August 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking Right Whale Interns
by Valerie Daniels 14 Aug '25

14 Aug '25

Right Whale Ecology Program Photo-ID Internship Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA, USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal intern to work in the Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) as a vessel observer and photo-ID specialist from January 05, 2026 through May 29, 2026. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will be the primary vessel observer for the project and will participate in research cruises up to four days a week. Fieldwork responsibilities include photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, collecting behavioral and environmental data, and recording other sighting events (species, vessels, and fishing gear). Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting sightings information, matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog), database entry and maintenance, processing sightings data from other platforms, and maintaining vessel field equipment. The photo-ID intern will work alongside the RWEP habitat ecologist and intern and may assist in some of their field and office tasks, which include collecting and processing zooplankton samples to analyze the food resource for right whales in CCB. Minimum Requirements: - Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in species identification and photo-identification of large cetaceans - Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters - Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) - Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hours at a time - Not prone to serious seasickness - Ability to live and work well in a team - Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods - Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure Preferred Qualifications: - A bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/environmental sciences - Experience using iMatch image database software - Experience with database entry and management - Experience using GPS equipment - Demonstrated ability to estimate object distance ranges from a vessel - A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of five full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constraints. The intern will often collect data independently in the field; thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a $15 hourly rate of pay. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for around 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well- established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, behavioral observation and analysis, and data processing of one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. Experience in oceanographic sampling can also be gained. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following as a single PDF: 1) Cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2) CV/resume 3) The names and contact information of two references 4) College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) Application materials must be e-mailed to: employment(a)coastalstudies.org with the subject line: 2026 RWEP Photo-ID Internship. Deadline for submissions: September 8th, 2025. The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset. http://coastalstudies.org/ Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 13 Aug '25

13 Aug '25

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organization in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to two or more months. We conduct our work year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply any time. One-month applicants will be considered and long-term applicants are encouraged to apply. *What to expect?* Internships are customized to each intern based on personal and academic skills and interests, and interns are encouraged to specialize in targeted areas of conservation including social media management and ecological research. We are open to collaborations with universities for the completion of a thesis or associated report. You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set, and length of stay. Our work is multifaceted and extends into multiple areas of conservation. While a large part of our project activities and intern training involves data collection, we prioritize internal and external capacity building for our team members and the local community. Prioritizing the empowerment of community members allows us to engage with conservation work in a variety of ways and become immersed in science and local life. Project activities: · Ecological surveys (weather dependent!) with a basis in animal behaviour and anthropogenic impact monitoring: - Boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities - Land surveys · Post fieldwork activities: - Photo-identification - Data entry and proofing · Community involvement and capacity building - Responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events - Social media and content creation - Education and outreach in local schools - Beach clean-ups - Monthly team outings e.g. visiting a local waterfall or mangrove planting - Citizen science training for community members · Current Projects: - Depending on your length of stay and project stage there may be the opportunity to become involved with the following: - Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN) - Bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP) - Ghost net removal - Acoustic deterrent device implementation - University collaboration - Partnerships with international marine mammal organizations Internship training includes: · Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques · Marine mammal identification and behaviour training · Marine vessel identification training · Field data collection and data entry training · Grant writing workshop · Weekly Khmer language lessons Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.co <info(a)khmeroceanlife.com>m

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Biological Scientist, Right Whale Aerial Observer, Florida
by Jackson, Katie 13 Aug '25

