October 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication, Aerial-ID of humpback whales
by Lewis Evans 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share a new publication in marine mammal science entitled: Elevating Photo-Identification: Aerial-Identification Improves Re-Sight Rates and Supports Long-Term Monitoring of Humpback Whales. Photo-identification (photo-ID) is a widely used, non-invasive method for monitoring individual animals, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae; HBWs), and has provided valuable insights into their population dynamics, movement patterns, and social structures. Traditional identification relies on the trailing edge and ventral pigment patterns of the tail fluke (fluke-ID); however, not all whales present their flukes, limiting identification and re-sighting opportunities. We developed a novel aerial-identification (aerial-ID) approach using drone imagery to identify individual HBWs based on the arrangement of two features, tubercles (TB) and cookiecutter shark scars (CCS). Between January and March 2022, we sampled 1,498 HBWs, including repeated individuals, capturing fluke-ID images for 772 and aerial-ID images for 1,437. Fluke-ID yielded 164 re-sightings (76 lactating females, 88 others), while aerial-ID yielded 372 (249 and 123, respectively), representing a 227% increase for lactating females and 40% for others. We extended this approach to a multi-year, cross-regional dataset (2018–2025) of 54 individuals verified with fluke-ID. All were matched using aerial-ID, with the longest re-sight spanning 2,737 days (6.5 years), representing the maximum interval within our study period. Aerial-ID thus offers a powerful complement to fluke-ID, expanding demographic coverage, increasing re-sighting rates, and enabling long-term, cross-regional monitoring. Read the publication here: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70078 Citation: Evans, L. I., M. van Aswegen, S. Feinberg, J.J. Currie., S. H. Stacket., A. Szabo, and L. Bejder. 2025. “Elevating Photo-Identification: Aerial-Identification Improves Re-Sight Rates and Supports Long-Term Monitoring of Humpback Whales.” <http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70078>Marine Mammal Science <http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70078> e70078. <http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70078>http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70078 Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions. I would be happy to answer them! Lewis Evans PhD Student, Marine Mammal Research Program Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology University of Hawaii at Mānoa Lewis Evans PhD Student, Marine Mammal Research Program Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology University of Hawaii at Mānoa ________________________________________________ Web: MMRP <https://www.mmrphawaii.org/about-5> Email: levans4(a)hawaii.edu

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Survey: Caretaker Accessibility at SMM Biennial
by Amy Van Cise 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM, The SMM DEI Women and Families Subcommittee is collecting feedback about caretaker accessibility efforts at the 2024 Biennial in Perth in advance of the upcoming Biennial. If you are a caretaker, please take a moment to share your feedback with us using this short survey: https://forms.gle/6mfQa7ivJRJKtAp3A Thank you in advance for your feedback! Warm regards, Amy, on behalf of SMM DEI W&F Subcommittee <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: FSH 216B 206-221-6118 "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin

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Internship program
by Marine Life Research Foundation 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

*The Marine Life Research Foundation (MLRF) is currently accepting applications for the Winter / Spring 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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Resubmit: Call for Papers
by Ryan Jones 01 Oct '25

01 Oct '25

Call for Papers Whales and Humans: Past Entanglements and Current Relations International Conference at the University of Iceland, June 22 – 23, 2026 Scholarship on the relationship between humans and whales around the globe continues to be exciting and innovative. Yet, since the Sandefjord Whaling Museum last hosted a conference on the topic in 2013, there have been few opportunities for this community of scholars to come together. Therefore, we – a consortium of scholars from Iceland, Japan, and the United States – are soliciting papers for a conference on the history and present of humans and whales, to take place at the University of Iceland, in Reykjavik, from June 22 – 23, 2026. We hope to receive submissions examining as many different parts of the world oceans as possible. Those interested in presenting work on any aspect of the entangled histories of humans and whales, please submit a short CV (2-page maximum) as well as an abstract proposal of no more than 300 words no later than December 21, 2025. Conference sponsors aim to cover participants’ food and lodging in Iceland, as well as travel costs for some graduate students and early career scholars. The conference will take place in connection with the Húsavík Whale Museum’s annual Whale Conference, on June 25, with participants warmly invited to extend their stay in Iceland to attend. Please submit your CV and abstract in one email to: whales(a)hi.is<mailto:whales@hi.is> For inquiries, please use the same email address. Updates will be posted on the conference website closer to the event, www.whales.hi.is<http://www.whales.hi.is> Conference committee & institutional sponsors: Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, main organizer, University of Iceland Ryan Tucker Jones, University of Oregon Akamine Jun, ArCS III (Arctic Challenge for Sustainability), Hitotsubashi University Lissa Wadewitz, University of Oregon

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New Publication: Seasonal flexibility in energy stores of Hudson Bay beluga whales
by Amanda Belanger 01 Oct '25

