- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking Intern for Killer Whale Research
by Dawn Grebner 02 Jun '06

02 Jun '06

Seeking Intern to Assist Doctoral Student with Field Research I am a PhD student from the Graduate Program in Acoustics at Penn State. I am seeking an intern to assist me in collecting behavioral and acoustical data on killer whales located on an island off Vancouver Island North, BC. The field season will last approximately 6-7 weeks from the second week of July thru the end of August; the internship itself will be from the approximately July 24 to the last week of August. All observations and data collection will be conducted from shore, but travel by boat to the island is necessary. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine mammal science to acquire field experience. An ideal candidate would be dedicated to the marine environment and committed to collecting data to further our understanding of killer whale group dynamics. Skills intern will learn: How to distinguish between individuals within a matrilineal unit, subpod or pod How to estimate group size and composition How to record and distinguish between different killer whale behaviors How to record and retrieve acoustic information How to estimate distances of killer whales to the observation site How to assess and record environmental conditions and sound speed profile information Abilities: Prior knowledge of marine mammal behavior or acoustics is an asset Must be able to rise early and work long hours Must be able to camp and work in a remote coastal environment Capable of hiking daily with equipment from the campsite to the observation cliff (~5km/2.5 miles each way) Interns will be responsible for travel to the location. Intern will need to supply their own tent, tarp and sleeping gear. Though it does not cost anything to live on the island, a weekly food/water supply fee of $70 will be necessary to participate in the camp. Please contact me with your interest, background experience and if you would like more information. dmg302(a)psu.edu Thanks, Dawn PhD Candidate Graduate Program in Acoustics Penn State 814-863-7562 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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effect of wave energy farm on cetaceans
by Opération Cétacés 01 Jun '06

01 Jun '06

Dear Marmanners, I am looking on any kind of information that could be available on potential effects of wave energy farms on cetaceans. especially the Pelamis wave energy converter. I was in touch with the society (Ocean Power Delivery Ltd) that developped such a system. They let me know that they conducted environmental studies for each project but only one is actually in exploitation in Portugal. That's why I will be very interested to be in touch with anyone taht conducted study on effects of wave energy farms on cetaceans Information of any kind would be appreciate. Thanks Claire Garrigue Dr Claire Garrigue Responsable scientifique BP12827 98802 Noumea Nouvelle-Calédonie tel/fax : +687 24-16-34 www.offratel.nc/op.cetaces

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Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification Internships - Fall 2006
by R.H. Defran 01 Jun '06

01 Jun '06

From: "Dr. R.H. Defran" <rdefran(a)sunstroke.sdsu.edu> The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill one or two Dolphin Photo-identification Internship positions for the Fall of 2006. The MMPR is organized within NOAA's National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 15 week period from Tuesday September 5, 2006 to Friday, December 15, 2006. The intern will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD). Two useful sources of information about the CDAD project are: 1) Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892; and 2) The Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution (CDAD) Project: Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) for Field and Photographic Analysis Procedures (you can download pdf versions of these documents at the web sites listed below). The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston, SC area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics, including temporal and spatial aspects of distribution, of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. The interns must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in the behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of an intern with well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The internship application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should correspond with Dr. Defran by email before preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship position by early July 2006. Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Dr. R.H. Defran Email: rdefran(a)sunstroke.sdsu.edu Defran Home Page: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/CBL/Director.html Zolman PDF download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Zolman2002.pdf CDAD SOP pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD%20Interns hip%20SOP.pdf.

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comments on RIMPAC exercise available
by Michael Jasny 01 Jun '06

01 Jun '06

Dear all, As many of you know, the U.S. Navy is planning to conduct a major exercise called RIMPAC ("Rim of the Pacific") around the main Hawaiian Islands next month, from around July 1 through July 28. The exercise would involve a variety of activities with potential impacts on marine mammals, including gunnery and missile exercises, and as many as 532 hours of training with mid-frequency sonar and other active acoustics. NMFS has proposed giving the Navy an authorization for RIMPAC -- which would represent the first time "takes" from mid-frequency sonar are allowed under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. The authorization would cover only significant behavioral effects and non-lethal injury, but (controversially) not strandings or mortalities. The deadline for public comments closed last week. I'd like to let everyone know that NRDC's comments are available at docs.nrdc.org/water/wat_06052401A.pdf. Best, Michael Michael Jasny Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 604-736-9386 mjasny(a)telus.net PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify us at the above telephone number.

