[MARMAM] Article on Mindful Conservation
Dear Marmamers, with great pleasure I want to make you aware of a current article reflecting on marine mammal conservation in a more holistic manner. This article is based on my talk at this year's Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS), which many of you have encouraged me to publish "poperly". Luckily, /Advances in Marine Biology/ accepted the article to be included as an editorial to its latest volume: Ritter, F. - _Marine mammal conservation in the 21st century: A plea for a paradigm shift towards mindful conservation. /Advances in Marine Biology/, ISSN 0065-2881, https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2022.09.001 _ _Abstract:_ Marine mammals are regarded in high esteem by the general public, and are recognized as flagship species for conservation, while at the same time they suffer from anthropogenic impacts on a global scale, and often in extreme ways. It seems there is a huge discrepancy between how we humans think about our fellow creatures in the sea, and how we behave to impact and/or conserve them. Here, I examine why the purely scientific and thus intellectual approach to marine mammal conservation has had limited success over the past decades. While there are some obvious success stories in cetacean conservation, the situation today is, for many species and populations, more dire than it has ever been. The idea of ‘we need to know more’—a credo of the scientific community—often is politically misrepresented to postpone necessary conservation decisions. To adapt our path towards more profound and, importantly, more effective marine conservation, as conservationists we need to go deeper and change the narrative of separation, i.e., the concept of humans being set apart from the rest of nature. Instead, there is a need to create a narrative of connectedness, i.e., the consciousness of humans being an integral part of the planetary system. Rather than telling horror stories about the plight of marine mammals, conservationists also need to trigger positive emotions about them in ourselves. More holistic aspects of conservation need to be incorporated in our future efforts, including the fuller integration of traditional knowledge and indigenous wisdom, recognizing ecosystem functions of marine life and protecting the processes they sustain, respecting ‘holiness’ of nature while focusing on the animals’ individuality, personhood and the cultural identity of distinct cetacean communities. Effective marine mammal conservation will be possible only on the basis of a profound change of our own values and a fundamental change of the societal system(s) we are living in. This link will bring you to the website where the article can be _viewed and downloaded freely until 06 December 2022_. No sign up, registration or fees are required. https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fx38Es4JKUCb Best wishes to all, Fabian -- _ Fabian Ritter President M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T +49-(0)30-644 97 230 rit...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to have the questions to." -after Douglas Adams- ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2014
-- Dear All! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera from 28 March - 11 April 2014 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 23 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award Tourismus und Umwelt, which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way. For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208L=2 One course is offered during the 2014 springtime field season: 28 March - 11 April There is only a limited number of places left for this course, better book soon! The price is 899.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to i...@m-e-e-r.de _ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (Radolfzell/Germany) Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine (Munich/Germany), and the Oceano Gomera (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual
[MARMAM] Rare beaked whale behaviour caught on film
Dear Fellow MARMAMers, with this we would like to let you know about the observation of a rare beaked whale behaviour which was also captured on film: off the Canary Islands, a group of animals was leaping with individual whales performing high jumps and breaches several times in a row – a behavior rarely ever seen - and difficult to explain. We have observed leaping beaked whales off La Gomera on a few occasions, but never with such intensity like can be seen on the video images available through: http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=563L=2 Even with photographic images taken during the short encounter it was not possibly to identify the animals to the species level. It may have been Blainville’s beaked whales, a species commonly seen in the Canary Islands. But Gervais' or True beaked whales are possible candidates, too. Beaked whales are known to be shy and generally behave in an inconspicuous manner. They usually avoid ships, are sensitive to disturbance and spend most of their time below the surface. The reasons for their aerial behaviour remain unclear. On the one hand you can speculate that the animals were returning to the surface after a long dive at high speed, but this would not explain why some individuals appear to perform repeated leaps. On the other hand, beaked whales are known to be highly sensitive to noise disturbance. The footage was taken from a large fast ferry. The underwater sound of the ship, or from a different yet unknown noise source could have irritated them, too. We are curious to learn from you what you think about this behaviour. Best regards, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: rit...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ M.E.E.R. ist eingetragen im Vereinsregister Berlin. Steuer-Nr. (German tax ID): 27/672/54225 M.E.E.R. is a registered charity. ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New NGO report on MPA in the Canary Islands
