January 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

1st announcement: Workshop in Marine Mammal Conservation - ethical perspectives in a climate of urgency at the oncoming ECS in the Azores (12-16 the of May 2025)
by Volker Smit 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM Community, We are excited to inform about our workshop proposal entitled *"Marine Mammal Conservation: Ethical Perspectives in a Climate of Urgency" *within the framework of the upcoming European Cetacean Society Conference. This event will delve into the critical ethical considerations surrounding the conservation of marine mammals, especially in the face of accelerating environmental changes. Upon conference committee approval it will take place on the 12^th or 13^th of May 2025 (full day). Location: Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal During this workshop - also depending on the input of speakers and attendees - we aim to exchange about: * The intrinsic value of marine mammals and their right to exist. * The ecological importance of marine mammal species diversity for the equilibrium of marine ecosystems. * The impact of human activities such as ship strikes, commercial fishing, pollution - acoustic and chemical, as well as climate change. * The cultural and social values associated with marine mammals, including indigenous perspectives. Among the topics addressed, the workshop’s discussions will include specific training for seafarers, research and conservation campaigns, publication. We are building the program for which we already have a number of interesting speakers. However, we kindly ask additional interested speakers to get in touch with us for more information. Best regards, Barbara Putnam, Luigi Bundone, Volker Smit If you want to get in touch mail to: smit(a)m-e-e-r.de or luigibundone(a)tiscali.it -- Volker Smit Vice-president M.E.E.R. e.V. https://m-e-e-r.de/

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Marine Education and Research Internship Announcement
by Laura Lilly 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises is hiring Education and Research Interns for the 2025 season. This opportunity is designed for college students and recent graduates but is open to all who are passionate about whales and the marine environment. The internship is for individuals who are looking to expand their knowledge of marine ecology, wildlife, and research practices in the field. This is a seasonal, paid, joint naturalist/galley deckhand position. Applicants do not need to be majors in biology; rather, we are looking for individuals who have a passion for serving as stewards of ocean conservation. Applicants should feel comfortable with public speaking, teaching in small groups, and working with children and adults in diverse populations. We are especially interested in applicants who will be available August through October. *For complete job description and application, please visit *(https://whales.net/jobs-2/). *Education and Research Intern responsibilities include:* - Circulating with passengers using artifacts and teaching tools designed to aid in understanding of whales and other marine life. - Recording sightings data on marine mammals. - Entering data electronically with appropriate edits. - Identifying whales photographed in the field by individual pigmentation variations and scarring. - Delivering excellent and attentive customer service. - Work with supervisors to develop and work toward professional development goals and meet regularly with Director for feedback and support. - Stocking, cleaning, and maintaining galley; serving passengers. - Assisting with cleaning, maintaining, and servicing the vessel as an active member of the crew. - Ensuring safety and well-being of passengers aboard whale watch vessel. - Additional duties as assigned. *Job Qualifications of Education and Research Intern* - Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. - Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate a willingness to learn and ask clarifying questions, - and respond positively to constructive feedback. - Must pass a pre-employment drug test and be enrolled in our random drug testing program during your internship. - Capable of working a mix of week and weekend days. - Able to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions including extreme cold and hot temperatures, rain, and challenging sea conditions. - Must be a team player with a can-do mindset who is willing to jump in and support any needs when called upon. *Additional Qualifications/Training Provided:* - Ability to efficiently use a point-of-sale system. - Public speaking. - Previous customer service or a customer-facing position is a plus but not required. - Outstanding customer service skills. Pay: $16 per hour + gratuities *Benefits:* - College credit (if applicable) - Employee discount - Cafeteria (galley) - Flexible schedule - Gratuities Work schedule is 3-4 days per week; trips run 7 days a week. *To Apply**:* Send completed job application, resume, cover letter, two written letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcript to Laura Lilly: laura(a)whales.net. We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of Feb 21. Interviews will be conducted by the end of February. -- Laura Lilly (978) 302-5802

