- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publications week 34
by Jan Herrmann 29 Aug '06

29 Aug '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 34 / 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. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Liste, F. et al. (2006): Anatomic and computed tomographic atlas of the head of the newborn bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 47(5): 453-460. McLeod, B.A., T.R. Frasier, and B.N. White (2006): Reply to the comment by Romero and Kannada on "Genetic analysis of 16th-century whale bones prompts a revision of the impact of Basque whaling on right and bowhead whales in the western North Atlantic". Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 1066-1069. Nogota, Y. and K. Matsumura (2006): Larval development and settlement of a whale barnacle. Biology Letters 2(1): 92-93. Ramp, C. et al. (2006): Survival of adult blue whales Balaenoptera musculus in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. Marine Ecology Progress Series 319(): 287-295. Romero, A. and S. Kannada (2006): Comment on "Genetic analysis of 16th-century whale bones prompts a revision of the impact of Basque whaling on right and bowhead whales in the western North Atlantic". Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 1059-1065. Thomsen, F., M. Laczny, and W. Piper (2006): A recovery of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the southern North Sea? A case study off Eastern Frisia, Germany. Helgoland Marine Research 60(3): 189-195. Moore, L.M. et al. (2006): Seal and Whale Meat: A Newly Recognized Food Allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 117(2, Supplement 1): S45. PINNIPEDIA Grellier, K. and P.S. Hammond (2006): Robust digestion and passage rate estimates for hard parts of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) prey. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 63(9): 1982-1998. Nelson, M.L., J.R. Gilbert, and K.J. Boyle (2006): The influence of siting and deterrence methods on seal predation at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms in Maine, 2001-2003. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 63(8): 1710-1721. Reid, K., D. Davis, and I.J. Staniland (2006): Spatial and temporal variability in the fish diet of Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 1025-1037. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Kwan, D., H. Marsh, and S. Delean (2006): Factors influencing the sustainability of customary dugong hunting by a remote indigenous community. Environmental Conservation 33(): 164-171. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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donating a hydrophone for exhibition
by Y. Reneé Mensing-Solick 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

Hello, I am writing to see if anyone has a retired/unusable hydrophone that they are will to part with for an exhibit component about underwater sounds. This component is part of an exhibition called Wild Music. This is a national traveling exhibition that investigates the many parallels between human music and musical sounds of the animal world. Specifically, we would like to utilize this hydrophone as a display for museum visitors to look at while listening to audio recordings of a variety of organisms (e.g., snapping shrimp, spiny lobster, earthquake, etc.). Please do let me know if you have one available. Thank you very much. Cheers, Reneé Y. Reneé Mensing-Solick, M.F.A. Exhibit Developer! Science Museum of Minnesota 120 West Kellogg Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55102 rmensingsolick(a)smm.org (651) 221-2501 ------------------------------------------------------------

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Vice President, Zoological Operations, Mystic Aquarium
by Jeremy Dewey 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

Job Announcement Vice President, Zoological Operations Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Mystic, CT Job Summary - The Vice President of Zoological Operations establishes and leads the zoological collection master plan and implements long-range collection plans in support of exhibition, education, and conservation purposes. The VP also develops and directs collection short-term plans with input from departmental curators and oversees day-to-day management. S/he develops, administers and monitors the overall collection budget and prioritizes the implementation of significant capital expenditures. This position reports to the President & CEO and oversees a department of over 40 full- and part-time employees including three direct reports. Requirements - A minimum of ten year's experience in a related field with experience including compliance with animal collection regulations and accreditation standards, daily and long-term care, exhibition and collection planning, and specimen acquisitions and de-acquisitions; demonstrated advanced working knowledge of the husbandry and exhibit design appropriate for captive marine mammals, birds, fishes and invertebrates and their life support systems; excellent communication skills; ability to foster teamwork; Master's Degree in Biology, Marine Science or related field. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Interested parties should send a C.V. in confidence to: James Abruzzo Managing Director, Nonprofit Practice DHR International, Inc. c/o James Jordan jjordan(a)dhrinternational.com The Mystic Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.

