August 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Announcement: Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA)
by info＠mmo-association.org 29 Aug '10

29 Aug '10

ANNOUNCEMENT The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) is a membership based association with the aim of bringing together and representing individuals who work commercially and professionally as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators who implement mitigation measures to protect marine life during industry operations. The MMOA also provides information to other individuals that have an interest in MMO issues. The MMOA is pleased to announce the launch of a new website http://www.mmo-association.org The MMOA wishes to invite professional MMOs and PAM operators to sign up as full members of the Association. The MMOA also wishes to invite other interested individuals who may have an interest in MMO issues or MMOs who, at present, do not qualify for full membership to sign up as Associate Members. Details of Full and Associate Memberships are outlined below. To sign up to the Association please go to www.mmo-association.org and then click on the Sign Up button at the top of the Home Page. FULL MEMBERSHIP (£70 per year) Individuals with a demonstrated level of experience, skills and qualifications to enable them to work in a mitigation role as MMOs or PAM Operators are invited to exchange knowledge and contribute their considered thoughts and concerns as Full Members. Full Members are expected to be able to: Provide evidence of having worked as a professional MMO and/or PAM Operator implementing mitigation measures during industry operations on at least two occasions in the last five years. Provide evidence of any completed MMO and/or PAM training. Provide evidence of recent personal development in marine mammal identification and behaviour whether this was during other employment (i.e. during fisheries work) or outside of any professional commitments (e.g. voluntary surveys / guiding, holidays whale-watching, organising boat trips to see marine mammals etc.). Alternatively, persons without other experience but who have worked for 20 weeks or more in a mitigation role as an MMO and /or PAM operator will qualify as having relevant experience. Adhere to the MMOA's Code of Professional Conduct. Pay a subscription fee, on acceptance. The main benefits to Full Members will be: The opportunity to share your knowledge and experience. Opportunity to influence the future development of the profession. The benefit of a professional code of conduct. Access to the MMO Forum resources and Information Directory. Recognition as a serious-minded MMO and listed in the online Membership Directory. Full voting rights on the direction of MMOA. Acceptance as a Full Member will allow access to a personal profile page. Here members can create their MMO Association Curriculum Vitae using the online template. This can be saved as a pdf file or printed by each member. On the personal profile page members will also have access to the MMO Forum and the Information Directory. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (£30 per year) Other interested parties (such as students, prospective MMOs or PAM Operators, newly qualified MMOs or PAM Operators, company employees with an interest in MMO issues, etc.) are invited to join as Associate Members. The main benefits to the Associate Members will be: Input to the Association's aims and objectives. Access to the Information Directory. Invitation to comment on MMO issues. Acceptance as an Associate Member will allow access to a personal profile page. Here members will have access to the Information Directory and also be able to make comments regarding MMO issues. Associate Members will not be eligible to stand for the MMOA Committee, nor are voting rights conferred. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP We would also welcome corporate sponsorship to help us achieve the aims and objectives of the MMOA. Corporate sponsors will have their company logo displayed on our website. If you are interested in sponsorship please email the MMOA at info(a)mmo-association.org We welcome your applications. Please email info(a)mmo-association.org if you have any problems during the sign up process. Regards The MMOA Steering Committee Alison Gill, Simon Mustoe, Carolyn Barton, Caroline Weir and Juliet Shrimpton The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) Suite 36 88-90 Hatton Gardens London EC1N 8PN UK Email: info(a)mmo-association.org

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Right Whale Aerial Survey Observers - Job Announcement
by Cynthia Taylor 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

Wildlife Trust Right Whale Aerial Survey Observers Job Announcement Wildlife Trust, a non-profit international research and conservation organization, is seeking temporary, seasonal aerial observers for marine mammal surveys from December 2010 through March 2011. These observer positions are in anticipation of research activities to be conducted in the southeast United States, specifically coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Anticipated research would require observers to fly up to four days per week, up to eight hours per day in a small, twin engine, high wing aircraft primarily to locate North Atlantic right whales in the Southeast U.S. calving ground. Surveys will be flown daily, weather permitting, and observers must be willing to work weekends and holidays during the survey period. Observers will be required to participate in aviation and marine safety and survival training. This is a temporary, 40 hour/week position at a salary rate of $14/hr. Health benefits are not provided with this position. Housing will be provided for the duration of the project. These positions are contingent upon funding. Qualifications: Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience and experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans is strongly desired. Applicants should be experienced in database entry and other computer applications including photo processing software. The ability to live and work well in a team environment and withstand up to 8 hours per day in a small aircraft is required. We are currently accepting applications from U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Application Process: Please send cover letter, resume, and three references to <mailto:taylor@wildlifetrust.org> taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org by September 13, 2010. Cynthia R. Taylor Assoc. Vice President Aquatic Conservation Program Wildlife Trust 233 Third St. N., Suite 300 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 1.941.232.4587 <http://www.wildlifetrust.org/> www.wildlifetrust.org Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health.

