- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication - Behaviourally specific preferred associations in bottlenose dolphins
by Shane 05 Dec '05

05 Dec '05

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Canadian Journal of Zoology: S. Gero, L. Bejder, H. Whitehead, J. Mann, and R.C. Connor. (2005) Behaviourally specific preferred associations in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops spp. The article is available online CONTENTS section at http://cjz.nrc.ca (this may only be available free to Canadian's). Alternatively, a pdf reprint is available from the corresponding author's website under publications: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/sge/pub.html ABSTRACT: We investigated association patterns of 52 photographically identified, free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp. Gervais,1855) across four behavioural states (rest, travel, social, foraging/feeding) to investigate how behavioural state influences patterns of association. Group composition and behavioural data were extracted from 2178 encounter surveys collected over 3 years. Analyses revealed three general types of association: (1) affiliates, which consistently demonstrate preferred associations across all behavioral states; (2) acquaintances, which never form preferred associations but still associate in at least one behavioural state; and (3) behavioural associates, which form preferred associations in at least one, but not all behavioural states. The majority of associations in Shark Bay, Australia, are acquaintance type (38.2%), with affiliates (5.7%, principally between adult males) and behavioural associates (28.9%, principally between juveniles) being relatively rarer. Permutation tests identified behaviourally specific preferred associations during all behavioural states. Although behaviourally specific preferred associations appear to exist with the Shark Bay social structure, it seems that the social organization and mating system constrain the social relationships for the majority of males and females in differing ways which prevent them from having behavioural associates, leaving juveniles free to associate based on short-term expediency and behavioural specific needs. *********************************** Shane Gero, M.Sc. Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3H 4J1 Lab Tel: (902) 494-3723 Lab Fax: (902) 494-3736 sgero(a)dal.ca http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/sge/

1 0

Workshop on Comparative Cognition
by Chris Johnson 04 Dec '05

04 Dec '05

Greetings all! We just wanted to let you know that there is still space available at the workshop on Comparative Cognition being held on Sunday, Dec 11, in conjunction with the 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Maine Mammals in San Diego. If you have not yet sent in your $30 registration fee for this workshop, please know that you can register at the door on Sunday morning. The workshop, which is being held in the Manchester Grandy Hyatt (the same venue as the conference) goes from 8:30 am til 6pm, and all are welcome! For further information about the workshop program, see our website at: http://home.earthlink.net/~wdpdenise/ Hope to see you there! Chris Johnson & Denise Herzing Christine M. Johnson, Ph.D. Dept. of Cognitive Science, UCSD La Jolla, CA 92093-0515 Phn: 858-534-9854 FAX: 858-534-1128

1 0

assistants needed for Shark Bay study
by Richard Connor 04 Dec '05

04 Dec '05

Please post the following on marmam: We are seeking four or five highly skilled research assistants for the 2006 field season to help on the Male Dolphin Alliance Project in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The study will run from July-November. We are examining the relationship between alliance size, stability, habitat, relatedness and reproductive success. Shark Bay is a marine biologist's paradise and the dolphin behavior you will witness is unsurpassed. Because training time will be limited and we (Connor and Krutzen) will not be on site for the entire study, we need people who are already skilled at handling small motor boats and dolphin photo-identification. Skill at sailing larger (36') catamarans would be a real plus. You will work in teams on two boats, one concentrating on behavior and the other on darting and behavior. Behavioral data will be collected during surveys and focal alliance follows, including 20- minute digital video samples. The type of person that works well on our project is hard-working, team oriented, plays well with others and maintains a positive attitude when things aren't going well. People who like to 'sleep in' or work on a schedule may not adapt well to our program. The latter is important because, perhaps more than many field sites, work in Shark Bay is highly weather dependent. This means we can alternate between long periods stuck on shore and consecutive long-days offshore which are very intense and tiring. The fickle nature of the wind means we can rarely predict what time of day we will be going offshore and are often 'on standby'. You should be comfortable with standing in a boat for 11 hours non-stop while looking for and recording data on dolphins. You should be comfortable with and experienced at looking though binoculars for long periods. You will be expected to work endless hours identifying dolphins and entering data into a computer database. You must be available from July-November 2006, but exact dates within that period are still uncertain. We will also send you a CD with over 100 male fins and expect to learn to distinguish them before the study. You have to get to Shark Bay on your own, but food and living space is provided onsite. If you are interested and have the required experience and skills, please provide a short CV with references and a letter explaining your interest in the project and career goals to both Richard at rconnor(a)umassd.edu and Michael at <mailto:michael.kruetzen@aim.unizh.ch>michael.kruetzen(a)aim.unizh.ch by 31 Jan 06. We will make decisions by the end of February. Please include names and email addresses for references; CVs that state 'references available on request' will not be considered. Please specify whether you actually took pictures on a photo-ID study (but that is not a requirement; we have had wonderful assistants with no prior boat or photo-ID experience). Please do not be put off if you applied but were not considered in recent years. Each year we have more good applicants than we can take on the project. Richard will be at the San Diego Conference and will be happy to speak with you. Visit <http://monkeymiadolphins.org/>http://monkeymiadolphins.org for more information on dolphin research in Shark Bay, the environs and how to get there.

