June 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Lynette R. Koftinow: 2012 ACS-SF Bay chapter "Call for Student Research applications for ACS National Conference Travel Grant Award"
by Lynette Koftinow 07 Jun '12

07 Jun '12

Dear colleagues, The American Cetacean Society-San Francisco Bay chapter (ACS/SF Bay) would like to encourage student participation in the American Cetacean Society’s 13th International Conference “Whales and Humans: A Conflicted Relationship” (San Diego, CA, 9 November – 11 November 2012) by offering a travel grant for an ACS Student Member that is submitting a poster to the contest. One student travel grant ($500) will be selected by a lottery system from all applications received by the Friday, 20 July 2012 deadline. ACS SF BAY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS To qualify for this grant, you need to: 1. Make sure you are a current ACS member at the time of submission. Application for membership to ACS may be completed at the following website: http://www.acsonline.org/aboutus/membership.html. 2. If you are not already an ACS member, please become a San Francisco Bay ACS chapter member. 3. Be currently enrolled as a student at a recognized academic institution. 4. Be first author on an accepted oral or poster presentation. 5. Register for the conference by the early registration deadline (http://acsonline.org) 6. Currently reside and study within the Pacific Northwest region of the US 7. Submit Travel Grant application/proposal to: Lynette R. Koftinow, ACS/SF Bay President, acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com (www.acs-sfbay.org) 8. Submit poster abstracts/application to Cheryl McCormick, Executive Director, American CetaceanSociety. For additional details, please visit the ACS website conference page at: http://acsonline.org/education/conference/2012-conference/ To apply: 1. Submit a title and abstract (as submitted and accepted by the American Cetacean Society) 2. Give your name and school affiliation. 3. E-mail your application to: acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com Note: As an awardee, you will be asked to present your poster or oral talk at a future ACS/ SF Bay presentation in Sausalito, or provide a summary report of your poster/spoken presentation for possible inclusion in a future ACS publications. The student travel grant application period closes Friday 20 July 2012 (11:59pm PST)! Notification of the student travel grant award will be made by August 10, 2012. IMPORTANT: If you are selected for an award, you will need to make sure you register for the conference by the end of the early registration period (31 August 2012) or the award will be given to someone else. Questions: Contact Lynette R. Koftinow, ACS/SF Bay President, acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com Poster Presentation Information: The American Cetacean Society Conference Program Committee invites poster presentation abstracts for the Society's 13th International Conference: "Whales and Humans: A Conflicted Relationship" November 9th-11th, 2012 Hyatt Regency, Mission Bay San Diego, California The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education. We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the ACS Conference Student Contest. The contest is for poster presenters, with a $250 first-place prize for the top presenter. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be recognized at the conference banquet and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter. The deadline for poster presentation abstract submissions is THURSDAY, JULY 5TH, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PST. For additional details, please visit the ACS website conference page at: http://acsonline.org/education/conference/2012-conference/ Cheryl M. McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org

1 0

Volunteers needed to spot whales, dolphins and seabirds June 2012
by Ed Drewitt 07 Jun '12

