May 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Workshop and special issue on ML/AI in Marine Mammal Research
by Christine Erbe 26 Aug '25

26 Aug '25

Dear Colleagues, We would like to let you know about a workshop on “Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Marine Mammal Research” to be held Sunday, Nov 10, at the SMM conference in Perth, Western Australia: Workshops - SMM Conference | | | | | | | | | | | Workshops - SMM Conference SMM2024 workshops are half day, full day, or two day events that are proposed and organised by individual resear... | | | The workshop will accommodate both in-person and virtual/online attendance. Online attendance is free of charge. If you wish you join online, please register your name and email address with Guy: oliver(a)ucsc.edu The workshop will cover ML/AI methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, photogrammetry, behaviour analysis, distribution modeling, and ethics. We are also running a special issue on the topic in a peer-reviewed journal (we’re still negotiating with potential publishers, but will let you know in due course). The special issue will take manuscripts focussing on methods or results. If you are interested in finding out how to contribute to this special issue, please contact Christine: c.erbe(a)curtin.edu.au Have a nice day, everyone. Cheers, Christine Erbe Guy Oliver Shyam Madhusudhana Paul Nguyen Hong Duc Aiden Lundberg

2 2

Photo-identification Volunteer Position in Kaikōura, New Zealand, 3 month period
by Krista Van Der Linde 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

Sperm Whale Photo-identification Volunteer Position in Kaikōura, New Zealand for three-month period A volunteer is required to assist with sperm whale photo-identification research in Kaikōura, New Zealand. DATES: Currently volunteers are needed from 20th April – 31st October 2025. A minimum commitment of three months is required, and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. FIELDWORK: The volunteer position involves conducting field surveys for marine mammals, primarily focussing on sperm whales and collecting photo-identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on fluke characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding, but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-identification). Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Surveys will be conducted from a 24 m tourism vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys from a tourism vessel collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data. . Subsequent data entry and archiving of photo-identification information. As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Kaikōura, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking, and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means time off during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Be able to work independently . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants should be comfortable working on boats QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper-level undergrads, recent graduates and graduate students who have some background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology, or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Preferred qualifications but not required: . Field research including photo-identification experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . Prior experience working on research vessels APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to krista(a)whalewatch.co.nz, using ‘photo-identification position’ as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. Best, Krista ---------------------------------- Dr. Krista van der Linde Principle Marine Mammal Scientist Whale Watch Kaikōura Tel: +64 (0)220 256 290 Email: krista(a)whalewatch.co.nz<mailto:krista@whalewatch.co.nz> Krista Van Der Linde | Whale Watch Kaikōura, PO Box 89, Kaikōura | www.whalewatch.co.nz <http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> [Image] <https://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> [cid:image001.jpg@01DBA55F.A374D260] <https://www.kaikoura.co.nz/> [cid:image002.jpg@01DBA55F.A374D260] <https://www.alpinepacific.nz/> Kaikōura - An Earthcheck Platinum Certified Community – www.kaikoura.co.nz<http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/> Whakaarohia a Papatūānuku i mua i te tānga mai o tēnei ī-mera. Please consider the environment before printing this email. CAUTION: If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not use, disseminate, distribute or copy this email message or its attachments. If you received this message in error, please return the original message to the writer by email and destroy any copies.

1 3

MARMAM] New publication: Anisakid nematodes in Black Sea harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena ssp. relicta) from the Turkish Western Black Sea: with notes about association with body length and stomach content
by Erdem Danyer 30 Jun '25

30 Jun '25

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication: Danyer, E., Aytemiz Danyer, I., Tonay, A. M., Dede, A., & Akkaya, H. (2025). Anisakid nematodes in Black Sea harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena ssp . relicta) from the Turkish Western Black Sea : with notes about association with body length and stomach content. Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, 49(2), 85–93. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0128.4374 Abstract: Parasites are naturally present in the natural gastrointestinal fauna of marine mammals without necessarily causing any pathology. However, under various stress conditions, parasites can cause pathological disorders in the gastrointestinal system. There is insufficient information on parasite fauna of mammals living in the Black Sea waters off the Turkish coast. This study examined the stomach contents of bycaught and stranded harbour porpoises collected between 2002 and 2003 along the Turkish coast of the western Black Sea for parasitic presence. In a previous stomach content study, 450 nematode fragments (including 232 intact specimens) were occasionally collected from 33 harbour porpoises (27 females and 6 males) and preserved in 70% ethanol at room temperature. Nema- todes were detected in 78.5% of the examined harbour porpoise stomachs. The nematodes were identified as Contracaecum spp. and Hysterothylacium spp. in their larval forms, as well as adult specimens of the family Anisakidae (Railliet & Henry, 1912). Understanding the parasitological fauna of cetaceans is crucial for both their health and conservation efforts. This study presents the first findings on the parasitological findings of harbour porpoises from the Turkish coast of the western Black Sea and explores the association between stomach contents, parasitological findings, and body length. You can find the open access paper here: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/veterinary/vol49/iss2/7/ or here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391138263_Anisakid_nematodes_in_Bl… Kind regards, Dr. Erdem DANYER, PhD, MSc Turkish Marine Research Foundation erdemdanyer(a)gmail.com +90 5362557666 +39 3284627938 Çevreye olan sorumluluğumuzu düşünerek gerekmedikçe çıktı almayınız. Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing

