May 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Society for Marine Mammalogy Grants in Aid of Research
by Douglas Wartzok 27 May '13

27 May '13

The Society for Marine Mammalogy announces that the annual competition for its Grants in Aid of Research will be open 1 - 30 June 2013. Information and application procedures are available at www.marinemammalscience.org<http://www.marinemammalscience.org> under Awards and Grants. Please be sure you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting an application. "These awards are for nationals of emerging and developing countries, particularly early career researchers such as students and researchers with less than 5 years post-doctoral experience, who are conducting research in emerging and developing countries." Both parts of the qualification statement must be met: who the applicant is and where the applicant is conducting research. It is best to prepare the proposal off line and then cut and paste into the online application form. The character and word limits are: Title: 200 characters Summary: 100 words Project description: 3000 words inclusive of: * General description of the research to be undertaken * Specific research question or hypothesis being addressed * Methods to be employed to carry out the project * Analytical approach to be used including, where appropriate, the statistical tests to be used * Significance to our understanding of the biology and/or conservation of marine mammals * Timeline for completion of the project * Budget - A detailed one-year, itemized budget identifying and justifying specific requests for equipment, supplies, travel to field site, etc. Not to exceed $1,500 (U.S.) * Details of any other funds available to support the project and the proposed uses of such funds * Assurance that the work is done in compliance with any relevant marine mammal protection regulations and certification that needed permits have been obtained * Literature cited * Short résumé or CV Douglas Wartzok Chair, Committee of Scientifc Advisors Society for Marine Mamamlogy Provost and Executive Vice President [Description: Description: Description: Florida International University]<Florida%20International%20University> 11200 SW 8th St, PC 526 Miami, Florida 33199-0001 Phone 305-348-2151 | Fax 305-348-2994 Email wartzok(a)fiu.edu Web http://academic.fiu.edu<http://academic.fiu.edu/>

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Capricorn Cetacean Project Research Assistant Position
by Daniele Cagnazzi 27 May '13

27 May '13

SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON INSHORE DOLPHINS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA Daniele Cagnazzi (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Ecology Research Centre, SCU) is currently accepting applications for two volunteer positions, for the Capricorn Cetaceans Project for the Australian winter season from the 7th of August to the end of November 2013. The Capricorn Cetacean Project started in 2006 as part of Dr Cagnazzi Daniele PhD study. The primary aim of this project was to study inshore dolphin species primarily the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the Australian snubfin dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Queensland Australia. More information about past and on-going projects can be found at http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com/ and at the Marine Ecology Research centre website http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ The primary aims of this year survey season will be conducting a pilot study to determine the best methodology to monitor abundance and distribution of humpback and snubfin dolphins from the Bowen to Gladstone in Central Queensland, a region undergoing to major industrial port expansions. Field work include daily coastal surveys and longer expeditions. Coastal daily surveys will be conducted on a 6m centre console vessel, due to the extension of the study area launching points vary depending on the weather and surveys needs. Longer expeditions will be organized to survey the most remote areas. These expeditions will last up to two weeks, and will be done with the support of a larger vessel. During field work we will applied techniques normally used for inshore dolphins studies. Additionally we will also collect skin samples using PAXARM biopsy system for an on-going genetic and toxicology population study and various environmental and physical variables potentially useful to explain dolphin distribution. While on land the team will share a house in Yeppoon a quite costal town in Central Queensland, however we will be travelling frequently to different locations such as Bowen, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, and Mackay. All accommodation and food costs are covered. This position is mainly for people with limited field work experience but a profound interest in cetaceans and a background in marine studies or similar are required. Application from volunteers for less than 2 months will not be considered. Interested applicants should forward a letter and their CV directly to me daniele.cagnazzi(a)scu.edu.au<mailto:daniele.cagnazzi@scu.edu.au> Daniele Cagnazzi Postdoctoral Research Fellow Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University 2480 Lismore NSW Australia PH: +61 0266203815 FAX: +61 0266212669 Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Pubblocation List: Daniele Cagnazzi Publications<http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=DQg3UwkAAAAJ >

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Congo - Information needed on marine mammals population in coastal waters of Pointe Noire
by Anissa Amri 27 May '13

