June 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Call Open: Applied Marine Biological Sampling and Data Collection Module
by SMART 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

Please note that the call for applications to the accredited continuous professional development module (CPD) in Applied Marine Biological Sampling and Data Collection is now open. This module is being offered by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and the Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training (SMART) from the 30th of September to the 25th of 0ctober 2013. The module is geared towards postgraduate students of marine science and marine industry personnel. Four days of shiptime sampling and data collection onboard the Celtic Voyager and Celtic Mist are supported by three days of intensive laboratory practicals and lectures in GMIT. Attendance is required from the 7th to 13th of October with all other elements accomplished through student centered distance learning using specially developed resources. Themes addressed include: quantitative sampling of fisheries catch and bycatch surveying and monitoring methodologies for cetaceans and seabirds biopsy tissue sampling for marine mammals benthic sampling and data recording oceanographic data collection and sampling. A module description is available at : http://www.smartseaschool.com/postgrad Applications may be completed online at: http://smartseaschool.wufoo.eu/forms/applied-marine-biological-sampling/ Completion of the module results in an award of 5 credits at NFQ level 9 under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). If you have any queries relating the module and its content please do not hesitate to contact us at smart(a)gmit.ie Best Wishes, John Boyd Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland Telephone: 00 353 91 742518 Mobile: 00 353 85 8218452 Email: smart(a)gmit.ie ( mailto:msmart@gmit.ie ) CC: john.boyd(a)gmit.ie ( file:///C:/Users/jboyd/AppData/Local/Temp/XPgrpwise/51AF61D4GWSTAFFGWSTAFPO1001326F7319B061/john.boyd@gmit.ie ) W: www.smartseaschool.com F: www.facebook.com/smartseaschool T: https://twitter.com/Smartseaschool Y: www.youtube.com/smartseaschool

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Clicking in killer country
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

Dear Marmam, Please post this. Best and thanks Peter Dear All, On behalf of Line Kyhn and coauthors, I hereby wish to draw the attention of interested readers to this recent paper in Plos One on echolocation of porpoises in a killer whale habitat: Clicking in a Killer Whale Habitat: Narrow-Band, High-Frequency Biosonar Clicks of Harbour Porpoise(Phocoena phocoena) and Dall's Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) Line A. Kyhn1*, Jakob Tougaard1, Kristian Beedholm2, Frants H. Jensen2, Erin Ashe3, Rob Williams3, Peter T. Madsen2 1 Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark, 2 Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark, 3 Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom Abstract Odontocetes produce a range of different echolocation clicks but four groups in different families have converged on producing the same stereotyped narrow band high frequency (NBHF) click. In microchiropteran bats, sympatric species have evolved the use of different acoustic niches and subtly different echolocation signals to avoid competition among species. In this study, we examined whether similar adaptations are at play among sympatric porpoise species that use NBHF echolocation clicks. We used a six-element hydrophone array to record harbour and Dall's porpoises in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and harbour porpoises in Denmark. The click source properties of all porpoise groups were remarkably similar and had an average directivity index of 25 dB. Yet there was a small, but consistent and significant 4 kHz difference in centroid frequency between sympatric Dall's (13763 kHz) and Canadian harbour porpoises (14162 kHz). Danish harbor porpoise clicks (13663 kHz) were more similar to Dall's porpoise than to their conspecifics in Canada. We suggest that the spectral differences in echolocation clicks between the sympatric porpoises are consistent with evolution of a prezygotic isolating barrier (i.e., character displacement) to avoid hybridization of sympatric species. In practical terms, these spectral differences have immediate application to passive acoustic monitoring. A popular account can be found here: http://www.mysciencework.com/en/MyScienceNews/10193/killer-whales-porpoise-… A pdf copy can be found here: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0063763 Or by emailing me: peter.madsen(a)biology.au.dk<mailto:peter.madsen@biology.au.dk> On behalf of the authors Peter Peter T. Madsen Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience Aarhus University, Build. 1131, CF Mollers Alle 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Phone: 0045 8715 6501 email: peter.madsen(a)biology.au.dk<mailto:peter.madsen@biology.au.dk> Web: www.marinebioacoustics.com<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com> [sender_logo]

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New Publication: Social Networks of Sperm Whales
by Shane Gero 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

