- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Hooded seals in the Caribbean...Again
by Dr. Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

Hi to all, We are in the process of rescuing a hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) which stranded on 28 Sep 2005 in the Lesser Antillean island of Antigua in the northeastern Caribbean. The seal is a blue-pelt juvenile. This is the second seal found in Antigua (one in 2001), and the eleventh recorded in the Caribbean since 1992 (two in Puerto Rico, one in the Virgin Islands, one in Bermuda, two in Bahamas, one in Turks and Caicos, one in Anguilla, and one in St. Barthelemy). We would like to alert all colleagues and government agency officials in the southeastern US and Caribbean countries to this situation and to request that any sightings and strandings be documented thoroughly and reported to help assess these unusual events. The Caribbean Stranding Network is also available 24-hours around the clock to assist anybody that finds a hooded seal in the Caribbean. You may reach the Network by calling 787-399-1900 or 787-399-1903 or by email mignucci(a)caribe.net. Additional Information: * Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Odell DK. 2001. Tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic records of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) dispel the myth of extant Caribbean monk seals (Monachus tropicalis). Bulletin of Marine Science 68(1):47-58. * Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Haddow P. 2002. Wandering hooded seals. Science 295(5555):627-628. Thanks, Tony Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni Director Red Caribeña de Varamientos Caribbean Stranding Network PO Box 361715 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715 EMAIL mignucci(a)caribe.net WEB http://rcv.caribe.net

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Photos which may be of interest of Northern Right Whales (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

Hello, I have just returned from a holiday whalewatching in Eastern Canada watching the northern right whales in the Bay of Fundy. I was lucky enough to see a courtship display by the whales, and I have two rather good digital photos of one male showing its genitalia. =20 I don't know if you would like to list this on your web page to see if anyone is interested in these. Also, I have some good fluke digital photos, and I was wondering if anyone is doing a library of the Northern rights and who might be interested in using my photos to help monitor the whales. Your web site was passed on to me by Rachel at the Whale & Dolphin Magazine. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards Elaine Francis.

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AQUATIC MAMMAL COURSE - SPAIN (METHODS-ANALYSIS) (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 28 Sep '05

28 Sep '05

Dear colleagues, The course on study methods and multivariate analysis in aquatic mammal research to be held in Onda (Castellon, Spain) has been postponed to November 2005. You will find an update of this course at the Omacha Foundation?s web site (http://www.omacha.org/html/html/curbogota.htm) Kindest regards, OMACHA FOUNDATION Estimados colegas, El curso sobre métodos de estudio y análisis multivariado en investigación de mamíferos acuáticos a celebrarse en Onda (Castellon, España) ha sido retrasado a Noviembre de 2005. Podréis encontrar la convocatoria actualizada en la página web de la Fundación Omacha. Un cordial saludo, OMACHA FOUNDATION Salvador Herrando-Pérez, Biólogo acuático, BSc. MPhil. FUNDACIÓN OMACHA, Associated Researcher (www.omacha.org) DIRECCIONES POSTALES / POSTAL ADDRESSES: C/ Padre Jofre 19, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, ESPAÑA Fundación Omacha, Diagonal 86ª # 30-38. Barrio El Polo, Bogotá, COLOMBIA PARA CONTACTAR / CONTACT INFORMATION salherra(a)ono.com / salvador(a)omacha.org / salherra68(a)yahoo.es (mensajes/messages> 5 Mb) Teléfonos, España: +34 964036814 / +34 657787340 Teléfono, Colombia: +571 2362686 Ahora estoy en España... / I am currently in Spain...

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Gray's beaked whale
by oli.yates＠conservation.org.fk 27 Sep '05

27 Sep '05

Dear All, Many thanks for all the requests for details and specimens regarding the beaked whale. The specimen was in poor condition and nothing other than skin tissue was possible, the land owner will keep the entire skeleton for tourism. My apologies if I did not respond to all the mail but some were simply not viable suggestions due to the reasons above. Those who are helping with genetics and ID I thank again and will be in touch shortly. Best regards, Oli Yates. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- Oli Yates Project Leader Albatross and Petrel Programme Falklands Conservation Stanley Falkland Islands Tel: 00 500 22247 Fax: 00 500 22288 oli.yates(a)conservation.org.fk

