July 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Analyse Ecological Communities with Confidence – Learn VEGAN in R
by Oliver Hooker 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Master Multivariate Analysis for Marine Mammal Research *Course Title:* *Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Communities Using R with the VEGAN Package (VGNR08)* Marine mammal ecosystems are complex — analyzing them doesn’t have to be. This specialized training is designed for *conservationists ecological analysts *seeking to apply powerful multivariate techniques to their data using *R* and the *VEGAN* package. *What You’ll Gain:* - Expertise in analyzing species composition, behavior, and habitat use - Use of ordination methods (e.g., NMDS, PCA, CCA) tailored to marine ecological data - Application of diversity indices and dissimilarity measures to marine communities - Hands-on R coding with real datasets – or bring your own! - Clear guidance on interpreting outputs for publications and reports *Ideal For:* Researchers working with *marine mammal sightings*, *acoustic monitoring*, *habitat modeling*, *community structure*, or *biodiversity assessments*. *Why VEGAN?* The VEGAN package is the gold standard for community ecology in R – this course shows you exactly how to leverage it. *Course Dates:* September 15 - 19 *Location / Online Format:* Online and Live *Register Today:* https://www.prstats.org/course/multivariate-analysis-of-ecological-communit… Spaces are limited — join us and bring scientific depth to your marine mammal data. -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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Killer Whale Call Dataset Published in Scientific Data
by Kaitlin P 26 Jul '25

26 Jul '25

Dear friends and colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our annotated killer whale call dataset in Scientific Data. The dataset contains raw audio, annotation bounds, and labels for over 200k killer whale, humpback whale, and other species, as well as a variety of abiotic sounds. This compilation represents a collaboration between NGOs, academia, commercial organizations, and government entities, who have graciously contributed their data and expertise to this effort. These data will be part of the challenge set for the 2027 meeting and workshop on the detection, classification, localization, and density estimation of marine mammals using passive acoustics. The details of the challenge will be forthcoming in the coming months, but in the meantime we invite the community to begin exploring this resource. Publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-05281-5 NCEI Data Link: https://console.cloud.google.com/storage/browser/noaa-passive-bioacoustic/d… Kind Regards, Dr. Kaitlin Palmer

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Climate Change and Marine Mammals Research
by Maia Killian 26 Jul '25

26 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My name is Maia Killian, and I am currently studying for a higher degree in MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation, at the University of Bristol in the UK. For my research project I am investigating the effects of climate change on marine mammals, with a focus on ‘out of habitat’ marine mammals, under the supervision of Mark P Simmonds. The main research project consists of a survey of experts, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of how widespread and impacting this phenomenon is. I would like to invite you to take part in this study by completing the survey. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any point without an explanation. The study has been approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of Bristol. Please complete the survey by 1st August (answers received after this date will not be used). If you would like to view the participant information sheet please contact me via email and I can send that over to you. If you wish to participate in this study, the questionnaire link is here: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/svs/msc-research-project-climate-cha… If you have any questions about the study, please do not hesitate to contact me (dp24511(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:dp24511@bristol.ac.uk>) or Mark (mark.simmonds(a)sciencegyre.co.uk<mailto:mark.simmonds@sciencegyre.co.uk>). Kind Regards, Maia Killian Additional information: Ethics Project ID 25055 Faculty of Health Science Research Ethics Committee (via the Research Governance Team) Email: research-governance(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:research-governance@bristol.ac.uk>

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Civic service on cetacean acoustics and scientific mediation, France, 12 months
by Salomé Martin-Marin 25 Jul '25

