October 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

UF Fall 2025 online aquatics course - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Hi All, Registration is open for Fall 2025. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues course, fully online. Classes start Thursday August 22th and runs through Wednesday, December 4th. * Registration will remain open through Monday Aug 25th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. *This class is also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DBFCAF.2CF14F90] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior 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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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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UF Summer online aquatics courses - Manatee Health & Conservation and Marine Mammal Bio
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Summer 2025. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Manatee Health & Conservation (upper level undergrad and grad) course and Marine Mammal Biology (grad), both fully online. Classes starts Monday May 12th and run through Friday Aug 8th. Registration will remain open through Friday, May 9th. Manatee Health and Conservation Class (VME4016 and VME6017) is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online course (3 credits) available only to Post-Baccalaureate and graduate students and provides 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. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DB94FE.6407D300] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior 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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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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IFAW Marine Mammal Stranding Internships - Winter/Spring 2026
by Wellman, Michaela 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is currently accepting applications for Winter/Spring 2026 Marine Mammal Stranding Internships. IFAW Marine Mammal Stranding Internship Winter/Spring Session 2026 (Mid January, 2026 - End of May, 2026) Complete Applications due: October 5th, 2025 Program Background IFAW is an international non-profit organization. This internship is based out of our International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) program is a federally authorized program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Our program strives to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. Cape Cod is a marine mammal stranding "hot spot," with an average of over 315 strandings occurring each year. These strandings include live and dead seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins. In addition to stranding response, IFAW's MMR division has developed the Cetacean Intensive Care Unit (CICU) located at the Dolphin Rescue Center in Orleans, MA. CICU is a short-term holding facility (96 hours) that aims to provide rehabilitative care to dolphins and porpoises experiencing acute effects of stranding. Stranding Intern Duties * Stranding hotline coverage: answer calls, document reports, educate callers, dispatch volunteers, complete associated paperwork and enter data. * Marine mammal stranding response & necropsy: assist staff with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and supportive care, biological data collection, post-mortem examinations and sampling in both field and laboratory settings. * CICU operations: assist staff with aspects of CICU operations, including animal care (i.e. in-water support, assist during procedures, monitoring animal behavior etc.), CICU education and outreach, CICU readiness and cleaning, etc. Please note experiences will be opportunistic as cases arise. We do not have a long-term rehabilitation program or animals on-site regularly. * Stranding & necropsy readiness: cleaning, organizing and maintaining stranding response and necropsy gear, equipment and facilities, restocking kits and supplies. * Data entry & sample processing: assist in entry of stranding data. Assist in organizing, cataloging, disseminating and archiving of photos, videos, datasheets, samples, etc. * Outreach: assist staff with training and outreach material preparation and organization, participate in opportunistic outreach at stranding sites, participate in community events. Please see the following link for the full posting and to apply: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1059IFFA/JobBoard/17b588a3-808b-4bc9-aea8… Michaela Wellman Stranding Technician Marine Mammal Rescue 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 United States www.ifaw.org<https://www.ifaw.org/> +1 (774) 212-1103 (cell) +1 (508) 743-9548 (stranding hotline) [ifaw]<https://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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Re: [MARMAM] New publication on stomach contents of stranded Ziphius cavirostris in the eastern Mediterranean
by Arda M. Tonay 26 Dec '25

26 Dec '25

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new paper on "Stomach Contents of Stranded Goose-Beaked Whales in the Levantine Basin and Aegean Sea" has been published in Marine Mammal Science. Tonay, A.M., Salman, A., Taşkaya, İ., Danyer, E., Dede, A., Çanakcı, T., Amaha Öztürk, A. 2025. Stomach contents of stranded goose-beaked whales in the Levantine Basin and Aegean Sea. Marine Mammal Science 0:e70075. You can view the article at: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70075 Abstract Goose-beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), a cosmopolitan odontocete, is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea. This study, the first to examine the stomach contents of the goose-beaked whale in the Aegean Sea and Levantine Basin, reveals key aspects of its diet. The stomach contents of one whale from Seferihisar, Türkiye, in 2016, and five from a mass stranding on Cyprus in February 2023 were analyzed. A total of 1,448 lower beaks from 16 cephalopod species were identified, with six species-Octopoteuthis sicula, Ancistrocheirus lesueurii, Histioteuthis reversa, Chtenopteryx sicula, Chiroteuthis veranii, and Todarodes sagittatus-comprising the primary diet. Four species-Loligo forbesii, Pyroteuthis margaritifera, Pterygioteuthis giardi, and Brachioteuthis riisei-were recorded for the first time in goose-beaked whale stomachs. Their prey preference is generally pelagic cephalopods, though benthic or demersal species are occasionally eaten. The high species diversity and the presence of species not found in other studies may be due to differences in cephalopod fauna characterized by seabed and other oceanographic features of the eastern Mediterranean. The Mediterranean population is genetically divided into western and eastern subpopulations, and their diets appear to differ. Pdf request can be sent to <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr Regards Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2 Fatih 34134 İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 212 440 0000/20159 Fax: +90 212 440 0232 <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/> http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 -- *Yasal Uyarı:* Bu elektronik posta, **buradan* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…> *ulaşabileceğiniz Koşul ve Şartlara tabidir. *Disclaimer: *This email is subject to the Terms and Conditions available *here.* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…>

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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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Environmental History Seminar: Caribbean whaling
by Russell Fielding 06 Nov '25

06 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM list colleagues, I'm writing to share the announcement for an upcoming environmental history seminar that I will give for the Massachusetts Historical Society on 9 December 2025 on the topic of whaling in the Caribbean. Specifically, the discussion will illustrate the historical connections between 18th- and 19th-century American whaling as described in Melville's Moby-Dick and whaling as it's practiced in St. Vincent & the Grenadines today. The event is free, open to the public, and intended for a general audience. It will take place in-person in Boston and simultaneously online. The organizers ask that interested participants preregister at the following link: https://www.masshist.org/events/so-wide-a-chase Registered participants will receive by email a draft of the paper being discussed a day or so before the event. Thank you, Russell Fielding -- Russell Fielding, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Anthropology & Geography, Spadoni College of Education & Social Sciences HTC Honors College Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC 29528-6054 USA +1 843-349-2396 rfielding(a)coastal.edu<mailto:rfielding@coastal.edu> russellfielding.com<https://russellfielding.com/>

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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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