May 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Fall 2011 Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Jamie Klaus 09 May '11

09 May '11

Marine Mammal Research Internship Program Description The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine mammal science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research and will participate in other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine mammal research. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: * Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. * Be available to work Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 4 PM and must be available for all boat trips. * Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. * Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), and boat based field research. * Secondary Duties involve: Working with animal care staff, attending marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies, responding to strandings, assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 ˚F in summer to 30 ˚F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur once or twice a week. May include overnight trips. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. To Apply Please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship.php and refer to the <http://imms.org/downloads/applications/IMMS_research_internship_application .pdf> Research Internship Application for submission deadlines.

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New publication: “Porpicide” in California: Killing of harbor porpoises by coastal bottlenose dolphins
by Mark Cotter 08 May '11

08 May '11

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent online publication of the following paper: Cotter, M. P., Maldini, D. and Jefferson, T. A. (2011), “Porpicide” in California: Killing of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) by coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science, 27: no. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2011.00474.x http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2011.00474.x/abstract Abstract Between 2007 and 2009, we witnessed three aggressive interactions between harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay, California. This is the first time such aggression has been documented in the Pacific, and the first time a harbor porpoise was collected immediately after witnessing its death, inflicted by bottlenose dolphins. Of the bottlenose dolphins present, 92% were males either confirmed (61%) or putative (31%). Since 2005, 44 harbor porpoise deaths inflicted by bottlenose dolphins were documented in California. Aberrant behavior was rejected as a cause of aggression, based on widespread documentation of similar behaviors in other populations of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. The evidence for interspecies territoriality as a form of competition for prey was weak: there is little dietary overlap and there are differences in bottlenose dolphin and harbor porpoise distribution patterns in California. Object-oriented play was plausible as a form of practice to maintain intraspecific infanticidal skills or a form of play to maintain fighting skills between male associates. Contributing factors could be high-testosterone levels, as attacks occurred at the height of the breeding season, and/or a skewed operational sex ratio. Ultimately, we need more information about bottlenose dolphin social structure at the time of the aggression. Please feel free to contact me directly for a copy of the pdf. (markpcotter(a)hotmail.com) Best regards, Mark ----------------------------------- Mark P. Cotter Field Director Okeanis Moss Landing, CA 95039 Phone: 508-944-4664 markpcotter(a)hotmail.com

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Recent Publication: Relative quantity judgments in South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens).
by "José Francisco Zamorano Abramson" 08 May '11

08 May '11

Dear Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: Relative quantity judgments in South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). Abramson J.Z., Victoria Hernández-Lloreda, Josep Call and Fernando Colmenares. The article is currently in press in Animal Cognition (doi: 10.1007/s10071-011-0404-7), and can be found at the journal website http://www.springerlink.com/content/w4n55tq8v61356g1/ or by contacting: zabramson(a)psi.ucm.es Abstract There is accumulating evidence that a variety of species possess quantitative abilities although their cognitive substrate is still unclear. This study is the first to investigate whether sea lions (Otaria flavescens), in the absence of training, are able to assess and select the larger of two sets of quantities. In Experiment 1, the two sets of quantities were presented simultaneously as whole sets, that is, the subjects could compare them directly. In Experiment 2, the two sets of quantities were presented item-by-item, and the totality of items was never visually available at the time of choice. For each type of presentation, we analysed the effect of the ratio between quantities, the difference between quantities and the total number of items presented. The results showed that (1) sea lions can make relative quantity judgments successfully and (2) there is a predominant influence of the ratio between quantities on the subjects’ performance. The latter supports the idea that an analogue representational mechanism is responsible for sea lions’ relative quantities judgments. These findings are consistent with previous reports of relative quantities judgments in other species such as monkeys and apes and suggest that sea lions might share a similar mechanism to compare and represent quantities. Cheers, José Fco. Zamorano-Abramson Departamento de Psicobiología Facultad de Psicología Universidad Complutense de Madrid Campus de Somosaguas 28223 Madrid, Spain e-mail: zabramson(a)psi.ucm.es

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URGENT: Irish Seal Sanctuary Resident Volunteers Required for June onwards
by ISS Management 06 May '11

06 May '11

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, *UK, Northern Ireland, Ireland based*, who are able to come for a minimum of 3 months starting from June 2011. *Role 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, there is a fee that helps towards shared accommodation and basic groceries. Volunteers are required to have an advanced level of English, in both speaking and comprehension. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ireland. We require a police background check and an up to date TB and tetanus. *Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to):* The volunteers will report to the 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. - Interacting and giving tours to the public through the sanctuary. *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 with/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 If you require more information please email nicola_dutymanager(a)irishsealsanctuary.ie To apply for this position please fill out an application form, available at www.irishsealsanctuary.ie, and send to Nicola Davies nicola_dutymanager(a)irishsealsanctuary.ie For general information about the Irish Seal Sanctuary visit this website www.irishsealsanctuary.ie

