January 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Science Cover Art
by SMM Education Committee 19 Jan '26

19 Jan '26

Call for Marine Mammal Artists & Photographers! Are you an illustrator or photographer with a passion for marine mammals? Here’s your opportunity to have your work featured on the cover page of the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s scientific journal! As Marine Mammal Science transitions to a continuous publication model, where articles are added to an open issue upon acceptance, we are seeking a permanent cover image that will represent the journal moving forward — one that captures the diversity of marine mammals worldwide. Artwork Requirements: - The image must include all major taxa: cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, polar bears, and sea or marine otters. - Submissions may be illustrations, digital artwork, or photographs. - The artwork should be visually compelling and suitable for professional publication. Eligibility: - Submitting artists and photographers must be current members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. Submission Details: - Deadline: January 31, 2026 - Submit to: education(a)marinemammalscience.org Please feel free to reach out with any questions! -- Cara Gallagher, PhD The Society for Marine Mammalogy Education Committee Chair Tenure Track Researcher, Aarhus University

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 19 Jan '26

19 Jan '26

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 17th May to end of November 2026. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. *The interns will be trained to:* - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect scientific data on species, behavior, group structure and reaction to presence of vessel, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification methodology, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Use of UAV’s for marine mammals research. - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit organization. For more information on internship fees for the 2025 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork (5 days per week); - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English (mandatory); - Participate for minimum 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION:* You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> AIMM Team [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 964464657 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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Training opportunities on cetaceans and sea turtles
by Info DDP 18 Jan '26

18 Jan '26

DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project *Delfini del Ponente** is currently seeking applications for weekly and monthly** training opportunities in Imperia, Italy, **from May to October 2026.* The project The dolphin research project *“Delfini del Ponente”*, launched in 2018, is the first initiative specifically dedicated to monitoring the occurrence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis to ensure year-round data collection. To date, the study has provided valuable insights into the local bottlenose dolphin community, including its social organisation, abundance, spatial distribution, and movement patterns, as well as connections with areas outside the region. In addition to dolphins, the dataset includes records of several other cetacean species and a wide range of marine fauna, such as seabirds—Mediterranean shearwaters (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Scopoli’s shearwaters (*Calonectris diomedea*), Northern gannets (*Morus bassanus*), Sandwich terns (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), among others—as well as sea turtles (*Caretta caretta*) and sunfish (*Mola mola*). Fieldwork mainly consists of land-based observations and boat-based (zodiac) surveys aimed at monitoring wildlife presence, distribution, and behaviour, while also collecting environmental and maritime traffic data. These activities offer an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills in cetacean and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and boat surveys are weather-dependent, and their frequency may vary from month to month. Office-based activities (approximately 6 hours per day) include training sessions and lessons for interns, as well as supervision by experienced researchers during all stages of the work, such as photo-identification, data transcription and entry, skin lesion analysis, and GIS analyses using QGIS. During the summer months, the study area has recently been affected by nesting and hatching events of loggerhead sea turtles. As a result, interns will carry out early-morning beach surveys to detect nesting attempts that occurred overnight. In the final days of incubation and during hatching, interns may also participate in nocturnal monitoring and patrolling at the nest sites. Given the high number of visitors in these areas, interns may be involved in outreach and awareness activities with tourists and the general public. During these periods, office work may be temporarily suspended to prioritise nest monitoring efforts. Where: Imperia, Italy *When*: - *Weekly Program*: November 1–7 (and possibly the month of September) - *Monthly Program (minimum 30 days)*: May–October *Internship Activities* Interns will participate in a variety of activities, including: - *Boat-based surveys*: Monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins and other marine species. - *Boat maintenance*: Assisting with the upkeep of the research vessel. - *Data collection*: Recording data on cetaceans, fish, seabirds, and turtles. - *Photo-ID matching and skin lesion analysis*. - *Land-based surveys and opportunistic surveys* - *Turtle tracks monitoring and potential nest monitoring (in summer).* - *Lectures and training*: Gaining skills in cetacean ecology, research techniques, seabird and sea turtle ID. *Internship Details* - *Work Schedule*: 5 days a week, 6-8 hours per day (fieldwork or office work depending on weather conditions). - *Accommodation*: Interns will be provided with accommodation in a shared apartment in Imperia. - *Other Activities*: Free time offers opportunities for swimming, diving, hiking, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying local beaches and watersports. *Skills/Qualifications* - Minimum age of 18. - Be highly adaptable and flexible, as fieldwork is weather-dependent and our plans can change several times in one day. - Ability to stand several hours in the sun or cold weather on a small boat (up to 10-12). - Ability to use binoculars for several hours on a boat. - Fluent in English (spoken and written). - Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred). - Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research. - Ability to work in an office setting for up to 6 hours a day. - Be sociable and willing, as they are expected to live and work in an international team. *Training Programme Fee* Participation in the training programme requires the payment of a tuition fee. The fee includes: - Accommodation in a shared apartment in Imperia. - Tuition and training activities. - Use of the research vessel and scientific equipment. - Field trips, insurance, and field costs. *Note*: Transportation expenses to and from Imperia and food costs are not included in the fee. *How to Apply* At this link, you can read the info package and the application https://delfinidelponente.it/en/internship/ This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation. If you are passionate about marine research and would like to contribute to cetacean conservation, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to *info(a)delfinidelponente.it*. For more information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application! -- *Delfini Del Ponente APS* *+39 3534687707* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

