January 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Doctoral Dissertation on development of social cognition in wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)
by Courtney Bender 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

I would like to announce that a PDF copy of my doctoral dissertation on social play as a tool for developing social-cognitive skills in a population of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) is now available. If you would like a copy please feel free to contact me, Courtney Bender, at courtbender(a)yahoo.com or Denise Herzing at the Wild Dolphin Project, wdpdenise(a)wilddolphinproject.org. Thank you! Courtney E. Bender Bender, C. E. 2012. Social play as a tool for developing social-cognitive skills in a population of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) Doctoral Dissertation. Integrative Biology, Florida Atlantic University. 143pp. The purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf. There was no significant difference between behaviors attending to mother and prey, and calves were observed attending to both within the same event with triadic referencing between mother and prey. The calves were observed performing referencing gestures in the direction of the prey within the first year of life. When the mothers performed referencing gestures, calves interacted with significantly more behaviors, including significantly more referencing gestures themselves. The calves’ behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of joint attention and true teaching behavior. Chapter Two observed the altered benthic foraging behavior of juvenile play groups, in which individual juveniles took turns chasing the fish and using referencing gestures to reference the position of the fish to other individuals during the chase, despite the ability of these young, independent dolphins to catch fish much more quickly and efficiently alone. Benthic foraging behavior by juvenile-only groups appeared more like cooperative play and was significantly different from the typical benthic foraging behavior of individual juveniles foraging alone, groups of adults foraging together, or juveniles foraging with adults. The third chapter analyzed social object play in which dolphins passed pieces of seaweed between individuals. The data clarified developmental trends in the play, and suggested social-cognitive abilities needed for participation. Play became more complex with age as adult dolphins showed significantly more participating play behaviors and parts of the body used during play, and significantly longer time in possession of the seaweed than calves. Additionally, the dolphins appeared to use a signal to request the dolphin in possession of the seaweed to pass it. Individuals that used the signal received significantly more passes. Furthermore, every individual that was in possession of the seaweed when signaled by another subsequently released the seaweed.

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Navy invites public comment on Gulf of Alaska Navy Training Supplemental EIS
by Nakahara, Liane L CIV Navy Region NW, N00P 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

The U.S. Navy is seeking public participation in the development of the Gulf of Alaska Navy Training Activities Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The Navy is preparing this analysis to supplement the GOA Navy Training Activities Final EIS/OEIS that was completed with community input in May 2011. A supplement to an environmental impact analysis is prepared when there are new circumstances, information or substantial changes to an action or environmental analysis, relevant to environmental concerns. See news release pasted below. Additional information as well as the online public comment form can be found on the EIS website at www.GOAEIS.com. Very Respectfully, Liane Nakahara Public Affairs Specialist Navy Region Northwest Phone: (360) 396-1630 Cell: (360) 340-5372 Fax: (360) 396-7127 liane.nakahara(a)navy.mil -------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JAN. 15, 2013 Release #13-001 U.S. NAVY INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE GULF OF ALASKA NAVY TRAINING ACTIVITIES SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Silverdale, Wash. - The U.S. Navy invites you to participate in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Navy Training Activities Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) development process. The Navy is preparing this analysis to supplement the GOA Navy Training Activities Final EIS/OEIS, completed with community input in May 2011. A supplement to an environmental impact analysis is prepared when there are new circumstances, information or substantial changes to an action or environmental analysis, relevant to environmental concerns. The Navy's Proposed Action is to conduct training activities in specific areas of the Gulf of Alaska. To ensure critical training requirements are met, the Navy will: . Evaluate new, relevant information and incorporate that information into revised analyses where appropriate . Analyze data using a new acoustic model to estimate potential effects on various marine species . Renew current federal regulatory permits and authorizations The Navy's original purpose and need, Proposed Action and alternatives as presented in the GOA Final EIS/OEIS remain unchanged and therefore will not be reanalyzed in the Supplemental EIS/OEIS. No new activities or alternatives to conduct Navy training in the Gulf of Alaska are planned. The Proposed Action of the Supplemental EIS/OEIS is the Preferred Alternative of the 2011 GOA Final EIS/OEIS and Record of Decision, which includes two large-scale joint force exercises, occurring over a maximum time period of up to 21 consecutive days during the summer months (April through October). The Navy will comply with and/or consider all applicable federal regulations, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, Magnuson Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, and National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Given that the Navy's Proposed Action and alternatives have not changed, public scoping meetings will not be held, but public comments will be accepted during the scoping period from January 16, 2013 to March 18, 2013. Government agencies and the public are encouraged to submit written comments on the scope, content and concerns to be considered in the development of the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS, tentatively scheduled for release in summer of 2014. The Navy is accepting comments throughout the 60-day public comment period, from Jan. 16, 2013 to March 18, 2013. All comments must be postmarked or received online by March 18, 2013, for consideration in the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Written comments may be submitted via the project website at www.GOAEIS.com or by mail to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest Attention: Mrs. Amy Burt - GOA Supplemental EIS/OEIS Project Manager 1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 203 Silverdale, WA 98315-1101 Visit the project website at www.GOAEIS.com to learn more about the project and submit comments. Media seeking further information should contact Ms. Liane Nakahara, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Specialist, at 360-396-1630 (office) or 360-340-5372 (cell). -30-

