June 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

new publication on the use of dolphin carcasses for the analysis of cetacean population genetic structure
by Kerstin Bilgmann 17 Jun '11

17 Jun '11

Dear MARMAM readers, The following paper has recently been published in PLoS ONE: Bilgmann K, Moller LM, Harcourt RG, Kemper CM, Beheregaray LB (2011) The Use of Carcasses for the Analysis of Cetacean Population Genetic Structure: A Comparative Study in Two Dolphin Species. PLoS ONE 6(5): e20103. doi:10.1371/journal.pone0020103 Abstract: Advances in molecular techniques have enabled the study of genetic diversity and population structure in many different contexts. Studies that assess the genetic structure of cetacean populations often use biopsy samples from free-ranging individuals and tissue samples from stranded animals or individuals that became entangled in fishery or aquaculture equipment. This leads to the question of how representative the location of a stranded or entangled animal is with respect to its natural range, and whether similar results would be obtained when comparing carcass samples with samples from free-ranging individuals in studies of population structure. Here we use tissue samples from carcasses of dolphins that stranded or died as a result of bycatch in South Australia to investigate spatial population structure in two species: coastal bottlenose (*Tursiops* sp.) and short-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*). We compare these results with those previously obtained from biopsy sampled free-ranging dolphins in the same area to test whether carcass samples yield similar patterns of genetic variability and population structure. Data from dolphin carcasses were gathered using seven microsatellite markers and a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region. Analyses based on carcass samples alone failed to detect genetic structure in *Tursiops* sp., a species previously shown to exhibit restricted dispersal and moderate genetic differentiation across a small spatial scale in this region. However, genetic structure was correctly inferred in *D. delphis*, a species previously shown to have reduced genetic structure over a similar geographic area. We propose that in the absence of corroborating data, and when population structure is assessed over relatively small spatial scales, the sole use of carcasses may lead to an underestimate of genetic differentiation. This can lead to a failure in identifying management units for conservation. Therefore, this risk should be carefully assessed when planning population genetic studies of cetaceans. The paper can be downloaded from http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0020103 or you can request a copy by emailing kerstin.bilgmann(a)mq.edu.au. Kind regards, Kerstin -- Dr Kerstin Bilgmann Postdoctoral Research Fellow School of Biological Sciences Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 Australia & Honorary Associate Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University Email: kerstin.bilgmann(a)mq.edu.au Ph: +61 (0) 409134460 Fax: +61 (0) 08 8201 3015

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Job Posting: MMO for pile driving project this summer
by Ampela, Kristen 16 Jun '11

16 Jun '11

Dear colleagues: HDR EOC Inc., is seeking experienced marine mammal observers to conduct monitoring at a construction site in Bangor, WA. The project extends from July 13-September 30, 2011. In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must be U.S. citizens and not hold dual citizenship. Successful applicants will have previous marine mammal monitoring experience, be proficient in marine mammal identification, and have specific knowledge of marine mammal behavior, physiology, and life-history. Observers will be expected to perform data collection and data entry tasks. Observer pay rates vary with experience and those with long-term availability are preferred. Work will be vessel-based and may involve long hours in inclement weather. Shore-based lodging and M&IE provided. If interested, please send an updated CV to: Kristen Ampela at: Kristen.ampela(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:Kristen.ampela@hdrinc.com>. Kristen Ampela, Ph.D. Senior Marine Scientist/Deputy Program Manager HDR ONE COMPANY | Many Solutions 9449 Balboa Avenue Suite 210 | San Diego, CA | 92123 Office: 858.467.4900 x4113 | Fax: 858.278.3078 | Mobile: 858.603.3482 Email: kristen.ampela(a)hdrinc.com www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/>

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new publication
by Leslie Burdett Hart 16 Jun '11

