March 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NEW PAPER: Out of habitat marine mammals – Identification, causes, and management recommendations
by Laetitia Nunny/OceanCare 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of our article “Out of habitat marine mammals – Identification, causes, and management recommendations” in the journal Marine Policy. It is open access and you can read the article and download the pdf here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X25000673 This paper looks at marine mammals which are found outside of their natural range OR within their natural range but in habitat which is not optimal for their health or survival due to a lack of suitable conditions and/or because of potential conflict with humans. We provide recommendations for how to prepare for such situations and how to manage animals and people. We are continuing to work on this topic, so if you have any case studies which you would like to share with us, please email Laetitia (lnunny(a)oceancare.org<mailto:lnunny@oceancare.org>). Here is the abstract: An out of habitat (OOH) marine mammal is an individual found outside of their natural range, e.g., an Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) along the coastline of mainland Europe, or an individual within their natural range in habitat that is not optimal for their health or survival due to a lack of suitable conditions and/or because of potential conflict with humans. As the number of OOH marine mammals appears to be increasing, and following on from two international workshops, here we define what constitutes an OOH marine mammal and provide a detailed assessment of potential drivers. Climate change, habitat loss and/or degradation, disturbance, changes in prey distribution, and morbidity may all be reasons for a marine mammal being OOH. Appropriate management of OOH marine mammals is considered. This may simply involve monitoring to better understand the situation, to protect the welfare of the animal(s) and to ensure that members of the public are kept safe. However, on occasion, further intervention may be required, such as providing safe areas for the OOH marine mammal(s), encouraging the animal(s) to move, capture and translocation, or euthanasia. Regardless of the action taken, educating and communicating with the public are key elements of OOH marine mammal management. Lessons can be learned from human-wildlife conflict and rewilding scenarios. The potential for OOH marine mammals to be pioneers seeking new habitat, contributing to species resilience in the face of rapidly changing environments, and how to include them in conservation legislation and management planning are considered. Best wishes, Laetitia Nunny, Mike Bossley, Rebecca Boys, Philippa Brakes, Tilen Genov, ECM Parsons, Katharina Peters, Naomi Rose, Claire Simeone, Karen Stockin, Courtney Vail, Krista van der Linde, Ingrid Visser and Mark Simmonds ____________________________________ OceanCare Laetitia Nunny Senior Science Officer Gerbestrasse 6 CH-8820 Waedenswil - Switzerland lnunny(a)oceancare.org<mailto:lnunny@oceancare.org> www.oceancare.org<http://www.oceancare.org/>

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Volunteer & Intern Opportunities
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear all, We’re excited to announce volunteer and internship opportunities at the Montenegro Dolphin Research project! The application process is ongoing throughout the year. Who We Are MDR-Montenegro Dolphin Research, sister organisation of DMAD, conducts long-term research on marine mammals in Montenegro. Our work focuses on population studies, behavior, habitat use, and human impact (e.g., tourism, fishing, and industrial activities). Alongside research, we actively engage in conservation initiatives and community awareness. More details: montenegrodolphinresearch.org <http://montenegrodolphinresearch.org/> Who Can Apply? We welcome: ✔ Graduates & students looking for research experience (BSc/MSc thesis projects possible) ✔ Anyone passionate about marine conservation, regardless of background ✔ Minimum stay: 2 months (exceptions possible for experienced candidates) What You’ll Do 🔹 Land-based dolphin surveys (3x per week, including sunrise/sunset) 🔹 Boat-based surveys (monthly, possibly more) 🔹 Data collection & analysis (photo-ID, GIS, behavioral studies) 🔹 Theodolite operation & software use 🔹 Conservation & citizen-science activities What You’ll Learn 📍 Field & research skills – Data collection protocols (land surveys and boat surveys), Behavioural studies, Theodolite and Phytagoras operation, Logger 2010 📍 Research skills – GIS mapping, Acoustic analysis (Pamguard and Raven), Population Size Estimation, Survey Design, Photo-ID 📍 Data analysis & scientific reporting 📍 Stakeholder engagement & conservation strategies Fees & What’s Included Volunteers: €1200/month (first 3 months), €1080/month thereafter Interns: €1200/month (first 3 months), €1080/month thereafter ✔ Accommodation & bills ✔ Local transport to the project sites ✔ Fieldwork & training ✔ Scientific support (interns) 🔹 Not included: Travel to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance, personal expenses How to Apply 📧 Send your CV & cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr 📌 Include your availability & duration of stay For more info: 🌐 Our Research <https://dmad.org.tr/en/our-researches/> | Internships <https://dmad.org.tr/en/education/internships/montenegro-internships/> | Publications <https://dmad.org.tr/en/publications/>📸 Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/dmadfornature/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/> Looking forward to having you on board! Best regards, MDR Team