Dear MARMAMERS, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following publication in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Calves as social hubs: dynamics of the social network within sperm whale units By: Shane Gero, Jonathan Gordon, and Hal Whitehead Abstract: It is hypothesized that the primary function of permanent social relationships among female sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) is to provide allomothers for calves at the surface while mothers make foraging dives. In order to investigate how reciprocity of allocare within units of sperm whales facilitates group living, we constructed weighted social networks based on yearly matrices of associations (2005-2010) and correlated them across years, through changes in age and social role, to study changes in social relationships within seven sperm whale units. Pairs of association matrices from sequential years showed a greater positive correlation than expected by chance, but as the time lag increases, the correlation coefficients decreased. Over all units considered, calves had high values for all measured network statistics, while mothers had intermediate values for most of the measures, but high values for connectedness and affinity. Mothers showed sharp drops in Strength and Connectedness in the first year of their new calves' lives. These broad patterns appear to be consistent across units. Calves appeared to be significant nodes in the network of the social unit, and thus provide quantitative support for the theory in which communal care acts as the evolutionary force behind group formation in this species. The article is available online here: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/280/1763/20131113.abstract?si d=6da378fe-a56a-4b28-a1e1-6f7ffb63acee This publication emanates from The Dominica Sperm Whale Project. For more publications from this research program, please visit: http://www.thespermwhaleproject.org MEDIA: Press Material Available here: http://www.thespermwhaleproject.org/dswppress.html All our best, Shane Gero ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr. Shane Gero Founder | Lead Researcher The Dominica Sperm Whale Project <mailto:shane@thespermwhaleproject.org> shane(a)thespermwhaleproject.org <http://www.thespermwhaleproject.org/> www.thespermwhaleproject.org facebook_logo20 <https://twitter.com/DomWhale> Twitter_2012_bird_icon 20 <https://plus.google.com/117645839450808338401> google_plus_logo20 <http://www.thespermwhaleproject.org/> DSWP email banner

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New paper: Predicting trends in humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) abundance using citizen science. (Nicolò Tonachella)
by nicolò tonachella 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: Tonachella N., A. Nastasi, G. Kaufman, D. Maldini and R. W. Rankin, 2013. Predicting trends in humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) abundance using citizen science. PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY Vol. 18: 297–309. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney. 2012.* * *Abstract: *.The Great Whale Count (GWC) is an annual citizen science event that monitors changes in humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) sightings in Maui County during the breeding season. The study includes 15 years of observations (1995–1996 and 1999–2011) with over 11 000 whale sightings. We provide a critical examination of the utility of the citizen science data given the challenges of observer-, site- and year-specific biases in counts, as well as an immeasurable and imperfect detection process. We estimate an annual increase of 5.16% per year (±2.76%), which closely resembles earlier trend estimates for Hawai’i. We demonstrate how uncertainty estimates in citizen science data can be strongly influenced by sampling processes, especially observer effects. Although such effects are now widely recognized in ecological studies, citizen science data often predate the mainstreaming of sampling protocols which measure and adjust for imperfect detectability. Here, we propose random effect models to minimize such effects in lieu of detectability techniques, and urge citizen science programs to adapt their protocols to handle observer processes at the planning and data collection stage. pdf copy available upon request. Best regards, MSc Nicolò Tonachella n.tonachella(a)gmail.com

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post doctoral position at MLML
by Jim Harvey 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

I am trying again to post a postdoctoral position at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Here is the advertisement again in the body of the message as requested. Postdoctoral Position at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Marine Vertebrate Ecologist Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and San Jose State University are seeking a Vertebrate Ecologist with expertise in marine reptiles, birds, or mammals. The successful candidate will assist with proposal writing and on-going research, help with M.S. graduate student projects and assist with advising, provide some lectures for classes, and administer the seminar series. Qualifications include a completed Ph.D., some experience with teaching or assisting graduate students, field research, and knowledge within the subject area. The appointment will be for two years (contingent on funding and adequate performance) at $40,000 per year with benefits, starting 1 September 2013. Please provide a Curriculum Vita, three references, and transcripts by 15 July 2013 to: Jim Harvey Director Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Rd. Moss Landing, CA 95039 (831) 771-4402 Harvey(a)mlml.calstate.edu Thank you for your assistance Jim Harvey jharvey(a)mlml.calstate.edu Director Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Rd. Moss Landing, CA 95039 (831) 771-4402 (Director's Office (831) 632-4403 FAX (831) 771-4400 Main Office

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ESME Workbench acoustic simulator demo
by David Mountain 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