25 Jul '25

SUBJECT : Civic service on cetacean acoustics and scientific mediation, France, 12 months Dear MARMAM community, The KETOS program, co-developed by the Astrolabe Expedition association and ENSTA in Brest (France) aims to involve citizens in the collection of visual and acoustic data on cetaceans at sea, as well as in the analysis of passive acoustic recordings in order to develop automatic detection algorithms. The program aims to study the distribution and seasonality of numerous cetacean species, with a particular focus on common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) as part of the APOCADO program. As part of the KETOS program, Astrolabe Expeditions ( www.astrolabe-expeditions.org) an association specializing in participatory marine science, is looking for a new volunteer for civic service. Tasks will include : - Animation of a community of cetacean sound annotators. - Scientific mediation on cetacean bioacoustics. - Helping to organize citizen expeditions at sea. - And more... Duration: 12 months Start: September 1, 2025 Location: Plouzané, France (near Brest) Ability to speak French is essential for this mission. For more information and application : https://www.service-civique.gouv.fr/trouver-ma-mission/contribuer-a-la-prot… If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: contact(a)astrolabe-expeditions.org

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1 Marine Mammal Research Assistant Position - Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
by Beatriz Tintore 25 Jul '25

25 Jul '25

*Marine Mammal Research Assistant Position* Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is recruiting a Marine Mammal Research Assistant http://archipelago.gr/ <http://archipelago.gr/en/> Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has an open position to assist with our marine mammal research and conservation efforts. We are recruiting for both short - term and long term cooperation. *Start date:* We are looking for candidates able to start as soon as possible, latest mid August. *Location:* Samos, Eastern Aegean Sea, Greece *Duties:* - Lead and supervise projects related to the monitoring of cetaceans, including survey design and data analysis. - Analyze photo-ID, behaviour and passive acoustic data and write up of relevant reports - Supervise group of students/ interns - Supervise research and data collection on board the research boats - Assist with outreach activities - Assist in everyday running of our research bases/ boats, including providing assistance to interns and contributing to general base management tasks Essential required knowledge, skills and abilities: MSc Degree in marine sciences, with experience in marine mammal research Good comprehension of data collection methods and research and analysis principles and techniques Previous experience in analyzing marine mammal monitoring data Experience with Raven Pro and PAMGuard Experience in Rstudio or other statistical software and GIS Desirable experience managing and training students and/or volunteers Demonstrated leadership, supervision and team building skills Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions Ability to write scientific reports and papers Fluency in English Fluency in Greek (optional) Valid international driver’s license or driver’s license for the EU (optional) We offer: For the duration of the trial period (1 month), travel expenses with full board and accommodation are covered, with the possibility of remuneration based on experience. For successful candidates, the remuneration package offered depends on the experience level of the applicant, and will be discussed during the interview with the scientific director. Overview of our team: The Aegean Sea is a key Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot supporting some of the most important remaining populations of marine mammals and turtles in the Mediterranean. This includes bottlenose, short-beaked common, striped and Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales and Cuvier’s beaked whales, the highly endangered Mediterranean Monk seal, as well as loggerhead and green turtles. The research and conservation of marine mammals has been one of the key areas of focus of the Archipelagos Institute since its establishment in 1998. Our goal is to fill the important knowledge gaps regarding the distribution of marine mammal populations in the Greek Seas and the northeast Mediterranean, while also quantifying the factors that threaten their survival. Our research focuses on assessing populations and the interactions of cetaceans with fisheries and maritime traffic. Also monitored are the effects caused by overfishing and the various forms of pollution (plastic, chemical and noise pollution). Close cooperation with local communities is at the core of Archipelagos’ actions and an essential prerequisite for the implementation of any conservation action. Through the use of our research vessels, the team records behavioral and acoustic data, and photo-ID images, as well as documents vessel traffic data, macroplastic data, and seabird abundance. Our main goal is to use the data collected to develop successful, targeted management and conservation plans. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Please submit a current resume, a list of three references, and a cover letter expressing your interest to *c*.hamblin(a)archipelago.gr and b.tintore(a)archipelago.gr *Beatriz Tintoré* *Project Manager of the Marine Mammal and Terrestrial Research Department* *Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* *Doctoral Researcher - Brunel University London*

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New publication: Vertebral Morphology in Dolphins (Delphinidae): a 3D approach (M. Constanza Marchesi)
by María Constanza Marchesi 23 Jul '25

