July 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ACS 2010 Conference: call for poster abstracts
by Uko Gorter 09 Jul '10

09 Jul '10

Dear MARMAM subscribers, 12th International Conference of the American Cetacean Society (ACS) Whales 2010: Inspiring a New Decade of Change Friday, November 12th through Sunday, November 14th, 2010 Embassy Suites, Monterey, CA 2010 Annual Call for Abstracts: Poster Session and Student Research Presentation Session The American Cetacean Society has extended the deadline for submission of abstracts to the Student Research Presentation Session and Poster Presentation Session at the 12th Biennial International Conference, November 12th-14th, 2010 in Monterey, CA. The Student Research Presentation Session is devoted exclusively to research presented by undergraduate and/or graduate students, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy and education. It also provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment, and presents a forum in which existing professionals may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based at education institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. All are invited to submit abstracts for review. Posters addressing diverse topics within the fields of cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education, are welcome. Poster presentations will be displayed in the Exhibit Hall throughout the duration of the conference. During regularly scheduled morning and afternoon breaks, presenting authors should be stationed by their posters to facilitate interaction with conference attendees. Abstracts for both the Poster Presentation Session and the Student Research Presentation Session will be accepted through Saturday, July 31, 2010. To obtain submission guidelines and forms for either session please contact the ACS office at acsoffice(a)acsonline.org. Please direct any questions to Cheryl McCormick, Executive Director, American Cetacean Society, at: c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org (310) 548-6279. AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 www.acsonline.org

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samples of Mesoplodon densirostris
by Natacha Aguilar 08 Jul '10

08 Jul '10

Dear All, I´m looking for muscle tissue samples of Mesoplodon densirostris of different age classes. Would be very grateful if anybody had such samples and wanted to collaborate with the research. Best wishes Natacha Aguilar (naguilar(a)ull.es) La Laguna University, Tenerife, Canary Islands Leigh Marine Lab. Univ Auckland, New Zealand

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NOAA Requests Comment on Fish Imports and Marine Mammals
by Mike Simpkins 08 Jul '10

08 Jul '10

Dear MARMAM list members, NOAA is requesting public comment on options for implementing parts of the Marine Mammal Protection Act that address the incidental catch of marine mammals in foreign fisheries. The Federal Register notice (available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-10158.pdf) describes the options the United States is considering for assessing whether foreign fisheries whose products are exported to the United States meet U.S. standards to protect marine mammals while fishing. The notice also describes options for working with countries to reduce their fisheries’ effects on marine mammals through capacity building, training, and technology transfer. “A large portion of the fish Americans consume is imported,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “With this notice, we are looking for ways to lessen the effects of fishing on marine mammals worldwide, and to level the playing field for our own fishermen, who take many protective measures when fishing to ensure the survival of marine mammal species.” Commercial fishermen in the United States must comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other laws and regulations that often specify what kind of fishing gear they can use, as well as how, when, and where fishing can take place, in order to reduce the number of marine mammals killed or injured by fishing gear. However, marine mammals are found around the world and interact with a wide variety of fisheries. International collaboration through exchange of technology and information may help control and minimize effects on marine mammals. In this initial phase, NOAA is looking to gather as much information on the subject as possible. If NOAA moves forward in creating regulations on this subject, the public will have additional opportunities to comment. Members of the public are invited to comment by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 29, 2010 via electronic comment at www.regulations.gov, fax (301-713–2313) or mail (mail to: Director, Office of International Affairs, Attn: MMPA Fish Import Provisions, NMFS, F/IA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910).

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Conference on minimizing impacts in marine ammunition removal
by Sven Koschinski 07 Jul '10

