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Paper Announcement
by Erika Zollett 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

The following paper has recently been published in Fishery Bulletin: Depredation of catch by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Florida king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) troll fishery Erika A. Zollett and Andrew J. Read Abstract: We documented depredation by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Florida king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) troll fishery. Between March and June 2003, we conducted 26 interviews of charter and commercial fishermen in Islamorada, Florida and 23 along Floridas east coast from Fort Pierce south to Lake Worth Inlet. All fishermen indicated they had observed bottlenose dolphins depredating bait or catch, with king mackerel the species most often taken by dolphins. During on-board observations of depredation between March and June 2003, we found that dolphins took 6% of king mackerel caught by charter fishermen and 20% of fish caught by commercial fishermen. We conclude that depredation by bottlenose dolphins occurs commonly in this fishery and has the potential to incur a significant economic cost to king mackerel fishermen. To address this concern, we conducted preliminary tests of a gear modification designed to reduce depredation in the king mackerel fishery between December 2003 and January 2004. These tests demonstrated that a modification to the outrigger planer will successfully deter bottlenose dolphins from engaging in depredation, without causing a reduction in catch. The paper is available at: http://fishbull.noaa.gov/1043/zollett.pdf Reprints can be requested from: erika.zollett(a)unh.edu --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

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MCBI Tegner Awards - announcement
by Jen Palmer 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

Below please find Marine Conservation Biology Institute's (MCBI) announcement for the Mia J. Tegner Award. We encourage you to distribute at will, apologies for cross postings. Thanks! -jen Jennifer L. Palmer, Conservation Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute Deadline is Sept 29, 2006 Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is pleased to announce the Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants in Marine Environmental History and Historical Ecology. The program is looking to fund studies examining past ecosystem conditions (i.e., historical baselines). This work should be relevant to policy makers and conservationists in their efforts to restore and conserve marine biodiversity. The program will support projects from both natural and social scientists that seek to uncover interactions between natural and human history in the marine and estuarine environments worldwide. MCBI is particularly interested in studies that seek to describe systems prior to large-scale human impacts and industrialization. Research may draw on sources ranging from culturally and geographically derived data, to biological and physical data. Examples of possible information resources include fishery data, letters, journals, interviews, oral histories, historical documents, maps, photos, field surveys, etc. MCBI is especially interested in proposals focused on the following areas: 1) studies combining scientific with traditional knowledge, and/or the significance of traditional resource management systems in maintaining biological and cultural diversity, especially in the regions of Northern Australia, South Pacific, Sea of Cortez and Gulf of California; 2) research that provides documentation of deep-sea marine populations prior to the onset of modern deep-sea fishing (especially fishing on the High Seas); 3) examination of ecological connections between diadromous fish that depend on a river habitat and the populations of offshore predators such as tunas, billfish, bluefish, and sharks that relay on diadromous species as primary prey. Application Guidelines- The deadline for submission is September 29, 2006. MCBI will notify awardees by the end of 2006. Grants can range up to a maximum of $10,000 (USD) for a period no longer than one year. Eligibility- MCBI invites individuals and collaborative teams from academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to apply. Preference will be given to graduate students and post-graduate researchers. Visit www.mcbi.org <http://www.mcbi.org/> for full details. MCBI is a non-profit, tax-exempt scientific and conservation advocacy organization. From our offices in Bellevue, WA, Glen Ellen, CA and Washington DC, we work to protect and restore marine life throughout the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, lecturing, producing books and other publications to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people. Thanks, Lance Morgan, Ph.D., Chief Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 25 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 USA 1 707 938 3214 (o) 1 707 996 4842 (fax) lance(a)mcbi.org www.mcbi.org <http://www.mcbi.org/> Marine Conservation Biology Institute Protecting Ocean Life through Science and Conservation Advocacy Save deep sea corals! <http://www.mcbi.org/DSC_statement/2005_statement.htm>

