December 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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New paper on cetaceans' summer abundance and distribution in Bulgarian Black Sea waters
by Dimitar Popov 06 Mar '26

06 Mar '26

Dear all, On behalf of me and my co-authors, I am happy to share our recently published new paper on cetaceans' summer abundance and distribution in Bulgarian Black Sea waters, available on the link: https://www.acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/2024/Suppl_20_21.pdf Abstract: /All three Black Sea cetacean species are nominated as endemic subspecies for the basin listed in the IUCN Red List of Endangered species: the Black Sea harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) and Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus) as Endangered (EN), while the Black Sea common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus) as Vulnerable (VU). In addition, all three species are protected at national and international levels. Effective conservation of protected and endangered species requires robust data on their distribution to delineate important habitats. We present data on the summer distribution of cetaceans in Bulgarian shelf waters, derived from a series of vessel line transect distance sampling surveys, conducted in the summer months during the period 2020-2023. Harbour porpoise density estimates ranged from 0.156 ind./sq. km (CV=43%) in territorial waters in 2020 to 2.83 ind./sq. km (CV=27%) in deeper waters in 2022. Bottlenose dolphin density estimates ranged from 0.226 ind./sq. km (CV=49%) in territorial waters in 2023 to 0.542 ind./sq. km (CV=35%) in 2020, also in territorial waters. Common dolphin density ranged from 0.032 ind./sq. km (CV=80%) in territorial waters in 2023 to 0.699 ind./sq. km (CV=41%) in deep shelf waters in 2022. The distribution of porpoises has shown a clear preference for deep waters (80-100 m), indicating a shift from the coastal waters that are their preferred habitat in the spring. The density of common dolphin has also shown a gradient towards deeper waters of the shelf, while bottlenose dolphins show a preference for coastal waters. Here, we propose updated threshold values of Descriptor 1's criteria 2 and 4 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and identify important habitats for harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins that remain outside of NATURA 2000's scope./ In case you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards, Dimitar -- __________________________________________________ *__________________________________________________ **Mr. Dimitar Popov**,**PhD **Project Coordinator GREEN BALKANS - Stara Zagora NGO* BSB00432 EOL 30, Boruygrad str. Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria Mobile +359 (0)885 108712 E-mail: _dpopov(a)greenbalkans.org_ http://www.greenbalkans.org __________________________________________________ -- Този имейл е проверен за вируси от антивирусния софтуер Avast. www.avast.com

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paid summer positions - Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program
by Vanessa Mintzer 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program in Texas, USA, is recruiting for two summer 2024 paid opportunities: Research Assistant - The Galveston Bay Foundation is seeking a temporary summer research assistant (14 weeks; June-September 2024) for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program. The Research Assistant will help with the collection, entry and analysis of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The position will entail a combination of field and office work (both in-person and remote). They will also supervise and train citizen scientists. Previous marine mammal field research and photo-identification experience are required. Research Intern - The Environmental Institute of Houston is seeking a dedicated summer research intern (14 weeks; June-September 2024) for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program. The intern will help with the collection and management of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The position consists of a combination of field and office work. Previous wildlife management and/or marine mammal coursework, field and photo-identification, and boat handling experience are highly desirable. Details for both positions are available here: https://galvestonbaydolphin.org/summer-2024-opportunities/. Applications are due March 8, 2024. Applicants must be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status. The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program is a collaboration between the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Visit galvestonbaydolphin.org to learn more. Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D. Director of Research Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program Galveston Bay Foundation Direct: 352-359-5633 1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX 77565 vmintzer(a)galvbay.org<mailto:vmintzer@galvbay.org> galvestonbaydolphin.org

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New article on nutrient concentrations in minke whale faeces
by Brandt, Carla Freitas 18 Dec '25

18 Dec '25

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to present our recently published paper: Freitas, C., Gundersen, K., Lindblom, L., Biuw, M., Haug, T., 2023. Nutrient concentrations in minke whale faeces and the potential impact on dissolved nutrient pools off Svalbard, Norway. Progress in Oceanography, 210, 102927. Abstract: There is increasing interest in assessing the impact of whales on nutrient and carbon cycling in the ocean. By fertilising surface waters with nutrient-rich faeces, whales may stimulate primary production and thus carbon uptake, but robust assessments of such effects are lacking. Based on the analysis of faeces collected from minke whales (n = 31) off Svalbard, Norway, this study quantified the concentration of macro and micronutrients in whale faeces prior to their release in seawater. Concentrations of the macronutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) in minke whale faeces were 50.1 ± 10.3 and 70.9 ± 12.1 g kg−1 dry weight, respectively, while the most important micronutrients were zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). By combining measured faecal nutrient concentrations with estimated prey-consumption and prey-assimilation rates, we calculate that the current population of approximately 15, 000 individuals in the small management area (SMA) of Svalbard defecates daily 7 ± 1.4 tonnes (t) N and 10 ± 1.7 t P during summer. The molar ratio of N:P in minke whale faeces was 1.6:1, meaning that N was proportionally limiting, when compared to average elemental ratios of 16:1 in phytoplankton. In case of no N limitation in surface waters at that time, the release of elemental P through defecation in surface waters has the potential to stimulate 407 ± 70 t of carbon per day during summer as new or regenerated primary production in the SMA of Svalbard. This amounts to 0.2 to 4 % of daily net primary production in this region. This study provides the first assessment of nutrient concentration in whale faeces prior to their dissolution in sea water. Further research, namely on the amount of N released via urine and seasonal changes in excreted nutrients, is needed to better assess the full potential of whale nutrient additions to dissolved nutrient pools in surface waters at regional and global scales. The article is freely available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661122001860 Kind regards, Carla Carla Freitas Institute of Marine Research, Norway

