February 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job opportunity: Offshore Industries Coordinator at Whale and Dolphin Conservation; 3-year fixed term; UK-based role
by Emma Eastcott 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Whale and Dolphin Conservation<https://whales.org/> (WDC) is looking for a dedicated Offshore Industries Coordinator to help reduce the impact of offshore industries on whales and dolphins. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in marine conservation while engaging with key stakeholders across industry and policy. About WDC WDC is a global charity dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins, and their habitats. We work through policy advocacy, scientific research and conservation initiatives to reduce threats to marine life. About the role The Offshore Industries Coordinator will be key in tackling the impacts of offshore industries such as renewable energy, oil and gas, and other anthropogenic ocean activities. The role involves policy development, industry engagement and scientific research. - Apply here<https://uk.whales.org/about/job-vacancies/> - Deadline: 12th March - Location: Remote, hybrid, or based in our office in Chippenham. N.B. candidates must be UK-based and eligible to work in the UK - Contract: Full-time, fixed-term 3-year contract Who we’re looking for We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic marine conservationists or policymakers who have: - Experience in marine policy, offshore industries, or ocean conservation - Knowledge of cetacean science or anthropogenic noise (desirable) - Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement If you're passionate about marine conservation and meet the eligibility requirements, we’d love to hear from you! For more details, please check the job description<https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/whale-and-dolphin-conservation/offshore-i…>. [cid:image001.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://uk.whales.org/> Emma Eastcott Head of safe seas Pronouns: she, her, hers Telephone: +44 (0)1249 449 500<tel:+44%20(0)1249%20449%20500> WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Brookfield House 38 St. Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ United Kingdom whales.org<https://whales.org/> [cid:image002.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://uk.whales.org/our-4-goals/climate-giants/> [cid:image003.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://www.facebook.com/whalesorg> [cid:image004.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://www.twitter.com/whalesorg> [cid:image005.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://www.instagram.com/whalesorg> [cid:image006.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://www.youtube.com/whalesorg> [cid:image007.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://uk.whales.org/category/news/> [cid:image008.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://uk.whales.org/newsletter> [cid:image009.png@01DB846A.BF387670]<https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/> Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”) is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system.

1 0

New publication: northern bottlenose whale buzzes and rasps
by Caroline Haas 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Hi everyone, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication on the acoustic behaviour of northern bottlenose whales: Haas, C. E., Wensveen, P. J., Hooker, S. K., & Miller, P. J. O. (2025). Acoustic characteristics and context of buzzes and rasps produced by northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus). Bioacoustics, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2025.2451955 Abstract Deep-diving northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) rely on sound for orientation, foraging and communication. While their regular echolocation clicks have been described, characterisations of other click types are limited. Here we quantify acoustic and behavioural differences between two types of rapid click trains: buzzes and rasps. Sound and movement data were collected from 15 animal-attached DTag deployments around Jan Mayen Island (Norway) from 2013-2016. Buzzes and rasps were manually identified, and random forest analyses revealed a classification accuracy of 93.7% (n = 129 respectively). Rasps occurred more often near the surface whereas buzzes were primarily emitted at depth during foraging dives, had shorter inter-click-intervals (U = 263, p < 0.001), longer durations (U = 14413, p < 0.001), and coincided with increased movement more often than rasps (U = 10384, p < 0.001). On-axis clicks from nearby whales showed further differences in duration and frequency content between individual buzz and rasp clicks. Our findings demonstrate that buzzes and rasps are acoustically and contextually distinct, with buzzes associated with foraging and rasps with communication. These differences will allow identification of buzzes and rasps and inference of behaviour and habitat use in passive acoustic data, enhancing research on this cryptic beaked whale. The paper is open access and freely available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2025.2451955 Best, Caroline Haas (she/her) PhD candidate Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland E-mail: ceh26(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ceh26@st-andrews.ac.uk>

1 0

Explorer headed on sailing expedition - Arctic - Volunteering to collect Marine Mammal Data
by Gregg Treinish 20 Feb '25

