- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Internship Opportunity Websites
by MEER e.V. 13 Dec '05

13 Dec '05

Dear Marmamers, I am currently drafting a worldwide summary of opportunities for students, graduates and lay people to participate in cetacean research at. Fot this purpose, I am collecting web-addresses of cetacean research institutions and projects which offer the chance to take part in field and other work related to cetacean research. Internship opportunities for non-students, practical and theory courses in cetology and the like are of interest, too. Finally, I am also asking for websites of such organisations which promote research internships. If you are running such a website, I would be very grateful to receive the correct address including the subsites where the intership offer can be found. Please indicate, if the internship, course, etc. is available for students, graduates and/or others or not. Please also note if the internship lasts for days, weeks or months or as a field work for graduates. The results of this survey shall be published in a book. Although I think that in this way your institution will gain some publicity, please confirm that I will be allowed to publish the website address in a book. Thank you very much for your co-operation! Best, Fabian Ritter -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams)

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Cetacean stranding emergency numbers
by MEER e.V. 12 Dec '05

12 Dec '05

Der Colleagues, I am putting together an overview of emergency numbers for cetacean strandings worldwide. For this goal I am collecting telephone numbers of stranding networks, authorities and other bodies involved in cetacean rescue after stranding events. I am particularly interested in national contact numbers, although I am aware that in some countries there may be regional numbers, too. As the numbers shall be published in a (field guide style) book , I would like to ask all those who are willing to provide their numbers to send an email to the following address: meer.ritter(a)web.de Thank you very much for your collaboration! Fabian Ritter -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams)

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Adriatic bottlenose dolphin with a large wound – Summary of responses
by Tilen Genov 12 Dec '05

12 Dec '05

INTRODUCTION In November I sent out a message about a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with a large wound/lesion on the ventral side of its body. Photos of the wound can still be found at www.morigenos.org/dolphin_wound.htm I wish to thank all of you who provided me with your experience and comments. RESULTS We received responses from various areas and several people provided useful comments on the possible cause of the wound. However, although we do have some ideas about what might have caused the wound, we were unable to come to any definite conclusion. Therefore, the true cause is still unknown. As expected, nobody reported the possibility of the wound being caused by the animal's conspecifics. Furthermore, none of the list members, who responded, included the possibility of a shark bite. In fact, several people said they are absolutely sure that the wound was not inflicted by a shark. The following possible causes were suggested by the list members (the numbers in brackets represent the number of people who suggested that – the same person could also suggest more than one possible cause). - Harpoon (2) - Violent interaction with fishermen (1) - Injury from (damaged) fishing gear (1) - Other objects (1) - Other human launched projectile (1) - Bacterial infection (septicemic or dermal disease) / zoonosis (2) - Sea lamprey (1) - Erupted abscess (1) (this person reported a similar case in their study area) - Infection or "pealing" of the skin, resulting from a trauma (2) Several people reported that the wound has typical appearance of the healing wound and that it seems to be healing well. One of the list members noted that similar lesions have been observed in captivity, resulting from animals constantly rubbing themselves on pool sides, docks or other objects. CONCLUSION Alhtough we were unable to come to any definite conclusion, we got a useful insight into the possible causes. It is difficult to either reject or confirm any of the suggestions with the limited information that we have. All of the suggestions seem possible, although we believe some of them are more likely than others. The photos of the dolphin's ventral side prior to the observed wound and after the first observation would help us follow the development and healing of the wound. Therefore, additional and more accurate conclusions could be drawn from that. However, the dolphin only performed such aerial behaviours on that particular day, making it impossible for us to keep track of the wound-forming or wound-healing process. Nevertheless, should we acquire additional photos of that body part of the same animal, the photos could provide us with possible insight into the healing process, as well as additional documentation, which could help us determine the cause. Sincerely Yours, Tilen Genov Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.morigenos.org

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(no subject)
by balko＠Oswego.EDU 10 Dec '05

