January 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PhD Assistantship: Harbor Seal Spatial Ecology
by Small, Robert J (DFG) 09 Jan '12

09 Jan '12

A PhD Assistantship in harbor seal spatial ecology is available through the Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (USGS) at Colorado State University Responsibilities: The Ph.D. student will be responsible for conducting research that aims to pair existing data with contemporary spatial and spatio--temporal modeling methodology to address several unresolved questions about harbor seal ecology. The student will have discretion in the development of their dissertation modeling research focus, with an emphasis on meeting the ecological interests of project collaborators. The student will also be expected to interact with ADF&G scientists, write reports and prepare scientific manuscripts related to the research described above, complete relevant coursework, and present findings to other scientists and managers. Qualifications: MS degree in an ecology or statistics related discipline, with a GPA exceeding 3.0 and a minimum of 70% combined GRE percentile (quant and verbal). Preferred applicants will have experience managing and analyzing large spatial datasets and a solid background in quantitative ecology and statistical modeling. Funding: Funding for this position is provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, who have ongoing research projects for harbor seals and other marine mammal species. This assistantship is housed in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Assistantship stipend is $2000/month plus tuition. Starting Date: Fall Semester 2012 Application Process: Email letter of interest, resume, transcripts, GRE scores, and names of three references to: Dr. Mevin Hooten at: mevin.hooten(a)colostate.edu. <mailto:mevin.hooten@colostate.edu> Applicants will need to apply formally for admission as a graduate student in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at CSU before acceptance. Deadline: Full consideration will be given to applications received by February 15, 2012. Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2012. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all federal and Colorado laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe, productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.

1 0

The Sounding of the Whale: Science and Cetaceans in the Twentieth Century
by Uko Gorter 08 Jan '12

08 Jan '12

Dear MARMAM-subscribers, On behalf of author D. Graham Burnett and Levi Stahl of Chicago Press, I would like to forward the following press release and announcement of Graham Burnett's new publication: "The Sounding of the Whale: Science and Cetaceans in the Twentieth Century". Please, contact Levi Stahl of Chicago Press for more information: (773) 702-0289 or lstahl(a)press.chicago.edu Regards, Uko Gorter --------------------------------------------------------- “In the bright new age of whale science, Graham Burnett's astounding and wide-ranging report from the front lines of cetacean studies is hugely welcome. Rooted in historical fact, political, philosophical, and scientific analysis, it lays out the sorry story of the interaction of humans and whales in an era that redefined the ever- uneasy meeting of natural and human history. By turns enlightening, lively, and disturbing, always intuitive and drawing on a wealth of knowledge as vast as its subject, Burnett’s book is set to become a new high water mark in a still unfolding story.” Philip Hoare, author of The Whale “The wait is over. We finally have a comprehensive, brilliantly written chronicle of science in the history of whaling—or whaling in the history of science. Graham Burnett’s leviathanic opus covers everything you ever wanted to know—or didn’t know you wanted to know— about the biology, conservation, politics, and history of what is perhaps man’s most troubled relationship with wild animals. This masterly study eclipses every cetological work that precedes it. Well, maybe not Moby-Dick.” Richard Ellis, author of The Great Sperm Whale The Sounding of the Whale Science and Cetaceans in the Twentieth Century D. Graham Burnett Publication date: January 31, 2012 978 -0-226-08130-4 International publication date: February 20, 2012 $ 45.00/£29.00 “In the early twentieth century, whale biology was restricted to the flensing decks of factory ships, where scientists were in danger of being sucked ‘into the belly of the beast’ of modern whaling. D. Graham Burnett artfully renders the history, and the often fractious relationship, between biologists and whalers; I felt as if I had discovered a trail of ambergris meticulously arrayed along the shores of twentieth-century cetology. The Sounding of the Whale is a work of stunning scholarship and a bracing read.” Joe Roman, author of Listed and Whale D. Graham Burnett is professor of history and history of science at Princeton University. He is an editor at Cabinet magazine and the author of four books, including A Trial by Jury, Trying Leviathan, and Masters of All They Surveyed. He is available for interviews Please contact Levi Stahl at (773) 702-0289 or lstahl(a)press.uchicago.edu for more information.

