March 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Baja Summer Course
by Greg Meyer 16 Mar '12

16 Mar '12

*Baja Natural History Studies, Aug. 2 - 18, 2012 Biology 131, Glendale Community College $860 includes lodging, transportation to Mexico from Glendale, CA and all meals at the Field Station in Baja. * *Instructors:* Greg Meyer, California State University, Monterey Bay and Guy Van Cleave, Columbia College, Sonora, CA *Course Overview: * Our class is based at a seaside field station in the fishing village of Bahia de los Angeles. Offshore the nutrient-rich waters are alive with whales, dolphins, seabirds and marine turtles, while the nearby desert islands are habitats for endemic species. This richness of marine wildlife is rivaled by few places in North America. Our course focuses on the biology and ecology of marine vertebrates and the natural history of Baja. Daily boat excursions are complimented by afternoon and evening lectures at a new and beautiful field station where students can watch birds, dolphins and snorkel on our beach. Sperm, Bryde's, Fin and Pilot whales cruise the offshore waters with Long-beaked Common and Bottlenose Dolphins. We typically see more than 25 species of marine birds as well. Our 3-unit Biology class (CSU transferable) is sponsored by the Baja Field Studies Program of Glendale Community College, which has operated courses in Mexico for over 30 years. *Location: *Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico *For Registration Details and Other Information, Contact: * * * *Greg Meyer**, **Faculty,** **California** State University Monterey Bay*** *gmeyer(a)csumb.edu** (831)345-1973* * * *Guy Van Cleave**, **Professor of Biology, Columbia College*** *vancleave(a)yosemite.edu (209) 588 – 5202* ** *Baja Program Website: <http://www.glendale.edu/index.aspx?page=226> **http://www.glendale.edu/index.aspx?page=226* -- Greg Meyer, M.A. Outdoor Education and Recreation Program Kinesiology Department, Valley Hall 82D California State University Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center Seaside, CA 93955

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New paper on harbor porpoise echolocation
by Jens Koblitz 15 Mar '12

15 Mar '12

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Koblitz, J.C., M. Wahlberg, P. Stilz, P.T. Madsen, K. Beedholm, and H.-U. Schnitzler (2012). Asymmetry and dynamics of a narrow sonar beam in an echolocating harborporpoise. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 131 (3), 2315-2324 URL:http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/131/2315 DOI: 10.1121/1.3683254 Abstract: A key component in the operation of a biosonar system is the radiation of sound energy from the sound producing head structures of toothed whales and microbats. The current view involves a fixed transmission aperture by which the beam width can only change via changes in the frequency of radiated clicks. To test that for a porpoise, echolocation clicks were recorded with high angular resolution using a 16 hydrophone array. The beam is narrower than previously reported (DI = 24 dB) and slightly dorso-ventrally compressed (horizontal -3 dB beam width: 13°, vertical -3 dB beam width: 11°). The narrow beam indicates that all smaller toothed whales investigated so far have surprisingly similar beam widths across taxa and habitats. Obtaining high directionality may thus be at least in part an evolutionary factor that led to high centroid frequencies in a group of smaller toothed whales emitting narrow band high frequency clicks. Despite the production of stereotyped narrow band high frequency clicks, changes in the directionality by a few degrees were observed, showing that porpoises can obtain changes in sound radiation. Please feel free to contact me for a pdf copy. With kind regards, Jens Koblitz Jens.Koblitz(a)uni-tuebingen.de Biosonar Lab Animal Physiology Insitue for Neurobiology University of Tuebingen Auf der Morgenstelle 28 D-72076 Tuebingen Germany

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Deadline Extended!! FW: Soundwatch Summer Internship
by soundwatch 15 Mar '12