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Spring UF Aquatic Animal Health Courses
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 04 Nov '25

04 Nov '25

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine would like to send notice that registration for our spring online courses are open. Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is offered in two versions: an online undergraduate course (VME-4013 ) and a graduate level course (VME-6011). These classes are both designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu) Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online graduate course that will provide graduate students with a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu) Sincerely, Dr Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 10 Oct '25

10 Oct '25

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section's Manatee Management Program. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to support vital manatee conservation efforts through diverse and evolving data management responsibilities. Key duties include collecting, analyzing, and applying data to inform conservation decisions, as well as leading GIS-related tasks for the program. Additionally, you will work alongside manatee management staff on exciting projects related to habitat monitoring and evaluating Manatee Protection Plans. If you're passionate about wildlife and data-driven conservation, this position offers a unique chance to make a real impact. Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTI… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Manatee Management Program Coordinator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> 620 South Meridian Street - 6A Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 922-4330 Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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New publication on humpback whale response to noise
by Elisa Maria Girola 20 Sep '25

20 Sep '25

Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of our new paper Girola E, Dunlop RA, Noad MJ. 2023 Singing humpback whales respond to wind noise, but not to vessel noise. Proc. R. Soc. B 290: 20230204. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0204 Abstract Animal communication systems evolved in the presence of noise generated by natural sources. Many species can increase the source levels of their sounds to maintain effective communication in elevated noise conditions, i.e. they have a Lombard response. Human activities generate additional noise in the environment creating further challenges for these animals. Male humpback whales are known to adjust the source levels of their songs in response to wind noise, which although variable is always present in the ocean. Our study investigated whether this Lombard response increases when singing males are exposed to additional noise generated by motor vessels. Humpback whale singers were recorded off eastern Australia using a fixed hydrophone array. The source levels of the songs produced while the singers were exposed to varying levels of wind noise and vessel noise were measured. Our results show that, even when vessel noise is dominant, singing males still adjust the source levels of their songs to compensate for the underlying wind noise, and do not further increase their source levels to compensate for the additional noise produced by the vessel. Understanding humpback whales' response to noise is important for developing mitigation policies for anthropogenic activities at sea. The paper can be accessed here https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0204 or you can request a pdf copy from the corresponding author (e.girola(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:e.girola@uq.edu.au>). Best regards Elisa Dr. Elisa Girola The University of Queensland Australia

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Lectureship opportunity at the University of Plymouth
by Simon Ingram 17 Sep '25

17 Sep '25

Lectureship Opportunity at the University of Plymouth, UK We are delighted to share a job opportunity to join our growing team of marine mammal scientists (https://www.instagram.com/marinevertscru/) at the University of Plymouth, UK The post is a lectureship in Marine Conservation within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences and we are looking for a research active scientist with an excellent track record to join our Marine Conservation Research Group. The post is initially a two year fixed term appointment which we subsequently plan to make a permanent position. For more info email simon.ingram(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:simon.ingram@plymouth.ac.uk> but be aware that the deadline for applications is March 28th so make sure you apply in time using this link https://hrservices.plymouth.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.o… Thanks, Simon Ingram Dr Simon Ingram Associate Professor of Marine Conservation & Deputy Head of School School of Biological and Marine Sciences A409 Portland Square | University of Plymouth Plymouth I PL4 8AA I United Kingdom Tel 01752 584591 @DrSimonIngram @MarineVerts https://www.instagram.com/marinevertscru/ ________________________________ [https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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Job Opportunity: University of Miami/NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center
by Melissa Soldevilla - NOAA Federal 28 Aug '25

28 Aug '25

Dear colleagues, Through our partnership with the University of Miami, the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center marine mammal branch in Miami, FL is looking to hire a full-time research associate with expertise in passive acoustics to help us with upcoming field work and data analyses. This position at the University of Miami RSMAS campus can be found on the UM job site (www.miami.edu/careers) as requisition R100061685. Please share this info with any potential applicants and feel free to contact me at melissa.soldevilla(a)noaa.gov with any questions. Best wishes, Melissa ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Melissa Soldevilla, PhD Research Fishery Biologist Marine Mammal & Turtle Division NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center 75 Virginia Beach Drive Miami, FL 33149

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Workshop and special issue on ML/AI in Marine Mammal Research
by Christine Erbe 26 Aug '25

26 Aug '25

Dear Colleagues, We would like to let you know about a workshop on “Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Marine Mammal Research” to be held Sunday, Nov 10, at the SMM conference in Perth, Western Australia: Workshops - SMM Conference | | | | | | | | | | | Workshops - SMM Conference SMM2024 workshops are half day, full day, or two day events that are proposed and organised by individual resear... | | | The workshop will accommodate both in-person and virtual/online attendance. Online attendance is free of charge. If you wish you join online, please register your name and email address with Guy: oliver(a)ucsc.edu The workshop will cover ML/AI methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, photogrammetry, behaviour analysis, distribution modeling, and ethics. We are also running a special issue on the topic in a peer-reviewed journal (we’re still negotiating with potential publishers, but will let you know in due course). The special issue will take manuscripts focussing on methods or results. If you are interested in finding out how to contribute to this special issue, please contact Christine: c.erbe(a)curtin.edu.au Have a nice day, everyone. Cheers, Christine Erbe Guy Oliver Shyam Madhusudhana Paul Nguyen Hong Duc Aiden Lundberg

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