1 0

Way of Whales workshop Jan. 28, Whidbey Island, WA
by Orca Network 07 Jan '12

07 Jan '12

WAYS OF WHALES WORKSHOP JANUARY 28, 2012 Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA Do you love whales? Are you a naturalist, researcher, educator, or someone who thrills at seeing whales and wants to learn more about these amazing beings that live in the Salish Sea and beyond? Then this workshop is for you! Join Orca Network for our annual Ways of Whales Workshop, Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9:30 am until 4:30 pm at the Camp Casey Conference Center, 1276 Engle Rd, Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA. This annual workshop is about the wonders of Pacific Northwest Whales, the threats to their habitats and health, and the research being conducted to learn more about the diverse species of whales in our region and protect them for future generations. This year's workshop includes presentations by: ~Candice Emmons, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC - Suction cup tag research on Southern Resident orcas ~Jessica Lundin, Center for Conservation Biology, Univ. of Washington - Orca scat project, detecting stress hormones in Southern Resident orcas ~Matt Krogh, North Sound Baykeeper Team - Impacts and implications of the planned Gateway Pacific coal shipping Terminal at Cherry Point ~William Wilcock - School of Oceanography, University of Washington - Fin Whale Seismology ~Howard Garrett - presentation and update on captive orca issues Environmental education displays and materials will be available throughout the day as well. Cost of the workshop is $25, and lunch is available for purchase for an additional $10 (for those who pre-register by Jan. 20, or on an as-available basis after this date). Lunch will be Meat or Vegetarian Spaghetti, with garlic bread, vegetable, Caesar salad, fresh fruit, warm apple crisp and beverage. We recommend purchasing lunch at the workshop site, as it allows more time for visiting educational displays, networking, and meeting presenters and other workshop participants. Snacks and beverages are also provided during the morning and afternoon breaks. More information and online registration can be found at www.orcanetwork.org or by contacting Orca Network at info(a)orcanetwork.org or calling 360-678-3451. Online registration is at: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5gmiy0399d38… Coming from off-island? Spend Friday and/or Saturday night at the beautiful, historic Captain Whidbey Inn, and Receive a 20% discount on your stay when you mention you are attending our Ways of Whales workshop! Join us Saturday evening for a no-host after workshop social at the Captain Whidbey Inn lounge at 5 pm, where we can talk about what we learned and meet some of the day's presenters and participants. For more information about the Captain Whidbey Inn, or to reserve a room, visit their website at <http://www.captainwhidbey.com>www.captainwhidbey.com or conctact them at info(a)CaptainWhidbey.com or 1-800-366-4097. ### Susan Berta & Howard Garrett Orca Network info(a)orcanetwork.org www.orcanetwork.org 1-866-ORCANET Orca Network - Connecting whales and people in the Pacific Northwest Orca Network is dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats. Projects include the Whale Sighting Network and Education Programs, the Free Lolita Campaign, and the Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

1 0

Sea Lion Entanglement Video
by Nature Boy 06 Jan '12

06 Jan '12

Greetings MARMAM subscribers- The video “Entanglement of Steller Sea Lions in Marine Debris: Identifying Causes and Finding Solutions” has been uploaded to YouTube. This 10 minute video depicts what types of materials have been entangling Steller sea lions in Southeast Alaska and British Columbia and explains what can be done to eliminate this threat. Please feel free to view the video and pass it along to any interested parties that might not subscribe to MARMAM. Just a warning to sensitive viewers: some of the entanglement images may be disturbing. http://youtu.be/6dy2kepJvOM

1 0

New paper on trophic relationships and mercury biomagnification in the Guiana dolphin food webs
by Tati Bisi 05 Jan '12

05 Jan '12

Dear colleagues, The following article has just been published online in Ecological Indicators: Bisi, T.L., Lepoint, G., Azevedo, A.F., Dorneles, P.R., Flach, L., Das, K., Malm, O. and Lailson-Brito, J. 2012. Trophic relationships and mercury biomagnification in Brazilian tropical coastal food webs. Ecological Indicators, v. 18, pp. 291-302. contact: tbisi(a)yahoo.com.br Abstract: The present study investigated trophic relationships and mercury flow through food webs of three tropical coastal ecosystems: Guanabara, Sepetiba and Ilha Grande bays. The investigation was carried out through carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) and total mercury (THg) determination in muscle from 35 species, including crustacean, cephalopod, fish and dolphin species. Detritivorous species showed the lowest average δ15N values in all bays. These species were 13C enriched in Sepetiba and Ilha Grande bays, suggesting the presence of 13C enriched macroalgae in their diet. The highest mean δ15N values were found in fish and benthic invertebrate feeders, as well as in species presenting demerso-pelagic feeding habit. The carbon and nitrogen isotopic findings showed different trophic relationship in food webs from Sepetiba, Guanabara and Ilha Grande bays. Guanabara Bay showed to be depleted in δ15N compared to both Sepetiba and Ilha Grande bays. The latter finding suggests substantial contribution of atmospheric nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria. A positive linear relationship was found between log THg concentrations and δ15N values for Guanabara and Ilha Grande bays, but not for Sepetiba Bay. Our findings showed trophic magnification factors (TMF) above 1, demonstrating that THg is being biomagnified up the food chains in Rio de Janeiro bays. Keywords: Tropical ecosystems, Food web, Stable isotope, Heavy metal, Bioaccumulation, Guiana dolphin The article is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2011.11.015 Best Regards, Tatiana Bisi ------- Tatiana Lemos Bisi – PhD University of Rio de Janeiro State Aquatic Mammals and Bioindicators Laboratory (MAQUA) School of Oceanography Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 térreo bloco E Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil 20.550-013 Tel: (+55) 21 2334 0795 email: tbisi(a)yahoo.com.br

