December 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New papers on long-term dynamics of the home range and trophic interactions of coastal bottlenose dolphins
by Jessica Carde 17 Dec '25

17 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are happy to share with you two papers recently published on the home range dynamics and trophic interactions of bottlenose dolphins exposed to long-term habitat degradation in the coastal waters of southern Florida (Biscayne Bay, in the Miami area): Cardé, J., Litz, J., Brossard, A., Wicker, J., Contillo, J. & Kiszka, J., 2025. Long-term dynamics of the home range and community structure of bottlenose dolphins in an estuarine ecosystem in southern Florida. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 35: e70253. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aqc.70253 Cardé, J., Caputo, M., Litz, J., Brossard, A., Wicker, J., Contillo, J. & Kiszka, J., 2026. Community-level variation in the trophic interactions of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, experiencing a reduction of their foraging habitat. Marine Mammal Science, 42: e70090. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.70090 Please don't hesitate to contact me (jecarde(a)fiu.edu) for a pdf copy or to ask any questions. Sincerely, Jessica Cardé Jessica Cardé, Ph.D. Principal Investigator, NSF CREST Postdoctoral Research Program Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Marine Mammal Ecology Lab <https://marineconservationecologylab.com/> [cid:7c54c9ca-4a5c-4530-ae95-642b091742cd]

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Trophic redundancy within a community of small cetaceans from the Caribbean Sea
by Jeremy Kiszka 17 Dec '25

17 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, The following paper was recently published: Guillaume Chandelier and I are pleased to share the following paper published in Science of the Total Environment on the trophic relationships of small cetaceans in the Caribbean Sea: Chandelier, G. & Kiszka, J. 2025. Trophic redundancy within a diverse community of sympatric delphinids in the oligotrophic Caribbean Sea. Science of the Total Environment, 1009: 180994. Link to the paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725026348 Abstract Understanding the trophic interactions of sympatric predators is essential to assess ecosystem structure, particularly in oligotrophic environments where resources are scarce. We examined the trophic structure of a diverse community of sympatric delphinids in the Lesser Antilles, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, using stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis. Isotope data suggest the existence of three distinct isotopic clusters. Killer whales (Orcinus orca) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) exhibited the highest δ15N and δ13C values, broad isotopic niches, and minimal overlap, indicating distinct apex predator roles. A cluster of mesopredators include short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra), Fraser's dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei), and Clymene dolphins (Stenella clymene) showed intermediate δ15N values and moderate to high isotopic overlap. In contrast, smaller delphinids (Stenella spp.) formed an isotopic cluster characterized by lower δ15N values, exhibited narrow isotopic niches, reflecting limited dietary variation and low trophic redundancy. Ontogenetic shifts and sex variation in isotopic niches were rarely detected. These findings provide novel insights into resource partitioning and ecological roles among a wide diversity of delphinids in a nutrient-poor tropical ecosystem. If you would like any additional information or a copy, please do not hesitate to contact gchandel(a)fiu.edu Sincerely, Jeremy Kiszka, Ph.D. Associate Professor Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University https://environment.fiu.edu<https://environment.fiu.edu/> - Principal Investigator, Marine Mammal Ecology Laboratory 3000 NE 151 St., FL-33181, North Miami, USA. Office (direct): (305)-919-5234 [File:ResearchGate icon SVG.svg - Wikimedia Commons] ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeremy-Kiszka/research> (publications) - President, Society for Marine Mammalogy https://marinemammalscience.org<https://marinemammalscience.org/> [cid:6102cceb-6f03-4960-96d5-442043c46840]

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New paper on genetic population structure of Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus
by Moore, Daniel 17 Dec '25

