September 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication on POPs in Guiana Dolphins
by Nara Oliveira 17 Sep '25

17 Sep '25

Dear MarMamers, My coauthors and I are delighted to share our latest publication "*The legacy and future of multiple anthropogenic stressors: organohalogen compounds in the vulnerable Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis)" * in *Journal of Hazardous Materials*. In this study, we investigated temporal trends in the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and natural organobromine compounds (MeO-BDEs) in a population of vulnerable Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*). Our work highlights how these contaminants responded to the largest environmental disaster in the Southeastern Atlantic and to their subsequent remobilization driven by global change and other anthropogenic pressures. *You can find the article here:* Link for our research paper in HazMat! <https://kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fauthors.elsevier.co…> *Abstract:* Chemical pollution is one of the main threats to cetaceans, such as the coastal Guiana dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*), a vulnerable species exposed to multiple anthropogenic stressors. Events related to climate change may exacerbate pollution, adding complexity to an already concerning scenario. This study aimed to assess the levels of both anthropogenic and biosynthesized organohalogens (PCBs, DDTs, HCB, HCHs, mirex, PBDEs, PBEB, HBB, and the natural MeO-BDEs) in the blubber of 73 Guiana dolphins from Southeastern Brazil, using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and investigate their accumulation trends between 2009 and 2024. PCB concentrations ranged from 0.067 to 241 µg.g−1, DDTs from 0.023 to 651 µg.g−1, Mirex from < 0.003–97 µg.g−1, HCB from < 0.002–1.9 µg.g−1, HCHs from < 0.004–0.13 µg.g−1, PBDEs < 0.0002–3.4 µg.g−1, PBEB from < 0.0004–0.086 µg.g−1, and MeO-BDEs from 0.5 to 184.3 µg.g−1. Bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs increased after the collapse of Fundão mining dam in 2015, peaking again after 2019 post extreme meteorological events. MeO-BDEs decreased from 2009 to 2020 and then increase, which was associated with alterations in the Abrolhos Bank community. Long-term monitoring of sentinel species, such as cetaceans, contributes to understanding the impacts of climate change in tropical environments and can help guide conservation policies. We welcome any thoughts and questions! *Warm regards,* -- *Profa. Dra. Nara de Oliveira-Ferreira* _____________________________________________________________ *Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA -UERJ)* Mestre em Ecologia e Evolução - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Doutora em Biofísica - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Contato: + 55 21 98585.9916

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New publication: including prey in North Atlantic right whale density models
by Camille Ross 17 Sep '25

17 Sep '25

Hello, My co-authors and I are excited to share our new publication testing the impacts of including prey in North Atlantic right whale density models. The article is available open access: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v58/esr01435 CITATION: Ross CH, Roberts JJ, Pendleton DE, Brady DC, Stamieszkin K, Record NR (2025) Incorporating prey fields into North Atlantic right whale density surface models. Endang Species Res 58:67-84 https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01435 ABSTRACT: Predictions of North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis distributions are an increasingly important tool used in conservation efforts for this Critically Endangered species. Right whales feed upon calanoid copepods, primarily Calanus finmarchicus. Incorporating prey distributions and characteristics into right whale density surface models (DSMs) has the potential to improve predicted whale distribution and provide a more mechanistic basis for interpretation. To explore this possibility, we tested different prey and prey proxy covariates to represent prey within a right whale DSM. We then assessed the relationship fitted to each prey or prey proxy covariate and determined which covariates added the most predictive power. The top-performing model included a combination of covariates representing high-density C. finmarchicus, Centropages typicus, and Pseudocalanus spp. aggregations and resulted in density predictions consistent with the observed distribution patterns of right whales. Predicted density was most prominent in the deep basins of the Gulf of Maine and the Great South Channel. Density generally increased in the summer and decreased in the winter, consistent with the current understanding of right whale foraging phenology. Continued monitoring of prey resources and development of prey fields for use in models are imperative to successful conservation of endangered marine predators. Please reach out if you have any questions. Cheers, Camille -- Camille H. Ross, Ph.D. Associate Research Scientist II Spatial Ecology Mapping and Assessment Program (EcoMap) Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium [signature_1578233619] This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

