January 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 23 Jan '17

23 Jan '17

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's 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. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2017. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions 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 trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2017 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · 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 at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your Resume/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 2017”. 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. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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NOAA seminar tomorrow: Using acoustics to prioritize management decisions to protect coastal dolphins: A case study using Hawaiian spinner dolphins
by Tracy Gill - NOAA Federal 23 Jan '17

23 Jan '17

OneNOAA Science Seminar Series *Please forward to folks who might be interested; thanks* *Title: Using acoustics to prioritize management decisions to protect coastal dolphins: A case study using Hawaiian spinner dolphins* Presenter: Heather Heenehan, Ph.D. Postdoctoral researcher at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center in the Passive Acoustics Group; she will be presenting at NOAA in Silver Spring on work from her dissertation at the Duke University Marine Laboratory *Heather is presenting at NOAA in Silver Spring at the location below and available after the seminar for further discussions.* When: Tomorrow; January 24, 12-1pm ET Where: Via webinar (see login below) or at NOAA Silver Spring, SSMC4 Rm 8150 Sponsor: NOAA's National Ocean Service Science Seminar; seminar host is tracy.gill(a)noaa.gov Webinar Access: Mymeeting webinar uses phone for and internet. Audio is only available over the phone: dial toll-free from US or CAN: 1-877-708-1667. Enter code 7028688# For the webcast, go to www.mymeetings.com Under "Participant Join", click "Join an Event", then add conf no: 744925156. No is code needed for the web. Be sure to install the correct plug‐in for WebEx before the seminar starts (temporary plugin works fine). Abstract: For more than a decade, interactions between humans and Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their resting bays have been a concern for members of the general public, managers, scientists, policymakers, and tour operators. Hawaiian spinner dolphins are the target of a large wildlife tourism industry due to their predictable daytime resting behavior and presence in coastal areas. Using results from passive acoustic monitoring between January 2011 and March 2013 on the Kona coast of Hawai‛i Island, USA, the relative importance of four known Hawaiian spinner dolphin resting bays, the contribution of anthropogenic noise including vessel noise to the four bay soundscapes, and the dolphins' response to human activities were assessed. Here the findings are summarized and visualized and recommendations are provided for action to regulate directed dolphin watching and ensuing unauthorized takes under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. These findings and recommendations have implications for the federal government's ongoing efforts to implement rules that protect Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their resting bays. About the Speaker: Heather has a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Connecticut. She received both her Master of Environmental Management and PhD in Marine Science and Conservation from Duke University. Heather is now working in the passive acoustics group at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center where she has been working on the Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring Programme. Subscribe to the OneNOAA Science Seminar weekly email: Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request(a)list.woc.noaa.gov with the word `subscribe' in the subject or body. See http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/seminars/ -- Tracy A. Gill tracy.gill(a)noaa.gov 240-533-0349 NEW NUMBER!Physical Scientist, NOAA <http://www.noaa.gov/>/NOS <http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/>/NCCOS <http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/>/CCMA <http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/centers/ccma>, Biogeography Branch1305 East-West Hwy, # 9208, Silver Spring, MD 20910 *Check out NOAA's **NCCOS Website <http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/>* *for more on our projects, products and news.* o O ><(((o> o <o)))>< o <o)))>< ><(((o> ><(((o>

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Final Call - 2017 Living Seas Volunteer Positions at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, West Wales
by CBMWC 23 Jan '17

