May 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

HUMPBACK WHALE WORLD CONGRESS: Call for Scientific Abstracts – Extended Deadline: May 16, 2025
by Lyne Morissette 02 May '25

02 May '25

HUMPBACK WHALE WORLD CONGRESS: Call for Scientific Abstracts – Extended Deadline: May 16, 2025 Dear colleagues, As part of the World Congress on Humpback Whales 2025, to be held in Tadoussac (Quebec, Canada) from October 15 to 19, 2025, we are pleased to announce an extension of the abstract submission deadline to May 16, 2025. This international congress, under the theme "Coexisting with Whales, for our Oceans", brings together scientists, engineers, conservation professionals, maritime stakeholders, educators, and artists to explore the many facets of our relationship with humpback whales. We warmly invite researchers, laboratories, graduate students, and professionals to submit their work and findings on topics including: • Biology, ecology, genetics, and bioacoustics • Migratory routes and behavioral studies • Marine Protected Areas and conservation policy • Impacts of human activities at sea • Citizen science, marine engineering, education, and the blue economy Interdisciplinary approaches are highly encouraged. Please share this call with your colleagues, institutions, and research networks! Abstract Submission Guidelines • Abstracts must be written in English (max. 350 words) • Submission is online via the official website: https://www.hwwc.mg • Please include: full names of authors and co-authors, institutional affiliations, corresponding author’s email, and abstract text • The official language of the congress is English Key Dates: • Extended submission deadline: May 16, 2025 • Notification of acceptance: June 1, 2025 • Early registration deadline: September 1, 2025 Renowned international speakers and a dynamic scientific committee look forward to discovering your contributions. Let’s advance our collective knowledge and commitment to humpback whale conservation. Please circulate this call widely within your lab and academic networks! Warm regards, The Scientific Committee of HWWC2025 Lyne G. Morissette, Ph.D., M.S.M. & Médiatrice accréditée (IMAQ) Écologie des écosystèmes & mammifères marins Marine mammals & ecosystem ecology 418.750.5685 Lyne(a)M-ExpertiseMarine.com www.m-expertisemarine.com

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Invitation to submit an abstract to a marine mammal session at the Canadian Ecotoxicology Workshop in Victoria (BC, Canada)
by Simond, Antoine Étienne 02 May '25

02 May '25

Dear Marmamers, I hope this message finds you well. I am delighted to invite you to submit abstracts for a special session exclusively dedicated to marine mammal research that will be part of the upcoming Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop (CEW) 2025, taking place in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC, from October 5th to October 8th, 2025. This session will be co-chaired by myself, Antoine Simond (PhD, Université du Québec à Montréal), along with my esteemed colleagues Anaïs Remili (PhD, Simon Fraser University), Robert Letcher (PhD, Environment and Climate Change Canada) and Tanya Brown (PhD, Simon Fraser University). Session Title: Marine Mammals at Risk: Characterizing contaminant-related threats to enable conservation strategies The rationale for this platform session is driven by the urgent need to expand our knowledge, understanding, and mitigation strategies related to the impact of chemical pollutants on marine mammal populations and their ecosystem. We aim to bring together experts, researchers, and professionals in the field of marine mammal conservation and ecotoxicology to share their latest findings, innovations, and insights so we can strengthen our understanding of chemical pollution on marine mammal health and work towards a sustainable future for both marine mammal species and their fragile habitats. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: 1. The impact of long-term exposure of contaminants on global marine mammal health (immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems); 2. The impacts of pollution and anthropogenic pressure on marine mammal ecosystems; 3. The use of cutting-edge research/methodologies contributing to the discovery of new chemicals, and a more holistic understanding of the impact of pollutants on the health of marine mammals (e.g., multi-omics approaches, non-targeted analyses, non-invasive sampling approaches, in vitro bioassays); 4. Innovative conservation strategies that aim at protecting marine mammals and their habitat from chemical pollution and better implementing effective policy frameworks. Conference Details: * Event: CEW 2025<https://www.ecotoxcan.ca/cew-conference-home> * Dates: 5 - 8 October 2025 * Location: Victoria, BC, Canada * Session Title: 7. Marine Mammals at Risk: Characterizing contaminant-related threats to enable conservation strategies Submission Guidelines: * Link to start a submission: https://www.ecotoxcan.ca/submit-an-abstract * The abstract should not exceed 250 words * Abstracts will undergo a peer-review process, and selected presentations will be part of our conference program Key Dates: * Abstract Submission Deadline: June 13th, 2025 * Notification of Acceptance: July 2025 * Registration: Registration will open in July 2025 * Student Attendance Grant application deadline: June 30th, 2025 Your contribution is crucial in advancing our understanding and driving positive change in the fields of marine mammal ecotoxicology and conservation. Additionally, it represents a unique opportunity to network with fellow marine mammal experts and researchers from around the world. If you have any inquiries or require additional information, please feel free to contact me (simond.antoine_etienne(a)uqam.ca<mailto:simond.antoine_etienne@uqam.ca>). We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to present your research at this session. We are excited about the prospect of your participation and the opportunity to collaborate on these important topics. Thank you for your attention, and we hope to see you all in Victoria in 2025. Warm regards, PS: Please do not hesitate to share the invitation with other colleagues who might be interested. Antoine Simond, Ph.D. Chercheur postdoctoral | Postdoctoral Research Fellow Université du Québec à Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada Courriel | E-mail: simond.antoine_etienne(a)uqam.ca<mailto:simond.antoine_etienne@uqam.ca>

