December 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) regularly documented far outside their known distribution range in northern Norway
by Alexander Eckerle 29 Dec '25

29 Dec '25

Dear MARMAN community, My co-authors and I are happy to share our publication on Risso's dolphins in northern Norway with you. Eckerle, A., Morange, Z., Similä, T., O'Callaghan, S. A., & Jourdain, E. (2026). An Alien in the Arctic: Risso's Dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Northern Norwegian Waters. *Marine Mammal Science*, *42*(1), https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70097 Abstract: The Risso’s dolphin is a widely distributed delphinid known to occur from tropical to temperate waters around the globe. In the Northeast Atlantic, its distribution range is described up to the north of Scotland at 61°N. Some occasional vagrants however have been recorded around the Faroe Islands and central Norway. Since summer 2017, Risso’s dolphins have regularly been observed far outside their known distribution range in Bleik Canyon, northern Norway. Sightings from commercial whale-watching vessels and a small research boat made it possible to document their occurrence every summer between 2017 and 2024. In addition, photo-identification has revealed that several individuals have returned to the area. The occurrence of Risso’s dolphins in northern Norway is likely driven by increasing sea surface temperatures in the Northeast Atlantic and could have implications for community dynamics. If you would like to know more or a copy of the publication, please contact eckerle.alex(a)gmail.com Thank you. Best regards, Alex

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Enrolments open for Marine Mammalogy at Massey University, New Zealand - course commencing 23 Feb 2024
by Rebecca Boys 28 Dec '25

28 Dec '25

Massey University, New Zealand is excited to offer a specialist 12 week (24 lecture) programme in Marine Mammalogy to a wider international audience this year. Enrolments are now open with lectures commencing 23 Feb 2026. This course is available online for cross credits to most international universities and best of all – you need not even be enrolled in a current degree programme to take this course if you apply for a special exemption to study as a general interest paper (i.e., prerequisite exempt). Lectures and all materials are available on demand to suit all international time zones while live tutorials give everyone the opportunity to interact with the lecturers and materials. This course examines the zoogeography of marine mammals and the morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations which have enabled this diverse group to successfully colonise all of the world’s oceans and some freshwater systems. An understanding of the underlying ecological principles not only provides interesting insights into marine mammal biology but also yields consequences for marine mammal conservation and management. Learning outcomes 1. Discuss marine mammal biology via explanation of global diversity, distribution and abundance. 2. Compare and contrast the anatomy, life history and diet within and between the various marine mammal groups and draw conclusions on what implications this has for the distinct groups. 3. Provide an overview of the study of marine mammals by demonstrating the breadth of disciplines it embraces and range of techniques required in its study. 4. Explore human-marine mammal interactions via critical evaluation of current conservation and management issues and discuss how sound science can contribute to alleviate existing and future conflicts. Interested to learn more - https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/courses/marine-mammalogy-196327/ or email Prof Karen Stockin (k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz>) for more details ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Research Affiliate Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand Check out our Research Topic that is open for submissions! https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75704/advancing-marine-mammal-w… [cid:7c382e69-8fd0-4c10-8f4c-e4fbe423b25c]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:534c3727-2d0c-4d11-b410-4d3f9cdba611] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:df0b1ef7-45e0-4e6e-a196-fced3c489f68] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:28b0362e-9159-429d-bcdf-92aa07fcae7b] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:67dc1cd1-5f5e-4c67-bd00-30c00a0f607d] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:832b741e-6a1a-4fa9-87ac-ee4c47ec57fd] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:70ce6035-c3f2-4b27-ab4d-0b729c6bf317]

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Applications are open for Fall 2026 to the NYU Animal Studies M.A. Program
by Lori Marino 28 Dec '25

28 Dec '25

We want to extend an invitation to students in the areas of marine mammal science, protection, and advocacy. Animal Studies is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field that draws from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to understand the lives of nonhuman animals, how human and nonhuman animals relate to each other, and the moral, social, political, economic, aesthetic, and ecological significance of these relations. Our graduates have gone on to a variety of careers including policy and government, academia, veterinary medicine, and the nonprofit sector. This year we are fortunate to offer one GSAS Dean’s Fellowship<https://as.nyu.edu/departments/environment/ma-in-animal-studies/resources.h…>, which provides a 100% tuition and fees award. We will also continue to offer two 50% tuition Henry Spira Scholarships<https://as.nyu.edu/departments/environment/ma-in-animal-studies/henry-spira…>, named in memory of the animal rights activist and trailblazer who continues to be an inspiration for leaders in animal studies and animal protection. If you would like to be considered for these scholarships, we strongly encourage you to submit your application by the February 15 deadline. All prospective students that apply by the deadline are automatically considered. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share widely - and don’t hesitate to reach out at gsas.animal.studies(a)nyu.edu<mailto:gsas.animal.studies@nyu.edu> for more information. Helpful Links: * Program website: NYU MA in Animal Studies<https://as.nyu.edu/departments/environment/ma-in-animal-studies.html> * Register for our upcoming information session (January 15th): https://forms.gle/xttWsun4MgACnSg89 * Link to Apply: https://apply.gsas.nyu.edu/apply/ * Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026 (rolling admissions thereafter) Thank you, Lori Marino Adjunct Professor, Animal Studies, NYU marinolori(a)outlook.com

