May 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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JOB(S) POSTING involving Marine Mammals: Marine Acoustic Technician and Marine Wildlife Observer vacancies
by Nick Robinson 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and is a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL’s Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following roles; MARINE ACOUSTIC TECHNICIAN(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to conduct acoustic surveys through the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems (PAMS) and noise measurement systems during offshore activities both nationally and internationally. The candidate will play a key role in the development of in-house systems and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Marine Wildlife Departmental acoustic equipment, in accordance with HSSE and QA standards. Compilation and preparation of PAMS and noise monitoring reports including the processing of acoustic data is required. Projects may include marine mammal mitigation or monitoring, ambient noise measurements and operational noise monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend up to 120 days at sea at locations worldwide, during a 12-month period. Applicants will be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine acoustics, including both hardware and need to have field experience. Additionally, familiarity with the use of PAMS, CPODs or other underwater noise monitoring equipment is desirable. MARINE WILDLIFE OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 - 180 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:nick.robinson@gardline.com>. Incomplete Applications will not be considered. Closing date: 21st April 2013 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Marine Internships Portugal
by Ana Catarina Henriques 03 Jul '15

03 Jul '15

*--> **INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2015 SEASON** <-- * *AIMM-Portugal **BACKGROUND* The Marine Environment Research Association – AIMM – is a non-for profit, non-governmental organization focussed on the research and conservation of marine species that inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and adequate policies to marine management. The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*), although other species such as minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. The participants in our internships are young hard working individuals, who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learn data collection and processing methodologies and be part of AIMM team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* Field season starts in the 1st May and ends in 31st October 2015, the minimum internship attendance is 7 days starting preferably on Mondays. *FIELDWORK *(at sea in opportunity & dedicated platforms) is dependent on weather and seat availability in the dolphin watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of Summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be train to: · On-board surveys of marine species occurrence. · Record track on GPS · Collect data on behaviour, group size, species, etc. · Photo-identification. *DATA ANALYSIS *(in the accommodation and marina) will be in a daily basis and related to: · Entry data on databases and spread cheats. · Photo-identification processing. · Preliminary data interpretation. Interns are *EXPECTED* to: · Be above the age of 18. · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment. · Be autonomous and quickly operational. · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea. · Speak English. · Participate for minimum 7 days. *CANDIDATE PREFERENCE CRITERIA* *for internship dates availability and Research Assistant position: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION* Applicants should fill up the online application form in our website at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!join-us/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2015”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *RESEARCH ASSISTANT** APPLICATION* For those who fulfill the candidate preference criteria* and are willing to stay for the period of 2 months, the accommodation expense will be covered by AIMM. Applicants should send an email to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, subject "Research Assistant 2015" with an updated CV and photo, motivation letter and indicate which period will be preferable (1. May-June, 2. July-August or 3. September-October). The selected ones will be contacted for a S*kype* interview. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | *f* AIMM <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/>

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beaked whales papers
by Wojtek Bachara 30 May '15

30 May '15

Dear Readers, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce 4 beaked whale papers: Bachara, W. and Jean-Baptiste Deffontaines. 2015. First stranding record of a Cuvier’s beaked whale in Mozambique- a short note. Unpublished paper submitted to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. SC/66a/SM/1 Bachara, W., H. Dols, and N. Yusniasita-Dols. 2015. First stranding record of a Mesoplodon densirostris in Brunei Darussalam, Southeast Asia.Unpublished paper submitted to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. SC/66a/SM/4 Bachara, W., M. Watkins Gilkes and J. Bolaños-Jiménez. 2015. First stranding record of a Ziphius cavirostris on Antigua and Barbuda, Eastern Caribbean. Unpublished paper submitted to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. SC/66a/SM/5 Bachara, W. 2015.Second stranding record of a Ziphius cavirostris in the Marshall Islands.Unpublished paper submitted to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission. SC/66a/SM/8 They can be downloaded from: https://iwc.int/sc66adocs For any questions please contact me: ziphiid(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Wojtek ---------------- https://independent.academia.edu/WojtekBachara