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Job: HARBOUR SEAL REHABILITATOR
by phocid＠aol.com 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

HarbourSeal Rehabilitator IslandWildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not-for-profit marine mammalrescue and rehabilitation facility operating under permits from the Departmentof Fisheries & Oceans, the Ministry of Environment and Environment Canada. Located in the Pacific Northwest, onSalt Spring Island, BC, Canada, Island Wildlife specializes in the rescue andcare of up to 100 seal pups (and occasionally other species of marine mammals)each year. We also provide rescueservices and temporary emergency care for other species of indigenous wildlife(avian and terrestrial mammals). IWNCCis seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Harbour SealRehabilitator. Thisposition reports to the manager of marine mammal care and will assist withrescues both in person and through a network of volunteers; with examinationsand critical care; daily animal husbandry; diagnostics; overseeing interns andvolunteers; keeping detailed records; and will also assist in the rescue andemergency care of non-marine mammal species. During our peak months the work is extremely fast-paced andphysically demanding, much of it outdoors throughout our 4-acre property. Thesuccessful candidate must have a minimum of three years hands-on marine mammalrehabilitation experience and at least one year of experience with avian andterrestrial mammals. The candidatemust be experienced in all phases of the rehabilitation process includinganimal handling, examinations, critical care, food preparation, administeringmedications; and must have excellent English language skills and be physicallyfit. Preference will be given toCanadian applicants. Due to thecomplex nature of rescues, a familiarity with our region is desirable. This is a full-timeseasonal position from May 1 until December 31, 2013 with the possibility of an extension into the 2014season. Salary is $2,500 per monthplus simple housing (housing is scarce on Salt Spring Island and small butcomfortable on-site accommodation will be provided as a part of the wagepackage). Pleasemail your CV, covering letter and references to: J. Ballerone, Director, Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre,322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC Canada V8K 1N3. Or email to iwncc(a)aol.com. Formore information regarding Island Wildlife visit us at www.sealrescue.org and www.Facebook.com/sealrescue

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SEAL PUP INTERNSHIPS
by phocid＠aol.com 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