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New Publication on the Acoustic Detection of Franciscana Dolphins
by Gisela Giardino 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in the *New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research*: *Giardino, G., Denuncio, P., Papale, E., Ceraulo, M., Buscaino, G., Bastida, R., & Rodríguez, D. (2025).* *The acoustic detection of the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in open sea off the coast of Argentina.* *New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research,* 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288330.2024.2445825 In this study, we present findings on the acoustic detection of Franciscana dolphins, one of the most endangered cetacean species, focusing on their presence in open waters along the coast of Argentina. ABSTRACT The Franciscana dolphin (*Pontoporia blainvillei*) is facing significant threats in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, largely due to entanglement in artisanal fishing nets, which makes it the most threatened dolphin species in the region Its conservation calls for a standardised methodology that enables the detection and monitoring of dolphin populations on a longer temporal scale. This study represents the first acoustic monitoring of wild Franciscana dolphins in Argentina, focusing on understanding their diel patterns of activity and their relationship with environmental variables. Our findings show that Franciscana dolphin acoustic presence in summer in Chapadmalal (Argentina) is more frequent in January than in February and March and is influenced by the interaction between tide and wind direction. Specifically, at higher tide levels, wind direction has a reduced impact on dolphin detections. This interaction varies seasonally, with shifts observed in February and March. This research advances standardised methodologies for detecting and monitoring Franciscana dolphin populations, supporting efforts to improve their conservation. Feel free to contact me at *gvgiardi(a)mdp.edu.ar* or *oflavescens(a)gmail.com* for a copy. Thank you Kind regards Gisela Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm

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ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM Course in Azores- May 4th and 10th
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

Dear friends and all, We are now receiving applications for the ACCOBAMS course 2025 to run May 4 to 10 inclusive in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal. Course to cover 4 days of classroom sessions to cover ACCOBAMS Mitigation, Marine Mammal Observation (MMO – 1 day in class), though it is assumed most will have prior experience, Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM - 2 days in class) and QGIS (1 day in class). Additionally there will be two boat based days with a towed array and visual watches. Course enquiries and to make a deposit to reserve a place to patrick.lyne(a)dmad.org.tr<mailto:patrick.lyne@dmad.org.tr> and please give details of prior experience with marine mammals to ensure qualification for the course. ECS conference to run May 12 to 16 in Ponta Delgada. Course information can be found at https://manadaenv.net/pluginfile.php/329/mod_forum/attachment/33/DMAD%20ACC… Patrick Lyne,

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New publication on changes in North Atlantic right whale prey
by Taylor Evans 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

Hello, My coauthors and I are pleased to share our new publication: 'Beyond *Calanus*: changes to the copepod community in the northeast USA and implications for North Atlantic right whale foraging energetics' in Endangered Species Research. Evans TC, Record NR, Ross CH, Thorne LH (2025) Beyond *Calanu**s*: changes to the copepod community in the northeast USA and implications for North Atlantic right whale foraging energetics. Endang Species Res 56:1-17. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01376 ABSTRACT: Declines and shifts in the distribution of the Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale *Eubalaena glacialis* since 2010 have underscored the need to better understand drivers of right whale habitat use. The influence of *Calanus finmarchicus* prey on right whale distribution is well established, but less is known about the relative importance of other prey taxa, especially in habitats south of the Gulf of Maine (GOM). We used data from NOAA’s Ecosystem Monitoring Program (1980-2019) to assess spatiotemporal changes in the abundance of copepod prey and implications for right whale foraging energetics. Decadal-scale changes in copepods were most pronounced in the GOM, led by a marked summer increase of the copepod *Centropages typicus*. Spatiotemporal changes in right whale habitat use generally followed the estimated energy content of regional prey fields, driven mainly by the abundance of *C. finmarchicus*, which has an energy density approximately 10 times that of *C. typicus*. Increases in the abundance of smaller copepods in the GOM since 2010 have been insufficient to compensate energetically for the decline in *C. finmarchicus* in the eastern GOM in summer, where observations of foraging right whales have declined sharply. In southern New England, a site of increased right whale observations, the winter energy content of the sampled prey field was higher than in other subregions. Our analysis highlights that further ocean warming, predicted to negatively impact *C. finmarchicus* and positively impact smaller copepods, may influence whether traditional foraging grounds can support large numbers of foraging right whales. The full article is open-access at https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01376 Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! Thanks, Taylor -- *Taylor C. Evans, PhD **(**she/hers)* taylor.cam.evans(a)gmail.com Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alaska Fairbanks 916 412 4080

