December 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 04 Dec '11

04 Dec '11

PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://mucru.org/ <http://mucru.org/)> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in four spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Island of Hawaii and at another control site, possibly off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins, in addition, group focal follows will be carried out on spinner dolphins both inside and outside the four resting bays. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed jn the resting bays, that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in Jan 2012. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Island of Hawaii. The field season will last until Dec 2012. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate until the end of the field season will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawaii and their own living expenses. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> ). Julian Tyne, BSc Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ <http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners> ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne * j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU

1 0

Humpback whale field intensive "shorty"; week long field program and scholarship information
by MCERC Marine-Wildlife 04 Dec '11

04 Dec '11

*Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program at MCERC in Puerto Rico: * The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the second season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. Join our research team studying humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited to 2 students per 7 day session* for boat and land based research platforms during the field season from January 2012-May 2012. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including: Research experience in vessel and land based data collection and recording of humpback whale behaviors Photographic techniques in the filed Photo identification of individual humpbacks and dolphins Theodolite tracking and computer interface Passive acoustic sampling and analysis Assessing environmental factors Permit requirements for marine mammal research involving endangered species An overview of ecology on this island bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Fees support this research project and associated lectures. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for humpback whale occupancy, habitat use, and movement off Puerto Rico as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft) under the direction of Mithriel MacKay, PhD Candidate, Texas A&M University at Galveston. $800.00 per student includes travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, including field methods, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include travel to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico and compulsory insurance. Students landing in Ponce, Puerto Rico will be picked up at the airport and brought to the base station in Guayanilla. *There is a limited number of scholarships available for partial cost of this program*. Students from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean will be given first priority, followed by under served areas with minimal opportunity for participation in marine mammal field programs. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in college credit. Please send us an e-mail in advance of your application if you are considering this option. To apply for this field intensive, please visit the website below and download the forms indicated. Please be sure to read the description of the project and the base station. Website: www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> Click on the “courses” tab Information and applications can be found on page 15 of the course catalog Please be sure to indicate first, second, and third choice for dates from the following 2012 schedule: Session 1 Jan 15-21 Session 2 Jan 22-Jan 28 Session 3 Jan 29- Feb 04 Session 4 Feb 19-25 Session 5 Feb 26-March3 Session 6 March 4- 10 Session 7 March 11-March 17 Session 8 March 18-24 There is no deadline for applications; however, spaces typically fill very quickly. Spots are secured with full, non-refundable payment received with the completed application. Please email for details and mailing information. See you in sunny Puerto Rico! -- }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> Mithriel MacKay Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 Box 6382 Guanilla, Puerto Rico 00656 and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com 830-688-9878 PhD Candidate Texas A&M University at Galveston Marine Mammal Research Program 200 Seawolf Parkway OCSB 243 Galveston, Texas 77554

1 0

Humpback Whale Field Program: scholarships now available
by MCERC Marine-Wildlife 04 Dec '11

04 Dec '11

Humpback Whale Field Acoustic and Behavioral Data Collection Program in Puerto Rico Featuring guest lectures by Dr. Bernd Würsig, Texas A&M University February 5-11, 2012 and February 12-18, 2012 The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is pleased to announce two, week long sessions focusing on field methods for acoustic and behavioral data collection of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Puerto Rico. The program structure will consist of data collection from land (theodolite and digital photography), boats (passive acoustic monitoring, photography, behavioral observations), and data analysis (fluke and fin matching, spectrogram analysis) during the day. Late afternoons and evening will be structured as a roundtable discussion aimed at integrating, interpretation and useful application of data. MCERC’s Education Director, Mithriel MacKay, will be joined by Dr. Bernd Würsig who will be leading several field excursions and lectures, and Dr. Jose Rivera who will join us in a roundtable discussion to add insight into active acoustic monitoring. The cost of the program covers room and meals, transportation to the field sites, all overhead associated with the program, and instruction. The fee for this program is $2800.00USD/person. Airfare to Ponce, Puerto Rico is not included. *Scholarships are now available for partial cost of the program.* Space is limited to a total of 6 participants in each week-long program. A limited number of scholarships per week are available. Scholarships will be awarded based on need and geographical areas considered under served for opportunities to study marine mammal behaviors (not on academic record). Students from Puerto Rico are encouraged to apply. Please send a letter of interest to MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com for information. For more information on this program, MCERC, an application packet, or questions, please email mcerc.mail(a)gmail.com. -- }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> Mithriel MacKay Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 Box 6382 Guanilla, Puerto Rico 00656 and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com 830-688-9878 PhD Candidate Texas A&M University at Galveston Marine Mammal Research Program 200 Seawolf Parkway OCSB 243 Galveston, Texas 77554