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Capricornia Cetaceans Project
by Daniele Cagnazzi 28 Aug '06

28 Aug '06

PROJECT TITLE: Southern Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project RESEARCH CENTRE: Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre The SCUWRC is a cetacean centre that was established in 2001 at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, Australia. The principle objective of the centre is to undertake research on cetacean populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student at SCUWRS is looking for volunteers, to cover the period from Jenuary 2007 to April 2007 to assist the researcher during the field work. We conduct boat-based research with the primary objective to investigate population parameters, size, social dynamics, habitat preference, movement, range, seasonal occurrence and abundance and pattern of diurnal behaviour of Snubfin dolphin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin along the Fraser/Curtis Coast. Furthermore, we collect occasional information on all the cetacean species, mainly members of the Delphinidae family, sighted during the surveys. We also work closely with local communities, environmental agencies, and government organisations to educate the general public and to promote a general awareness and understanding of the significance of Cetaceans. The primary aims of the project are: 1) To estimate the distribution and abundance of the inshore dolphins ( primarly Snubfin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin) in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Region. 2) To determine the southern-most limit for Snubfin dolphins in Australia. 3) To identify key habitats for dolphins feeding and resting and socialising. 3) Collecting data of any other species recorded in the study area. The field work will be conducted on a daily basis on the 6m research vessel, Sousa, mainly in coastal waters and estuaries. Volunteers will help during: 1.. boat-based line transect surveys 2.. collect data on cetacean sightings 3.. data entry for cetacean sightings 4.. photo-id work and analysis Volunteers will share a house close to the beach with the researcher and the rest of the team but will have to partecipate to the accomodation and food costs. Applicants please reply to my e-mail address, dcagna10(a)scu.edu.au, attaching a CV, including previous experiences and background studies. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student SCUWRC Daniele Cagnazzi PhD Candidate Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University P.O. Box 157, Lismore, N.S.W. Australia, 2480 Mobile 0439-782-243 Ph. +61 7 4938-8563 Fax. +61 2 6621-2669

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brain evolution
by Louis Herman 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

Aloha all: A recent article by Paul Manger in Biological Review (2006, 81, 293-338) posits that the evolution of big brains in the Cetacea was a response to ocean cooling in the Oligocene to provide for more efficient thermogenesis. To bolster this hypothesis, Manger argues that the big brains of the cetaceans do not support advanced information processing capabilities (i.e., the increases in brain size were not a response to the need for and advantages of advanced information processing capabilities). He argues further that, in fact, cetaceans, dolphins included, are not very intelligent after all, and critiques negatively several studies reporting advanced or special cognitive skills in dolphins. Unfortunately, there has been extensive publicity the press and television about "dimwit dolphins" that are really no smarter than rats, etc., etc. You may have seen or heard some of these reports. A problem is that Manger's review of the cognitive literature is limited and includes little of the large body of contemporary laboratory and field data showing advanced cognitive skills in dolphins. For those who are interested, and request a copy, I can send a PDF of a chapter I recently published that reviews much of the contemporary laboratory data. The reference is Herman, L. M. (2006). Intelligence and rational behaviour in the bottlenosed dolphin. In S. Hurley & M. Nudds (Eds.) Rational animals? Pp. 439-468. Oxford University Press. For recent relevant fieldwork on bottlenosed dolphins, I highly recommend the chapter by Richard Connor and Janet Mann, Social cognition in the wild: Machiavellian dolphins? Pp. 329-370, published in that same volume. Louis (Lou) Herman

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Job Posting: Research Scientist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
by Chip Deutsch 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

