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URGENT: Dolphin SMART Cooridantor Needed
by cetacean5＠mindspring.com 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has a federal contract opportunity available to coordinate a new program called Dolphin SMART. Developed in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, the National Marine Sanctuary Program, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the local community, the program will recognize wild dolphin charter operators who conduct their tours in an environmentally responsible manner. The contract also involves completing some tasks for a similar program called Blue Star, which will recognize dive and snorkel operators that work as partners with the Sanctuary to protect the coral reef ecosystem. The deadline for bids on this contract opportunity is Monday, September 18th. To receive a copy of the contract and review the requested quotations, please contact Cheva Heck at the Florida Keys National Marine Sancutary via e-mail at cheva.heck(a)noaa.gov or via phone at 305-809-4700.

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Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: decision-making process
by David Lusseau 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Evolutionary Ecology: Lusseau D. 2006. Evidence for social role in a dolphin social network. (Abstract below). the article will be available shortly from the journal's website (http://www.springerlink.com/content/1573-8477/) in the OnlineFirst section. A 'no-frill' version is available from the ArXiv repository website (http://arxiv.org/abs/q-bio.PE/0607048) This paper is one in a series of studies that have been published over the past three decades which show that dolphin live in complex societies, have evolved complex social behaviours, and are able to use non-vocal behavioural events to communicate intention and motivation... contrarily to what Paul Manger states in his poorly researched and poorly referenced article recently published in Biological Reviews (2006, 81, 293-338). best wishes, David ABSTRACT Social animals have to take into consideration the behaviour of conspecifics when making decisions to go by their daily lives. These decisions affect their fitness and there is therefore an evolutionary pressure to try making the right choices. In many instances individuals will make their own choices and the behaviour of the group will be a democratic integration of all decisions. However, in some instances it can be advantageous to follow the choice of a few individuals in the group if they have more information regarding the situation that has arisen. Here I provide early evidence that decisions about shifts in activity states in a population of bottlenose dolphin follow such a decision making process. This unshared consensus is mediated by a non-vocal signal which can be communicated globally within the dolphin school. These signals are emitted by individuals that tend to have more information about the behaviour of potential competitors because of their position in the social network. I hypothesise that this decision making process emerged from the social structure of the population and the need to maintain mixed-sex schools. David Lusseau, PhD Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dalhousie University Department of Biology 1355 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 4J1 Tel: (902) 494 3723 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)dal.ca david.lusseau(a)gmail.com Website: http://www.lusseau.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editor for PLoS ONE- a revolution in scientific publication learn more at: http://www.plosone.org -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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New publications week 36
by Jan Herrmann 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 36 / 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 Aznar, F.J. et al. (2006): Distribution of Pholeter gastrophilus (Digenea) within the stomach of four odontocete species: the role of the diet and digestive physiology of hosts. Parasitology 133(3): 369-380. Bianucci, G. and W. Landini (2006): Killer sperm whale: a new basal physeteroid (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Late Miocene of Italy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 148(1): 103-131. Bodson, A. et al. (2006): Underwater auditory localization by a swimming harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1550-1557. Hatch, L.T., E.B. Dopman, and R.G. Harrison (2006): Phylogenetic relationships among the baleen whales based on maternally and paternally inherited characters. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 41(1): 12-27. Heilmann, C. et al. (2006): Reduced Antibody Responses to Vaccinations in Children Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls. PLoS Medicine 8(3): e311. Houser, D.S. and J.J. Finneran (2006): A comparison of underwater hearing sensitivity in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) determined by electrophysiological and behavioral methods. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1713-1722. Quintana-Rizzo, E., D.A. Mann, and R.S. Wells (2006): Estimated communication range of social sounds used by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1671-1683. Ross, H.A. and S. Murugana (2006): Using phylogenetic analyses and reference datasets to validate the species identities of cetacean sequences in GenBank. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 40(3): 866-871. Sasaki, T. et al. (2006): Balaenoptera omurai is a newly discovered baleen whale that represents an ancient evolutionary lineage. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 41(1): 40-52. Shapiro, A.D. (2006): Preliminary evidence for signature vocalizations among free-ranging narwhals (Monodon monoceros). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1695-1705. Simmonds, M.P. (2006): Into the brains of whales. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 100(1-2): 103-116. Wang, K. et al. (2006): Estimated detection distance of a baiji's (Chinese river dolphin, Lipotes vexillifer) whistles using a passive acoustic survey method. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1361-1365. Gillespie, A. (2006): Establishing Reliable Foundations for the International Scientific Investigation of Noise Pollution in the Oceans. Review of European Community & International Environmental Law 15(2): 211-226. PINNIPEDIA Fabiani, A. et al. (2006): Relatedness and site fidelity at the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, breeding colony in the Falkland Islands. Animal Behaviour 72(3): 617-626. Khan, C.B., H. Markowitz, and B. McCowan (2006): Vocal development in captive harbor seal pups, Phoca vitulina richardii: Age, sex, and individual differences. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1684-1694. Mecenero, S., S.P. Kirkman, and J.-P. Roux (2006): A refined fish consumption model for lactating Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus), based on scat analyses. ICES Journal of Marine Science 63(8): 1551-1566. Wilson, J.W., M.-H. Burle, and M.N. Bester (2006): Vagrant Antarctic pinnipeds at Gough Island. Polar Biology 29(10): 905-908. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Tsutsumi, C. et al. (2006): Feeding behavior of wild dugongs monitored by a passive acoustical method. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(3): 1356-1360. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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projects related on T-POD with Bottlenose Dolphin
by Andrea Dell'Apa 13 Sep '06

