March 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Paper on Sperm whale and Pacific Ocean Profile of CYP1A expression, stable isotope ratios and contaminant burdens
by Godard-Codding, Celine 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Dear Colleagues, I would like to bring to your attention the following paper, "Pacific Ocean-wide Profile of CYP1A1 Expression, Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Ratios, and Organic Contaminant Burden in Sperm Whale Skin Biopsies", published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives 119, 337-343. A PDF copy can be downloaded free from the journal's website at http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/home.action or you can send me a direct request for the PDF at celine.godard-codding(a)tiehh.ttu.edu Abstract: -Background: Ocean pollution affects marine organisms and ecosystems as well as humans. The International Oceanographic Commission recommends for ocean health monitoring programs to investigate the presence of marine contaminants and the health of threatened species and to include multiple and early-warning biomarker approaches. -Objectives: We explored the hypothesis that biomarker and contaminant analyses in skin biopsies of the threatened sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) could reveal geographical trends in exposure on an ocean-wide scale. -Methods: We analyzed CYP1A1 expression (by immunohistochemistry), stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios (as general indicators of trophic position and latitude, respectively), and contaminant burdens in skin biopsies to explore regional trends in the Pacific Ocean. -Results: Biomarker analyses revealed significant regional differences within the Pacific Ocean. CYP1A1 expression was highest in whales from the Galapagos, a UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve, and lowest in the sampling sites furthest away from continents. The possible influence of the whales' sex, diet, or range and other parameters on regional variation in CYP1A1 expression was examined but found inconclusive. In general, CYP1A1 expression was not significantly correlated with contaminant burdens in blubber. However, small sample sizes precluded detailed chemical analyses and power to detect significant associations was limited. -Conclusions: Our large-scale monitoring study was successful at identifying regional differences in CYP1A1 expression, providing a baseline for this known biomarker of exposure to AHR agonists. However, we could not identify factors that explained this variation. Future ocean-wide CYP1A1 expression profiles in cetacean skin biopsies are warranted and could reveal whether globally distributed chemicals occur at biochemically-relevant concentrations on a global basis, which may provide a measure of ocean integrity. Céline ***************************************************************** Céline Godard-Codding, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Environmental Toxicology The Institute of Environmental and Human Health Texas Tech University and TTU Health Sciences Center Box 41163 Lubbock, Texas 79409-1163 Office: (806)-885-0337 Fax: (806)-885-4577 http://www.tiehh.ttu.edu/godard-codding/ http://www.tiehh.ttu.edu *****************************************************************

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Professional Master of Science - University of Miami
by MPS 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to new, exciting graduate degree programs in Marine Science that will be offered this Fall (2011) at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS): the Professional Master of Science (MPS). The MPS is an innovative graduate degree at the University of Miami intended for students who seek advanced training in the marine science and conservation fields, as well as the development of workplace skills highly valued by employers. The MPS program prepares students for science careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations where employment demands are growing. The curriculum is structured to allow students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months, with the training and real-world experience necessary for employment in entry to mid-level positions in today's professional job market. The curriculum combines rigorous study in select areas of marine and atmospheric science with interdisciplinary coursework in business, public health, communications, law and other professional domains. In place of a research-based thesis, all MPS students complete a 3-6 month internship in a business, government, or public sector enterprise, where they learn to apply their skills in a "hands-on" setting. All MPS graduates must complete 30 credits, consisting of 24 credits of graduate coursework and 6 credits of internship training. Please be advised that this program is self-funded, and standard University of Miami tuition rates (i.e. per credit) apply. The deadline for applications for the Fall semester is June 1, 2011. Tracks to be offered in the Fall 2011 include: Marine Science * Marine Mammal Science * Marine Conservation * Coastal Zone Management * Fisheries Science * Aquaculture * Oceans and Human Health * Tropical Marine Ecology * Underwater Archeology For more information and application instructions, please visit our web page - http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/

