are used for mother- offspring recognition in whales, and how long it takes for this recognition to develop. M. H. Deakos, B. K. Branstetter, L. Mazzuca, D. Fertl, & J. R. Mobley, Jr.: Two Unusual Interactions Between a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hawaiian Waters. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 121-128, DOI 10.1578/AM. 36.2.2010.121 When two species share a common habitat, interspecific interactions can take many forms. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions can provide insight into the behavior and ecology of those species involved. Two separate, unusual interactions are described in which a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) lifted a bottle-nose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) completely out of the water. Both incidents occurred in Hawaiian waters. Based on reports of object play by hump- back whales, and the apparent initiation and coop-eration of each dolphin being lifted, object (i.e., the dolphin) play by the whale and social play by the dolphin seem to be the most plausibleexplana-tions for the interaction. Aggressive and epimeletic behavior by the humpback were also considered. J. N. Womble & S. Conlon: Observations of Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) Predation on a Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) in the Glacier Bay Region of Southeastern Alaska. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 129-137, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.129 Pinnipeds prey primarily on fish and invertebrates; however, several species are known to prey upon other pinniped species. Herein, we document an observation of aSteller sea lion (Eumetopias juba-tus) attacking and partially consuming a juvenile harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Johns Hopkins Inlet in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Population trends for Steller sea lions and harbor seals contrast dramatically in the Glacier Bay region. Although other marine predators are known to attack harbor seals, it is possible that Steller sea lions could potentially have both a direct and indi-rect influence on harbor seals in the Glacier Bay region. L. O. Valenzuela, M. Sironi, & V. J. Rowntree: Interannual Variation in the Stable Isotope Differences Between Mothers and Their Calves in Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis). Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 138-147, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.138 Lactation is the most energetically expensive aspect of mammalian reproduction. As capital breeders, lactating southern right whales (Eubalaena aus-tralis) are completely dependent on their stored nutrients. The relative proportion of different endogenous nutrient pools used during lacta-tion could be assessed using stable isotopes. We determined the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope difference between skin samples of 42 southern right whale mothers and their calves. The mean δ15N value of calves was 0.51‰ higher than that of their mothers, but their δ13C values were identical. However, when analyzed by year, the mother-calf pairs showed no isotope differences in 2004, but calves had higher δ15N (0.85‰) and δ13C (0.63‰) in 2003 and 2005. We hypothesize that the inter-annual variability was a consequence of different levels of nutritional stress. A decline in food abun-dance prior to the nursing seasons could result in mothers with relatively poorer physical condition that would not be able to meet the high energetic demands of their offspring. Thus, the calves would be forced to utilize proteins as well as lipids to meet this demand, increasing their nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios. This hypothesis is supported by an independent assessment of the proportion of stranded whales over the same time period. A. Alvarez-Alemán, C. A. Beck, & J. A. Powell: First Report of a Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in Cuba. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 148-153, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.148 Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in Florida utilize intake and effluent canals of power plants as resting and thermoregulatory habitat. We report the use of a power plant canal in Cuba by a known Florida manatee, the first documented case of movement by a manatee between Florida and Cuba. In January, February, and April 2007, two manatees (mother and calf) were reported enter ing a power plant canal in north Havana, Cuba. The larger manatee had several distinctive scars which were photographed. Digital images were matched to a previously known Florida mana tee (CR131) with a sighting history dating from December 1979 to July 2006. Exchanges of individuals between Florida and Cuba may have important genetic implications, particularly since there appears to be little genetic exchange between the Florida manatee subspecies with populations of the Antillean manatee subspecies (T. m. mana tus) in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. H. Yoshida, J. Compton, S. Punnett, T. Lovell, K. Draper, G. Franklin, N. Norris, P. Phillip, R. Wilkins, & H. Kato: Cetacean Sightings in the Eastern Caribbean and Adjacent Waters, Spring 2004. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 154-161, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.154 A cetacean line-transect survey was conducted in the eastern Caribbean Sea and the adjacent southwestern North Atlantic Ocean from 17 April to 14 May 2004 to obtain information on ceta-cean distribution and density. The survey area was divided into coastal and offshore blocks; the coastal blocks contained the insular continen-tal shelf. A total of 2,273 nmi (4,210 km) was searched (1,528 nmi [2,830 km] in coastal blocks and 745 nmi [1,380 km] in offshore blocks) with 76 cetacean sightings (64 and 12 for the coastal and offshore blocks, respectively). Twelve species were identified (number of individuals/ groups observed in coastal blocks-offshore blocks): 4/4(2/2)Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), 7/5(2/1) humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), 5/5(0/0) sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), 32/3(0/0) short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), 132/4(0/0) melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), 1/1(0/0) Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), 42/6(0/0) bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), 30/1(0/0) Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), 505/9(33/3) pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), 35/1(35/1) Atlantic spotted dolphin (S. frontalis), 35/1(0/0) spinner dolphin (S. longirostris), and 90/1(0/0) striped dolphin (S. coeruleoalba). Additionally, 28 groups were sighted for which the species could not be identified: 5/5(2/2) large whales, 11/5(0/0) Mesoplodon spp., 1/1(0/0) ziphiid whale, 5/1(0/0) Stenella spp., and 39/11(10/3) dolphins. Due to the low number of sightings on account of the poor sighting conditions during the survey, abun dance of cetaceans could not be estimated. R. S. Amaral: Use of Alternative Matrices to Monitor Steroid Hormones in Aquatic Mammals: A Review. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 162-171, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.162 The measurement of steroid hormones (e.g., andro gens, estrogens, progestins, and glucocorticoids) in alternative matrices (e.g., feces, urine, blubber, saliva, blow, milk, and ocular secretion) has been increasingly used in research with aquatic mam mals. The aim of this review is to briefly summa rize studies using steroid analysis in alternative matrices from captive and free-ranging aquatic mammal species. The analysis of steroid hor mones from alternative matrices is a powerful tool to obtain information about reproductive biology and social behavior in free-ranging aquatic mam mals, as well as to help in the management of cap tive animals. However, for a consistent monitoring of steroid hormones in alternative matrices, it is of crucial importance to verify if a chosen matrix and assay reliably reflects physiologic events. A. Yatabe, N. Kubo, M. Otsuka, S. Shima, T. Kubodera, & T. K. Yamada: Stomach Contents and Structure of a Longman’s Beaked Whale (Indopacetus pacificus) Stranded in Kyushu, Japan. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 172-177, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.172 The stomach contents from a female Longman’s beaked whale (Indopacetus pacificus), which stranded on the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, were examined. This is the first specimen of this species from Japan and also its northern-most record. The remains collected from the stomach consisted of numerous cephalopod beaks and lenses and a large number of uniden-tified nematodes. Ninety- nine upper beaks and 69 lower beaks from squid species were col-lected from the stomach. The lower beaks were used to identify squid prey species; five species were identified: Taonius pavo, Onykia loennbergi, Onychoteuthis borealijaponica,Chiroteuthis pic-teti, and Histioteuthis inermis. Taonius pavo was the most common species and accounted for 84% of the total beaks. Distribution data for these squid species suggest that this whale fed in the epipe-lagic to mesopelagic zones in the western North Pacific off the southern part of Japan. Stomach morphology was also examined. The presence of a main stomach with three connecting cham-bers and one pyloric stomach compartment was confirmed. It appears that the morphology of this species’ stomach is similar to that found in Tasmacetus and Ziphius. This is the first report on the food habits, stomach anatomy, and parasites of Longman’s beaked whale and contributes to a better understanding of their biology. M. Kretzmann, L. Rohrbach, K. Durham, R. DiGiovanni, Jr., & S. Sañudo- Wilhelmy: Trace Metal Burdens in Stranded Seals from Long Island, New York: Potential Evidence for Species Differences in Foraging. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 178-187, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.178 Toxic (e.g., Hg, Ag, Cd, and Pb) and essential (e.g., Se, Cu, and Fe) trace element levels were determined in liver samples from four seal species (harp seal [Phocagroenlandica], n = 35; hooded seal [Cystophora cristata], n = 7; harbor seal [Phoca vitulina], n = 34; gray seal [Halichoerus grypus], n = 10) stranding in Long Island waters between 1988 and 2004 to examine temporal and species-specific patterns in these top marine car-nivores. There was no obvious trend in trace metal burdens in seal livers over this time period. Harp and hooded seals are arctic species that have only appeared in Long Island waters in recent years. Their diets are believed to include more inverte-brate prey, and this was reflected in significantly higher cadmium (Cd) concentrations (mean = 5.5 to 6.3 μg g-1 dry weight vs. 0.5 to 1.4 μg g-1 for harbor and gray seals, p = 0.007). The highest mercury (Hg) burdens (> 100 μg g-1 dry weight) were seen in seven of the eight adult harbor seals and the only adult gray seal; four of five adult harp seals did not show elevated levels. This suggests that migratory harp seals are feeding on prey with a lower Hg burden compared to resident harbor seals that forage in the coastal environment. Copper (Cu) levels were high (70 to 105 μg g-1) in a few juvenile harbor seals as predicted based on Cu-incorporating enzymes essential for growth. A few elevated silver (Ag) values (1.5 to 3.0 μg g-1) were seen in the same adult harbor seals with high Hg burdens. These values may not reflect metal burdens in healthy populations as our samples were obtained from stranded animals, but there was no evidence that any of these seals died as a result of metal toxicity. G. Ceballos, S. Pompa, E. Espinoza, & A. García: Extralimital Distribution of Galapagos (Zalophus wollebaeki) and Northern (Eumetopias jubatus) Sea Lions in Mexico.Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 188-194, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.188 Global pinniped distribution is greatly determined by changes in sea surface temperature. El Niño events also have been reported to directly influence pinniped distribution. These events have increased in frequency and intensity changing the foraging ecology of the two pinniped species analyzed. In this paper, we present new extralimitalrecords of distribution of two species rarely found in Mexican waters: the Galapagos (Zalophus wolle‑baeki) and the Northern (Eumetopias jubatus) sea lions. Three adultZ. wollebaeki were found in Chiapas, and one E. jubatus was recorded off the coasts of Colima— both exceeding the maximum reported extralimital distance. These new records increase the number of marine mammal species recorded in Mexico and add evidence to the fact that large-scale climatic variation and possible effects of global warming shift the distribution of marine mammals. I. N. Visser, J. Zaeschmar, J. Halliday, A. Abraham, P. Ball, R. Bradley, S. Daly, T. Hatwell, T. Johnson, W. Johnson, L. Kay, T. Maessen, V. McKay, T. Peters, N. Turner, B. Umuroa, & D. S. Pace: First Record of Predation on False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) by Killer Whales (Orcinus orca). Aquatic Mammals 2010,36(2), 195-204, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010.195 The first record of killer whale (Orcinus orca) pre-dation on false killer whales (Pseudorca crassi-dens) is reported here. On 25 March 2010, a group of 50 to 60 false killer whales, including approxi- mately 15 calves and accompanied by three to five bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), were sighted in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Within 30 min, they were approached by a group of approximately eight killer whales. Five false killer whales were attacked, with at least three rammed from below, forcing them out of the water. After 29 min, the killer whales were milling at the surface and feed-ing on the carcass of a false killer whale calf, pos-sibly the only individual killed. The killer whales had prolific fresh and healed oval wounds, which were attributed to cookie cutter shark (Isistius sp.) bites. Historical Perspectives W. W. L. Au: A Short Biography Book Review F. Ritter: The Encyclopedia of Tourism and Recreation in Marine Environments. Editor: Michael Lück. CABI Publishing, Nosworthy Way Wallingford, OxfordshireOX10 8DE UK, 2008. ISBN 9781845933500, 590 pp. Aquatic Mammals 2010, 36(2), 203, DOI 10.1578/AM.36.2.2010. Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal Director, Dolphin Communication Project kathleen(a)dcpmail.org aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com www.dolphincommunicationproject.org www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php