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Summer Field Courses on Marine Mammals and the Marine Environment of the Aegean Sea
by Frank Veit 01 Jun '06

01 Jun '06

Summer Field Courses 2006 on Marine Mammals and their Marine Environment - Biology, Conservation & Management Archipelagos Institute, Patmos - Aegean Sea, Greece 15-24 July 19-28 August 16-25 September Location: Island of Patmos, Northern Dodecanese Lecturers Frank Veit, PhD - Free University of Berlin, Marine Mammal Research Co-ordinator Anastasia Miliou, PhD cand. - Scientific Director of Archipelagos Institute Catriona Lynch, MSc - Archipelagos Institute, Coastal Zone Manager & GIS Expert Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara (guest lecturer in the first two courses) Topics covered in the field course 1. Biology and conservation of marine mammals of the Aegean Sea. 2. Visual survey methods to assess the abundance of cetacean populations. 3. Passive acoustics: a modern tool to study cetacean behaviour, habitat characteristics and estimating cetacean abundance. 4. First aid to marine mammals & turtles. 5. Coastal ecosystems. 6. Fish fauna of the Eastern Aegean Sea: biology and conservation. 7. Algae and invertebrate biodiversity of the Eastern Aegean Sea. 8. Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis in marine biodiversity studies. 9. Fisheries: Socio-economical importance and impact on marine ecosystems. 10. Management of marine & island ecosystems. Archipelagos, Institute of Marine & Environmental Research of the Aegean Sea, announces its field courses for the summer of 2006, held on the island of Patmos, Northern Dodecanese. These ten-day courses present an integrated perspective by introducing active areas of research in studying the marine biodiversity, with a special emphasis on the marine mammal populations of the Aegean Sea. Participants of the course will gain from the expertise and hands-on experience during the course. Combined with informational seminars and lectures, they will be trained during this field and laboratory-intensive course in ecologically-relevant research techniques, including bioacoustics, line-transect studies of the ecology of coastal ecosystems for different target species, passive acoustic monitoring, behavioural sampling, acquisition and application of GIS databases with demonstrational computer workshops, and photo-identification of cetacean species in mark-recapture analysis. The course content is highly applied, as is the daily work of the Archipelagos Institute, which aims at developing sustainable management concepts for the natural wealth of the Aegean Sea in co-operation with the local community. The waters around the islands of the Northern Dodecanese are home to an abundance of habitats (e.g. Posidonia seagrass-beds) and marine species, many of which are particularly rare and under international protected status, as for example a large population of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), the last known in the entire eastern Mediterranean Sea, or the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), with a world wide population of only a few hundred individuals one of the most endangered mammal species altogether. In total six species of marine mammals inhabit the waters of the area. Beside the two former mentioned marine mammals, there are bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), and Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). The design of the course is aimed at students and graduates of marine and environmental sciences, as well as all related fields. Course language is English. Field work will be partly done during boat-based surveys and partly during snorkelling-based surveys. Boat surveys depend on weather conditions and might start very early in the morning, when observational conditions are usually best. The price for the course is Euro 950, including accommodation, half board meals (breakfast and lunch), boat trips, and all other day activities. For more information about the course and application details, please visit the homepage of Archipelagos at www.archipelago.gr or cantact: frank(a)archipelago.gr About Archipelagos The non-profit environmental organisation Archipelagos conducts for over five years the first comprehensive study on the biodiversity of the marine and terrestrial island ecosystems in Greek waters, focussing on the application of established as well as innovative research techniques in assessing and modelling environmental data. A further emphasis of the organisation's activities is the information exchange with local communities, including educational programs, and a close collaboration with national and international institutions. Based on these efforts, the creation of the 'National Park of the North Dodecanese Islands and Islets' is being prepared together with Greek governmental bodies, its establishment being planned for the near future. This national park, which will constitute one of the largest marine parks of the Mediterranean, will encompass over 50 islands and islets of the North Dodecanese and the surrounding waters. More information and an extended photo archive can be found on the Web page of Archipelagos www.archipelago.gr

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UK Cetacean Survey Training Courses
by Hanna Nuuttila 31 May '06

