- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Need "Marine Mammals Ashore"
by William Rossiter 11 Oct '06

11 Oct '06

Two copies of the stranding response guide: _Marine Mammals Ashore_ are needed by Cetacean Society International to send free to users in Brazil and the Cape Verdes Islands. The book was written by Dr Joseph Geraci and published in 1993, with a possible second printing. Only one used copy is available at Amazon.com ($50) and CSI will be willing to pay that price for a copy in very good condition. We would be happier, of course, to offer a fair market value tax deduction for anyone donating a copy to CSI. Amazon also advertises a collector-quality book at $250. Is there one gathering dust on your shelf? Given the growth of marine mammal science in Latin America, and the upcoming SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC conference this November in Merida, there may be a need for more copies of this book for free distribution, which CSI would be pleased to facilitate. And reasonably current laptops are always in need...again a potential tax deduction for you rather than a fee for disposal. Thanks, Bill William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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Paper available - melon-headed whales in the Marianas
by Dagmar Fertl 10 Oct '06

10 Oct '06

The following recently published paper is available upon request (see contact information below). Jefferson, T.A., D. Fertl, M. Michael, and T.D. Fagin. 2006. An unusual encounter with a mixed school of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) at Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. Micronesica 38:239-244. Little information is available on marine mammals occurring in the Northern Mariana Islands. On 4 July 2004, a group of about 500-700 melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) was observed and photographed at the surface and extensively underwater for several hours at the island of Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands. An unidentified number of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) also were part of the sighting. Bottom depths ranged from about 77 to 1,100 m over the course of the sighting. Regards, Dagmar Fertl Marine Mammal Biologist Geo-Marine, Inc. 2201 Avenue K, Suite A2 Plano, Texas 75074 USA 972-543-4137 FAX 972-543-4130 dfertl(a)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com

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Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internship Opportunity
by Higgs, Kari 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

MANATEE PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Photo-identification program is looking for one or two detail-oriented interns to serve during the upcoming winter session in St. Petersburg, Florida. Interns will primarily assist staff members in photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay and assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. Interns are expected to work four days per week for approximately eight hours each day. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain field and lab experience at a government agency. Qualifications: * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred * Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred * Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment * Some field research experience with animals preferred * Preference will be given to applicants who possess a valid U.S. Driver's License Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the winter 2006-2007 session (December 1, 2006 - March 31, 2007). Internships, which ideally last four to five months, require a minimum three-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Please send a hard copy of your resume with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Bill Arnold FWC/FWRI 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 This intern position is open until filled. *All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.

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paper on ships strikes
by s p 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Dear Marmam list, the following paper has recently been published on Marine Pollution Bulletin, Panigada, S., Pesante, G., Zanardelli, M., Capoulade, F., Gannier, A., Weinrich, M.T. 2006. Mediterranean fin whales at risk from fatal ship strikes. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 52:1287-1298. Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes ship collision records for the relatively isolated population of fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea from 1972 to 2001. Out of 287 carcasses, 46 individuals (16.0%) were certainly killed by boats. The minimum mean annual fatal collision rate increased from 1 to 1.7 whales/year from the 1970s to the 1990s. Fatal strike events (82.2%) were reported in or adjacent to the Pelagos Sanctuary, characterized by high levels of traffic and whale concentrations. Among 383 photo-identified whales, 9 (2.4%) had marks that were attributed to a ship impact. The reported rates are unusually high for baleen whales. The high likelihood of unreported fatal strikes combined with other anthropogenic threats suggests an urgent need for a comprehensive, basin-wide conservation strategy, including ship strike mitigation requirements, like real-time monitoring of whale presence and distribution to re-locate ferry routes to areas of lower cetacean density, and reducing ship speed in high cetacean density areas. Keywords: Fin whale; Marine protected areas; Ship collision; Mortality rates; Anthropogenic threats; Mediterranean sea The article is now available online via the following DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.03.014 Best regards, Simone ___________________________ Simone Panigada, Ph.D. Vice-President panigada(a)inwind.it Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947 / 0272013943 fax +39 0286995011 tethys(a)tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/>

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Humpback whales sighted off Ghana
by Eriksen, Nina 05 Oct '06