27 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, I'm looking for information about marine mammals population, along coastal waters off Pointe Noire (Congo, Africa). Every publication on the subject (at large) and every detailed information can be useful, all species included : observations, pictures, maps, GPS position, samples analysis, and so on. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Please email-me @ : anissa.amri(a)genivar.com Best regards, Anissa Amri, biol., (M. Sc) Biologiste du milieu marin Marine Biologist - MMO/PAM Operator GENIVAR INC. 5355 boul. des Gradins, Québec, Qc G2J 1C8, Canada T 418-623-7066 poste 4241 | www.genivar.com Avant d’imprimer, pensez-y... / Please consider the environment before printing... Une messagerie gratuite, garantie à vie et des services en plus, ça vous tente ? Je crée ma boîte mail www.laposte.net

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New Publication: Behavior and energetics in an entangled whale
by Julie van der Hoop 27 May '13

27 May '13

MARMAM Subscribers, We are pleased to announce the following paper, published online this week in Marine Mammal Science: van der Hoop, J., Moore, M., Fahlman, A., Bocconcelli, A., George, C., Jackson, K., Miller, C., Morin, D., Pitchford, T., Rowles, T., Smith, J. and Zoodsma, B. (2013), Behavioral impacts of disentanglement of a right whale under sedation and the energetic cost of entanglement. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12042 Abstract: Protracted entanglement in fishing gear often leads to emaciation through reduced mobility and foraging ability, and energy budget depletion from the added drag of towing gear for months or years. We examined changes in kinematics of a tagged entangled North Atlantic right whale (Eg 3911), before, during, and after disentanglement on 15 January 2011. To calculate the additional drag forces and energetic demand associated with various gear configurations, we towed three sets of gear attached to a load-cell tensiometer at multiple speeds. Tag analyses revealed significant increases in dive depth and duration; ascent, descent and fluke stroke rates; and decreases in root mean square fluke amplitude (a proxy for thrust) following disentanglement. Conservative drag coefficients while entangled in all gear configurations (mean ± SD Cd,e,go = 3.4 × 10−3 ± 0.0003, Cd,e,gb = 3.7 × 10−3 ± 0.0003, Cd,e,sl = 3.8 × 10−3 ± 0.0004) were significantly greater than in the nonentangled case (Cd,n = 3.2 × 10−3 ± 0.0003; P = 0.0156, 0.0312, 0.0078, respectively). Increases in total power input (including standard metabolism) over the nonentangled condition ranged from 1.6% to 120.9% for all gear configurations tested; locomotory power requirements increased 60.0%–164.6%. These results highlight significant alteration to swimming patterns, and the magnitude of energy depletion in a chronically entangled whale. The article can be downloaded from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12042/full Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, or to request an electronic copy of the article. Julie van der Hoop Graduate Student MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole MA 02543

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Rebecca (Becs) Leaper
by Simon Childerhouse 26 May '13

26 May '13

It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of the passing of a dedicated and passionate marine conservation scientist, Dr Rebecca (Becs) Leaper. Becs was awarded her PhD in marine ecology from the University of Aberdeen in 2000. Her passion to apply and extend her knowledge in ways that had tangible conservation outcomes in the marine realm was inexhaustible. Her drive and adventurous spirit saw Becs work around the UK, in New Zealand and for most of the past decade in Australia. Becs has been a key member of science teams at the Australian Antarctic Division, the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, CSIRO and most recently at the University of Tasmania's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science. She has worked on issues that range from the role of whales in their marine ecosystems through to conservation mechanisms for marine biodiversity. Becs passion for her work was matched only by her generosity of spirit in the way she interacted with her colleagues. She was an absolute live wire and a catalyst in all social groups that brought people together. Becs will be sadly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have known and worked with her. Nick Gales Chief Scientist Australian Antarctic Division

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need information successful beached whales rescues
by Danielle Kreb 26 May '13