17 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the following publication in Molecular Ecology on population structure of bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, across the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic: Moore, D.M., Moura, A.E., Natoli, A., Papale, E., Cunningham, E.G., Silva, M.A., Genov, T., Gaspari, S., Buscaino, G., Berggren, P. and Gröcke, D.R., 2025. Population Genomics and the Environmental Drivers of Population Structure in a Cosmopolitan Marine Predator, Tursiops truncatus. Molecular Ecology, p.e70182. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/mec.70182 The marine environment comprises vast regions without physical barriers to movement, making the understanding of population isolation and the evolution of diversity challenging. This is especially the case for highly mobile marine species. Here we investigate populations of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) across the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent North Atlantic using high-resolution genomic markers (RADseq) and stable isotope analyses to better understand the evolution of population structure in this system. High-resolution genomic data and broad geographic sampling revealed patterns of structure not previously identified, and integration with stable isotope data suggests that prey choice varies across this region. Unexpected patterns included genetic and isotopic similarity between the North Atlantic and the region around Sicily (but not including the medially located Gulf of Cádiz and surrounding regions). The regional habitat within and beyond the Mediterranean Sea is structured with ocean frontal systems including thermal and halocline transitions, several of which show alignment with genetic transitions within our data. Our data help to distinguish among possible drivers of population differentiation for a marine predator that has the potential for long-distance dispersion. If you would like any additional information then please do not hesitate to send me an email at d.moore4(a)exeter.ac.uk. All the best, Daniel Dr. Daniel Moore (He/Him) Lecturer in Marine Biology University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE My working hours may not be your working hours. Please do not feel obliged to read, reply or act on this message outside of your normal schedule. ü Daniel Moore Profile | University of Exeter<https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/43311-daniel-moore> ü Dr Daniel Moore - Personal<https://danielmmoore.com/> ü Exeter Marine<https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/marine/> Follow ExeterMarine on: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/ExeterMarine/> / Twitter<https://twitter.com/ExeterMarine> / Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/exetermarine/> / LinkedIn<http://www.linkedin.com/company/exetermarine> [cid:160778ac-e1d1-4d45-aad9-06bd9e263cb9]

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New publication on weaving Māori knowledge and systematic surveys to characterise marine megafauna biodiversity
by Tom Brough 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Kia ora MARMAM whānau, On behalf of our hononga (partnership) I am very pleased to announce a new publication that weaves Māori Indigenous knowledge (mātauranga Māori) and conventional systematic surveys to develop a baseline on marine megafauna in Te Akau, New Zealand. Our article is published in Ecology and Evolution’s special Issue – Indigenous Science and Practice, and we hope will be of interest to those interested in working across dual knowledge systems in marine mammal research. The open access article and pdf can be found at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.72558. Please reach out if you have any questions around the article. Full citation and abstract for the article is provided below. Meri Kirihimete, Tom Brough Brough, T., Kereopa, H., Shirkey, T., Zaeschmar, J., Leunissen, E., Milner, D., & Chetham, J. (2025). Tere Tohorā, karanga tāngata: Weaving Māori knowledge with conventional science to characterise a biodiversity hotspot for marine megafauna in an area facing multiple anthropogenic impacts. Ecology and Evolution, 15, e72558. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72558 ABSTRACT Marine megafauna are important components of marine ecosystems and are of major significance to Indigenous communities, including Maori. Despite being recognised as a biodiversity hotspot for megafauna, most locations in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) do not have adequate information for the management of anthropogenic impacts on these taxa. Due to long-standing Relationships with Maori, there is a wealth of matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge) on megafauna that may help fill key gaps. This study, Tere Tohora Karanga Tangata, aims to address information gaps on marine megafauna within Te Akau/Bream Bay, on the north-east of NZ's North Island. We utilise a wananga (shared learning) approach alongside conventional visual and acoustic surveys to synthesise an accurate baseline of species occurrence, distribution, habitat use and site fidelity. Maori knowledge in a variety of forms was gathered and simultaneously integrated into the survey design across seven vessel-based field surveys. We calculate seasonal sighting rates and use species distribution models (SDM) to determine the distribution of commonly occurring species and use photo-identification to investigate site fidelity of marine mammals. Both knowledge systems confirmed the importance of Te Akau/Bream Bay for marine megafauna, reporting high diversity and abundance of marine mammal (8 species) and seabird species (24 species) and high sighting rates of threatened taxa. While most species were encountered year-round, sighting rates and predictions from SDMs highlight seasonal variability in the occurrence and distribution of most species. Maori knowledge aligned closely with results from conventional scientific approaches in confirming the most common species (common dolphin, Bryde's whale), seasonal habitat preferences, and, importantly, provided historical information on species that have been extirpated from the study area. Combined, the two knowledge systems have generated a robust baseline on marine megafauna that can be used to guide the management of these important species and showcase the advantages of utilising dual-knowledge systems for characterising marine biodiversity. Dr Tom Brough (he / him) Marine Ecologist - Quantitative Modeller +64-7-856-1735 +64-21-997-275 38 Harrow Street, Dunedin, New Zealand Earth Sciences New Zealand [Earth Sciences New Zealand]<https://earthsciences.nz> The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Limited joined to become the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited. We are known as Earth Sciences New Zealand. For more information on the Earth Sciences transition click here<https://niwa.co.nz/about-niwa/science-sector-reforms>. Notice: This email may contain information which is confidential and/or subject to copyright, and may not be used, published or redistributed without the prior written consent of Earth Sciences New Zealand. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify the sender and delete the email and any attachments. Any opinion or views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender and may not represent those of Earth Sciences New Zealand. For information about how we process data and monitor communications please see our privacy policy<https://niwa.co.nz/about-niwa/privacy-policy>.

