March 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ENC: Video os common dolphins stranding and being returned in Brazil
by Andre Silva Barreto 08 Mar '12

08 Mar '12

Dear Marmamers, on the morning of March 5th, approximately 30 common dolphins stranded alive in a beach in Cabo Frio (-22.95893, -42.02423), north of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. By itself this isn't such big news, however, the event was filmed from the moment the dolphins were approaching the beach up to when the last was returned to the sea. It was a very brief stranding (less than 4 minutes) since there were many people on the beach and as soon as the animals beached, they were returned to the water. >From the video it seems that they all survived. The link for the video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekmMD8oYtJ0 I'm not the one who filmed, so I don't have any extra information. But due to the rarity of having an event like this filmed, I believed that it deserved being forwarded to you since it might give some insights on why strandings happen. Sincerely, André Barreto ________________________________ Dr. André S. Barreto<http://www.researcherid.com/rid/A-7707-2010> Lab. Oceanografia Biológica CTTMar - UNIVALI<http://www.univali.br/cttmar> abarreto(a)univali.br http://sites.google.com/site/botosdoitajai/ Bloco E2, sala 108, Campus Itajaí Rua Uruguai 458 - Centro - Itajaí, SC CEP 88302-202 - Caixa Postal 360 Fone:(47) 3341-7714 Fax: (47) 3341-7715

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Recent book chapter
by Daniel Palacios 08 Mar '12

08 Mar '12

MARMAM readers may be interested in this recent publication that, while focusing on white sharks, also reports on marine mammal occurrence in an oceanic region: Domeier, M.L., N. Nasby-Lucas and D.M. Palacios. 2012. The Northeastern Pacific White Shark Shared Offshore Foraging Area (SOFA): A First Examination and Description from Ship Observations and Remote Sensing. Pages 147–158, Chapter 12, in: M.L. Domeier, Ed. Global Perspectives on the Biology and Life History of the White Shark, CRC Press, DOI: 10.1201/b11532-15. Abstract Previous studies have shown that adult White Sharks (*Carcharodon carcharias *) migrate from aggregation sites near the coast to pelagic habitats situated between North America and Hawaii. Studies using satellite-linked radio transmitting (SLRT) tags have allowed for a better spatial description of this region while also delineating sex-specific offshore habitat partitioning. Although females roam widely in the pelagic habitat, males occupy a more defined region called the Shared Offshore Foraging Area (SOFA). Here we report the first direct observations of the SOFA, made from a ship in June 2009, and compare these observations with oceanographic remote sensing data to characterize the SOFA habitat. White sharks tagged with SLRT tags provided real-time tracking positions to guide the research vessel toward offshore regions used by White Sharks. The timing of the expedition coincided with a seasonal contraction of the SOFA. Ship observations in the region where the sharks were detected revealed an absence of epipelagic fish and small cetaceans, but Sperm Whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) and three species of spawning squid (*Architeuthis* and two species of Ommastrephid squids) were present. Oceanographic remote sensing data showed the region to be an epipelagic cold spot, broadly characterized by downwelling conditions, reduced horizontal motions or other dynamical processes, no major temperature fronts, and very low phytoplankton biomass. However, the presence of apex predators like White Sharks, Sperm Whales, and squid suggests that the SOFA ecosystem supports a considerable mesopelagic biomass. Oceanic hot spots are currently described primarily by epipelagic and surface observations; this study demonstrates the need to incorporate mesopelagic observations into the characterization of hot and cold spots. A PDF is available (10.7MB). -- *Daniel M. Palacios, Ph.D.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Univ. Hawaii & Environmental Research Division, NOAA/NMFS/SWFSC Pacific Fisheries Environmental Laboratory 1352 Lighthouse Ave. Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2097 USA Phone: 831-658-3203 Fax: 831-648-8440 Email: Daniel.Palacios(a)noaa.gov http://www.pfeg.noaa.gov/~dpalacio http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bBjy6ZcAAAAJ http://www.researcherid.com/rid/B-9180-2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclaimer: The contents of this message are mine personally and do not necessarily reflect any position of the Government or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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New paper on long-beaked common dolphin abundance in California waters
by Jim Carretta 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

