August 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Publication on real-time PAM for right whales around offshore wind development activities
by Mark Baumgartner 21 Aug '25

21 Aug '25

Dear colleagues, The following paper was recently published as an open access journal article in Endangered Species Research: Baumgartner, M.F. 2025. Efficacy of real-time passive acoustic monitoring near wind energy industrial activities for mitigating risks to right whales. Endangered Species Research 57:413–430. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v57/esr01432 Abstract: Offshore wind energy development activities pose risks to the Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis, including permanent and temporary hearing damage and behavioral changes owing to noise exposure from pile driving at wind turbine construction sites as well as vessel strikes in transit corridors linking wind farms and ports. Real-time passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is an important and useful means of detecting the presence of whales, but its efficacy in helping to mitigate these risks depends on its site-specific application. This study employed Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate various configurations of a well-characterized real-time PAM system for their efficacy in mitigating risks given the movement and calling behavior of right whales. Configurations with as few as 3 PAM stations using detections only (no localization) to trigger mitigation provided adequate probabilities of missed mitigation (i.e. the probability a whale appears in a risk zone when a risk is present) for a construction site (<0.15) and a transit corridor (<0.001). At a construction site, probabilities of false mitigation for these configurations were high, but 71-76% of simulated pile-driving sessions could proceed when a right whale was nearby. Near a transit corridor, probabilities of false mitigation for these configurations were relatively low, and mitigation was nearly always implemented when right whales were nearby owing to the severe consequences of missing vessel strike risk mitigation. Similar methods can be used to assess whether multi-modal monitoring (e.g. PAM and visual observers together) will meet regulatory limits on missed mitigation. Mark Baumgartner Senior Scientist Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution MS #50, Marine Research Facility 107 266 Woods Hole Road Woods Hole, MA 02543 mbaumgartner(a)whoi.edu<mailto:mbaumgartner@whoi.edu> www.whoi.edu/sites/mbaumgartner<http://www.whoi.edu/sites/mbaumgartner> (508) 289-2678

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MMO/PSO/PAM Training Courses
by OSC Admin 21 Aug '25

21 Aug '25

Advance Your Career with Ocean Science Consulting Limited's (OSC) Training Courses – upcoming course dates and more information below! Go to MMO & PAM Training Courses<https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> for more info and to sign up today - we have limited spaces available for our next course beginning 16 September, so sign up now to secure your place! 📅Next course dates – September 2025 SEPTEMBER Tuesday 16th – MMO Wednesday 17th (0.5 day) - PSO Wednesday 17th (0.5 day) – Friday 19th PAM ✨ What Will You Learn? 🐋 Species Identification: Master the art of identifying species by their unique traits and behaviours. 🎙️ Acoustic Theory: Understand how sound travels underwater and the basics of marine acoustics. 📡 PAM Systems: Set up, operate, and troubleshoot PAM equipment for optimal performance. 📜 Regulations & Guidelines: Gain in-depth knowledge of critical frameworks like the JNCC Guidelines and Marine Mammal Protection Act. 🔭 Observation Techniques: Hone your skills with professional tools like binoculars and rangefinders and learn precise reporting protocols. 🛡️ Mitigation Procedures: Protect marine mammals during activities like seismic surveys and construction with proven techniques like soft starts, shutdowns, and exclusion zones. 📊 Data Collection: Use tools and software to log sightings and create conservation-focused reports. 🚀 Why Choose OSC Training? Our courses are led by instructors with over 30 years of experience, including the authors of the industry-renowned MMO and PAM Handbook. You’ll gain unparalleled expertise and hands-on skills from professionals actively working on offshore projects worldwide. 🌟 Benefits of Training with OSC: Discounted Marine Binoculars and Tripod Mounts from Opticron. Small class sizes (maximum of 10 participants) for individualised attention. Reduced rate of £770 when you attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). 📚 What We Offer: Comprehensive Courses: Learn how to work confidently and competently as an MMO, PAM Operator, or PSO. Global Certification: OSC offers New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC)-accredited training and is also approved to train Taiwanese Cetacean Observers (TCO). Responsive Tuition: Enjoy personal, one-on-one guidance from instructors throughout the course. Career-Boosting Credentials: Gain qualifications recognised across the globe, opening doors to incredible career opportunities in the marine science industry. Kickstart your marine conservation career by joining one of our world-class training sessions. Courses are available throughout the year, with our next sessions commencing at the beginning of 16 September, and running from OSC’s office in Dunbar, Scotland. Click here: MMO & PAM Training Courses<https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> to sign up, and for more information. Don’t miss this chance to gain hands-on expertise from industry leaders and take your career to the next level. OSC Admin Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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New publication on four baleen whale species occurrence
by Fannie Shabangu 21 Aug '25

