January 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Web Developer for Photo-ID software update
by Philip Hamilton 17 Jan '25

17 Jan '25

Dear Marmam Community, The New England Aquarium's Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program is seeking bids from full stack web development teams, preferably with digital media management experience, to modify and modernize the existing DIGITS software and underlying data structure used to manage all aspects of the North Atlantic Right Whale Photo-Identification Catalog and related resources. An overview of this project can be found at: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e7063885c616fab9e6b&C=50. Due to funding application timelines, bids must be received by February 14th at the latest with an anticipated project start date in the fall. Please forward this to any potentially interested parties. Thanks, Philip Philip Hamilton He/Him/His Senior Scientist and Interim Chair Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617) 973-5253 [cid:image001.png@01DB6669.9210DEE0][cid:image002.png@01DB6669.9210DEE0] This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

1 0

Request for study participants - How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist MMOs
by Emily Welsh 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

We are conducting a study and looking for participants! This international research initiative investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist MMOs in annotating aerial survey images with the goal to enhance detection accuracy, reduce observer variability, and create scalable, data-driven data. This study brings together international experts from both industry and academia, combining their diverse expertise to address the challenges of marine mammal observation and advance innovative solutions. Duration: A 3-hour annotation task that fits your schedule. Research methodology: You will annotate survey images using traditional or AI-assisted tools. Tasks will include marking beluga whales in images collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Location: This study is remote and can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection. Help us shape the future of marine mammal observation. Visit https://ndk7k9avrkt.typeform.com/to/RrbbRq5G to learn more and to confirm your eligibility. 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. *

1 0

New publication: "Klebsiella pneumoniae in stranded Central California Sea Lions [2017-2022]"
by Sydney Zotto 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

Hi MARMAM community: I just wanted to share a publication recently distributed in Frontiers in Marine Science on behalf of myself and my coauthors. Our publication is “Klebsiella pneumoniae in stranded California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) of Central California between 2017-2022.” Abstract: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, and non-motile bacillus frequently observed in mammals. A hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype of K. pneumoniae is reported in stranded California sea lions (CSL) causing pleuritis and bronchopneumonia as a persistent cause of strandings. We describe an increase in cases of HMV and non-HMV K. pneumoniae in stranded CSLs along the California coast between 2017 to 2022. 2,146 live-stranded CSLs were rescued by The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California). 47 of these tested positive for K. pneumoniae, with a rise in annual incidence from 0.92% (3/331) in 2017 to 8.5% (14/165) and 7.2% (23/320) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These strandings occurred across 965 kilometers along the North-Central California coast from Bodega Bay, Sonoma, to Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo. A similar pattern was observed in beach-cast CSL carcasses by the Long Marine Laboratory (LML) Stranding Network in Santa Cruz, California who had 8 CSLs test positive for K. pneumoniae with an annual incidence rate of 2.0% (1/50) and 10.1% (7/69) in 2021 and 2022, respectively, with no cases reported prior to 2021. We applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to 8 isolates obtained by LML in 2022. WGS analysis revealed high nucleotide similarity between any pair of isolates. Multilocus Sequence Typing showed that all isolates belonged to Sequence type 65 and contained the K2 polysaccharide capsule and siderophore aerobactin, which are all characteristics of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. We discuss possible causes for this trend and a need for research on K. pneumoniae in free-ranging CSLs in California. Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1484944 Best, Sydney Zotto Sydney Zotto, DVM, MPH (she/her) Small Animal Rotating Intern VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center — San Diego, CA

1 0

NAMMCO Scientific Publications series open contributions
by Noor Elias 16 Jan '25

16 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM Community, Volume 14 of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series is open for your contributions till the end of this month! The focus of this volume is "Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine Mammals." If your research explores human-related disturbances affecting marine mammals in the North Atlantic-whether it involves catch, by-catch, or other related topics-you're invited to submit your work. We welcome original Research Articles, Literature Reviews, Technical or Policy Notes, and Workshop Reports. The deadline for submissions is January 31st, 2025. More information regarding the submission, review and publication of manuscripts can be found here: https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/announcement/view/120 Best regards, Noor Elias Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Visitors: Sykehusveien 21-23, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Post: POB 6400, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Mob.: +47 967 45 893 Call for papers: NAMMCO Scientific Publication series<https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/index> is now accepting manuscripts for Volume 14 on topics related to Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine Mammals until January 31, 2024. Interested in submitting a manuscript? You can find detailed information on the volume and the submission process here<https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/announcement/view/108>, or you may contact me for additional inquiries. [cid:image001.jpg@01DB6806.7832CFD0]<https://nammco.no/> [Home - United Nations Sustainable Development] <https://nammco.no/sustainable-development-goals/> [Linkedin logo png, Linkedin icon transparent png 18930587 PNG] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-atlantic-marine-mammal-commission-na…> [Facebook Logo - PNG and Vector - Logo Download] <http://www.facebook.com/nammco.org> [Instagram PNG Icons, Instagram Logo PNG Images For Free Download | Pngtree] <http://www.instagram.com/nammco_org/>