Dear friends, A new publication on the abundance and distribution of long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) in California and western Baja California waters has just been published: Carretta, J.V., S.J. Chivers, and W.L. Perryman. 2011. Abundance of the long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) in California and western Baja California waters estimated from a 2009 ship-based line-transect survey. Bulletin Southern California Academy of Sciences 110(3):152-164. Abstract - The abundance of the long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) is estimated from data collected during a 2009 ship-based line-transect survey. The survey was designed to provide fine-scale coverage of the known range of D. capensis along the California and west Baja California coasts. Estimates of D. capensis abundance presented are the highest to date for California waters and may reflect a combination of improved survey design for this species and increasing numbers of D. capensis in state waters. Estimates of D. capensis abundance within California waters are 183,396 (CV=0.41, 95% CI 78,149 - 379,325) animals. An additional 95,786 (CV=0.47, 95% CI 36,881 - 209,507) D. capensis were estimated in Baja California waters from the U.S./Mexico border south to the tip of Baja California. Total estimated abundance of D. capensis in California and Baja California west coast waters is 279,182 (CV=0.31, 95% CI 148,753 - 487,323) animals. This paper can be found at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA) website: http://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?Division=PRD&ParentMenuId=148&id=1253 Sincerely, Jim Carretta

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Assistant positions for cetacean prospecting survey trip in the Caribbean_in April 2012
by Lara Delgado 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey trip in Cuba and Jamaica water. Dates from 7th to 15th of April 2012. Also from 16th to 30th. DESCRIPTION: EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environment is a NGO specially focused in the study of cetaceans. We offer positions for volunteers to assist with the spring surveys trips in the Caribbean. Our research vessel, the catamaran MAKTUB, will set sail, from Santiago de Cuba port the 7th of April (early morning) and be back the 15th of April. Volunteers are expected to arrive the 6th in the afternoon (can stay overnight on board) and leave the 16th as the boat will be back the 15th late in the afternoon (so can stay overnight the 15th). 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 tracking and basic marine navigating skills. Assistants are required to pay 700€ for food and accommodation expenses in the research vessel during the 9 days. No previous experience is required, as the scientists present in the prospective trip will teach the assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please write us sending your résumé at: info(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! All the Edmaktub team EDMAKTUB, Association for the Study and Disclosure of the Aquatic Environment Web: www.edmaktub.com Mail: info(a)edmaktub.com Facebook: Edmaktub and Asoc Edmaktub

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New Internship Opportunities at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute!
by Elizabeth Hartel 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

Voluntary Research Positions at HBOI Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is now accepting applications for two voluntary research positions in the Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology (PBBE) Program. Successful applicants will participate in marine mammal photo-identification including data entry, database management, image analysis, field work, and potentially GIS mapping work. Positions are available throughout the year with 3 sessions: · mid January - mid May · mid May - mid August · mid August - mid December There is some flexibility with the above dates. If applying for the upcoming 2012 summer session, preference will be given to those interested in starting early (i.e. before May). Please submit application materials with as much notice as possible, preferably at least one month prior to your desired session start date. If interested in participating for a longer duration, it may be possible to combine two of the above sessions. Volunteers will be expected to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week, excluding University recognized holidays. Harbor Branch is located in Fort Pierce, FL, adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. The PBBE program conducts boat-based photo-ID surveys of Western North Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in estuarine waters of Eastern Florida. We investigate multiple aspects of dolphin population biology, foraging ecology and social organization, including temporal and spatial aspects of abundance and distribution. Voluntary Researchers will primarily focus on data entry, database management, image analysis, and some photo-ID field work. These are unpaid positions, but this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience with marine mammal research and image analysis. Participants will be under the supervision of experienced dolphin researchers and will learn many valuable skills. If students intend to receive university credit for their participation, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Participants are also responsible for their own living arrangements and expenses. Ideal candidates will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a university program in marine science, biology, ecology, or a related field. We are seeking applicants with a strong work ethic, a mature attitude towards marine mammal research, and preferably prior marine mammal experience. As these are unpaid positions, applicants must fill out the Volunteer Application found at http://www.fau.edu/hboi/Donate.php (scroll down to "Donate Your Time" and click on Volunteer Application). To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter with the completed Volunteer Application to Cathy Rossmell at crossmel(a)fau.edu. Please indicate PBBE- Photo-ID as your area of interest on the application. Please include the session(s) and/or dates you are applying for in your cover letter. Florida Atlantic University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and is committed to the diversity of its workforce. [Description: 2010LogowithtaglinePMS877(metallic silver)][Description: PBBE] ____ Liz Hartel Biological Scientist Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute - FAU 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 work: (772) 242-2238 cell: (772) 216-4363 www.hboi.fau.edu

