January 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Article published: From coastal to offshore: The case of an inshore bottlenose dolphin that joined an offshore pod.
by Fernando Félix Grijalva 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

On behalf of my coauthors and myself, I am pleased to inform you that the following paper has been published: Félix, F., Castro, C., Van Bressem, M.-F., Barragán, L., Platt, M., & Van Waerebeek, K. (2025). From coastal to offshore: The case of an inshore bottlenose dolphin that joined an offshore pod. Marine Mammal Science, e13223. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13223. Abstract: We document an unprecedented case of ecological adaptation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off the coast of Ecuador, where a female inshore dolphin (ID: S20) integrated into an offshore pod. In August 2024, she was documented swimming with a group of 110-120 offshore dolphins near La Plata Island, approximately 100 km from her original habitat. This observation is particularly significant as it represents the first documented case of an inshore bottlenose dolphin successfully joining an offshore population. This case provides valuable insights into the ecological plasticity of bottlenose dolphins and suggests potential bidirectional gene flow between coastal and offshore ecotypes. Additionally, it raises important considerations regarding disease transmission between coastal and offshore populations and the adaptive strategies of dolphins from declining coastal communities. These findings have significant implications for understanding population dynamics, management strategies, and the conservation of bottlenose dolphins. Fernando Félix fefelix90(a)hotmail.com

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Save the Manatee Club Offers Graduate School Scholarship
by Education 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear MARMAMM Community, Save the Manatee Club is proud to announce the Lesley Argiri and Brian McDonald 5K Scholarship Fund, an initiative supporting graduate students pursuing a degree in Marine Biology, Aquatic Biology, or related field at an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to promote excellence in marine and aquatic biology research, contribute to the conservation and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems, and honor the contributions of Lesley Argiri and Brian McDonald, a dedicated husband-and-wife duo and educators. They launched the Michigan Save the Manatee 5K in 2003, which has since raised $414.8K in lifetime giving through race registrations, manatee adoptions, and donations. Scholarship recipients will receive financial assistance to further their studies and contribute to critical conservation efforts. We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming academic year. Learn more about the scholarship, its eligibility requirements, and application details here: https://savethemanatee.org/lesley-argiri-and-brian-mcdonald-5k-scholarship-… We would appreciate your help in spreading the word to potential applicants and others in the marine science and conservation community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need further information by email to scholarships(a)savethemanatee.org<mailto:scholarships@savethemanatee.org>. Thank you for your support in honoring Lesley and Brian’s legacy! For the manatees, Stephanie Stephanie Cohen Public Relations Specialist Save the Manatee Club Phone: 407-539-0990 Email: education(a)savethemanatee.org www.savethemanatee.org<http://www.savethemanatee.org/>

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MMO and PAM Training Courses in Victoria, British Columbia
by Emily Welsh 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Edgewise Environmental is offering Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator and Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) courses with in-person at-sea practicals taking place in Victoria, BC. See below for dates and information: *Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator* Online Theory: February 18 - March 18 In-person practical: March 27th & 28th *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* Online Theory: February 20 - March 20 In-person practical: March 26th All courses can be taken simultaneously and a discount is applied when registering for multiple courses. Click here <https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/events/> for more information or email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com Cheers, Emily Welsh *Social Media and Marketing Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. (709) 770-0492 St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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FWC Southwest Field Lab Marine Mammal Internship
by Lugge, Molly 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammals section at the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab in Port Charlotte, FL is accepting applications for an intern to start in April/May of 2025. The Southwest Field Lab is offering two internships to driven, self-motivated individuals for the Summer 2025 season. The expected start date for the internship is late April to early May, however, start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically four to five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some additional night and weekend hours may be required. The position is located in Port Charlotte on the west coast of Florida, just north of Fort Myers. The intern's duties would include assisting with manatee and cetacean carcass salvage, necropsies, research projects (temperature monitoring, Photo ID, etc.), public outreach, and occasional rescues. The intern will also assist with office duties including mortality reports, upkeep of databases, and other office work as needed. To perform the tasks mentioned, interns will operate FWC trucks and dependent upon experience, trailers and boats up to 22' in length. At the end of the internship, interns are required to complete a project and a 10-15 minute presentation on a marine mammal topic of their choosing. Qualifications: * College juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students are eligible * Interns must have some research field experience * Interns must be comfortable operating large trucks and speaking to the public * Familiarity with digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters is preferred, but can be trained * Computer literacy * Previous animal handling experience is desirable but not necessary * Ability to trailer and operate watercrafts up to 22' in length and experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but not necessary * Interns must be able to lift 50 lbs., swim, and possess a valid US driver's license * Interns should understand that this job will require them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time Application Process: If you are interested in applying for an internship with FWRI, please provide the following information: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A resume describing training and experience * Names and contact information for at least three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator 585 Prineville Street Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Molly R. Lugge Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Southwest Field Lab 585 Prineville St Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Office: (941) 249-6559 Molly.Lugge(a)myFWC.com Manatee Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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New publication: Assessing the effectiveness of acoustic signals in mark-recapture studies to estimate dolphins’ population size
by ELENA PAPALE 24 Jan '25