05 Oct '06

Dear All, On a Danish research vessel, the Galathea 3, we have encountered several humpack whale pods including a mother and possible newborn calf in Ghanese waters between N 04'02.676'' W 01'56.015'' and N 04'54.402'' W 00'35.895'' on Oct 1 and 2. We were able to get photo id (fluke prints) from 2 individuals.Does anybody have any knowledge of humpback whales in these waters during this time of the season? Please email to Nina Eriksen: neriksen(a)bi.ku.dk or Marianne Rasmussen: mhr(a)biology.sdu.dk Sincerly, Nina Eriksen and Marianne Rasmussen

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Job Posting
by Cheryl Schroeder 04 Oct '06

04 Oct '06

Listserv managers---Please post the following job description. Thanks for your assistance. JOB TITLE: Marine Mammal Biologist JOB Location: Geo-Marine, Inc., Hampton, VA Contact Address: mhamilton(a)geo-marine.com Application Website: www.geo-marine.com/careers JOB Announcement: Geo-Marine, Inc., an environmental and engineering consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Marine Mammal Biologist for its Hampton, VA office. The successful candidate would be responsible for scientific content on various environmental projects and contribute their marine mammal expertise to the existing Marine Sciences group. Projects include, but are not limited to, marine resources, environmental, and biological assessments. Job duties include:- - Writing the marine mammal sections of marine resources assessments and environmental assessment documents in support of NEPA, ESA, or MMPA as well as other projects; - Researching, acquiring, and synthesizing marine mammal data and literature for use in environmental reports; - Acting as a principal investigator with responsibility for specific subject areas; - Communicating with government, academic, and industry researchers and scientists; - Preparing and giving presentations to clients, colleagues, or at scientific or military meetings; - Participating in project team meetings and attend meetings with third parties/clients as required; - Traveling to client locations, project sites, symposia or other meetings, or other GMI offices as required; and - Analyzing protected species survey data, including application of statistical tests, as necessitated by projects. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: A background integrating living marine resources and their physical marine environment is essential. Two to five years experience working preferably for, but not limited to, a regulatory agency, consulting firm, or military environmental group. The successful candidate will possess strong technical writing, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while functioning in an environment of changing priorities and time constraints. Candidates possessing experience in marine mammal surveying/monitoring, SAS, ESRI GIS, and/or EndNoteT software, marine/aquatic field collections or monitoring, ,and familiarity with marine regulations/legislation will have the advantage. U.S. Navy experience, particularly with operations or training, is also a plus. EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular Full-Time w/ full benefits, available immediately. TO APPLY: Interested candidates should visit our website, www.geo-marine.com/careers, to post their resume/CV and submit an application. Geo-Marine, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested candidates should also submit a scientific writing sample (sole author preferable but first author designation is also acceptable) to the attention of Martha Hamilton, Human Resources Manager. ******************************************************************** Cheryl Schroeder <>< <>< Manager, Marine Sciences <>< Geo-Marine, Inc. <>< <>< 2713 Magruder Boulevard, Suite D <>< Hampton, VA 23666 <>< <>< Tel: 757.873.3702 <>< Fax: 757.873.3703 <>< <>< Cell: 214.912.2243 <>< <>< www.geo-marine.com This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are the property of Geo-Marine, Inc. The information transmitted via this e-mail is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information, by persons or entities other than the intended recipient, is strictly prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your computer.

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New publications week 39
by Jan Herrmann 04 Oct '06