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Lectureship opportunity at the University of Plymouth
by Simon Ingram 17 Sep '25

17 Sep '25

Lectureship Opportunity at the University of Plymouth, UK We are delighted to share a job opportunity to join our growing team of marine mammal scientists (https://www.instagram.com/marinevertscru/) at the University of Plymouth, UK The post is a lectureship in Marine Conservation within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences and we are looking for a research active scientist with an excellent track record to join our Marine Conservation Research Group. The post is initially a two year fixed term appointment which we subsequently plan to make a permanent position. For more info email simon.ingram(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:simon.ingram@plymouth.ac.uk> but be aware that the deadline for applications is March 28th so make sure you apply in time using this link https://hrservices.plymouth.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.o… Thanks, Simon Ingram Dr Simon Ingram Associate Professor of Marine Conservation & Deputy Head of School School of Biological and Marine Sciences A409 Portland Square | University of Plymouth Plymouth I PL4 8AA I United Kingdom Tel 01752 584591 @DrSimonIngram @MarineVerts https://www.instagram.com/marinevertscru/ ________________________________ [https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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Job Opportunity: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
by Pajor, Bert 16 Sep '25

16 Sep '25

Please see below for information regarding a job posting at the FWC East Central Field Lab in Melbourne Beach, FL. FWC-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Wildlife Research-Marine Mammal Section Assistant Research Scientist – Career Service Position with Benefits Position Overview and Responsibilities: Provides leadership, direction, and support for manatee responses within the east central sector (coastal and inland waterways of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Seminole, Lake, and Marion Counties) of Florida. Assures all field station stranding responses are conducted in a timely, professional, and courteous manner. Assures field station adherence to the manatee carcass recovery and necropsy quota protocol and provides guidance and support for staff which includes response coordination, carcass recovery and necropsy selection, carcass transport and disposal plans. Leads in conducting consistent, high-quality necropsies on manatees to determine cause of death and to collect samples per protocols. Prepares necropsy and rescue reports, evaluating scientific information for accuracy. Responsible for collection of tissue and skeletal material, as requested, as well as photographs of carcasses. Responsible for proper disposal of carcasses. Transports carcasses to central necropsy facility in a timeframe that maximizes forensic investigations, biological sampling, and cause of death determination while adhering to safe operations including the FWRI safe trailering guidelines. In conjunction with manatee rescue coordinator, leads manatee rescue operations in east central region including open water captures, effective communications, vessel operation, and may lead with the transport of stranded manatees to the appropriate oceanaria. Leads or assists with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. Participates cooperatively in response to manatee emergencies as needed. Adheres to FWC rules and policies. Able to organize work to meet deadlines and demonstrates cooperation in working with others. Acquires and maintains marine mammal section trailering certification. Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel. Duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning, directing and reviewing work, evaluating performance of assigned employees and ensuring compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures including safety procedures. Assure assigned personnel work schedules provide adequate field station coverage for the purposes of responding to stranded manatees. Serves in a state-wide on-call status after operating hours in a weekly rotation with other staff members and provides timely information to field station staff. Manages day-to-day operation of marine mammal program responsibilities in the east central field office, including but not limited to coordinating with program administration for purchasing of supplies, tracking allotted budget, and preparation of reports for various administrative and grant obligations. Proactively maintain field station equipment, vehicles, vessels, trailers, and supplies and associated facilities including minor repairs and cleaning. Coordinates and leads field station participation in priority Marine Mammal Section projects including manatee photo identification; temperature probe deployment and recovery; aerial surveys; genetic sampling; manatee research capture and tracking for telemetry studies; and assures established project protocols are followed and timely distribution of data to project leaders. Manages stomach content analysis project. Maintains stomach content sample collection and reading equipment, provides analysis of the samples, collects data, and works with section researchers to apply the data to understanding manatee life history and mortality events. Assists with priority program science initiatives as needed. Assists stranding network with other marine mammal strandings as time warrants. Serves on integrated agency regional response teams for mortality events and serves on strategic marine mammal stranding response planning teams. Serves as the east central regional response field coordinator during manatee mass mortality events. Promotes and participates in public outreach efforts as appropriate. Perform related work as required or assigned by supervisor. Link for more information and to apply: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-ASSISTANT-RESEARCH-SCIENTIST… Bert Pajor Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory 3700 54th Ave South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Ph: 727-423-4494 Albert.Pajor(a)myfwc.com<mailto:Albert.Pajor@myfwc.com> FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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Unlocking Ocean Secrets: Marine Mammal Monitoring Through eDNA - WEBINAR
by Ashleigh Kitchiner 16 Sep '25