15 Mar '12

_____ From: soundwatch [mailto:soundwatch@whalemuseum.org] Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:43 AM To: 'marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca' Subject: Deadline Extended!! FW: Soundwatch Summer Internship If you, someone you know, or students within your department/organization might be interested in working with Soundwatch this summer, please pass along this notice and attachments. Thank You! Deadline extended to March 27, 2012 !!! Be Part of the Soundwatch Boater Education Program Team! --- Summer Internships Available The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking interns to assist with the successful and internationally acclaimed education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to killer whales and other marine wildlife in the Haro Strait region of Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. Soundwatch needs assistants to help conduct seasonal vessel patrols to educate boaters on regional guidelines and regulations and to collect data while monitoring vessel activities around whales. Data from this important program characterizes vessel activity trends around marine wildlife and is used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. Internship based in Friday Harbor, WA, approximately 35-40 hours per week, May-September, variety of tasks both in an office setting and in the field on the patrol boat and/or shore based whale watch areas. Internship is unpaid. Shared housing at reasonable cost, is likely available. Please SEE BELOW for additional application instructions, or DOWNLOAD from our website: www.whalemuseum.org <http://www.whalemuseum.org/> REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be at least 18 years, be physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), able to swim, and not easily susceptible to seasickness. Be prepared to spend time aboard a small (20 ft.) vessel in unpredictable weather and sea conditions. Interns will need a valid passport or US enhanced driver's license, CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license/or equivalent safe boating card, not required but is a bonus. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until March 5, 2012. Decisions will be made by the end of March. Deadline extended to March 27, 2012 !!! Please send application materials to: Eric Eisenhardt Soundwatch Coordinator P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred) to: soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org Please visit The Whale Museum's Web site for more information on Soundwatch: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html Eric Eisenhardt, Soundwatch Coordinator soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org The Whale Museum P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360-378-4710 X 33 360-378-5790 Fax www.whalemuseum.org <http://www.whalemuseum.org/> Be Whale Wise! ADDITIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR SOUNDWATCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Soundwatch Intern Positions: Soundwatch relies heavily on community support in the form of volunteers and interns to be effective in changing boater behaviors around marine wildlife. Volunteers are an integral part of this innovative model of community based marine stewardship. Interns assist the Soundwatch program with all aspects of The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program, both in the field and in the office. Up to four intern positions are available for the season, although some shorter-term positions may also be available. Interns usually spend a minimum of 4 days volunteering with the program both in the office setting and in the field on the patrol boat and/or shore based whale watch areas. Qualifications: College undergraduate and graduate students seeking intern positions for credit and/or program related requirements. Some opportunities are available for recent graduates, research fellows or non-scholastic assistants, but priority will be given to students pursuing degree in related field seeking field experience. Interns work approximately 35-40 hours per week and are required to commit to at least two months, but preferably to the full study period, May-September, plus some training time. Intern Responsibilities: Office tasks include data collating and data entry, preparing educational materials for boaters, distributing educational materials, public outreach, tracking volunteer hours and program activities, and fielding some program questions by phone/email. Fieldwork includes working with Soundwatch staff primarily on data collection on vessel activities around whales and marine protected areas, from a vessel platform and/or shore based observation areas. Data includes commercial and recreational vessel compliance with regional guidelines and regulations as well as vessel and whale surveys. Interns work with other Soundwatch volunteers and are expected to help with some volunteer support activities. Interns will work with a variety of program staff, and will be under the direction of the Soundwatch Program Director. Various circumstances may require intern participation with media interviews, video projects, whale standings or separations, or other public events requiring Soundwatch presence or expertise. Interns must be friendly, with an open attitude since they will speak publicly, assist volunteers, and interact frequently with the public. Interns must have excellent communication skills and have strong leadership potential with a great amount of patience and flexibility. Teaching, writing and boat handling experience are preferred. Intern Requirements: Interns preferably should have some field research experience, prior boating experience and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Access and Excel. Interns should be familiar with the basic use of binoculars, range finders, hand-held GPS units, and digital video camera operation for data collection. In addition, interns must have current First -Aid and CPR training certificates. Applicants should have marine mammal interest/experience as well as interest/experience in issues related to marine wildlife viewing management. Persons interested in the position should be able to withstand exposure in a small boat for up to 8-12 hours a day 3-4 days a week, in harsh weather conditions (sun/rain/bouncing), able to carry approximately 50 lbs. All applicants are required to have a current passport. These positions are un-paid, housing is not provided, and interns must have own transportation. While these internships are not paid positions, they are excellent experience and resume builders. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in scientific research and other related projects such as helping with the marine mammal stranding network and assisting other killer whale researchers. Interns will have the opportunity to attend various meetings and lectures as well as meet other marine mammal scientists. Volunteers will also receive discounts at The Whale Museum store. TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest and a resume, including contact info for three references, and the dates and time you are able to commit to by March 5, 2012. Decisions will be made by the end of March. Address applications to: Eric Eisenhardt Soundwatch Coordinator P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 -Or email (preferred) to: <mailto:soundwatch@whalemuseum.org> soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org Please visit The Whale Museum's Website for more information on Soundwatch <http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html> http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html Soundwatch Intern Job Description The Soundwatch Boater Education Program Mission: Promote responsible stewardship of the Salish Sea through the development, distribution and implementation of guidelines and regulations for marine wildlife viewing by residents, visitors and commercial users. Program goal: Reduce disturbances to marine wildlife by irresponsible boater behavior. Program objectives: * Educate boaters on best practices for viewing marine wildlife before they leave the shore * Reinforce the learning experience in the actual context where disturbances take place * Develop and evaluate community-based voluntary guidelines * Provide a scientific platform to monitor and record vessel activities around whales and other marine wildlife Soundwatch Internship Program Goals: Provide intern and volunteer opportunities in a safe and instructive program assisting the Soundwatch Boater Education Program in promoting its larger mission of marine stewardship. Intern Program Objectives: * Execute safe and proper seapersonship while educating boaters about wildlife viewing regulations and collecting data on wildlife viewing activities, * Educate commercial and private recreational boaters about wildlife viewing guidelines and regulations in a positive, professional manner, * Collect data on vessel activities around whales or other protection areas for further study, verification, or possible legal action. Pre-Training Requirements: A. Participate in a Soundwatch Training Workshop. Once you are invited to become a Soundwatch Intern or Assistant, you need to attend a training workshop to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the program. Workshops are usually done in the late spring and again in the early summer. You will need to fill out information sheets and a liability waiver. Once you have attended a workshop you can develop your volunteer schedule with the coordinator. B. Be familiar with the Soundwatch vessel. In addition to the training workshop, all volunteers must have a boat check out. This includes a basic run through of boat operations, safety equipment, radio and cell phone, GPS, range finder and video use. It is also a good idea to become familiar with the local area if you are not already. We do have some charts and field guides available, but you might want to get your own. Daily Operational Responsibilities A. Come prepared for a full day of variable conditions on boat days. Includes bringing the following items: Appropriate clothing; warm jacket, good rain gear, warm hat, sun hat, sunglasses, gloves and boots if it is cold and rainy. T-shirts and shorts are OK as long as they are not offensive and you have other clothing when it cools. Plenty of food and water; snack food and easy to eat items are best because we often do not stop to have a lunch break. Bring more water than you will need, as dehydration is very likely. Sunscreen is essential; the boat has no covered protection. Equipment; binoculars are very handy as is a wristwatch. You may bring a camera, but keep in mind we are a working boat and are not getting close to wildlife. Safety gear; we will provide floatation suits and jackets of various sizes. If you have something specific that you like to wear, feel free to use it. We have full first aide gear but bring anything you know you are likely to need. Please advise your driver of any special condition you may have before you leave the dock. B. Follow the lead of your driver. The Soundwatch driver's main responsibility is to strictly follow all wildlife viewing guidelines keeping wildlife well being the first priority. They need to be aware and conscience of whales' whereabouts at all times. You can help by keeping a whale lookout and by following directions given to you by the driver. Many things are going on at the same time on the water and it can be overwhelming for short periods of time. If the driver does not have to worry about what you are doing, they can concentrate on the whales. C. Follow the daily procedure. This includes doing the morning check-ins, having a reliable way to be reached, and arriving at the designated time. It also includes helping with gear schlepping, preparing daily educational materials, data collection gear and supplies and boat set-up. May also include instructing new volunteers on daily procedures. D. Be professional at all times. Come prepared and ready. Use appropriate behavior, language, attire (Soundwatch or Museum clothing if possible) and attitude- you are the SOUNDWATCH PROGRAM and you are representing The Whale Museum at all times. Be polite, courteous and firm. Don't loose your cool in tense situations. Relax. Take a deep breath. Have some fun. Education and Data Collection Responsibilities: A. Contact all private boats that are reasonable and safe to approach. Includes powerboats, kayaks, sailboats, personal watercraft etc. In general, try to communicate with commercial whale watch boats through radio and cell phone about guideline issues, rather than approach with passengers. Do not motor into groups of whales to contact boats. Soundwatch is setting an example, and wildlife safety is a higher priority. Stay clear of vessels actively engaged in fishing activities. If you need to approach, wait until lines are in. B. Distribution of Educational Materials. Using the pole on the boat, or at public facilities hand out educational materials that includes the Be Whale Wise Guidelines for Wildlife Viewing, Soundwatch Brochure, MPA and Special Local areas Flyer, Bottomfish Recovery Program Brochure when warranted, and any other relevant local service announcements. C. Verbal Communications. When handing out information on the boat or at a public facility, politely but loudly tell boaters who you are and what you are doing. Tell them the basic guidelines, something about the whales or refuge area, and any special conditions of the day. Always say thank you and if you can something positive. If the boater has not been following guidelines, explain to them what was potentially wrong, and give them the alternative for next time. If they continue to be a problem you can re-approach with a reminder, and/or remind them of the NMFS Marine Mammal Protection Act, use video in extreme cases. D. Maintain a daily boat log. Includes date, time, weather, crew, destination, fuel and oil levels, added fuel or oil, boat maintenance needed, boat maintenance completed, equipment comments, big events on the water, marine mammal sightings, communications with officials, messages for other drivers, return time, engine hours E. Fill out data sheets. Fill out data sheets correctly, accurately and legibly; help with boat identification, whale ID, boater behavior, and harassment issues. Data sheets include: 1. Whale Watch Vessel Counts 2. Whale Watch Vessel Contact Logs 3. Whale Watch Vessel Incident Log 4. MPA vessel activities and contact Logs