HarbourSeal Pup Rehabilitation Internships IslandWildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not-for-profit marine mammalrescue and rehabilitation facility operating under permits from the Departmentof Fisheries & Oceans, the Ministry of Environment and EnvironmentCanada. Located in the PacificNorthwest, on Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada, Island Wildlife specializes inthe care of up to 100 seal pups (and occasionally other species of marinemammals) each year. We alsoprovide rescue services and temporary emergency care for other species ofindigenous wildlife (avian and terrestrial mammals). We areinviting applications for 12 summer and fall internship positions working withour Harbour Seal pup patients. Internships run for a minimum of 2 months toa maximum of 3 months, from June 1 through October 31. Internshipsare voluntary positions and candidates are responsible for their owntransportation to and from British Columbia and for their own expenses duringtheir internship (i.e. travel, food, entertainment). We provide shared sleepingcabins (including bedding), and a communal kitchen (including all cookingutensils) and bathrooms, as well as wireless internet and use of a sharedvehicle. There is no cost foraccommodation. Interns willwork directly under our marine mammal specialists and can expect to learn orimprove skills in the following: - Safehandling and restraint of Harbour Seal pups - Assisting instabilizing critical patients and new arrivals - Foodpreparation through all stages of rehabilitation - Gavage(tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques - Properhygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease -Administration of oral medications - Behavioraland medical observation and proper record keeping - Assistingwith the rescue hotline, transporting patients and public interface - Interns mayalso take part in rescues and releases may assist with diagnostic work such asx-rays and microscopic exams - General careof many other indigenous avian and mammalian species Interns areaccepted internationally. Preference will be given to candidates with past hands-on marine mammalsexperience, but other wildlife experience will also be considered. Internshipsare open to students and non-students with an educational background in theanimal sciences or veterinary medicine (including vet techs and AHTs). Candidates must be able to work well ina team, possess a strong work ethic and be willing to work long hours duringour busiest months (a work day can be up to 10 hours during peak “pupping”season). Deadline for applicationsis March 1, 2013. To apply, pleasefollow instructions found on our website at www.sealrescue.orgunder “Internships”. Formore information visit us at www.sealrescue.organd www.Facebook.com/sealrescue

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two graduate student positions
by Jennifer M Burns 15 Jan '13

15 Jan '13

University of Alaska seeks two MSc and/or PhD Candidates in Marine Mammal Physiological Ecology Anchorage, Alaska The Department of Biological Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage seeks Masters of Science (MSc) and/or PhD candidates to work on a project examining linkages between the timing of reproduction and molt in Weddell seals in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The positions may begin either in fall 2013 or spring 2014, and are based in Anchorage, Alaska. Details on the graduate program at UAA and admission criteria can be found at www.uaa.alaska.edu/biology<http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/biology> At a minimum, students should have an undergraduate GPA of > 3.0, and have completed both the general and subject (biology or equivalent) GRE test with an average score of > 70%. Admission deadline for Fall 2013 is March 1st. The successful candidate(s) will be part of a team that is looking at the relationship between reproductive timing, molt timing, pregnancy rates, and condition in Weddell seals. One student will focus on the physiological factors that impact molt timing and reproduction so experience with biochemistry/molecular labwork is a plus. The second student will focus on dive behavior and energetic models between the breeding period and molt, so statistical and mathematical skills preferred. Student research projects will reflect program needs, but will also be tailored to student interest. Example projects include studying seasonal changes in reproductive hormones in relation to molt status, animal condition, and activity budgets; developing tests to determine pregnancy status; modeling the population level consequences of differences in reproductive and molt timing; developing energetic models that link behavior and physiological consequence; or others that relate to better understanding variation in the timing of critical life history events. Results from this research will contribute to an understanding of how energetically expensive life history events such as reproduction and molt are regulated, and how variation in phenology may influence demographic processes in Weddell seals, and other high-latitude pinnipeds. Preference will be given to highly motivated candidates with a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in biology or closely related field, who have a strong academic record, and that enjoy working both in the laboratory and field. Candidates must be physically fit, able to work long hours outdoors in the cold, able to pass medical and dental screening criteria for long deployments in remote field locations, and be the holder of a valid passport (US or other). Prior laboratory and/or field research in physiological ecology of mammals is a plus. The successful applicant will spend 2-4 months in the field at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, each year. Student stipend and tuition are provided for up to four years; students will be expected to work as a teaching assistant for at least two semesters. The positions are open until filled. For further information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Burns (jmburns(a)uaa.alaska.edu<mailto:jmburns@uaa.alaska.edu>). Dr. Jennifer M. Burns Department of Biological Sciences, CPISB 202C University of Alaska Anchorage, AK 99508 907-786-1527

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The Marine Mammal Center is recruiting for a Marine Science Educator: South Bay Whale Bus
by Heather Groninger 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

