December 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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Wildlife Response Intern — Marine Mammal Rehab Internship
by Savannah Costner 31 Dec '25

31 Dec '25

Hi all, I am, as always, super excited to announce our internship applications are now open! It's an unpaid internship with housing provided in Alaska. Please read the description below and apply at this link : https://workforcenow.cloud.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitme… Wildlife Response Summer 2026 Internship: Summary: The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. All internships are unpaid, and a minimum commitment of 12-16 weeks is required. Housing is provided. The position is scheduled for five days and 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in person and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner. Education/Training Requirements: The internship is intended for adults over 18 years of age. Applicants with a background in biology, animal husbandry, and wildlife rehabilitation preferred. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred. Essential Duties: Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: 1. Prepare daily animal diets and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work areas. 2. Assist in the care of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and maintenance of the facility. 3. Assist with pool cleanings and water quality testing. 4. Assist with the Stranded Animal Hotline and interact with the public professionally. 5. Assist with the rescue and release of stranded animals if opportunities present. Please note, due to the remote nature of Alaska, most animal recovery in the field happens with local authorities and the animal is then transferred to the Center. Rarely do staff pick up animals directly from their stranding location. 6. Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning modules. 7. Maintain and update computerized medical records. 8. Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to receive animals. 9. Comply with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs. 10. Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required. Other Skills and Abilities: Skilled in written and verbal communication, experienced giving public presentations and/or working with various age groups in an educational setting. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess a strong desire to see to the completion of projects is highly desired. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. Applicants should be able to work outside in the sun, wind, rain, or a combination of all three. Ability to see and hear; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Unpaid Internship | Housing Provided Start: 5/18/2026 End: Negotiable Please submit a resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation with your application. Must be able to pass a background check. Link to apply: https://workforcenow.cloud.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitme… -- <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter> <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *Savannah Costner* *(pronouns:she-her <https://www.mypronouns.org/>)* *Animal Care Specialist II**I* Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6399 *ASLC 24-hour Stranded Animal Hotline* 1-888-774-7325 (SEAL) www.alaskasealife.org We acknowledge that our work takes place on the ancestral lands of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Eyak and Dena’ina people of the Chugach region. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize their contributions to our community.

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Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification and Outreach Internship for Summer 2026
by Jessica Taylor 30 Dec '25

30 Dec '25

Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship Positions for Summer 2026 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch are currently acceptingapplications for the 2026 summer season. The research season is May 4th-October16th. Four internship positions are available for the followingdates: May 4th-September 25th, May 4th-August14th, May 18st-September 25th, and June 8th– October 16th. 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: This includes photosorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, and assisting inmaintenance of the long-term OBX catalog using the programs finFindR and FinBase.This work will be completed remotely through a remote login to our lab 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 approximately once a week from May through October and interns willrotate participating in surveys. 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. Internsare responsible for their own transportation to and from the Outer Banks aswell 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 preferred § 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 January 2nd and applications will be reviewedin the order received. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until March 31stor until positions are filled. John Kerner Owner/Captain NagsHead Dolphin Watch Executive BoardMember, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948

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Publication of a new book on whaling
by Alex Aguilar 30 Dec '25