Dear colleagues, we would like to inform you that we have recently published the following report dealing with the proposal for an integrated MPA off La Gomera (Canary Islands): *Model for a Marine Protected Area for sustainable Whale Watching off La Gomera (Canary Islands). A report by MEER e.V., Berlin. 37 pp.* This report has been produced on the basis of almost 15 years of cetacean research. A framework for a marine protected area in the waters of La Gomera is laid out. Furthermore the report justifies - on the ground of what is known about the biology and ecology of the cetaceans in the area - why an integrated concept for marine conservation is needed and how it should look like. The report thus covers various management aspects including the ecosystem approach, regulation of user groups, local involvement, public education, development of sustainable whale watching, monitoring and financing. This report is a milestone of our research based on data collection on whale watching vessels of La Gomera, and we think it is a good example how such long-term research can inform management. Please follow this link to download the full report. Please note that there is also a *full Spanish version* available. http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=166L=2 With best greetings, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: rit...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ M.E.E.R. ist eingetragen im Vereinsregister Berlin. Steuer-Nr. (German tax ID): 27/672/54225 M.E.E.R. is a registered charity. ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on ship strikes between sailing vessels cetaceans worldwide
Dear fellow Marmamers, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the latest volume of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Ritter, F. (2012). Collisions of sailing vessels with cetaceans worldwide: First insights into a seemingly growing problem. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 12(1): 119-127. ABSTRACT: Vessel-whale collisions are of growing concern worldwide, but information about collisions involving sailing vessels is especially scarce. This study represents the first global quantification of this kind. A total of 111 collisions and 57 near misses were identified, spanning from 1966 until 2010; 75% of cases was reported for the period from 2002–2010, suggesting an increasing trend. Reported collisions and near misses occurred on all oceans, often during ocean races and regattas, and were most frequent in the North Atlantic. Vessel type and speed as well as circumstances of the incident varied widely, but most often monohulls were involved, predominantly sailing at speeds between 5 and 10 knots. Most reports referred to ‘large whales’ as opposed to ‘small whales’ or ‘dolphins’. The species could be identified in 54 cases. Most recognised animals were humpback or sperm whales. Injuries to the whales varied strongly from ‘not visible’ to ‘dead after collision’, but mostly could not be determined. Sailing crew members were hurt in several cases, including collisions occurring at low speeds, and collisions often damaged vessels, including major impairment and seven cases of vessel loss. The findings presented here suggest that elevated vessel speed contributes to a higher risk of collisions. Conversely, the outcome of a collision (e.g. injury to whale or crew, damage to vessel) appears not to be a direct function of vessel speed. Several measures are discussed which potentially can contribute to mitigating the problem, including placing watchposts, an open dialogue with regatta organisers, changes in the design of regattas and ocean races and public outreach initiatives. Please let us know if you are interested in receiving a pdf copy by sending an email to: i...@m-e-e-r.de Best greetings, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: i...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ M.E.E.R. is a registered charity. (German tax ID): 27/672/54225 ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Vet advice requested for skin anomaly in bottlenose dolphin: Summary
Dear Colleagues, as a follow up to a posting on skin anomaly observed in a bottlenose dolphin off La Gomera (Canary islands, see http://m-e-e-r.de/511.1.html http://m-e-e-r.de/511.1.html), I would like to summarize the feedback by many of you. Thanks to everyone who provided advice and suggestions. I appreciate that it is very difficult to diagnose on the basis of a photographic image. Persistent remora damage was suggested by several researchers. In Hawaii, researchers observed an individual young Tursiops with a skin rash that looked like the one in our photo. Each time the animal was seen, it was with an attached remora. In some remora species at least, the dorsal sucker disk contains several rows of modified spines that actually protrude beyond the flesh of the disk, and therefore will penetrate the skin of the host animal. In the case of the dolphins, this could cause abrasions of the skin, leading to the apparent rash. (Good photographic evidence from Hawaii can be found at: http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/OctNov2011.htm Others suggested the lesion could be caused by Blastomyces spp., a kind of fungi that is found on stressed (and thus immunodepressed) animals. Another fungal disease which is contagious to humans is Lobomycosis, it shows very similar skin irregularities as seen from the pictures. Some colleagues also speculated about bacterial