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Abstracts, Aquatic Mammals, vol 32, issue 2, June 2006
by Dagmar Fertl 17 Aug '06

17 Aug '06

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies in advance, to those of you on both listserves who will receive cross-postings. The following are the contents and abstracts for the most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammals_. This journal was established by the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) in 1974; both the EAAM and the European Cetacean Society (ECS) sponsor the journal, which is printed 4 times per year. These abstracts are posted as a courtesy to the Marmam editors and the two societies, as well as the managing editor of _Aquatic Mammals_: Dr. Jeanette Thomas at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. For instructions to authors, abstracts of previous issues, and publication fees, see the journal website: EAAM (http://eaam.org) and ECS (www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs) Please do not contact me or the listserve editors for copies of the articles. Instead, please find the addresses of the authors to whom reprint requests and other inquiries should be directed. When an email address was provided with the article, I included it with the article (=only the book reviews have email addresses supplied). Thank you for your continued interest in these postings, as well as other publication postings to the listserves. With regards, Dagmar Fertl 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 ********************************************************** Mellink, E.*, and A. Orozco-Meyer. 2006. Abundance, distribution, and Residence of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in the Bahía San Jorge area, northern Gulf of California, México. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2): 133-139. *Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior de Ensenada, BC We studied bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in Bahía San Jorge, northern Gulf of California, México, between August 1999 and March 2000. From a fishing skiff, we photo-characterized dolphins and noted their location, and from a raised platform on shore, we counted dolphins entering and exiting the bay. During our study, the area of Bahía San Jorge seemed to be important for bottlenose dolphins' feeding, especially in the winter, and also apparently for parturition. Most dolphins were only temporarily present in the area. There were no effects of tidal conditions on the numbers or activity of the dolphins. We documented few interactions between artisanal fishermen and dolphins. Only during the shrimp-fishing season, when the dolphins benefited from fishing, were some losses to the fishermen caused through net rupture and catch shaken from the net. **************************************************************************** Rossi-Santos, M.R.*, and L.L. Wedekin. 2006. Evidence of bottom contact behavior by estuarine dolphins (_Sotalia guianensis_) on the eastern coast of Brazil. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):140-144. *Projeto Boto Sotalia do Sul da Bahia, Instituto Baleia Jubarte/Brazilian Humpback Whale Institute, Rua Barao do Rio Branco, 26, Canavelas BA 45900-000 Brazil We present herein the first records of evidence of bottom contact behavior by _Sotalia guianensis_. From April 2002 to December 2004, boat cruises were conducted along a 135-km stretch of coast on the Abrolhos Bank, eastern coast of Brazil. Evidence of bottom contact behavior was observed directly or through photographs on 25 occasions during the study period. On 16 occasions, one or more dolphins were observed with mud adhered to their dorsum, flanks, peduncle, head/melon, or dorsal fin. On five occasions, a mud-plume suspended by the movement of the dolphins and their contact with the bottom was observed. During four other occasions, both types of evidence (mud adhered to the body and mud-plume) were observed for the same group of dolphins. Contact by cetaceans with the sea floor is widely reported for several species and seems mainly related to feeding behavior, which probably is also the case for the observation presented here. **************************************************************************** Blanchet, M-A*, G. Desportes, T. Nance, and C. Vanman. 2006. Description of the pregnancies, labours, and pre- and post-partum events of two harbour seals (_Phoca vitulina_) in a zoological environment. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):145-151. *Fjord & Boelt, Margrethes Plads 1, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark Harbour seal (_Phoca vitulina_) births occur frequently in captive environments, yet little data have been published on observations associated with these events. We describe the quasi-simultaneous pregnancies and labours of two primiparous harbour seals at the Danish aquarium and research facility, Fjord & Baelt. There were considerable differences between these two females in their behaviour, the duration/frequency of labour contractions, and the postpartum events. One had a difficult labour, with an extended expulsion phase, and delivered a stillborn pup. The other successfully gave birth to a female. The physiological mechanisms regulating the food intake during pregnancy and lactation in harbour seals are unknown; however, observations during this study of both the increases in food intake during pregnancy and the cessation of eating when labour was imminent suggest that there may be similarities with other mammals, such as humans, cows, and minks, in which these processes involve leptin, a hormone involved in metabolism regulation. Whether this is indeed the case for harbour seals is unknown and is a recommendation for future studies as is the recording of birthing processes in captive environments. Such a database on birth may provide comparative indicators of labour progress, speed, and outcome. **************************************************************************** Königson, S.J.*, K.E. Lundström, M.M.B. Hemmingsson, S-G Lunneryd, and H. Westerberg. 2006. Feeding preferences of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) specialised in raiding fishing gear. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):152-156. *Swedish Board of Fisheries, Box 423, 401 96 Goteborg, Sweden The Swedish eel (_Anguilla Anguilla_) fishery has suffered an increase both in damage to fishing gear and in catch losses caused by harbour seals (_Phoca vitulina_). Eel fyke nets, which are the principal type of fishing gear used, tend to incidentally catch species like cod (_Gadus morhua_), flounder (_Platichthys flesus_), and eelpout (Zoarces viviparus). These are species known to be important in the harbour seals' diet. This raised the issue of whether it is the eels or the by-caught species, which attract harbour seals to attack fyke nets. To examine this question, trials were made with experimental fyke nets in three geographically separated areas within the Archipelago of Göteborg. In each area, fyke nets with two bags each were baited with eels in one bag and cod, flounder, or eelpout in the other. In all three areas, the harbour seals showed a clear preference for eels in the fyke nets. The results indicated that certain harbour seals specialise in foraging at fyke nets and have developed different feeding preferences compared to other seals. Knowledge about harbour seals' behaviour around fishing gear is important and will be useful in the development of seal-safe fishing gear to prevent damage caused by harbour seals. **************************************************************************** Reif, J.S.*, M.M. Kliks, A.A. Aguirre, D.L. Borjesson, L. Kashinsky, R.C. Braun, and G.A. Antonelis, George A. 2006. Gastrointestinal helminths in the Hawaiian monk seal (_Monachus schauinslandi_): Associations with body size, hematology, and serum chemistry. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):157-167. *Department of Environmental Health, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Gastrointestinal helminth parasites are found commonly in the Hawaiian monk seal (_Monachus schauinslandi_), the most endangered seal in the United States and one of the world's most endangered pinnipeds. We studied potential associations between gastrointestinal helminth infections and body size, and hematologic and serum chemistry variables in a sample of 282 monk seals captured between 1998 and 2002 as part of a population health assessment. Based on the presence of eggs in feces, the highest prevalence of infection (78%) was for cestodes belonging to a complex of several _Diphyllobothrium_ spp. Infections with the nematode _Contracaecum turgidum_ were found in 29% of samples tested. Eggs of the acanthocephalan _Corynosoma rauschi_ were found in 4% of seals examined; and the feces of four weanling seals on the French Frigate Shoals contained eggs of the recently described trematode, _Heterophyopsis hawaiiensis_. We used a general linear model and analysis of variance techniques with adjustment for subpopulation and age to determine whether infections with _Diphyllobothrium_ spp. or _C. turgidum_ were associated with changes in hematologic or serum chemistry variables and found little evidence of an effect when we compared infected with negative seals or seals in the highest quartile of egg counts with negative seals. We also conducted analyses of associations between infection and morphometric values in adjusted, age-stratified data. Infection with _Diphyllobothrium_ spp. was associated with a decrease in axillary girth and an increase in dorsal standard length/axillary girth ratio in seals less than 2 y of age, with the effects most pronounced in seals less than 1 y of age. After adjustment for _Diphyllobothrium_ spp., __C. turgidum_ infection was not associated with morphometric parameters. Co-infection with _Diphyllobothrium_ spp. and _C. turgidum_ was not associated with differences in body size greater than those found with diphyllobothriid tapeworm infection alone. These findings suggest that intervention strategies to reduce the prevalence of tapeworm infections in immature Hawaiian monk seals should be considered as a conservation measure for this highly endangered marine mammal. **************************************************************************** Petrauskas, L.R.*, and S.K. Atkinson. 2006. Variation of fecal corticosterone concentrations in captive Steller sea lions (_Eumetopias jubatus_) in relation to season and behavior. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):168-174. *School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, P.O. Box 730, Seward, AK 99664, USA Little information is available regarding the adrenal activity of Steller sea lions (_Eumetopias jubatus_) in relation to season and behavior. The objective of this study was to test for seasonal changes in fecal corticosterone concentrations and potential relationships to behavioral scoring in captive Steller sea lions. For this study, fecal samples were obtained opportunistically over a 3-y period (September 2001 to September 2004) from three adult (1 male, 2 female), reproductively intact, long-term captive Steller sea lions housed at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. Daily behavior scores based on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) of appetite, energy, attention, sociability, and enrichment were also recorded. The male (SSL-01) had a significantly higher fecal corticosterone concentration in the breeding season, while one of the females (SSL-03) had a significantly higher fecal corticosterone concentration in between the molting and breeding seasons. Fecal corticosterone concentration was significantly higher for one of the females (SSL-03) in comparison to the other female (SSL-02; p < 0.001). There was a significant negative relationship between behavior score and fecal corticosterone concentrations for the male and one female (SSL-03). The results of this study do indicate that Steller sea lions have a highly seasonal physiology that can be reflected in the fecal corticosterone concentrations of both sexes. **************************************************************************** Terhune, J.M.*, and A. Dell'Apa. 2006. Stereotyped calling patterns of a male Weddell seal (_Leptonychotes weddellii_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):175-181. *Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, NB, E2L 4L5 Canada Underwater calling behaviour between breathing bouts of a single adult male Weddell seal (_Leptonychotes weddellii_) was examined with respect to call type and timing late in the breeding season at Davis Station, Antarctica. Underwater calls and breathing sounds were recorded on 1 and 8 December 1997. Thirty-seven sequences of calls prior to surfacing to breathe and 36 post-submerging sets of calls were analyzed with respect to probability of call type occurrence and timing. Dives were 461 ± 259 s (mean ± S.D.). The seal called every 29.7 ± 56.2 s throughout a dive. The first call after submerging was usually (n = 29 of 36) a low frequency (< 0.8 kHz) growl. Three patterns of three-to five-call type sequences were made following 28 of 36 breathing bouts. Call type patterns after submerging exhibited fewer different sequences than those before surfacing (χ2 = 61.42, DF = 4, p < 0.000001). The call usage patterns before surfacing were diverse and did not indicate when the seal was going to surface, a time when he would be vulnerable to attack from below. Our findings suggest the hypotheses that territorial male Weddell seals call throughout each dive and use stereotyped call patterns to identify themselves while vocally asserting dominance. **************************************************************************** Fair, P.A.*, T.C. Hulsey, R.A. Varela, J.D. Goldstein, J. Adams, E.S. Zolman, and G.D. Bossart. 2006. Hematology, serum chemistry, and cytology findings from apparently healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) inhabiting the estuarine waters of Charleston, South Carolina. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):182-195. *National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomecular Research, Charleston, SC 29412, USA This study reports comprehensive baseline data for hematology, serum chemistry, and cytology variables in 63 apparently healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) inhabiting the estuarine waters of Charleston (CHS), South Carolina (SC). Blood and cytology samples were collected from bottlenose dolphins in August 2003 and August 2004 during capture-release health assessment studies. Means, medians, standard deviations, 95% CI, and ranges were calculated for the population's hematology, serum biochemistry, and serum protein electrophoresis parameters. All of the parameters for which a published range was available were close to or within the ranges previously reported. Comparisons by age, gender, and pregnancy status revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for several hematology and serum chemistry parameters. Blowhole, rectal, and gastric swabs were examined for cytologic abnormalities, utilizing light microscopy. There were no pathologic findings in the samples; however, 4% (2/51) of the dolphins sampled had mild or moderate blowhole inflammation. The prevalence of gastric inflammation was 26% (13/50), and severe gastric inflammation was present in three of the dolphins sampled (6%). The majority of animals with gastric inflammation were male (10/13, 77%). In fact, all cases of severe inflammation occurred in males, and none were present in 2004. These data provide a baseline from which to compare hematological, serum chemistry, and cytological parameters in wild dolphin populations. **************************************************************************** Lanyon, J.M.*, R.W. Slade, H.L. Sneath, D. Broderick, J.M. Kirkwood, D. Limpus, C.J. Limpus, and T.A. Jessop. 2006. A method for capturing dugongs (_Dugong dugon_) in open water. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):196-201. *School of Integrative Biology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia We developed a method to rapidly and safely live capture wild dugongs based on the "rodeo method" employed to catch marine turtles. This method entails close pursuit of a dugong by boat until it is fatigued. The dugong is then caught around the peduncle region by a catcher leaping off the boat, and the dugong is restrained at the water surface by several people while data are collected. Our sampling protocol involves a short restraint time, typically < 5 min. No ropes or nets were attached to the dugong to avoid the risk of entanglement and subsequent drowning. This method is suitable for shallow, open-water captures when weather and water conditions are fair, and may be adapted for deeper waters. **************************************************************************** Gannier, A.