07 Jul '10

Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU Schleswig Holstein) – Society for Dolphin Conservation Germany (GRD) - Society for the Conservation of Marine Mammals (GSM) c/o Ingo Ludwichowski, NABU Schleswig-Holstein, Färberstr. 51, 24535 Neumünster, Tel. ++49 (0)4321-953073, info(a)miremar.de First announcement We are proud to announce the International Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal in the Baltic and North Sea (MIREMAR) The conference will be held from 16th to 18th November 2010 in Neumünster, Germany (situated between Hamburg and Kiel). After theme sessions on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th November (e.g., impact on biota, conventional treatment by blasting, recovery and removal of conventional ammunition, chemical warfare, political dimension) practical demonstrations, workshops and an excursion will be offered on Thursday 18th November 2010. Submission of abstracts for oral presentations is welcome. The deadline for abstract submission is 31st August 2010. Further information will be provided in the second announcement and on the conference website www.miremar.de within the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please contact info(a)miremar.de. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Neumünster in November 2010! On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Sven Koschinski Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal in the Baltic and North Sea (MIREMAR) - 16th to 18th November 2010 Objectives Large quantities of conventional ammunition (explosives) and chemical warfare have been deployed or dumped into Baltic and North Seas during and after World Wars I and II. It is still unclear what risks they pose to humans and the environment. The aim of the conference is to give an overview of the situation and actual developments in treatment of underwater unexploded ordnance. Identification of best practice and best available technique is a central objective of the conference. Workshops on the third day may help to establish a network of actors in order to initiate research, development or trials of new technologies. Location Neumünster is situated 30 km south of Kiel and 70 km north of Hamburg. The conference will be held in the “Stadthalle”, Kleinflecken 1, 24534 Neumünster. For practical demonstrations there will be space outside the conference building. Deadlines The deadline for registration is 31st October 2010 (registration(a)miremar.de) Please pay your registration fee (90,--€, students 70,--€) to account nr. 285080, Sparkasse Südholstein, BLZ 230 510 30, purpose of payment: Miremar - IBAN DE16 2305 1030 0000 2850 80, BIC NOLADE21SHO Please submit your abstracts (no more than 100 words) for presentations by 31st August 2010 to: info(a)miremar.de If you would like to host a workshop or have any ideas for further workshops, please contact the organizers: info(a)miremar.de Sponsors Bingo! - die Umweltlotterie ANT Applied New Technologies AG, Luebeck HydroTechnik Luebeck GmbH UTM Umwelttechnik Metallrecycling GmbH Luebeck Okeanos - Foundation for the Sea, Darmstadt If you wish to become a sponsor of the conference please contact: sponsoring(a)miremar.de

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New paper on long-term survival of humpback whales radio-tagged in Alaska from 1976 through 1978
by Sally Mizroch 06 Jul '10

06 Jul '10

Hello everyone, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper on long-term survival of humpback whales radio-tagged in Alaska from 1976 through 1978. Mizroch, S. A., M. Tillman, S. Jurasz, O. von Ziegesar, L. M. Herman, A. Pack, S. Baker, J. Darling, D. Glockner-Ferrari, M. Ferrari, D. Salden, P. J. Clapham. 2010. Long-term survival of humpback whales radio-tagged in Alaska from 1976 through 1978. Marine Mammal Science. Members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy can download a pdf copy of the paper from the Early View section of the Marine Mammal Science website: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119881066/issue or you may contact me directly at sally.mizroch(a)noaa.gov. ABSTRACT Invasive tags designed to provide information on animal movements through radio or satellite monitoring have tremendous potential for the study of whales and other cetaceans. However, to date there have been no published studies on the survival of tagged animals over periods of years or decades. Researchers from National Marine Mammal Laboratory and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution tracked five humpback whales with implanted radio tags in southeastern Alaska in August 1976 and July 1977, and tracked two humpback whales in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in June 1978. All seven of these individually identified humpback whales were re-sighted at least 20 years after first being tagged, and five of the seven have been observed for more than 30 years; some of them are among the most resighted humpback whales in the North Pacific. Photos of tagging sites taken during and subsequent to tagging operations show persistent but superficial scarring and no indication of infection. These pioneering field studies demonstrated both long-term survival of the whales and the short-term effects of deploying radio tags, which at the time were larger and more invasive than those typically used today. Best regards, Sally -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Sally A. Mizroch Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg 4 Seattle, WA 98115, USA voice: (206) 526-4030 fax: (206) 526-6615 e-mail: Sally.Mizroch(a)noaa.gov The contents of this message are mine personally and do not necessarily reflect any position of NOAA.

