April 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Survey: Euthanasia at stranding events
by Rebecca Boys 23 Apr '25

23 Apr '25

Dear MARMAMers, As part of our workshop 'Euthanasia: Addressing the strandings “taboo”’ which will take place during the 36th European Cetacean Society conference, we have designed the following online survey to gain insight from stranding networks that are unable to attend in-person . The survey aims to gather knowledge about how euthanasia is conducted at stranding events, what barriers exist to undertaking euthanasia and what improvements could be made to better enable euthanasia to be appropriately implemented at strandings. The results from this survey, alongside discussions in our workshop, will be used to inform a published paper and set of recommendations. All answers are anonymous and only pooled results will be used. We would like to ask those actively involved in running/managing stranding networks and/or those involved in decision-making at strandings and/or conducting euthanasia at strandings to complete the survey here: https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_egJPS6PVYWT6TWe Thank you very much, Rebecca ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Research Associate Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand [cid:0209a427-0a88-42d2-9a77-794e879a1bf0]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:32c00412-8835-4fed-8272-07affcfe864d] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:b7fc3c55-83a5-4543-8e70-bdb5191fe7ec] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:738c0639-5d5b-4492-a48a-203708d71f99] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:f3677772-7b5a-458f-9071-05cd585698ec] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:ad4465ea-8db9-48e8-9c17-8f7407d18175] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:1bd3bbc6-387f-4c07-b306-46ea6c8a854d] .

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Cetus' Robson Bight Warden Program Looking For Summer Volunteers - Alert Bay, BC, Canada
by Robson Bight 23 Apr '25

23 Apr '25

Hello MARMAM community, Cetus Research & Conservation Society is a non-profit marine conservation organization. Cetus is dedicated to protecting the lives of whales in the wild through research, education and direct intervention. Cetus was founded in 2005 to address the increasing endangerment of BC’s killer whales due to human activities. We focus directly on one of the three key contributors to killer whale endangerment: vessel traffic disturbance. We work in the field to protect whales and other marine mammals from harassment and harm. As vessel traffic in the region increases, Cetus’ work becomes more and more crucial to their survival. For more information please visit our website: www.cetussociety.org. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program operates in Johnstone Strait, in the waters around the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, on the traditional territories of the Namgis, Tlowitsis and Mamalilikulla peoples. Cetus is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from these groups each season. The ecological reserve is designated to protect the critical habitat of the northern resident killer whales. This is a unique area where the whales often come to rub their bodies on specific smooth pebbled beaches. Our marine wardens monitor vessels and marine mammal populations and educate boaters and kayakers about the reserve and their impacts around it. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program is comprised of a water-based monitoring and educational component, and a land-based monitoring station called Eagle Eye, situated on a cliff opposite the ecological reserve. *Cetus is looking for enthusiastic and hard-working individuals to fill the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program Summer Volunteer positions:* Volunteer positions will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island, located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between June 24th and September 5th, 2025. Preference will be given to those who can stay for the full 10 weeks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of possible tasks ranging from education and interpretive talks to marine mammal response and data collection. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s northern resident killer whales, and other marine mammal populations while encouraging others to do the same. Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend time on our monitoring vessels, participating in data collection, data entry and on-the-water boater education, as well as spending time at Eagle Eye, participating in giving interpretive talks to visitors, data collection, photo identification of cetaceans and data entry. *Responsibilities include:* - Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, Be Whale Wise Guidelines (BWWG), marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve - Collecting and entering accurate data on marine mammals and vessel activity, both on the water and from the land-based monitoring station - Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Assisting with general administrative duties - Camp duties, which include cooking, cleaning, general maintenance, and heavy lifting *What skills and experience will volunteers gain?:* - Educating the public on important conservation issues - Field data collection and entry - Interpretive skills and techniques - Photo identification of cetaceans - Helping on a marine monitoring vessel - Working with Microsoft Access - Living in and tending to a rustic camp *Essential Requirements:* - Fluent spoken English - Interest in marine wildlife and conservation - Flexibility - Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions - The ability to live & work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff & volunteers - The physical ability to carry 40 lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camp (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). In addition to this, volunteers are required to hike, 3km (each way), from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days, which takes approximately 1 hour (one way) - Positive attitude geared towards teamwork *Additional Information:* These positions are unpaid and carry a cost to the volunteers of $150/week ($1500 for the season) to cover accommodations, extra fuel, and group dinners (volunteers will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches). Warden volunteers will need to bring their own tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps will be provided as will camp cooking equipment etc. *How to apply:* Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via email by *May 1st, 2024.* Please indicate your availability. We look forward to hearing from you! *Contact: Stefani Cruickshank, Cetus Research & Conservation Society, Email: robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org <robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org>*