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Military exercise in the Eastern Aegean Sea cancelled
by Jen Palmer 27 Sep '05

27 Sep '05

Military exercise in the Eastern Aegean Sea cancelled Below is a message of sincere thanks for all of the voices who spoke out against the military exercises which were to take place in Anhydro and Petrokaravo, rare and critical habitat for Mediterranean monk seals. The proposed military exercises, that were to begin TODAY, have now been cancelled. Thank you all for voicing your immediate concern. Kind regards, Jen Jennifer L. Palmer, M.S., Conservation Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 25 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 Ph. 707. 938. 3214 Fax 707. 996. 4842 jen.palmer(a)mcbi.org <mailto:jen.palmer@mcbi.org> www.mcbi.org <http://www.mcbi.org> Marine Conservation Biology Institute Protecting Ocean Life through Science and Conservation Advocacy From: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara [mailto:disciara@tin.it <mailto:disciara@tin.it> ] Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 12:39 AM To: Elliott Norse Cc: info(a)archipelago.gr Subject: a special thank you Dear Friends and Colleagues, I just received a text message from Anastasia Miliou (9.47 AM Greek time) with these words: "Kalimera from peaceful Petrokaravo. Over 60 Eleonora's are flying around us now and there is no sign of army anywhere". We had received late in the day yesterday the information that the exercises in Anhydro and Petrokaravo had been cancelled, but I wanted to wait till Anastasia went on site to give you the good news. This morning I have received the following positive message from the office of Mr. Spilotopoulos, Minister of defence of the Hellenic Republic: "Upon receipt of the e-mail you sent to the Minister of Defence Mr Spilios P. Spiliotopoulos. We would like to thank you for contacting us and to inform you that your case is under consideration. "Soon you will be informed about its progress. "We are willing to cooperate with you and provide you any information or anything else you may need." I think we can take a deep breath now, thanks to all of you who expressed your concern in the appropriate circles. But if an emergency was taken care of successfully, this doesn't mean that the job is finished. Much progress remains to be made in raising the awareness of all the parties concerned with the protection of the marine environment. Countless military exercises occur daily in all of the world's oceans and seas, and who knows how many other conflicting conditions exist between the needs of the military and the conservation of the marine environment. In part, this is a problem of knowledge: I am personally convinced that the Greek Army had no idea that there was anything wrong with bombing Anhydro and Petrokaravo. On the other hand, substantial improvements are needed in terms of awareness. If it true that the armies exist to protect us and all that is important to us, then it is obvious that environmental protection should be one of the highest concerns for the military. Much work remains to be done to see the effects of such change in attitude, which may take a generation to happen. I wish to express to all of you my deepest appreciation for your participation and support in this circumstance. Yours sincerely, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara

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Marine Mammal Science and Noise
by Hal.Whitehead＠dal.ca 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

