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The original descriptions of nine monodontid and 21 delphinid nominal taxa were revisited, thereby revealing necessary addenda and corrigenda elucidating and solving earlier problems of cetacean nomenclature. This report provides further notes and is an addition to the 2021 work of Jefferson entitled Nomenclature of the Dolphins, Porpoises, and Small Whales: A Review and Guide to the Early Taxonomic Literature (NOAA Professional Paper NMFS 21). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of sea lions occur in the inland waters of Washington State: the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) and the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Both species breed elsewhere, but they typically move into Puget Sound and adjacent waters of the Salish Sea from autumn through spring. There is a need for information on their current abundance and seasonal use patterns as both species prey heavily on threatened/ endangered stocks of salmon and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus spp.), and empirical abundance estimates of these species are lacking for inland Washington waters. From 2013 to 2016, we conducted 39,399 km of aerial surveys for marine mammals in this area, sighting 255 groups of sea lions. We used a subset of 7,841 km of effort and 165 sea lion sightings made during surveys in good sighting conditions to estimate in-water abundance using line-transect methods. Historical tagging data collected in Pacific Northwest waters were used to evaluate the proportions of time that each species spent on land and conducting dives, and then to develop correction factors to derive total abundance for both sea lion species, providing the first empirical abundance estimates for these waters. We estimated that between 33 and 442 California sea lions were found in Puget Sound/ Hood Canal in different seasons, with nearly 3,000 being found in the broader inland Washington waters in the peak season (spring). Steller sea lions occurred in much smaller numbers, with a peak of 219 animals in Puget Sound/Hood Canal/Strait of Juan de Fuca in autumn (and possibly as many as 600 to 700 in the entire study area). While some estimates suffer from low precision, this study demonstrates that substantial numbers of sea lions use waters of the study area throughout much of the year. Our results provide an important step toward a better understanding of these two species in the inland waters of Washington, as well as their potential effects on protected salmonid prey species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842, in some ways, represents the beginning of American marine mammal biology. The expedition returned home with information on at least twelve marine mammal specimens (mostly small cetaceans or pinnipeds), seven of which were considered new species at the time. Commanded by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, the expedition covered over 80,000 miles, surveyed new waters and lands, and brought back thousands of scientific specimens. Official publications of the expedition by Titian Peale and John Cassin cover the birds and mammals collected. The squadron's publications, and the journals of its officers and scientists also contain a good deal of information about sightings of marine mammals. Of particular interest were whaling operations and grounds, and the expedition did much to help expand the whaling prospects of the United States around the globe, with a focus on the South Pacific islands. Though largely forgotten today, the "U. S. Ex. Ex." played an important early role in establishing American influence in marine mammal biology and global whaling operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that cetaceans provide significant ecological contributions to the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems, many are highly endangered with nearly one‐third of species assessed as threatened with extinction. Nevertheless, to date, few studies have explicitly examined the patterns and processes of extinction risk and threats for this taxon, and even less between the two subclades (Mysticeti and Odontoceti). To fill this gap, we compiled a dataset of six intrinsic traits (active region, geographic range size, body weight, diving depth, school size, and reproductive cycle), six environmental factors relating to sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration, and two human‐related threat indices that are commonly recognized for cetaceans. We then employed phylogenetic generalized least squares models and model selection to identify the key predictors of extinction risk in all cetaceans, as well as in the two subclades. We found that geographic range size, sea surface temperature, and human threat index were the most important predictors of extinction risk in all cetaceans and in odontocetes. Interestingly, maximum body weight was positively associated with the extinction risk in mysticetes, but negatively related to that for odontocetes. By linking seven major threat types to extinction risk, we further revealed that fisheries bycatch was the most common threat, yet the impacts of certain threats could be overestimated when considering all species rather than just threatened ones. Overall, we suggest that conservation efforts should focus on small‐ranged cetaceans and species living in warmer waters or under strong anthropogenic pressures. Moreover, further studies should consider