07 Jun '12

Media ReleaseMedia ReleaseMedia Release Immediate Release Ferry Company Helps Count Dolphins and Seals in the English Channel Dolphins and seals living in the English Channel wont go unnoticed this summer when the ferry company, DFDS Seaways, provides free passage for MARINElifes surveyors to discover how many of these little-known sea-faring mammals are living there. MARINElife, the UK-based marine wildlife charity, will be able to extend its vital marine conservation research on existing sailings operating from Dover to Dunkirk and its hoped they will see Harbour Porpoises, a small dolphin-like animal which lives in shallower waters around the UK coastline. DFDS Seaways already supports MARINElife, a charity set up to monitor the populations and movements of cetaceans (the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises), seabirds and other marine life on three other routes from Felixstowe, Rosyth and Immingham. MARINElife will run monthly scientific surveys starting in June 2012 and sightings by a research surveyor blog will be posted on the MARINElife website (www.marine-life.org.uk) The data collected will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabirds in the English Channel. The research with DFDS Seaways contributes to a larger project operating on ferries around the UK coastline. Jesper Christensen, DFDS Seaways Plc representative involved in the project, said: We are delighted to expand our help to MARINElife so they can further develop the understanding of the wildlife in the area. We look forward to hearing more about the wildlife encountered on these routes. Jo Wharam, Trustee for MARINElife, said: We really appreciate the continued support of DFDS Seaways. Ferries, or Ships of Opportunity as we refer to them, are a very convenient way of carrying out off-shore surveys. They allow us to access the same areas of ocean and monitor for changes over time vital information which forms the basis of conservation decisions. MARINElife Research Director Dr Tom Brereton, said The waters around the UK are home to a large proportion of the European Harbour Porpoise population, a species whose conservation has been highlighted as important at a European level. Gathering data on the population status of this species around the UK is critical in being able to define how to best protect the species in the future. ENDS For more information please contact: Jade Wilson DFDS Seaways Plc T: 0044 1732 779 087 E: dfdspr(a)westgatecomms.com Ed Drewitt, PR & Publicity MARINElife T: 0044 777 2342 758 E: ed.drewitt(a)marine-life.org.uk Editors notes: 1. MARINElife is a charity, established to co-ordinate and develop a growing portfolio of cetacean and seabird research and monitoring projects, chiefly in European Waters. Focal areas of work include whale, dolphin and seabird monitoring from ferries and other ships of opportunity, and research on Balearic Shearwaters, Bottlenose Dolphins and White-beaked Dolphins. Through these projects and collaborations, we aim to further the conservation of the wildlife of oceans and coasts through scientific investigation and educational activities. MARINElife continues to work in partnership with a number of other research groups, spearheading an international initiative, the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC) that aims to describe changes in the status of whales and dolphins at a European scale. Further information on MARINElife can be found by visiting our website at marine-life.org.uk [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=885&F=T] and further information on the North East Cetacean Project can be found at northeastcetaceans.org.uk [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2978&F=T] 2. DFDS is Northern Europes leading integrated shipping and logistics network. DFDS Seaways passenger ferries and cruise-ferries operate between Copenhagen and Oslo [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2979&F=T] on the North Sea (Amsterdam-Newcastle [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2980&F=T] and Esbjerg-Harwich [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2981&F=T] English channel (Dunkirk-Dover [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2982&F=T] and the Baltic Sea (Kiel-Klaipeda [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2983&F=T [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2984&F=T [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2985&F=T] The roll-on roll-off freight service operates across the North Sea, English Channel and Baltic Sea with additional container transport services operating through DFDS Logistics. Further information on DFDS Seaways can be found by visiting our website at dfdsseaways.co.uk [http://mailstudio.rock7.com/link.php?M=1713090&N=5126&L=2986&F=T] 3. DFDS Seaways passenger routes offer members of the public, as passengers, opportunities to see dolphins for themselves in the North Sea and the English Channel. 4.The Harbour Porpoise is our smallest cetacean in UK waters reaching no more than 1.7 metres and is usually found in small groups of 2 to 10 in more shallow waters around the coastline. It is difficult to spot and monitor as it only briefly surfaces often showing off little more than a glimpse of the dorsal fin which is best spotted in calm waters. Numbers vary annually but most sightings occur during late summer. For more information on the Harbour Porpoise, please visit: marine-life.org.uk/ceteaceans/harbour-porpoise 5. Members of the public can report their own sightings of dolphins, porpoises and whales seen off the south coast of England at marine-life.org.uk/charm-iii-project/how-you-can-help.

