October 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opportunity: Research Scientist at the New England Aquarium
by Hansen Johnson 08 Oct '25

08 Oct '25

Hello MARMAM community, We seek a Research Scientist to join and grow with the long-standing North Atlantic right whale research team as part of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium (NEAq). This scientist will oversee the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Sightings & Effort Database, which contains sightings and effort data for right whales and other marine species collected along the east coast of the US and Canada. They will lead the migration of the database to NEAq then oversee all database operations, including facilitating data submission, quality control, storage, and data access. They will also have the opportunity to lead independent research projects that advance conservation outcomes for marine species. The job description and application are available here: https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/3875829 More information on the database is available here: https://www.narwc.org/sightings-database.html The position will remain open until filled. For additional information or questions, please email me at hjohnson(a)neaq.org. All the best, Hansen -- Hansen Johnson, PhD (he/him) Research Scientist Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium 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.

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MARMAM - PAM Level 1 training at Okehampton Devon UK
by Zoe Wright 08 Oct '25

08 Oct '25

Seiche Training PAM Level 1 training at Okehampton Devon UK (first come first serve basis) * 24-26th November Okehampton Devon UK PAM Level 1 + Boat trip PAM Level 1 course combines classroom study with practical experience at sea to equip you with the all the skills required to become a professionally qualified Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator. you will look at the role of a PAM Operator and an in-depth introduction to PAM software, including an interactive PAMGuard workshop. The practical Boat trip will be at Plymouth, and we will arrange travel to and from the Boat to our offices. To book on the courses or to find out further information email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer 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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New publication: Shifts in Acoustic Signature of Southern Hemisphere Fin Whales: Declining Peak Frequency of High-Frequency Components.
by Svenja Wöhle 08 Oct '25

08 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our new publication on the long-term stability of Southern Hemisphere fin whale high-frequency components: Wöhle, S., Parker, L., Burkhardt, E., Van Opzeeland, I., & Schall, E. (2025). Shifts in Acoustic Signature of Southern Hemisphere Fin Whales: Declining Peak Frequency of High-Frequency Components. JASA Express Letters.https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0039500 Abstract Population-specific acoustic features are vital for using passive acoustic monitoring to study marine mammal populations in remote regions. Southern Hemisphere fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) songs include region-specific high-frequency components, with the 86- and 99-Hz high-frequency components present in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean. Using long-term passive acoustic monitoring data, we show that, despite gradual interannual and intra-annual variabilities, these features remain distinct and recognizable across regions and years. Our findings support their use as reliable acoustic markers for monitoring fin whale populations, providing valuable insights into distribution and population structure. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. Best wishes, Svenja Wöhle (on behalf of all co-authors) ____________________ Svenja Wöhle | PhD student (she/her) Ocean Acoustics Group, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research Klußmannstr. 3d, 27570 Bremerhaven Tel.: 0471-4831-2212 Email: svenja.woehle(a)awi.de

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Marine Biology Internship Program
by Marine Life Research Foundation 07 Oct '25

07 Oct '25

*The Marine Life Research Foundation (MLRF) is currently accepting applications for the Winter / Spring 2025/2026 internship program.* The MLRF Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in marine biology, cetacean research, and conservation efforts to gain hands-on experience in the South Adriatic Sea, an area of significant importance for cetacean populations. This program is for students, graduates from a university program in marine biology, environmental science or a related field, individuals who wants to gain knowledge and experience in cetacean research, as well as for ocean lovers with keen interest in marine biology and conservation. No prior cetacean research experience is required, the training is provided, though a strong interest in marine life and conservation is essential! By the end of the internship, participants will: 1. Gain a deep understanding of cetacean ecology, species identification, and behavior. 2. Learn the latest research methodologies used in cetacean studies. 3. Participate in practical fieldwork, including data collection and equipment use for cetacean research. 4. Understand the importance of stranding response and how to deal with cetacean strandings effectively. 5. Become proficient in data analysis using different software tools employed in marine biology research. 6. Develop skills in organizing and leading public awareness programs, essential for promoting cetacean conservation. 7. Contribute to ongoing conservation efforts while gaining hands-on experience in a field setting. Location: Bar, Montenegro, South Adriatic Sea Program duration: minimum 4 consecutive weeks Due to the limited funding available for conservation projects, this program is fee-based to support the ongoing research and conservation efforts. The fee for 4 consecutive weeks is 900€ and it covers: - Accommodation during the internship period. - Training materials, equipment, and software access. - On-site transportation for fieldwork and research. - Mentorship and educational guidance from M.Sc. Natasa Nikpaljevic. Please see the following link for the full posting and to apply: https://mlrf.me/intership-program/ *M.Sc. Natasa Nikpaljevic* *Founder and Director of Marine Life Research Foundation* *https://mlrf.me/ <https://mlrf.me/>* *Instagram: @marinelife_rf* *Facebook: @marineliferesearchfoundation *