1 0

New Publications
by Aldemaro Romero 04 Dec '05

04 Dec '05

There is a new book titled "Environmental Issues in Latin American and the Caribbean" published by Springer which contains two chapters that refer to marine mammal issues. The chapter titles and summaries are below. For more information on this book go to: http://www.springer.com/sgw/cda/frontpage/0,11855,4-40157-22-88521011-0,00.… Thanks, Aldemaro Romero, Ph.D. Chair and Professor Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University P.O. Box 599 State University, AR 72467, USA Phone: (870) 972-3082 Facsimile: (870) 972-2638 aromero(a)astate.edu http://www.clt.astate.edu/aromero/ Chapter 1 IN THE LAND OF THE MERMAID: HOW CULTURE, NOT ECOLOGY, INFLUENCED MARINE MAMMAL EXPLOITATION IN THE SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN Aldemaro Romero1 and Joel Creswell2 1 Environmental Studies Program, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., St, Paul, MN 55105-1899. Current Address: Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 599, State University, AR 72467; 2 Environmental Studies Program, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., St, Paul, MN 55105-1899. Current Address: Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, 205 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511 Abstract: Although some progress has been made toward a better understanding of marine mammal utilization in the Southeastern Caribbean, no comparative analysis has been carried out to see how such practices originated, developed, and finally impacted the marine mammal populations in that region. We conducted field and archival studies for Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We analyzed records of whaling, dolphin fisheries, and manatee exploitation for those countries, interviewed local fishers, and explored the remains of whaling stations in each area. Our results show that each of these countries developed a different pattern of whale and dolphin exploitation, but similar patterns of utilizing manatees. We conclude that these five neighboring countries, although sharing essentially the same marine mammal species, developed different exploitation practices in terms of species targeted, capture techniques, and time periods in which that exploitation took place, due to different cultural circumstances. Key words: whaling; dolphin fisheries; whales; dolphins; manatees Chapter 7 A DEEPER SOLUTION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMONS Building an effort control regime for the Eastern Tropical Pacific tuna fishery Brian Potter1 1Department of Political Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Abstract: The parable of the tragedy of the commons tells that resources held under open access conditions are prone to over-exploitation. For fisheries, regulations to limit aggregate catch improve resource use yet promote over-investment. Optimal regulation would limit the investments and labor dedicated to harvesting, a task quite difficult in a global forum. Motivated by three reasons, the member-states of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission have attempted such limits for the purse-seine yellowfin fishery, in addition to implementing other conservation measures. First, increases in fishing capacity by existing participants and newcomers have resulted in financial losses for the major fleets. Second, the resolution of the tuna-dolphin controversy encouraged additional harvesting capacity in an already-crowded fishery. Finally, bureaucratic changes in some countries have empowered fishery professionals who balance sustainable resource use with economic development. The strength of these influences, as well as efforts and concessions to create a regime, vary among the states involved. Key words: fishery management, natural resource policy, common property, open access, over-capitalization, Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, Latin America.

