December 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS 2026 - SARDINIA ISLAND (ITALY)
by Fabio Ronchetti 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Join MareTerra ERC for a unique internship experience in marine research and conservation, taking place between May and October 2026 on Sardinia Island (Italy) — one of the Mediterranean’s richest biodiversity hotspots ( https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/internship) As an intern, you’ll be part of a passionate, international team working on projects focused on the conservation of bottlenose dolphins and the marine environment. You’ll learn how to monitor dolphin behaviour, habitat use, abundance, and distribution using techniques like photo-identification, GIS, and Species Distribution Modelling. You will collect georeferenced data on dolphin sightings, fishing activities and marine traffic. Beyond fieldwork, you’ll actively participate in environmental education initiatives aboard our boats, helping raise awareness and promote respect for the marine ecosystem among tourists and local communities. *What we’re looking for* Our goal is to create a working group that enables each participant to grow both as a researcher and as an individual, by strengthening existing skills and developing new ones where needed. To take part in this internship, you should: - Be fluent in English (minimum level: B2) - Be confident, punctual, and adaptable to an international work environment - Have good public relations skills - Be comfortable on motorboats and able to swim well - Be between 20 and 30 years old This experience requires motivation, responsibility, and a genuine willingness to work long hours in the field — but it’s also a chance to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to marine conservation. Curious about our research? You can explore our published papers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?us… If you have questions or would like more information about how to apply, feel free to write to us at info(a)mareterra-erc.org. Gabriella La Manna, Ph.D --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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Two new publications on baleen whale habitat
by Hansen Johnson 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Hello MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to share the following recent publications on baleen whale habitat in the Northwest Atlantic: Johnson HD, Davies KTA, Taggart CT, Baumgartner MF. (2025). Using ocean gliders to characterize baleen whale habitat in the Northwest Atlantic. Marine Ecology Progress Series 764:189-211. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14832 Characterizing baleen whale habitat is challenging because of the difficulty in obtaining sufficient spatially and temporally concurrent in situ observations of whales and oceanographic conditions. We collected a multi-year series of concurrent whale detections and high-resolution oceanographic measurements from Slocum ocean gliders to evaluate baleen whale habitat associations. The study area was Roseway Basin, a relatively small (30 × 60 km), shallow (less than 180 m) basin located about 40 km seaward of SW Nova Scotia, Canada. Data were collected from 13 fall (August-November) glider surveys of the basin over an 8 yr period (2014-2021). Gliders collected profiles of salinity and temperature as well as audio to detect and classify whale sounds. Acoustic analysis revealed spatial, diel, and within-season patterns in whale detections. Whale occurrence and a suite of oceanographic variables were computed in 20 km grid cells in each month and year of the study (n = 267). Descriptive and statistical (logistic regression) analyses were used to explore associations between the occurrence of each species and depth, topographic relief, water column stratification, current speed, and bottom mixed layer thickness and density. Results suggested strong, positive associations for fin, sei, and right whale occurrence and depth. They also showed that right whale occurrence in August-September was associated with a well-stratified water column overlying a thick, dense bottom mixed layer, consistent with conditions known to have a role in aggregating their copepod prey. Although exploratory, our results demonstrate the utility of profiling gliders for making inferences about baleen whale habitats. Johnson HD, Davies KTA, Durette-Morin D, Carr MK, Franklin KJ, Brown MW, Hamilton PK, Knowlton AR, Taggart CT, Baumgartner MF. (2025). North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) habitat in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence. Endangered Species Research 58:359-379. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01456 The distribution of North Atlantic right whales (hereafter ‘right whales’) has shifted since 2010, as exemplified by the decreased use of several habitats in the Gulf of Maine, lower Bay of Fundy, and Scotian Shelf, and increased occupancy of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL). The goal of this study was to characterize right whale feeding habitat in the sGSL region. We conducted opportunistic oceanographic sampling in the presence and absence of right whales in July and August over 3 yr (2017-2019). Each oceanographic station was typically comprised of a depth-integrated ring net tow and 2 vertical profiles with a conductivity-temperature-depth instrument and optical plankton counter. Of the calanoid copepod taxa, small copepods (e.g. Centropages spp., Pseudocalanus spp.) were numerically dominant at all stations where data were available, but Calanus finmarchicus was also abundant, while C. hyperboreus comprised most of the biomass. Net-derived abundance of late-stage C. hyperboreus and total biomass were significantly greater at stations where right whales were detected. Logistic regression analysis suggested that a higher probability of right whale detection was associated with a thicker bottom mixed layer and abundant patches of late-stage C. hyperboreus near the seafloor. These results offer insights into the vertical distribution and quantity of prey, the quality of the sGSL as a right whale foraging habitat, and the associated implications for right whale recovery. Please do not hesitate to send me an email at hjohnson(a)neaq.org<mailto:hjohnson@neaq.org> for any additional information or with help accessing the articles. Best, Hansen -- Hansen Johnson, PhD (he/him) Research Scientist Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