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Volunteer required to help establish a cetacean monitoring program on Ascension
by Rachel Amies 26 Jul '06

26 Jul '06

I am looking for a volunteer to assist with setting up a cetacean monitoring program on Ascension Island. The project is basically to monitor cetaceans around the island which has never systematically been done, so there is an opportunity to write up the information and try to get it published. We will be working for the Island's Conservation Department. Their website can be found at http://www.ascensionconservation.org.ac/ THE FIELD WORK There are various sites around the island that were designated as dolphin monitoring sites - you sit at these recording sightings and environmental information for a minimum period of 3 hours - some of the sites take a walk of a few hours to get to, as there are not so many roads on the island. There is also a round the island boat trip which we could do every 2 weeks, and record data on the boat trip. This is the basic monitoring which could be enhanced by: * Trips on boats that are fishing anyway just to get more at sea records * Promoting the sightings programme during the time we are there to get more records * Working with the school to enhance awareness of cetaceans amongst children * Including more sites/longer hours at sites/same sites at different times. We would probably end up with a data collection for a week that would be repeated each week. OUTPUTS We would collate the data that already exists, add our data to it, and write a report for the Islands Conservation Department. Then... (if we wanted to and the data is good enough) we could develop this into a paper for publication. ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES While out on Ascension, there may also be opportunities to assist with other conservation activities, such as beach cleaning for turtles, bird surveys, land crab monitoring and community talks. LOCATION The small island of Ascension is located just south of the equator in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island is renowned for green turtles but the ocean surrounding the island abounds with shark, wahoo, barracuda, tuna, bonita, sailfish, marlin and other game fish, in addition to whales and dolphins. For more information on the island, visit: http://www.ascension-island.gov.ac/ascension.htm EXPECTED COST Flights (from the UK) are from Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) and will cost £500 return. Additional to this are living costs - accommodation will be about £10 per night. For more information on flights, visit http://www.aws.co.uk/ DATES I have between September and December available in which to travel out to Ascension for this project. As the research is flexible in terms of arrival/departure dates and duration, I can negotiate the length of the trip with anyone who is interested. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I have recently graduated in BSc biological sciences and am going on to do a MSc in marine biology. Ideally I am looking for someone of a similar age in a similar situation, who has an interest in and some knowledge of marine mammals. As the project could potentially last a few months and we will just be working as a pair, its important that we get along! So, while I m looking for someone who is responsible and conscientious, Id hope that they are enthusiastic and lively too. If you think youd like to help out, please email or mail me ASAP with a description of yourself including a photo if possible, and a brief description of your interest in cetaceans, or any relevant experience you may have had with these animals. Please also include details of your availability and confirm that you will be able to be financially self-sufficient. Any additional questions or enquiries can also be made to me via the email address provided below. Thanks, Rachel Address: Rachel Amies The Paddock Heathfield Road Audlem Cheshire CW3 0HH Email: rachel_amies(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN Search Toolbar now includes Desktop search! http://join.msn.com/toolbar/overview

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Sea Lions of the World Proceedings
by Kathy Kurtenbach 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

Alaska Sea Grant has a new publication that you may want to add to your library: Sea Lions of the World http://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-06-01.html The September 2004 symposium, Sea Lions of the World, part of Alaska Sea Grant's Wakefield Symposia series, brought sea lion researchers together in Anchorage, Alaska. This proceedings book contributes to understanding why sea lion populations fluctuate, including Alaska's Steller sea lions. Interspecies comparisons shed light on why some populations decline while others increase, and insights are gained on whether trends in the abundance of sea lions are related to fishing activities through food dependencies or through conservation measures. Authors also discuss parasites, contaminants, nutrition, pup survival, foraging, wintering, historical fluctuations, and other topics. Editors: A.W Trites, S.K. Atkinson, D.P. DeMaster, L.W. Fritz, T.S. Gelatt, L.D. Rea, and K.M. Wynne Price: $50.00 To order and for more information, go to http://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-06-01.html Thanks, Kathy Kurtenbach Sales and Marketing Coordinator Alaska Sea Grant Fairbanks, AK 907.474.7476 fnkk1(a)uaf.edu

