July 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Guidance for cetacean research and response in the Gulf of Mexico
by Amy Hapeman 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Dear MARMAM subscribers: The following serves as guidance on Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements and coordination of marine mammal research, response, and salvage efforts related to the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill. Please note the following information only applies to marine mammal species under the jurisdiction of NMFS. Research and response activities for manatees are regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov <http://www.fws.gov>). _ Marine Mammal Research_ The NMFS Office of Protected Resources is working with the NMFS Southeast Regional Office and permitted researchers to coordinate marine mammal studies in the Gulf of Mexico. Research coordination is especially important in the face of the ongoing oil spill from BP's Deepwater Horizon well. We are also pursuing coordination of research activities with NOAA's Natural Resources Damage Assessment process. This will ensure that information provided to NOAA for use in damage assessment meets legal requirements. Permitted marine mammal researchers, including Letter of Confirmation (LOC) Holders, working in the Gulf of Mexico, including all coastal waters, bays, sounds, and estuaries thereof, during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and beyond must notify Laura.Engleby(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Laura.Engleby@noaa.gov> (phone: 727-551-5791) with the NMFS Southeast Regional Office of field plans at least two weeks prior to initiating research activities. Compliance with this permit or LOC requirement allows for coordination of activities to minimize impacts to animals, avoid interference among projects, and optimize opportunities for data collection and sharing. For questions about permits or requesting changes to your permit or LOC, please contact Amy.Hapeman(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Amy.Hapeman@noaa.gov> or Kristy.Beard(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Kristy.Beard@noaa.gov> (phone: 301-713-2289). _ Marine Mammal Stranding Response and Salvage _ To conduct marine mammal rescue and response activities, such as rehabilitation or translocation, salvaging and sampling dead animals, or otherwise taking a marine mammal for its protection or welfare (e.g., hazing, disentanglement, monitoring to determine if response is necessary) in the Gulf of Mexico you must be authorized as either: * A stranding network responder working under the authority of a Stranding Response Agreement issued by the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (pursuant to section 112c of the MMPA), or * A Federal, State, or local government employee who may take a marine mammal in the normal course of his/her official duties pursuant to section 109h of the MMPA. Please contact Erin.Fougeres(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Erin.Fougeres@noaa.gov> (phone: 727-824-5323) for more information to ensure that established protocols and procedures for treating marine wildlife impacted by oil are followed and to allow for appropriate response coordination. Please note that additional ESA authorization may be required for endangered sperm whales. __Please DO NOT touch or try to approach oiled animals. The chemicals in oil are toxic and only trained personnel with appropriate protective gear and equipment should handle and treat oiled animals. *If you see an oiled, injured or dead marine mammal, sea turtle, or bird, immediately contact the Wildlife Hotline at: 866-557-1401.* Sincerely, Amy Amy Hapeman Fishery Biologist National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Permits, Conservation and Education Division 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13702, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-713-2289 ext. 163 Fax: 301-713-0376 http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

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Call for Papers: Biologically-Inspired Radar and Sonar Signals
by Baldwin,Lee 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

