December 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Movement Ecology - Analyse Animal Movement Data Effectively & Confidently
by Oliver Hooker 04 Dec '25

04 Dec '25

Movement Ecology - Analyse Animal Movement Data Effectively & Confidently *A Practical Course on Analysing Tracking Data* Modern marine-mammal research depends heavily on movement data: satellite telemetry, GPS tags, TDRs, acoustic detections, opportunistic tracks, and photo-ID–derived movement paths. Understanding how individuals move, use space, interact with their environment, and respond to human pressures is central to conservation and ecological inference. https://prstats.org/course/movement-ecology-the-analysis-of-movement-data-m… *Movement Ecology (MOVE09)* is a five-day, live online course that gives movement ecology researchers the tools to transform raw tracking data into rigorous ecological insight. What You Will Learn - The core principles of *movement ecology* and how they apply to large, mobile species where movement is influenced by physical and physiological constraints, prey distribution and behavioural states. - How to analyse movement trajectories: - step lengths, turning angles, path tortuosity - behavioural segmentation (e.g., foraging, travelling, resting) - identifying migration, site fidelity and exploratory behaviour - Methods for estimating *home ranges and utilisation distributions* in including how to interpret isopleths when movement is constrained by coastlines, fronts or oceanographic features. - Techniques for assessing interactions: - dynamic movement metrics - residence time and first-passage time - identifying hotspots, foraging areas and important habitats - How to conduct *resource- and step-selection analyses* using environmental covariates such as depth, chlorophyll, SST, fronts, prey proxies, or human activity layers (shipping, fishing). - How to choose and evaluate different tracking technologies and understand how sampling frequency, location error and behaviour affect analysis. Why This Course Is Valuable for Marine-Mammal Scientists Marine-mammal movement data come with unique complexities: long dive cycles, remote open-ocean habitats, environmental drivers that vary across depth and space, and irregular or error-prone location data. Simple descriptive methods rarely capture the processes driving movement. This course helps you: - Identify behavioural states, core areas, movement patterns and habitat preferences with *statistical confidence*. - Link movement pathways with *oceanographic conditions*, prey availability and anthropogenic pressures. - Quantify differences in space use across seasons, age classes, or individuals. - Produce defensible analyses for conservation, impact assessment, marine-protected-area design, and ecological publications. Course Format - *Five full days*, live online. - A clear mix of lectures, theory and R-based practicals using movement datasets. - Designed for marine-mammal ecologists, conservation scientists, telemetry analysts and graduate researchers who work with location-based or movement data. https://prstats.org/course/movement-ecology-the-analysis-of-movement-data-m… Please email oliver(a)prstats.org with any questions. -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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{MARMAM} Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program - 2026 Batten Fellowship
by Caroline Loomis 04 Dec '25

04 Dec '25

Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program - 2026 Batten Fellowship The Virginia Aquarium's Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting applications for the Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowship. Fellow Application Deadline: 2/1/2026 For more information, including duties, position requirements, and how to apply, visit https://virginiaaquarium.com/work-with-us or email strandingvolmgr(a)vbgov.com with any questions. Position Overview: Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response as opportunities allow. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by fellowship season. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each season. Batten Fellows are also expected to complete a focused research project overseen by a staff mentor. We work with each accepted Batten Fellow to select a project from a set of predetermined options based on their individual background, experience, and interests balanced with the available data and research needs of the program. Fellows are expected to work 400 - 800 hours over approximately three to six months, starting in May/June. This competitive position includes $15 per hour compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Housing in not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit if applicable, and all details of academic requirements must be discussed during the application process. The Fellow is expected to be available 4 - 5 days per week, 8am - 4:30pm. Some weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Thank you, Joanna Daniel Stranding & Research Scientist Office: (757) 385-6489 jdaniel(a)VirginiaAquarium.com Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/> 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

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Open Be Whale Wise Coordinator Position - The Whale Museum
by Conor Agnew 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

