March 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Final application reminder: July 2025 Summer School on Acoustics
by Holly Morin 17 Mar '25

17 Mar '25

***apologies for cross-postings*** *The application for the Ocean Observatories Initiative Facility Board's (OOIFB) Summer School on Acoustics WILL CLOSE* *TOMORROW*, *March 18, 2025*. This *5-day, in-person*, intensive program will take place from *July 14-18, 2025, at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, *and will feature a mix of targeted lectures and hands-on exercises working with real-world examples and NSF OOI data (focusing on the access, analysis, and interpretation of acoustics data, which can be applied in many ways, such as detecting and characterizing sounds produced by marine mammals, fish, and humans, as well as complementary oceanographic data available through the NSF OOI). Please note: there are *no registration fees* associated with this program, and *travel support is available for participants from U.S. institutions*. *For more details on program requirements, eligibility, a draft agenda, and online application, please visit the* *OOIFB Summer School on Acoustics webpage: https://ooifb.org/2025-ooifb-acoustics-summer-school/ <https://ooifb.org/2025-ooifb-acoustics-summer-school/>. * Please continue to share this opportunity widely across your networks! Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly(a)ooifb.org)

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PhD Opportunity with MARE-Madeira
by Annalisa Sambolino 17 Mar '25

17 Mar '25

PhD Opportunity! We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to apply with us for an FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) PhD scholarship on ecotoxicology, more specifically for the assessment of anthropogenic contaminants (such as POPs, HPA, and heavy metals) in free-ranging cetaceans in the Eastern North Atlantic to infer current population health and potential ecological impacts. More info about the FCT call here (after candidate selection, we will work together on the project and submission): https://www.fct.pt/concursos/concurso-bolsas-de-doutoramento-2025-linha-de-… The selected candidate will be primarily based at MARE-Madeira (Madeira Island, Portugal) with the opportunity to spend about 12-18 months at the Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for laboratory analyses. Requirements: - Master’s degree in Biology, Marine Ecology, or a related field (official recognition of bachelor’s and master’s degrees by a Portuguese institution will be needed, but it can be done after the selection) - Previous laboratory experience, preferably in analytical chemistry/ecotoxicology - Proficiency in English and/or Portuguese If interested, please send your CV, a recommendation letter and a motivation letter to annalisa.sambolino(a)mare.arditi.pt, by Tuesday, 25th of March. Bests Annalisa *- - -* *Annalisa Sambolino* Postdoc Researcher *MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network* *Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI)* https://mare-madeira.pt/ *University of Madeira* Faculty of Life Sciences & LB3 - Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Biomaterial and Biotechnology 9020-105 Funchal Madeira Island, Portugal

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Join the Summer School 2025 ECOWAVES: Marine Soundscapes in the Anthropophony Era
by Francesco Caruso 17 Mar '25

17 Mar '25

*### Apologies for cross-posting! ###* *### Limited seats remaining – Apply now before it's too late! ###* Dear colleagues and friends, a gentle reminder to apply for the *Summer School 2025 ECOWAVES*, titled "*Marine Soundscapes in the Anthropophony Era*", which will take place from *May 26th to 30th, 2025*, at the Darwin-Dohrn Museum of the *Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy*. *ABOUT THE COURSE* This intensive program offers participants a comprehensive introduction to the application of acoustics in ecological studies. Attendees will explore the science of acoustic waves in seawater, gaining fundamental knowledge of the physics of sound and the use of cutting-edge instruments to analyze *marine soundscapes*. Through a combination of theoretical sessions and hands-on training, participants will develop the skills needed to assess the role of sound in marine ecosystems and evaluate the impacts of noise on the physiology and behavior of marine organisms. Special attention will be given to* marine mammals*, whose reliance on acoustic communication makes them particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. The course will explore the use of passive acoustic monitoring and bio-logging technologies to study cetacean distribution, behavior, and responses to anthropogenic disturbances. Additionally, participants will learn how acoustic tools contribute to conservation efforts, supporting the development of mitigation strategies for the protection of these species in a rapidly changing ocean. The program takes a *multidisciplinary approach*, equipping attendees with the tools to contribute to innovative research and conservation strategies in marine mammal ecology. *ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES* Beyond the academic schedule, participants will enjoy: • An exclusive visit to our public aquarium and museum, offering unique insights into marine biodiversity. • A taste of authentic Italian cuisine, including a welcome aperitif and a social dinner, featuring local specialties. *APPLICATION DETAILS* We invite early-career researchers, graduate students, and professionals with an interest in marine ecology and bioacoustics to apply for this unique opportunity. For more details and application instructions, please visit our official website: *https://szn.it/index.php/it/formazione/advanced-courses-summer-schools/summer-school-2025-ecowaves* <https://szn.it/index.php/it/formazione/advanced-courses-summer-schools/summ…> For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at: ecowaves(a)szn.it We look forward to welcoming you to vibrant Naples for an inspiring and enriching experience! Best regards, Francesco -- Francesco Caruso, PhD Researcher, Marine Biologist and Ecologist https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesco-Caruso Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (http://www.szn.it/en/) Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement Darwin-Dohrn Museum, Villa Comunale, Naples, 80121, Italy Phone:+390815833461

