April 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New atypical mass stranding of Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris sp.) in Southern Crete, Greece.
by ARION 01 Apr '14

01 Apr '14

Dear All, On April 1st, 2014, the Hellenic Ministry of Environment was alerted by the Port Authority of Ierapetra at Southern Crete, Greece and contacted Dr . Anastasia Komnenou, Veterinarian and Professor of the Veterinary School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and President of the Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center - ARION, that there is a mass stranding of whales at the broader area of Ierapetra in Southern Crete, Greece. Dr. Komnenou made the necessary contacts with the local port authorities to learn more details and collaborated with Dr . Aimilia Drougas, Oceanographer and Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center - ARION Scientific Coordinator and with Dr . Alexandros Frantzis Biologist-Oceanographer of the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute and agreed to let Dr. Michael Spyridakis, Veterinarian and member of ARION’s network of veterinarians to go in situ, for an autopsy and to collect data that will help to understand the cause of this event. First indications show that two adult Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris sp.) were stranded alive during noon time, at Kastri beach, Viannou which is located about 15 km west of Ierapetra. The whales seemed unstable and banged towards the rocks near the beach. With the effort of local residents the two whales were led to the open sea and slowly they left. At the same time, three other beaked whales (two adults and one younger in age which we do not know if they were the same animals) stranded alive showing similar symptoms, at the rocky coast of Kalikovrechti, located about 2 km west of Ierapetra. The port authorities and local residents managed to lead the youngest and one of the adult whale to the open sea. The third adult Cuvier’s beaked whale died and necropsy will be done, in order to collect tissue samples for verifying the cause of death. We also note that these days, in the broader region, there are tri-lateral exercises of Greece, Israel and NATO’s navy using sonars. Ziphiidae ear drums are affected from the low frequency sonars by air empolism. Given the seriousness of the situation and because in the past they have been and other similar mass strandings of Cuvier’s beaked whales, on coasts of western and southern Greece, the incident is monitored by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Hellenic Marine Research Centre, the Institute of Cetacean Research , Pelagos and the Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center - ARION. Local authorities and local residents and volunteers of Southern Crete, have been alerted and ready in the coming hours and days, to immediately notify the port authorities and the above organizations, in case other marine mammals strand on the coast of the broader region. Best wishes, Aimilia Drougas and Anastasia Komnenou ___________________________________________ Dr. Aimilia Drougas, Biologist, Geologist Oceanographer Scientific Coordinator ARION-Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center Limenas, Nea Moudania 63200 Chalkidiki, GREECE Tel.: +30-6945-644994, +30-213-0067257-8 e-mail: arion(a)arion.org.gr website: http://www.arion.org.gr F/B: http://www.facebook.com/ARION.org ____________________________________ Dr. Anastasia Komnenou, DVM, PhD Anastasia Komnenou, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Comparative Ophthalmology- Exotic and Wildlife Medicine Unit, Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Voutyra 11, 546-27 Thessaloniki, Greece Tel.: +30-6945-531850, +30-2130-994443 e-mail: natakomn(a)vet.auth.gr

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Fwd: Bottlenose dolphins and fish farms in Mauritius
by Imogen Webster 01 Apr '14

01 Apr '14

May-July 2014 (3 months) Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) with the Ferme Marin de Mahebourg is *urgently* looking for a Masters student or suitably experienced volunteer to conduct a pilot study investigating the presence of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) around a fish farm by passive acoustic monitoring and boat based transects. Along with photo-identification and acoustics, you will collect data on the group size and structure, behaviour, area use and regularly record environmental variables. You and the team (1 or 2 others) will be responsible for ensuring data entry is organised and up-to-date, and equipment is well maintained. The successful applicant will need to be in Mauritius by early May and be available for 2-3 months. Essential Qualifications · Educated to at least degree level in marine science/biology. · Previous cetacean work including photo-identification experience and boat based surveys, behaviour recognition. · Experience with handheld GPS and associated software · Good computer skills (Excel, Word, GIS, photo editing, acoustic software) · Diver, minimum 50+ dives or AOW Highly desired skills and experience: · Previous cetacean acoustic experience · Willingness to spend long hours on the sea in sometimes difficult conditions. · Highly motivated and organised as there will be limited (though regular) onsite supervision and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. · Good people skills - you will be living in close quarters with others. · Ability to work in a team environment maintaining focus on work quality. · Knowledge of turtle and seabird identification for the western Indian Ocean is a bonus. Please note that this is an *unpaid* position, however, it is a great opportunity to gain valuable field experience while exploring the unique Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. The successful applicant will contribute 200GBP per week to accommodation, diving equipment, fish farm safety and diver training and some running/admin costs. *Food is the applicants responsibility* (allow 40-60GBP/week). You will need to cover your own airfares and insurance (including diving). Airport transfers can be organized for an additional 65GBP (rtn). MMCS is a non-governmental organization existing for more than 30 years, working actively to promote awareness and appreciation of the rich marine life around Mauritius. For more information and to apply send your CV to: Nina and Imogen via email: info(a)mmcs-ngo.org with the Subject heading 'FMM study'