10 Dec '05

Tropical Marine Ecology - 4 credit biology elective [lecture portion of course taught online, lab = one week at Marine Science Institute] Learn about tropical marine ecology while taking an online science elective through the SUNY Learning Network [http://SLN.suny.edu] Travel to the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, Honduras, over Spring Break [March 19th - 25th] to complete the Lab Portion of this Course. Tropical Marine Ecology is a 4 credit sophomore-level class with a 3-credit lecture plus a one-week trip to Honduras for field study at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science. Contact Information: Liz Balko PhD [balko(a)oswego.edu] OR OCC Biology Dept. [315-498-2411]. Registration Information & questions regarding online courses: http://SLN.suny.edu This unique course will introduce you to the natural history of coral reefs and the diverse life forms that they support through a combination of online exercises and hands-on experience. Students will gain the ability to identify, observe and study enchanting marine organisms going about their daily lives on the reefs embracing the island of Roatan, Honduras. The online portion of this course will introduce you to the biology and taxonomy of life surrounding Caribbean reef systems. The field trip segment will take you beyond studying the natural history of coral reefs by enlightening participants to the critical need to conserve these fragile ecosystems as well as the efforts of the dive community and scientists to protect the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve. A highlight of the trip to Honduras will be the dolphin specialty segment that introduces dolphin anatomy, physiology, cognition, communication and behavior. Instruction on dolphin behavior and biology will be implemented through lectures and hands-on interactions with 17 dolphins kept in natural flow through seawater enclosures in the lagoons around RIMS. Students also take an active role in studying dolphin behavior and communication by participating in dolphin swims, recording observations of dolphin behavior and participating in dolphin training sessions. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to compare the biology of coral reefs to that of a tropical rain forest. We will visit a cloud forest on the mainland that is home to jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and white-faced capuchins. Take your love of the environment to the next level and join us in this opportunity to learn about the environment you enjoy. The trip will be lead by Dr Liz Balko [OCC & SUNY-Oswego] and her teaching assistant Jennifer Hunter [UC Davis]. While at the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences (RIMS) we will coordinate lectures and field experiences with the RIMS education and dolphin staff. The school group will be housed in accommodations provided by Anthony's Key Resort. This renowned dive resort has been in operation for over 28 years and works in conjunction with RIMS to extend its luxuries to the students and professors. It consists of private cabins, SCUBA shop and service station, photo shop, gift shop, open dining area, and bar. Everything one might need is within easy access. We will have use of our own dive boat to make our daily trips to the reef system surrounding the island. The trip to Honduras is covered by the additional lab fee of $2,000 [includes airfare from US departure city (Miami or Houston), room board, all facility uses fees, dolphin specialty lectures & training, roundtrip airfare from Roatan to mainland Honduras to visit Pico Bonito + ground transportation and lunch @ park]. Requires valid passport, completed medical form, and Study Abroad application form. NOTE: Tuition and trip costs may be covered by student financial aid.

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Corrected DATE & AGENDA: SI Meeting at SMM in San Diego
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 10 Dec '05

10 Dec '05

The Sirenian International Participating Members Biennial Meeting will be held Thursday night, December 15th, 2005, 7-9:30 PM in Elizabeth "A" (NOT December 17th as previously posted). The Agenda is included below. No registration fee, but please register online at http://www.sirenian.org/membership.html. Walk-ins also welcome as space permits! An opportunity will be provided for networking among manatee & dugong scientists and for follow-up discussion from the USGS/USFWS International Sirenian Workshop on Sunday morning. Cheers, Caryn WHAT: Sirenian International, Inc., Biennial Participating Membership Meeting WHEN: Thursday 15 December 2005 19:00 - 21:30 WHERE: SMM Meetings - Room Elizabeth "A" The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. AGENDA 19:00 Introductions and Thanks * Sirenian International is a totally inclusive organization of grassroots people who share a dedication to manatee & dugong conservation on a global scale. We are a research, education, and conservation organization, not an advocacy group. However, we encourage Participating Members to be advocates at their local level as they deem appropriate. * Introduction of our current Board of Directors (SIBOD) * Introduction of our current Scientific Advisory Council (SISAC) * Participating Membership (PM) - What is it? * Supporting Membership (SM) - What is it" * 2006-2008 SIBOD Slate of Nominees & Nominations from the Floor 19:30 Financial Report 2000-2005 19:45 New Business - Background and Open Discussion * A Brief History of Sirenian International * Calls for Proposals & Manatee & Dugong Projects Supported to Date * Where do we go from here? Recommendations for fundraising & recruitment of both Participating and Supporting Members 20:15 Break-out Groups * Leadership Roundtable - Current SIBOD and Nominees gather round and discuss the future of Sirenian International * Networking Roundtable -Sunday's Workshop Presenters, Attendees, and SAC gather round to make connections, share ideas, and mentor new sirenian scientists * Association to Save the Northernmost Dugong - Please join Yuuki Iwashina who is seeking scientific advice regarding conducting an EIA in Japan on the new proposed US Military Site. 21:15 Final Feedback and Discussion 21:30 Adjourn