1 0

Summer 2012 Cetaceans field courses in Catania, Sicily, western Ionian sea.
by Eugenio Internullo 07 Jun '12

07 Jun '12

Cetacean Research Courses in Catania, Sicily, Italy. Western Ionian sea KETOS scientific association is announcing his summer cetacean research courses in Catania, Sicily, Italy. All the courses will be taking place between June 19th and September 29th. Every course has the duration of one week. The principal aim of the courses is to introduce the participants to marine biology, especially focusing on cetaceans and turtles. The course will be divided in theory and on-field activities. Lessons will be given within the Area Marina Protetta "Isole Ciclopi"and will deal with: - Cetacean and turtles’ anatomy and physiology - Recognizing cetacean in the Mediterranean - Field research methods (photo-ID, bioacoustics, etograms, GIS) - Strandings and related studies (stranding causes, genetics, biometry) All the surveys (at least 4) will be conducted with an inflatable boat in the Gulf of Catania. This course gives you the opportunity to participate in daily research activities, as well as obtain background knowledge of marine mammal science, marine biology and conservation. It is addressed to students pursuing a career in marine mammal science and for those who are just interested in cetaceans and in marine biology. By the end of this course, you will: - have a better understanding of current issues in marine mammal and turtle conservation; - obtain an overview of different research methods for studying marine mammals in the wild; - acquire practical experience of pleasures and frustrations of marine mammal field research. The cost is: - 500.00 € in june, july and September - 650.00 € in august The cost covers: boat surveys, short workshops, accommodation, food (breakfast and dinner or lunch) and instruments (if you have your own binoculars, photocameras, video camera you can bring it with you). Anyone above the age of 18 can participate. There will be no selection. Application will be considered on a “first come, first served basis”. Ask for more specific informations! Thank you KETOS scientific association Website: www.ketos.sicily.it email at: info(a)ketos.sicily.it and obviously on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KETOS/146036052618

1 0

4 Spaces Still Open: 2012 Manatee/Dolphin Field Course
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 06 Jun '12

06 Jun '12

Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of Manatees & Dolphins A Unique Field Course in the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon System 2012 Session III: ~ 4-17 August 2012 http://www.sirenian.org/2012FieldCourse.html LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS 15 JUNE 2012 Lead Instructor & Principal Investigator: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Want to be a Conservation Biologist, Behavioral Ecologist or Marine Mammalogist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, ecology & conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins, coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds in Belize! Course Overview: This is an experiential learning field course where you will live, work, and study from a marine science field station on a pristine, private island off the coast of Belize. Additionally, you will visit one or more Community Conservation Sites in Belize. Data collected during the course will contribute to our long-term manatee/ dolphin research project. You will learn through a variety of learning activities, literature review and discussion, independent research projects, and actual field research. Be prepared to rise with the sun and spend 8-10 hours outdoors, including 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the tropical Caribbean environment as we explore a maze of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. Location: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ and Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation & Development, http://sartenejaconservation.org/ . Passport required, immunizations as recommended by CDC Your Share of the Costs: US$2995 includes housing, meals, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, tips, and credit hours. Optional Credit Hours: The course provides 100 experiential learning and lecture hours in the field, plus approximately 35 hours of pre- field reading, research, and preparation; at least 50 of the 135 total hours include direct instruction by faculty. This is comparable to a 3 credit hour university course and meets the US DOE criteria in 34 CFR, SS600.2. You must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and Dr. Self-Sullivan for credit to be earned through your home university. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any study abroad requirements of your school. This course is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~3 hours per day), project development & implementation (~2 hours per day), presentation of pre-field research (~1 hour per day), and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hour per day). Deadlines: LATE Registration & fees due by 15 June 2012. Late payments and late registrations (if space available) incur a $100 late fee. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Contact: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. | cselfsullivan at sirenian dot org OR cselfsullivan at gmail dot com | +1.540.287.8207 Visit our Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564 Registration Form: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeRegistration.pdf Detailed Syllabus: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeSyllabus.pdf Policy & Liability Form: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizePolicy.pdf Recruit a Friend: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeFlyer.pdf Field Course Expedition Briefing (Be patient, it's 11MB): http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeBriefing.pdf Cheers, Caryn Caryn Self-Sullivan, PhD, KPA CTP President & Co-founder, Sirenian International, Inc. Email: cselfsullivan(a)sirenian.org Phone: +1.540.287.8207 Website: http://sirenian.org Blog: http://mermaidsandmermen.blogspot.com/ Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/sirenianinternational Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sirenian/ The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Donate online at http://sirenian.org.