24 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Papale E., Ceraulo M., Gregorietti M., De Vita C., Buscaino G. (2024) Assessing the effectiveness of acoustic signals in mark-recapture studies to estimate dolphins’ population size, Current Zoology, zoae079 Abstract: Accurate estimations of animal population size are pivotal for implementing management strategies properly. Recapture technique based on sounds as a specimen identification mark has barely been used for marine mammals. However, inferring abundance estimates from acoustic methods could enhance the accuracy and precision of population size assessments. Here, we tested the possibility of using signature whistles as individual marks for estimating the size of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations. Data were continuously collected for 326 days in 2015–2016, by using a fixed acoustic device located in the Sicily Strait (Italy). The SIGID method was applied to identify Signature Whistles Types (SWTs) over 7,000 h of recordings. Eighty SWTs were detected as long as their stereotyped fundamental frequency contours were repeated in bouts of at least 6 renditions. The mean SWTs monthly recording rate resulted in 0.19 (Standard deviation = 0.16), with 20 SWTs recorded over 5 or more different encounters (until a maximum of 30 encounters). The Jolly–Seber model (with POPAN formulation) was run in Mark software to estimate the population size. The estimated population size resulted in 171 bottlenose dolphins (95% confidence interval = 137–215). Even if the detection and identification of signature whistles required crucial precautions, and animals could be detected differently from visual techniques, the population size estimate obtained was comparable with previous results based on physical marks data. These outcomes demonstrated that signature whistles can be considered a strongly effective tool for integrating traditional mark-recapture techniques with finely estimated dolphins’ population abundances Key words: modeling methods, passive acoustic monitoring, signature whistles, specimen identification mark, Tursiops truncatus. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoae079 Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question. Best, Elena -- Elena Papale, PhD Institute for the Study of Anthropogenic Impacts and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (IAS), National Research Council, Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP) and Department of Life Science and Systems Biology University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino Italy elena.papale(a)cnr.it elena.papale(a)ias.cnr.it elena.papale(a)unito.it

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new article on: An updated range-wide assessment of Neophocaena: Threats and priorities for research and conservation
by Ellen M Hines 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

Dear Colleagues, on behalf of my co-authors and others who contributed to this work, please see the following open access article: The genus Neophocaena includes two species, the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (N. phocaenoides) and the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (N. asiaeorientalis). The Indo-Pacific species is found in coastal waters from the Persian Gulf through south and southeast Asia to as far north as the Taiwan Strait. The narrow-ridged finless porpoise ranges from the Taiwan Strait to the waters of northern China, Korea, and Japan. Within N. asiaeorientalis there are two subspecies, the Yangtze finless porpoise (N. a. asiaeorientalis), found in the Yangtze River and adjoining lakes in China, and the East Asian finless porpoise (N. a. sunameri), found in coastal marine waters of China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan), Korea, Japan. In 2019, an international workshop was held on finless porpoise research and conservation. Participants shared that, in many regions, information on distribution, abundance and population structure is lacking or inadequate. A global assessment of research is critical to provide a basis for conservation planning. Anthropogenic activities (i.e., habitat degradation, pollution, etc.) are known threats, with fisheries bycatch the primary threat throughout the known distribution of finless porpoises. To conserve these cetaceans, research priorities include studies of abundance and distribution, habitat and ecology, fisheries-related mortality, increased public awareness, and bycatch mitigation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watbs.2024.100334 Ellen Hines, PhD Estuary & Ocean Science Center Professor Emeritus, School of the Environment San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr Tiburon, CA. 94940 ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> https://eoscenter.sfsu.edu/ellen-hines Adjunct Scientist: Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA

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Position Announcement: Executive Director
by Cameron Eller 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

Position Announcement: Executive Director Organization: Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC) Location: Crescent City, California Position Type: Part-Time, with opportunity for growth Compensation: Pay commensurate with experience The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization in its mission to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, and stranded marine mammals while promoting community engagement and education. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will provide strategic, operational, and financial oversight to ensure the achievement of NMMC’s mission and goals, while enhancing its impact within the community. Tucked behind the Redwood Curtain, Crescent City, CA boasts easy access to the Redwood National and State Parks along with some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the California Coast, making it a nature lovers' dream. Key Responsibilities 1. Administration & Organizational Management: Oversee daily operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and policies. Lead and support staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic plans. Ensure compliance with NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program standards. 2. Fundraising & Financial Management: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Ensure financial sustainability through effective budgeting and financial reporting. Research and secure grant opportunities to support NMMC’s mission. 3. Membership & Donations: Expand the donor base and membership program to increase recurring contributions. Cultivate lasting relationships with existing donors to sustain long-term support. 4. Event Planning & Execution: Manage annual events and develop new community engagement initiatives. Oversee event planning logistics, promotion, and execution. 5. Public Relations & Community Engagement: Build and nurture partnerships with local businesses, government entities, and community members in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. Represent NMMC in the NOAA West Coast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Serve as the public face of the organization, handling media relations and community outreach. 6. Education & Outreach: Develop and deliver educational programs to promote marine mammal conservation. Collaborate with schools, community groups, and organizations to expand NMMC’s educational impact. Qualifications Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, administration, or a related field. Strong skills in fundraising, grant writing, event planning, and community relations. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and maintain financial sustainability. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Passion for marine mammal conservation and education. Education: Bachelor’s degree required (Marine Biological Sciences, Nonprofit management, or related field preferred). Application Process Interested applicants should submit the following: Cover Letter Resume Professional References Email submissions to: cameron(a)northcoastmmc.org Deadline: February 11th, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST) Join us in furthering marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and educational outreach in our communities. This part-time position offers growth opportunities, with compensation commensurate with experience. We look forward to receiving your application!

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New publication: Glider surveillance for near-real-time detection and spatial management
by Kate Indeck 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

G'day folks, On behalf of my wonderful co-authors, I am pleased to share our Early Release publication in Oceanography: Indeck, K.L., M.F. Baumgartner, L. Lecavalier, F. Whoriskey, D. Durette-Morin, N.R. Pettigrew, J.M. McSweeney, L.H. Thorne, K.L. Gallagher, C.R. Edwards, E. Meyer-Gutbrod, and K.T.A. Davies. 2025. Glider surveillance for near-real-time detection and spatial management of North Atlantic right whales. In Frontiers in Ocean Observing. E.S. Kappel, V. Cullen, I.C.A. da Silveira, G. Coward, C. Edwards, P. Heimbach, T. Morris, H. Pillar, M. Roughan, and J. Wilkin, eds, Oceanography 38(Supplement 1), https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2025e111. Abstract: Successful area-based ocean management relies on long-term, persistent biological monitoring using reliable ocean observation assets. Underwater electric gliders fill a unique monitoring niche compared to other platforms because they can autonomously survey across diverse environments—from shallow coastal waters to remote offshore areas—for weeks to months at a time. Gliders equipped with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) devices are capable of robust, continuous near-real-time monitoring of numerous species of whales. Here, we highlight five case studies to discuss how gliders are being used for area-based monitoring of the internationally migratory and critically endangered North Atlantic right whale to address several different spatial management objectives. Examples include dynamic management of shipping zones and fishery-area closures in Canadian waters, glider-based monitoring in the United States to mitigate vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements, surveys to assess whale habitat use near offshore wind energy development areas in the northeastern United States, and surveillance of the coastal calving grounds in the southeastern United States. These examples illustrate how PAM-equipped gliders are being used to monitor an endangered cetacean species with complex conservation management needs across its range. These assets are supporting risk reduction measures across diverse regions, and their use is likely to continue to expand in support of species conservation and threat mitigation. This article is Open Access at the DOI above. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me! Cheers, Kate Indeck Katherine Indeck, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow • Biological Sciences Mobile: (506) 653-7097 Office: Ganong Hall 224 Address: 100 Tucker Park Rd Saint John, New Brunswick Canada E2L 4L5 [University of New Brunswick] [Facebook]/uofnb<https://www.facebook.com/uofnb> [Twitter] @unb<https://twitter.com/UNB> [Instagram] @discoverunb<https://instagram.com/discoverunb/> UNB.ca<http://www.unb.ca/> Kate Indeck | Davies Lab<https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab/copy-of-kim-davies>

