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Preliminary pathological study "Beaked whale mass stranding on Almería´s coasts in Southern Spain"(26th - 27th January, 2006)
by Ana Cañadas 17 Mar '06

17 Mar '06

Dear all, On the 26th of January the NGOs (Almeria PROMAR) and the Spanish Cetacean Society (SEC) requested the collaboration of the Unit of Cetacean Research (Veterinary Pathology Unit, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School) from Las Palmas University in the Canary Islands, to conduct a pathological study of four whales that mass stranded on the Almeria´s coats in Southern Spain. The veterinary pathologists carried out the necropsy of two males and two females beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, family Ziphiidae). All animals were in good body (nutritive) conditions with some rests of ingested prey. Three carcasses were in fresh condition and the fourth was moderately decomposed when necropsied. The epidemiological data showed an atypical beaked whale mass stranding involving four whales which died during the evening and/or night of the 26th of January 2006. Two animals were found alive and two were found dead. The two live animals appeared to show clear signs of sickness and died soon after being found. All the four animals showed a Gas and Fat Embolic Syndrome as a result of the pathological study. This syndrome, as it has been previously described in beaked whales, would be responsible for the stranding and death of these animals. When whales with this syndrome strand alive, they develop a more severe cardiovascular clinico-pathological picture and die shortly afterwards. The pathological findings in the Almeria mass stranding is very similar to previous referenced in atypical beaked whale mass strandings associated spatially and temporally to military naval exercises (Bahamas, 2000; Canary Islands, 2002, 2004). In all of these cases mid- frequency active sonar was used before or during the time of strandings. The whales involved were mainly of the Ziphiidae family. Based on current scientific knowledge, and the pathological findings in this study, the most likely primary cause of this type of beaked whale mass stranding event is anthropogenic acoustic activities, most probably anti-submarine active mid-frequency sonar used during the military naval exercises (Jepson et al. 2003, Fernandez et al. 2004, 2005, Cox et al. 2006). For more details please contact: Antonio Fernández, DVM, PhD, ECVP Profesor of Veterinary Pathology Co-ordinator Unit of Cetacean Research (Members): Manuel Arbelo, DVM Eva Sierra, DVM Mariña Méndez, DVM Ana Godinho, DVM Maria José Caballero, DVM, PhD Gustavo Ramirez, DVM Veterinary Histology and Pathology Email: afernandez(a)dmor.ulpgc.es Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA) Veterinary School University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Bibliography: Jepson, P.D., Arbelo, M., Deaville, R., Patterson,I.A.P., Castro, P., Baker, J.R., Degollada, E., Ross, H.M., Herraez, P., Pocknell, A.M., Rodriguez, F., Howie, F.E., Espinosa, A., Reid, R.J., Jaber, J.R., Martin, V., Cunningham, A.A. and Fernández, A. 2003. Gas-bubble lesions in stranded cetaceans. Nature 425:575-576. Fernández, A. 2004. Pathological findings in stranded beaked whales during the naval military manoeuvres near the Canary Islands. Pp. 37-40 In Proceedings of the Workshop on Active Sonar and Cetaceans (P. Evans and L. Miller, eds.). Fernández, A., Arbelo, M., Deaville, R., Patterson, I.A.P., Castro, P., Baker, J.R., Degollada, E., Ross, H.M., Herráez, P., Pocknell, A.M., Rodríguez, F., Howie, F.E., Espinosa, A., Reid, R.J., Jaber, J.R., Martin, V., Cunninghan, A.A., and Jepson, P.D. 2004. Beaked Whales, Sonar and Decompression Sickness. Nature 10: 1038. Fernández, A., Edwards, J.F., Rodriguez, F., Espinosa de los Monteros, A., Herraez, P., Castro, P., Jaber, J.R., Martin, V. and Arbelo, M. 2005. "Gas and fat embolic syndrome involving a mass stranding of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) exposed to anthropogenic sonar signals. Veterinary. Pathology. 42:446-57. T.M. Cox1, T.J. Ragen1, A.J. Read2, E. Vos1, R.W. Baird3, K. Balcomb4, J. Barlow5, J. Caldwell6, T. Cranford7, L. Crum8, A. DAmico9, G. DSpain10, A. Fernández 11, J. Finneran9, R. Gentry12, W. Gerth13, F. Gulland14, J. Hildebrand10, D. Houser15, T. Hullar16, P.D. Jepson17, D. Ketten18, C.D. MacLeod19, P. Miller20, S. Moore21, D. Mountain22, D. Palka23, P. Ponganis10, S. Rommel24, T. Rowles25, B. Taylor5, P. Tyack18, D. Wartzok26, R. Gisiner27, J. Mead28, L. Benner29. Understanding the Impacts of Anthropogenic Sound on Beaked Whales. [1] This paper arose out of a workshop convened in April 2004 by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

