[MARMAM] New paper on Soviet whaling
The following new paper has just been published: Ivashchenko, Y.V. Clapham, P.J. 2014. Too much is never enough: the cautionary tale of Soviet whaling. Marine Fisheries Review 76: 1-21. The paper can be downloaded for free at: http://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/mfr761-2/mfr761-21.pdf ABSTRACT Despite being a signatory to the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1946), the USSR conducted a 30y campaign of illegal whaling which arguably represents one of the greatest failures of management in the history of the industry. Here, using a variety of sources including published literature, formerly secret Soviet industry reports and interviews with former biologists and whalers, we provide an overview of the history, scope, and economic origins of Soviet whaling, and examine the domestic and international political context in which it was set. At various times during the period from 1933 into the 1970’s, the USSR operated a total of seven whaling factory fleets and several shore whaling stations. We estimate that 534,119 whales were killed, of which 178,726 were not reported to the International Whaling Commission (IWC). In the Southern Hemisphere, the greatest impact of these catches was on humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, where (mostly illegal) takes of more than 48,000 whales precipitated a population crash and closure of shore whaling stations in Australia and New Zealand. The Southern Hemisphere also saw large illegal catches of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). In the North Pacific, the greatest impacts were on sperm whales, Physeter macrocephalus, (where data on sex and length were routinely misreported together with falsified total catches), as well as on the two already-small populations of right whales, Eubalaena japonica, across the North Pacific and bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, in the Okhotsk Sea. Soviet whaling was driven by the state industrial planning system, which frequently set high production targets without regard to the ability of the resource to sustain the resulting large catches. We trace the evolution of the USSR’s public stance at the IWC while the nation was illegally whaling, and summarize its evolving positions on major issues, including catch limits, national quotas, the status of whale populations, and the International Observer Scheme (which the USSR opposed for many years, for reasons that are now obvious). We examine the ways in which the USSR and other nations exploited weaknesses in the Convention to block or delay decisions unfavorable to the industry. It is clear that many at IWC knew that the USSR was whaling illegally, but they were probably unaware of the large scope of this activity. It is also clear that the Soviets were not alone in falsification of catch data, a problem which underscores the inadequacy of the IWC’s existing procedures for inspection and enforcement with regard to current and possible future commercial whaling. Yulia V. Ivashchenko, Ph.D. Associate Scientist National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA Tel: +1 206 526 4037 Email: *yulia.ivashche...@noaa.gov yulia.ivashche...@noaa.gov* *http://www.moscowproject.org http://www.moscowproject.org* ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] summer cetacean surveys between Barcelona and Balearic Islands
Dear all, EDMAKTUB Association is seeking volunteers for this year summer cetacean research trip in the Mediterranean Sea, Spain. Survey Date: From 1st to 7th of September 2014. DESCRIPTION: EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environment, specially focused in the study of cetaceans, offer places for volunteers for this year summer campaigns of “BCNCET-CETCAT” project. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species in the Mediterranean Sea (Catalan-Balearic area). The association catamaran will sail around the Balearic Sea, between the Catalan coast and the Balearic Islands. It will departure from the Barcelona harbour the 1st of September (early morning) and will arrive to Barcelona the 7th of September. Visual and acoustical surveys, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 7 days on board. The assistants will be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, sound tracking and basic marine navigating skills (Equivalent to MMO and PAM practices). Moreover an innovative and non-invasive methodology based on the use of remote control model airplanes or drones (multicopters) for the cetacean study is going to be used, as they transmit real-time images of animals and allow to capture these images, as well as, use it for possible biological-sampling. Accommodation and food is provided by the association during the 7 days, but assistants are required to contribute with 800€ for general campaign expenses. Travel expenses are not included. No previous experience is required, as the scientists present in the campaign will provide all the necessary information and teach assistants. If you are interested or would like to have more information, please write us sending your curriculum vitae at: i...@edmaktub.com Thanks! All the Edmaktub team ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] VOLUNTEERS FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT