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INVITATION to the 1st international WHALES SHIPS COLLISIONS workshop
by Caroline Bourgeois 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

To MARMAM -- Marine Mammals Research and Conservation Discussion To all MARMAM list members INVITATION to the 1ST international WHALES SHIPS COLLISIONS workshop https://bit.ly/CallforpapersOCEANS2025 Call for papers OCEANS 2025 IEEE.pdf https://bit.ly/SponsorshipOceans Sponsorship and Patronage OCEANS 2025._ (1).pdf Hello, First, my best wishes for 2025. I work with Damien Demoor, Romain Jan and Gwenaël Desse at the mission-driven company GREENOV on the Cetaceans / Ships strikes theme, linked to the European project LIFE-SEADETECT. GREENOV, IEEE OES and the European project LIFE-SEADETECT are delighted to invite you at the one-day very 1st international workshop about Cetaceans / ships strikes. As you well know, collisions happen more and more, occurring possibly crew injuries and vessels damages. And, unfortunately very often, whales’ injuries and deaths. This event will take place during the IEEE OES OCEANS 2025 conference and exhibition in Brest, France at Le Quartz Monday June 16, 2025, 9.00am – 5.00pm The program of the workshop day is available in the attached link “Call for papers”. Please now book the time slot in your agenda. Registrations (including for the workshop) will be opened end January. Call for Papers – Collisions workshop We invite you as well to submit a paper to present your latest studies, works and activity during a 15-mn presentation. More details are in “Call for Papers” document. Your paper should be sent to :  workshop.collision.brest(a)greenov.green<mailto:workshop.collision.brest@greenov.green> as soon as possible and before mid-end of February. We will be more than pleased to receive it. Sponsoring – Collisions workshop Also interested by sponsoring this Cetaceans ships strikes workshop to valorise your environmental impact? Click on the above link “SponsorshipOceans” and please do not hesitate to contact me by return. It would be great if you could also share widely this event to all your contacts. We do hope to welcome you in Brest, get your support with papers and /or sponsoring. I remain at your disposal for any information you may need. Have a nice day. Best regards, Caroline Caroline Bourgeois Project & Business Developer     📱 +33 6 73 91 84 33 📧 <mailto:daniela.soto@greenov.green>caroline.bourgeois(a)greenov.green<mailto:gwenael.desse@greenov.green> 🌐 greenov.green<https://greenov.green/> 🔗Linkedin<https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenov-fr/>

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Obituary for Finn Larsen published in Marine Mammal Science today -- see link within
by Per Palsbøll 23 Jan '25

23 Jan '25

Marine Mammal Science published an obituary for Finn Larsen today. You should be able to access the full version via the link below. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/Z5KYDMIXAE859WUG3AIK?target=10… Best regards, Per J. Palsbøll (he/him) Professor of Marine Evolution and Conservation Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands Office phone: +31 50 363 9882 Mobile +31 6 5777 9595 Mail address: PO Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands Adjunct scientist Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, U.S.A. ---------- "How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress." As quoted in "Niels Bohr : The Man, His Science, & the World They Changed" (1966) by Ruth Moore, p. 196 ----------

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