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Raptors and dolphins
by Gerry Ryan 15 Mar '12

15 Mar '12

Dears, I have made multiple observations of Brahminy Kites fishing with Irrawaddy dolphins. I can find however, no evidence of other Acciptirids/raptors engaging in any such behaviour in the literature. If ladies or gents have ever made similar observations, I'd be interested to hear about it (gryan(a)wwf.panda.org) Best, gerry ryan

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MMO/PAM practical experience and training course
by Patrick Lyne 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

Dear Colleagues, The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) have on offer six places on a practical training week in Marine Mammal Observation and Passive Acoustics off the South West coast of Ireland. Training will be on board the newly refitted RV Celtic Mist (http://www.rvcelticmist.ie/) and involve discussion and instruction in the application of the Irish guidelines, as well as their practical application in the field. The course will start and finish in Castletownbere, County Cork, and will depart port on the 3 September 2012, returning on the 9th September. A second week will be offered immediately following, on the 12th of September if there is sufficient demand. Ireland has an abundance of marine mammals, turtle and marine fauna present along its coast, many of which have had relatively limited study. The summer months and are associated with abundant sightings of cetaceans and many more rarely seen visitors such as marine turtles. This is an opportunity for those who wish to gain experience in observation of a wide variety of cetacean species and their acoustic detection. RV Celtic Mist is fitted with a HF towed hydrophone array and dipping hydrophones with associated filter boxes and sound card for high sampling rates. The southwest of Ireland provides access to wide range of possible locations for study and the exact course for Celtic Mist will depend partially on weather patterns at the time, but it is expected to take in offshore shelf edge waters as well as inshore and coastal waters to provide the maximum variety of species and marine habitats for detection. The course will satisfy the National Parks and Wildlife Service requirements for MMOs (Marine Mammal Observers) but is intended primarily as an opportunity for those who wish to gain experience of this type of work, whether for scientific or commercial careers or just for interest. You will be expected to work as part of a crew on a rota and all sightings and observations will be logged and submitted to the IWDG (www.iwdg.ie) database. You will need to carry a valid sea survival certificate (STCW95 or equivalent) and current marine medical certificate (ENG11 or equivalent) for offshore work. The cost of the week long course is €1435.00 (euros) with a small reduction for IWDG members. This includes accommodation onboard RV Celtic Mist and food. There will be no additional costs onboard for the week. INTERESTED? Contact the course coordinator, Patrick Lyne by email at mmo(a)iwdg.ie by March 31st stating reasons for doing this course and any past marine experience briefly. Deposit of 50% will be required by April 30th and the remainder by June 30th. Withdrawl from the course will be reimbursed less 7%, only if a replacement can be found. Patrick Lyne Marine Mammal Observer Coordinator Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Disert Castletownbere County Cork Ireland. Tel: 353-27-71930; Mob/Cell: 353-86-2334424 Email: mmo(a)iwdg.ie