the threatened status of species when superimposing risk maps and quantifying risk severity. Finally, we emphasize that mysticetes and odontocetes should be conserved with different strategies, because their extinction risk patterns and major threat types are considerably different. For instance, large‐bodied mysticetes and small‐ranged odontocetes require special conservation priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inland waters of Washington State are inhabited regularly by 10 species of marine mammals. Updated and comprehensive information regarding marine mammal occurrence, distribution, and behavior in the area is critical when addressing local anthropogenic impact, management, and conservation concerns. We conducted a total of 16,198 km of observation effort during systematic line-transect surveys from a high-wing, twin-engine airplane throughout Puget Sound in all 4 seasons during 2013 to 2016, and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and San Juan Islands area during summer 2014 and spring 2015. Ten marine mammal species were confirmed across 5772 groups of an estimated 10,673 individuals sighted, including some seasonal patterns of occurrence. The most commonly sighted species in terms of individuals were Harbor Seals (n = 8012), Harbor Porpoises (n = 2168), California Sea Lions (n = 238) and Steller Sea Lions (n = 77). The most common behavior states documented across species among the total 5670 groups were rest (73%) and medium travel (16%); probable foraging was observed among 13 groups (0.2%) and included Gray Whale foraging pits in tidal mudflats. Potential behavioral reactions to the aircraft were rare (0.3% of total individuals), primarily by Harbor Seals and Harbor Porpoises. Results of these surveys represent the most comprehensive up-to-date information available on marine mammal occurrence, distribution, and behavior across seasons in the Puget Sound region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in the inland waters of Washington were reduced by predator control programs in the twentieth century, but stocks have rebounded since being protected in the 1970s. Three management stocks are recognized, but there is little information on their current abundance. We conducted 38,431 km of aerial line-transect surveys throughout the range of these stocks in 2013–2016, sighting a total of 4,678 groups of harbor seals. Line-transect analysis with Beaufort sea state as a covariate provided estimates of the number of seals in the water. We then incorporated tagging data from 15 instrumented seals to develop correction factors, both for seals missed in the water while diving, and those that were on shore. Tagging data were modeled with generalized linear mixed models to provide estimates of the proportions diving and hauled out. After applying these correction factors, we estimated that the Hood Canal stock contained 1,368 seals (CV = 16.8%), the Southern Puget Sound stock contained 1,976 seals (CV = 20.5%), and the Washington Northern Inland Waters stock contained 7,513 seals (CV = 11.5%). This study presents a non-traditional approach to estimating the size of Washington inland waters harbor seal stocks, which may also be applicable to other species for which survey and tagging data are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecologists and managers require accurate population estimates of marine mammals to assess potential anthropogenic threats to these animals. We present estimates of in‐water density and abundance of a distinct stock of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Hood Canal, Washington, USA. We used aerial line‐transect survey data collected from 2013 to 2016 to directly estimate harbor seal density and abundance in the waters of Hood Canal, a deep‐water fjord in the Salish Sea. We estimated a correction factor for trackline detection probability from dive and surface time data gathered from regional seal tagging studies, and applied this factor to correct for seals missed on the trackline during surveys. We applied conventional and multiple covariate line‐transect approaches in the analysis. The resulting best estimate of in‐water density of harbor seals in the Hood Canal study region was 5.80 seals/km2, with an estimated abundance of 2,009 seals. We did not derive a correction factor to account for the number of seals on land (i.e., hauled out). Therefore, these estimates do not reflect total stock size but provide a starting point to evaluate potential influences of anthropogenic activities, particularly those involving underwater noise, on this marine mammal stock. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. Using aerial survey data collected from 2013 to 2016, we estimated the in‐water density and abundance of a distinct stock of harbor seals in Hood Canal, Washington, USA, to help assess potential anthropogenic threats to these animals. We used conventional and multiple covariate line‐transect approaches in the analysis, and the resulting best estimate of in‐water density of harbor seals in the study region was 5.80 seals/km2, with an estimated abundance of 2,009 seals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this note is to retain five names of small cetaceans--Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776) for the beluga whale, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) for the common bottlenose dolphin, Lissodelphis borealis (Peale, 1849) for the northern right whale