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new publication- short-finned pilot whale social structure off the island of Hawaii
by Sabre Mahaffy 29 May '15

29 May '15

On behalf of my coauthors I pleased to announce a new publication on pilot whale social structure: Mahaffy, S. D., Baird, R. W., McSweeney, D. J., Webster, D. L. and Schorr, G. S. (2015), High site fidelity, strong associations, and long-term bonds: Short-finned pilot whales off the island of Hawai‘i. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12234 Abstract: Studies of short-finned pilot whales suggest they travel in stable mixed-sex groups composed of strongly associated individuals; however, temporal analyses of social structure are lacking. To examine site fidelity, association patterns, and temporal relationships, we analyzed data from 267 encounters of this species off the island of Hawai‘i from 2003 through 2007, identifying 448 distinctive individuals (68.1% seen more than once). About 72% of the whales were linked by association into a single social network, suggesting the possibility of multiple populations using the area. Sighting histories suggested that only some individuals exhibit high site fidelity. Individuals demonstrated preferential associations and community division was strongly supported by average-linkage hierarchical cluster analysis of the association data. Nine longitudinally stable social units composed of key individuals and their constant companions were identified. Qualitative assignment of age and sex classes of unit members indicated that some segregation between adult males and female/calf pairs may occur. Temporal analyses of individuals encountered on the same day indicate stable long-term associations. Differential patterns of residency and site fidelity were unexpected and may be indicative of multiple populations around the main Hawaiian Islands. The presence of a resident population demonstrating strong, long-term site fidelity and associations off Hawai‘i Island may warrant special management considerations. The publication can be found online http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12234/abstract or by contacting Sabre Mahaffy: mahaffys(a)cascadiaresearch.org More information on our Hawai'i research program can be found at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii.htm ----------------------------------------- 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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Request for comments or information on Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whale status review
by Laura Engleby - NOAA Federal 29 May '15

29 May '15

On April 6, 2015, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale (*Balaenoptera edeni*) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. We determined that the petition presented substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Accordingly, we are conducting a review of the status of this species to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we opened a 60-day public comment period on April 6, 2015, to solicit information pertaining to this species. The public comment period is coming to a close soon. Any information or comments on the subject action must be received by June 5, 2015. For more information on the listing petition, 90-day finding please visit: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_resources/listing_petitions/species_esa… You may submit comments, information, or data by any of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0157 <http://www.regulations.gov/%23!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0157>, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. - Facsimile (fax): 727-824-5309 - Mail: NMFS , Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 - Hand delivery: You may hand deliver written information to our office during normal business hours at the street address given above. All information received is a part of the public record and may be posted to http://www.regulations.gov/ without change. All personally identifiable information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. We will accept anonymous submissions. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, Corel WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. For more information contact: Calusa Horn, NMFS Southeast Region, 727-551-5782 <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/>

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Society for Marine Mammalogy Small Grants in Aid of Research
by Douglas Wartzok 28 May '15

28 May '15

The Society for Marine Mammalogy would like to remind eligible members (see below) that this year's application window opens on 1 June 2015. Applications will be accepted during the entire month of June. The Committee of Scientific Advisors will review applications and make recommendations on funding with decisions announced before 1 September 2015. The awards are up to US $1,500. The eligibility requirements are: 1. Be a member of the Society for Marine Mammalogy 2. Be a national of a country with a developing economy<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country#List_of_developing_economies> as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (preference is given to early career researchers such as students and researchers with less than 5 years post-doctoral experience) 3. Be conducting research in a country with a developing economy The Small Grant web page<https://www.marinemammalscience.org/jobs-grants/grants-in-aid-of-research-i…> provides full information, links to past successful applications, and a list of recipients from prior years and their completed project reports. The link to submit applications for the 2015 competition will appear on this page on 1 June. Douglas Wartzok Chair Committee of Scientific Advisors Society for Marine Mammalogy

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Veterinary Technician Position
by Dr. Staggs 28 May '15

