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Re: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Research Projects: Request for Honours Students
by Carol Scarpaci 11 Dec '06

11 Dec '06

Dear Marmam Below I have provided a list of research projects offered at Victoria University in Marine Mammal Science. I would greatly appreciate if this information could be posted on the Marmam postings/website. Thanks for your time and effort Cheers Carol The following Honours Projects are being offered at Victoria University of Technology, Victoria Australia. The primary supervisor for these researcher projects is Dr Carol Scarpaci. Could all interested candidates please advise of project preferences to the primary supervisor and further information will be emailed across. Candidates must have completed a Degree in Science prior to the commencement of these projects. Please send emails to carol.scarpaci(a)vu.edu.au Project One POLICY DEVELOPMENT FOR MARINE MAMMAL TOURIST OPERATORS IN AUSTRALIA START TIME: MARCH 2007 Project Two COMPLIANCE of MARINE MAMMAL TOUR-OPERATORS in the Southern Hemisphere START TIME: MARCH 2007 or MID 2007 Project Three BEHAVIOUR OF AUSTRALIAN FUR SEALS (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) IN THE ABSENCE/PRESENCE OF BOAT VESSELS IN PORT PHILLIP BAY, VICTORIA. START TIME: MID 2007 Project Four: Response of Australian Fur (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) seals to underwater noise. START TIME: MID 2007 Project Five: Vocalization rates of penguins during human intervention START TIME: START 2007

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Marine Research Volunteer Opportunities
by Hanna Nuuttila 11 Dec '06

