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Comment Period Closing for NMFS Northern Right Whale Research EIS
by Latusek, Jennifer N. 26 Jan '06

26 Jan '06

This announcement is a reminder that all comments regarding the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on northern right whale research in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans must be submitted by January 31, 2006. NMFS invites the public, including permit holders, researchers and scientists from all disciplines, elected officials, regulatory agencies, environmental groups, and other interested parties to provide input on the range of actions, alternatives, and impacts that should be considered in the EIS. The EIS will address the information needs for species conservation, including the types of research activities available for collecting samples and data and the appropriate levels of research intensity, including temporal and geographic extent of activities, sample sizes, and frequency of sampling. The EIS will also address appropriate mitigation measures and potential cumulative impacts of research activities on right whales and the environment. As the initial step in the EIS process, NMFS hosted a series of public scoping meetings in New Bedford, MA (November 2005); San Diego, CA (December 2005); and Silver Spring, MD (January 2006). Comments must be submitted in writing by January 31, 2006 in one of the following ways: Email: rweis.comments(a)noaa.gov Fax: 301-427-2582 Mail to: Mr. Steve Leathery Office of Protected Resources Permits, Conservation, and Education Division (F/PR1) National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705 Silver Spring, MD 20910 For additional information about the EIS, please visit our website: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/rightwhale.htm <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/rightwhale.htm> or one of the established information repositories below: New Bedford Library 613 Pleasant Street New Bedford, MA 02740 La Jolla/Riford Branch Library 7555 Draper Avenue San Diego, CA 92037 NOAA Central Library 1315 East-West Highway 2nd Floor, SSMC3 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Jennifer N. Latusek Science Applications International Corporation NEPA Specialist/Marine Scientist M. Environmental Management 1140 Eglin Parkway Shalimar, FL 32579 (850) 609-3479

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SEAMAMMS 2006
by Edward Keith 25 Jan '06

25 Jan '06

ANNOUNCING SEAMAMMS 2006 24-26 March 2006 Nova Southeastern University Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314 The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to present their research to their colleagues. Awards will be given for the best student oral and poster presentations. The 2006 conference will mark the fourteenth year for this productive annual meeting. The scientific program will consist of oral presentations, sessions and workshops. There will be a reception on Friday night, followed by presentations all day Saturday and Sunday morning. A banquet will be held on Saturday night and a business meeting will be held on Sunday morning to conclude the conference. The deadline to submit an abstract is 10 February 2006 at 12:00 am. You will be notified if your abstract has been accepted by 17 February 2006. Online early registration must be completed by 24 February 2006. Web Page: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/seamamms06 Contact: Edward O. Keith Phone: 954-262-8322 Oceanographic Center Fax: 954-262-3931 8000 N. Ocean Drive edwardok(a)nova.edu Dania Beach, FL 33004

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Abstracts: Aquatic Mammals, 31(4), 2005
by Dagmar Fertl 25 Jan '06

