November 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

WWF Cetaceans Species Action Plan
by Aimee Leslie 13 Nov '12

13 Nov '12

Dear colleagues, I would like to share with you the WWF Cetaceans Species Action Plan a result of the efforts of many cetacean conservation focused colleagues both internal and external to WWF. The attached Plan is to pave the path of what we hope to contribute to, hand in hand with the global conservation community, by 2020. I am very grateful to all the contributors, and am happy to discuss further with anyone who is interested. The Cetaceans SAP is downloadable from: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/38162092/WWF%20Cetaceans%20SAP%20LR.pdf All the best, Aimée Leslie

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New article about Dechlorane Compounds in Franciscana dolphin
by Mariana Alonso 12 Nov '12

12 Nov '12

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article: A. de la Torre, M. B. Alonso, M. A. Martínez,P. Sanz, L. Shen, E. J. Reiner, J. Lailson-Brito, J. P. M. Torres, C. Bertozzi, J. Marigo, L. Barbosa, M. Cremer, E. Secchi, O. Malm, E. Eljarrat, and D. Barceló (2012) “*Dechlorane-Related Compounds in Franciscana Dolphin (Pontoporia* *blainvillei) from Southeastern and Southern Coast of Brazil**”* *Environment Science and Technology * ABSTRACT: Concentrations of Dechlorane (Dec) 603 (0.75 ng/g lipid weight (lw); mean) and Dec 602 (0.38 ng/g lw; mean) were quantified in more than 95% of the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) dolphin samples, whereas the frequency of detection decreased to 75% for Dechlorane Plus (DP) (1.53 ng/g lw, mean). The presence of Chlordene Plus (CP) was also observed (0.13 ng/g lw, mean) in half of the samples. On the contrary, Dec 604, decachloropentacyclooctadecadiene (aCl10DP), and undecachloropentacyclooctadecadiene (aCl11DP) concentrations were below the limit of quantifications in all cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article reporting the presence of Dec 603, Dec 602, and CP in mammals. For comparative purposes, levels of Mirex, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) are also reported. Considering geographic distribution evaluation together with the strong positive correlations found between DP and PBDEs (rs = 0.63; p < 0.01), highly anthropogenic areas were identified as potential sources of these chemicals in this dolphin species. However, local sources for Dec 602, 603, Mirex, CP, and DBDPE were not found indicating that in this case historical use and/or atmospheric transport and deposition may play an important role in their fate. The full text and pdf is available from: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es302934p?prevSearch=%255BTitle%253A%2B… For any questions or pdf requests please email: Mariana Alonso: alonso.mb(a)gmail.com <skj3(a)st-andrews.ac.uk> Best wishes, Mariana -- *Dra. Mariana Batha Alonso* * * *Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF - UFRJ) * *Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (FAOC - UERJ)* * * *Biophysics **Institute**, **Federal **University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil* *Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Lab, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Projeto BioPesca, São Paulo, Brazil*

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Zoological expedition along the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk coastlines.
by Семёнов Андрей 12 Nov '12

12 Nov '12

Dear all, >From June, 1 till August, 28, 2013 “Finval” research centre (Russia) arranges an exploratory zoological expedition along the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk coastlines by a sail and motor trimaran " FIN WHALE ". . The expedition aims at studying species composition, distribution and number of marine mammals, marine colonial birds and birds of prey inhabiting the coastal area of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk of the Far East of Russia. The expedition starts from the Vanino harbour in the Sea of Japan and finishes in the Magadan harbour in the Sea of Okhotsk. The expedition will cover more than 3000 km of the sea exploratory routes. Many regions to be explored are poorly investigated, under populated and have a diversified and rich animal world. We would like to invite independent researchers and organizations interested in studying of the animal world of this region as well as lovers of wildlife, photographers and others to take part in the expedition on the terms of co-financing (arrangement fee). The fee varies from $80 to $130 a day per person depending on targets and duration of the participation in the expedition. The expedition is divided into four independent stages of different duration. You may take part in the whole expedition or only in one stage of it. Technical and living conditions of the expedition: The sail and motor trimaran " FIN WHALE " is 8,7 meters long and has a heated deck-house isolated from the outdoors that contains two separate sleeping quarters, common mess room, and boat toilet. Overnight stops are planned on the shipboard as well as in the tents on the shore. Arrangement fee covers: - three meals in the field daily; - travelling along the expedition route by trimaran or motor boat; - assistance and consulting by employees of the “Finval” research centre; - obtainment of permits to attend border zone and specially protected natural reservations; - provision of a tent and a tourist mat for overnight stops; - insurance. For additional information please contact us at finvalAC(a)yandex.ru -- Andrey Semenov Director of the Research Center "Finval"