21 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM Community On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the recent publication of our work: Shabangu, F.W., Hlati K., van den Berg M.A., Lamont T., and Kirkman S.P. 2025. “Monthly and Diel Acoustic Occurrence of Four Baleen Whale Species in South African Waters.” Ecology and Evolution 15, no. 8: e72004. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72004 Abstract Understanding of the spatio-temporal occurrence of cetaceans post the whaling era is essential for protecting and improving management strategies of these marine mammals. To determine the monthly and diel acoustic occurrence of four baleen whale species relative to environmental conditions off the west coast of South Africa, we collected passive acoustic monitoring data within Child's Bank marine protected area in January and May through October 2024 at various water depths. Burst tonal calls of the southern African Bryde's whale offshore population were detected in January and May through July with the highest occurrence in January. Humpback whale songs and southern right whale gunshot sounds were detected from May through October with high occurrence in September and with smaller modes in other months. Antarctic minke whale bioduck calls were also found in June through October, showing high occurrence in August through October. Calls from an unknown source with similar characteristics to Antarctic minke whale bioduck calls were present in May, July, and August with the highest occurrence in August. Diel acoustic occurrence of Bryde's, southern right, Antarctic minke, and minke-like whale calls indicated that these animals vocalised more during the day while humpback whales were more vocally active at night. Sea surface height and sea surface temperature, either separately or in combination, were the most important predictors of whale acoustic occurrence, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on the distribution, habitat selection, and ecology of these whales. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the movement, occurrence, and behavioural patterns of several baleen whales relative to environmental conditions. It also provides the first description of the southern African Bryde's whale offshore population's call characteristics, which will be useful at guiding future studies to acoustically differentiate between it and the inshore population. The full paper is openly accessible via this link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.72004 Best,Fannie _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fannie W. Shabangu, PhD (He/Him/His) Marine BiologistDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Cape Town, South AfricaEmail addresses: fshabangu(a)dffe.gov.za; fannie.shabangu(a)yahoo.com Mobile: +27 74 220 0210 Tel: +27 21 402 3553 Research Fellow Mammal Research InstituteWhale Unit University of PretoriaHatfield, South Africa

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Abstract: decline in abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands
by Robin Baird 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