11 Dec '06

* Sea Watch Foundation – Marine Research Volunteer Opportunities in New Quay for 2007 * Volunteers are invited to assist with the running of the bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise monitoring project, based in New Quay, West Wales. The Volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sighting Officer with land- and boat-based marine mammal surveys and photo-identification studies, database entry, awareness raising and education initiatives, acoustic monitoring programme, and will assist with and participating in training courses and public talks. Volunteers are required from April until October 2007, for 4 separate periods of 6-7 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of £45/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. * Period 1* 30/04 – 10/06, *Period 2* 11/06 – 22/07, *Period 3* 23/07 – 02/09, *Period 4* 03/09 – 14/10 * Important skills/qualifications: * A background in marine biology/environmental science etc is desirable A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans would be an advantage Prior experience in boat based survey work would be useful An ability to get on well with others in a small team Good verbal and written communication skills, public speaking and IT skills Experience in interacting with the public An ability to work in a conscientious and reliable manner Willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and seals. For more information on our research and the volunteer programme, please visit our website *www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk*<http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> . * To Apply: * Please reply to Giovanna Pesante with your CV and a covering letter detailing any relevant experience you have and *specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for. *Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will get your selected time period, but the earlier you apply the better chances you will have! The volunteer selection will take place in February 2007. * Important: please put NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title. Deadline: Friday 2nd of February 2007 * Email: *giovanna.pesante(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk*<giovanna.pesante(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk> Snail mail: Giovanna Pesante, Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer, Sea Watch Foundation Wales, Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Ceredigion, SA45 9NR. Tel:01545 561227 * The Sea Watch Foundation * The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, with support from Defra and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. * Research * The purpose of our research is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within the Cardigan Bay SAC using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in West Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (TPODs) Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. * Some recent conference presentations and publications from Sea Watch staff, students and volunteers: Anderwald, P., Evans, P.G.H., and Hoelzel, A.R. *(2006) Inter-annual differences in minke whale foraging behaviour around the Small Isles, West Scotland. Page 147. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Gdynia, Poland, 2-7 April 2006. ** Ansmann, I., Goold, J.C., Evans, P.G.H., Simmonds, M., and Keith, S.G. *(2006) Variation in the whistle characteristics of short-beaked common dolphins, *Delphinus delphis*, at two locations around the British Isles. *J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K *., 86, 5496, 1-8. * Baines, M.E., Reichelt, M., Anderwald, P., and Evans, P.G.H*. (2006) Monitoring a changing world – searching the past for long-term trends in the occurrence of cetaceans around the UK. Page 220. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Gdynia, Poland, 2-7 April 2006. ** Evans, P.G.H. *(2006) Marine mammals in the European coastal zone: past, present and future. Page i. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society Gdynia, Poland, 2-7 April 2006. ** Felce, T.H., Stone, E.B., Whiteford, J., James, E., Castrillon, J., and Evans, P.G.H. *(2006) To what extent can distance sampling be combined with photo-identification as a monitoring tool for *Tursiops truncatus *Page 224. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Gdynia, Poland, 2-7 April 2006 ** Liret, C., Baines, M.E., Evans, P.G.H., Hammond, P.S., and Wilson, B. *(2006) *Tursiops. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins: Conservation and Management *Oceanopolis, Brest, France. 62pp. * Nuuttila, H., James, E., Anderwald, P., Baines, M., and Evans, P.G.H*. (2006) Changes in the summer distribution of cetaceans in the UK from data collected during simultaneous national whale and dolphin watches 2002-05. Pages 211-212. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Gdynia, Poland, 2-7 April 2006 ** Reyes-Zamudio, M.M., Simon, M., Evans, P.G.H., and Goold, J. *(2006) T-POD detection an d acoustic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay SAC: A comparison between T-POD recordings and visual observations. Pages 29-30. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Gdynia, Poland, 2-7 April 2006 ** Simon, M., Reyes, M., Baines, M., Nuuttila, H., and Evans, P.G.H. *(2006) Temporal and spatial habitat partitioning between harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins. Page 20. In: *Abstracts, 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Gdynia, Poland, 2-7April 2006 ** Lamb, J. and Ugarte, F.* (2005) Relationships between presence of bottlenose dolphins, environmental variables and boat traffic; visual and acoustic surveys in new Quay Bay, Wales. Poster for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. * Lott, R., Evans, P.G.H., Perez, S., Stone, E., Hartley, S. and Ugarte, F*(2005) Social structure and long term Residency of Bottlenose Dolphins in Cardigan Bay. Presentation for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. * Perez, S., Lott, R., Stone, E., Luque, P. Hartley, S., Evans, P.G.H., Baines, M., Reichelt, M., Baxter, J. and Ugarte, F.* (2005) Long-term site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay, Wales. Poster for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. * Ugarte, F., Felce, T., Perez, S., Stone, E., Hartley, S. and Evans, P.G.H.*(2005) Abundance of marine mammals in the Cardigan Bay SAC estimated with distance sampling and photo identification surveys from a small boat. Presentation for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. * Recent MSc theses published or in preparation in conjunction with Sea Watch Foundation: Sharon Bond, University of Wales, Bangor*: The use of T-PODs to identify echolocation behaviour in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in New Quay Bay, Wales. (2006) * Natalie Bush, University of Wales, Bangor*: Spatial use by common dolphins in relation to habitat features in the Celtic Sea. (2006) * Edita Magileviciute, University of Wales, Bangor: *Bottlenose dolphins' social networks in Cardigan Bay, Wales.* *(2006) * Eleanor Stone, University of Wales, Bangor*: A fine –scale study investigating the temporal and spatial use of New Quay bay, Wales, by bottlenose dolphins. (2006) * Lucy Alford, University of Wales, Bangor*: Bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise presence and foraging patterns in relation to tidal cycle, height of tide, lunar activity and strength of current. (2006) * Ina Ansmann, University of Wales, Bangor*: Acoustic behaviour and whistle characteristics of common dolphins, (*Delphinus delphis)*, in the Celtic Sea. (2005) * Evonne Amblin, University of Plymouth: *Environmental factors affecting the distribution of short-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis)* of the Celtic Deep. (2005) * Juliana Castrillon, University of Javeriana, Colombia: *Estimating the population size and long-term residence of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Cardigan Bay SAC. (2006) * Ronan Hickey, University of Wales, Bangor: *Comparative study of bottlenose dolphin whistles in the southern Cardigan Bay SAC and in the Shannon Estuary. (2005) * Kate Lewis, University of Wales, Bangor: *Habitat use, behaviour and site fidelity of grey seals along the Ceredigion Heritage Coast. (2005) * Neal Reay, University of Wales, Bangor: *Estimating the g(0) in linear surveys of harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. (2005) * Mercedes Reyes-Zamudio, University of Wales, Bangor: *Acoustic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*): a comparison between T-POD and visual surveys. (2005) **

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New publication
by Stefania Gaspari 09 Dec '06

09 Dec '06

Dear All, The following paper has been recently published on-line in Conservation Genetics. Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in UK waters are differentiated from a population in the Mediterranean Sea and genetically less diverse Stefania Gaspari, Sabina Airoldi, A. Rus Hoelzel Abstract The Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) has a worldwide distribution, but little is known about their population genetic structure. Local coastal populations are never known to be abundant, and are sometimes under anthropogenic impact. Therefore the question of regional differentiation by genetic drift and overall diversity levels is of conservation interest. Here we present preliminary data that clearly indicate genetic differentiation and lower genetic diversity of a population sampled in UK waters (primarily from the Western Isles, Scotland) compared to a Mediterranean sample. Significant differentiation was found in comparison with a sample from the Mediterranean for both microsatellite DNA markers (FST = 0.0296) and mtDNA sequence data (FST = 0.260; /ST = 0.542). Allelic diversity was lower in the UK for nearly all loci. Kindest Regards, Stefania Gaspari _________________________________________ Stefania Gaspari, PhD Molecular Ecology Lab. Department of Animal Biology and Genetics University of Florence, Via Romana 17, Firenze, Italy stefaniagaspari(a)gmail.com Tel +39 055 2288290 Mob +39 333 7551556