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Wakefield Symposium Abstact Deadline 30 November
by Quakenbush, Lori (DFG) 11 Nov '12

11 Nov '12

Wakefield Symposium: Responses of Arctic Marine Ecosystems to Climate Change March 26-29, 2013 Anchorage, Alaska, USA Call for abstracts, due November 30, 2012, http://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/2013/wakefield-arctic-ecosystems/call.p… Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and other sponsors will hold a 3.5-day Wakefield Fisheries Symposium, to advance understanding of present and future responses of arctic marine ecosystems to climate change at all trophic levels. Organizers encourage contributions that focus on collaborative approaches to understanding and managing living marine resources in a changing Arctic, and to managing human responses-locally, regionally, and globally-to changing arctic marine ecosystems. For more information on the symposium, including invited speakers, steering committee, sponsors, and online registration, see http://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/2013/wakefield-arctic-ecosystems/index.… Lori Quakenbush Arctic Marine Mammal Program Alaska Department of Fish and Game 1300 College Road Fairbanks, AK 99701 Ph: (907) 459-7214; Fax: (907) 459-7332 e-mail: lori.quakenbush(a)alaska.gov

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New paper: accounting for lipids in stable isotope analysis of skin and blubber
by Conor Ryan 09 Nov '12

09 Nov '12

Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of our paper in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. Our approach will be useful to anyone considering stable isotope analysis of skin and blubber biopsies of fin, humpback and minke whales (or indeed other cetacean species) Click here<http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.6394/abstract;jsessionid=E50…>for link. Ryan, C., McHugh, B., Trueman, C. N., Harrod, C., Berrow, S. D., & O'Connor, I. (2012). Accounting for the effects of lipids in stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N values) analysis of skin and blubber of balaenopterid whales. *Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry*, *26*(23), 2745-2754. I will be happy to provide pdf copies upon request. -- Dr Conor Ryan Marine Biodiversity Research Group, Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland ________________________________ Cape Verde Humpback Whale Research Blog http://cvihumpbacks.blogspot.com/

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New manuscript on feeding habits of Guiana dolphins
by Marcos Santos 09 Nov '12