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DATE CHANGE: seeking two graduate students to work on animal adipose tissues
by Koopman, Heather 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

Due to some UNCW application issues I need to change the date for consideration for this position to April 15 2012 (rather than June 1st). Thanks, Heather Koopman ________________________________ From: Koopman, Heather Sent: March 6, 2012 9:22 AM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: seeking two graduate students to work on animal adipose tissues March 5 2012 – seeking two graduate students in the Koopman/Westgate lab at UNCW PhD student – nitrogen solubility in tissues of vertebrates We are seeking a PhD student to work on a project which will be funded by ONR to examine nitrogen solubility and vascular density in the adipose tissues of vertebrates, from a comparative perspective. Our preliminary work has shown that in marine mammals, species with high wax ester content in their blubber tend to exhibit higher nitrogen solubility. This project will examine tissue from other divers (seabirds, turtles) as well as animals used as diving models (pigs, sheep – and humans). This student will need to be proficient with delicate lab instruments, tissue sampling and gas chromatography; in addition this project will have a significant histological component. UNCW’s PhD program in Marine Biology is described here: http://uncw.edu/bio/grad-phd.html. Completion of a M.Sc. (or equivalent) in biology or chemistry, and a strong background in chemistry (major, minor) are required. MSc student – nitrogen solubility in the acoustic tissues of toothed whales This project will build on the preliminary data described above, examining how nitrogen solubility and vascular density in the specialized acoustic fats (melon and mandibular fats) of dolphins and porpoises compare with that of their blubber. This will be a lab-based study, involving lipid extraction, gas measurements and histology. UNCW’s MSc programs in Biology/Marine Biology are described here: http://uncw.edu/bio/grad-ms.html Experience with marine mammals and tissue sampling strongly preferred. Completion of a B.Sc. in Biology or Chemistry, and a strong background in chemistry, are required. Please contact Dr. Heather Koopman koopmanh(a)uncw.edu<mailto:koopmanh@uncw.edu> if you are interested – and attach a CV to your email. Be sure that you understand that both of these will be almost exclusively lab-based projects, with little to no field work. We will consider applications until April 15th 2012. Heather Koopman, Ph.D. Associate Professor Biology & Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC U.S.A. 28403 Telephone: (910) 962-7199 Fax: 910-962-4066 Email: koopmanh(a)uncw.edu<mailto:koopmanh@uncw.edu> NOTICE: Emails sent and received in the course of university business are subject to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. §132-1 et seq.) and may be released to the public unless an exception applies.

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M.Sc. Thesis on short-finned pilot whale social organization in Hawaii
by Sabre Mahaffy 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