13 Aug '25

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77903035 Position Number: 77903035 Requisition No: 858046 Posting Closing Date: 09/3/2025 EO/AA/ADA/VP Employer North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer (Seasonal) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research – Marine Mammals Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $20.00/hr; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Direct link to job posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/858046/ Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated start date is mid-November and anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2026. Our organization: The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. Minimum Qualifications: 4 years professional experience in a closely-related biological field or laboratory program is required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences can substitute for the required experience. Preferred Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preference may also be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience; practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques; and who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses. Requirements: Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory Level 1 background check at no cost to the candidate. In addition to completing the State of Florida Employment Profile online via People First, applicants must include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three professional references. Cover letters, resumes, and references shall be uploaded to the People First System. When answering the qualifying questions, do not elaborate beyond the scope of the question. Position Overview and Responsibilities: The position is temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. This position is expected to start mid-November (date TBD). The anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2026. Applicants must be willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. The position is based in St. Augustine, FL. FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. North Atlantic right whale aerial observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with data entry, processing, and archival tasks as well as photo-identification. Observers provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. Observers assist with vessel surveys and genetic sampling efforts as well as field necropsies of right whales, large whale disentanglement, and documentation of large whale reports from the public as needed. Prior to the start of surveys, applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer with FWC’s North Atlantic right whale program. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Applicant must be able to: thrive in a small team environment and communicate effectively; establish and maintain successful working relationships; apply basic methods of data collection and field research; utilize problem solving techniques and work independently; excel under uncomfortable and mentally-demanding field conditions including a full day of observing while seated in a small aircraft or aboard a small vessel; swim sufficiently to save oneself; carry-out daily manual labor (able to vertically lift at least 50 lbs.); safely operate vehicles; and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Eligible candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License. Why should I apply? The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: *Eligible OPS positions and qualifying applicants may enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. Biweekly Health Insurance Premiums: $7.50 or $25.00 for Single / $32.15 or $90.00 for Family Low Cost $25,000 Life Insurance OPS FICA Alternative Retirement Plan On the Job Trainings Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/.

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Visualizing Spatial Ecological Data (VSED01)
by Oliver Hooker 13 Aug '25

13 Aug '25

Visualizing Spatial Ecological Data (VSED01) — PR Stats >From tracking whale migration routes to mapping dolphin social ranges, spatial visualisation is essential for understanding marine mammal ecology. In this five-day live online course, you’ll learn to *transform raw spatial data into clear, compelling maps and graphics *in R—ideal for research, conservation, and public communication. ------------------------------ Course Details & Format - *Next Session:* November 17–21, 2025 (Monday–Friday) - *Duration:* 5 days × ~8 hours/day = *40 hours total* - *Schedule:* Live sessions in Portugal time (GMT+1); all sessions recorded for flexible access worldwide - *Format:* Interactive online classroom with lectures, coding exercises, participant data sessions, and peer collaboration ------------------------------ Who It’s For Marine mammal scientists, conservation biologists, and ecological researchers who: - Work with *satellite/GPS tracking data* from tagged individuals - Analyse *sighting data* for abundance and distribution mapping - Study *habitat use* and seasonal range shifts - Communicate spatial results to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public No prior experience with R is required—everything is taught from the ground up. ------------------------------ What You’ll Learn - Plot remote sensing data to visualise habitats - Map species distributions and density surfaces. - Explore temporal changes in habitat use with ridgeline and multivariate plots - Manage large datasets (e.g., years of acoustic detections or telemetry points) using scatterplots and hexagon binning - Create bivariate maps, cartograms, and overlap metrics to compare seasonal ranges or species interactions - Design accessible, colourblind-friendly graphics suitable for reports, publications, and outreach ------------------------------ Fees & Registration - *Early bird (first 10 places): £430* - *Standard fee: £480* ------------------------------ Why Choose VSED01? - *Hands-on practice:* Apply methods to your own tracking or survey data - *Expert-led instruction:* Ecology-driven R training with a focus on visual communication - *Flexible learning:* Join live or learn later via recordings - *Actionable outputs:* Leave with reproducible R scripts and professional-quality figures ------------------------------ *Visualise the movement, range, and habitat of animals with precision and impact—turn your spatial data into insights that drive research and conservation.* Questions? Email *oliver(a)prstats.org <oliver(a)prstats.org> **Elevate your spatial ecology skills—visualise with precision, clarity, and accessibility using R.* -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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Network Analysis for Ecologists (NWAE01)
by Oliver Hooker 13 Aug '25