*, and E. Petiau. 2006. Environmental variables affecting the residence of spinner dolphins (_Stenella longirostris_) in a Bay of Tahiti (French Polynesia). _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):202-211. *Groupe de Recherche sur les Cetaces, BP 715, 06633 Antibes Cedex, France The spinner dolphin (_Stenella longirostris_) is the most common among 16 species in the Society Islands (French Polynesia). They are observed year-round during daytime in sheltered bays or within lagoons. From 1995 to 2002, we studied spinner dolphins from a shore site in Baie des Pêcheurs, a bay on the west coast of Tahiti, performing 1,033 sighting sessions with binoculars. Presence, position, and school size were noted, as well as various behavioral and environmental variables. Human presence also was recorded. Dolphins were present on average 73.3% of the days, with a higher presence rate from May to November (81.0%) than from December to April (66.7%). Dolphins stayed within the bay from early morning until 1200 to 1500 h and had school sizes ranging from as small as 15 to 30 to as large as 100 to 140 individuals. Dolphins began to move slowly offshore after 1100 h. On average, they stayed 400 m from shore, although they approached as close as 100 to 150 m. Dolphin presence and residence time seemed to be negatively affected by surface water turbidity (river flow) and lagoon current strength. Recreational dolphin watching was low from Monday to Thursday (0.20 to 0.35 boat per sighting session) and high on Sunday, with an average of 1.67 boats per session. There was a lower dolphin presence rate from Monday to Thursday (69%) than from Friday to Sunday (78%). Presence patterns were similar to those found in Hawaii, accounting for differences in environmental characteristics. **************************************************************************** Fazioli, K.L.*, S. Hofmann, and R.S. Wells. 2006. Use of Gulf of Mexico coastal waters by distinct assemblages of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):212-222. *Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Management and conservation decisions affecting coastal bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) benefit from consideration of population parameters such as population size, stability, distribution, habitat use, and gene flow, as well as social organization patterns. Long-term study of bottlenose dolphins in inshore areas suggested population units are based on the social structure and habitat use of resident dolphins, but little is known about dolphins in open coastal waters just offshore. This study examined the stock structure of bottlenose dolphins in an open coastal habitat, made comparisons to adjacent inshore population units, and evaluated interactions between dolphins in these two regions. We conducted a 14-mo boat-based photographic identification study along 93 km of the west coast of Florida, extending 9.3 km offshore. We identified 580 individual dolphins in the study area and designated these individuals as "Inshore" (long-term bay residents) or "Gulf" (observed predominantly in Gulf waters) regional population units. Dolphins used the Gulf habitat differently, depending on season and regional designation. Sighting frequencies of "Gulf" dolphins suggested patterns of seasonal residency, extended geographic range out of the study area, or transience, with fewer individuals displaying year-round residence. In general, dolphins in this coastal region appear to divide into overlapping communities defined by preferred geographic ranges, habitat use patterns, and social associations. **************************************************************************** Anderson, R.C.*, R. Clark, P.T. Madsen, C. Johnson, J. Kiszka, and O. Breysse. 2006. Observations of Longman's beaked whale (_Indopacetus pacificus_) in the western Indian Ocean. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):223-231. *P.O. Box 2074, Male, Republic of Maldives 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. **************************************************************************** Galatius, A.* 2006. Bilateral directional asymmetry of the appendicular skeleton of the white-beaked dolphin (_Lagenorhynchus albirostris_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):232-235. *Department of Cell Biology and Comparative Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Bilateral directional asymmetry of the lengths and diameters of the scapula, humerus, radius, and ulna were analyzed on a sample of 38 white-beaked dolphins (_Lagenorhynchus albirostris_) from Danish waters. The levels of asymmetry were consistent between the sexes and between physically mature and immature animals. The length and diameter of the humerus and the length of the radius showed significant asymmetry, all favouring the right side. The greatest asymmetry was found in the diameter of the humerus (1.88% SE 0.36). The results were somewhat different from what is known in the harbour porpoise (_Phocoena phocoena_) that show asymmetry favouring the right side in all of the dimensions investigated here. This may indicate a different pattern of employment of the flippers. The detected asymmetries, along with the many examples of lateralized behaviour recorded in cetaceans, point to the existence of lateralized use of the flippers in the white-beaked dolphin and possibly other delphinid and cetacean species. Although some evidence exists for flipper preference in the baleen humpback whale (Megaptera novaengliae) and turning preferences in other species, this needs to be confirmed through further behavioural studies. **************************************************************************** Atem, A.C.G.*, and E.L.A. Monteiro-Filho. 2006. Nocturnal activity of the estuarine dolphin (_Sotalia guianensis_) in the region of Cananéia, São Paulo State, Brazil. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):236-241. *Instituto de Pesquisas Cananeia, Rua Joao Salim, Lote 26, Quadra Y Parque Xangrila, CEP 13098-606, Campinas-SP Brazil The study of the nocturnal activity of the estuarine dolphin (_Sotalia guianensis_) was conducted in Cananéia on the southern coast of São Paulo state. The observations were made between March and October of 2003, which included 22 field outings resulting in a total of 66 h of field work. Two procedures were used: (1) visual observation of behaviours, using the focal-animal method; and (2) recording and acoustic monitoring of the animals. Observations were made during the nocturnal period from a medium-sized boat, illuminated by a crescent or full moon, which allowed easy observation of the behaviours. In view of the need to learn more about the biology and ecology of _S. guianensis_, the objectives of this study were to follow the behaviours of dolphins at night using only moonlight, describe the behavioural patterns displayed, and determine the activities of the dolphins using acoustic monitoring. Observation of dolphins with the help of moonlight was demonstrated to be an effective means of observing the animals, but at the same time, it did present some difficulties. Behaviours were described using a combination of empirical and functional methods, and then they were compared to those described by other investigators. All the behaviours observed for _S. guianensis_ during the nocturnal period—diving, hunting, and leaping—were the same as those seen, named, and described by other authors for the diurnal period. **************************************************************************** Würsig, B. 2006. Book Review: _Marine Mammal Research: Conservation Beyond Crisis_, editors: J.E. Reynolds III, W.E. Perrin, R.R. Reeves, S. Montgomery, and T.J. Ragen. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. __Aquatic Mammals__ 32(2):242-243. Texas A&M University at Galveston, 4700 Avenue U, Bldg 303, Galveston, Texas, USA; wursigb(a)tamug.edu **************************************************************************** Moore, M.J. 2006. Book Review: _Whale_, by J. Roman, Reaktion Books. _Aquatic Mammals_ 32(2):244-245. Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA; mmoore(a)whoi.edu