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Humpback Whale sighting in the tuscan waters
by davide bedocchi 28 Aug '10

28 Aug '10

Davide Bedocchi. CETUS Cetacean Research Centre. Viareggio (LU) – Italy. Dear Colleagues, this message is to inform you about the extraordinary sighting of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Mediterranean Sea. Here below some informations regarding this important sighting for OTC (Cetacean Tuscan Observatory): Date: 27 August 2010 Hour: 17.00 to 20.00 Position: 1 Km West from Viareggio (Tuscany - Italy). Bathymetry: +- 12 meters. Our research catamaran Krill together with the Viareggio CoastGuard followed the Humpback Whale, straordinary species inside the Mediterranean Sea, during the swimming and breaching activity of the animal for about three hours. At the end of the sighting the animal was swimming with a southward direction along the coastline. In the last two hundred years we had in the Mediterranean Sea only thirteen sightings of Humpback Whale. The last well documented sightings: 2002 Trieste and Senigallia (Italy), 2004 Siracusa (Italy), 2009 Trieste and now Viareggio (Italy). It could be very interesting to match data of the previous sightings to understand if the sighted animal could be the same in the last years or if we are in presence of different animals. Pls contact us at cetus(a)supereva.it or bedocchid(a)yahoo.it to request images of the whale or to share data to investigate together. Sincerely, Davide Bedocchi Davide Bedocchi - Naturalist CE.TU.S. Director CE.TU.S. - Cetacean Research Centre Via Degli Ontani 60, 55049 Viareggio (LU) Italy e-mail: bedocchid(a)yahoo.it Mobile: +39 3287524380 www.cetusresearch.org

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new publication available on Guiana dolphins
by Marcos Santos 27 Aug '10

27 Aug '10

Dear marmamers: The following manuscript on Guiana dolphins displaying the beach hunting behavior has recently been published in the Brazilian Journal of Oceanography (see abstract below): Santos, M. C. de O. (2010) Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) displaying beach hunting behavior in the Cananeia estuary, Brazil: social context and conservation issues. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 58(2): 143-152. Requests will be attended at: sotalia(a)gmail.com Cheers, Marcos Santos To elaborate a fuller description of the beach hunting behavior displayed by Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*) in the Cananéia Estuary (CE) (25oS, 48oW), a photo-identification study was conducted from May 2000 to July 2003. Three land platforms were chosen at the main entrance of the abovementioned estuary, where scientists enjoy a unique opportunity to observe dolphins at greater proximity, undisturbed. Observations were opportunistic and unevenly distributed in time and space. In 67 days of surveys, rendering approximately 80h of direct observations, 4,102 photographs were taken, of which 1,098 (26.8%) were considered useful for identification purposes. A total of 103 groups were reported (3.7 ± 2.6 individuals), ranging from solitary dolphins to 15 individuals. Female-calf pairs were observed in 92.4% of all the groups investigated. On the first occasion, a calving interval was observed for the species in the CE: approximately 3 years and 9 months. Of the 40 individuals identified at least once, eleven used the sloping beaches regularly: females KN #s 10, 30, 255, 268 and 279; males KN #s 86 and 257; and four individuals of unknown sex. The characteristics of the associations among beach hunters were evaluated by the analyses of association indices. A total of 83 possible associations between dyads were analyzed using the half-weight index and two selective criteria (5+ and 8+ sightings/individual). Mean association indices varied from 0.12 to 0.16, evidencing weak bonds among beach hunters. Most regular beach hunters were females, showing that the beach hunting behavior should probably be considered more typically female. Beach hunting in the CE might be considered another example of cultural transmission in cetacean societies. -- Dr. Marcos César de Oliveira Santos Projeto Atlantis, Laboratório de Biologia da Conservação de Cetáceos PROGRAMA JOVEM PESQUISADOR EM CENTROS EMERGENTES- FAPESP Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro Av 24-A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, 13506-900. Tel: 55-19-3526-4296

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New paper on Basque whaling images, 16th - 18th century, with important right whale images
by Klaus Barthelmess 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Dear all, And now for something completely different (Monty Python): Those of you interested in whaling art and iconography will find several extremely unusual historic images in the following English article just published in a peer-reviewed Spanish-Basque yearbook, issued by the very active maritime museum in San Sebastián: Klaus Barthelmess: Basque whaling in pictures, 16th - 18th century. In: Itsas memoria. Revista de Estudios Marítimos del País Vasco, 6, 2009 [published 2010], pp. 643-667. Online at: http://um.gipuzkoakultura.net/itsasmemoria6/643-668_barthelmess.pdf Right whale researchers will i.a. find the earliest image of an articulated right whale skeleton (1658) and the earliest realistic images of this species' morphology (1740) in PRINT (there are two older drawings). Enjoy Klaus Barthelmess barthval at t-online.de

