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New paper on sea lions and dolphins
by Maddalena Bearzi 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

Dear Marmamers, The following paper on sea lions and dolphins was recently published: Bearzi, M. 2006. CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS USE DOLPHINS TO LOCATE FOOD. Journal of Mammalogy 87(3):606-617. Abstract Aggregations by 3 species of dolphins (the bottlenose dolphin [Tursiops truncatus], the short-beaked common dolphin [Delphinus delphis], and the long-beaked common dolphin [Delphinus capensis]) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were investigated in Santa Monica Bay, California. Groups were followed and observed during 201 boat-based surveys conducted in 19972001 documenting that sea lions were aggregated in 18.6% of the sightings with bottlenose dolphins (150 bottlenose dolphin sightings) and in 45.9% of the sightings with 1 of the 2 species of common dolphins (98 common dolphin sightings). Aggregations of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions were observed in inshore (,500 m from shore) and offshore (.500 m) waters, whereas common dolphins and sea lions were observed only in offshore waters. These aggregations were often recorded feeding near escarpments and submarine canyons, showing a striking preference for these bathymetric features. The results show that sea lions spend a significant amount of time following dolphins, sea lions initiate aggregation and departure from dolphin schools, these aggregations occur more often than is expected by chance, and no aggressive behavior between sea lions and dolphins was ever observed at or near the surface. I argue that sea lions may take advantage of the superior food-locating abilities of dolphins. This paper provides the 1st detailed description of mixed-species aggregations and habitat usage by 3 dolphin species and sea lions. The paper is available through the journal¹s website: http://www.asmjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-pdf&doi=10.1644%2F04-MAMM-A -115R4.1 Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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2 day marine mammal courses UK
by Volunteer Coordinator (HWDT) 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust MARINE MAMMAL COURSES 2006 Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland ACTIVITIES: Boat Based Survey Techniques A day out on 65ft yacht Silurian to learn about marine life survey techniques from our science team, and a chance to see a number of marine animals. Survey Techniques include: a.. Identifying different marine mammals (whales, dolphins, porpoises, grey and common seals) b.. Estimating distance of animals from the boat c.. Photo identification - how to identify individual animals d.. Acoustic surveys - the use of a hydrophone to identify different marine mammal species Land Based Survey Techniques Spend an afternoon finding out what signs to look for when spotting cetaceans from shore; how to identify what you see; how land based surveys differ from boat based surveys and why they are important in cetacean monitoring; how to use survey equipment to monitor boat and cetacean movements. Marine life biology Learn first hand about the local marine life with a make-shift aquarium containing a variety of different marine animals - different varieties of crabs, lobster, starfish etc. Plankton Identification Plankton are at the source of the whole marine ecosystem, collect plankton samples and identify your catch under microscopes. Learn about the rich biodiversity of the area and why the Hebrides has such productive waters. Presentations: Different cetacean species present in UK waters and how to identify each of them Marine mammal behaviour, biology, ecology and acoustics The research carried out through the Trust and how you can get involved Discussions on topics of interest (dependent on participants) e.g. Marine pollution and other marine conservation topics Threats to local cetaceans Marine national parks Fisheries Etc. Practicalities DATES: (3 nights) March: Friday 24 - Sunday 26 April: Wednesday 12 - Friday 14 July: Sunday 9 - Tuesday 11 1/3 discount on last minute spaces for members of marmam September: Saturday 2 - Monday 4 GROUP SIZE: 6-9 persons Course not suitable for children, all persons should be over 18 SUITABILITY: The course is aimed at all who have an interest in marine life and wish to know more. Past participants have ranged from wildlife enthusiasts to those with PhD experience - all of whom have enjoyed and benefited from the course. This particular course is not suitable for children. All persons should be aged over 18. Please note that the boat is not equipped for wheelchairs, and is not suitable for those with poor balance or those who require assistance to stand. ACCOMMODATION: Bunk house accommodation can be provided at a cost of £12 per night: One room with 6 beds, one with 4 beds, en-suite showers in each room, self-catering kitchen facilities, small TV room, local pub within a minute's walk. A list of B&B's can be provided for those who wish to find their own accommodation FOOD: We provide the bunkhouse with basic foods such as bread, margarine, spreads, milk, cereals, teas, coffee, sugar, flour, seasonings etc . We will not be providing full meals. There is a fully equipped kitchen in the bunkhouse and a pub that serves meals is located around the corner. COST: The 2 day, 3 night course is: £150 per person - excluding accommodation (The last minute spaces in July are £100 per person) Accommodation is £12 per night extra. To book please contact Fiona Quarmby the course co-ordinator at:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org phone us on 01688 302620 Weekdays between 10am-6pm. Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull Argyll PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 Fax: 01688 302728 Web: www.hwdt.org