The Whale Museum<https://whalemuseum.org/pages/job-internship-volunteer-opportunities> is seeking a new Be Whale Wise<https://www.bewhalewise.org/> Coordinator! This is a year-round position with 75% employment. Pay ranges from $25 to 30 an hour, includes benefits. The application deadline is January 5th, 2026 or until filled. Location: The preferred location for this position is on-site at The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, WA. We are willing to consider alternative locations within the project areas. Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum (TWM) promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Through education, we increase public knowledge about whales, other marine species and the Salish Sea ecosystem to promote more responsible environmental stewardship practices. The Be Whale Wise program is part of our effort to directly educate people and improve the conditions for Southern Resident killer whales and the ecosystem around them. The Be Whale Wise Program Coordinator is a staff position at The Whale Museum with responsibility to implement and advance that educational mission. Program Goal: Be Whale Wise is a partnership of governmental agencies, non-profits and others in British Columbia and Washington state to educate the boating public about laws and best practices to protect the region's whales and their environment. The Be Whale Wise partnership helps to create consistent messaging and education for vessel operators, coastal residents, and tourists to the region. Be Whale Wise partners accomplish this goal by educating boaters on shore, then reinforcing the message on-the-water around marine mammals through its partner programs. Be Whale Wise core partners include: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Transport Canada, the United States Coast Guard, CETUS Research and Conservation/Straitwatch, and The Whale Museum/Soundwatch. Be Whale Wise Program Objectives: * Educate boaters on Be Whale Wise Guidelines and Federal, State and Local regulations; * Educate boaters on best practices for viewing marine wildlife before they leave the dock; * Ensure communication of coordinated stewardship messages from partners to boaters regarding marine wildlife. Required Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in communications and public affairs, environmental education, social sciences, environmental sciences, marine science, fisheries or a related field; * Minimum 2 years of professional experience in one of the above areas; * Experience coordinating and training volunteers; * Experience with event planning and coordination and/or meeting facilitation; * Demonstrated ability to coordinate multifaceted groups and prioritize among competing demands; * Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interface with the public in a manner that is respectful and professional, sometimes in challenging situations; * Experience with data management and proficiency in common software packages; * Drivers license and willingness to travel regionally for outreach events/partner meetings; * International applicants must have an approved visa and documentation to work in the U.S. at the time of submission; * This position includes seasonal weekend and holiday work as well as office time in The Whale Museum. Preferred Qualities: * Experience with grant writing and grant/budget management; * Experience with social media management and content development; * Familiarity with the marine environment and marine mammal management in Washington State and British Columbia; * Spanish language capabilities. Be Whale Wise Program Coordinator Job Tasks: The Coordinator reports to TWM Research Director and works cooperatively as part of the Museum staff. The Coordinator works closely with TWM leadership and Be Whale Wise partners to coordinate and ensure all aspects of the Be Whale Wise Partnership. The Coordinator is responsible for the organization and staffing of outreach events throughout the region, communication and coordination among Be Whale Wise partners, Be Whale Wise materials, and coordination of volunteers. Details of the Be Whale Wise Coordinator duties are provided below: * Facilitates Be Whale Wise efforts through routine interaction with partners, updating and distributing educational materials, and maintaining distribution database. * Education/Outreach on marine stewardship through planning, staffing and evaluating outreach events, including coordination of the Boater Ambassador Program, managing the program’s website and social media, liaising with regional user groups, and conducting specialized trainings for enforcement agencies, and commercial naturalists and guides. * Coordinates with BWW member organizations and provides feedback on marine wildlife viewing guidelines through education, outreach, and adaptive management strategies. The Coordinator interacts with the region’s on-water vessel education programs including: The Whale Museum’s Soundwatch Boater Education Program and Cetus Society’s Straitwatch Program to ensure consistent messaging, data collection, and analysis. * Represents TWM and Be Whale Wise at relevant stakeholder meetings, conferences, and workshops. Provides expertise on wildlife viewing, marine stewardship, whale-vessel interactions and boater education and monitoring. Networks with regional marine protection programs including state and commercial coordination organizations. * Works with stakeholders to annually adapt current wildlife viewing guidelines. Collaborates with transboundary federal, state, provincial, and local governments, whale watch operators, scientists and NGOs to adjust guidelines as indicated by new scientific findings and shifts in vessel/whale behaviors. * Program Operations: Responsible for end of year program reporting (including data analysis). Oversees program budget and assists with program accounting. Identifies and pursues funding opportunities in collaboration with TWM leadership. * Represents the program through media and public presentations on whale watching activities and marine stewardship under the supervision of TWM leadership. The Whale Museum’s benefit package includes: Health Care (medical, vision, dental), Simple IRA Retirement Plan Contribution, Paid Time Off and Holidays. HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a single PDF file containing your letter of interest, resume and at least three references. Your letter of interest must address (1) examples of accomplishments to illustrate your experience for this role with emphasis on your leadership and outreach/education experience; (2) your philosophy about the position; and (3) insight into what draws you to The Whale Museum's mission and this position at this time in your career. Please email your PDF package to: Be Whale Wise Search Committee, The Whale Museum - email: BWWsearchcommittee(a)whalemuseum.org<mailto:BWWsearchcommittee@whalemuseum.org>. The Whale Museum is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the ecosystems and communities we serve. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other lived experience.