26 May '13

Dear Colleagues, Together with my colleagues here in Indonesia and the national government we have been developing a protocol for stranded cetaceans. However we do not have a SOP for saving larger whales (> 10m in size) and therefore would like to ask you if you have any information available on reliable methods for saving larger whales, which have been proven to work succesfully in practice (where the whale did not get beached again). Please send us any succesful case files although unsuccesful attempts may also be helpful for better understanding on which methods should better not be applied. Many thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Danielle Kreb -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor/ Marine Mammal Researcher Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 57 arinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.110mb.com

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New paper on mechanical properties of enamel and dentine in dolphins
by Carolina Loch 26 May '13

26 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the current issue of the Archives of Oral Biology: Mechanical properties of dental tissues in dolphins (Cetacea: Delphinoidea and Inioidea) Carolina Loch, Michael V. Swain, Ludwig Jansen van Vuuren, Jules A. Kieser and R. Ewan Fordyce doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2012.12.003 Volume 58, Issue 7, July 2013, Pages 773–779 Abstract (1) Mammalian teeth play a major role in food acquisition and processing. While most mammals are heterodont and masticate their food, dolphins are homodont with simplified tooth morphology and negligible mastication. Understanding mechanical properties of dental tissues in dolphins is fundamental to elucidate the functional morphology and biomechanics of their feeding apparatus. This paper aims to study the hardness and elastic modulus of enamel and dentine in dolphins. (2) Teeth of 10 extant species (Inioidea and Delphinoidea) were longitudinally sectioned, polished and mounted in a UMIS nanoindenter. Indentations were performed from dentine to outer enamel. Hardness and elastic modulus were calculated using the Oliver–Pharr method. (3) Mean values of hardness and elastic modulus were similar on buccal and lingual surfaces. While dentine hardness was statistically similar among species, enamel hardness varied from 3.86 GPa (±0.4) in Steno bredanensis (rough-toothed dolphin) to 2.36 GPa (±0.38) in Pontoporia blainvillei (franciscana). For most species, there was a gradational increase in hardness values from inner to outer enamel. Enamel and dentine elastic modulus values clearly differed among species. In enamel, it ranged from 69.32 GPa (±4.08) in the rough-toothed dolphin to 13.51 GPa (±2.80) in Stenella coeruleoalba (striped dolphin). For most species, elastic modulus values were highest at inner and outer enamel. (4) Differences in mechanical properties between species, and within the enamel of each species, suggest functional implications and influence of ultrastructural arrangement and chemical composition. Full text is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996912004323 Or alternatively, a pdf can be requested at: carolina.loch(a)otago.ac.nz Best regards, MSc. Carolina Loch Silva PhD Candidate Geology Department, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/students/loch/index.html & Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos UFSCFlorianópolis, SC - Brasil

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New publication about hair bleaching marking technique in South American sea lions
by Gisela Giardino 24 May '13

24 May '13

Hi all We are pleased to announce the publication of the following methodological note about hair bleaching marking technique in South American sea lions Otaria flavescens:Description and evaluation of method in Mastozoologia Neotropical Available online at http://www.sarem.org.ar/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SAREM_MastNeotrop_20-1_1… I'm sorry that is not all in English but please feel free to contact me with any questions & doubts. Cheers Gisela Giardino RESUMEN El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo describir y evaluar el método de marcado de lobos marinos comunes por decoloración del pelo, señalando ventajas y posibilidades de aplicación futuras. Para el marcado se utilizó un sello compuesto por letras y números desmontables donde se coloca el decolorante, conectado a una vara extensible que permite la correcta aplicación de la marca. Con esta metodología las marcas obtenidas tuvieron una duración máxima de 347 días perfectamente visibles, motivo por el cual y sumado al bajo costo y sencillez de aplicación, se sugiere que esta técnica es recomendable para estudios no invasivos en pinnípedos a corto y mediano plazo. ABSTRACT. Hair bleaching marking technique in South American sea lionsOtaria flavescens:Descriptionand evaluation of method The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate the use of the hair discoloration method in South American sea lions, with an emphasis on its advantages and its potential use in future studies. For marking, stamp removable letters and numbers were used, connected to an extensible rod. The bleached marks obtained had a maximum duration of 347 days perfectly visible and, because of the combination of low cost and application simplicity, this technique is considered suitable for both short and long term non-invasive studies in pinnipeds. Lic. Gisela Giardino Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 456) Casilla de correo CC 1260-Correo Central-MdP http://travesiasdelobos.blogspot.com/

