March 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Assistant positions for a cetacean study in the Mediterranean (Barcelona)
by Lara Delgado 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey in the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona-Mallorca), Spain. Dates from 22nd of July to 30th of July 2011. DESCRIPTION: The EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environments, specially focused in the study of cetaceans; offer positions for volunteers for one of the trips of the summer campaign of the project “Cetacean population study of the Mediterranean Sea area: Barcelona-Balearic Islands, BCNCET 2010-2011”. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species present in the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Sea). The association catamaran will set sail to Mallorca, from the Barcelona port the 22nd of July and be back to Barcelona the 30th of July, both days included. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 9 days in the boat, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species. The assistants would be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, and basic marine navigating skills. Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 9 days, but assistants are required to pay 400€ for food and accommodation expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide species identification information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us to: edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment. www.edmaktub.com

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AIMM seeks research assistants - Season 2012
by Isabel Andrade 06 May '13

06 May '13

The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - seeks applications as research assistant to help with the ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). The field season will run from May, 1st to October, 30th 2012. This project intends to continue the study that AIMM has been developing along the South coast of Portugal, as well as the collaboration with the local dolphin watching companies. Participants will join the team for, at least, 7-days period but preference will be given to applicants that can stay for longer periods. Activities include boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection comprises species identification, group size, behaviour, photo-identification, amongst others. Training is provided by AIMM researchers, mainly marine biologists. The assistant is responsible for his own transportation to/from Albufeira, where the AIMM assistant’s house is located. Accommodation and transport to/from the dock is provided. Food is at the assistant’s own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants share everyday duties and chores with the other team members. A fee for basic maintenance of the AIMM assistant’s house is required (300€ per week). No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others members of the team - speak fluent Portuguese and/or English Preference will be given to those who have: - relevant marine mammal field experience - working experience on research vessels - experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - experience in photo-identification - professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID Applicants should send an e-mail with a small introduction, qualifications and previous experience, as well as an outline explaining why they would like to work with AIMM. A brief CV should also be attached. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. Contacts: direccao(a)aimm-portugal.org || http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/

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computer assisted dorsal fin matching software programs
by Marthajane Caldwell 03 Apr '12

03 Apr '12

Greetings List Members, I am interested in computer assisted dorsal fin matching software programs. Any information regarding the efficacy as well as pros and cons of such programs would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me directly at marthajane_c(a)yahoo.com rather than replying to MARMAM. Thank you for your time and consideration of this request, Mj Caldwell ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marthajane Caldwell, Ph.D., Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Studies, Inc. 8429 Cresthill Avenue Savannah, GA 31406 marthajane_c(a)yahoo.com 912-655-1765 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Monk seal carcass in Northeast Libya
by Ibrahen Benamer 31 Mar '12

31 Mar '12

Dear all, Sad news indeed, on the 25th March and in the area of Ain Gazzalla (Northeast Libya near the Egyptian borders, 32.23284 N, 23.2848 E) a group of fishermen found a dead female monk seal trapped in their net. The case was reported to the coastguards who in turn informed the National Marine Laboratory. The carcass is now in their possession at the Lab and an autopsy is being arranged during this week. This event is the only confirmed case of monk seal existence in eastern Libya since Norris 1972, which may indicate that this critically endangered species can still be found in the area or close by which will support the importance of the area as an MPA. A report will be issued after the autopsy for more details, meanwhile pictures taken by the fishermen can be found at Flicker : http://www.flickr.com/photos/veezga/sets/72157629707045023/ regards Ibrahem ============================= Ibrahem Benamer MSc. Marine and Fisheries Science University of Aberdeen Lecturer Assistant, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Omar Mukhtar University (OMU), El-beida, Libya Tel: (+218) 92 859 6751 E mail: benamer.ly(a)gmail.com Skype: Ibrahem_benamer International Mailing address (Aramex(: Ibrahem Benamer TIP 398 Aramex House, Old Bath Road Colonbrook, Berkshire SL3 0NS UK P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

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SOCAL-BRS 2011 Annual Report available
by Brandon Southall 30 Mar '12