1 0

New Articles
by David S. Janiger 03 Dec '05

03 Dec '05

Hi, All Between the SMM Biennial Conference and jury duty the first week in January, it will probably be around the middle of January before the next message. I would like to take this moment to wish everyone a happy holiday and new year. Also, to thank you for all the wonderful messages and comments. Hope to meet many of you in San Diego. Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Because of the conference dates, those who don't hear from me by Dec. 11, I will pick up again after Dec. 16. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger(a)bcf.usc.edu Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger(a)bcf.usc.edu djaniger(a)nhm.org BAIRD, R. W. PACIFIC SCIENCE 59(3):461-466. 2005. Sightings of dwarf (Kogia sima) and pygmy (K. breviceps) sperm whales from the main Hawaiian Islands. 3.922 MB BEAUPLET, GWENAEL; CHRISTOPHE BARBRAUD; MAGALY CHAMBELLANT and CHRISTOPHE GUINET. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY 74(6):1160-1172. 2005. Interannual variation in the post-weaning and juvenile survival of subantarctic fur seals: Influence of pup sex, growth rate and oceanographic conditions. 0.258 MB BENGTSON, JOHN L.; LISA M. HIRUKI-RARING; MICHAEL A. SIMPKINS and PETER L. BOVENG. POLAR BIOLOGY 28(11):833-845. 2005. Ringed and bearded seal densities in the eastern Chukchi Sea, 1999-2000. 0.687 MB BUREK, KATHY A.; FRANCES M. D. GULLAND; GAY SHEFFIELD; KIMBERLEE B. BECKMEN; ENID KEYES; TERRY R. SPRAKER; ALVIN W. SMITH; DOUGLAS E. SKILLING; JAMES F. EVERMANN; JEFFERY L. STOTT; JERRY T. SALIKI and ANDREW W. TRITES. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES 41(3):512-524. 2005. Infectious disease and the decline of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska, USA: Insights from serologic data. 0.121 MB BURNS, J. M.; D. P. COSTA; K. FROST and J. T. HARVEY. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY 78(6):1057-1968. 2005. Development of body oxygen stores in harbor seals: Effects of age, mass, and body composition. 0.135 MB CARLINI, A. R.; G. A. DANERI; M. E. I. MARQUEZ; H. BORNEMANN; H. PANARELLO; R. CASAUX; S. RAMDOHR and J. PLOTZ. POLAR BIOLOGY 28(10):769-775. 2005. Food consumption estimates of southern elephant seal females during their post-breeding aquatic phase at King George Island. 0.286 MB CONRAD, P. A.; M. A. MILLER; C. KREUDER; E. R. JAMES; J. MAZET; H. DABRITZ; D. A. JESSUP; F. GULLAND and M. E. GRIGG. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY 35(11-12):1155-1168. 2005. Transmission of Toxoplasma: Clues from the study of sea otters as sentinels of Toxoplasma gondii flow into the marine environment. 0.317 MB DE BRUYN, P. J. N.; M. N. BESTER; S. P. KIRKMAN; S. MECENERO; J. R. ROUX and N. T. W. KLAGES. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 40(2):261-270. 2005. Cephalopod diet of the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, along the Namibian coast: Variation due to location. 0.528 MB DEROCHER, ANDREW E.; MAGNUS ANDERSEN and OYSTEIN WIIG. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 86(5):895-901. 2005. Sexual dimorphism of polar bears. 0.106 MB ENDO, T.; Y. HOTTA; K. HARAGUCHI and M. SAKATA. CHEMOSPHERE 61(8):1069-1073. 2005. Distribution and toxicity of mercury in rats after oral administration of mercury-contaminated whale red meat marketed for human consumption. 0.099 MB FISHER, SUE J. and RANDALL R. REEVES. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE LAW AND POLICY 8:315-340. 2005. The global trade in live cetaceans: Implications for conservation. 0.109 MB FITCH, W. TECUMSEH. BIOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY 20(2-3):193-230. 2005. The evolution of language: A comparative review. 0.293 MB GANNIER, ALEXANDRE. REVUE D'ECOLOGIE LA TERRE ET LA VIE 60(3):223-238. 2005. Summer distribution and relative abundance of delphinids in the Mediterranean Sea. 0.753 MB GILG, OLIVIER and ERIK W. BORN. POLAR BIOLOGY 28(10):796-801. 2005. Recent sightings of the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) in northeast Greenland and the Greenland Sea. 0.299 MB GROCH, KARINA R.; JOSE T. PALAZZO JR.; PAULO A. C. FLORES; FRED R. ADLER and MARTA E. FABIAN. LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC MAMMALS 4(1):41-47. 2005. Recent rapid increases in the right whale (Eubalaena australis) population off southern Brazil. 0.222 MB HERMAN, D. P.; D. G. BURROWS; P. R. WADE; J. W. DURBAN; C. O. MATKIN; R. G. LEDUC; L. G. BARRETT-LENNARD and M. M. KRAHN. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 302:275-291. 2005. Feeding ecology of eastern North Pacific killer whales Orcinus orca from fatty acid, stable isotope, and organochlorine analyses of blubber biopsies. 0.165 MB HINES, ELLEN; KANJANA ADULYANUKOSOL; DAVE DUFFUS and PHILIP DEARDEN. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 36(5):654-664. 2005. Community perspectives and conservation needs fog dugongs (Dugong dugon) along the Andaman coast of Thailand. 0.217 MB HOF, PATRICK R.; REBECCA CHANIS and LORI MARINO. ANATOMICAL RECORD PART A-DISCOVERIES IN MOLECULAR CELLULAR AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 287A(1):1142-1152. 2005. Cortical complexity in cetacean brains. 1.029 MB KASTAK, DAVID; BRANDON L. SOUTHALL; RONALD J. SCHUSTERMAN and COLLEEN REICHMUTH KASTAK. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 118(5):3154-3163. 2005. Underwater temporary threshold shift in pinnipeds: Effects of noise level and duration. 0.270 MB KUCZAJ, STAN A. and LAUREN E. HIGHFILL. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES 28(5):705-706. 2005. Dolphin play: Evidence for cooperation and culture? 0.072 MB MARSH, GORAN; MARIA ATHANASIADOU; IOANNIS ATHANASSIADIS; AKE BERGMAN; TETSUYA ENDO and KOICHI HARAGUCHI. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 39(22):8684-8690. 2005. Identification, quantification, and synthesis of a novel dimethoxylated polybrominated biphenyl in marine mammals caught off the coast of Japan. 0.150 MB OUTRIDGE, P. M.; K. A. HOBSON and J. M. SAVELLE. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 350(1-3):106-118. 2005. Changes in mercury and cadmium concentrations and the feeding behaviour of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) near Somerset Island, Canada, during the 20th century. 0.270 MB PODESTA, MICHELA; LUIGI CAGNOLARO and BRUNO COZZI. ATTI DELLA SOCIETA ITALIANA DI SCIENZE NATURALI E DEL MUSEO CIVICO DI STORIA NATURALE DI MILANO 146(1):109-116. 2005. First record of a stranded Gervais' beaked whale, Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais, 1855), in the Mediterranean waters. 0.718 MB RANKIN, SHANNON and JAY BARLOW. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 118(5):3346-3351. 2005. Source of the North Pacific "boing" sound attributed to minke whales. 0.576 MB ROTHERHAM, L. S.; M. VAN DER MERWE; M. N. BESTER and W. H. OOSTHUIZEN. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 53(5):295-300. 2005. Morphology and distribution of sweat glands in the Cape fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus (Carnivora: Otariidae). 0.313 MB SIMONITE, TOM. NATURE (LONDON) 438(7067):402-403. 2005. Seals net data from cold seas. 0.254 MB SONNE, CHRISTIAN; RUNE DIETZ; PALL S. LEIFSSON; ERIK W. BORN; ROBERT J. LETCHER; MAJA KIRKEGAARD; DEREK C. G. MUIR; FRANK F. RIGET and LARS HYLDSTRUP. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 113(11):1569-1574. 2005. Do organohalogen contaminants contribute to histopathology in liver from east Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus)? 1.445 MB STODDARD, ROBYN A.; FRANCES M. D. GULLAND; E. ROB ATWILL; JUDY LAWRENCE; SPENCER JANG and PATRICIA A. CONRAD. EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES 11(12):1967-1969. 2005. Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. in northern elephant seals, California. 0.098 MB STRAND, JAKOB and JENS A. JACOBSEN. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 350(1-3):72-85. 2005. Accumulation and trophic transfer of organotins in a marine food web from the Danish coastal waters. 0.237 MB STRAND, JAKOB; MARTIN M. LARSEN and CHRISTINA LOCKYER. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 350(1-3):59-71. 2005. Accumulation of organotin compounds and mercury in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the Danish waters and West Greenland. 0.256 MB SVANE, IB. FISHERIES RESEARCH (AMSTERDAM) 76(3):317-327. 2005. Occurrence of dolphins and seabirds and their consumption of by-catch during prawn trawling in Spencer Gulf, South Australia. 0.328 MB SWEAT, J. M.; C. M. JOHNSON; Y. MARIKAR and E. P. GIBBS. VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY 108(3-4):269-283. 2005. Characterization of surface interleukin-2 receptor expression on gated populations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris. 0.597 MB WEISE, MICHAEL J. and JAMES T. HARVEY. FISHERY BULLETIN 103(4):685-696. 2005. Impact of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) on salmon fisheries in Monterey Bay, California. 0.287 MB WELLS, RANDALL S.; VICTORIA TORNERO; ASUNCION BORRELL; ALEX AGUILAR; TERI K. ROWLES; HOWARD L. RHINEHART; SUZANNE HOFMANN; WALTER M. JARMAN; ALETA A. HOHN and JAY C. SWEENEY. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 349(1-3):106-119. 2005. Integrating potential life-history and reproductive success data to examine relationships with organochlorine compounds for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. 0.184 MB WILSON, JOANNA Y.; SUZY R. COOKE; MICHAEL J. MOORE; DANIEL MARTINEAU; IGOR MIKAELIAN; DONALD A. METNER; W. LYLE LOCKHART and JOHN J. STEGEMAN. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 113(11):1594-1599. 2005. Systemic effects of arctic pollutants in beluga whales indicated by CYP1A1 expression. 3.601 MB WOLF, JOCHEN B. W.; GORAN KAUERMANN and FRITZ TRILLMICH. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 59(2):293-302. 2005. Males in the shade: habitat use and sexual segregation in the Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki). 0.413 MB ZIMMER, WALTER M. X.; PETER T. MADSEN; VALERIA TELONI; MARK P. JOHNSON and PETER L. TYACK. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 118(5):3337-3345. 2005. Off-axis effects on the multipulse structure of sperm whale usual clicks with implications for sound production. 0.630 MB ZUCCA, P.; G. DI GUARDO; M. FRANCESE; D. SCARAVELLI; T. GENOV and A. MAZZATENTA. VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 29(Supp. 2):261-264. 2005. Causes of stranding in four Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) found beached along the North Adriatic sea coast. 0.127 MB