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PhD course in acoustic methods
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Dear All, I am pleased to draw your attention to a summer PhD course in techniques for studying Animal Acoustic Communication in air and water: PhD summer course: Acoustic Communication in Denmark, August 2011 For more information: How to apply og procedure in case of waiting list: http://www.snak.biology.sdu.dk/acoustic.html Questions? Please contact: Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard jcd(a)biology.sdu.dk<mailto:jcd@biology.sdu.dk> Annemarie Surlykke ams(a)biology.sdu.dk<mailto:ams@biology.sdu.dk> Best, Peter www.marinebioacoustics.com

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IBAC 2011 La Rochelle, France : Registration and Abstract Submission Open !
by Isabelle Charrier 07 Mar '11

07 Mar '11

Dear All, _Both registration and abstract submission_ are now open for the XXIII meeting of the _ __International BioAcoustic Coucil (IBAC)_ that will be held in the city of La Rochelle, France, from 12-16 September 2011 at the Aquarium. __ The objective of IBAC meeting is to promote international participation throughout the entire field of bioacoustical activity. The subject of bioacoustics is principally a marriage between the fields of biology and physical acoustics. Given its multidisciplinary nature, IBAC aims to bring together, in informal settings, biologists from different specialisms (ethologists, physiologists, taxonomists, etc) with engineers, sound archivists and amateur sound recordists, to foster discussion and exchange of ideas. The scientific program will be composed of sessions of invited speakers integrated with thematic symposia and poster presentations. More information are available on the following website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr/ibac2011 We hope to see you in La Rochelle next September ! The Organising Committee -- ************************************************************************ Isabelle CHARRIER Equipe Communications Acoustiques, CNPS-CNRS UMR 8195 Université Paris Sud, Bat.446, 91405 Orsay, FRANCE Tel:(33-1).69.15.68.26 Fax:(33-1).69.15.77.26 Email: isabelle.charrier(a)u-psud.fr new Isabelle's website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr/pinniped/ Bioacoustics Team website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr/ ************************************************************************

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dugong calf nursery
by quere＠uni-bremen.de 05 Mar '11

05 Mar '11

Dear all, I've been approached by former colleagues that an approximately 2 month old Dugong calf has been found by local dive resort staff off the coast in Northern Sulawesi. The calf was in very bad shape when found, but is getting better. Apparently, the people would like to nurse that mammal themselves. They were asking for volunteers to help as well. However, it is unclear for my colleagues, who, if anyone, would be able to nurse the dugong in an appropriate way on the long term. Dugong sightings are relatively rare around those islands (Bangka) now, so they doubt whether releasing the animal is a wise thing to do. Any advice with regard to a suitable nursery is appreciated; anyone with experience on nursing those mammals is of course very welcome to contact me. Thanks a lot in advance. Kind regards, Gaëlle Gaëlle Quéré PhD candidate Leibnitz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) GmbH Fahrenheitstr. 6 D-28359 Bremen, Germany email: gaelle.quere(a)zmt-bremen.de web: www.zmt-bremen.de

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Dr. Peter J. H. van Bree
by Danielle Kreb 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

Dear MARMAMers, It is with great regret to inform you that Dr. Peter J. H. van Bree has passed peacefully away at the age of 83. Peter van Bree has worked most of his career as conservator of the Zoological Museum of Amsterdam, from where he conducted a lot of systematic work on marine mammals in particular cetaceans and pinnipedia while publishing his first article on cetaceans in 1963. He also actively supported conservation work all around the globe and received several honours such as "Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau" and "Officer in the Order of the Golden Ark" to name a few. He has been chairman of the Netherlands Committee of the IUCN and has been member of IUCN Species Survival Commission and its Steering Committee for a long time. Peter van Bree has also devoted much of his time to his tasks as secretary of the Van Tienhoven Stichting and Dutch Commission for International Nature Protection, advisor on mammals of the Advisory Committee of the Netherlands Scientfic Authority for CITES and several other working groups. Peter van Bree also has actively guided many students and researchers including myself even after his retirement while sharing his excellent and most complete literature collection and good advice. His good sense of humor, kindness and enthusiasm for the conservation and research on marine mammals will not easily be forgotten. Any condolences may be forwarded to his nephew Marc van Bree (marc.van.bree(a)hetnet.nl) May his soul rest in peace.. With all respect, Danielle Kreb -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Komp. Pandan Harum Indah (Erlisa) Blok D, No. 87 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.206406 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.110mb.com

