December 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on liver enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis in grey seals
by Kimberley Bennett 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Hello everyone, The following paper has recently been published: Bennett, K., Hammill, M. and Currie, S. (2013) Liver glucose-6-phosphatase proteins in suckling and weaned grey seal pups: structural similarities to other mammals and relationship to nutrition, insulin signalling and metabolite levels. Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Volume 183, Issue 8, Page 1075-1088. Abstract; Phocid seals have been proposed as models for diabetes because they exhibit limited insulin response to glucose, high blood glucose and increasing insulin resistance when fasting. Liver glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) catalyses the final step in glucose production and is central to glucose regulation in other animals. G6Pase comprises a translocase (SLC37A4) and a catalytic subunit (G6PC). G6PC and SLC37A4 expression and activity are normally regulated by nutritional state and glucostatic hormones, particularly insulin, and are elevated in diabetes. We tested the hypotheses that (1) grey seal G6PC and SLC37A4 cDNA and predicted protein sequences differ from other species’ at functional sites, (2) relative G6Pase protein abundances are lower during feeding than fasting and (3) relative G6Pase protein abundances are related to insulin, insulin receptor phosphorylation and key metabolite levels. We show that G6PC and partial SLC37A4 cDNA sequences encode proteins sharing 82–95 % identity with other mammals. Seal G6PC contained no differences in sites responsible for activity, stability or subcellular location. Several substitutions in seal SLC37A4 were predicted to be tolerated with low probability, which could affect glucose production. Suckling pups had higher relative abundance of both subunits than healthy, postweaned fasting pups. Furthermore, relative G6PC abundance was negatively related to glucose levels. These findings contrast markedly with the response of relative hepatic G6Pase abundance to feeding, fasting, insulin, insulin sensitivity and key metabolites in other animals, and highlight the need to understand the regulation of enzymes involved in glucose control in phocids if these animals are to be informative models of diabetes. It can be accessed through this link: http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s00360…<http://www.springer.com/alert/urltracking.do?id=L41e23efMdac885Sb09c171> Please contact me at kimberley.bennett(a)plymouth.ac.uk if you can't get access using the link. Kimberley Dr. Kimberley Bennett Lecturer in Marine Biology Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre School of Marine Science and Engineering Plymouth University Plymouth UK PL4 8AA 0044 (0)1752 586184 ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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Digestive strategies of ex situ and in situ West Indian manatees
by Graham Worthy 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: G.A.J. Worthy and T.A.M. Worthy. (2013) Digestive strategies of ex situ and in situ West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. ABSTRACT Digestive efficiencies (Dm) of ex situ and in situ manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) were, for the first time, assessed using manganese (Mn2+) as a naturally occurring marker. Dm of ex situ manatees determined using [Mn2+] did not differ significantly from Dm assessed using lignin supporting the efficacy of the manganese approach. GI tract samples, obtained from recently dead animals, showed [Mn2+] concentrations were lowest in the stomach, remained low in the duodenum and small intestine, but increased in the cecum, colon and rectum consistent with colonic digestion and absorption. In situ manatees consuming marine vegetation had significantly lower Dm [46.9 ± 1.8% (SE) (n = 8)] than in situ manatees consuming freshwater vegetation [77.8 ± 2.6% (n = 7)], which in turn were significantly lower than ex situ manatees consuming lettuce [84.0 ± 0.7% (n = 37)]. In situ manatees eating seagrasses had significantly higher Dm than long-term ex situ animals consuming seagrass for short periods of time (46.9 ± 1.8% versus 36.2 ± 1.2%, respectively), suggesting potential modification of gut flora over time. One significant ramification of our results is that manatees consuming seagrasses would require a greater standing biomass to support their needs than would be required if they were eating freshwater vegetation. This reinforces the critical need to implement habitat conservation and protection before considering down-listing or de-listing manatees as an endangered species. The full text and PDF is available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Graham_Worthy/?ev=hdr_xprf Cheers, Graham Worthy -- ______________________________________________________ Graham A.J. Worthy, Ph.D. Provost's Distinguished Research Professor of Biology, Hubbs-Sea World Endowed Professor of Marine Mammalogy, and Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Room BIO402A Orlando FL 32816-2368 Graham.Worthy(a)ucf.edu<mailto:Graham.Worthy@ucf.edu> http://worthy.cos.ucf.edu/PEBL/ 407-823-4701 office 407-823-5769 FAX skype: graham.worthy "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something" Plato ______________________________________________________