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New paper on DMV and Toxoplasma gondii infection in a fin whale (Balenoptera physalus)
by Sandro Mazzariol 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

Dear collegues, we're pleased to announce the following recent publication in BMC Veterinary Research reguarding the first case of co-infection of Dolphin Morbillivirus and Toxoplasma gondii in a Mediterranean fin whale (Balenoptera physalus) stranded on January 26th, 2011 along Tuscany coastline (Italy). Another fin whale positive to morbillivirus stranded in october 2011 in Sardinia. *Mazzariol*S.,***Marcer*F.,*Mignone*W.,*Serracca*L.,*Goria*M.,*Marsili L.*,*Di Guardo*G. and*Casalone C (2012). **Dolphin Morbillivirus and Toxoplasma gondii coinfection in a Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). *BMC Veterinary Research 8:20. The abstract and provisional pdf could be found at the following address. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1746-6148/8/20/abstract For any comment or question, please don't exitate to contact me (sandro.mazzariol(a)unipd.it) Best regards Sandro Mazzariol -- Dr. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD Dept. of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA) University of Padova AGRIPOLIS - Viale dell'Università, 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) ITALY tel.: +39 049 827 2963 fax: +39 049 827 2973 e-mail: sandro.mazzariol(a)unipd.it

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New publication
by Mónica Cordeiro de Almeida e Sil va 07 Mar '12

07 Mar '12

Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Silva, M.A.; Prieto, R.; Magalhães, S.; Seabra, M.I.; Machete, M. & Hammond, P.S. 2012. Incorporating information on bottlenose dolphin distribution into marine protected area design. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 22: 122-133. Available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.1243/pdf ABSTRACT 1. The steady growth of the whale-watching activities in the Azores and its concentration in a small area that partly overlaps the home range of a resident group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was one of the driving forces to proposing part of the range of this group as a marine protected area (MPA). 2. Six years of data collected during boat surveys were used to investigate how dolphins used the candidate MPA (cMPA) and whether they showed any preference for the cMPA over adjacent areas. This work also estimated the fraction of the resident individuals and group's range included in the cMPA and examined whether there were any temporal changes in its use. 3. Mean daily encounter rate of bottlenose dolphins was higher inside than outside the cMPA. Dolphin sightings inside the cMPA were nearly double what was predicted by the survey effort. Dolphins used the cMPA with similar intensity throughout the years. 4. Resident dolphins were frequently sighted in the cMPA. However, less than 20% of the known range (650 km2) and 41% (39 km2) of the core area of the group lay within the cMPA. The reliability in the use of the cMPA over a 6-year period suggests its importance for the dolphin population remained relatively stable but its surface area was clearly insufficient to satisfy the spatial requirements of the resident group. 5. Based on these findings, it was proposed to the Regional Government of the Azores to extend the boundaries of the cMPA. Accordingly, the modified protected area established in 2008 includes 100% of the core area of the resident group of bottlenose dolphins. This study provides an example of how information on cetacean habitat-use patterns may be used to design ecologically meaningful protected areas for this group. Regards, Mónica Mónica Almeida e Silva Post Doctoral Fellow ------------------------------------------------------------------- Centro do IMAR da Universidade dos Açores Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas 9901-862 Horta, Portugal Tel: (351) 292207800 Fax: (351) 292207811 E-mail: monica(a)uac.pt http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/cetamarh/ <http://www.horta.uac.pt/projectos/cetamarh/> http://www.portulano.org/wkit/index.html <http://www.portulano.org/wkit/index.html> ---------------------------------------------------------------- Biology Department, MS#33 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA E-mail: msilva(a)whoi.edu http://www.whoi.edu/ <http://www.whoi.edu/>

