June 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Post-Doc Opportunity
by Andy Read 21 Jun '11

21 Jun '11

Andy Read and Doug Nowacek of the Marine Conservation Ecology Group at Duke University seek a postdoctoral researcher to conduct an analysis of the response of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) to signals produced by a SIMRAD EK-60 scientific echosounder system during a controlled field experiment. The analysis will involve several response variables, including vocalization rate and three-dimensional patterns of movement, obtained from Digital Acoustic Tags (DTags). In addition, the analysis will examine patterns of group cohesion using data collected during focal animal follows. The successful candidate will conduct data analyses, prepare reports and submit manuscripts to peer reviewed journals. Quantitative analytical skills are required, including relevant experience analyzing behavioral and acoustic data. We expect the candidate to engage fully in the intellectual life of our laboratory and take advantage of research, mentoring and teaching opportunities as they arise. The Duke University Marine Laboratory located in Beaufort, NC is a vibrant research and educational community located on the North Carolina coast in Beaufort and is part of the Nicholas School of the Environment. This is a one-year, full-time appointment with an annual salary of $45,000, with the possibility of renewal. The position carries standard health and benefits of employment from Duke University. Prospective applicants should send a CV, statement of interest and the names of three references to Jennifer Dunn (jennifer.dunn(a)duke.edu ) by July 31st 2011.

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Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference IV next April
by Larkin,Iskande V 21 Jun '11

21 Jun '11

Hi All, Please find details of our upcoming Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference IV next April at the following link: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/marinemammal/index.htm If you need any further information or have any questions, please contact: Roger Reep Conference Chair University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine EMAIL: reep(a)mbi.ufl.edu<mailto:reep@mbi.ufl.edu> Sincerely, Iske Iske V. Larkin, PhD Research Assistant Professor & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/extension/aquatic/

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Large Whale Team Lead Position at NEFSC
by Michael Simpkins 21 Jun '11

21 Jun '11

The Protected Species Branch of NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole, MA, is recruiting a Supervisory Research Ecologist/Zoologist, full-time permanent position to lead its Large Whale Team. The Large Whale Team Lead's primary role will be to lead NOAA's North Atlantic large whale ecological research program. This research will focus on the population dynamics and ecology of large whales to achieve such objectives as better defining critical habitat for whale species in the Northwest Atlantic and providing guidance for NOAA managers on conservation topics such as the development of protective measures to reduce gear interactions and ship strikes. The incumbent will design and direct studies of right whale ecology. The incumbent will also lead a number of other cooperative research projects, including our continuing research with the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on right and humpback whales. A secondary responsibility of this position will be to assist in the development and implementation of short to long-term extramural research on large whale ecology in New England. The individual should have at least a MS in Biological Sciences (PhD preferred), experience leading small research teams, and experience publishing and presenting. Large whale or marine mammal experience is not a requirement. The position is advertised as a Supervisory ZP-IV (equivalent to GS-13/14) with promotion potential to ZP-V (equivalent to GS-15).The opportunity is posted for both "status" (e.g., current federal employees) and "non-status" (general public) candidates.The "status" announcement number is NMFS-NEFSC-2011-0085, and the "non-status" announcement number is NMFS-NEFSC-2011-0087. The opportunity will close on 4 July 2011.The short open period reflects NOAA's new expedited hiring schedule. -- Mike Simpkins, Ph.D. Chief, Protected Species Branch Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/NMFS 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543 Phone: 508-495-2358 Fax: 508-495-2032

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New publication: Manatee genetic in Mexico
by Coralie nourisson 20 Jun '11