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Invitation to Submit an Article to Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins
by Ann Weaver 23 Apr '25

23 Apr '25

https://www.mdpi.com/message/9324002812f2efceeb8fb10abf1c4067/44d1f44d7edc6… Dear Colleagues, I am calling to extend a warm invitation to report some of the fruits of your considerable labors in a Special Issue of the journal, Animals, called the Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins. *What I like most about Animals is that you can include as many photos as you like (no limit!).* Some fee waivers are available. As the discount is limited, please reply to me within 10 days if you are interested. Thank you. *Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins * https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/X3D9H45O45 We invite papers on the following topics: 1. “*A Day in the Life of a Dolphin*” 2. *Dolphin behavioral complexities*: sexuality, fertile female behavior, maternal behavior, grandmothers and aunts, babysitters, calf development, adolescence, male alliances, object manipulation, development of boat tolerance & habituation, polyspecific interactions. *Greater complexities*: imitation, behavior toward the dead, food sharing, conflict and peacemaking, cooperation, third party interventions, whistle names, pointing and perspective taking, cognition *3. **Vocalizations and communication * 4. *Anecdotes*: Rare but significant events that generate hypotheses about the greatest potential complexities. For example, I study free-ranging bottlenose dolphins 1-4 times a week. They are strongly habituated to our research boat. Yet, when I wore a full face mask for sun protection, the dolphins refused to be approached as normal and often fled at speed! 5. *Photo identification*: Estimating population size and other parameters. Strengths and weaknesses of photo ID as data sources. 6. *Data collection techniques* (e.g., in captivity; at sea with or without recognizing individual dolphins, ethograms, definitions of behavior states, definitions of groups and group size, challenges of herds of pelagic dolphins) *7. **Computer software for photo ID* 8. *Strandings*: Techniques, strengths and weaknesses of strandings as a data source, documenting change over time, compassion resilience 9. *Wounding, healing, and scarring at sea without medical intervention* 10. *Pollution and Plastics*: measuring, mitigating *Animals* is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal devoted entirely to animals, including zoology and veterinary sciences, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) <https://www.waza.org/>, European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM) <http://www.ecawbm.com/>, and Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) <https://felasa.eu/> are affiliated with *Animals* and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals *Upon seeing the shore, the little wave cried, **"We're going to crash!"* So the sea whispered back, "*Don't you know you are not a wave, little one? **You are part of the ocean."* *Ann* Ann Weaver, Ph.D. Dolphin Behaviorist & Biostatistician annstats54(a)gmail.com *Discreet, Friendly Data Analysis - Even Friendlier Prices! * GoodNaturedStatistics.com <http://goodnaturedstatistics.com/> *Website: *https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/ *MDPI/Guest Editor: Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/X3D9H45O45 <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/X3D9H45O45>* *Book: in press. Dolphin Healing at Sea without Medical Intervention: The Art & Science of Skin as the Faithful Canvas* *Book: Secrets behind the Dolphin Smile – 25 Amazing Things Dolphins Do (* https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/store/) *Book: Why Dolphins Jump - A Picture Book of the Acrobats of the Sea (* https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/store/) *Book: Good-natured Statistics in Everyday Language with Animal Behavior *( http://www.goodnaturedstatistics.com/) *Book: Clinical Biostatistics and Epidemiology Made Ridiculously Simple *( https://www.medmaster.net/book-category/basic-sciences/)