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New publications week 32
by Jan Herrmann 17 Aug '06

17 Aug '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 32 / 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 Benoit-Bird, K.J., W.W.L. Au, and R.A. Kastelein (2006): Testing the odontocete acoustic prey debilitation hypothesis: No stunning results. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(2): 1118-1123. Danil, K. and S.J. Chivers (2006): Habitat-based spatial and temporal variability in life history characteristics of female common dolphins Delphinus delphis in the eastern tropical Pacific. Marine Ecology Progress Series 318(): 277-286. Marker, M. (2006): After the Makah Whale Hunt: Indigenous Knowledge and Limits to Multicultural Discourse. Urban Education 41(5): 482-505. Ware, C. et al. (2006): Visualizing the underwater behavior of humpback whales. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications 26(4): 14-18. PINNIPEDIA Dailey, M.D. (2006): Restoration of Parafilaroides (Dougherty, 1946) (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) with description of two new species from pinnipeds of eastern central Pacific. Journal of Parasitology 92(3): 589. Daoust, P.-Y., G.M. Fowler, and W.T. Stobo (2006): Comparison of the healing process in hot and cold brands applied to harbour seal pups (Phoca vitulina). Wildlife Research 33(5): 361-372. Hadley, G.L. et al. (2006): Variation in probability of first reproduction of Weddell seals. Journal of Animal Ecology 75(5): 1058-1070. Hastie, G.D., D.A.S. Rosen, and A.W. Trites (2006): The influence of depth on a breath-hold diver: Predicting the diving metabolism of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 336(2): 163-170. Kucklick, J.R. et al. (2006): Persistent organic pollutants in Alaskan ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) blubber. Journal of Environmental Monitoring 8(8): 848-854. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Pearson, H.C., J.M. Packard, and R.W. Davis (2006): Territory quality of male sea otters in Prince William Sound, Alaska: relation to body and territory maintenance behaviors. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(7): 939-946. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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New Articles
by David S. Janiger 17 Aug '06