20 Jun '11

Dear Marmam subscribers, We are pleased to announce that our following paper has just been published online in Genetica: Evidence of two genetic clusters of manatees with low genetic diversity in Mexico and implications for their conservation. Coralie Nourisson, Benjamín Morales-Vela, Janneth Padilla-Saldívar, Kimberly Pause Tucker, AnnMarie Clark, Leon David Olivera-Gómez, Robert Bonde and Peter McGuire. DOI: 10.1007/s10709-011-9583-z Abstract: The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) occupies the tropical coastal waters of the Greater Antilles and Caribbean, extending from Mexico along Central and South America to Brazil. Historically, manatees were abundant in Mexico, but hunting during the pre-Columbian period, the Spanish colonization and throughout the history of Mexico, has resulted in the significantly reduced population occupying Mexico today. The genetic structure, using microsatellites, shows the presence of two populations in Mexico: the Gulf of Mexico (GMx) and Chetumal Bay (ChB) on the Caribbean coast, with a zone of admixture in between. Both populations show low genetic diversity (GMx: NA = 2.69; HE = 0.41 and ChB: NA = 3.0; HE = 0.46). The lower genetic diversity found in the GMx, the largest manatee population in Mexico, is probably due to a combination of a founder effect, as this is the northern range of the sub-species of T. m. manatus, and a bottleneck event. The greater genetic diversity observed along the Caribbean coast, which also has the smallest estimated number of individuals, is possibly due to manatees that come from the GMx and Belize. There is evidence to support limited or unidirectional gene flow between these two important areas. The analyses presented here also suggest minimal evidence of a handful of individual migrants possibly between Florida and Mexico. To address management issues we suggest considering two distinct genetic populations in Mexico, one along the Caribbean coast and one in the riverine systems connected to the GMx. For subscribers, it can be downloaded from: http://www.springerlink.com/content/v60407h3023q84jt/ Please feel free to contact me for questions or for a copy of the pdf. ( <mailto:coralie.nourisson@gmail.com> coralie.nourisson(a)gmail.com) Best regards, Coralie -- Coralie Nourisson ECOSUR - Proyecto manati Av Centenario Km 5.5 Chetumal Q.Roo 77900 Mexico <mailto:coralie.nourisson@gmail.com> coralie.nourisson(a)gmail.com <http://www.geomare.org> www.geomare.org

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M.E.E.R. field course, autumn 2011
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 20 Jun '11

20 Jun '11

Dear Fellow-Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from 10-24 October 2011 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 23 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification, data handling and more. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt" by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208&L=2 The price is 899.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 July 2011 at a price of 849.- € For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to info(a)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), and "Oceano Gomera" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. & Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. Ritter, F. (2007): BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS TO A DEAD NEWBORN CALF. Marine Mammal Science, 23(2): 429-433 Carrillo, M. & Ritter, F. (2008). Increasing Numbers of Ship Strikes in the Canary Islands: Proposals for Immediate Action to Reduce Risk of Vessel-Whale Collisions. IWC Document SC/60/BC6. Smit, V.; Ritter, F., Ernert, A. & Strüh, N. (2010): Habitat partitioning by cetaceans in a multi-species ecosystem around the oceanic island of La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, Stralsund, Germany, March 2010 -- Fabian Ritter -Vorsitzender/President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams)

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New paper on whistle communication in killer whales
by Volker Deecke 20 Jun '11

20 Jun '11

Dear colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the following paper, recently published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology: Riesch, Rüdiger and Deecke, Volker B. 2011. Whistle communication in mammal-eating killer whales (Orcinus orca): further evidence for acoustic divergence between ecotypes. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 65:1377–1387, doi:10.1007/s00265-011-1148-8 ABSTRACT Public signaling plays an important role in territorial and sexual displays in animals; however, in certain situations, it is advantageous to keep signaling private to prevent eavesdropping by unintended receivers. In the northeastern Pacific, two populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca), fish-eating “resident” killer whales and mammal-eating “transient” killer whales, share the same habitat. Previous studies have shown that residents use whistles as private signals during close-range communication, where they probably serve to coordinate behavioral interactions. Here, we investigated the whistling behavior of mammal-eating killer whales, and, based on divergent social structures and social behaviors between residents and transients, we predicted to find differences in both whistle usage and whistle parameters. Our results show that, like resident killer whales, transients produce both variable and stereotyped whistles. However, clear differences in whistle parameters between ecotypes show that the whistle repertoire of mammal-eating killer whales is clearly distinct from and less complex than that of fish-eating killer whales. Furthermore, mammal-eating killer whales only produce whistles during “milling after kill” and “surface-active” behaviors, but are almost completely silent during all other activities. Nonetheless, whistles of transient killer whales may still serve a role similar to that of resident killer whales. Mammal-eating killer whales seem to be under strong selection to keep their communication private from potential prey (whose hearing ranges overlap with that of killer whales), and they appear to accomplish this mainly by restricting vocal activity rather than by changes in whistle parameters. KEYWORDS: Acoustic crypsis, communication networks, eavesdropping, feeding ecology, predation, private signals, public signals, social networks Please contact the first author Rüdiger Riesch <rwriesch(a)ncsu.edu<mailto:rwriesch@ncsu.edu>> with any questions about this research. Best regards Volker ------------------------------------------------ Dr. Volker Deecke Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB Scotland UK Phone +44.1334.463459 Fax +44.1334.463443 ------------------------------------------------ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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New minke whale website launched
by Maja Weilenmann 20 Jun '11

