August 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper_seal exclusion device efficiency
by Verónica Iriarte 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

Dear MARMAMers, My co-author Andreas Winter and I are happy to share our open-access paper published in Frontiers in Marine Science: “Disentangling pinniped incidental mortality in a bottom-trawl fishery with seal exclusion devices”. *Keywords:* bottom-trawl, bycatch, drowning, incidental mortality, pinniped, propeller strike, seal exclusion device. *Abstract: *Seal exclusion devices (SED) fitted in trawls are recognized as the best technical measure to mitigate pinniped bycatch, but do not completely eliminate incidental mortality. In areas with high pinniped abundance and concentrated fishing effort, identifying the cause of death of pinniped carcasses in different stages of decomposition is challenging, as the individuals could have died from a variety of causes. In the Falkland Islands, best practice to mitigate and monitor incidental mortality of South American fur seal (*Arctocephalus australis*) and South American sea lion (*Otaria flavescens*) in the bottom-trawl Patagonian squid (*Doryteuthis gahi*) fishery was introduced in 2017. From 2018 through 2023, best practice in the fishery included 100% dedicated observer coverage and the use of SEDs. We analyzed 29,812 trawls (5,748 without a SED and 24,054 with a SED) for pinniped bycatch (live SED escapes, live deck releases, and mortalities) and corresponding catch and fishing effort, post-mortem gross examinations, and multimedia data in the Patagonian squid fishery. Mortalities in trawls without a SED included 45 drownings (fresh carcasses) and two unknown (carcasses in different stages of decomposition). Mortalities in trawls fitted with a SED included 53 drownings, 28 propeller strikes, and 26 unknown. Our results indicate that SEDs are efficient at reducing incidental mortality, although low levels of drownings continue during trawl hauling. These mortalities comprise mostly males and are related to several operational variables and captain performance, which was found to be heterogeneous in facilitating SED escapes. In addition, we link for the first time propeller strike mortality of South American otariids to a particular fishery, evidencing the existence of this type of cryptic mortality in offshore trawl fisheries in the Southwestern Atlantic. Since using SEDs, pinniped mortality levels in the Patagonian squid fishery have been negligible at their population levels. Results of this study can be used to work with captains to enhance best practice and contribute to the sustainable management of the fishery. *Link to the paper: * https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… Kind regards, Vero -- Verónica Iriarte, MSc. Bycatch Mitigation Officer (Seabirds & Marine Mammals) Falkland Islands Fisheries Department FIQQ 1ZZ Stanley Falkland Islands https://uy.linkedin.com/in/veronicairiarte ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Editorial Advisory Board Fisheries Research | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier <https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fisheries-research>

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New publication on dolphin glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic morphology
by Keenan, Tiffany F. 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to share that our article, Morphology of the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic structures of the bottlenose dolphin, has just been published in Scientific Reports. The paper is open access and available here: https://rdcu.be/eBdGJ This stranding-based project represents the contributions of many collaborators, both in the field and in the lab, and was made possible through funding support from the Office of Naval Research (Under Sea Medicine and Marine Mammal Branches) and the NOAA Prescott Grant Program. Abstract: In humans and mice, the glymphatic system, critical for central nervous system (CNS) health, relies on cardiorespiratory coupling, but has not yet been investigated in a diving mammal that routinely experiences apnea, bradycardia, and peripheral vasoconstriction. The glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic systems maintain CNS homeostasis by distributing nutrients and clearing metabolic waste via cerebrospinal fluid. We investigated meningeal lymphatic and glymphatic structures in stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; n = 9) using immunofluorescence microscopy, histochemical staining, and CT angiography. Results demonstrate that the bottlenose dolphin possesses prominent perivascular spaces and aquaporin-4 astroglial water channels required for glymphatic function, as well as meningeal lymphatic vessels in close anatomic proximity to dural venous sinuses, required for a functional meningeal lymphatic system. Notably, we also identified arachnoid granulations involved in cerebrospinal fluid resorption, marking the first such observation in this species. This study provides evidence of both glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic systems in the most well-studied cetacean, the bottlenose dolphin. Kindest regards, Tiffany Tiffany F. Keenan, PhD Marine Mammal Stranding Program Coordinator University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Biology and Marine Biology Dobo Hall 2104 | Campus Box 5915 Phone: 910.962.7266 | Stranding Phone: 910.515.7354 https://uncw.edu/research/major-programs/marine-mammal-stranding/