1 0

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A FINE SCALE FEEDING BEHAVIOUR PROJECT ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA
by kylie.owen3＠optusnet.com.au 05 Jun '12

05 Jun '12

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A FINE SCALE FEEDING BEHAVIOUR PROJECT ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab at the University of Queensland is seeking applications from volunteers for a 5 week behaviour study on humpback whales from September 09 to October 15 this year. The study will be conducted at Eden, New South Wales (about 6 hours south of Sydney). The study will examine the fine scale feeding behaviour of humpback whales using D-tags, focal follows, acoustics and land based observations of behaviour. Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. This area is unique as it represents a supplementary feeding area for humpback whales while on migration to the main feeding grounds in the Antarctic. We will also have a boat based team that will be deploying D-tags to look at the underwater behaviour and acoustics of the feeding whales. Although the volunteers may get the opportunity to go out on the boat, opportunities for the volunteers to participate in boat work are limited and most time will be spent doing the land-based observations. Volunteers will spend approximately six hours daily counting and observing passing whales from the headland and will get at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. Volunteers will be expected to work and live as part of a team of people with shared cooking and cleaning duties. They must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (Eden is a 6 hour drive from Sydney, 7.5 hour drive from Melbourne- flights available to Merimbula (20 mins from Eden) from both Sydney and Melbourne airports) but food and accommodation are provided once in Eden. As meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying (vegetarians are fine). This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques. Applicants should also be highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience, particularly of marine mammals, will be preferred. Applicants should reply with an email to Kylie Owen (kylie.owen(a)uqconnect.edu.au) outlining why they would be suitable for this survey, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees, and should be ccd to Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au) The closing date for applications is the 1st of July and successful applicants will be notified by the 5th of July.

1 0

Job Posting: Protected Species Observer
by Lestyk, Keri 05 Jun '12

05 Jun '12

Dear Colleagues: HDR Alaska, Inc. is currently in need of qualified Protected Species Observers (PSO). PSOs will conduct boat-based marine protected species observations to support seismic operations in the Arctic. Training will be conducted in mid-July and the vessel-based survey will be conducted from the end of July through the end of September. This is a temporary position not to exceed 4 months. Key responsibilities include monitoring and recording marine mammal presence and behavior activity during the course of the survey and instituting appropriate mitigation measures, as necessary. Knowledge of marine mammal identification is required. The individual must be able to work with others to ensure any required protocol is followed. A successful applicant will be an individual who has demonstrated skills in effective communications, data management, and problem solving. The applicant must be flexible, reliable, and comfortable working on small boats. Requirements *Bachelors Degree (BS) in Biology or related field. * Minimum of 1+ years PSO experience. *Must be physically capable of lifting heavy objects, as well as climbing in an out of tight spaces and up and down ladders aboard ships *Be able to work closely with others and get along well with diverse individuals *Be able to work independently while following technical instructions *Have a sound knowledge of the scientific importance of precise, accurate data recording and be able to maintain objectivity Preference will be given to individuals with experience as a PSO on seismic surveys and/or working in the Arctic. All travel to locations arranged and prepaid, travel days paid, meals/lodging reimbursed if not provided. IN ORDER TO APPLY, please visit the 'Careers' section of our website, www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>, and reference job # 120994 Keri LESTYK HDR Alaska, Inc. Marine Mammal Biologist 2525 C. Street Suite 305 | Anchorage, AK 99503 907.644.2004 | f: 907.644.2022 | c: 907.764.7980 keri.lestyk(a)hdrinc.com|<mailto:robyn.syren@hdrinc.com|> hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/> Follow Us - Architizer | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

