July 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on modeling acoustic behavior in North Atlantic right whales
by Rob Schick 07 Jul '25

07 Jul '25

On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce our new paper in the Journal of the American Statistical Association. Kang, B., Schliep, E. M., Gelfand, A. E., Yack, T. M., Clark, C. W., & Schick, R. S. (2025). Analyzing Whale Calling through Hawkes Process Modeling. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 1–13. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01621459.2025.2501711 GitHub Repo: https://github.com/bokgyeong/WhaleCallHawkes Abstract Sound is assumed to be the primary modality of communication among marine mammal species. Analyzing acoustic recordings helps to understand the function of the acoustic signals as well as the possible impact of anthropogenic noise on acoustic behavior. Motivated by a dataset from a network of hydrophones in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, using automatically detected calls in recordings, we study the communication process of the endangered North Atlantic right whale. For right whales, an “upcall” is a known signal used to facilitate communication among individuals. We present novel spatiotemporal excitement modeling consisting of a background process and an excitement process. The background process incorporates the influences of diel patterns and ambient noise on contact calls—initial vocalizations aimed at initiating contact. The excitement process captures potential countercalls—responses excited by previous upcalls. Upcall incidence is found to be clustered in space and time; an upcall seems to excite more upcalls nearer to it in time and space. We find evidence that whales make more upcalls at night, respond to other whales nearby, and are likely to remain quiet in the presence of increased ambient noise. Best, Rob

1 0

New publication: Species distribution modelling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters
by Marissa Hutchings 03 Jul '25

03 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent open-access publication in Ecology and Evolution: Hutchings, M. J., Parra, G. J., Totterdell, J. A., Wellard, R., Donnelly, D. M., Sandoval-Castillo, J. and Möller, L. (2025). Species distribution modelling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters. Ecology and Evolution, 15(7), e71359. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71359 Abstract: The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a globally distributed apex predator. This species is represented by distinct ecotypes or forms, which are well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica. However, less is known about killer whales in Australia. While research efforts have been made to study these animals, a broader understanding of their range and drivers of occurrence is lacking. In this study, we model the spatial distribution of killer whales in Australian waters to identify potential areas of habitat suitability and conservation priority. A total of 1310 sightings were compiled, of which 1115 were used alongside a suite of static and dynamic predictor variables to build presence-only MaxEnt species distribution models (SDMs) in three separate study areas: southeast (SE), southwest (SW) and northwest (NW) Australia. The SDMs identified potential areas of habitat suitability both within and outside of known locations for killer whales in Australia. All three models returned good discriminative power between presence and background points. However, good predictive power was only suggested for the SE and NW. The importance of certain predictor variables indicated a preference for different environmental conditions, supporting the notion of at least two ecologically distinct groups. Killer whales frequenting the SE and SW preferred temperate waters, whereas those in the NW preferred tropical waters. This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies potential areas of biological importance for management and monitoring. It also complements ongoing research into their genetics, feeding ecology, and diversification, showcases the utility of citizen science data, and informs the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Thank you, Marissa Hutchings PhD Candidate - Flinders University BMSc (Hons) - James Cook University Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Bedford Park SA 5042 [image002.png] Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South-East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging. This email and any attachments may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender by reply email and delete all copies of this message. Please consider the environment before printing this email.

1 0

Invitation to IMarEST Webinar - Real Talk: Early Careers in Marine Mammal Science
by Leonie Lepple 03 Jul '25

03 Jul '25

Dear Marmams, The MarEST Marine Mammal Special Interest Group (MMSIG) invites early-career professionals to an open and supportive webinar on the realities of working in marine mammal science. In this session, speakers at different stages of their marine mammal careers will share the skills, support, and lived experiences that helped shape their journeys. The session aims to provide a realistic, current and open discussion on overcoming barriers, navigating setbacks, celebrating successes and everything in between. We’ll also introduce the career-building resources available through IMarEST, including mentoring opportunities, CPD tools, and more. The session will include an open Q&A, giving you the chance to ask your questions and share your story in a welcoming space. Who is this for? Students, graduates, early-career professionals, or anyone considering a future in marine mammal science. 🗓️ Date & Time: 23. July 2025 at 17:00 (BST) 🔗 Register here: https://www.imarest.org/events/event-calendar/real-talk-early-careers-in-ma… We hope to see you there! IMarEST Marine Mammal Special Interest Group

1 0

New publication: Seasonal changes in the feeding aggregation structure of male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Northern Norway (Zoë Morange)
by Zoë Morange 03 Jul '25