The following position with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute in the Wildlife Research Section/Marine Mammal Subsection at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab in St. Petersburg, Florida, is currently being advertised. Applicants must apply through the People First web site, link below. OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FWRI Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 4 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-04 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB009 Position Number: 77071671 Closing Date: 9/18/2006 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, FL County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $39,739 - $99,346 Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION: Hiring Rate: $50,000 - $55,000 annually, depending on qualifications (See job posting on People First for more details) Position Description: The Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking candidates for the position of scientific coordinator of the manatee necropsy program. This position will conduct research on the health, physiological and anatomical aspects of marine mammal biology including maintenance and analysis of manatee mortality data and collaboration with in-house and outside researchers. Primary responsibilities will be to lead or assist in the performance of necropsies on marine mammals (primarily manatees) to determine the cause of death and to collect samples for research. In collaboration with in-house and outside researchers, utilize gross observations, histopathology, microbiology, toxicology or any other diagnostic procedures to ascertain cause of death or epizootics. Prepare necropsy and technical reports, present findings at national meetings and publish results in refereed journals. Job duties will include: oversight of FWC's Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab (MMPL) including lab administration; fostering a safe working environment; develop and monitor annual salvage and necropsy working budgets, ensuring that expenditures do not exceed spending authority, participation in salvage, rescue, and research captures, and transport or assisting in the transport of animals to appropriate Oceanaria. Supervising of assigned staff and participation in public outreach efforts will also be required. Education: A master's degree and 4 yrs. of professional experience as described above; or a doctorate with 2 years of experience. Candidates with PhD will be given preference. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of the biological sciences and scientific research (especially physiological ecology-related research and general anatomy), methods of data collection and analysis of data, field techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing and analysis; personal computers and database software. Skill in the use of scientific laboratory, and field equipment. Ability to: collect, record and analyze scientific data relating to marine mammal stranding and deaths; conduct scientific research on wildlife health, physiology, anatomy and ecology; perform quantitative analysis of scientific data; prepare written technical reports and manuscripts; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; effectively supervise others; work independently; utilize problem solving techniques; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the research sciences; swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 22'. Must be able to lift > 50 lbs. Please visit our site for a full position description and application instructions: http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=396828. Equal Opportunity Employer/ Affirmative Action Employer The State of Florida does not tolerate violence in the workplace. Pursuant to Chapter 295 F.S. veterans and spouses of veterans may receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance.

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job announcement
by Nelio Barros 24 Aug '06

24 Aug '06

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM SENIOR BIOLOGIST – DEPUTY PROGRAM MANAGER The Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research at Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) is soliciting applications for a Senior Biologist to serve in the position of Deputy Program Manager (DPM) with the Stranding Investigations Program. This is a full-time position with benefits, available starting 20 September 2006. Salary range is $35,000-$45,000, commensurate with experience. Duties and Responsibilities: The DPM will work closely with the Program Manager (PM) in responding to live and dead stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Duties include sharing responsibility for a 24-hour/day emergency stranding pager; assisting with the recovery and necropsy of stranded animals; supervising the efforts of a biologist and team of volunteer professionals and interns; submitting proposals to funding agencies for support of the Stranding Investigations Program; maintaining the stranding database; assisting in verification, rescue and recovery of sick, injured or dead manatees; assisting with rescues of live-stranded cetaceans and sea turtles; participating in the quarterly training classes; supervising the maintenance of the Stranding Investigations Program vehicles; meeting all deadlines to fulfill research contract/grant obligations; conducting high quality research resulting in scientific publications and presentations; responding to requests by the Program Manager, Center Director and Executive Vice President for Research. Support: Within two years, the candidate is expected to develop full-time extramural self support, including fringe benefits and MML indirect costs (78% of combined salary + fringe benefits). Several ongoing sources for program support have been established. Preferred Qualifications: Education: MSc in biology or related field is preferred. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience working with marine mammal strandings, including field response and necropsy. Background in cetacean life history or pathology is preferred. Work Authorization: Proof of United States citizenship or ability to lawfully work in the U.S. required upon beginning of employment on 20 September 2006. Valid Florida Driver’s License: Required within 30 days of start date. Skills and abilities: Computer knowledge (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Access, ArcView) and strong verbal and written communication skills. Applicants should have experience working with volunteers. Ability to swim, lift heavy objects, and to operate and trailer small boats and personal watercraft, including launching and retrieval, is also required. Please mail application materials (letter of intent, CV, names and contact information for 3 references) to Dr. Nélio Barros, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 or nbarros(a)mote.org. The deadline for submission of applications is 06 September 2006.