25 Jan '06

Dear Marmam and ECS-Mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you on both lists for cross-posts that you will receive. The following is posted as a courtesy to the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) and the journal editor, Dr. Jeanette Thomas. These are the contents and abstracts for the latest issue of _Aquatic Mammals_, the publication of the EAAM. Information on the society, membership, journal subscriptions, and author guidelines may be found at the EAAM website: http://www.eaam.org/. Detailed author guidelines may also be found in this latest issue of _Aquatic Mammals_ or obtained by contacting: Dr. Jeanette Thomas Department of Biological Sciences Western Illinois University-Quad Cities 3561 60th Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, USA J-Thomas(a)wiu.edu; tel: 309-762-9481, ext 311; FAX: 309-762-6989 I have provided the address of the author to whom reprint inquiries should be directed. No email addresses were provided with any of these articles, so please do not ask the Marmam editors or me, for this information. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal, the EAAM, and these postings. Regards, Dagmar Fertl Marine Mammal Biologist Geo-Marine, Inc. 550 East 15th Street Plano, Texas 75074 USA 972-543-4137 FAX 972-543-4130 dfertl(a)geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com ************************************************************** Mass, A.M., and A. Ya Supin. 2005. Ganglion cell topography and retinal resolution of the Steller sea lion (_Eumetopias jubatus_). _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),393-402. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninsky Prospect, 119701 Moscow, Russia The total number, soma size, topographic distribution, and density of ganglion cells were studied in retinal wholemounts of the Steller sea lion (_Eumetopias jubatus_). Ganglion cell soma size varied from 6 to 37 μm, and the majority of cells were of a size from 10 to 25 μm. A distinct group were large ganglion cells of more than 25 to 37 μm, which were similar to the α-cells known in terrestrial mammals. The number of α-like cells constituted 8% of the total ganglion cell population. The topographic distribution of ganglion cells showed a definite area of high cell density similar to the area centralis of terrestrial carnivores. This area was located in the temporal retinal quadrant, 8 to 9 mm from the optic disk. In this area, the peak cell densities in six wholemounts ranged from 1,512 to 2,520 (mean 1,904) cells/mm^2. With a posterior nodal distance of 19 mm (underwater), these densities corresponded to 166 to 277 (mean 209) cells/deg^2. This predicts a mean retinal resolution of 4.15' of minimum visibility (7.2 cycle/deg) in water and 5.5' (5.5 cycle/deg) in air. Topographic distribution of α-like cells was qualitatively similar to that of the total ganglion cell population, but the density of α-like cells reached only 45 to 72 (mean 59) cells/mm^2. **************************************************************************** K. Danil*, D. Maldini, and K. Marten. 2005. Patterns of use of Maku'a Beach, O'ahu, Hawai'i, by spinner dolphins (_Stenella longirostris_) and potential effects of swimmers on their behavior. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),403-412. *current address: NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA Spinner dolphins (_Stenella longirostris_) use Maku'a Beach, a small bight along the Wa'i'ana'e coast of O'ahu, as a rest site. Behavior and use patterns of Maku'a Beach by spinner dolphins and swimmers were studied in July and August of 1995 to provide baseline data on the dolphin population and to assess potential impacts of swimmers on the dolphins' resting behavior. Dolphins were observed on 52 out of 53 days, and they entered the area between 0545 and 0845 h. Their departure time varied widely. Average school size was 67 ± 0.6 SE and decreased with time of day. The most common aerial behaviors were slaps, leaps, and spins, respectively, with a peak in aerial behavior in late afternoon associated with schools moving offshore. The number of swimmers in the study area was highest on weekend mornings (x = 12 ± 0.6 SE), with a maximum of 63 people in the water at the same time. Rest appeared delayed and compressed in this population of dolphins as compared to other studies and may be a response to the presence of swimmers in the morning. The results suggest a potential adverse impact of swimmers on the dolphins' resting patterns, with earlier departure times and shorter periods of dive behavior indicative of rest. *********************************************************** Durden, W.N. 2005. The harmful effects of inadvertently conditioning a wild bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) to interact with fishing vessels in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),413-419. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 6295 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821-8043, USA Numerous accounts of social bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) seeking human interactions have been documented. While there are several cases of dolphins seeking human interactions with no apparent benefit, dolphins may also be enticed to interact with humans through gradual habituation, usually involving a food source. Marine mammals frequently feed in association with commercial fisheries. Dolphins residing in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, USA, may become conditioned to approaching commercial blue crab boats since the fishery regularly discards old bait fish at each trap. This routine may inadvertently acclimatize wild bottlenose dolphins to approach fishing vessels to feed on this supplemental food source. From 1998 to 2001, an adult bottlenose dolphin residing in the IRL estuary system regularly associated with commercial blue crab fishing boats. Focal observations revealed that the animal has become conditioned to approaching commercial crab boats (n = 110 min, n = 6 observations), spending all of its observed time feeding on discarded bait fish, following crab boats, or begging. The dolphin is readily resighted and well-known by fishers due to its tendency to closely approach and beg at fishing boats. The habituated dolphin is site-specific, with all observations and sightings (including fisher reports) occurring within a small 12.88 km area. This unintentional food provision and habituation of wild IRL dolphins to local fisheries may negatively impact the population. On 26 May 2001, this habituated dolphin approached a commercial vessel with a recreational fishing lure lodged in its mouth. Numerous reports from recreational fishers indicate that IRL dolphins also forage in association with recreational fisheries. Feeding and close interactions between wild dolphins and humans can lead to both animal and human injuries and fatalities. This paper documents the habituation of an IRL bottlenose dolphin to fishing vessels and reports the potentially harmful consequences of these interactions. ******************************************************************** Lima, R.P.*, C.M.C. Alvite, J.E. Vergara-Parente, D.F. Castro, E. Paszkiewicz, and M. Gonzalez. 2005. Reproductive behavior in a captive-released manatee (_Trichechus manatus manatus_) along the northeastern coast of Brazil and the life history of her first calf born in the wild. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),420-426. *Centro Mamiferos Aquaticos/IBAMA, Estrada de Forte Orange, s/n, Caixa Postal o1, Ilha de Itamaraca/PE, Brazil CEP: 53,990-000 The West Indian manatee (_Trichechus manatus_) is an exclusively herbivorous aquatic mammal. Recently, the stranding of live-orphaned calves has been the main threat to the species in northeastern Brazil. Since 1989, the Brazilian Manatee Project (PPB) has recovered 52 calf carcasses, of which 44 were alive. In 1994, "Lua" and "Astro" were the first manatees released from captivity in Brazil, and they have been tracked using radio telemetry methods. During daily tracking bouts, Lua's behavior and movement patterns were recorded, including reproductive behavior. On 17 December 2003, while she was in the Maracaípe Estuary, Lua gave birth to her first calf. Beginning on 18 December 2003, the mother/calf pair began repeated, tidally determined moves from the estuary used during high tides to the sandstone reefs used during low tides. Four days after the birth, an increase in motorized boat traffic in Maracaípe Estuary was observed. On 22 December, Lua and her calf moved to Serrambi Beach and remained outside the estuary in the reef area. On 25 December, the ninth day after the birth, Lua was sighted alone. On 26 December, the calf was found dead at Serrambi Beach. The place of birth supports the hypothesis that estuaries are birthing areas for manatees. The fact that Lua established her main fidelity site and gave birth in an area where manatees had previously been extirpated indicates a potential for reestablishing the species in its historical range via the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction program developed by PPB. The calf's death confirms the fragility of the species' conservation. The last 44 live-orphaned calves seem to have been caused by habitat destruction and/or human disturbances within their habitat. The lack of effective coastal management programs, despite being mandated within the federal Environmental Protection Areas established in the region, are factors that severely impair conservation of the Antillean manatee in Brazil. ************************************************************** Wilke, M.*, M. Bossley, and W. Doak. 2005. Managing human interactions with solitary dolphins. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),427-433. *Centre d'Etudes Hydrobiologiques, 108 Avenue du Puig del Mas, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France Some solitary dolphins reorient part or all of their social behavior towards humans. Such dolphins often attract large numbers of people who wish to observe them at close quarters or even interact with them. These encounters may be rewarding for both the dolphin and the people concerned, but negative outcomes, particularly for the dolphin, are common. This paper describes the pattern of development of human-friendly dolphin situations and proposes a "dolphin etiquette" and protocols for management options. The most critical of these is the development of a situation-specific management plan with official support for its implementation. The success of a management plan will depend on an effective education program and the support of local stakeholders. ************************************************************** Batista, R.L.G., B.L. Bastos, R. Maia-Nogueira, M. dos Reis, and M. do Socorro Santos. 2005. Rescue and release of two estuarine dolphins (_Sotalia fluviatilis_; Gervais, 1853) found confined in a natural pool of the Cachoeira River, Ilhéus, southern Bahia, Brazil. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),434-437. Aquatic Mammals Rescue Center-AMRC/Aquatic Mammals Research and Conservation Society, Largo da Vitoria, 02/102. Edf. San Remo, CEP: 40130-110. Salvador, Bahia, Brazil The estuarine dolphin, _Sotalia fluviatilis_, is one of the least known delphinids distributed on the Brazilian coast, and it is considered to be "insufficiently known" by the World Conservation Union (IUCN, 2000) and the Action Plan for Aquatic Mammals of Brazil (IBAMA, 2001). On 1 March 2003, two estuarine dolphins were found confined in a natural pool of the Cachoeira River, Ilhéus, southern Bahia, Brazil. They remained trapped in the pool for nine days, so a rescue was launched on 10 March 2003 to return them to deep water in the Pontal Bay, Ilhéus. Their capture was performed with a 0.9-mm nylon net, which was 120 m in length, 6 m in depth, and 80 mm in stretched mesh, through an encirclement technique. As soon as the dolphins were removed from the net, a physical assessment was performed. Both individuals were subadult males, with good body conditions, and normal cardiac and respiratory rates. During the handling process, the animals were treated preventively with 4 mg of Dexamethasone by intramuscular injection. The dolphins were released successfully next to Pontal Bay and were monitored for one hour. They found food resources soon after release, and a restranding did not occur. Although there is no evidence that they ultimately survived, since the possibility of death at sea without carcass recovery cannot be ruled out, their chances of survival increased, at least in the short term. ************************************************************** Guerrero-Ruiz, M.*, I. García-Godos, and J. Urbán R. 2005. Photographic match of a killer whale (_Orcinus orca_) between Peruvian and Mexican waters. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),438-441. *Programma de Investigacion de Mamiferos Marinos, Departamento de Biologia Marina, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Sur. A.P. 19-B, La Paz, B.C.S. Mexico, C.P. 23081 Killer whales are widely distributed along the Pacific coast of Mexico, but they are only occasionally seen in some areas of the southeast Pacific. Although they are found on both coasts of the Baja California Peninsula, killer whale distribution and movements have mostly been studied in the Gulf of California. Records of this species are sporadic off Peru, and sightings have been mainly anecdotal. On 27 March 2001, a pod of six killer whales was observed during a pelagic survey at 12° 52′ S, 77° 53′ W, ca. 148 km off Pucusana, Peru. Within the killer whale pod, a readily identifiable adult male was present. Photographs of this male were checked for matches with the Mexican killer whale catalog. During this process, a match was found with an animal previously photographed two times in the Mexican Pacific, on 4 April 1988 in Magdalena Bay at 24° 18′ N, 112° 01′ W, and on 5 July 1994 in La Paz Bay at 24°36′ N, 110°26′ W. The minimum distance between the Mexican and Peruvian match reached a total of 5,535 km. The inter-hemispheric match reported in this paper extends the already known maximum distance that killer whales are able to travel, and also raises further questions in relation to the population structure of the species due to its high capacity of movement throughout the oceans and, in consequence, the potential interaction between geographically distant populations. ********************************************************** Oviedo, L.*, N. Silva, L. Bermudez, and D.K. Odell. 2005. Distribution of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) on the east coast of Isla Margarita and the Los Frailes Archipelago, Venezuela. _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4),442-446. *Biotropica, Center for Research and Conservation of Tropical Biodiversity, Caracas 1090, Venezuela There have been few studies on the composition, distribution, and abundance of cetaceans in Venezuelan waters. Opportunistic stranding and sighting data revealed _Tursiops_, _Stenella_, _Delphinus_, and _Balaenoptera edeni_ in the waters around Isla Margarita, Coche, Cubagua, and Los Frailes Archipelago. All of these sites are located off the northeast coast of the mainland of Venezuela in an area of coastal upwelling and complex submarine topography. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans in this area. Data were gathered from June 1999 through November 2000 using a land-based platform (28 h) and a boat-based platform (26 surveys, totaling 121 h and 699 nmi). Data in relation to sea floor relief were analyzed using GIS software. Complex topographical features, such as depressions and passes located southwest of the study area, appear to limit the range of _Tursiops_. Bottlenose dolphins commonly occur between Punta Ballenas and Los Frailes Archipelago, where movements among those localities evidence a great plasticity in two different environments, likely to be related to prey distribution. No interspecific aggregation was recorded for bottlenose dolphins, as observed in the central coast of the country with _Stenella frontalis_ and _Tursiops truncatus_. This study is the first to document cetacean habitat use around Isla Margarita and, with continued effort, will be important not only for documenting Venezuelan cetaceans but also for the assessment of potential impacts of local development, including ecotourism. ******************************************************************** Watson, A.