1 0

Hiring 1 Whale Rescue Technician to join our team on Campobello Island, New Brunswick
by Natasha Hynes 15 Jan '25

15 Jan '25

Hi there, We are hiring a Whale Rescue Technician to join our team on Campobello Island, New Brunswick. Details are provided online at: https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/opportunities. Cheers Natasha Hynes (she/her) Research Associate https://www.facebook.com/CanadianWhaleInstitute | https://www.instagram.com/canadianwhaleinstitute/ | https://twitter.com/canwhaleinst

1 0

Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-Identification Internship Summer 2025 Positions Available
by Jessica Taylor 14 Jan '25

14 Jan '25

Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship Positions for Summer 2025 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch are currently acceptingapplications for the 2025 summer season. The research season is May 5th-October18th. Four internship positions are available for the followingdates: May 5th-September 27th, May 5th-August16th, May 19st-September 27th, and June 9th– October 18th. Start/end dates are flexible but successfulapplicants must be able to commit for the entire internship period. The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ourprogram’s goal is to gain an understanding of the population dynamics, movementpatterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the soundsand coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR conducts a long-term photo-identificationmonitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlicoand Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys aswell as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. Information from themonitoring study is used to examine annual population trends, habitatutilization, social associations, and ecology of the dolphins as well as aid inefforts to examine bottlenose dolphin stock structure and movement patternsalong the U.S. Atlantic coast. Interns will gain experience in field datacollection, photo-identification of dolphins, and environmental education. Formore information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. The internshipposition will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education.Responsibilities include: § Mate/naturalistduties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch: This involves the implementation of educational programs,including public speaking aboard the eco-tours (using a microphone andone-on-one) to educate others about local dolphin biology and marineconservation, as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will alsocollect opportunistic sighting data aboard the eco-tours (measuringenvironmental parameters, and recording sighting data) and assist in generalmaintenance of field equipment. For additional information about the NagsHead Dolphin Watch, please see www.nagsheaddolphinwatch.com (70% of time) § Photo-identificationof dolphins in the lab:This includes photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, andassisting in maintenance of the long-term OBX catalog using the programs finFindRand FinBase. This work will be completed remotely through a remote login to ourlab computer. (20% of time) § Boat-basedphoto-identification: The intern willassist with dedicated boat-based photo-identification surveys to contributionto the examination of site fidelity and stock structure of bottlenose dolphinsin northeastern North Carolina sounds. Responsibilities may include operating asmall vessel during transect surveys and sightings, assisting withphoto-identification, collecting sighting data for dolphin groups, and generalmaintenance of field equipment. (10% of time) This internshiprequires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of eco-tours,lab photo-identification, and dedicated surveys. The intern will carry outmate/naturalist duties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per weekthroughout the field season while 1-2 days per week will be spent conductingphoto-identification using FinBase and finFindR. Dedicated surveys will beconducted 2-3 times per month from May through October. Salary: Thisinternship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly pay of $15/hr.for the naturalist position on the dolphin watch portion only. (Lab workand dedicated surveys are not included) Tips aboard the dolphin tours areexpected, but not guaranteed. Housing: Housing is offeredat a cost of $800. per month for a private room including all utilities.Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the OuterBanks as well as to and from the field sites and lab. The successfulapplicant would ideally have the following qualifications: § Minimum of 18 years of age and recentlygraduated with an undergraduate degree in marine biology, biology, zoology, orrelated field § Strong interest in the marine environment andconservation § Ability to swim § Basic proficiency in MS Access, Word, Excel,and Picture Manager as well as digital photography § Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, independent,focused, and dedicated § Works well in a team environment as well asindividually § Experience in boating and marine field datacollection prefered § Experience in environmental outreach preferred § Experience in photo-identification preferred § Adequate strength and agility to performduties necessary to dock 45 ft. boat § First AID/CPR certification preferred § Due to employment aboard the dolphin eco-tours,all candidates must be U.S. citizens NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires allpassenger vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboardthe dolphin eco-tours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test andto participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit coverletter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to outerbanksdolphins(a)gmail.com. Use“Dolphin photo-id internship” in the subject line of the email. Applicationsreview will begin on February 1st and applications will be reviewedin the order received. Applications will be accepted until February 28th. John Kerner Owner/Captain NagsHead Dolphin Watch Executive BoardMember, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948 Obxdolphins.org