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1st Symposium for Manatee in Mesoamerica
by Gonzalez, Daniel (LLU) 23 Aug '06

23 Aug '06

This is a general invitation for scientists, students, managers of protected areas, and all others interested in participating in the 1st Symposium for the Biology and Conservation of Manatee in Mesoamerica that will be held at the X Congress of the Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation on October 28th November 3rd, 2006 in Antigua, Guatemala. The purpose of the symposium is to evaluate the current status of manatees in each Mesoamerican country and to examine the current investigations being conducted as well as to promote collaboration in the region. The deadline for abstracts is September 5th. More information can be found in the symposium website: http://www.wsdcinc.org/manatee/ Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske Loma Linda University dgonzalez01x(a)llu.edu León David Olivera-Gómez Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco Villahermosa, Tabasco, México leon.olivera(a)dacbiol.ujat.mx Ester Quintana-Rizzo Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota, FL, USA equintana(a)mote.org

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Number of commercial dolphin-watch licenses reduced because of impacts
by Lars Bejder 23 Aug '06

23 Aug '06

Dear Marmam Readers, The Minister of the Environment (Western Australia) has recently released a press release stating that the number of commercial dolphin-watch licenses in Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Australia will be reduced from two to one, based on scientific data showing: a) a reduction of dolphin abundance in the area where vessel-based tourism is occurring; and b) that female dolphins exposed to the vessels had lower reproductive success than females with less exposure. The Minister said that the Monkey Mia tourism industry was largely based on the dolphin experience and the withdrawal of one license was a necessary sacrifice for the long-term sustainability of the area. Please see the following link for the press release: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/media/media.nsf/news/958A19167C70F7934… All the best, Lars Bejder l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Murdoch University Murdoch 6150 Western Australia

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New article: Longman's beaked whale
by jeremy.kiszka 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

Dear all, On behalf my colleague R. Charles Anderson, I would like to announce the publication of the following paper in "Aquatic Mammals": Anderson, R.C., Clark, R., Madsen, P.T., Johnson, C., Kiszka, J. & Breysse, O., 2006. Observations of Longman's beaked whale (Indopacetus pacificus) in the western Indian Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 32(2): 223-231. Abstract Seventeen new sightings, and a total of 32 records, of the little-known Longman's beaked whale, (Indopacetus pacificus) (also called tropical bottlenose whale or Indo-pacific beaked whale) are reported from the western Indian Ocean. Field identification features are reviewed, and the possibilities of confusion with other beaked whales are noted. Mean group size for the western Indian Ocean sightings was 7.2 individuals (n = 22, SD = 10.9, range = 1 to 40). This is smaller than previously published estimates from the Pacific, reflecting a relatively large number of new sightings of individuals and small groups, which, in turn, reflect the recent description of the external appearance of this species. Recorded dive times were either short (mean = 14 min, range = 11 to 18 min, n = 5) or long (mean = 26 min, range = 20 to 33 min, n = 19). Longman's beaked whales appear to be widely distributed in the warmer (> 27° C) waters of the western Indian Ocean, but most sightings were over or adjacent to deep slopes (depths 250 to 2,000+ m). Mean sighting rates were much higher in the western Indian Ocean (1 sighting per 31 sea days for visual surveys) and particularly around the Maldives (1 sighting per 21 sea days) than have been reported from the Pacific (1 sighting per 200 sea days). Longman's beaked whales may therefore be more common in the western Indian Ocean than in the Pacific, although survey methodologies used in the two oceans were not identical. Widespread gillnet fisheries may pose a potential threat to this species in the Indian Ocean. Please contact me for a pdf copy to jeremy.kiszka(a)wanadoo.fr Best, Jeremy KISZKA.

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