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Dolphin Research Internships - Fall Term (June Application Deadline)
by Emily Guarino 06 May '11

06 May '11

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Fall term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral and cognitive research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational behavioral data * Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for cognitive research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Publications: Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded Imitation in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *** June 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Research", and then "Internship Information". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC. -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Administrative Director of Research Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org

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new paper on acoustic monitoring of Heaviside's dolphins
by ruth leeney 05 May '11

05 May '11

Dear MARMAM community, The following paper has recently been published in Aquatic Mammals. Using Static Acoustic Monitoring to Describe Echolocation Behaviour of Heaviside’s Dolphins (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii) in Namibia. Abstract - Static acoustic monitoring is a cost-effective, low-effort means of gathering large datasets on echolocation click characteristics and habitat use by odontocetes. Heaviside’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii) were monitored using an acoustic monitoring unit, the T-POD, in July 2008 at a site of known high abundance for this species in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The T-POD successfully detected clicks from Heaviside’s dolphins, and these clicks were detected in the 120 to 140 kHz frequency range. A distinct diel pattern to the hourly mean inter-click interval was observed, with higher values during daylight hours than at night, suggesting that click trains are produced at faster rates at night time. There was no apparent diel pattern in the proportion of buzz trains produced, however. A diel pattern in click activity was observed, with many more detection-positive minutes per hour recorded between dusk and dawn, and vocalization activity dropping to low levels in the middle of the day. This corresponded with visual observations made on abundance of dolphins in the study area. These results suggest that Heaviside’s dolphins use this site primarily during the night. Static acoustic monitoring proved to be an effective technique for monitoring patterns of habitat use by Heaviside’s dolphins. To request a pdf of this paper, please contact me at ruleeney(a)yahoo.co.uk . Best wishes, Ruth Also recently published by the Namibian Dolphin Project: Elwen & Leeney (2010) Injury and Subsequent Healing of a Propeller Strike Injury to a Heaviside’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii). Aquatic Mammals 36: 382-387. Ruth H. Leeney http://www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com/ http://www.coastalstudies.org/ http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney

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Genome sequencing of marine mammals -- sharing of plans
by Per Palsböll 05 May '11