New paper published titled “Accounting for sampling bias reveals a decline in abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands” Full citation: Badger, J.J., R.W. Baird, D.S. Johnson, A.L. Bradford, S.D. Mahaffy, M.A. Kratofil, T. Cullins, J.J. Currie, S.H. Stack, and E.M. Oleson. 2025. Accounting for sampling bias reveals a decline in abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands. Endangered Species Research 57:325-340https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01423. This is an open-access paper available from https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v57/esr01423 or from our Hawai‘i publication page https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii_publications/ ABSTRACT: We estimated abundance of the endangered main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular population of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens from 1999–2022 using a modeling technique that incorporates animal availability in a capture–recapture analysis. The population was sampled using different sampling methods, resulting in yearly encounter histories of 265 individuals and 53 satellite-tagged whales. Survey effort and animal location data were separately analyzed using kernel density estimators, and the degree of overlap between these 2 processes was used to model detection probability in a Bayesian Jolly-Seber population model. This approach better addresses spatiotemporally variable sampling effort than traditional capture–recapture methods, improving the estimation of reliable abundance trends. Using simulated data, the model was robust to many sampling and ecological complications, such as variable low detectability, unequal tag deployment lengths, and variable social group sizes. Fitting the model to the MHI false killer whale data set, we found that the insular population of false killer whales remains small, with an estimated 139 individuals (95% credible interval, CRI = [114, 162]) in 2022. The population appears to be in decline throughout the study period, with a mean annual percent change of –1.09 (95% CRI = [–2.11, –0.023]) over the entire time series and –3.51 (95% CRI = [–5.08, –1.88]) since 2013, when the population was listed as endangered. Given the magnitude of the decline, identifying which of the many factors affecting this population is most responsible is key in order to guide potential management responses. HŌ‘ULU‘ULU MANA‘O: Koho mākou i ka nui o nā pū‘uo ‘anehalapohe o nā koholā ‘āhuka iwi poʼo like (Pseudorca crassidens) a puni ka paeʼāina ‘o Hawai‘i (MHI) mai nā makahiki 1999-2022 ma o kekahi ‘ōnaehana e kālailai ana i ka loa‘a ‘ana o ka holoholona i kekahi kālailai loa‘a-loaʼa hou. Mai nā makahiki 1999-2022 mai, he mau ki‘ina ‘ohi hāpana i nānā ‘ia a ‘o ka loa‘a, ‘ike kūmakahiki ‘ia he 265 koholā iwi po‘o like a he 53 mea i poelele lepili ‘ia. Kālailai pākahi ‘ia ke anapū‘uo a me ka ‘ikepili henua ma o nā koho pa‘apū kenele, a ‘o ka nui o ke kaulapa ma waena o ia mau ‘elua, ua ho‘ohana ‘ia i kumu ho‘ohālike i ka papaha ‘ikena ma ka pū‘uo ho‘ohālike Bayesian Jolly-Sever. ‘Oi aku ka maika‘i o kēia hana ma mua o nā hana loa‘a-loa‘a hou ma‘amau no ka nānā ‘ana i nā ‘ano ao henua ‘ohi hāpana, a he ho‘oikaika i ke koho i ka ‘aui ‘ana o nā lawa kūpono. Ma ka ho‘ohana ʼana i ka ‘ikepili ho‘okūkohukohu ‘ia, he kumu ho‘ohālike maika‘i nō kēia i ka nui ‘ohi hāpana a me ka nui o nā hopena kaiaola, e la‘a ho‘i me ke kumuloli ‘ikena ha‘aha‘a, ka lō‘ihi o ka lepili ‘oko‘a, a me ke kumuloli o ka nui pū‘ulu launa. Ma ka launa ‘ana o ia kumu ho‘ohālike me ka ‘ikepili o ko Hawai‘i pae‘āina koholā ‘āhuka iwi po‘o like, ‘ike mākou i ka li‘ili‘i mau o ka pū‘uo koholā ‘āhuka iwi po‘o like ‘ane‘ane puni ‘ia e ke kai, ma kahi o 139 (95% CRI = [114, 162]) ma ka makahiki 2022. Ma o ka wā kālailai, kohu mea lā, emi mai ka pū‘uo, he -1.09 pākēneka loli (95% CRI = [-2.11, -0.023]) ‘awelike o ka makahiki, a he -3.51 (95% CRI = [-5.08, -1.88]) mai ka makahiki 2013, i ka wā i helu ‘ia ai ka pū‘uo he mea ‘anehalapohe. No ka nui o ia ‘ano emi ‘ana, ko‘iko‘i nō ka ‘ike ‘ana i nā mea e pā nui ana i kēia pū‘uo i mea e alaka‘i aku ai i nā hāpane ho‘oponopono. There is also a feature story on this publication on the NOAA Fisheries website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/endangered-population-false-ki… -- Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Hawai‘i Program Director Cascadia Research Collective<https://cascadiaresearch.org/> 218 ½ W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Donate to support our work<https://cascadiaresearch.org/donations/> Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/CascadiaResearch/> Updates on our June O‘ahu field project<https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii-update/june2025/> Recent publications on our work<https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii_publications/>: Badger, J.J., R.W. Baird, D.S. Johnson, A.L. Bradford, S.D. Mahaffy, M.A. Kratofil, T. Cullins, J.J. Currie, S.H. Stack, and E.M. Oleson. 2025. Accounting for sampling bias reveals a decline in abundance of endangered false killer whales in the main Hawaiian Islands. Endangered Species Research https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01423 Baird, R.W. 2025. Out of sight, out of mind: false killer whale populations are at risk<https://cascadiaresearch.org/files/Baird_2025_Pseudorca-conservation_Whalew…>. Whalewatcher 45(1):76-82. Corsi, E., R.W. Baird, A.E. Harnish, A.M. Gorgone, J.J. Currie, S.H. Stack, and J.J. Kiszka. 2025. Variation in social structure among multiple stocks of island-associated common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Hawaiian waters. Marine Mammal Science e70051. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70051 Henderson, E.E., M.A. Kratofil, R.W. Baird, C.R. Martin, A.E. Harnish, G.C. Alongi, S.W. Martin, and B.L. Southall. 2025. Exposure and response of satellite-tagged Blainville’s beaked whales to mid-frequency active sonar off Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. Movement Ecology 13:29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-025-00550-9 Mahaffy, S.D., U. Gorter, and R.W. Baird. 2025. Neonatal facial pigmentation of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata): a description from repeated observations of individuals in the wild. Aquatic Mammals 51:138-143. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM51.2.2025.138 Walker-Milne, N.L., Y.P. Papastamatiou, S.D. Mahaffy, and R.W. Baird. 2025. Dynamics of foraging interactions between cookiecutter sharks (Isistius spp). and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in Hawai‘i. Marine Biology 172:63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-025-04633-4