*, and L.E. Gee. 2005. Laryngeal displacement and asphyxiation by a beheaded sheepshead (_Archosargus probatocephalus_) in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). _Aquatic Mammals_ 31(4), 447-452. *Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2014, USA A mature, 2.7-m male bottlenose dolphin (_Tursiops truncatus_) with a fish tail protruding from its mouth was found dead on the northern Gulf of Mexico coast near Galveston, Texas, on 26 February 1995. Necropsy revealed a large and beheaded sheepshead (_Archosargus probatocephalus_) directly impacting the base of the laryngeal goosebeak. The larynx was severely dislocated rostroventrally into the oral cavity, which led to death by asphyxiation. An isolated sheepshead head was recovered from the caudal thoracic esophagus. Feeding strategies in dolphins of beheading fish and the sometimes fatal ingestion of inappropriately large and/or spiny prey are discussed. ************************************************************************ dos Santos, M.E.*, S. Louro, M. Couchinho, and C. Brito. 2005. Whistles of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) in the Sado Estuary, Portugal: Characteristics, production rates, and long-term contour stability. _Aquatic Mammals_, 31(4),453-462. *Unidade de Investigacao em Eco-Etologia, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Rua Jardin do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal This study focuses on the whistle characteristics and production patterns of bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) resident in the Sado Estuary, Portugal. Recordings and observations were conducted inside the estuary and in adjacent coastal waters using single hydrophones between 1987 and 2000. In the groups sampled, the mean number of whistles emitted per minute per animal was 0.28. The acoustic characteristics of a sample of 735 whistles were measured and compared with data from other _Tursiops_ populations, showing that, in a pattern of overall similarity, the whistles recorded in the Sado are relatively long and the frequency range used is relatively wide. Mean peak frequency was 9.2 kHz. About 30% of the whistles were stereotyped, and remarkable stability was found in several contours over a 12-year period. No relation was found between dolphin group size and whistle rate, suggesting some restriction in production; and no relation was found between dolphin group size and the emission of different contours. Significant variation was found between episodes of simple travel and more aroused activities in terms of the production of whistles in general and also of different whistle contours. ********************************************************************** Lopatka, M.*, O. Adam, C. Laplanche, J. Zarzycki, and J-F Motsch. 2005. An attractive alternative for sperm whale click detection using the wavelet transform in comparison to the Fourier spectrogram. _Aquatic Mammals_, 31(4),463-467. *Laboratorie d'Images, Signaux et Systemes Intelligents (Lissi-iSnS), University Paris 12, France Although many mathematical and signal-processing tools exist, detection of sperm whales based on their sound recordings proves somewhat difficult. This paper presents some of the advantages of the wavelet transform and the spectrogram in analyzing sperm whale clicks. The coefficients of the wavelet transform and the short-time Fourier transform are used to provide a representation of the intrinsic characteristics of the sound emissions of the sperm whale. For detection, we propose a new parameter―Short-Time Windowed Energy―that characterizes the particular shape in the time-frequency/scale domain of sperm whale clicks. This paper illustrates the resistance to noise of this parameter. In addition, thanks to new processors, this algorithm, which was once lengthy in calculation time, can be integrated easily in a real-time system. ************************************************************************ Silva, J.M.*, and J.L. Silva Flávio, and I. Sazima. 2005. Two presumed interspecific hybrids in the genus _Stenella_ (Delphinidae) in the tropical West Atlantic. _Aquatic Mammals_,31(4),468-472. *Centro Golfinho Rotador, CP 49, 53990-000 Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil We describe and comment on two aberrant individuals of the genus _Stenella_ from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, tropical West Atlantic, which we regard as interspecific hybrids. Each dolphin was found living with a large group of spinner dolphins, _Stenella longirostris_. One of the aberrant dolphins is a presumed hybrid between _S. longirostris_ and _S. attenuata_, and the second one is possibly a hybrid between _S. longirostris_ and _S. clymene_. Each of the hybrids was accompanied by a spinner female. The _S. longirostris_ × _S. attenuata_ was first sighted as a calf and was re-sighted several times over two years. This individual was recorded being nursed by the female. The other hybrid was re-sighted a few times over three months. **************************************************************************** Bossart, G.D.*, S. Ghim, M. Rehtanz, J. Goldstein, R. Varela, R.Y. Ewing, P. A. Fair, R. Lenzi, B. Joseph, C.L. Hicks, L.S. Schneider, C.J. McKinnie, J.S. Reif, R. Sanchez, A. Lopez, S. Novoa, J. Bernal, Jaime; M. Goretti, M. Rodriguez, R.H. Defran, and A.B. Jenson. 2005. Orogenital neoplasia in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_). _Aquatic Mammals_, 31(4),473-480. *Division of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, 5600 US 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA This study describes lingual papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas (n=11) and genital papillomas (n = 4) in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) evaluated from January 2000 to January 2005. Tumors were found primarily in adult dolphins of both sexes living in free-ranging and captive conditions. Three dolphins had multiple lingual tumors of mixed histological type, consisting of papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, suggesting malignant transformation of the benign papillomatous lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of oral papillomas in bottlenose dolphins and concurrent oral neoplasia that included both sessile papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma in the same dolphin. Additionally, it is the first known report of genital papillomas in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins from Atlantic coastal waters. The unusually high occurrence of related benign and malignant orogenital epithelial neoplastic lesions in a short period suggests that the lesions may represent one or more emerging diseases. Preliminary evidence suggests that these tumors may be of infectious etiology, possibly having an orogenital route of transmission. *********************************** Book Reviews: ******************* Nawojchik, R.* 2005. Marine Protected Areas of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises: A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation. Editor: Erich Hoyt. Earthscan, London and Sterling, VA, USA. 2005. _Aquatic Mammals_, 31(4),481-482. *P.O. Box 335, Bradford, Vermont 05033, USA ***************** Aguilar, A.* 2005. Marine Mammals of India. Kumaran Sathasivam. Universities Press (India) Private Limited, Hyderabad. 2004. _Aquatic Mammals_, 31(4),483-484. *Department of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, 08071 Barcelona, Spain ****************** Donovan, G*. 2005. Book Review: Whaling Around the World. Editor: Kathy Happynook, World Council of Whales (WCW) Publications. _Aquatic Mammals_, 31(4),485. *Head of Science, International Whaling Commission, The Red House, 135 Station Road, Impington, Cambridge CB4 9NP, United Kingdom