For those of you who are interested in learning more about the ESME Workbench acoustic simulator (http://esme.bu.edu) we will be running hands on demos from 12-1pm on Thursday at the ICA meeting in Montreal. If you want help installing ESME on your own computer, our development team will be available to help you. We plan to use the same room where the modeling session will be held from 10-12 on Thursday. -- David C. Mountain, Ph.D. Professor of Biomedical Engineering Boston University 44 Cummington St. Boston, MA 02215 Email: dcm(a)bu.edu Website: http://www.bu.edu/hrc/research/laboratories/auditory-biophysics/ Phone: (617) 353-4343 FAX: (617) 353-6766 Office: ERB 413

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS, JOURNALS, AND REPRINTS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS,JOURNALS, AND REPRINTS AVAILABLE Prices listed are suggested minimum donations. All funds raised go to ¡VivaVaquita! (a collaboration of three 501(3)c non-profits), forresearch and conservation of the World’s most endangered marine mammal species,the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Preference will be given to domestic orders. Donations can be made in cash or with checksin US dollars made payable to “Thomas Jefferson”, or through the donations pageof the ¡VivaVaquita! website <http://www.vivavaquita.org/donations.html>. Email Tom Jefferson <sclymene(a)aol.com> thelist of items you want and your postal address for the items to be sent to(please type your name and address as they would appear on a mailinglabel). Shipping is included. Books will only be sent out after payment and‘mailing label’ are received. Allen, K.R. (1980) Conservation and Management of Whales,Washington Sea Grant Publication. $15. Au, W.W.L. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Augee, M.L. (1988) Marine Mammals of Australasia: FieldBiology and Captive Management. 140 pp.Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. $20. Bannister, J.L., Kemper, C.M. & Warneke, R.M. (1996) Theaction plan for Australian cetaceans. Wildlife Australia Endangered Species ProgramProject, 380, 242 pp. $10. Barnes, L.G. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Best, P. B. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Best, P.B., Bannister, J.L., Brownell, R.L. & Donovan,G.P., editors. (2001) Right Whales:Worldwide Status. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, Special Issue2. $40. Busnel, R.G. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. International Whaling Commission (1981) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 31. $50. International Whaling Commission (1984) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 34. $50. International Whaling Commission (1985) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 35. $50. International Whaling Commission (1987) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 37. $50. International Whaling Commission (1988) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 38. $50. International Whaling Commission (1989) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 39. $50. International Whaling Commission (1990) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 40. $50. International Whaling Commission (1994) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International Whaling Commission,44. $50. International Whaling Commission (1996) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 46. $50. International Whaling Commission (1997) Annual Report of theInternational Whaling Commission. Report of the International WhalingCommission, 47. $50. Jefferson, T.A. Complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Jefferson, T.A. (2000) Hong Kong's Dolphins: The Story ofOur Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphins, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation. $10. Jefferson, T.A. (2000) Population biology of theIndo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin in Hong Kong waters. Wildlife Monographs, 144,65 pp. $6. Jefferson, T.A. & Smith, B.D., editors. (2002)Facultative Freshwater Cetaceans of Asia: Their Ecology and Conservation. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 10(Special Issue). $35. Jefferson, T.A. editor. (2004) Biology and Conservation ofHumpback Dolphins (Sousa spp.).Aquatic Mammals, 30 (Special Issue). $18. Jefferson, T.A. editor. (2010). Porpoises in Peril: The Vaquita and its Relatives. Whalewatcher 39(1) (Special Issue). $10. Jefferson, T.A., Webber, M.A. & Pitman, R.L. (2008)Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification. Academic/Elsevier.573 pp. $60. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management (1999-2011)Misc. issues (including Supplements). Journal of Cetacean Research andManagement, 1-11. $5/issue. Journal of Mammalogy (1968-2008) 41-year run (complete).Journal of Mammalogy, 49-89. $250. Journal of Mammalogy (1976-2008) Misc. issues. Journal ofMammalogy, 57-89. $5/issue. Kawamura, A. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Koski, W.R., Lawson, J.W., Thomson, D.H. & Richardson,W.J. (1998) Point Mugu Sea Range marine mammal technical report. Report for theNaval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Southwest Division, NavalFacilities Engineering Command. 363pp. 1998. $10. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (2006) General issue.Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 5(1). $5. Leatherwood, J.S. Setof most original reprints. Misc. journals. $15. Leatherwood, S., Reeves, R.R., Perrin, W.F. & Evans,W.E. (1982) Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific andadjacent Arctic waters: A guide to their identification. NOAA Technical ReportNMFS Circular, 444, 245 pp. (vinyl waterproof cover). $20. Leatherwood, S., Reeves, R.R., Perrin, W.F. & Evans,W.E. (1988) Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific andAdjacent Arctic Waters: A Guide to Their Identification, DoverPublications. $15. Leatherwood, S. & Donovan, G.P., editors. (1991) Cetaceans and Cetacean Research in theIndian Ocean Sanctuary. 287 pp. UNEPMarine Mammal Technical Report. $15. Le Boeuf, B. J. Nearly-complete set of original reprints.Misc. journals. $20. Ljungblad, D.K. (1981) Aerial surveys of endangered whalesin the Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea and northern Bering Sea. NOSC TechnicalDocument, 449, 306 pp. $5. Marine Mammal Science (1985-2009) 25-year run (complete).Marine Mammal Science, 1-25. $200. Marine Mammal Science (1985-2012) Misc. issues. MarineMammal Science, 1-28. $5/issue. Mead, J.G. & Gold, J.P. (2002) Whales and Dolphins inQuestion, Smithsonian Institution Press (hardcover). $12. Miyazaki, N. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Nishiwaki, M. Nearly-complete set of original reprints.Misc. journals. $20. Norris, K.S. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Orr, R.T. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Perrin, W.F. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Pfeiffer, C.J., editor. (2002) Molecular and Cell Biology of MarineMammals. 427 pp. Krieger Publishing Company. $40. Rice, D. W. Nearly-complete set of original reprints. Misc.journals. $20. Schusterman, R.J. Nearly-complete set of original reprints.Misc. journals. $20. Smith, T.G. (1973) Population dynamics of the ringed seal inthe Canadian eastern Arctic. Fisheries Research Board of Canada Bulletin, 181,55 pp. $8. Walker, T.J. (1962) Whale Primer, Cabrillo HistoricalAssociation, 58 pp. $5. Watkins, W.A. Nearly-complete set of original reprints.Misc. journals. $20. Wursig, B., Jefferson, T.A. & Schmidly, D.J. (2000) TheMarine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico, Texas A&M University Press. $18. Young, N.M., Iudicello, S., Evans, K. & Baur, D. (1993)The incidental capture of marine mammals in U.S. fisheries: problems andsolutions, Center for Marine Conservation. $10. Zhou, K. & Zhang Xingduan (1991) Baiji: The YangtzeRiver Dolphin and Other Endangered Animals of China, Stonewall Press. $10.