05 May '11

Dear fellow MarMammers, As many of you are aware of then sequencing genomes and "transcriptomes" (basically the mRNA from the target cells) is the latest and hottest in genetics. There are several high-level initiatives, the most significant probably the Comparative Genomics project funded and led by NIH in the US as well as the Genome 10k initiative, which, with the major sequencing facilities, is trying to coordinate overall efforts to ensure a broad phylogenetic coverage (across vertebrates) and to avoid duplication of efforts. The main sequencing facility in the US, funded mostly by NIH, is the Broad Institute at MIT. They will sequence several 100s (mainly) mammal and vertebrate genomes during the coming year. This is a tremendous opportunity to get some marine mammals on the "list" and have the genome sequences essentially done for free. The species priority was discussed under the last Genome 10k meeting in Santa Cruz in March. Three "marine mammal" folks were at this workshop, Terri Williams, Neil Gemmel and myself. Scott Baker was at the first Genome 10k meeting and made sure that marine mammals got the deserved attention then, and he has since stayed involved as well. In addition to Broad's efforts then there are also other genome sequencing projects "privately" funded or in the planning by individual labs and/or consortia. Although it is much, much less costly to get a genome sequence today, then it still ends up being a significant monetary and research effort to get to the final assembled stage. A final "genome" sequence today is probably not what most people envision, but mainly a bunch (10,000s) of very long (couple of million base pairs in average) DNA sequences (contigs), which we usually do not know how they go together on chromosomes. To get to something like chromosomal placement (mapping contigs) is another 60 - 100,000 USD. I attach the Genome 10k list as it looks right now. You will see some marine mammals on the list. One key issue is the appropriate amount and quality samples to sequence a genome. Even if the list states that Broad has samples then (upon talking with the people in charge) it turns out that is not the case. So ANY help in getting samples from the targeted species (or a close relative) will be of tremendous value. Basically 500 micrograms of exceedingly HQ DNA is needed. The tissue basically needs to be flash frozen in liquid nitrogen at the sampling, stored in liquid nitrogen or -80 degrees Celsius for a short time and shipped on dry ice to the sequencing facility. Oh... and the sample has to be from the one and same individual AND it has to be a female. We are, with Jooke Robbins and the UC Santa Cruz genome sequencing facility, finding out how much DNA is obtained from a whole standard skin biopsy collected in this manner as in many cases there are permit limitations upon the number and size of skin biopsies that may be collected. We will post the result. As far as I know (in addition to the attached list) then the following genome sequencing projects are done, funded or planned for marine mammals. Done (sort of): Bottlenose dolphin (in Genbank): x2 (how many times each part of the genome has been sequenced) Sanger (the "older" HQ sequencing methods, but too expensive by today's standard) sequencing genome done by the Baylor Sequencing facility several years back. Data consists of some 45,000 contigs and likely a rather incomplete coverage of the dolphin genome. Californian Sea lion (http://sealiongenome.org/) 454 based genome generated by students at San Diego State University. Probably also a rather incomplete coverage of the genome but new classes will continue sequencing thereby increasing coverage. Ongoing (funded "privately" and in addition to MIT/Broad): Narwhal Illumina sequencing of narwhal genome by UC Santa Cruz in collaboration with Terri Williams. North Atlantic humpback whale Illumina-based sequencing of a North Atlantic humpback whale at UC Santa Cruz with Jooke Robbins (Center for Coastal Studies), Carlo Maley (UC San Francisco) and Martine Berube/Per Palsboll (soon at CEES, Groningen University in Holland). Other initiatives I am aware of but unsure of their status; Australian humpback whale. Was contacted by Will Ditcham, from Murdoch University Marine Mammal Health Project, who seems to aim for sequencing a humpback whale genome. Korean minke whale. Was contacted by Dr. Hyung-Soon Yim, Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute, and it appears they might sequence a minke whale North Atlantic harbor porpoise: Maley and Martine Berube and I will also sequence the harbor porpoise if we have sufficient funds after completing the North Atlantic humpback whale PROPOSAL to fellow MarMammers: It is obvious that we are already entering a phase of potential duplication of efforts. I think we stand a unique chance to get a really good coverage of the marine mammals, which makes sense as they are unique mammals. However, to maximize our community efforts I suggest we make some sort of web-site/group page where we can post plans and follow-ups on these to (a) avoid duplication, (b) maximize coverage (c) relay experiences, and (d) foster collaborations. Since most genome sequences will/should go on-line more or less right when completed, then it should be obvious that coordination is best for all involved and to spend our overall resources as optimally as possible. I will be happy to make and curate such a site/page IF people think this is the way to move forward and will post on the site? I would be most grateful for feedback on the above. Best regards, Per J. Palsboll During 2010/2011: Hrdy Fellow Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University BioLabs 4092 16 Divinity Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 U.S.A. Office location: 16 Divinity Ave., BioLabs 4092 Office phone: +1 (617) 495-1568 Cell phone: +1 (857) 544 5844 Otherwise; Untill September 1st, 2011: Stockholm University Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Toxicology 106 91 Stockholm Sweden Visiting address: Svante Arrheniusväg 20, room 545 Office phone: +46 (0)8 16 1998 Mobile phone: +46 (0)73 518 2364 Thereafter; Marine Evolution and Conservation Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies Univesity of Groningen Centre for Life Sciences Postbox 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands

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Equipment for remote biopsies
by Clarencio Baracho 05 May '11

05 May '11

I would like the opinion of colleagues who work with remote biopsies. Currently, we have worked with crossbow to collect samples of skin and blubber of humpback whales, but I would like the opinion of those who work with rifles and other equipment to collect samples of skin and blubber of cetaceans. Especially as regards the range of darts. Colleagues who have used the two methods (crossbow and rifles), what felt better and why? Responses may be sent to my private email: clarencio.baracho(a)baleiajubarte.org.br All the best! Clarêncio Baracho Biólogo - Pesquisador Instituto Baleia Jubarte Tel.: 55-71-3676.1463 Av. do Farol, s/n° - Praia do Forte - Mata de São João- BA - Brasil

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Marine Ecology Progress Series theme session
by Elliott Hazen 04 May '11

04 May '11

Dear all, We wanted to bring to your attention an upcoming theme session in Marine Ecology Progress Series entitled "Tagging through the stages: ontogeny in biologging." If you have papers of interest that examine specific or ideally multiple life stages using tagging techniques, we welcome your submission from now until the 30th of June. The earlier you submit your manuscript the better chance it has at making the theme session. This theme session is a culmination of our workshop at Biologging IV in Tasmania but realize that not everyone was able to attend - attendance is not a prerequisite for submission. For more information on the theme session, to submit a manuscript, or to get more information about MEPS author guidelines, please visit: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/theme-sections/forthcoming-theme-secti… and feel free to email with any questions. Sincerely, Elliott Hazen and Guest Editors

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University of Miami - MPS Program
by MPS 04 May '11

04 May '11

Professional Master of Science 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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