20 Feb '25

Hi All, We have an explorer who will be examining old haunts and camps of Peary and Greely on Ellesmere Island and Greenland. Below is a map of their route. Along the way they will also be telling the story of netting Little Auks by the Polar Inuit. The team is interested in collecting samples or in making recordings that could benefit marine mammal research. Please reply to this email if you would like to learn more and have them collect any samples and/or take readings/observations of any kind along the way. This particular team has worked with Adventure Scientists <https://www.adventurescientists.org/our-services.html> several times and has consistently demonstrated an ability to follow protocols and deliver as requested. *There is no cost* to work with us or this team other than the costs of the data collection itself (equipment, supplies, shipping, etc.). We look forward to hearing from you and hope that our nonprofit and these volunteers can be of service to the great science you are doing! Best, [image: image.png] Gregg Treinish Executive Director call or text: 406.579.9702 he/him/his <https://www.instagram.com/adventurescientists/?hl=en> <https://www.facebook.com/AdventureScientists/> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-treinish-4175073>

1 0

Bowhead Whale Publication
by Ashley Barratclough 19 Feb '25

19 Feb '25

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication entitled Bowhead Whale Mortality Event in Nunavut Canada, Autumn 2020 published in IWC’s Journal of Cetacean Management and Research - Open Access. https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/1069/772 Abstract: Cetacean mortality events in the Arctic often go underreported compared with events in more highly populated regions. Here, we report a mortality event involving the death of 11 bowhead whales around the Gulf of Boothia, Canada. The whales were discovered between October 2020–April 2021. Reports of 11 dead bowhead whales within six months in one area raised concerns among local hunters and community members. Due to the remoteness of these strandings and challenges with access, complete necropsies were not performed, but local Inuit collected tissue samples from eight of the whales. Possible reasons for these deaths include unusual weather events, nutritional stress/starvation, metabolic abnormalities, infectious disease, anthropogenic impacts (such as vessel collisions) and killer whale predation. To determine the most likely cause of these strandings, demographic, temporal, environmental, epidemiological, pathologic and contaminant analyses were performed. Results were compared with published accounts and historical data where appropriate. Killer whale sightings by local Inuit both before and during the stranding events confirmed the presence of these predators in close proximity to the carcass locations, with predation marks observed in several carcasses. We conclude that this was the most probable direct contributing factor to the mortality event. Indirect contributing factors might also include reduced ice coverage as a result of climate change and nutritional stress. Further monitoring of this population is required to assess health from both a scientific and an Indigenous perspective. Please contact Ashley.barratclough(a)nmmf.org with any questions, Thank you! Ashley Barratclough BVetMed, MSc WAH, MS, PhD, MRCVS Conservation Medicine Veterinarian National Marine Mammal Foundation 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA

1 0

New Publication: Manatee Protection Systems
by Kristy Brightwell 19 Feb '25

19 Feb '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication, "Evaluating the effectiveness of retrofitting water control structures with manatee protection systems to reduce mortality" published in the Journal of Wildlife Management. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70002 Abstract: Minimizing human-related manatee mortality is a priority management action for Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) conservation and recovery. Manatees encounter navigational locks and water control structures along travel corridors, and fatal encounters can occur from crushing, impingement, or entrapment that subsequently result in drowning. Extensive mitigation efforts have been made to protect manatees. This study evaluates the effectiveness of manatee protection systems at navigational locks and water control structures using negative binomial regression models and Friedman's tests with pairwise comparisons from 1974–2020 mortality data. Mitigation effort was stratified into 4 groups ranging from no mitigation to fully mitigated. Regression models for 223 structure-related manatee deaths showed the expected number of annual mortalities was ≤0.26 for all mitigation groups at each structure type. Friedman's tests indicated a difference in mortalities among mitigation efforts for navigational locks (χ22 = 10.75, P = 0.004) and water control structures (χ22 = 16.63, P ≤ 0.001). Mortalities at fully mitigated water control structures were lower than at partially mitigated structures in pairwise testing for both analyses; navigational lock mitigation efforts only differed in Wilcoxon rank sums tests. Combined results show that when current manatee protection systems are functional and protocols are followed, mortality is reduced. While these systems are a conservation achievement, continued re-evaluation of mitigation efforts and investigation into new technologies are needed to ensure the continued reduction or elimination of structure-related manatee mortalities. Feel free to reach out to kkbrightwell(a)gmail.com<mailto:kkbrightwell@gmail.com> for questions about the paper and to ImperiledSpecies(a)MyFWC.com for specific questions about manatee protection systems. Best, [WEST_FINAL updated green.png]<https://west-inc.com/> Innovative Solutions Through Applied Science . Kristy Brightwell Consulting Biologist (she/her) w: 307-996-8874<tel:307-996-8874> e: kbrightwell(a)west-inc.com<mailto:kbrightwell@west-inc.com> a: Remote Georgia, United States [cid:1eb93a42-aa7a-435c-b9d4-19b088432dd9]<https://west-inc.com/news-insights/news-events/> [cid:ec660624-4e26-4d10-a896-0a79ddb68c87] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/westernecosystems/>