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New publication
by Daniel Gonzalez 06 Mar '12

06 Mar '12

Dear Marmamers, We are happy to announce the publication of the following review article: Gonzalez-Socoloske, D. & Olivera-Gomez, L.D. (2012). Gentle giants in dark waters: Using side-scan sonar for manatee research. The Open Remote Sensing Journal 5:1-14. Available online at: http://www.benthamscience.com/open/tormsj/articles/V005/1TORMSJ.pdf Abstract: Manatees are tropical marine mammals that live in a wide variety of aquatic habitats ranging from coastal marine areas to freshwater lakes and rivers located hundreds of kilometers inland. All manatee species are currently characterized as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily due to anthropogenic causes (i.e. poaching, habitat destruction, pollution, collisions with boats) and all of the environments they live in present challenges to biologists and wildlife managers. Tropical freshwater systems are especially difficult to work in because they are generally tannin-stained or turbid and water clarity is very restricted. Locating manatees and observing their behavior in these environments is extremely difficult and is a major limiting factor in determining population parameters. We summarize the use of sonar technology as an aid to detect and study manatees in these freshwater systems. First, by a summary of what has been attempted before our efforts, followed by presenting the various ways we have used this technology in the past 6 years to 1) detect manatees, 2) characterize manatee habitat in ways that would not be possible otherwise, 3) identify mother-calf pairs, and 4) assist in manatee captures. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of using this technology for manatee conservation and research and present directions in which we believe future work can be directed, such as the determination of manatee abundance via distance sampling surveys using sidescan sonar and the use of one of the latest developments in acoustic technology, dual-frequency identification sonar. ------------------------------------------- Regards, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske PhD Candidate University Program in Ecology Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 Email: dg52(a)duke.edu -------------------------------------------

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seeking two graduate students to work on animal adipose tissues
by Koopman, Heather 06 Mar '12

06 Mar '12

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 June 1st 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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Follow up paper on comparing PBR to other management approaches for marine mammals
by Mike Lonergan 06 Mar '12

06 Mar '12

Hi, The following paper has just reached the corrected proof/online early stage in its publication: Lonergan, M. "The targets of management rules for marine mammal populations require justification: a reply to Cooke et al. (2012)" Marine Policy (in press). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2012.02.010 (on the Marine Policy website at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X12000176 ) Abstract: The management of anthropogenic impacts on marine mammal populations involves the setting of targets that are built on assumptions and choices. Scientific methods can be used to investigate the implications of management actions, but the choice of overall objectives and priorities lies outside science. A recent paper (/Potential biological removal and other currently used management rules for marine mammal populations/: /A comparison/ in /Marine Policy/), summarised the characteristics of the main approaches currently used to set conservation management targets for marine mammal populations in order to provide a basis for discussion of the targets they contain. Cooke et al. (/Management rules for marine mammal populations/: /A response to Lonergan/ in /Marine Policy/) responded, giving some important additional information about these management rules. However most of that paper's criticisms were incorrect or misplaced. Specifically, it erroneously treated an example of how PBR could be reworked, to make its abundance explicit, as a proposal to ignore uncertainty in managing populations. This paper addresses Cooke's main criticisms, and suggests that explicit justifications should be an important part of the process of setting targets for the management of marine mammal populations. The paper is a reply to: Cooke J, Leaper R,Wade P, Lavigne D, Taylor B. Management rules for marine mammal populations: a response to Lonergan. Mar. Policy 2012; 36:389–92. which in turn was a critical response to: Lonergan, M. "Potential biological removal and other currently used management rules for marine mammal populations: A comparison." Mar. Policy 2011; 35:584–9. I am happy to send pdfs of my papers. Russell Leaper (r.c.leaper "at" abdn.ac.uk ) is listed as corresponding author on Cooke et al. Regards, Mike. -- Mike Lonergan NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews ________________________________________________________________________________ "The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532"

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