30 Mar '12

MARMAM subscribers, On behalf of our research team working on behavioral response studies of marine mammals in southern California (SOCAL-BRS), we would like to announce the availability of our annual report from the 2011 field season. Please go to: www.socal-brs.org and pull down the page that says SOCAL-11 - you will find a link to the .pdf right under the photo and header. We would like to especially thank all of our team members for their hard work, as well as the support of our research sponsors at the U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, Environmental Readiness Division (OPNAV N45) and the Office of Naval Research. Thanks also for the efforts of NOAA's Office of Science and Technology and Office of Protected Resources, the Southwest Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the fun and dedicated crew of the /M/V Truth /from Truth Aquatics, the California Coastal Commission, and the American Cetacean Society. We are well into the analysis of both of the first two years of data and have presented some of the preliminary results; peer-reviewed publications from the SOCAL-BRS project we be forthcoming in the coming months. We are planning a slightly modified field approach in the summer and fall of 2012 - further information on these plans will be available at socal.brs.org in early summer. We will again provide the from-the-field blog when our fieldwork begins in late July. Brandon Southall (on behalf of the SOCAL-BRS team). -- PLEASE NOTE: New mailing address and office/FAX #s for SEA, Inc. Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc. Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA 831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax) Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net

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new paper on franciscana male dolphin reproductive aspects
by María Victoria Panebianco 29 Mar '12

29 Mar '12

We are pleased to announce the publication (online at this stage) of the following article in Animal Reproduction Science: Abstract As the ﬁrst study to investigate reproductive aspects of male franciscana dolphins –Pontoporia blainvillei– in Argentine waters, the aim of this paper was to assess sexual maturity by using histological and morphometric methods. P. blainvillei was labeled as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN in 2008. The specimens analyzed were either incidentally caught in artisanal fishing nets (n = 47) or found stranded on the beach (n = 3). Testis weight and testicular index of maturity were reliable indicators of sexual maturity, being their values: MTW: 1.14 ± 0.60 – 4.49 ± 1.94; IM: 0.03 ± 0.01 – 0.09 ± 0.03, for immature and mature specimens’ respectively. It was found that the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis might be appropriate for establishing sexual maturity stage, based on both the body morphometric measurements and age. The values for age, standard length and total weight at attainment sexual maturity were 2.92 – 3.54 years, 126.19 – 126.27 cm and 23.47 – 23.75 kg. Considering the extremely low relative testis weight, the reversed sexual length dimorphism, the absence of secondary sexual characteristics, and the lack of scars from intrasexual combats in males, the hypothesis that sperm competition does not occur in the species, and male combats for accessing female reproductive may be rare for Pontoporia blainvillei is reinforced. All these features fit the species within a serial monogamous mating system. Keywords: Pontoporia; reproductive biology; sexual maturity; testis; South America, Argentina. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.02.005. Best wishes. ___________ Dra. María Victoria Panebianco Postdoctoral Research felow Lab. de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos (LECyMM) Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" (MACN-CONICET) Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR, Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel.: 54-11-4982-9410/6595 int.:211 Fax: 54-11-4982-5243/4494

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The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is hiring a Marine Mammal Pathobiologist
by Heather Groninger 28 Mar '12

28 Mar '12

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is recruiting for the following role: MARINE MAMMAL PATHOBIOLOGIST The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Marine Mammal Pathobiologist to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. The Marine Mammal Pathobiologist is responsible for leading original research in The Marine Mammal Center's Veterinary Science Department, supporting and guiding other department members in assisting with research and coordinating research with external investigators. The Pathobiologist conducts original research into aspects of marine mammal biology pertinent to health and disease of Center patients and their rehabilitation. In addition to providing oversight to the research agenda, this position directly supports research efforts by other TMMC staff and collaborators by ensuring regulatory compliance, assisting with sampling of animals for research studies, necropsy examinations, data management and evaluation, and manuscript preparation. The Pathobiologist reports to the Director of Veterinary Science, with additional support and guidance provided by the Senior Scientist. This position supervises the Research Associate(s), Necropsy Manager and the Laboratory Manager/Medical Technologist. The Pathobiologist is also expected to be an active member of cross-departmental teams supporting the mission and directives of the Center Executive Director and TMMC Board of Directors. Major Responsibilities: * Develop an annual plan with measurable outcomes. * Manage staff, including providing performance evaluations tied to measures, and in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources, hiring and firing. * Conduct original research into marine mammal health and disease. * Ensure all research complies with all pertinent regulations. * Manage the Center's tissue and serum bank. * Contribute to Center grants management including drafting proposals, tracking expenses and reporting results. * Manage post release monitoring program of animals after rehabilitation * Assist veterinary science staff with data analysis Core Competencies -- Knowledge and Skills: * Knowledge of marine mammal biology, and current marine mammal health and disease issues * Knowledge of existing methodologies for tracking marine mammals * Knowledge of current regulations regarding marine mammal take and specimen handling * Ability to record, manage and analyze data, and perform statistical analyses * Ability to write scientific papers for publication in a peer reviewed journals * Ability to represent The Center before large and small groups * Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team to coordinate shared and extra-mural projects, and monitor health and disease in marine mammals * Ability to supervise and train visiting interns and volunteers in marine mammal biology pertinent to the mission of The Center * Experience in multiple media venues Qualifications: * Significant and relevant experience with marine mammals in field research, clinical research, or both * Advanced degree in relevant field of study (e.g., PhD, DVM) * Demonstrated management experience To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources and Operations Manager to admin(a)tmmc.org<mailto:admin@tmmc.org>. Please put "Marine Mammal Pathobiologist" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is April 20, 2012. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org> Adopt-a-Seal! [cid:image001.jpg@01CD0D00.6E13E0D0] Adopt a past patient like Garnett and you'll give future patients a second chance at life. Adopt-a-Seal today<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/adopt-a-seal/>!