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New publication: Confirmed vocal activity of mediterranean monk seals in the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, Greece
by Angela Amlin 02 May '25

02 May '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in JASA: Confirmed vocal activity of mediterranean monk seals in the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, Greece Angela Amlin, Luke Rendell, Nino Pierantonio, Carmen Andrés-Hervías, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Gordon Hastie, and Joan Gonzalvo https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article/157/4/3204/3345482/Confirmed-vocal-ac… Abstract: Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are the world's rarest seal species, with fewer than 1000 individuals remaining across fragmented subpopulations. Monitoring this species is challenging due to their low densities and difficult-to-access habitats. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data can be used to detect small numbers of animals over large areas, but for effective long-term PAM, it is essential to characterize the species' vocalizations throughout its range. This study provides a comprehensive description of the monk seal vocal repertoire in the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, Greece, and the first published documentation of the species vocalizing underwater. Acoustic recorders collected continuous data over 16 days during the breeding season in 2021. We identified 3442 calls, 1855 of which were determined to be high-quality and classified into ten call types within three broader categories. Video footage collected in 2019 and 2021 documented the seals producing five common call types, which comprised ~87% of the recorded calls. Our findings offer insights into the structure of the monk seal vocal repertoire and lay the groundwork for long-term monitoring for this rare species using PAM, which could be an important tool for monitoring monk seals going forwards. Kind regards, Angela __________________________________ Angela Amlin, PhD Candidate Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St. Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB Tel: +44 (0)7950 124571

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Call for Applications: Potomac Chesapeake Dolphin Project June-September Field Research Assistant Opportunity
by Verena Conkin 01 May '25