13 Sep '06

Hi Marmamers, i'm seerching for publications or even presentation focused on the use of T-POD to record click signals of bottlenose dolphins. I have always worked with hydrophones to store and gather signals at high frequencyes such as echolocation signals. I would like to know how does it work and if it's really helpful to study dolphin's behaviour, or if it's useful just for considering the presence/absence of cetacean. For the moment i have found the following articles, that unfortunately are focused on Harbor Porpoises: Culik, Koschinski, Tregenza, and Ellis, (2001) Reactions of harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena and herring Clupea harengus to acoustic alarms. Mar Ecol Prog Ser.211:255-260,2001 Berggren, P., Carlstrom, J., Tregenza, N. (2002) Mitigation of Small Cetacean ByCatch; Evaluation of Acoustic Alarms. Report to European Commission on Study Contract 00/031. Englund, A., OCadhla, O., Phipott, E. (2003) Can PODs save the day? Lessons from Broadhaven. Poster at European Cetacean Society Conference, Las Palmas, 2003. Thank you all for your help. Cheers Andrea Andrea Dell'Apa CTS-Dipartimento ambiente Via Albalonga 3 - 00183 - Roma

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whale research internship opportunity
by Adam Pack 12 Sep '06

12 Sep '06

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Field research with humpback whales in Maui, Hawaii. Interns will assist in the 31-year-long continuing research project by The Dolphin Institute (formerly Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory) on the winter assembly of North Pacific humpback whales in Hawaii. Dr. Adam Pack and Dr. Louis Herman are the principal co-investigators. Dr. Pack additionally acts as the field director. Historically, our research has investigated a variety of topics including migratory destinations, distribution, inter-island movements, habitat preferences associated with different classes of whales, residency characteristics, competitive behavior, male escorting strategies, song and social sounds, body size and social roles, and individual life histories. References for TDI publications on whales can be found on our website at: dolphin-institute.org/our_research/whale_research/whaleresearchpublications… During the winter/spring 2007 season we will focus on several issues: photo identification, underwater body size measurements of individual humpbacks, skin biopsy sampling, developing mitigation measures using shore-based tracking and shore to ship communication to help avoid ship/whale collisions, and possibly a third season of Crittercam deployment together with the National Geographic Society. The internship is full time and unpaid. However, all research staff, including interns, live together and are provided with room and board in Maui. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Maui. On-water research will be aboard our 21- and/or 18-foot outboard boats. Shore-based research will be from elevated platforms along the Maui coast using a theodolite and laptop computer. Interns will rotate between these two activities, as well as data processing at the field house. The internship runs from approximately December 27, 2006 to May 31, 2007. There are openings for several interns. Requirements: College graduate preferred; experience in research, especially field research; excellent letters of recommendation, ability to live and work closely and harmoniously as part of a team. Desirable qualifications: marine mammal experience, humpback whale research experience, boat driving experience, theodolite experience, experience with computer programs such as Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, CoolEdit, MATLAB, digital photography experience, GIS experience. Send cover letter indicating why you are seeking this internship and why you feel you are qualified, complete resume, college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Send applications or inquiries by email to Dr. Adam Pack at pack(a)hawaii.edu or by regular mail to The Dolphin Institute, P.O. Box 700694, Kapolei, Hawaii 96709. Positions are open until filled, but early application is encouraged. For more information on The Dolphin Institute's research and education programs see www.dolphin-institute.org.