dolphin, Cephalorhynchus eutropia (Gray, 1846) for the Chilean dolphin, and Inia geoffrensis (Blainville in Desmarest, 1817) for the Amazon river dolphin--that are each threatened by synonyms that antedate their currently used names. In each case, the earlier name has rarely or never been used in the past 120 years, and its resurrection as the valid name for these species would threaten stability. Prevailing usage must be maintained to favor stability over priority in accordance with Article 23.9 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. I request that in each case listed, the designated junior synonym be henceforth considered a nomen protectum (and thereby continue to be used as the valid name for the relevant taxon) and that each of the indicated senior synonyms be treated as a nomen oblitum (i.e., forgotten name). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From October 2011 to May 2012, we conducted the first marine mammal surveys of Okinawan waters, using line-transect vessel surveys and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). We obtained 913 km of visual survey effort, and 1,039 cumulative hours of PAM data from around the island. Only a single on-effort sighting was made (of two common bottlenose dolphins [Tursiops truncatus]) during visual surveys, and acoustic detection rates were generally low, with the exception of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) observations during their winter/spring breeding season. The apparent low density of at least some marine mammals observed in Okinawan waters may be due to the depletion of coastal populations. We believe this could result from many decades of heavy and largely-uncontrolled hunting of small cetaceans in waters around the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the past several decades, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Hong Kong have gone from being virtually unknown to being probably the best-studied dolphin population in Southeast Asia. Essentially nothing was known of their status prior to 1993, but they are now understood to be part of a large population (> 2,000 individuals) that inhabits the Pearl River Estuary of southern China. Approximately 130 to 200 dolphins occurred within Hong Kong's boundary in the late 1990 and early 2000s, but the numbers have declined since then, with currently only about 65 to 70 dolphins found within the region at any one time. Despite an ambitious management scheme by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department, mostly involving Hong Kong's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation, the dolphins appear to be at risk locally. A series of recommendations are hereby made to encourage improved management of these animals and include (1) management at the population level; (2) better assessment of cumulative impacts; (3) protection of critical habitat, especially along the west coast 01 Lantau Island; and (4) management with "teeth." If these suggested approaches are vigorously followed, I remain optimistic about the future of humpback dolphins in Hong Kong. Historical data show us that these animals can indeed recover from anthropogenic impacts but only if important habitat areas receive better protection than they are getting at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pigmentation patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins have not been well studied throughout most of the species’ range. In the present study, both the subjective scoring method and a newly developed quantified scoring method were employed to evaluate the spotting intensity of 137 humpback dolphin individuals from the Xiamen and Beibu Gulf putative populations, including the Dafengjiang-Nanliujiang River Estuary (DRE) and Shatian-Caotan (SC) communities. Both scoring methods indicated that spotting intensity on the dorsal fin was lower than that on the body of humpback dolphins in all 3 groups. The SC and DRE humpback dolphins had significantly greater dorsal fin, body spotting intensity, and greater differences between spotting on the dorsal fin and body than Xiamen dolphins, while no differences were found between SC and DRE. The pigmentation variation is related to age class, young dolphins have more spotting density than adults, and young and adults showed similar geographical variation as above. The present paper, in combination with previous research, clarifies the general pattern of pigmentation for Chinese humpback dolphins. Eastern Taiwan Strait and Pearl River Estuary populations represent 2 extreme patterns of pigmentation, while the Xiamen population, SC community, and DRE community seem to be intermediate. The results suggest that these groups should be viewed as demographically distinct forms. 在大多数分布区内，中华白海豚的色素沉着模式尚未得到很好的研究。本研究应用两种方法：前人应用的主观评分法和新开发的数字化评分法，来评估厦门、南流江-大风江河口（DRE），和沙田-草潭（SC）群体中137头中华白海豚个体的斑点密度。两种评分方法均表明， 3个群的中华白海豚背鳍的斑点密度低于身体的斑点强度。SC和DRE中华白海豚的背鳍斑点强度、身体斑点强度，和背鳍和身体上的斑点差值，均显著高于厦门中华白海豚，而SC和DRE之间没有显著差异。色素沉着与年龄相关，我们的研究表明年轻和成年个体呈现出与上述相似的结果。本文结合前人的研究，阐明了中国水域内中华白海豚色素沉着的普遍规律：东台湾海峡和珠江河口的种群分别代表了两种极端的色素沉着模式，而厦门种群，北部湾种群（包括SC社群和DRE社群）代表中间形式，这些群体是统计学显著不同的存在类型。