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New open access publication on fish-eating killer whale diet in the North Pacific
by Hannah Myers 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to share our new publication "The diverse diet of southern Alaska resident killer whales shifts across spatiotemporally distinct foraging hotspots" in the journal Ecosphere, available open access at https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70509. Abstract: Top predators influence ecological communities in part through the prey they consume. Prey preferences often shift throughout the year, reflecting both seasonal and geographic patterns of habitat use and the relative abundance of preferred prey species. Killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) are top predators in the marine ecosystem, and understanding their diet is critical to assess their ecological impacts and role. In this study, we examine the diet of the southern Alaska resident killer whale population across three major foraging hotspots. We leverage two complementary sampling methods—morphological ID and genetic metabarcoding—to reveal strong spatiotemporal patterns in diet from May through September. Chinook, chum, and coho salmon were each important prey resources in different locations and times, with consistent dietary contributions from Pacific halibut, arrowtooth flounder, and sablefish. Our results reveal a diverse, location-specific, and strongly seasonal foraging strategy in this top predator and highlight the increased resolution provided by using ensemble techniques to characterize foraging behavior. Effective conservation and management of this population will depend on broad spatiotemporal sampling to accurately characterize foraging ecology. Myers, H.J., Olsen, D.W., Van Cise, A.M., Wells, A.H., Parsons, K.M., & Matkin, C.O. 2025. The diverse diet of southern Alaska resident killer whales shifts across spatiotemporally distinct foraging hotspots. Ecosphere 16(12), e70509. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70509. Thank you, Hannah -- *Hannah Myers, PhD* Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks 2150 Koyukuk Drive Fairbanks, Alaska 99775 hannah.myers(a)alaska.edu <hmyers8(a)alaska.edu>