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Humpback Whale acoustics question
by Kelvin Aitken 11 Sep '06

11 Sep '06

I have spent a lot of time photographing Humpback Whales in the Pacific. I have seen some behaviours on which I would like some more information. Is a vertical stance by a humpback able to provide it with increased acoustic reception? (Some recent photos showing examples can be found among the web pages here: http://www.marinethemes.com/Tonga2006/index.html) I have photographed females that hang motionless in a head down position and generally (though not always) I have photographed singing males in a vertical or near vertical (head down) position. I assume that to some degree a vertical downward facing position would enable a male to bounce sound off the sea bed which could partially explain the usual singing position. Would a vertical position give an advantage when receiving sound? Spyhopping: Tourists are usually told that when a whale "spyhops" or raises it's head above the surface in a vertical or near vertical position, it is looking at the boat or other whales or in some way satisfying it's curiosity visually. However, I have rarely seen spyhops where the eye of a humpback is above the surface, as the eyes are situated well back from the snout. Almost all spyhops are done with 1/4 to 3/4 of the snout above the water (and sometimes less) so an above water visual check hardly seems to be an adequate explanation for this behaviour. Also, since a large part of the suspended planktonic animal/plant life is found in the top meter of sea water, it would be logical to think that it would be easier and more visually satisfying for a whale to be well below the denser and usually rough surface. I know that crocodiles have sensory pits around the mouth similar to the Ampullae of Lorenzini found in sharks, that are able to pick up surface vibrations which is why they may raise their snout to place these sensory pits on the water/air interface. Would a spyhopping whale be placing their jaw in the water/air interface to better pick up vibrations? Would a vertical humpback be using it's jaw or skeletal bones to detect or enhance sound waves travelling through the water? Any informed comments or references to articles would be much appreciated. With thanks, Kelvin Aitken.

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Job Posting: Veterinary Technician
by Marine Animal Lifeline 11 Sep '06

11 Sep '06

Veterinary Technician/Volunteer & Intern Supervisor The Marine Animal Lifeline, a non-profit marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation hospital seeks a qualified candidate to fulfill a Veterinary Technician/Volunteer & Intern Supervisor position in the Veterinary Care Department. Consideration of applications will begin immediately. Responsibilities: The veterinary care responsibilities of this position include providing day-to-day care of rehabilitating marine mammals, not limited to; performing routine animal care procedures such as blood draws, administration of medications and fluids, physical examinations, etc.; operating laboratory diagnostic equipment; completing animal medical records; assisting in surgeries; conducting animal necropsies; monitoring the 24-hour rescue hotline and coordinating responses; assisting in maintaining the water filtration/life support systems, maintaining the cleanliness of the facility and its equipment; and monitoring inventory of medical supplies. The volunteer & intern supervisory responsibilities of this position include the overall supervision and direction of the volunteer and internship program. This includes the creation and/or refinement of program policies and forms, solicitation and recruitment, application review and processing, orientations, scheduling, data entry, and being the main point of contact of the program for new and current volunteers and interns. Requirements: The Marine Animal Lifeline is an extremely busy hospital, handling an average of 400 rescues per year. The work is fast paced and physically demanding. Position requires good physical endurance and strength, with the ability to lift 50 pounds and be able to handle and restrain wild marine mammals large and small. The candidate must have a Registered Veterinary Technician license or have worked in paid employment as a veterinary technician for a minimum of 1 year. Schedule and work hours fluctuate and the applicant must be able and willing to work long and flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and occasional nights and/or overnights. This is a supervisory position and the applicant must have some supervisory experience, including excellent communication skills and conflict resolution skills. The applicant must be a well organized, assertive, and outgoing person. Applicant must have good computer knowledge and be versed in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Application materials: CV or resume 2 references and contact info Marine Animal Lifeline is an equal opportunity employer If requirements are met, send your application material to: Gregory A. Jakush President Marine Animal Lifeline P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 Phone: (207) 773-7377, Ext. 113 Fax: (207) 541-1936 gjakush(a)stranding.org www.stranding.org 24 HOUR RESCUE HOTLINE 1-888-9-HOTLINE