28 May '15

Gulf World Marine Park 15412 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL United States 850-234-5271 1 Position Available Authorized Administrative Official: Lydia Staggs, DVM e-mail: drstaggs(a)gulfworldmarinepark.com Gulf World Marine Park is offering a full time position for a veterinary technician at our facility. The collection includes invertebrates, fresh and salt water fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and domestic mammals, and marine mammals. Job Description: * Collect, or assist with collection of, biological samples from husbandry collection and rehabilitation animals. * Process all samples for evaluation by the Veterinarian or submission to outside laboratories. * Enter lab results in records for review by Veterinarian. * Assist Veterinarian with rounds. * Take and maintain digital radiographs * Assist with surgical procedures and monitoring of patients during anesthetic procedures. * Maintain Husbandry collection hospital: all cleaning and organizing of equipment and facility. * Adhere to all OSHA regulations. * Maintain biohazardous waste disposal program * Develop treatment plans according to Veterinarian's directions. * Administer, or dispense to Husbandry staff for administration, medications according to the Veterinarian's prescriptions. * Assist with the care and treatment of any animals in quarantine. * Assist with the medical care and treatment of animals in rehabilitation. * Assist Veterinarian with necropsies. * Ensure medical equipment is properly maintained, cleaned and stored after each use. * Correspond and coordinate with veterinarian regarding animal care, medical procedures and rehabilitation. * Maintain schedule for collection animals' health assessments and treatment plans. * Purchase medical equipment and supplies. * Inventory medical drugs and ensure that all drugs are kept within DEA and USDA/APHIS regulations. * Assist with marine mammal rehabilitation, acting as primary person responsible for ensuring that procedures are followed for safety, water quality, medical diagnostic and treatment procedures, and diets. * Comply with safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe work practices to supervisor and / or Human Resources. * Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals. * Perform other duties as assigned. * Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge and skills. * Provide exceptional guest service. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required: * Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. * Ability to write information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. * Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. * Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. * Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. * Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. * Intermediate personal computer skills, including email, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc. * Ability to collect biological samples from a wide variety of exotic species. * Ability to work with medical diagnostic equipment. * Ability to assist in surgical procedures. * Knowledge of a wide variety of marine mammals, birds, fish and reptile husbandry in a Zoo or Aquarium setting. * Knowledge of a variety of medications for exotics. . Good physical condition; able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs * Knowledge of medical procedures and rehabilitation of sea turtles and marine mammals. * Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations in a Veterinary setting. * Knowledge of USDA/APHIS regulations pertaining to exotics held in Zoo and Aquarium settings. * Knowledge of federal and state permits. * Knowledge of electronic medical records keeping systems. * Knowledge of Necropsy procedures. * Ability to give and to follow complex instructions, both verbal and written * Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays on a schedule that is flexible according to the needs of the animals, veterinarian, and husbandry staff * Intermediate personal computer skills, including email, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc. * Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. * Ability and willingness to work outside during all seasons and environmental conditions A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS A MUST! Salary will be based on experience. Lydia Staggs, DVM Gulf World Marine Park 15412 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32413 Office: 850-865-6916 Fax: 850-235-8957 "This transmission may contain confidential health information that is legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. The authorized recipient of this information is prohibited from disclosing this information to any other party unless required to do so by law or regulation and is required to destroy the information after it's stated need has been fulfilled. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken in reliance on the contents of these documents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error, please notify the sender immediately and arrange for the return or destruction of these documents." -- ExchangeDefender Message Security: Click below to verify authenticity https://admin.exchangedefender.com/verify.php?id=t4SLXu77013687&from=drstag…

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Aquatic Mammals Journal Issue 41.2 is available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 28 May '15

