May 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Aborted lunges
by jacopo di clemente 27 May '25

27 May '25

On behalf of my colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of one of my PhD chapters in Ethology, Ecology & Evolution, focusing on the intentional abortion of feeding lunges in Bryde's whales. ABSTRACT Rorqual whales exhibit foraging plasticity to maximize their energy intake and reduce the cost of feeding manoeuvres. Bryde’s whales are known for their inter-population differences in the way they lunge, typified by acceleration, engulfment and filtration. This study presents the first description of potentially intentional interruption of lunge feeding, with whales not opening their mouth at the point of maximum speed during the acceleration, which usually corresponds to engulfing the prey. Three different hypotheses are proposed to explain the reason for aborting a lunge: (1) when aborted lunges occur isolated in time and are not followed by true lunges – defined as conventional lunges with engulfment and filtration – the reason may be that whales simply fail at catching the prey; (2) when whales abort lunges in sequence within the same feeding dive, a prey herding scenario is suggested, where whales may actively work around the prey to either reduce the prey ball size or herd the prey into a single bigger ball to maximize food intake during the next lunge; (3) to minimize the cost of the lunge, whales may also not open their mouth after sensing insufficient prey density to justify the drag costs of the lunge operation. The documentation of this foraging behaviour forms the basis to investigate further how rorquals may adjust their feeding ecology around the optimal foraging theory. Here is the open-access link. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03949370.2025.2482528 Best, Jacopo Jacopo Di Clemente, Ph. D. Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen Universitetsparken 15, Building 3 – 4th floor, 2100. Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 93910840. Email: jacopo.diclemente(a)outlook.com<mailto:jacopo.diclemente@outlook.com>

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New publication: Drones Applied to Cetacean Research: A Case Study of Fin Whales
by Dorottya Mészáros 26 May '25

26 May '25

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to share with you our new publication "Drones Applied to Cetacean Research: A Case Study of Fin Whales". The full manuscript can be found here: Website: https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/1209305 Abstract : The fin whale is the only whale species regularly found in the Mediterranean Sea, with a year around presence. However, the aquatic environment and the whale’s diving behavior have posed challenges to studying this marine mammal. The increasing use of drones in cetacean research has significantly enhanced our understanding of the species. Drones provide the ability to quickly and discreetly fly over the whales, minimizing the disturbance, while capturing high-quality footage that enables the observation of their behavior and characteristic features used for identification, as well as supporting morphometric analysis. Additionally, drones can assist in collecting blow samples and guiding research vessels for closer, more effective approaches to conduct biopsies, collect fecal samples, or deploy tagging devices. This technological advancement has greatly contributed to a deeper understanding of fin whales, offering valuable insights into the health of the population. Dorottya Meszaros Researcher EDMAKTUB Cetacean Research Assosiation

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New publication: Noise effects on Hector’s dolphins
by Heloíse Pavanato 25 May '25

25 May '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to share our new publication, just out in Frontiers of Marine Science (Sec Marine Pollution): *Immediate and short-term effects of pile-driving on Hector's dolphin in Lyttelton Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand.* *Authors: Deanan Clement, Heloise Pavanato, Crystal Lenky, Matt Pine* https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1554536 *Abstract:* Ports in Aotearoa New Zealand have or are currently undergoing extensive infrastructure developments to accommodate the global trend in larger commercial vessels and cruise ships. With no national standards for underwater noise, Lyttelton Port Company is the first Aotearoa New Zealand port to undertake monitoring to assess pile-driving generated noise effects on local Hector’s dolphins, an endemic and nationally vulnerable species. The immediate and shorter-term responses of this species were monitored with autonomous underwater recorders and assessed to understand how dolphins reacted to pile-driving activities. General and site-specific model results indicated that as sound exposure levels from impact pile-driving increased, declines in dolphin detections varied spatially with immediate declines occurring at sites less than 1km for the source. Declines in detections were still apparent up to 2km, but more evident with greater noise exposure levels and in warmer water conditions. Once piling ceased for a day, Hector’s dolphins moved back into inner harbor waters within hours, and acoustic detections returned to within pre-piling levels gradually over a few days. While there is no evidence that dolphins abandoned the port region over the construction period, our findings established a longer-term decline in dolphin detections coinciding with the 2019 construction period that had not returned to pre-construction levels by May 2020. Despite evidence that mitigation measures were successful at protecting against auditory injury impacts, additional measures are warranted for future port infrastructure developments to avoid short and longer term impacts on Hector’s dolphin use of the harbor and while Aotearoa New Zealand develops or adopts national underwater noise guidelines. *PDF available from:* https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… We welcome any feedback or discussion. Best wishes, Heloise

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IMMS Animal Training Internship (Fall-2025)
by Carrigen Manns 24 May '25

24 May '25

The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin-based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is a part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Interested applicants must follow the directions listed on the website to apply. Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations.