1 0

March 5 Webinar on Assessing Marine Mammal Bycatch Risk in Chile
by Ellen M Hines 19 Feb '25

19 Feb '25

Please join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 5 from 2-3:30pmET | 11-12:30pmPT | 4-5:30pm Chile for "Assessing Marine Mammal Bycatch Risk in Chile." In this project, a team of experts from the Chilean government, fisheries managers, and local scientists are collaborating to use the Bycatch Risk Assessment (ByRA) toolbox to assess bycatch risk of marine mammals for Chilean fisheries. The webinar will explore and discuss key findings. This webinar will be recorded- please share this with others who may be interested and reach out with any questions. Register for the Webinar<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KWpjTYLtSR22kl25ikcQXw> Learn More about the Project<https://www.lenfestocean.org/en/research-projects/marine-mammal-bycatch-ris…> All the best, Kayla Kayla Ripple Pronouns: she/her Principal Associate, Lenfest Ocean Program [cid:image001.png@01DB82C5.FE4E15A0] 901 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20004 SIGN UP<https://www.lenfestocean.org/en/about-us/contact-us/lenfest-newsletter-sign…> FOR LENFEST OCEAN NEWS p: 202-540-6761| e: kripple(a)lenfestocean.org<mailto:kripple@lenfestocean.org> www.lenfestocean.org<http://www.lenfestocean.org/>|twitter: <https://twitter.com/LenfestOcean> @lenfestocean<https://twitter.com/LenfestOcean> Ellen Hines, PhD Estuary & Ocean Science Center Professor Emeritus, School of the Environment San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr Tiburon, CA. 94940 ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> https://eoscenter.sfsu.edu/ellen-hines Adjunct Scientist: Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA

1 0

New publication: Harbour porpoise social communication
by Amy Migneault 18 Feb '25

18 Feb '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are please to announce the recent publication of our manuscript titled: Reading between the lines: Novel insights on wild Pacific harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerina) social communication through narrow-band high frequency click trains. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317727 [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?id=10.1371/journal.p…]<https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317727> Reading between the lines: Novel insights on wild Pacific harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerina) social communication through narrow-band high frequency click trains<https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317727> doi.org Abstract: For cetaceans that produce narrow-band high-frequency click trains such as the Pacific harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerinae), social acoustic behavior is poorly understood. While harbour porpoises have a reputation of being generally non-social and often solitary, few studies have aimed to quantify acoustic social communication for this species. In the waters surrounding the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada, harbour porpoises are often seen in groups where they have been observed attempting mating and surface-active behaviors. To assess the extent of social communication amongst porpoises in this region, we analyzed a long-term passive acoustic monitoring F-POD dataset collected from two sites, coupled with a detailed social acoustic criterion for detecting patterns of non-foraging click trains. Based on these criteria, porpoises were found to be producing patterns of obvious, discrete, and repetitive click trains that were marked as social. Generalized additive models were used to identify significant temporal trends in the dataset. On average, 5.3% of click trains produced by porpoises were social. Monthly and diurnal fluctuations in social detection positive minutes (DPM) followed a similar trajectory to non-social DPM, with peak activity observed during periods of darkness and from spring to early summer with a smaller increase in the fall. At one site, 11.1% of the DPM in May were classified as social. In general, proportionally more social DPM were found during periods of more overall DPM, suggesting that porpoises were socially communicating while in proximity to one another. Notably, overall DPM significantly decreased by 53.7% over three years. This novel methodology can be replicated in other regions to gain further insight into the social acoustic behavior of harbour porpoises. For any inquires, please reach out to Amy Migneault (amymigneault(a)uvic.ca) Thank you, Amy Migneault

