March 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Cetacean Research Assistant – Portugal
by AIMM Internships 27 Mar '25

27 Mar '25

*BACKGROUND: * The Marine Environment Research Association – AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in Portugal in 2010, focused on the research and conservation of marine species and running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations. Each year, from the 1st of June until the 30th of November, AIMM operates a Dolphin Research Internship Programme <https://www.aimmportugal.org/internship-highlights?fbclid=IwAR3yRVHJdSR93Ov…> during our summer field season. We receive interns of all ages from across the globe to participate in this programme and are currently looking for applicants to fill two Volunteer Research Assistant positions for the forthcoming field season in 2021. You will be joining a small and dedicated team of scientists and researchers to provide vital support to the ongoing success of our data collection and internship programme. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmentally friendly and multicultural environment. *WHAT WE REQUIRE:* Ideal candidates for this *volunteer position* will: · be at least 21 years of age; · be fluent in English (*mandatory*) and Portuguese (*highly desirable*); · have previous experience with cetaceans and/or marine sciences ( *mandatory*); · hold a full, manual Driving License, valid in the EU (*mandatory* ); · be able to commit to until the end of the season (October); · have proven experience in team leadership and group supervision; · be highly motivated, responsible and organized with genuine attention to details; · have a friendly, patient and tolerant personality, and be capable of dealing with people from different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. *WHAT WE OFFER: * The Research Assistants will participate directly in our fieldwork and will receive training and supervision in species identification, research & data collection methods, photo-identification, acoustic monitoring, land base and the use of GPS and camera equipment. In turn, you will be responsible for supervising the interns while conducting surveys in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, and on the commercial dolphin watching boats. You will also have to ensure that data is collected and entered accurately and according to AIMM's established methodologies. Field days can be long and intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are always fulfilling and good fun! Additionally, you will also receive accommodation and all the meals in AIMM's shared research house with all the other members of the team. Each assistant will be entitled to 2 days off per week when you may explore the local area or simply rest with a good book by the pool! More Info: https://www.aimmportugal.org/job/research-assistant/ To apply please send CV and motivation letter to info(a)aimmportugal.org with the subject "*RA Albufeira 2025*". Thank you! AIMM team [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 912596211 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS - SARDINIA ISLAND (ITALY)
by Fabio Ronchetti 27 Mar '25

27 Mar '25

MareTerra ERC is offering internships ( https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/internship) to join research projects on the conservation of bottlenose dolphins and the marine environment between May and October 2025 in Sardinia Island (Italy), a hotspot of Mediterranean Sea biodiversity. Since its founding in 2012, MareTerra has operated as a self-financed organisation. 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. We have a last place available in the period of July-September. 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

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New survey now open on Scottish marine mammal protection
by Emily Hague 27 Mar '25

27 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM, We would like to invite you, the MARMAM community, to spare a few minutes to share your thoughts on marine mammal protection in Scotland. To get the newly established BLUE CONNECT project<https://blueconnect-project.eu/> underway, we are seeking your views, hopes, perspectives and concerns related to marine mammal conservation in Scotland, via two anonymous surveys that are open now<https://www.shetlandmarinemammals.com/fill-in-our-survey>. One survey covers the whole of Scotland, and one focuses more specifically on Shetland. You can fill in the survey most relevant to you, and are welcome to do both (you do not need to live in Scotland to complete the surveys, just to have visited and feel reasonably familiar with the area): * Scotland survey https://forms.office.com/e/xbkmFe4TxV * Shetland specific survey https://forms.office.com/e/ee9yBzJC35 Further information on the project is available at the Shetland BLUE CONNECT website: https://www.shetlandmarinemammals.com<https://www.shetlandmarinemammals.com/> Many thanks in advance for your time and thoughts, Emily Emily Hague ·.¸.·´¯`·...¸.·><((((º> Post-doctoral Research Associate BLUE CONNECT Project ·...¸><((((º> [UHI Shetland logo] www.emily-hague.com<http://www.emily-hague.com/> emily.hague(a)uhi.ac.uk<mailto:emily.hague@uhi.ac.uk> Tel: 01595771029 Find me on Google Scholar<https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=hs8dFYwAAAAJ&hl=en>, LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hague-a55411110/>, Twitter<https://x.com/emilyhague/>, Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/emily-hague.bsky.social> shetland.uhi.ac.uk<https://www.shetland.uhi.ac.uk/> Scottish charity no. SC050701 This message is intended for the use of only the person(s) ("intended recipient") to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Accordingly any dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of this message or any of its content by any person other than the intended recipient may constitute a breach of civil law or criminal law and is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender as soon as possible.