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Dolphin Research Institute Job Position Available
by Dolphin Research Institute 24 Jan '06

24 Jan '06

The Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) is a non-profit organisation that has been conducting research since 1993 into the resident coastal population of bottlenose dolphins in Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia. The DRI is seeking a suitably qualified person to take on the role of Research Director. The position is a maternity leave position for 12 months, at which point it will be reviewed. The successful candidate would be available to start in early April 2006. Responsibilities: The Research Director is responsible for the overall implementation of the DRIs research program and reports to the Research Committee and Board of Management. Among other duties, the position involves managing both the fieldwork program and research administration, which involves all aspects of design, planning and analysis. The Research Director is also responsible for all research staff, students and volunteers. Qualifications and skills: Applicants must at least have a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree with majors in zoology, ecology, or marine subjects. The position also requires: boat handling; cetacean research experience including population studies (photo-identification) and behavioural research (experience with genetic research would be a plus); management/supervisory experience and ability; sound analytical skills; high level oral and written communication skills. To obtain further information about this role, please contact Ánika Warren-Smith at research(a)dolphinresearch.org.au Applications close Friday 24th February 2006. Ánika Warren-Smith Research Director Dolphin Research Institute PO Box 77 Hastings Vic 3915 Phone: 613 5979 7100 www.dolphinresearch.org.au