1 0

Dolphin Research Internship
by Gwenael Beauplet 03 Dec '05

03 Dec '05

DOLPHIN PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Spring/Summer 2006 semester (mid-February, 2006 - July 31, 2006). The MMRP is located on Galveston, southern Texas. Our research lab is coordinated under the auspices of the Institute of Marine Life Sciences (IMLS) at Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG). Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at MMRP, please visit our website, at http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/mmrp/ Internships at MMRP represent an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. It offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to participate in MMRP's ongoing research projects and to obtain laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced marine mammal researchers. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Successful applicants will be primarily responsible for assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry into the computer for analysis, library research, and involvement in special projects. This coming year, we will not be engaged in gathering data from vessels, although some limited shore-based work with bottlenose dolphin position information may be possible. Therefore, please be advised that this is primarily an intensive laboratory-analysis experience with marine mammals. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16-20 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. Starting and ending dates are flexible. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Successful candidate will also be responsible for providing their own housing. However, MMRP will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns desiring roommates. * Qualifications required: - Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred - Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. - Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. * The deadline for application is 16 January, 2006, and must contain the following: 1. Curriculum vitae, or "resumé", 2. Letter of intent, which clearly spells out what you would wish to accomplish with the internship, 3. Two letters of reference, from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits, 4. A letter listing classes taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary, but a copy is appreciated. Please send the above materials to : Marine Mammal Research Program, Attn. Internship Coordinator, 4700 Ave. U, Bldg. # 303, Galveston, TX 77551. Interested applicants should correspond to: Dr. Gwenael Beauplet Marine Mammal Research Program Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Texas A&M University 4700 Avenue U, Bldg #303, Galveston, TX 77551, USA Email: ufuf(a)tamug.edu <mailto:ufuf@tamug.edu>

