May 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Request for input on the Marine Mammal Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) draft specification sheet from the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
by Samantha Simmons 20 May '25

20 May '25

Dear MARMAMers You may have seen the request below through the GOOS, MBON or POGO listservs, but we would like to circulate it as widely as possible. Once we have feedback from the broadly distributed survey, we are planning to hold an expert workshop late in 2025 and we will then share the outcomes of the workshop with the larger community. Please feel free to email Dipani Sutaria (dipani.sutaria(a)gmail.com) or Samantha Simmons (samantha.e.simmons(a)gmail.com) our current marine mammal EOV representatives if you have questions. Also please feel free to share this review request among your networks but please note, as mentioned above, we are distributing it through GOOS, MBON, POGO and some other marine mammal regional networks. Cheers and many thanks for your time, Sam and Dipani —--------------------------------------- The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is conducting a consultation on the Biology and Ecosystems Essential Ocean Variables (BioEco EOVs) and their associated specification sheets. Guided by the Framework for Ocean Observing, GOOS applies a systems-design approach to help ocean observing communities define the requirements for an integrated, fit-for-purpose, sustained global ocean observing system. This approach focuses on a minimum set of key variables: the Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), designed to move the focus beyond individual observing systems, platforms, programs, or regions toward a globally connected and coordinated system. EOVs serve as a foundation for guiding investments in observing infrastructure and for fostering coordination across ocean observing efforts. They enable the collection of globally comparable data and information that can support a wider range of applications, including reporting against multilateral environmental agreements, informing policy and management decisions, advancing scientific knowledge and more. The GOOS Biology and Ecosystems Expert Panel has identified a set of BioEco EOVs using the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework, combined with feasibility and impact assessments. These BioEco EOVs represent the core biology and ecosystems observations needed to inform our understanding of ocean health and to provide baselines against which the impacts of human pressures and climate change can be measured and reported. To date, 12 BioEco EOVs have been recognised by GOOS, with marine mammal abundance and distribution one of these EOVs. A detailed draft specification sheet has been developed for the EOV to serve as practical guidance for contributing relevant observations to the global system. It describes key phenomena and processes, outlines the essential measurements, and defines the spatial and temporal scales and observing approaches required to monitor the EOV effectively. The Marine mammal abundance and distribution V2.0 specification sheet can be found here <https://goosocean.org/document/36266>. The information contained within is by design focused on basic observations that can be applied globally regardless of place based capability and capacity. This consultation seeks input from the marine mammal research community and other relevant stakeholders on the content of the specification sheet. It is an opportunity for the community to contribute to the ongoing refinement of this critical tool, helping ensure it meets the needs of researchers, observers, and decision-makers alike. A survey has been created for you to provide input and can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4_2NVDiVhYZbjV0IQx2uuGnJrqQ8Nrid… Please allow around 30 minutes to complete the survey. Many of the questions are optional but we encourage you to provide as many responses as possible so we can ensure the specification sheet meets the needs of the community. The survey is anonymous but if you would like to share your information (name and affiliation) please contact us at goosbioeco(a)gmail.com — About GOOS: The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is the global home of ocean observing expertise and systematic coordination. We lead and support a community of international, regional and national ocean observing programmes, governments, UN agencies, research organizations and individual scientists. Our Core Team of expert panels, observing networks, alliances and projects, supported by the GOOS Office, is in touch with ocean observing and forecasting around the world. We are a programme led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, with UN and science co-sponsors: World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC). -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Samantha Simmons, PhD.

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New Paper: Stress-coping styles and energy management in a capital breeding pinniped
by Courtney Shuert 20 May '25

20 May '25

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, entitled "Stress-coping styles are associated with energy budgets and variability in energy management strategies in a capital breeder." In this paper, we explore the role that stress-coping styles have on energy management strategies and their repeatability over multiple breeding seasons through the use of heart-rate telemetry in a capital breeding pinniped, the grey seal. More information can be found below: Shuert CR, Pomeroy PP, Twiss SD (2025) Stress-coping styles are associated with energy budgets and variability in energy management strategies in a capital breeder. *Proc R Soc B* 292: 20241787. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.1787 ABSTRACT: Individuals vary in their stress-coping styles, characterized by specific behavioural and physiological traits that influence their response to stressors. Theory suggests that these traits are linked to underlying metabolic mechanisms that affect energy management strategies. Despite the potential of this powerful comparative approach, few studies have explored how stress-coping styles relate to energy management strategies. Using heart rate telemetry data from a large, capital-breeding pinniped, the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), we sought to investigate the relationship that stress-coping styles (via individual resting heart rate variability, rHRV) may have on energy management strategies. Background energy expenditures, a proxy for metabolic rate and other background processes, and daily energy expenditures were found to be individually repeatable in grey seal mothers across successive breeding seasons. Proactive individuals (low rHRV) exhibited consistently higher background and daily energy expenditures than reactive females (high rHRV). However, reactive phenotypes were more variable overall in energy management strategy, highlighting greater flexibility in their energy management strategy. Our results highlight key energetic trade-offs associated with stress-coping styles in grey seal mothers during this short but critical life-history stage; proactive individuals tended to exhibit a single pattern of energy management, expending greater energy while incurring greater risk of over-spending, than those with a more reactive phenotype. 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 note on Sousa chinensis foraging behaviour
by agathe serres 20 May '25

