January 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Rethinking post-recovery stability in long-lived vertebrates
by Stewart, Joshua 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new perspective article on post-recovery population dynamics in marine mammals: Joshua D. Stewart, Roxanne S. Beltran, M. Tim Tinker, Rethinking Post-recovery “Stability” in Long-Lived Vertebrates, BioScience (2026) https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf211 Abstract: Conservation success stories are often framed as rebounds from scarcity to stability, but what if stability isn’t the right goal? Some of the most dramatic recoveries in the animal kingdom are now revealing that major demographic swings occur even in the absence of human exploitation and may, in fact, be amplified in recovered populations. We propose that extreme demographic variability is not an anomaly but a natural outcome of life history strategies evolved to buffer against environmental fluctuations in dynamic ecosystems. As decades of conservation efforts pay off and more populations reach recovery targets, managers, scientists, and the public should be prepared for increasingly frequent periods of elevated mortality and reduced birth rates as a normal part of the recovery process. Link to paper: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/bi…<https://track.smtpsendmail.com/9032119/c?p=0ULEtLmxmFfzTYhMcdti8D-9RaP9gqZb…> Cheers, Josh Joshua Stewart, Ph.D. Pronouns: He/Him Assistant Professor, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center

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Course discounts for MARMaM members.
by Oliver Hooker 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