17 Aug '06

Hi, All Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(a)bcf.usc.edu Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(a)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(a)nhm.org Janiger Journals AU, WHITLOW W. L.; ADAM A. PACK; MARC O. LAMMERS; LOUIS M. HERMAN; MARK H. DEAKOS and KIM ANDREWS. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 120(2):1103-1110. 2006. Acoustic properties of humpback whale songs. 0.618 MB AZNAR, F. JAVIER; GERARDO PEREZ-PONCE DE LEON and JUAN A. RAGA. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 92(3):548-564. 2006. Status of Corynosoma (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) based on anatomical, ecological, and phylogenetic evidence, with the erection of Pseudocorynosoma N. gen. 2.247 MB BENOIT-BIRD, KELLY J.; WHITLOW W. L. AU and RONALD KASTELEIN. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 120(2):1118-1123. 2006. Testing the odontocete acoustic prey debilitation hypothesis: No stunning results. 0.134 MB BOWEN, LIZABETH; BRIAN ALDRIDGE; KIMBERLEE BECKMEN; TOM GELATT; LORRIE REA; KATHY BUREK; KEN PITCHER and JEFFREY L. STOTT. ECOHEALTH 3(2):109-113. 2006. Differential expression of immune response genes in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus): An indicator of ecosystem health? 0.149 MB BRYDON, ANN. ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY 79(2):225-260. 2006. The predicament of nature: Keiko the whale and the cultural politics of whaling in Iceland. 0.170 MB CARLINI, ALEJANDRO R.; SEBASTIAN POLJAK; GUSTAVO A. DANERI; MARIA E. I. MARQUEZ and JAVIER NEGRETE. POLAR BIOLOGY 29(9):796-805. 2006. The dynamics of male harem dominance in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at the South Shetland Islands. 0.313 MB CAURANT, F.; A. AUBAIJ; V. LAHAYE; O. VAN CANNEYT; E. ROGAN; A. LOPEZ; M. ADDINK; C. CHURLAUD; M. ROBERT and P. BUSTAMANTE. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 62(2):131-148. 2006. Lead contamination of small cetaceans in European waters - The use of stable isotopes for identifying the sources of lead exposure. 0.343 MB CIAPUTA, PIOTR and JACEK SICINSKI. POLISH POLAR RESEARCH 27(2):171-184. 2006. Seasonal and annual changes in Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) diet in the area of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands. 0.118 MB COOPER, MARGARET H.; SARA J. IVERSON and KIRSTI ROUVINEN-WATT. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY 79(4):820-829. 2006. Metabolism of dietary cetoleic acid (22 : 1n-11) in mink (Mustela vison) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) studied using radiolabeled fatty acids. 0.559 MB CRONIN, M. A.; S. C. AMSTRUP and K. T. SCRIBNER. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 84(5):655-660. 2006. Microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA variation in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Alaska. 0.411 MB DAILEY, MURRAY D. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 92(3):589-594. 2006. Restoration of Parafilaroides (Dougherty, 1946) (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) with description of two new species from pinnipeds of eastern central Pacific. 0.636 MB DANIL, KERRI and SUSAN J. CHIVERS. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 318:277-286. 2006. Habitat-based spatial and temporal variability in life history characteristics of female common dolphins Delphinus delphis in the eastern tropical Pacific. 1.152 MB DE OLIVEIRA, LARISSA ROSA; MILENA ARIAS-SCHREIBER; DIOGO MEYER and JOAO S. MORGANTE. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 131(4):505-509. 2006. Effective population size in a bottlenecked fur seal population. 0.175 MB ETNOYER, PETER; DAVID CANNY; BRUCE R. MATE; LANCE E. MORGAN; JOEL G. ORTEGA-ORTIZ and WALLACE J. NICHOLS. DEEP SEA RESEARCH PART II: TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY 53(3-4):340-358. 2006. Sea-surface temperature gradients across blue whale and sea turtle foraging trajectories off the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. 0.870 MB FRIEDLAENDER, ARI S.; PAT N. HALPIN; SONG S. QIAN; GARETH L. LAWSON; PETER H. WIEBE; DEB THIELE and ANDREW J. READ. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 317:297-310. 2006. Whale distribution in relation to prey abundance and oceanographic processes in shelf waters of the Western Antarctic Peninsula. 1.343 MB GANNIER, ALEXANDRE and ESTELLE PETIAU. AQUATIC MAMMALS 32(2):202-211. 2006. Environmental variables affecting the residence of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in a bay of Tahiti (French Polynesia). 0.536 MB HALL, AILSA J.; PAUL D. JEPSON; SIMON J. GOODMAN and TERO HARKONEN. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 131(2):221-229. 2006. Phocine distemper virus in the North and European Seas - Data and models, nature and nurture. 0.279 MB HALL, AILSA J.; BERNIE J. MCCONNELL; TERI K. ROWLES; ALEX AGUILAR; ASUNCION BORRELL; LORI SCHWACKE; PETER J. H. REIJNDERS and RANDALL S. WELLS. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 114(Supp.1):60-64. 2006. Individual-based model framework to assess population consequences of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in bottlenose dolphins. 0.202 MB HALL, B. L.; A. R. HOELZEL; C. BARONI; G. H. DENTON; B. J. LE BOEUF; B. OVERTURF and A. L. TOPF. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 103(27):10213-10217. 2006. Holocene elephant seal distribution implies warmer-than-present climate in the Ross Sea. 1.376 MB HANKE, WOLF; RAFFAELA ROMER and GUIDO DEHNHARDT. VISION RESEARCH 46(17):2804-2814. 2006. Visual fields and eye movements in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). 0.389 MB HEAZLE, MICHAEL. MARINE POLICY 30(5):496-509. 2006. Lessons in precaution: The International Whaling Commission experience with precautionary management. 0.240 MB HEITHAUS, MICHAEL R. and LAWRENCE M. DILL. OIKOS 114(2):257-264. 2006. Does tiger shark predation risk influence foraging habitat use by bottlenose dolphins at multiple spatial scales? 0.137 MB HOLLEY, DAVID K.; IVAN R. LAWLER and NICHOLAS J. GALES. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 33(3):243-250. 2006. Summer survey of dugong distribution and abundance in Shark Bay reveals additional key habitat area. 0.455 MB HUCKSTADT, LUIS A. GAYANA 69(2):291-299. 2005. Nuevos registros de cetaceos para la VIII Region, Chile (1997 a 1999). (New records of cetaceans for the VIII region, Chile (1997 to 1999)) 0.260 MB HUNT, KATHLEEN E.; ROSALIND M. ROLLAND; SCOTT D. KRAUS and SAMUEL K. WASSER. GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY 148(2):260-272. 2006. Analysis of fecal glucocorticoids in the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). 0.402 MB JENSSEN, BJORN MUNRO. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 114(Supp.1):76-80. 2006. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change: A worst-case combination for arctic marine mmmals and seabirds? 0.118 MB KONAGAYA, Y.; C. TSUCHIYA and H. SUGITA. LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 43(2):187-193. 2006. Purification and characterization of chitinases from Clostridium sp E-16 isolated from the intestinal tract of the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens). 0.148 MB KUMAGAI, SAEKO; DAVID A. S. ROSEN and ANDREW W. TRITES. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY 176(6):589-598. 2006. Body mass and composition responses to short-term low energy intake are seasonally dependent in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.278 MB LEONZIO, C. and S. ANCORA. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 62(Suppl.1):S100. 2006. Thirteenth International Symposium on Pollutant Responses in Marine Organisms (PRIMO 13). Alessandria, Italy 19-23 June, 2005. Abstract only. LEWIS, M.; C. CAMPAGNA; M. R. MARIN and T. FERNANDEZ. ANTARCTIC SCIENCE 18(2):213-221. 2006. Southern elephant seals north of the Antarctic polar front. 0.206 MB MONNETT, CHARLES and JEFFREY S. GLEASON. POLAR BIOLOGY 29(8):681-687. 2006. Observations of mortality associated with extended open-water swimming by polar bears in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. 0.301 MB NEWMAN, LUCY A. and PHYLLIS R. ROBINSON. VISION RESEARCH 46(20):3326-3330. 2006. The visual pigments of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). 0.251 MB PALACIOS, D. M.; S. J. BOGRAD; D. G. FOLEY and F. B. SCHWING. DEEP SEA RESEARCH PART II: TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY 53(3-4):250-269. 2006. Oceanographic characteristics of biological hot spots in the North Pacific: A remote sensing perspective. 1.730 MB PANG, DANIEL S. J.; YVES RONDENAY; ERIC TRONCY; LENA N. MEASURES and STEPHANE LAIR. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 67(7):1131-1135. 2006. Use of end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide to predict arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide in harp seals during isoflurane-induced anesthesia. 0.230 MB PAVLOV, V. V. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 1:31-40. 2006. Dolphin skin as a natural anisotropic compliant wall. 1.159 MB PEARSON, HEIDE C.; JANE M. PACKARD and RANDALL W. DAVIS. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 84(7):939-946. 2006. Territory quality of male sea otters in Prince William Sound, Alaska: Relation to body and territory maintenance behaviors. 0.122 MB POMILLA, CRISTINA and HOWARD C. ROSENBAUM. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 15(9):2541-2555. 2006. Estimates of relatedness in groups of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on two wintering grounds of the Southern Hemisphere. 0.261 MB RICHMOND, JULIE P.; JENNIFER M. BURNS and LORRIE D. REA. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY 176(6):535-545. 2006. Ontogeny of total body oxygen stores and aerobic dive potential in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.441 MB RIDGWAY, SAM; DORIAN HOUSER; JAMES FINNERAN; DON CARDER; MANDY KEOGH; WILLIAM VAN BONN; CYNTHIA SMITH; MIRIAM SCADENG; DAVID DUBOWITZ; ROBERT MATTREY and CARL HOH. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 209(15):2726-2733. 2006. Functional imaging of dolphin brain metabolism and blood flow. 3.182 MB ROBECK, T. R. and S. L. MONFORT. THERIOGENOLOGY 66(2):242-250. 2006. Characterization of male killer whale (Orcinus orca) sexual maturation and reproductive seasonality. 0.334 MB SIEBERT, URSULA; ANITA GILLES; KLAUS LUCKE; MARTJE LUDWIG; HARALD BENKE; KARL-HHERMANN KOCK and MEIKE SCHEIDAT. JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH 56(1):65-80. 2006. A decade of harbour porpoise occurrence in German waters - Analyses of aerial surveys, incidental sightings and strandings. 0.914 MB SIGLER, M. F.; L. B. HULBERT; C. R. LUNSFORD; N. H. THOMPSON; K. BUREK; G. O'CORRY-CROWE and A. C. HIRONS. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 69(2):392-405. 2006. Diet of Pacific sleeper shark, a potential Steller sea lion predator, in the north-east Pacific Ocean. 0.261 MB SINISALO, TUULA; E. TELLERVO VALTONEN; EERO HELLE and ROGER I. JONES. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 84(6):823-831. 2006. Combining stable isotope and intestinal parasite information to evaluate dietary differences between individual ringed seals (Phoca hispida botnica). 0.089 MB SMITH, TIM D.; KLAUS BARTHELMESS and RANDALL R. REEVES. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 22(3):723-734. 2006. (Research note) Using historical records to relocate a long-forgotten summer feeding ground of North Atlantic right whales. 0.156 MB SPARLING, CAROL E.; JOHN R. SPEAKMAN and MICHAEL A. FEDAK. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY 176(6):505-512. 2006. Seasonal variation in the metabolic rate and body composition of female grey seals: Fat conservation prior to high-cost reproduction in a capital breeder? 0.321 MB TABUCHI, MAKI; NIK VELDHOEN; NEIL DANGERFIELD; STEVEN JEFFRIES; CAREN C. HELBING and PETER S. ROSS. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 114(7):1024-1031. 2006. PCB-related alteration of thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone receptor gene expression in free-ranging harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). 0.221 MB THEOBALD, M. R.; P. D. CRITTENDEN; A. P. HUNT; Y. S. TANG; U. DRAGOSITS and M. A. SUTTON. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS 33(3), no.L03812. 4pp. 2006. Ammonia emissions from a Cape fur seal colony, Cape Cross, Namibia. 0.236 MB WARE, COLIN; ROLAND ARSENAULT; MATTHEW PLUMLEE and DAVID WILEY. IEEE COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND APPLICATIONS 26(4):14-18. 2006. Visualizing the underwater behavior of humpback whales. 1.832 MB WILLIAMS, ROB; SHARON L. HEDLEY and PHILIP S. HAMMOND. ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY 11(1). 28pp. 2006. Modeling distribution and abundance of Antarctic baleen whales using ships of opportunity. 0.794 MB