Announcing an employment opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center. This listing can also be found on our website here: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ Please forward this announcement widely to any parties you believe may be qualified and interested. It will require likely a South Bay resident. MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATOR: SOUTH BAY WHALE BUS The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Marine Science Educator: South Bay Whale Bus to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center’s mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals—their health and that of their ocean environment—and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. Reporting to the Visitor Programs Coordinator, the Marine Science Educator: South Bay Whale Bus, is a part-time, temporary, non-exempt position with no benefits. This position is temporary with the option of becoming permanent if the programs grow and funding becomes available. The Marine Science Educator teaches Whale Bus programs offered through The Center, ensuing that the content and delivery corresponds to the knowledge and age level of the client (ages Pre-K to high school students). The Center’s Whale Bus programs take place throughout the South Bay Area, particularly San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, via the Whale Bus mobile classroom. In addition this role assists in evaluating and updating of Whale Bus programs. This is a new expansion of our existing Whale Bus programs in the Bay Area. Depending on the number of programs scheduled in the South Bay, the hours will vary each week, with an average of 16 to 32 hours per week. This role will serve as the primary educator for the South Bay Whale Bus. The role requires working a very flexible schedule, generally Monday through Friday, but could include one weekend day within a work week and also working holidays as assigned. The Marine Science Educator position works closely with the project lead for this program expansion. Core Competencies: · Ability to engage and teach marine science content to ages Pre-K to high school students. * Strong communication, inter-personal, and writing skills. · Ability to provide great customer service to a variety of audiences. · Ability to multi-task while being very efficient with time. · Skill and ability with using Microsoft Office suite of programs. * Ability to communicate well and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance the mission of The Center. · Ability to drive the Whale Bus, and set-up and teach up to 4 programs per day in schools throughout the South Bay Area, specifically San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Specific duties: · Teaches outreach education programs at school and community sites. · Completes program set‑up and begins at scheduled time. Arrives one hour prior to the scheduled start time for outreach programs. · Contacts teacher’s one-week prior to program to confirm reservation and review logistics. · Maintains Whale Bus by documenting gasoline and other purchases, scheduling vehicle maintenance and cleans the van regularly. Responsible for other whale bus logistics. · Maintains the visual teaching aides for all outreach programs. · Responsible for monitoring the audio visual equipment used in outreach programs for repairs or replacement. · Responsible for monitoring all outreach specimens, and recommending repair or replacement as needed. · Participates in the general maintenance of the Whale Bus, education storage and classroom. · Perform evaluation of programs (with other TMMC edu staff members), coordinate teachers involvement and maintain data base of information from the evaluations · Stay abreast of Center and marine science news to be able to inform and enhance programs and inform the public · Adheres to The Center's personnel policies and procedures as defined in the employee handbook and as communicated by management. · Attend meetings with direct supervisor and other Educational team members at least once per month at the Sausalito facility. · Participate in new projects as assigned. Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree · Experience in leading/teaching school groups and leading tours or programs · Background and/or experience in environmental education and natural sciences · Background and/or experience with school environments · Ability to drive Center vehicles and maintain a clean driving record · Ability to stand/walk up to 3 hours without a break · Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds · Ability to be on your feet for extended periods of time · Ability to complete tasks in a productive, proactive manner · Ability to multi-task efficiently and prioritize deliverables regularly · Ability to be flexible and to change schedules on short notice · Ability to work with minimal day to day supervision · Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), and a high degree of tech savviness · Attention to detail and quick to learn · Enthusiastic, engaging, and able to translate this to all audiences. · “Can-do” attitude and willing to take on new projects as needed · Excellent oral and written communication skills To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources and Operations Manager to admin(a)tmmc.org<mailto:admin@tmmc.org>. Please put “Marine Science Educator” in the subject line. Deadline for applications is January 28, 2013. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org> Adopt-a-Seal! [cid:image001.jpg@01CDF288.3C12EE00] Adopt a past patient like Garnett and you'll give future patients a second chance at life. Adopt-a-Seal today<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/adopt-a-seal/>!