1 0

Aquatic Mammals Issue 51.1 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Jan '25

14 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, The first issue of volume 51 (51.1) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and officially published Wednesday, January 15th. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Articles with ** are open access: Lucía Yaffé, Damián G. Vales, Enrique A. Crespo, and Valentina Franco-Trecu. (2025). Feeding Habits and Individual Specialization in Adult Female South American Sea Lions (Otaria flavescens) in Patagonia. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), 1-12. **Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Laura Van Acoleyen, Linde N. Defillet, John M. Terhune, and Nancy Jennings. (2025). Temporary Hearing Threshold Shift in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) Due to a Noise Band Centered at 40 kHz and Comparison with Shifts Due to Lower-Frequency Sounds. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), 13-30. **Gabriela M. Ochoa, Eric Angel Ramos, and Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske. (2025). Predation of a Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) by Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in Guanaja, Honduras. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), 31-36. **Gonçalo N. Marques, Rita Barny, Joana S. Guerra, Miriam Leal, Nuno Urbani, and Carla Flanagan. (2025). A Suggested In-House Respiratory Fungal Culture Protocol for Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals, 51(1),37-45. Karen Ankersen Sønnichsen, Niels Madsen, Sussie Pagh, Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Charlotte Bie Thøstesen, Line Anker Kyhn, and Trine Hammer Jensen. (2025). Causes of Mortality in Harbor (Phoca vitulina) and Gray (Halichoerus grypus) Seals in Denmark. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), 46-61. **Sean Todd, Jooke Robbins, Mason T. Weinrich, Natasha Pastor, Dan Dendanto, Per J. Palsbøll, and Ann M. Zoidis. (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), 62-78. **Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Laura Van Acoleyen, and John M. Terhune. (2025). Temporary Hearing Threshold Shift and Testing the Equal-Energy Hypothesis in Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) After Exposure to a One-Sixth-Octave Noise Band Centered at 8 kHz. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), 79-95. Ambrosine L. Clark, Francesca Fusar Poli, and Vidal Martín. (2025). Whistle Characteristics of the Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) in the Canary Islands. Aquatic Mammals, 51(1), 96-104.

1 0

New case study: Tracking MPA effectiveness with eOceans
by Christine Ward-Paige 13 Jan '25

13 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM-ers, We are pleased to draw your attention to our newest case study: *Powering protected area success with eOceans: A California case study* Ocean Science Analytics (OSA), a global leader in marine research and education, used the eOceans app and analytics platform over the past year to evaluate the socio-ecological performance of the La Jolla marine protected area (MPA) in California. By combining historical records from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), dating back to the 1970s, with real-time observations from local MPA users, the project assessed biodiversity, human activity (social values and compliance), environmental conditions, and emerging threats. The study analyzed data from 247 surveys, documenting 245,908 animals—including whales, dolphins, sea lions, leopard sharks, Mola mola, and squid—alongside 6,445 human activities (e.g., surfing, fishing, kayaking, diving) and 138 pollution traces (e.g., lost fishing gear, plastics). This innovative approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the MPA's biodiversity, socio-economic value, and threats, offering critical evidence of its effectiveness and performance while guiding future conservation efforts. While this case study focused on MPA effectiveness, its insights and methods are valuable for anyone involved in monitoring and assessing marine mammals at any scale—whether addressing interactions with plastics, ghost gear, fisheries, wind development, tourism, shipping, or other activities. Read the *full case study* here <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F7MueKFXC_G1_2kcfVjpNc7bOqctYgQD/view>, *overview of the study* here <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/mpa-observer-program>, or explore their findings on the* interactive dashboard *here <https://eoceans.app/team?teamId=644062516127183fe0f74898>. Please feel free to contact me or Liz Ferguson (cc'd) at OSA if you have any questions or would like to learn more about how this approach could benefit your work. Please also share with decision makers who are keenly interested in doing more. Thanks for your attention and interest. Sincerely, Christine ... *Christine Ward-Paige, PhD <https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinewardpaige/>* christine(a)eoceans.co NEW case study! *MPA report* <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F7MueKFXC_G1_2kcfVjpNc7bOqctYgQD/view?usp=…> website: eOceans.app <https://www.eoceans.app/> mobile app: iOS <https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/eoceans/id1495841229> and Android <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.eoceans.app&hl=en_CA&gl=US> Book a demo: *here* <https://meetings.hubspot.com/christine195> This message is intended only for the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, distributing, copying, or in any way using this message. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete copies you received.