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a mystery surrounding the disappearance of short-finned pilot whales ( Globicephala macrorhynchus) from southern California. This species was very common in these waters through the early 1980s, with an apparently seasonally-resident population centered around Santa Catalina Island in the Southern California Bight. From 1980-1985, pilot whale numbers off Catalina Island declined dramatically, and they eventually disappeared. One theory has been proposed for this phenomenon, suggesting that a strong El Niño event in 1982/83 resulted in a failure of their main prey, market squid ( Doryteuthis opalescens), which lead to their departure. However, we argue that previously underestimated impacts from fishery by-catch and other anthropogenic effects may have actually been the primary driver. Information from diverse sources show that from the 1950s to 1980s, pilot whales were subject to extensive by-catches in purse-seine nets, lampara nets, and oceanic driftnets, as well as intentional shooting by fishermen, and live-captures for the aquarium industry. As a result, dozens of animals may have been removed in some years. From 1952 to 2014, we have documented no less than 232 individuals removed from southern California, with >52% through known anthropogenic factors. If these removals primarily affected the Catalina Island 'residents', they would have had a severe impact on that population. We conclude that human interactions of various types almost certainly played an important, and previously unrecognized, role in the disappearance of short-finned pilot whales from southern California waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the instances of collision of Sperm Whale with commercial and recreational ships into oceans. It mentions accidental collision which occurs frequently along with rare occurrence of intentional ramming events. It also discusses events of sperm whales destroying small and light whaling chase boats by hitting them with their bodies and flukes.

Studies on the distribution and habitat characteristics of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) indicate a general preference toward estuarine environments. However, quantitative connections between this preference and estuarine characteristics are seldom investigated. Distribution of the humpback dolphin in the northern Beibu Gulf, China, was evaluated through systematically designed surveys and was compared to oceanographic characteristics from on-board measured and remotely sensed variables. The humpback dolphins' core distribution zone, measured by the 50% kernel density estimate (50% KDE), was confined to the Dafengjiang River Estuary in a 50.23 km² area, with a steep-edged underwater sand bar below and locally high chlorophyll-a concentration. The surface salinity distribution showed an eco-cline environment in which riverine runoff mixes with sea water in the 50% KDE. We found significant relationships between distribution probability and two oceanographic variables: (1) water depth and (2) chlorophyll-a concentration. This associates the distribution preference of humpback dolphins with regional productivity and biodiversity peaks that may facilitate prey aggregation. As humpback dolphins inhabit comparable environments in other locations throughout their range, the oceanographic features of the 50% KDE may help to provide proxies to identify other key habitats over a broader spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena (L., 1758)) used to be common in Puget Sound, Washington, but virtually disappeared from these waters by the 1970s. We conducted systematic aerial line-transect surveys (17 237 km total effort) for harbor porpoises, with the goal of estimating density and abundance in the inland waters of Washington State. Surveys in Puget Sound occurred throughout the year from 2013 to 2015, and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands (and some adjacent Canadian waters) in April 2015. We used a high-wing, twin-engine Partenavia airplane and four observers (one on each side of the plane, one looking through a belly port, and one recording data). A total of 1063 harbor porpoise groups were sighted. Density and abundance were estimated using conventional distance sampling methods. Analyses were limited to 447 harbor porpoise groups observed during 5708 km of effort during good sighting conditions suitable for line-transect analysis. Harbor porpoises occurred in all regions of the study area, with highest densities around the San Juan Islands and in northern Puget Sound. Overall, estimated abundance for the Washington Inland Waters stock was 11 233 porpoises (CV = 37%, 95% CI = 9 616 - 13 120). This project clearly demonstrated that harbor porpoises have reoccupied waters of Puget Sound and are present there in all seasons. However, the specific reasons for their initial decline and subsequent recovery remain uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IUCN Red List designation of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is re-assessed in light of its newly recognized taxonomic status (it has recently been separated into three species) and findings that humpback dolphins along the coast of Bangladesh, and possibly eastern India, are phylogenetically distinct from other members of the Sousa genus. Sousa chinensis is found in Southeast/South Asia (in both the Indian and Pacific oceans), from at least the southeastern Bay of Bengal east to central China, and then south to the Indo-Malay Archipelago. There are no global population estimates, and the sum of available abundance estimates add up to about 5700 individuals, although only a portion of the range has been covered by surveys. This species occurs in shallow (< 30 m deep), coastal waters of the tropics and subtropics, and feeds