23 Jan '17

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org Volunteer Positions 2017 Dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bays marine wildlife through education and research For more information visit our website <http://www.cbmwc.org/2016/11/22/recruiting-volunteers-for-2017/> or see information below The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) is one of six local Wildlife Trusts in Wales and is part of a wider movement of 47 Wildlife Trusts which cover the whole of the British Isles. The Wildlife Trusts aim for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone, striving to secure Living Seas where marine wildlife thrives, from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows. We recognise this as an inspirational end point where our environment, society and economy coexist for the benefit of wildlife and people. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Living Seas volunteer team at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC). Volunteers will gain valuable experience whilst helping us to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay, man our visitor centre and inspire visitors and the public through community engagement activities. About CBMWC Since 1996 CBMWC has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Using boat-based and land-based surveys, photo-ID and acoustic studies we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and wider Irish Sea. We also run a busy visitor centre as well as our Discovery Room which offers marine educational and awareness raising activities for families, schools and groups. In 2015 the CBMWC joined forces with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) to deliver the Trusts Living Seas programme. What You Will Gain Volunteering for the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales at CBMWC is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. Past volunteers have gone on to further education, work as Marine Mammal Observers and to work for other conservation or Government organisations. Volunteering Roles: <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/seasonal-volunteers/> Living Seas Volunteers Volunteers will help us to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay, run our visitor centre and inspire visitors and the public through community engagement activities. Volunteer positions are available from 27th March until 30th October 2017. You must be able to volunteer for an entire block and priority will be given to those who can volunteer for more than one block. · Block A 27th March 24th April (4 weeks) · Block B 24th April 22nd May (4 weeks) · Block C 22nd May 10th July (7 weeks) · Block D 10th July 4th September (8 weeks) · Block E 4th September 30th October (8 weeks) <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/research-assistant/> Living Seas Research Assistant The volunteer will assist the Living Seas Science Officer with the delivery of our Living Seas research objectives focused on marine megafauna in Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea. The position is for the entire research season from 27th March to 30th November. <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/shorefin-volunteers/> ShoreFin Volunteer The Volunteers will be responsible for our land-based bottlenose dolphin photo-identification project. These positions are for the entire season from 27th March to 30th November. <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/seal-photo-id/> SeaSeal Volunteer The Volunteers will be responsible for our Atlantic grey seal photo identification project. These positions are for the entire season from 27th March to 30th November. Volunteer fee: An administration fee of £45 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation Arrangements: Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week (includes bills) and a £50 refundable deposit. Deposits will be refunded if the accommodation is left in the same condition it was found in. Please be aware that volunteers share same sex bedrooms. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. Due to payment arrangements with the house owners, accommodation costs are required in advance to cover the cost of each block so before applying please ensure that you can cover this and all other expenses. How To Apply: Please visit <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/> www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/ for more information on each role and details on how to apply. The closing date for applications is 23:59pm on Sunday 30th January 2016 For further information Visit <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org/ If you have any questions please email <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on 01545 560224. ----------------------------- Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Ffon/Phone: 01545 560224 Website: www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Website: www.welshwildlife.org <http://welshwildlife.org/support-us/appeals/marine-appeal/> Marine Appeal E-mail Signature

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New paper asks: Has recent summer sea ice loss caused polar bear populations to crash?
by sjcrock＠shaw.ca 22 Jan '17

22 Jan '17

I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Crockford, S.J. 2017. Testing the hypothesis that routine sea ice coverage of 3-5 mkm2 results in a greater than 30% decline in population size of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). PeerJ Preprints 19 January 2017. Doi: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.2737v1 Open access. https://peerj.com/preprints/2737/ Has recent summer sea ice loss caused polar bear populations to crash? A paper published 19 January finds that predictions of polar bear population crashes due to summer sea ice loss are based on a scientifically unfounded assumption. Specifically, the paper addresses the basic premise upon which predicted population declines linked to modeled habitat loss were made by polar bear specialists back in 2006 and 2008 (by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, IUCN, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, USFWS), and concludes that when assessed as a testable hypothesis against data collected since then, it must be rejected. Those mid-2000s survival assessments predicted significant population declines of polar bears would result by mid-century as a consequence of summer sea ice extent reaching approximately 3-5 mkm2 on a regular basis: in 2006, the IUCN predicted a >30% decline in total population would occur, while in 2008, the USFWS predicted the global population would decline by an astonishing 67%. Most shocking, perhaps, was the USFWS prediction that ten subpopulations within two vulnerable sea ice ecoregions would very likely disappear entirely when summer sea ice routinely reached levels of 3-5 mkm2. But summer sea ice declined much faster than anyone expected. In fact, those low ice levels of 3-5 mkm2 that were not expected until mid-century have occurred regularly since 2007. By 2015, polar bears had been living through the grim reality of their predicted future for almost 10 years, as the sea ice graphic below shows. This early realization of predicted sea ice levels meant the ‘sea ice decline = population decline’ assumption for polar bears could be tested against actual survival data (i.e., observations). As it turns, data collected between 2007 and 2015 by field biologists reveal that polar bear numbers have not declined as predicted and no subpopulation has been extirpated. Several subpopulations expected to be at high risk of decline have remained stable and at least one showed a marked increase in population size over the entire period, despite marked sea ice loss. Another at-risk subpopulation was not counted but showed marked improvement in reproductive parameters and body condition with less summer ice - the hallmarks of a stable or increasing population. The hypothesis that repeated summer sea ice levels of below 5 mkm2 will cause significant population declines in polar bears must be rejected. This result indicates the USFWS and IUCN judgments to list polar bears as threatened or vulnerable based on future risks of habitat loss back in 2006 and 2008 were scientifically unfounded and suggests that similar dire predictions for Arctic seals and walrus may be likewise flawed. Ultimately, the lack of a demonstrable ‘sea ice decline = population decline’ relationship for polar bears almost certainly invalidates recent survival models that predict catastrophic population declines should the Arctic become ice-free in summer. ### The forum for this paper is PeerJ Preprints, a non-peer-reviewed publication service which Canadian ringed seal biologist Dr. Steven Ferguson has also recently used: Ferguson et al. 2016. Demographic, ecological and physiological responses of ringed seals to an abrupt decline in sea ice availability. DOI:10.7287/peerj.preprints.2309v1 https://peerj.com/preprints/2309/ Susan J. Crockford, Ph.D. (Zoology/Evolutionary Biology/Archaeozoology) Adjunct Professor (Anthropology/Graduate Studies) email: scrock(a)uvic.ca University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada AND Pacific Identifications Inc. (www.pacificid.com) 6011 Oldfield Rd., RR 3 Victoria BC V9E 2J4 phone (250) 721-7296 fax (250) 721-6215 email: sjcrock(a)shaw.ca **see my author website www.susancrockford.com **