1 0

Dolphins conservation project - training opportunities
by Info DDP 12 Jan '25

12 Jan '25

DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project *Delfini del Ponente** is currently seeking applications for weekly and monthly internship and training opportunities in Imperia, Italy, from May to October 2025.* The project The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data year-round. The study has already provided very interesting information about this community inside the study area - its social organisation, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Our dataset includes records on several cetaceans species and also on other marine fauna such as seabirds - Mediterranean shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), Northern gannets (Morus bassanus), Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and more - sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and sunfish (Mola mola), among others. Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on recording data on marine fauna, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations to collect data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills in cetaceans and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month. Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons for the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, data transcription, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc...) Where: Imperia, Italy *When*: - *Weekly Program*: May 19–31, November 1–7 - *Monthly Program (minimum 30 days)*: June–October *Internship Activities* Interns will participate in a variety of activities, including: - *Boat-based surveys*: Monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins and other marine species. - *Boat maintenance*: Assisting with the upkeep of the research vessel. - *Data collection*: Recording data on cetaceans, fish, seabirds, turtles. - *Photo-ID matching and skin lesion analysis*. - *Land-based surveys and opportunistic surveys* - *Turtle tracks monitoring and potential nest monitoring (in summer).* - *Lectures and training*: Gaining skills in cetacean ecology, research techniques, seabird and sea turtle ID. This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation. *Internship Details* - *Work Schedule*: 5 days a week, 6-8 hours per day (fieldwork or office work depending on weather conditions). - *Accommodation*: Interns will be provided accommodation in an apartment in Imperia. - *Other Activities*: Free time offers opportunities for swimming, diving, hiking, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying local beaches and watersports. *Skills/Qualifications* - Minimum age of 18. - Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required. - Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural sciences, veterinary sciences, or a similar field (preferred). - Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and marine research. - Fluent in English (spoken and written). - Adaptable and flexible, as fieldwork is weather-dependent. - Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters. - Ability to work in an office setting for up to 6 hours a day. - Sociable and positive attitude, as interns will be part of an international team. *Training Program Fee* As a self-funded research project, participation requires a tuition fee. This fee includes: - Accommodation in an apartment in Imperia. - Tuition and training. - Use of the research vessel and equipment. - Field trips, insurance, and field costs. *Note*: Transportation expenses to and from Imperia and food costs are not included in the fee. *How to Apply* If you are passionate about marine research and would like to contribute to cetacean conservation, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to *info(a)delfinidelponente.it*. For more information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application! -- Dona il tuo 5x1000 e aiutaci a continuare la nostra importante missione! *Delfini Del Ponente APS* *+39 3534687707* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

1 0

Interbreeding area movement of an adult humpback whale between the E. Pacific Ocean and SW Indian Ocean
by Ekaterina Kalashnikova 10 Jan '25

10 Jan '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication ‘Interbreeding area movement of an adult humpback whale between the east Pacific Ocean and southwest Indian Ocean’ https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241361 Abstract Humpback whales undertake one of the longest known migrations of any mammal. While their migration route generally extends between latitudes, the breeding stocks are longitudinally separated and display high site fidelity to their feeding grounds. While there is an indication of certain breeding stocks overlapping with each other, the current information on the migration routes of humpback whales within the Southern Hemisphere limits our understanding of the extent of this exchange. Presented here is the longest documented great-circle distance between sightings on wintering grounds of two different ocean basins of an adult male humpback whale, involving two breeding stocks in the eastern Pacific (stock G) and southwest Indian Ocean (stock C). These two stocks are separated by a minimum of 120° longitude, and a great-circle distance of 13 046 km. This extreme distance movement demonstrates behavioural plasticity, which may play an important role in adaptation strategies to global environmental changes and perhaps be an evolved response to various pressures, underlining the importance of consolidation of global datasets on wide-ranging marine mammals. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions On behalf of DMAD and TCP Ekaterina Kalashnikova, +255 777 104 626 nyangumiznz(a)gmail.com

1 0