31 May '06

Sea Watch Foundation Cetacean Survey Training Courses in New Quay, West Wales July - September 2006 Join a short course to learn all about British cetaceans, how to survey for them, and contribute to their conservation! Book Now! Introductory weekend course 15th – 16th July 2006 5th-6th August 2006 Extended 4-day course 2nd -5th September 2006 Courses will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local whale-watching vessel. There are two types of course: a weekend course for those with little previous knowledge or experience of cetaceans; and an extended 4-day course for those who already have some knowledge of cetacean watching. For the introductory course, the programme will include an extra lecture introducing cetaceans – their biology, ecology and behaviour. For the extended course, there will be more "in-depth" lectures including research studies, and, weather permitting, extended time at sea, with additional training in field techniques like photo-identification. Both courses will include lectures/videos on conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, species identification, and recommended survey methods for monitoring cetaceans. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based watches allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Boat-based work will also teach participants the skills needed for: (r) estimating group size and distinguishing calves, juveniles and adults (r) assessing sea state and other key environmental details (r) photographic techniques There will also be the chance to practice species field identification and the recording of different behaviours. All participants will receive a detailed manual on how to record and monitor cetaceans. The courses will be taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff from the Sea Watch Foundation. Cost of workshop, per person (excluding accommodation and meals) Introductory weekend course - £150 Organisations; £120 Individuals Extended 4-day course - £200 Organisations; £170 Individuals On both courses, there are discounts available as follows: - £10 for members of the Sea Watch Foundation - £10 for unwaged participants (incl. students) - £10 for people sent by other charities These discounts can be added together. Outline of the course Indoor Session 1: - introduction to cetaceans: biology, ecology and behaviour (beginners course only) - cetaceans in UK: methods and applications for surveying and monitoring cetaceans, including acoustics - species identification: introductory lecture and video Indoor Session 2: - conservation problems currently faced by UK cetaceans - methods for monitoring conservation threats ( followed by video and discussion session) - cetacean research in Cardigan Bay: a review of survey and photo-ID studies Boat Trips - how to use recording forms, conduct watches, identify species, record group size and behaviour, and record environmental parameters - estimate range, measure bearing to sighting (extended course only) - how to use a camera to photograph cetaceans, key ID features to be photographed - photo-ID: individual features to photograph, how to develop and maintain ID catalogues (extended course only) Land-based Watches - watches from a nearby headland will enable participants to practise their identification skills - learn how to monitor boat activity and their possible effects on cetaceans To book, please use the form overleaf The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity dedicated to monitoring the status and the distribution of cetaceans throughout the UK and Ireland, running training courses, and various research projects as well as managing the National Sightings Database. To book on a course, obtain more information about the work of the charity, or take part in surveys, please contact: The Sea Watch Foundation, Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545-561227 • www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk • info(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________ Hanna Nuuttila Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House, Wellington Place New Quay SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 hanna.nuuttila(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk www.seawatchfoundation.org. uk <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> ------------------------------

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Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: new publication
by David Lusseau 31 May '06

31 May '06

Dear Marmamers, we are pleased to announce the publication of the first in a series of papers looking at the potential communicative value of physical behavioural events in Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: R. Ferrer i Cancho and D. Lusseau 2006. Long-term correlations in the surface behavior of dolphins. Europhysics Letters DOI: 10.1209/epl/i2005-10596-9 Abstract Here we study the sequences of surface behavioral patterns of dolphins (Tursiops sp.) and find long-term correlations. We show that the long-term correlations are not of a trivial nature, i.e. they cannot be explained by the repetition of the same surface behavior many times in a row. Our findings suggest that dolphins have a long collective memory extending back at least to the 7-th past behavior. As far as we know, this is the first evidence of long-term correlations in the behavior of a non-human species. The paper is available in the E-first section of the Journal (http://www.edpsciences.org/articles/epl/abs/first/contents/contents.html) and will be shortly available at lusseau.org David David Lusseau, PhD Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dalhousie University Department of Biology 1355 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 4J1 Tel: (902) 494 3723 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)dal.ca david.lusseau(a)gmail.com Website: http://www.lusseau.org

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Abstracts and contents - Aquatic Mammals, 32(1), 2006 (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 30 May '06