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Fluke Matcher software
by Daniel Burns 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Dear MARMAM members We are pleased to announce the release of Fluke Matcher, a computerised-matching system for humpback whale fluke photographs. After several years of development and testing, with funding support from the Australian Government, the program is now ready for release. The fundamentals of the Fluke Matcher system are outlined in the following publication: Kniest, E., Burns, D. and Harrison, P. (2010) Fluke Matcher: a computer-aided matching system for humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) flukes. Marine Mammal Science 26(3): 744-756. Fluke Matcher is available for free download from the following website: http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/fluke-matcher/index.php/3 Please contact Eric Kniest or Dan Burns for further information or a pdf of the paper. Best regards Dan Daniel Burns, PhD Eric Kniest, PhD Marine Ecology Research Centre Surveying and Photogrammetry Southern Cross University School of Engineering PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW, Australia, 2480 University of Newcastle Email: dburns(a)scu.edu.au Callaghan, NSW, Australia, 2308 Email: eric.kniest(a)newcastle.edu.au

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New Paper: Thar She Blows! A Novel Method for DNA Collection from Cetacean Blow
by Eric Patterson 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Dear Colleagues, We would like to inform you of a new publication now available free online at PLoS ONE (see link below): Frère C.H., Krzyszczyk, E., Patterson E.M., Hunter, S., Ginsburg, A., Mann, J. (2010). Thar she blows! A novel method for DNA collection from cetacean blow. PloS ONE. 5(8)e1229 http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0012299 *Abstract:* *Background* Molecular tools are now widely used to address crucial management and conservation questions. To date, dart biopsying has been the most commonly used method for collecting genetic data from cetaceans; however, this method has some drawbacks. Dart biopsying is considered inappropriate for young animals and has recently come under scrutiny from ethical boards, conservationists, and the general public. Thus, identifying alternative genetic collection techniques for cetaceans remains a priority, especially for internationally protected species. *Methodology/Principal Findings* In this study, we investigated whether blow-sampling, which involves collecting exhalations from the blowholes of cetaceans, could be developed as a new less invasive method for DNA collection. Our current methodology was developed using six bottlenose dolphins, *Tursiops** **truncatus*, housed at the National Aquarium, Baltimore (USA), from which we were able to collect both blow and blood samples. For all six individuals, we found that their mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA profile taken from blow, matched their corresponding mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA profile collected from blood. This indicates that blow-sampling is a viable alternative method for DNA collection. *Conclusion/Significance* In this study, we show that blow-sampling provides a viable and less invasive method for collection of genetic data, even for small cetaceans. In contrast to dart biopsying, the advantage of this method is that it capitalizes on the natural breathing behaviour of dolphins and can be applied to even very young dolphins. Both biopsy and blow-sampling require close proximity of the boat, but blow-sampling can be achieved when dolphins voluntarily bow-ride and involves no harmful contact. Best Regards, Eric Patterson PhD Student Department of Biology Georgetown University

