September 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper: Site fidelity and external healt of two distinct fin whale populations from the NE and SE Pacific
by Ana M Garcia Cegarra 10 Sep '25

10 Sep '25

On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our recent publication in Journal for Nature Conservation: Guevara, C., Arriagada, A., Fishbach, M., Van Bressem, M-F., Van Waerebeek, K., Garcia-Cegarra, A.M. (2025). Site fidelity and external health of two distinct fin whale populations from the Northeast and Southeast Pacific Ocean. Journal for Nature Conservation 88,127045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127045 Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1617138125002225 Abstract: Human activities such as marine traffic, fishing, and pollution are the main threats to large cetaceans, especially to resident whale populations inhabiting heavily exploited enclosed seas or gulfs. Skin is indicative of whale health status because it can display wounds and scars from interactions with fishing gear, boat strikes and natural predators as well as infectious diseases. We evaluated the residence time of two fin whale, *Balaenoptera physalus* (Linnaeus, 1758 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1617138125002225#b9001>) populations: one resident in the Gulf of California (GC), Mexico, and another potentially migratory found at Mejillones Peninsula (MP), Chile. We also compared skin conditions by analyzing photographs for the period 2016–2022. The results show that the GC population is closed while the MP population has a low residence time (5–6 months). The GC population has a significantly higher prevalence of the mesoparasite *Pennella* sp., commensal *Xenobalanus globicipitis* and scars from collision with vessels than its MP counterpart. The MP population has a significantly higher prevalence of skin conditions of natural origin such as cookie-cutter shark (*Isistius* sp.) bites, predation by killer whales, *Orcinus orca* (Linnaeus, 1758 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1617138125002225#b9001>), and orange-brown and green–brown diatom patches than the GC population. These results show that a fin whale population residing year-round in an area with high industrial, fishing, and marine traffic presents more skin conditions related to anthropogenic origin than an oceanic migratory population, which mainly presents scars of natural origins (predation). It is recommended to review the conservation status of the GC resident fin whale population and propose management strategies to guarantee their long-term conservation and welfare. Feel free to reach out to me at anamaria.garcia(a)uantof.cl if you would like a PDF copy of the paper or if you have any questions. 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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Capture-recapture estimates of abundance of Antarctic blue whales
by Paula Olson - NOAA Affiliate 10 Sep '25

10 Sep '25

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science: Olson, P.A., Kinzey, D., Double, M.C., Matsuoka, K. and Findlay, K. 2025. Capture–recapture estimates of Antarctic blue whale abundance and population growth rate. Marine Mammal Science, 41(3), e13215. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13215 Abstract Photo-identifications of Antarctic blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus intermedia*) collected from 2003/2004 to 2018/2019 were used in a capture–recapture analysis to estimate abundance and population growth rate for the circumpolar Antarctic. Two capture–recapture models, POPAN and Pradel, were applied to these data. Estimates of annual abundance and their variances from the left and right side photo data were inferred using multimodel averaging, weighted by corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc), of 26 model configurations with prespecified survival rates from .75 to 1.0. These estimates based on the left and right side databases were then combined using inverse-variance averaging into single estimates for each year. The POPAN superpopulation estimate (total number of individuals present during the sampling period) was 3,506 whales, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2,107, 5,832]. The estimated abundance from the final year of the study in 2018/2019 was 1,817 whales, 95% CI [714, 4,624]. The abundance esti- mates in this study may be biased downwards due to capture heterogeneity as a result of unequal spatial sampling. Population growth rate estimates were 11% from Pradel and 10% from POPAN. These rates were within the confidence interval estimated by a previous study for Antarctic blue whale population growth rate. Best, Paula Paula A. Olson Visiting Scientist/Marine Mammal Biologist Marine Mammal and Turtle Division Southwest Fisheries Science Center/NOAA Fisheries 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Paula.Olson(a)noaa.gov

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Live Large Whale Stranding Response Workshop Report Available
by Sarah Sharp 10 Sep '25

