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Announcement of Opportunity for Research Funding
by Ben Chicoski 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) of the U.S. and the Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Resource Management Integration (ICOSRMI) are currently seeking proposals under the following topic: · Marine Mammals (new and renewal awards) Up to $18.0 M USD over three years may be available for this solicitation, subject to appropriation and final approval by the ICOSRMI. For more information, please refer to the full Broad Agency Announcement: http://www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa/docs/baa_06_029.pdf NOPP is a collaboration of fifteen U.S. federal agencies to provide leadership and coordination of national ocean research and education initiatives. The ICOSRMI provides oversight to the nations ocean activities, including those involving ocean resource management. www.nopp.org http://ocean.ceq.gov/about/icosrmi.html *Promoting Partnerships for the Future of Oceanography* Thanks very much! Benjamin Chicoski NOPP Program Coordinator National Oceanographic Partnership Program Office Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education 1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 420, Washington, DC, USA ph. +1.202.448.1222 bchicoski(a)coreocean.org --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

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Position Announcement
by Georgia Zern 22 Aug '06

22 Aug '06

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT for MANATEE OBSERVER The Volusia County Manatee Protection Program is seeking a candidate for the position of Manatee Observer. This is a part time position, starting immediately, and lasting until mid to late October. The work environment is a dredging project and it involves being on-site during all dredging activities. The project site is located in Ponce Inlet, Florida. The small town of Ponce Inlet is situated on the central, east coast of Florida just a few miles south of the city of Daytona Beach. The position will report to the Manatee Protection Program Manager, and will be responsible for the daily observation of a boat ramp dredging activity in waters in which manatees are known to frequent. Among other duties, the job will entail the accurate, detailed documentation of any manatee sighting, and the responsibility for ordering the immediate shut down of dredging operations if a manatee(s) is spotted within 50 feet of the operation. Job duties will involve: The advisement of all dredge personnel that all vessels associated with the construction project shall operate at "No Wake/Idle Speed" at all times while in the construction area and while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four-foot clearance from the bottom. The advisement of project personnel that all vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible. Ordering the shut down of all equipment, including vessels, if a manatee(s) comes within 50 feet of the operation. Ensuring that dredging activities or boat operation does not resume until the manatee(s) has moved beyond the 50-foot radius of the project operation, or until 30 minutes elapses if the manatee(s) has not reappeared within 50 feet of the operation. Ensuring that animals are not herded away or harassed into leaving. The instruction of all dredge personnel on how to observe for the presence of manatees, and the need to avoid collisions with and injury to manatees. The advisement of all construction personnel that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees, which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. Ensuring that siltation or turbidity barriers are made of material in which manatees cannot become entangled, and that they are properly secured. Regular monitoring of the siltation barriers in order to avoid manatee entanglement or entrapment, and ensuring that the barriers do not block manatee entry to or exit from habitat. The recording of all manatee sightings, including documentation of the manatee's position, behavior, scar patterns, and photo documentation, if possible. Immediately reporting any collision with, injury to, or harassment of a manatee to the Volusia County Manatee Protection Program Manager, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Hotline, and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jacksonville. The successful candidate will have a degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Experience in observing manatees, other marine mammals, or sea turtles is preferred. Observation experience will be defined by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission standards. She/he must be physically fit, able to swim, and be able to remain in hot, and in some circumstances inclement weather conditions for long periods of time. She/he must be willing and able to assert authority, and at the same time, work successfully in a team atmosphere. This is a part time, contract position paid on an hourly basis at $9 per hour; benefits are not included. Please send a resume and a list of at least three references, with contact information, to the Volusia County Manatee Protection Program Manager: Georgia K. Zern, Manatee Protection Program Manager Environmental Management 123 West Indiana Avenue DeLand, Fl 32720 gzern(a)co.volusia.fl.us