28 May '15

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 41, issue 2, 2015) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate…. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 41.1/41.2 will be mailed in June. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume:http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 41, issue 2 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******* Jutapruet, S., Huang, S-L., Li, S., Lin, M., Kittiwattanawong, K., Pradit, S. 2015. Population Size and Habitat Characteristics of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Off Donsak, Surat Thani, Thailand. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 129-142. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.129 Rosas, F.C.W., Ramalheira, C.S., Bozzetti, B.F., Palmeirim, A.F., Cruz, A.D., Pathek, D.B., et al. 2015. Short Note: Sleeping Sites Used by Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) in the Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir, Central Brazilian Amazon. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 143-148. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.143 Obusan, M.C.M., Aragones, L.V., Salibay, C.C., Siringan, M.A.T., Rivera, W.L. 2015. Occurrence of Human Pathogenic Bacteria and Toxoplasma gondii in Cetaceans Stranded in the Philippines: Providing Clues on Ocean Health Status. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 149-166. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.149 Simard, P., Wall, C.C., Allen, J.B., Wells, R.S., Gowans, S., Forys, E.A., et al. 2015. Dolphin Distribution on the West Florida Shelf Using Visual Surveys and Passive Acoustic Monitoring. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 167-187. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.167 Stringell, T., Hill, D., Rees, D., Rees, F., Rees, P., Morgan, G. et al. 2015. Short Note: Predation of Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) by Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) in Wales. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 188-191. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.188 Coscarella, M.A., Bellazzi, G., Gaffet, M.L., Berzano, M., Degrati, M. 2015. Short Note: Technique Used by Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) When Hunting for Dolphins in Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 192-197. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.192 Elorriaga-Verplancken, F.R., Tobar-Hurtado, S., Medina-López, M.A., Bárcenas de la Cruz, D., Urbán R., J. 2015. Short Note: Potential Morphological Contributions to a Live Stranding: Abnormal Snout and Conchoderma auritum Infestation in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 198-202. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.198 Prager, K.C., Alt., D.P., Buhnerkempe, M.G., Greig, D.J., Galloway, R.L., Wu, Q. et al. 2015. Antibiotic Efficacy in Eliminating Leptospiruria in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) Stranding with Leptospirosis. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 203-212. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.203 Souza, G.T.R., Ribeiro, T.S., Antonucci, A.M., Ueda, B.H., Carniel, M.K., Karling, L.C., et al. 2015. Endoparasite Fauna of Wild Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) (Linnaeus, 1766) from the Upper Paraná River Floodplain, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 213-221. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.213 Félix, F. 2015. Short Note: Rope Rubbing Social Play Behavior Recorded from Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Ecuador. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 222-225. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.222 Hernandez-Milian, G., Berrow, S., Santos, M.B., Reid, D., Rogan, E. 2015. Insights into the Trophic Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Irish Waters. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 226-239. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.226 Sogorb, A. 2015. Letter to the Editor: The 43rd Annual EAAM Symposium 2015 – Scientific Program. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 240-241. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.240 Dezio, K. 2015. Letter to the Editor: 2015 Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums’ Annual Meeting. Aquatic Mammals 41.2, 242-243. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.2.2015.242

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new article - Risso's dolphin hearing
by Aran Mooney 28 May '15

28 May '15

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article on hearing pathways in the Risso's dolphin, with comparison's to other species. Mooney, TA, Yan, J, Yu, U, Ketten, DR, and Jen, IF. 2015. Hearing abilities and sound reception of broadband sounds in an adult Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus). Journal of Comparative Physiology A. doi: 10.1007/s00359-015-1011-x Copies of the article may be found in the Online First Section at the J. of Comparative Physiology: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00359-015-1011-x or by contacting Aran Mooney, amooney(a)whoi.edu Abstract While odontocetes do not have an external pinna that guides sound to the middle ear, they are considered to receive sound through specialized regions of the head and lower jaw. Yet odontocetes differ in the shape of the lower jaw suggesting that hearing pathways may vary between species, potentially influencing hearing directionality and noise impacts. This work measured the audiogram and received sensitivity of a Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) in an effort to comparatively examine how this species receives sound. Jaw hearing thresholds were lowest (most sensitive) at two locations along the anterior, midline region of the lower jaw (the lower jaw tip and anterior part of the throat). Responses were similarly low along a more posterior region of the lower mandible, considered the area of best hearing in bottlenose dolphins. Left and right side differences were also noted suggesting possible left-right asymmetries in sound reception or differences in ear sensitivities. The results indicate best hearing pathways may vary between the Risso’s dolphin and other odontocetes measured. This animal received sound well, supporting a proposed throat pathway. For Risso’s dolphins in particular, good ventral hearing would support their acoustic ecology by facilitating echo-detection from their proposed downward oriented echolocation beam.

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