1 0

New article: Bycatch impact on Ecuadorian humpback whale breeding stock
by Juan Alava 03 Dec '11

03 Dec '11

Dear colleagues, I hope everybody had a safe trip back home. Please, find below a new contribution on bycatch impact on humpback whales... Ocean & Coastal Management In Press, Accepted Manuscript - ________________________________ doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2011.11.003 Assessing the impact of bycatch on Ecuadorian humpback whale breeding stock: A review with management recommendations Juan José Alavaa, b, , , Maria José Barragánc, e, Judith Denkingerd, e a School of Resource & Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada b Fundación Ecuatoriana para el Estudio de Mamíferos Marinos (FEMM).Guayaquil, Ecuador c Department of Geography. Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Avenue. St. John´s, NL, A1B 3X9. Canada d Galápagos Institute for the Arts and Science (GAIAS), University San Francisco de Quito, Circulo de Cumbaya, Quito, Ecuador e Nazca, Institute of Marine Research, Cabo San Francisco, Cantón Muisne, Ecuador Received 8 March 2011; revised 6 October 2011; Accepted 5 November 2011. Available online 22 November 2011. Abstract The Southeastern Pacific Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae reproduces from June to September off the coast of Ecuador where a large artisanal fisheries fleet consisting of more than 15,000 vessels operates year round. The bycatch impact on this humpback population has been overlooked. Based on the annual bycatch mortality documented in this study, about 0.53% (95% CI 0.2-1.5%) of the population might be potentially bycaught in gillnets annually. Depending on the total population numbers estimated and reported elsewhere for this stock (2917 or 6277 whales), the bycatch mortality is equivalent to 15 or 33 whales per year. A significant correlation was found between the annual bycatch rate and fishing effort for the period 2000-2009 (r = 0.68, p < 0.05). An increase in artisanal fisheries may cause drastic consequences since humpback whales as K-strategists have low birth and survival rates. Calves are probably the most threatened age class due to gillnet entanglements in proximity to coastal waters where artisanal vessels operate. The Ecuadorian breeding grounds for humpback whales migrating from Antarctica might become a hot spot for bycatch in the Southeastern Tropical Pacific, if the bycatch rate continues to increase. Urgent mitigation strategies coupled with precautionary management and conservation measures are required to protect this vulnerable stock of whales in the long term. The consequences of humpback whale bycatch off coastal Ecuador and possible solutions to mitigate the bycatch are analyzed. Highlights ► Bycatch affects 15-33 humpback whales per year in coastal marine waters off Ecuador. ► An increase in fishery effort increases the bycatch rate of humpback whales. ► Best fishery practices and breeding area protection mitigate humpbacks’ bycatch. ► Precautionary actions can play an important role in conserving threatened cetaceans. Keywords: Megaptera novaeangliae; Humpback whale population; Bycatch; Entanglements; Ecuador If you would like an electronic pdf copy, please feel free to contact me (jalavasa(a)sfu.ca) The articles is also available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569111001852 Cheers Juan Jose Alava ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Author Services <support(a)elsevier.com> To: jalavasa(a)sfu.ca; jj_alava(a)yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 11:02 AM Subject: Article tracking [OCMA_2908] - Accepted manuscript available online (unedited version) Article title: Assessing the impact of bycatch on Ecuadorian humpback whale breeding stock: a Review with Management Recommendations Reference:: OCMA2908 Journal title: Ocean and Coastal Management Corresponding author: Dr. Juan Jose Alava First author: Dr. Juan Jose Alava Received at Editorial Office: 8-MAR-2011 Article revised: 6-OCT-2011 Article accepted for publication: 5-NOV-2011 Accepted manuscript (unedited version) available online: 22-NOV-2011 DOI information: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2011.11.003 Dear Dr. Alava, We are pleased to inform you that your accepted manuscript (unformatted and unedited PDF) is now available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2011.11.003 You might like to bookmark this permanent URL to your article. This version of your article has been made available at the earliest stage to provide the fastest access to articles scheduled for inclusion in a forthcoming issue of the journal. It is not intended to be the published version of your article. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note changes to the article should not be requested at this stage. This article can already be cited using the year of online availability and the DOI as follows: Author(s), Article Title, Journal (Year), DOI. Once the full bibliographic details (including volume and page numbering) for citation purposes are available, you will be alerted by e-mail. To track the status of your article throughout the publication process, please use our article tracking service: http://authors.elsevier.com/TrackPaper.html?trk_article=OCMA2908&trk_surnam… Yours sincerely, Elsevier Author Support --------------------------------------------------------------------- WHEN TO REQUEST CORRECTIONS? You will shortly receive the proofs for review, at which point any required corrections can be returned. This includes changes to the title, author names and affiliations and the addition of acknowledgements. When the proofs have been checked and returned, the status of your article will be updated accordingly in the article tracking service. HAVE YOU SEEN THE ARTICLE OF THE FUTURE? The Article of the Future makes Elsevier journals on SciVerse ScienceDirect the best possible place to expose and explore research. Elsevier is introducing the new article layout and features to all journals on SciVerse ScienceDirect from late 2011, but you can review the prototypes online now. Find out more at: http://www.articleofthefuture.com HAVE A QUERY? We have 24/7 support to answer all of your queries quickly. http://support.elsevier.com SENDER INFORMATION This e-mail has been sent to you from Elsevier Limited, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GB, United Kingdom. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add support(a)elsevier.com to your address book or safe senders list. PRIVACY POLICY Please read our privacy policy. http://www.elsevier.com/privacypolicy [T-14-16111109]