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Marine mammal observer and passive acoustic operator courses
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 05 Jul '10

05 Jul '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 THERE ARE 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS,* *EARLY – STANDARD – LATE * *PLACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE AUGUST COURSES* United Kingdom MMO Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) Region March 1st - 2nd March 3rd Poole Dorset May 10th - 11th May 12th Poole Dorset July 12th - 13th July 14th Poole Dorset *August 9th - 10th* *August 11th* *Poole, Dorset, UK* *September 13th - 14th* *September 15th* *Poole, Dorset, UK* *October 25th - 26th* *October 27th* *Poole, Dorset UK* Australian MMO Training Course Dates Practical (Boat) Theory Region January 20th January 18th - 19th QLD AU April 14th April 12th - 13th QLD AU July 7th July 5th - 6th QLD AU *August Dates to be confirmed* *August Dates to be confirmed* *Prosperpine, QLD, AU* *September dates to be confirmed* *September Dates to be confirmed* *Perth**, WA AU* *November 24th* *November 22nd – 23rd* *NSW or QLD, AU* South African MMO Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) Region March 22nd – 23rd March 24th Cape Town SA *November 1st – 2nd * *November 3rd * *Cape Town SA* * * * * *Please find below the Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course dates for 2010* *PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS,* *EARLY – STANDARD – LATE * *PLACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE AUGUST COURSES* United Kingdom PAM Training Course Dates *Theory * *Region* January 12th Poole, Dorset, UK February 22nd Poole, Dorset, UK March 5th Poole, Dorset, UK April 16th Poole, Dorset, UK May 14th Poole, Dorset, UK July 15th Poole, Dorset, UK *August 12th* *Poole, Dorset, UK* *September 17th* *Poole, Dorset, UK* *October 29th* *Poole, Dorset, UK* Australian PAM Training Course Dates *Theory* *Region* January 22nd QLD April 16th QLD July 9th QLD *August to be confirmed* *Prosperpine, QLD, AU* *September to be confirmed * *Perth**, WA**, AU* *November 19th* *NSW or QLD, AU* South African PAM Training Course Dates *Theory * *Region * March 26th Cape Town, SA *November 5th * *Cape Town**, SA * MMO Courses: http://www.scanningoceansectors.org/ Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scanning-Ocean-Sectors/349143615331 PAM Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=189644593769 Marine Mammal Jobs: http://www.marinemammaljobs.co/ Marine Mammal Magazine http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10340108101#!/group.php?gid=265270827…<http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10340108101#%21/group.php?gid=2652708…> -- 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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Assistance Needed: Id of Cetacean Bones
by alesha naranjit 05 Jul '10

05 Jul '10

The Cetacean Conservation and Research Organization (CCARO) in Trinidad and Tobago is currently examining local cetacean bone specimens as part of our effort to create a species list for the country. We would appreciate some help confirming the species IDs of these specimens. In total there are 6 skulls, a vertebra and 5 other bones which were in storage with one of the skulls (it is uncertain whether they are from the same animal or not). If you are interested in assisting please contact me and I will provide you with photographs of each specimen (from several angles) and other information as necessary. Thanks for your consideration and looking forward to your reply. Alësha Alësha Naranjit Director Cetacean Conservation and Research Organization Telephone: (868) 391-4745 Website: www.ccaro.org

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New publication on "sponging" dolphins in Shark Bay, W.A.
by Simon Allen 04 Jul '10

04 Jul '10

G'day folks, We're pleased to announce another publication (online at this stage) on the dolphins of Shark Bay, Western Australia: ---------- Bacher, K., Allen, S.J., Lindholm, A., Bejder, L. & Krützen, M. In press. Genes or culture - Are mitochondrial genes associated with tool use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.)? Behavior Genetics DOI 10.1007/s10519-010-9375-8 Abstract: Some bottlenose dolphins use marine sponges as foraging tools (sponging), which appears to be socially transmitted from mothers mainly to their female offspring. Yet, explanations alternative to social transmission have been proposed. Firstly, the propensity to engage in sponging might be due to differences in diving ability caused by variation of mitochondrial genes coding for proteins of the respiratory chain. Secondly, the cultural technique of sponging may have selected for changes in these same genes (or other autosomal ones) among its possessors. We tested whether sponging can be predicted by mitochondrial coding genes and whether these genes are under selection. In 29 spongers and 54 non-spongers from two study sites, the noncoding haplotype at the HVRI locus was a significant predictor of sponging, whereas the coding mitochondrial genes were not. There was no evidence of selection in the investigated genes. Our study shows that mitochondrial gene variation is unlikely to be a viable alternative to cultural transmission as a primary driver of tool use in dolphins. Keywords: Social learning; Gene culture co-evolution; Bottlenose dolphins; Tool use. ---------- If you simply can't wait for online access or the hard copy to be printed, please email the lead author (kathrin.bacher(a)bluewin.ch) or the senior author (michael.kruetzen(a)aim.uzh.ch) for a copy of the PDF. Kind regards, Simon Simon Allen Research Fellow, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University South St., Murdoch Western Australia 6150 mob: +61(0) 416 083 653 email: s.allen(a)murdoch.edu.au web: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/simon_allen.html "The opposite of courage is not cowardice; it is conformity. Even dead fish can go with the flow." (Jim Hightower)