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Invitation to Join a Frank Conversation About Harassment
by Jeremy Kiszka 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

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

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Data set: Bottlenose dolphin sightings collected by citizen scientists in an estuary
by Testa, Jamie 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Hello MARMAMers, We are happy to share our open access article in Data in Brief with a set of bottlenose dolphin sightings collected by volunteers throughout Chesapeake Bay over 5 years. *Title*: Chesapeake DolphinWatch sightings data (2017–2022): Citizen science reports of bottlenose dolphins observed in the Chesapeake Bay, USA *Authors*: Lauren K. Rodriguez, Jamie C. Testa, Kirsten Silva, Helen Bailey *Abstract*: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are extensively studied, though little has been published regarding their occurrence patterns in the large and highly urbanized estuary of the Chesapeake Bay, USA. To address this knowledge gap, the Chesapeake DolphinWatch project was initiated in the summer of 2017. Utilizing a citizen science (also known as volunteer science) methodology, members of the public were encouraged to report dolphin sightings through a specialized mobile (iOS and Android) and web-based (https://chesapeakedolphinwatch.org) application. This approach ensured extensive, yet non-invasive and financially-efficient, data collection. The dataset presented here includes bottlenose dolphin sighting reports submitted to Chesapeake DolphinWatch by citizen scientists over five years; from June 28, 2017 through December 9, 2022. These data have been quality checked by researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's (UMCES) Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) in Solomons, Maryland (USA). This dataset holds potential for various applications, such as analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of dolphin presence within the Chesapeake Bay, investigating the behavior and movements of bottlenose dolphins in the mid-Atlantic, and serving as a comparative benchmark for studies in other estuarine systems. By integrating community engagement with technological platforms, the provided data showcases the invaluable role of citizen science in advancing marine ecological research. *DOI*: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2024.110368 Though it is not newly published, we hadn't yet shared it with the community on this listserv. We hope students and researchers who work with marine mammals and citizen science will find it useful. Warm regards, *Jamie C. Testa (*she/her <https://www.mypronouns.org/she-her>) Project Coordinator for Chesapeake DolphinWatch <https://www.umces.edu/dolphinwatch> University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory <https://www.umces.edu/cbl> JCTesta(a)umces.edu