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Application Reminder (March 21): Bridge to Ocean Acoustics and Technology (BOAT) workshop in New Orleans, USA
by Wu-Jung Lee 14 Mar '25

14 Mar '25

Hi All! (Apologies for cross-posting!) A friendly reminder that the application for the Bridge to Ocean Acoustics and Technology (BOAT) workshop <https://boat-ocean-acoustics.github.io/> in New Orleans, USA will close on **March 21** at local midnight. The workshop will cover fundamental ocean acoustics topics that are important to marine mammal bioacoustics research -- passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals and the soundscape, active acoustic mapping of marine mammal prey field using echosounder, toothed whale echolocation, etc. We will use Jupyter notebooks with interactive Python "widgets" to help participants develop physical intuitions about acoustics principles as well as key signal processing and statistical concepts, and immediately put them to use in hands-on exercises with real-world hydrophone and echosounder datasets. More information and program links are below. A flyer is also attached. Please help us spread the word! **Learn ocean acoustics with interactive Jupyter notebooks!** Ever wondered how whales chat across vast ocean basins? Or how we can "see"underwater without light to track fish or map the seafloor? The Bridge to Ocean Acoustics and Technology (BOAT) workshop will give you a hands-on introduction to ocean acoustics—from fundamental concepts to real-world applications—to answer these questions, using interactive Jupyter notebooks. No prior background in acoustics needed! WORKSHOP INFORMATION: -- New Orleans <https://boat-ocean-acoustics.github.io/workshop_new_orleans.html>, May 17-18, 2025 (before the ASA/ICA joint meeting <https://acousticalsociety.org/new-orleans-2025/>) -- Application deadline: March 21, 2025 -- Financial assistance available for transportation and lodging WHO SHOULD APPLY? -- Students interested in ocean acoustics, bioacoustics, fisheries, or oceanography -- Anyone curious about how sound is used to explore and understand the ocean -- Students already working with acoustic data who want to strengthen their skills -- **Open to students from all disciplines!** WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED? -- Sound propagation and scattering -- Generation, measurement and analysis of sound -- Hands-on experience using ocean sonar and hydrophone datasets Please help share this with anyone who might be interested! Questions? Contact us at boat.ocean.acoustics(a)gmail.com Come aboard and explore the ocean through sound! -- Wu-Jung Lee, Ph.D. Principal Oceanographer, Applied Physics Laboratory Affiliate Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Washington https://uw-echospace.github.io/ *I often send emails outside of normal business hours to achieve my personal work-life balance. Responses are never expected outside normal working hours.*

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Aquatic Mammals Issue 51.2 is available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Mar '25