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New open-access paper on drone vs boat-based surveys of humpback whale groups
by Alice Lima 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Dear MarMamers, We would like to share our newly published open-access article comparing humpback whale group size and composition estimated from boat-based observations and drone video analysis during the 2022–2023 breeding seasons in Ilhéus, Brazil. Using data from 43 groups, we show that drones consistently recorded larger group sizes and revealed more complex group compositions than boat-based surveys, while maintaining a strong positive correlation between methods. Our results highlight the value of drone-based surveys for improving assessments of group structure during the breeding season. *Title:* From a boat and from the air: size and composition of humpback whale groups estimated by onboard observers and drone videos *Authors:* Anabela Miranda, Thomas Foucart, Alice Lima, Kalyane Ramos, Yvonnick Le Pendu *Journal:* *Ocean and Coastal Research* *Link (open access):* https://www.scielo.br/j/ocr/a/pqBX8yDkKDprXSG755TkWgB/?format=html&lang=en Best regards, Alice -- Dr. Alice Lima Post-doc researcher from GPMAI Co-founder Ecosul Turismo Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos de Ilhéus Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia - PPGZOO Ilhéus - Brazil <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Sans virus.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Call for Applicants: Alaska Whale Foundation 2026 Gray Whale Research Program
by Liah McPherson 14 Dec '25

14 Dec '25

Alaska Whale Foundation is seeking interns for our 2026 spring field season! Overview: Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking five interns to participate in our gray whale research project in Sitka, Alaska. Successful applicants will assist in collecting and analyzing data for projects examining gray whale abundance, distribution, health, foraging ecology, and bioenergetics. Responsibilities: Interns will work in teams and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data processing. Field teams live in a cooperative environment, so interns will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning and basic equipment maintenance. Interns are asked to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan marine environment. Compensation: In return for participation, AWF will provide room and board, Mustang-style float coats and pants and additional safety gear. AWF will also provide travel reimbursements (up to $1000) and a $500 honorarium for US residents. Interns will gain tangible data collection and processing skills, and AWF can assist students who wish to receive credit from their academic institutions for this internship. Schedule: Dates for our 2026 Sitka gray whale field season are March 15 - May 14, although the start and end dates are subject to minor changes. Interns are expected to be present for the full two month commitment. Qualifications: All applicants will be considered; however, preference will be given to individuals that are pursuing or have recently been awarded a BS/BA degree or higher in biology, environmental science, or similar field, and who have basic first aid training. Additionally, the following will be viewed favorably: * Desire to pursue a career in marine sciences * Experience working in remote field settings * An ability to work well with colleagues in both research and cooperative living situations How to Apply: Interested individuals should apply by following this link: https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers You will need to include a link (i.e., in Google Drive or similar) to a CV, brief cover letter (no more than 500 words), and contact information for two references in a single PDF file. Priority will be given to US-based applicants. Alaska-based applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications should be submitted no later than Wednesday, December 31, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PST. Qualified candidates will be contacted within two weeks to set up interviews, and final decisions will be made no later than January 31, 2026. Further announcements - including notification that positions have been filled - will be posted on Alaska Whale Foundation’s social media pages. For more information contact: liahlm(a)hawaii.edu<mailto:liahlm@hawaii.edu>

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Job Opportunity: Research Scientist in Bioacoustics at the New England Aquarium
by Hansen Johnson 12 Dec '25

12 Dec '25

Hello MARMAM community, We seek a Research Scientist to join the long-standing North Atlantic right whale research team as part of the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium (NEAq). This scientist will develop and use established open-source passive acoustic monitoring systems to study the acoustic behavior of endangered North Atlantic right whales, and employ similar systems to monitor noise levels in NEAq exhibits. This is a two-year, grant-funded position with the possibility of extension depending on funding. The job description and application are available here: https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/3931814 The position will remain open until filled. For additional information or questions, please email me at hjohnson(a)neaq.org. All the best, Hansen -- Hansen Johnson, PhD (he/him) Research Scientist Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