The following thesis was recently accepted by Portland State University: Mahaffy, S.D. 2012. Site fidelity, associations and long-term bonds of short-finned pilot whales off the island of Hawai‘i. M.Sc. Thesis, Portland State University. 151 pp. ABSTRACT: Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are the most frequently sighted odontocete in a long-term study in Hawai‘i (representing 23.8% of all odontocete sightings from directed research efforts), yet little has been published on this species in Hawaiian waters. Studies elsewhere have suggested that short-finned pilot whales travel in stable mixed-sex groups composed of strongly associated individuals; however temporal analyses of social structure are lacking. To examine site fidelity, association patterns and temporal relationships, I analyzed data from 267 directed research and opportunistic encounters of short-finned pilot whales off the island of Hawai‘i from 2003 through 2007. Sightings occurred year-round. Analysis of sighting depths in relation to effort indicated short-finned pilot whales are strongly associated with the island slope, with no sightings in water >2,700m deep despite effort to ~5,000m. Using only good-quality photos, I identified 448 distinctive individuals; of these, 305 (68.1%) were seen more than once and 250 (55.8%) were seen in >1 year. Sighting histories varied from 1-29 sightings per individual (median=3) over the course of the study, suggesting only some individuals exhibit high site fidelity. Degree of residency was assessed using multi-year site fidelity to the study area; individuals seen ≥5 times in ≥3 years were considered core residents (154 individuals), individuals who fell below these criteria but that were seen more than once were termed residents (150 individuals) and those seen on a single occasion were termed visitors (142 individuals). Only 71.9% of the whales were linked by association into a single social network, suggesting the possibility of multiple populations using the study area. Individuals demonstrated preferential associations and community division was strongly supported by average-linkage hierarchical cluster analysis of the association data. Nine longitudinally-stable social units composed of key individuals (seen toget her ≥8 times in ≥4 years) and their constant companions (seen together ≥5 times in ≥3 years) were identified (unit membership 5-16, median=10.5; mean unit association index: 0.62-0.90). Qualitative assignment of age and sex classes to unit members indicated that some segregation between adult males and female/calf pairs may occur. Temporal analysis using standardized lagged association rates of individuals grouped in the same encounter produced a best-fit model where dyads gradually disassociated over time while individuals grouped in the same day produced a model where dyads remained in association, suggesting companions not documented during an encounter are likely still present in the study area. Differential patterns of residency and site fidelity were unexpected and may be indicative of multiple populations around the main Hawaiian Islands. Additionally, the presence of a core resident population demonstrating strong, long-term site fidelity and associations off the island of Hawai‘i may warrant special management considerations. Evidence of fisheries-related injuries in addition to anthropogenic threats such as high levels of commercial and recreational vessel traffic, targeted tourist activities, and commercial and sports troll fisheries indicate that additional research is needed to evaluate potential threats to this island-associated population. A PDF copy can be downloaded from www.cascadiaresearch.org and more information on short-finned pilot whales in Hawaii can be found at www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/shortfinnedpilotwhale.htm Cheers, Sabre ----------------------------------------- Sabre Mahaffy, Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 USA www.cascadiaresearch.org Follow Cascadia on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Cascadia-Research-Collective/110495958982184

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New manuscript: Skin Lesions on Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Three Sites in the Northwest Atlantic, USA
by Leslie Hart 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

MARMAM subscribers, We would like to inform you of a paper recently published in PLoS One regarding skin lesions on bottlenose dolphins from the southeastern U.S: "Skin Lesions on Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Three Sites in the Northwest Atlantic, USA". Leslie Burdett Hart, Dave S. Rotstein, Randall S. Wells, Jason Allen, Aaron Barleycorn, Brian C. Balmer, Suzanne M. Lane, Todd Speakman, Eric S. Zolman, Megan Stolen, Wayne McFee, Tracey Goldstein, Teri K. Rowles, and Lori H. Schwacke. Abstract: Skin disease occurs frequently in many cetacean species across the globe; methods to categorize lesions have relied on photo-identification (photo-id), stranding, and by-catch data. The current study used photo-id data from four sampling months during 2009 to estimate skin lesion prevalence and type occurring on bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) from three sites along the southeast United States coast [Sarasota Bay, FL (SSB); near Brunswick and Sapelo Island, GA (BSG); and near Charleston, SC (CHS)]. The prevalence of lesions was highest among BSG dolphins (*P = 0.587 *) and lowest in SSB (*P = 0.380*), and the overall prevalence was significantly different among all sites (*p<0.0167*). Logistic regression modeling revealed a significant reduction in the odds of lesion occurrence for increasing water temperatures (*OR = 0.92; 95%CI:0.906–0.938*) and a significantly increased odds of lesion occurrence for BSG dolphins (*OR = 1.39; 95%CI:1.203–1.614*). Approximately one-third of the lesioned dolphins from each site presented with multiple types, and population differences in lesion type occurrence were observed (*p<0.05*). Lesions on stranded dolphins were sampled to determine the etiology of different lesion types, which included three visually distinct samples positive for herpesvirus. Although generally considered non-fatal, skin disease may be indicative of animal health or exposure to anthropogenic or environmental threats, and photo-id data provide an efficient and cost-effective approach to document the occurrence of skin lesions in free-ranging populations. PLoS One is an open access journal, so you can view and download the pdf from: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0033081 -- Leslie Burdett Hart, PhD Jardon and Howard Technologies, Inc. (JHT) NOAA/NOS/NCCOS Hollings Marine Laboratory 331 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 Phone: 843-725-4831 Fax: 843-762-8737 Email: Leslie.Burdett(a)noaa.gov