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New publications on sperm whale and mediterranean monk seal in Turkey
by Arda M. Tonay 24 May '13

24 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the two publications of the following papers in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. · Öztürk, A.A. Tonay, A.M., Dede, A. 2013. Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings in the Aegean and Mediterranean part of Turkish waters. J. Black Sea/Mediterr. Environ. 19(2): 168-176. Full text is available at: http://www.blackmeditjournal.org/pdf/169-177%20Vol19No2Ayaka.pdf Abstract Between 1994 and 2012, 43 sightings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were reported in the Turkish part of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. Most of the sightings were located near the Fethiye Canyon which is one of the deepest parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern limit of the sperm whale sighting in the Turkish part of the Mediterranean Sea is Alanya and the northern limit is Gökçeada in the northern Aegean Sea. · Danyer, E., Özgür Özbek, E., Aytemiz, I., Tonay, A.M. 2013. Preliminary report of a stranding case of Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) on Antalya coast, Turkey, April 2013. J. Black Sea/Mediterr. Environ. 19(2): 181-185. Full text is available at: http://www.blackmeditjournal.org/pdf/278-282%20Vol19No2Erdem.pdf Abstract The Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779), which lives on the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea coast of Turkey, is one of the critically endangered species in the world. On 30 April 2013, an adult male monk seal was found dead on the coast of Antalya. Evidence of deliberate killing was found as a result of gross necropsy carried out after two days. This paper summarizes the preliminary findings of the gross necropsy. Best regards, Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Fisheries, İstanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 455 5700/16434 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 Bu elektronik posta ve beraberinde iletilen butun dosyalar sadece gondericisi tarafindan alinmasi amaclanan yetkili gercek ya da tuzel kisinin kullanimi icindir.Eger soz konusu yetkili alici degilseniz bu elektronik postanin icerigini aciklamaniz, kopyalamaniz, yonlendirmeniz ve kullanmaniz kesinlikle yasaktir ve bu elektronik postayi derhal silmeniz gerekmektedir. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI bu mesajin icerdigi bilgilerin dogrulugu veya eksiksiz oldugu konusunda herhangi bir garanti vermemektedir. Bu nedenle bu bilgilerin ne sekilde olursa olsun iceriginden, iletilmesinden, alinmasindan ve saklanmasindan sorumlu degildir. Bu mesajdaki gorusler yalnizca gonderen kisiye aittir ve ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI'nin goruslerini yansitmayabilir. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message and attachments are confidential and intended solely for the individual(s) stated in this message.This email is not intended to impose nor shall it be construed as imposing any legally binding obligation upon ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY and/or any of its subsidiaries or associated companies. Neither ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY nor any of its subsidiaries or associated companies gives any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this email. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY will not be held liable to any person resulting from the use of any information contained in this email and will not be liable to any person who acts or omits to do anything in reliance upon it.

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Alaska Field Course-Summer 2013
by Michelle Cortez 23 May '13

23 May '13

ALASKA FIELD EXPERIENCE THROUGH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON Summer 2013 Still room available! Course Name: COASTAL MARINE BIOLOGY OF ALASKA Course Number: MARB/MARS 415, MARB/MARS 615 or as an INTERNSHIP WITHOUT UNIVERSITY CREDIT Session dates: June 3-14; June 17-June 28; July 1-July 12; July 15-26; July 29-Aug 9. INSTRUCTOR: DR. RANDALL DAVIS Please contact Dr. Davis at (281) 250-7839 (davisr(a)tamug.edu) for more information. Travel to south-central Alaska for this three credit hour field course or internship. For 12 days, students will live and study at the remote Alice Cove Research Station located along the shores of Prince William Sound. Students will learn about the marine biology of this area and conduct research on a chosen sea otter behavioral ecology or fisheries project. They will then analyze and present their results from their chosen project to the class. An overland day trip will be made to explore the Copper River Delta and visit Sheridan Glacier. There are no prerequisites. Field course fee is $2,150 (airfare to Anchorage and Cordova not included). You do not need to be a student at Texas A&M University to register for an internship.

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