mainly on small fishes. It has a similar reproductive biology to other large dolphins, occurs mostly in small groups, and generally has individual movements of about 50-200 km². Major threats throughout the range include entanglement in fishing nets (primarily gillnets) and habitat destruction/degradation, although in some more industrialized areas, vessel traffic, and environmental contamination from organochlorines are also serious issues. Conservation management is largely lacking in most parts of the species' range, although there has been significant (though still inadequate) attention in some parts of China (e.g. Hong Kong and adjacent areas, and Taiwan). Much greater efforts are needed toward conservation of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins to stop apparent declines, and to lower the species' extinction risk. Sousa chinensis meets the IUCN Red List requirements for Vulnerable (under criteria A4cd), with fisheries bycatch and habitat loss/degradation being the main pervasive threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delphinid genus Sousa has recently undergone a major revision, and currently contains four species, the Atlantic humpback (Sousa teuszii), Indian Ocean humpback (Sousa plumbea), Indo-Pacific humpback (Sousa chinensis), and Australian humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins. Recent molecular evidence suggests that humpback dolphins in the Bay of Bengal may comprise a fifth species. These moderate-sized dolphin species are found in shallow (< 30 m), coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, Indian, and western Pacific oceans. Abundance and trends have only been studied in a few areas, mostly in eastern Africa, China, and northern Australia. No global, empirically derived abundance estimates exist for any of the four species, but none appear to number more than about 20,000 individuals. Humpback dolphins feed mostly on small fishes, and sometimes shrimps; occur for the most part in small groups (mostly 12 or less); have limited nearshore movements; and in most parts of their range exhibit a fission/fusion type of social organization. Major threats that affect all the species are entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat degradation/destruction from various forms of coastal development. Impacts from vessel traffic (including behavioural disturbance and displacement, as well as mortality and morbidity from collisions with vessels) appear to be significant in most areas. Several other threats are apparently significant only in particular parts of the range of some species (e.g. high levels of organochlorine contaminants affecting Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Hong Kong). Direct hunting only occurs in limited areas and primarily on a small scale. Conservation actions so far have been limited, with most populations receiving little study and almost no management attention. Much more work is needed on humpback dolphin population status, threats, and how the major threats can be reduced or eliminated. Extinction risks for the four species and some populations are preliminarily re-assessed using the IUCN Red List criteria in the current volume. The results suggest that all four species in the genus are threatened at some level (suggested Red List status ranges from Vulnerable for S. chinensis and S. sahulensis to Critically Endangered for S. teuszii). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative occurrence of the 16 most common cetacean species in the Southern California Bight (SCB) was compared from the 1950s through 2012 by examining at-sea sighting and stranding data. While systematic survey and population abundance/density data have been available since the 1970s, prior data were collected opportunistically. Comparisons were made through a literature review and using recent results from 15 aerial surveys conducted in the SCB from 2008 through 2012. We attempted to address inconsistency in type of effort across studies by ranking the relative sighting frequency of the most common species based on the most representative study for each period. This comparison revealed changes in the relative occurrence of some species across the approximately 60-y reviewed period. Since the 1950s, common dolphins have remained the most common "species" of cetacean in the SCB. Risso's dolphin and fin, blue, humpback, and Bryde's whales appear to have increased in relative occurrence. The relative occurrence of the common bottlenose and northern right whale dolphins; Dall's porpoise; and gray, killer, minke, Cuvier's beaked, and sperm whales do not appear to have changed notably since the 1950s. There is possible indication of recent decreased relative occurrence of the Pacific white-sided dolphin. The short-finned pilot whale has decreased since the 1950s and has not been recorded in the SCB since the 1990s, concurrent with the observed relative increase in Risso's dolphins. Overall, recent aerial surveys indicate that the 16 most commonly seen species in the SCB, in descending order of frequency, were common dolphins (two species), Risso's dolphin, fin whale, common bottlenose dolphin, gray whale, blue whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin, humpback whale, northern right whale dolphin, common minke whale, Dall's porpoise, killer whale, Bryde's whale, Cuvier's beaked whale (the latter three tied in ranking), and sperm whale. Given that the reviewed historical data from the 1950s