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New Publication: Kinship clustering within an ecologically diverse killer whale metapopulation
by Baumgartner Chérine 28 Jan '25

28 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication titled "Kinship clustering within an ecologically diverse killer whale metapopulation” in the journal Heredity. Abstract Metapopulation dynamics can be shaped by foraging ecology, and thus be sensitive to shifts in prey availability. Genotyping 204 North Atlantic killer whales at 1,346 loci, we investigated whether spatio-temporal population structuring is linked to prey type and distribution. Using population-based methods (reflecting evolutionary means), we report a widespread metapopulation connected across ecological groups based upon nuclear genome SNPs, yet spatial structuring based upon mitogenome haplotypes. These contrasting patterns of markers with maternal and biparental inheritance are consistent with matrilineal site fidelity and philopatry, and male-mediated gene flow among demes. Connectivity between fish-eating vs ‘mixed-diet’ (fish- and mammal-eating) killer whales, marks a deviation within a species renowned for its marked structure associated with ecology. However, relatedness estimates suggest distinct spatial clusters, and heterogeneity in recent gene flow between them. The contrasting patterns between inference of structure and inference of relatedness suggest that gene flow has been partially restricted over the past two to three generations (50-70 years). This coincides with the collapse of North Atlantic herring stocks in the late 1960s and the subsequent cessation of their seasonal connectivity. Statistically significant association between diet types and assignment of Icelandic killer whales to relatedness-based clusters indicated limited gene flow was maintained through Icelandic ‘mixed-diet’ whales when herring-mediated connectivity was diminished. Thus, conservation of dietary variation within this metapopulation is critical to ensure genetic health. Our study highlights the role of resource dynamics and foraging ecology in shaping population structure and emphasises the need for transnational management of this widespread migratory species and its prey. Please find the full article (open access) here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-024-00740-y Kind regards, Chérine

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UAME Training 14-17th April - Okehampton Devon UK
by Zoe Wright 27 Jan '25

27 Jan '25

Seiche Training has spaces left on our next training at Okehampton Devon UK (first come first serve basis) * 14-17th April Classroom, Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment UAME training course gives you the knowhow to get to grips with underwater acoustics and understand the noise issues that impact marine wildlife. The four-day Marine Acoustics course is perfect for anyone working as a regulator, environmental consultant, researcher, policy, or environmental professional who needs to understand the regulatory environment. It will give you the knowledge you need to analyse and act on the recommendations in reports generated as a result of environmental legislation. Modules Day 1 * Introduction to Acoustics and Underwater Acoustics * Key Quantities, Units and Dimensions * Powers and Logs * Decibels and Use of Decibels * Reflection and Transmission at Boundaries * Ocean Environments - the Seas Day 2 * More on Decibels * Spectra and Sound Sources * Noise and Reverberation * Hydrophones * Man Made noise in the Ocean * Biological Sources of Sound * Hearing response of Marine Wildlife Day 3 * Impacts of noise on Marine Wildlife * Sound field Modelling * Methods of Assessment of Impacts * Environmental regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Day 4 * Introduction to the Soundscape * noise Measurements * Vessel radiated noise * Marine Seismic Assessment * Mitigation and the Effects of Sound on Marine Wildlife * Emerging Studies Delivered by leading research experts including Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey, To book on the courses or to find out further information email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Zoe Wright Business Support Seiche Ltd E: z.wright(a)seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Examination of Isotopic Signals to Determine Trophic Dynamics and Diet of Gulf of Maine Mysticetes Prior to an Oceanographic Regime Shift
by ann cetosresearch.org 26 Jan '25