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Marine Mammal Sessions_Defenders of Wildlife's 6th Biennial Carnivore Conference
by Jim Curland 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Here are the various marine mammal sessions sprinkled throughout Defenders of Wildlife's 6th Biennial Carnivore Conference, Habitats, Challenges, and Possibilities, to be held November 12-November 15 at the Hilton Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. The conference will feature three full days of sessions on terrestrial and marine carnivore issues, plus a poster session, field trip, silent auction, banquet and ambassador wolf sessions. For more information, please visit: http://www.carnivoreconference.org/. You can view a tentative, non-detailed schedule at this site for other session topics. On this year's Conference Science Advisory Committee is a team of 15 scientists, including 5 marine scientists: * From Mote Marine Lab: Dr. John Reynolds, Dr. Randy Wells, Dr. Nélio B. Barros, Dr. Damon Gannon * From the Center for Ocean Health, U.C. Santa Cruz/Long Marine Lab: Dr. Jim Estes Monday, November 13 Climate Change and Carnivores I 10:00 am-1:30 pm 1. Conservation in the Face of Climate Change, Lara Hansen 2. Climate-Ocean Effects on the Marine and Terrestrial Habitats of the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Jason Baker 3. Impacts of Diminishing Snow Cover on Ringed Seals, Brendan Kelly 4. Long-Term Trends in Polar Bear Ecology in Relation To Climatic Change, Nick Lunn 5. Global Warming, the Arctic Region and Preserving Endangered/Threatened Species- Another Case of Pre-Hurricane Katrina Thinking? Michael Belanger Human Interactions With Marine Mammals 10:00 am-1:30 pm 1. Human Interactions With Marine Mammals in the Wild: An Overview of the Policies, Guidelines and Regulations Developed in the U.S. To Address Activities of Concern, Trevor Spradlin 2. Feeding and Harassment of Wild Bottlenose Dolphins in the Southeast Region: Overview of Activities of Concern and Mitigation Efforts, Stacey Carlson 3. Evidence of Recreational Fishing Interactions in Stranded Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphins: 1997-2005, Wendy Durden 4. Impacts of Human Activities on a Long-Term Resident Community of Bottlenose Dolphins on Florida's West Coast, Randall Wells 5. Non-Lethal Deterrence of California Sea Lions and Pacific Harbor Seals, Monica DeAngelis 6. Recent Phocid and Canid Interactions in the Cape Cod Area of Massachusetts, Betty Lentell Human Interactions With Marine Mammals II 1:30 pm-3:30 pm 1. Large Carnivores and Tourism: a Symbiotic Or Parasitic Relationship?, John Dobson 2. The Impacts on Human/Bear Conflicts: Why We Need To Learn To Coexist, Minette Johnson DISCUSSION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tuesday, November 14 Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging Ecology I 8-10:30 am 1. Assessing the Effects of Fishing on Bottlenose Dolphins With Qualitative Models, Donald Baltz 2. Bottlenose Dolphin Vocalizations Suppress Calling Rates and Elevate Stress Hormones in a Prey Species, the Gulf Toadfish, Opsanus beta, Douglas Nowacek 3. How To Catch a Fish? Foraging Tactic Fidelity of Bottlenose Dolphins in Florida Bay, Florida, Leigh Torres 4. Role of Ecological Disturbance in the Foraging Ecology of Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins, Damon Gannon 5. Stomach Content Analysis of Bottlenose Dolphins Stranded in South Carolina, Michelle Pate 6. Variation in Feeding Habits Among Bottlenose Dolphins From Two Southeastern U.S. Estuaries As Determined By Stable Isotope Analysis, Melissa Recks Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging Ecology II 10:30-1:30 pm 1. Bottlenose Dolphin Population Differentiation and Trophic Studies Using Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur Stable Isotopes and Stomach Content Analyses, Nélio Barros 2. Molecular Scatology As a Tool For Investigating Cetacean Diet: Development, Assessment and Application of DNA-Based Diet Investigation Methods For Bottlenose Dolphins, Glenn Dunshea DISCUSSION Sea Otters 3:30 pm-5:30 pm 1. Patterns of Body Size, Growth and Condition Among Sea Otter Populations: What Can It Tell Us About Population Status? Daniel Monson 2. Persistence of Spilled Oil in Nearshore Sediments and Pathways of Exposure To Foraging Sea Otters, James Bodkin 3. Recovery, Foraging Patterns, and Prey Selection of Washington's Sea Otter Population, Harriet Allen 4. Nutrient Composition of the Diet Consumed By Threatened Southern Sea Otters, Alice Green 5. No Place Like Home: a Comparison of Habitat Use Strategies Between Southern Sea Otter Populations of Varying Density, Gena Bentall 6. Movement Patterns of Female Southern Sea Otters Vary With Reproductive Status, Christine Alfano 7. Sea Otters Translocated To San Nicolas Island: Individual Fates, Population Growth, and Projected Persistence of a Small Population, Lilian Carswell -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.saveseaotters.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/ (Above link is Defenders California Programs) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection)