16 Jun '11

Colleagues, We would like to inform you that the following article was recently published in /Diseases of Aquatic Organisms/. *Lacaziosis and lacaziosis-like prevalence among wild, common bottlenose dolphins /Tursiops truncatus/ from the west coast of Florida, USA.* Leslie Burdett Hart, Dave S. Rotstein, Randall S. Wells, Kim Bassos-Hull, Lori H. Schwacke ABSTRACT: Lacaziosis (lobomycosis; /Lacazia loboi/) is a fungal skin disease that naturally occurs only in humans and dolphins. The first reported case of lacaziosis in a bottlenose dolphin /Tursiops truncatus/ occurred in 1970 in Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA, and subsequent photo-ID monitoring of the Sarasota Bay dolphin population has revealed persistence of the disease. The objectives of this study were to estimate lacaziosis prevalence (/P/) in 2 bottlenose dolphin populations on the west coast of Florida (Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor) and compare disease occurrence to other published estimates of lacaziosis in dolphin populations across the globe. Historic photographic records of dolphins captured and released for health assessment purposes (Sarasota Bay) and photo-ID studies (Charlotte Harbor) were screened for evidence of lesions consistent with lacaziosis. Health assessment data revealed a prevalence of lacaziosis in the Sarasota Bay bottlenose dolphin population between 2 and 3%, and analyses of photo-ID data provided a lacaziosis-like prevalence estimate of 2% for Charlotte Harbor dolphins. With the exception of lacaziosis prevalence estimates for dolphins inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon (/P/ = 0.068; /P/ = 0.12), no statistically significant differences were seen among Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and other published estimates. Although lacaziosis is a rare disease among these dolphin populations, studies that assess disease burden among different populations can assist with the surveillance of this zoonotic pathogen. /Diseases of Aquatic Organisms/, Volume 95, Issue 1, Pgs. 49-56. Abstract link: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v95/n1/p49-56/ Please make requests to: Leslie.Burdett(a)noaa.gov -- Leslie (Burdett) Hart, PhD Jardon and Howard Technologies (JHT) National Ocean Service Hollings Marine Laboratory 331 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 Work: 843-725-4831 Fax: 843-762-8737

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ORES - Field training courses 2011
by Maja Weilenmann 16 Jun '11

16 Jun '11

Dear Fellow-Marmamers! The Swiss-Canadian non-profit organisation ORES (Ocean Research and Education Society) would like to announce its summer field courses 2011. The two weeks training courses are open to anybody interested in taking an active role in observing whales, collecting data, applying scientific research methods and in learning about the knowledge gained during the past 20 years of research. Courses are offered from July to September 2011. The flyer 2011 can be downloaded at www.ores.org or requested at utscherter(a)ores.org. STUDYING GREAT WHALES IN A MAIN SUMMER FEEDING GROUND Under the permit of Fisheries & Oceans and the Marine Park authorities ORES conducts long-term studies on the distribution, population dynamics, habitat use, breathing and feeding ecology of minke whales not only on a population but also individual level as single animals are easily identifiable. The study area lies within the boundaries of the first Canadian Marine Park, the St. Lawrence – Saguenay Marine Park, just 220km east-northeast of Quebec City. ORES is dedicated to the study of free-living whales and seals of the St. Lawrence Estuary (Quebec) in Eastern Canada. Each summer up to 150 individual minke whales share these highly dynamic and nutrient rich waters with blue, finback, and humpback whales, and harbour porpoises. The most southerly population of beluga whales also lives here year-round. Research results provide highly important knowledge crucial for any conservation and management efforts. Locally and internationally. The agile and highly active minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), which frequent these waters in high numbers daily, profit from unique environmental parameters such as tidal currents and areas of upwellings often concentrating the prey at the surface. This allows the whales to breath and feed at the same time applying a variety of aerial manoeuvres visible to observers to entrap and engulf the prey. Under the supervision of experienced scientists and during daily boat-based surveys in protected waters (no seasickness) course participants receive on-site training in whale observation and data sampling. On land they will learn to process the data collected and learn about a variety of whale and research related topics through comprehensive lectures. A special focus is given to the photo-identification teaching participants to identify individual whales even in the field. ‘Every day when we got back to the harbour, I would think "Wow! What a great day! It can't get any better than this." Then the next day would come and it would be more amazing then the day before. Watching the minkes as they surface feed or when they are moving up the St. Lawrence was great. But when I started learning the history of the individual whales like Loca and Double Scoop, and then when I was able to identify Owl Eyes, I knew I was making a difference.’ (Testimonial Wendy Beltz, USA) Course dates 2011: Group 1: July 3 - 15 Group 2: July 17 - 29 Group 3: July 31 - August 12 Group 4: August 14 - 26 Group 5: August 28 – September 9 The course fee of Swiss francs 1600 (~ € 1300, US$ 1700) includes accommodation, all transportation, trips to local events, safety equipment, certificate of participation, ORES membership, scientific supervision and lectures. For more information and visuals visit www.ores.org or contact utscherter(a)ores.org for any questions you might have. Ursula Tscherter, project director ORES (Ocean Research and Education Society), Switzerland / Canada

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Lecture on June 21 re: Greece-US Monk Seal Conservation Efforts
by Trevor Spradlin 15 Jun '11