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New paper: Scaling of field metabolic rates in sympatric cetaceans
by Maria Glarou 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the open-access publication of the following article in the Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Glarou, M., Christiansen, F., Iwata, T., Basran, C.J., Ruppert, S.N.S., Sotiropoulou, D., Iversen, M.R., Akamatsu, T.,Schnitzler, J.G., Siebert, U., Rasmussen, M.H. (2025). Respiration rates and inferred mass-specific field metabolic rates decline with body size among five sympatric cetaceans. Journal of Comparative Physiology B. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-025-01640-1 Abstract: Metabolic rates in animals scale allometrically with body mass, a relationship well-established in terrestrial mammals. Whether these scaling laws apply to fully aquatic mammals remains uncertain, due to key physiological and ecological differences. We estimated field metabolic rates (FMRs) for five sympatric cetaceans of varying sizes, inhabiting sub-Arctic Icelandic waters: harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena; mean body length•s.d=1.35•0.19m), white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris; 2.42•0.17m), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata; 7.53•0.82m), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae; 9.44•1.13m) and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus; 21.97•0.96m). Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and published data were used to estimate body size, while respiration rates (breathes min-1) were obtained from UAV focal follows, biologging tags, and literature sources. From these data we predicted daily FMRs (MJ day-1) using existing bioenergetic models. As expected, mass-specific FMR declined with increasing body size among species, consistent with scaling laws. However, FMRs across all species were elevated relative to terrestrial predictions, likely reflecting the greater energetic demands of aquatic life. FMR also scaled positively with the surface-area-to-volume ratio (SVR) of each species, supporting the hypothesis that thermoregulatory costs are driven by body shape and size, and influence energy expenditure. This was further supported by the positive relationship between FMR and heat loss rates. Overall, our findings suggest that large mysticetes benefit from reduced mass-specific FMRs, enabling long migrations and extended fasting that broaden their habitat use. Smaller cetaceans face higher metabolic demands and may be more dependent on smaller, prey-rich habitats. These size-dependent energetic constraints may influence species plasticity and vulnerability to environmental changes. The PDF of the paper can be accessed from the following link: https://rdcu.be/eUoIG Best regards, Maria Glarou PhD Fellow Húsavík Research Centre University of Iceland Hafnarstétt 3, 640 Húsavík Email: mag133(a)hi.is<mailto:mag133@hi.is> / maria_glarou(a)outlook.com<mailto:maria_glarou@outlook.com> Instagram: @seagullseyeview<https://www.instagram.com/seagullseyeview/> Bluesky: @mglarou.bsky.social<https://bsky.app/profile/mglarou.bsky.social> ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Glarou> / Google Scholar<https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gVV1c04AAAAJ&hl=en>

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New publication: Spatiotemporal co-occurrence of whales and capelin on the east Greenland shelf during autumn
by Guðjón Már Sigurðsson - HAFRO 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

We are pleased to share our new publication in Marine Biology with the MARMAM community: Sigurðsson, G.M., Víkingsson, G., Chosson, V., Jansen, T., and Singh, W. Spatiotemporal co-occurrence of whales and capelin on the east Greenland shelf during autumn. Mar Biol 173, 15 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-025-04778-2 Summary: The waters between Iceland and East Greenland have undergone considerable changes in the last 30 years, which has resulted in large scale changes to the ecosystem. Keystone species such as capelin have changed their distribution northwards and subsequently marine mammals in the region have changed their distribution to the point that the term regime shift has been raised. Hunting statistics in Greenland show marked switch from Arctic marine mammals to sub-Arctic/boreal species such as humpbacks and white-beaked dolphins. In this study we investigated the relationship between whales and capelin during these times of change. Our hypothesis was that whales previously associated with capelin would be found in greater numbers where capelin are present despite these observed changes in the ecosystem. To explore this question, we counted whales systematically using dedicated observers and measured capelin with acoustic measures during in autumn in East Greenlandic waters in 2017 and 2018. A total of 1313 baleen whale sightings and 824 tooth whale sightings were recorded in the surveys. More whales were sighted in 2018 due to larger survey area and better weather conditions. The most observed species was fin whale, long-finned pilot whales, and humpback whales in both years. Whale and capelin abundance data were then summed per statistical square (0.25° x 0.5° latitude and longitude) for statistical analysis. Whales were found at a higher frequency than expected where capelin was present, with the relationship being stronger for baleen whales than toothed whales. Further, a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) showed a weak (11% deviance explained) but significant relationship between capelin abundance and total whale abundance. When modelled separately by the most common baleen whale species, i.e. fin, minke and humpback whales, this positive relationship was stronger (49% deviance explained for minke, 27% for humpback and 14% for fin whales). The results show that whales are likely following the capelin during these changing times and likely indicate both direct predation on capelin by some of the whale species, and competition for zooplankton between capelin and some of the other whales. The next logical steps would be to confirm this with analysis of stable isotopes. The article is open access and available here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-025-04778-2 All the best, Gudjon [cid:lsi-attach-effects_cc97ce66f1984e30420afd31639ac43f4d9cd39f32f747fb0a46867b.png] Guðjón Már Sigurðsson Sjávarlíffræðingur Ph.D. / Marine biologist Ph.D. Hafrannsóknastofnun - rannsókna- og ráðgjafarstofnun hafs og vatna / Marine and Freshwater Research Institute Fornubúðir 5, 220 Hafnarfjörður Sími / Tel: +354 575 2113 gudjon.mar.sigurdsson(a)hafogvatn.is <mailto:gudjon.mar.sigurdsson@hafogvatn.is> www.hafogvatn.is <http://www.hafogvatn.is/> Þekking - Samvinna - Þor