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The Impact of human activity on the behaviour of Indo-pacific humpback dolphins in Zanzibar Arcipelago, Tanzania
by bertulla＠supereva.it 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Dear all, I am an Italian marine biology researcher. I am interested in studying the Indian humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) population inhabiting the waters off Zanzibar Arcipelago, Tanzania. I think it would be necessary to monitor these cetaceans and their inshore distribution that renders them particularly susceptible to the effects of human activities in the coastal zones. On this purpose, I would like to run a project studying their behavioural ecology and reactions towards vessel activity, making a comparison between Unguja and Pemba Island. In fact, on Unguja Island theres a lot of disturbance caused by human activities, while in Pemba these anthropogenic factors seem to be really rare. Thus, I would like if anyone has some articles about the situation of humpback dolphins in this area, that can be really useful for my project. These are the articles that I have already found: - Amir, Jiddawi and Berggren (2005) The occurrence and distribution of dolphins in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with Comments on the Differences between two species of Tursiops. Western Indian Ocean J.Mar.Sci.Vol.4, No 1, pp. 85-93. - Amir,O., Berggren,P.,Ndaro,G.M. and Narriman,J. (2005) Feeding ecology of the Indo-Pacific bottlnose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) incidentally caught in the gillnet fisheries off Zanzibar, Tanzania. - Barros, Nelio B. (1991) Prey of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) stranded in eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Aquatic Mammals, 17.3:134-136. - Borobia,M. (1997) Small cetaceans of eastern, western and centrals African regions: a summary report. Paper presented at the scientific Committee meeting of the International Whaling commission (IWC)30 September-11October in Bournemouth, UK, Document IWC/SC/49/SM48 - Fachinetti,C. (2001) Contributo alla studio della cetofauna nellArcipelago di Zanzibar, Tanzania. Bachelor thesis, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Corso di laurea di Scienze Naturali. - Karcmarski,L., Thorthon,M. and Cockcroft,V.G. (1997) Description of selected behaviours of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis. Aquatic Mammals,23.3,127-133. - Karcmarski,L. (2000) Conservation and management of humpback dolphins: the South African perspective. Oryx.Vol 34(3), 207-216. - Karcmarski,L., Cockcroft,V.G. and McLachlan,A. (2000) Habitat use and preferences of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa, Bay, South Africa. Marine Mammal Science, 16(1):65-79. - Karczmarski,L. and Cockcroft,V.G. (1998) Matrix photo-identification technique applied in studies of free-ranging bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Aquatic Mammals, 24.3,143-147. - Karcmarski,L., Cockcroft,V.G. and McLachlan,A. (1999) Group size and seasonal patterns of occurrence of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. S.Afr.J.Mar.Sci. 21:89-97. - Peddemors,V.M. and Thompson,G. (1994) Beaching behaviour during shallow water feeding by humpback dolphins Sousa plumbea. Aquatic Mammals, 20.2, 65-67. - Karcmarski,L., Thorthon,M. and Cockcroft,V.G. (2000) Daylight occurrence of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Algoa Bay, South Africa. - Stensland,E. (2004) Behavioural ecology of Indo-Pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins. PhD thesis. - Stensland, Carlen, Särnblad, Bighert and Berggren (2006) Population size, distribution, and behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose (Tursiops aduncus) and humpback (Sousa chinensis) dolphins off the south coast of Zanzibar. Marine Mammal Science,22(3):667-682. - Stensland, Berggren, Johnstone and Jiddawi (1998) Marine Mammals in Tanzania: Urgent need for status management. Ambio vol.xxvii. No 8:771-774. - Tocchetti,M., Bortolotto,A., and Jiddawi,N. (2001) The Zanzibar Cetacean Project. 29Th EAAM Annual Symposium, Genoa, Italy, 9-12 March 2001. - Van Parijs, S. and Corkeron,P. (2001) Boat traffic affects the acoustic behaviour of Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. Thank you in advance, Chiara Bertulli c/o Hvalsafari AS P.O. Box 58 8483 Andenes, Norway ciarabertulli(a)yahoo.it mobile :+39/340/6933102 home phone:+39/02/70000549 home address: viale Mugello 2 20137 Milano, Italy --------------------------------------------------------------- Mettiti al centro del mondo! Crea il tuo blog e condividi con i tuoi amici idee, immagini e video, da web e da cellulare! http://beta.dada.net/ ---------------------------------------------------------------