CALL FOR PAPERS: for Papers IET Radar, Sonar & Navigation Special Issue: Biologically-Inspired Radar and Sonar Systems This is a call for papers on biologically-inspired or biomimetic radar and sonar systems for a special issue in the IET Radar,<http://www.ietdl.org/IET-RSN> Sonar & Navigation<http://www.ietdl.org/IET-RSN> journal. Articles are invited which explore the biological sources of inspiration for sonar and radar systems, which document tests of their efficacy, and which illuminate similarities and differences between the approaches in the sonar and radar regimes. The special issue will highlight recent advances in biologically-inspired methods applied to artificial sensors. Contributions are sought that address but are not limited to: ■ bio-inspired waveforms ■ analysis of naturally occurring echolocation systems ■ bio-inspired methods for target detection and classification ■ bio-inspired transducers ■ cognitive signal processing inspired by natural systems ■ bio-inspired imaging ■ future research directions Papers will be subject to the journal's standard peer-review procedure and should follow style/length guidelines set out in the 'Author guide' section of the journal webpage at www.ietdl.org/IET-RSN<http://www.ietdl.org/IET-RSN> All papers must be submitted through the journal's Manuscript Central system: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/iet-rsn Special issue guest editors: Prof. Tim Leighton ISVR, University of Southampton E: T.G.Leighton(a)soton.ac.uk<mailto:T.G.Leighton@soton.ac.uk> Mr. Alessio Balleri Dept. Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University College London E: a.balleri(a)ee.ucl.ac.uk<mailto:a.balleri@ee.ucl.ac.uk> Deadline for submission: November 30th 2010 Sender: Lee Baldwin (IET RSN Managing Editor) Email: lbaldwin(a)theiet.org<mailto:lbaldwin@theiet.org> Lee Baldwin Managing Editor The IET www.theiet.org<http://www.theiet.org/> T: +44 (0)1438 765504 F: +44 (0)1438 767317 [cid:image001.gif@01CB2CBD.73B7D660]<http://www.ietdl.org/IET-EST> Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom P Please consider the environment before printing this email <http://www.theiet.org/careers/courses/systems/> ________________________________ The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. The views expressed in this message are personal and not necessarily those of the IET unless explicitly stated.

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Dolphin Research Internships available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong
by Rebecca Wellard 25 Jul '10

25 Jul '10

Internships Available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong Full-time internships are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. The ARL conducts studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics. Interns receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with projects administrative and maintenance requirements. Interns should have at least two years of university experience. Individuals from all types of academic disciplines are welcome to apply. Selection is competitive and is based on the applicant's statement of interest, prior experience, academic record, and letters of reference. We are currently seeking interns for 2 different terms: September 2010 - February 2011 and January 2011 - June 2011. Starting and finishing time can be slightly adjusted for conflicting university schedules. Visa arrangements will need to be made for successful international applicants. There is no charge for the internship. Interns are responsible for their own room and board. For successful international applicants a small stipend may be provided. To apply please submit the following: 1) Statement of Interest 2) Academic records 3) Three letters of reference 4) Curriculum Vitae Please send applications to rebecca.wellard(a)oceanpark.com.hk with "Dolphin Research Internship" in the subject line. -------------------------------- Rebecca Wellard Research Department Ocean Park Cooperation Aberdeen, Hong Kong Email: rebecca.wellard(a)oceanpark.com.hk Please think GREEN before printing this e-mail. Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please delete it from your system. If you require assistance, please contact us at opc(a)oceanpark.com.hk Beginning 1 January 2006, Ocean Park raises its conservation commitment further by donating part of the admission to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (www.opcf.org.hk) to support its research projects and public awareness programmes for wildlife conservation in Asia.

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REVIEW ARTICLE - Risso¹s dolphin Grampus griseus in the Mediterranean Sea
by Giovanni Bearzi 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

The following article has just become available online: Risso¹s dolphin Grampus griseus in the Mediterranean Sea. Bearzi G., Reeves R.R., Remonato E., Pierantonio N., Airoldi S. 2010. Mammalian Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2010.06.003 ABSTRACT The ecology and status of Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus worldwide are poorly known. In the Mediterranean Sea, modern field studies of cetaceans only began in the late 1980s and this has resulted in rapid advances in knowledge of some species, but not Risso's dolphin. This paper reviews available information on the distribution and ecology of Risso's dolphins in the Mediterranean and identifies factors that may negatively affect them in this region. Risso's dolphins occur in continental slope waters throughout the Mediterranean basin and around many of the region's offshore islands and archipelagos. No synoptic estimate of abundance is available for the Mediterranean region, but densities and overall numbers are low in comparison to some other small odontocetes. Diet consists primarily of cephalopods, with a clear preference for mesopelagic squid. The principal known threat to populations in the Mediterranean is entanglement in pelagic drift gillnets. Other potential problems for Risso's dolphins in the Mediterranean include noise disturbance and ingestion of plastic debris. Conservation actions to mitigate the risk of entanglement in fishing gear are likely to benefit Risso's dolphins; specifically, the existing driftnet ban in EU waters should be strictly enforced and extended to the high seas and to waters under non-EU State jurisdiction. More and better data are needed on abundance, distribution, movements, population dynamics and trends in Risso's dolphin populations, and better information on threats (e.g. bycatch in fishing gear) is needed to inform conservation efforts. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://tinyurl.com/2wlftrk or from me: giovanni.bearzi(a)gmail.com ___________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ ___________________________________________