1 0

Requesting Books, Journals, and Reprints on Marine Mammals
by Sclymene＠aol.com 03 Dec '11

03 Dec '11

Requesting Books, Journals, and Reprints on Marine Mammals ¡VIVA Vaquita! is collecting hardcopy marine mammal literature that may not be used much anymore. We will distribute it to colleagues who can most effectively put it to use. We can scan literature and replace paper copies with PDF copies. Money raised from this effort will be used directly in research, conservation, and public awareness efforts directed at the vaquita ( Phocoena sinus), seen by many as the World’s most endangered marine mammal species. ¡VIVA Vaquita! <http://www.vivavaquita.org> is a collaboration of concerned researchers and educators from three 501(3)c nonprofit organizations: Cetos Research Organization, Save The Whales, and the American Cetacean Society. Ultimately, we aim to help save the vaquita from extinction. Donations are tax-deductible. If you have any books or other literature that you might be willing to donate or sell to us, please contact us. We can pay for postage, and may even be able to arrange pick up. Thank you. ********************************************************************* Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph.D. ¡VIVA Vaquita! 13037 Yerba Valley Way Lakeside, CA 92040 Mobile phone (858) 945-4240 Email: sclymene(a)aol.com Web: http://www.vivavaquita.org *********************************************************************

1 0

New papers - tropical dolphin ecology and behavior
by Jeremy KISZKA 03 Dec '11

03 Dec '11

Dear colleagues, Two new papers on the ecology and behavior of (island-associated) tropical dolphins have been published recently: Kiszka, J., Simon-Bouhet, B., Martinez, L., Pusineri, C., Richard, P., Ridoux, V. 2011. Ecological niche segregation within a community of sympatric dolphins around a tropical island. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 433: 272-288. Investigating ecological segregation among organisms of a given community is challenging, especially when these organisms share similar patterns of distribution, and similar size and morphology. Around the island of Mayotte, a diversified community of at least 4 sympatric delphinids is present year round within a very restricted range: the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus, the spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris, the pantropical spotted dolphin S. attenuata, and the melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra. In addition, the Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei makes temporary incursions into peri-insular waters as well. This study aims to assess niche segregation among this tropical dolphin community. We hypothesized that each species occupies its own distinct niche defined by the following axes: habitat, resources and time. We analysed habitat in relation to physiography, behavioural budgets and C and N stable isotope values from skin and blubber samples for each species. The results highlighted that habitat and behavioural budgets were relatively distinct among species, with few exceptions. However, in those species living on the outer reef slope where habitat and behaviour were not well discriminated, stable isotope analyses confirmed that species have different trophic levels (mostly reflected through δ15N values) or foraging habitat (mostly reflected through δ13C values). This study confirms that the use of multiple methodologies (habitat, behaviour and feeding ecology studies) help in discerning ecological niche segregation, especially when examining closely related species within a common restricted range. Kiszka, J., Perrin, W.F., Pusineri, C., Ridoux, V. What drives island-associated tropical dolphins to form mixed-species associations in the southwest Indian Ocean? Journal of Mammalogy, 92: 1105-1111. Mixed-species associations are temporary aggregations of individuals of different species involved in similar activities. Such associations form for foraging, protection against predators, and social advantage. Mixedspecies groups in delphinids are frequent in the wild. We aimed to understand the ecological significance of mixed-species group formation by 2 tropical delphinids, the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), in waters surrounding the island of Mayotte in the southwestern Indian Ocean. We used sighting data collected year-round from 2004 to 2009. We encountered a total of 67 mixed-species groups (comprising 21% of all groups observed) of spinner and pantropical spotted dolphins around Mayotte. No daily or seasonal variability in the occurrence of associations was detected. Behavioral activities of single- and mixed-species groups differed significantly. Foraging was observed only in single-species groups of pantropical spotted dolphins. Mixed-species groups were larger than single-species groups. When in association, spinner dolphins used deeper waters than while in single-species groups. No evidence of association for social advantage was observed. We suggest that spinner dolphins associate with spotted dolphins for protection against predators when transiting between resting areas. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information (jeremy.kiszka(a)wanadoo.fr) Regards, Jeremy Kiszka Jeremy Kiszka (PhD) South-West Indian Ocean Fisheries Project (SWIOFP) Project coordinator Université de La Rochelle, lab. LIENSs (UMR 6250) Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement, 2 rue Olympe de Gouge, F-17000 La Rochelle. Tel. +33(0)546076898 Mobile +33(0)681432009 Skype: jeremy.kiszka