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Open-Rank Faculty Position in Marine Mammal Science (New College of Florida)
by Athena Rycyk 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Open-Rank Faculty Position in Marine Mammal Science New College of Florida – Marine Mammal Science Graduate Program New College of Florida invites applications for an open-rank, tenure-track position in Marine Mammal Science to begin in August 2025. We’re seeking a collaborative colleague with strong interests in data analysis, statistics, and modeling, including applications such as GIS, genetics, or health, to support and expand our interdisciplinary, 2-year, research-based Master’s program. The successful candidate will work closely with graduate students—from mentoring 4–8 thesis projects to teaching core data skills and electives in their area of expertise—and will have opportunities to engage with undergraduates through cross-listed courses and research. Our program emphasizes individualized mentorship, interdisciplinary approaches, and hands-on research, preparing students for doctoral programs and applied careers. Research is a central component of this position, and we seek a candidate with a developing or established research agenda. This position offers opportunities for collaboration with regional partners and is housed on Sarasota Bay. We welcome applicants at any career stage, particularly those excited to help build our program with a collegial, energetic group committed to both scientific excellence and student success. Application review begins March 28, 2025, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Link: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ncfl/jobs/4846218/professor-marine-mamma… Questions? Reach out to Heidi Harley at harley(a)ncf.edu Sincerely the Marine Mammal Science Team, Heidi Harley, Peter Cook, and Athena Rycyk

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NEW PAPER "The first satellite flipper tag deployments on Steller sea lions allow tracking beyond the annual molt"
by Kim Raum-Suryan - NOAA Federal 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM, We are pleased to announce the publication of our article "The first satellite flipper tag deployments on Steller sea lions allow tracking beyond the annual molt" online in *Marine Mammal Science*. The article is open access and can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70010. Abstract: Entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear is increasingly recognized as a serious source of human-caused mortality for pinniped populations world-wide and has been shown to contribute to Steller sea lion injury and mortality. As such, our primary goal in testing these location-only satellite flipper tags was to track post-entanglement response survival of Steller sea lions in Southeast Alaska, USA. The minimum data set necessary to determine post-release survival included: (a) location data sufficient to demonstrate movement indicating the tag was still attached to a live sea lion, and (b) tag endurance sufficient to track a disentangled sea lion beyond the molt (most entanglement response occurs during the summer in conjunction with other Steller sea lion research so tags glued to the pelage typically only last two to three months before falling off). For this study, we tested Wildlife Computers (Redmond, Washington, USA) Smart Position and Temperature (SPOT) 6 Model 371B inline satellite tags (SPOT 6 tags) on Steller sea lions. This first application of attaching SPOT 6 satellite flipper tags on otariids was a success with tags transmitting up to 2.05 years. Overall, the benefits of these tags outweighed their limitations and for the first time, allowed us to track Steller sea lions beyond the annual molt. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you, Kim Raum-Suryan, Lauri Jemison, Mike Rehberg, and Kate Savage kim.raum-suryan(a)noaa.gov -- Kim Raum-Suryan Marine Mammal Specialist, PRD, Alaska Region NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 323.372.1478 www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/alaska