1 0

American University ENVS MS program openings
by Stephen MacAvoy 02 Dec '05

02 Dec '05

The Environmental Science Program at American University in Washington DC invites applications from students interested in graduate work at the interface of science and policy. Funded positions are available as early as January 2006. Because of increased funding for the coming year, we anticipate being able to support a larger class for 06/07. Located minutes from downtown DC, and the states of Maryland and Virginia, graduate students in our program have the unique opportunity to build on classroom instruction with internships and fellowships at all levels of government as well as with the many NGO’s headquartered in this region. The Environmental Studies Program offers competitive fellowships, teaching assistantships and student grants to qualified applicants and, as noted above, we anticipate and increase in awards for 06/07. For more information, go to: www.american.edu/cas/env_std/environ_about.html or contact Dr. Stephen MacAvoy at macavoy(a)american.edu or 202-885-3003

1 0

Permitting Workshop at the SMM Biennial
by Kate Swails 02 Dec '05

02 Dec '05

Join the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources Permits, Conservation and Education Division for a Marine Mammal Permits and Authorizations workshop on Monday December 12th from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The workshop will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in Elizabeth rooms F, G, H . There will be an overview of the permit process, a general question and answer session, and the opportunity to ask more specific questions in breakout groups. -- Kate Swails Biologist National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, F/PR1, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 3532, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-713-2289 (ext.201) Fax: 301-713-0376 Web site: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

1 0

Sirenian International at SMM Meetings
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 02 Dec '05

02 Dec '05

Dear Colleagues, Sirenian International will host a Participating Membership Meeting during the SMM Conference on Thursday, December 17th, from 7 - 9:30 PM in Room 'Elizabeth A'. This time slot is currently on the SMM Program as "OPEN NIGHT". Ellen Hines, one of SI's Directors will lead the meeting. If you have anything you would like discussed, please send an email to caryn(a)sirenian.org before December 6th and I will get it on the agenda. This is an excellent opportunity for networking with sirenian specialists from around the world. An agenda for the Participating Membership Meeting will be posted to the Sirenian Listserv on December 7th. Registration is free and the meeting is open to all persons interested in sirenian research, education, and conservation. Please register online at so that we make sure you receive an agenda and we know how many folks to prepare for: http://www.sirenian.org/membership.html You may also use the comments section of this form to put items on the meeting agenda. Once you register, I will subscribe you to the Sirenian Listserv (if you are not already subscribed) so that you will receive the meeting agenda and any updates prior to the meeting. Just FYI, there is also an International Sirenian Workshop, hosted by the USFWS and the USGS Sirenia Project on Sunday morning, prior to the SMM Conference. More information on this workshop can be found at http://www.marinemammalogy.org/conference2005/Workshops.htm Cheers, Caryn ========================================== Caryn Self-Sullivan, President & Co-founder Sirenian International, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401-2110 Phones: 540.373.8205 HM; 540.287.8207 CELL URL: http://www.sirenian.org; Email: caryn(a)sirenian.org ========================================== "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." Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org.

1 0

International Smart Gear Competition - Entries due March 15, 2006
by Davis, Kimberly 02 Dec '05