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Book release: Whaling-watching, sustainable tourism and ecological management. Cambridge University Press.
by Lars Bejder 01 Apr '14

01 Apr '14

Dear Marmam Readers, We pleased to announce the publication of a new book published by Cambridge University Press entitled: Whaling-watching, sustainable tourism and ecological management. Cambridge University Press. 2014. Editors: J.E.S. Higham, L. Bejder and R. Williams. 400pp. The book includes contributions from 50 international scientists and is composed of 25 chapters across four themes: The historical and contemporary contexts, Human dimensions of whale watching, Ecological dimensions of whale watching; and Sustainable Management: Insights and issues. Below, we provide the table of contents of the book: Introduction Chapter 1. Tourism, cetaceans and sustainable development: Moving beyond the binary debates (James Higham, Lars Bejder & Rob Williams) Part I. The historical and contemporary contexts Chapter 2. Threats facing cetacean populations: The global context (Rob Williams) Chapter 3. From adoration to exploitation: The historical and contemporary contexts of human-cetacean interactions (Simon Allen) Chapter 4. Human attitudes and values: Tradition versus transformation (Peter Corkeron) Chapter 5. The whale watch industry: historical development (Hoyt & Parsons) Chapter 6. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) and whale watching (Carlson, Rose, Kato & Williams) Part II. Human dimensions of whale watching Chapter 7. A history of whaling and whale watching in Icelandic (Rasmussen) Chapter 8. The complexities of whaling and whale-watching in Icelandic (Tommy Anderson, Beatrice Wende and Susanna Gothall) Chapter 9. Green messengers or nature's spectacle: Understanding visitor experiences of wild cetacean tours (Zeppel and Muloin) Chapter 10. Whale Watching: An Effective Education Programme is no fluke (Johnson & Bierman-McGinnis). Chapter 11. What's In It For The Whales? Exploring the potential contribution of environmental interpretation to conservation (Orams, Forestell & Spring) Chapter 12. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge and community engagement in marine mammal protected areas (McIntosh, Maly and Kittinger). Part III. Ecological dimensions of whale watching Chapter 13. Understanding the ecological effects of whalewatching on cetaceans (Christiansen & Lusseau) Chapter 14. Whale watching and behavioural ecology (Constantine) Chapter 15. Energetic linkages between short-term and long-term effects of whalewatching disturbance on cetaceans: An example drawn from northeast Pacific resident killer whales (Bain, Williams & Trites). Chapter 16. Ecological constraints and the propensity for population consequences of whalewatching disturbances (David Lusseau) Chapter 17. The use of area-time closures as a tool to manage cetacean-watch tourism (Tyne, Loneragen & Bejder) Part IV. Sustainable Management: Insights and issues Chapter 18. The socioeconomic, educational and legal aspects of whalewatching: a Scottish case study (Parsons) Chapter 19. Vigilance, resilience and failures of science and management: Spinner dolphins and tourism in Hawai'i (Dave Johnstone) Chapter 20. A multi-agent model to simulate whale-watching tours: The case of the St. Lawrence Estuary in Quebec, Canada (Chion et al., Sk. Morshed Anwara, Cédric A. Jeanneretb, Lael Parrottb and Danielle J. Marceau). Chapter 21. Cetacean-watching in developing countries: A case study from the Mekong River (Isabel Beasley, Lars Bejder and Helene March) Chapter 22. Whale-watching and community development: The Kaikoura (New Zealand) story (David Simmons) Chapter 23. Management of Dusky dolphin tourism at Kaikoura (New Zealand) (David Lundquist) Chapter 24. Save the whales Part II: A new science advocacy communication framework (Wiebke Finkler) Conclusion Chapter 25. Time to rethink: Fostering the nascent 'sustainability paradigm' (James Higham, Lars Bejder and Rob Williams). For further information, including purchase details, please visit the following link: http://mucru.org/book-release-whaling-watching-sustainable-tourism-and-ecol… Kind regards, James Higham, Lars Bejder and Rob Williams. Lars Bejder, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program-Live stranded animal care technician
by Susan Barco 01 Apr '14