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2nd International Marine Conservation Congress -- Call for proposals for symposia, workshops and focus groups
by Dori Dick 03 Jul '10

03 Jul '10

Dear Colleagues, The call for proposals for symposia, workshops, and focus groups is now open for the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress, /Making Marine Science Matter/, which will be held from 14-18 May 2011 at the Victoria Convention Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The deadline for proposals is 31 August 2010. You can find the proposal guidelines at http://www.conbio.org/imcc. For additional information contact the program committee at IMCCprogram(a)gmail.com. Sincerely, The IMCC2 Program Committee and Laura-Joan Feyrer, Local IMCC Secretariat

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Irish Seal Sanctuary resident volunteer positions available
by ISS volunteers 03 Jul '10

03 Jul '10

The Irish Seal Sanctuary is a registered charity dedicated to providing shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for rescued marine wildlife found in difficulty around Ireland’s coast. The ISS strives to improve the welfare and conservation of seals and other marine animals and create awareness and understanding of Ireland’s coastal environs and their wildlife communities. The ISS has been rescuing and rehabilitating seals since 1988 in Garristown, Co.Dublin. After many attempts to relocate and create a national marine conservation and education centre, the ISS is finally relocating to Courtown, Co.Wexford and building a facility that will be open to the public. To make the move a success, the ISS is urgently looking for full time volunteers to join our dedicated and experienced team to help run this first season in the public eye, and rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured seals. We are looking for volunteers who are able to come for a minimum of 3 months starting from December 2010. *Job description:* The resident volunteers will participate in hands-on daily animal rehabilitation; giving critical care to sick or injured seals, coordinating rescues and releases; keeping accurate detailed records; maintaining animal facilities, including hospital units and pools; maintaining and cleaning public facilities, including the visitors centre and public pathways; and giving tours and actively interacting with the public. The ISS rescues and rehabilitates from 60 to more than 80 seals a year. Harbour seals arrive in the summer months, usually from June to August/September and grey seals in the winter, usually from September until March/April. The work hours are long (9-12 hours) and physically demanding. The volunteers work 5 days a week, with two days off. The position is unpaid, however shared accommodation and basic groceries are provided. Volunteers are required to have an advanced level of English, in both speaking and comprehension. We accept volunteers internationally but ask that their own transportation to and from Ireland is their responsibility. *Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to):* The volunteers will report to the animal managers and will be trained in - Food preparation - Safe animal handling and restraining - Tube feeding, force feeding, hand feeding seals - Knowledge of the natural history of harbour and grey seals - Record keeping - Administration of injections and oral medications - Assisting in rescues and releases nationwide - General cleaning duties of animal and public facilities - Hygiene and quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of disease etc. - Assisting veterinarians in surgical and medical cases when required - Interacting and giving tours to the public *Qualifications:* 20 years or older, with a full driving licence, advanced level of English comprehension and speaking and have an avid interest in marine mammal care and rehabilitation. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in animal care. Skills/Experience: - Experience in handling wildlife preferred - Ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation, working and living within a small group in rural setting - Excellent organisational and communication skills - Ability to work under pressure - A commitment to wildlife, conservation and volunteer work - Flexible and reliable working attitude - Willingness to work long hours outdoors in Irish weather - Be self-motivated, show initiative and an ability to work without constant supervision - Experience in interacting with the public/ public speaking - Able to lift 20kg and be in good physical shape - Be enthusiastic and eager to help and learn To apply for this position please fill out an application form, available at www.irishsealsanctuary.ie, and send to Lynn Moore at lynn_generalmanager(a)irishsealsanctuary.ie For general information about the Irish Seal Sanctuary visit this website www.irishsealsanctuary.ie -- The Irish Seal Sanctuary An Clochan, Tobergregan Garristown, Co. Dublin Ireland +353 (01) 835 4370 vols.iss(a)gmail.com

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