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WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Scotland are currently recruiting for three volunteer positions
by Kate Hannigan 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

There is no charge to volunteer with us and we provide free accommodation and a £30 weekly food budget. Guide and Events Volunteer - Are you an excellent communicator, keen to inspire all ages? Or looking to gain valuable experience in conservation and events organisation? Or are you passionate about wildlife? Guide and Education Volunteer - Do you want to inspire and educate all ages? Or are looking to gain valuable experience to work in education and conservation? Or are you passionate about the natural world? Guide and Conservation Volunteer - Are you keen to get the experience needed to work in conservation and research programmes? Or are you passionate about the environment and inspiring others to care? . 8 months residential role running from Monday 24th February 2014 - Friday 31st October 2014 . Deadline for applications 5pm, Monday 13th January 2014 . Interviews preferably via Skype, Monday 20th January 2014 onwards To apply, go to: http://uk.whales.org/jobs

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PhD opportunity: grey seal behaviour
by TWISS S.D. 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Dear Marmamers, We wish to announce the following PhD studentship opportunity: PhD Opportunity: Project title: Coping styles: understanding individual differences in stress reactivity in a wild population of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and their fitness consequences Project supervisors: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham University): s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk>, Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews) Application deadline: 31st January 2014 Project description: Within animal populations individuals differ in their ability to cope with stress. Most wild animal populations are subject to increasing anthropogenic stressors. Even non-consumptive activities, such as the rapidly expanding ecotourism industry, can add stressors to animals. Quantitatively assessing how individual animals react to, and cope with, anthropogenic stress is critical in determining ‘acceptable’ levels of disturbance in situations where human-wildlife interactions are inevitable. However, behavioural measures can be misleading or difficult to interpret in terms of how stressed and individual actually is, and should be supported by physiological evidence of when stress becomes distress. This project will investigate the physiological underpinnings of behavioural types in wild pinnipeds. Individual grey seals are known to differ in behavioural type, along a proactive-reactive axis. Proactive and reactive behavioural types are regarded as differing coping styles, with differing behavioural and physiological responses in the face of stressors, both natural and/or anthropogenic. Laboratory studies suggest that individual differences in stress reactivity may be controlled by differences in the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and are associated with differences in heart rate (HR) parameters. HR reflects the autonomic balance between the slowing effects of parasympathetic nerves and the accelerating effects of sympathetic nerves, a balance that is suggested to differ between pro- and reactive individuals. This project aims to investigate the physiological underpinnings of behavioural types, in wild, free-ranging grey seals, by the application of heart rate data-loggers to individually identified seals during the breeding season. The project will (i) use established observational and experimental approaches to classify individual female grey seal behavioural types, (ii) examine whether physiological indicators (heart rate and breathing rate) relate to behavioural type, and (iii) whether individual variation in physiological measures contribute to variation in maternal investment strategies. Over 3 consecutive breeding seasons, field data collection will involve: (1) identifying individual breeding females using established photo-ID protocols, (2) observations to provide metrics describing behavioural type, (3) application of heart rate monitors allied to detailed observations from video footage to record physiological proxies. Behavioural and physiological data will be analysed with respect to natural and anthropogenic stressors experienced by the focal seals. Direct measures of maternal expenditure will be gained from the identified females, allowing examination of how differences in coping style influence patterns of maternal reproductive investment. Potential candidates must fulfil the University’s requirements regarding English language ability (see below) and will require (i) a clear understanding of behavioural ecology theory and practice and (ii) the ability to conduct prolonged and isolated fieldwork in harsh conditions, and would ideally have experience of; (i) behavioural observation of wild pinnipeds, and (ii) ecological modelling approaches. Candidates should also hold a UK driving licence (or equivalent). The student will gain extensive training in behavioural observation, application of biotelemetry devices, compilation and maintenance of photo-ID database, spatial data manipulation and analyses within a GIS, statistical analyses (including quantifying ‘personality’ and analysis of HR data), organisation of fieldwork logistics and safety in remote, isolated locations. Reference: Twiss SD, Cairns C, Culloch RM, Richards SA & Pomeroy PP (2012). Behavioural Variation in Female Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Reproductive Performance Correlates to Proactive-Reactive Behavioural Types. PLoS ONE 7(11): e49598. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049598 Notes on funding: This project is in competition with others for funding. The potential funding comes from the Durham Doctoral Studentship programme (DDS), which funds both tuition fees and living costs. Success will depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. Details of the Durham Doctoral Studentships can be found at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/science.faculty/postgraduatefunding/#faculty Notes on eligibility: Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in the Faculty in October 2014. They must have fulfilled the University's requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a pre-sessional course as a condition of their place. See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/englishlanguage.centre/englishlanguage.courses/prospe… Notes on application procedure: If you are interested in applying and/or require further details, in the first instance contact the supervisor (Dr Twiss: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk>.) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Dr Twiss will then request the best applicants to submit a full application for DDS funding via the University’s online application process. Candidates wishing to proceed with a full application must then complete the University's postgraduate online application form and state, in response to the question ‘how you plan to fund your studies’, that you wish to be considered for a Durham Doctoral Studentship. The following documents should be submitted, by the deadline specified, using the University’s online application process: • The completed application form (including a description of the proposed research project prepared by the candidate (no more than one side of A4). This can be based on the above project description. • CV • Two references for the candidate • Copies of academic certificates and/or transcripts • Evidence of English language ability, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL transcripts. • For further details, see: https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/finance/ For further information on the application procedure, contact: Postgraduate Admissions School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Science Laboratories South Road Durham University DH1 3LE, UK Telephone: +44 (0) 191 334 1200 / +44 (0) 191 334 9167 Fax: +44 (0) 191 334 1201 email: biosci.pgsecretary(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:biosci.pgsecretary@durham.ac.uk> _________________________________ Dr. Sean Twiss, Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk Web-site: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132 Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/ Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________

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WDC Research Award
by Nicola Hodgins 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Dear Marmammers, WDC is delighted to announce the commencement of the WDC Bharathi Viswanathan Award for Innovative and Non-Invasive Research. WDC strives to ensure that benign research methods are promoted as a guiding principle, both for the organisation and the researchers that we fund and through this Award, WDC aims to showcase non-invasive research methodologies, highlighting the fact that many of these methods provide scientific data of excellent quality, whilst also promoting the development of innovative and non-invasive approaches towards studying cetaceans.The objective of this Award is to inspire and encourage researchers (both young and old) to use non-invasive methods, which enable researchers to collect data within the context of the environment of their study subjects. These methods, which do not interfere invasively with the study subjects, often enable a more complete picture of their life cycles, interactions and habitat use. Such techniques can still be significantly geeky and technology based that they can produce sound, reliable science that can be used to make a real difference for species and population conservation and for individual protection. The WDC Bharathi Viswanathan Award is about more than just promoting non-invasive research. WDC believes that one of the most important elements of sound conservation management is in understanding how scientific evidence relates to real-world, practical management advice. Therefore, the recipient of this award will, in addition to the main focus of their research, be required to undertake a relevant desk-based project that will examine the nexus between their research and real-world conservation efforts. This project should aim to outline the relevant national legislation and permitting processes pertinent to the use of invasive research techniques within their country; detail the management objectives for their research and the likelihood of practical conservation or welfare benefits resulting from their research; and ultimately, promote non-invasive research amongst their peers and the wider research community. Up to £5,000 is available for the recipient of this annual award. The only restrictions that apply are that the project must utilize only non-invasive techniques and ultimately aim to benefit the conservation management or welfare of whales and/or dolphins. For further information please visit - http://uk.whales.org/wdc-in-action/wdc-bharathi-viswanathan-award-for-innov… Best wishes and Good luck, Nicola [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org> Nicola Hodgins Head of Science and Research Telephone: +44 (0)1249 449 537 Mobile: +44 (0)7841497597 Skype: nicola.hodgins WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/fanofWDCS> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://www.whales.org/wdcsblog.php> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://www.whales.org/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/EUtrade.p…]<http://uk.whales.org/campaigns/help-stop-transfer-of-whale-products-through…> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”) is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system.