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New Publication: Incorporating allostatic load indices into movement ecology analyses
by Courtney Shuert 23 Apr '25

23 Apr '25

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent open access publication in Conservation Physiology. In this paper, we explore the use of a composite stress index to inform movement ecology analyses. While this paper focuses on a dataset concerning narwhal in the Canadian Arctic, we feel that this approach may be broadly applicable to many other marine mammal species where health and movement data are collected. More information is detailed below. Shuert CR, Auger-Méthé M, Béland K, Hussey NE, Desmarchelier MR, Marcoux M (2025) Putting the health in hidden Markov models: incorporating allostatic load indices into movement ecology analyses. *Conservation Physiology* 13: coaf022. https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coaf022 Abstract: Individual animal health assessments are a key consideration for conservation initiatives. Environmental shifts associated with climate change, such as documented rises in pathogen emergence, predation pressures and human activities, create an increasingly stressful world for many species and have been linked with marked changes in movement behaviour. Even in healthy individuals, variations in allostatic load, the cumulative effects of long-term stress, may alter behavioural priorities over time. Here, we aimed to build links between animal health assessment information and movement ecology, using narwhals in the Canadian Arctic as a case study. A composite stress index was developed to incorporate multiple available health (e.g. health assessments), stress (e.g. hormones) and body condition metrics from clinically healthy individuals, and applied within the framework of widely used hidden Markov modelling of animal movement data. Individuals with a higher composite stress index tended to prioritize behaviours indicative of a stress response, including increasing the probability of transitioning to transiting behaviour as compared to those with a lower stress index. By incorporating a composite stress index that synthesizes multiple health indices in a flexible framework, we highlight that including information indicative of allostatic load may be important in explaining variation in behaviour, even for seemingly healthy animals. The modelling framework presented here highlights a flexible approach to incorporate health assessment information and provides an approach that is widely applicable to existing and future work on a range of species. All the best, *Dr. Courtney R Shuert* (she/her) Conservation Programs Manager Assiniboine Park Conservancy Winnipeg, MB Canada cshuert(a)gmail.com

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New publication: "Genetic Assessment of the Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) in the Largest Offshore Sedimentary Basin in Brazil."
by Thais Leal Silva 23 Apr '25

23 Apr '25

Dear MARMAN community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science, entitled "Genetic Assessment of the Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) in the Largest Offshore Sedimentary Basin in Brazil." This article is open access and freely available https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70021 Leal, Thais; Cypriano-Souza, Ana L.; Simões-Lopes, Paulo C.; Bonatto, Sandro L.; Kiszka, J.J.; Ewing, Rith Y.; Lache, Adam; Cartolano, M.C.; Costa, Ana P. B. 2025. Genetic Assessment of the Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) in the Largest Offshore Sedimentary Basin in Brazil. Marine Mammal Science: 0:e7002. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70021 ABSTRACT: Assessing the genetic diversity of a population is critical to evaluate its resilience in the face of anthropogenic impacts. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and structure of the spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that inhabit the Santos Basin (SB), south and southeast Brazil. Analyses were conducted using seven microsatellite loci and a 686 bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. The genetic relationship between SB spinner dolphins with the island-associated spinner dolphins of Fernando de Noronha and spinner dolphins distributed in the western North Atlantic, including the Wider Caribbean region, was also investigated through a 324 bp fragment of the mtDNA control region. Results indicate that the offshore group of spinner dolphins in the SB has high genetic diversity for both mtDNA and nuclear markers. Based on mtDNA, the SB group has moderate genetic connectivity to the western North Atlantic/Wider Caribbean region spinner dolphins, but high genetic differentiation from their closest neighbors (Fernando de Noronha). These findings indicate that although SB spinner dolphins occur in an area of strong anthropogenic impacts, they present a high level of neutral genetic variation, with subtle matrilineally derived structure in the offshore (not island-associated) waters of the western Atlantic. Best regards, Thaís ----------------------- MSc Thaís Leal Biologist Master in Ecology