02 Dec '05

Please post this to the MarMam listserve. Thanks, Kim > ______________________________________________ > > > A SMART idea to reduce bycatch could net you USD 25,000! > > WWF and our partners launched the second International Smart Gear > Competition this week. Intended to inspire and reward innovative > ideas to reduce bycatch, the competition invites entries from all over > the world. The Competition will award a USD 25,000 grand prize and > two USD 5,000 prizes. Entries for the 2006 Competition are due MARCH > 15, 2006. PLEASE help us spread the word by sharing this information > with anyone that you think might want to enter. > > Visit www.smartgear.org for official rules, entry form and additional > information. Please note that there are competition materials > available in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian > and Mandarin. However, all entries must be submitted in English. > > > If you have questions about the competition, please contact me or > Rodrigo Donadi at rodrigo.donadi(a)wwfus.org or 202-778-9757. > > Thanks, > > Kimberly S. Davis > Deputy Director > Marine Conservation Program > World Wildlife Fund > 1250 24th Street NW > Washington DC 20037 > 202-861-8367 > www.worldwildlife.org > kimberly.davis(a)wwfus.org > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---------------------------------------------------- > > World Wildlife Fund Launches 2006 Competition for Fishing Gear that > Reduce Accidental Marine Life Deaths > > $25,000 Grand Prize for "Smart Gear" that Lowers Bycatch Rate > > For further information: > Sarah Janicke, 202/778-9685 > or Kerry Zobor, 202/778-9509 > > > WASHINGTON-World Wildlife Fund today announced the launch of the > second WWF International Smart Gear Competition. The contest seeks > innovative fishing gear that reduces marine bycatch-the accidental > catch and related deaths of marine mammals, birds, sea turtles and > non-target fish species in fishing gear such as nets and longlines. > > "World Wildlife Fund's looking for real-world fishing solutions that > allow fishermen to fish 'smarter'-better targeting their intended > catch while safeguarding the dolphins, sea turtles and other marine > life often caught unintentionally," said Ginette Hemley, vice > president, species conservation, World Wildlife Fund. "This unique > collaboration among conservationists, fishermen and scientists is > designed to inspire new technologies for more sustainable fishing." > > The international competition will award a $25,000 grand prize and two > $5,000 runner-up prizes to the designs judged to be the most > practical, cost-effective methods for reducing bycatch of any species. > The competition is open to eligible entrants from any > background-including fishermen, professional gear manufacturers, > teachers, students, engineers, scientists and backyard inventors. > Instructions for entry along with the competition rules are available > at www.smartgear.org and completed entries must be submitted by March > 15, 2006. > > Conventional fishing gear does often not allow users to selectively > target their catch. As a result, non-target fish species, marine > mammals, birds, sea turtles and non-target fish species are caught and > sometimes killed. More than 25 percent of what is caught in the > course of fishing - as much as 20 million metric tons, annually-is > thrown over the sides of fishing boats dead or dying. This bycatch is > the leading threat to many endangered marine mammals, sea turtles and > sea birds around the world. > > "The WWF International Smart Gear Competition aims to stop one of the > biggest threats to healthy marine ecosystems and related economic > losses to fishermen," said Hemley of World Wildlife Fund. "We hope > this competition harnesses the creativity and ingenuity of fishermen, > scientists and the public to reduce the waste caused by inefficient > gear." > > Last year, WWF awarded three new practical solutions to marine > bycatch: a system for keeping longlines away from sea turtles by a > former high-school biology teacher and commercial fisherman; changes > to the chemical properties of fishing ropes and nets by a North > American team; and modified trawls to reduce bycatch of undersized > shrimp and fish by a team of Indian scientists. > > The winner of the WWF International Smart Gear Competition will be > decided by a diverse set of judges, including fishermen, researchers, > engineers and fisheries managers from all over the world. > > ### > > Known in the United States as World Wildlife Fund and recognized > worldwide by its panda logo, WWF leads international efforts to > protect endangered species and their habitats and to conserve the > diversity of life on Earth. Now in its fifth decade, WWF, the global > conservation organization, works in more than 100 countries around the > world. For more information on World Wildlife Fund, visit > www.worldwildlife.org. > > For official competition rules and to learn how to enter, please visit > www.smartgear.org. The competition begins on November 29, 2005, and > ends on March 15, 2006. Employees, agents, current contractors, and > relatives of employees of World Wildlife Fund, Inc. or any WWF > National Organization are ineligible. Judges and relatives of Judges > are also ineligible. The competition is void where prohibited. Odds > depend on number of entries received. No purchase is necessary. > > Note to editors: High resolution photographs (2005 winners in the > field and head shots, bycatch, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles) and > video (bycatch, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, fishing boats) are > available to accompany press stories mentioning World Wildlife Fund or > WWF. If used, appropriate credit must also be given to the > photographer. > > For more information on the WWF International Smart Gear Competition, > go to www.smartgear.org. > >

1 0