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2nd Reminder: Defenders of Wildlife Marine and Terrestrial Carnivore Conference 2006-Abstract Deadline-June 1st
by Jim Curland 16 Mar '06

16 Mar '06

Carnivores 2006: Conference Announcement & Call for Papers Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Carnivores 2006: Habitats, Challenges, and Possibilities. The conference, the sixth biennial, which has averaged between 700 and 800 attendees over the last two conferences, will be held at the Hilton Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, November 12-15, 2006, and will feature three full days of sessions on terrestrial and marine carnivore issues, plus a poster session, field trip, silent auction, banquet and ambassador wolf sessions. Defenders is accepting oral and poster presentation submissions for Carnivores 2006. On this year's Conference Science Advisory Committee is a team of 15 scientists, including 4 marine scientists: From Mote Marine Lab: Dr. John Reynolds, Dr. Randy Wells, Dr. Nélio B. Barros From the Center for Ocean Health, U.C. Santa Cruz/Long Marine Lab: Dr. Jim Estes At the present time, there is a plan to have the following sessions around marine mammals: * Special sessions on bottlenose dolphin foraging ecology will include presentations on a variety of topics, such as predator-prey dynamics, foodweb modelling, and prey determination by stomach content, stable isotope, fatty acid and genetic analyses. * Human Interactions with Marine Mammals * Sea Otters The session on marine carnivores is certainly not limited to these session topics above, so please feel free to submit abstracts on the variety of areas listed below. Abstract submissions must be received by 1 June 2006. We will consider any papers covering topics such as biology, behavior, taxonomy, general ecology, recovery, management, and economic impacts of terrestrial, avian and marine carnivore species (canids, bears, cats, mesocarnivores, raptors, pinnipeds, whales, dolphins, sea otters, sharks, etc), and also papers addressing carnivore habitat issues, with some of the focus in the southeastern U.S. (including but not limited to habitat conservation, planning and linkages, invasive species, land use and development challenges, etc). Please visit our official conference website, www.carnivoreconference.org or leave a message at 202-789-2844 x315 for complete Carnivores 2006 details. To get an idea of the nature of talks, please let me know if you'd like me to email you a pdf of a past conference agenda. If submitting an abstract, please follow the online instructions, and, in addition, please cc me with your abstract. thanks, Jim Curland Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax jcurland(a)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection)

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Research/deckhand position
by stepper3＠verizon.net 16 Mar '06

16 Mar '06

Research Assistant /Deckhand Position Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of the College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks research assistants for the 2006 summer field season. The RAs will work in part as a deckhand aboard a local whale watch boat, and assist with research and data collection on our long term population studies of humpback and finback whales. The position has been designed so RAs can earn money while they work. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, and passenger safety. Research responsibilities include photo-identification of whales and data collection/entry. Training will be provided. The applicant should have a college background in biology and/or zoology. Some knowledge of research methods is an advantage. Knowledge of marine mammals and seabirds is an asset. Previous experience in photography (conventional and digital) is helpful but not required. Applicants must be positive, flexible, and resistant to sea-sickness. This is an entry level research position designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. The position begins June 1st and applicants must be able to work through Oct with no other commitments. Hours will vary depending on schedules and housing will be provided for a fee. Application deadline is April 2nd. Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two or more letters of reference to: Toby Stephenson Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic 105 Eden St. Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609 Or e-mail to: Stepper3(a)verizon.net

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Olympic Challenger
by Phillip Clapham 15 Mar '06

15 Mar '06

Does anyone have photographs of the factory ship Olympic Challenger, which was owned by Aristotle Onassis and conducted pirate whaling in the 1950's? I'm giving a talk on illegal whaling at an IWC workshop next month and would really like to include an image of this ship if possible. I'm happy to provide images of some Soviet factory ships in return! Many thanks. Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 4 Seattle, WA 98115 tel (206) 526-4037 fax (206) 526-6615 email: phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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Marine Ecology Research Internship in British Columbia, Canada
by UVic Whale Lab 15 Mar '06