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Deadline Extended: Study Abroad in Bimini, The Bahamas
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 22 Jan '17

22 Jan '17

Hello! Enjoy a hands-on learning course, examining the behavioral and social ecology of Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. Receive 3 credits; visiting students welcome! Sacred Heart University and Dolphin Communication Project are offering a study abroad course for Biology or Psychology course credits This summer 2017. The course will be in offered in The Bahamas on 4 June - 10 June, with an online learning component before and after the travel abroad. Check out the website and apply here: http://studyabroad.sacredheart.edu/program/?pid=23462&p=summer-dolphin-comm… Applications and deposits are due by 15 February 2017! Cheers! Deirdre Yeater yeaterd(a)sacredheart.edu<mailto:yeaterd@sacredheart.edu> Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Associate Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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2 year Postdoctoral position at Duke University Marine Lab
by David Johnston 22 Jan '17

22 Jan '17

Great 2 year postdoc opportunity at Duke University marine lab for anyone interested in coastal/marine conservation & drones. No prior experience using drones needed (we can teach you that). However, a passion for asking new questions in conservation is mandatory. We're looking for someone who is pushing the envelope. Position open to all fields of coastal & marine conservation - this includes those interested in all aspects of marine mammal research. We have a strong marine mammal group here, so come be part of an awesome team. Candidates must have a sense of humour, be interested in being part of a dynamic lab, willing to participate in other on-going projects, and engage in community outreach. Check out the ad here: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8759 Questions? Dr Dave Johnston at DUML David.johnston(a)duke.edu Thanks y'all. Cheers, Dj

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New conceptual modeling paper on impacts of coastal hypoxia on harbor seal foraging
by Steingass, Sheanna 20 Jan '17

20 Jan '17

Dear Colleagues, My co-author Markus Horning and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article examining the potential effects of coastal hypoxia on harbor seal foraging efficiency: Steingass S, Horning M. (2017) Individual-based energetic model suggests bottom up mechanisms for the impact of coastal hypoxia on Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) foraging behavior. Journal of Theoretical Biology 416:190-198. Highlights: 1. An individual, conceptual model of Pacific harbor seal foraging energetics was created in STELLA modeling software (© iSeeSystems). 2. Efficiency of foraging on three species of prey was tested during varying levels of upwelling-driven coastal hypoxia. 3. Increased hypoxia led to differentiation of prey benefits, suggesting switches in foraging tactics may occur during coastal hypoxia to maintain optimal foraging. 4. This model suggests a mechanism by which coastal hypoxia may result in increased foraging efficiency for Pacific harbor seals due to prey habitat compression. You can currently freely access and download the publication via this link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1UPmM_WnHbq1L Please feel free to contact me with questions, or if you are unable to access the article. Warm regards, Sheanna Steingass, PhD Candidate Oregon State University Pinniped Ecology Applied Research Lab | Marine Mammal Institute Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr. Newport OR 97365