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Volunteer Position in Queen Charlotte Sound, NZ
by Cheryl Cross 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

*Volunteer Position in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand* Volunteers are required to assist with an ongoing study examining the distribution of marine mammals in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, NZ. Species of interest include bottlenose, dusky, common and Hector’s dolphins, killer whales and New Zealand fur seals. This research forms part of a PhD study being conducted under the auspices of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University, Auckland ( http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) *Background:* The Marlborough Sounds, a region of embayments and estuaries is located in the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. The study site, Queen Charlotte Sound, serves as the main passageway between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is utilized by a range of vessels. Several marine mammal species occur within Queen Charlotte Sound including bottlenose dolphins (*Tusiops truncatus*), Hector’s dolphins* *(*Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori*), common dolphins (*Delphinus *sp.), dusky dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus)* and killer whales (*Orcinus orca*). The aim of this project is to investigate the distribution and density of marine mammals occurring within the Sound in order to provide part of a baseline study of the region. Behaviour, inter-specific interactions and potential anthropogenic influences will also be investigated. *Dates:* January 2013-April 2014, in a minimum of three month increments *Location:* Picton, New Zealand * * *Responsibilities:* Field work will involve data collection from two platforms of opportunity (13 m catamarans) Responsibilities will include: - Diligent searching for marine mammals, identification to species, recording of group size, group composition and behaviour - Collection of various environmental parameters - Utilization of GPS equipment to collect sighting location data and effort tracks - Data entry of all fieldwork undertaken - Opportunistic Photo-ID - Data processing and analyses - Additional responsibilities may be added as the project progresses *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will have a science background and previous marine mammal field experience. This internship is well-suited for recent graduates or graduate students of marine biology, zoology, ecology or similar fields. Preferred candidates will have some experience studying free-ranging dolphins. He or she must: - Possess basic computer skills including MS excel - Be comfortable working on boats - Be responsible, focused and motivated - Be personable, possess a strong interest in science and a mature attitude toward marine mammal research - Be patient as many hours are spent in search of marine mammals - Be flexible as scheduling is unpredictable and weather dependent - Be prepared to live in a small isolated town and to work independently - Make a 3 month commitment to the project Unfortunately, no monetary compensation or compensation for housing is available for this position, so the candidate must be able to support living expenses for the extent of the internship period *Application Process*: If interested please email c.cross(a)massey.ac.nz with the subject line VOLUNTEER POSITION Please LIST the following in a CONCISE message: 1) Relevant experience or qualifications 2) The time frame that you are available over the next year 3) Reasons you want to help with this project 4) The contact info of at least one professional reference that can confirm work ethic and experience 5) Current place of residence Please also attach CV or resume to the email This is great opportunity to work in a unique environment while gaining further research experience and contributing to an important project. Priority will be given to placing applicants that are available immediately. Thank you for your interest! Sincerely, Cheryl L. Cross PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 (0) 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 (0) 21 022 93719 Fax: + 64 (0) 9 443 9790 http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz -- *Cheryl L. Cross* PhD Student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 21 022 93719 Fax: + 64 9 443 9790