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Stranded marine mammals protocol
by Artur Santos 11 Sep '06

11 Sep '06

"Dear all: Due to a stranding of a small whale (sp. to confirm) i would like to request any protocol procedures to dela with stranded whales/marine mammals?" The only info available is that it has 1.80m. Thank you Artur" -- Artur Santos > )))) º> >))))º> >))))º> >))))º> O o Ooº º o O Oºo >))))º> ))))º> >))))º> >))))º> -- Artur Santos > )))) º> >))))º> >))))º> >))))º> O o Ooº º o O Oºo >))))º> ))))º> >))))º> >))))º>

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Just published: The Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Fact Files
by William M. Johnson 11 Sep '06

11 Sep '06

Dear Colleagues We are writing to let you know that The Monachus Guardian has just published a detailed knowledgebase on the Mediterranean monk seal, written and compiled by some of Europe¹s foremost authorities on the species, including experienced field researchers working in Greece, Madeira, Mauritania/Western Sahara and Turkey. The Monk Seal Fact Files, a searchable information source, covers the history, habitat, distribution and abundance, biology and behaviour of Monachus monachus, as well as sections devoted to threats and conservation efforts. A comprehensive reference list provides links to additional online content and downloads, where available. Illustrations will continue to be added to The Monk Seal Fact Files in the months ahead, further enhancing this publication as a resource for teachers, students, journalists and general interest readers. It is hoped that additional funds might also be secured to expand the use of photographic material and to add multimedia (sound/video) content to the publication. Translations are also being considered. Any leads on potential funding sources to aid these conservation education efforts would be gratefully received. Should you consider it appropriate, please also consider placing a link to the Fact Files on your own website as a public service. Citation William M. Johnson, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, Panagiotis Dendrinos, Pablo Fernández de Larrinoa, Manel Gazo, Luis Mariano González, Harun Güçlüsoy, Rosa Pires, Matthias Schnellmann. 2006. Monk Seal Fact Files. Biology, Behaviour, Status and Conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus. The Monachus Guardian, http://www.monachus-guardian.org. Link <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/factfiles/medit01.htm> Yours sincerely William M. Johnson Editor _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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Dept of Conservation: Tender for Sea lion research - closes 29 S eptember 2006
by tgrose＠DOC.GOVT.NZ 10 Sep '06

10 Sep '06

For prompt circulation please... ****** Department of Conservation - Tender for science research: The Conservation Services Programme of the Marine Conservation Unit is tendering for the following services: POP 2006/01 The effects of fisheries interactions on the New Zealand Sea Lion Contractors are invited to express interest in tendering for the above services, to be carried out for the Department of Conservation at the Auckland Islands, one of New Zealand's Sub Antarctic islands. The services will consist of characterising the demographic parameters of the New Zealand sea lion population on the Auckland Islands; and modelling demographics of New Zealand sea lion in relation to fishing. Tenders close noon on Friday 29 September 2006. Further information and tender documents can be requested from Tracey Grose (tgrose(a)doc.govt.nz or +64-4-471-3288) ***** ############################################## This e-mail (and attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. ##############################################

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