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Remora Voucher specimens collected from cetaceans?
by Sociedad Ecológica SEA VIDA 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

Dear Marmamers, some colleagues and myself are writing an abstract for a poster on a remora collected directly from a live-stranded Atlantic spotted dolphin in my study area, the State of Aragua, in central Venezuela, in order to be presented in a scientific meeting on Ichthyology. To the best of my knowledge, there are not many voucher specimens collected directly from cetaceans. I am interested in learning about the existence in museums of suckerfish collected directly from cetaceans, in order to discuss the topic in our poster and for probable publication. Please forward your response to my gmail address, bolanos.jimenez(a)gmail.com. Your help will be properly acknowledged. I thank you all in advance. Jaime

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Call for Abstracts - 3rd Symposium on Acoustic Communication in Animals
by Aaron N. Rice 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

*CALL FOR ABSTRACTS* *3rd Symposium on Acoustic Communication by Animals* *August 1?5, 2011* *Cornell University, Ithaca, NY* This four day conference will bring together experts, students and others working in the field of acoustic communication by all species of animals. The topics will cover a wide range of subjects in this new and emerging field. Participants may submit abstracts for poster or oral presentations. An extended abstract (up to two pages) is required and must be in English. The presentation type for each contributor (poster or oral) will be chosen by the organizers to fit the schedule. For more information, or to submit abstracts, please visit the Symposium Website <http://www.certain.com/system/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x2160313c2a&va…> Abstract submission deadline: April 8, 2011 Sponsored by the Acoustical Society of America <http://asa.aip.org/> Office of Naval Research<http://www.onr.navy.mil/> Cornell University Bioacoustics Research Program <http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp>

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2011 Global Fellows/Marine Mammal Announcement
by Erin LaBrecque 03 Mar '11