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Skin disease in humpback whale
by Gisli Vikingsson 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

Dear Marmamers The following link is to photos taken yesterday onboard a whale watching vessel in SW Icelandic waters by Megan Whittaker. I have not seen this kind of skin condition before and was wandering whether any of you have ideas of what this might be? http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.262216990527473.63270.121924414556… Regards Gísli A. Víkingsson -- Gísli A. Víkingsson Head of Whale Research Marine Research Institute Skulagata 4 PO Box 1390 121 Reykjavík Iceland Tel. +354 575 2000 Fax +354 575 2001 Email: gisli(a)hafro.is www.hafro.is If you experience difficulties with this email, please try: gisliviking(a)gmail.com

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SMRU Ltd - Marine Scientist vacancy
by recruitment 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

SMRU Ltd has a vacancy for a Marine Scientist and is looking for knowledgeable and highly motivated scientist(s) to assist us in the ongoing growth of our Company. There would be opportunity for the successful candidate(s) to develop and evolve their role with the Company. If you are interested in applying, please email your CV together with a letter of interest to recruitment(a)smru.co.uk no later than Friday, 20th April 2012, quoting reference MS-03.12. Scope of Responsibilities: * Delivery of technical components of commercial contracts * Participation in fieldwork or site visits as required * Assisting the company maintain its reputation for excellence Skills and Abilities: Essential TWO or more of the following essential attributes: 1. A sound understanding of marine mammal ecology and/or behaviour 2. A thorough understanding of marine acoustics and the effects of underwater noise on marine species 3. Demonstrable ability in the treatment of temporally/spatially correlated data, development of advanced statistical techniques (e.g. GEEs, GAMMs, Bayesian methods). Comfortable writing and applying code/ syntax (e.g. in R or SAS) to manipulate, format and analyse complex ecological data to identify spatial or temporal change, with a particular emphasis on the potential drivers of any observed change 4. Delivery of EIAs, a sound knowledge of relevant legislation in Scotland or England and Wales and demonstrable experience of leading on EIAs or the development of IA methodologies with particular reference to assessing the impacts of development on marine mammals. AND also must be: i. Flexible and adaptable ii. Able to contribute to projects that may be outside current areas of expertise iii. Willing and able to learn new skills iv. Positive and outgoing nature v. Willing to work away from the office as required (offshore, UK or overseas) vi. Hold a Full Driving licence Desirable a. Experience of participating in marine mammal surveys using visual or towed passive acoustic methods b. Able to apply Distance Sampling methodologies in the design and implementation of visual surveys, and the analysis of data to provide robust density estimates (including Model-Based Analysis) c. Experience deploying static PAM devices for marine mammal monitoring and/or processing data using PAMGUARD d. GIS skills (ArcGIS, Manifold, MapInfo, QGIS) e. Knowledge of EPS legislation, EIA regulations and Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA/ AA) process f. Experience of dealing with Statutory Agencies or Regulators g. Experience working with marine (renewable) industry h. Experience of working with academic or research institutions i. Experience of working with an environmental consultancy j. Experience of managing projects with multiple partners and tasks k. Budget management (including the setting, monitoring and management of project budgets. For more information about us, please visit our website, www.smru.co.uk. If you do not have the required range of skills and experience highlighted above, SMRU Ltd may still be interested in hearing from you as we are often looking for additional support in both the short and longer term. Please send your CV together with a letter of interest to recruitment(a)smru.co.uk quoting reference SP-03.12 Fiona Fiona Skilbeck Group Executive Assistant SOI Group Limited New Technology Building North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR Scotland * fas(a)soigroup.co.uk <mailto:fas@soigroup.co.uk> ( +44 (0)1334 466901 (direct line) Web: www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> | www.soi.ltd.uk <http://www.soi.ltd.uk/> |www.pambuoy.com <http://www.pambuoy.com/> Switch: +44 (0)1334 479100 Fax: +44 (0)1334 477878 P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SOI Group Limited is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: SC413672. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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