February 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale Consultations
by Thornton, Sheila 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale Action Planning process Consultations Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is pleased to invite you to participate in consultations on the development of the Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale Action Plan. We are interested in your feedback as we develop and prioritize actions in support of recovery of Resident Killer Whale populations in Canadian Pacific waters. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada is required to develop a recovery strategy and action plan for all threatened or endangered aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and appreciates your input. Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whales are listed as Threatened and Endangered respectively, and a recovery strategy for these populations is posted on the SARA National Registry: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=699 If you would like to know more about the Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whale populations and how their recovery may affect you, or if you would like to provide comments on the draft actions supporting recovery of these populations, we will be conducting meetings during the month of February (open house from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm; public meeting from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm). February 2, 2012 Victoria, BC The Maritime Museum of BC February 9, 2012 Vancouver, BC Vancouver Maritime Museum February 23, 2012 Port Hardy, BC Quarterdeck Inn Marina Resort Please see http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/index-eng.htm for further information

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Vet advice requested for skin anomaly in bottlenose dolphin: Summary
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

Dear Colleagues, as a follow up to a posting on skin anomaly observed in a bottlenose dolphin off La Gomera (Canary islands, see http://m-e-e-r.de/511.1.html <http://m-e-e-r.de/511.1.html>), I would like to summarize the feedback by many of you. Thanks to everyone who provided advice and suggestions. I appreciate that it is very difficult to diagnose on the basis of a photographic image. Persistent remora damage was suggested by several researchers. In Hawaii, researchers observed an individual young Tursiops with a skin "rash" that looked like the one in our photo. Each time the animal was seen, it was with an attached remora. In some remora species at least, the dorsal sucker disk contains several rows of modified spines that actually protrude beyond the flesh of the disk, and therefore will penetrate the skin of the host animal. In the case of the dolphins, this could cause abrasions of the skin, leading to the apparent rash. (Good photographic evidence from Hawaii can be found at: http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/OctNov2011.htm Others suggested the lesion could be caused by Blastomyces spp., a kind of fungi that is found on stressed (and thus immunodepressed) animals. Another fungal disease which is contagious to humans is "Lobomycosis", it shows very similar skin irregularities as seen from the pictures. Some colleagues also speculated about bacterial infections (e.g. marine vibrios). ** Still others thought it looks like a trauma-induced condition, i.e. some type of trauma may have abraded the skin and then an infection, possibly fungal, may have set in. Again, there would be a relation to reduced immune function. Hence, vibrio bacteria, Papillomavirus, Herpesvirus, Morbillivirus and Poxviruses, or a fungus as well as Parasites could all cause these lesions. I have to stress that there were divergent valuations about almost all of these potential causes. So, as a synthesis, I suggest the following to be the most likely scenario: After the remora can be clearly seen on the image, and given its location, the skin of the dolphin may have suffered from its attachment. We have seen many emaciated dolphins this year and therefore some individuals probably are stressed by missing feeding opportunities, i.e. they were prone to immunodepression. In this situation, a damage of the skin (e.g. by the remora or other causes) has triggered a secondary infection - either viral, fungal or bacterial or through parasites -- but a definite identification of the eliciting agent is not possible via photographic images only. If anyone has additional suggestions, we will be happy to hear them. Cheers, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -/President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail:ritter@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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Step by step protocol for gas sampling and analysis in stranded marine mammals
by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda 01 Feb '12

01 Feb '12

Dear All Last December we informed you about a paper recently published “Methodology for *in situ* gas sampling, transport and laboratory analysis of gases from stranded cetaceans” by Bernaldo de Quirós, Y.; González-Díaz, Ó.; Saavedra, P.; Arbelo, M.; Sierra, E.; Sacchini, S.; Jepson, P.D.; Mazzariol, S.; Di Guardo, G. and Fernández A. Scientific Reports, 1, 193; DOI:10.1038/srep00193 (2011). Article available from: http://www.nature.com/srep/2011/111214/srep00193/full/srep00193.html *On this ocassion we are pleased to announce the step by step protocol publication in nature’s protocol Exchange web page*. This protocol is entitled PROTOCOL FOR GAS SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS IN STRANDED MARINE MAMMALS<http://www.nature.com/protocolexchange/protocols/2299> and can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/protex.2012.002 The Protocol Exchange is an open resource where the community of scientists pool their experimental know-how to help accelerate research. It enables researchers to more readily reproduce or adapt the methodology described. Protocols Exchange is organised around the concept of Laboratory Groups. All Protocols are associated with a Lab Group and authors cannot share protocols except as members of a Lab Group. We have created an “open” lab Group. It is open under invitations but also upon request. Therefore if you wish to participated, , make comments or suggestions concerning the protocol, you should request to become a member of our lab Group: “Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria<http://www.nature.com/protocolexchange/labgroups/636> ”. We hope you find useful this new tool. We look forward for your comments! Regards, Prof. Antonio Fernández PhD Yara Bernaldo de Quirós

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New paper on earthquake and fin whales
by egido＠ciad.mx 01 Feb '12