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New article- Southern Ocean Whale & Seal acoustic survey [Sec=Unclassified]
by Jason Gedamke 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Colleagues, This recently published article is available online. Of particular interest were acoustic detections of pygmy blue whale sounds in the Southern Ocean; the first published descriptions of new Ross seal vocalizations; the far northerly distribution of leopard seal detections; and the regional 'dialect' associated with fin whale song. The abstract follows with more details. Gedamke, J. and Robinson, S.M. 2010. Acoustic survey for marine mammal occurrence and distribution off East Antarctica (30-80°E) in January-February 2006. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography Volume 57, Issues 9-10, May 2010, Pages 968-981. If interested, you can download it at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2008.10.042 or request it by contacting me directly. Cheers, Jason Abstract A large scale, systematic, acoustic survey for whales and seals in eastern Antarctic waters was conducted in January-February 2006. During the BROKE-West survey of Southern Ocean waters between 30 and 80° E longitude, an acoustic survey was conducted to complement a traditional visual survey for marine mammal occurrence and distribution. As part of the survey, 145 DIFAR sonobuoys were deployed every 30' of latitude on north-south transects, and prior to CTD stations on the initial east-west transect. Underwater sound was analyzed for 70 minute samples from each sonobuoy. Blue whales were the most commonly recorded species, identified at 55 of the sonobuoy deployment sites. Other species recorded include: sperm (46 sites), fin (14), humpback (2), and sei (3) whales, and leopard (11) and Ross (17) seals. Large numbers of blue and sperm whales, and all Ross seals were detected on the westernmost two transects, which were the only transects of the survey with relatively extensive sea ice remaining off the continental shelf. Large numbers of blue whales were also detected in the more eastern waters of the survey off the Prydz Bay region, while two detections of pygmy blue whales represent the farthest south these whales have been recorded. Of the relatively few fin whale detections, most occurred in more northerly waters. Fin whale vocalizations from this region were distinctly different than those recorded elsewhere around Antarctica suggesting acoustic recordings may be useful to delineate regional or stock boundaries of this species. Previously undescribed sounds were attributed to Ross seals. Acoustic detections of these and leopard seal sounds indicate these animals venture further from their traditionally described distributions, with vocalizing leopard seals occurring much further north than might be expected. Overall, the results of the sonobuoy survey provide a measure of each species' relative spatial distribution over the survey area based on acoustic detections, and when combined with the results of the visual survey, will provide a comprehensive view of marine mammal distribution throughout the region during the BROKE-West survey. ____________________________ Jason Gedamke, PhD Australian Marine Mammal Centre Australian Antarctic Division 203 Channel Highway Kingston, TAS 7050 ph: +61 (0)3 6232 3153 mob: +61 (0)4 0938 8990 fax: +61 (0)3 6232 3449 ___________________________________________________________________________ Australian Antarctic Division - Commonwealth of Australia IMPORTANT: This transmission is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited by Commonwealth law. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by telephoning +61 3 6232 3209 and DELETE the message. Visit our web site at http://www.antarctica.gov.au/ ___________________________________________________________________________

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seal deaths from "corkscrew" cuts
by William Rossiter 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

The article linked below describes severe injuries to seals off the UK, possibly from vessels with ducted propulsion systems. Have similar injuries been observed by MARMAM members? Bill Rossiter Cetacean Society International By Tim Bugler <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Tim+Bugler> Last updated at 12:21 PM on 23rd August 2010 Experts probing the so-called 'corkscrew deaths' of seals on Britain's East Coast believe the building of a huge offshore wind farm could be to blame. The corpses of 50 seals with a clean 'corkscrew' cut running from head to tail have been washed up over the past 18 months. A dozen of the mutilated seals were discovered off St Andrews, Fife, and in the Firth of Forth. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305402/Wind-farm-clue-horrific-cor…

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reminder/2nd announcement: Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal
by S.Koschinski 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '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 Second announcement and reminder The International Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal in the Baltic and North Sea (MIREMAR) will be held from 16th to 18th November 2010 in Neumünster, Germany (situated between Hamburg and Kiel). Please submit your abstracts (no more than 100 words) for oral presentations by 31st August 2010 to: info(a)miremar.de The deadline for registration is 31st October 2010. A registration form can be found here: http://schleswig-holstein.nabu.de/themen/meeresschutz/miremar/12717.html 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 If you would like to host a workshop, please contact the organizers: info(a)miremar.de If you wish to become a sponsor of the conference please contact: sponsoring(a)miremar.de If you have any further 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. Order of Events After theme sessions on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th November (e.g., detection, 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. 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. Exhibition space in the foyer will be offered to our sponsors. Accomodation A list of hotels can be downloaded from the MIREMAR website. Further accommodation can be inquired at the tourist information of the city of Neumünster www.neumuenster-tourismus.de (check: “Hotels & Pension” or “Ferienwohnungen” (holiday apartments)). How to get there? By plane: The nearest international airport is Hamburg. The bus shuttle “Kielius” takes you to the central bus station of Neumünster, close to the conference building (timetable: http://www.autokraft.de/docs/4550_beide_NEU_1.pdf ) By train: There is a fast train (“ICE”) connection from all directions to Neumünster central station (travel information: www.bahn.de ) By car: Motorway A7 (Hamburg-Flensburg; from South: exit “Großenaspe”, from North: exit “Neumünster Nord”) follow the direction “Zentrum”. The conference building is located near the central station. If you need a parking lot at or near the conference building please check with the organizing team at info(a)miremar.de. Meals Beverages in coffee breaks are included in the conference fee. It is possible to have lunch in the conference building or city centre (at walking distance) at your own cost. For dinner the city centre of Neumünster offers a variety of restaurants. Sponsors Bingo! - die Umweltlotterie ANT Applied New Technologies AG, Luebeck HydroTechnik Luebeck GmbH UTM Umwelttechnik Metallrecycling GmbH Luebeck Okeanos - Foundation for the Sea, Darmstadt

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