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Acoustical Society of Japan and America, 1-5, Dec. 2025.
by Nozomi Kobayashi 24 May '25

24 May '25

Dear MARMAMers, During Dec.1-5 in this year (2025), Acoustical Society of Japan and America will hold a joint meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, which has been organized once every 10 years. We invite you to join any of 6 special sessions, which cover a wide range of bioacoustics subjects. Special sessions of the joint meeting 1. Active Sensing by Echolocation in Bats 2. Baleen Whale Acoustics 3. Deep Sea Soundscapes, Current Understanding and Monitoring Methods 4. Pinniped Acoustics 5. Sound Categorization and Acoustic Repertoire Description in Animal Communication Research 6. Special Session in Honor of Paul Nachtigall https://acousticalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sessions-for-calls… The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 28 July 2025 For more detail, see https://acousticalsociety.org/honolulu-2025/ We hope we will meet together in Honolulu in December. Cheers, Organizers of Animal Bioacoustics Special sessions Xavier Mouy, Shizuko Hiryu, Tom Akamatsu, Cynthia Moss, Marc Lammers, Nozomi Kobayashi, Susan Parks, Adam Pack, Satoko Kimura, Lauren Freeman, Héloïse Frouin-Mouy, Daisuke Mizuguchi, Colleen Reichmuth, Julie Oswald, Laura May-Collado, Vincent Janik, Tadamichi Morisaka, Laura Kloepper, Aran Mooney, Aude Pacini, Brian Branstetter -- ************************************************************* Nozomi Kobayashi, Ph. D. Section Chief / Chief Research Scientist Zoological Laboratory Okinawa Churashima Research Institute Okinawa Churashima Foundation https://churashima.okinawa/en/ocrc/marine_organisms 小林希実一般財団法人沖縄美ら島財団総合研究所動物研究室係長兼主査研究員〒905-0206 沖縄県国頭郡本部町字石川888番地 TEL：0980-48-2266 FAX：0980-48-2200 E-mail：n-kobayashi(a)okichura.jp *************************************************************

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Cetacean Conservation Biology Apprentice - The Marine Mammal Center
by Sarah Tatum 23 May '25

23 May '25

Hi Everyone, The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! Cetacean Conservation Biology Apprentice Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California Reports to: Associate Director, Cetacean Conservation Biology Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: * This is a grant-funded position through April 30, 2026, with continuation contingent upon renewed funding thereafter. * This is a full-time position. Compensation Range: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour Apprenticeship Summary: The Cetacean Conservation Biology Apprentice (CCBA) is an intensive hands-on apprenticeship designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to community-powered conservation, with a strong emphasis on cetacean biology and inclusive engagement. Hosted within one of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs, the CCBA supports both scientific research and community outreach efforts focused on cetacean conservation. The apprentice will participate in regular marine mammal surveys conducted via small vessels and from shorelines in both nearshore bay and offshore environments. Responsibilities include assisting with survey preparation, volunteer and intern training, and data management using tools such as photo-identification, drone operations, and line-transect sampling, alongside software such as Mysticetus and ArcGIS. This apprenticeship also includes training in small boat handling, field data collection techniques, participation in collaborative research meetings and community working groups that focus on science-driven conservation initiatives. In addition, the CCBA will support project and volunteer coordination, providing mentorship to interns and volunteers while strengthening their own leadership and organizational skills. To read the full posting and to apply visit this link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3295709/Marine-Mam… Thank you! [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Coordinator TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Job offer PhD "Traffic impacts on St Lawrence whales", University of Québec (UQO), Gatineau, QC, Canada
by Britt Krukau 23 May '25