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Analysing Ecological Data with Detection Error
by Oliver Hooker 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Analysing Ecological Data with Detection ErrorLearn to analyse ecological field data with detection error using R. Work with point counts, ARU data, N-mixture models, distance sampling and time-removal methods. https://prstats.org/course/analysing-ecological-data-with-detection-error-a… Ecological Data with Detection Error (AEED01)* is a live, practical course designed to help ecologists correctly account for these challenges so that inferences about distribution, presence, abundance, or habitat use are scientifically robust. *Understanding True Patterns When Animals Are Hard to Detect* Field data on marine mammals almost always suffer from *imperfect detection*. Whether you work with line-transect surveys, photo-ID efforts, acoustic monitoring, aerial surveys, or opportunistic sightings, the probability of detecting an individual or group is rarely 1. Environmental conditions, animal behaviour, survey platforms, and observer variability all contribute to missed detections. Why Marine-Mammal Scientists Benefit from This Course Marine mammals present some of the most challenging species to detect: long dive times, elusive behaviour, weather-driven visibility, and vast, dynamic habitats. These challenges make *accounting for imperfect detection essential*, not optional. By completing this course, you will be able to: - Estimate *true occupancy, density, or probability of presence*, rather than raw sightings indices. - Correctly interpret detection-adjusted abundance or occurrence trends, useful for conservation status assessments and management decisions. - Produce reliable spatial or temporal inferences even when detection varies across survey platforms or environmental conditions. - Make monitoring programs more statistically defensible by integrating detection processes into design and analysis. What You Will Learn - Why detection error is particularly important in research. - How ignoring these processes can lead to *systematic underestimates* of occupancy or abundance and misleading assessments of population trends or habitat preferences. - How to apply and interpret statistical models that explicitly account for imperfect detection, including: - *Occupancy and multi-season models* for presence/absence surveys - *Detection-adjusted count or abundance models* - *Hierarchical models* for repeated surveys, acoustic detections, or photo-ID data - Approaches inspired by distance-sampling and removal models - How to incorporate *environmental covariates and* *observer effects*, into detection-error modelling. - How to design surveys or monitoring programs that make it possible to properly estimate both ecological states and detection processes. Course Format & Who Should Attend - Live online delivery combining conceptual explanations, case studies, R-based examples, and guided exercises. - Participants should be comfortable working with ecological data in R, but no specialised modelling background is required. Please email oliver(a)prstats.org with any questions -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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Bayesian Modelling with R-INLA
by Oliver Hooker 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Bayesian Modelling with R-INLA *Five-Day Intensive Online Course* Marine-mammal research increasingly relies on advanced statistical tools to analyse complex ecological data: spatial surveys, detection-non-detection datasets, telemetry tracks, abundance estimates, behavioural data, and multi-level hierarchical structures. *Bayesian Modelling using R-INLA (BMIN03)* provides a comprehensive, practical introduction to modern Bayesian methods that are directly applicable to these challenges. This five-day live-online course is designed for ecologists and conservation scientists who want to apply *efficient Bayesian modelling* to their data, using the R-INLA framework. Why Marine-Mammal Scientists Benefit from R-INLA - *Spatial and spatio-temporal modelling* are central to marine-mammal ecology; INLA excels at these models due to its efficient latent Gaussian approach. - *Large datasets* from aerial surveys, eDNA transects, passive acoustic monitoring, or satellite telemetry can be modelled more efficiently than with traditional MCMC. - INLA supports *complex hierarchical structures*, allowing you to combine environmental covariates, survey design effects, behavioural information, and individual variation within a unified Bayesian framework. What You Will Learn - The core ideas behind *Bayesian inference* and how INLA provides fast, accurate approximations ideal for large ecological datasets. - How to build and fit *generalised linear, mixed-effects, spatial, and spatio-temporal models* commonly used in marine-mammal population analysis. - How to incorporate *latent effects*, custom priors, random fields, and structured dependencies — useful for modelling habitat use, movement, distribution, and abundance. - How to analyse *line-transect and distance-sampling-style data*, telemetry data, occupancy models, and hierarchical datasets with individual- or site-level effects. - How to interpret posterior outputs, generate predictions, map spatial distributions, assess uncertainty, and communicate Bayesian results effectively. Course Format - *Five days*, 7 hours per day, combining theory, practical coding exercises, and guided model-building. - *Live online* sessions with full recordings provided. - Full access to teaching materials plus *30 days of post-course support*. Who Should Attend - Marine-mammal ecologists, conservation biologists, environmental statisticians and analysts who work in R. - Researchers involved in *abundance estimation, density surface modelling, telemetry studies, habitat modelling, impact assessment, or long-term monitoring*. - Scientists familiar with basic statistical modelling (e.g., GLMs, mixed models) but who want to move into Bayesian approaches. *Next course date:* 23–27 February 2026 (live online) *Course fee:* £500 Advance your ability to model complex ecological systems and produce defensible, transparent, and uncertainty-aware analyses. Learn more or register: https://prstats.org/course/bayesian-modelling-using-r-inla-bmin03/ <https://prstats.org/course/bayesian-modelling-using-r-inla-bmin03/?utm_sour…> -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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MMO/PSO/PAM Training Courses
by Enquiries 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Advance Your Career with Ocean Science Consulting Limited's (OSC) Training Courses, upcoming course dates and more information below! Go to MMO & PAM Training Courses <https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> for more info and to sign up today - we have limited spaces available for our next course beginning 9 December, so sign up now to secure your place! Next course dates, December 2025 Tuesday 9th MMO Wednesday 10th (0.5 day) - PSO Wednesday 10th (0.5 day) to Friday 19th - PAM What you will learn Species Identification: Identifying species by their unique traits and behaviours. Underwater acoustics theory: Understand how sound travels underwater and the basics of marine acoustics. PAM systems: Set up, operate, and troubleshoot PAM equipment for optimal performance. Regulations & guidelines: Gain in-depth knowledge of critical frameworks like the JNCC Guidelines and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Observation techniques: Hone your skills with professional tools like binoculars and rangefinders and learn precise reporting protocols. Mitigation procedures: Learn how proven techniques like soft starts, shutdowns, and exclusion zones are used to protect marine mammals. Data collection: How to use tools and software to log sightings and create conservation-focused reports. Why choose OSC Our courses are led by instructors with over 30 years of experience, including the authors of the industry-renowned MMO and PAM Handbook. You'll gain unparalleled expertise and hands-on skills from professionals actively working on offshore projects worldwide. Extra benefits: Discounted Marine Binoculars and Tripod Mounts from Opticron. Small class sizes (maximum of 10 participants) for individualised attention. Reduced rate of 770 GBP when you attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Kickstart your marine conservation career by joining one of our world-class training sessions. Courses are available throughout the year, with our next sessions commencing at the beginning of 9 December, and running from the OSC office in Dunbar, Scotland. Click here: MMO & PAM Training Courses<https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> to sign up, and for more information. OSC Admin Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com Enquiries Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk W: www.ocean-science-consulting.gr W: www.osc-nz.co.nz Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR. Scotland, UK MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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Cetacean Research Assistant Course and Drone Course
by Info Edmaktub 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Dear Colleagues, We are delighted to announce that in April 2026 EDMAKTUB will once again offer Cetacean Research Assistant Courses and a Drone Course. The application is now open, and spots are limited! 1. Research Assistant Course: This course is recommended for anyone looking to enter the field and learn about the techniques and methods of marine mammal research. No prior experience is needed to participate. The course places strong emphasis on boat-based field work, and is complemented by theoretical and practical classes. Being designed to adapt to the level and interests of each participant. It covers multiple research domains, including: - Distribution and abundance - Photo-identification - Behavioural studies - Use of drones for cetacean research - Morphometrics & body condition - Oceanography - Statistics, data treatment and modelling - Zooplankton & microplastics - Collision risk & marine traffic - Acoustics - Biological sampling - Citizen Science - Conservation Participants may choose to join 1, 2, or all 3 weeks of the course: - 1st week: 30th March – 5th April 2026 - 2nd week: 6th – 12th April 2026 - 3rd week: 13th – 19th April 2026 The detailed course outline and application form can be found on our website: https://edmaktub.org/en/rac/ <https://edmaktub.org/en/participate/> 2. Drone Course: This one-week course is designed to provide comprehensive training in drone operation and its application in cetacean research. It will be taught by experts with more than 10 years of experience in the field, ensuring participants receive high-quality instruction and guidance. The course is suitable for beginners, no prior experience with drones or marine research is required, but it is an advantage. The curriculum covers current drone regulations, safe and responsible operation, and ethical considerations involved in working with marine wildlife. Participants will gain experience in a wide range of applications in cetacean research, including: - Aerial photo-id - Population studies - Behavioural analysis - Morphometrics and body condition assessment - Sample collection. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in expanding their expertise in modern marine research techniques and contributing to cetacean conservation efforts. Course dates: 20–26 April 2026 The detailed course outline and application form can be found on our website: https://edmaktub.org/en/drone-course/ <https://edmaktub.org/en/drone-course/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBf…> The courses will take place near Barcelona, Spain. The course fee includes accommodation and basic provisions. For more information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, EDMAKTUB Team