10 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the availability of the report of the Live Large Whale Stranding Response Workshop that was held at the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference in 2017. The report is available online: https://hdl.handle.net/1912/70889 Sharp, S. M., Moore, M. J., Harms, C. A., Wilkin, A. M., Sharp, W. B., Patchett, K. M., & Rose, K. S. (2024) Report of the live large whale stranding response workshop. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/70889 Abstract Reasoned triage and management of live large whale stranding events prompted this workshop. Safety is paramount for humans and must be mitigated for them and whales during responses. Clinical assessment is critical, with emaciation and poor prognosis often worsening welfare if released. Accurate length and estimated weight data are essential. Supportive care and treatments depend on understanding the underlying pathophysiology of stranding. Maintaining an airway, monitoring breathing, minimizing stress, protecting eyes, modulating temperature, and preventing sunburn are priorities. Additional strategies can include mild sedation, fluid administration, and flipper excavation to relieve pressure. Tools to indicate post-release survival include photographs, genetic samples, paint sticks, and identification, VHF, or satellite-linked tags. Acceptable rescue techniques included towing offshore with a tackle or lines over or under the body and around the axillae, inflatable lift bags, and trenching. Nets and towing by the flukes are unsuitable. Refloating of stranded large whales can be considered if a clinical examination suggests a favorable prognosis, and a release method could be safely undertaken without undue stress and trauma to the animal. However, in many cases euthanasia is the most humane option if practical, or letting nature take its course if need be. Best Regards, *Sarah Sharp *(She, Her) Animal Rescue Veterinarian International Fund for Animal Welfare 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 United States ssharp(a)ifaw.org +1 508 364-4425 (cell) www.ifaw.org

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Species Distribution Modelling Courses - Beginner, Advanced & Bayesian Options
by Oliver Hooker 10 Sep '25

10 Sep '25

*Looking for a course on Species Distribution Modelling (SDMs)?* PR Statistics has the right course for you—whether you’re just starting out, building on existing skills, or ready to explore Bayesian methods for SDMs. Please feel free to share! Species distribution models (SDMs) are especially valuable in marine mammal research, where direct observation is often limited and costly. These courses provide the tools to predict habitat use, identify critical areas for conservation, and assess how environmental change—such as shifting oceanographic conditions or climate change—may affect species ranges. By learning methods from introductory to advanced, including Bayesian approaches, marine mammal researchers can better integrate ecological data with spatial modelling, improve the accuracy of predictions, and strengthen the scientific basis for management and conservation decisions. *For beginners:* Start with our introduction to SDMs and ENMs (SDMR06). This course requires no prior SDM experience—just a basic understanding of R. If you don’t yet have the basics, check out our free recorded courses first. SDMR06 covers the *core foundations* of SDM: how to calculate and interpret niche models, choose appropriate modelling approaches, run standard algorithms, compare model outcomes, build ensemble predictions, and apply models to your own data. 🔗 Learn more about SDMR06 <https://www.prstats.org/course/species-distribution-modelling-sdmr06/?utm_s…> *For intermediate users:* Take your modelling further with our advanced course (ASDM01). This course goes beyond baseline workflows into *model refinement, accuracy improvement, and the integration of physiological and environmental realism* through mechanistic and simulated species models. 🔗 Learn more about ASDM01 <https://www.prstats.org/course/advanced-species-distribution-modelling-usin…> *For those looking to improve model accuracy with Bayesian methods:* Explore our Bayesian SDM course (SDMB07). This course covers the *entire Bayesian modelling pipeline*: from data preparation and model fitting, to cross-validation, performance evaluation, and interpreting variable importance with tools like partial dependence plots. SDMB07 introduces *Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART)*—a modern approach that produces robust predictions, reduces overfitting, and explicitly quantifies uncertainty. Unlike traditional or mechanistic SDMs, Bayesian SDMs allow for a clear representation of uncertainty, providing posterior means, credible intervals, and uncertainty surfaces for deeper insight into prediction confidence. 🔗 Learn more about SDMB07 <https://www.prstats.org/course/species-distribution-modelling-with-bayesian…> Email oliver(a)prstats.org with any questions. -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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New paper - Finding beaked whales in the Foz do Amazonas basin: Visual and acoustic records of a deep diving cetacean
by Raphael Machado 10 Sep '25

10 Sep '25

Dear Marmam community, My colleagues and I are pleased to share our new paper "Finding beaked whales in the Foz do Amazonas basin: Visual and acoustic records of a deep diving cetacean", in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. Access the manuscript and download the full text at https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article/158/3/1879/3361936/Finding-beaked-wha… Abstract Beaked whales, deep-diving cetaceans from the family *Ziphiidae*, exhibit cryptic behaviors, and data on these species in Brazilian waters are limited to strandings and isolated sightings. This study characterizes the occurrence and acoustic behavior of beaked whales in the Foz do Amazonas Basin using combined visual and passive acoustic monitoring along the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Audio files were analyzed to identify clicks with frequency-modulated pulses, a diagnostic characteristic of beaked whales. The PAMpal package in R was used to calculate acoustic parameters, including peak frequency, 3- and 10-dB bandwidths, and inter-pulse intervals. Three sightings, eight acoustic detections, and one combined visual-acoustic detection were recorded. Based on diagnostic features, sighting D01 likely corresponds to *Mesoplodon europaeus*, D05 may represent *Mesoplodon*, and D06 could belong to either *Ziphius* or *Mesoplodon*. Unsupervised clustering based on peak frequency and inter-pulse intervals revealed three distinct acoustic clusters, suggesting that at least three different beaked whale species were detected. Further acoustic classification studies are needed to determine the specific species associated with each cluster. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the distribution and acoustic ecology of deep-diving beaked whales in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, a region where information on marine megafauna remains scarce. Warm regards, Raphael Machado --