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Cetacean Research Project
by Liz Sandeman 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

Cetacean Project - Greece 2006 UK charity the Marine Connection has joined forces with Fiskardos Nautical and Environmental Centre(FNEC)who are based on the beautiful island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, with regards to a vital dolphin and whale research programme. During the last four years volunteers have been recording dolphin and whale numbers, species, distribution, habitat use and boat disturbance. The Marine Connection is offering a limited number of places to join the field project for a minimum period of one week. Species seen range from common, striped and bottlenose dolphins. Other species sighted can include killer whales, pilot whales, rissos dolphins, minke whales or even passing fin whales. Spaces are filling fast and the only dates left for this year are :July 17th, July 31st, August 14th, August 28th, September 11th, September 25th and October 2nd. Included in the price, for qualified divers is the opportunity, when not on research survey's to go diving, using the projects equipment and boat. For further details click here: http://www.marineconnection.org/projects/Greece_2006.htm Liz Sandeman Director of Operations The Marine Connection (reg UK charity 1062222) PO Box 2404, London, W2 3WG Tel: 020 7499 9196 fax: 020 7409 2133 www.marineconnection.org

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Volunteer oportunities in dolphin foto-id-research program
by Stefan Austermühle 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

Dear marmamers The Peruvian conservation group Mundo Azul is launching a volunteer based dolphin-photo-id research program on bottlenose dolphins south of the countries capital Lima. If you are interested you may find more information on our english website: http://www.mundoazul.org/english/volunteer_conservation.htm Thank you very much for your interest Sefan Austermühle Mundo Azul

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literatur on impacts of tourism on dolphins and whales
by Stefan Austermühle 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

Dear colleagues I am currently writing on a book about development of whale and dolphin watching in Peru. I would be very thankfull for anybody that could provide additional information to what I already have on the topic of negative impacts of tourism on cetaceans. Please see the list below Thank you very much for your help Stefan Austermühle Mundo Azul Peru Anonymous, 1995: Report of the Workshop on the Scientific Aspects of Managing Whale Watching, Montecastello Di Vibio, Italy, 30th March - 4th April 1995 Baxter, Andrew and Donoghue, Michael: Management of Cetacean Watching in New Zealand, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Bejder, L. 1997: Behavior, ecology and impacts of tourism on Hector's dolphins (Chephalorhynchus hectori) in Porpoise Bay, New Zealand. MSc. thesis. University of Otago, New Zealand. 101 pp. Egas, Wouter; 2002: Whale Watching in Europe - Aspects of sustainability; University of Amsterdam, Leiden, May 2002 Hammond, Jane, 2006: Dolphin watching harms animals AAP, May 14, 2006; <http://tursiops.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2492> http://tursiops.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2492 Queensland Department of Environment, 2002: Conservation and management of whales and dolphins in Queensland 19972001, The State of Queensland, ISBN 0 7242 6522 8 Lien, Jon, 2001: The Conservation Basis for the Regulation of Whale Watching in Canada by the Department of Fisheries and oceans A precautional Approach; Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2363; Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Johns, Newfoundland; Submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ottawa, 31 March 2000, Central and Arctic Region, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6 Lusseau, D.; 2004: The hidden cost of tourism: detecting long-term effects of tourism using behavioral information. Ecology and Society 9(1): 2. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol9/iss1/art2 Samuels, Amy; Bejder, Lars; and Heinrich, Sonja, 2000: A Review of the Literature Pertaining to Swimming with Wild Dolphins; prepared for the Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 905, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Timmins, Graham: 2004: Is Dusty dangerous? <http://www.irishdolphins.com/webpilot/list/details.asp?contentid=57&l=1 0> http://www.irishdolphins.com/webpilot/list/details.asp?contentid=57&l=10

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Intern needed for Humpback whale foraging ecology study in British Columbia
by Robin Abernethy 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