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New paper: "Acoustic behaviour of endangered Hawaiian false killer whales"
by Brijonnay Madrigal 16 Jan '26

16 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to share our new publication in Royal Society Open Science, titled "Acoustic behaviour of endangered Hawaiian false killer whales". The full article is open access and available at: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250918 Citation: Brijonnay C. Madrigal, William T. Gough, Jens J. Currie, Lars Bejder, Augusta Hollers, Robin W. Baird, T. Aran Mooney, Aude Pacini; Acoustic behaviour of endangered Hawaiian false killer whales. R Soc Open Sci. 1 January 2026; 13 (1): 250918. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250918 Abstract: Understanding the acoustic communication of the endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular population of false killer whales (*Pseudorca crassidens*) is essential for effective management. In this study, biologging tags were deployed on four individuals, recording 26.2 h of acoustic data. A total of 5940 high-quality possible focal pulsed calls were analysed and 52 stereotyped call types were characterized. The fundamental frequency contour ranged from a mean minimum frequency of 7.22 ± 0.78 to 9.28 ± 0.80 kHz (mean maximum frequency) with a mean duration of 0.32 ± 0.08 s. Predominant call types and call rates across dive states varied by individual. Probability of calling was higher during the descent and bottom phase compared with the surface. Four types of nonlinear phenomena (NLP) were documented including biphonation (call + clicks, 78% of all NLP), secondary sidebands, chaos and frequency jumps. Frequency jumps were commonly produced by two animals from the same group (13–19%). Most calls contained NLP (80%). The average call rate recorded by the tags on two individuals was 17.5 calls m−1 (hourly average) and call rates decreased as swim speed increased. Our findings suggest high repertoire diversity and high signal complexity informing future passive acoustic monitoring efforts. Thank you, Brijonnay Madrigal -- Brijonnay Madrigal, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher, Scripps Acoustics Ecology Laboratory <https://sael.ucsd.edu/> Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ritter Hall 105

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Request for information: Questionnaire on bycatch mitigation measures
by Dunja Jusufovski - HAFRO 16 Jan '26

16 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, I am reaching out to you on behalf of my colleagues from the Life CIBBRiNA<https://cibbrina.eu/> consortium, a 6-year EU-funded project that focuses on developing and implementing best practices in reducing bycatch across the North Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean regions. A special focus is given to Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species and relevant fisheries in these areas whilst working collaboratively with fishers, authorities, scientists and other relevant stakeholders to co-create sustainable solutions for the bycatch issue. Within CIBBRiNA, my colleagues and I are working towards an online mitigation toolkit which will be based on a comprehensive database collating information on all bycatch mitigation attempts and approaches across global fisheries in order to inform all relevant stakeholders. With this in mind, we kindly request if you could share any relevant information through our online questionnaire<https://rvo.survalyzer.eu/cibbrinamitigationmeasures>. The questionnaire is divided into 8 distinct challenges characterized by specific fishery and ETP species of interest. Please read the instructions carefully and note that we might contact you additionally in order to ask for more details on the provided information. We would also appreciate if you could forward this email to any potential and relevant expert or party with relevant information. If you have any further questions about this questionnaire, do not hesitate to contact us via email (cibbrina(a)minlnv.nl<mailto:cibbrina@minlnv.nl>) with a subject "Bycatch questionnaire". Best regards, Dunja Jusufovski Hafrannsóknastofnun - rannsókna- og ráðgjafarstofnun hafs og vatna / Marine and Freshwater Research Institute Fornubúðir 5, 220 Hafnarfjörður dunja.jusufovski(a)hafogvatn.is <mailto:dunja.jusufovski@hafogvatn.is> www.hafogvatn.is <http://www.hafogvatn.is/> Þekking - Samvinna - Þor

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ECS January Conference News
by Mariel tendoeschate 16 Jan '26

16 Jan '26

Dear all, Happy new year - we hope you had a wonderful festive break and 2026 is treating you kindly so far. We would like to update you all on the latest news around the 37th European Cetacean Society Conference 2026 (ECS2026), which will be held in Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom, from the 20th - 24th of April 2026. Please find the latest conference news here: ECS January Newsletter<https://sway.cloud.microsoft/HzLOMKYFn6BuwKyR?ref=Link> This, and all previous newsletters are also available on the ECS Conference website --> https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-2026 In the January edition of the newsletter you will find important information for: * Students * Call for volunteers now open * Applications to exclusive student accommodation now open * Exhibitors and sponsors * Those wishing to contribute to video night As well as accommodation and travel guides to Dundee. We recommend following the ECS social media channels for the most recent updates: https://www.instagram.com/europeancetaceansociety/ https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCetaceanSociety We look forward to seeing you in Dundee, Scotland, in April 2026! Have a lovely weekend! Cheers, on behalf of the entire LOC for ECS 2026, Carol Sparling & Mariel ten Doeschate ECS co-chairs of the LOC.