1 0

Renewable energy and marine mammals
by Witt, Matthew 05 Jan '12

05 Jan '12

Dear Marman list members, The PRIMaRE Biodiversity Research team (www.primare.org) at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth have recently published work on developing methods towards understanding effects of renewable energy extraction upon marine biodiversity (abstract below). Among other things, the research paper looks at how it might be possible to describe marine mammal distributions around offshore renewable energy developments using archival technologies (such as C-Pods and broad-band sound recorders). If you would like a PDF copy of the research paper then please email me on: m.j.witt(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:m.j.witt@exeter.ac.uk>, alternatively you can download the PDF from here<http://www.people.ex.ac.uk/mjw205/Witt_2012_PhilTransRSocA>. Assessing wave energy effects on biodiversity: the Wave Hub experience BY M. J. WITT, E. V. SHEEHAN, S. BEARHOP, A. C. BRODERICK, D. C. CONLEY, S. P. COTTERELL, E. CROW, W. J. GRECIAN, C. HALSBAND, D. J. HODGSON, P. HOSEGOOD, R. INGER, P. I. MILLER, D. W. SIMS, R. C. THOMPSON, K. VANSTAEN, S. C. VOTIER, M. J. ATTRILL AND B. J. GODLEY Marine renewable energy installations harnessing energy from wind, wave and tidal resources are likely to become a large part of the future energy mix worldwide. The potential to gather energy from waves has recently seen increasing interest, with pilot developments in several nations. Although technology to harness wave energy lags behind that of wind and tidal generation, it has the potential to contribute significantly to energy production. As wave energy technology matures and becomes more widespread, it is likely to result in further transformation of our coastal seas. Such changes are accompanied by uncertainty regarding their impacts on biodiversity. To date, impacts have not been assessed, as wave energy converters have yet to be fully developed. Therefore, there is a pressing need to build a framework of understanding regarding the potential impacts of these technologies, underpinned by methodologies that are transferable and scalable across sites to facilitate formal meta-analysis. We first review the potential positive and negative effects of wave energy generation, and then, with specific reference to our work at the Wave Hub (a wave energy test site in southwest England, UK), we set out the methodological approaches needed to assess possible effects of wave energy on biodiversity. We highlight the need for national and international research clusters to accelerate the implementation of wave energy, within a coherent understanding of potential effects—both positive and negative. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A (2012) 370, 502–529. doi:10.1098/rsta.2011.0265 Best wishes Matthew ------------------------------------------------------ Dr Matthew J. Witt Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter Tremough Campus Penryn Cornwall. TR10 9EZ

1 0

Duke University-Global Fellowship Application Announcement
by Rachel Lo Piccolo 05 Jan '12