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Australian New Zealand Student Chapter of the Society of Marine Mammalogy Conference
by Evi Hanninger 24 Mar '25

24 Mar '25

The Australian New Zealand Student Chapter of the Society of Marine Mammalogy is excited to announce the next biannual Student Chapter conference, taking place from 24 to 27 October 2025 at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. The conference will host student presentations, a guest speaker symposium and a workshop on cetacean dissection/post-mortem sampling. Networking events and a fieldtrip to the stunning Hauraki Gulf are planned as well, where you can watch feeding Bryde's whales and common dolphins. Accommodation will be free to all students and is kindly sponsored by CERG, Massey University<https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/> and Sir Peter Blake MERC<https://www.facebook.com/sirpeterblakemerc>. Please register using the QR-Code. We can't wait to see you soon! [cid:6f66712e-d9ea-46d5-89a3-f18753a8c9e6] Eva-Maria F. Hanninger PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group | School of Natural Sciences | Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland 0745, New Zealand Physical Address: Level 3, Innovation Complex, 5 University Avenue, Massey University, Albany, North Shore Auckland, New Zealand [cid:aae07c0b-c41c-463a-8933-f187b745208a] +64 (0)27 381 8166 * e.hanninger(a)massey.ac.nz * http://www.cetaceanecology.org<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/> [cid:cd8f3cce-b670-4151-99f9-d6bd1ec270f4]

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REMINDER: A Special Issue in Aquatic Mammals in association with the ESOMM-2024 meeting.
by Kathleen Dudzinski 24 Mar '25

24 Mar '25

Dear Colleagues, This is a reminder about the call for manuscripts for the 3rd Special Issue on the Effects of Sound in the Ocean on Marine Mammals (ESOMM 2024). This special issue is open to all interested colleagues, not only participants at the symposium in September 2024. The focus of the September ESOMM-2024 meeting was to link science to policy and regulation with a combined representation of research, policy, and regulatory communities in presentations. The goal was to facilitate and reinforce this multi-stakeholder interaction. Originating as a NATO meeting, the historical focus for ESOMM was the environmental effects of (military) sonar sound; but over the years other sound sources have increasingly been considered as well. Exchange of knowledge was encouraged between different communities and industries on other (impulsive) sound sources, such as underwater explosions, air-guns, and pile-driving sound. These are the topics for the special issue content. This Special Issue is scheduled for September 2025 publication, with real-time publication of accepted articles before the deadline. Related deadlines and details are below. The first two manuscript submission deadlines have passed. The last submission deadline is 15 April 2025 for Aquatic Mammals journal to receive manuscripts to be considered for this special issue. Please submit your manuscript, cover letter, and any additional files through the Aquatic Mammals journal fast track system: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php EnerGeo Alliance has graciously agreed to sponsor this ESOMM Special Issue in Aquatic Mammals and to make the issue and all articles available as Open Access. Please see the instructions to authors page on the journal web site (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/>) for formatting guidelines. For questions regarding manuscript content or submission details, please contact the journal or one of the guest editors. Special Issue Guest Editors Frans-Peter Lam, Ph.D. (Frans-Peter.Lam(a)tno.nl <mailto:Frans-Peter.Lam@tno.nl>) Marije Siemensma (m.siemensma(a)msandc.nl <mailto:m.siemensma@msandc.nl>) Alex Loureiro, Ph.D. (aloureiro(a)energeoalliance.org <mailto:aloureiro@energeoalliance.org>) Dagmar Fertl (dfertl(a)energeoalliance.org <mailto:dfertl@energeoalliance.org> ) Aquatic Mammals Editors Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Elizabeth Henderson, Ph.D. (business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org>) Thank you for your consideration. Cheers Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit our: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php

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Application Reminder JJBA 2025
by JJBA BioAcoustique 24 Mar '25

24 Mar '25

Dear MARMAMers, The application for the emerging bioacousticians days 2025 (JJBA <https://jjbioacoustique.wixsite.com/jjba/en>) *will close* in little over two weeks, on *April 6, 2025 23:59*. This conference designed by and for early-career researchers (i.e. Students, both under- and post-graduated, and professionals having graduated in the last five years) will take place from June 23rd to June 26th in Vernon, France. Subjects covered will include, amongst others, biological production and perception of sound, passive acoustic monitoring, signal processing, modelling of acoustic propagation, applications of bioacoustic, acoustic sensor arrays for biological research and impact of anthropogenic noise, on a range of taxonomic groups including but not limited to marine mammals. Registration fees are fixed at €20 and cover food and accommodation. You can find the abstract submission form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaGBCTrKO2_4_ueBJ2iNyP2nCpV1diTRi… And additional information on our website: https://jjbioacoustique.wixsite.com/jjba/en Thank you again for your interest, and we hope to see you soon in Vernon! The organizing committee of the JJBA 2025 -- [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560833536905> [image: twitter] <https://twitter.com/JJBioAcoustique> [image: linkedin] <https://linkedin.com/in/journ%C3%A9e-des-jeunes-bioacousticien%E2%8B%85nes> [image: instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/jjbioacoustique> Emerging Bioacousticians' Days 2025 3rd edition 24 - 26 June 2025 [image: website] https://jjbioacoustique.wixsite.com/jjba/en [image: address] Vernon