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Necropsy Technician Opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center
by Lynda Schaefer 26 Dec '25

26 Dec '25

Hi All, The Marine Mammal Center is hiring a Necropsy Technician! Job Summary: The Necropsy Technician will perform various activities in support of the Pathology & Diagnostics team including gross necropsy, histopathology (trimming of cases), and support of the biobank archives. They will assist in the collection, analysis, storage, and shipment of samples for collaborative research projects as well as the training of pathology participants of the Teaching Hospital program and The Marine Mammal Center's visitors. To Apply Click Here! <https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3796084/Marine-Mam…> Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. For more information, please visit our "About Us" page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! [cid:image001.png@01DC7664.3983FA30] Lynda Schaefer, CDR, CPP, SPHR Senior Director, Human Resources schaeferl(a)tmmc.org<mailto:schaeferl@tmmc.org> | T: 415.754.4022| MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Veterinary Technician Senior Manager Opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center
by Lynda Schaefer 26 Dec '25

26 Dec '25

Hi All, The Marine Mammal Center is hiring a Veterinary Technician Senior Manager! Job Summary: The Veterinary Technician Senior Manager is responsible for the direction and oversight of the team of Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) at The Marine Mammal Center's main hospital located in Sausalito, California. As a member of the Hospital Operations Department leadership team, this role contributes to the overall direction, strategy, and operational excellence of the hospital. They provide oversight and direction for the daily operations of the RVT team in support of veterinary and husbandry needs of the patients in care. This position serves as manager and mentor of the RVT team, fostering professional development, competency growth, and a collaborative team environment while ensuring adherence to best practices in marine mammal medicine. The Veterinary Technician Senior Manager works collaboratively to ensure integration between clinical and animal husbandry functions, supporting alignment with organizational practices in marine mammal medicine, research activities, and Teaching Hospital program initiatives to advance the Center's mission and strategic priorities. To Apply Click Here!<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3796078/Marine-Mam…> Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. For more information, please visit our "About Us" page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! [cid:image001.png@01DC7663.F25949D0] Lynda Schaefer, CDR, CPP, SPHR Senior Director, Human Resources schaeferl(a)tmmc.org<mailto:schaeferl@tmmc.org> | T: 415.754.4022| MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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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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Job Posting: Data Manager - IFAW
by Sharp, Brian 23 Dec '25

23 Dec '25

Dear MarMam Community, IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue team is seeking a highly motivated and multi-faceted person as our Data Manager. The ideal candidate has fluency in relational databases, strong attention to detail, and works great in a team and field setting. The position is based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Additional information on the position and the application portal can be found here<https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1059IFFA/JobBoard/17b588a3-808b-4bc9-aea8…>. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the holidays, with interviews starting in January. Happy Holidays, Brian Brian Sharp Director Marine Mammal Rescue 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 United States www.ifaw.org<https://www.ifaw.org/> Stranding Hotline: +1 508 743 9548 [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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Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship - Open for Applicants!
by Sarah Tatum 22 Dec '25

22 Dec '25

Greetings all, Applications are open for the Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship! Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California Reports to: Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Whitmer Position Classification: Full-time, One-year position Benefits: Full benefits including health insurance through UC Davis. Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito. Anticipated dates: July 29, 2026 - July 31, 2027 Compensation: This position will receive an estimated annual salary of $53,860 through UC Davis. Program Overview: This one-year program is designed to train post-graduate veterinarians in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology. The intern receives mentorship and training from the clinical veterinary team, pathology team, and animal care staff and volunteers at the Center. The Intern provides medical care for sick and injured marine mammals in rehabilitation, conducts post-mortem examinations, and contributes to teaching visiting veterinary and animal care professionals. The Intern also develops and conducts a research project in marine mammal health with the goal of presentation at a scientific conference and publication. The primary focus is pinnipeds, with occasional opportunities with other taxa such as sea otters and cetaceans. The position may include occasional opportunities for field work including large cetacean necropsy, stranding response and/or veterinary support of free-ranging wildlife research projects. This is a one-year long, full-time, paid position. Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito. This position is a collaboration with the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Intern is a House Officer in the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. To Apply and see full details, visit this link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3573374/Marine-Mam… ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences. OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Happy Holidays! [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Specialist TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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FT Research Position - Wild Dolphin Project
by Denise Herzing 22 Dec '25