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Volunteer help request at SMM Conference: Mapping Areas of Concern
by Dylan Walker 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

Dear fellow Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance is running a 'Mapping Areas of Concern for cetaceans' interactive display at the Orca Research Trust stand at the SMM Conference at Otago University, Dunedin next week and would welcome the help of any volunteers keen to learn about our online mapping tool and show other scientists how to register their concerns from around the world. We need volunteers throughout the 5 day conference to encourage participation in the display and to guide them through the process of registering their areas of concern. We are also looking for the temporary loan of 2 or 3 laptops/computers with wireless capability, a projector and a screen so people can sit down and use the mapping programme live. The purpose of the ‘Mapping Areas of Concern’ programme is to encourage as many people as possible from scientists to members of the public to independently highlight on a world map areas for which they have concerns for cetaceans and marine life in general. The ultimate goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues and where they are and also to identify the priorities of the different stakeholder groups involved. If you are able to help please send an email to Roger Mann at roger(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org who is coordinating this project. Regards, Dylan Walker *WCA Secretariat* *Without collaboration we will achieve nothing more than a drop in the ocean. ~ Jean-Michel Cousteau, Honorary President, WCA* <http://www.seasketch.org/#projecthomepage/50c9fe9c7315b72f321f50c6/survey/5…> <http://www.seasketch.org/#projecthomepage/50c9fe9c7315b72f321f50c6/survey/5…> <http://www.seasketch.org/#projecthomepage/50c9fe9c7315b72f321f50c6/survey/5…>

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Seeking support for fisherman survey analysis
by Paudel Shambhu 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

Dear All, I am shambhu paudel from Nepal and working as assistant professor for wildlife Biology and GIS/RS at Kathmandu Forestry College, Nepal. Currently, I have completed fisherman survey, as a part of dolphin ecology project in Nepal river system. I need support from anyone for selecting appropriate statistical tools. If anybody interested on this, he/she will be co-author for our paper. With regards, shambhu paudel -- Successful Conservation Based on Deep Philosophical Convictions Assistant Professor Kathmandu Forestry College Kathmandu, Nepal www.kafcol.edu.np Cell: 977-9841-170723

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ESME Workbench at SMM2013 in Dunedin, NZ
by gvoysey 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

The ESME Workbench <http://esme.bu.edu> project will be at the 20th Biennial Conference on Marine Mammals, in Dunedin New Zealand, from 08 - 13 December. The Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment (ESME) Workbench is a modeling environment that simulates the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals. Narrow-band sound propagation is modeled using the Bellhop or RAMGeo. Realistic acoustic environmental parameters for bathymetry, water temperature and salinity, surface wind speed, and bottom sediment are provided via the Oceanographic and Atmospheric Master Library (OAML) databases. Sound sources have user-configurable source levels, frequencies, beam patterns, and movement models. The Marine Mammal Movement and Behavior (3MB) model provides simulated animal populations (animats) with 18 pre-configured behavior models for species with characterized dive behavior. Scenarios of moving sound sources and animats are simulated; sound exposure levels, positions, and timing information for each animat, and position and timing for each sound source are plotted and stored for custom analysis. We will be running an informal demonstration of the latest version of ESME and q&a session on Wednesday, 11 December, during the midday break between sessions. Specific location to be determined; please email gvoysey(a)bu.edufor the latest information. -- Graham Voysey Boston University College of Engineering HRC Research Engineer Auditory Biophysics and Simulation Laboratory ERB 413