The following Letter to the Editor is now published and has just been sent out in the October issue of Marine Mammal Science. The Letter refers to an email exchange which illustrates some conflict of interest issues between marine mammal scientists and funding agencies. A transcript of this email exchange can be viewed at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lw/emails.htm Authentication of this email exchange can be viewed at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lw/NRDC_authentication.pdf ------------------------------------------- MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 21(4), (October 2005) SIGNAL-TO-NOISE: FUNDING STRUCTURE VERSUS ETHICS AS A SOLUTION TO CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST RESPONSE TO RESONANCE AND DISSONANCE: SCIENCE, ETHICS, AND THE SONAR DEBATE, MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 20:898899. Gannon et al. (2004) take issue with comments made primarily by one of us (HW1) at a special session on The Science Behind Noise and Marine Mammals at the biennial meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Greensboro, NC. The intent of the comments was misunderstood by Gannon et al. (2004) and others. The comments were that: (1) It is becoming clear that sounds produced by navies are dangerous to marine mammals (the U.S. Navy has admitted its own sonar was most likely responsible for the deaths of several whales in the Bahamas; National Marine Fisheries Service and United States Navy 2001); (2) The U.S. Navy funds a major part of marine mammal science (sponsoring 70% of all marine mammal research in the U.S., and 50% of marine mammal research worldwide);2 (3) For instance, all the presenters of The Science Behind Noise and Marine Mammals at the special session were partially funded by the U.S. Navy, as was the conference itself; (4) This is a major problem, akin to a situation where most research on lung cancer, and a special information session on lung cancer at a professional meeting of oncologists, was funded by the tobacco industry. Gannon et al. (2004) state that . . . the objectivity of scientists investigating the effects of military sonar on marine mammals was called into question because of the source of their funding. In fact, there was no such comment. Many marine mammal scientists, including some of us, have collaborated with military agencies in a variety of ways. HWs point was aimed at the structural problem of naval funding of marine mammal science rather than at the objectivity and ethical behavior of any scientist. Conflicts-of- interest exist independently of the actions of those burdened by them, and one should, in a mature debate, be able to raise concern about the former without being assumed to have impugned the latter. The problem faced by marine mammal science is severe. If all ONR (U.S. Office of Naval Research) funded scientists were completely objective, and even if there were no attempts to influence their public statements, there is a substantial problem of perception of conflict-of-interest. It is easy to understand why many scientists and members of the public see a potential conflict when the U.S. Navy, a major noise producer, directly funds the majority of research on the effects of noise on marine mammals and holds the dominant funding position in marine mammal research. Perceived conflict of interest can erode public trust in science and scientists (Anon. 2001). As scientists, that trust is among our most precious assets. The problem of perceived conflict-of-interest in marine mammal science has been previously raised by some of us (Whitehead and Weilgart 1995), and noted by the U.S. National Research Councils Report on Marine Mammals and Low- Frequency Sound (National Research Council 2000; p. 84): . . . sponsors of research need to be aware that studies funded and led by one special interest are vulnerable to concerns about conflict of interest. For example, research on the effects of smoking funded by [the U.S. National Institute of Health] is likely to be perceived to be more objective than research conducted by the tobacco industry. The importance of funding by ONR has resulted in scientists being reluctant to speak out against the U.S. Navy for fear that it could affect their future research funding (Whitehead and Weilgart 1995). Even if the Navy actually took no action against researchers, such self-censorship would impede marine mammal science and conservation. However, ONR does not function separately from the operational side of the Navy as Gannon et al. (2004) claim. There are clear demonstrations of this connection in public record e-mails disclosed by the U.S. Navy in recent litigation.3 Increasingly, in recent years, U.S. Navy funding for marine mammal research has also come from the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, further blurring any separation between the operational side of the Navy and marine mammal funding. The above-mentioned e-mail exchanges