01 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to share our recent open access publication titled 'Seasonal flexibility in energy stores of Hudson Bay beluga whales: insights from blubber lipid analysis' published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology. Abstract: During the primary feeding season, marine mammals often accumulate fat reserves, primarily in the form of blubber. Despite the ecological significance of feeding, uncertainty remains surrounding the timing of energy store accumulation in Hudson Bay beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas* (Pallas, 1776)). Blubber samples were collected from whales hunted by Inuit along the whale’s migration route, from 2015 to 2021 (excl. 2018). Sampling occurred in spring and fall, assumed to represent feeding in winter and summer, respectively. We analyzed blubber for lipid content and adipocyte size, two related indices of lipid dynamics, across three blubber sections (outer, middle, and inner). We found interannual variability in the season with the highest fat content, with some years showing higher lipid content in spring than fall. While adipocyte size did not differ seasonally, minima were observed in 2017 and 2019. Fat stores differed across blubber sections, with the highest lipid content and largest adipocytes in the middle section. The observed seasonal variation indicates there is no consistent season in which Hudson Bay beluga whales predominantly accumulate fat. Consequently, building energy stores in the form of blubber may not be the primary driving force behind the beluga whale’s migration between the wintering and summering areas. Amanda M. Belanger, James D. Roth, Steven H. Ferguson, Olwyn C. Friesen, and Cortney A. Watt. 2025. Seasonal flexibility in energy stores of Hudson Bay beluga whales: insights from blubber lipid analysis. *Canadian Journal of Zoology*. 103: 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2024-0114 Best, Amanda M. Belanger she/her/elle Aquatic Science Biologist | Biologiste en sciences aquatiques Marine mammal biology and conservation | Biologie et conservation des mammifères marins Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada amandabelanger97(a)gmail.com | amanda.belanger2(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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New article on killer whale call detection ranges
by Yurk, Harald (he, him / il, lui) (DFO/MPO) 01 Oct '25

01 Oct '25

Unclassified - Non-Classifié Hi there, My co-authors and I are pleased to share an Open Access Publication in PLOSone entitled "Modeling the detection range of pulsed calls from resident killer whale in nearshore waters of British Columbia, Canada". Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using underwater listening stations is widely employed to assess the presence and movements of marine mammals. Accurate interpretation of PAM data requires knowledge of vocalization detection ranges, which vary spatially and temporally with ambient sound levels and sound propagation conditions. This study presents a Monte Carlo framework for estimating call detection probabilities as a function of distance incorporating variability in frequency dependent source levels, ambient sound levels and caller depths. This methodology was applied to underwater listening stations deployed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Salish Sea to monitor endangered Southern and threatened Northern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus orca ater). The approach integrates in situ ambient sound measurements and modeled propagation losses to account for variability in source levels and vocalizing depths. To reflect frequency-dependent detectability by an automated detector, the analysis was performed independently across consecutive 300 Hz frequency bands. Median estimated detection ranges for Southern Resident Killer Whale pulsed calls varied from 650 m under the worst conditions (high ambient noise levels, low source level, high propagation loss) to 7.9 km under the best conditions (low ambient noise levels, high source level, low propagation loss). Maximum detection ranges were generally greater in summer than in winter, primarily due to higher ambient noise levels in winter associated with increased weather activity. Calls from Northern Resident Killer Whales were detectable at shorter ranges than those from Southern Residents, reflecting their lower source levels and weaker low-frequency components. Sensitivity analysis showed that the frequency distribution of source levels was the primary factor influencing detection range estimates, while seasonal changes in propagation loss had comparatively limited impact. Although developed for killer whales, this approach can be adapted to other vocal species to quantify species-specific detection range probabilities, guide optimal hydrophone placement to maximize coverage in noisy environments (with application to noise impact mitigation strategies), and provide needed inputs for passive acoustic density estimation models. Mouy X, Austin M, Wladichuk J, Yurk H (2025) Modeling the detection range of pulsed calls from resident killer whale in nearshore waters of British Columbia, Canada. PLoS One 20(9): e0331942. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0331942 Modeling the detection range of pulsed calls from resident killer whale in nearshore waters of British Columbia, Canada | PLOS One<https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0331942> Best regards, Harald -------------------------------------------------------- Harald Yurk, Ph.D. [he/him; il/lui] Behavioural Ecologist and Bioacoustician Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Ecosystem Science Division Aquatic Ecosystem and Marine Mammal Section * Whale Detection and Localization Team Pacific Science Enterprise Centre, 4160 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1N6 Phone: (236) 330-2257; email: harald.yurk(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:harald.yurk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> I acknowledge that I live and primarily work on the traditional unceded homelands of the Skwxwu?7mesh (Squamish), x?m??kw?y??m (Musqueam), and S?l?i?lw?ta?/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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Invitation to Join a Frank Conversation About Harassment
by Jeremy Kiszka 01 Oct '25

01 Oct '25

Dear MARMAM, Please join the Society for Marine Mammalogy for a conversation about harassment within the field of marine mammal science. This is an opportunity for our community members across all career stages to share their experiences with discrimination, harassment, solidarity or allyship; brainstorm resources or actions to mitigate harassment and create solidarity or allyship; and build a network dedicated to creating positive change. All are welcome and encouraged to join regardless of SMM membership, or career stage. Throughout 2025/2026, we will host six meetings, moderated by the DEI Committee, in alternating months and across various time zones to provide the greatest flexibility for the global marine mammal research community. Each meeting will be limited to 25 participants; three meetings will be open only to female-identifying individuals, and three will be open to all regardless of gender identity. The conversations will focus on four topics: experiences with harassment, experiences with power dynamics, experiences with solidarity or allyship, and suggestions to create or improve resources and infrastructure in our community. Participants will have the option to join the conversation verbally or using an online whiteboard tool to type your responses if you do not feel comfortable sharing them verbally. Register here <https://forms.gle/72z78i7z2QBMAdQZA>( https://forms.gle/72z78i7z2QBMAdQZA) for the meeting time that works best for you (listed below) - because space is limited, please commit to attending for the meeting that you register for. If you register and are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the spot to someone on the waitlist. Meeting times: October 29, 2025 @ 9 PM PST [female-identifying only] December 17, 2025 @ 4AM PST [female-identifying only] February 25, 2026 @ 7 AM PST [female-identifying only] April 29, 2026 @ 11 AM PST June 24, 2026 @ 2PM PST August 26, 2026 @ 5PM PST -- *Dr. Jeremy J. Kiszka* President, Society for Marine Mammalogy president(a)marinemammalscience.org https://marinemammalscience.org

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