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job opening
by Nelio Barros 17 Aug '06

17 Aug '06

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM STAFF SCIENTIST/PROGRAM MANAGER The Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research at Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) is soliciting applications for the position of a Staff Scientist to serve as Program Manager of the Stranding Investigations Program. This is a full-time position with fringe benefits, available starting 20 September 2006. Annual salary range is $45,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience. Responsibilities: In general, this is both a research and management position. The candidate will be expected to conceive of and pursue scientifically worthy research questions involving marine mammal and/or sea turtle strandings to result in peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations, and oversee Mote Marine Laboratory’s participation in the Southeastern U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This will involve responding to stranding events and collecting and disseminating samples and data resulting from examination of the stranded animals. The candidate will also participate in professional organizations and meetings; interact with other scientists and research grants at MML and elsewhere; seek grants, contracts, and other extramural funds in support of salary and research expenses; have a working knowledge of funding sources and programs and a record of successful proposals; demonstrate an ability to manage projects and project budgets, including negotiations, fiscal tracking, and project reporting; represent the Laboratory among peers and in the general community, as needed; serve on internal committees; assist the Laboratory in educational, outreach, and other special programs; assist the Development Office and Aquarium; perform other such duties as provided by the Policy Manual or as assigned by the Laboratory’s Administration and respond to requests by the Center Director and the Executive Vice President for Research. Support: Within two years, the candidate is expected to develop extramural support for the candidate (90%) and a biologist (100%), including fringe benefits and MML indirect costs. Several ongoing sources for program support have been established. Preferred Qualifications: Education: PhD in biology or related field, or DVM specializing in veterinary pathology is required. Experience: A strong background in anatomy or pathology is required as are 3-5 years of experience working with marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, including field response and necropsy. Valid Florida Driver’s License: Required. Skills and abilities: Applicants should be familiar with various statistical analysis packages, have working knowledge of Access (stranding database), have experience working with volunteers, good speaking skills for interactions with the media and the public. Ability to swim, lift heavy objects, and to operate and trailer small boats, including launching and retrieval, is also required. Please mail application materials (letter of intent, CV, 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 31August 2006.

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[Fwd: New publication: Whale distribution in relation to prey abundance and oceanographic processes in shelf waters of the Western Antarctic Peninsula]
by Ari Friedlaender 16 Aug '06