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Novel Dolphin Tupavirus
by Laura Bourque 12 Dec '25

12 Dec '25

Hi Folks, Just thought you might like to see our new paper on a novel virus causing encephalitis in an atlantic white sided dolphin. It's public access in emerging infectious diseases and the link and title are below: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/11/25-1203_article Novel Dolphin Tupavirus from Stranded Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin with Severe Encephalitis, Canada, 2024 Oksana Vernygora1, Laura Bourque1, Megan Jones, Ole Nielsen, Carissa Embury-Hyatt, Estella Moffat, Tonya Wimmer, and Oliver Lung Abstract: We sequenced a novel rhabdovirus, Tupavirus delphini (dolphin tupavirus), from the brain of a stranded dead Atlantic white-sided dolphin with severe encephalitis in Canada. In situ hybridization linked presence of the virus to the animal’s brain pathology and death. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring marine mammals for unexpected pathogens. Best, Laura -- -- *Laura Bourque, DVM, DVSc, MSc, DACVP* *Wildlife pathologist* *Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative* *Réseau canadien de la santé de la faune* e. lbourque(a)cwhc-rcsf.ca <kbrown(a)cwhc-rcsf.ca> p. 902-566-0545 w. http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca *Follow CWHC on Facebook and Twitter:* f. https://www.facebook.com/cwhcrcsf <https://www.facebook.com/healthywildlife> t. https://twitter.com/CWHCRCSF ------------------------------------------------------------- The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your system.

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Article assessing the contribution of heat increment of feeding to field metabolic rate in dolphins
by Andreas Fahlman 12 Dec '25

12 Dec '25

Dear MarMamers We would like to share our new open access article that measures the metabolic contribution of digestion in the bottlenose dolphin (https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.251474) This study quantified the heat increment of feeding (HIF), the metabolic cost of digestion, in eight common bottlenose dolphins using breath-by-breath respirometry. After consuming standardized fish meals (1659–2658 kcal), metabolic rate rose by ~37% above fasting levels and peaked ~60 min post-feeding, returning near baseline within two hours. Scaled to a full day, digestion increased daily metabolic needs by ~8.2% of basal metabolic rate, indicating a moderate energetic impact comparable to other marine mammals. These findings provide the first multi-individual estimate of HIF in dolphins, refining bioenergetic models and improving predictions of prey requirements and energetic vulnerability in wild populations Title: Heat increment of feeding in the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) contributes moderately to field metabolic rate estimates Authors: Koliopoulou, I., DeRuiter, S.L. Altimiras, J., Larsson, J., Arenarez, J., Rosen, D. Fahlman, A. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.251474 Abstract: Digestion elevates metabolism through the heat increment of feeding (HIF) – the energy expended on mechanical and biochemical processes after eating. Quantifying this cost is essential for bioenergetic models that predict energy flow and prey requirements in populations. Using breath-by-breath respirometry, we measured oxygen consumption (V̇ O2) in eight common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) before and after feeding standardized meals (1659–2658 kcal of capelin and herring). Metabolic rate rose by ∼37% above resting levels, peaking 60 min after feeding before returning to baseline within 2 h. When scaled across the day, digestion increased daily metabolic needs by ∼8.2% of basal metabolism, similar to values reported for Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), where HIF contributes 4–10% of daily energy expenditure. This study provides the first multi-individual estimate of HIF in dolphins and suggests that the energetic cost of digestion is a moderate contribution to overall daily metabolism, refining energetic models and improving prey requirement estimates for cetaceans in the wild.

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New publication: Odontocetes have no place to hide from PFAS in New Zealand waters
by Katharina Peters 10 Dec '25