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New publication - dynamic management to mitigate whale-vessel strikes using underwater gliders
by Kate Indeck 22 Apr '25

22 Apr '25

G'day folks, On behalf of my amazing co-authors, I am very excited to share our new publication in Conservation Letters: Indeck, K.L., Baumgartner, M.F., Lecavalier, L., Whoriskey, F. and Davies, K.T.A. (2025), Passive Acoustic Gliders Are Effective Monitoring Tools for Dynamic Management Plans Aimed at Mitigating Whale-Vessel Strikes. Conservation Letters., 18: e13102. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13102 Abstract: Dynamic management is intended to mitigate the impacts of human activities on wildlife when and where the activities overlap with at-risk species. Amid an ever-growing maritime industry, we researched the performance of mobile underwater passive acoustic gliders as near real-time monitoring assets for the purpose of whale-vessel strike mitigation through dynamic management. Across 580 glider survey days, 30 near real-time acoustic detections of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARWs) triggered 194 days of mandatory 10-knot vessel speed limits in three Canadian Dynamic Shipping Zones (DSZs). We found a high degree of interannual and seasonal variation in NARW acoustic occurrence and vessel slowdowns in the DSZs. Gliders were more effective than aerial surveillance at triggering slowdowns by a factor of 2–5 during fall and summer but were less effective during spring. Our results provide unambiguous evidence that gliders are effective monitoring platforms that canenhance dynamic ocean management goals globally This article is Open Access at the DOI above. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me! Cheers, Kate Indeck Katherine Indeck, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow • Biological Sciences Mobile: (506) 653-7097 Office: Ganong Hall 224 Address: 100 Tucker Park Rd Saint John, New Brunswick Canada E2L 4L5 [University of New Brunswick] [Facebook]/uofnb<https://www.facebook.com/uofnb> [Twitter] @unb<https://twitter.com/UNB> [Instagram] @discoverunb<https://instagram.com/discoverunb/> UNB.ca<http://www.unb.ca/> Kate Indeck | Davies Lab<https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab/copy-of-kim-davies>

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Job position at Morigenos, Slovenia
by Tilen Genov 22 Apr '25

22 Apr '25

Dear MARMAMers We are looking for a research scientist to join our team at Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Piran, Slovenia (www.morigenos.org/en) The successful applicant will help carry out our long-term research programme on the ecology, behaviour and conservation of cetaceans, particularly common bottlenose dolphins in the northern Adriatic Sea. We currently focus on a number of research topics, including population abundance and trends, social structure and behaviour, feeding ecology, acoustic behaviour, passive acoustic monitoring, underwater noise, use of drones, fishery interactions, and eDNA, among others. We are seeking someone who can contribute their own research to support our research and conservation goals. While a background in some of the topics listed above is preferred, we welcome applicants with expertise in a broad range of ecological disciplines. This position includes both field work and desk-based analytical work. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week, 100%) for a fixed term until 28 February 2027 (with a possibility of extension), with a 3-month probationary period. The expected start date is as soon as possible, no later than 15 June 2025. The work will be carried out entirely on-site in Piran, Slovenia. Duties include: - Scientific research in cetacean biology, ecology, and conservation - Fieldwork and/or laboratory work, data analysis, maintenance of research equipment, record-keeping, and database management - Authoring and co-authoring scientific articles conference and other contributions, preparing materials, writing funding applications, participating in work meetings - Work on an Interreg project - Participating in educational activities as needed - Performing other related tasks as well as contribute to broader organizational efforts Requirements: - Master’s degree or PhD in biology, biochemistry, environmental protection, or related sciences - Good knowledge of English (working language is English) - Good knowledge of basic computer programs and environments (MS Word, Excel, internet, etc.) - Ability to work in a team - Ability to work independently - Precision, responsibility, reliability Additional preferred qualifications (not essential, but welcome): - Boat license - Diving qualification - Knowledge of advanced software tools for data processing (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) - Knowledge of geographic information systems (e.g., QGIS) - Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles ("drones") - Previous experience in one or more of the following fields: marine biology, animal ecology, molecular biology, bioacoustics - Knowledge of Slovenian or Italian Please send your CV and cover letter to morigenos(a)morigenos.org by April 30th, 2025. Best wishes, Tilen Genov ______________________________________________________________________ Tilen Genov, PhD Assistant Professor | Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society <http://www.morigenos.org/en> | | Department of Biodiversity, FAMNIT, University of Primorska <http://www.famnit.upr.si> | | European Cetacean Society <http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu> | | Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin <http://www.sousateuszii.org> | | IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group <https://iucn-csg.org/> |

