- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

American Society of Mammalogists annual meeting notice
by Daniel K. Odell 20 Feb '06

20 Feb '06

The 86th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists will be held 17-21 June, 2006 at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. In addition to contributed oral and poster presentations covering all aspects of mammalian biology, this year's program will feature two symposia. "Large-scale marine ecosystem change and the conservation of marine mammals" will be convened by Drs. Tom O'Shea and Dan Odell. Speakers include Peter Tyack, Sue Moore, Scott Kraus and Andy Read. Details can be found on the ASM Conference web page. "The Northern flying squirrel: a biological portrait of a forest specialist in post-European North America" will be convened by Dr. Winston Smith. Special addresses will be offered by the recipients of the Joseph Grinnell (Mark Hafner) and C. Hart Merriam (Kay Holekamp) awards, as well as by student honorees. Our capstone speaker will be announced at a later date. Also included are the usual ASM socials, ideal for professional interaction. Non-members who are interested in attending the meetings and/or presenting papers should request materials from the Chairpersons of the Local Program Committee, Virginia Hayssen (Vhayssen(a)science.smith.edu) and Betsy Dumont (bdumont(a)bio.umass.edu) For additional information, please visit the meeting website at <http://asm06.org/>. For more information about the ASM, please visit our website at http://www.mammalsociety.org. Submitted by Daniel K. Odell dodell(a)hswri.org

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Ship strikes in the Mediterranean Sea
by Pierre Gallego 20 Feb '06

20 Feb '06

Dear colleagues, Last year, the IWC Conservation Committee created a Ship Strikes Working Group during its 57th Meeting in Ulsan, South Korea. It was decided to prepare a report on ship strikes around the world. I am collecting information from the Mediterranean Sea for this purpose, and would be very grateful to people having any (published or unpublished) accounts of ship strikes involving large and small cetaceans in the Mediterranean if they could forward them to me. Every contribution will be properly referenced or acknowledged in the report. When available, information should contain species involved, type of ship involved, location, date, and if the involved animal died. In case a necropsy was carried out, information on lesions associated with the ship strike would be very helpful too. The resulting publication will be made available to any interested people, and will be accessible on the web. Please send your information to: pierregallego(a)yahoo.com Thank you very much in advance for your contribution. Best regards, Pierre Gallego, DVM IWC Scientific Advisor and Alternate Commissioner Ministry of Environment, Luxembourg --------------------------------- What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos

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I Course about interaction between bottlenose dolphins & marine fin fish farms
by Bruno Diaz 18 Feb '06

18 Feb '06

I COURSE ABOUT INTERACTION BETWEEN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS AND MARINE FIN FISH FARMS This research course, organized by BDRI (Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute), offers an opportunity for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in methodology and analysis for the study of interactions between bottlenose dolphins with a marine fin fish farm under the mentorship of BDRI's researchers. PLACE: GOLFO ARANCI (north-eastern Sardinia- Italy) where the construction of a fin fish farm has been linked to increased bottlenose dolphin abundance and habitat use, and dolphin behavioural changes were recorded as a result of high fish density around the farming area. Students gain hands-on experience during the boat surveys studying the bottlenose dolphins and fish farm activities. LANGUAGES: English, Spanish or Italian. Bottlenose dolphins are appropriate and useful study animals in this case because of their world-wide distribution, the information gained in our courses can be applied to management of fin fish farms world wide. Although dolphins benefit from feeding around the floating fish farm cages, there are also some costs involved. Bottlenose dolphins are captured in nets occasionally. Bottlenose dolphin attacks on farmed fish could present a problem to the industry in terms of financial loss. DATES: 6 - 11 March; 24 - 29 April; 08 - 13 May; 06 - 11 November PRICE: 400 Euro (Special price for Students 370 Euro). The course fee will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs in the base), seminars fee, and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Golfo Aranci (see How to reach the BDRI in our website). If you are interested in the course, or for further information, please visit our website or feel free to contact us: http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I Email: B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com --------------------------------- Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