09 Nov '12

Dear Marmamers: a new scientific contribution on Guiana dolphins is available (abstract below). Now, we present new food items and a knowledge review regarding Sotalia guianensis in southeastern Brazil. As you will find in the Ackowledgements, this manuscriopt was dedicated to the memory of Dr Nelio Barros, who left an important contribution to the knowledge about cetacean trophic interactions. Lopes, X.M.; da Silva, E.; Bassoi, M.; dos Santos, R.A.; and Santos, M.C. de O. 2012. Feeding habits of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, from southeastern Brazil: new items and a knowledge review. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 92: 1723-1733. Abstract: This study presents new information on feeding habits of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, in south-eastern Brazil, together with new regression equations to evaluate the weight and length of fish from otoliths, showing an overview on the knowledge about this species’ diet in this area. Eighteen stomach contents had been analysed and compared to 180 samples collected in another eight feeding studies. The analysed specimens were either incidentally caught in gillnets used in coastal waters by the fleet based in the Cananeia main harbour (25o00 S 47o55 W), south of Sao Paulo State, or found dead in inner waters of the Cananeia estuary between 2003 and 2009. Based on the index of relative importance analysis, the most important fish species were the banded croaker, Paralonchurus brasiliensis. Doryteuthis plei was the most representative cephalopod species. Stellifer rastrifer was the most important fish species observed in dolphins in inner estuarine waters and P. brasiliensis in recovered dolphins from coastal waters. Loliguncula brevis is the only cephalopod species reported from dolphins found in inner estuarine waters up to date. Doryteuthis plei was the most important cephalopod species observed in coastal dolphins. When considering other feeding studies, the most representative fish family in the diet of S. guianensis was Sciaenidae, which is mainly represented by demersal fishes. The main preys of S. guianensis are abundant in the studied areas, which may indicate an opportunistic feeding habit. The majority of them are not the most important target species by the commercial fishery in south-eastern Brazil. Pdf file available at: sotalia(a)gmail.com Cheers, Marcos Santos -- Dr. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Mamiferos Aquaticos Departamento de Oceanografia Biologica, Instituto Oceanografico, Universidade de Sao Paulo Praca do Oceanografico, 191, Sala 145-A Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil 05508-120

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Two Faculty Positions (Assistant or Associate Professor), Marine Mammal Institute
by Tracy Gill 09 Nov '12

09 Nov '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Chelsea Berg <chelsea.berg(a)noaa.gov> Date: Fri, Nov 9, 2012 at 9:49 AM Subject: Knauss Job List: Two Faculty Positions (Assistant or Associate Professor), Marine Mammal Institute ************************************************************ Two Faculty Positions (Assistant or Associate Professor) CETACEAN ECOLOGIST (Telemetry) and MARINE MAMMAL BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGIST/SEA GRANT EXTENSION SPECIALIST The Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute ( http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/) seeks two full-time faculty positions: CETACEAN ECOLOGIST (Posting #0009881): We seek an individual with demonstrated potential to develop a strong research program in whale telemetry and to provide continuity with the existing research group. MARINE MAMMAL BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGIST/SEA GRANT EXTENSION SPECIALIST (Posting #0009875): We seek an individual with potential to develop a strong research program in the behavioral ecology of marine mammals, as well as strong skills in engaging stakeholders and the public on management issues. Both positions are 12 month (1.0 FTE), with 0.5 FTE supported by recurring funds (tenurable) and 0.5 FTE provided through grants and contracts secured by the successful candidate. The positions will be based at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. The position ranks (Assistant or Associate Professor) and salaries will be commensurate with experience. Minimum qualifications include a PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a biological discipline, research experience with marine mammals and a strong record of peer-reviewed and refereed publications. Go to the links below to access the full position announcement and to submit an application: CETACEAN ECOLOGIST (Telemetry) - Posting 0009881 https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=61298 MARINE MAMMAL BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGIST/SEA GRANT EXTENSION SPECIALIST - Posting 0009875 https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=61291 If these links do not work for you go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs and search for postings 0009881 or 0009875. To ensure full consideration, complete applications should be received by 15 December, 2012; applications will be accepted until 5 January 2013. Oregon State University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

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New Book - Ocean Journeys:Beginnings
by Ocean Journeys 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

*MARMAM subscribers,* *We are pleased to announce the new publication of a new book about ocean science and marine mammals - Ocean Journeys: Beginnings by Dr. Brandon Southall. **This book is loosely autobiographical and largely centered on the natural history, biology, and human history of fascinating ocean places in Hawai’i, the Florida Keys, and northern California, and other scenes.* *Ocean Journeys traces the formative years of a young marine biologist finding his footing in the natural world. It flows from warm lakes and cold streams to captivating scenes in living, studying, and conserving the sea. This story is about the sea – its beauty, its resilience and fragility, and our obligation to serve as responsible stewards finding common ground for renewed action.* *Ocean Journeys is available at: * *www.fastpencil.com/publications/4263-Ocean-Journeys-Beginnings (paperback or eBook)* *www.amazon.com (paperback) or Amazon Kindle (eBook) * *www.apple.com/itunes (eBook)* by request at oceanjourneysbook(a)gmail.com or see: www.sea-inc.net Brandon Southall Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net