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VOLUNTEER BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS, Western Australia
by Delphine Chabanne 24 Jul '10

24 Jul '10

VOLUNTEER BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS needed from now to December or more. The bottlenose dolphin population (Photo-Identification) research program is accessible to you even if you have never been on a boat before; have never participated in a research program; if you are alone or with friends; whatever your situation, we can provide you an experience you will likely never forget! Contributing to dolphin’s research and conservation. Where: Bunbury, South Western Australia (180 km south of Perth. When: From now to December or more. The work is not full-time but requires being available at least from Friday to Monday (weekend included). Duties: - Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins, including operating small vessel during surveys, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups. - Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab Qualifications: - Enthusiasm for field work on a boat is essential - Positions are available from now to December 2010 (can be longer) with a minimum 4-week commitment. People able to commit for longer periods will be preferred. Preferred, but not mandatory: - Undergraduate degree in the biological sciences - Field research/small boat operation experience preferred but not required If interested: Please submit resume and cover letter specifying how long approximately you would like to do it via email: delphine.chabanne(a)gmail.com Delphine CHABANNE Research Assistant, Dolphin Discovery Centre 447 Koombana Dr Bunbury WA 6230

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New article
by Daniela Maldini 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

Colleagues, The following article is available online for those of you that are interested: Prevalence of Epidermal Conditions in California Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Monterey Bay Daniela Maldini, Jessica Riggin, Arianna Cecchetti and Mark P. Cotter Abstract The prevalence of epidermal conditions in a small population of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Monterey Bay was evaluated between 2006 and 2008. Five different skin condition categories were considered, including Pox-Like Lesions, Discoloration, Orange Film, Polygon Lesions, and Miscellaneous Markings. Of 147 adults and 42 calves photographically examined, at least 90 and 71%, respectively, were affected by at least one or multiple conditions. Pox-Like Lesions were the most prevalent, affecting 80% of the population, including adults and calves. This condition warrants the most urgent investigation being possibly indicative of the widespread presence of poxvirus or a similar pathogen in the population. In view of the high number of individuals affected, standard monitoring of the health status of Monterey Bay bottlenose dolphins is considered imperative. Discoloration was strongly associated with Pox-Like lesions. Orange Films were likely an epifaunal infestation caused by diatoms, which have been documented in other cetacean species. Polygon Lesions, a newly described category, could be the result of infestation by barnacles of the genus Cryptolepas. Miscellaneous Markings were variable in appearance and may not have the same causative factor. Although none of the proposed etiologies can be confirmed without appropriate clinical tests, recognizing common visible characteristics of the conditions could aid in preliminary comparisons across populations and individuals. Published by <http://www.springerlink.com/content/121730/?p=db393738bf164e7c9f1fa2ad411ee 9b3&pi=0> AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment http://www.springerlink.com/content/a528867367732174/ Daniela Maldini, Ph.D. Chief Scientist and President Okeanis Phone Wk: 978-760-0740 Cell: 978-885-0550 E-mail: dmaldini(a)okeanis.org Okeanis Research and Conservation for a Sustainable Ocean 7981 Moss Landing Road, Suite A1 Moss Landing, CA 95039 www.okeanis.org Facebook: Okeanis and California Coastal Dolphin Project

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IMCC 2011 -- Call for proposals for symposia, workshops and focus groups now open!
by Dori Dick 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