23 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, I am please to announce the online publication of my most recent article: Marchesi, M. C. 2025. Vertebral Morphology in Dolphins (Delphinidae): a 3D approach. Marine Mammal Science, e70053. Abstract: This is the first 3D geometric morphometric study of vertebral morphology in such a large and diverse group of dolphins (24 species). The aim was to describe and compare vertebral shape within Delphinidae, and assess its relationship with the biomechanical demands of each species. Phylomorphospaces were used to visualize shape variation among closely related species with different habitats. Associations between vertebral shape and size, habitat, diving depth, and vertebral count were explored following dimensionality reduction. The torso and tailstock exhibited the greatest morphological variations. Shape variation was significantly associated with size, habitat, and vertebral count in specific regions, depending on the factor. The estimated ancestral shape suggests an oceanic habitat. Coastal and riverine taxa showed reduced vertebral count and shapes associated with greater flexibility, supporting the idea that these traits may have evolved secondarily within Delphinidae. The greatest modifications were observed for deep-diving and extremely fast-swimming species. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that diversification in vertebral morphology, linked to ecological specialization, may have contributed to the explosive radiation of delphinids. This work also provides a morphological baseline for future studies exploring phylogenetic constraints in delphinid evolution. The article can be found using the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70053 Regards, Dra. María Constanza (Kata) Marchesi Investigadora Asistente / Assistant Researcher Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos (LAMAMA) Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET) Blvd. Brown 2915 U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina Phone: +54 280 488-3184/488-3185 (ext 1332) www.lamama.com.ar <http://www.lamama.com.ar/> Women in Marine Mammal Science (WIMMS) https://wimms.weebly.com <https://wimms.weebly.com/> Research Gate Profile: www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Constanza_Marchesi “Shoot to the Moon! Even if you fail, you’ll end up among the stars” My work hours may be different from yours. Please do not feel obligated to respond outside of your normal working time.

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Proposed Incidental Take Regulations for Hilcorp Oil and Gas Activities, Cook Inlet, Alaska
by Jaclyn Daly - NOAA Federal 23 Jul '25

23 Jul '25

Today, NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rulemaking that will allow the take of small numbers of marine mammals, incidental to oil and gas exploration, development, production, and decommissioning activities Cook Inlet, Alaska. Underwater noise generated by Hilcorp Alaska, LLC’s activities may result in the take of marine mammals in the form of Level A (auditory injury) and Level B (behavioral) harassment. No mortality or serious injury of any marine mammal species or stock is expected or proposed to be authorized. As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the proposed rule includes practicable mitigation measures, as proposed by Hilcorp, such as delay or shutting down certain activities when animals are in the area, to minimize impacts on marine mammals, and also includes monitoring and reporting measures to better understand those impacts. More information about this proposed rule is available at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-hilcorp… . -- *Jaclyn Daly-Fuchs* *MMPA Team Lead* *NOAA Fisheries, **Office of Protected Resources* *Permits and Conservation Division* *MMPA Incidental Take Program <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-…>*

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New publication: Intraspecific and spatial variation in habitat use by sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) along the west coast of Martinique.
by Benjamin de Montgolfier 22 Jul '25

22 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our latest publications with you. The article is open access and can be found at the following link: https://peerj.com/articles/19614/ Citation: Laurent S, Poupard M, Ortolé C, Valin C, de Montgolfier B. 2025. Intraspecific and spatial variation in habitat use by sperm whales (/Physeter macrocephalus/) along the west coast of Martinique. PeerJ 13:e19614 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19614 Abstract: For a deep-diving cetacean species like the sperm whale, acoustics is a vital tool for research. This need is especially pressing in the eastern Caribbean, where the habitat of marine mammals overlaps with heavy maritime traffic, leading to noise pollution and an increased risk of vessel collisions. To mitigate this risk, understanding their habitat use is essential. Mature males are generally solitary and migrate over long distances, while females and immatures form stable social units in subtropical and tropical waters. In this study, we examined intraspecific variation in distribution and habitat use among individuals along the Caribbean coast of Martinique, using both visual and acoustic data. Over the course of 24 surveys, 19 aggregations involving a total of 74 individual sightings were characterised, recognizing that some individuals may have been recorded multiple times. Using the inter-pulse interval (IPI) of clicks, we estimated individual size, which provided insights into the age and/or sex of each individual. Habitat characteristics included bathymetry, distance from the coast, and seabed slope. Our results on social structure are in line with previous literature: 37% of the aggregations were made up of females and/or juveniles, immatures, with a mature male nearby, with temporal changes in aggregations linked to male migration patterns. Spatial distribution and habitat use appeared consistent across aggregation types, regardless of group size, average individual size, or the presence of immatures. However, specific areas were identified for hunting and socialising based on bathymetry. This study highlights the importance of bathymetry and/or distance from the coast and temporal dynamics related to variations in weather conditions and movements of breeding males, in understanding habitat use by sperm whales in the eastern Caribbean. The lack of observed influence of seabed slope suggests that our spatial scale may have been too limited, or that finer details regarding seabed characteristics are needed. These findings could inform traffic management strategies to reduce the risk of vessel collisions with sperm whales. Please reach out with thoughts or questions about this work. Best regards, Benjamin.