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SEAMAMMS Abstract Submission Extension
by Edward Keith 17 Feb '06

17 Feb '06

Hello, The 14th annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held 24-26 March 2006 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The organizers have decided to extend the abstract submission period until 24 February 2006, and the early registration deadline until 10 March 2006. SEAMAMMS provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to present their research results to their colleagues in an informal, small meeting format. Awards will be given for the best student oral and poster presentations. Please see the website at http://www.nova.edu/ocean/seamamms06 for more information, or you can contact Edward O. Keith, Oceanographic Center, 8000 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004; Phone: 954-262-8322: Fax: 954-262-3931: edwardok(a)nova.edu

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Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification Internships - Summer 2006
by R.H. Defran 17 Feb '06

17 Feb '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, and possibly two Dolphin Photo-identification Internship positions for the Summer 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, May 8, 2006 to Friday, August 18, 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 (download this pdf file at web site 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 of Charleston dolphins as part of a comprehensive health assessment 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 April 3, 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/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Director.html CDAD SOP pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD_Internshi p_SOP.pdf

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Internship Announcement
by Jessica Sharman 16 Feb '06

16 Feb '06

Allied Whale is a marine mammal research lab affiliated with College of the Atlantic, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Allied Whale conducts population and foraging ecology of fin whales and humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine using photo ID, genetic, and stable isotope sampling, responds to marine mammal strandings on the Maine Coast, and operates the Bar Harbor Whale Museum. Allied Whale is dedicated to education through research, and relies upon student and volunteer help for photo ID catalogue curation, marine mammal stranding response, museum operation, and summer field work done either from the mainland or our offshore marine research station, using a small fleet of research vessels, and aboard local whale watch boats. For the 2006 field season Allied Whale seeks 2 interns to be involved in data collection and analysis, and various other research and marine mammal rescue operations. Many days are spent working in the office matching/cataloguing the photographs collected from the current and previous seasons, data entry, data transcription, and maintaining the equipment. There will also be time on the water working either from rigid hull inflatables or from a 26' cuddy-cabin vessel. Research activities are varied, but may include photographing and biopsying fin whales and humpback whales, conducting biological surveys, behavioral observation from shore-based, and whale-watch platforms. Boats are mainly taken from the mainland, but there may also be time spent on Mount Desert Rock, a 3.5 acre island that serves as an offshore research station. There will be some opportunity to work on other projects, if interested, though the main focus of internships will be on data collection and analysis. Other ongoing projects include: * Response to/relocation of stranded marine mammals along the Maine coast, working with our Stranding Coordinator to perform health assessments, obtaining NOAA level A data, and capture and relocation of marine mammals as needed. * Assist in the operation of the Bar Harbor Whale Museum. Includes exhibit curation and interpretation, and public outreach. * Collection of opportunistic photo ID, location, and behavior data of fin whales and humpback whales using shipboard surveys aboard local whale watch boats, in conjunction with the whale watch interns. Interns are needed from late-May/early-June to late-August. An intern fee covering housing and a deposit must be paid in full by May 1. All positions are unpaid. Room and board is provided during stays at MDR. Applicant Requirements: - Strong interest in marine/environmental sciences desirable - Previous experience with fin and/or humpback photo-ID helpful - Knowledge of Gulf of Maine cetaceans and pinnipeds helpful - Ability to work and live under adverse conditions both on and off the water - Ability to work well with others while in close quarters for extended periods of time - Willingness to work on datasets, administrative tasks, and other office tasks when not in the field - Data management skills recommended - Background in photography a plus - Strong work ethic and enthusiasm - Experience working in Excel and Adobe Photoshop a plus Applicants should email a CV, three references, and cover letter outlining your interest in this position by March 12th to alliedwhale(a)coa.edu with subject - internship 2006 or mail it to: Internship Coordinator Allied Whale 105 Eden Street Bar Harbor ME 04609 (207)288-5644

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Staff needed on short notice on Cetacean Research Expedition Kenya
by Sophie Greatwood 15 Feb '06