1 0

Request: reticle binocular recommendations for cetacean surveys
by Amanda Spears 18 Feb '25

18 Feb '25

Hi everyone, Looking to replace a well-used pair of reticle binoculars (old Bushnells) we use for whale surveys at the Farallon Islands, California. Hoping some cetacean researchers could provide guidance regarding current approaches for achieving reticle readings during land-based surveys, and what equipment options are available that are fast, accurate, easy to use in the field. Thanks! Amanda …………………………………………….. Amanda Spears (she/her) Farallon Program Biologist Point Blue Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive, Suite 11, Petaluma, CA 94954 215-475-2642 pointblue.org<https://www.pointblue.org/> | Follow Point Blue on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/pointblue_conservationscience/>, Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/pointblue.bsky.social>, Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/PointBlueConservationScience>, and LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/pointblue-conservation-science/>! Point Blue—Conservation science for a healthy planet.

1 0

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS - SARDINIA ISLAND (ITALY)
by Fabio Ronchetti 18 Feb '25

18 Feb '25

MareTerra ERC is offering internships ( https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/internship) to join research projects on the conservation of the bottlenose dolphins and marine environment between May and October 2025 in Sardinia Island (Italy), a hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. Since its founding in 2012, MareTerra has operated as a self-financed organization. Interns will learn research methods to monitor the behaviour, habitat use, abundance, and distribution of bottlenose dolphins through techniques such as photo-ID, GIS, and Species Distribution Modelling. They will gather georeferenced data on dolphins, fishing activities, and boat traffic that affect dolphin behaviour. Additionally, interns will participate in bioacoustic data collection. The goal of our research projects is to implement measures for marine ecosystem conservation and to promote sustainable and responsible management of fishing and tourism activities. For published papers, please visit https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?us… . Working within an international and multicultural team, interns will actively engage in environmental education to raise awareness and promote respect for the marine environment among tourists and locals on board our boats. **Required Skills** - Fluency in English (English level > B2) - Self-confidence - Flexibility and adaptability to an international work environment - Punctuality - Good public relations skills - Comfort on board a motorboat and ability to swim well - Minimum age: 20 years; maximum age: 30 years Participating in this internship requires high motivation, responsibility and willingness to work long hours in the field. For any questions or to receive more information on the application process, please send an email to 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

1 0

New paper on beaked whales
by Peter Corkeron 18 Feb '25

18 Feb '25

Greetings fellow Marmamers On behalf of my coauthors, I'm delighted to announce a new paper, just published. DeAngelis et al. 2025 Habitat utilization by beaked whales in the western North Atlantic Ocean using passive acoustics. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 754:137-153. The paper is Open Access and freely available at: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v754/p137-153/ Here's the Abstract: Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) are cryptic, deep-diving cetaceans found offshore. Passive acoustic monitoring of this family allows identification to species level and is instrumental in expanding knowledge of their behavior, distribution, and habitat use. From 28 June to 25 August 2016, 2 broadscale shipboard surveys towed a hydrophone array in the western North Atlantic. Concurrently, 11 bottom-mounted recorders collected continuous passive acoustic data along the 1000 m contour during July and August 2016. Five beaked whale species (goose-beaked, Ziphius cavirostris; Gervais’, Mesoplodon europaeus; True’s, M. mirus; Sowerby’s, M. bidens; and Blainville’s, M. densirostris) were present in both data sets. Beaked whales were commonly detected at the bottom-mounted sites (71% total days present), with sites off the US Mid-Atlantic Bight containing the greatest species diversity. Overall, daily co-occurrence was uncommon (35% of study period). Using the towed array, Blainville’s and Gervais’ beaked whales were found in the Gulf Stream, True’s beaked whales were more common in abyssal waters, and Sowerby’s beaked whales were more common on the continental slope. Goose-beaked whales were present throughout. Using multipath reflections, click depths were examined for 192 beaked whale detection events. Among 3 species tested (goose-beaked, Gervais’, and True’s), only goose-beaked whales were found to significantly forage in proximity to the seafloor. This is the first study of its kind to provide a comprehensive overview of how these whales utilize their habitat across latitudes, longitudes, and depths. Sincerely -- Peter Corkeron Website: aduncus.net Bluesky: @petercorkeron

1 0