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Orcinus orca, seeking internal anatomy references/images
by Sharon Birzer 28 Mar '12

28 Mar '12

Dear Marine Mammal Specialists, I'm working on illustrating layers of the Orca whale, Orcinus orca for a marine science center. We have the skeletal layer but I'm missing images of the internal organs and muscle layers. Would anyone know of references or resources containing images of the internal anatomy of an Orca Whale? I do have references for the internal anatomy and muscle layers of the Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Possibly I can adapt them for the Orca. Would anyone care to weigh in on specific differences between the internal anatomy and muscles of Orcinus orca and Tursiops truncatus? Thank you for any assistance or information you may provide. Please send information to my email at sharonbizer(a)comcast.net. Kind regards, Sharon Birzer Science Illustrator Seattle, Washingotn www.sharonbirzer.com www.gnsinw.org/sharon-birzer.html

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New publication on spectacled porpoise genetics
by Lida Pimper 28 Mar '12

28 Mar '12

We are pleased to announce the publication (online at this stage) of the following short communication in Mammalian Biology: First mitochondrial DNA analysis of the spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica) from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Lida E. Pimper, R. Natalie P. Goodall and M. Isabel Remis. Abstract The spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica, Lahille, 1912) is one of the cetacean species about which least is known. Most information on the biology and ecology of this species has been obtained from stranded specimens and sightings at sea. In this study, analysis of 380 bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences (N = 50) was performed to provide a preliminary assessment of the genetic variation in spectacled porpoise specimens found stranded or by caught on the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Results showed high levels of mtDNA diversity, as expected in large size and stable populations, and similar to other species of porpoises. The star-like shape phylogeny of haplotypes indicates a recent population expansion. This is the first report on the genetic variation of this species. Other lines of evidence (microsatellite loci, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs)) are needed to improve our knowledge on the molecular biology of the spectacled porpoise. Keywords Phocoena dioptrica; Spectacled porpoise; mtDNA variation; Tierra del Fuego; Argentina Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2012.02.002 regards, Lida E. Pimper Postdoctoral Research Fellow Laboratorio de Genética de la Estructura Poblacional. Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Buenos Aires. Argentina. Museo Acatushún de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos Australes. Tierra del Fuego. Argentina. Tel: +5411-4576-3300 int. 219 FAX: +5411-4576-3354 email: liditas(a)gmail.com / liditas(a)ege.fcen.uba.ar http://www.ege.fcen.uba.ar

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Wanted: cetacean ID key
by alesha naranjit 28 Mar '12

28 Mar '12

Hello, I am trying to obtain a cetacean ID key for the identification of cetacean carcasses and skeletal remains. These are mostly to ID stranded animals. I have a copy of the FAO Species Identification Guide, Marine Mammals of the World (1994 I believe) but would wondered if there were any other keys available. Also, I would appreciate if someone can confirm whether all delphinidae species, with the exception of *Steno, *have smooth teeth as I have not seen descriptions of the surface texture of delphinidae teeth other than those of *Steno*. If you have any information please contact me at alesha.r.n(a)gmail.com. Thanks Alësha Naranjit

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