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Job Opening: NMFS, Southeast Region, Marine Mammal Branch Chief
by David Bernhart 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

NOAA Fisheries Service is announcing a job opening for a supervisory fishery biologist to serve as the Marine Mammal Branch chief in its Southeast Regional Office, Protected Resources Division. The position involves implementing the full range of NOAA Fisheries Services' conservation management activities for marine mammals in the Southeast U.S. (North Carolina thru Texas, Puerto Rico, and USVI) under the ESA and MMPA. The position is supervisory, with a team of professional marine mammal biologists to lead and manage. This is an excellent office to work in, with outstanding staff, and the opportunity to make significant contributions to marine mammal conservation. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Supervisory Fishery Biologist DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - St Petersburg, FL SALARY RANGE: 74,074.00 - 113,791.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Monday, July 24, 2006 to Monday, August 07, 2006 POSITION INFORMATION: Competitive - Permanent Full-time Permanent SERIES & GRADE: ZP-0482-04/04 For details and to apply, click or browse to: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=46036057

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ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS ON MARINE MAMMAL CENSUS - Greece survey 2006 -
by fsiniscalchi＠oceanus.it 25 Jul '06

25 Jul '06

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS ON MARINE MAMMAL CENSUS Volunteer assistants wanted for a marine mammal census starting from Athens, and will carry out in the Greek seas. The project will take place in October 2006, and is coordinated by the Cetacean Research Group of the University of Thessaly, the Zoology and Marine Biology Department of the University of Athens and OCEANUS onlus (no profit organization; www.oceanus.it) . The aim of the trip is to collect visual and acoustic data as well as skin samples for a population genetic structure research and toxicology analysis The trip consists of 3 legs: . Athens to Chania (Crete), (3 October - 13 October); . Chania to Patra (Gulf of Corinth), (13 October - 23 October); . Patra to Athens, (23 October - 3 November). Research assistants may participate to at least one leg. The research will take place onboard a 14.5 m research sailing catamaran equipped with all necessary navigation safety and research instrument (GPSs, plotters, echo-sounders, underwater digital video and still cameras, binoculars etc) as well as a dual frequency hydrophone and DAT recorder. The most important requirements for participants are enthusiasm, and the ability and willingness to work under often difficult, but rewarding field conditions. The duties of the participants require involvement to all the activities onboard including: Navigation and sailing (taking shifts with the trained crew and acquiring experience). Research (visual scan, use of the hydrophone, filling in forms, preliminary analysis of effort/distribution and Photo-id data, maintenance of equipment). Support activities (maintenance and cleaning of the vessel, cooking etc). Preference will be given to those who: 1. have previous marine mammal field experience particularly with visual and acoustic surveys 2. have some sailing experience On board accommodation will be provided. However research assistants will be expected to contribute to food provisioning and the running costs of the survey, and arrange their own travel itinerary / flights to the arrival/departure ports. The cost for participation to any one leg, 10 days, is 600 euros. APPLICATIONS Interested persons should email at the address below providing a brief resume with their background, personal details and interests. Please also remember to include your preferred dates for participation. Contact Email: info(a)oceanus.it ; greecesurvey(a)oceanus.it

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Curator, Marine Mammals & Birds, Mystic Aquarium
by Jeremy Dewey 24 Jul '06