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New Article on Irish cetaceans
by Dave Wall IWDG 21 Aug '06

21 Aug '06

Dear Marmamers, The Following article is available as a PDF: Dave Wall, Joanne O'Brien, John Meade, & Brendan M. Allen. Summer distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans off the west coast of Ireland. Biology and Environment Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 106B(2):135-142. Abstract >From May to September 2004 a survey of cetacean distribution and relative abundance was conducted on board a 'ship of opportunity'-a vessel used as a survey platform but not chartered for this purpose-off the west coast of Ireland. In total, 508 hours of survey effort were completed, with 304.2 hours in Beaufort sea-state 3 or less. Two hundred and thirty one sightings of eight species-common dolphin Delphinus delphis (L.), Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus (Gray), bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu), harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena (L.), Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus (Cuvier), pilot whale Globicephala melas (Traill), minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata (Lacepede) and fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (L.)-were recorded, totalling 2,933 individuals. The greatest diversity and relative abundance were recorded on the Rockall Bank, where Atlantic white-sided dolphin was the most abundant species. The common dolphin was the most abundant species recorded on the continental shelf to the south-west of Ireland, while the relative abundance of cetaceans off the north coast was very low. The data suggest that cetacean species composition and relative abundance can vary greatly between adjacent marine habitat types and over relatively small geographical distances. A pdf copy is available from the Royal Irish Academy's website (open access): http://www.ria.ie/cgi-bin/ria/papers/100578.pdf

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Spanish translation of The Monachus Guardian now published
by William M. Johnson 20 Aug '06

20 Aug '06

Dear Colleagues We are delighted to inform you that, thanks to the support of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Spain, the current issue of The Monachus Guardian has been published in Spanish. This is a ³first² for the Guardian, and can only help to bring the plight of the monk seals and their threatened habitats to a wider audience. If you have Spanish-language friends or colleagues who you think might be interested in the publication, please forward them this email. The Spanish translation can be accessed at: <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/spanish> or through our ³home² page <http://www.monachus-guardian.org> via the linked flag. With kind regards William Johnson Editor _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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Coastal & Marine Tourism Congress - Call for Abstracts!
by Michael Luck 20 Aug '06