Dear MARMaM users, We’ve been posting here a bit more frequently recently, and the response has been fantastic—so thank you to the admins for allowing us to share our courses, and to everyone who has taken a course or helped spread the word. As a thank you to the group, *PR Stats* would like to offer *10–20% off all live courses* and *15% off all recorded courses*. This offer is valid until *14 February*. A full list of available courses and the corresponding discounts can be found below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at *oliver(a)prstats.org* *20% off (use ‘MAM20’)* *Analysing Ecological Data with Detection Error <https://prstats.org/course/analysing-ecological-data-with-detection-error-a…>* Learn to analyse ecological field data with detection error using R. Work with point counts, ARU data, N-mixture models, distance sampling and time-removal methods. *Introduction to Generalised Linear Mixed Models for Ecologists (MMIE02) <https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-generalised-linear-mixed-models-…>* Learn to build and interpret linear, generalised linear, and multilevel models for ecological data using R, lme4, and rstanarm in this five day applied training course. *Bayesian Statistical Modelling with Stan and brms (BMSB01) <https://prstats.org/course/bayesian-statistical-modelling-with-stan-and-brm…>* Bayesian Statistical Modelling with Stan and brms is an advanced R course for researchers covering Bayesian model building, diagnostics, and interpretation using Stan and brms. *Machine Learning for Ecological Time Series (METR01) <https://prstats.org/course/machine-learning-for-ecological-time-series-metr…>* Machine Learning for Ecological Time Series is an applied R course teaching ecologists how to analyse, model, and predict ecological time series data. *Machine Learning for Time Series (MLTP01) <https://prstats.org/course/machine-learning-for-time-series-mltp01/>* Machine Learning for Time Series is a practical Python course teaching how to model, analyse, and forecast time series data using machine learning methods. *Deep Learning using R (DLUR01) <https://prstats.org/course/deep-learning-using-r-dlur01/>* Learn deep learning in R using the torch ecosystem. Build MLPs, CNNs and transformer models through hands-on coding and gain practical skills for real research workflows. *Interactive Data Applications with Shiny (SHID01) <https://prstats.org/course/interactive-data-applications-with-shiny-shid01/>* Interactive Data Applications with Shiny is a practical R Shiny course for researchers focused on building, customising, and deploying interactive web applications from data analyses. *Python for Data Science and Statistical Computing (PYDS01) <https://prstats.org/course/python-for-data-science-and-statistical-computin…>* Learn Python for data science and statistical computing. Build skills in NumPy, Pandas and visualisation across two days of hands-on training for researchers and analysts. *Deep Learning Using Python (DLUP01) <https://prstats.org/course/deep-learning-using-python-dlup01/>* Deep learning course using Python and PyTorch. Learn neural networks, CNNs and transformers through hands-on coding and real data across two intensive training days. *Advanced Python for Ecologists and Evolutionary Biologists <https://prstats.org/course/advanced-python-for-biologists-apyb01/>* Take your Python skills further. Learn OOP, testing, and optimisation for complex bioinformatics tasks. *Python for Biological Data Exploration and Visualization <https://prstats.org/course/python-for-biological-data-exploration-and-visua…>* Explore and visualise biological data in Python using pandas and seaborn. Ideal for applied researchers. *Single cell RNA-Seq analysis <https://prstats.org/course/single-cell-rna-seq-analysis-scrn02/>* Learn single cell RNA-Seq analysis with Seurat, 10x Genomics, and advanced QC methods. Gain cell type-specific insights in this live online course. *Introduction to Processing and Analysis of Spatial Multiplexed Proteomics Data (SPMP02) <https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-processing-and-analysis-of-spati…>* Learn spatial multiplexed proteomics data analysis with CODEX, CycIF, and MACSIMA. Master image processing, segmentation, phenotyping, and spatial analysis in R and Python. *10% off (use ‘MAM10’)* *Bayesian Modelling Using R-INLA <https://prstats.org/course/bayesian-modelling-using-r-inla-bmin03/>* Learn Bayesian modelling with the R-INLA package. Build, fit, and interpret INLA models, define priors and latent effects, and apply INLA to real data in a five day course. *Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Communities Using VEGAN (VGNR09) <https://prstats.org/course/multivariate-analysis-of-ecological-communities-…>* Analyse ecological community data in R using VEGAN. Learn ordination, clustering, and multivariate statistics with real datasets. *Movement Ecology (the Analysis of Movement Data) <https://prstats.org/course/movement-ecology-the-analysis-of-movement-data-m…>* Learn to analyse animal movement data using spatial methods, home range estimation, interaction metrics and resource or step selection models through hands-on training in R. *Species Distribution Modelling (SDMs) and Ecological Niche Modelling (ENMs) (SDMR07) <https://prstats.org/course/species-distribution-modelling-sdms-and-ecologic…>* Learn ENM and SDM modelling in R. Apply tools like Maxent and Biomod2 to predict species distributions and environmental niches. *Bioacoustics Data Analysis (BIAC06) <https://prstats.org/course/bioacoustics-data-analysis-biac06/>* Analyse animal acoustic signals in R. Learn spectrograms, annotations, and bioacoustic workflows. *Network Analysis for Ecologists (NWAE02) <https://prstats.org/course/network-analysis-for-ecologists-nwae02/>* Use R to analyse ecological networks. Learn metrics, simulation, and visualisation with igraph. And 15% off all recorded courses <https://prstats.org/recorded-courses/> (use MAM15) -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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ALERT - Rare juvenile humpback whale sighting, Pagasitikos Gulf, Greece (25th Jan 2026)
by Elena Akritopoulou 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, We would like to report an extremely rare sighting of a humpback whale (_Megaptera novaeangliae_) recorded in the semi-enclosed Pagasitikos Gulf (Central Aegean Sea, Greece) on 25th January 2026. A single individual was observed exhibiting unusual swimming behaviour, raising concerns about a possible interaction with fishing gear, although entanglement has not been 100% visually confirmed. The animal is currently being monitored by ARION - Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center, which is the National Coordinator of Cetacean Strandings in Greece (Ministry of Environment and Energy) and the Marine Mammal Monitoring Unit of the University of Thessaly, in cooperation with the Port Authorities of Volos. Also, a juvenile humpback whale was reported near Kalymnos Island (SE Aegean Sea) on 8th January 2026. While individual identity cannot be confirmed, the temporal proximity and rarity of the species in the region suggest that the two sightings may potentially involve the same individual, with movements consistent with the Aegean Sea oceanographic circulation patterns. We kindly request colleagues to share any photo or video material (photo-ID, dorsal fin) of recent humpback whale sightings in Greek or adjacent Eastern Mediterranean waters. Any photo-ID data could be crucial for assessing individual identity, movement patterns, and possible links between recent sightings. Please note that any approach or disentanglement attempts must only be carried out by trained and authorised teams, following established safety protocols. Suspected entanglements should be reported and handled through a coordinated response. Further updates will be shared as new information becomes available. We thank the community in advance for any information, data, or insights that could contribute to a better understanding of this rare occurrence. Kind regards, ARION - Cetacean Rescue & Rehabilitation Research Center Marine Mammal Monitoring Unit, University of Thessaly (Volos, Greece) https://arion.org.gr/ , https://www.instagram.com/arion.cetaceans/, https://www.facebook.com/ARION.org/ [1]https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalmonitoringunituth/ -- Elena Akritopoulou Marine Mammal Biologist MSc PhD ARION's representative in ACCOBAMS RAC/SPA Expert +306942236682 Links: ------ [1] https://www.facebook.com/ARION.org/