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Post Doc Opportunity
by Ailbhe Kavanagh 22 Apr '25

22 Apr '25

Dear Colleagues, The Marine Institute Galway Ireland is recruiting a *Post Doctoral Researcher to work on bycatch issues relating to ETP species (including marine mammals), *as part a large European project. Position is for 48 months. Closing date is the 2nd of May. The role will involve developing a modelling framework to design monitoring programmes, estimating bycatch probability, bycatch rates, and total bycatch for marine mammal and other species; using outcomes of mitigation trials to assess the effect of mitigation measures for ETP species including marine mammals; and developing a decision support simulation system for bycatch management and mitigation interventions. The Post-Doctoral Researcher will work closely with the Marine Institute’s CIBBRiNA project lead, as well as with colleagues in the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua), to deliver research for the CIBBRiNA project. The CIBBRiNA project (Coordinated Development and Implementation of Best Practice in Bycatch Reduction in the North Atlantic region) aims to improve knowledge and understanding to minimise and where possible eliminate incidental bycatch of species, including marine mammals, in fisheries which have high risk of bycatch of protected, endangered and threatened species (PETS), in European waters. *Educational and Professional Requirements:* • A relevant PhD in fisheries science, marine science, statistical ecology or a related field. • An understanding of issues related to bycatch in European fisheries. • Demonstrated experience of working in the arena of fisheries and/or marine ecosystem modelling or similar. • Demonstrated skills in data analysis linked to marine ecological/fisheries science, with particular experience in statistical modelling. • Strong data handling and data manipulation skills (e.g., experience developing pipelines to handle complex relational data). • Experienced in hierarchical statistical modelling (ideally implemented in R) and a good grasp of statistical inference from multi-scale longitudinal data. • Ability to work with and effectively communicate with scientists, the fishing industry and other relevant stakeholders. • Proven Scientific Report and peer reviewed paper writing skills. • Proven ability to produce reproducible code. Please read a detailed job description here: https://www.marine.ie/site-area/working-us/postdoctoral-researcher-%E2%80%9… If you have any questions please contact Dr Ailbhe Kavanagh ( ailbhe.kavanagh(a)marine.ie) Kind Regards / Le gach dea-mhéin Dr Ailbhe Kavanagh *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* *I have sent this email at a time that is convenient for me.* *I do not expect you to respond to it outside of your own usual working hours.* *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* *Ailbhe Kavanagh *MSc PhD Ale-Va; she/her (why is this here?) <https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/gender-pronouns-in-workplace> Team Lead Bycatch Ecosystems Team, Fisheries Ecosystems and Advisory Services Foras na Mara, Marine Institute <https://www.marine.ie/>, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland H91 R673 Email: ailbhe.kavanagh(a)marine.ie ORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4671-3076> Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2DMLafAAAAAJ&hl=en> LinkedIn <https://ie.linkedin.com/in/ailbhe-kavanagh-16b451244> [image: Marine Institute] *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* ReplyForward Add reaction

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WEC (Sealcentre Pieterburen) Veterinary Department internships 2025 & 2026
by Ana Rubio García 22 Apr '25