01 Apr '14

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, VA USA is seeking candidates for a full-time (40hrs per week with benefits) position of Live Stranded Animal Care Technician with our Stranding Response Program. The Aquarium team responds to marine mammals and sea turtles. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center operates under a public/private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Fo undation, Inc. Employees of the Aquarium are considered City of Virginia Beach employees. Description: This position works in conjunction with Aquarium veterinary staff and is responsible for coordinating the emergency response to, and daily care and treatment of, stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. The Aquarium rehabilitates seals and sea turtles and can hold small cetaceans that are good candidates for rehabili tation for short term triage if another facility has rehab space. These activities involve creation and implementation of animal care plans involving medical, nutritional and behavioral requirements. Manages medical supply inventories including controlled drugs and coordinates field response to live strandings , as well as animal releases and euthanasia cases. Serves as a primary liaison with veterinarians and appropriate federal agencies regarding live animal activities. In addition, assists the Stranding Response Coordinator and Research Coordinator with scheduling, training and supervision of part-time staff involved in the daily activities of the Stranding Response Program and participates in all research activities involving live animals. Participates in daily planning with Stranding Coordinator by directing live animal activities and coordinating staff and volunteer needs for those activities. Description: This position works in conjunction with Aquarium veterinary staff and is responsible for coordinating the emergency response to, and daily care and treatment of, stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. The Aquarium rehabilitates seals and sea turtles and can hold small cetaceans that are good candidates for rehabili tation for short term triage if another facility has rehab space. These activities involve creation and implementation of animal care plans involving medical, nutritional and behavioral requirements. Manages medical supply inventories including controlled drugs and coordinates field response to live strandings , as well as animal releases and euthanasia cases. Serves as a primary liaison with veterinarians and appropriate federal agencies regarding live animal activities. In addition, assists the Stranding Response Coordinator and Research Coordinator with scheduling, training and supervision of part-time staff involved in the daily activities of the Stranding Response Program and participates in all research activities involving live animals. Participates in daily planning with Stranding Coordinator by directing live animal activities and coordinating staff and volunteer needs for those activities. Preferences: Licensed/c ertified Veterinary Technician. Bachelor's degree in marine science, biology, zoology, veterinary science or related field. Three or more years' experience with veterinary care of sea turtles and/or marine mammals. Direct experience with euthanasia of animals, preferably in field conditions. Computer software experience with MS Office programs. Good verbal and written communications skills. Experience in an emergency veterinary practice. Familiarity with the Virginia coastal region. Experience teaching or training others. Experience working with volunteers. Data entry and database management experience (preferably MS Access). 4WD and beach driving experience. Minimum Requirements: Any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years providing treatment for wounded wildlife in a veterinary clinic, shelter, or rehab facility; or in fields such as wildlife stranding and rescue, marine science, biological sciences, zoology, or other related field that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina driver's license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver's license eligibility requirements. Physically able to swim, hike up to 5 miles in all weather, lift 50 lbs, carry 30 lbs. Ability to work a flexible schedule (some nights, holidays and weekends required) in fields such as wildlife stranding and rescue, marine science, biological sciences, zoology, or other related field that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina driver's license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver's license eligibility requirements. Physically able to swim, hike up to 5 miles in all weather, lift 50 lbs, carry 30 lbs. Ability to work a flexible schedule (some nights, holidays and weekends required) For more information about the position and to apply, please visit the City of Virginia Beach's website at https://www.vbcareers4gov.com You can learn more about the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Stranding Response Program at www.virginiaaquarium.com

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New publication: Use of boto and tucuxi for bait
by Veronica Iriarte 01 Apr '14