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Funding Available For N. Atlantic Right Whales
by Michelle Pico 23 Jan '06

23 Jan '06

Funding Available For N. Atlantic Right Whales The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Office are pleased to announce two sources of funding for N. Atlantic right whale research and recovery efforts. 1) Right Whale Research Program (expansion of 'whale-safe gear' program) - Program focuses on the following two management areas. Please see RFP for expanded priorities and information on targeted data-gaps. http://www.nfwf.org/programs/whale_gear.cfm A. Project funding priorities for gear investigation and testing to reduce death and/or serious injury due to entanglements are: * Research related to reducing risk associated with vertical lines. * Research related to lowering the profile of groundlines. * Research the profile of gillnet and trap/pot gear in the water column in various habitats and conditions. * Develop technology for producing knotless splices. B. Proposals will also be accepted for projects that address right whale biological needs to support the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. * Research on distribution of right whales in the water column throughout their range in US waters. * Information on the temporal and spatial distribution of right whales. * Research on the vertical distributions of processes and prey organisms related to right whale foraging. * Develop technical advances/improvements for disentanglement including sedatives and tools. * Research on the development of long-term tracking tags suitable for deployment with minimal health risks. 2) Atlantic Coast States Cooperative Planning for Right Whale Recovery (proposals must come from states and be state/federal partnerships) - program focuses on rw recovery through the development or implementation of recovery plan tasks. The RFP provides specific information on this year's priorities for funding, below is a summary. http://www.nfwf.org/programs/whale_right.cfm * Vessel strike mitigation; * Enforcement as it applies to individual or cooperative states; * Right whale research to support the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan; * Gear investigation and testing to reduce death and/or serious injury due to entanglement; * Disentanglement activities which will reduce mortality and/or serious injury of entangled whales; and * Education and outreach programs to facilitate reduction of gear interactions. Applications are due on April 5th for both programs. Please see the RFPs for application information. Michelle Pico pico(a)nfwf.org Michelle Pico Federal Manager for NOAA Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ph: (262) 695-0462 pico(a)nfwf.org

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Marine GIS Field and Lab Course
by Michelle Kinzel 22 Jan '06

22 Jan '06

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~* Exploring Marine GIS: An ArcGIS Field and Lab Course Location: San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California, Mexico Dates: March 6-12, 2006 Instructors: Michelle Kinzel, Joe Breman and Peter Etnoyer Cost: $1,399.00 per person Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is hosting this immersion week in geospatial sciences and marine biology in San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico, March 6-12, 2006. GIS Course Summary: This week long adventure is for both beginning and advanced GIS users, and will also be suitable for those with some experience looking to integrate GIS into their own conservation projects or professional work. The workshop will include 2 days of instructor led training covering an "Introduction to ArcGIS 9", using ESRI training materials and taught by an ESRI authorized instructor. Participants will integrate these skills and perform exercises in an exploration of the Marine Data Model, and discover how data modeling is used in GIS. In addition, participants will work side by side with CERF's graduate students and marine mammal biologists, collecting data on the distribution, behavior and ecology of gray whales occupying winter breeding grounds. The course will include data collection in the lagoon and the opportunity to learn how to use some of the tools used by marine mammal scientists, digital images, image processing software, CERF's 10 year photo identification catalog, GPS units and underwater sonar tracking devices will all be incorporated in the field work sessions. Participants will contribute to CERF's ongoing research projects, study the concepts of data modeling and management, learn and integrate the skills used in photo id cataloging, participate in behavioral monitoring of gray whale mothers and calves and learn the basic requirements for creating a working geodatabase for conservation planning. Additionally, those with ongoing projects or datasets are encouraged to bring their work with them, as we will have a Data Modeler and GIS Consultant on hand to work with these participants. Topics Covered in this Course: . Introduction to ArcGIS 9 . Marine Data Model . GIS in conservation research and planning . Geospatial science; building a geodatabase, using GPS data in scientific research . Marine Mammal Science; Gray whale migratory behavior, photo identification cataloging, and gray whale Wilderness experience: This trip will follow our format for wilderness expeditions supported and funded by the Earthwatch Institute. Please browse our website at http://www.earthwatch.org/site/pp2.asp?c=dsJSK6PFJnH&b=1147575 for photos and details on the San Ignacio Lagoon Grey Whale Migration trip. This experience is ideal to learn the basics of ArcGIS 9, and provides the opportunity to consult with GIS professionals, using these tools to further professional and academic goals. Laguna San Ignacio is located within the Vizcaino Biosphere Preserve, and has gained international recognition and protection as a whale sanctuary (read more at http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=554 ). This trip will offer many chances to observe wildlife, explore the diversity and wonder of desert and marine ecosystems and experience one of the wildest places on earth. Whale watching, mud flat excursions, mangrove explorations, bird watching, desert hikes and cultural experiences will all be offered throughout the week. Logistics: The cost of the trip is $1,399.00 and includes all GIS instruction, course materials, ESRI ArcGIS 9 trial version software, meals, camping accommodations, whale watching trips and naturalist led hikes. The food will be authentic Baja cuisine, and the lodging will be semi-rustic camping accommodations. Participants will need to arrange transportation to and from Baja California, Mexico. There are 2 options for joining the team in the field. Participants can fly in and out of Loreto Airport or they can drive to the lagoon campsite themselves. Please contact trip organizer for more information. Space is limited! Please contact Michelle Kinzel for instructions on registering for this course kinzel(a)cox.net Instructors: Michelle Kinzel, Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation, http://cerf.bc.ca/baja/whales.asp Joe Breman, Environmental Systems Research Institute jbreman(a)esri.com Peter Etnoyer, Aquanautix Consulting http://www.aquanautix.com/ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~* >><>>.......>><>>.......>><>>.......>><>>.......>><>> Michelle Kinzel Scientist/GIS Instructor Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation www.cerf.bc.ca kinzel(a)cox.net CERF now offers training and project database assistance for ArcView 3 and ArcGIS 9 softwares. Join us Mar 6-12, 2006 in Baja California, Mexico for an immersion course in GIS and the Marine Data Model. http://cerf.bc.ca/baja/whales.asp >><>>.......>><>>.......>><>>.......>><>>.......>><>>