04 Oct '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 39 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Dagleish, M.P. et al. (2006): Intracranial granuloma caused by asporogenic Aspergillus fumigatus in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The Veterinary Record 159(14): 458-460. Iwanami, K. et al. (2006): cDNA-derived amino acid sequences of myoglobins from nine species of whales and dolphins. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 145(2): 249-256. Kajiwara, N. et al. (2006): Organohalogen and organotin compounds in killer whales mass-stranded in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(9): 1066-1076. Kiel, S. and J.L. Goedert (2006): Deep-sea food bonanzas: early Cenozoic whale-fall communities resemble wood-fall rather than seep communities. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B-Biological Sciences 273(1601): 2625-2631. Lahaye, V. et al. (2006): New insights from age determination on toxic element accumulation in striped and bottlenose dolphins from Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(10): 1219-1230. Norton, S.A. (2006): Dolphin-to-human transmission of lobomycosis? Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 55(4): 723-724. Nummela, S., T. Hussain, and J.G.M. Thewissen (2006): Cranial anatomy of Pakicetidae (Cetacea, Mammalia). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 26(3): 746-759. Panigada, S. et al. (2006): Mediterranean fin whales at risk from fatal ship strikes. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(10): 1287-1298. Parsons, E.C.M. et al. (2006): It's not just poor science - Japan's "scientific" whaling is a human health risk too. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(9): 1118-1120. Segura, I. et al. (2006): Conservation implications of the genetic and ecological distinction of Tursiops truncatus ecotypes in the Gulf of California. Biological Conservation 133(3): 336-346. Van Bressem, M.-F. et al. (2006): Dolphins and Children: A Blueprint for Marine Environmental Education in Peru. Applied Environmental Education and Communication 5(3): 183-191. Vetter, W. and G. Gleixner (2006): Compound-specific stable carbon isotope ratios (delta(13)C values) of the halogenated natural product 2,3,3',4,4',5,5'-heptachloro-1'-methyl-1,2'-bipyrrole (Q1). Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 20(20): 3018-3022. Williams, R., D. Lusseau, and P.S. Hammond (2006): Estimating relative energetic costs of human disturbance to killer whales (Orcinus orca). Biological Conservation 133(3): 301-311. PINNIPEDIA Hofmeyr, G.J.G. et al. (2006): Entanglement of Antarctic fur seals at Bouvetoya, Southern Ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(9): 1077-1080. Hoshino, H. et al. (2006): Distribution of the Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus during winter in the northern Sea of Japan, along the west coast of Hokkaido, based on aerial and land sighting surveys. Fisheries Science 72(5): 922-931. Kohno, N. (2006): A new Miocene odobenid (Mammalia: carnivora) from Hokkaido, Japan, and its implications for odobenid phylogeny. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 26(2): 411-421. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Dyck, M. and R. Baydack (2006): Human Activities Associated with Polar Bear Viewing Near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 11(2): 143-145. Kornev, S. and S. Korneva (2006): Some criteria for assessing the state and dynamics of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations in the Russian part of the species range. Russian Journal of Ecology 37(3): 172-179. Lanyon, J.M. and G.D. Sanson (2006): Mechanical disruption of seagrass in the digestive tract of the dugong. Journal of Zoology 270(2): 277-289. Rajamani, L., A.S. Cabanban, and R.A. Rahman (2006): Indigenous use and trade of dugong (Dugong dugon) in Sabah, Malaysia. Ambio 35(5): 266-268. Reich, K.J. and G.A.J. Worthy (2006): An isotopic assessment of the feeding habits of free-ranging manatees. Marine Ecology Progress Series 322(): 303-309. Sonne, C. et al. (2006): Xenoendocrine pollutants may reduce size of sexual organs in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Environmental Science & Technology 40(18): 5668-5674. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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new article on beaked whales
by Martina Duras Gomercic 04 Oct '06

04 Oct '06

Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: Hrvoje Gomercic', Martina Duras Gomercic, Tomislav Gomercic, Hrvoje Lucic, Merel Dalebout, Ana Galov, Darinka Skrtic, Snjezana Curkovic, Snjezana Vukovic, Duro Huber. 2006. Biological aspects of Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) recorded in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 52: 182-187. Abstract: The paper describes two stranded ziphiids from Croatia; a subadult female (length 430 cm, body mass 610 kg) that stranded in 2001, and an adult male (length 510 cm, body mass ~1000 kg) that stranded in 2002. Both were confirmed to be Cuvier’s beaked whales (/Ziphius cavirostris/ Cuvier, 1823) from analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences and osteological features. There are no previous records of Cuvier’s beaked whales from the Croatian part of the Adriatic. The external shape of the head of the female specimen appears to be significantly different from the heads of Cuvier’s beaked whales from other seas. The Croatian specimen exhibited embedded pieces of gravel in the gum tissue around the tip of the lower and upper jaws, which was observed for the first time in a Cuvier’s beaked whale. The presence of/ /the female/ /in shallow, coastal waters for several weeks and her boat-positive behaviour are apparently also first records of this kind for the species. The female was found to have ingested several plastic bags which likely caused her death. These are the northernmost findings of this species in the Adriatic Sea. For reprints please contact: Prof. dr. Hrvoje Gomercic Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb Heinzelova 55 10000 Zagreb Croatia e-mail: hrvoje.gomercic(a)vef.hr Best regards, Hrvoje Gomercic