23 May '25

*PhD in Natural Sciences* The role of shipping disturbance on the spatial ecology of cetaceans in the St. Lawrence *Context* Several species of cetacean frequent the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay Fjord. The St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population is endangered under Canada's Species at Risk Act. One of the three main threats to its recovery is underwater noise from shipping, the impacts of which include disturbance, masking of communications and reduced use of certain habitats. Several species of large baleen whales also actively use this area, including the blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale and minke whale. While the impacts of underwater noise have been described for several cetacean populations exposed to chronic interactions with human activities around the world, their characterization for the St. Lawrence cetaceans is very limited. *The project* Initially, the student will describe the role played by shipping activities on the spatial ecology of St. Lawrence belugas and large baleen whales in various ecologically sensitive sectors of their summer habitat, based on spatial data from maritime traffic (AIS) and cetacean observations (land-based observations, aerial surveys, telemetric data and acoustic detections). The potential effects of traffic that will be explored include the redistribution of animals, the temporary abandonment of habitats and changes in cetacean aggregations. Secondly, the student will explore the ecological mechanisms underlying the observed decline in the use of certain sensitive habitats by cetaceans in the increased presence of traffic. This part of the project will include the implementation of a specific protocol leading to the collection of in situ data. The results of the project will be used to refine the cetacean movement models in the 3MTSim simulator, which models the spatial interactions between traffic and cetaceans in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord. The results will also make it possible to recommend realistic conservation measures aimed at reducing the impact of underwater shipping noise on belugas and baleen whales, thereby working towards the recovery of populations of cetaceans with at-risk status. The student will work in the highly collaborative and inclusive work environment of the Laboratoire interdisciplinaire de simulation socio-écologique (LISSÉ) at UQO alongside several research professionals and students. The student will also interact with external partners from the federal (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada) and provincial (MELCCFP) governments, as well as experts from environmental NGOs (GREMM) with expertise in the project's related fields. *Skills required* The student should have an excellent background in spatial analysis of ecological data, including spatial statistics and spatial-temporal analysis in R. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to propose and implement cetacean data acquisition protocols. The candidate must be comfortable working as part of a team in an interdisciplinary research context, be able to carry out literature reviews on technical subjects in English and be able to communicate scientifically (orally and in writing) in English. Experience with individual-based modelling (IBM) and hydroacoustic data is an asset. The person must also be available to collect data in the field during the summer. Initiative, listening skills, intrinsic motivation, and autonomy are key qualities for successfully completing this project. *Practical details* *Location*: Laboratoire interdisciplinaire de simulation socio-écologique (LISSÉ), Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) in Gatineau (Hull sector) or Ripon, Quebec, Canada. Regular field trips (St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord). *Project start date*: as soon as possible (autumn 2025 at the earliest) *Remuneration*: 3-year fellowship @ $27,000/year. Numerous opportunities for additional scholarships. *Application*: Send copies of transcripts of all graduate studies, cover letter and CV to clement.chion(a)uqo.ca and angelique.dupuch(a)uqo.ca *Application deadline*: 30 June 2025 or until the position is filled. -- Coordonnatrice Laboratoire interdisciplinaire de simulation socio-écologique | LISSÉ <https://www.lisse-lab.com/> Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) Département des sciences naturelles

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New peer-reviewed paper on cetacean sanctuaries
by Lori Marino 23 May '25

23 May '25

In PLoS Bio entitled Accredited ocean sanctuaries for transforming captive cetacean care.<https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.30031…> In this paper we describe the signature characteristics of authentic cetacean sanctuaries: place, principles, and practices: * Fundamental to place is a natural environment designed to not only allow the residents to survive, but, more importantly, to flourish. * The foundational principle for all sanctuaries is to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of the residents. Sanctuaries free the residents to spend their days largely unfettered by human interests. * And practices are consistent with traditional marine parks in terms of providing high quality veterinary care, regular health assessments, food, and safety. However, an important distinction is that in authentic sanctuaries breeding is prevented in order to bring an end altogether to keeping wild animals in captivity. For more info: Lori Marino marinolori(a)outlook.com Thank you.

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Survey: Euthanasia at stranding events
by Rebecca Boys 21 May '25

21 May '25

Dear MARMAMers, This is a reminder email for anyone that would like to complete our online survey which aims to gain insight from those involved in strandings that could not attend our workshop 'Euthanasia: Addressing the strandings “taboo”’ which took place during the 36th European Cetacean Society conference. 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:1342f12f-d12c-4522-becc-52c06d1c82d7]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:b4f31650-c67d-4cdd-8ce2-0c0f229fa26b] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:a67cb0ed-db59-4538-bb15-63d0e2191c43] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:8ad26fd4-f6aa-4f48-9e20-51731091db29] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:61ea7a0f-69c1-4ae8-98df-7d170e7d0262] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:dea9ff95-0db8-4e6f-abfd-f80b875a8d1c] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:813d49f1-27be-4065-8909-96323e5fed91] [cid:69a4ba73-fbb2-4ba9-88d6-e9b0abd00ac6] Rebecca Boys (she/her) Senior Scientific Officer | Marine NCEA Marine & Fisheries: Our vision - clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse ocean and seas Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs E: rebecca.boys(a)defra.gov.uk Office location: Horizon House, Bristol Learn more about the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA)<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/natural-capital-and-ecosystem-as…> programme. If I am sending this email outside of regular working hours, it may be because I’m working flexibly. There is no expectation for you to respond outside of your usual working hours.

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Hiring a Senior Passive Acoustic Researcher
by Amy Whitt 21 May '25

21 May '25

Azura is seeking a Senior Passive Acoustic Researcher with experience in cetacean acoustics to support the Protected Species Division of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The applicant will need to be an independent worker and have extensive experience organizing and conducting passive acoustic deployments and passive acoustic analyses. *Position:* Senior Passive Acoustic Researcher *Work Schedule:* Full time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) *Location: *NEFSC lab in Woods Hole, Massachusetts *Link to Full Job Announcement:* https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/azura-consulting-llc-senior-passive-acousti… Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position. Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We offer 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. We specialize in protected species research, conservation, and management. Please see our website for more information: azuraco.com -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com

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