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PhD opportunity - Cetacean health and reproduction in a changing climate
by Karen Stockin 24 Mar '25

24 Mar '25

PhD position available We are currently seeking expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates to join the Cetacean Ecology Research Group (CERG)<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/>, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand: Project title Cetacean health and reproduction in a changing climate Research area and project description Climate change poses significant threats to the health of marine mammals through various interconnected mechanisms. For example, rising ocean temperatures and altered currents can lead to a decline in prey species, compelling cetaceans to expend more energy in foraging. Shifts in ocean temperatures and currents can alter the distribution of pathogens and parasites, increasing disease risks for marine mammals. Environmental stressors associated with climate change can weaken cetacean immune responses and affect broader animal health. The cumulative impact of such stressors can disrupt cetacean metabolic processes, affect energy balance and potentially, reduce reproductive success. The reproductive health of mammals is intricately linked to environmental stability. As climate change intensifies, some species face reduced fertility, increased infant mortality, and declining populations. This PhD project will leverage a 30-yr tissue archive and complimentary data series relating to age, growth and reproduction in common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), to assess if and how contaminants, nutrition, disease, and climate change affect reproductive function, growth and wider health. This PhD project will further explore how stranded cetaceans can be used to improve current understanding of cetacean health and the physiological/metabolic response to stressors to create biomarkers for wider population assessment. While the overarching project direction is described above, the successful PhD candidate will have opportunities to further shape their projects together with supervisors to match their own skills and interests. Applicants with a MSc degree and/or first-author publication are especially encouraged to apply. Required qualifications: * 1st or upper division 2nd class Honours (GPA 8) or equivalent in biology, ecology or a related field to be competitive for a Massey University Doctoral Scholarship - Massey University<https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/scholarships-and-awards/massey-university-do…> * excellent verbal and written communication skills * strong analytical and coding/programming experience in R or similar * ability to work well both independently and as part of a team * full drivers license Desirable qualifications: * MSc, MPhil or other postgraduate qualification in related field * 1 or more peer-reviewed publications * teeth aging / life history experience * dissection and tissue sampling experience * hormone, contaminant and/or wider assay experience The project will be based at the Cetacean Ecology Research Group (CERG)<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> based at Massey University (Auckland Campus). The student will be supervised by Prof Karen Stockin<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/assoc-prof-karen-stockin> based on the Auckland Campus, with additional co-supervision linked to Massey University School of Veterinary Science (Manawatu Campus). To express your interest in this position, please submit the following to: k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> · cover letter outlining your motivation · statement addressing required and desirable qualifications · CV detailing academic qualifications/grades and any relevant experience · email address of 2 academic references Expressions of Interest close 25 April 2025. Competitive candidates will be invited to apply through the Massey University admissions process to compete for scholarship, which pays an indexed stipend of $30,000 p.a. tax free (2025 rate) and covers tuition fees charged by the university for up to 3 years. The closing date for these scholarships is 1st July 2025, although the candidate will require an offer of place to be eligible to apply for the scholarship which will take 4 weeks from application. Accordingly, shortlisted candidates will be notified by mid-May to proceed. The selected applicant must commence the programme by 1 March 2026. Please contact Prof Karen Stockin<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> if you have any questions about this position. Karen A Stockin, PhD Professor – Marine Ecology Rutherford Discovery Fellow – Royal Society Te Aparangi Cetacean Ecology Research Group | School of Natural Sciences| Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland 0745, New Zealand Physical Address: CPU, 5 University Avenue, Massey University, Albany, North Shore, Auckland [cid:image001.png@01DB9B42.347D5F20]+64 (0)21 423997 • k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> • http://www.cetaceanecology.org<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/> [cid:image002.png@01DB9B42.347D5F20]

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28th Annual Meeting NWSSMM: Registration Link
by Alex Otto 23 Mar '25