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new paper on Cuvier's beaked whale
by John Woodside 08 Dec '06

08 Dec '06

During the last years, and especially after several mass strandings linked to high level military sonar use, there has been a growing attention of the cetological community and significant research effort as well on Ziphius cavirostris and other ziphiid species. We hope that the following paper that has been published recently may be of interest to the members of this list. Woodside, J.M., David, L., Frantzis, A., and Hooker, S.K., 2006, Gouge marks on deep-sea mud volcanoes in the eastern Mediterranean: Caused by Cuvier’s beaked whales? Deep Sea Research I, 53:1762-1771. Abstract Enigmatic seafloor gouge marks at depths of 1700-2100 m have been observed from submersible during geological survey work studying mud volcanoes in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The marks consist of a central groove (about 10 cm deep and 12 m long), superimposed on a broader bowl-shaped depression (12 m long by about 50 cm wide) with raised rims (up to 10 cm high) to either side of the central groove. We discuss the potential biological causes of these marks, and conclude that they are probably created by Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) during foraging dives to these depths. The mud volcanoes have a comparatively rich and diverse benthic ecology associated with methane-rich fluid seeps and thus could be the base of food chains that reach top predators like the deep-diving whales. The characteristic high acoustic backscatter of the mud volcanoes would facilitate their detection by the echolocation system of these whales. You can find the full text of the paper at the Deep Sea Research I (Science Direct) website: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09670637 (click on November (volume 53 issue 11) and go to article number 4) or at the following link: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr/en/pelagos/index3.html or please contact one of the authors: J.M. Woodside (jwoodside(a)alum.mit.edu) L. David (lea.david2(a)wanadoo.fr) A. Frantzis (afrantzis(a)otenet.gr) S.K. Hooker (s.hooker(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J.M. Woodside Centre for Marine Earth Sciences Faculty of Earth And Life Sciences Vrije Universiteit De Boelelaan 1085 1081 HV Amsterdam the Netherlands Telephone: +31 (0)20 598 7370 TeleFAX: +31 (0)20 598 9941 email: jwoodside(a)alum.mit.edu website: http://www.geo.vu.nl/users/sedimar/people_info/woodside.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Seal Rehabilitation Internships
by Phocid＠aol.com 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Rehabilitation Internships Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, IWNCC’s focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals. For the 9th year, IWNCC will be offering summer internships. In the past, students have earned academic credit toward their degrees through the completion of these internships and the centre is also open to the creation and execution of short term, noninvasive research projects by the interns. There will be twelve staggered internships awarded this summer each lasting eight weeks. The internships are on a voluntary basis, however comfortable housing and a food stipend are provided. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns will work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups. Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Natural history of marine mammal species. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations. General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species. There will also be a lecture series presented by professionals in many different disciplines including; veterinary medicine, integrative medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal conservation and wildlife cinematography. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2007. For more information and to download an application, please visit our web site at: www.sealrescue.org Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 www.sealrescue.org iwncc(a)aol.com

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Senior Rehabilitation Position
by Phocid＠aol.com 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

SENIOR MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATOR Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre (IWNCC) is a non-profit society dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of regional wildlife, with an emphasis on Harbour Seals and avian species. We are seeking a candidate for the position of Senior Marine Mammal Rehabilitator. IWNCC is located in the Pacific Northwest, on Salt Spring Island, one of the largest of the Canadian Gulf Islands. We are a small, but very busy Centre, primarily outdoors on a forested 4-acre property. We treat up to 100 Harbour Seal pups and 500 avian and terrestrial animals each year. The majority of our animal intake occurs between May and November. Seasonal work hours are long and the work is fast-paced and physically demanding, however with our cross-discipline of animals, it is varied and fulfilling. The position reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of care for our marine mammal patients. This includes coordinating rescues; admissions, diagnosis and critical care; hands-on daily animal husbandry; leadership, training and supervision of Fellows and Interns; maintaining clean animal habitats; conducting the day-to-day running of the clinic; procuring and managing inventory of supplies, equipment and medications; keeping accurate detailed records and liaising with industry professionals. The position will also assist with avian and terrestrial animal care. The successful candidate will have hands-on marine mammal rehabilitation experience at a senior level. She/he must be experienced in examinations, diagnosis and treatment plus have proven supervisory and English language communications skills, be physically fit and able to work as a part of a busy team. This position starts May 2007. Salary and benefits are negotiable and commensurate with experience. Preference will be given to Canadian candidates, however non-Canadian applicants will also be considered. IWNCC will facilitate required work permits should the successful applicant be non-Canadian. Please send your CV, references and an informal cover letter to J. Ballerone, Administrative Director, Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre, 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1N3 Canada. Or email us iwncc(a)aol.com For more information regarding IWNCC visit our website at www.sealrescue.org