24 Jul '06

Job Announcement Curator, Marine Mammals & Birds Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Mystic, CT www.mysticaquarium.org Job Summary - The Curator reports directly to the Vice President Zoological Operations and is responsible for directing the husbandry operations of the department, including animal acquisition and care, exhibitry, animal training and public presentations, and departmental administration (budgeting, departmental and institutional planning, personnel, interdepartmental planning and communication). The Curator assists in coordinating response efforts to stranded animals and facilitates research endeavors involving the animal collections. Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Science or related field; advanced degree desired. A minimum of ten year's experience in marine animal husbandry and management with emphasis on marine animals. Three to five years in a curatorial position or equivalent. Ability to effectively lead and direct staff as ambassadors of the marine mammal and birds collection through education and research activities. Excellent communication skills and ability to foster teamwork. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Interested parties should send a C.V. in confidence to: James Abruzzo Managing Director, Nonprofit Practice DHR International, Inc. c/o Jeremy Dewey jdewey(a)dhrinternational.com The Mystic Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.

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Cast-net fishing with Irrawaddy dolphin in Myanmar
by Tint Tun 23 Jul '06

23 Jul '06

Dear MARMAMMERS, I am pleased to inform that my following reports on cast-net fishing with the Irrawaddy dolphins, and preliminary assessment of cetacean catches in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) in pdf format can be sent to you if you are interested in them. (1) Tint Tun (2004). Irrawaddy Dolphins in Hsithe-Mandalay Segment of the Ayeyawady River and Cooperative Fishing between Irrawaddy Dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris, and Cast-net Fishermen in Myanmar. Unpublidhed report, Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar. (2) Tint Tun (2005). Castnet Fisheries in Cooperation with Irrawaddy Dolphins (Ayeyawady dolphins) at Hsithe, Myitkangyi and Myayzun Villages, Mandalay Division, n Myanmar. Unpublished report, Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar. (3) Tint Tun (2006). Preliminary Assessment of Ccetacean Catches in Ccoastal Waters near Myeik and Dawei in Southeastern Myanmar. Unpublished report, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife Conservation Society and Convention on Migratory Species. Tint Tun Freelance Marine Biologist

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Free software for two-way communication experiments with dolphins
by serge masse 22 Jul '06

22 Jul '06

Hi all, The free Seadragon program allows you to emit underwater whistles and it recognizes underwater whistles. All you need is a laptop with Java SE 5 Runtime Environment (JRE) and two hydrophones (actually one hydrophone and one projector transducer). Java SE 5 JRE for Windows is free from http://java.com (Sun Microsystems). An Apple version of the JRE version 5 is included in recent models of Macintosh computers and older Macintoshes can be upgraded with the free JRE from Apple. The installation of the current version on a Macintosh requires some technical expertise on the part of the user. I am hoping to simplify this installation eventually. Seadragon is open source: CPL, Common Public License. The source code is included in the download zip file. We are not a commercial organization. I am a single individual. I wrote the software. I only provide the free software and you must obtain your equipment from your favorite suppliers. Download: http://sourceforge.net/projects/c2h/ User guide: http://leafyseadragon.blogspot.com/2006/01/seadragon-2-user-guide-april-200… You design your whistles in an xml file (using a text editor such as Notepad) prior to starting the application. Sample whistles are included. It is recommended to test your whistles in air first. For testing in air, I use headphones with a microphone and I do not wear the headphone during the tests. The current version is limited to whistles between 1 kHz and 10 kHz. To emit whistles, you type the names of the whistles that you want to emit. The software continuously listens for whistles and when it recognizes whistles, it writes their names (which are artificial identifiers) on the screen. Newly acquired whistles are given a new unique name, which can be changed prior to the next session. The user guide contains more details. The system works somewhat like an instant messaging application for underwater whistles. The system does not attempt to interpret the whistles that it emits and acquires. The system writes the session data in xml files for later analysis and for exchange with other researchers. The current version is an early one meant to be used for exploratory work, prior to planning your research project, and for deciding whether such a tool would be advantageous for furthering progress in your scientific areas of interests. The software is expected to be improved based on the needs of its users. It has not yet been used with dolphins at sea, as far as I know. Please use safe underwater and in-air sound pressure levels, and respect the laws and regulations that apply to the cetaceans in your location. For example, US citizens anywhere may be required to obey the US National Marine Fisheries Services' regulations for dolphins and these regulations may require that US citizens acquire a permit in order to use Seadragon in any waters. Other countries may have different regulations for the use of devices emitting underwater sounds near cetaceans. This is a very inexpensive opportunity for anyone who wants to try to experiment with dolphins using whistles. If you do use Seadragon at sea, it would be great if you would let us know about it. Any feedback would be appreciated. serge masse montreal, canada