This August and September North Coast Cetacean Society (NCCS) will be starting a new field project looking at the foraging ecology of Humpback whales in Whale Channel on the North Coast of British Columbia, Canada. NCCS, founded in 2001 is based on Gil Island and is in an ideal location to study humpback and killer whales. For more information regarding their ongoing research projects check out their web page – www.whaleresearch.ca. We are looking for one intern to join us this summer from the end of July to mid September (exact dates TBA). This will be an excellent chance for an upper level undergraduate student (or recent grad) to gain valuable cetacean field experience. This research will be multifaceted involving photo-identification, tracking the movements of the whales from shore using a theodolite, collecting acoustical recordings, and more. Although the hope is to include the intern in all aspects of the research their main task will be to operate the theodolite station. The dates for this project are tentatively set from July 26th to September 16th. This will be a volunteer position although the cost of travel from Vancouver Island to Gil Island and back will be covered, as will food costs during the 6 week period. Accommodation will also be provided at Cetacealab although it will be tight quarters – one may consider bringing along a tent for a bit of personal space. The main things we are looking for are: - Experience using a theodolite would be a benefit although it is not a requirement. - A demonstrated ability to live and work well with others in tight isolated living conditions. - The ability to work independently yet respond well to supervision and instruction - Good problem solving and communication skills. - Strong attention to detail. Applicants must be able to come to the Nanaimo area (British Columbia) for an interview. The position is open until filled. If you are interested please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references to aber_robin(a)yahoo.ca .

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References needed for India manuscript
by William Rossiter 27 Jun '06

27 Jun '06

Posted on behalf of Anoop.A.Krishnan, India, by Bill Rossiter, Cetacean Society International: Sir, I am Anoop.A and I am working on marine mammals of India. I went for a southern ocean expedition and has collected some datas on sightings of whale and presently making a manuscript of the same. I am having problem getting some important reference which i feel will make my paper good. I am sending the list of references as attachment. If you can help me out or lead me to a people who have these reference it was of of good help. Anoop.A.Krishnan Senior Research Scholar MRC of CMFRI, P. B No. 244, Bolar, Mangalore-575001, India Phone: 09448152501 Fax: +918242424061 email: anoopenv(a)rediffmail.com Borsa, P. 1997. Seasonal trends in the occurrence of marine mammals in the Golfe du Morbihan, Kerguelen Islands. /Mar. Mam. Sc/i, 13 (2):314-316 Cockcroft, V.G. and Young, D.D. 1998. An investigation of the status of coastal marine resources along the west coast of Madagascar. /Mission// Repor/t. 58 pp. Corbett, H.D. 1994. The occurrence of cetaceans of Mauritius and in adjacent waters. /Rep. Int. Whal.Commn. /44:393-97 De Boer, M.N. 2000. Observations on Occurrence and Distribution of Cetaceans in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary and Southern part of the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. Paper SC/52/O9 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee. De Boer, M.N. 2001. A note on cetacean observations in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary and the South China Sea, Mauritius to the Philippines, April 199/9. J. Cetacean. Res. Manag/e. 2(3):197-200 De Boer, M.N., Frizell, J., Sonntag, R. 1999. Cetacean observations in the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean Sanctuaries. Paper SC/51/O12 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, 16 pp. Kasamatsu, F., Joyce, G.G., Ensor, P., Mermoz, J. 1990. Current occurrence of cetacea in the southern hemisphere; results from the IWC/IDCR Southern Hemisphere minke whale assessment cruises, 1978/79-1987/88. Paper SC/42/0 15 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, June 1990 Kasuyo, T. and Wada, S. 1991. Distribution of large cetaceans in the Indian Ocean: data from Japanese sighting records, November-March. In: S. Leatherwood and G. P. Donovan, eds. /Cetaceans andcetacean research in the //Indian Ocean// sanctuar/y. Marine Mammal Technical Report No. 3. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. pp 139-170 Leatherwood, S. and Donovan, G.P. 1991. Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. /In: /S. Leatherwood and G. P. Donovan (eds). /Cetaceans and cetacean research in the Indian Oceansanctuar/y. Marine Mammal Technical Report No. 3. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. Leatherwood, S., Todd, S., Thomas, J.A. 1982. Incidental records of cetaceans in southern seas, January and February 1981. /Rep. Int. Whal. Commn /. 32. 515-520 Parker, D.A.A. 1978. Observations of whales on ANARE voyages between Australia and Antarctica. /Aust. Wildl. Res. /5, pp 25-39 Peddemors, V.M., Best, P.B., Cockcroft, V.G., Oosthuizen, W.H. 2002. The status of South African cetaceans. Paper SC/54/O22 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee. Robineau, D.1998. The cetaceans of the Arabo-Persian Gulf: a review. Paper SC/50/SM1 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee, April 1998. 15 pp. Robineau, D. 1991. Balaenopterid sightings in the western tropical Indian Ocean (Seychelles Area), 1982-1986. /In: /S. Leatherwood and G. P. Donovan (eds). /Cetaceans and cetacean research in the IndianOcean sanctuar/y. Marine Mammal Technical Report No. 3. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. pp 171-179. Stensland, E, Berggren, P., Johnstone, R. 1998. Marine mammals in Tanzanian waters: urgent need for status assessment. /Ambio /Vol. 27 (8) pp 771-774. Thiele, D., Chester, E.T., Gill, P.C. 2000. Cetacean distribution off Eastern Antarctica (80°E-150°E) during the Austral Summer of 1995/96. /Deep-Sea Res. I/I, 47:2543-2572 Tynan, C.T. 1997. Cetacean distribution and oceanographic features near the Kerguelen Plateau. /Geophysical Research Letters /24(22):2793-2796.