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Summer 2017 Internship Opportunity in Savannah, Georgia
by Perrtree, Robin 20 Jan '17

20 Jan '17

The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Summer 2017 interns. There are 1-2 positions available. Application deadline is February 15th. The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab led by Dr. Tara Cox studies spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, life history indices of moms and calves, and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. In addition, there may be an opportunity to participate in a new manatee project. Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. There may be additional opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. Dates: May 15th - Aug 18th (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to 30-40 hours per week. Time will be divided between lab and field work. Duties: Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and measuring environmental variables Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be asked to help with data collection and necropsies Extra Opportunities: Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in Georgia 1) Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on sea stars, shrimp, flatfish, stingrays, oyster restoration, etc.) 3) Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education) 4) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 5) GA DNR Non-game Department (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research) Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and able to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/heat on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. Lastname-SSUDS_application_spring_2016.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please combine your application materials into 1-2 files. * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/nat-science/marine-sci.shtml Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Office: Harris Hall 103 912-358-3301 (office) 941-323-2750 (cell)

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Seminar on tag technology to study animal behavior, ecology and physiology
by Andreas 20 Jan '17

20 Jan '17

Dear All The Oceanografic Foundation would like to invite you to join us for an on-line seminar on the use of tag technology to study animal behavior, ecology and physiology by Rory Wilson. The seminar will available on-line at the link below. We are working to provide a link so the seminar can be viewed later on for those that may not be able to join us live. Presenter: Professor Rory Wilson, Swansea University Title: What can smart tags tell us about animals?' Abstract: Animal-attached smart tags are getting smarter and smarter. Things like acceleration, magnetic field intensity, and pressure are now being sampled at crazily high rates. This sounds cool. But what can such tags tell us about the animals that carry them. This lecture will explore some of these things and perhaps air some surprises. Time: Friday January 20, 10:30 Central European time Streaming Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ5qZfUqzyQ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ5qZfUqzyQ> Sincerely, Andreas Fahlman

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New publication on Sympatric Globicephala species: feeding ecology and contamination status
by Silvia Monteiro 20 Jan '17

20 Jan '17

Dear Marmam Readers, I am very pleased to announce the following publication: Monteiro SS, Caurant F, López A, Cedeira J and others (2017). Sympatric *Globicephala* species: feeding ecology and contamination status based on stable isotopes and trace elements. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 563:233-247. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11965 Abstract Recent legal frameworks and the limited availability of information highlight the need to understand the ecological status and impact of anthropogenic threats on marine populations. In this study, a multi-tracer approach combining stable isotopes and 14 trace elements was used to infer information concerning the feeding ecology, contamination status and ecological segregation of 2 sympatric species of the *Globicephala* genus which stranded off the northern and western Iberian Peninsula (NWIP): the long-finned pilot whale *Globicephala melas* (LFPW) and the short-finned pilot whale *Globicephala macrorhynchus* (SFPW). Additionally, the potential influence of biological variables was investigated. Although both species presented similar stable isotope values, there were inter-specific differences in non-essential trace elements, with higher levels reported for SFPW. There was evidence of the bioaccumulative behaviour of some elements (Ag, Hg, Se, Fe, Co). Results of this study suggest that when both SFPW and LFPW are present in the NWIP, they show similar feeding patterns over at least a short timescale, but over a long timescale different feeding and habitat preferences may occur. This study provides useful information on *Globicephala*. In particular, it represents the first report on the ecology and contamination status of SFPW in the northern limits of their distribution range, i.e. in the NWIP. For an early view of this paper, please visit: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v563/p233-247/ If you are unable to download the article, please contact me by email and I will be happy to send you a copy: s.monteiro(a)ua.pt Best wishes, Silvia Monteiro ---------------------------------------- s.monteiro@ <http://www.bio.ua.pt/>ua.pt www.cesam.ua.pt/silvia.monteiro <http://www.cesam.ua.pt/index.php?tabela=pessoaldetail&menu=95&user=1040> Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem/Portuguese Wildlife Society University of Minho Portugal www.socpvs.org

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