20 May '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and myself are glad to share the online publication of our recent note regarding the foraging tactics of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the northern South China Sea in Marine Mammal Science. Please find the information regarding this article below and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! The note presents a description of foraging tactics displayed by Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the northern South China Sea. It identifies variations in these tactics across different geographic populations, including differences in social parameters (i.e., group size), environmental parameters (i.e., water depth, environment type, and presence of fish farms), and specific behavior (i.e., side breaching, mud foraging, and foraging in association with human activities). Population-Specific Foraging Strategies in Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis): Evidence of Behavioral Flexibility Agathe Serres, Mingming Liu, Yixi Shi, Shenglan Chen, Binshuai Liu, Songhai Li https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70025 For any question or copy, please contact me (agathe(a)idsse.ac.cn or agathe.serres11(a)gmail.com) Agathe Serres, Ph.D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Assistant Researcher Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences agathe.serres11(a)gmail.com agathe(a)idsse.ac.cn

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Unlock the Power of Spatial Data Visualisation in R using TMAP
by Oliver Hooker 20 May '25

20 May '25

*Unlock the Power of Spatial Data Visualisation in R using TMAP* Do you work with marine mammal data and want to learn the best practices for exploring and analysing spatial data as well as creating publication quality maps, both static and interactive? Then join our focused online course: *“Visual Exploration, Analysis and Presentation of Spatial Data Using the Tmap Package” <https://www.prstats.org/course/visual-exploration-analysis-and-presentation…>* *Course dates:* 3-6 June 2025 *Location:* Online Live Course Whether you’re a researcher, analyst, or data scientist, this course equips you with the practical skills to: - Build and customise layered maps using the *Tmap* package in R - Combine spatial data with analytical results for compelling visualisations - Integrate thematic maps into presentations and publications - Work confidently with spatial objects and geospatial data sets *Course Highlights:* - Hands-on exercises with real data - Taught by experienced spatial data scientists - Lifetime access to course materials and recordings - Suitable for both intermediate R users and those new to spatial analysis *Next session starts soon – spaces are limited.* Secure your place here: https://www.prstats.org/course/visual-exploration-analysis-and-presentation… -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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SCANS-IV: NEW results on spatial modelling and winterSCANS
by Gilles, Anita 20 May '25

20 May '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the SCANS-IV scientific project partners and the steering committee, I am pleased to announce the publication of the second major report on the results of the SCANS-IV survey. The report describes the development and results of predictive habitat-based models of cetacean density for seven species and two species groups, based on survey effort and sighting data from the SCANS-IV survey conducted in European Atlantic waters in summer 2022. Please check out our project website for deliverables. https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/clinics-institutes/institutes/institute-of-… Direct link to report: Gilles, A, Authier, M, Pigeault, R, Ramirez-Martinez, NC, Benoit, V, Carlström, J, Eira, C, Geelhoed, SCV, Laran, S, Sequeira, M, Sveegaard, S, Taylor, NL, Saavedra, C, Vázquez-Bonales, JA, Hammond, PS (2025). Spatial models of cetacean density in European Atlantic waters based on SCANS-IV summer 2022 survey data. Final report published 14 May 2025. 31 pp plus Appendix. https://tinyurl.com/3rv246v5 Download of predicted density surfaces (shapefiles per species) available here: https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/clinics-institutes/institutes/institute-of-… And, yet another report describing the results of the first winterSCANS survey, which was conducted in the southern North Sea in 2024, can also be found on the website. Direct link to report: Ramirez-Martinez, NC, Hammond, PS, Blanchard, A, Geelhoed, SCV, Laran, S, Taylor, NL, Gilles, A (2025). winterSCANS: Estimates of cetacean abundance in the southern North Sea in winter 2024. Final report published 9 May 2025. 14 pp. https://tinyurl.com/3756prc5 Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Best regards Anita -- Dr. Anita Gilles University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 | 25761 Büsum Germany Phone: +49 (0)511-8568177 Fax: +49 (0)511-8568181 anita.gilles(a)tiho-hannover.de https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/ani…

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JNCC MMO course, June 2025 (remote delivery)
by Carolyn Barton 20 May '25