infections (e.g. marine vibrios). ** Still others thought it looks like a trauma-induced condition, i.e. some type of trauma may have abraded the skin and then an infection, possibly fungal, may have set in. Again, there would be a relation to reduced immune function. Hence, vibrio bacteria, Papillomavirus, Herpesvirus, Morbillivirus and Poxviruses, or a fungus as well as Parasites could all cause these lesions. I have to stress that there were divergent valuations about almost all of these potential causes. So, as a synthesis, I suggest the following to be the most likely scenario: After the remora can be clearly seen on the image, and given its location, the skin of the dolphin may have suffered from its attachment. We have seen many emaciated dolphins this year and therefore some individuals probably are stressed by missing feeding opportunities, i.e. they were prone to immunodepression. In this situation, a damage of the skin (e.g. by the remora or other causes) has triggered a secondary infection - either viral, fungal or bacterial or through parasites -- but a definite identification of the eliciting agent is not possible via photographic images only. If anyone has additional suggestions, we will be happy to hear them. Cheers, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -/President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail:rit...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Vet advice requested for skin anomaly in bottlenose dolphin
Dear Colleagues, during autumn 2012 we observed a number of bottlenose dolphins obvious with *skin anomalies / skin diseases *off La Gomera (Canary Islands). While emaciated bottlenose dolphins have become a more or less regular sight during the past, and some anomalies can be explained relatively straight away, at least one case from October 2012 is still *puzzling:* A bottlenose dolphin calf carried *large patches on both flanks*, where its skin looked *atypical in colour and character*, hence appeared as a skin disease. This anomaly didn't look like anything we had observed so far. We were able to shoot some good quality photographic images of the individual, which are represented here: http://www.m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=511L=2 If you have *veterinary and/or pathological experience *with cetaceans, we would like to know if you know about the (potential) cause for this anomaly. We will be grateful for any suggestions, which finally will be used for our study *Anomalies in Cetaceans off La Gomera *launched in 2010. High resolution images are also available. Best greetings, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -Vorsitzender/President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail:rit...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2012 (MARMAM)
Dear Fellow-Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera from *18 April - 02 May 2012* The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 23 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification, data handling and more. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award Tourismus und Umwelt by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way. For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit *http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208L=2* The price is 899.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) *Early bookings are accepted until 31 January 2012 at a price of 849.- €* For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to i...@m-e-e-r.de _ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine (Munich/Germany), and Oceano Gomera (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the
[MARMAM] Photographs of False killer whales
Dear colleagues, for the completion of a whale and dolphin identification guide I still need some images showing the following species: False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) Northern Right whale (Balaena mysticetus) Photographs showing ID features would be most appreciated. I wonder if someone could help me out? I cannot pay a fee but will be willing to provide free samples of the ID guide as soon as it is printed. Best, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: ritter+AEA-m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2011
Dear Fellow-Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera from 01-15 May 2011 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification, data handling and more. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award Tourismus und Umwelt by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way. For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208L=2 The price is 899.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 January 2011 at a price of 849.- € For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to i...@m-e-e-r.de _ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (Radolfzell/Germany) Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine (Munich/Germany), and Oceano Gomera (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented
[MARMAM] Abnormal swelling in Stenella frontalis: summary of responses