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Request for information relating weather conditions to whales
by mary sternfeld 09 Dec '05

09 Dec '05

Please reply directly to: francaaustral(a)fcien.edu.uy Paula Franco Fraguas writes: Since 2001 we have been working systematically on the Francaaustral project in Uruguay. Our aim is to evaluate the presence of southern right whale in our Atlantic coast. We have been doing land and air surveys (including photo identification). Along this years we have found the presence of this whales in our coast is variable along the spring season including its peak period (August-October). We hypothesizes the whether conditions may be affecting their presence in our coast. Uruguay is situated on the subtropical region characterized by a hydrologic and meteorological complex system affected by the semi permanent anticyclone belt. Meteorological cycles occur by the movements and confluence of the cold air masses from the south and hot air masses from the north. This, together with our south exposed oceanic coast affects strongly the coastal conditions. My thesis objective is to evaluate the relation between the presence of southern right whale in our coast with the synoptic conditions of the region. By means of synoptic maps I will relate atmospheric pressure tendencies (which reflects the whether conditions) and wind intensity with the presence of this whales in our coast. I have found scarce references on this topic, this is why I will really appreciate your help locating relevant references. [see the bibliography below] Cheers, Paula Franco Fraguas PROYECTO FRANCAAUSTRAL http://francaaustral.fcien.edu.uy Maldonado 1463/401 CP:11200 Montevideo-Uruguay _Bibliografía_ /1/. Payne R.* *(1986). Long term behavioral studies of the southern right whales /(Eubalaena australis). /Rep. Int. Whal. Comm. (Special Issue 10): 161-167. /2/. Whitehead H., R. Payne & M. Payne. (1986). Populations estimate for the right whale off Península Valdés, Argentina, 1971 76. Rep. Int. Whal. Comm. (Special Issue 10): 169- 71. /3./ Payne R, V. Rowntree, J. S. Perkins, J. G. Cooke & K. Lankester. (1990). Populations size trends and reproductive parameters of right whales /(Eubalaena australis) /off Península Valdés. Rep. Int. Whal. Comm . (special issue 12): 271- 78. /4./ Costa, P.; Piedra, M.; Franco Fraguas, P., 2004. Presencia de la ballena franca austral (/Eubalaena australis/) en la costa atlántica uruguaya. 11*º *Reunión de Trabajo de Mamíferos Acuáticos de América del Sur y 5º Congreso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos (SOLAMAC) Quito, Ecuador. /5./ Piedra, M.; Costa, P., Franco Fraguas, P.; E. Paez. 2005. Relevamiento de la ballena franca (/Eubalaena australis/) en la costa atlántica uruguaya : recomendaciones para su conservación. Terceras jornadas de Conservación y uso sustentable de la fauna marina. Montevideo, Uruguay Pag. 25. /6./ Guerrero, R.A., Lasta, C.A., Acha, E.M., Mignzan, H.W. y Framiñan, M.B. 1997. Atlas Hidrográfico del Río de la Plata, 1997. Comisión administradora del Río de la Plata. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero. /7/. Balay, M., 1961. El Río de la Plata entre la atmósfera y el mar. Servicio de Hidrografía Naval, H621, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 153 pp. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

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origins and radiation of the Neoceti
by R. Ewan Fordyce 09 Dec '05