1 0

Request for Proposals for Field Research
by Debbie Winton 02 Dec '11

02 Dec '11

Earthwatch is seeking proposals for research projects. Full information is below, and will be posted on the Earthwatch website next week. All questions should be directed to Dr. Samantha Burgess at sburgess(a)earthwatch.org or to research(a)earthwatch.org Request for Proposals for Field Research Marine Biodiversity Conservation UK/Europe, Central America, Northeast Pacific, Galapagos Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization with the mission to "engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment." Earthwatch is currently seeking proposals from field-based researchers to provide grants to address marine biodiversity conservation challenges. Of particular interest are projects which look at species' interaction, conflict with ocean stakeholders and studies of anthropogenic impact on habitats for species of conservation concern. Earthwatch will only consider proposals for field research that have a strong rationale for requiring involvement of non-specialists (Earthwatch volunteers) in a variety of scientific tasks. Earthwatch volunteers are highly motivated citizens from around the world who are interested in improving environmental understanding. A typical project would engage a minimum of 30 volunteers over 3-10 teams per annum. Each team can spend 3-12 days in the field. A priority audience for Earthwatch is young scientists; therefore ideal projects have flexibility to engage audiences such as high level school groups (15-30 participants, aged 16+). All projects are conducted in English. Earthwatch encourages proposals that are interdisciplinary and/or transnational. Preference will be given to projects that directly contribute to environmental or social change on the ground as well as providing scientific evidence to inform management strategies and improve livelihoods of local communities. All projects should contribute to the scientific literature and improve public understanding of science. Professionals from any nationality are eligible to apply, but should be affiliated with a university or environmental organization and have in-country experience (and permits). Concept Notes and Proposals Concept Notes for projects starting in spring or summer 2013 will be accepted through Friday, February 10th, 2012. Invitations for full Research Proposals will be communicated in early March. Applications must be submitted online in English: http://fs22.formsite.com/EarthwatchResearch/ConceptNote/index.html Research topics that may be considered for funding include, but are not limited to: - Understanding the relationship between ocean stakeholders and biodiversity - studies on resource competition or ecosystem service provisioning, which take into account stakeholder perceptions and sustainable livelihoods. E.g. activities such as fishing and unregulated tourism - Examining effects of marine pollution e.g. marine debris, diffuse source pollution - Research into habitat degradation and development of ecosystem management strategies - Investigations into impacts of climate change on species and habitat interactions and improving conservation management strategies in anticipation of future change - Understanding connectivity between habitats for migrating species and assessing impacts of increasing human use of the ocean. E.g. ship strikes, marine spatial planning Grants Annual grants are available to cover research related costs which can include equipment (<US$1000), supplies, transport, support staff, food and accommodation during teams. The grant cannot cover scientist salaries, overheads, capital equipment. Grants are negotiated on an individual basis, but usually average around US$20,000. Volunteer costs in the field (volunteer accommodation, food and transport in the field) will be budgeted for in partnership with Earthwatch. The field research proposals are tenable for three years, and potentially renewable in the fourth year. Additional - Comfortable accommodations for volunteers must be in reasonable travel distance of the research site(s) - Incorporation of time for volunteers to experience the surrounding environment and culture is encouraged - See link for more information http://www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/research/scientistopps/reqresprop/ All questions should be directed to Dr. Samantha Burgess at sburgess(a)earthwatch.org or to research(a)earthwatch.org