1 0

Gas bubble sampling and analysis
by Michael Moore 05 Jun '12

05 Jun '12

Dear Colleagues, As some of you already know, analyses of gas bubbles by gas chromatography has been able to show that gases in acute and chronic gas embolism-affected cetaceans that were minimally decomposed had high or very high nitrogen contents in bubbles (Bernaldo de Quirós et al., 2011 <#_ENREF_1>). This technique allows us to distinguish between putrefaction and decompression related gases. However, putrefaction gases are always produced postmortem, and may mask decompression related gases if the necropsy and gas sampling is not performed soon after death. Until very recently, the method described by Bernaldo de Quiros et al. (2011) could not be applied in the US because of the impossibility of acquiring the right sampling materials. Now, we are pleased to announce that we have adapted our method for gas sampling in stranded cetaceans to materials available in the US, as well as the availability of a shipping method of the samples without altering the original gas composition of the samples. Therefore, we would like you to know that if you now face a gas embolism case you can collect the samples properly following the step-by-step protocol found in http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/protex.2012.002, and ship the samples to us for gas analysis if you so wish. Below we describe the new adaptations and shipping method that will enable you to sample and send us gas samples from stranded marine mammals. For colleagues in other countries we are also keen to receive gas bubble samples for analysis. We have been given a determination that they are NOT subject to CITES import into the US as long as the samples are taken from a dead animal. Please consult your suppliers for the equivalent sampling equipment as described for the US below. ØAdaptation to US material In our method published in Scientific Reports (Bernaldo de Quirós et al., 2011 <#_ENREF_1>), we used 5ml BD vacutainers for sampling and storage of the gas sample. Unfortunately BD vacutainers are no longer produced but we have found an alternative that is commercially available in the US. This is the *MONOJECT^TM Red Stopper (Silicone Coated) glass tubes of 2 mL (ref #8881301116)*. These tubes have successfully undergone the tests described for the 5ml BD vacutainers described in Bernaldo de Quirós et al. (2011). ØShipping method We have acquired a plastic housing resistant to negative pressures. We would be pleased to send you the housing as soon as you let us know that you might have some gas samples that you would like us to analyze. This housing allows air freight shipping without pressure changes in its interior, assuring that your samples won't suffer modifications because of changes in pressure during the flight, as well as enabling a fast transportation for immediate analysis of the gas samples in our lab. In addition, we could send you all the necessary material for gas sampling together with our housing if requested. However, we encourage you to acquire the sampling supplies in order to do the necropsy and gas sampling as soon as possible. As previously mentioned, post-mortem time is crucial if you would like to use the gas analyses as an additional diagnostic technique. Thus ideally you should buy the materials for sampling, to be ready for a case where there are bubbles of potential interest. They are all useful for more than just bubble sampling. We have a limited number of sampling kits we can supply if you wish. Please find bellow a list of materials and a brief description of the protocol. *US Material list:*(This is the basic material you might need): ØTubes: *MONOJECT^TM Red Stopper (Silicone Coated) glass tubes of 2 mL (ref #8881301116)*. It has to be this exact tube. Price according to Fishersci: Pack of 100 for $20.61 https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/Search?storeId=10652&langId=-1&nav=… <https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/Search?storeId=10652&langId=-1&nav=…> ØOne Use Tube Holders: BD Vacutainer (ref # 36481), or equivalent in other brand. Price according to Fishersci: Case of 1000 for $50.09 