26 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication: Todd, S., Robbins, J., Weinrich, M.T., Pastor, N., Dendanto, D., Palsbøll, P.J. and Zoidis, A.M., 2025. Examination of Isotopic Signals to Determine Trophic Dynamics and Diet of Gulf of Maine Mysticetes Prior to an Oceanographic Regime Shift. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), pp.62-78. Abstract Stable isotope analysis (SIA) is a useful tool to assess the health and foraging habits of large marine predators, metabolic stress, pregnancy, and migration patterns. This study provides baseline SIA data for four Gulf of Maine mysticete species and serves as a benchmark for future assessments. SIA was conducted on skin biopsies collected in two time periods: 1988 to 1992 (n = 15) and 1999 to 2005 (n = 187). Samples were collected from humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae; n = 116), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus; n = 74), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata; n = 6), and North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis; n = 6). There were statistically significant differences in isotopic value among species, years, and regions sampled. By species, North Atlantic right whale δ13C and δ15N levels were significantly different than the other species analyzed. Additionally, humpback whales had a δ15N value that was significantly higher than the value found in fin whales. By date, humpback whales showed significant difference in δ13C in 2002 from the two previous years. For fin whales, 2002 showed significant difference in δ13C for all other years’ samples (2000 to 2003). By region, two regions that were the greatest distance apart (Bay of Fundy and Great South Channel) showed significant differences in δ13C for humpback whales. Demographic analyses for humpback and fin whales found a significant difference between calves versus other age classes, presumably due to nursing. A decadal comparison of humpback whales at one site (Stellwagen Bank) found no significant difference between decades. This dataset provides a benchmark for stable isotope measurements in large baleen whales for this regional ecosystem. The paper is now available online: https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/article/examination-of-isotopic-signa… Examination of Isotopic Signals to Determine Trophic Dynamics and Diet of Gulf of Maine Mysticetes Prior to an Oceanographic Regime Shift - Aquatic Mammals<https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/article/examination-of-isotopic-signa…> Document: Article Abstract: Stable isotope analysis (SIA) is a useful tool to assess the health and foraging habits of large marine predators, metabolic stress, pregnancy, and migration patterns.This study provides baseline SIA data for four Gulf of Maine mysticete species and serves as a benchmark for future assessments. www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org Please do not hesitate to contact us for any a copy of the PDF or with questions.

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Course (Summer 2025) Global Policy and Conservation of Marine Mammals
by Jennifer Lewis 25 Jan '25

25 Jan '25

WANT TO PROTECT MARINE MAMMALS FROM EXTINCTION? THEN TAKE THIS CLASS! GLOBAL POLICY AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS (New Zealand Summer 2025) Watch video: New Zealand Marine Mammals https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1050297282 Hosted through George Mason University (Virginia, USA), this 6-credit course will take place in summer 2024 (July 5-Aug 2) on the South Island of New Zealand. It can be taken as undergraduate or graduate course (from any institution), and at any stage of your career (students or professionals). WHAT WILL YOU GET? 1. Significant practice in critical thinking for brainstorming solutions. The class is structured to teach about all marine mammals listed as endangered by the IUCN. Students become familiar with each case in detail, including the laws that are available to protect each, the historical and current situations, the stakeholders involved in each case, and what has been done to date. Students are led in discussion-based problem solving for each species case, and brainstorm about what worked, what did not, and what more could be done. Leave with practice on many very different situations, with a tool kit of ideas. Prepared for solution development in species or resource management. 1. Gain field experience learning how to fully investigate conservation issues. Conservation solutions require a detailed understanding about the species, the issues facing them, and the people involved. And the only way to gain that knowledge is by examining firsthand. As a part of this class, students will be trained to research and to collect data relevant for conservation questions focusing on the species off the coast of New Zealand (including sperm whales, Hector’s dolphins and the NZ fur seal). This will be at sea (for cetaceans) and on land (for pinnipeds). Field exercises will also involve learning about stakeholders for these species and the social, cultural and economic aspects that are important to consider in conservation (e.g., learning from the indigenous Maori about their ecotourism business on sperm whales). 1. Networking with world renown managers, lawyers, researchers, and other experts (e.g., journalists who cover conservation stories). Joining us in person or over zoom, students will learn from the people working right now to save marine mammals from disappearing forever. 1. Practice developing action plans. As a final project we work as a team to research one specific conservation problem in New Zealand, collecting information on the issue firsthand. Students then develop a detailed action plan to give to resource managers. BONUS 1: IT’S IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!! One of the most gorgeous spots on the globe, perfect for people who love exploring the outdoors from the sea to the land. Picked as the location to film LOTR for a good reason. It is off the charts in natural beauty. BONUS 2: Dr. Lewis will work with all students enrolled to locate a suitable internship pre or post trip. Might as well get the most bang for your buck! Think NZ, Australia or even SE Asia. This is not part of the class (and is optional). But something very cool to consider. BONUS 3: July is THE migration season month. Meaning we will get the most species sightings, on TOP of what we will be going to target for the class projects. This can include humpbacks, southern right whales, pilot whales and more. AND….its the end of pupping season so all age classes of the pinnipeds will be present on the haul outs. Who doesn’t love a baby animal? Locations visited will be on the South Island NZ, in Christchurch, Kaikoura and Akaroa. The course is structured to give 3-day weekends at each location so exploring during the trip is easy and HIGHLY recommended. Students can also arrive early or stay late to explore more. Cost (4500USD). This includes tuition for six credits (at in-state rate for everyone 2600USD), lodging for the entire trip (one month), all ground transportation (taxis and buses to locations), and our trips to sea (4 trips) (the lodging, transport on ground and on water plus cost of some meals and lecture hall is then just 1900USD of the total price). Payments not due until summer semester begins for George Mason University (and these can be divided into multiple payments). Airfare not included in this. Dr. Lewis will work with all students to get the best flight deals possible (sharing all her travel hacks) and prices may be lower than usual because it is the off season for NZ. Financial aid can be applied to this, including GI benefits. If you are a student, if you consider that you likely spend 1900 a month for rent and bills and transport and fun anyway (if in USA), then why not pay a cheaper tuition amount (in state rate) and spend that cash in a MUCH more amazing space on the adventure of a lifetime. Cap at 16, so grab your spot now and reserve with a deposit that is applied to final balance (200USD). Application deadline March 1. To apply go to the following link and click APPLY NOW: https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngula… To learn more, contact Dr. Jennifer Lewis through email (jlewis33(a)gmu.edu<mailto:jlewis33@gmu.edu>) or WhatsApp: +17039752661 You can also join an upcoming information session: Sunday Feb 2 or Sunday Feb 16 at 7:30 PM EST https://gmu.zoom.us/j/91570521537