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Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: behaviour
by David Lusseau 25 Jun '06

25 Jun '06

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the release of the following accepted manuscript on the journal Behavioural Processes' website: Why do dolphins jump? Interpreting the behavioural repertoire of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand Abstract: Only a limited number of studies have tried to determine the purpose of surface behavioural events performed by dolphins. To date only one study has attempted to aggregate the behavioural events observed in a population in contextual groups using co-occurrence as the grouping factor. In the present study I tried to characterise the behavioural repertoire of a bottlenose dolphin population (Tursiops sp.) present in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. I first looked at the relationship between events performed by individuals depending on the behavioural state of their schools. I then assessed the likelihood for events to co-occur. Four main behavioural categories (orientation, travel, social displays and fights) emerged from this analysis. Aerial events (jumps) did not fall into one category, showing that different aerial behaviours play different roles. Moreover, it appears that dolphins used side-flopping and upside-down lobtailing to communicate motivation. Side-flops occurred when the focal schools finished a behavioural bout and started to travel, while upside-down lobtails occurred when the focal schools instigated a behavioural bout after travelling. This non-vocal communication can take place over a few meters to hundreds of meters. Having signals that are effective over very short ranges avoids unwanted signalling to prey, predators, or conspecifics. It is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/ (Journal: Behavioural Processes, section: Article in Press) I will make it also available at lusseau.org in the coming week. best wishes, David ______________ David Lusseau, PhD Killam Postdoctoral Fellow Dalhousie University Department of Biology 1355 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 4J1 Canada Tel: (902) 494 3723 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)dal.ca website: http://www.lusseau.org

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Range size for monk seals?
by Loren McClenachan 25 Jun '06

25 Jun '06

Hello, I am looking for information on the maximum and average range sizes of Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals for a geographic modeling project. I found published data on Hawaiian monk seals which says that they typically stay within few km of their breeding sites but have been observed foraging up to ~200 km away. Estimates for Mediterranean monk seals' range seem to be less variable: from ~20 to 60 km but I have not been able to find information on maximum foraging distance. Could anyone tell me if there better information available about range size in either species? What is the maximum distance that individuals in either species have been observed away from their breeding sites? Thanks in advance, Loren ****************************************************** Loren McClenachan PhD Student Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California, San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093-0208 858/822-4170

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New publications week 24
by Jan Herrmann 25 Jun '06

25 Jun '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 24 / 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 Gnone, G., T. Moriconi, and G. Gambini (2006): Sleep behaviour: Activity and sleep in dolphins. Nature 441(7096): E10-E11. Lyamin, O.I. et al. (2006): Sleep behaviour: Sleep in continuously active dolphins; Activity and sleep in dolphins (Reply). Nature 441(7096): E11. Parra, G.J. (2006): Resource partitioning in sympatric delphinids: space use and habitat preferences of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Journal of Animal Ecology 75(4): 862-874. Sekiguchi, Y., K. Arai, and S. Kohshima (2006): Sleep behaviour: Sleep in continuously active dolphins. Nature 441(7096): E9-E10. PINNIPEDIA de Oliveira, L.R. et al. (2006): Effective population size in a bottlenecked fur seal population. Biological Conservation 131(4): 505-509. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Laidre, K.L. et al. (2006): Patterns of growth and body condition in sea otters from the Aleutian archipelago before and after the recent population decline. Journal of Animal Ecology 75(4): 978-989. Sonne, C. et al. (2006): Are organohalogen contaminants a cofactor in the development of renal lesions in east Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus)? Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 25(6): 1551-1557. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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