1 1

New publication on Association Patterns of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in Waters off the North West Cape, Western Australia
by Guido Parra Vergara 10 Jun '25

10 Jun '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Marine Mammal Science: Edwards, C.M., Syme, J. and Parra, G.J. (2025), Association Patterns of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Waters off the North West Cape, Western Australia. Mar Mam Sci e70017. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70017 ABSTRACT This study examined association patterns, social clustering, and temporal stability of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins off the North West Cape (NWC), Western Australia. Over 6 years, boat-based surveys collected photo-identification data, enabling repeated sampling, sighting history construction, and associate identification. Among the 344 adult dolphins identified, 116 were sighted at least five times and used in association analyses. A strong correlation (r = 0.86 ± 0.01 SE) between true and estimated association indices, along with a high coefficient of variation (S = 1.92 ± 0.9 SE), indicates a highly differentiated society with diverse relationships among individuals. Generalized affiliation indexes, social network metrics, and lagged association rates revealed predominantly loose, short-term associations within a well-connected but non-clustered social network. These fluid association patterns are likely related to the open and transient nature of this population, where individuals move in and out of the study area. These movements provide opportunities for social interactions among different individuals, and members of different groups may fission for varying periods of time. Findings from this study provide a solid baseline for future studies looking at the sociogenetic structure of this population and the environmental and social factors driving their fluid social system. Full text available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70017 All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Associate Professor | College of Science and Engineering Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra Lab: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au> GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=7YisEoAAAAAJ> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guido_Parra> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-j-parra-093217183/> Flinders University, GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia Tel: +61 8 8201 3565|email: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please consider the environment before printing this email

1 1

Call for Proposals: Advancing aquatic eDNA applications for rare species
by Amy Van Cise 30 May '25