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request for advice on choosing Finscan or Darwin
by Sabre Mahaffy 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, We are considering a matching program such as Finscan or Darwin to aid in odontocete dorsal fin matching and would greatly appreciate feedback from anyone who has tried or currently uses one or both programs (or has a different program they recommend). Any insight into differences between the programs and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each (speed, accuracy, technical support, maintenance, general usability, etc.) is much appreciated! Ideally, we are looking for a program that is very user-friendly as we will have multiple people using the program. Please reply to: mahaffys(a)cascadiaresearch.org Thank you in advance for sharing! Sabre ----------------------------------------- Sabre Mahaffy, M.Sc. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 Office 360-943-7325 www.cascadiaresearch.org

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New paper: Proximity loggers on amphibious mammals
by Kristine Meise 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: Meise K, Krüger O, Piedrahita P, Müller A, Trillmich F (2013). "Proximity loggers on amphibious mammals: a new method to study social relations in their terrestrial habitat." Aquatic Biology 18: 81-89 ABSTRACT. Amphibious mammal species alternate between foraging at sea and attendance on land. Due to thermoregulatory requirements, they often haul out during the night, making social interactions difficult to observe. We tested the suitability of UHF-proximity loggers for assessing social relationships among Galápagos sea lions Zalophus wollebaeki. To survive periods at sea, proximity loggers were embedded in epoxy. Automatic downloads to receiving stations rendered logger recovery unnecessary. Encounters were logged within a range of 10 m. Logs provided information about interacting individuals as well as time and duration of encounters. ‘Received signal strength indicator’ values correlated with distance, but were influenced by antenna angle and environmental factors. Laboratory tests and validation in the field demonstrated that the spatial resolution corresponded to 2 m. Data needed to be corrected, as single encounters were recorded as multiple logs and reciprocity of loggings between animals was not always achieved. Digital data correlated with observational data, but associations were 4 times more likely to be detected using proximity loggers. Data revealed that non-territorial males frequently associated for extended periods of time, especially during the night and even outside the study colony. The modified proximity logger system proves an excellent tool to determine social structure in situations where direct observation is limited. keywords: amphibious species, proximity logger, social structure The article is available at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/ab/v18/n1/(http://www.aquaticmammalsjourna… Best wishes, Kristine Meise University of Bielefeld Department of Behavioural Biology Morgenbreede 45 33615 Bielefeld, Germany + 49 521 106 2193