15 Feb '06

MARINE RESEARCH JOB VACANCIES Needed to start immediately GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL, AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND MARINE RESEARCH EXPEDITION, SHIMONI, KENYA. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff to assist in developing and running an exciting new cetacean monitoring research programme One position available ASAP FOR MORE INFO READ BELOW If you are interested, are AVAILABLE WITHIN A MONTH and have the relevant qualifications and experience pls send me your CV and cover letter ASAP to sophie(a)gvi.co.uk Information . "Global Vision International promotes sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world by matching the general public, with international environmentalists, researchers and pioneering educators." Global Vision International, (www.gvi.co.uk) was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non profits and governmental agencies. Through their international network of 40 personnel in over 20 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe. GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with aid-reliant organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to Volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. GVI wildlife and Marine Expeditions work closely with local organisations and providing essential support monitoring the Kisite-/mpunguti National Marine Park, environmental and sustainable development education. Project: This new expedition combines a variety of both marine and terrestrial research together with community development projects within the tropical environment of East Africa. The expedition looks at the biodiversity of the immediate region around Shimoni and Wasini Island, utilizing a base in Shimoni on the Kenyan border with mainland Tanzania. The expedition examines how the local communities affect and utilise the region's natural resources, and aims to assist these communities to profit from their resources in a sustainable manner. GVI is working alongside many high profile local partners, including the Kenyan Wildife Service (KWS) and Kenyan Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). The expedition will focus on three main elements, wildlife research and the impact of development upon it, marine mammal research (specifically cetaceans) to determine trends related to tourism and populations and community development projects which together with many other activities will include teaching English programs, sustainable tourism workshops and development programs such as health centre construction. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff to assist in developing and running this exciting new expedition, which started in January 2006 Aims: The aim of the marine project is to create an extensive and comprehensive long-term cetacean monitoring programme within the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (MPA) to determine, primarily, which cetacean species utilise the MPA. Once species occurrence has been determined, the population ecology, biological condition and exposure to anthropogenic influences of those species, can be investigated. This information will be used to support conservation and long-term sustainable development with the Kisite-Mpunguti MPA. Whilst conducting this research, data will also be opportunistically gathered on other marine mega-fauna occurring within the study area, particularly whales, turtles, whale sharks and rays. Additional research focuses the expedition is involved in are Wildlife research on species such as Colobus monkeys and forest biodiversity studies. Teaching English, Environmental education, Rainforest re / degeneration, Sustainable tourism practices, and Community infrastructure development. Role: The project is managed by a young team of six full-time Researchers assisted by teams of temporary, overseas volunteers. The position open is as Marine Officer, however all staff will be trained in all areas of the expedition focuses: Marine position Assist in managing the marine programme, train Expedition Members in survey and monitoring techniques, teach survey techniques and identification, write reports, liaise with local partners and head office. Drive boat; maintain high health and safety standards, aid with logistics, budgeting and community programme, possible publications. Qualifications needed: Science degree and environmental studies/sustainable development background. Marine biological degree an advantage. Experienced boat handlers with a minimum of RYA boat handling level 2 or equivalent, essential. Extensive field experience in surveying and monitoring of cetaceans and 1st Aid qualifications essential. PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) instructor qualifications an advantage. Able to work as part of a team, in a remote area, in basic accomodation. International Driving licence. Excellent people skills essential, exposure to expedition life and experience working with volunteers or groups of people in isolated environments essential. This position also offers potential opportunities within the growing organisation of GVI, all around the world. Please look at the GVI website for more information on this exciting organisation www.gvi.co.uk Conditions All food, accommodation, equipment and essential transport provided, plus expedition monthly salary ($450) and flight contribution, paid at start and end of the contract. Own insurance has to be provided. Hours are long, with a day and a half off at weekends when not on duty. Conditions are basic living on a remote island and staff may have to share a room. Solar power provides limited electricity at night. The diet is generally vegetarian and staff are expected to join Expedition Members in camp duties such as cooking, base cleaning, maintenance of base and boats. Position starts End of February, closing date 28th February If you are not available before the end of March please DO NOT apply Enquiries and applications to Sophie Greatwood sophie(a)gvi.co.uk Cell: +2782 410 5539