22 Apr '25

Dear colleagues, One more year we are pleased to announce our veterinary internship, this time in our new location in Lauwersoog. *VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – WERELDERFGOEDCENTRUM WADDENZEE*, the new home of Seal Centre Pieterburen Foundation The Werelderfgoedcentrum Waddenzee (WEC), the Netherlands, the new home of Seal Centre Pieterburen Foundation, has an exciting opportunity for two Veterinary Interns to work in our Veterinary and Sealcare Departments. The WEC is a new, modern facility, focusing not only on seal rehabilitation but on a much broader scope of sustainability, nature conservation, the Wadden sea and much more. As a veterinary intern you could be part of this new institution full of potential and exciting scientific opportunities. The WEC is located in Lauwersoog harbour, on the border of Groningen and Friesland provinces in the Netherlands, with good connections to both the city of Groningen and Leeuwarden. Both positions last one year, one is scheduled to start in October 2025, and the other in April 2026. The WEC’s Veterinary Department includes two full time veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and medical records, sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. The interns must be veterinarians or veterinary students, previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. They are required to find their own transportation to Lauwersoog and we provide full equipped housing (gas, electricity, water, and internet included) and meals. An allowance to cover health insurance costs is also provided. These positions are unpaid. The interns should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept applicants with a European passport. The deadline for applications is May 18th 2025. Interested applicants should submit a copy of the CV, an intention letter, and two recommendation letters. Note that the application materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be submitted to *vet(a)ontdekwec.nl <vet(a)ontdekwec.nl>* indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN 2025/2026. For more information about the WEC visit *www.ontdekwec.nl <http://www.ontdekwec.nl/>* Kind regards, *Ana Rubio-Garcia* Manager Veterinary, Care and Research Departments [image: Afbeelding met Lettertype, Graphics, typografie, ontwerp Automatisch gegenereerde beschrijving] *The new house of Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen* ana.rubiogarcia(a)ontdekwec.nl *M* + 31 (0) 6 12 98 11 54 www.ontdekwec.nl Haven 6, 9976 VN Lauwersoog *[image: signature_3902070826] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/werelderfgoedcentrumwaddenzee/>[image: signature_3732472517] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/werelderfgoedcentrumwaddenzee/>[image: signature_3013227285] <https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560264316378>* [image: signature_4739363] [image: signature_1302865333] Please consider the environment. Think before printing

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New Publication: Change in matrilineal structure over time in an isolated population of sperm whales
by Lizewski, Kelly 21 Apr '25

21 Apr '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce our recent open-access publication which examines the unique matrilineal structure of Gulf of Mexico sperm whales through space and time, and in the context of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The article is freely available through MEPS: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v758/p161-178/ ABSTRACT: Sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus resident in the Gulf of Mexico are geographically isolated from other populations, making them vulnerable to the impacts of oil and gas exploration prevalent in the region. Despite long-standing research focused on sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico, genetic structure within this population has not yet been investigated, nor has there been an assessment of the impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on population structure. Here, we investigated the spatial structure and temporal variation in mitochondrial DNA haplotype frequencies from 619 genetic samples collected from 377 individual sperm whales identified by microsatellite genotyping. This study uses samples collected over nearly 2 decades from 2000-2017 to support previous findings of genetic isolation of the Gulf of Mexico population from those in the Western North Atlantic (FST = 0.242, p < 0.001) and Caribbean (FST = 0.423, p < 0.001). In addition, we demonstrate significant changes in population structure within the Gulf of Mexico across both space and time. Most notably, the Central subregion, where the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill originated, underwent a significant change in haplotype frequencies across time (FST = 0.141, p < 0.001), with implications for disruption of matrilineal population structure. Our findings of spatial and temporal structure within Gulf of Mexico sperm whales highlight the importance of regular monitoring and the establishment of baseline population data in the face of anthropogenic and environmental impacts. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14819 Sincerely, Kelly Kelly Lizewski Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center | Oregon State University 2030 SE Marine Science Dr Newport, OR 97365 kelly.lizewski(a)oregonstate.edu

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