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND MONOGRAPHS AVAILABLE
by Sclymene＠aol.com 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND MONOGRAPHS AVAILABLE See list below. Prices listed are suggested minimum donations. All funds raised go to ¡VIVAVaquita! (a collaboration of five 501(3)c non-profits), for research and conservation of the World’s most endangered marine mammal species, the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Donations can be made in cash or with checks in US dollars. Email me the list of books you want and your postal address for the books to be sent to (please type your name and address as they would appear on a mailing label). Overseas shipping is extra. Books will only be sent out after donation and ‘mailing label’ are received. Also available: Sets of original reprints by prominent marine mammalogists – in most cases nearly complete through about 2000 (misc. journals). Authors: L. G. Barnes, P. B. Best, R. L. Brownell, D. K. and M. C. Caldwell, T. Kasuya, K. S. Norris, S. Ohsumi, H. Omura, W. F. Perrin, R. R. Reeves, S. H. Ridgway, W. E. Schevill, W. A. Watkins, B. Würsig, and many others. Contact me for details. Breiwick, J. M. and H. W. Braham. 1984. The Status of Endangered Whales. Marine Fisheries Review, 100 pp. $5. Brown, D. H. and K. S. Norris. 1956. Observations of captive and wild cetaceans. Journal of Mammalogy 37: 311-326. $3. Cetology. 1971-1987. Cetology (Journal edited by D. K. and M. C. Caldwell) 1-51 (missing some): Nearly complete set of most volumes. $25. Dawbin, W. H., B. A. Noble and F. C. Fraser. 1970. Observations on the electra dolphin, Peponocephala electra. Bulletin of the British Museum of Natural History (Zoology) 20: 173-201. $6. Domning, D. P. 1978. The myology of the Amazonian manatee, Trichechus inunguis (Natterer) (Mammalia: Sirenia). Acta Amazonica 8: 81 pp. $8. Duguy, R. and D. Robinueau. 1973. Cetaces et Phoques des Cotes de France. Soc. Sci. Nat. Charente-Maritime, 93 pp. $8. Evans, W. E. 1974. The California Gray Whale. Marine Fisheries Review, 64 pp. $4. Fraser, F. C. 1955. The southern right whale dolphin, Lissodelphis peronii (Lacepede). Bulletin of the British Museum of Natural History (Zoology) 2: 339-346. $4. Gaskin, D. E. 1968. The New Zealand Cetacea. Fisheries Research Bulletin of New Zealand 1: 92 pp. $8. Holbrook, J. R. 1980. Dolphin mortality related to the yellowfin tuna purse seine fishery in the eastern tropical Pacific: an annotated bibliography. Porpoise Rescue Foundation Technical Bulletin 2: 131 pp. $3. International Whaling Commission. 1970. Annual Report. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 20: $5. International Whaling Commission. 1971. Annual Report. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 21: $5. International Whaling Commission. 1972. Annual Report. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 22: $5. International Whaling Commission. 1973. Annual Report. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 23: $5. International Whaling Commission. 1997. Annual Report. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 47: $25. Jefferson, T. A., S. Leatherwood and M. A. Webber. 1993. Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide. United Nation Environment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, 320 pp. $55. Jefferson, T. A. 2000. Population biology of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters. Wildlife Monographs 144: 65 pp. $6. Jefferson, T. A. 2002. Special Issue on Finless Porpoise and Irrawaddy Dolphin. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement 10: 187 pp. $8. Kellogg, R. 1922. Pinnipeds from Miocene and Pleistocene deposits of California. University of California Publications in Geological Sciences 13: 23-132. $28. Kellogg, R. 1924. A fossil porpoise from the Calvert Formation of Maryland. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 63: 39 pp. $12. Kellogg, R. 1931. Pelagic mammals from the Temblor Formation of the Kern R iver region, California. Proceedings of the Caifornia Academy of Sciences 19: 217-397. $35. Kellogg, R. 1940. Whales, giants of the seas. National Geographic 77: 35-90. $7. Kellogg, R. 1955. Three Miocene porpoises from the Calvert Cliffs, Maryland. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 105: 101-154. $5. Lawrence, B. and W. E. Schevill. 1956. The functional anatomy of the delphinid nose. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 114: 103-151. $5. Lawrence, B. and W. E. Schevill. 1965. Gular musculature in delphinids. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 133: 65 pp. $5. Layne, J. N. 1965. Observations on marine mammals in Florida waters. Bulletin of the Florida State Museum 9: 131-181. $6. Leatherwood, S., R. R. Reeves, W. F. Perrin and W. E. Evans. 1982. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific and adjacent Arctic waters: A guide to their identification. NOAA Technical Report NMFS Circular 444: 245 pp. $12. Mansfield, A. W. 1967. Seals of Arctic and eastern Canada. Bulletin of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 137: 35 pp. $5. Mitchell, E. D. 1968. The Mio-Pliocene pinniped Imagotaria. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 25: 1843-1900. $6. Mitchell, E. and R. H. Tedford. 1973. The Enaliarctinae, a new group of extinct aquatic Carnivora and a consideration of the origin of the Otariidae. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 151: 203-284. $7. Mitchell, E. D. 1975. Porpoise, dolphin and small whale fisheries of the world. IUCN Monograph 3: 129 pp. $16. North American Conservation Action Plan. 2008. North American Conservation Action Plan, Phocoena sinus. North American Conservation Action Plan, 99 pp. $3. Perrin, W. F. C. 1989. Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales. An Action Plan for the Conservation of Biological Diversity: 1988-1992. IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group, 28 pp. $3. Pryor, K. 1975. Lads Before the Wind: Adventures in Porpoise Training. Harper and Row, 278 pp. $9. Shindo, N. 1975. History of Whales in the Inland Sea. Juunosuke Oomura, 89 pp. $7. Walker, T. J. 1975. Whale Primer. Cabrillo Historical Association, 65 pp. $6. Wong, J. 1997. Chinese White Dolphin with Finless Porpoise and Baiji. Green Power, 44 pp. $7. Wursig, B., T. A. Jefferson and D. J. Schmidly. 2000. The Marine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A&M University Press, 232 pp. $12. Zhou, K. and Zhang Xingduan. 1991. Baiji: The Yangtze River Dolphin and Other Endangered Animals of China. Stonewall Press, 132 pp. $7. ******************************************************************* Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph.D. Clymene Enterprises / ¡VIVA Vaquita! 13037 Yerba Valley Way Lakeside, CA 92040 Tel. (619) 938-0267 Email: sclymene(a)aol.com VIVA Vaquita Website: www.vivavaquita.org *******************************************************************