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Job/MSc announcement
by Rogan, Emer 14 Feb '06

14 Feb '06

Research Assistant/MSc opportunity Pinniped research We have recently received funding from the Irish Marine Institute to examine habitat use, movement and diet of common seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) along the south coast of Ireland. We are currently looking to recruit a research assistant to help us with this project. The RA will have particular responsibility for the diet component of the project and it is envisaged that this work will lead to an MSc. Job description The successful candidate will be required to help out on boat-based photo-identification and tagging fieldwork along with collecting scats from a number of sites and participating in recovery and post-mortem examination of stranded or bycaught seals for stomach content analysis and fatty acid sampling. The candidate will be required to carry out the diet analysis and write up this section as an MSc. Requirements: * A basic knowledge of dietary analysis * The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a wider research group * The ability to communicate and work well, particularly with the fishing industry * Full driving licence * Small boat handling skills preferable * A third level qualification in biological sciences Duration and Salary Duration is 20 months. Salary is EUR 23,500pa and MSc fees will be covered (European students). Starting date ideally March 2006. Application Applications should include a letter of application, curriculum vitae & the names of two referees. Please send to: Dr Emer Rogan, Dept. Zoology, Ecology & Plant Science, University College, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland. Further details may be obtained from Emer Rogan (Email: E.Rogan(a)ucc.ie) or Michelle Cronin (Michelle.Cronin(a)ucc.ie) Closing date for applications: 20th February 2006

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Age determination workshop announcement
by F.L. Read 14 Feb '06