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Acoustic evidence of year-round sperm whale foraging, population structure, and sex-specific migration near Svalbard
by Angela Szesciorka 09 Sep '25

09 Sep '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in JASA: Szesciorka, A. R., Bensi, M., Giordano, P., Paladini de Mendoza, F., Russo, A., Giorli, G. (2025). Acoustic evidence of year-round sperm whale foraging, population structure, and sex-specific migration near Svalbard. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 158 (3), 1921–1933. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0039060 Article link: https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article/158/3/1921/3362040/Acoustic-evidence-… Abstract: The Atlantification of the Arctic is driving a northward habitat shift of many cetaceans, including sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). As Arctic warming continues to decrease sea ice extent and contributes to the change in species distributions, it is crucial to study how the distribution patterns, habitat, and the demographic structure of sperm whale populations may continue to change. In this study, we assess the temporal presence of echolocating sperm whales on the continental slope southwest of the Svalbard archipelago and compare it with acoustic backscatter and temperature as a proxy for biomass. Size classes of echolocating whales were estimated using cepstral analysis. Echolocation rates were higher in summer and fall, suggesting a seasonality in the sperm whale presence; however, sperm whale clicks were present year-round and the acoustic backscatter and temperature were positively correlated with the recorded echolocation activity. The summer and fall size classes included a mix of large adult males, mid-sized sub-adult males and/or adult females, and social groups, which likely include immature animals and/or adult females and their offspring. We observed a shift to adult males in the winter, suggesting sex-specific partial migration at this site. Feel free to reach out to me at angela(a)szesciorka.com if you would like a PDF of the paper or if you have any questions. Best, Angela Szesciorka, Ph.D. Research Associate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Faculty Affiliate, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University

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Life history scientist position at the Ocean Museum, Germany
by Denkinger Judith Dr. 08 Sep '25

08 Sep '25

Dear Marman community, The Ocean Museum Germany is recruiting a Veterinarian/ Pathologist or Biologist as a Life history scientist for the project „Union for the Conservation-Management of Harbour Porpoise Populations in the Baltic Sea and their Habitats (CUMBIAH)” to be based at the Ocean Museum in Stralsund, Germany. CUMBIAH is a research project financed by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation of Germany and carried out by a consortium of 15 international project partners from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. The CUMBIAH consortium generates and provides updated information on the conservation status of Baltic harbour porpoise populations and rates important conservation measures to prevent a further population decline. The Life history Scientist position is a full time scientist position expected to start 1st of February 2026 and end 31st of July 2030. As a Life history scientist in CUMBIAH you will coordinate the interational CUMBIAH life history team, support the museum’s stranding network, carry out necropsies of marine mammals and collect, analyse and publish data to understand the demography, health and reproductive status of baltic harbour porpoises. A Master degree or PhD in Veterinary science, pathology or biology and a good publication track is essential, as well as fluent english. If you are interested to work with us you can find more information and the listing here https://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/karriere. Fur further questions feel free to contact me at judith.denkinger(a)meeresmuseum.de<mailto:judith.denkinger@meeresmuseum.de> All the best Judith Denkinger

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Data Scientist position Ocean Museum Germany
by Denkinger Judith Dr. 08 Sep '25

08 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM community, The Ocean Museum Germany is recruiting a Data Scientist and a Veterinarian/ Pathologist/ Biologist as a Life history scientist for the project „Union for the Conservation-Management of Harbour Porpoise Populations in the Baltic Sea and their Habitats (CUMBIAH)” to be based at the Ocean Museum in Stralsund, Germany. CUMBIAH is a research project financed by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation of Germany and carried out by a consortium of 15 international project partners from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. The CUMBIAH consortium generates and provides updated information on the conservation status of Baltic harbour porpoise populations and rates important conservation measures to prevent a further population decline. The Data Scientist position is a full time scientist position expected to start 1st of January 2026 till 31st of December 2030. As part of this position, you will manage a wealth of acoustic and environmental monitoring data in cooperation with CUMBIAH project partners, develop standards, hamonise monitoring data and model data to achieve key information about the status of baltic harbour porpoises. A Master degree or PhD in computer science, bioinformatics or related disciplines and a good publication track is needed, as well as fluent english. If you are interested to work with us you can find more information and the listing here https://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/karriere If you have any further questions, please contact Judith Denkinger at Judith.denkinger(a)meeresmuseum.de<mailto:Judith.denkinger@meeresmuseum.de> All the best Judith Denkinger

