- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Aberdeen University Post-Doc Post Available - Population Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in Scottish Waters
by Paul Thompson 05 Nov '05

05 Nov '05

We're currently recruiting a Post-doc Research Fellow to manage a Scottish Executive-funded project on the abundance and population structure of bottlenose dolphins around the Scottish coast. They will need a PhD in biological science, and at least 3 years experience in conducting and managing field-based research projects in marine ecology, ideally involving marine mammals. This should include a proven ability to work in remote rural areas, and of leading and motivating boat-based research teams. Experience of the field and analytical techniques required to conduct photo-identification, acoustic or aerial surveys would be advantageous. Excellent writing, communication and networking skills, illustrated by a strong publication record and evidence of effective communication with the public and other stakeholders are also required. The post will be based in our group at the Universitys Lighthouse Field Station in Cromarty (www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse) and the work will be carried out in collaboration with Prof Philip Hammond at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (http://smub.st-and.ac.uk/) and Dr Ben Wilson at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (http://www.sams.ac.uk/) Online application forms and further particulars are available from www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs Alternatively email jobs(a)abdn.ac.uk or telephone (01224) 272727 (24-hour answering service) quoting reference number YGP073R for an application pack. The closing date for the receipt of applications is Monday 28 November 2005. The salary is £20,044 - £26,470 per annum Professor Paul Thompson, University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ. Phone: 01381600548 Fax:01381 600841 Email: lighthouse(a)abdn.ac.uk

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Humpback photo I.D. position available
by Rosemary Seton 04 Nov '05

04 Nov '05

Please post to the MARMAM list. Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine curates several large ocean-basin catalogues of individual humpback and fin whales including the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue. We are currently seeking a person to conduct humpback flukes matching. The position runs for 6 months full time and will start immediately. Desirable skills include experience in humpback photo I.D. analysis and knowledge of image management software iMatch or ACDSee. Rate of pay is commensurate with experience. Housing is available for a reasonable rent. Please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and two references via snail mail or email to: Judy Allen Director, North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic 105 Eden St. Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609, USA jallen(a)coa.edu

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new publication: Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins
by David Lusseau 04 Nov '05

04 Nov '05

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Journal of Animal Ecology (abstract below): Lusseau, D., Wilson, B., Hammond, P.S., Grellier, K., Durban, J.W., Parsons, K.M., Barton, T.R. & Thompson, P.M. 2005. Quantifying the influence of sociality on population structure in bottlenose dolphins. Journal of Animal Ecology The article is available in the Online Early section of the journal ( http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/jae) and a pdf reprint is available from the Lighthouse Field Station's website ( http://www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse/) Summary *1.* The social structure of a population plays a key role in many aspects of its ecology and biology. It influences its genetic make-up, the way diseases spread through it and the way animals exploit their environment. However, the description of social structure in nonprimate animals is receiving little attention because of the difficulty in abstracting social structure from the description of association patterns between individuals. *2.* Here we focus on recently developed analytical techniques that facilitate inference about social structure from association patterns. We apply them to the population of bottlenose dolphins residing along the Scottish east coast, to detect the presence of communities within this population and infer its social structure from the temporal variation in association patterns between individuals. *3.* Using network analytical techniques, we show that the population is composed of two social units with restricted interactions. These two units seem to be related to known differences in the ranging pattern of individuals. By examining social structuring at different spatial scales, we confirm that the identification of these two units is the result of genuine social affiliation and is not an artefact of their spatial distribution. *4.* We also show that the structure of this fission-fusion society relies principally on short-term casual acquaintances lasting a few days with a smaller proportion of associations lasting several years. These findings highlight how network analyses can be used to detect and understand the forces driving social organization of bottlenose dolphins and other social species. -- Dr. David Lusseau Research Fellow University of Aberdeen School of Biological Sciences Lighthouse Field Station George Street Cromarty, IV11 8YJ, UK Tel: +44 1381 600 548 Fax: +44 1381 600 548 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)abdn.ac.uk david.lusseau(a)gmail.com Website: http://www.lusseau.org

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3rd Biennial Marine Mammal Garage Sale
by Volker Deecke 03 Nov '05