Dear All, Thanks to everybody who responded to our previous posting concerning the abnormal swelling observed in a young spotted dolphin off La Gomera (Canary Islands). We have received a multitude of comments as well as a variety of ideas and diagnoses, including a conclusive one. Several similar observations were described, involving both spotted dolphin calves in the Azores and the Canaries as well as a juvenile/young adult male grey seal. We have placed some additional images from our colleagues on our website at: http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=458L=2 http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=458L=2 Potential reasons for the abnormal swelling in the spotted dolphin calf included the following: - congenital umbilical hernia - contaminants responsible for dysfunction of the endocrine system - congested mammary glands - a good slam causing internal swelling and hemorrhage - rudimentary hind limbs - some type of tumour - parasitic/bacterial infection (crassicauda, brucella, etc.) Moreover, a small animal veterinarian explained that in young cats there is a disease called fibroadenomatous hyperplasia that makes the mammary glands swell quite significantly. Finally, our colleagues from the University of Las Palmas/Gran Canaria (ULPGC) resolved the puzzle by describing a similar case they had a few years ago: A stranded spotted dolphin calf was necropsied and the ULPGC pathologists found the reason to be a bacterial abscess, most probably caused by a (secondary) infection of a /Phyllobotrium delfini/ cyst. This infection could have been caused by an open wound, and the abscess apparently had grown exuberantly so as to cause an obstruction of the ureter, which in turn lead to the death and the stranding of the animal. An image of this animal can be seen following the link above. Thank you all again, I hope this will be of interest to other researchers coming across something similar in the future. Greetings, Fabian ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Abnormal swelling in Stenella frontalis
Dear Marmamers! * *During the 2009 field season off La Gomera we encountered a large number of Atlantic spotted dolphins (/Stenella frontalis/), a species present year-round in the Canary Islands. In one of the groups, containing a large number of calves, we observed a young animal showing an *e*xtrordinarily swollen genital area. The reasons for this phenomenon remain unknown. Luckily, we managed to photograph the animal during aerial behaviours. The according images can be seen at our website: http://www.m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=458L=2 The calf was sighted early May 2009. It obviously was a female, recognisable by the very visible nipples next to the genital slit. The prominent swelling, however, was extraordinary. As the swellling affected the genital area, and no injury could be seen, we initially suspected a hormonal reason. And even if this was true, the question would remain why a young calf showed this feature. Denise Herzing, working with Stenella frontalis in the Bahamas, was so kind to provode images of a normal female adult dolphin during lactation as a comparison. These images also can be seen at our website. With this we would like to ask our cetologist colleagues, if anyone has seen something similar before, either in this or in a different species. Also we would like to know the (potential) reasons for this unusual symptom. Does anyone have an idea? Any helpful information or comments should be directed to rit...@m-e-e-r.de With my best greetings, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin NEW NUMBER!- T/F: +49-(0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: rit...@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org __ The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2009
-- Dear All! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera from 19 April - 03 May 2009 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award Tourismus und Umwelt, which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way. For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208L=2 One course is offered during the 2009 springtime field season: 19 April - 03 May 2009. The price is 875.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 December 2008 at a price of 814.- € For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (Radolfzell/Germany) Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine (Munich/Germany), and the Oceano Gomera (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF
[MARMAM] M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2008
-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. -- _ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.m-e-e-r.org _ The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to. (after Douglas Adams) ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Satellite tags on medium sized cetaceans
Dear Marmamers, we are currently preparing a project on satellite tagging of medium sized, deep diving cetaceans in the Canary Islands and would like to know if anyone has gathered experience with tagging e.g. pilot and/or beaked whales or similar species. After having contacted several specialist working in the US and looking at the scientific literature, we are aware that tag size has to be accustomed both to the physiology and to the diving behaviour of the according species, and such tags probably will have to be assembled individually. We herewith would like to inquire if other Marmamers also have used such tags or know which system likely will be successful. We also would like to know if there are other satellites except ARGOS that might be used in such a project, especially if there are European systems or companies available. We have so far come across a number of companies offering tags or sets, including the following: Telonics, Wildlife Computers, SirTrack, Microwave Telemetry If you should be aware of others and are willing to share you experience with us, we would be extremely grateful. Thanks and many greetings, Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. Manuel Carillo, Canarias Conservacion -- *** Fabian Ritter M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 12161 Berlin Germany T/F: +49-(0)30-85 07 87 55 e-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.m-e-e-r.org _ The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