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New publications week 2
by Jan Herrmann 22 Jan '06

22 Jan '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 02 / 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 May-Collado, L. and I. Agnarsson (2006): Cytochrome b and Bayesian inference of whale phylogeny. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 38(2): 344-354. Honda, K., M. Aoki, and Y. Fujise (2006): Ecochemical approach using mercury accumulation of Antarctic minke whale, Balaenoptera bonaerensis, as tracer of historical change of Antarctic marine ecosystem during 1980-1999. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 76(1): 140-147. Stockin, K.A., C.R. Weir, and G.J. Pierce (2006): Examining the importance of Aberdeenshire (UK) coastal waters for North Sea bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 86(1): 201-207. PINNIPEDIA Del Piero, F. et al. (2006): West Nile Flavivirus Polioencephalomyelitis in a Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina). Veterinary Pathology 43(1): 58-61. Cruwys, L. and A. Friday (2006): Visible supernumerary teeth in pinnipeds. Polar Record 42(1): 83-85. OTHER Hattersley-Smith, G. (2006): Book Reviews. RED SERGE AND POLAR BEAR PANTS: THE BIOGRAPHY OF HARRY STALLWORTHY, RCMP. William Barr. 2005. Edmonton: University of Alberta Press. xiv + 385 p, illustrated, soft cover. ISBN 0-88864-433-7. $Can34.95. Polar Record 42(1): 88-89. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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SVP symposium 2006: "The start of the radiation of Neoceti."
by Mark Uhen 20 Jan '06

20 Jan '06

Announcement of SVP symposium, October 2006 The start of the radiation of Neoceti - unraveling the early history of Neoceti, including the transition from Archaeoceti and the origin of modern lineages. This symposium will be presented as part of 66th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, October 18-21, 2006; at Marriott Ottawa/The Crowne Plaza Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We expect it will be held on the morning of Wednesday 18th (to be confirmed and posted on SVP website). Conveners: R Ewan Fordyce, Mark D Uhen. Background. Cetacean research has advanced enormously in the last 2 decades, marked by many contributions on origins and initial radiation of Archaeoceti, and on the Neogene history of Neoceti - "modern" whales and dolphins. Research is moving towards "closing the gap" between these bottom-up and top-down approaches, identifying and interpreting issues involved with the origin and initial radiation of the Neoceti in latest Eocene and Oligocene times. We expect the proposed symposium to interest vertebrate paleontologists, marine mammalogists and molecular phylogeneticists. The symposium will consider at least 3 broad aspects: a) Contributions based around fossils of early Neoceti, desirably in the range late/latest Eocene to Oligocene/Miocene boundary (Priabonian to basal Aquitanian). We seek topics of broader importance, rather than routine reports of, for example, new records of species in well-known groups. b) Contributions on later archaeocetes that deal with transition from Archaeoceti to Neoceti. More-basal groups such as protocetids and pakicetids might be considered if they explicitly address key issues within the Neoceti, but later basilosaurids and dorudontids are likely to be more revealing. c) Molecular studies, studies on younger fossils, and anatomical studies on extant mammals that explicitly elucidate the early history of Neoceti. This aspect would embrace "evo-devo" issues. We have discussed the symposium with some colleagues active in cetacean research, including some of those who will receive this mailing, and have many expressions of interest. Potential contributions include presentations on: significant new taxa including early records of crown-taxa; evolution of functional systems (teeth, filter-feeding, ears, vertebrae); regional faunas; reassessments of phylogeny; and patterns of diversity over time. We particularly encourage appropriate contributions from marine mammal biologists. Please forward this to colleagues who may be interested. If you anticipate contributing, and have not yet contacted the conveners, please email both of us: ewan.fordyce(a)stonebow.otago.ac.nz AND uhen(a)umich.edu outlining your proposed contribution. If you have already discussed a contribution, and find that it changes direction, please keep us up to date. Proposals for posters and platform contributions will be considered formally at the usual time of abstract submission, as outlined on http://www.vertpaleo.org/meetings/index.html. -- Mark D. Uhen Phone: 248-645-3253 Curator of Paleontology and Zoology Fax : 248-645-3050 Cranbrook Institute of Science Email: uhen(a)umich.edu 39221 Woodward Avenue PO Box 801 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303-0801