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In Memory of Tim Werner
by Andrew Read, Ph.D. 07 Oct '25

07 Oct '25

Jeremy Kiszka and I are very sad to convey the news that our friend and colleague Dr. Tim Werner died peacefully on August 29th, 2025, age 63, after a long bout with a chronic illness. Tim received his Ph.D. in 2018 from Boston University and devoted much of his career to addressing the bycatch of marine mammals in commercial fisheries. He worked for WWF and Conservation International before joining the New England Aquarium, where he developed and led the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction. The Consortium provides funding and technical advice to researchers and harvesters working to reduce bycatch. Through his work, Tim helped to develop alternative fishing techniques to reduce the bycatch of endangered and threatened species, including the North Atlantic right whale, vaquita, and franciscana. He served on the U.S. NMFS Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team, the U.S. Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team, and was a contributor to the Expert Panel for the International Whaling Commission's Bycatch Mitigation Initiative. Tim also led the development of the Guidelines to Prevent and Reduce Bycatch of Marine Mammals in Capture Fisheries, published by the FAO in 2021. In addition, Tim coauthored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports on marine megafauna bycatch assessments and mitigation. He was always supportive of students and student projects, particularly in the developing world. Tim was smart, funny, thoughtful, quirky, and a great friend to many of us - we will miss him. Tim’s family requests that donations be made to the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conservation Fund in his honor. Andy Read Duke University Marine Laboratory

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New publication - Soft classification of pilot whale calls
by Benjamin Benti 07 Oct '25

07 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM list, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our latest study in Bioacoustics, entitled "Unsupervised classification of graded animal signals using fuzzy clustering" (https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2025.2563548) In this study, we implement an innovative clustering algorithm to quantify the graded nature of long-finned pilot whale calls. ABSTRACT Graded vocal repertoires represent a challenge for bioacoustics. We present an unsupervised classification procedure designed to take gradation into account, based on Mel frequency cepstral coefficients and fuzzy clustering. Cepstral coefficients are well defined for tonal, broadband and pulsed sounds. They compress information about the distribution of energy across frequencies into a limited number of variables. The Mel scale mimics the perception of pitch by mammalian ears. Fuzzy clustering is a soft classification approach. Instead of assigning samples to a single category, it describes their position relative to overlapping clusters and can therefore identify stereotyped and graded vocalisations within a repertoire. We evaluated the performance of this procedure on a set of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) calls. Fuzzy clustering was much less time-consuming than manual classification (days vs. months), but identified a smaller number of categories (three to six fuzzy clusters compared to 11 human-defined call types). Some fuzzy clusters were similar to sets of human-defined call types, but some call types were spread over several fuzzy clusters. Fuzzy clusters provide new quantitative insight about the gradation of vocal repertoires. We discuss the results and the need to investigate the functions of call gradation in future research. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any question or would like to discuss the article! Kind regards, Benjamin Benti

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New Publication Marine Mammals’ Fauna Detection via eDNA Methodology in Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece)
by Akritopoulou Elena 06 Oct '25