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Cetaceans of the Nearshore Environment at Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
by Zoidis, Ann 08 Sep '25

08 Sep '25

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication in Micronesica. This work includes contributions of our late colleague, Tom Norris, who was integral to the project and the drafting of this manuscript. Zoidis, A.M., T.F. Norris, P.A. Olson, T.A. Jefferson, K.S. Lomac-MacNair, S.N. Coates & J.K. Jacobsen. Cetaceans of the nearshore environment at Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesica. 2025-03, 25 pp. Published online 08 September 2025. http://micronesica.org/volumes/2025 ABSTRACT Information on the cetacean fauna found in the nearshore waters of Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), are reported for the first time. In August 2013 visual and acoustic surveys in the nearshore (< 5.6 kilometers; km [3 nautical miles; nmi]) waters surrounding Pagan Island collected data on cetacean occurrence using line transect (visual and towed acoustic), photo-identification, and moored sonobuoy (passive acoustic monitoring) methods. Three species of cetaceans were visually confirmed at Pagan Island: spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). Acoustic encounters included spinner, common bottlenose dolphin, Cuvier's beaked whale, Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The moderately high detection rates of beaked whale species at Pagan can likely be explained by the steep bathymetry and deep-water habitat close to shore. Sperm whales were detected on the acoustic recordings from nighttime moored sonobuoys, indicating their presence within 37 km (20 nmi) of Pagan. On 10 of the 11 research days at Pagan, dolphins were visually or acoustically encountered in the study area, during day and nighttime sampling periods. Photo-identification yielded re-sights of individual spinner dolphins at Pagan Island on successive days. A potential breeding population of bottlenose dolphins was documented at Pagan based on the presence of three calves, including two neonates. The visual and acoustic detection rates for dolphins were relatively low. Caution should be used in interpreting any of the detection rate results due to the small sample sizes. The density or abundance of cetaceans in the study area could not be estimated because of small sample sizes. If future surveys are conducted using similar methods the line transect survey data could be pooled to estimate density and abundance. Our paper is available online: http://micronesica.org/volumes/2025 Or via e-mail request: ann.zoidis(a)tetratech.com<mailto:ann.zoidis@tetratech.com> Ann M. Zoidis, M.S. | Environmental Project Manager, Senior Biologist, Marine Mammal Scientist Direct: CA Office: 510.302.6358 | ME Office: 207-288-0976 | Cell: 510.393.5906 | Fax: 510.433.0830 ann.zoidis(a)tetratech.com<mailto:ann.zoidis@tetratech.com> Tetra Tech 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 500 | Oakland, CA 94612 | www.tetratech.com<https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=5e2ce27c-020ad5df-5e2e1b49-000babda0106-…> PLEASE NOTE: This message, including any attachments, may include confidential and/or inside information. Any distribution or use of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by replying to this message and then delete it from your system.

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Seeking Right Whale Interns for 2026
by Valerie Daniels 08 Sep '25

08 Sep '25

Right Whale Ecology Program Habitat Internship Announcement 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 oceanography specialist from January 05 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 assist the RWEP habitat ecologist in the collection and processing of zooplankton in the field and lab, as well as assist the photo- ID specialist in field data collection and office data processing. Fieldwork responsibilities include zooplankton collection through tow and pump techniques, visual observer duties (collecting right whale behavioral and sighting data as well as recording other sighting events; e.g., (species, vessels, and fishing gear), and environmental data collection. Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, plastics analysis, archiving samples, data entry and maintenance, and maintaining field equipment. Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog) and database entry. Minimum Requirements: ● A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences; ● Good memorization skills and strong attention to details; ● Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred; ● Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness; ● Must be able to live and work well in a team; ● Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods; ● Ability to work well under pressure. Preferred Qualifications: ● Plankton identification; ● Microscopy experience; ● Vessel observer experience; ● Not prone to seasickness; ● 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 constrictions. The intern will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full five months 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 to cover expenses. 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: Your application package should be one PDF that contains all of the following: 1) A 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 three professional references; 4) College transcripts, if applicable (unofficial are sufficient). Application materials must be e-mailed to: employment(a)coastalstudies.org with the following text in the subject line: 2026 RW Habitat internship. Deadline for submission: September 30 th , 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. https://coastalstudies.org/ Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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