https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/Search?keyWord=one+use+holder+36481… <https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/Search?keyWord=one+use+holder+36481…> ØDouble pointed needles: BD Vacutainer Blood Collection Needles (ref # 367210), or its equivalent in other brand, but the tube puncture side of the needles must have a rubber barrier covert. Price according to Fishersci: Pack of 100 for $20.88 https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/fsproductdetail?storeId=10652&produ… <https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/fsproductdetail?storeId=10652&produ…> ØDisposable Insulin syringes: *BD Plastipak U-100 insulin (ref # 329651)*. It has to be this exact syringe. Price according to Fishersci: Pack of 100 for $35.93. https://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/fsproductdetail?storeId=10652&produ… *PROTOCOL* ** ØThe dissection should be done very carefully in order to avoid cutting large vessels. No organs should be removed before gas sampling. ØSample up to 5 bubbles from each of these locations: mesenteric veins, renal veins and coronary veins. Take extra samples if you observe bubbles in other locations of interest (each case might be different). Sample the bubbles using the insulin syringe and inject the content promptly into the monoject tubes. ØSample intestinal gas from the following locations: duodenum or nearby intestine sections, middle intestine and rectum. Do so by using the monoject tubes together with the double pointed needles coupled to the one-use tube holders. ØSample subcapsular gas (emphysema) if found. A location of interest is the peri-renal area. Sample the subcapsular gas as described for the intestinal gas. ØStore tubes at room temperature, preferably with the stopper downwards. Store blanks together with the samples (a minimum of 3 is required). You can find a step by step protocol for gas sampling in the following link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/protex.2012.002. The Protocol Exchange is an open resource where the communities 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 organized 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. This protocol belongs to an "open" lab Group. It is open by invitation and upon request. We will be happy to answer all your questions by email if required, but we encourage you to use this tool, since your questions might be helpful to other groups. Therefore if you wish to participate, or make comments or suggestions concerning this protocol, you should request to become a member of the following lab Group, where this protocol belongs: "Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria <http://www.nature.com/protocolexchange/labgroups/636>". However, we would be glad also to answer your questions in a more individual way if preferred. Questions should be addressed to the following e-mail address: ybernaldodequiros(a)whoi.edu <mailto:ybernaldodequiros@whoi.edu> If you wish to send us samples, you could contact Yara Bernaldo de Quirós on the following phones: working hours 508-289-3651, emergencies 508-274-5964 and we will discuss personally how is the best way to proceed on each specific case. We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible in case you need specific material to be sent to you, if you need some recommendations in your specific case or simply to send you the housing chamber as fast as possible. Gas samples should not be stored longer than a week; therefore we encourage you to send the samples the day after the necropsy as latest. Thank you for your cooperation. When we ship the pressure housing chamber to you, it will come with return FedEx authorization. Sincerely, Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda, PhD Postdoctoral Investigator Michael Moore, Vet MB, PhD Senior Research Specialist Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA ** ** *REFERENCE* ** 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. (2011). Methodology for in situ gas sampling, transport and laboratory analysis of gases from stranded cetaceans. /Scientific Reports/ 1. -- Michael Moore Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 508 289 3228