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin habitat suitability and overlap with maritime and fishing activities in Malta
by Francesca Soster 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our study “Common bottlenose dolphin habitat suitability in Malta's coastal waters as a human-altered environment” recently published in Marine Environmental Research. Abstract: Marine ecosystems, particularly in coastal regions, are increasingly shaped by human activities occurring both on land and at sea. As anthropogenic pressures intensify, understanding species habitat preferences and their interactions with human-altered environments is critical for guiding conservation efforts. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat suitability and exposure to human activities in Maltese waters, a region characterised by intense maritime activity but limited research effort and baseline knowledge on the species. Using a MaxEnt model, we integrated sightings from multiple surveys (2012–2021) with key environmental (salinity, chlorophyll-a, depth) and anthropogenic (vessel traffic density) predictors to identify areas of ecological importance and potential conflict. Results revealed a strong preference for shallow coastal waters, primarily over the Malta Plateau. Salinity and chlorophyll-a emerged as the strongest environmental drivers, while vessel traffic density had limited standalone influence, possibly reflecting dolphins' behavioural adaptability in resource-rich but human-impacted environments. An exposure index was developed to identify areas where high habitat suitability overlaps with vessel traffic and Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) deployment, highlighting several zones of potential spatial conflict. These findings highlight the importance of integrating ecological and anthropogenic factors to identify high-risk areas and inform more effective conservation strategies for bottlenose dolphins in Malta's coastal waters. Please find the open access publication at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113625004799 Full reference: Soster, F., Galdies, C., Awbery, T., Gauci, A., Metzger, B., Barbara, N. and López, B.D., 2025. Common bottlenose dolphin habitat suitability in Malta’s coastal waters as a human-altered environment. Marine Environmental Research, p.107422. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Best regards, Francesca Soster