20 Aug '06

Kia Ora! We are pleased to announce that abstracts for the 5th International Coastal & Marine Tourism Congress (CMT), hosted by AUT University (School of Hospitality & Tourism, Faculty of Applied Humanities), the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI), and the University of Washington (School of Marine Affairs), can now be submitted. The CMT07 will be a high profile international conference, with delegates from academia, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Invited keynote speakers include Professor David Fennell (Brock University, Canada), Associate Professor James Higham (University of Otago, New Zealand), Professor Marc L. Miller (University of Washington, USA), Dr. Mark B. Orams (Massey University at Albany, New Zealand), and Professor Jeffrey Wilks (University of Queensland, Australia). Please submit your abstract (250 words) directly online at: http://nztri.aut.ac.nz/cmt2007/pages/index.php Authors are required to use the online forms * abstracts by e-mail cannot be accepted. Authors will receive a confirmation by e-mail, along with a login and password for the future management of their abstracts, and later full and working paper(s) and poster(s). Alternatively, potential delegates are encouraged to register their interest on the same webpage, if they are undecided about an abstract, or want to attend the conference without presenting. This is no commitment at this stage, but helps us planning. We are very much looking forward to your abstracts, and of course to welcoming you here in the City of Sailsin 2007! All the Best! Michael Lueck (for the organising committee) *************************************************************************** Michael Lück, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Tourism Studies School of Hospitality and Tourism Faculty of Applied Humanities AUT University Private Bag 92006 Auckland, New Zealand e-mail: michael.lueck(a)aut.ac.nz Phone: +64 9-921-9999 ext. 5833 Fax: +64 9-921 9975 *************************************************************************** Member of the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute NZTRI http://www.tri.org.nz ( http://www.tri.org.nz/ ) *************************************************************************** Chair, Organising Committee, Coastal & Marine Tourism Congress 2007 http://nztri.aut.ac.nz/cmt2007/pages/ *************************************************************************** Editor-in-Chief: Tourism in Marine Environments http://www.cognizantcommunication.com/filecabinet/Tme/tme.html *************************************************************************** Associate Editor: Journal of Ecotourism http://www.channelviewpublications.com/multi/journals/journals_je.asp?TAG=&… ***************************************************************************

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New publications week 33
by Jan Herrmann 20 Aug '06

20 Aug '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 33 / 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 Barton, R.A. (2006): Animal communication: do dolphins have names? Current Biology 16(15): R598-R599. Falnes, J. (2006): The Shore Whaling Stations at South Georgia: A Study in Antarctic Industrial Archaeology (review). Technology and Culture 47(3): 694-695. Fish, F.E. (2006): The myth and reality of Gray's paradox: implication of dolphin drag reduction for technology. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics 1(2): R17-R25. Helweg, D.A. et al. (2006): Using a binaural biomimetic array to identify bottom objects ensonified by echolocating dolphins. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics 1(2): 41-51. Leaper, R. et al. (2006): Global climate drives southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) population dynamics. Biology Letters 2(2): 289-292. PINNIPEDIA Hayes, S.A. et al. (2006): Mating system and reproductive success in eastern Pacific harbour seals. Molecular Ecology 15(10): 3023-3034. Henson, S.M., J.L. Hayward, and S.P. Damania (2006): Identifying environmental determinants of diurnal distribution in marine birds and mammals. Bulletin of Mathematical Biology 68(2): 467-482.Epub. Hoffman, J.I. et al. (2006): Deep genetic subdivision within a continuously distributed and highly vagile marine mammal, the Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Molecular Ecology 15(10): 2821-2832. Theobald, M.R. et al. (2006): Ammonia emissions from a Cape fur seal colony, Cape Cross, Namibia. Geophysical Research Letters 33(3): L03812. Watanabe, Y. et al. (2006): Body density affects stroke patterns in Baikal seals. Journal of Experimental Biology 209(17): 3269-3280. Yamaya, Y. et al. (2006): Isoflurane anaesthesia in four sea lions (Otaria byronia and Zalophus californianus). Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 33(5): 302-306. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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new article on killer whales
by Alexandre Zerbini 19 Aug '06