05 Jan '12

Please post the following announcement: Thank you! Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation (Summer Term II) Application Deadline: February 15, 2012 The Duke University Marine Laboratory is offering an unparalleled educational opportunity from July 9 to August 10, 2012. Duke's Integrated Marine Conservation Program focuses on principles necessary for the conservation and preservation of coastal and ocean environments during an intensive 5-week summer session. The focus is on interdisciplinary problem solving using biophysical and social science to address real world environmental problems. This program is a tremendous opportunity for students and professionals at any level to think about conservation biology and policy in an environment full of students, faculty and practicioners grappling with the same issues. The core class (BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy) involves field trips, discussion groups and lectures and visits with Distinguished Conservation Scholars each week. Students will leave the class with an appreciation of the policy process, as well as with grounding in the fundamentals of marine conservation. Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis. The Fellowship fully covers travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for both BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy plus one specialized elective course. Electives (subject to availability) include: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals, Marine Ecology and Marine Invertebrate Zoology. The Global Fellowship application deadline for summer, 2012, is February 15, 2012. Eligibility The Global Fellowships are available to any international applicant with a good working knowledge of English who has an interest in marine conservation biology and policy, ideally with the intent to apply this interest to the practice of coastal and marine conservation. The course does not have specific prerequisites, but Global Fellows have a BA or BS degree in hand, are enrolled in such programs, or have some professional experience. To Apply for Global Fellowships: Application for a fellowship should be made on the printed Duke University Marine Lab summer course enrollment form<http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/enrollment_forms/summerapp>. It is our preference to receive applications via email (rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:rachel.lopiccolo@duke.edu>) or by fax (252)504-7648. Application materials should be directed to: Duke Marine Lab Global Fellows Program c/o Rachel Lo Piccolo 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd Beaufort NC 28516, USA Application Materials In addition to the enrollment form, each Global Fellowship applicant is required to submit the following credentials: (Please include last name and title on all printed and electronic documents) 1. A brief essay - please limit this to one page - describing the applicant's background, education, research, and work experience. 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 applying for the Fellowship, how the applicant will be able to apply the training in his/her home country; and the applicant's future goals. 3. A letter of recommendation from academic faculty or employer addressed to Dr. Mike Orbach. 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 rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:rachel.lopiccolo@duke.edu> or faxed to (252) 504-7638 or scanned and emailed to the attention of Rachel Lo Piccolo. 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. Due Date Global Fellowship applications materials must be received no later than 15 February, 2012, by Rachel Lo Piccolo (rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:rachel.lopiccolo@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 Rachel Lo Piccolo at rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:rachel.lopiccolo@duke.edu>. For additional information specific to the Global Fellowship in Marine Conservation contact Rachel.Lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:Rachel.Lopiccolo@duke.edu> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/enrollment_forms/index.html http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/summeraid http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/courses/summer2011-2 Rachel Lo Piccolo Assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies Duke University Marine Laboratory Nicholas School of Environment 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort NC 28516 Tel: 252-504-7585 Fax: 252-504-7648 rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:rachel.lopiccolo@duke.edu> www.dukemarinelab.net<http://www.dukemarinelab.net>

1 0

new article on the significance of strandings
by Helene Peltier 05 Jan '12

05 Jan '12

Dear all, A new article published in Ecological Indicators is now avalaible online: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STRANDING DATA AS INDICATORS OF CETACEAN POPULATION AT SEA: MODELLING THE DRIFT OF CETACEAN CARCASSES. Authors: H. Peltier, W. Dabin, P. Daniel, O. Van Canneyt, G. Dorémus, M. Huon, V. Ridoux. Contact: hpeltier(a)univ-lr.fr http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2011.11.014 [1] Abstract: Stranded marine mammals are an important source of information and biological samples on cetacean population. Nevertheless, collecting stranding data remains opportunistic and its representativity must be improved, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Drifts of small cetaceans found by-caught in fishery observation projects and subsequently released dead with a numbered tag fitted to the tail fluke were predicted by using the _Météo-France_ drift model MOTHY and allowed us to assess the proportion of dead dolphins recovered by volunteers of the French stranding network. Only 8% of dolphins were recovered ashore. The spatial representativity of strandings was assessed by performing back-calculation of carcass drift with the same model in order to map the likely origin of stranded cetaceans. As a first step, external visual criteria of time-after-death (supposed to be equivalent to drift duration) were obtained from series of photographs of dead small cetaceans maintained in a floating cage for 40 days and from tagged by-caught dolphins recovered stranded after a drift in real condition. Then, pictures of 242 stranded common dolphins (_Delphinus delphis_) were used to establish the average distribution of dolphin time-after-death in this area. Finally, 40 days-long reverse drifts of the 829 common dolphins recorded in the winter months of 2004 to 2009 were weighted by the modelled distribution of time-after-death in order to map the areas of likely origin. It appeared that most stranded common dolphins recorded along the French Atlantic coast originated from the continental shelf, mostly in the south of the Bay of Biscay. These results open new perspective on the use of stranding data and biological samples as sources of indicators in monitoring strategies. Key words: strandings, Indicators, common dolphins_ Delphinus delphis_, harbour porpoises _Phocoena phocoena_, drift model, stranding rate. Links: ------ [1] http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2011.11.014

1 0

Cetacean Research Internship in the Mediterranean - Summer 2012
by Pao Tepsich 05 Jan '12