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New publication on trends in cetacean strandings
by Rachel Lennon (PGR) 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all the co-authors and I, I am very pleased to share our recent publication entitled "An approach to using stranding data to monitor cetacean population trends and guide conservation strategies" in Scientific Reports. Authors: Rachel L. Lennon, Rosie S. Williams, Kathryn J. Allan, Mariel T.I. ten Doeschate, Nicholas J. Davison, Simon A. Babayan and Andrew C. Brownlow Abstract: Growing anthropogenic pressures increasingly impact marine wildlife, with cetaceans being particularly vulnerable to cumulative effects of stressors due to their position as top predators. As sensors and sentinels of ocean health, cetaceans offer critical insight into known and emerging threats to marine ecosystems. Stranding schemes provide a cost-effective means to assess mortality rates and population demographics, offering insights that are often challenging to obtain through live monitoring. Using a 30-year dataset from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) we demonstrate how opportunistically obtained stranding data can be used to monitor populations and guide conservation strategies. Species were clustered into broad ecological groups - baleen whales, short-beaked common dolphins, deep divers, harbour porpoises and pelagic dolphins - for spatiotemporal analysis of stranding patterns. All groups showed increases in annual stranding rates over the study period, with common dolphins and baleen whales exhibiting exponential increases, suggesting these species may be facing heightened pressures. Distinct seasonal and spatial trends were detected, with harbour porpoises predominantly stranding on the east coast and other groups clustering to Scotland’s west coast. Identifying these trends helps focus surveillance and mitigation efforts, underscoring the importance of this approach for monitoring vulnerable species. You can find the full publication (open access) here: [https://media.springernature.com/m685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1038%2…]<https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-12928-1> An approach to using stranding data to monitor cetacean population trends and guide conservation strategies - Scientific Reports<https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-12928-1> doi.org https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-12928-1 Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Happy reading! Best wishes, Rachel Rachel Lennon (She/Her) PhD Researcher | Marine Animal Health Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine University of Glasgow | Graham Kerr | Room 321 BlueSky: @@rachlenn.bsky.social‬ | Tel: 07955233464

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New publication: Concurrent bycatch and population assessments of Burmeister’s porpoises in northern Peru reveal unsustainable levels of mortality
by Clara Andrea Ortiz Alvarez 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper about Burmeister's porpoises in Peru, which is now available online: Clara Ortiz-Alvarez, Ruth Ort��s-Villauriz, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Sonja Heinrich. Concurrent bycatch and population assessments of Burmeister��s porpoises in northern Peru reveal unsustainable levels of mortality. ICES JMS 2(8): https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaf144 Abstract: Fisheries-related mortality has been a threat to Burmeister��s porpoises in Peru for decades. However, the magnitude of its impacts on porpoise populations has not been assessed. This study reports the first concurrent abundance and bycatch estimates to evaluate the status of Burmeister��s porpoises in northern Peru. We conducted systematic line transect surveys with 770 km of effort and concurrent towed passive acoustic monitoring as well as semi-structured interviews with gillnet fishers from Salaverry. We recorded 87 porpoise sightings during 9 survey days in February 2023 using a repurposed gillnet fishing vessel and trained observers. Using density surface modelling of the line transect sighting data Burmeister��s porpoise abundance was estimated at 1 696 individuals (CV = 0.23) in the 3 500 km2 study area. Porpoise distribution showed a spatial gradient with highest densities close to shore (<25 km) and in shallow waters (��50 m). Visual and acoustic detections and fishers�� descriptions of bycatch areas matched closely in space. The majority (66%) of fishers interviewed (n = 32) reported porpoise bycatch in the previous year. For the area matching the abundance survey, the estimated mean bycatch rate per vessel was 6 porpoises/year which equates to an annual bycatch of 420 (95% CI: 210�C700) porpoises when scaled to the entire artisanal gillnet fishing fleet of Salaverry. We then considered the potential biological removal reference limit to put into context abundance and bycatch estimates in the study area which shows that current bycatch rates by far exceed sustainable limits and highlights the urgent need for bycatch mitigation measures. The paper is part of the theme ��Improving conservation outcomes by reducing bycatch�� (in memory of Prof Simon P. Northridge) and is open access. A pdf can be downloaded from: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaf144 Best wishes, Clara Ortiz-Alvarez