and 1960s are virtually the only sources of information available to examine trends over the last 50 to 60 y in this area, we believe this comparative ranking approach provides useful information not available from other sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global range of Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus is not well known, and there has been confusion in the literature as to whether the species has a broad, circumglobal range or only occurs along continental margins., To clarify the species' distribution and habitat preferences, we compiled and reviewed all available (published and unpublished) records of sightings and captures of this species for the past 62 years (1950-2012, n = 8068 records). Stranding records were not included., The results showed that the species has a range that extends across ocean basins and spans between at least 64°N and 46°S, and is apparently absent from high-latitude polar waters. Although Risso's dolphins occur in all habitats from coastal to oceanic, they show a strong range-wide preference for mid-temperate waters of the continental shelf and slope between 30° and 45° latitude., Although a number of misconceptions about the distributional ecology of Risso's dolphin have existed, this analysis showed that it is a widespread species. It strongly favours temperate waters and prefers continental shelf and slope waters to oceanic depths. These habitat preferences appear to hold throughout much or all of the species' range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative occurrence of the 16 most common cetacean species in the Southern California Bight (SCB) was compared from the 1950s through 2012 by examining at-sea sighting and stranding data. While systematic survey and population abundance/density data have been available since the 1970s, prior data were collected opportunistically. Comparisons were made through a literature review and using recent results from 15 aerial surveys conducted in the SCB from 2008 through 2012. We attempted to address inconsistency in type of effort across studies by ranking the relative sighting frequency of the most common species based on the most representative study for each period. This comparison revealed changes in the relative occurrence of some species across the approximately 60-y reviewed period. Since the 1950s, common dolphins have remained the most common "species" of cetacean in the SCB. Risso's dolphin and fin, blue, humpback, and Bryde's whales appear to have increased in relative occurrence. The relative occurrence of the common bottlenose and northern right whale dolphins; Dall's porpoise; and gray, killer, minke, Cuvier's beaked, and sperm whales do not appear to have changed notably since the 1950s. There is possible indication of recent decreased relative occurrence of the Pacific white-sided dolphin. The short-finned pilot whale has decreased since the 1950s and has not been recorded in the SCB since the 1990s, concurrent with the observed relative increase in Risso's dolphins. Overall, recent aerial surveys indicate that the 16 most commonly seen species in the SCB, in descending order of frequency, were common dolphins (two species), Risso's dolphin, fin whale, common bottlenose dolphin, gray whale, blue whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin, humpback whale, northern right whale dolphin, common minke whale, Dall's porpoise, killer whale, Bryde's whale, Cuvier's beaked whale (the latter three tied in ranking), and sperm whale. Given that the reviewed historical data from the 1950s and 1960s are virtually the only sources of information available to examine trends over the last 50 to 60 y in this area, we believe this comparative ranking approach provides useful information not available from other sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of humpback dolphins, distributed in coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific and eastern Atlantic Oceans, has been hindered by a lack of understanding about the number of species in the genus ( Sousa) and their population structure. To address this issue, we present a combined analysis of genetic and morphologic data collected from beach-cast, remote-biopsied and museum specimens from throughout the known Sousa range. We extracted genetic sequence data from 235 samples from extant populations and explored the mitochondrial control region and four nuclear introns through phylogenetic, population-level and population aggregation frameworks. In addition, 180 cranial specimens from the same geographical regions allowed comparisons of 24 morphological characters through multivariate analyses. The genetic and morphological data showed significant and concordant patterns of geographical segregation, which are typical for the kind of demographic isolation displayed by species units, across the Sousa genus distribution range. Based on our combined genetic and morphological analyses, there is convincing evidence for at least four species within the genus ( S. teuszii in the Atlantic off West Africa, S. plumbea in the central and western Indian Ocean, S. chinensis in the eastern Indian and West Pacific Oceans, and a new as-yet-unnamed species off northern Australia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Hawaiian Islands small numbers of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) have been documented only in the Northwestern (leeward) Hawaiian Islands, and sei whales (B. borealis) have