30 May '25

Dear MARMAM, I and my co-editors are pleased to share a Call for Proposals for manuscript submissions to a special issue in Methods in Ecology and Evolution under the topic: Advancing aquatic eDNA applications for rare species. Details can be found below and on the MEE website: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1111/(ISSN)2041-210X… Please feel free to reach out to any of the editors if you have any questions. Warm regards, Amy Van Cise (avancise(a)uw.edu) Kim Parsons (kim.parsons(a)noaa.gov) Julia Clem (julia.sunnarborg(a)maine.edu) Kristina Cammen (kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu) Maggie Hunter (mhunter(a)usgs.gov) *Call for Proposals: Advancing aquatic eDNA applications for rare species * As an emerging field, the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to detect and monitor aquatic species has been a valuable tool. However, the use of eDNA to detect and monitor rare species faces a suite of challenges — some of which are unique to eDNA applications, and some of which can be informed by other parallel fields of research, e.g. community-based or biodiversity analyses. This special feature will highlight recent technological advances that address some of the challenges unique to sampling rare species using eDNA, which may comprise developments in sample collection, downstream laboratory processing or assay design, bioinformatic processing and reference libraries, or data analysis methods. These methods apply broadly to rare taxa living in aquatic environments, including but not limited to: marine mammals, rare fishes and aquatic invertebrates, turtles, aquatic amphibians, emerging aquatic pathogens, early-stage invasive species, and endangered species. In this methods-focused special feature, we will present new developments that (1) improve our ability to detect rare species, either in the sampling environment or within the sample itself, (2) improve our ability to identify/classify rare species, populations, or individuals, (3) improve our ability to localize the source of eDNA deposition , or (4) improve our ability to estimate density/abundance of rare species. In some cases, recent advances in related eDNA fields can prove informative to aquatic eDNA methods. Air eDNA manuscripts will be accepted if they can be applied to advancing aquatic eDNA methods for detecting rare species. *Methods in Ecology and Evolution* <https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/2041210X> publishes high-impact, novel methods in ecology and evolution and facilitates their uptake by the research community. Submissions to this special feature must meet the journal's Aims and Scope <https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/2041210X/aims-and-s…> . We seek contributions that address the following topics: - Obtaining and using haplotypic and nuclear data from eDNA — particularly in connection with population or individual level data. - Estimating the abundance or density of populations of rare species from eDNA data. - Dealing with bias through amplification error, subsampling error, primer specificity, etc. Methods to quantify these errors and derive unbiased estimates of eDNA sequence abundance. - Improving detection rate — for example, with improved experimental design, lab and collection protocol optimization, targeted assays, optimization of technical and biological replication. - Improving classification rate, which may include development of complete and accurate reference libraries and data and bioinformatic pipelines. - eDNA fate and transport- Localizing detections requires an understanding of eDNA degradation and movement rates, and how it is transported before it is no longer detectable. - Emerging molecular approaches — including molecular methods for assessing eRNA or methylation from aquatic eDNA samples. The call for proposals closes on the 29th of June 2025. To submit a proposal to this Special Feature, please complete the proposal form here <https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hFWz84YSuEyw3xdjFp…> . All papers will be assessed by the special feature editors to be invited to submit to the special feature. For papers that are invited to submit, they will undergo the same rigorous peer review process as all papers submitted to *Methods in Ecology and Evolution*, and invitation to submit does not guarantee eventual acceptance. Accepted papers will be published online when they are ready and collected into an issue when all papers are ready. You can read more about the British Ecological Society’s special feature process here <https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/how-to-publish-a-special-f…> . <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: FSH 216B 206-221-6118 "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin

1 0

Effects of Sound on Aquatic Life: draft program & last days before late registration
by Roberto Racca 29 May '25

29 May '25

Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are delighted to share the release of the draft scientific program for the Effects of Sound on Aquatic Life (AN2025), the foremost international scientific congress dedicated to the study and mitigation of the impact of underwater noise on marine mammals and other aquatic fauna. Click here<https://na.eventscloud.com/emarketing/go.php?id=qfchLKqomI%2BUh5cJeco8G1XAr…> to view the program and click <https://na.eventscloud.com/emarketing/go.php?id=qfchLKqomI%2BUh5cJeco8G1XAr…> here<https://na.eventscloud.com/emarketing/go.php?id=qfchLKqomI%2BUh5cJeco8G1XAr…> to view the draft abstract book. We hope you will agree that with well over 200 papers, the meeting promises to be a truly exciting event. Late registration fees apply from June 1st 2025, so please register here<https://na.eventscloud.com/emarketing/go.php?id=qfchLKqomI%2BUh5cJeco8G1XAr…> if you have not already done so and book your room at the conference hotel. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you all in Prague this summer! ________________________________ AN2025 Organising Committee Paul Lepper, Kathy Vigness-Raposa, and Joe Sisneros (Co-Chairs) Clara Amorim Klaus Lucke Roberto Racca Craig Radford Amy Scholik-Schlomer Arthur Popper (Co-Founder) Anthony Hawkins (Co-Founder and Member Emeritus) Roberto Racca, Ph.D. Director / Chief Communications Officer _____________________________________ JASCO Applied Sciences

1 0

Cetus' Robson Bight Warden Program Looking For 1 More Summer Volunteer - Alert Bay, BC, Canada
by Robson Bight 27 May '25

27 May '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 1 more enthusiastic and hard-working individual 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 *June 1st, 2025.* 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>*

1 0

New publication: "Hidden on the Edge: Franciscana Dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) Are Highly Overlapped with a Marine Protected Area at the Limit of a Management Area"
by Tom Cezimbra 27 May '25

27 May '25

Dear community, It is with great pleasure that we share our recent short note: "Hidden on the Edge: Franciscana Dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) Are Highly Overlapped with a Marine Protected Area at the Limit of a Management Area," published in Aquatic Mammals (Vol. 51, Issue 3). You can access the article here: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.51.3.2025.213 Our study provides the first spatial records of live franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) inhabiting the western portion of Ilha Grande Bay, at the northern limit of a Franciscana Management Area (FMA-IIa). The occurrence records of this elusive population are mainly within the boundaries of a Marine Protected Area (ESEC Tamoios), highlighting the critical role of this MPA in mitigating bycatch risks. Best, -- Tom Cezimbra Biólogo Mestre em Ecologia Commitee for Scientific Advisors - Society for Marine Mammalogy _________________________________ Biologist MSc in Ecology Commitee for Scientific Advisors - Society for Marine Mammalogy http://lattes.cnpq.br/1070376573581335 tomaz.cezimbra(a)gmail.com +55(21)98840-8200