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Upcoming book - The Evolution of Cetacean Societies
by Ellen Garland 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce our upcoming book - The Evolution of Cetacean Societies: Uncovering the Social Complexity of Whales and Dolphins edited by Darren P. Croft, Andrew D. Foote, Ellen C. Garland and Stephanie L. King. Preorder available now. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo257312594.html Cover photo features J pod swimming off the west side of San Juan Island (WA, USA). Photo credit: Center for Whale Research with special thanks to Michael Weiss. The Evolution of Cetacean Societies provides a comprehensive overview of the significant advancements made in studying cetacean behavior and ecology over the last twenty-five years, focusing on our growing understanding of these animals’ complex social lives. Bringing together scientists from multiple disciplines, the volume summarizes key innovations and progress related to studying cetacean societies’ cultural and genetic basis, their complex social structures, their use of cooperation and patterns of social conflict, and their significant interactions with humans. Each chapter provides an in-depth account of the social lives of whales and dolphins, incorporating the latest cutting-edge research from genomics, communication, network analysis, and animal culture to explain how these animals form societies, maintain relationships, and share information. The final chapters focus on the existential threats facing these diverse and charismatic species, how human-cetacean interactions have shaped our perceptions, and what scientists can learn from their diverse social lives by championing researcher diversity in marine mammal science. When Cetacean Societies: Field Studies of Dolphins and Whales, edited by Janet Mann, Richard C. Connor, Peter Tyack, and Hal Whitehead was published in 2000, it inspired a generation of marine biologists. The volume was a profound source of inspiration to us editors, as we were just beginning our scientific journeys. It played a significant role in shaping our careers and influenced the questions cetacean biologists asked and how we approached them. We are deeply grateful to the editors and authors of the original volume, which has been a guiding light for our studies on cetacean societies. We hope that this new volume will serve a similar function for the next generation of scientists, who will build upon the knowledge presented here and continue to advance the field. We extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to this book, in particular the editors of the original Cetacean Societies who provided us with advice and guidance. Kind regards, Darren, Andy, Ellen and Stephanie ----------------------------------------------------- Dr Ellen C. Garland (she/her) Royal Society University Research Fellow Email: ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk> Ph: +44 (0)7478-649964 WWW: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/ecg5 Bluesky: @ellengarland.bsky.social Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews Arnon I, Kirby S, Allen JA, Garrigue C, Carroll EL, Garland EC (2025) Whale song shows language-like statistical structure. Science 387, 649-653. 10.1126/science.adq7055<https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adq7055> [signature_2121862344] The Evolution of Cetacean Societies: available for preorder here<https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo257312594.html>. ----------------------------------------------------- The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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New publication: Free-Ranging Risso’s Dolphins: Individual or Group Signatures? (Rio & Rosales-Nanduca, 2025)
by Som de Oceano 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear MarMam community, I am pleased to share our latest article published in Marine Mammal Science: “Individual or Group Signatures? Stereotyped Whistle Contour Types by Free-Ranging Risso’s Dolphins” (Rio & Rosales-Nanduca, 2025) The paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70011 or https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/AMQID9HYARXKUC2H2EMA?target=10… If you're interested in reading the full article, please email me for a copy of the pdf: somoceano(a)gmail.com<mailto:somoceano@gmail.com> raul.rio(a)ufjf.br<mailto:raul.rio@ufjf.br> (Raul Rio) or access the follow link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Raul-Rio ABSTRACT Individual recognition mechanisms have played a key role in odontocete ecology, maintaining social cohesion and therefore ensuring the maintenance of long-term social ties. The current study was the first to identify and describe stereotyped whistle contour types by both a visual similarity value judgment task and acoustic and temporal parameters in free- ranging Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Mexican Pacific waters of the Gulf of the California. In total, 64.1% (118) of all analyzed whistles (184) were classified as stereotyped whistles (STW); 82.2% of them (97) met the SIGnature IDentification bout criteria and were, subsequently, ascribed into one of the five possible signature whistle (PSW) types. These signature call types accounted for 52.7% (97/184) of the acoustic repertoire. All PSW types were classified as sine (wavering sinusoidal whistles) and showed mean acoustic and temporal variable values similar to other studies of Risso's dolphins that did not differentiate signature whistles (SWs). External naive independent observers who lacked expertise in bioacoustics have confirmed the adopted classification created at high agreement level and near perfect match. Accordingly, the present study provided additional acoustic evidence of individually distinct vocalization in this species, reinforcing the need for further studies to help deepen and broaden the knowledge about the function, production and incidence of individual and “group signatures” and cognitive and recognition processes in the herein investigated species, among others. Happy reading! Raul Rio Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF ONG Som de Oceano (Ocean Sound NGO) http://www.somdeoceano.com.br<http://www.somdeoceano.com.br/> http://www.oceansound.org<http://www.oceansound.org/> Linktree: https://linktr.ee/somdeoceano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somdeoceano/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@somdeoceano