03 Mar '11

Please contact Debbie Pease (drpease1(a)duke.edu) with questions. Cheers, Erin ------- Original Message -------- Subject: 2011 Global Fellows/Marine Mammal Announcement Date: Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:08:03 -0500 From: Debbie Pease <drpease1(a)duke.edu> To: Erin LaBrecque <eal12(a)duke.edu> Good Afternoon Everyone, I am the administrator for the Duke Center for Marine Conservation at the Duke University Marine Lab. Our purpose is to offer educational, research and collaborative opportunities for persons or organizations in the field of marine conservation. Each year, the Duke University Marine Laboratory/Duke Center for Marine Conservation offers an exciting opportunity for international students. Duke's Integrated Marine Conservation Program teaches the principles necessary to the conservation and preservation of the coastal and oceanic environment. The focus is on interdisciplinary problem solving---using natural and social science theory to resolve real world environmental problems. This program is a tremendous opportunity for students at any level to think about conservation biology and policy in an environment full of students and faculty grappling with the same issues. The core class - BIO 109/ENV209 Conservation Biology and Policy - involves field trips, discussion groups, role play, lecture and a final project that focuses on the integration of science and policy. Students will leave the class with an appreciation of the policy process, as well as knowledge in the fundamentals of marine conservation. Our Marine Mammals course Biology 126L this summer will be taught by Dr. David Johnston. The Course includes....the biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters. Topics covered include the diversity, evolution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals and their interactions with humans. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Evaluation of the scientific, ethical, and aesthetic factors influencing societal attitudes toward these animals and of their conservation management in light of domestic legislation and international treaties. In anticipation of a positive response, I thank you. Sincerely, Debbie My Contact Information is as follows: Debbie Pease, Executive Assistant Duke Center for Marine Conservation Duke University Marine Lab 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort, NC 28516 Phone: 252-504-7636 Fax: 252-504-7638 Email: drpease1(a)duke.edu <mailto:drpease1@duke.edu> **GLOBAL FELLOWSHIPS IN MARINE CONSERVATION ** (Summer Term II) /*Deadline: *//*31 March 2011*/ For additional information regarding the Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation applicants are encouraged to contact ml_admissions(a)nicholas.duke.edu <mailto:ml_admissions@nicholas.duke.edu>. Fellowships for international students will fully cover travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for two courses, your required course BIOLOGY 109/ENVIRON 109/ENVIRON 209 Conservation Biology and Policy and an elective course of your choice to subject to availability. The courses begin on July 11 and ends on August 12, 2011. /*Eligibility*/ The Global Fellowships are available to any international applicant with a good working knowledge of English who has an interest and qualifications in marine conservation biology. The course requires some background in marine science and political science. Usually Global Fellows have a BA or BS degree in hand. /*Application */ There is no separate fellowship application form. Intent to apply for a fellowship should be made known on the summer course *enrollment form* <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/enrollment_forms/index.html>. /*Required Credentials*/ In addition to the enrollment form, each Global Fellowship applicant is required to submit the following credentials: 1. A brief essay - please limit this to one page - describing the applicant's education, research, and work experience background please note a Curriculum Vitae does not take the place of this essay; 2. A brief statement of purpose - please limit this to one page - i.e., describing the applicant's reason for taking the course, how the applicant will be able to apply the training in his/her home country, the applicant's future goals; 3. A letter of recommendation from academic faculty or employer addressed to Dr. Larry Crowder. We do not offer guidelines about the information to be included in your reference letter. These letters typically include how the referee knows you, his/her opinions of your work together in the past, and thoughts about whether he/she feels you'd be well suited to this program. 4. A Complete Curriculum Vitae 5. A copy of your transcript is preferred. It may be an unofficial version. The transcript can be emailed to drpease1(a)duke.edu <mailto:drpease1@duke.edu> or faxed to (252) 504-7638 or scanned and emailed to the attention of Debbie Pease. A non-certified translation of the transcript is fine. If sending a transcript is impossible, then please send a copy of your degree. If a traditional transcript is available, documentation certifying your courses, grades and official notes taken in each course during university studies in addition to a copy of your diploma will be required. *All credentials* are to be *posted* to: The Duke University Marine Lab, Attention: Debbie Pease, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort NC 28516, USA; or *faxed* to 252-504-7638 to the attention of Debbie Pease; or *scanned* and sent in MS Word or pdf format as an email attachment to drpease1(a)duke.edu <mailto:drpease1@duke.edu>. No other format will be accepted. /*Due Date*/ Global Fellowship applications and credentials must be received no later than 1 *April 2011* by Ms. Debbie Pease (drpease1(a)duke.edu <mailto:drpease1@duke.edu>). All applicants will be notified of their award status shortly after the deadline date. We appreciate your interest in our Global Fellows program. If you have any questions you may contact Ms. Debbie Pease at drpease1(a)duke.edu <mailto:drpease1@duke.edu>.

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New paper on killer whale exposure to engine exhaust
by lachmuth＠zoology.ubc.ca 03 Mar '11

03 Mar '11

Dear Colleagues, I would like to bring to your attention the following paper, Estimation of southern resident killer whale exposure to exhaust emissions from whale watching vessels and potential adverse health effects and toxicity thresholds. The article is currently in Press in Marine Pollution Bulletin (doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.01.002), and can be found at www.sciencedirect.com. Abstract Southern resident killer whales in British Columbia and Washington are exposed to heavy vessel traffic. This study investigates their exposure to exhaust gases from whale-watching vessels by using a simple dispersion model incorporating data on whale and vessel behavior, atmospheric conditions, and output of airborne pollutants from the whale-watching fleet based on emissions data from regulatory agencies. Our findings suggest that current whale-watching guidelines are usually effective in limiting pollutant exposure to levels at or just below those at which measurable adverse health effects would be expected in killer whales. However, safe pollutant levels are exceeded under worst-case conditions and certain average- case conditions. To reduce killer whale exposure to exhaust we recommend: vessels position on the downwind side of whales, a maximum of 20 whale-watching vessels should be within 800 m at any given time, viewing periods should be limited, and current whale-watch guidelines and laws should be enforced. Please feel free to contact me with questions and for reprints. Cheers, Cara Cara Lachmuth, MSc 5195 William Head Rd. Victoria, BC V9C 4H5 Phone: (250) 884-6773 Email: lachmuth(a)zoology.ubc.ca

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