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Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Internships
by Kuczaj Laboratory 08 Jun '10

08 Jun '10

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

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New paper: minke whales
by Marijke de Boer 08 Jun '10

08 Jun '10

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the following paper recently published in Marine Ecology Progress Series. Spring distribution and density of minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata along an offshore bank in the central North Sea. M.N. de Boer Vol. 408: 265–274, 2010 Abstract ABSTRACT: Minke whales were recorded in the central North Sea in an area characterised by frontal features and high productivity northeast of the Dogger Bank (4677 km2). Survey efforts were carried out from 28 March to 2 July 2007, at a finer scale than in earlier studies in the region, using 2 vessels as platforms of opportunity and a dedicated line-transect survey vessel following distance sampling methods. The high density of whales indicated that this offshore bank slope is an important spring habitat for minke whales in the North Sea. In total, 77 sightings of minke whales comprising 130 individuals were recorded. The peak density of minke whales was estimated to be 0.029 whales km–2 (minimum estimate, 95% CI: 0.012 to 0.070) in May. During peak abundance, the minke whales temporarily congregated in the area, suggesting that the whales were taking advantage of the local spring abundance of sandeels. The density found was higher than previous studies have suggested for the central North Sea. The results correspond to recent observations of minke whale redistribution within the North Sea, and these may be related to a decline in sandeel availability elsewhere in the North Sea. Offshore banks that aggregate prey may therefore become increasingly important feeding habitats for minke whales and other top predators in the North Sea. The observed habitat preference of minke whales along this offshore bank appeared to be similar to that observed in coastal areas, and this suggests some degree of generality regarding the preference for this type of habitat. This article is now available online at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v408/p265-274/ Thanks! Marijke de Boer, Ph.D. Marijke.deboer(a)wur.nl Wageningen IMARES, Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies, Postbus 167, 1790 AD Den Burg, The Netherlands

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