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NAMMCO 8th Marine Mammal Student Symposium
by Ricardo, Intern NAMMCO 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, I am excited to share that the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO), the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS), and the UiT Department of Arctic and Marine Biology (AMB) are co-organising the 8th Marine Mammal Student Symposium on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 in Tromsø, Norway. The symposium will be in an hybrid format, allowing participants to attend in person or virtually. The theme for the 2026 symposium is “Navigating human impacts on marine mammals: Challenges, mitigation and conservation opportunities.” The event aims to connect students and early-career researchers in marine biology and the Law of the Sea, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the intersection of technology, conservation, and policy-making. The symposium offers a platform for students from diverse fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and legal studies, to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences that highlight challenges and pathways toward sustainable coexistence between human activities and marine mammal conservation. We are currently inviting students and early-career professionals to join us, either as presenters or attendees. The symposium will feature keynote speakers, student presentations, and opportunities for networking and collaboration across disciplines. Participants can register through the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoI7rSnVkeaFC2QFX_fL6CvEfzcq4ZvSa… We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with your students, colleagues, and networks. For further information or materials, please feel free to contact me directly at intern(a)nammco.org . Thank you for helping us spread the word, and we hope to see many of you at the symposium! Best regards, Ricardo de Almeida Mendes Intern NAMMCO – North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Visitors: Sykehusveien 21-23, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Post: POB 6400, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway

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Join Our Marine Conservation Expedition – Field Experience & Training in 2026
by AngieSea Ltd. 26 Jan '26

26 Jan '26

Dear MarMam Community, We are excited to announce our upcoming marine conservation expeditions, designed for anyone passionate about marine life and ocean protection. Our team includes professional divers, marine biologists, veterinary nurses, acoustic engineers, and certified JNCC Marine Mammal Observers (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators. Participants will: - Gain hands-on experience in marine mammal observation, underwater acoustics, coral reef monitoring, ... - Contribute directly to real-world conservation projects - Receive valuable education in field research, and ocean conservation techniques - Work alongside an experienced, multidisciplinary team in a safe and supportive environment Who can join: - Minimum age: 18 - No prior dive or conservation experience required - Enthusiasm for learning and protecting marine ecosystems Our next expedition intake begins in April 2026. Spaces are limited, and we welcome anyone eager to make a meaningful contribution to marine conservation. For more details or to ask questions, please reply to this email — we are happy to provide further information. Warm regards, The team from AngieSea *AngieSea Ltd.* *Ocean Conservation / Research / Education* *Phone: +230 70426134* *E-Mail: info(a)angiesea.com <info(a)angiesea.com>* *Website: www.angiesea.com <http://www.angiesea.com>*

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New publication: Drone Infrared Thermography for Detecting Skin Thermal Anomalies in Bottlenose Dolphins
by Guido Parra Vergara 26 Jan '26