01 Apr '14

Dear MARMAMERS, I am pleased to announce the following publication: Iriarte, V. & Marmontel, M. (2013). Insights on the use of dolphins (boto,* Inia geoffrensis* and tucuxi, *Sotalia fluviatilis*) for bait in the piracatinga (*Calophysus macropterus*) fishery in the western Brazilian Amazon. J. Cet. Res. Manage. 13(2):163-173. ABSTRACT: In the Amazon Basin the use of the pink dolphin or boto (*Inia geoffrensis*) for bait in the piracatinga (*Calophysus macropterus*) fishery was first detected in the year 2000. Since then, this artisanal fishery has become more prevalent as it requires only a few hours of work per night and provides immediate cash earnings. It is thus an attractive addition to (or replacement for) traditional fishing. Previous reports have noted the use of botos as bait, but stated that the most common bait used are caimans (*Melanosuchus niger*, *Caiman crocodilus*). Estimates of the number of dolphins killed based on fish landings have been proposed and an apparent decrease in sighting/survival of an artificially-marked boto population was observed. Although stocks/population estimates, trends, and actual numbers of hunted dolphins are unknown, the conservation impacts of this activity are of concern. Between October 2010 and November 2011, research was conducted within an area with serious conflicts between dolphins and fishermen as well as intense fishing for piracatinga, i.e. in the lower Japurá River, on the border with the Mamirauá and Amanã Sustainable Development Reserves, where both boto and tucuxi (*Sotalia fluviatilis*) are used for bait. One-hundred and fifty-seven monitoring surveys were carried out in eight key communities, confirming 114 piracatinga fishing events through direct monitoring and incognito surveys of fishing gear (*gaiolas*). Empirical evidence of the activity in *gaiolas*comprised pieces of bait, carcass remains, piracatinga provoked vomits and dolphin fished carcasses. Of those, 31.2% (*n*=35) involved cetacean bait (91.4% *I. geoffrensis*, 8.58% *S. fluviatilis*), 68.7% (*n*=77) caiman bait (96% *M. niger, *4% *C. crocodilus*), and two fishing events used both types. These percentages may be higher/lower in other areas within and outside the Reserves. Given the increasing trend of the piracatinga fishery, the authors believe that precautionary measures for the conservation of Amazonian dolphins are urgently needed. Development of practical short-term solutions (e.g. offal-baited fish traps) and multispecies management together with law enforcement, incentives, and educational programmes could allow the future transition of riverine communities from the piracatinga fishery to sustainable, higher income activities. KEY WORDS: BOTO; TUCUXI; DIRECT CAPTURE; FISHERIES; CONSERVATION; MANAGEMENT; SUSTAINABILITY; REGULATIONS Pdf copies can be requested to verorcinus(a)gmail.com Sincerely, Verónica -- Verónica Iriarte, MSc Calles 25 y 26 Edif. Club del Mar ss104 CP: 20100 Punta del Este Uruguay

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New Publication on Australian humpback whales
by Natalie Schmitt 31 Mar '14

31 Mar '14

Dear all, We are happy to announce our recent publication on Australian humpback whale population genetics in Marine Mammal Science: Low levels of genetic differentiation characterize Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations Natalie T Schmitt*, Mike Double, Scott Baker, Debbie Steel, Curt Jenner, Michelline Jenner, David Paton, Rosemary Gales, Simon Jarman, Nick Gales, James Marthick, Andrea Polanowski and Rod Peakall *Corresponding author: natalie.schmitt(a)alumni.anu.edu.au<mailto:natalie.schmitt@alumni.anu.edu.au> ABSTRACT Humpback whales undertake long-distance seasonal migrations between low latitude winter breeding grounds and high latitude summer feeding grounds. We report the first in-depth population genetic study of the humpback whales that migrate to separate winter breeding grounds along the northwestern and northeastern coasts of Australia, but overlap on summer feeding grounds around Antarctica. Weak but significant differentiation between eastern and western Australia was detected across ten microsatellite loci (FST = 0.005, P = 0.001; DEST = 0.031, P = 0.001, n = 364) and mitochondrial control region sequences (FST = 0.017 and ?ST = 0.069, P = 0.001, n = 364). Bayesian clustering analyses using microsatellite data could not resolve any population structure unless sampling location was provided as a prior. This study supports the emerging evidence that weak genetic differentiation is characteristic among neighboring Southern Hemisphere humpback whale breeding populations. This may be a consequence of relatively high gene flow facilitated by overlapping summer feeding areas in Antarctic waters. Key words: mtDNA, microsatellites, population genetic structure, conservation, management, Megaptera novaeangliae. REFERENCE Schmitt, N.T., Double, M.C., Baker, C.S., Steel, D., Jenner, K.C.S., Jenner, M.-N.M., Paton, D., Gales, R., Jarman, S.N., Gales, N., Marthick, J.R., Polanowski, A.M. and Peakall, R. (2014) Low levels of genetic differentiation characterize Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations. Marine Mammal Science 30:221-241. The PDF of this document can be downloaded from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12045/abstract, or by emailing the corresponding author. Best Wishes Natalie Dr. Natalie T. Schmitt natalie.schmitt(a)alumni.anu.edu.au<mailto:natalie.schmitt@alumni.anu.edu.au> ph. +61419032277

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