03 Nov '05

Well, friends… …it’s hard to believe that two more years have passed. Florida’s manatees have spent two more winters snuggled up in the warm water plumes of nuclear power plants. California’s male sea otters have wasted two more breeding seasons trying to copulate with anything that moves. Rogue packs of killer whales have brought everything in the North Pacific two years closer to extinction. And what do we have to show for it? Two more years’ worth of clutter on our computer monitors and our mantelpieces. Two more years’ worth of thoughtful gifts from your neighbours’ trip to Cabo and your mum’s troubling addiction to eBay. Two more years for the charming objets d’art that you bought in Greensboro to begin to seem, well, not so much fun and charming, as sad, really, and two years older. Sound familiar? Do you have the very pieces of cetacean clutter described? Looking for a sucker to foist them upon and run? Search no further, and allow us to introduce: Third International Marine Mammal Extravaganza: The Orderly Garage (sale) Opportunity (TIMME: TO GO) http://www.marinemammalogy.org/conference2005/GarageSale.htm to be held at the 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals this December. Bring your marine mammal merchandise to our table at the conference. And, of course, when you drop off your blue whale lava lamp, who could blame you if something else catches your eye? Get in touch with your inner bower bird, and snatch up a tropical delphinid snowglobe with which to decorate your desk. Come find the very holiday gifts you are praying to eschew and give them to other, less suspecting and more vulnerable “friends” and colleagues. Volker Deecke Marine Mammal Research Unit, UBC Ari Shapiro, WHOI, Rob Williams, SMRU, University of St. Andrews P.S.: After all, we didn't go into marine mammal science for the money or the glory. Clearly, it’s for the accessories ============================================================== Volker Deecke, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Unit Cetacean Research Lab University of BC Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre AERL Bldg., 2202 Main Mall P.O. Box 3232 Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 Canada Canada Phone: +1.604.822.9150 +1.604.659.3429/3430 Fax: +1.604.822.8180 +1.604.659.3599 WWW: http://www.marinemammal.org/MMRU ==============================================================

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34th EAAM Symposium
by Odobenus 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Posted on behalf of Niels van Elk, President-Elect of the EAAM. Terveisin, Jaap -- Jaap van der Toorn mail: odobenus(a)rosmarus.com web: http://rosmarus.com ---- Dear Friends and Colleagues, The 34th annual conference of the European Association of Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) is scheduled from 17th until 20th of March 2005. Oltremare will host the conference on its premises in Riccione, Italy. The EAAM is an organization of people interested in marine mammals in human care, in a zoological environment or in the wild, and includes veterinarians, biologists, zoo and marine park directors and managers, trainers (husbandry professionals), researchers, students and other persons who devote a significant amount of time to the welfare of marine mammals through research, medical care, training, education, conservation, management and related activities. During the conference you can present the results of your work with marine mammals during a fifteen minute presentation or by a poster presentation. All topics related to marine mammal science and husbandry will be acceptable: conservation, education, medicine, practical aspects of husbandry, et cetera. However, for the 34th Symposium, EAAM specially encourages presentations that highlight the benefits science has from the possibility to research marine mammal populations under human care. The deadline for abstract submission is the 23rd of December 2005. An electronic abstract submission form is available on the conference website. Details on the conference program, the location, the workshop, guest speakers (Dr Sam Ridgway, Dr Joseph Geraci and Professor Guido Dehnhard), hotel reservations, registration and transportation are available on the conference website http://www.parcoltremare.it/commonfiles/eaam/eaam.php . For all your further questions please contact: Mrs Rita Tornari Oltremare Srl Via Ascoli Piceno 6 47838 Riccione (RN) Tel. ++ 39 0541-4271 Fax.++ 39 0541-427101 Looking very much forward to meeting you next spring in Riccione! Niels van Elk President Elect EAAM Strandboulevard Oost1 3841 AB Harderwijk The Netherlands Tel: ++ 31 341 467 456 E mail: eaam(a)dolfinarium.nl