16 Aug '06

We are happy to announce the following article has been published in Marine Ecology Progress Series: MEPS 317:297-310 *Friedlaender AS, Halpin PN, Qian SS, Lawson GL, Wiebe PH, Thiele D, Read AJ* Whale distribution in relation to prey abundance and oceanographic processes in shelf waters of the Western Antarctic Peninsula ABSTRACT: The Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a biologically rich area supporting large standing stocks of krill and top predators (including whales, seals and seabirds). Physical forcing greatly affects productivity, recruitment, survival and distribution of krill in this area. In turn, such interactions are likely to affect the distribution of baleen whales. The Southern Ocean GLOBEC research program aims to explore the relationships and interactions between the environment, krill and predators around Marguerite Bay (WAP) in autumn 2001 and 2002. Bathymetric and environmental variables including acoustic backscattering as an indicator of prey abundance were used to model whale distribution patterns. We used an iterative approach employing (1) classification and regression tree (CART) models to identify oceanographic and ecological variables contributing to variability in humpback Megaptera novaeangliae and minke Balaenoptera acutorstrata whale distribution, and (2) generalized additive models (GAMs) to elucidate functional ecological relationships between these variables and whale distribution. The CART models indicated that the cetacean distribution was tightly coupled with zooplankton acoustic volume backscatter in the upper (25 to 100 m), and middle (100 to 300 m) portions of the water column. Whale distribution was also related to distance from the ice edge and bathymetric slope. The GAMs indicated a persistent, strong, positive relationship between increasing zooplankton volume and whale relative abundance. Furthermore, there was a lower limit for averaged acoustic volume backscatter of zooplankton below which the relationship between whales and prey was not significant. The GAMs also supported an annual relationship between whale distribution, distance from the ice edge and bathymetric slope, suggesting that these are important features for aggregating prey. Our results demonstrate that during the 2 yr study, whales were consistently and predictably associated with the distribution of zooplankton. Thus, humpback and minke whales may be able to locate physical features and oceanographic processes that enhance prey aggregation. PDFs can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v317/ Please contact if you have any questions. Thank you, Ari Friedlaender asf7(a)duke.edu -- Ari S. Friedlaender, PhD Post-Doctoral Research Associate Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab Duke University Marine Laboratory 135 Pivers Island Road Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 504-7576 -- Ari S. Friedlaender, PhD Post-Doctoral Research Associate Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab Duke University Marine Laboratory 135 Pivers Island Road Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 504-7576

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Job opening
by Brill, Katie 15 Aug '06

15 Aug '06

> OPS Research Staff > > Job #77900922 > Department: Marine Mammal Research > Location: St. Petersburg, FL (Pinellas County) > Rate of Pay: $10.00/hr (40 hrs/wk) including some weekends and > occasional holidays; no benefits provided > Close Date: Open until filled > Contact: Katherine Brill > Position Description: > Serve as member of FWC's manatee necropsy, carcass salvage, and rescue > team. Conduct necropsies at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory > or in the field on manatees and other marine mammal carcasses, record > observations, and complete associated necropsy reports. Responsible > for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, > and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Recover marine mammal > carcasses for necropsy from Florida's Northwest region (coastal and > inland waterways of Manatee County to Escambia County). Process > skeletal collection requests according to FWC and USFWS guidelines; > prepare skeletal remains for curating and shipping and process > federal, state, and international permits for tracking skeletal > collections and information requests. Maintain inventories of tissues > and tissue requests. Manage associated database of inventories > including metadata. Responsible for vessel maintenance and associated > boater safety reports. Assist with processing and labeling of manatee > necropsy slides and digital images and managing the archiving of > digital images. Serve with other MMPL staff members in the rotating, > on-call duty (that includes weekends and occasional holidays) for the > purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses. > Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: > * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and > federal legislation protecting manatees > * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and > techniques of research and analysis > * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques > * Knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses > * Experience creating and managing databases, spreadsheets, and > word processing using Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word > * Able to trailer flatbeds and watercraft vessels > * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and > smaller > * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and > sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions > * Must be physically fit, able to lift at least 75 lbs, and be > able to swim sufficiently to save oneself > * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions > * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships > * Be comfortable speaking to the public > * Possess or be able to obtain a Florida driver's license within a > month of employment > Minimum Requirements: > A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a > major in one of the biological sciences or one year of professional > biological experience in a field or lab research program. Experience > with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies. > TO APPLY: Please reply to this posting with a cover letter, resume, > and references or submit a completed State of Florida Employment > Application to the contact listed below. An application can be > printed from https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. > Katherine Brill > Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission > Fish and Wildlife Research Institute > Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory > 3700 54th Avenue South > St. Petersburg, FL 33711 > (727)893-2904 > Fax: (727)893-2907 > >

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Society for Conservation Biology: invitation for marine section contributions for South African conference in July 2007
by Ellen Hines 13 Aug '06

13 Aug '06

Pardon double-postings please! 21st Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology; 1 * 5 July 2007 Theme: One World, One Conservation, One Partnership The Governing Board of the Marine Section, Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) invites your participation in the 21st Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology. The Meeting will be Hosted by: The Centre for African Conservation Ecology (ACE) of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and co-hosted by the Africa Section of the SCB. The meeting will feature a diverse array of plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, organized discussions, contributed oral presentations, and poster sessions. The Marine Governing Board is particularly hopeful that African and other international marine conservation biology scientists, practitioners, and students will join us at this important meeting. The Local Organizing Committee for the conference has met with the Marine Section and encourages our involvement in this 21st annual meeting, so this conference offers a wonderful opportunity for marine scientists! SCB is dedicated to effective communications regarding conservation science, policy, and practice in all habitats on earth, with emphasis on both conceptual and habitat-specific issues. The Marine Section Governing Board is striving to ensure that communications about conservation science at SCB reflect an increased consideration of marine ecosystems, both in conceptual and habitat-oriented contexts. Your participation at the 2007 Meeting will help us all achieve this important goal. Also please remember that South Africa has spectacular marine and coastal biodiversity! Calls for proposals for Symposia, Workshops, and Organised Discussions are being accepted now! All proposals must be submitted by 16 October 2006 to 2007(a)conbio.org Short Course proposals must be submitted by 13 November. Call for abstracts for papers and poster will be from 16 October 2006 - 8 January 2007 Early registration for the meeting begins 15 January 2007. Complete and current information regarding the meeting can be found on the following websites: http://www.conbio.org/2007 (the main website for the conference) Please follow the links on that website to the call for proposals for Symposia, Workshops and Organised Discussions http://compworx.isat.co.za/scb/callsym.htm; and Short Courses http://compworx.isat.co.za/scb/callcour.htm

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Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Summer Internship
by Marine Animal Lifeline 13 Aug '06