15 Jun '11

The NOAA/NMFS Protected Resources Programs and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (Department of Vertebrate Zoology in conjunction with the Office of Education and National Outreach Program) are pleased to announce that Dr. Alexandros Karamanlidis from MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal will be giving a lecture next week in Washington, DC that will highlight joint efforts by scientists in Greece and the U.S. to conserve and protect the remaining critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals (/Monachus monachus/) and Hawaiian monk seals (/Monachus //schauinslandi/). The lecture will take place at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and will be available to the public in real-time via live video stream on the Web (and will also be archived for future viewing). Following are the details about Dr. Karamanlidis' presentation and how to access it online. We hope you can join us and Dr. Karamanlidis in person or via the Web! Trevor Spradlin and Charles Littnan Charles Potter Protected Resources Programs Collection Manager, Marine Mammals National Marine Fisheries Service National Museum of Natural History National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Smithsonian Institution ********************************** *Race Against Time: Greek and U.S. Efforts to Protect the Critically Endangered Mediterranean and Hawaiian Monk Seals* * /Alexandros Karamanlidis, Ph.D. MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal / Date: *Tuesday, June 21, 2011* Time: *2 pm ET* Location: *Executive Conference Room, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution* */Live video stream from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History at: *www.ocean.si.edu* / *Abstract* Monk seals are the only completely tropical species of seal in the world and are in trouble. Centuries of human exploitation and habitat destruction have caused the remaining populations of Mediterranean monk seals (/Monachus monachus/) and Hawaiian monk seals (/Monachus schauinslandi/) to drop to perilously low numbers, while the Caribbean monk seal (/Monachus tropicalis/) has become extinct. Scientists from Greece and the U.S. are in a race against time and are working together from opposite sides of the World to save the remaining monk seals. The MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with over 20 years of experience in the research and conservation of Mediterranean monk seals in Greece and abroad. Researchers at MOm have gained rare insights in the biology and behavior of Mediterranean monk seal by utilizing innovative technology that has enabled the seals to be monitored remotely inside their breeding caves. Current and future collaborations with U.S. scientists who study Hawaiian monk seals will provide important insights into new ways to help the two remaining species of monk seals survive into the future. /For additional information on monk seal conservation programs, please visit:/ *MOm website: * http://www.mom.gr/homepage.asp?ITMID=101&LANG=EN&LANG=EN *NOAA websites: * http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/mmrp/monkseals.php /and /http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_hawaiian_monk_seal.html

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Historical Perspectives Year 3 DVDs now available from Aquatic Mammals
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 15 Jun '11

15 Jun '11

Dear List Subscriber, In 2008, Aquatic Mammals Journal launched the Historical Perspectives Series in which esteemed colleagues provide a written essay of their perspective in a field related to marine mammal studies and/or are interviewed for a DVD record. The essays appear as articles in Aquatic Mammals, and the DVDs are available for purchase from the Aquatic Mammals website (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org) We are pleased to announce that the Historical Perspectives Series Year 3 DVD set and individual DVDs are now available from our web site. Year 3 features interviews with Christopher Clark, Carleton Ray, Joseph Geraci, Louis Herman, Burney LeBoeuf, R.H. Defran, Ian Boyd, Steven Swartz, Søren Andersen and Sidney Holt. Also included in this 12 DVD set are two summary DVDs - Advice to Students and Career Journeys. Individual DVDs or the full set can be ordered through the journal web site. The full set for Year 3 is $200 and individual DVDs cost $19.99. We hope you enjoy this year's roster of interviewees and the summary DVDs. Cheers Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit our: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php

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Last call for Internship applications for Fall season 2011 (The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Project in Sardinia Island, Italy)
by Information BDRI 15 Jun '11

15 Jun '11

Hi everyone, This is the last call for applications for the last two internship vacancies (Fall season 2011) for Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI on Sardinia Island, Italy. BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild unrestrained bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammals research as research assistants in diverse projects regarding bottlenose dolphin's repertoire, communication and societies. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis if requested with the application. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy). As a number of students are unemployed people are unable to meet our program and travel costs, BDRI has developed a financial resource to support some of them. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Please download the internships general information at:www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf and the application from:www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.rtf You can also find more information about our activities on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BOTTLENOSE-DOLPHIN-RESEARCH-INSTITUTE-BDRI/61… Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414tel. + 0789 183 1197

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New publication -- Trophic Role of Manatees in an Estuary with low Abundance of Seagrass
by Nataly Castelblanco 14 Jun '11