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New paper on dorsal fin shape in Pilot whales
by Joana Augusto 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following note on pilot whale dorsal fin shape: Augusto, Joana F.; Frasier, Timothy R.; Whitehead, Hal. (2013). Using photography to determine sex in pilot whales (*Globicephala melas*) is not possible: Males and females have similar dorsal fins. Marine Mammal Science 29(1): 213-220. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2011.00546.x Summary: Pilot whales are sexually dimorphic odontocetes. Males are larger than females and, since dorsal fins growth isometrically with body size, also possess larger dorsal fins. Males are also thought to have dorsal fins that are thicker at the edge, with more rounded contour and rounded edge. The population of long finned pilot whales that summers in the waters around Cape Breton, Canada, has been studied since 1998. There are currently more than 2000 individuals photo- identified. If these individuals could be assigned to sex, the data set would be much more powerful .We tested whether dorsal fin shape, number of mark points and saddle patch density are different enough between sexes so they could be used to predict sex based on photographic data. We biopsied 18 known individuals from the population and determined their sex genetically, through PCR of the Zfx and Zfy introns. We used Eliptical Fourier Descriptor Analysis to determine the most variable parts of the dorsal fin shape for those individuals, and examined whether the patterns differed according to sex using a discriminant function analysis and MANOVA. Saddle patch density was compared across sexes using a permutation test, and the number of mark points using a Mann-Whitney U test. Eleven of the sampled individuals were males and seven females. We found that males and females have similar dorsal fin shape (MANOVA P=0.119), saddle patch density (P=0.17) and mark point distribution (P=0.23). It does not seem to be possible to use either dorsal fin shape, saddle patch density or number of mark points to usefully predict sex of individual pilot whales. It is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2011.00546.x/abstrac… by request. Cheers, Joana Augusto ******************************* Joana Augusto, M.Sc. PhD candidate Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/ Let's Talk Science Coordinator Dalhousie University LTS(a)dal.ca http://letstalkscience.ca/dalhousie

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Humpback whale stranded in Libya
by Ibrahem Benamer 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

Dear Marmamers, a stranding of a humpback whale took place in Libya last week. the carcass was discovered in Sirt (the same area which had seen a stranded finwhale in 2009) accidentally last Wednesday by one of the locals and reported the incidence to the coastguards. a team from EGA (the Environmental General Authority) arrived in the area to collect samples and preform a necropsy. however, the animal was heavily decomposed and only samples of skin, blubber and vertebrae were collected. the only pictures that can be found where in a facebook page which published an article about the even...link : http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.369813469782186.85491.180334148730… this is maybe the first record of a stranding Humpback in Libya -- ======= Ibrahem Benamer MSc. Marine and Fisheries Science University of Aberdeen Lecturer Assistant at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Omar Mukhtar University (OMU), El-beida, Libya Tel: (+218) 92 859 6751 E mail: benamer.ly(a)gmail.com <mailto:benamer.ly@gmail.com> Skype: Ibrahem_benamer International Mailing address (Aramex(: Ibrahem Benamer TIP 398 Aramex House, Old Bath Road Colonbrook, Berkshire SL3 0NS UK  Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

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