14 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, The 2nd issue of volume 51 (51.2) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and officially published Saturday, March 15th. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Issue 51.2 contents (** denotes open access): **Sophie Brasseur, Jeroen Hoekendijk, Judith D. L. van Bleijswijk, and Lise Klunder. (2025). Prey Selection by Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in the Dutch Wadden Sea, the Netherlands. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 105-112. Miguel A. Iñíguez-Bessega, Marta Hevia, Frank Cipriano, Jimena M. I. Belgrano, Mauricio Failla, Antonio Fernández, Cecilia Gasparrou, Anton L. van Helden, Juan Jones, Nicolás Manterola, M. Vanesa Reyes Reyes, Vanesa P. Tossenberger, Matías Ventura, Ian Walker, and Eliana Zuazquita. (2025). Stranding of Beaked Whales in Santa Cruz Province, Southern Patagonia, Argentina (1895-2023). Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 113-130. **Amy Y. Olsen, Angela Smith, Kelli Lee, Carol Jackson, Sheriden Ploof, and Shawn Larson. (2025). Preliminary Results of Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Salivary Progesterone During Breeding Under Human Care. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 131-137. Sabre D. Mahaffy, Uko Gorter, and Robin W. Baird. (2025). Neonatal Facial Pigmentation of Pygmy Killer Whales (Feresa attenuata): A Description from Repeated Observations of Individuals in the Wild. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 138-143. M. Fernanda Urrutia-Osorio, Thomas A. Jefferson, Phillip A. Morin, Brittany L. Hancock-Hanser, Michael McGowen, Madeleine A. Becker, and Frederick I. Archer. (2025). Phylogenetic Relationships Among Eastern Pacific Common Dolphins (Delphinus spp.). Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 144-153. Juan Pablo Gallo-Reynoso, Ana-Luisa Figueroa-Carranza, and Adriana Estefanía Flores-Morán. (2025). Allonursing in Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi) as a Response to Pup Mortality Caused by a Tropical Depression. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 154-162. **Barry McGovern, Abigail F. Machernis, Jessica A. McCordic, Grace L. Olson, Florence A. Sullivan, Shannon M. Barber-Meyer, Jens J. Currie, and Stephanie H. Stack. (2025). Prevalence, Composition, and Behaviour of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Groups Containing Multiple Mother–Calf Pairs in East Australia. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 163-177. **Girlan Dias, Adriano Gambarini, Marcelo Oliveira-da-Costa, and Miriam Marmontel. (2025). An Unusual Record of a Marine Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) Being Scavenged by Jaguar (Panthera onca) at the Northern Brazilian Amazon. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 178-184. Alexsandro A. P. Damasceno, Gabriel Melo-Santos, Angélica L. F. Rodrigues, Sávia Moreira, Uiara H. A. Barreto, Stephane F. Silva, Flávia C. M. Oliveira, Suelen J. C. Lima, Flávia S. Tavares, Gessiane P. Silva, Denny P. S. B. M. Leite, Pollyanne R. F. Oliveira, Camila R. B. Lima, Thais F. C. Fraga-Silva, Pedro N. Jorge-Neto, Rodrigo P. Rangel, Rodrigo H. Tardin, Guilherme Maricato, Verónica Avalos, Maria Alice S. Alves, Alex Klautau, José W. Pinheiro Júnior, Wagnner J. N. Porto, Rinaldo A. Mota, Abelardo Silva-Júnior, and Frederico O. B. Monteiro. (2025). Capture-Release Protocol for Araguaian River Dolphins (Inia araguaiaensis) and Preliminary Physiological Parameters: An In Situ Approach for Research and Conservation. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 185-192. In Memoriam **Renata S. Sousa-Lima, Laura J. May-Collado, Beth Brady, and Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez. (2025). In Memoriam: “Force of Nature” – Eric Angel Ramos. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 193-195. Erratum **Rita Ferreira, Filipe Alves, Claudia Gomes, Daniel Jardim, Judith Kok, and Ana Dinis. (2025). Erratum: Species Identification Update for First Confirmed Record of Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) in Madeira Archipelago, Northeast Atlantic. Aquatic Mammals, 51(2), 196.

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IMMS Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Summer Internship
by Kailey Pamperin 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