VOLUNTEERS FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT PROJECT: Study on the occurrence of cetacean in the Bohol Sea and melon-headed whales social ecology WEB SITE: www.lamave.org http://www.eleseal.org/ POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper DURATION: 2 months, 1st July 2014 to end of August 2014 LOCATION: Messina Strait in the South of Italy Are you passionate about dolphins and whales? Would you like to know more about cetacean research? Are you thrilled about teaching marine conservation and sustainable use of marine resources? The NGO Physalus is looking for 2 to 3 volunteers to help in the data processing for our project on the social-structure of melon-headed whales. These positions will be based in the South of Italy where the Physalus office is located. Physalus Physalus is a non-profit organization founded in Italy, operating primarily for the protection of the environment through marine conservation initiatives. In 2010, Physalus started the Large Marine Vertebrates Project Philippines (LAMAVE) to conduct scientific research and raise environmental awareness in collaboration with government agencies, non-government organizations, universities and the private sector. Background of the project Melon headed whales is a tropical species that usually inhabits offshore waters, however in the Bohol Sea, Philippines, we are so lucky to have them near the cost and we have been studied the local population since 2010. This species is fairly unknown and appears to have a very interesting social structure, in between a fission-fusion and a matrilinear one. We are trying to unravel the characteristics of melon-headed social dynamics and we need your help. Duties Volunteers are expected to work mainly on photo-ID (training will be provided) and matching. However duties will also include: - beach cleaning events - run the “sustainable happy hour” at a local restaurant - cetacean monitoring of the Messina strait - house keeping activities Timeline Volunteers are expected to work 7 days a week, office hours are long but there will be occasions to enjoy the marvelous surroundings of the Messina Strait. Volunteers are needed for 2 months from the 1st of July to the end of August. Experience You will learn about cetacean biology and behaviour, research techniques and tropical dolphins species as well as Philippines’ culture. Costs Unfortunately we are not able to provide compensation for these positions but housing is provided in Reggio Calabria in a beautiful house on the beach and we will all share food expenses. Requirements These positions ideally suits advanced undergraduates or graduates of a scientifically oriented university program and preference will be given to those with previous experience in photo-ID or cetacean research. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology. The applicant must take initiative, be willing to work intensively, be self-motivated and be able to work as part of a team. Preference will be given to persons that can commit for the entire period. To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) a CV or resume to Valeria Senigaglia ( valeria.senigag...@gmail.com). Reference letters are appreciated but not essential. There is no deadline to apply but due to the early commence of the work we warmly suggest perspective candidates to apply as soon as possible. Valeria Senigaglia Physalus, LAMAVE www.lamave.org valeria.senigag...@gmail.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Manatee / Dugong Books for Sale
Sundry Sirenia Books and reprints (free) available to highest bidder - prefer sale as single lot, but attractive single book offers considered. All in very good to excellent condition. Please send all bids to Alastair - awat...@okstate.edu Manatee / Dugong Books for Sale BONDE, R.K., O'SHEA, T.J., and BECK, C.A. 1983. Manual of procedures for the salvage and necropsy of carcasses of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). 175 pp. Sirenia Project, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, FL. NTIS Document # PB83-255273. Paperback BROWNELL, R.L., RALLS, K. eds. 1981. The West Indian manatee in Florida. Proceedings of a workshop held in Orlando, FL, 27-29 March 1978. 154 pp. Florida Department of Natural Resources, Tallahassee, FL. Plastic comb-bound paperback. BROWNELL, R.L., RALLS, K., and REEVES, R.R., eds. 1978. Report of the West Indian manatee workshop. Orlando, FL, 27-29 March 1978. 37 pp. Paperback HARTMAN, D.S. 1979. Ecology and behavior of the manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Florida. 153 pp. American Society of Mammalogists Special Publication 5, Lawrence, KS. Hardcover with dust jacket. Essential work, out of print. KAISER, H.E. 1974. Morphology of the Sirenia. A macroscopic and X-ray atlas of the osteology of recent species. 76 pp + 64 pls. 38 refs. Karger, New York, NY. Hardcover with dust jacket. Essential work, out of print. LEFEBVRE, L. et al. eds. 1994. Conference Papers of the First International Manatee and Dugong Research Conference, Gainesville, FL, 11-13 March 1994. 45 papers, includes 994 Poetry Contest Winners (13 pp). Gainesville, FL. 148 pp. Plastic comb-bound paperback. MARSH, H. ed. 1981. The Dugong. Proceedings of a Seminar/Workshop, James Cook University, North Queensland, May 1979. 400 pp. James Cook University Press, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. Paperback O'SHEA, T.J., ACKERMAN, B.B., and PERCIVAL, H.F. eds. 1995. Population biology of the Florida manatee. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Biological Service, Information and Technology Report 1. 289 pp. Washington, DC. 18 key papers. Paperback. VAN METER, Victoria Brook. 1982. The West Indian manatee in Florida. Illustrated by Laura Sartucci. 29 pp. Florida Power and Light Co, Miami, FL. Paperback Plus free sundry reprints on various topics covering most organ systems (integument, heart, haematology, Gastro-intestinal tract), behaviour, distribution, natural history, about Sirenia (many manatee) from above authors and others. Shipping / Insurance additional charge to buyer. Alastair Watson Professor of Veterinary Anatomy -- Department of Physiological Sciences 264 McElroy Hall Center for Veterinary Health Sciences Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078-2014 Email:awat...@okstate.edumailto:awat...@okstate.edu Phone:405-744-8083 Fax:405-744-8263 P Be the Voice - - for those who have no voice ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