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Announcement - Aquatic Noise 2025 Conference
by Roberto Racca 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear Friends and Colleagues, We heartily invite you to attend the 7th triennial meeting on "Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life" (Aquatic Noise 2025 - AN2025) which will take place 29 June - 04 July 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic. This event is the foremost international scientific congress dedicated to the study and mitigation of the impact of underwater noise on marine mammals, as well as other aquatic fauna. You will find information about all aspects of the conference at https://aquaticnoise.org/ . Register at the following URL: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=818437 . As in previous years, financial support will be provided where possible to students, postdocs, and colleagues from developing countries. See the website for further details on how to apply: https://aquaticnoise.org/financial-support/ . If you have any questions, please contact us at registrations(a)an2025.org . We also invite you to submit an abstract for oral, poster, or "lightning round" poster presentation at AN2025. Information can be found on the website at https://aquaticnoise.org/abstract-submission/ . Abstracts are due no later than 28 February. Note that all presenters will also be required to submit a paper related to the topic of the presentation for publication in an open-access book. Papers in our previous books have had well over 1 million views, meaning that the impact of presentations extends well beyond the meeting. You can follow the direct steps below for abstract submission: 1. Access the submission site at https://na.eventscloud.com/eSites/818437/HOMEPAGE . 2. Create a profile for your 2025 submission. Please note, profiles from 2022 are not active so you are required to create a new one. 3. Submit your abstract. You may begin your abstract submission and return at a later stage to complete it by selecting 'save & continue later'. If you have any questions about submitting, please contact us at: abstracts(a)an2025.org . We look forward to seeing returning participants from previous events as well as welcoming new ones into the vibrant Aquatic Noise community. We hope to see you in Prague this summer! The Organizing Committee: Paul Lepper, Kathy Vigness-Raposa, and Joe Sisneros (Co-Chairs) Clara Amorim Klaus Lucke Roberto Racca Craig Radford Amy Scholik-Schlomer Arthur Popper (Co-Founder) Anthony Hawkins (Co-Founder and Member Emeritus)

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