13 Aug '25

Network Analysis for Ecologists (NWAE01) — PR Stats >From dolphin social networks to predator–prey interactions, network analysis offers powerful tools to understand marine mammal ecology. In this two-day live online course, you’ll learn to *build, analyse, and visualise networks in R* using real-world ecological examples—perfect for uncovering patterns in social structure, movement connectivity, or ecosystem roles. ------------------------------ Course Details & Format - *Next Session:* November 4–5, 2025 (Tuesday–Wednesday) - *Duration:* 2 days × ~3 hours/day = ~6 hours total - *Schedule:* Live online sessions in UK time (GMT/BST); recordings provided for flexible review across time zones - *Format:* Interactive remote classroom with lectures, live coding in R, and Q&A ------------------------------ Who It’s For Marine mammal scientists, behavioural ecologists, and conservation practitioners who: - Track *social interactions* among individuals (e.g., bottlenose dolphins, orcas, seals) - Study *movement and connectivity* (e.g., migration corridors, site fidelity networks) - Analyse *feeding relationships* and trophic structure in marine ecosystems - Want to add quantitative network tools to their research toolkit Basic R skills and familiarity with ecological data are recommended. ------------------------------ What You’ll Learn - Build networks from marine mammal sighting, tag, or association data - Calculate metrics like degree, centrality, modularity, and clustering to quantify social or ecological roles - Model and simulate interaction networks to explore stability and resilience - Integrate spatial and temporal elements into network analyses - Produce publication-quality network visualisations for reports, papers, and presentations ------------------------------ Fees & Registration - *Early bird (first 10 places): £225* - *Standard fee: £250* ------------------------------ Why Choose NWAE01? - *Relevant & adaptable:* Concepts directly applicable to marine mammal social, ecological, and conservation studies - *Hands-on:* Apply methods to datasets you care about—bring your own data or use provided examples - *Expert-led:* Learn from experienced instructors combining ecological knowledge and statistical expertise - *Flexible:* Attend live or learn at your own pace with full recordings - *Actionable skills:* Leave with R scripts and workflows ready to apply in your next analysis ------------------------------ *Uncover the hidden structure of marine mammal communities—strengthen your research with the power of network analysis.* Questions? Email *oliver(a)prstats.org* -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey Job Announcement
by Melanie White 13 Aug '25

13 Aug '25

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey Job Announcement Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), a non-profit research and conservation organization, is seeking temporary seasonal right whale aerial survey positions ranging from November 2025 through April 2026. These positions are in anticipation of research activities to be conducted in the southeastern United States, contingent upon funding. Applicants must be able to work for the entirety of the project. CMARI is currently seeking both Team Leader positions and Aerial Observer positions. Aerial survey flights will occur up to six days per week. These positions will require completion of an aviation and marine safety/survival training course. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. Group housing is provided. For more information and to apply: Right Whale Aerial Observer: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… Right Whale Aerial Team Leader: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… Please upload your cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information of three professional references during your application submission by August 28, 2025. Thank you, Melanie White Melanie White North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Project Manager, Research Biologist (she/her) Mobile 518.339.1202 mwhite(a)cmaquarium.org www.CMAResearchInstitue.org 249 Windward Passage | Clearwater, Florida 33767

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Call for Abstracts: Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) 2026, Feb. 22-27 in Glasgow, Scotland
by Erin Meyer-Gutbrod 12 Aug '25

12 Aug '25

Please consider submitting your abstract to our session at the Ocean Sciences Meeting, Feb. 22-27, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland! We are interested especially in ecological work conducted from autonomous platforms, from phytoplankton to whales. Autonomous ocean platform applications in biological oceanography and wildlife ecology Autonomous ocean platforms (e.g., gliders, buoys, moorings, floats) and their sensors have been proliferating in the last decade. Sensors that measure organisms and biological processes are commercially available and many new studies have been published on their application to studying ocean biology in the last five years. Bioacoustics, bio-optics, imaging and video camera devices mounted on autonomous platforms are able to collect information on ocean wildlife in the water column in parts of the ocean that were not accessible before. New and improved sensors are emerging as both platforms and sensors become more efficient, particularly in power consumption, allowing for longer and deeper deployments that sample biology at new space-time scales. Examples include censusing phytoplankton and zooplankton, detecting tagged or sound-producing taxa, and studying food web, predator-prey and habitat-use dynamics. This session invites presentations on research and development into the application of autonomous vehicles and their sensors to biological oceanography and marine ecology. Topics may include, but are not limited to: primary and secondary production; phytoplankton, zooplankton or vertebrate ecology; passive acoustic monitoring; microbial ecology and deep sea ecology. https://agu.confex.com/agu/osm26/prelim.cgi/Session/255043 Feel free to reach out with questions to Dr. Erin Meyer-Gutbrod at emgutbrod(a)seoe.sc.edu -- Dr. Erin L. Meyer-Gutbrod *(she/her)* Assistant Professor School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment University of South Carolina https://meyer-gutbrod.weebly.com/ emgutbrod(a)seoe.sc.edu 216-548-9082