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Photo-identification Volunteer Position in Kaikōura, New Zealand, 3 month period
by Krista Van Der Linde 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

Sperm Whale Photo-identification Volunteer Position in Kaikōura, New Zealand for three-month period A volunteer is required to assist with sperm whale photo-identification research in Kaikōura, New Zealand. DATES: Currently volunteers are needed from 20th April – 31st October 2025. A minimum commitment of three months is required, and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. FIELDWORK: The volunteer position involves conducting field surveys for marine mammals, primarily focussing on sperm whales and collecting photo-identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on fluke characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding, but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-identification). Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Surveys will be conducted from a 24 m tourism vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys from a tourism vessel collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data. . Subsequent data entry and archiving of photo-identification information. As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Kaikōura, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking, and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means time off during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Be able to work independently . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants should be comfortable working on boats QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper-level undergrads, recent graduates and graduate students who have some background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology, or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Preferred qualifications but not required: . Field research including photo-identification experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . Prior experience working on research vessels APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to krista(a)whalewatch.co.nz, using ‘photo-identification position’ as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. Best, Krista ---------------------------------- Dr. Krista van der Linde Principle Marine Mammal Scientist Whale Watch Kaikōura Tel: +64 (0)220 256 290 Email: krista(a)whalewatch.co.nz<mailto:krista@whalewatch.co.nz> Krista Van Der Linde | Whale Watch Kaikōura, PO Box 89, Kaikōura | www.whalewatch.co.nz <http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> [Image] <https://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> [cid:image001.jpg@01DBA55F.A374D260] <https://www.kaikoura.co.nz/> [cid:image002.jpg@01DBA55F.A374D260] <https://www.alpinepacific.nz/> Kaikōura - An Earthcheck Platinum Certified Community – www.kaikoura.co.nz<http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/> Whakaarohia a Papatūānuku i mua i te tānga mai o tēnei ī-mera. Please consider the environment before printing this email. CAUTION: If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not use, disseminate, distribute or copy this email message or its attachments. If you received this message in error, please return the original message to the writer by email and destroy any copies.

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New publication on bubble-net feeding turning performance (Cameron Nemeth)
by Nicholas Nemeth 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication that was just published in the *Journal of Experimental Biology*, entitled: The key to bubble-net feeding: how humpback whale morphology functionally differs from other baleen whales I am happy to share a copy of the publication with anyone interested! You can reach me at the following email address: ncnemeth(a)hawaii.edu Abstract: Maneuverability in cetaceans is facilitated by pectoral flippers, flukes and spinal flexibility, features that are pronounced in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Humpback whales exhibit several foraging tactics requiring high maneuverability not seen in other baleen whales, including bubble-net feeding. We hypothesized that the significant lift force produced by the humpback whale's uniquely large pectoral flippers will result in them being the only species observed executing the tight, high-speed, sustained turns characteristic of solitary bubble-net feeding. To test this hypothesis, we used a combination of inertial sensor tag data and unoccupied aerial systems (UAS; drone) photogrammetry to quantify the turning performance of solitary bubble-net feeding humpback whales, and compared this to similar data from six other mysticete species. We found that solitary bubble-net feeding humpback whales exhibited centripetal accelerations (0.46 m s−2) that exceeded the upper limit quantified in comparable turns by all six other mysticetes. This enhanced turning performance can be attributed to a substantial lift force generated by the humpback whale's pectoral flippers (7800±85 N), which contributes to centripetal acceleration and facilitates faster roll rates, allowing humpback whales to more quickly bank inwards and utilize their spinal flexibility to decrease their turning radius. Our findings demonstrate how humpback whales are uniquely adapted to exploit prey patches that might otherwise be insufficient for capture by animals of such a large size. Best, Cameron

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JNCC MMO training and PSO training
by Carolyn Barton 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

JNCC-recognised MMO training, by an instructor with over 25 years' experience, is available remotely (by Zoom) on 22nd and 23rd September, 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 ReplyForward Add reaction

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