10 Dec '25

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are excited to share our new open-access publication analysing PFAS in 16 odontocete species in New Zealand: Stockin KA, Peters KJ, Saltré F, Machovsky-Capuska GE, Betty EL, Tremblay LA, Yi S (2025). No place to hide: Marine habitat does not determinate per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in odontocetes. Science of the Total Environment 1007:180701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180701 Abstract As meso- and apex predators in food webs, marine mammals can bioconcentrate persistent environmental contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although the presence of PFAS is widely reported in the marine environment, there is a lack of data for cetaceans in Oceania. We investigated whether ecological habitat influences bioconcentration patterns across a range of odontocete (toothed whale, dolphin and porpoise) species. We measured PFAS in liver samples (n = 127) from 16 cetacean species representing four families inhabiting four marine habitats along the Aotearoa New Zealand coastline. We analysed six perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, ten perfluoroalkyl sulphonic acids and four precursor compounds in the context of sex, body index, habitat and species/family using generalized linear mixed models. Results showed that marine habitat remained a weak predictor of PFAS burden. Instead, biological factors including sex and age class best explained the levels of PFAS detected across all species and habitats. We offer first important insights on PFAS levels across several new taxa globally, including endemic endangered species and poorly described polar vagrants. Our findings further highlight how the ubiquitous nature of PFAS pose a higher risk to odontocetes across different seascapes than previously anticipated. The paper is available open-access at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180701 For a lighter read, please see the accompanying article in The Conversation<https://theconversation.com/forever-chemicals-contaminate-more-dolphins-and…>. All the best, Katharina Dr Katharina J Peters Lecturer in Biological Sciences Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab<https://www.mavelab.org/> Environmental Futures, School of Science | Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health | 35.G01D University of Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia T +61 2 4239 2058 E katharina_peters(a)uow.edu.au<mailto:katharina_peters@uow.edu.au> MAVELab<https://katharinajpeters.weebly.com/> | UOW Profile<https://scholars.uow.edu.au/katharina-peters> | GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=7QWvsMUAAAAJ&hl=en> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katharina_Peters> | GitHub<https://github.com/kjopeters?tab=following> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/mave_lab/> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-j-peters-b47b5370/?trk=nav_responsive…> [A dolphin and dolphin in a circle Description automatically generated]<http://www.mavelab.org/>[A blue circle with text and a shield Description automatically generated] On the lands and waters that we study, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge and respect the Traditional Custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands. This email is intended for the addressee name and may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. UOW CRICOS: 00102E | TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12062 | ABN: 61 060 567 686 I may send emails outside of ‘normal’ working hours but please know that I do not expect a response outside of your own working hours.

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New publication: A whale in a well: Co-exposure of a persistent organic pollutant mixture and cetacean morbillivirus on killer whale (Orcinus orca) primary fibroblasts
by Helena Costa 10 Dec '25

10 Dec '25

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: "A whale in a well: Co-exposure of a persistent organic pollutant mixture and cetacean morbillivirus on killer whale (Orcinus orca) primary fibroblasts" Abstract: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) accumulate high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which have been linked to immunomodulation. Over the past decades, large-scale mortality events associated with cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) have affected cetacean populations, and concerns have been raised about the role of contaminants in exacerbating these outbreaks. However, establishing cause-effect relationships in free-roaming cetaceans remains a significant challenge. In vitro approaches present unique potential for furthering our understanding of the effects of multiple environmental stressors in marine mammal health. In this study, we used primary fibroblasts cultured from wild Norwegian killer whale skin biopsies (n = 6) to assess how exposure to POP mixtures affects cell viability and CeMV replication. Our findings demonstrate that CeMV successfully replicates in killer whale fibroblasts, with the viral replication significantly increasing over the duration of the experiment. POP exposure led to a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability and a significant increase in viral replication. These results validate killer whale primary fibroblasts as a valuable in vitro tool for the study of co-exposure of POPs and morbillivirus on toothed cetaceans. Moreover, these findings support the need for further research to confirm the role of contaminants in intensifying the severity of CeMV infections in the wild. The article is freely available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107671 Cheers, Helena Costa DVM, PhD helena.g.costa(a)hotmail.com Nord University Bodø, Norway

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Masters student on gray whale foraging ecology in Sitka, Alaska
by Lauren Wild 09 Dec '25

09 Dec '25

Dear all, The University of Alaska Sitka Campus, in collaboration with University of Alaska Fairbanks, is currently soliciting a master's student to work on a gray whale foraging ecology project in Sitka, Alaska beginning in the fall of 2026, funded through Alaska Sea Grant. Interested applicants can find more information and express interest at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNt0WcOCq- yOGMm1NTKHQq6hy0fWjXwLT_ED4-wiftDXD2tA/viewform?usp=header Please submit your form by January 30th, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Thank you | *Gunalchéesh* - Lauren Wild & Ellen Chenoweth *I was born and raised on the unceded lands of the Łlingit people in Sheet'ká (Sitka, Alaska)* -- Lauren Wild, PhD. she/her Assistant Professor - Applied Fisheries University of Alaska Southeast 1332 Seward Ave. Sitka, AK 99835 907-747-7799 *lawild(a)alaska.edu <lawild(a)alaska.edu>*

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