01 May '25

Background: The Potomac Chesapeake Dolphin Project (PCDP) is seeking one dedicated research assistant for the upcoming field season (June-mid-September) in Reedville, VA. The PCDP is a long-term research project run through Georgetown University, and focuses on gathering life-history, ecological, and demographic data on Tamanend’s Bottlenose dolphins that seasonally use the lower Potomac River and mid-Chesapeake Bay. This field season will focus on continuing our research with drone-based monitoring, in addition to our routine long-term behavioral research and population monitoring efforts. For more details on our research and publications, please visit our website pcdolphinproject.org. Field work is demanding and requires long hours both on and off the water, but the dolphin research is both fun and rewarding. Field assistants will gain valuable research experience and may have the opportunity to pursue independent research projects. We particularly encourage applications from those interested in pursuing graduate school in behavioral ecology or marine mammalogy. Availability: Field season runs from June 1 through September 15, 2025. Start date is flexible, but as close to June 1 as possible is preferred. Availability through September 15 is required, candidates who cannot commit to September dates will not be considered. Pay: This is a paid position, with a stipend of $1,000 for each month of work (total stipend will depend on the assistant’s exact availability). Additionally, housing and food expenses will be covered by the PCDP. Field site: Reedville, VA is a small town in the rural Northern Neck of Virginia, situated at the mouth of the Potomac River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The nearby town of Heathsville (approximately 20 minute drive) has a grocery store, library, small shops, and a gym. Much of the land in the county is dedicated to farming, and many locals make their livelihood on the water, offering fishing charters, crabbing, or fishing for menhaden. Our living space is a shared cottage, with a small kitchen, shared bathroom, internet access and air conditioning. Housing and food will be covered by the PCDP, and the research team will share cooking responsibilities and other domestic chores. Job responsibilities: Research assistants will help collect extensive behavioral data from the boat, including surveys and focal follows on individual dolphins. Boat work is dependent on weather, but even on windy days we need to be ready to pack up and quickly get out on the water if the wind drops. Days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land require extensive, and tedious, data entry and processing. If you are interested in an independent research project, we will work with you to develop one. Most of your time will be spent: -Searching for and spotting dolphins -Driving the boat -Scribing data during surveys and focal follows -Entering dolphin sightings and environmental data into the computer -Doing basic maintenance and equipment prep and cleaning Assistants are asked to work a demanding schedule both on and off of the boat. Given the weather (wind and storms), work may occur on both weekdays and weekends, as well as at varying times throughout the day, so the field team is on call from sunrise to sunset. Having this schedule is key to a successful field season, because data collection is dependent on weather and data are extremely valuable. Days on the water can be long with early start times and late end times, as well as hot during the summer/cold during the fall. Eligibility & Qualifications: As this position runs through September 15, we will consider applications from graduating college seniors or post-baccalaureates with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science and behavior. Graduate students and undergraduates returning to their studies in Fall 2025 will not be considered. This position is well suited for students of marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and in-field experience. Applicants must be able to work closely with a small team. We not only work together, but also live, cook, and eat together, so maturity, sense of humor, a positive attitude and a collaborative nature are critical. The candidate must: -Possess basic computer skills -Be detail oriented, flexible, level headed, and patient -Possess excellent verbal and communication skills -Work well both independently and in a team -Be fluent in English -Be comfortable on a boat and working in a remote location -Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends The most essential qualifications are that you are flexible, conscientious, and hard-working, and are excited about the research. Applications are open from May 1 until 11:59PM Eastern Time on May 10, interviews will be conducted via Zoom the week of May 12. Interested candidates should fill out an application here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Wq9X3KWRTedCkMIrtzPUAA4PUzIcwwx…>. Verena Conkin (she/her) PhD Candidate | Biology Department Georgetown University 3700 O St NW Washington, DC 20097

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New Publication: The End of an Era? Trends in Abundance and Reproduction of Australian Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) Suggest Failure to Re-Establish Pre-Whaling Population Size
by Anne Grundlehner 01 May '25

01 May '25

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to share our recent publication on the population recovery of Australian southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Global Change Biology. Grundlehner, A., Smith, J.N., Bannister, J.L., Andrews-Goff, V., Brasier, M., Double, M.C. and Corney, S.P. (2025), The End of an Era? Trends in Abundance and Reproduction of Australian Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) Suggest Failure to Re-Establish Pre-Whaling Population Size. Glob Change Biol, 31: e70218. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70218 Abstract The large-scale exploitation of whale populations in the whaling era led to the near extirpation of large whales all over the world. This must have had major repercussions for marine ecosystems globally. Consequent changes to those ecosystems and physical environments create uncertainty around whether present-day conditions are adequate to support full recovery of pre-whaling population sizes. Combined with potential effects of anthropogenic stressors, the future viability of exploited whale populations is questioned. This migrating species was left near extinction from whaling and has shown slow, yet steady, recovery in recent decades. Here, we collate abundance data from aerial surveys performed along the Australian coast between 1976 and 2024, covering 2250 km of coastal habitat, to study the recovery trajectory of Australian southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). We describe temporal trends in abundance, reproduction and growth of the western sub-population. Our study reveals that despite previously displaying exponential growth, and a present population size still residing far below pre-whaling levels, our annual births have started declining since 2016 and annual abundances of unaccompanied individuals have dropped by 66%. Our results suggest the end of an era of this population's recovery, highlighting that an initial period of steady recovery does not guarantee successful re-establishment of previous abundance levels. The article is open access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70218<http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70218> Kind regards on behalf of all authors, Anne Grundlehner This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipient organisation is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of the University of Tasmania, unless clearly intended otherwise.