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Introducing Marine Mammal Expertise
by Thibaut Bouveroux 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Introducing Marine Mammal Expertise I’m thrilled to launch and introduce Marine Mammal Expertise – a scientific research initiative primarily dedicated to marine mammals – and shark – research and conservation. Based in Belgium, we support research labs, students, NGOs, government agencies, and industries. Marine Mammal Expertise can assist with field data collection, scientific analysis, and the preparation of scientific reports and publications and recommendations, all grounded in over 20 years of marine research experience. Our services include: - Ecological & behavioral research - Impact studies & conservation planning - Student mentorship - Scientific communication & training Our main goal is building research and conservation activities of marine apex populations and their ecosystems, achieved through the provision of scientific knowledge to inform conservation policies and raise public awareness. Our main research methods include photographic mark–recapture, behavioral sampling, social structure and movement studies, spatial analyses. Through our extensive partner network, we can also facilitate remote biopsy sampling for genetic, stable isotope, and toxicological analyses, along with remote sensing, acoustic studies, and other advanced technologies for comprehensive project assessments. Explore our website to learn more and connect with us: https://mammalexpertise.com/ Feel free to follow us on social media and contact us for more information at info(a)mammalexpertise.com <mailto:info@mammalexpertise.com> Thibaut Bouveroux, PhD Marine Mammal Expertise https://www.mammalexpertise.com/ info(a)mammalexpertise.com <mailto:info@mammalexpertise.com> +32 472 83 30 55

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Intro distance sampling workshop 06-17 Oct; registration and widening participation applications now open
by Eric Rexstad 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training ecologists and statisticians in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Distance sampling methods are widely used in population assessment of cetacean populations. Perhaps you've wanted to attend a previous workshop, but schedules conflicted with your field work. We are offering the training workshop in 10 2.5-hour blocks in October 2025. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The session will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. You can participate in polls during the workshop to assess your comprehension of topics discussed. In addition to questions at any time during the lectures and practicals, an optional additional half hour will be set aside each session for discussion of topics arising. Simultaneous translation of lectures and discussions will be available in closed captions courtesy of Zoom. If English is not your first language, translation will be available into (most) languages. Contact instructor for more details. The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud".☁️ You will need (free) accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and R-Studio (https://posit.cloud) before the workshop begins. There will be an internet connection testing and general orientation session the week of 29 September 2025. Important details * Workshop dates and time: 06-17 October 2025; 1400-1630 British Summer Time. * For the time of day in your time zone, consult https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist… * Registration deadline: 26 September 2025 * Enrolment limit: 17 * Cost: 225 British pounds * What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online Widening participation scholarship One place will have the registration fee waived, for participants from under-represented groups. Details of eligibility and application process at https://distancesampling.org/training/scholarships.html. Deadline for scholarship application for the October 2025 introductory workshop is 25 August 2025. What they are saying I would like to say I really liked RStudio Cloud and it is working just fine and I am really enjoying using it as a student. I'm looking forward to using it as an instructor too. I really liked the first half of the course. I love distance sampling and I am enjoying every second of the course! The only thing I can say about this particular workshop is it deserves more time. -- Kaan Özgencil, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Further details and registration https://distancesampling.org/training/announcements/intro-oct-2025.html Within the webpage above, you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where payment is made. After you registration, I will contact you with additional details regarding workshop electronic materials, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions. Note, this is the final workshop I will be delivering. Please share this announcement with interested colleagues. Information regarding all distance sampling workshops can be found at https://distancesampling.org/training/training.html Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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MARMAM JNCC MMO and PAM Level 1 training at Okehampton Devon UK
by Zoe Wright 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Seiche Training JNCC MMO and PAM Level 1 training at Okehampton Devon UK (first come first serve basis) * 22-23 September Okehampton Devon UK JNCC MMO with (optional) PSO * 24-26th September Okehampton Devon UK PAM Level 1 + Boat trip JNCC MMO/PSO training course will give you a thorough insight into all aspects of life as a marine mammal observer. Exploring: how noise impacts marine mammals; the legislative landscape; record-keeping; reporting requirements; and mitigation measures. Delegates of the MMO training also have the option of joining the Boat trip on 26th September included in this training. first come first serve basis. PAM Level 1 course combines classroom study with practical experience at sea to equip you with the all the skills required to become a professionally qualified Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator. you will look at the role of a PAM Operator and an in-depth introduction to PAM software, including an interactive PAMGuard workshop. The practical Boat trip will be at Plymouth, and we will arrange travel to and from the Boat to our offices. To book on the courses or to find out further information email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E: z.wright(a)seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Year- Round Internships in the Aegean Sea: Few Positions Still Available for Winter 2025/2026 - Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
by Beatriz Tintore 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is accepting applications for Marine Mammal Research internships in the Aegean Sea in Greece for Winter 2025/2026. Few positions remaining - apply now! Archipelagos’ marine mammal research internships provide an opportunity to join year-round field work on dedicated research vessels, offering experience with collecting data on the bioacoustics, behaviour, and photo-identification of several marine mammal species. The Aegean Sea is one of the most important remaining marine biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean with important populations of 4 dolphin and 2 whale species, as well as the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Archipelagos’ research is dedicated to addressing biodiversity abundance and distribution in this area and aims to enable efficient conservation action. By joining our team, you will be contributing to research devoted to the protection of marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. Few positions are still available for winter placements on Samos Island in the eastern Aegean Sea, Greece, while you can also apply for the spring, summer and autumn 2026 seasons. This internship program is open to students, graduates, and researchers in marine, ecological, environmental sciences, or veterinary medicine. As part of our team, you can expect to gain skills and hands-on experience in conducting boat surveys, training on monitoring protocol and cetacean identification, data analysis, scientific writing, photo-ID, acoustic monitoring, behavioural study of cetaceans, seabirds identification, sea turtle identification, monitoring of the Mediterranean monk seal, as well as basic marine mammal first aid and necropsy. Successful applicants must be able to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, multicultural, multidisciplinary team. During multi-day expeditions, the research team lives on the boat, so applicants must be able to live in tight quarters for several days at a time. Fluency in English is required, as well as motivation to live in a small island community with simple facilities. For more information, please go to: https://archipelago.gr/get-involved/placements-and-internships/marine-mamma… Internship Details: Duration: Internships run all year round. Minimum duration is 3 months, but shorter duration applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Cost: As a non-profit organization, Archipelagos cannot cover interns’ living costs. Therefore, all interns are required to cover the fee of 245 euros per week for internships lasting three months or more. This fee covers accommodation, full board, use of equipment, research boats, and transport for work purposes. Please note that travel costs are not included and must be covered by the participant. Students and recent graduates are encouraged to seek possible funding through their universities by contacting the Finance, International Relations, Placement, or Erasmus+ Offices, or other relevant grant-providing organizations in their region. Location: Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, Ag. Konstantinos 831 00, Samos, Greece To apply: Please send your CV, motivation letter and one reference letter or reference contact to admissions(a)archipelago.gr We hope that you join us in protecting the unique marine biodiversity of the Aegean sea! *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 on seal multiannual co-occurrences during the moult
by Vincent Biard 17 Aug '25