30 May '06

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies in advance to those of you who will be receiving cross-postings. The following is a list of contents of the most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammals_. This publication is supported through a partnership between the European Association for Aquatic Mammals and the European Cetacean Society. For more information on _Aquatic Mammals_, I refer you to the new website for the publication (that includes author guidelines) which not only also has links to both societies: http://www.wiu.edu/users/aquamamm/index/home.htm The abstracts are posted as a courtesy to the journal editors: Managing Editor: Dr. Jeannette Thomas, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, 3561 Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, USA (J-Thomas(a)wiu.edu; tel: 309-762-9481; fax: 309-762-6989) and Co-Editor and Book Review Editor: Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Avenue, Mystic, Connecticut 06355, USA (kdudzinski(a)mysticaquarium.org; tel: 860-572-5955; fax: 860-572-5969). The addresses to whom reprint inquiries should be directed is included with each article. No email addresses were provided with any of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in this journal and publication postings in general. With warm regards, Dagmar Fertl Geo-Marine, Inc. dfertl(a)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com ____________________________________________________________________________ Neumann, D.R.*, and M.B. Orams. 2006. Impacts of ecotourism on short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):1-9. *Luisenstrasse 2, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) often are found in large aggregations offshore from the eastern coast of New Zealand. They are the primary target of at least six marine mammal tourism operations from Whakatane to the Hauraki Gulf. This report details the first long-term investigation of interactions between tourists and common dolphins. During a 3-y study offshore from Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, 105 focal group follows, totaling 118 h of observations were conducted from a 5.5-m, rigid-hull inflatable boat. Seventy-two of these observations were conducted in the absence of the tour boat (baseline), and 33 with the tour boat. Baseline data were compared with "tour boat" data to assess changes in dolphin behaviour resulting from the tour boat approaching and swimmers entering the water to snorkel with the dolphins. Common dolphins responded with a relatively predictable pattern to approaching boats. Initial attraction (mean duration 8 min) typically was followed by neutral behaviour (mean duration 57 min) and eventually replaced by boat avoidance. Smaller dolphin groups showed boat avoidance sooner and more frequently than larger groups. When swimmers entered the water, dolphins only spent an average of 2 min in their vicinity. Throughout encounters, they maintained a distance of at least 3 m from the nearest swimmer. During half of the attempted swims, dolphins did not change their course or their activity in response to swimmers. Swimmers had a better chance of a sustained interaction when the group of dolphins was large (> 50 individuals) and/or the number of swimmers in the water was small (< 5). The results of this study suggested that common dolphins can be affected by tourism; however, adherence to New Zealand's Marine Mammals Protection Regulations and the current low level of tourism appear to minimise the impact on this species. ******************************************************************* Weiss, J.* 2006. Foraging habitats and associated preferential foraging specializations of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) mother-calf pairs. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):10-19. Current address: Geo-Marine, Inc. 2713 Magruder Boulevard, Suite D, Hampton, VA 23666, USA Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) use a variety of foraging specializations to detect and pursue prey. Like other mammals, individual dolphins may use specialized foraging techniques that are shaped in response to habitat type or prey resources. The long duration of the mother-calf bond presents an opportunity for mothers to transmit such specializations to their calves. This study explored how the use of foraging specializations may influence selection of foraging habitats and how such specializations may spread within a dolphin community. Focal animal follows were used to document the foraging behavior of five resident females and their calves from June to August 2003 in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Sarasota Bay was classified into six habitat types based upon bathymetry and bottom topography. Individual females differed in their selection of foraging habitats. Three of the five focal females used one of two foraging specializations—kerplunking and barrier-feeding—and exhibited a preference for only one type of behavior. A significant difference in the frequency of observations of foraging specific behaviors was found between different habitat types. Limited observations, as well as anecdotal evidence from past studies, suggest that maternal transmission may play a role in the spread of foraging techniques, such as kerplunking and barrier-feeding, within the community. My findings suggest that the use of foraging specializations is associated with foraging habitat preferences in Sarasota Bay. The importance of seagrass areas to foraging dolphins and the significance of the mother-calf bond to the development of the use of foraging specializations is emphasized. *********************************************************************** Reyes, L.M.