09 Dec '05

Dear Marmamers with interests in phylogeny: We are organizing a proposal for a symposium on origins and radiation of the Neoceti, as part of a meeting of Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) in October 2006. This is a statement of intent; the symposium has yet to be confirmed by SVP. We are interested in the initial radiation of the Neoceti (namely, divergences between and within early Odontoceti and early Mysticeti). Many contributions would be fossil-osteological, but we are interested to include molecular studies, or anatomical studies (e.g. "evo-devo" issues and functional complexes) on living species, that contribute in any way to understanding pattern and process in the early divergences between and within Odontoceti and Mysticeti. Symposium would be 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. If interested, talk to Ewan Fordyce or Mark Uhen at the San Diego meeting. R. Ewan Fordyce Associate Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NZ fax 64-3-479-7527, tel 64-3-479-7510 web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/ref.htm Editor, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology Research Associate, Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

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Volunteers Sought for Cetacean Survey
by MJTetley＠aol.com 09 Dec '05

09 Dec '05

Volunteers Sought for Cetacean Survey Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) have again been given the opportunity to join a platform of opportunity for cetacean observations in collaboration with the French Research Institute IFREMER. This institute participates in the "International Bottom Trawl Survey" or IBTS every year and have offered berths to ORCA on their February 2006 cruise; ORCA volunteers also joined this cruise in 2005. The survey area is the North Sea, Kattegat and Skagerrak on the survey vessel "Thalassa" (http://www.ifremer.fr/fleet/navires/hauturiers/thalassa/index.htm) The survey will depart from Brest, France and will undertake oceanographic sampling and fishing trawls throughout the survey area. The first part of the survey begins 29th January and ends at Ijmuiden in the Netherlands on the 9th February. The second half starting the 10th February - 22nd February, departing from Ijmuiden, arriving in Boulogne, France. There are a maximum of three berths available for experienced cetacean observers during each of the two survey periods. Volunteers will be asked to undertake cetacean observations using a pre-defined protocol. Observers may take part in either one half of the survey or the entire survey. These are strictly voluntary positions and no travel costs can be reimbursed. However, berth and food onboard 'Thalassa' are provided free of charge. ORCA are interested in collecting effort-related cetacean sightings data during this survey to contribute to ORCA's existing cetacean database. We hope t hat the opportunity to join the IBTS in the North Sea will be a long-term arrangement and will provide an excellent opportunity to collect monitoring data on distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans during the winter. For further information about volunteering on this survey please send a letter of enquiry and details of previous experience or CV to mjtetley(a)orcaweb.org.uk Regards Michael J. Tetley Director of Conservation ORCA www.orcaweb.org.uk Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education and provides a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. Registered Charity no 1098765

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Letter From Concerned Scientists_Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program
by Jim Curland 08 Dec '05