03 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our paper recently published open access in the Journal Marine Mammal Science which presents and discusses seasonal patterns in the structure of a feeding aggregation of male sperm whales in Northern Norway. ABSTRACT The sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) is one of the most widely distributed cetaceans. Adult males commonly occupy high latitudes, whereas females and juveniles occupy lower latitudes. In Northern Norway, previous studies focused on the summer period limiting our understanding of the seasonal dynamics of male foraging aggregations. We used year-round capture–mark–recapture data based on photo identification between 2009 and 2023 to examine seasonal patterns within a male aggregation off Andøya, Northern Norway. Our analysis encompassed 426 days of data, 111 days in winter (October–April) and 315 days in summer (May–September). Among 365 identified individuals, 29% were encountered across multiple years. A higher number of individuals could be identified in winter compared to summer. The mean estimated residency time was shorter in winter (13 days) than in summer (18 days). We identified four groups with distinct seasonal preferences in occurrence and residency, suggesting seasonal and individual foraging and social patterns. Despite the marked seasonal patterns, the relatively short residency times imply this area constitutes only a fraction of the broader foraging range of sperm whales in the Northeast Atlantic. This study highlights the year-round presence of sperm whales in the area, emphasizing their individual seasonal preferences. Citation: Morange Z., Similä T., Rikardsen A.H., Blanchet M.-A. (2024) Seasonal changes in the feeding aggregation structure of male sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) in Northern Norway. *Marine Mammal Science, *e13219, *https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13219* <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13219> With kind regards, -- Zoë Morange PhD candidate, The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø) and Whale2Sea *morangezoe(a)gmail.com <morangezoe(a)gmail.com>*

1 0

Marmam post to announce a postdoc position at the Swedish Museum of Natural History
by Anja Carlsson 03 Jul '25

03 Jul '25

Greeting MARMAM subscribers, I would like to share that the Swedish Museum of Natural History is currently recruiting a postdoc to work on Baltic ringed seal telemetry data to identify key foraging habitats and investigate the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on behavior. The applicant should have a PhD in marine biology or similar, have demonstrated experience working with wild animals, and demonstrated experience of working with tag data. The position is based in Stockholm, Sweden. Deadline to apply is 31 of July, start date as soon as possible, with an end date of July 31 2028. For more information and to apply please see the link below. Please share to any suitable interested applicants. https://recruit.visma.com/spa/public/apply?guidAssignment=9b41c31a-d6e3-4d1… Best, Anja Carlsson Anja Carlsson, Ph.D. Senior Curator Department for Population analysis and monitoring Tel: +46 (0)8 5195 4247 Mobil: +46 (0)708 62 15 88 anja.carlsson(a)nrm.se<mailto:anja.carlsson@nrm.se> Box 50007 | SE-104 05 Stockholm | Sweden [Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Forskar, Bevarar och Förklarar, NRM.SE]

1 0

New Publication: Narwhal Acoustic Presence and Responses to Ships in Eclipse Sound, Nunavut
by Jack Ewing 02 Jul '25

02 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper: *Narwhal acoustic presence in Eclipse Sound, Nunavut: relationships with sea ice and responses to ships* https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-04032-1#citeas DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04032-1 *Authors:* Jack P. Ewing, Eva Hidalgo-Pla, Alba Solsona-Berga, Kaitlin E. Frasier, Alex J. Ootoowak, Kristin H. Westdal, Sean M. Wiggins, John A. Hildebrand & Joshua M. Jones *ABSTRACT:* The Arctic Ocean is undergoing rapid sea ice loss and increasing ship traffic, introducing potential stressors for wildlife and challenges for management and conservation. This study examines narwhal (*Monodon monoceros*) responses to vessels in eastern Eclipse Sound, Nunavut, Canada using underwater acoustic recordings and ship tracking data collected between 2016 and 2021. The effect of ship proximity on detection of narwhal echolocation clicks was analyzed, accounting for environmental and temporal factors affecting detection probability. Narwhal acoustic presence exhibits seasonality, peaking in July and October, and is correlated with low solar angle in both seasons and sea ice concentration during ice formation in October. Our analysis revealed an inverse relationship between ship proximity and narwhal acoustic presence in July and October, most pronounced when ships were within 20 km of the recorder in October. These distances suggest that narwhals react to broadband sound pressure levels well below 120 dB re: 1 µPa and are more sensitive to low-frequency sounds (< 1 kHz) than previously assumed. This study offers region- and population-specific insights into narwhal responses to ships, highlighting the importance of integrating long-term monitoring of wildlife, environmental conditions, and human activities to improve prediction of Arctic marine species’ movements and behavior. The paper is open access and available online at the link above. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss the findings. Best regards, *Jack Ewing* Staff Research Associate – Scripps Whale Acoustics Laboratory Scripps Institution of Oceanography jaewing(a)ucsd.edu jackpewing(a)gmail.com [image: image.png]