only recently been confirmed near the islands of Maui and Hawai'i. In November 2007, one Bryde's whale and two sei whale groups (including three subadults) were documented during a 7-day, systematic vessel-transect survey conducted east and northeast of O'ahu. The Bryde's whale sighting is the first in nearshore (<70 km) waters of the main Hawaiian Islands, and the two sei whale sightings are the first near O'ahu, including the first documented subadult sei whales there. The latter information suggests that Hawai'i may be a reproductive area for the endangered sei whale, whose breeding and calving ground locations remain unknown in the Pacific Ocean. Other than rare incidence, the lack of historical sightings of these two species despite many years of previous shipboard and aerial surveys off Hawai'i may be due to misidentification and/or poor sea conditions prevalent in deep, offshore windward waters of the Hawaiian Islands. We recommend conducting more offshore vessel surveys for, and biopsy sampling of, these species to clarify habitat use and current stock boundaries and numbers, information important for management of Pacific populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to indications that misidentification (largely confusion among dolphins of the genera Delphinus and Stenella) in the past had led to erroneous assumptions of distribution of the two species of common dolphins ( Delphinus delphis and D. capensis) in the western Atlantic Ocean, we conducted a critical re-examination of records of the genus Delphinus from this region. We compiled 460 ‘plottable’ records, required support for confirmation of genus and species identifications, and found many records lacking (and some clearly misidentified). When we plotted only the valid records ( n = 364), we found evidence of populations in only three areas, and apparent absence throughout much of the tropical/subtropical regions. Off the east coast of the US and Canada, D. delphis is found from the Georgia/South Carolina border (32°N) north to about 47–50°N off Newfoundland. Since the 1960s, they have apparently been absent from Florida waters. There is no evidence that dolphins of the genus occur in the Gulf of Mexico. Reports of common dolphins from most of the Caribbean Basin are also rejected, and the only place in that region where they are confirmed to occur is off central-eastern Venezuela (a coastal D. capensis population). Off eastern South America, common dolphins appear to be restricted to south of 20°S. There is a coastal long-beaked population found in the South Brazil Bight, and one or more short-beaked populations south and offshore of this (ranging south to at least northern Argentina). The results are very different from commonly-accepted patterns of distribution for the genus in the Atlantic. Most areas of distribution coincide with moderate to strong upwelling and common dolphins appear to avoid warm, tropical waters. This study shows that great care must be taken in identification of similar-appearing long-beaked delphinids, and that uncritical acceptance of records at face value can lead to incorrect assumptions about the ranges of the species involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the Neophocaena phocaenoides which is the only member of the family Phocoenidae without a dorsal fin. General characteristics; Distribution; Fossil record; Form and function; Ontogeny and reproduction; Ecology; Behavior; Conservation status; Genetics.

ABSTRACT 1. The Clymene dolphin Stenella clymene is found in tropical and warm temperate waters of both the North and South Atlantic Oceans. Confusion surrounding the identifying characteristics of this species has contributed to a general lack of knowledge of this species. 2. We collected and verified a total of 195 records (109 sightings, 67 strandings, and 19 captures) of Clymene dolphins. Twenty-five per cent (n = 49) of these records were previously unpublished. Rejected records are discussed in order to clarify the literature. 3. The northernmost locations for the Clymene dolphin are 39°17′N, 74°35′W (NJ, USA) and 19°1.9′N, 16°13.5′W (113 km north of Nouakchott, Mauritania). The southernmost locations are 29°58′S, 50°07′W (Tramandaí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) and 3°40′S, 18°5′W (off Ascension Island). 4. Clymene dolphins were found in waters with bottom depths ranging from 44 to 4500 m (mean = 1870 m; SE = 110 m; median = 1675 m; n = 94). A single sighting reported at a location with a bottom depth of 44 m is considered to be atypical, as this species has an otherwise exclusively oceanic distribution. 5. Group sizes ranged from at least one individual in a mixed-species school of spinner dolphins Stenella longirostris to a group of an estimated 1000 animals (mean = 76.1; SE = 11; median = 47; n = 105). Stranding group size ranged from 1 to 46 individuals (n = 67), with single individuals being most common (n = 60). There is information available for seven mass strandings, all of which occurred in the south-eastern USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which provided scientific information needed for the conservation and management of the population of Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins in Hong Kong, China. Methodology; Distribution and habitat use; Abundance and population trends; Social organization and behavior; Life history; Population and stock structure; Mortality rates and cases; Recommendations and conclusions.