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New publication on humpback whale song intra-seasonal variation in the Colombian Pacific
by Juliana López Marulanda 22 Jul '25

22 Jul '25

Dear colleagues, My co-author and I are pleased to announce the publication of our article: López-Marulanda, J. & Rivera-Gutierrez, H.F. (2025). Intra-Seasonal Acoustic Variation in Humpback Whale Songs in the North Colombian Pacific. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13, 1360. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071360 <> Abstract: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are well known for their complex acoustic com- munication, which plays a critical role in social interactions and reproduction. Understand- ing the variability in humpback whale songs is crucial to deciphering their communication strategies and the factors that influence these changes, which may affect reproductive success and population dynamics. While most studies of humpback whale song behavior have focused on annual variation, intra-seasonal changes remain underexplored. This study investigates intra-seasonal song variation in the Colombian Pacific humpback whale population, a unique and diverse breeding stock. We analyzed 37 h of recordings collected during two distinct periods of the 2019 breeding season (July and August–September) in the northern Colombian Pacific. Song repertoires were compared between periods, and the acoustic structure of a common song unit (Unit1) was analyzed using spectrographic cross-correlation. Results revealed a decrease in repertoire diversity over the course of the season, along with an increase in the song rate and the acoustic consistency of Unit1 during the second period. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of humpback whale song production and suggest potential influences of social learning and hormonal modulation. Such insights may be useful for the conservation and monitoring of humpback whale populations in breeding areas. You can download this Open Access paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/7/1360 <> Enjoy the read and feel free to share and give me some feedback too!.

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MPA workforce supporting marine mammal conservation
by Christine Ward-Paige 22 Jul '25

22 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, A small team of us are undertaking a global study to understand the workforce behind Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) — including those that explicitly or incidentally protect marine mammals. Our goal is to map out who’s doing this vital work so we can better support their efforts, strengthen protections, and help the world reach 30x30 targets. *If you work with or know of MPAs where marine mammals are part of the conservation focus*, we’d love your insight — even if the staff is minimal or the protections are informal. How you can help: If you know about an MPA's staff, even if it's effectively ZERO, please: - Fill out the workforce details for an MPA(s) - questionnaire information and link <https://www.eoceans.org/mpa-workforce-study-2025> (*it's just FOUR questions for each MPA)* 📽️ Here’s a *6.5-minute video overview of the study <https://youtu.be/M3Nm5KuyN_Q?si=CsKEX7wEAfFxBexS>* 🌍 And a video Walk-through of the survey <https://youtu.be/h6fAi9vLI4U?si=zZdtH1Y5olXaV-rg> so you know what to expect Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions — I'd love to connect. Thanks in advance. Sincerely, Christine -- *Christine Ward-Paige, PhD* *Founder, CEO* christine(a)eoceans.co website: eOceans <https://www.eoceans.co/> mobile app: iOS <https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/eoceans/id1495841229> and Android <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.eoceans.app&hl=en_CA&gl=US> Book a meet: *here* <https://meetings.hubspot.com/christine195> This message is intended only for the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, distributing, copying, or in any way using this message. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete copies you received.

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