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New publication: A workflow of open-source tools for drone-based photogrammetry of marine megafauna
by Bierlich, Kevin C 12 Aug '25

12 Aug '25

Hello MarMam, Hope this message finds you well. On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in PeerJ “A workflow of open-source tools for drone-based photogrammetry of marine megafauna”. Bierlich KC, Hewitt J, Bird CN, Johnston DW, Dale J, Pirotta E, Schick RS, Stewart JD, New L, Chimienti E, Goldbogen JA, Friedlaender AS, Cantor M, Torres LG. 2025. A workflow of open-source tools for drone-based photogrammetry of marine megafauna. PeerJ 13:e19768 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19768 Abstract Drones have revolutionized researchers’ ability to obtain morphological data on megafauna, particularly cetaceans. The last decade has seen a surge in studies using drones to distinguish morphological differences among populations, calculate energetic reserves and body condition, and identify decreasing body sizes over generations. However, standardized workflows are needed to guide data collection, post-processing, and incorporation of measurement uncertainty, thereby ensuring that measurements are comparable within and across studies. Workflows containing free, open-source tools and methods that are accommodating to various research budgets and types of drones (consumer vs. professional) are more inclusive and equitable, which will foster increased knowledge in ecology and wildlife science. Here we present a workflow for collecting, processing, and analyzing morphological measurements of megafauna using drone-based photogrammetry. Our workflow connects several published open-source hardware and software tools (including automated tools) to maximize processing efficiency, data quality, and measurement accuracy. We also introduce Xcertainty, a novel R package for quantifying and incorporating photogrammetric uncertainty associated with different drones based on Bayesian statistical models. Stepping through this workflow, we discuss pre-flight setup and in-flight data collection, imagery post-processing (image selection, measuring, linking metadata with measurements, and incorporating uncertainty), and methods for including measurement uncertainty into analyses. We coalesce examples from these previously published tools and provide three detailed vignettes with code to demonstrate the ease and flexibility of using Xcertainty to estimate growth curves and body lengths, widths, and several body condition metrics with uncertainty. We also include three examples using published datasets to demonstrate how to include measurement uncertainty into analyses and provide code for researchers to adapt to their own datasets. Our workflow focuses on measuring the morphology of cetaceans but is adaptable to other taxa. Our goal is for this open-source workflow to be accessible and accommodating to research projects across a range of budgets and to facilitate collaborations and longitudinal data comparisons. This workflow serves as a guide that is easily adoptable and adaptable by researchers to fit various data and analysis needs, and emergent technology and tools. You can learn more about the latest updates to the workflow and hardware and software tools at the Marine Mammal Institute’s Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX) website: https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Cheers, KC KC (Kevin) Bierlich, PhD, MEM Assistant Professor Senior Research Center of Drone Excellence (CODEX<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/centers-excellence/codex>) Marine Mammal Institute, Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University Pronouns: he, him, his kevin.bierlich(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:kevin.bierlich@oregonstate.edu>

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Last call: Request for input on the Marine Mammal Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) draft specification sheet from the Global Ocean Observing System
by Samantha Simmons 12 Aug '25