1 0

New publication: Gut microbiome profile in Mediterranean monk seal
by Marianna Marangi 27 May '25

27 May '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm very pleased to share our new publication on Discovery Life **The first insights into the gut microbiome profile of wild Mediterranean monk seal** *Authors: Marianna Marangi, Sonia Boughattas, Nahla O. Eltai, Michele Speranza, Sofia Bonicalza, Emanuele Coppola *Abstract: Marine mammals (MMs) are crucial to the marine ecosystem, serving as apex predators, secondary consumers, and indicators of ocean health. Despite their ecological significance, human activities have greatly endangered many MM species, pushing some to the edge of extinction due to hunting, overfishing, and environmental exploitation. While conservation efforts have aided in the recovery of certain species, many remain endangered or vulnerable. Microbial communities associated with mammals play vital roles in ecology, host nutrition, tissue differentiation, colonization resistance, immune function development, and other beneficial processes. Fecal studies from various MM species have revealed notable host-specific microbiota, influenced by factors such as host phylogeny, gut anatomy, diet, and infectious diseases. While the factors shaping the microbiotas of some MMs are better understood, little is known about species like the Mediterranean monk seal (Mms). In this report, we present, for the first time, the profile of microbial communities in the fecal samples of two wild Mms collected in 2024 from two different islands within the Greek Mediterranean Ionian Sea. The samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Technologies. One sample predominantly harbored the Clostridiaceae family, while the other contained mainly the Enterobacteriaceae family, potentially indicating different health conditions. Our findings underscore the significance of studying host-microbe interactions in threatened species to gain the first insights into ecological and microbiological factors affecting their health, contributing to biodiversity and species conservation efforts. PDF available on https://doi.org/10.1007/s11084-025-09700-w Best regards Marianna --

1 0

New publication: Codamozza‐Fluker: The Compelling Case of a Flukeless Fin Whale Traveling Throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
by BlueMac 27 May '25

27 May '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Ecology and Evolution – Nature Notes: Jahoda, M., Zanardelli, M., Dhermain, F., Alessi, J., Armonio, F., Ballardini, M., Barcelo, A., Calogero, G., Fontanesi, E., Frantzis, A., Menniti, M.A., Monaco, C., Obadia, C., Pellegrino, G., Raffa, A., Tardy, C., Verga, A., Violi, B., Panigada, S. (2025). Codamozza‐Fluker: The Compelling Case of a Flukeless Fin Whale Traveling Throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Need for Basin‐Wide Conservation Efforts. Ecology and Evolution, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71313 Abstract: Human-caused injuries can have severe consequences for cetaceans, both for the well-being of individuals and the effects at the population level. Here, we report the first case of a live fin whale in the Mediterranean Sea with completely amputated flukes, a female who suffered two separated incidents: the first one before 1996, when she lost her left lobe, and the second one, in 2019, leading to the severing of the whole tail and finally to presumed death. “Codamozza-Fluker” was regularly sighted during summer in the North-Western Mediterranean for 24years. Entanglement and collision were both hypothesized as potential causes of her injuries. Without flukes, she traveled at least 7000 km across the Mediterranean, despite severe emaciation. Sighting records allowed tracking her from September 2019 to July 2020, providing rare evidence of large-scale movements within the Mediterranean over almost a year. Her journey, which extended as far as Syria, provides the first evidence of a fin whale from the Ligurian Sea being resighted in the Eastern Basin. This introduces a new perspective on this endangered subpopulation's movement patterns, which are crucial for effective conservation measures. The case gained widespread media attention, representing a dramatic example of usually unnoticed injuries or deaths, and contributed to raising public awareness, essential for driving focused conservation efforts. Her latest accident most likely occurred within the Pelagos Sanctuary for marine mammals, highlighting the need for more effective local protection measures, and underscoring the importance of complementing area-based conservation efforts with an ecosystem-based approach. The full text is open access, available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71313; feel free to contact me for any further information. all the best Maddalena Jahoda Tethys Research Institute maddalena.jahoda(a)tethys.org

1 0