show that the operational U.S. Navy considered that ONR-funded scientists had obligations to the U.S. Navy in their public comments on controversial noise-related conservation issues. Thus, the behavior of funding agencies can subject scientists to unacceptable pressures that can make the conflict-of- interest real as well as perceived, and from which they should be protected. A statement such as that made by HW pointing out this potential conflict of interest would be uncontroversial in other fields, such as pharmacology, that have been faced with these issues for much longer than marine mammal science. In the title, and final paragraph, of their letter, Gannon et al. (2004) lay the Naval funding debate out as an ethical issue.We disagree: while there are ethical sides, the primary problem is structural. More ethical guidelines will not solve the problem: scientists will always be human. We do not, for instance, expect parents to shed their bias when writing letters of reference for their children. Instead, we simply do not allow it, even though some parents could be capable of perfectly objective assessments. While peer-review, non-interference by the sponsor into the research and publishing, the absence of prepublication vetting of manuscripts, and other ethical guidelines undoubtedly help reduce some aspects of the problem of conflict-of-interest, it still remains a substantial issue. Because of the way marine mammal science is funded, it is vulnerable to a failure of public confidence. Why place scientists in difficult positions when one could restore trust by altering the funding structure? We believe the funding system should be changed to safeguard the credibility of the field and to protect us all from conflicts-of-interest. The U.S. Navy is to be commended for its generosity in funding, but funds need to be administered independently, through a nonaligned body. An independent committee that has power and meaningfully represents all major stakeholders could establish priorities for the research, commission it, and recommend regulations. For instance, the U.S. National Research Councils Report on Marine Mammals and Low-Frequency Sound suggested: Concern for peer review, efficiency, and independence argues for having an agency such as [the U.S. National Science Foundation] take the lead in managing an interagency research program on the effects of noise on marine mammals (National Research Council 2000; p. 84). Gannon et al. (2004) are correct that . . . many members of our Society are funded by organizations having political agendas. While the U.S. Navy is a polluter, taxpayer supported, and overwhelmingly dominant compared with any other funder, it would also be desirable for environmental groups and others to channel their funds through independent bodies. We hope that the goal of vigorous, constructive scientific debate mentioned in Gannon et al. (2004) will allow a dispassionate review of the funding structure of marine mammal science. As Nature Medicine (Anon. 2001) notes for the medical community, marine mammalogy must win back crucial public trust before the situation becomes irrevocable, and we believe a crucial step is to remove the overwhelming position of the U.S. Navy in our field. 1 Personal communication from Damon P. Gannon, Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 29 March 2005. 2 S. Tomaszeski, Oceanographer of the U.S. Navy; presentation at the First Plenary Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals, 35 February 2004, Bethesda, Maryland. Available at http://www.mmc.gov/sound/plenary1/pdf/plenary%201_tomaszeski 2.pdf. 3 A transcript of these e-mails can be obtained from lweilgar(a)dal.ca or from: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lw/emails.htm LITERATURE CITED ANON. 2001. In science we trust. Nature Medicine 7:871. GANNON, D. P., D. W. JOHNSTON, A. J. READ AND D. NOWACEK. 2004. Resonance and dissonance: Science, ethics, and the sonar debate. Marine Mammal Science 20: 898899. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE AND UNITED STATES NAVY. 2001. Joint interim report. Bahamas marine mammal mass stranding event 1516 March 2000. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL. 2000. Marine mammals and low-frequency sound. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. WHITEHEAD, H., AND L. WEILGART. 1995. Marine mammal science, the U.S. Navy and academic freedom. Marine Mammal Science and 11:260263. LINDA WEILGART and HAL WHITEHEAD, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada; e- mail: lweilgar(a)dal.ca; LUKE RENDELL, Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8ES, United Kingdom; JOHN CALAMBOKIDIS, Cascadia Research, 218 1/2 W 4th Ave., Olympia, Washington 98501, U.S.A. Received 31 January 2005. Accepted 3 May 2005. Lindy Weilgart, Ph.D. Research Associate and Assistant Professor Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1 Canada Ph.: (902) 494-3723 Fax: (902) 494-3736 E-mail: lweilgar(a)dal.ca