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Duke University Marine Mammal Course
by tara.cox＠duke.edu 19 Jan '06

19 Jan '06

Duke University Marine Lab 2006 Summer Course: Marine Mammals Dates: Summer Term II: 10 July - 11 August 2006 Course limit: 15 students (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals) Application deadline (if applying for Global Fellowship): 15 February 2006 Application deadline (if applying for Tuition Scholarship): 1 April 2006 Application deadline (no funding support): 10 June 2006 The Duke University Marine Laboratory invites applications to its summer field course on the biology of marine mammals. Topics covered include the ecology, behavior, management and conservation of marine mammals, with emphasis on field study of the local population of bottlenose dolphins. This is a field and laboratory-intensive course designed to provide first-hand experience with research techniques such as photo-identification and mark-recapture analysis, sampling prey distribution and abundance, behavioral sampling techniques, acoustic recording and analysis, and dissection techniques. The course is taught by a distinguished faculty that includes Andy Read (Duke University) and John Reynolds (Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory). As part of Summer Term?s II Integrated Marine Conservation Program, a core course BIO 109/ENV 209 (Conservation Biology and Policy) may be taken with Marine Mammals. Students are encouraged (but not required) to take both courses. Approximately ten Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis to international students, especially those from developing countries, and will fully cover travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for both BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy plus one elective course subject to availability. Electives include: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Marine Ecology; Marine Invertebrate Zoology; Marine Policy; and Independent Research. Experience the beautiful North Carolina coast! Join students from all over the world in participating in this unique summer session experience. Enrollment is limited, apply early! For more information: mL_admissions(a)nicholas.duke.edu (Tel: 252.504.7502). www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/admissions/forms.html http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/scholarship.html http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/summer2.html

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Request for Information on Pinnipeds in California
by Monica DeAngelis 18 Jan '06

18 Jan '06

Dear Colleagues: NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Regional Office (SWR) is requesting assistance to collect information on pinniped haulout sites in California. Documenting the location and seasonal use of pinniped haulout sites is important for managing activities that may impact pinnipeds and also for prioritizing research needs. NMFS-SWR, in collaboration with NMFS-Southwest Fisheries Science Center, has created an interactive GIS database that will provide a comprehensive inventory of pinniped haulout sites in California, based primarily from an extensive review of literature and from contributions from fellow researchers. We are requesting assistance from pinniped researchers and others who are willing to share their information on pinniped haulout information in California. We understand the sensitivity of sharing data, but we want to make sure that the database incorporates both historical and current information on pinnipeds in California. Many pinniped surveys are conducted at the end of the breeding season when the majority of the animals are hauled out. Much can be inferred about dispersal of pinnipeds by comparing movement between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. However, less is known about dispersal within the breeding and particularly, during the non-breeding season. Thus, we hope that with your assistance, we will be able to compile year-round information on pinniped haulout sites in California. Primarily, we are interested in information (past and present) on: 1) species; 2) location (e.g., name of area and/or latitude/longitude); 3) counts; 4) date and time observed; 5) whether the area was/is used as a rookery or non-rookery; and 6) age class. Any other additional information would also be greatly appreciated. We also request that you include reference information, so that this may be included in the database as well. Presently, the database will only be accessible to NMFS-SWR staff as we continue to develop this database and collect information. The information in the database will be evaluated and updated on an annual basis. In the future, we may want to make a restricted version of this database available to the public (likely to include the GIS map, species and location), but we will notify participating researchers prior to publicizing. If you have information on pinniped haulout sites in California, but are unsure about disseminating data, please feel free to contact me so that we may discuss alternatives. Please contact me with any questions. Thank you in advance for your time. Cheers, Monica DeAngelis -- Monica L. DeAngelis Marine Mammal Biologist NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service/Southwest Region Protected Resources Division 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200 Long Beach, CA Work: 562-980-3232 Fax: 562-980-4027 E-mail: Monica.DeAngelis(a)noaa.gov

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