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New paper on right whales off Brazil
by Karina Groch 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Dear all, The following new paper is now available: Groch, K.R., J. T. Palazzo Jr., P.A.C. Flores, F.R. Adler and M.E. Fabian (2005). Recent increases in the right whale (Eubalaena australis) population off southern Brazil. LAJAM (4)1: 41-47. Abstract Right whales that gather on a wintering ground off southern Brazil have been aerial surveyed and photographically identified since 1987. As of 2003 the Brazilian Right Whale Catalogue has 315 different individual whales of which 31 were resighted in other years (23 females, 3 yearlings and 5 whales of unknown age/sex). No resightings occurred before 1994 and 71% (n=24) were recorded in 2003. The modal observed interval between calving events is 3 years, consistent with successful reproduction. From 1997 to 2003 the number of reproductive females in the Central Survey Area off Brazil increased at a rate of 29.8% per year (95% CL 15.7, 44.0) and at 14% per year (95% CL 7.1, 20.9) from 1987 to 2003. These rates are significantly different from zero (t=4.133, p<0.009 and t=4.06, p<0.004, respectively) and the increase from 1997 to 2003 is higher than the rates observed for right whales in other wintering grounds in the South Atlantic. The right whales on the Brazilian wintering ground are not just transients. Ten percent of the whales have been resighted. If the number of whales continues to increase they will probably expand their distribution throughout their historical 2,400 km range and come into increasing conflict with human activities. The pdf reprint can be downloaded from this website: http://www.baleiafranca.org.br/oprojeto/oprojeto_publicacoes.htm Karina Groch _____________________________________________ Karina R. Groch, Ph.D. Coordinator, Brazilian Right Whale Project, Projeto Baleia Franca - IWC/ Brasil Centro Nacional de Conservação da Baleia Franca Av. Atlântica, s/no., Itapirubá Norte, Caixa Postal 201 Imbituba, SC, 88780-000 Brasil Ph. +55 48 99711161 Fax. +55 48 32552922 www.baleiafranca.org.br krgroch(a)terra.com.br pesquisa(a)baleiafranca.org.br

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travel bursary for the 16th SMM Biennial Conference - San Diego
by PostmaL＠DFO-MPO.GC.CA 02 Nov '05

02 Nov '05

Call for Applications S. Innes Memorial Student Travel Bursary On May 21, 2000, the world of marine mammal research lost two talented scientists and cherished colleagues, Stuart Innes and Malcolm Ramsey. Drs. Innes and Ramsey were conducting field research near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada when their helicopter crashed. Both Stuart and Malcolm are remembered with affection and admiration for their boundless energy and devotion to their scientific endeavours in the Arctic. Stuart was a vocal advocate for supporting students in their efforts to develop a career in Arctic marine mammal research. He believed that the Biennial Marine Mammal Conferences hosted by the Society for Marine Mammalogy were a good opportunity for young researchers to learn, network, and develop enthusiasm from the leaders in the field. As a tribute to Stuart, friends and colleagues have established the "S. Innes Memorial Student Travel Bursary" to help support a student's travel to this conference each time it is held. The award is open to post-secondary students conducting marine mammal research in the Arctic. Applications should consist of the following: the student's name, affiliated institution, name and address of supervisor plus one additional reference, level (MSc or PhD) and year of study, and a letter of no more than 400 words describing the project and how the student would benefit from the award. A selection committee of Stuart's colleagues will review the applications and select one winner. The committee's decision is final. After the conference, a brief report should be submitted summarizing how the student benefited from the conference experience. The award this year is $1000.00 CDN. Also, in honor of the award of this bursary, the student will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the conference. Questions and applications should be sent by email to Lianne Postma at <mailto:PostmaL@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> PostmaL(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca or mailed to the address below no later than November 16, 2005. Lianne Postma 204-984-4628 ï fascimile/télécopieur 204-984-2403 <mailto:PostmaL@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> PostmaL(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Population Genetics/Stock Assessment Biologist ï Biologiste de la génétique moléculaire Central and Arctic Region ï Région du Centre et de l'Arctique Fisheries and Oceans Canada ï Pêche et Océans Canada 501 University Crescent Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N6

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2006-07 AAAS Fellowships Deadline Approaches
by Cori Goodyear 31 Oct '05