16 Sep '25

The Marine Mammal SIG at the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) are excited to host the upcoming webinar titled: Unlocking Ocean Secrets: Marine Mammal Monitoring through eDNA. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionising how we detect and monitor marine mammals, offering a non-invasive, highly sensitive tool for assessing species presence in vast and remote ocean environments. Following strong interest during our recent IMarEST Defra mNCEA Marine Mammal Monitoring Innovation Stakeholder Workshop that was held in February, we are now hosting this dedicated eDNA webinar to explore its practical applications and future potential. This session will cover how eDNA sampling works, its role in complementing traditional acoustic and visual surveys, and its emerging applications in conservation, impact assessments, and biodiversity monitoring. We'll also discuss the challenges of eDNA sampling in marine systems and how it fits within a broader toolkit for protecting marine mammal populations. We’ll be bringing together a fantastic panel of experts to explore how environmental DNA (eDNA) can transform the way we monitor and protect marine mammals: Dóra Székely, DHI Matt Dempsey, Dartmouth Ocean Technologies (DOT) Matthew Lemay, Hakai Institute Nick Jeffery, Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Pêches et Océans Canada Samantha Jane Howlett (PhD), Applied Genomics 📅 22 September 4-5pm BST 💻 Free to attend – sign up here: IMarEST | Unlocking Ocean Secrets: Marine Mammal Monitoring Through eDNA <https://www.imarest.org/events/event-calendar/unlocking-ocean-secrets-marin…> Ideal for ecologists, regulators, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of marine wildlife science. Thanks, Ashleigh Kitchiner MRes, BSc (Hons) Marine Mammal Specialist MMOA, CSci, MIMarEST, MCIEEM, Consider sending fewer emails. Axing one 'thank you' email a day would save 16,433 tons of carbon a year (Moss, 2019). CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited.

