Dear Marmamers My institute, the Marine Research Institute, Reykjavik, is the scientific authority in Iceland with regard to CITES, and thus has the obligation to issue statements on whether a potential export poses a threat to the species in question. We have run into problems in species identification when tourists want to bring home with them single bones they have found on the beach. I am not aware of any key (or other compiled source of information) to species identification of cetaceans from bones (perhaps with the exception of skulls) and would therefore like to ask if any of you know of such identification aid. I am aware of the potential of genetic species identification, but it seems like an overkill (in terms of expences and time) when someone wants to bring home a dolphin rib or a vertebra they found in Iceland. Also I would appreciate any advice from persons in the same position with regard to CITES permits how they handle cases like this in other countries. Best regards Gísli A. Víkingsson Head of whale research Marine Research Institute Reykjavik Iceland gisli@hafro.is -- Gísli A. Víkingsson Head of whale research Marine Research Institute PO Box 1390 121 Reykjavík Iceland Tel. (+354) 575 2000 Fax (354) 575 2001 Email gisli@hafro.is If you have troubles with emails at the above address you may try gisliviking@gmail.com