30 Dec '25

I am pleased to announce the publication of a new book on whaling history: La huella ballenera en el norte de la península Ibérica. Inventario-guía de restos históricos Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona By Alex Aguilar and Max Aguilar Language: Spanish Size: 21 x 18 cm, 396 pp ISBN: 978-84-1050-178-2 Price: €28 This book, lavishly illustrated with hundreds of images—most of them previously unpublished—is structured in two parts. The first offers a detailed history of the participation of the inhabitants of these coasts in whaling, both locally and in distant locations such as Iceland, Newfoundland, and Greenland, from the 11th to the 20th centuries. The second part of the book analyzes, one by one, the fifty or so coastal towns involved in this activity, recounting their whaling past and describing the historical vestiges that still remain: museums, industrial remains, buildings, watchtowers, as well as ornamental and documentary elements that travelers can see today. This section can thus also be used as a travel guide for those who wish to learn firsthand about the region's whaling legacy. The book can be purchased through international bookstores or directly from the publisher's website, where additional information about the work and a selection of its contents can also be found: https://www.edicions.ub.edu/ficha.aspx?cod=16731 Best wishes, Alex Aguilar University of Barcelona Aquest missatge, i els fitxers adjunts que hi pugui haver, pot contenir informació confidencial o protegida legalment i s’adreça exclusivament a la persona o entitat destinatària. Si no consteu com a destinatari final o no teniu l’encàrrec de rebre’l, no esteu autoritzat a llegir-lo, retenir-lo, modificar-lo, distribuir-lo, copiar-lo ni a revelar-ne el contingut. Si l’heu rebut per error, informeu-ne el remitent i elimineu del sistema tant el missatge com els fitxers adjunts que hi pugui haver. Este mensaje, y los ficheros adjuntos que pueda incluir, puede contener información confidencial o legalmente protegida y está exclusivamente dirigido a la persona o entidad destinataria. Si usted no consta como destinatario final ni es la persona encargada de recibirlo, no está autorizado a leerlo, retenerlo, modificarlo, distribuirlo o copiarlo, ni a revelar su contenido. Si lo ha recibido por error, informe de ello al remitente y elimine del sistema tanto el mensaje como los ficheros adjuntos que pueda contener. This email message and any attachments it carries may contain confidential or legally protected material and are intended solely for the individual or organization to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or the person responsible for processing it, then you are not authorized to read, save, modify, send, copy or disclose any part of it. If you have received the message by mistake, please inform the sender of this and eliminate the message and any attachments it carries from your account.

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Applications are now open for the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship
by Lindsay Porter 29 Dec '25

29 Dec '25

Are you an early career researcher working in cetacean cognition and sensory perception, or in humpback whale behavioural ecology or communication? *Applications are now open for the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship*—read on for details on this exciting opportunity! *BACKGROUND* Louis M. Herman, Ph.D. and Emeritus Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was a pioneer and trailblazer in research on dolphin sensory perception and cognition, and humpback whale behavioural ecology. This work was carried out through the world renowned Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory (KBMML) that he established in 1969 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also co-founded The Dolphin Institute (TDI), dedicated to dolphins and whales through education, research, and conservation. KBMML/TDI’s findings on marine mammals were published in over 160 scientific papers and featured in more than 230 national and international media articles, television and radio programs, and documentary films. Dr. Herman’s life’s work significantly influenced marine mammal conservation. It also had an enormous impact on the lives and careers of countless interns, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, visiting faculty, and volunteers from around the world, all of whom played important roles in the unique research team he assembled over more than four decades. Dr. Herman will always be remembered for his innovative, creative, and scientifically rigorous approach to the study of the marine mammals he so loved, and for the future generations of marine mammal researchers he and his work continue to inspire. Dr. Herman’s family, colleagues, and friends established the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship in 2017 to honour his legacy by promoting the type of research that was the focus of his ground-breaking studies. *The Scholarship is given every two years. The 2026 award will be for USD $6,000.* *CRITERIA* The Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship supports a research project that contributes to our understanding of cetacean cognition and sensory perception (laboratory or field studies), or humpback whale behavioural ecology or communication. Work with other species of marine mammals that especially enhances our understanding of their cognitive abilities will also be considered. *Eligible candidates must be current SMM members and either be enrolled as a graduate student or have completed their Master’s or PhD within the past three years.* *SUBMISSION DETAILS* Applications will be submitted through an online form, which is accessible only to current Society members. *Applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026* with all required materials uploaded via the submission link below. Full application details will be available on the submission form. *PLEASE NOTE:* You must be signed in to your SMM member profile to view and submit an application. Click the link below to get started. If you’re not already signed in, you’ll be prompted to log in, then select “*Sign in to the page for SMM nominations and scholarships/grants applications*” to be begin the application process. *Get started by clicking HERE!* <https://marinemammalscience.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88c2080440a38…> *The award recipient will be notified by April 16th 2026*, with an expectation that the awardee will present results of their research at a subsequent Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. We will award up to an additional $500 to support travel costs contingent on an accepted submission and completed presentation. *QUESTIONS* If you have questions about the scholarship or application process, please contact the Awards and Scholarships Chair, Dr. Kimberley Bennett (*awardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org <awardschair@marinemammalscience.org?subject=Louis%20M%20Herman%20Research%20Scholarship>*). For technical questions or issues with the submission form, please contact *admin(a)marinemammalscience.org <admin(a)marinemammalscience.org>*. *Kind regards,* *Kimberley BennettSMM Awards ChairSociety for Marine Mammalogyawardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org <awardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org>*

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