* 2006. Cetaceans of central Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):20-30 *Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Boulevard Brown 3700, (9120) Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina The aim of this study was to produce the first annotated checklist of cetaceans found in the coastal waters of central Patagonia, Argentina, in the Southwestern Atlantic, encompassing approximately 700 km of coastline. Personal records of sightings and strandings, personal communications with trained individuals, photographs, unpublished abstracts from meetings, scientific publications, newspaper articles, and specimen collections from academic institutions were considered. Thirteen species were reported in the area, including ten odontocetes and three mysticetes. Reports of eight species had been published previously, including Cephalorhynchus commersonii, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, L. australis, Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas, Physeter macrocephalus, Mesoplodon layardii, and Ziphius cavirostris. Five species were formally documented for the first time in this coastal area, including Grampus griseus, M. grayi, Eubalaena australis, Balaenoptera bonaerensis, and B. musculus. The number of odontocete species and the presence of three species of pinnipeds breeding or moulting on several islands (Otaria flavescens, Arctocephalus australis, and Mirounga leonina) highlight the importance of the area in terms of biodiversity of top predators and the need for the creation of a new Marine Protected Area, considering present uses and trends in coastal development. *********************************************************************** McFadden, K.W.*, G.A.J. Worthy, and T.E. Lacher. 2006. Photogrammetric estimates of size and mass in Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 31-40. *current address: National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources Division, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA A non-invasive photographic technique was developed to estimate the body mass of Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Newly weaned monk seal pups (n = 31) were photographed and measured at Kure Atoll in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Length, side area, anterior/posterior area, and perimeter were measured from photographs to establish predictive relationships with body mass using regression analyses. Photographs were ranked subjectively in terms of quality, based on the degree to which the seal's body position deviated from the ideal position used to obtain standardized photographs. Results indicated that deviations in body positioning (e. g., a seal rolled on its side) did not significantly alter photogrammetric (surface area or perimeter) values compared to those obtained in a standard position. Although the most reliable models (based on information criterion analysis and 95% CIs) were based on directly measured morphological variables, models using only photogrammetric variables also yielded practical and reliable models with 95% CI, ranging from ± 4.95 to 9.12 kg and R2 values from 0.93 to 0.77. This finding indicated that the use of photogrammetry alone to assess body condition is suitable to estimate body mass in 10- to 120-kg weaned Hawaiian monk seal pups. *********************************************************************** Ortiz, R.M.*, and G.A.J. Worthy. 2006. Body composition and water turnover rates of bottle-fed West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) calves. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):41-45. *current address: Division of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95344-0039, USA Estimation of body composition and water turnover rates can provide important indices of an animal's health and well-being. This data becomes especially important for a highly endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Information on body composition and water turnover rates in nursing manatee calves is unavailable; therefore, the present study describes a unique opportunity to estimate, by isotopic dilution, body composition and water flux in vivo in bottle-fed calves of the West Indian manatee held in captivity. A calf held in fresh water was measured at 9 mo (124.8 kg) and 12 mo (152.6 kg) to examine the effects of growth. Over this 3-mo period, absolute fat mass (FM) increased 70.4% and absolute water turnover rate increased from 4.7 to 9.7 l/d, illustrating how these parameters change as a function of the animal's growth. To examine the effects of salinity on water flux, another calf (110.0 kg), held in salt water, was restricted from fresh water. During freshwater restriction, the calf's water turnover rate was 2.9 l/d and could be accounted for solely by dietary and metabolic water. When the animal was given access to fresh water, turnover rate increased to 4.0 l/d, for which 1.3 l/d could not be accounted, suggesting that nursing calves do not drink salt water. Collectively, the results provide a unique data set for nursing manatee calves and suggest that nursing calves, similar to adults, do not engage in mariposia. In addition, nursing calves will drink when given access to fresh water; however, the contribution of drinking fresh water to the growth and development of nursing calves remains to be examined. These data should provide useful information when implementing the proper husbandry and management plans for both fresh- and saltwater habitats of such a highly endangered species as the West Indian manatee. ********************************************************** Turner, J.P.*, L.S. Clark, E.M. Haubold, G.A.J. Worthy, and D.F. Cowan. 2006. Organ weights and growth profiles in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):46-57. *current address: Department of Marine Science, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Systematic necropsies were performed on 63 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and data on organ mass, standard body length (SBL), body mass (BM), gender, sexual maturity, and age were measured and/or estimated. Animals were extremely fresh and recovered from along the Texas and Louisiana coastline in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Organ reference tables were established for this species to facilitate comparisons with other bottlenose dolphins and to provide a baseline for other cetacean species. Organs examined included lungs, adrenal glands, kidneys, testes, ovaries, heart, liver, pancreas, brain, pituitary, thyroid, thymus, and spleen. Individuals were separated into three size classes: < 175 cm, 175-225 cm, and > 225 cm, based on SBL to further facilitate comparisons. Growth rates of length and mass were described using Gompertz nonlinear models as a function of gender. No sexual dimorphism was identified in BM or organ weights, and SBL was only significantly larger for older mature males. SBL and BM were strongly correlated with age when all animals were included in analyses, although this is not an accurate predictor of age, especially in older individuals. Organ weights were significantly correlated with both SBL (except thymus and spleen) and BM (except left ovary, spleen, and thymus). Age was significantly correlated with all organ weights (except thymus, thyroid, and ovaries). There were no significant differences in the weight of any paired organs (adrenal glands, kidneys, lungs, ovaries, testes), and all were significantly correlated with BM. These data on organ weights of bottlenose dolphins, when interpreted with SBL, BM, and age, are significant tools for pathologists and veterinarians interpreting animal health status. ******************************************************************* Mellish, J.E.