08 Dec '05

Dear Marmam members, The SEIS for the Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program is available for public comment and the deadline closes on Jan 5, 2006. A coalition of groups that are working on drafting comments (Defenders of Wildlife, The Ocean Conservancy, Friends of the Sea Otter, Sea Otter Defense Initiative, a project of Earth Island Institute's International Marine Mammal Project, and The Humane Society of the United States) thought it would be good to circulate a letter to get sign-ons for this very critical policy issue for southern sea otter recovery. Please let me know (all of my contact information is below this letter): your name, title, affiliation if you would like to sign on to this letter. If you have an e-signature, please send it as a jpeg. If everyone that signs sends and e-signature, I will include them in the final letter. If not, I will just list names, titles, affiliations. Defenders will be an exhibitor at the SMM biennial (booth space E22). We will have a copy of the letter there, as well. In addition, you can come by the booth and provide your information for the letter there. If you have any interest in reviewing any of the SEIS before agreeing to sign on, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/ventura/es/SSOrecplan/seaotter_index.html Thanks, Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife LETTER FROM CONCERNED SCIENTISTS December 8, 2005 Diane Noda Field Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office 2493 Portola Road, Suite B Ventura, California 93003-7726 Dear Diane Noda: We applaud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) preferred alternative presented in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on the translocation of southern sea otters. The DSEIS represents an important and scientifically responsible step toward successfully recovering the southern sea otter. In the final SEIS and proposed regulations to implement it, we strongly urge the FWS to implement the preferred alternative of terminating the Southern Sea Otter translocation program, ending the no-otter management zone south of Pt. Conception, and allowing the sea otters currently residing south of Pt. Conception, including sea otters residing around San Nicholas Island, to remain. This action will allow sea otters to move freely and naturally expand their range, which will help ensure this species' survival and recovery. Historically, the southern sea otter could be found all along the California coast and into Baja California, likely numbering 16,000 in the 1800s. Fur traders then killed almost all southern sea otters, with only a few dozen surviving in a remote cove off of Big Sur. They were declared threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1977, and today there are about 2,500 sea otters along our coast. Sea otters are the classic example of a keystone species. Sea otters allow for a natural check in the nearshore ecosystem by keeping populations of invertebrate grazers, such as sea urchins, from overtaking the system and denuding the kelp forests. The near-extinction of sea otters along the California coast altered the coastal ecosystem; bringing back sea otters throughout their range represents a critical step to restoring coastal ecosystems--creating healthy kelp forests and diverse populations of fish and invertebrate species. In 1987, the FWS began a translocation program to establish a new colony of southern sea otters on San Nicholas Island (SNI) in an attempt to protect the species from a catastrophic event (e.g. oil spill) and ultimately restore their dwindling numbers off the coast of California. Out of the original 140 sea otters translocated from 1987-1990 to SNI, just over 30 remain at the island today. The others either died or swam away and three years after the translocation program ended in 1990, there were fewer than 25 sea otters at SNI. While the population at SNI has shown some signs of recruitment, it is far from the predicted viable population that FWS estimated at between 150-500 sea otters. In addition, capturing and transporting sea otters tends to be unsuccessful because typically the sea otter is harmed or simply swims back to its initial location. For example, between 1987 and 1993, 24 sea otters were moved, 4 of those animals died. Also introducing a new sea otter into an already existing group of sea otters may disrupt the established social hierarchy of that group. Because moving sea otters places them at risk, the FWS and the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Team concluded that moving otters and impeding natural range expansion southward is likely to jeopardize the species' continued existence. The southern sea otter translocation program has failed to meet its objective of establishing a viable, independent colony of sea otters to serve as a safeguard for the population, as a whole, in the event of a natural or human-caused event. The recovery and management goals for southern sea otters cannot be met by continuing the program. Given that in the last ten years, the southern sea otter population has exhibited periods of growth and decline, and is still listed as threatened under the ESA, we are especially pleased to see the FWS recommendation to both protect and allow the sea otters currently in the translocation and management zones to remain. Implementation of the preferred alternative in the DSEIS will ensure a sustainable sea otter population and will allow sea otters to expand their range. We strongly urge you to finalize the SEIS and implement the preferred alternative. Sincerely, Provide Name, Title, Affiliation -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010 (phone) 831-726-9020 (fax) curland(a)earthlink.net jcurland(a)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife 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 (Defenders' Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Defenders' Sea Otter Teaching Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Defenders' Marine Program Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Defenders' California Marine Program Page)

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Overfishing and decline of Mediterranean megafauna
by Giovanni Bearzi 08 Dec '05

08 Dec '05

Dear colleagues the article below has just been published online. Bearzi G., Politi E., Agazzi S., Azzellino A. 2006. Prey depletion caused by overfishing and the decline of marine megafauna in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters (central Mediterranean). Biological Conservation 127(4):373-382. ABSTRACT - Surveys primarily aimed at determining dolphin encounter rates were conducted from small inflatable craft in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters between 1997-2004. During 633 surveys totalling 21276 km of effort, observations of cetaceans and other marine species spotted in a study area of 480 km2 were systematically recorded. Common dolphin encounter rates declined 25-fold across the study period, steadily decreasing from 2.18 encounters/100km in 1997 to 0.09 encounters/100km in 2004. Encounter rates of tuna also declined significantly. Swordfish encounter rates dropped from 1.03 encounters/100km in 1997 to 0-0.12 in 1998-2004. Encounter rates of bottlenose dolphins did not show significant trends. The decline of high-order marine predators feeding on epipelagic prey was consistent with the hypothesis of prey depletion, likely resulting from intensive exploitation of local fish stocks, particularly anchovies and sardines. The catholic feeding habits and opportunistic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand the effects of overfishing at their present low density. Those who are interested can find this article and a few related ones at: http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm >> click on Publications Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi _________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(a)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm _________________________________

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