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Call for Applications: Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project June-September Field Research Assistant Opportunity
by Verena Conkin 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, I am pleased to share our call for applications for research assistants for the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project's upcoming 2026 field season. Please see the position announcement below. *Background:* The Potomac Chesapeake Dolphin Project is seeking dedicated research assistants for the 2026 field season (June through mid-September) in Reedville, VA. The PCDP is a long-term research project established through Georgetown University, and focuses on gathering life-history, ecological, and demographic data on Tamanend’s Bottlenose dolphins that seasonally use the lower Potomac River and mid-Chesapeake Bay. This field season will focus on continuing our research with drone-based data collection in addition to our routine long-term behavioral research and population monitoring efforts. For more details on our research and publications, please visit our website pcdolphinproject.org. Field work is demanding and requires long hours both on and off the water, but the dolphin research is both fun and rewarding. Field assistants will gain valuable research experience and may have the opportunity to pursue independent research projects. We particularly encourage applications from those interested in pursuing graduate school in behavioral ecology or marine mammalogy. *Availability:* Field season runs from June 1 through September 15, 2025. Start date may be flexible, but will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Availability through September 15 is required, candidates who cannot commit to September dates will not be considered. *Field site:* Reedville, VA is a small town in the rural Northern Neck of Virginia, situated at the mouth of the Potomac River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The nearby town of Heathsville (approximately 20 minute drive) has a grocery store, library, small shops, and a gym. Much of the land in the county is dedicated to farming, and many locals make their livelihood on the water, offering fishing charters, crabbing, or fishing for menhaden. Our living space is a small cottage with shared bedrooms, a small kitchen, shared bathroom, internet access and air conditioning. Housing and food will be covered by the PCDP, and the research team will share cooking responsibilities and other domestic chores. *Job responsibilities:* Research assistants will help collect extensive behavioral data from the boat, including surveys and focal follows on individual dolphins. Boat work is dependent on weather, but even on windy days we need to be ready to pack up and quickly get out on the water if the wind drops. Days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land require extensive, and tedious, data entry and processing. If you are interested in an independent research project, we will work with you to develop one. *Most of your time will be spent:* -Searching for and spotting dolphins -Driving the boat -Scribing data during surveys and focal follows -Entering dolphin sightings and environmental data into the computer -Doing basic maintenance and equipment prep and cleaning Assistants are asked to work a demanding schedule both on and off of the boat. Given the weather (wind and storms), work may occur on both weekdays and weekends, as well as at varying times throughout the day, so the field team is on call from sunrise to sunset. Having this schedule is key to a successful field season, because data collection is dependent on weather and data are extremely valuable. Days on the water can be long with early start times and late end times, as well as hot during the summer/cold during the fall. *Eligibility & Qualifications:* This position is open to US citizens and permanent residents, we unfortunately cannot consider international student applicants at this time. As this position runs through September 15, we will consider applications from graduating college seniors or post-baccalaureates with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science and behavior. Graduate students and undergraduates returning to their studies in Fall 2026 will not be considered. This position is well suited for students of marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and in-field experience. Applicants must be able to work closely with a small team. We not only work together, but also live, cook, and eat together, so maturity, sense of humor, a positive attitude and a collaborative nature are critical. *The candidate must:* -Possess basic computer skills -Be detail oriented, flexible, level headed, and patient -Possess excellent verbal and communication skills -Work well both independently and in a team -Be fluent in English -Be comfortable on a boat and working in a remote location -Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends The most essential qualifications are that you are flexible, conscientious, and hard-working, and are excited about the research. *Pay:* This is a paid position, with a stipend of $1,000 for each month of work (total stipend will depend on the assistant’s exact availability). Additionally, housing and food expenses will be covered by the PCDP. Applications will be open through 11:59 PM EST on January 9. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom in mid-January and applicants will be notified of their status as soon as is possible. Interested candidates should fill out an application here. <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15O4-h0UQAeSZCaYxVSY-9sDRE6bk-PPtSpssgOHY9V…> Verena Conkin (she/her) PhD Candidate | Biology Department Georgetown University 3700 O St NW Washington, DC 20097