19 Aug '06

Dear Marmamers, The following paper has just been published in electronic format: Alexandre N. Zerbini, Janice M. Waite, John W. Durban, Rick LeDuc, Marilyn E. Dahlheim and Paul R. Wade. 2006. Estimating abundance of killer whales in the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands using line-transect sampling. Marine Biology: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-006-0347-8 Abstract: Abstract Killer whale (/Orcinus orca/ Linnaeus, 1758) abundance in the North Pacific is known only for a few populations for which extensive longitudinal data are available, with little quantitative data from more remote regions. Line-transect ship surveys were conducted in July and August of 2001–2003 in coastal waters of the western Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Conventional and Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling methods were used to estimate the abundance of different killer whale ecotypes, which were distinguished based upon morphological and genetic data. Abundance was calculated separately for two data sets that differed in the method by which killer whale group size data were obtained. Initial group size (IGS) data corresponded to estimates of group size at the time of first sighting, and post-encounter group size (PEGS) corresponded to estimates made after closely approaching sighted groups. ‘Resident’-type (fish-eating) killer whales were more abundant than the ‘transient’-type (mammal-eating). Abundance estimates of resident killer whales (991 [95% CI = 379–2,585] [IGS] and 1,587 [95% CI = 608–4,140] [PEGS]), were at least four times greater than those of the transient killer whales (200 [95% CI = 81–488] [IGS] and 251 [95% CI = 97–644] whales [PEGS]). The IGS estimate of abundance is preferred for resident killer whales because the estimate based on PEGS data may show an upward bias. The PEGS estimate of abundance is likely more accurate for transients. Residents were most abundant near Kodiak Island in the northern Gulf of Alaska, around Umnak and Unalaska Islands in the eastern Aleutians, and in Seguam Pass in the central Aleutians. This ecotype was not observed between 156 and 164°W, south of the Alaska Peninsula. In contrast, transient killer whale sightings were found at higher densities south of the Alaska Peninsula between the Shumagin Islands and the eastern Aleutians. Only two sightings of ‘offshore’-type killer whales were recorded during the surveys, one northeast of Unalaska Island and the other south of Kodiak Island. These are the first estimates of abundance of killer whale ecotypes in the Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula area and provide a baseline for quantifying the role of these top predators in their ecosystem. A pdf copy is available from the following website (for authorized users): <http://www.springerlink.com/content/bm1771q4qx169684/> or upon request to Alex Zerbini (azerbini(a)u.washington.edu) Best regards, -- Alexandre N Zerbini Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA phone: (206) 221-5453 email: azerbini(a)u.washington.edu

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Course announcement - Anuncio de curso (SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC)
by Carlos Alvarez Flores 18 Aug '06