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 15 Sep '25

15 Sep '25

MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE ¡VIVAVaquita! is a non-profit organization dedicated to working to help save the vaquita from extinction. All funds raised are actively used for research and conservation work on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world’s most endangered marine mammal species, and other endangered cetaceans. The most recent survey indicates the global population of the vaquita may now number less than 10 individuals and is nearing extinction. Visit our website at www.vivavaquita.org and watch a recording of International Save the Vaquita Day at vaquita.day for more details. International Save the Vaquita Day 2025 is on 25 October. ¡VIVAVaquita! has hundreds of marine mammal books, reprints, monographs, and journals that are available for a donation to the organization. Below is a sample of some of the more popular items we have (price listed is suggested donation), but there are many more and suggested donation amounts range from US$3-100. Please note that a minimum total is required for shipping overseas from the US. To request books, please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com. Allen, G. M. (1942). Extinct and Vanishing Mammals of the Western Hemisphere With the Marine Species of All the Oceans: American Committee for International Wildlife Protection. $12. Brower, K., & Curtsinger, W. R. (1979). Wake of the Whale: Friends of the Earth. $6. Busch, B. C. (1985). The War Against the Seals: A History of the North American Seal Fishery: McGill-Queen's University Press. $7. Church, A. C. (1938). Whale Ships and Whaling: W. W. Norton and Co. $25. Darling, J. D., Nicklin, C. F., Norris, K. S., Whitehead, H., & Wursig, B. (1995). Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: National Geographic Society. $9. Dizon, A. E., A. E. Chivers and W. F. Perrin. (1997). Molecular Genetics of Marine Mammals. Pages 388 pp. Society for Marine Mammalogy. $4. (NEW). Eisenberg, J. F., & Kleiman, D. G. (Eds.). (1983). Advances in the Study of Mammalian Behavior: American Society of Mammalogists. $4. Ellis, R. (1990). The Book of Whales: Alfred A. Knopf. $5. Evans, P. G. H. (1987). The Natural History of Whales and Dolphins: Facts on File. $4. Fay, R. R., & Popper, A. N. (Eds.). (1994). Comparative Hearing: Mammals: Springer-Verlag. $12. Ford, J. K. B. (2014). Marine mammals of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 460pp. $18. (NEW) Haley, D. (1986). Marine Mammals of the Eastern North Pacific and Arctic Waters. Pacific Search Press. Hardcover, 2nd ed. $14. Harrison, R., & Bryden, M. M. e. (1988). Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: Facts on File. $10. Jefferson, T. (2000). Hong Kong's Dolphins: The Story of Our Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphins: Ocean Park Conservation Foundation. $3. Jefferson, T. A. (ed.) (2024). Ridgway and Harrison’s Handbook of Marine Mammals, Vol. 1: Coastal Dolphins and Porpoises. 649 pp. Academic Press. $$80. (NEW). Jefferson, T. A., S. Leatherwood and M. A. Webber. (1993). Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide. United Nation Environment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. $23. Leatherwood, S., R. R. Reeves, W. F. Perrin and W. E. Evans. (1982). Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific and adjacent Arctic waters: A guide to their identification. NOAA Technical Report NMFS Circular, 444, 245 pp. $7. Leatherwood, S., R. R. Reeves, W. F. Perrin and W. E. Evans. (1988). Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters: A Guide to Their Identification. Dover Publications. $8. Lekagul, B., & McNeely, J. A. (1988). Mammals of Thailand: Darnsutha Press (Second Edition). $16. Lowery, G. H. (1974). The Mammals of Louisiana and its Adjacent Waters: Kingsport Press. $15. McIntyre, J. (Ed.) (1974). Mind in the Waters: Charles Scribner's Sons. $8. McNally, R. (1981). So Remorseless a Havoc: Of Dolphins, Whales and Men: Little, Brown and Co. $6. Mitchell, E. D. (1975). Porpoise, dolphin and small whale fisheries of the world. IUCN Monograph, 3, 129 pp. $5. Mitchell, E. (ed). 1975. Review of biology and fisheries for smaller cetaceans. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 32(7): 879-1242. Special issue of journal on dolphins, porpoises, and small whales. $8. Miyashita, T., Kato, H., & Kasuya, T. (1995 (1996)). Worldwide Map of Cetacean Distribution Based on Japanese Sighting Data: National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries. $13. Nayman, J. (1973). Whales, Dolphins and Man: Hamlyn. $3. Perrin, W. F. (1975). Variation of spotted and spinner porpoise (genus Stenella) in the eastern tropical Pacific and Hawaii. Bulletin of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 21, 206 pp. $11. Rice, D. W. (1998). Marine mammals of the world: systematics and distribution. Society for Marine Mammalogy Special Publication, 4, 231 pp. $5. (NEW). Scammon, C. M. (1968 (1874)). The Marine Mammals of the Northwestern Coast of North America Together with an Account of the American Whale-Fishery (facsimile edition): Dover Publications, Inc. $4. Scheffer, V. B. (1969). The Year of the Whale: Charles Scribner's Sons. $4. Scheffer, V. B. (1970). The Year of the Seal: Scribner. $4. Scheffer, V. B. and J. W. Slipp. (1948). The whales and dolphins of Washington State, with a key to the cetaceans of the west coast of North America. American Midland Naturalist, 39, 257-337. $6. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute. Most issues available (please designate issues desired). $6/issue. Schevill, W. E. (Ed.) (1974). The Whale Problem: A Status Report. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. $11. Slijper, E. J. (1976). Whales and Dolphins: University of Michigan Press. $3. Tanabe, S., & Subramanian, A. (2006). Bioindicators of POPs: Monitoring in Developing Countries: Kyoto University Press. $12. Wilson, D. E., & Ruff, S. (Eds.). (1999). The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals: Smithsonian Institution Press. $9. Winn, L. K., & Winn, H. E. (1985). Wings in the Sea: the Humpback Whale: University Press of New England. $7. Würsig, B., T. A. Jefferson and D. J. Schmidly. (2000). The Marine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A&M University Press. $5. (NEW). Yablokov, A. V. (1975). Variability of Mammals: Smithsonian Institution, Amerind Publishing Co., New Delhi. $8.