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December 10: Decoding whale communication and its implication for Rights of Nature, with Project CETI - online learning session of the Co-creation with the More-than-Human sandbox
by Renilde Becque 02 Dec '25

02 Dec '25

December 10, at 6 pm CET | 12 pm ET | 9 am PT: What Whales are saying <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/co-creation-with-the-more-than-human-what-whal…> – online learning session of the Co-creation with the More-than-Human sandbox A quiet revolution in understanding the More-than-Human world is underway. On 10 December, our ninth and last Co-creation with the More-than-Human learning session of 2025 (with more coming in 2026!) goes into territory that feels both scientific and quietly revolutionary: Decoding whale communication — and what it means for Rights of Nature. Project CETI is a global research initiative working to decode sperm whale communication using advanced AI, machine learning and field linguistics. Their work is revealing a communication system of stunning complexity, suggesting these ocean giants may have one of the most sophisticated languages in the animal kingdom. This in turn invites us to challenge long-standing assumptions about agency, personhood, and the foundations for recognising legal rights beyond the human. In this online session, we’ll go in dialogue with Dr. David Gruber, Founder & President of Project CETI and a National Geographic Explorer, exploring the science, the implications, and the door it opens for a different kind of relationship with the oceanic world. If you’re curious about what this frontier looks like in practice, you’re welcome to join us on 10 December at 6 pm CET | 12 pm ET | 9 am PT REGISTRATION LINK (EventBrite, free & quick to register): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/co-creation-with-the-more-than-human-what-whal… Alternatively, to receive the email announcements for when we resume the monthly learning sessions in 2026, register for the mailing list (no newsletter): https://stats.sender.net/forms/dL926D/view?utm_campaign= <https://stats.sender.net/forms/dL926D/view?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&u…> &utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

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