The article focuses on mitigating fire damage and loss in scattered-sites or housing authority properties through the proper use of smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.

The estuaries and tidal rivers of the Gulf of Maine have rarely been surveyed systematically for marine mammals. We report here on three years of survey data, 2017 to 2019. This study employed a shipboard visual line-transect methodology study design, collecting data on marine mammals in the lower Piscataqua River, which is confluent with the Gulf of Maine. Marine mammal species observed most often were harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), with a resulting in-water density estimate of 1.02 seals/km2 and an abundance estimate of seven harbor seals and one gray seal (CV = 19.3%) in the survey area. Seals were present in all months of the year. No live pups were detected. Harbor porpoises (Phocoena pho-coena) and minke whales (Balaenoptera acuto-rostrata) were also observed, but the sightings (6 harbor porpoises; 7 minke whales) did not yield enough data to estimate density or abundance. The minke whales were present during August and September 2018, concurrent with an influx of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), a prey species. The consistent albeit relatively low marine mammal species sightings and abundances suggest that the lower Piscataqua River is used regularly by a relatively small number of harbor and gray seals, although not for pupping, and occasionally by harbor porpoises and by foraging minke whales. This is the first study of its kind in an estuarine environment in the Gulf of Maine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that five diseases and the vaccines designed to protect children against them underwent scrutiny at the spring 1999 meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Details on the vaccines for influenza, varicella zoster virus, Lyme disease, rotavirus and group A streptococcus; Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the vaccines.

Discusses the treatment of hypertension. Nonpharmacological treatment; Antihypertensive drugs; Beta blockers; Diuretics; Antihypertensive drugs and cancer; Treatment of hypertension in the elderly; Diabetics with hypertension.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Transcendent Beliefs Scale (TBS). We defined transcendent experiences as an experience of unity with others and the whole of existence, which is associated with behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and transcendental factors. Our aim was to develop a very brief instrument that accurately reflected the phenomenology of transcendent states. Method: The factor structure, validity, and reliability of the TBS were assessed across a sample of university students and energy therapy practitioners (N = 305). Results: With respect to convergent validity, we found that transcendent experiences were positively correlated with daily spiritual experiences, trait hope, and meaning in life. Discriminant validity was demonstrated through a negative weak relationship to narcissistic personality traits. Exploratory factor analysis reduced the scale to 12 items and a two-factor model was found to fit the data. Conclusion: The results indicate that the TBS is a valid and reliable scale to measure transcendent beliefs in the general population. It is suitable for research projects in which a brief measure of transcendence is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a legislative bill drafted by Thomas Jefferson for establishing religious freedom in the state of Virginia in the late 1700s. Key stipulations of the bill; Debate over whether the state should use its revenues to support religion; Assertion by Jefferson that religious belief should be solely a matter of private conscience and not public policy.

Details the universal health care insurance coverage as the goal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). History of AAP; State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP); Comments by Joel J. Alpert, president of AAP.

Reports on the success of urologists in 1998 in treating both erectile dysfunction in men and prostate cancer. Details about Viagra, or sildenafil citrate; How sildenafil is able to prevent erectile dysfunction; Studies showing the efficacy of long term use of finasteride in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer; How early screening for prostate cancer affects mortality rates.

Reports that ultrasound examination can overcome much of the decreased sensitivity of mammography in a search for cancer in patients with radiographically dense breasts. Study of women who underwent mammography and ultrasound examination by Thomas M. Kolb, Jabob Lichy and Jeffrey H. Newhouse; Criteria which must be met before the routine use of ultrasound with mammography; Calcification in the breast.

Discusses Parkinsonian syndrome which can be classified into two major groups--Parkinson disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian disorders. Differentiation between the two; Clinical history; Neurologic examination; Diagnostic criteria; Features suggestive of atypical parkinsonian disorders.