1 0

New book chapter - A review of harmful algal bloom impacts on marine mammals
by Spencer Fire 05 Jun '12

05 Jun '12

MARMAM readers may be interested in a newly published book chapter that is a review of the effects and emerging threats of harmful algal blooms and their toxins on marine mammals: Fire SE and Van Dolah FM (2012). Marine Biotoxins: Emergence of Harmful Algal Blooms as Health Threats to Marine Wildlife. In: Aguirre AA, Ostfeld RS, Daszak P (eds) New Directions in Conservation Medicine: Applied Cases of Ecological Health. Oxford University Press, New York, pp. 374-389. Additional details on the book can be found here: http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/LifeSciences/Ecology/Conserva… Best regards, Spencer E. Fire, Ph.D. Marine Biotoxins Program <http://www.chbr.noaa.gov/habar/eroart.aspx> Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research NOAA/National Ocean Service 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412**** Tel: 843.762.8574 Fax: 843.762.8700 Email: spencer.fire(a)noaa.gov

1 0

Aquatic Mammals Journal Issue 38.2 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 38, issue 2, 2012) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 38.1/38.2 will be mailed in late June. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 38, issue 2 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******************* Xian, Y., Wang, K., Jiang, W., Zheng, B., Wang, D. 2012. The Development of Spatial Positions Between Mother and Calf of Yangtze Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) Maintained in Captive and Seminatural Environments. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 127-135, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.127 Berrow, S., O’Brien, J., Groth, L., Foley, A., Voigt, K. 2012. Abundance Estimate of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Lower River Shannon candidate Special Area of Conservation, Ireland. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 136-144, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.136 Shirakihara, M., Shirakihara, K., Nishiyama, M., Iida, T., Amano, M. 2012. Long-Distance Movements of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Habitat Preference of Two Species of Bottlenose Dolphins in Eastern Kyushu, Japan. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 145-152, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.145 Ainley, D.G., Ballard, G. 2012. Trophic Interactions and Population Trends of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in the Southern Ross Sea. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 153-160, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.153 Bowles A.E., Anderson, R.C. 2012. Behavioral Responses and Habituation of Pinnipeds and Small Cetaceans to Novel Objects and Simulated Fishing Gear With and Without a Pinger. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 161-188, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.161 Historical Perspectives Essays Nobuyuki Miyazaki, N. 2012. Seal Survey in Eurasian Waters in Collaboration with Russian Scientists. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 189-203, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.189 Domning, D.P. 2012. The Early Years of the Amazonian Manatee Project at INPA, Manaus, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 204-222, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.204 Book Reviews O’Donnell, N. 2012. Review of: GULF OF MEXICO ORIGIN, WATERS, AND BIOTA: BIODIVERSITY (Volume 1). Editors: Darryl L. Felder & David K. Camp. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 223, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.223 Whitt, A.D. 2012. Review of: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR WHALES, DOLPHINS AND PORPOISES: A WORLD HANDBOOK FOR CETACEAN HABITAT CONSERVATION AND PLANNING, SECOND EDITION. Author: Erich Hoyt. Aquatic Mammals, 38(2), 224-226, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.224 Eastham, C. 2012. Review of: MARINE MAMMAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION: A HANDBOOK OF TECHNIQUES. Editors: Ian L. Boyd, W. Don Bowen, & Sara J. Iverson. Aquatic Mammals 2012, 38(2), 227, DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.2.2012.227

1 0

New paper on shipping noise using AIS data (Nathan Merchant)
by ndm23＠bath.ac.uk 02 Jun '12

02 Jun '12

Dear Colleagues, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the (pre-)publication of a new method of assessing sound exposure from shipping using passive acoustics and AIS data: Merchant, N.D., Witt, M.J., Blondel, P., Godley, B.J., Smith, G.H., Assessing sound exposure from shipping in coastal waters using a single hydrophone and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Marine Pollution Bulletin (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.05.004 Abstract Underwater noise from shipping is a growing presence throughout the world?s oceans, and may be subjecting marine fauna to chronic noise exposure with potentially severe long-term consequences. The coincidence of dense shipping activity and sensitive marine ecosystems in coastal environments is of particular concern, and noise assessment methodologies which describe the high temporal variability of sound exposure in these areas are needed. We present a method of characterising sound exposure from shipping using continuous passive acoustic monitoring combined with Automatic Identification System (AIS) shipping data. The method is applied to data recorded in Falmouth Bay, UK. Absolute and relative levels of intermittent ship noise contributions to the 24-h sound exposure level are determined using an adaptive threshold, and the spatial distribution of potential ship sources is then analysed using AIS data. This technique can be used to prioritise shipping noise mitigation strategies in coastal marine environments. The paper can be downloaded here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X12001944 PDFs available on request. Kind regards, Nathan Merchant PhD Researcher Department of Physics University of Bath BA2 7AY, UK +44 1225 385543 n.d.merchant(a)bath.ac.uk http://people.bath.ac.uk/ndm23/

1 0