13 Aug '06

MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Marine Animal Lifeline in Portland, Maine, seeks applicants for a summer internship working with stranded harbor seal pups. The internship will begin on May 20th and end August 13th. This is a full time internship position with some flexibility of the start and end date of the internship. The internship is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for all travel and housing expenses. Job Summary/Program Description: This internship is designed to provide a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. The interns will have a leadership role in the rehabilitation team and interns will be responsible for a number of support tasks with rehabilitating stranded seals throughout the course of the internship. The positions will involve working under the Veterinary Technicians in providing medical care, feeding, cleaning and completing medical records in the rehabilitation program. The intern will be integrated into the department with assigned duties allowing them to progressively take on more responsibility. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist in marine mammal rescues as they arise. In addition, they will provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals, and assist in a number of other marine mammal care procedures. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. The internship is 5 days a week, 40 hours per week, however, due to the unpredictable nature of animal care, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Daily operations at the rehabilitation facility begin at 6:30 am and go until at least 8:30 pm often later, on a case-by-case basis. The Marine Animal Lifeline is an extremely busy rehabilitation facility and the animals often require late-night or overnight care. Interns must be able and willing to work long and flexible hours including weekends, holidays and occasional nights. Interns will be required to have fair physical strength and be in good health. Successful applicants will have leadership skills, or posses the ability to learn proper leadership skills quickly. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Duties Include: * Daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of work areas. * Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments. * Assisting with rescues and releases of injured or abandoned marine animals. * Assisting with the taking and processing of X-rays. * Assisting with blood handling and collection. * Assisting with necropsies. * Updating medical and laboratory records and logs. * Maintaining veterinary and rehab supplies and equipment. * Assisting in the feeding, cleaning and daily operations of the rehab area. * Other duties relating to the Center's goals and mission as required. Application Process: Interested individuals must send the following: - Letter of intent including reasons for wanting to do the internship. - Resume - 3 references Submit the above items through one of the following 3 ways: 1. Email: jjakush(a)stranding.org (via pdf file or MSWord) 2. Regular mail: Marine Animal Lifeline c/o Jennifer Jakush P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 3. Fax: 207-541-1936 The application submission deadline is March 15th and selection of applicants will be complete by March 31st. If you have any further questions, contact Jennifer Jakush at (207) 773-7377, Ext. 413 or email at jjakush(a)stranding.org If you would like to learn more about the Marine Animal Lifeline, visit our website at www.stranding.org Jennifer Jakush Veterinary Technician Marine Animal Lifeline P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 Phone: (207) 773-7377, Ext. 413 Fax: (207) 541-1936 jjakush(a)stranding.org www.stranding.org

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new article in relation to the distribution of Phocoena spinipinnis
by Daniza Molina-Schiller 10 Aug '06

10 Aug '06

Dear Marmam Readers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article on The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals. Daniza Molina-Schiller, Sergio A. Rosales and Thales R. O. de Freitas. 2005. Oceanographic conditions off coastal South America in relation to the distribution of Burmeister's porpoise, Phocoena spinipinnis. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 4(2):141-156. PDF can be requested to: daniza(a)marinemammals.cl or daniza.molinaschiller(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Daniza Molina-Schiller Dr. en Ciencias (c) daniza(a)marinemammals.cl danizamolina(a)hotmail.com www.marinemammals.cl Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500. Cx. Postal 15007, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 91540-000, BRASIL Current Address: Casilla 215, Quilpué - CHILE Phone: ++56-32-2729159 Móvil: 82148994 ------------------------------------ Daniza Molina-Schiller Dr. en Ciencias (c) Biólogo Marino daniza(a)marinemammals.cl danizamolina(a)hotmail.com www.marinemammals.cl Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500. Cx. Postal 15007, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 91540-000, BRASIL Current Address: Casilla 215, Quilpué - CHILE Phone: ++56-32-2729159 Móvil: 82148994

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Losinj Dolphin Reserve
by Drasko Holcer 10 Aug '06

10 Aug '06

DOLPHIN PROTECTION IN ADRIATIC SEA: AN EXAMPLE OF HOW APPLIED RESEARCH HELPS EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION OF MEDITERRANEAN BIODIVERSITY On Sunday 6th August, during the celebration of the 14th Dolphin Day, held regularly since 1993 on the island of Lošinj, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Jadran Antolovic, declared the establishment of the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve (Ministry of Culture, Republic of Croatia, UP/I-612-07/06-33/676, 532-08-02-1/5-06-1, July 26, 2006). With him to celebrate this occasion were the Executive Secretary of The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS), Dr. Marie-Christine Van Klaveren and the Assistant Minister for Nature Protection, Mr. Zoran Sikic. The celebration was hosted at the Lošinj Marine Education Centre the base for the activities of the Blue World Marine Institute for Research and Conservation. This achievement was also marked with congratulations sent by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic for the successful fruition of research work undertaken by Blue World and concerted cooperation with representatives from the State Institute for Nature Protection, the Croatian Natural History Museum and the ACCOBAMS Secretariat. The area (http://www.blue-world.org/MPA/) is protected under the Croatian Law on nature protection as Special Zoological Reserve for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and as such is subject to the strictest type of protection regime. Initially, the area receives “preventive protection” with protection from the development of any new human activities, for a maximum of three years. This will allow the establishment of a management body and the preparation of a management plan for the permanent Reserve. After this period the designation will become permanent through a Decree of the Government. The Lošinj Dolphin Reserve represents the first MPA dedicated specifically for the protection of one dolphin population in the Mediterranean. It is the biggest marine protected area in the entire Adriatic, totalling 526 square kilometres. Together with bottlenose dolphins, this Reserve will help conserve a number of other endangered and protected species of flora and fauna and their critical habitats found within the designated area. For example, wintering sites of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), sea grass (Posidonia oceanica) beds, coral biocenoses and nesting sites of the common European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). Moreover, recent research identified 152 species of marine flora, 303 species of marine invertebrates (7 strictly protected, 9 protected) and 112 species of fish (19 endangered species in Croatia) within the area. This area is known also for important underwater archaeological sites particularly the site where the Greek bronze statue, a priceless replica of Lizip’s Apoksymenos, was discovered. The designation of this Reserve was based on the findings of a set of focused research projects carried out by Blue World Institute on critical factors affecting distribution and abundance of bottlenose dolphins in this area over the last 12 years, and the local socio-economic impact of this designation. These studies are contained in two PhD thesis carried out in cooperation with the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews (UK), University College London (UK) and Tethys (Italy). These academic theses represent a growing trend in combining academia with policy implementation and were fundamental in stimulating the development of the reserve. This designation represents one of the few examples of how policy makers and researchers can effectively work together toward a common goal. For more details, please contact: Drasko Holcer, president Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Kastel 24, HR-51551 Veli Losinj, Croatia, Drasko.Holcer(a)blue-world.org or visit: www.blue-world.org -- Draško Holcer, president Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Kaštel 24, HR-51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia tel +385 51 604666 fax +385 51 604668 mbl +385 91 4637424 Internet: www.blue-world.org e-mail Drasko.Holcer(a)blue-world.org

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