26 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of all authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Ecology and Evolution: White, C., A. P. Colefax, and G. J. Parra. 2026. " Drone Infrared Thermography for Detecting Skin Thermal Anomalies in Bottlenose Dolphins: Preliminary Insights." Ecology and Evolution 16, no. 1: e72892. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72892. ABSTRACT Monitoring the health of cetaceans is challenging as traditional approaches including vessel-based surveys and necropsies are often opportunistic and limited in their ability to detect subtle physiological changes. Infrared thermography (IRT) offers a non-invasive alternative by detecting surface temperature anomalies that may reflect localised physiological variation, including changes associated with inflammation, scarring, tissue disruption or thermoregulatory processes. Mounted on drones, IRT can enable remote thermal imaging of free-ranging individuals. This case study presented preliminary observations from the exploratory use of drone-IRT to detect localised thermal anomalies in the skin of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care. A total of 14 adult dolphins were monitored across the Austral summer and winter, with two individuals exhibiting consistent thermal hotspots 3°C-5°C warmer than surrounding body surface temperatures. One individual exhibited a transient anomaly that resolved over time, whereas the other displayed persistent hotspots that became more pronounced. These anomalies corresponded with external markings, suggesting localised alterations in skin surface thermal patterns. This case study provided preliminary evidence that drone-IRT can detect localised thermal anomalies in a dolphin's skin and highlights the potential for drone-IRT as a non-invasive tool for monitoring health in both managed and wild dolphin populations. Further quantitative investigations with larger sample sizes and concurrent veterinary assessments may provide validation regarding such observations and to evaluate whether such anomalies are indicative of underlying health issues. The article is open access and available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.72892 All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Associate Professor | College of Science and Engineering Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra Lab: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=7YisEoAAAAAJ> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guido_Parra> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-j-parra-093217183/> Flinders University, GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia Tel: +61 8 8201 3565|email: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please consider the environment before printing this email

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Marine Biology Internship Program 2026
by Marine Life Research Foundation 26 Jan '26

26 Jan '26

*The Marine Life Research Foundation (MLRF) is currently accepting applications for the Spring / Summer 2026 internship program.* The MLRF Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in marine biology, cetacean research, and conservation efforts to gain hands-on experience in the South Adriatic Sea, an area of significant importance for cetacean populations. This program is for students, graduates from a university program in marine biology, environmental science or a related field, individuals who wants to gain knowledge and experience in cetacean research, as well as for ocean lovers with keen interest in marine biology and conservation. No prior cetacean research experience is required, the training is provided, though a strong interest in marine life and conservation is essential! By the end of the internship, participants will: 1. Gain a deep understanding of cetacean ecology, species identification, and behavior. 2. Learn the latest research methodologies used in cetacean studies. 3. Participate in practical fieldwork, including data collection and equipment use for cetacean research. 4. Understand the importance of stranding response and how to deal with cetacean strandings effectively. 5. Become proficient in data analysis using different software tools employed in marine biology research. 6. Develop skills in organizing and leading public awareness programs, essential for promoting cetacean conservation. 7. Contribute to ongoing conservation efforts while gaining hands-on experience in a field setting. Location: Bar, Montenegro, South Adriatic Sea Program duration: minimum 4 consecutive weeks Due to the limited funding available for conservation projects, this program is fee-based to support the ongoing research and conservation efforts. The fee for 4 consecutive weeks is 900€ and it covers: - Accommodation during the internship period. - Training materials, equipment, and software access. - On-site transportation for fieldwork and research. - Mentorship and educational guidance from M.Sc. Natasa Nikpaljevic. Please see the following link for the full posting and to apply: https://mlrf.me/intership-program/ *M.Sc. Natasa Nikpaljevic* *Founder and Director of Marine Life Research Foundation* *https://mlrf.me/ <https://mlrf.me/>* *Instagram: @marinelife_rf* *Facebook: @marineliferesearchfoundation *

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Marine Mammal Naturalist Program (April 2026) – California Ocean Alliance
by Caroline Casey 26 Jan '26