22 Dec '25

Research Co-Director/Manager Wild Dolphin Project, North Palm Beach, Florida The Wild Dolphin Project is the longest running underwater dolphin research project in the world. Our motto is “ In Their World, On Their Terms”. Since 1985 we have tracked and observed a resident group of dolphins in the Bahamas. We have a noninvasive approach using photography and underwater video to document individuals and their behaviors. We focus our fieldwork in the Bahamas, under a Bahamian scientific research permit, during summer months and work off the coast of Florida in the winter, under NMFS permit. We publish our work in scientific journals and present at national/ international conferences. www.wilddolphinproject.org <htttp://www.wilddolphinproject.org> The Research Co-Director/Manager (RDM) will prepare for fieldwork and collection of data and publication of the work. The RDM spends time and works with the Research Assistant learning and analyzing digital photographs of dolphin dorsal fins and body marking and other data collected during the field season. Responsibilities also include creating publications, engaging in conferences, and lecturing to the public. RDM works with the boat captain and organizes details of the field season in the Bahamas and offshore Florida work. Current funding is stable and RDM submits reports and yearly requests as needed. This is a full-time permanent position. This position involves heavy fieldwork (3-4 months) in summer months, out of the United States, and candidate must be willing and able to spend weeks at sea throughout the summer working on a live-aboard vessel. Salary range based on experience, 60-70k/year. Benefits (vacation days, health insurance, 403 matching). Compensation time given for extensive fieldwork in the summer. The critical requirements of the position include the following: - PhD in Biology, Marine Sciences, or a related field - A Valid US Driver license and U.S. Passport (no exceptions) - Scientific publications in press or published - Minimum 2 years of field experience, photo ID work, and database entry - P.A.M experience with field deployment and acoustic analysis - Snorkel and freediving Additional desirable qualifications also include the following: - Underwater photography and video experience - Basic MAC computer skills required, with data entry experience, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Filemaker Pro or equivalent database program. - Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team and to prioritize tasks - Experience working with interns, graduate students, collaborating scientists, and public. - Must be comfortable on a boat at sea for weeks at a time with working groups. - Photoshop, iMovie, Go Pro editing, and 360 camera experience helpful. Contact: Dr. Denise Herzing. Send c.v., letter of interest, and 3 references or Letters of Recommendation dlherzing(a)wilddolphinproject.org <mailto:dlherzing@wilddolphinproject.org>

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New Publication: Marine mammal and seabird population changes have limited impacts on fisheries catches in the North Sea
by Matthew Woodstock - NOAA Affiliate 22 Dec '25

22 Dec '25

Dear Colleagues, I am happy to share our new paper entitled: "Marine mammal and seabird population changes have limited impacts on fisheries catches in the North Sea", published in *Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences* *Citation* Woodstock, M.S., J.J. Kiszka, P.G.H. Evans, J.J. Waggitt, Y. Zhang. (2025). Marine mammal and seabird population changes have limited impacts on fisheries catches in the North Sea. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 82. 1–14. doi: 10.1139/cjfas-2025-0056 <https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2025-0056> *Key Takeaways* - Since 1990, marine mammal biomass in the region has greatly increased, particularly harbor seals, grey seals, and harbor porpoises. - As populations of gray and harbor seals recovered, predation mortality on commercial species like cod and whiting naturally increased. - Reductions in fishing mortality (driven by management and effort changes) remained the most powerful determinant of stock health, far outweighing the impact of growing predator populations. - Our analysis of resource overlap showed that fishing fleets competed more intensely with each other than they did with marine mammals. - The restoration of marine mammal populations is not incompatible with optimized fisheries yields. When viewed at the ecosystem scale, we can support conservation success stories while maintaining productive, sustainable fisheries. *Abstract* Marine mammals and seabirds are high trophic level consumers that impact community dynamics. In the southern North Sea and eastern English Channel, the abundance of marine mammal species has markedly increased since 1990, while seabird abundance has remained stable since the early 2000s. To evaluate the interaction between top predators and fisheries, we developed an ecosystem model (1990–2014) that incorporated changes in predator abundances, fishing mortalities, and fishing effort. As marine mammal populations increased, predation mortality on commercial fish species increased. However, reductions in fishing mortality were the dominant driver of the overall change in total mortality for most commercial stocks. Seabirds had minimal impacts on commercial species, regardless of population trends. Resource overlap was higher among fishing fleets than between fisheries and top predators, suggesting inter-fleet competition, rather than predator foraging, drives competition. Although marine mammal impacts on fish stocks were evident, the overall effects of top predator increases on fisheries were limited, indicating that the restoration of marine mammal populations is not incompatible with optimized fisheries yields when viewed at the ecosystem scale. *Full Article Link: * https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjfas-2025-0056?journalCode=cjfas -- *Matthew S. Woodstock, Ph.D. * *Assistant Scientist, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS <https://cimas.earth.miami.edu/>) in support of* NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center | U.S. Department of Commerce www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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