05 Jan '12

*Cetacean monitoring in the Ligurian Sea (North Western Mediterranean) – Internship 2012* * * * * CIMA Research Foundation is a private non-profit research organization aimed to the advance of science and engineering in environmentally related fields, focusing on public health and safety, civil protection and the preservation of terrestrial and water-related ecosystems. CIMA RF is based in Savona, Italy, and it is seeking *4 interns* for the field season 2012. This is a full-time position requiring a* 5 months commitment from May through September.* This internship is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research to strengthen their skills and above all to gain practical experience in the field. We also encourage the use of this internship as the basis for the development of bachelor as well as master thesis. This is an unpaid position but CIMA RF will cover expenses related to the internship like accommodation, food expenses, traveling to-from departing harbors. Interns will be responsible for their own travels to Italy. Housing will be offered in the Savona University Campus (accommodation will be in a double room with other intern). Interns will assist researchers during the whole internship, being directly involved in surveys at sea as well as in post-survey data entry. The projects aim to collect baseline data on the distribution and behavior of the eight different cetacean species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, interns will be responsible for data collecting and data entry of two projects: i) *Monitoring Cetaceans from Ferries* – this project is held in collaboration with a national ferry company. Interns will be on board of ferries operating between Italy and Corsica / Sardinia at least twice a week and they will be responsible of the Marine Mammal Observer team working on the ferry. ii) *Ziphius Project* – this project is focused on the local Cuvier’s beaked whale population and it foresees weekly surveys in the Ligurian and Corsica Seas on board of a 18m long sailing vessel. Each survey usually last 2 to 4 consecutive days. Interns will assist researchers with data collecting, photo-id as well as actively participate in life on-board. Interns will work equally on both projects. The internship foresees also a large amount of time to be dedicated to data entry and data analysis in the office. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime: all interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification. *Qualifications : *Applicant must be reliable, motivated and team oriented, have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science; Applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology, environmental sciences or a related major; Applicant must be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means a lot of data-entry work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits; Knowledge of MS Office software and data entry skills are highly desired; Previous experience in the field is advantageous but not required. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter and your CV via email to Paola Tepsich paola.tepsich(a)cimafoundation.org *Application deadline : 29th February 2012* Do not hesitate to contact us for any further information! -- Non stampare questa mail, pensa all'ambiente!! Before printing, think about the environment! Avant d'imprimer, pensez à l'environnement!

1 0

New Publication on Pacific Walrus Reproduction
by Holley Muraco 04 Jan '12

04 Jan '12

Dear All The following paper has been e-published ahead of print in the Journal of Andrology. Contact: holley(a)muraco.biz Title: Use of Human Chorionic Gondadotropoin in a Male Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) to Induce Rut and Achieve a Pregnancy in a Nulliparous Female Authors: Holley S. Muraco, Leah D. Coombs, Dianna G. Procter, Paul J. Turek, Michael J. Muraco Published-Ahead-of-Print on December 29, 2011 by Journal of Andrology Copyright 2011 by The American Society of Andrology Abstract Walrus in United States zoos have a very low reproductive rate of 11 births in 80 years, and little is known about Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) reproductive biology. To address this, we initiated a program in which detailed biological data were recorded on captive walrus. As part of a seven year study, one male and one female 16-year-old captive Pacific walrus were carefully monitored with weekly serum hormone analysis, daily glans penis smears for spermatozoa, and abdominal ultrasound for pregnancy. The female ovulated once annually from late December through mid-January, and then exhibited nine months of sustained elevated progesterone. This non-conceptive estrous cycle profile is consistent with reports from wild walrus females. In contrast, the male's seasonal rut routinely occurred in late February through May with a serum testosterone peak in March. This profile differed from the reported adult male cycle in wild walrus of November through March. During the period of the female's ovulation, the male had nadir testosterone levels and was consistently azoospermic. Likewise, during the male's spermatogenic rut in the spring, the female was anovulatory with elevated progesterone. Based on this, the male was treated with 14-weeks of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in an attempt to increase testosterone levels in synchrony with the female's annual ovulation. The treatment successfully induced rut characterized by sustained elevated serum testosterone levels and production of spermatozoa. The male and female successfully bred, and the female became pregnant. Upon discontinuation of hCG treatment, the male resumed baseline testosterone levels. We theorize that the lack of synchronization of rut and ovulatory cycles is a primary reason for the reproductive failure in these captive walrus. Key Words: endocrinology, ovulation, reproduction, testosterone, progesterone, ultrasound

1 0