1 0

Author seeks experts on Killer Whales
by dkirby＠nyc.rr.com 02 Dec '11

02 Dec '11

Dear MARMAM list - please consider running the following query for experts on killer whales for a new book from St. Martin's Press. Thank you very much, David Kirby 718-230-4250. ----------------------------------------------- My name is David Kirby, an author and journalist from New York and a Huffington Post contributor. I am currently completing a new non-fiction book for St. Martin’s Press about killer whales in the wild and captivity, and the potential impact of keeping Orcinus orca for public display on the animals themselves. (This book does not discuss keeping killer whales for research purposes, and it does not investigate other cetacean species in captivity). I would very much like to interview experts from the marine mammal field – in both the scientific and public display communities – who would be willing to provide a counterbalance to the opinions expressed by animal welfare advocates and certain researchers and environmentalists who oppose captivity for this species. I would like to discuss issues such as longevity, nutrition, general health, dental health, social behavior, and aggression - as well as the measurable impact of the industry’s contributions to killer whale research, conservation and education on populations in the wild. Please contact me if you or someone you know would be willing to speak to these issues for the book, which will be released in May, 2012. Many thanks, David Kirby dkirby(a)nyc.rr.com Last Book: www.animalfactorybook.com

1 0

New paper on climate change and cetaceans
by Lambert, Emily 02 Dec '11

02 Dec '11

I'm pleased to announce the publication of the following paper on climate change and cetaceans: Lambert et al. 2011. Quantifying likely cetacean range shifts in response to global climatic change: implications for conservation strategies in a changing world ABSTRACT: As with many other taxa, climate change is expected to result in geographic range shifts of cetacean species as they track changes in temperature to remain within their ecological niches. Such changes in geographic range could have implications for the conservation and management of cetaceans. Here, we propose a bioclimatic envelope modelling approach for providing quantitative predictions of how the ranges of cetacean species may respond to changing water temperatures. This combines predictions from habitat niche and ‘thermal’ niche models for an individual species to determine probable geographic range under specific climatic conditions. However, if this approach is to be used to inform conservation strategies, it is essential that the ability to predict responses to environmental change is validated beyond the period of data collection used to construct the models. Therefore, in addition to validation of modelled current range, we included a step to validate the models’ ability to predict previous changes in range over time in response to climatic changes using independent data. We demonstrate this approach using common dolphin Delphinus delphis data from the Northeast Atlantic. The combined model was constructed with data collected between 1980 and 2007, and validated using independent distributional records collected between 1930 and 2006. The validated model was then applied to predict future range between 2010 and 2069, based on projected water temperatures. Thus, the modelling approach is shown to provide the type of information required to help ensure that conservation and management strategies remain effective in the face of a changing climate. A PDF of this paper can be downloaded either from the Endangered Species Research website (http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p205-222/ ) or from http://www.gisinecology.com/_files/PDFs%20of%20Case%20Studies/Lambert_et_al… Regards, Emily Lambert The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