31 Oct '05

PLUG THE POWER OF SCIENCE INTO PUBLIC POLICY Become a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow CALL FOR APPLICATIONSDEADLINE: 10 January 2006 There's no better way to serve society with your scientific expertise! These year-long fellowships in Washington D.C., which begin 1 September, provide scientists and engineers with a unique public policy learning experience and an opportunity to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to national and international issues in the policy realm. Career-advancing opportunities are available with Congress and more than a dozen federal agencies. The six fellowship areas are: Congressional Diplomacy Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Global Stewardship Health, Education & Human Services National Defense & Global Security Eligibility & CriteriaAAAS seeks candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and a diversity of geographic, disciplinary, gender, and ethnic perspectives. Fellows come from a range of sectors, including academia, industry, and non-profits, representing a spectrum of career stages, from recent PhD graduates to faculty on sabbatical to retired scientists and engineers. Fellows also have ranged in age from late twenties to early seventies. Regardless of background, career stage, or age, successful applicants must: · Be highly qualified doctoral-level scientists (PhD, MD, DVM, DSc, and other terminal degrees), in any physical, biological, medical, or social science, any field of engineering, or any relevant interdisciplinary field (individuals with a master's degree in engineering and at least three years of post-degree professional experience also may apply);· Have solid scientific and technical credentials and the endorsement of three references;· Hold U.S. citizenship;· Show a commitment to applying their scientific or technical expertise to serve society;· Be good communicators, both verbally and in writing, to decision-makers and non-scientific audiences; and · Demonstrate integrity and good judgment and display leadership qualities. NOTE: Some program areas and agencies seek additional qualifications. See the website for details. Placements:Placements are available in Congressional offices, the Department of Energy, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Agriculture, and other federal offices. Fellowship SupportAnnual stipends begin at $64,000. Fellows receive a relocation allowance, health insurance reimbursement, a travel allowance, support for placement, an eight-day intensive orientation, and a year-long program of professional development activities that include monthly seminars, training workshops, networking gatherings, and a year-end wrap-up event. Apply:AAAS accepts only online applications. Please visit the AAAS Fellowships website for full details on criteria, guidelines, program areas, application instructions, and to access the online application. The deadline is 10 January 2006. FELLOWSHIPS.AAAS.ORGEnhancing Public Policy, Advancing Science Careers PLUG THE POWER OF SCIENCE INTO PUBLIC POLICYBecome a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow CALL FOR APPLICATIONSDEADLINE: 10 January 2006 There's no better way to serve society with your scientific expertise! These year-long fellowships in Washington D.C., which begin 1 September, provide scientists and engineers with a unique public policy learning experience and an opportunity to apply their knowledge and analytical skills to national and international issues in the policy realm. Career-advancing opportunities are available with Congress and more than a dozen federal agencies. The six fellowship areas are: Congressional Diplomacy Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Global Stewardship Health, Education & Human Services National Defense & Global Security Eligibility & CriteriaAAAS seeks candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and a diversity of geographic, disciplinary, gender, and ethnic perspectives. Fellows come from a range of sectors, including academia, industry, and non-profits, representing a spectrum of career stages, from recent PhD graduates to faculty on sabbatical to retired scientists and engineers. Fellows also have ranged in age from late twenties to early seventies. Regardless of background, career stage, or age, successful applicants must: · Be highly qualified doctoral-level scientists (PhD, MD, DVM, DSc, and other terminal degrees), in any physical, biological, medical, or social science, any field of engineering, or any relevant interdisciplinary field (individuals with a master's degree in engineering and at least three years of post-degree professional experience also may apply);· Have solid scientific and technical credentials and the endorsement of three references;· Hold U.S. citizenship;· Show a commitment to applying their scientific or technical expertise to serve society;· Be good communicators, both verbally and in writing, to decision-makers and non-scientific audiences; and · Demonstrate integrity and good judgment and display leadership qualities. NOTE: Some program areas and agencies seek additional qualifications. See the website for details. Placements:Placements are available in Congressional offices, the Department of Energy, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Agriculture, and other federal offices. Fellowship SupportAnnual stipends begin at $64,000. Fellows receive a relocation allowance, health insurance reimbursement, a travel allowance, support for placement, an eight-day intensive orientation, and a year-long program of professional development activities that include monthly seminars, training workshops, networking gatherings, and a year-end wrap-up event. Apply:AAAS accepts only online applications. Please visit the AAAS Fellowships website for full details on criteria, guidelines, program areas, application instructions, and to access the online application. The deadline is 10 January 2006. FELLOWSHIPS.AAAS.ORGEnhancing Public Policy, Advancing Science Careers