*, D.G. Calkins, D.R. Christen, M. Horning, L.D. Rea, and S.K. Atkinson. 2006. Temporary captivity as a research tool: Comprehensive study of wild pinnipeds under controlled conditions. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):58-65. *School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA A new approach to the study of free-ranging, endangered western stock Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) was implemented at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. Groups of up to four juvenile (n = 16) Steller sea lions were held in temporary quarantine for research periods of up to three months. Hematological and blood chemistry parameters were collected at the beginning and end of captivity and compared to free-ranging juvenile controls to determine if animals in temporary captivity can provide accurate physiological data representative of their wild counterparts. Free-ranging pups and juveniles were compared for hematological differences related to developmental stage. Overall, temporarily captive animals did not differ from free-ranging juveniles. Seven of 17 blood parameters measured changed significantly during captivity, likely as a function of a regular schedule and low-impact nutritional studies (e.g., increased mass, cholesterol, total protein, and globulins). A decrease in white blood cells during the study period (10.4 ± 0.59 to 7.9 ± 0.33 m/mm3) to levels lower than that of free-ranging animals (10.7 ± 0.40 m/mm3) indicated a drop in overall stress during captivity despite research and handling procedures. Calcium increased with captivity duration, suggesting that physiological changes can begin in even limited time frames. Eight parameters related to immune status and diet differed significantly between juveniles and pups from the same geographical region. A strategy that combines the benefits of an extended research design with temporary holding of free-ranging animals is proposed as an alternative to traditional field methods for some types of focused physiological studies. ******************************************************************** Fellner, W.*, K. Odell, A. Corwin, L. Davis, C. Goonen, I. Larkin, and M.A. Stamper. 2006. Response to conditioned stimuli by two rehabilitated and released West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Aquatic Mammals 32(1):66-74. *The Living Seas, Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA U.S. regulations discourage research that requires training with West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) due to the concern that trained manatees would become accustomed to approaching humans for food and would continue to approach people once released back to the wild. Learning theory suggests that behaviors acquired while in captivity may not transfer well to the new context of the wild habitat, however. In this study, two female, rehabilitating manatees were trained to perform up to five husbandry behaviors. Prior to their release, the behaviors were no longer reinforced. Response to training signals was reduced for all behaviors when reinforcement was with-held. In post-release observations, the manatees were located by satellite and radio-telemetry, and training signals were presented. Neither manatee performed any of the trained behaviors. The results of this case study suggest that training releasable manatees may be a viable option. ******************************************************************** Kjeld, M.*, Ö Ólafsson, G. Víkingsson, and J. Sigurjónsson. 2006. Sex hormones and reproductive status of the North Atlantic fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during the feeding season. Aquatic Mammals 31(2):75-84. *The University Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, K-bygging, Landspítalinn v Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Reproductive fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) (448 females and 278 males), classified by anatomical/histological methods, were studied for serum sex hormones. Of the 207 females classified as pregnant by anatomical methods, 95% had progesterone (P) levels higher than 9.0 nmol/l with a near symmetrical distribution of log10 P-levels around the mean of 1.55 (35.5 nmol/l geometric mean). More than half of the sexually immature females (n = 157) had P-levels ≤ 0.1 nmol/l. Nonpregnant mature cows were older on average than pregnant cows, suggesting the beginning of reproductive senescence in females before the age of 30 y. The mean serum testosterone (T) of mature males (3.1 nmol/l) was significantly higher than that of immature males (1.0 nmol/l). In mature males, T-levels were positively associated with testicular size, as well as time (day-count) during the summer whaling season. For fin whales, serum P- and T-levels agreed closely with anatomical studies of reproduction and may be decisive when anatomical indexes fail. Furthermore, the serum T-level appears to be an excellent index for monitoring the latter part of the annual male reproductive cycle. *********************************************************************** Trites, A.W.*, B.P. Porter, V.B. Deecke, A/P. Coombs, M.L. Marcotte, D.A.S. Rosen. 2006. Insights into the timing of weaning and the attendance patterns of lactating Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska during winter, spring, and summer. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):85-97. *Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Room 247, AERL, 2002 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T IZ4 Behavioral observations of lactating Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and their offspring were recorded at four haulout sites in Alaska to determine (1) whether sea lions wean during winter while they are 7 to 9 mo old and (2) whether sea lions using sites in the Gulf of Alaska (the declining endangered population) made longer foraging trips than sea lions in southeast Alaska (where the population appeared larger and healthier). Longer foraging trips are commonly thought to be an indicator of nutritional stress. Eight sets of behavioral observations were made using focal and scan-sampling techniques at haulouts from 1995 to 1998 during three seasons (winter, spring, and summer). Counter to expectations, we found no significant differences between haulout populations in the time that lactating Steller sea lions spent at sea or on shore. This suggests that lactating sea lions did not have more difficulty capturing prey from winter through summer in the area of decline compared to where sea lion numbers increased. Lactating Steller sea lions in both regions did make longer foraging trips in winter than they did in spring and summer. These changes in foraging patterns among seasons were consistent among all years and sites. The proportion of time that immature Steller sea lions suckled declined through the spring to early summer, suggesting that sea lions began supplementing their milk diet with solid food in the spring. We did not observe any sea lions weaning during winter; rather, most appeared to wean at the start of the breeding season when they were 1 or 2 y old. Sea lions observed in southeast Alaska during the late 1990s while population growth was slowing suggest that most males weaned at 2 y and that about 50% of females weaned at 1 y and the remainder at 2 y. ******************************************************** Cooper, L.W.*, C.J. Ashjian, S.L. Smith, L.A. Codispoti, J.M. Grebmeier, R.G. Campbell, and E.B. Sherr. Rapid seasonal sea-ice retreat in the Arctic could be affecting Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) recruitment. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):98-102. *Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Under conditions of rapid sea-ice retreat and dissolution, we observed at least nine Pacific walrus calves separated from adult females in waters as deep as 3,000 m in July and August 2004 in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean. Given limited sea surface visibility from the ship, we surmise that many additional calves may have been separated in the overall study area. These conditions appear to have been related to the transport of unusually warm (7° C) Bering Sea water into this area north of Alaska. Walruses invest considerable maternal resources while caring for calves on seasonally ice-covered continental shelves for periods of up to 2 y or more and only rarely separate from their young. Therefore, these observations indicate that the Pacific walrus population may be ill-adapted to rapid seasonal sea-ice retreat off Arctic continental shelves. ____________________________________________________________________________ Lanyon, J.M.*, K.. Newgrain, and T. Sahir Syah Alli. 2006. Estimation of water turnover rate in captive dugongs (Dugong dugon). Aquatic Mammals 32(1):103-108. *School of Integrative Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia Water turnover rate was measured for two captive dugongs (Dugong dugon) using deuterated water. Body water content of 69.5% in a dugong was high compared to other marine mammals. A water turnover of 257.2 ml kg−1 day−1 measured in one dugong was almost twice as high as the highest rates measured in studies of captive West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) and was high compared to those measured in carnivorous marine mammals. The other dugong's estimated water turnover rate of 134 ml kg−1 day−1 was comparable to the highest rates in manatees. Two alternative explanations are offered for the high water turnover: (1) the incidence of mariposia or voluntary drinking of sea water by the dugong or (2) a metabolic rate that is significantly higher than predicted, based on its phylogeny. ************************************************************************ Pérez, M.J.*, F. Thomas, F. Uribe, M. Sepúlveda, M. Flores, and R. Moraga. 2006. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) feeding on Euphausia mucronata in nearshore waters off north-central Chile Aquatic Mammals 32(1):109-113. *Eutropia, Centro de Investigacion de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos de Chile, Uno Poniente 960, Departmento 1102, Vina del Mar, Chile This paper reports the presence and feeding activity of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during the austral summers of 2004 and 2005 in coastal waters near the Reserva Nacional Pinguino de Humboldt, north of Chile. The main prey item of the species was identified as the euphausiid Euphausia mucronata. The presence of B. physalus is associated with a high concentration of potential prey probably produced by an upwelling system that is frequently detected slightly south of the study area during summer. This information is a contribution to the knowledge of distribution, feeding behavior, and diet of B. physalus. Additionally, it constitutes the first record of a direct observation of feeding activity of B. physalus along the Chilean coast. ************************************************************************** Schusterman, R.J. 2006. Book review: Entanglements: the Intertwined Fates of Whales and Fishermen. Author: Tora Johnson. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):114-115. *Long Marine Laboratory, University of California at Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA *********************************************************************** Blomqvist, C. 2006. Book review: The Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior. Editor: Marc Bekoff. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):116-117. *Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, University of Linkoping, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden ------------------------------------------------------------------- -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the text of all submissions, and ensure your message has an appropriate subject heading (ie., not "Message for MARMAM") -Do not submit attached files or HTML/MIME messages. -To subscribe to MARMAM, go to lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam -To contact the MARMAM editors, write to: marmamed(a)uvic.ca -MARMAM Editorial Policy & FAQ: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/marmam.htm