17 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are please to share our new publication: "Multiannual co-occurrences between Saimaa ringed seal individuals suggest social associations during the moulting season" published in Animal Behaviour. Authors: Vincent Biard, Piia Mutka, Mairi Young, Marja Niemi, Tommi Nyman, Milaja Nykänen, Mervi Kunnasranta. Abstract: While social network analysis was originally developed for human sociology studies, it is also a valuable tool for characterizing behavioural aspects in many animal populations. For instance, social network analysis can be used for assessing the transmission of diseases or information within groups. Here, we describe co-occurrences and potential social associations of ringed seals, Pusa hispida saimensis, in Lake Saimaa, Finland, from 2016 to 2022, based on photo-identification data. Throughout seven successive moulting seasons (April to June), we identified 425 individuals, of which 178 had pairwise co-occurrences in altogether 185 dyads. These seals had a variable number of associates (up to 10), and co-occurrences were observed in 1-7 years. In general, observations of pairs or larger groups of seals (up to five individuals) were rare, and mainly occurred in the two most densely populated basins of the lake. Most of the group observations occurred on ice rather than on rocks. Overall, the fragmented nature of the lake system, site fidelity and moulting habitat availability are key factors that probably affect the observed co-occurrences. Most of the dyads were observed during only one year, which may indicate social tolerance while using the same moulting site. However, 21 dyads were observed during multiple moulting seasons, with some at different sites separated by up to 3 km in different years, suggesting the existence of actual long-lasting associations. Our study represents the first description of co-occurrences and potential social associations in the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. These results can be used for designing and implementing mitigation strategies in case of unforeseen and sudden changes in the environment, such as disease outbreak. Full text available here Open Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2025.123273 Best, Vincent Biard

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Ocean Sciences Meeting Session on Coastal and Ocean Soundscapes
by Bob Dziak 15 Aug '25