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Job Vacancy HWDT
by Fiona Quarmby HWDT 03 Oct '06

03 Oct '06

Job vacancy within the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust - Education Assistant The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust - based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, West Scotland - are looking to appoint an Education Assistant to help the Education Officer run HWDT's education programme. Information about the post can be found at www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/education/jobvacancyeducation.asp and further details of the work of HWDT can be found on our website at www.hwdt.org No application form is required, but applicants should provide a CV and cover letter stating why they are suited to apply for the post. Applications should be received by 25 October 2006. Please call +44 (0)1688 302 620 or e-mail info(a)hwdt.org if you have specific questions regarding this post. Fiona Quarmby Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull Argyll PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 Fax: 01688 302728 Web: www.hwdt.org

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Paracas dolphins skin disease and fishing strategies
by Stefan Austermühle 03 Oct '06

03 Oct '06

Dear Julio and Marmamers I just returned from Mundo Azuls first month of field work photo-identifying bottlenose dolphins in the area between Perus Capital Lima and the Island Asia (100 km of coastline) and the area between Paracas and Tambo de Mora (40 km). According to our preliminary analysis of the several thousands of pictures taken, in the first area we managed to determine several distinct populations with a total of at least 180 dolphins. In Paracas/Pisco we managed to photo identify at least 85 dolphins with some aditional ones in the area between Pisco and Tambo de Mora. I would like to confirm Julios observation. Of the 85 dolphins we identified in the area Pisco/Paracas, which is heavily afected by contamination, at least 16 of the 85 dolphins we encountered showed this skin condition. Diving studies of Mundo Azul in 2004 and 2006 collecting a total of 400 bottom samples and invertebrate samples have shown that a great area (approximately 15 square kilometers within the bay) are near biologically dead or bilogically dead, with the bottom being covered by a thick layer of gelee like organic matter (information concerning this contamination, satelite images and research results can be obtained on our english web site within the part on marine contamination - www.mundoazul.org <http://www.mundoazul.org/> - click on the british flag in the upper right corner in order to enter in the engish version). This year we also could confirm a heavy contamination with petroleum accumulated in the seafloor south of Pisco. In the other populations that we identified so far we could not find one single specimen showing a similar skin condition. With exemption of a small group near the capital in an area where a main sewage pipe enters contaminating the sea with the sewage of a few milion people. We do not yet have a lot a pictures from this group as sea conditions during our stay in the are have been very tough but the few pictures we were able to take so far showed at least one dolphin with a similar skin contidion like the dolphins in Paracas. From this we can conclude that there definitely can be assumed a connection between the contamination and the skin disease, as Julio points out. As our field investigaion in the area goes on I am sure that I can provide more input for the list on this topic. I therefore would be also very interested to get more information on this type of skin disease and would like to ask listmembers to also forward their information to our emal: mundoazul(a)terra.com.pe I would like also to raise another interesting topic concerning the Paracas population and ask list members for literature and comments on similar behavior in other populations. The bay of Paracas is very shallow. We could observe dolphins to perform the following feeding behavior in water depths of 1.5 to 5 meters. A single dolphin or groups of up to three dolphins swam in tight circles with the snout aparantly in the sediment and the fluke out of the water (sometimes vertically) steering up a lot of sediment. We thought of several possible explanations: they might have fished bottom dwelling fish or have steered up sediment in order to confuse fish and catch them in the murky water caused by this behavior - it could also be that the steered up sediment and organic material attracts fish which then can be caught by the dolphins. The later seems a probable hypothesis as we could also observe a similar behavior related to fishing boats. Artisan fishing boats entering the harbor of Paracas are used to pump out their bilges and throw the fishblood and remains into the water when cleaning their wooden boats. This organic material seems to attract fish which then is consumed by the dolphins. We observed that whenever a fishing boat enters in the port a huge number of dolphins (up to ten) follows the boat and then fishes around the anchored boat witin the water that is contaminated with the organic waste, while fishermen continue to throw over board bloodwaer and clean their boats. I would be very interested to learn if similar behaivors have been observed in other places. I am sure that Julio can confirm this behavior and maybe would be interested to also receive information from listmembers about similar fishing behaviors in other places. All the best Stefan Austermühle Mundo Azul

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