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New publication: Trans-Atlantic movements of Atlantic white-sided dolphins, Leucopleurus acutus
by Sara De Clerck 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM fellows, My co-authors and I are excited to share our open-access publication on Atlantic white-sided dolphin movements. De Clerck, S., Hátún, H., Mikkelsen, B., Ugarte, F., Jonsen, I., & Heide-Jørgensen, M. P. (2025). Trans-Atlantic movements of Atlantic white-sided dolphins, Leucopleurus acutus [Original Research]. Frontiers in Marine Science, Volume 12. Https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1636440 Abstract: Atlantic white-sided dolphins are wide-ranging and abundant cetaceans of the North Atlantic, yet their movements remain poorly understood. Using satellite telemetry, we tracked 23 dolphins tagged in the Faroe Islands to investigate their movement patterns, habitat use, and diving behavior. Our findings confirm a strong association with the shelf edge and identify the Irminger Sea and the Faroe-Shetland Channel as important regions. The observed movements align with oceanographic features that enhance productivity and prey availability, including strong mixing zones and the Irminger Gyre with deep mixed layers. Three dolphins independently undertook trans-Atlantic migrations to the Irminger Sea, where two remained for extended periods (26 and 63 days). Together with dive records and lower move persistence, this suggests that the Irminger Sea functions as an important autumn feeding ground. Dive data (n = 4) revealed a wide depth range (3–616 m) and diel diving patterns consistent with exploitation of vertically migrating mesopelagic prey. Identifying critical habitats and understanding trans-Atlantic connectivity are essential for effective conservation and management of this species, particularly given ongoing environmental changes in the North Atlantic. The post-release separation of tagged dolphins reflects their fluid social structure, suggesting a panmictic stock in the central and eastern North Atlantic. The study highlights the value of movement data for understanding habitat use, distribution, effect of ocean dynamics, and population structure in pelagic predators. Whale Scientists created a short outreach article with an infographic: https://whalescientists.com/atlantic-white-sided-dolphins/ Best regards, Sara PhD Student [cid:6c7c59fd-b93b-4830-b8c6-52c213a492f1] [cid:1c01f412-833b-4f9f-a93e-73279bdd637e] Department of Birds and Mammals Kivioq 2 PO Box 570, 3900 Nuuk Greenland P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail

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U.S. Marine Mammal Commission Fiscal Year 2026 Funding Opportunity
by Dee Allen 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission (Commission) is pleased to announce its Fiscal Year 2026 funding opportunity focused on "Advancing Technologies and Methods to Improve Marine Mammal Stock Assessments and Mitigate Impacts". Specifically, the Commission invites proposals that develop or apply technologies, tools, analytical methods, and community-based approaches that contribute to: 1. Understanding of the status of marine mammal stocks; and/or 2. Mitigation or better characterization of human-caused impacts. The Commission will be accepting pre-proposals until Friday, January 16th, 2026, 11:59 pm EST. Applicants intending to apply to this funding opportunity must submit a pre-proposal briefly summarizing their proposed project. Full proposals will only be accepted from those applicants invited to submit after the pre-proposal review. Invitations to submit a full proposal will be sent to applicants via email by Monday, February 16th, 2026. Funding requests are limited to $75,000 USD. More details on this funding opportunity, as well as deadlines, (pre-)proposal requirements, eligibility, and submission instructions, can be found on the Commission's webpages below. Current funding opportunities: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Proposal requirements: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Availability of funds to support projects is dependent on passage of the Commission's Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Potential applicants may contact Dee Allen, Scientific Program Officer by e-mail (RPO(a)mmc.gov<mailto:RPO@mmc.gov>) or telephone (+1 301-504-0087) with any questions. Dee Allen Scientific Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814-4498 301-504-0087 dallen(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dallen@mmc.gov> Funding opportunity inquiries: rpo(a)mmc.gov Visit us online: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government.

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