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Minimising Ship Strikes on Whales: the OCEAN Approach
by Simon Berrow 01 May '25

01 May '25

A free online webinar will be hosted on 6 May 2025 from 13:00 to 14:00 CET entitled* “Minimising Ship Strikes on Whales: the OCEAN Approach”. * The webinar will briefly define the issue and the approach to minimising these impacts under the OCEAN project, which is funded by the EU under its Horizon 2020 initiative. During the webinar we will hear from* Rui Prieto *from the University of the Azores on using Predictive Habitat Modelling, *Harvey Stoelinga *of TELEDYNE in Denmark on the use of acoustic detection to locate whales, *Ludwig Houegnigan *from the Technological University, Barcelona on detecting whales from space and *Trea Heapes *of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group on developing an OCEAN App for real time reporting and visualisation. Questions and discussion welcome. *Please find link to webinar here: * *https://streamyard.com/watch/yiQREdSNmWq9* <https://streamyard.com/watch/yiQREdSNmWq9> Note starts at 13:00 Central European Time which is 12:00 British Summer Time The OCEAN Project (Operator-Centred Enhancement of Awareness in Navigation) augments navigator’s capabilities to improve safety, reduce incidents and mitigate whale strikes. *For more information see **Ocean Navigation Awareness - Maritime Navigation Project* <https://ocean-navigation-awareness.eu/> -- -------- Dr Simon Berrow Chief Executive Officer Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co Clare, Ireland, V15 E762 www.iwdg.ie / http://consulting.iwdg.ie Office; 065 9051763 / Mobile: 086 8545450 Charity Number: CHY 11163 Charity Regulatory Authority No. 20029913

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New paper on eliciting behavioural response thresholds of Antarctic marine mammal species for the assessment of noise impact
by Aimee Darias-O'Hara 01 May '25

01 May '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am delighted to share our new publication in *Marine Policy*, titled "Behavioural response thresholds for the assessment of noise impact on Antarctic marine mammal species" https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106738. Abstract: Increasing levels of anthropogenic noise in our oceans is concerning, especially in Antarctic waters where marine mammals are more naïve to sound sources, compared to those residing in industrialised ocean basins. Marine mammals are vulnerable to anthropogenic noise, due to their dependence on underwater sounds for their survival. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty stipulates that anthropogenic activities in Antarctic waters must be assessed in advance, for the comprehensive protection of the natural environment and its dependent ecosystems. There are few quantitative studies on the behavioural responses of Antarctic marine mammals. Furthermore, the absence of agreed upon thresholds for marine mammal behavioural responses has created difficulties in conducting impact assessments in a standardised manner. In instances where knowledge gaps persist amidst high priority management issues, the expert elicitation approach can be implemented to utilise an expert’s qualitative knowledge. This study elicited probability distributions of noise levels which would lead to a significant behavioural response, when received under specific acoustic exposure scenarios. The sound sources examined include vessels, research seismic survey activities and hydroacoustic research equipment. The expert judgements exhibited substantial variability amongst thresholds due to limited data on marine mammals in Antarctic waters, with low frequency cetaceans eliciting a threshold of Lp =137 dB re 1 µPa for vessel noise, compared to Lp =145 dB re 1 µPa for hydroacoustic research equipment. These thresholds are an initial tool in the assessment process, whilst guiding priorities for future research to quantitatively address this pressing management issue. Warm regards, Aimee Kate Darias-O'Hara, MSc. PhD Candidate Centre for Marine Science & Technology (CMST) Curtin University Perth, Western Australia

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