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New Publication: Extralimital sightings of a gray whale in the western North Atlantic
by Orla O'Brien 15 Sep '25

15 Sep '25

Dear MARMAMers, My coauthors and I are excited to share our new publication on the extralimital sightings of a gray whale in the Northwest Atlantic. O'Brien, O., Laemmle, K., Jackson, K., McKenna, K., Hsu, S., & Redfern, J. (2025). Extralimital sightings of a gray whale in the western North Atlantic. *Endangered Species Research*, *58*, 61-66. The article can be reached here: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01438 ABSTRACT: Gray whales *Eschrichtius robustus* are High Arctic migrants that primarily inhabit the North Pacific Ocean. Gray whales have been extirpated from the North Atlantic Ocean since at least the middle of the 18th century. However, in the past 15 yr, there have been at least 4 gray whales sighted in the Atlantic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea. These sightings have been attributed to declining sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, which has created a navigable path from the North Pacific to the North Atlantic. The first 3 vagrant gray whales were first sighted in boreal spring, on the eastern side of the Atlantic, and were not in good health. We report on a fourth gray whale sighted twice in the western North Atlantic at the beginning and end of boreal winter: first on 19 December 2023 in the southeastern USA (off Florida), and second on 1 March 2024 in the northeastern USA (off Massachusetts). These sightings occurred outside of the geographic and temporal pattern of previous vagrant gray whale sightings. The whale appeared to be in fair condition and may have been feeding during the second sighting. This sighting adds to a growing list of recent sightings in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and demonstrates that gray whales may be able to survive in the western North Atlantic for at least short periods of time. Gray whales represent an important ecosystem sentinel: future Atlantic sightings remain possible if there continue to be navigable channels in the Arctic. Best, Orla Orla O’Brien Research Scientist *Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium <https://www.neaq.org/conservation-and-research/anderson-cabot-center-for-oc…>* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PhD Student, School for the Environment University of Massachusetts, Boston 914-282-0708 She/her/hers

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New paper: Underwater noise levels in the Strait of Gibraltar and surrounding waters: findings from the AMIGOS survey
by Maria PerezTadeo 11 Sep '25

11 Sep '25

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Perez Tadeo, M. & O’Brien, J. (2025). Underwater Noise Levels in the Strait of Gibraltar and Surrounding Waters: Findings from the AMIGOS Survey. Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 12, p. 1655366. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1655366 Abstract: Snapshots of underwater sound were collected during a multidisciplinary research survey at 14 stations south of the Iberian Peninsula, including the Strait of Gibraltar, an area characterized by intense maritime traffic. Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) were quantified at each station using 1/3-octave bands, with a focus on the 63 Hz and 125 Hz centered frequency bands, as recommended by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). When possible, the main noise sources were also identified. SPLs in the 63 Hz band ranged from 104.91 to 132.24 dB re 1 μPa, with an average of 113.21 dB re 1 μPa. In the 125 Hz band, SPLs ranged from 104.31 to 129.82 dB re 1 μPa, with an average of 110.27 dB re 1 μPa. The highest SPLs were recorded at the stations in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea. A methodology consisting of attaching a SoundTrap to the research vessel’s CTD rosette was tested and proved to be an effective approach for assessing the underwater soundscape from vessels of opportunity. Kind regards, Dr Maria Perez Tadeo, Marine and Freshwater Research Centre Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Atlantic Technological University Ta an riomhphost seo faoi reir an tseanta seo leanas ata le fail ag Seanadh Riomhphost Ollscoil Teicneolaiochta an Atlantaigh<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer> This e-mail is subject to the following disclaimer available at Atlantic TU Email Disclaimer<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer>

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New publication on health insights from cetacean necropsy reports
by Rachel Lennon (PGR) 11 Sep '25