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Contents of LAJAM 4:1 (2005) and subscription information
by Eduardo Secchi 31 Oct '05

31 Oct '05

Dear Marmamers, On behalf of our Editorial Board, I would like to inform you that a new issue of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM 3:2) is available. This issue includes the following articles: CONTENTS Kinas, P.G., K.G. da Silva, S.C. Estima and D.S. Monteiro (2005). Generalized linear models applied to stranding data of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) in southern Brazil. Bravo, E., G. Heckel, Y. Schramm and R. Escobar-Fernández (2005). Occurrence and distribution of marine mammal strandings in Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, Mexico, 1998-2001. Oliveira, L.R., E. Hingst-Zaher and J.S. Morgante (2005). Size and shape sexual dimorphism in the skull of the South American fur seal, Arctocephalus australis (Zimmermann, 1783) (Carnivora, Otariidae). Groch, K.R., J. T. Palazzo Jr., P.A.C. Flores, F.R. Adler and M.E. Fabiani (2005). Recent increases in the right whale (Eubalaena australis) population off southern Brazil. Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., A. DiBerardinis, S. Larkin, K. Larkin and P. Forestell (2005). Social interactions between tucuxis and bottlenose dolphins in Gandoca-Manzanillo, Costa Rica. Félix, F. and K. van Waerebeek (2005). Whale mortality from ship strikes in Ecuador and West Africa. Lima, D.S., J.E. Vergara-Parente, R.J. Young and E. Paskiewicz (2005). Training of Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus Linnaeus, 1758 as a management technique for individual welfare. Santos, M.C.O. and D. Ferreira Netto. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation on a franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). Cabrera, E., C.A. Carlson and B.Galletti Vernazzani (2005). Presence of a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northwestern coast of Chiloé Island, southern Chile. For non-members of SOLAMAC, subscriptions to LAJAM can be made by check (or money order), in U.S. dollars, payable to "LAJAM". Please send payment to LAJAM/SOLAMAC c/o Nélio Barros, P.O. Box 3184, Sarasota, FL 34230-3184 USA. LAJAM's subscription rates for 2005 are (in US dollars): REGULAR PRICE * Students $30.00 Non-students $50.00 Libraries or other institutions $60.00 * Add US $10.00 for subscriptions from North America, Europe, Japan and Australia/New Zealand * Add US $5.00 for subscriptions from Africa, Asia and other Australasian countries Both students and non-students from developing countries (outside Latin-America) may be exempted of mailing costs upon a duly supported request, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Issue 1(1) is currently out of print. Other back issues (2:1, 2:2, 3:1, 3:2) are available ($25 each). Any further information can be obtained from the editors (LAJAM(a)infolink.com.br) Best regards, Eduardo Secchi Editor-in-chief, LAJAM Send instant messages to your Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com

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(Final) call for photos of senior scientists
by Phillip Clapham 28 Oct '05

28 Oct '05

As I mentioned awhile back, Jim Mead, Dee Allen and I are putting together a mostly serious plenary talk on the history of marine mammal science for the upcoming Biennial Conference in San Diego. Some months back we put out a call for photographs of senior people in the field (alive or deceased), and we had a very good response. This is another (final) call for more pictures of same. We�re looking for two categories of pictures: 1) Tasteful (serious or fun) photos of senior scientists no longer with us; and 2) Not-so-tasteful photos of living senior scientists either when they were young and/or when they were caught on film doing something embarrassing. �Senior� means whatever you want it to mean - preferably someone who�s been around for a long time - but if the photo is particularly amusing we�ll take it anyway! Please email digital/scanned images to me at phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov. And many thanks to everyone who has already contributed to this noble(?) cause. Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 4 Seattle, WA 98115 tel (206) 526-4037 fax (206) 526-6615 email: phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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