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Emergency in the Eastern Aegean Sea
by Jen Palmer 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

From: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara [mailto:disciara@tin.it] Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 5:21 AM To: disciara(a)tin.it Subject: emergency in the Eastern Aegean Sea Importance: High Dear Friends and Colleagues, I received a piece of quite alarming news from my colleague Anastasia Miliou, scientific director of "Archipelagos Aigaiou", and NGO from Greece (see attachment). The Greek Armed Forces are apparently planning to conduct tomorrow military excercises, involving explosions, within two protected islands of the Aegean Sea which are extremely valuable from the natural point of view, but also quite vulnerable. These unhinabited islands contain critical habitat for monk seals (one was sighted only a few days ago in Petrokaravo) and Eleonora's falcons, among many other protected species. At a minimum, these planned activities will result in the dislodgment of these rare and endangered species from what little has remained of their habitat, although direct killing may also not be discounted. It is astonishing to discover that military institutions of an European Member State may so blatantly plan to flout national, European and international regulations. I find it equally astonishing that such level of disregard for the Mediterranean natural heritage, which so many institutions and individuals have been painstakingly tried to preserve for future generations, can be allowed. Nobody challenges the military's need to practice their job. However, this must be done in full respect of existing rules. Unless the manoeuvers will be called off, tomorrow a vessel parade of protesters including local fishermen and islanders, led by Archipelagos Aigaiou, will sail to Anhydro and Petrokaravo to discourage the military from perpetrating their illegal operations, at the risk of their life. Your help and support in this dramatic circumstance is very important. If you think, as I am sure you do, that the Mediterranean natural heritage cannot be jeopardized by careless and reckless mismanegement, please express your concern to: Minister of National Defence Spilios Spiliotopoulos: minister(a)mod.mil.gr Undersecretary Vasilis Michaloliakos: dmod_michaloliakos(a)mod.mil.gr Undersecretary Ioannis Lampropoulos: dmod_lampropoulos(a)mod.mil.gr Information address: journalists(a)mod.mil.gr Information: info(a)mod.mil.gr Prefectorial Self-government of Dodecanese: email: kep(a)nad.gr Hellenic Ministry for the Enviroment, Physical Planning & Public Works: service(a)dorg.minenv.gr <mailto:service@dorg.minenv.gr> General Secretariat Of Public Works: dplir(a)ggde.gr Minister of Rural Growth and Foods : Evaggelos Mpasiakos: ax2u077(a)minagric.gr <mailto:ax2u077@minagric.gr> Undersecretary of Rural Growth and Foods: Alexandros Kontos: ax2u050(a)minagric.gr <mailto:ax2u050@minagric.gr> Ministry of Aegean: Info(a)Ypai.gr Office of General Secretary email: gg(a)ypai.gr Press Office & Public Relations: email: typos(a)ypai.gr Thank you for your attention and support. Yours sincerely, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Tethys Research Institute Via Benedetto Marcello 43 - 20124 Milano, ITALY tel. +39 335 6376035, +39 02 29402867; fax +39 02 700518468 email: disciara(a)tin.it http://www.disciara.net <http://www.disciara.net/> http://www.tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/> Jennifer L. Palmer, M.S., Conservation Scientist Marine Conservation Biology Institute 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 25 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 Ph. 707. 938. 3214 Fax 707. 996. 4842 jen.palmer(a)mcbi.org www.mcbi.org Marine Conservation Biology Institute Protecting Ocean Life through Science and Conservation Advocacy

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Dolphin Research Internships (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

Subject: FW: Dolphin Research Internships- Immediate Openings Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter/Spring term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety to research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on the job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with behavioral research sessions. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Specific job duties include: Collecting observational data Preparing stimuli for interactive research sessions Setting up equipment for interactive research sessions Operating video equipment Entering data into the computer for analysis General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our website, at www.dolphins.org Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A.M., & Guarino, E. 2005. Understanding of the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Vol. 119, No.3. pp. 296-303. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. The deadline to apply is October 1st. Application materials can be found on our website at www.dolphins.org. Emily Guarino, Research Coordinator drc-res(a)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 http://www.dolphins.org

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Aberdeen University/WDCS Research Post Available - Moray Firth Dolphins
by Paul Thompson 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

We are recruiting a recent graduate to conduct research and develop science-based interpretation on the conservation and ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth, NE Scotland. This post is available for a fixed period of 30 months, on a salary of £19-24K per annum. Closing date for applications is 14th October 2005. The Research Associate will work within Aberdeen Universitys School of Biological Sciences on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership grant with WDCS, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. The project aims to enhance WDCSs scientific capability by developing a high quality programme of research and interpretation on cetacean biology. The post will be based at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay on the Moray Firth coast, but some time will also be spent at the Universitys Lighthouse Field Station in Cromarty. Applicants must have at least a 2.1 Hons Degree in Marine Biology, Ecology or a related subject, and have experience of field research on marine mammals. A strong commitment to marine conservation and an interest in using technology to study marine environments is also essential. Experience of working with volunteers and leading small groups is desirable. For application details, please see: <http://www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs/display.php?recordid=YGL103R> Dr Paul Thompson, University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ. Phone & Fax: 01381600548 Email: lighthouse(a)abdn.ac.uk www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse

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Tissue sample Gray's Beaked Whale
by oli.yates＠conservation.org.fk 26 Sep '05

26 Sep '05

Dear All, I have tissue samples of a stranded beaked whale, thought at this time to be a female Gray's Beaked Whale Mesoplodon grayi from the remains found yesterday. The whale was washed up in the south east of the Falkland Islands. There are pictures and measurements for anyone interested and it would be excellent to pass on the genetic tissue for DNA analysis if possible. Please contact me for further details. Best, Oli Yates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- Oli Yates Project Leader Albatross and Petrel Programme Falklands Conservation Stanley Falkland Islands Tel: 00 500 22247 Fax: 00 500 22288 oli.yates(a)conservation.org.fk

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