20 May '25

JNCC-recognised MMO training, by an instructor with over 25 years' experience, is available remotely (via Zoom) on 23rd and 24th June, 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: Ecological impacts of floating offshore wind on marine mammals
by Caitlin Harris 19 May '25

19 May '25

Dear MARMAM, We are pleased to share our new open access publication in Marine Pollution Bulletin: C.B. Harris, S. Benjamins, B. Scott, B.J. Williamson (2025). Ecological impacts of floating offshore wind on marine mammals and associated trophic interactions: current evidence and knowledge gaps. Marine Pollution Bulletin. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118059 Abstract: Floating offshore wind is expected to expand globally into further offshore, deeper and highly productive shelf seas to utilise increased and more consistent wind energy. Marine mammals represent mobile species that connect across regions and can indicate wider ecosystem changes. To date, only a handful of ecological impact studies have been conducted at floating offshore wind farms, due to the infancy of the technology and small numbers of operational sites. Understanding how floating offshore wind could alter ecosystem functions and impact species at individual and population levels will be essential to mitigate potential negative ecological impacts as the sector expands. Currently, numerous floating offshore wind sites are planned or already in development. Therefore, evaluating current knowledge and remaining knowledge gaps will benefit future projects in assessing ecological impacts and determining where additional research should be conducted. This review summarises the positive and negative ecological impacts that have been previously highlighted as potential impacts from floating offshore wind, focusing on marine mammals, whilst also considering prey and broader trophic interactions. Current studies at operational floating offshore wind sites are summarised and discussed in context of observed and/or anticipated impacts. Finally, key outstanding research areas are suggested in relation to each impact. Many thanks, Caitlin Harris Caitlin Bolan Harris PhD Researcher 01847 889000 eri.ac.uk<https://eri.ac.uk/> | nwh.uhi.ac.uk<http://nwh.uhi.ac.uk> UHI North, West and Hebrides is the trading name of The Board of Management of UHI North, West and Hebrides which is a registered charity, number SC021215. 'S e UHI a Tuath, an Iar agus Innse Gall an t-ainm malairt a th' air Bòrd Stiùiridh UHI a Tuath, an Iar agus Innse Gall a tha na charthannas clàraichte, àireamh SC021215. UHI North, West and Hebrides is a trading name of The Board of Management of UHI North, West and Hebrides which is a registered charity, number SC021215. The contents of this message are intended for the addressee only and may contain the personal views of the sender which do not necessarily reflect the views of UHI North, West and Hebrides. The College does not accept liability for the personal views of its staff. Please note that all email traffic is monitored for the purposes of security and spam filtering, and as such, individual emails may be examined in detail to ensure that emails are compliant with Policy. However, no liability is accepted for viruses, and it is your responsibility to scan any attachments to emails.

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 19 May '25

19 May '25

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from June to end of November 2025. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2025 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork; - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION:* You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 912596211 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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Protected Species Observer Certification Course June 14-15, 2025
by Angela Bostwick 17 May '25

17 May '25

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on June 14-15, 2025. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical/seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is required for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides which will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and the monitoring and objective reporting that is required for submission to regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of the different protected species, as well as the key visual cues which can enable location of protected species in a dynamic and rapidly-changing environment. The course also includes discussions on how to prepare and pack for life offshore. The live, interactive discussions for this course provide a personalized approach to learning as we discuss how to identify protected species and how to document impacts to the animals. The interactive discussion in this course will also include best practice methods for living and working with other PSOs and vessel crew within a collaborative team environment, in order to effectively advise on the regulatory measures required to document and reduce impacts to protected species. By monitoring for marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, advising on the mitigation measures that are required, and documenting impacts through impartial and unbiased reporting, PSOs serve a crucial role in the conservation of protected species during industry operations. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder & CEO Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com BOEM/BSEE/NMFS-Compliant Provider of Protected Species Observer Certification

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Hiring! - The Marine Mammal Center
by Sarah Tatum 16 May '25

16 May '25

Hi All, The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! We are hiring a Laboratory Technician & an Animal Care Crew Senior Manager. The Laboratory Technician will undertake various laboratory procedures of a technical nature, including handling sensitive equipment to perform tests on biological specimens. They will help optimize laboratory procedures and produce reliable results that will be used in marine mammal care, treatment, and research. Link to Apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3276751/Marine-Mam… The Animal Care Crew Senior Manager oversees the Animal Care Crew Program at The Marine Mammal Center’s Sausalito hospital. This position acts as a conduit and advocate for information sharing for the Animal Care Crew Program and Veterinary Science Program ensuring continuity of animal care across the 28 different animal care volunteer teams (crews) and Animal Care Crew Management (ACCM) staff at the Sausalito main hospital, and adherence to protocols as set by the veterinary and husbandry teams. Link to Apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3276793/Marine-Mam… Location of Positions: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> 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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