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New paper on sperm whale diving and foraging behavior
by Stephanie L. Watwood 30 May '06

30 May '06

The following paper on the diving and foraging behavior of sperm whales was recently published: Watwood, Stephanie L., Miller, Patrick J.O., Johnson, Mark, Madsen, Peter T., and Tyack, Peter L. 2006. Deep-diving foraging behaviour of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Journal of Animal Ecology 75: 814-825. Pdf reprints for those interested are available from swatwood(a)whoi.edu. Summary 1. Digital tags were used to describe diving and vocal behaviour of sperm whales during 198 complete and partial foraging dives made by 37 individual sperm whales in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Ligurian Sea. 2. The maximum depth of dive averaged by individual differed across the three regions and was 985 m (SD = 124·3), 644 m (123·4) and 827 m (60·3), respectively. An average dive cycle consisted of a 45 min (6·3) dive with a 9 min (3·0) surface interval, with no significant differences among regions. On average, whales spent greater than 72% of their time in foraging dive cycles. 3. Whales produced regular clicks for 81% (4·1) of a dive and 64% (14·6) of the descent phase. The occurrence of buzz vocalizations (also called 'creaks') as an indicator of the foraging phase of a dive showed no difference in mean prey capture attempts per dive between regions [18 buzzes/dive (7·6)]. Sperm whales descended a mean of 392 m (144) from the start of regular clicking to the first buzz, which supports the hypothesis that regular clicks function as a long-range biosonar. 4. There were no significant differences in the duration of the foraging phase [28 min (6·0)] or percentage of the dive duration in the foraging phase [62% (7·3)] between the three regions, with an overall average proportion of time spent actively encountering prey during dive cycles of 0·53 (0·05). Whales maintained their time in the foraging phase by decreasing transit time for deeper foraging dives. 5. Similarity in foraging behaviour in the three regions and high diving efficiencies suggest that the success of sperm whales as mesopelagic predators is due in part to long-range echolocation of deep prey patches, efficient locomotion and a large aerobic capacity during diving. -- ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< Stephanie L. Watwood Postdoctoral Investigator Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Research Facility MS#50 Woods Hole MA 02543 508-289-3463 (phone) 508-457-2138 (fax) www.whoi.edu/people/swatwood <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><>

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New publications week 20
by Jan Herrmann 29 May '06

29 May '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 20 / 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 Holt, S. (2006): Propaganda and pretext. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(4): 363-366. Janik, V.M., L.S. Sayigh, and R.S. Wells (2006): Signature whistle shape conveys identity information to bottlenose dolphins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 103(21): 8293-8297. Kjeld, M. et al. (2006): Sex Hormones and Reproductive Status of the North Atlantic Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) During the Feeding Season. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 75-84. McKinney, M.A. et al. (2006): Organohalogen contaminants and metabolites in beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) liver from two Canadian populations. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 25(5): 1246-1257. Neumann, D.R. and M.B. Orams (2006): Impacts of Ecotourism on Short-Beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 1-9. Nikaido, M. et al. (2005): Baleen Whale Phylogeny and a Past Extensive Radiation Event Revealed by SINE Insertion Analysis. Molecular Biology and Evolution 23(5): 866-873. Pérez, M.J. et al. (2006): Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) Feeding on Euphausia mucronata in Nearshore Waters off North-Central Chile. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 109-113. Reyes, L.M. (2006): Cetaceans of Central Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 20-30. Schusterman, R.J. (2006): Entanglements: the Intertwined Fates of Whales and Fishermen. Tora Johnson. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 114-115. Sourisseau, M., Y. Simard, and F.J. Saucier (2006): Krill aggregation in the St. Lawrence system, and supply of krill to the whale feeding grounds in the estuary from the gulf. Marine Ecology Progress Series 314(): 257-270. Turner, J.P. et al. (2006): Organ Weights and Growth Profiles in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 46-57. Weiss, J. (2006): Foraging Habitats and Associated Preferential Foraging Specializations of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Mother-Calf Pairs. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 10-19. PINNIPEDIA Cooper, L.W. et al. (2006): Rapid Seasonal Sea-Ice Retreat in the Arctic Could Be Affecting Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) Recruitment. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 98-102. Haulena, M. et al. (2006): Lesions associated with a novel Mycoplasma sp. In california sea lions (Zalophus californianus) undergoing rehabilitation. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 40-45. McDonald, B.I. and D.E. Crocker (2006): Physiology and Behavior Influence Lactation Efficiency in Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79(3): 484-496. McFadden, K.W., G.A.J. Worthy, and T.E. Lacher (2006): Photogrammetric Estimates of Size and Mass in Hawaiian Monk Seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 31-40. Mellish, J.-A.E. et al. (2006): Temporary Captivity as a Research Tool: Comprehensive Study of Wild Pinnipeds Under Controlled Conditions. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 58-65. Nollens, H.H. et al. (2006): Pathology and preliminary characterization of a parapoxvirus isolated from a california sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 23-32. Trites, A.W. et al. (2006): Insights into the Timing of Weaning and the Attendance Patterns of Lactating Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska During Winter, Spring, and Summer. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 85-97. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Fellner, W. et al. (2006): Response to Conditioned Stimuli by Two Rehabilitated and Released West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 66-74. Lanyon, J.M., K. Newgrain, and T. Sahir Syah Alli (2006): Estimation of Water Turnover Rate in Captive Dugongs (Dugong dugon). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 103-108. Ortiz, R.M. and G.A.J. Worthy (2006): Body Composition and Water Turnover Rates of Bottle-Fed West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Calves. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 41-45. Ross, S.R. (2006): Issues of choice and control in the behaviour of a pair of captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Behavioral Processes 73(1): 117-120. Yan, J. et al. (2006): Application of fracture mechanics to failure in manatee rib bone. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 128(3): 281-289. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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