***** Please see below ***** The call for proposals for symposia, workshops, and focus groups is now open for 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress/Making Marine Science Matter/, which will be held from 14-18 May 2011 at the Victoria Convention Centre, Victoria BC, Canada. The deadline for proposals is 31 August 2010. You can find the proposal guidelines and link to the electronic submission page on the IMCC web site: http://www.conbio.org/IMCC2011/. For additional information contact the program committee at IMCCprogram(a)gmail.com. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you on this very exciting conference. Sincerely, Dr. Ellen Hines Conference Chair IMCC2Chair(a)gmail.com Ms. Laura Joan Feyrer, Local Secretariat IMCC.Victoria(a)gmail.com cc: Dr. Chris Parsons, and Dr. John Cigilano Scientific Programme Chairs

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Seeking obsolete T-PODs
by Todd I.B. 23 Jul '10

23 Jul '10

Dear all, I am searching for unused/unwanted version 3, 4 or 5 T-PODs for my PhD research on harbour porpoise interactions with marine industries. It doesn't matter if T-PODs are dirty or barnacle encrusted, so long as there is nothing that can't be cleaned/repaired. Postage costs will be fully reimbursed for any country of origin, and I am also prepared to negotiate a price per unit (subject to physical condition), although I do have a budget for the study! I am also looking for USB adapters for T-PODs. Any individuals/organisations who might decide to donate any equipment would be acknowledged in the publications. Thanks for your consideration. Ian Todd ------------- PhD Candidate Institute of Sound & Vibration Research (ISVR) University of Southampton United Kingdom M: +44 (0)7876547855

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HDR - Marine Species Observers, #100967a-r
by Murphy, Sean 22 Jul '10

22 Jul '10

HDR is an employee-owned architectural, engineering and consulting firm of over 7,800 professionals in over 185 locations worldwide that helps clients manage complex projects and make sound decisions. HDR is ranked #13 among Engineering News-Record's "Top 500 Design Firms", and we are also ranked as the #1 healthcare design firm by Modern Healthcare's 2010 "Annual Construction & Design Survey of Healthcare Architects". As an integrated firm, HDR provides a total spectrum of services for our clients. Our staff professional represent hundreds of disciplines and partner on blended teams throughout North America and abroad to provide solutions beyond the scope of traditional A/E/C firms. To learn more about us, please visit our website, www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>. HDR e2M is seeking qualified applicants for Marine Species Observer positions in various locations across the US. Observers will conduct boat-based and aerial-based marine protected species observations to support survey monitoring efforts for the US Navy in waterways along the U.S. East Coast, West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam/CNMI. Candidates should be prepared to work and assist in any of these various locations. Key responsibilities include monitoring and recording marine mammal and sea turtle presence and behavior activity during the course of the survey. Knowledge of marine mammal and sea turtle identification is required. The individual must be able to work with others to ensure any required protocol is followed. The successful candidate must also be willing and able to assist with oceanographic data collection (e.g., CTD and XBT). A successful applicant will be an individual who has demonstrated skills in effective communications, interface management, auditing and assessing operations, and problem solving. Photography and photo-identification and cataloging skills are a plus, as are prior experience in participating in tagging and biopsying efforts. The applicant must be: * Bachelors Degree in related field or 3 or more years of field experience as a trained MMO or PAM operator * Due to client contract requirements, only candidates with US citizenship will be considered for this position, as permitted pursuant to section 274B(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. * Offshore medical (we can provide information on how to obtain) * Offshore survival and Protected Species Observer training * Physically capable of lifting heavy objects, as well as climbing in an out of tight spaces and up and down ladders aboard ships * Adapted for a life at sea (not susceptible to motion sickness; be able to live in confined work spaces; be able to tolerate stress and physically able to move around ships) * Able to work closely with others and get along well with diverse individuals * Able to work independently while following technical instructions * In possession of a sound knowledge of the scientific importance of precise, accurate data recording * Able to maintain objectivity All travel to locations arranged and prepaid, travel days paid, meals/lodging paid if not provided, attractive day rate. IN ORDER TO APPLY, please visit the 'Careers' section of our website, www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>, and reference job #s 100967a-r Sean Murphy Regional Recruiter HDR ONE COMPANY | Many Solutions 440 South Church Street, Suite 1000 Charlotte, NC 28202-1919 P: 704.338.6845 | F: 704.338.6760 Cell: 704.369.6330 email: smurphy(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:smurphy@hdrinc.com> www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/>