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Re: [MARMAM] New article about UV filter Determination in Dolphins
by Mariana Alonso 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article: P. Gago-Ferrero, M. B. Alonso, C. Bertozzi, J. Marigo, L. Barbosa, M. Cremer, E. Secchi, C. Domit, A. Azevedo, J. Lailson-Brito, J. P. M. Torres, O. Malm, E. Eljarrat, M. S. Díaz-Cruz and D. Barceló (2013) “*First Determination of UV Filters in Marine Mammals. Octocrylene **Levels in Franciscana Dolphins**”* *Environment Science and Technology * ABSTRACT: Most current bioexposure assessments for UV filters focus on contaminants concentrations in fish from river and lake. To date there is not information available on the occurrence of UV filters in marine mammals. This is the first study to investigate the presence of sunscreen agents in tissue liver of Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), a species under special measures for conservation. Fifty six liver tissue samples were taken from dead individuals accidentally caught or found stranded along the Brazilian coastal area (six states). The extensively used octocrylene (2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3- diphenyl-2-propenoate, OCT) was frequently found in the samples investigated (21 out of 56) at concentrations in the range 89−782 ng·g−1 lipid weight. São Paulo was found to be the most polluted area (70% frequency of detection). Nevertheless, the highest concentration was observed in the dolphins from Rio Grande do Sul (42% frequency of detection within that area). These findings constitute the first data reported on the occurrence of UV filters in marine mammals worldwide. The full text and pdf is available from: *http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es400675y*<http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es400675y> For any questions or pdf requests please email: Mariana Alonso: alonso.mb(a)gmail.com <skj3(a)st-andrews.ac.uk> Best wishes, Mariana -- *Dra. Mariana Batha Alonso * *Instituto de Biofísica da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IBCCF-UFRJ) (*www.biof.ufrj.br/pesquisa/ambiental/radioisotopos/) *Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (MAQUA-UERJ) **(**www.maqua.uerj.br <http://www.maqua.uerj.br/>)* *Projeto BioPesca, Praia Grande, S**P **(**www.biopesca.org.br <http://www.biopesca.org.br/>)* *Environmental Biophysics - **Federal **University of Rio de Janeiro UFRJ, Brazil (**www.biof.ufrj.br/en/ <http://www.biof.ufrj.br/en/>)* *Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Lab MAQUA- ** Rio de Janeiro **State **University UERJ**, Brazil (**www.maqua.uerj.br <http://www.maqua.uerj.br>)* *Projeto BioPesca, São Paulo, Brazil (**www.biopesca.org.br <http://www.biopesca.org.br>)*

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ECS abstracts
by Thierry Jauniaux 04 Dec '13

04 Dec '13

Dear all, ECS has been trying to set up a new website for more convenient and helpful use. We are in the middle of this process and that is why some of you had trouble sending abstracts to ECS 2014 conference. We, the ECS Council, apologize for this inconvenience and decided to have another few days for abstract submission The deadline is now Sunday midnight Universal Time, 8 Dec 2013 (then just before the SMM conference) at http://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/28th-annual-conference. Please do not try to use our old website and your password to old account but register first to submit your abstract Other pages of the conference website are under construction at the moment. We will post a message on ECS-TALK, MARMAM and our Facebook as soon as they are ready. If you have any questions, please write to (ONLY): ecsconference2014(a)ulg.ac.be Thank you for your understanding and patience. Looking forward to seeing you in Liege. Thierry Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD, ECS Conference 2014 Liege 5-9 April http://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/28th-annual-conference

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