15 Mar '06

*** Internship Announcement! *** SEACR The Society for Ecological And Coastal Research, a non-profit organization, currently has spaces open for 2-week or 3-week summer marine research internships starting July 2006. SEACR works in conjunction with scientists and researchers from the University of Victoria in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. The research sites are situated in wild and breathtaking Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of ecological and coastal marine research projects, learn highly valuable field research techniques and data management skills, and contribute to important marine ecological research. Currently, we are conducting research on linkages between nearshore and offshore Pacific marine ecosystems. Our Gray Whale Research Project focuses on assessing the spatial distribution of gray whales in relation to prey density amongst the many coves and inlets that dot the Pacific shoreline. Gray whale site fidelity, habitat use, and foraging ecology are also key components to this research. In conjunction with this research, our Sea Otter Research Project examines sea otter spatial distribution in relation to urchin and bivalve abundance, coastal topography, and killer whale occurrence. Together with studies of kelp distribution and amphipod dynamics, we are identifying key linkages between these species and their roles in the ecology of the nearshore region. Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds are nestled among coastal old-growth forests and are home to a variety of coastal marine fish, birds, and mammals. This wilderness region is populated by tufted puffins, oystercatchers, gulls, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions and sea otters, harbor porpoise, killer whales, gray whales, and humpback whales. Black bears forage in the intertidal zone and are often visible from the boat. For complete details of the research projects, living conditions, application form and payment options please visit our web site: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/seacr-home.html Please feel free to post or distribute this message to those who might be interested.

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PhD position available
by vj＠st-andrews.ac.uk 15 Mar '06

15 Mar '06

Please put this message out on MarMam: PhD position available in dolphin communication research at SMRU Please see our weblink at http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/bmac/ Closing date is the 25th of March. All applications have to be sent to the admissions office in St Andrews. The applicant needs to have a British passport. There are no further particulars and I will not be able to answer further questions before the deadline since I am in the field. Vincent Janik Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews UK ------------------------------------------------------------------ University of St Andrews Webmail: https://webmail.st-andrews.ac.uk

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Request for Discovery Mark photographs [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
by Paton, David 14 Mar '06

14 Mar '06

In conjunction with Phil Clapham, I am analysing Discovery Mark data for humpback whales to determine movement pattern and migratory interchange in the Southern Hemisphere. I am presenting the results at the IWC intersessional workshop on the comprehensive assessment of southern hemisphere humpback whales in Hobart, Australia, 3 April 2006. I am very interested to try and track down any photographs associated with the Discovery Marking process which I may be able to use during my powerpoint presentation in Hobart. I am particularly interested in photographs of Discovery marks being fired at whales (any species), being retrieved during whaling operations or any other associated photographs that may be of interest. I will of course acknowledge the source of any photos supplied and will be happy to supply a copy of the final paper when published. Please email me (david.paton(a)deh.gov.au) scanned photographys, do not post me original images. I appreciate any assistance in obtaining relevant images. Cheers David Paton Southern Cross University Australia Email: david.paton(a)deh.gov.au or d.paton(a)nbcnet.com.au

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New publications week 9
by Jan Herrmann 14 Mar '06

14 Mar '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 09 / 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 Smith, H.R. and G.A. Worthy (2006): Stratification and intra- and inter-specific differences in fatty acid composition of common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) blubber: Implications for dietary analysis. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 143(4): 486-499. Dehn, L.-A. et al. (2006): Stable isotope and trace element status of subsistence-hunted bowhead and beluga whales in Alaska and gray whales in Chukotka. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(3): 301-319. PINNIPEDIA Roe, W.D. et al. (2006): Tuberculosis in a New Zealand (Hooker's) sea lion (abstract). New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54(1): 51. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Request
by Magali Garcia 13 Mar '06

13 Mar '06

Jorge A. Vargas is a full-time Professor who teaches at the University = > of San Diego School of Law. At this time he is writing a book on the = > Gray Whale which, due to its contents, is very different to any book = > ever written beforeon whales. > > It is because of this that we are requesting your help in=20 > finding the written verson of the Norwegian Whaling Act of > 1929 and its amendment made in 1934. > > Thank you in advance for your attention and colaboration in helping us = > with this material. > > Sincerely yours, > > MS. MAGALI GARCIA > Assistant to Prof. Vargas > University of San Diego > School of Law

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Anatomical measures of small dolphins
by Bernasconi Matteo 13 Mar '06

13 Mar '06

Hello everybody, I couldn`t find any reference about anatomical measurements of larynx and trachea of small dolphins. I need just indicative measure of the diameter and of the lenght with some drawing representing the shape and the position of them inside the animal body. We are trying to define a backscattering prediction of the target strenght (TS) vs the Tilt angle of the dusky dolphin, to verify our measured single target detections of this species off the coast of Namibia. If somebody can help, please, we will really appreciate. Thanks Matteo Bernasconi Matteo Bernasconi Institute of Marine Research Norwegian and North Sea Ecosystem and Fish Stocks P.O.Box 1870 Nordnes N-5817 Bergen, NORWAY matteo.bernasconi(a)imr.no Office +4755236831 Cell NOR +4799850453

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