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New publications: Special Issue "Sensory Biology of Aquatic Mammals", Journal of Comparative Physiology A
by Wolf Hanke 03 Jun '13

03 Jun '13

Dear Colleagues, we are pleased to announce the recent publication of a Special Issue of the Journal of Comparative Physiology A with the title "Sensory Biology of Aquatic Mammals". http://link.springer.com/journal/359/199/6/page/1 Journal of Comparative Physiology A Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg Volume 199, Issue 6, June 2013 Special Issue: Sensory Biology of Aquatic Mammals (13 articles) Guest Editors: Wolf Hanke, Guido Dehnhardt Editor-in chief: Friedrich G. Barth Editorial: Sensory biology of aquatic mammals Wolf Hanke (1, 2) and Guido Dehnhardt (1, 2) (1) Institute for Biosciences, Chair of Sensory and Cognitive Ecology, Rostock University, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany (2) Marine Science Center, Am Yachthafen 3a, 18119 Rostock, Germany Review: Hydrodynamic perception in true seals (Phocidae) and eared seals (Otariidae) Wolf Hanke (1), Sven Wieskotten (1), Christopher Marshall (2) and Guido Dehnhardt (1) (1) Institute for Biosciences, Chair of Sensory and Cognitive Ecology, Rostock University, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany (2) Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, TX 77553, USA Original Paper: Detection of hydrodynamic stimuli by the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) Joseph C. Gaspard III (1, 2), Gordon B. Bauer (1, 3), Roger L. Reep (2), Kimberly Dziuk (1), LaToshia Read (1) and David A. Mann (1, 4) (1) Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA (2) Aquatic Animal Health Program, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA (3) Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA (4) College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA Original Paper: Echolocation in Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) P. T. Madsen (1), N. Aguilar de Soto (2, 3), P. Arranz (2, 3) and M. Johnson (3) (1) Department of Bioscience—Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Build. 1131, Århus, Denmark (2) Department of Animal Biology, La Laguna University, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain (3) Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 8LB, Scotland Review: Gain control in the sonar of odontocetes Alexander Ya Supin (1) and Paul E. Nachtigall (2) (1) Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Science, 33 Leninsky Prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia (2) Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Hawaii, USA Review: Communication in bottlenose dolphins: 50 years of signature whistle research Vincent M. Janik (1) and Laela S. Sayigh (2) (1) Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK (2) Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Original Paper: Comparative assessment of amphibious hearing in pinnipeds Colleen Reichmuth (1), Marla M. Holt (2), Jason Mulsow (3), Jillian M. Sills (4) and Brandon L. Southall (1, 5) (1) Long Marine Laboratory, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA (2) Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA (3) National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, # 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA (4) Long Marine Laboratory, Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA (5) SEA Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA Original Paper: Are harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) able to perceive and use polarised light? Frederike D. Hanke (1), Lars Miersch (1), Eric J. Warrant (2), Fedor M. Mitschke (3) and Guido Dehnhardt (1) (1) Institute for Biosciences, Sensory and Cognitive Ecology, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany (2) Lund Vision Group, Department of Biology, University of Lund, Sölvegatan 35, 22362 Lund, Sweden (3) Institute for Physics, University of Rostock, Universitätsplatz 3, 18055 Rostock, Germany Original Paper: Vibrissal touch sensing in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina): how do seals judge size? Robyn Grant (1, 2), Sven Wieskotten (3), Nina Wengst (3), Tony Prescott (1) and Guido Dehnhardt (3) (1) Active Touch Laboratory, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK (2) Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK (3) Marine Science Center, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany Original Paper: Olfactory discrimination ability of South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) for enantiomers Sunghee Kim (1), Mats Amundin (2) and Matthias Laska (1) (1) IFM Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden (2) Kolmårdens Djurpark, 618 92 Kolmården, Sweden Review: The neurobiology and behavior of the American water shrew (Sorex palustris) Kenneth C. Catania (1) (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B, Box 35-1634, Nashville, TN 37235-1634, USA Review: Passive electroreception in aquatic mammals Nicole U. Czech-Damal (1), Guido Dehnhardt (2), Paul Manger (3) and Wolf Hanke (2) (1) Biocenter Grindel and Zoological Museum, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany (2) Institute for Biosciences, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany (3) School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa Review: Consciousness in dolphins? A review of recent evidence Heidi E. Harley (1) (1) Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA Best wishes, -- PD Dr. Wolf Hanke Sensory and Cognitive Ecology Institute for Biosciences Rostock University Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3 18059 Rostock, Germany Phone +49 381 3141030 Fax +49 381 498 6302

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