1 0

New publication: Dietary specialization on elasmobranchs by offshore killer whales (Brianna Wright)
by Brianna Wright 02 Jul '25

02 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper examining dietary specialization on elasmobranchs by offshore killer whales in the northeast Pacific. This work is Open Access and can be downloaded at the following link: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14876 Wright BM, Olsen D, Gisborne B, Schulze AD, Wetklo MH, Ellis GM, Matkin CO, Ford JKB, Doniol-Valcroze T (2025) Dietary specialization on elasmobranchs and seasonal foraging patterns of offshore killer whales *Orcinus orca* in the northeastern Pacific. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 763:171-196 ABSTRACT: Dietary specialization allows species with overlapping ranges and similar trophic levels to coexist by reducing competition. Offshore killer whales are sympatric with other populations of *Orcinus orca* in the northeastern Pacific, but their feeding preferences are poorly known. Using genetic, drone videography, photographic, and observational evidence collected during 84 predation events, we found that elasmobranchs comprised almost 90% of all prey sampled, revealing that the offshore killer whale ecotype has a specialized diet. Sharks are energetically profitable prey because they are predictably available, large-bodied, and have a large, lipid-rich liver. In addition to previously documented prey, we identified 4 new species: salmon shark, Pacific electric ray, albacore tuna, and broadnose sevengill shark. Targeted species differed depending on the time of year and region, matching the known seasonal availability and migratory behaviour of sharks. Pacific sleeper sharks (45.2% of identified prey) and salmon sharks (6.0%) were primarily taken in Alaska, USA, and northern British Columbia (BC), Canada, in spring and early summer, whereas blue sharks (17.9%) and Pacific spiny dogfish (16.7%) were typically caught in southerly locations along the continental shelf edge off BC in late summer and fall. Blue, broadnose sevengill, and shortfin mako sharks were hunted off California, USA, in winter. Teleosts comprised only 10.7% of predation events. We conclude that in addition to fish-eating and marine mammal-eating ecotypes, offshore killer whales represent another example of pronounced, likely culturally transmitted, dietary specialization among the killer whales of the northeastern Pacific. Kind regards, Brianna Wright Marine Mammal Biologist Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada Brianna.Wright(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

1 0

New publication on blue whale acoustic presence in the southern Indian Ocean
by Mathilde MICHEL 02 Jul '25

02 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, I’m pleased to share with you our latest publication: Title: Modelling the influence of environmental factors on the acoustic presence of blue whale populations in the southern Indian Ocean Abstract: Blue whales in the Indian Ocean have been severely depleted by previous extensive commercial whaling. A good understanding of their spatio-temporal distribution is crucial for conservation. The songs of three blue whale acoustic populations - Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia, ANT BW) and pygmy blue whales (B. musculus brevicauda) from the Southeast (SEIO PBW) and Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO PBW) - were analyzed using 13 years of passive acoustic recordings from 10 sites in the southwest Indian Ocean. Although blue whale vocalizations comprise both songs and non-song calls (e.g., D-calls), the present study concentrates on the examination of songs. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to relate acoustic presence, measured by the number of positive minutes per day (averaged weekly), to environmental drivers such as sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a concentrations, and sea ice extent. These models allowed predictions of blue whale acoustic presence across the region. Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) were applied for dimensionality reduction to identify key habitats, including the Kerguelen Plateau and Madagascar Basin, which may serve as important feeding and resting zones based on acoustic presence and environmental data. Antarctic blue whales were predominantly detected in austral winter and spring, associated with lower SST and higher chlorophyll-a. In contrast, SEIO and SWIO pygmy blue whales were more frequent in summer and autumn, with some overlap suggesting ecological interactions. These findings lay the groundwork for targeted conservation efforts to protect critical blue whale habitats in a rapidly changing ocean 📖 The article is available in open access here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02941-9 For any questions or discussions, feel free to contact me at: 📧 mathilde.michel(a)ensta.fr Best regards, Mathilde Michel Doctorante en bioacoustique sous marine et écologie quantitative PhD student in marine bioacoustics and quantitative ecology Tel. : +332 21 09 58 89 ________________________________ ENSTA | Institut Polytechnique de Paris 2 rue François Verny 29806 Brest cedex 9 - France --- Lab-STICC - UMR CNRS 6285 www.labsticc.fr