11 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all the co-authors and I, I am very pleased to share our recent publication entitled "The Dead Do Tell Tales: Using Pathology Data From Cetacean Necropsy Reports to Gain Insights Into Animal Health" , published in Ecology and Evolution. Authors: Rachel L. Lennon, Jennifer Storm, Rylyn Koger, Elleigh Thompson, Rosie S. Williams, Mark P. Dagleish, Simon A. Babayan, Mariel T. I. ten Doeschate, Nicholas J. Davison, Andrew C. Brownlow Abstract: Assessing long-term population health is an important feature of wildlife monitoring and is essential for understanding population resilience. Quantitative assessments of health indices are essential for effective monitoring yet they remain a challenge for cetaceans due to their highly mobile and largely cryptic nature. Quantified assessments of cetacean health typically rely on evaluating body condition, which reflects energetic reserves and nutritional status. However, this method may not capture sub-lethal impacts or comorbidities resulting from chronic or cumulative stressors. Necropsies of stranded individuals provide unique insight into the morbidity of an individual and offer clues about the pressures an individual has faced over its lifetime, making necropsy reports a valuable source for understanding health. However, the predominantly qualitative and narrative format of necropsy reports limits their utility for systematic statistical analysis, thereby constraining their application in generating robust, population-level inferences. Using 349 necropsy records of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena ) stranded on the Scottish coastline as a case study, we developed a structured pathology database suitable for statistical analysis. The application of unsupervised and supervised machine learning techniques has revealed underlying patterns in harbour porpoise pathology. This has shown that necropsy data may provide a more comprehensive insight into health than traditional methods. We identified the respiratory and hepatic systems as explaining a high degree of variation in the data. This highlights these organ systems as priority areas for data collection and subsequent analysis. Patterns in the data revealed underlying compromised health, particularly in adult harbour porpoises, suggesting a vulnerability to additional stressors in this group. Our approach demonstrates how pathology data from necropsy reports can be used to derive population-level health insights, offering a tool for monitoring the impacts of environmental and anthropogenic pressures on wildlife populations. You can find the full publication (open access) here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72119 Please do 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 paper: Pingers as a potential deterrent tool to mitigate Burmeister's porpoise bycatch in northern Chile
by Ana M Garcia Cegarra 10 Sep '25

10 Sep '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Díaz, D., García-Cegarra, A.M. (2025). Pingers as a potential deterrent tool to mitigate Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis) bycatch while foraging nocturnally in the Humboldt Current System: A pilot study. Frontiers in Marine Sciences 22, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1582414 Article link for full pdf: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… Abstract: Fisheries bycatch is one of the main threats for porpoise species worldwide. In the Humboldt Current system of northern Chile, the elusive Burmeister’s porpoise (*Phocoena spinipinnis*) inhabits the coastal waters of Mejillones Bay and suffers bycatch mortality in purse seine fishing nets and coastal gillnets. In order to mitigate bycatch of this near-threatened species, this study aimed to (1) analyze the diurnal and nocturnal acoustic behaviors of the Burmeister’s porpoise and (2) evaluate the potential of banana pingers as acoustic deterrent tools. For 27 days during austral summer, a full waveform capture porpoise detector was anchored 7 m above sea level in Mejillones Bay where Burmeister’s porpoises are frequently observed. During this time, the detector registered acoustic activity continuously over 13 days, and a banana pinger deployed over 100 m away from the detector emitted high frequency sounds continuously for 14 days. The results show that the number of clicks and detection-positive minutes were significantly higher while the inter-click intervals and high click rate feeding buzz were significantly lower at night, indicating that Burmeister’s porpoises forage mainly nocturnally in this bay. With pingers present, the probability of detection of Burmeister’s porpoise acoustic activity decreased by 20%, suggesting that pingers could be an effective tool to avoid Burmeister’s porpoise mortality in fishing nets. Future studies should implement pingers in artisanal purse seine fishing nets and coastal gillnets in order to mitigate Burmeister’s porpoise bycatch in northern Chile. Do not hesitate to contact me for further questions: anamaria.garcia(a)uantof.cl All the best Ana M. Garcia-Cegarra Director CETALAB, Laboratory for the Study of Marine Megafauna, Faculty of Marine Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Chile. *Ana M. García-Cegarra, Ph.D.* <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Libre de virus.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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