1 0

Aquatic Mammals Issue 37.4 is now available
by Aquatic Mammals 02 Dec '11

02 Dec '11

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 37, issue 4, 2011) of *Aquatic Mammals*. The online issue is now available. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 37.3/37.4 will be mailed in mid-December. *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 the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ 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. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 37, issue 4 contents. 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 ******************* *Full Articles* Funasaka , N., Yoshioka, M., Suzuki, M., Ueda, K., Miyahara, H., Uchida, S. 2011. Seasonal Difference of Diurnal Variations in Serum Melatonin, Cortisol, Testosterone, and Rectal Temperature in Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*). *Aquatic Mammals 37*(4), 433-442, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.433 Siebert, U., Pozniak, B., Anderson Hansen, K., Nordstrom, G., Teilmann, J., van Elk, N., Vossen, A., Dietz, R. 2011. Investigations of Thyroid and Stress Hormones in Free-Ranging and Captive Harbor Porpoises (*Phocoena phocoena*): A Pilot Study. *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 443-453, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.443 Bartha, G.B., Gowans, S., Simard, P., Tetley, M., Keith, E.O. 2011. Population Size and Site Fidelity of North Atlantic Minke Whales (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata*) off the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 454-463, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.454 Miksis-Olds, J.L., Parks, S.E. 2011. Seasonal Trends in Acoustic Detection of Ribbon Seal (*Histriophoca fasciata*) Vocalizations in the Bering Sea. *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 464-471, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.464 Gomez-Salazar, C., Trujillo, F., Whitehead, H. 2011. Photo-Identification: A Reliable and Noninvasive Tool for Studying Pink River Dolphins (*Inia geoffrensis*). *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 472-485, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.472 Le Boeuf, B.J., Condit, R., Morris, P.A., Reiter, J. 2011. The Northern Elephant Seal (*Mirounga angustirostris*) Rookery at Año Nuevo: A Case Study in Colonization. *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 486-501, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.486 * Short Notes* Melillo-Sweeting, K., Reid, J.P., Gittens, L., Adimey, N., Dillet, J.Z. 2011. Observations and Relocation of a West Indian Manatee (*Trichechus manatus*) off Bimini, The Bahamas. *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 502-505, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.502 Baird, R.W., Schorr, G.S., Webster, D.L., Mahaffy, S.D., McSweeney, D.J., Hanson, M.B., Andrews, R.D. 2011. Open-Ocean Movements of a Satellite-Tagged Blainville’s Beaked Whale (*Mesoplodon densirostris*): Evidence for an Offshore Population in Hawai‘i?, *Aquatic Mammals *2011, *37 *(4), 506-511, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.506 Martín, V., Tejedor, M. Pérez-Gil, M., L. Dalebout, L., Arbelo, M., Fernández, A. 2011. A Sowerby’s Beaked Whale (*Mesoplodon bidens*) Stranded in the Canary Islands: The Most Southern Record in the Eastern North Atlantic. *Aquatic Mammals *2011, *37*(4), 512-519, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.512 *Historical Perspectives* Ray, G.C., Potter, Jr., F.M. 2011. Historical Perspectives* Aquatic Mammals* , *37*(4), 520-552, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.520 * Obituary/Tribute* Aquatic Mammals. 2011. Obituary for Victor B. Scheffer, Ph.D. *Aquatic Mammals*, *37*(4), 553-554, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.37.4.2011.553

1 0