20 Jun '11

To Promote the Fascinating Lives of Minke Whales The Swiss-Canadian research organisation ORES (Ocean Research and Education Society) just launched their new website to share their tremendous knowledge on the biology and ecology of minke whales. ORES' researchers believe that it is their obligation to share their passion with the global public in order to contribute to the conservation and protection not only of minke whales, but all inhabitants they share their marine environment with. Since the early Nineties, their dedicated long-term studies in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Eastern Canada, have opened an unexpected and unique view into the fascinating lives of the poorly known minke whales. Visit www.ores.org and ... travel to our study site in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park: ☞ St. Lawrence Estuary ... participate in our field courses: ☞ Field course ... learn about their distribution, habitat use, feeding behaviours and unique individuality: ☞ minke whales ... get to know our 270+ minke whales, many of which are known since almost 20 years: ☞ ID catalogue ... meet individual minke whales such as Loca, the creative hunter, Shawne, the curious youngster or Three Scars, the survivor: ☞ Portraits ... read about how you can support our dedication to promote the minke whales worldwide: ☞ Support ... get to know our unique life-sized cetaceans useful for education: ☞ Life-sized cetaceans ... simply enjoy the beauty of the incredible minke whales. Please feel free to contact us for any feedbacks, impressions, feelings, corrections and suggestions you might have. As we love to hear from you! ORES (Ocean Research and Education Society) Ursula Tscherter, director utscherter(a)ores.org Stay tuned on www.ores.org as the field season is just about to start. Join us on facebook at "Minke whale enthusiasts".

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Re: [MARMAM] New paper: gray whale offshore migratory corridors
by Jim 19 Jun '11

19 Jun '11

> A new paper is now available: > Sumich, J.L., and Show, I.T. 2011. Offshore migratory morridors and aerial > photogrammetric body length comparisons of southbound gray whales, > Eschrichtius robustus, in the southern California Bight, 1988-1990. Marine > Fisheries Review 73: 28-34. > > Abstract: > Through most of their annual migration, gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus, > remain within 10 km of shore, but in the Southern California Bight many > individuals migrate much farther from shore. This paper summarizes aerial > survey and photogrammetric efforts to determine body lengths and temporal and > spatial distributions of migratory gray whales in the southern portion of the > Southern California Bight. Aerial surveys were flown along 13 east–west > transects between lat. 32°35′N and 33°30′N during the southbound gray whale > migratory seasons of 1988–90 in the Southern California Bight. Photogrammetry > was used to obtain body length estimates of animals during some of the > surveys. A total of 1,878 whales in 675 groups were sighted along 25,440 km of > transect distance flown and 217 body lengths were measured. Using position and > heading data, three major migratory pathways or corridors in the southern > portion of the bight are defined. Those migrating offshore were split almost > evenly between two corridors along the west sides of Santa Catalina and San > Clemente Islands. These corridors converge on the mainland coast between San > Diego and the United States–Mexico border. No whales larger than 11.5 m were > photographed within 30 km of the mainland coast, suggesting that smaller, and > presumably younger, whales use the coastal migratory corridor through the > California Bight. > > A PDF can be downloaded from: http://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/mfr731/mfr7313.pdf > > Jim Sumich

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new publication
by William Perrin 17 Jun '11

17 Jun '11

A new paper is available: Perrin, W. F. and S. J. Chivers. 2011. Osteological specimens of tropical dolphins (/Delphinus, Grampus, Lagenodelphis, Stenella, Steno /and /Tursiops/) killed in the tuna fishery in the eastern tropical Pacific (1966--1992) and placed in museums by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-477 (Available at http://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/TM/SWFSC/NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-477.pdf) This report lists the placement of 2454 osteological specimens (skulls, some with postcranial skeletons) in 17 museums and collections in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, France and the Netherlands. Bill Perrin

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NOAA Fisheries seeks comments on Monk Seal Critical Habitat Revision, deadline August 31, 2011
by Jonathan Shannon 17 Jun '11

17 Jun '11

NOAA's Fisheries Service has proposed 16 areas as critical habitat for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and is inviting public comment. The proposed revision includes expanding the 1988 critical habitat designation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and adding new areas throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. NOAA's Fisheries Service is accepting comments on the proposed revision through August 31, 2011. Dates, times and venues for public hearings will be available on our website at: http:www.fpir.noaa.gov. NOAA's Fisheries Service will review comments and issue a final rule, expected by June 2, 2012. To submit comments on the proposed critical habitat revision for the Hawaiian monk seal, use any of the following methods: . Submit comments online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, *RIN 0648--BA81* . Mail or hand deliver written comments to: Regulatory Branch Chief Protected Resources Division NMFS Pacific Islands Region 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814 Attn: Proposed Critical Habitat Revision for the Hawaiian monk seal Thank you for your input. -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist (301) 427-8404 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov

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