01 Feb '12

Dear all: A recent paper on reactions of fin whales to an earthquake is now available: Gallo-Reynoso J.P., J.Egido-Villarreal and G.Martínez-Villalba. 2011. Reaction of fin whales Balaenoptera physalus to an earthquake. Bioacoustics. 20:317-330. Abstract. Whales living within seismically active regions are subject to intense disturbances from strong sounds produced by earthquakes that can kill or injure individuals. Nishimura & Clark (1993) relate the possible effects of underwater earthquake noise levels in marine mammals, adducing that T-phase source signal level (10- to 30- Hz range) can exceed 200 dB re: 1 μPa at 1 m for a magnitude 4-5 earthquake, sounds audible to fin whales which produce low frequency sounds of 16-20/25-44 Hz over 0.5-1s, typically of 183 dB re: 1 μPa at 1 m. Here we present the response of a fin Whale to a 5.5 Richter scale earthquake that took place on 22 February 2005, in The Gulf of California. The whale covered 13 km in 26 min (mean speed = 30.2 km/h). We deduce that the sound heard by this whale might have triggered the costly Energy expenditure of high speed swimming as a seismic-escape response. These Observations support the hypothesis of Richardson et al. (1995) that cetaceans may Flee from loud sounds before they are injured, when exposed to noise in excess of 140 DB re: 1 μPa 1 m. MDI Janitzio Egido Villarreal Investigador Asociado Laboratorio de Ecofisiología Carretera al Varadero Nacional Km 6.6 Col. Las Playitas, CP 85480 Guaymas, Sonora MEXICO Tel. (622) 22 528 22

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Job announcement - Alaska Steller sea lion survival and abundance field camp project 2012
by kathryn chumbley 01 Feb '12

01 Feb '12

Biological Technician II and Field Research Leader II positions (May 14-Aug. 8, 2012) NOAA/NMFS/Alaska Fishery Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Seattle, WA Alaska Ecosystem Program/Steller sea lion field camps Ocean Associates, Inc., a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fishery Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2012 field season to study the western stock of endangered Steller sea lions (/Eumetopias jubatus/) in Alaska. This work is part of a long-term annual population abundance and survival monitoring program. Duties include conducting counts, identifying individual sea lions by tags, brands, and natural markings, and monitoring reproduction and survival at remote field sites in Alaska.For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska <http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska/> Employment will be from May 14-Aug 8, 2012.Between 1 and 6 new positions will be contracted for the 2012 field season.Compensation is provided (both regular and overtime rates).Please contact Ocean Associates for compensation information.Application information is listed below. The first week of employment (May 14-19, 2012) is spent in Seattle training.Attendance is mandatory and successful completion of training is required for all field team members each season.Transportation to Seattle and food and lodging in Seattle are not provided. Transportation from Seattle to and from Alaska and the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided.Field teams are typically in Alaska for 8-10 weeks.Employment period ends at the end of the field season and there is no additional work. Field work is conducted by 2-4 member teams in remote camps located at either Ugamak Island (eastern Aleutian Islands) or Marmot Island (central Gulf of Alaska).All personnel are expected to perform daily research duties as well as camp maintenance (chopping wood, hauling water, cooking, and compost toilet maintenance, etc.).Participants are required to stay for the duration of the field season and there are no crew changes.Field stations are remote, there are no other residents on the islands, and outside communication is limited (no cell phone coverage and no email).Researchers live in small shelters at the various sites with no running water or electricity.Field stations are accessible only by ship or helicopter. Each camp is staffed with one field camp leader and 1-2 assistants.The camp leader serves as the senior person in the camp and generally has previous experience on this project.Field camp leaders are responsible for field camp logistics and maintenance, ensuring that research goals are met and that safety protocols are followed, ensuring that all data is entered and edited during the season, the return of field equipment and supplies, and producing an annual report at end of the field season.Under the guidance of a field camp leader, field camp assistants help with camp preparation, data collection, data entry and editing, and field gear inventory and packing. All team members maintain a safe working environment for field personnel, participate in daily camp maintenance and operation, and assist with the return of field equipment and supplies at the end of the season. _Research Duties_:Research is conducted outdoors 7 days per week, often in inclement weather.Temperatures at field sites can range from 35 to 85 degrees.Fog, wind, and rain are common, with occasional snow early in the season.Candidates should be prepared to hike (> 5 miles) with a large, heavy daypack, over rough and uneven terrain, steep slopes, rocky ledges, and have no fear of heights or flying in helicopters.Observation stations are located on the edge of cliffs or overlooks above the sea lions.Observers will be expected to use binoculars and spotting scopes for long periods of time and be able to recognize markings or brands on sea lions./There is generally no animal handling during field camp operations./Sea lions should be unaware of the presence of biologists. Candidates should be in excellent physical condition with no pre-existing health problems such as heart disease, severe allergies, depression, debilitating asthma or other ailments that will compromise their health, the health and safety of others in the camp, or the completion of research duties. _Minimum Qualifications_:Candidates must be U.S. citizens and have an education in a biological science.A Bachelor's degree in biology or related field with previous field experience is highly recommended. Field work, employment, or life experience in very remote settings particularly in Alaska or other cold, wet climate regions is preferred.The ability to work well in a small team and independently, with good communication and problem-solving skills is mandatory.Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions and data protocols is mandatory.Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and relational database programs such as Access or SQL is highly recommended. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required.Wilderness First Aid is highly recommended and candidates will be given extra consideration with this certification. *_Application Deadline_: Feb. 24, 2012 * Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, and the names and contact information (email and phone numbers) of three work-related references to both contacts listed below.Applicants not meeting qualification criteria or who submit incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact Ocean Associates, Inc (employer) with questions regarding eligibility and compensation. Richard Marasco Ocean Associates, Inc. oarich.mar(a)gmail.com <mailto:oarich.mar@gmail.com> With cc to: Kathryn.Chumbley(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Kathryn.Chumbley@noaa.gov>

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SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 31 Jan '12

31 Jan '12

PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://mucru.org/ <http://mucru.org/)> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in four spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Island of Hawaii and at another control site, possibly off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins, in addition, group focal follows will be carried out on spinner dolphins both inside and outside the four resting bays. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed jn the resting bays, that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in Mar 2012. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Island of Hawaii. The field season will last until Jul 2012. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate until the end of the field season will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawaii and their own living expenses. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> ). Julian Tyne, BSc Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ <http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners> ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne * j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU

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