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FW: ESR - Vol. 12, No. 1 - Table of contents
by Godley, Brendan 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

Dear All Only one marine mammal paper in most recent ESR (see below for link to pdf) but note that we have a very strong field for the forthcoming Special Issue: Beyond Marine Mammal Habitat Modeling: Applications For Ecology And Conservation Guest Editors: Edward Gregr, Mark Baumgartner, Kristin Laidre, Daniel Palacios http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/beyond-marine-mammal-habit… More marine mammal papers of conservation relevance are welcomed. Best B Dr. Brendan J. Godley Associate Professor in Conservation Biology Centre for Ecology & Conservation School of Biosciences University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 Homepage: http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/ ________________________________ From: ESR Contents Mailing List [mailto:ESR-Contents@int-res.com] On Behalf Of Inter-Research Science Center Sent: 14 July 2010 15:56 To: ESR Contents Mailing List Subject: ESR - Vol. 12, No. 1 - Table of contents *********************************************************** Endangered Species Research Contents List *********************************************************** ESR - Vol. 12, No. 1 - Table of contents Endang Species Res (Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796) Copyright © 2010 Inter-Research. Abstracts are available to all users. Full article .pdfs are available to subscribers only. Articles marked Open Access<http://www.int-res.com/journals/open-access/> are freely available to all users. ________________________________ Thomas GR, Taylor J, Garcia de Leaniz C REVIEW: Captive breeding of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera ESR 12:1-9<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p1-9/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p001.pdf> -Open Access Attum O, Farag WE, Baha El Din SM, Kingsbury B Retention rate of hard-released translocated Egyptian tortoises Testudo kleinmanni ESR 12:11-15<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p11-15/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p011.pdf> -Open Access Starr C, Nekaris KAI, Streicher U, Leung L Traditional use of slow lorises Nycticebus bengalensis and N. pygmaeus in Cambodia: an impediment to their conservation ESR 12:17-23<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p17-23/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p017.pdf> -Open Access -ESR Special: Primate Conservation<http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/primate-conservation-measu…> Shedden-González A, Rodríguez-Luna E Responses of a translocated howler monkey Alouatta palliata group to new environmental conditions ESR 12:25-30<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p25-30/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p025.pdf> -Open Access -ESR Special: Responses of animals to habitat alteration<http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/responses-of-animals-to-ha…> Ludynia K, Jones R, Kemper J, Garthe S, Underhill LG Foraging behaviour of bank cormorants in Namibia: implications for conservation ESR 12:31-40<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p31-40/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p031.pdf> -Open Access Weishampel JF, Bagley DA, Ehrhart LM, Weishampel AC NOTE: Nesting phenologies of two sympatric sea turtle species related to sea surface temperatures ESR 12:41-47<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p41-47/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p041.pdf> -Open Access Robson DB Reproductive ecology of the western silvery aster Symphyotrichum sericeum in Canada ESR 12:49-55<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p49-55/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p049.pdf> -Open Access Ceballos-Mago N, González CE, Chivers DJ Impact of the pet trade on the Margarita capuchin monkey Cebus apella margaritae ESR 12:57-68<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p57-68/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p057.pdf> -Open Access -ESR Special: Primate Conservation<http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/primate-conservation-measu…> Rugh DJ, Shelden KEW, Hobbs RC Range contraction in a beluga whale population ESR 12:69-75<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p69-75/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p069.pdf> -Open Access Valverde RA, Wingard S, Gómez F, Tordoir MT, Orrego CM Field lethal incubation temperature of olive ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea embryos at a mass nesting rookery ESR 12:77-86<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p77-86/> | Full text in pdf format<http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/12/n012p077.pdf> -Open Access *********************************************************** This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list esr-contents(a)int-res.com<mailto:esr-contents@int-res.com>. To unsubscribe, E-mail to: esr-contents(a)int-res.com<mailto:esr-contents-off@int-res.com> Send administrative queries to webmaster(a)int-res.com<mailto:webmaster@int-res.com> To change your email address, first unsubscribe from your old email address, then subscribe from your new email address. ***********************************************************

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