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Job Opening: Wildlife Biologist with ADF&G
by Pearson, Linnea E (DFG) 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

The Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game is seeking an individual to assist with monitoring and conservation research of marine mammal species within areas including Southeast Alaska, Gulf of Alaska, and Bering Sea. The position will design, plan and perform scientific research for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, thoughtful, and self-motivated biologist able to ask insightful questions, creatively solve problems, and work independently and as part of a group. The incumbent must be physically able to work outdoors in harsh weather, have experience leading field research teams, developing and implementing research projects, and as a wildlife biologist performing field work studies on marine mammals. Desired experience in grant writing, manuscript publication, and data analysis including population biology/mark recapture analysis. The position is based in Juneau, AK at the ADF&G office on Douglas Isl. The posting is currently open to All Applicants and closes Feb 13, 2026. The full posting can be found here: Wildlife Biologist 3<https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/%7B0%7Dalaska/jobs/newprint/5198240> Linnea E. Pearson, Ph.D. (she/her) Wildlife Biologist Lead, Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program ADF&G- Division of Wildlife Conservation linnea.pearson(a)alaska.gov Office: 907-465-4313

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New publication: "Short-finned pilot whales modulate surfacing and breathing patterns more strongly in response to dives than in anticipation"
by Ashley Marie Blawas 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication "Short-finned pilot whales modulate surfacing and breathing patterns more strongly in response to dives than in anticipation" in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. Blawas, A. M., Shearer, J. M., Fahlman, A., Read, A. J., & Nowacek, D. P. (2026). Short-finned pilot whales modulate surfacing and breathing patterns more strongly in response to dives than in anticipation. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 330(1), R23–R34. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00145.2025 Abstract: Diving marine mammals must allocate time between respiring at the surface and foraging underwater. Previous studies of optimal diving theory have attempted to predict such patterns, but the amount of time divers must spend at the surface before and after dives of varying durations remains difficult to assess. Here, we examined the surfacing and breathing patterns of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) from biologger data to examine their use of anticipatory versus reactive strategies. We used linear mixed-effects models to examine the effect of dive characteristics on surface interval (SI) durations and breathing rate. Pilot whales increased SI duration before dives of increasing duration and after dives of increasing activity. Instantaneous breathing rates (fRs) of pilot whales demonstrated little anticipation but rather a strong reactive pattern seen by the modulation of fR in response to the previous rather than upcoming dive. During typical SIs, fR was predicted by time since previous dive, duration of the previous dive, time until upcoming dive, and activity of the previous dive. Short-finned pilot whales in our study area exhibit both benthic and pelagic foraging, which may compel anticipation when prey capture is predictable and reaction when prey capture is difficult to predict. The observed surfacing and breathing patterns therefore likely reflect a balance of the needs for blood gas homeostasis, aerobic metabolism, and the variability of foraging opportunities. An improved understanding of how animals make decisions about diving is critical for informing predictions of how they will contend with changing ocean landscapes. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best, Ashley --- Ashley Blawas, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher | Goldbogen Lab Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University ashleyblawas(a)stanford.edu | 919-880-4208 | she/her/hers

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Dolphin Research Internship (3 spots left) - Sardinia Island (Italy)
by Fabio Ronchetti 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Join MareTerra ERC for a unique internship experience in marine research and conservation, taking place between May and October 2026 on Sardinia Island (Italy) — one of the Mediterranean’s richest biodiversity hotspots. We currently have three spots left in the internship program. As an intern, you’ll be part of a passionate, international team working on projects focused on the conservation of bottlenose dolphins and the marine environment. You’ll learn how to monitor dolphin behaviour, habitat use, abundance, and distribution using techniques like photo-identification, GIS, and Species Distribution Modelling. You’ll also collect georeferenced data on dolphin sightings, fishing activities, and boat traffic, and contribute to bioacoustic research. Beyond fieldwork, you’ll actively participate in environmental education initiatives aboard our boats, helping raise awareness and promote respect for the marine ecosystem among tourists and local communities. To take part in this internship, you should: - Be fluent in English (minimum level: B2). - Be confident, punctual, and adaptable to an international work environment. - Have good public relations skills. - Be comfortable on motorboats and able to swim well. - Be between 20 and 30 years old. This experience requires motivation, responsibility, and a genuine willingness to work long hours in the field — but it’s also a chance to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to marine conservation. Curious about our research? You can explore our published papers here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?us… If you have questions or would like more information about how to apply, feel free to write to us at info(a)mareterra-erc.org. Gabriella La Manna, Ph.D. --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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New publication - Irish Minke whale diet insight
by Sean O'Callaghan 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Hello all, We are pleased to highlight the recent publication of our short note describing the diet composition of a minke whale stranded in Ireland. O'Callaghan, S.A., Moore, C., Woods, F and Berrow, S. (2025). An insight into the diet of Minke Whales (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) in Irish waters. *Irish Naturalists' Journal *42, 148 - 151. A PDF can be made available upon request to seanocallaghan212(a)gmail.com Take care, Seán

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