18 Aug '06

Spanish version at the bottom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following course will be offered at the end of the First International Conference on the Study of Aquatic Mammals organized jointly by the Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy (SOMEMMA) and the Latin-American Society of Specialists in Aquatic Mammals (SOLAMAC) to be held in Merida, Yucatan from the 5^th to the 9^th of November 2006. Course announcement: POPULATION ASSESSMENT METHODS APPLIED TO THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF MARINE MAMMALS. Dates: November 10^th to the 14^th of 2006 (Immediately after the SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC Conference). Place: Campus of the University of Yucatan. Merida, Mexico. Instructors: Alexandre Zerbini (University of Washington. USA); Billy Ernst (University of Concepcion. Chile); Armando Jaramillo (National Institute of Ecology. Mexico); Carlos Alvarez (Okenus, Consultants in Conservation and Marine Development. Mexico) Language: Spanish Main topics: Scientific method and philosophy; Elements of statistical theory; Estimation of animal abundance using Mark-Recapture and Line Transects; Population dynamics; Population assessment methods; Forecasting the population response to management actions. Requirements: Basic knowledge of algebra and calculus; Scientific methodology; Statistics; Ecology. A laptop computer is highly recommended but not required (The classroom will have enough computers for all students). Number of students to be accepted: 20. Cost: US$ 50.00 (Fifty US dollars), to be paid at the SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC Conference registration. Please be advised that because space is limited, if you submit your registration form, it implies your commitment to participate in the course. If you wish to cancel please do so two weeks BEFORE THE CONFERENCE so that other interested people have time to make travel arrangements. Otherwise we expect you to pay the fee. Registration: Fill the following form and send to Carlos Alvarez (carlosalvarezz(a)prodigy.net.mx <mailto:carlosalvarezz@prodigy.net.mx>). Name: Institution: Country: Email address: Academic level (undergrad, masters, PhD): Describe briefly your academic background, experience and motivation to participate in the course. Would you be able to bring your own computer? Would you like us to put you in contact with other participants to share accommodations? Please send all questions to Carlos Alvarez. El siguiente curso será ofrecido posterior a la Primera Reunión Internacional sobre el Estudio de los Mamíferos Acuáticos organizado en conjunto por la Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina (SOMEMMA) y la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos (SOLAMAC) y que tendrá lugar en la ciudad de Mérida, Yucatán del 5 al 9 de Noviembre del 2006. Anuncio del curso: METODOS DE EVALUACION POBLACIONAL APLICADOS A LA CONSERVACION Y MANEJO DE MAMIFEROS MARINOS. Fechas: Del 10 al 14 de Noviembre del 2006. (Inmediatamente después de la reunión de SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC). Lugar: Campus de la Universidad de Yucatán. Mérida, México. Instructores: Alexandre Zerbini (Universidad de Washington. USA); Billy Ernst (Universidad de Concepcion. Chile); Armando Jaramillo (Instituto Nacional de Ecología. México); Carlos Alvarez (Okenus, Consultores en Conservación y Desarrollo Marino. México). Idioma: Español. Temas principales: Método y filosofía científica; Elementos de teoría estadística; Estimación de abundancia animal mediante los métodos de Captura-Recaptura y Transectos lineales; Dinámica poblacional; Métodos de evaluación de poblaciones animales; Predicción de la respuesta poblacional a acciones de manejo. Requerimientos: Conocimientos básicos de algebra y calculo; Método científico; Ecología. Es recomendable que los participantes traigan su propia computadora laptop, pero no es indispensable (el salón de clases tendrá suficientes computadoras para todos los participantes). Número de estudiantes que serán aceptados: 20. Costo: US$ 50.00 (Cincuenta dólares estadounidenses), a pagar al registrarse en la Reunión de SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC. Por favor tengan presente que dadas las limitaciones en el numero de participantes, el envío de su registro implica su compromiso en la participación en el curso. Si desean cancelar, favor de hacerlo dos semanas ANTES DE LA REUNION SOMEMMA-SOLAMAC para que otros interesados tengan tiempo para hacer sus arreglos de viaje. De otra manera se espera el pago de su cuota de inscripción. Registro: Favor de llenar la siguiente forma y enviarla a Carlos Alvarez (carlosalvarezz(a)prodigy.net.mx <mailto:carlosalvarezz@prodigy.net.mx>). Nombre: Institución: País de origen: Dirección de correo electrónico: Nivel académico (licenciatura, maestría, doctorado): Describa brevemente sus antecedentes académicos, experiencia y sus motivaciones para participar en el curso. Tendrá la posibilidad de traer su propia computadora? Desearía que lo pusiéramos en contacto con otros participantes para compartir hospedaje? Por favor envíen sus preguntas a Carlos Alvarez. Carlos Alvarez carlosalvarezz(a)prodigy.net.mx

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