06 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our new work regarding the marine mammals' detection via eDNA in Greece and specifically in Pagasitikos Gulf. To our knowledge this is the first study as such in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. "Marine Mammals’ Fauna Detection via eDNA Methodology in Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece)" in Diversity. It is open access and available here: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/10/692 The team is happy to respond to any questions _Abstract_ Marine mammals are important ecological bio-indicators of marine ecosystems impacted by a plethora of anthropogenic and environmental threats. Genomics detects genetic variation, adaptation to environmental shifts, and susceptibility to diseases in marine mammal species. In this study, eDNA was utilized for the first time in the Pagasitikos Gulf over three consecutive years (2022–2024) in order to detect marine mammal species. Additionally, visual monitoring and eDNA results were compared to reveal the pros and cons of the two methodologies. The gulf was zoned into five different areas with respect to oceanographic features for sampling. DNA extraction was assessed by using a standard protocol of phenol–chloroform followed by PCR amplification using the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 5,209,613 highly filtered sequence reads were attributed to 108 species. Among these, Monachus monachus, Tursiops truncatus, and Ziphius cavirostris species were detected. This novel detection of Z. cavirostris in the relatively shallow waters of the Gulf of Pagasitikos raised the question of whether it was a random event or a new ecological trend. Z. cavirostris and M. monachus appeared to share the same marine areas within the gulf. In the era of the climate crisis, eDNA provides essential information on marine mammals’ ecological status, yields novel detections, and predicts behavioral changes essential to deep-diving species. All best, Elena -- Elena Akritopoulou PhD candidate in Marine Mammals' Molecular Ecology, Marine Mammal Monitoring Unit, Laboratory of Hydrobiology & Ichthyology, Dept. of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str., 38446, Volos

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MARMAM JNCC MMO / PSO request to publish
by Zoe Wright 05 Oct '25

05 Oct '25

Seiche Training Course (first come first serve basis) Remote Training via Microsoft Teams. * 13-14th October JNCC MMO with (optional) PSO JNCC MMO/PSO training course will give you a thorough insight into all aspects of life as a marine mammal observer. Exploring: how noise impacts marine mammals; the legislative landscape; record-keeping; reporting requirements; and mitigation measures. JNCC Seiche certification will be awarded on completion of this training. To book on the courses or to find out further information email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer 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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New open-access paper: Ringed Seal abundance in Isfjorden, Svalbard after 20 years
by Marc Rams i Ríos 04 Oct '25

04 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to share our new open-access publication in Marine Mammal Science: Rios, M. R. I., Kovacs, K. M., Lydersen, C., Ims, R. A., & Lowther, A. (2025). Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida) Abundance in Isfjorden, Svalbard, After 20‐Years of Climate Change and a Concomitant Survey Hiatus. Marine Mammal Science, e70076. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70076 Abstract: Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Svalbard, Norway, are suspected to be declining due to a significant reduction in land-fast sea ice, which serves as an essential breeding habitat, but were last surveyed in 2002. We address this data gap by conducting Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) aerial surveys throughout Isfjorden (including adjacent small fjords) on the island of Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard Archipelago, during the molting season in 2023. We also provide an assessment of the size/age structure of the ringed seal population within Isfjorden using body lengths measured from aerial images. We show a decrease of 77% in land-fast sea ice area and a concomitant decline in ringed seal abundance of approximately 46% since 2002. During the same period, the density of hauled-out seals increased from 1.86 seals/km2 in 2002 to 2.41 seals/km2 in 2023. Length-based estimates of age suggest that 65% of the contemporary population consists of immature individuals. Together, the results from this updated population survey underscore the need for more frequent monitoring of ringed seals in Svalbard to better understand the drivers of population decline and highlight the broader implications of environmental change on Arctic marine biodiversity. The innovative use of UAS technology in this study demonstrates its utility in wildlife research, offering a less invasive, more cost-effective, efficient, and safer method for surveying marine mammals in polar regions compared to crewed aircraft. Best regards, Marc Rams i Rios PhD Student, GEMM Lab Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University

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Job: 3-year Full-time Bioacoustics Machine Learning Postdoc at San Diego Zoo Conservation Technology Lab, San Diego, California
by Ian Ingram 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

*Bioacoustics Machine Learning Postdoc* Opening at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/sdzwa/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/22271 Come work with us in the San Diego Zoo Conservation Technology Lab! We have an opening for a post-doc from *computer science or a related field* with strong experience in *machine learning* to work on *bioacoustics* projects in ecology and conservation. The projects have global impact including in our conservation programs in the Peruvian Amazon, Cameroon's Ebo Forest, the savannas of Kenya, our Southern Californian grasslands, the misty, mountain forests of southwestern China, and the Arctic Ocean. The work will span terrestrial and marine mammals (and non-mammals). The marine mammals that will likely be involved are polar bears, sea otters, and killer whales. We have interesting problems and we have interesting data. Lots of both actually! Scroll down to the "What We Are Looking For" part of the "About the job" section of the linked post to see more specifics about the position. And you can apply at that link as well. Please spread the word to folks you think might be interested and feel free to reach out to me (Ian Ingram: iingram(a)sdzwa.org) with questions. The application portal is open through *October 6th* (next Monday).

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