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Volunteer Opportunities Available in New Zealand
by Emmanuelle Martinez 21 Jul '06

21 Jul '06

BACKGROUND: I am looking for two dedicated volunteers to assist with the data collection for the second field season of my doctoral research project. The aim of this project is to assess the responses of the South Island Hectors dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) to vessel activity (including tourism operations) in Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Akaroa Harbour is part of the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary. I am looking for enthusiastic, hard-working and reliable individuals who possess a strong interest in marine mammals to assist me for a 2 month-period: 28/10/06-28/12/06 or 01/02/07-31/03/07. Field work can be demanding but you will have a great opportunity to observe the smallest and rarest marine dolphin in the world in a unique environment. This is also an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in relation to observations/field work with marine mammals. Such experience will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in marine mammal science, animal behaviour and eco-tourism. FIELD WORK: Field work will involve both land-based and boat-based surveys of Hectors dolphins. Land observations will be carried out from various sites around Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula. Some of the locations of the field sites are more remote than others. Boat-based observations will be done from several tour operator vessels, which operate from Akaroa. The hands-on work will involve mainly behavioural observations of dolphins. From land, dolphins and vessels movement and interactions will be determined using a theodolite and recorded with a laptop using real time theodolite tracking system (Cyclops © 2004 University of Newcastle). Data will be collected both in the absence and presence of vessels. Boat-based work will consist of behavioural observations and photo-identification. Volunteers should be prepared to work long hours and be expected to participate in data collection, data entry and general logistical support. LOCATION: Banks Peninsula is a unique place, home to many marine mammal species and other wildlife. Check out Akaroa website: http://www.akaroa.com/ for more information of the area. EXPECTED COSTS: There is no fee for this project. Accommodation and transportation to the field sites will be provided. However, volunteers might be required to participate in food expenses. Volunteers will also have to fund their own travel to Akaroa or alternatively to Christchurch. APPLICANTS SHOULD: - Be responsible, independent, and conscientious. - Be enthusiastic, have a good team spirit and genuine interest in marine mammals. - Have a background in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. - Have previous field experience in both behavioural observations and photo-identification with dolphins (essential). - Have good communication skills, - Have good English language skills - Have basic IT skills - Have a driving licence. APPLICATIONS Applications should include: - Current CV or resume, with a picture of yourself - Details of your availability - Contact details of at least one referee - A brief description of yourself including your interest in marine mammals and what you may hope to gain from this experience. Additional questions or enquiries can also be made to the email address provided below. If you are interested, please send your application by email or regular mail to Emmanuelle Martinez at: Akaroa Research on Effects of Vessel Activity (A.R.E.V.A. Project) Coastal Marine Research Group (INR) Oteha Rohe Campus, Building 5 Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Email: areva @paradise.net.nz The deadline for applications is August 20th 2006. Thanks. Emmanuelle **************************************************************************** Emmanuelle Martinez PhD Candidate C-MRG/Ecololy and Conservation Group (INR) Building 5, Gate 4 Oteha Rohe, Albany Campus Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Phone: +64 21760411 (mobile) +64 9 414 0800 ext 41127 (University Marine Mammal Lab) Fax: +64 9 443 9790 (University) Email: E.Martinez(a)massey.ac.nz C-MRG http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz Ecology and Conservation Group http://www.massey.ac.nz/~dhbrunto/home.htm Away overseas from 16/06/06 till 20/07/06 **************************************************************************

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