1 0

Deadline reminder : Training program Nicaragua August 2025
by Association ELI-S 01 Jul '25

01 Jul '25

Dear MARMAM community, Association ELI-S is a non-profit organization committed to the protection of whales and dolphins in Nicaragua since 2016. Our project includes scientific research, policy advocacy, and environmental education. Our Training program is conducted by experienced marine biologists and offers a unique opportunity to acquire practical knowledge in a variety of research techniques used in the study and conservation of marine mammals. Participants are fully immersed in ongoing fieldwork and scientific investigations, gaining first hand experience in data collection, analysis, and conservation strategies. The training is particularly well-suited for students in biology or related fields, recent graduates seeking to strengthen their practical skills, and individuals considering a career shift into marine mammal research and conservation. It provides a solid foundation for those aiming to pursue a professional path in this field. Beyond the scientific aspect, *Association ELI-S* emphasizes open communication, cultural exchange, and meaningful human interaction as core values. Living and working within local coastal communities offers participants an immersive, enriching experience that fosters both professional and personal growth. Program Details (Application deadline July 15, 2025): - Location: San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua, Central America) - Accommodation: shared housing in San Juan del Sur - Minimum commitment of 1 month (4 weeks) between August 11, 2025, and September 11, 2025. - Minimum 21 years old - Tuition fee: A fee is required to cover tuition, training, equipment use, accommodation, and other related expenses. - How to Apply: Send an email to training(a)eli-s.com <http://trainingli-s.com/> before July 15, 2025 Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage early submissions. Positions are open until filled. - Small groups up to maximum 6 participants for a quality experience For further information regarding the program schedule, application process, and participation requirements, please contact us at training(a)eli-s.com. *Dr. Joëlle De Weerdt* Scientist at Association ELI-S --------------------- www.eli-s.com Find more on Association ELI-S: Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/AssociationELIS> | Instagram <http://www.instagram.com/association.elis> | Twitter <http://twitter.com/ELI_Scientific> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjeseHPDvE6pq-MmoZXWNkg> ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joelle-De-Weerdt> | ORCiD <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4054-6609> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo%C3%ABlle-de-weerdt/>

1 0

New paper: Growth dynamics of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus at the southern extreme of their range
by Leah Crowe 01 Jul '25

01 Jul '25

Kia ora MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am excited to share with you our latest publication: Crowe LM, Schofield MR, Dawson SM, Rayment WJ (2025) Growth dynamics of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus at the southern extreme of their range. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 763:197-212 https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14858 ABSTRACT: Populations living at extreme range edges have physiological adaptations related to size and growth patterns, allowing them to survive in dynamic habitats. The Critically Endangered bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus inhabiting the fiords of southwestern Aotearoa/New Zealand are living at the southern extreme of the species’ range. Previous efforts to quantify the size of these dolphins using vessel-mounted photogrammetry systems yielded small sample sizes. Here, we used an uncrewed aerial system to collect video over 1.5 yr of 143 individuals from 2 small sub-populations of Fiordland bottlenose dolphins. Individuals were identified based on the curation of marks on the dorsal body, allowing integration with life history information available through longitudinal study. Photogrammetric measurements of total length and blowhole to dorsal fin length were taken from 1218 images using the software ‘whalength’. Growth dynamics were estimated within a hierarchical multivariate Bayesian model with individual random effects using measured lengths to fit von Bertalanffy growth curves. Across the population, the median posterior predictive distribution for total length was 2.94 m (90% credible interval: 2.68-3.18 m) with estimates of known reproductive females ranging from 2.73 to 3.30 m. Our results indicate that slower growth rates tend to be correlated with larger adult dolphins, which has local implications for survival probability and reproductive success. These results provide an improved understanding of Fiordland bottlenose dolphin morphology, which adds perspective to the global structure of this species. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of incorporating photogrammetric methods into monitoring programmes of dolphins to assess population health and resilience. Please feel free to contact me about any questions or for a PDF copy of the paper! Leah Leah M. Crowe (she/her) PhD Candidate Te Tari Pūtaiao Taimoana-Department of Marine Science Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-University of Otago Ōtepoti-Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa-New Zealand

1 0