23 Mar '25

The *registration link* for the *28th Annual Meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy* (NWSSMM) on May 3rd, 2025 at the University of Western Washington University *is live: * https://forms.gle/qyCLJAWTDC8BXVG78 <https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle…> We are excited to invite all undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc students in the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Idaho) doing research on marine mammals to attend and/or present their work at this conference. The purpose of the meeting is to gather students in a relaxed atmosphere to share their research and as an opportunity to form connections with other students in the region! *Registration and abstract submission is due April 4th by 5pm*. We are excited to accept abstracts for oral presentations, lightning talks, and poster presentations! Due to funding capacity, registration will be capped at 100 students and cost $15. This will include registration for the meeting, light morning snacks and coffee/tea, lunch, and a conference gift. The conference this year will include keynote speakers, Dr. Erin D'Agnese-founder & CEO/Lead Researcher of Wild EcoHealth and Dr. Cindy Elliser-founder & research director of Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam), with optional activities on Sunday May 4th in the Anacortes area for students to bond and look for some marine mammals together in the field! We’re looking forward to hosting the 28th Annual Meeting of the NWSSMM this year and hear about all the neat research students are conducting in the region! Sincerely, The Marine Mammal Ecology Lab Western Washington University Bellingham, WA USA

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New paper: Historical and ongoing inequities shape research visibility in Latin American aquatic mammal paleontology
by Carolina Loch Silva 23 Mar '25

23 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Communications Biology: *Historical and ongoing inequities shape research visibility in Latin American aquatic mammal paleontology* Ana M. Valenzuela-Toro, Mariana Viglino & Carolina Loch *https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07863-w <https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07863-w> * *Abstract* Latin American aquatic mammal fossils offer key insights into the evolution of life in the Southern Hemisphere. However, many fossils are housed in Global North institutions and are studied by overseas researchers. Latin American women researchers also face gender bias that undermines their ability to study fossils, publish, and gain peer recognition. We conducted a bibliographic analysis of studies on fossil aquatic mammals published between 1990 and 2022 to investigate the impacts of scientific colonialism and biases on research and citation patterns in Latin American paleontology. We show that Global North-based researchers published more on Latin American fossils than their Latin American counterparts. Multinational teams authored nearly half of the publications, which are still heavily skewed toward Global North authors. Women led 24% of the articles and were underrepresented in most studies. Papers with more authors received more citations; however, papers with a higher proportion of Latin American authors and published in languages other than English received lower citation rates. The journals’ impact factor affected citation rates for articles authored by Latin American and women, but not by Global North researchers or men. Our paleontology case study shows widespread invisibility for Latin American researchers. Full text is available at: https://rdcu.be/eexKp <https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frdcu.be%2…> Or alternatively, a *pdf* can be requested at: carolina.loch(a)otago.ac.nz Best regards, *Carolina Loch Silva (She/her)* Senior Lecturer in Oral Biology Deputy Director, Sir John Walsh Research Institute Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago *Phone* +(64) 03 479-9255 *Web* https://www.otago.ac.nz/dentistry/about/people/expertise/profile/index.html… *Email* carolina.loch(a)otago.ac.nz

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 21 Mar '25

21 Mar '25

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from June to end of November 2025. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2025 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork; - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> [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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A Message from The Society for Marine Mammalogy President
by Shiva Jian-Javdan and Eric Archer 21 Mar '25

21 Mar '25

To our Marine Mammal Community, The Board of Governors and I reaffirm the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s unwavering commitment to advancing marine mammal science and maximizing its impact on education, conservation, and management, while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our field is strengthened by the diversity of individuals who contribute to it—across all ages, career stages, nationalities, cultures, genders, identities, and abilities. As an international community, we are united by a shared dedication to understanding and protecting marine mammals and their ecosystems. Recent global events, including reductions in government support for science, environmental protections and institutional programs in the USA, have had profound and distressing consequences on our community. We recognize the deep frustration, uncertainty, and pain of seeing programs, both within the USA and internationally, being dismantled and colleagues being dismissed. These actions not only affect our members but also threaten the species and ecosystems that we all work tirelessly to protect. The erosion of environmental policies and the divestment in scientific institutions and international grant programs put marine mammal research at risk and undermine the broader foundation of conservation and sustainable management efforts worldwide. Despite these challenges, the Society remains steadfast in its mission. We are committed to supporting marine mammal research and advocating for the scientists in our community. Through our research grant programs, our dedication to diversity and inclusion, and our international collaborations, we will continue to provide opportunities for all of our membership and ensure that science remains central to conservation efforts. The Board of Governors and I are working to identify practical solutions for us to share our concerns and unite as a community. We encourage open dialogue and welcome your thoughts as we navigate these challenges together. To do so, I invite you to contact me personally ( president(a)marinemammalscience.org) As we join with other scientific societies in urging continued public trust and support for science, our strength is our community. Sincerely, *Simon Goldsworthy* *President* *The Society for Marine Mammalogy* president(a)marinemammalscience.org marinemammalscience.org -- Shiva Jian-Javdan Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Society for Marine Mammalogy diversity(a)marinemammalscience.org

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