14 Feb '06

Dear Marmamers, Workshop announcement for age determination in marine mammals at this years ECS conference. Thanks, Fiona Read --------------------------------------------------------------------- Age determination in marine mammals: with special reference to techniques employed, interpretation of GLGs and anomalies, using both tooth sections and digital photos. Saturday 1st April 2005, 8:30 - 17.00 The workshop will be held immediately prior to the 20th European Cetacean Society in Gdynia, Poland at the Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk (Pilsudskiego 46) - only 15 min. walk away from the conference venue. Equipment available will include stereo microscopes (magnification x 10-50) and a laptop and a beamer/projector. Organisers: Fiona Read1, Patricia Lastra2 and Christina Lockyer3 (1) Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (f.read(a)erasmusmc.nl ) (2) Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, U.K. (p.lastra(a)abdn.ac.uk ) (3) Age Dynamics, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark (agedynamics(a)mail.dk ) Max. attendance: 20 Registration: The workshop is aimed at people already working on materials for determining age parameters and the number of participants is limited to 20 people. Registration will cost 10 euros per person, excluding lunch and pre-registration is essential. To register please contact Fiona Read (f.read(a)erasmusmc.nl) For those who are interested in bringing their own material (either teeth preparations or digital images), we would be deeply grateful whether you could let us know as soon as possible. Background and objectives: Background The estimation of age is important for the interpretation of many aspects of the biology, ecology and physiology of marine mammals and to provide information on population structure to underpin conservation and management measures. Interpretation of incremental and depositional structures (tooth dentine and cement, tympanic bulla, jaw bones, baleen plates, ear-plug, etc.,) is routinely used to estimate age in long-lived species such as marine mammals. Pinnipeds and Odontocetes are readily aged by counting incremental growth lines or Growth Layer Groups (GLGs; sensu Perrin & Myrick, 1980) present in dentine and/or cementum (Klevezal & Kleinenberg, 1967; Perrin & Myrick, 1980; Hohn et al., 1989; Lockyer, 1995; Hohn, 2002). Different preparation techniques and viewing platforms have been developed for estimating age in cetaceans and each has advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, the reliability of the technique depends on methodology, interpretation of GLGs, reader variability and availability of known-age animals to validate readings. Objectives The aim of this workshop is to bring together biologists working on life histories and population biology of marine mammals to discuss recent advances in age determination methods. We will review advantages and disadvantages of different techniques and identify gaps in knowledge. Finally, we will compile all the information gathered into a short report on the current status of age determination methods for marine mammals. Main aspects to be covered during the workshop 1- General background: Importance of age determination in the study of population biology in marine mammals. 2- Review of materials and methods (baleen, teeth, ear bones, eye lens, aspartic acid racemisation, etc.) and techniques used. Discuss new techniques / approaches for age determination and problems people have experienced during their work. 3- Discuss the term Growth Layer Group (GLG): Group discussion with a practical session. Split everyone into small groups to analyze prepared teeth from various species using different methods and then draw together an interpretation of GLGs. Discuss approaches to calibration of age in marine mammals: Known-age or known history animals Time-marking hard tissues by using tetracycline antibiotic treatments Other biological parameters supporting age: pregnancy records, female ovulation, etc. Tooth reading exercises using slides of own preparations. Discuss results from the practical session: Use of dentine and / or cementum Comparisons of our readings: inter-reader comparison. 4- Anomalies: Investigate and interpret unusually contrasting layering patterns present in the tooth ultra-structure (dentine &/or cement) of marine mammals. a- Slides presentation of different kind of anomalies b- Discuss causative factors likely linked to anomalies c- Discuss how to deal with such problems d- Use of anomalies in distinguishing populations, and life-history events Practical session: Small groups focusing on anomaly interpretation in different species. Summarized by a short group discussion. 5- Microscope investigations of prepared tooth sections with age trials followed by a question and answer session focusing on the slides examined. 6- Summary and conclusions of workshop and future work 7-Close Materials: All participants are encouraged to bring samples to the workshop, especially from known-age animals, teeth with anomalies, time-marked specimens, and samples from all types of marine mammals e.g. cetaceans, pinnipeds, polar bears, otters, etc. NOTE that this will be easy within the EC countries. If coming from outside the EC, a CITES permit for export and import may be necessary, and may need to be initiated a.s.a.p.. To circumvent this issue, we suggest bringing digital photographs instead wherever possible! References: Hohn, A.A., 2002. Age Determination. Encyclopedia of marine mammals. Edited by W. F. Perrin, B. Würsig and J. G. M. Thewissen. San Diego, Academic Press: 6-13. Hohn, A.A., Scott, M.D., Wells, R.S., Sweeney, J.C. and Irvine, A.B. 1989. Growth layers in teeth from known-age, free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. Mar. Mamm. Sci. 5(4): 315-342. Klevezal, G.A. and Kleinenberg, S.E. 1967. Age determination of mammals from annual layers in the teeth and bones. Translated from Russian by the Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem, Israel, 1969: 128pp. Lockyer, C. 1995. A review of factors involved in zonation in odontocete teeth, and an investigation of the likely impact of environmental factors and major life events on harbour porpoise tooth structure. Rep.int. Whal.Commn (Special Issue 16) : 511 -529. Perrin, W.F. and Myrick Jr, A.C. (Eds) 1980. Age determination of toothed whales and sirenians.Rep.int.Whal.Commn (Special Issue 3) : 229pp. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Fiona Read Life History of Harbour Seals Department of Virology Erasmus MC P.O. Box 1738 3000 DR Rotterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)10 408 8069 Fax: +31 (0)10 408 9485 E-mail: f.read(a)erasmusmc.nl Visiting address: Dr Molewaterplein 50 3015 GE Rotterdam ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

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Southern Right Whale Hervey Bay & Ballina - Queensland Memoirs
by Wally Franklin 14 Feb '06

14 Feb '06

Hi MarMamers, The following note has been published in the current issue of Queensland Memoirs. A SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE, (EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS), IN HERVEY BAY, QLD AND BALLINA, N NSW. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 51(2): 308. 2005 PDF copies are available from the authors at trish.leilani(a)bigpond.com or dburns12(a)scu.edu.au Trish Franklin & Dan Burns Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW Australia ........................................................................ .. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 02 6685 8128 Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176 Mobile: 0418 797326 Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: http://www.oceania.org.au PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/theteam.html

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