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Dolphin Research Internship at Ocean Park, Hong Kong
by Alice Tse 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Internships Available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong Full-time unpaid internships are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. The Acoustic Research Laboratory conducts studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics. Interns receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with the projects administrative and maintenance requirements. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: • Have at least 2 years of university experience • Have a positive attitude and obtain a strong willingness to learn • Good oral/written communication skills in English • Basic computer knowledge • Must be able to maintain a high energy level throughout the workday • Must be at least 160 cm tall and able to lift at least 25 pounds • Must be able to work full-time, unpaid, for 3 months minimum • Must be responsible for food, accommodation and transportation • Past experience with animals preferred, but not required • Successful visa application to HKSAR (this applies for International applicants only) International applicants must apply for a training visa to Hong Kong (for details please contact us). TO APPLY PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: • Statement of Interest • Academic records • Three letters of reference • Curriculum Vitae • Passport photo Please send applications to eszter.matrai(a)oceanpark.com.hk<mailto: eszter.matrai(a)oceanpark.com.hk> with "Dolphin Research Internship" in the subject line. Eszter Matrai MSc Research Department Ocean Park Corporation Aberdeen, Hong Kong

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New paper: Habitat-based PCB environmental criteria to protect killer whales
by Juan Alava 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the development of a bioaccumulation model and an environmental guideline for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) to protect resident killer whales in British Columbia (Canada) and surrounding areas. PDF copies of the article can be obtained from the first author (Juan José Alava: jalavasa(a)sfu.ca) Please, see below more details. Habitat-Based PCB Environmental Quality Criteria for the Protection of Endangered Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Juan José Alava, Peter S. Ross, Cara Lachmuth, John K. B. Ford, Brendan E. Hickie, and Frank A. P. C. Gobas Environmental Science & Technology Article ASAP (As Soon As Publishable) http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/es303062q Environ. Sci. Technol., Article ASAP DOI: 10.1021/es303062q Publication Date (Web): October 25, 2012 Copyright © 2012 American Chemical Society Abstract The development of an area-based polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) food-web bioaccumulation model enabled a critical evaluation of the efficacy of sediment quality criteria and prey tissue residue guidelines in protecting fish-eating resident killer whales of British Columbia and adjacent waters. Model-predicted and observed PCB concentrations in resident killer whales and Chinook salmon were in good agreement, supporting the model’s application for risk assessment and criteria development. Model application shows that PCB concentrations in the sediments from the resident killer whale’s Critical Habitats and entire foraging range leads to PCB concentrations in most killer whales that exceed PCB toxicity threshold concentrations reported for marine mammals. Results further indicate that current PCB sediment quality and prey tissue residue criteria for fish-eating wildlife are not protective of killer whales and are not appropriate for assessing risks of PCB-contaminated sediments to high trophic level biota. We present a novel methodology for deriving sediment quality criteria and tissue residue guidelines that protect biota of high trophic levels under various PCB management scenarios. PCB concentrations in sediments and in prey that are deemed protective of resident killer whale health are much lower than current criteria values, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of high trophic level marine mammals to persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants. Cheers Juan Jose Alava ------------------------------------------------------------ Juan Jose Alava, PhD Sessional Instructor Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science School of Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment Simon Fraser UniversityOffice 8420; 8888 University Drive Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, CANADA Office Phone: (778) 782-7375 Fax: (778)782-4968 E-mail: jalavasa(a)sfu.ca http://www.intechopen.com/profiles/53467/Juan%20Jose-Alava

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