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Alliance & EAAM cosponsor Aquatic Mammals
by Jeanette A Thomas 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

At the invitation of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), the Board of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums has agreed that the Alliance will become a co-sponsor of Aquatic Mammals, the oldest international scientific, peer-reviewed marine mammal journal. It has been supported by the EAAM since 1972. Aquatic Mammals accepts a wide variety of papers on the care, conservation, medicine, and science of marine mammals. The number of papers submitted for review has risen dramatically in recent years, and, in response, the journal increased its annual issues from three to four in 2005. Dr. Jeanette Thomas of Western Illinois University is the editor and Kathleen Dudzinski of Mystic Aquarium the co-editor. Dan Odell of the Alliance has agreed to join the publications editorial board. Subscription information can be found on the journals Web site, which is at: http://www.wiu.edu/users/aquamamm/index/home.htm.

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Special issues of Aquatic Mammals on Cognition in Primates & Dolphins
by Jeanette A Thomas 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

AQUATIC MAMMALS PRE-PUBLICATION SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: Prices Valid until 20 December 2006 CD subscription, four issues for 2006: $40 ____ Online subscription, four issues for 2006: $40 ____ SPECIAL ISSUES: 2005, A Survey of the Environments of Cetaceans in Human Care, Guest Editor, Laurence Couquiad CD: $10 ____ 2006, Comparative Cognition in Primates and Dolphins: Insights & Innovations, Guest Editors Chris Johnson & Denise Herzing Hard copy: $22 ____ CD: $12 ____ 2007, Using Auditory Evoked Potential Methods to Study Marine Mammal Hearing, Guest Editors Michel Andre & Paul Nachtigall Hard copy: $22 ____ CD: $12 ____ Shipping costs will be added for each item. Send all orders to: Aquatic Mammals C/O Gina Colley Document Publication Services Western Illinois University Horrabin Hall 59 Macomb, IL 61455 E-mail: GR-Colley(a)wiu.edu

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Cetaceans in Colombia
by Catalina Gomez-Salazar 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Greetings. I am a researcher from the Omacha Foundation in Colombia (www.omacha.org) and we are currently conducting a project to develop a specific protocol for cetacean strandings in Colombia. We are initiating the first stage to acquire all documents about cetacean strandings in the world, and in Colombia there are not resources to acquire all the information. We would appreciate any information that anyone can send us to complete this stage to jaguaranegra(a)hotmail.com or to the Omacha Foundation in Bogota, Colombia: Diagonal 86A. No. 30 - 38. Thank you Catalina Gomez Researcher Omacha Foundation Catalina(a)omacha.org Diagonal 86A No. 30-38 Bogotá - Colombia

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computer simulation of sound radiation from explosion needed
by marine-zoology＠t-online.de 07 Dec '06

07 Dec '06

Dear MARMAMers, in the German part of the Baltic Sea 120 large explosives (torpedo heads and sea mines of World War II) have been found a few years ago. In October 2006, authorities started to detonate these. No safety regulations for marine mammals have been considered by the ministry of the environment. After protests of 3 NGOs, ministries agreed on using deterrent sound in order to scare harbour porpoises away. Individuals of the rare eastern Baltic population (probably less than 600 animals left) may migrate through or even stay in the area during winter. We doubt that the proposed deterrent is sufficient to scare marine mammals out of the danger zone. 33 explosives have been destroyed so far. Up to 90 explosions are expected during the rest of this winter. These explosions have also implications for further detonations during the construction of the Russian/German Baltic Sea gas pipeline. Therefore we demand a safety protocol for marine mammals. We are unsure about the exact dimensions of the safety zone. We proposed a safe level at the marine mammal ear of 160 dB re 1µPa similar to safety regulations of the NATO Undersea Research Center with respect to sonar. Can anybody of you simulate sound radiation from an explosion of 350 kg TNT at the bottom of 10 m water depth in Kiel Bight (sandy bottom, water temperature 9 degrees Celsius, salinity 12 PSU, mixed water body, gentle slope, distance from coast 2.5 km)? For the authorities it would pe possible to get such a calculation from the German Navy, but they would not do such a calculation for an NGO. And authorities refuse to have a simulation done. We are aware that there is no simple calculation using formulas from Richardsons "Marine Mammals and Noise" because much of the energy will be lost through the surface. And we have no idea how to determine what energy radiates horizontally. Who can help? All the best, Sven Dipl. Biol. Sven Koschinski Kühlandweg 12 D-24326 Nehmten Tel. ++49- (0) 4526 - 38 17 16 priv. ++49- (0) 4526 - 38 08 08 marine-zoology(a)t-online.de

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