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New paper on Environmental Conciousness in wildlife tourism activities with charismatic species
by María Laura Marcías 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors and I, I am pleased to share our new publication on testing Environmental Consciousness of people in wildlife tourism activities with charismatic species in Baja California Sur, Mexico: *Authors*: Marcías ML, Salvadeo C, Salgado-Beltrán L and García-Castañeda O (2025) Charisma is not enough: measuring short- and long-term environmental consciousness in wildlife tourism activities. Front. Conserv. Sci. 6:1539683. doi: 10.3389/fcosc.2025.1539683 Abstract: Nature-based tourism, such as whale watching and swimming with whale sharks, is rapidly growing worldwide. Although there is no clear classification, whale watching is often referred to as ecotourism or sustainable tourism. However, one of the key principles of true ecotourism is that it promotes, among other things, the generation of environmental education and awareness. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of tourism activities with charismatic species in tourists’ environmental consciousness. The study was carried out in three stages via surveys to participants of two main activities (snorkeling with whale sharks and gray whale watching) in Baja California Sur, Mexico: 1) one before the activity where socio-demographic, circumstantial variables, and initial environmental awareness and pro-environmental behavior were measured; 2) one immediately after, evaluating aspects of the experience and awareness in the short term, and, 3) Four months later via e-mail to evaluate environmental consciousness in the long term. A total of 542 surveys were obtained in the first two stages, and 200 surveys in the third stage. A Structural Equation Model analysis was performed to test causal relationships between the activities and environmental consciousness. Our results show that the experience with a charismatic species had a significant and positive effect on short-term environmental awareness. However, there was no significant effect of the experience on their long-term environmental consciousness. Implications for the actors involved in nature-based tourism activities are discussed, highlighting the need to implement globally used strategies but applying them in the local context. You may find the article at (Open access): https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/… <https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/…> Please e-mail me if you have any questions (marialauramarcias(a)gmail.com) about the research or my work in the tourism industry and with science communication, With the hope that you will find it of interest and it will contribute to research in Human-wildlife interactions, and to professionalize and improve environmental interpretation in tourism companies, Regards Ms. María Laura Marcías E-mail: marialauramarcias(a)gmail.com https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Laura-Marcias <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Laura-Marcias> @following_whales -- María Laura Marcías Maestra en Ciencias Marinas y Costeras Especialista en Comunicación Pública de la Ciencia y la Tecnología Licenciada en Ciencias Biológicas

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Evolution of accessory bones in cetacean skull coupled with decreasing rate of ossification of cranial sutures
by Pavel Gol'din 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce our new paper (available free online) Telizhenko, V., Gol’din, P. Evolution of accessory bones in cetacean skull coupled with decreasing rate of ossification of cranial sutures. Sci Rep 15, 10268 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95566-x https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-95566-x The skulls of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) are distinguished by incomplete ossification of cranial sutures during their lifetime. We suggested suture ossification may correlate with the evolution of rarely reported accessory bones and examine the evolutionary patterns of cranial suture ossification and the presence of accessory elements in the skulls of 47 cetacean species and, for comparison, 15 terrestrial artiodactyls (even-hoofed mammals). A strong phylogenetic signal was found for both suture ossification rate and accessory bone presence. Cetaceans were shown to have a lower ossification rate than most terrestrial artiodactyls, except deer (Cervidae) and mouse deer (Tragulidae), which showed somewhat similar patterns. There were also several types of accessory bony elements, some of them first reported in the skulls of cetaceans and in one case, a muntjac deer. These elements (bones and clefts) evolved in the crania with the least number of ossified sutures. They can be identified as novel elements or, some of them, as plesiomorphies rarely seen in mammals but existing in reptiles and other ancestral groups. This leads to breaking a general trend of mammalian evolution: a reversal of Williston’s law (reduction in bone number) and the development of new accessory cranial bones. Slowing cranial development rates explain these trends, and feeding mechanics may be a driver of decreasing suture ossification in cetaceans. We will be grateful for your questions and feedback. On behalf of the authors, Pavel Gol'din

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Job Posting-Postdoctoral Research Position in Bioacoustics
by Susan E Parks 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for a passive acoustic monitoring project studying North Atlantic right whales at Syracuse University. Job description: The Bioacoustics and Behavioral Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Susan Parks in the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University, seeks an experienced and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the team. The lab focuses on studying the ecology and evolution of acoustic signaling in marine systems. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in passive acoustic monitoring and/or acoustic signal processing, with a preference for candidates with experience in the deployment and recovery of marine acoustic recording systems. Specifically, the Postdoctoral Researcher will use these skills to assist in the collection and analysis of acoustic data to detect the acoustic presence of North Atlantic right whales from 6 monitoring sites in the NY/NJ Bight region to provide baseline information on seasonal and spatial distribution to aid in the conservation of this species. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be mentored in developing an independent research program to provide the foundation for a future independent research career. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Biology or a related field is required by the time of appointment. Demonstrated potential for excellence in research, evidenced by a solid publication record or significant research accomplishments. Further details on the position and the application can be found here: https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/108458 . Application review will begin on April 1, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. Please reach out to sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu> with any questions.

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