26 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, The California Ocean Alliance (COA) is offering a Marine Mammal Naturalist Program in April 2026 for adults seeking structured training in marine mammal biology, behavior, and natural history along the central California coast. COA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to hands-on marine science education and research training, with programs that connect participants directly with active researchers, field sites, and laboratory facilities in the Monterey Bay region. Program details: • Dates: April 1–25, 2026 • Format: Wednesday evening lectures; Saturday morning field outings and lab visits • Location: Santa Cruz (Long Marine Laboratory and nearby coastal sites) • Audience: Educators, docents, early-career professionals, volunteers, and science-engaged members of the public The course integrates lectures with field and laboratory experiences and emphasizes species identification, comparative anatomy, behavior, and applied naturalist skills. Scholarships and tuition support are available to improve accessibility. Additional information and registration details are available at caoceanalliance.org. Please feel free to share with students, colleagues, or others who may be interested. Best regards, Caroline Casey Director of Education, California Ocean Alliance ccasey(a)caoceanalliance.org <> (510) 541-1066

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new publication in JASA - Harbor porpoises and the machine
by Gauger＠bafg.de 26 Jan '26

26 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Marco F. W. Gauger and Thomas Taupp (2026). Harbor porpoises and the machine: Assisting manual validation of click trains recorded by Cetacean Porpoise Detector. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 159 (1) 159, 632-646. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0042220 Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) using Cetacean Porpoise Detectors (C-PODs) is a frequently applied method for studying the presence of harbor porpoises. In quiet environments, the KERNO classifier, an algorithm supplied by the manufacturer, can easily detect narrow-band high-frequency click trains emitted by echolocating harbor porpoises. However, precision is low in noisy habitats, as found in a monitoring data set (0.632; Ems, Elbe, and Wismar Bay, Germany, 2018-2023). We validated and labeled a subsample of 235 529 click trains (Elbe and Ems estuaries, 2023-2024) identified by the KERNO classifier and exported their physical characteristics to train a machine learning (ML) model. Extreme gradient boosting performed very well on the testing data (accuracy: 0.985) and the monitoring data set (0.849). The results show that the model could generalize well, beyond the training data. Moreover, this ML tool can reduce the risk of missing out low-precision estimates from random manual validation. The ML tool can complement the validation process, especially if intervals with only one click train are manually validated because false model predictions occurred particularly in these intervals. Hence, this validation tool may significantly improve the workflow in PAM studies using C-PODs, especially in noisy habitats. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions regarding our work. With very best wishes, Marco F.W. Gauger (PhD) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) Department U4 "Animal ecology" Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz Germany Tel.: +49 261 1306-5997 Email: Gauger(a)bafg.de Mastodon: social.bund.de/@BfG www.bafg.de ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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New paper: A mechanistic approach to understanding birth timing, calf growth, and residency of southern right whale mother–calf pairs on their calving ground
by Fredrik Christiansen 25 Jan '26

25 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Ecological Modelling: Christiansen, F., Dickeson, S. & Sprogis, K.R. 2026. A mechanistic approach to understanding birth timing, calf growth, and residency of southern right whale mother–calf pairs on their calving ground. Ecological Modelling 514:111500. Abstract: Understanding residency patterns provides valuable insights into animal life history and is fundamental for establishing protected areas. Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) are migratory capital breeders, with females accumulating energy reserves on summer feeding grounds to sustain late gestation and early lactation while fasting on winter calving grounds. On these oligotrophic calving grounds, mothers must grow their calves to a size suitable for migration without depleting their finite energy stores. To better understand this trade-off, we developed a mechanistic model to estimate the residency duration of mother–calf pairs at Australia’s largest calving aggregation. By linking maternal body size and condition to key reproductive traits, including birth timing, size at birth, calf growth rate, and departure timing, we quantified the effect of maternal phenotype on residency duration. Maternal size and condition positively influenced both calf birth size and growth rate. Absolute calf size was the primary driver of departure, with pairs leaving once the calf reached approximately 8 m in length, which likely improves calf locomotor performance and reduces predation risk. Larger, better-conditioned mothers could grow their calves more rapidly, enabling earlier departure and a shorter residency period. This, in turn, allowed mothers to return to feeding grounds sooner and replenish depleted energy reserves. Our findings highlight how the early lactation phase in SRWs is shaped by the energetic constraints of capital breeding and the demands of migration and underscore the importance of maternal traits in determining residency duration on calving grounds. The paper is available at the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304380026000281 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Senior Researcher Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark f.christiansen(a)ecos.au.dk<mailto:f.christiansen@ecos.au.dk> http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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