15 Aug '25

Dear Colleagues, We wish to draw your attention to our special session at the upcoming Ocean Sciences Meeting titled *ME07 - Exploring and Characterizing Deep and Coastal Ocean Soundscapes.* Our goal is to bring together a wide spectrum of researchers in passive acoustic monitoring to foster discussion on developing PAM applications and technological innovations. The Ocean Sciences meeting will be held in February 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, with the deadline for abstract submission on 20 August 2025. It is our hope to receive several abstracts from the bio-acoustics/marine mammal communities. We look forward to your contributions! Best regards, Ocean Sciences ME07 Session Chairs ------------------------------------------ ME007 - Exploring and Characterizing Deep and Coastal Ocean Soundscapes Passive acoustic methods (PAM) offer an effective, low-impact means for monitoring and characterizing ocean environments across spatial scales. Unlike many traditional methods, PAM operates regardless of weather or light conditions, making it ideal for tracking vulnerable marine species and habitats. These observations are increasingly vital as shifting ocean conditions affect foraging grounds, migratory patterns, and habitat health. In addition to ecological applications, PAM supports global economic sectors such as maritime commerce, fisheries, and offshore energy. Emerging technologies, including seafloor fiber-optic cables, distributed acoustic sensing, autonomous vehicles, and near-real-time surface buoys combined with advances in AI, are enabling continuous, high-resolution monitoring of underwater soundscapes. This session will highlight recent advances in PAM technologies and their applications to pressing oceanographic challenges. Topics include monitoring for offshore renewable energy development, soundscape changes related to habitat loss or restoration, tracking anthropogenic noise from shipping and industry, detecting shifts in species distributions, verifying ocean acidification, and assessing ice shelf instability. We invite contributions that explore innovations in signal detection and classification, new monitoring platforms, and integrative approaches that use underwater acoustics to address key issues in ocean science and management. Primary Chair DelWayne R. Bohnenstiehl North Carolina State University Co-Chairs Adrienne Copeland NOAA Ocean Exploration Robert Dziak NOAA – Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory

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New paper on joint modeling of NARW and zooplankton
by Rob Schick 15 Aug '25

15 Aug '25

On behalf of my co-authors, I'm happy to announce that our new paper on joint spatial modeling has just been published. Bokgyeong Kang, Erin M Schliep, Alan E Gelfand, Christopher W Clark, Christine A Hudak, Charles A Mayo, Ryan Schosberg, Tina M Yack, Robert S Schick, Joint spatiotemporal modelling of zooplankton and whale abundance in a dynamic marine environment, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series C: Applied Statistics, 2025;, qlaf038, https://doi.org/10.1093/jrsssc/qlaf038 Abstract North Atlantic right whales are an endangered species. Their entire population is estimated to be approximately 372 individuals, and they are subject to major anthropogenic threats. They feed on zooplankton species whose distribution shifts in a dynamic and warming oceanic environment. Because right whales in turn follow their shifting food resource, it is necessary to jointly study the distribution of whales and their prey. The innovative joint species distribution modelling (JSDM) contribution here is different from anything in the large JDSM literature, reflecting the processes and data we have to work with. Specifically, our JSDM supplies a geostatistical model for the expected amount of zooplankton collected at a site. We require a point pattern model for the intensity of right whale abundance. The two process models are linked through a latent conditional-marginal specification. Furthermore, each species has two data sources informing its respective distribution, necessitating a novel data fusion approach. The result is a complex multi-level model. Through simulation, we demonstrate that our joint specification effectively identifies model unknowns and improves the estimation of species distributions compared to modelling them separately. We then apply our model to real data from Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, USA. Keywords: data fusion, geostatistical model, hierarchical model, joint species distribution, measurement error, point pattern data Rob Schick, PhD Senior Scientist Southall Environmental Associates, Inc.

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New publication estimating the abundance of spinner dolphins around O'ahu, Hawai'i
by Claire Lacey 14 Aug '25

14 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication: "Circum-Island Line-Transect Abundance Estimates of Spinner Dolphins Around O'ahu, Hawai'i" published in Marine Mammal Science. Abstract: Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris subsp.) in Hawaiʻi face the highest documented human activity exposure rates of any dolphin species worldwide, raising concerns about long-term impacts. Fundamental to any appropriate management action for a protected species is the availability of reliable information on their abundance and distribution. Currently, abundance estimates are only available for one of the six designated stocks of spinner dolphins in Hawaiʻi. To address this information gap, small-boat line-transect surveys for spinner dolphins were conducted around the island of Oʻahu between October 2020 and May 2022. A total of 73 survey days were achieved, resulting in 3098 km of transects surveyed around the Oʻahu coastline. We used a novel method utilizing opportunistically collected unoccupied aerial system data to assess dolphin availability at the surface. We also investigated the potential for responsive movement of animals, for which no evidence was found. Estimated abundance of spinner dolphins for Oʻahu was 594 animals (95% CI [360, 980], CV = 0.26). Our findings represent the first circum-island abundance estimate of Oʻahu's spinner dolphins, allowing management to explore strategies aimed at minimizing human-dolphin interactions in the region and assess long-term impacts. Full text available here: https://tinyurl.com/k9e4r99k <https://lnkd.in/gKtFe3KN> Full reference: Lacey, C., Hill, M.C., Bradford, A.L., Oleson, E.M., Vivier, F., Pacini, A.F., Hammond, P.S., Bejder, L. 2025. Circum-Island Line-Transect Abundance Estimates of Spinner Dolphins Around O'ahu, Hawai'i. Marine Mammal Science. 0:e70055. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70055 Thanks Claire Lacey

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