14 Jun '11

Dear Marmam and Sirenian list subscribers, Apologies for cross-posting. We are pleased to report that our following paper has just been published online: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Castelblanco-Martínez, D., Barba, E., Schmitter-Soto, J., Hernández-Arana, H., Morales-Vela, B., 2011. The Trophic Role of the Endangered Caribbean Manatee Trichechus manatus; in an Estuary with low Abundance of Seagrass. ESTUARIES AND COASTS, 1-18. DOI 10.1007/s12237-011-9420-8. Abstract Chetumal Bay is a refuge for the manatee, Trichechus manatus, a large and strictly herbivorous aquatic mammal. The ecosystem is notoriously poor in subaquatic vegetation, the main components of manatees’ diet. Due to the constant presence of manatees in the bay and their ability to consume large volumes of plant material, it is assumed that the species has a relevant trophic impact on the system. A mass–balance trophic model was designed to describe the flows of energy and matter in the bay, with the goal of assessing the role of manatees in the system. The system was aggregated in eight effective trophic levels. The biomass was intensely concentrated in the detritus, suggesting that the matter on the bottom sediment is the main regulator of the energy flow in the system. Primary producers comprised of detritus, mangrove, benthic autotrophs, and phytoplankton. The apex predators were dolphins and large piscivorous fishes. Manatees occupied the trophic level 2.0. and were directly or indirectly impacted by autotrophs, mangrove, and detritus; but the competition between manatees and other groups was insignificant. In comparison to other ecosystems where manatees occur, Chetumal Bay (BCh) has the lowest relative biomass of seagrasses. Several ecological and behavioral mechanisms to compensate the lack of macrophytes biomass (or a combination of several) are suggested. Ecopath with Ecosim models are useful to describe the flow of energy and matter in the ecosystems. However, there are still critical gaps in the knowledge of BCh and its manatee population. It is difficult to assess the uncertainty associated with the estimates obtained; therefore, results should be interpreted with caution. Improving this preliminary model with robust local information on the Chetumal Bay ecology and its manatee population is recommended. Keywords Manatee . Chetumal Bay. Trophic model . Grazing . Ecology. Ecopath with Ecosim ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The article can be accessed following this link, http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s12237… More information upon request from me (castelblanco.nataly(a)gmail.com) Have a nice day! -- Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, Ph.D. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur - ECOSUR Av. Centenario Km 5.5 C.P. 7790 Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Mexico ________________________________ Veja quais são os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! + Buscados: Top 10 - Celebridades - Música - Esportes

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Parasite request
by Natalia Fraija 14 Jun '11

14 Jun '11

Dear Marmam members, Currently, we are carrying out molecular studies on digeneans from cetaceans, with a special focus on species of the family Brachycladiidae (previously know as Campulidae), and other species as *Pholeter gastrophilus *, *Braunina cordiformis *and *Ogmogaster antarcticus. *At this moment, we are collecting material from different geographical areas, mostly *Pholeter gastrophilus,* which is a digenean that inhabits the stomach of a variety of dolphin species, like striped dolphins, long-finned pilot whales, bottlenosed dolphins, common dolphins, Commerson´s dolphins, Risso´s dolphins, rough toothed dolphins, the Atlantic white side dolphins, white beaked dolphins, dusky dolphins, franciscana dolphins, the Amazon river dolphins and even harbor porpoises. As the samples are needed for genetic studies, they must be stored in a suitable medium for preserving DNA. Ideally they should be preserved in 70-100% ethanol. Three to five samples from each locality will be enough. If you have any problems collecting or preserving the samples please do not hesitate to contact me. Moreover, I could even go to your facilities and do the collection of the samples. For any further information or shipping procedure write back and I will be glad to help you: natalia.fraija(a)gmail.com Thank you in advance! Kind regards, Natalia Fraija Fernández Marine Zoology Unit Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology University of Valencia Spain

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DCLDE workshop updates
by sara.heimlich 13 Jun '11

13 Jun '11

The application submission period is now closed for the The 5th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics. Early Registration will end on June 22, 2011, so REGISTER SOON to take advantage of the discounted rates. An updated schedule, and a PDF of the 80+ abstracts, will be posted on the conference website http://bioacoustics.us/dcl.html by the first week of July. The workshop will be held 22-25 August 2011 at Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, near Portland, Oregon, USA. Immediately preceding the workshop, on Aug. 21, will be two tutorials presented in parallel: Introduction to Detection, Classification, and Localization (DCL) and Introduction to Density Estimation (DE). For complete information, go to http://bioacoustics.us/dcl.html -- Sara Heimlich CIMRS/OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center Newport, OR. 97365 (541) 867-0328 office (541) 961-1737 cell

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