Email Subject IMMS Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Late Winter/Spring Internship Dear Marmam Members, The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is currently conducting interviews for our Research Internship Program this Summer. Below is a description of the position. Please pass along this information. Thank you for your help. Best Regards, Kailey Pamperin Research Program Institute for Marine Mammal Studies *Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Summer Internship* *Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS)* *Gulfport, Mississippi* Application Deadline: April 1st *Job Description* IMMS’ Research Internship Program is designed to provide exceptional research and learning experiences in a real-world setting to early career scientists in the fields of marine biology and ecology, marine mammal population ecology and behavior, veterinary sciences and conservation. In this position, interns will primarily assist the institute’s Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program in collecting and processing photographs of bottlenose dolphins in the Mississippi Sound. Interns will also gain diverse experience working in other program areas including marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, sea turtle surveys, aquaria maintenance and animal care, and marine education and conservation. *As part of a research team, primary duties include: * Sort and process photographs of bottlenose dolphins Conduct boat-based bottlenose dolphin photo-ID surveys up to 7 days per month in estuarine and nearshore marine Gulf Coast waters. Dolphin surveys generally take around 8-10 hours and may occur in challenging weather and coastal conditions. Photograph dolphins and collect survey data during boat-based field surveys Match dolphin photographs to our catalog of known individuals using finFindR Enter collected bottlenose dolphin and environmental data in FinBase/Microsoft Access Assist in diverse research efforts related to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and estuarine and near-shore marine ecology When needs arise, assist other program areas including stranding response, sea turtle surveys, animal care and marine education. *Internship Requirements* Applicants must be 18 years or older. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in biology, marine science, marine biology, marine and estuarine ecology, oceanography or a related field. Previous research experience is preferred. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all of the duties described in this internship position. Internship positions are 40 hours per week (generally Mon-Fri/8 am-4 pm). As needs arrive, responding to stranded dolphins and sea turtles, for instance, interns may need to shift their schedules to assist our Stranding Department in these efforts. Internship start and end dates for this Late Winter/Spring are flexible. We do require a minimum of a 12-week commitment for this internship position. *Additional Information* Research internships are unpaid positions. IMMS provides a reimbursement per week for groceries. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send a completed application form (found on our IMMS website), resume (with 3 references), a copy of your college transcripts, and a one-page statement of interest to researchintern(a)imms.org. For information about the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, please visit our website https://imms.org/internship/.

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JNCC-recognised MMO training, remote (April) or online
by Carolyn Barton 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

JNCC-recognised MMO training, by an instructor with over 25 years' experience, is available remotely (via Zoom) on 7th & 8th April, cost 150GBP (135GBP students/recent graduates). An online distance learning version of the course is also available at any time (same price) for those who prefer to work through the course at their own pace. The course includes comprehensive resources and equips trainees with all the knowledge needed to perform the role of marine mammal observer in the offshore industries: 1) Impacts of noise on marine mammals 2) Introduction to activities that require mitigation 3) Legislation protecting marine mammals and marine licensing 4) Detailed examination of the suite of JNCC mitigation guidelines for different offshore activities 5) Data recording and reporting requirements 6) Visual monitoring and distance estimation 7) Overview of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) 8) Working as an MMO / PAM operator and life at sea 9) Identification of marine mammals An online PSO course is also available, cost 180GBP (162GBP students/recent graduates). A multi-course discount is available if enrolling on both the JNCC MMO and PSO courses. For further information and for a registration form for any of the courses, see https://carolynbarton.co.uk or email info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk

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New publication on the social behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs in East Australia
by Barry McGovern 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication on the social behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs in East Australia: McGovern, B., Machernis, A.F., McCordic, J.A., Olson, G.L., Sullivan, F.A., Barber-Meyer, S.M., Currie, J.J. and Stack, S.H. (2025) Prevalence, composition, and behaviour of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) groups containing multiple mother-calf pairs in East Australia. Aquatic Mammals, 51,2, 163-177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.51.2.2025.163 Abstract: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) mothers and their calves predominantly avoid social interactions with conspecifics. However, observations from East Australia indicate that mother-calf pairs occasionally associate with other mother-calf pairs. We investigated the prevalence, composition, and behaviour of multiple-mother-calf (multi-MC) groups in East Australia, from 2009 to 2023. In 2009 and 2010, data were collected from two tropical breeding areas (Port Douglas and the Whitsunday Islands) and two coastal migratory locations (Hervey Bay and Eden). No multi-MC groups were detected in Port Douglas out of 15 calf groups observed. Only one (4%) of 23 calf groups encountered in the Whitsunday Islands was a multi-MC group. In Hervey Bay, seven (4%) multi-MC groups were recorded out of 180 calf groups, while in Eden, seven (11%) out of 63 calf groups were multi-MC groups. Between 2009 and 2023, 978 calf groups were encountered in Hervey Bay over 12 years, including 56 (6%) multi-MC groups, while 39 (13%) out of 293 calf groups encountered in Eden over six years were multi-MC groups. Multi-MC groups exhibited more social behaviours compared to single MC groups. Social behaviour was common in both Hervey Bay and Eden; however, groups in Hervey Bay displayed lower arousal behaviours, consistent with the area's importance as a resting habitat for whales. We did not detect behavioural differences in multi-MC groups with or without escort whales. These findings suggest that humpback whale mothers may gradually socialise their calves by forming multi-MC groups, with an increasing prevalence along the southerly migration route as calves mature. While multi-MC groups have only been detected in Australia to date, it is possible that they occur elsewhere, particularly if social development is a key driver of the phenomenon. Our results enhance our understanding of humpback whale mother-calf sociality and highlight the importance of migration routes for calf social development. The article is open access but please reach out if you have any questions or have trouble accessing it online. All the best, Barry Barry McGovern, Ph.D. Research Associate Pacific Whale Foundation Australia Great Sandy Straits Marina, Urangan, QLD, 4655, Australia Mobile: +61 (0)450091535 PacificWhale.org<http://www.pacificwhale.org/> [cid:mkt_donation_email_sig_r3_500px_59742678-0de9-40fc-ac98-07ce516adf52.png]<https://secure.pacificwhale.org/forms/emailsignature>

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New publication: Icelandic soundscape
by Amelie Laute 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

Dear MARMAM-community, on behalf of my co-authors I'm pleased to share with you our recently published paper "Characterizing the underwater soundscape at the site of a proposed port in northeast Iceland" (2024, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Authors: Amelie Laute, Thomas J. Grove, Alyssa M. Stoller, Adam Smith, Michelle E.H. Fournet). You can find the open access version here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X2401049X We documented the soundscape of Finnafjördur in North-East Iceland in its current state before a large port may be built there in the next years. For the animal-enthusiasts amongst you: we found regular fish vocalizations, odontocete whistles, and, most excitedly, humpback whale song nearly all winter long!! Here is the full abstract: Finnafjörður is a small fjord in northeast Iceland, where the planned construction of a large port has the potential to meaningfully change the marine soundscape and ecosystem. In this study, we used one year (2021/22) of passive acoustic recordings to characterize the pre-construction soundscape, including broadband and decidecade sound pressure levels (SPL), frequency-weighted sound exposure levels, seasonal and diel variability and identified regular types of sound. Finnafjörður is relatively quiet with median decidecade levels centered between 25 Hz and 50 kHz of 74.5 to 86.3 dB re 1 μPa. Wind and rain dominate ambient SPL, while anthropogenic sources only occasionally contributed to the soundscape. Regular biological sound sources include humpback whales, toothed whales, and fish. This baseline soundscape description can be used for noise management during port construction, to monitor future changes in the region, and to act as a framework for comprehensive impact assessments as ports are developed globally. Feel free to contact me with any questions! Best Amelie Laute (amelie-laute(a)gmx.de) Research Officer Whale Wise www.whalewise.org

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New paper on exploring the use of haul out sites by seals using a UAV
by Simon Berrow 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

New paper on exploring the use of haul out sites by seals using a UAV This survey recorded the use of haul-out sites close to Dublin Port, Ireland during a time of increased construction activity, to assess whether infrastructural development impacted on seals during pupping and moulting seasons. A total of 10 seal haul-out sites in Dublin Bay and adjacent coastal waters were surveyed on 16 days between 30 June 2023 and 18 January 2024. Most sites were surveyed with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Berrow, S., Farrell, E., Price, B., Woodlock, J. and Russell, C. (2024) Use of haul-out sites by grey and harbour seals in Dublin Bay and adjacent coastal waters. *Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy *124B (2/3). Paper available on https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/423/article/948114/summary -- -------- Dr Simon Berrow Chief Executive Officer Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co Clare, Ireland, V15 E762 www.iwdg.ie / http://consulting.iwdg.ie Office; 065 9051763 / Mobile: 086 8545450 Charity Number: CHY 11163 Charity Regulatory Authority No. 20029913

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