12 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM Thanks to those who have already responded to this request from GOOS and for those who haven't *there's still time *as the deadline has been extended till *August 24th.* Please see the link below to the marine mammal specification sheet and then also to a survey to collect your feedback. Once we have feedback from the broadly distributed survey, we are planning to hold an expert workshop in October and we will share the outcomes of the workshop with the larger community. Please feel free to email Dipani Sutaria (dipani.sutaria(a)gmail.com) or Samantha Simmons (samantha.e.simmons(a)gmail.com) our current marine mammal EOV representatives if you have questions. Cheers and many thanks for your time Dipani and Sam —--------------------------------------- The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is conducting a consultation on the Biology and Ecosystems Essential Ocean Variables (BioEco EOVs) and their associated specification sheets. Guided by the Framework for Ocean Observing, GOOS applies a systems-design approach to help ocean observing communities define the requirements for an integrated, fit-for-purpose, sustained global ocean observing system. This approach focuses on a minimum set of key variables: the Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), designed to move the focus beyond individual observing systems, platforms, programs, or regions toward a globally connected and coordinated system. EOVs serve as a foundation for guiding investments in observing infrastructure and for fostering coordination across ocean observing efforts. They enable the collection of globally comparable data and information that can support a wider range of applications, including reporting against multilateral environmental agreements, informing policy and management decisions, advancing scientific knowledge and more. The GOOS Biology and Ecosystems Expert Panel has identified a set of BioEco EOVs using the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework, combined with feasibility and impact assessments. These BioEco EOVs represent the core biology and ecosystems observations needed to inform our understanding of ocean health and to provide baselines against which the impacts of human pressures and climate change can be measured and reported. To date, 12 BioEco EOVs have been recognised by GOOS, with marine mammal abundance and distribution one of these EOVs. A detailed draft specification sheet has been developed for the EOV to serve as practical guidance for contributing relevant observations to the global system. It describes key phenomena and processes, outlines the essential measurements, and defines the spatial and temporal scales and observing approaches required to monitor the EOV effectively. The Marine mammal abundance and distribution V2.0 specification sheet can be found here <https://goosocean.org/document/36266>. The information contained within is by design focused on basic observations that can be applied globally regardless of place based capability and capacity. This consultation seeks input from the marine mammal research community and other relevant stakeholders on the content of the specification sheet. It is an opportunity for the community to contribute to the ongoing refinement of this critical tool, helping ensure it meets the needs of researchers, observers, and decision-makers alike. A survey has been created for you to provide input and can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4_2NVDiVhYZbjV0IQx2uuGnJrqQ8Nrid… Please allow around 30 minutes to complete the survey. Many of the questions are optional but we encourage you to provide as many responses as possible so we can ensure the specification sheet meets the needs of the community. The survey is anonymous but if you would like to share your information (name and affiliation) please contact us at goosbioeco(a)gmail.com — About GOOS: The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is the global home of ocean observing expertise and systematic coordination. We lead and support a community of international, regional and national ocean observing programmes, governments, UN agencies, research organizations and individual scientists. Our Core Team of expert panels, observing networks, alliances and projects, supported by the GOOS Office, is in touch with ocean observing and forecasting around the world. We are a programme led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, with UN and science co-sponsors: World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC).

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New publication on citizen science and SDMs for bottlenose dolphins in Malta
by Francesca Soster 11 Aug '25

11 Aug '25

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication “Harnessing citizen science for marine conservation in Malta: a comparative analysis of GAM and MaxEnt models in bottlenose dolphin habitat mapping” recently published in PeerJ Life & Environment. Abstract: Background. Species distribution models (SDMs) are powerful tools for informing conservation, particularly for highly mobile marine species such as common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). In Maltese waters, the limited availability of data on this species has constrained the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Despite the designation of offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), key coastal regions need more detailed spatial studies to support evidence-based management. Methods. In this study, we analyzed and compared the outputs of a generalized additive model (GAM) and a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to assess summer habitat suitability for bottlenose dolphins within a coastal SAC in Malta. The models were informed by presence-only data collected through systematic surveys and a citizen science campaign, integrated with environmental and anthropogenic predictors including chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature anomaly, slope, and distance to aquaculture sites. Results. Both modeling approaches identified high habitat suitability in shallow, nearshore regions, with chlorophyll-a concentration and proximity to aquaculture sites emerging as the most important predictors. Slope and sea surface temperature anomaly contributed less substantially. The two models showed spatial agreement in highlighting these nearshore areas as core habitats, though GAM predicted a broader extent of suitable habitat, whereas MaxEnt results were more spatially restricted. Both models demonstrated strong predictive performance (AUC > 0.85), reinforcing the ecological relevance of the identified drivers. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating opportunistic data with SDMs to support habitat assessments in data-limited contexts. The use of complementary modeling approaches provides robust insights into species–environment relationships. These results aim to guide spatial planning and future assessments of conservation priorities in Maltese coastal waters. Please find the open access publication at: https://peerj.com/articles/19804/ Full reference: Soster F, Awbery T, Vérité–Taulet N, Zammit T, Terribile K. 2025. Harnessing citizen science for marine conservation in Malta: a comparative analysis of GAM and MaxEnt models in bottlenose dolphin habitat mapping. PeerJ 13:e19804 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19804 Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Best regards, Francesca Soster

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