January 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Master’s in Marine Mammal Science at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK
by Kelly Robinson 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Greetings from Scotland! We are currently accepting applications for our one-year Master's programme at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, UK for 2026/27 entry. The Master's in Marine Mammal Science (MSc MMS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2027! This Master's has a strong focus on quantitative methods and applied techniques and is designed to prepare students fully for a professional career involved with conservation of and research into marine mammals. The MSc MMS programme has an established track record of graduates successfully entering careers in research, policy and non-government organisations after completion of the course. Optional modules take full advantage of the research strengths of the SMRU (Sea Mammal Research Unit) covering biologging, bioacoustics, behaviour and population biology. There are a variety of opportunities to engage in local fieldtrips and workshops relevant to the course throughout the year, and there is an optional Antarctica field course that involves a vessel-based field expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula (requires additional payment of a substantial expedition fee). For detailed information on the Marine Mammal Masters including content, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MSc MMS website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/taught-programmes/mms-biology/ Application deadline: Monday 30 March 2026 for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2026) All applications should be submitted online via the MSc MMS St Andrews Postgraduate Admission Portal, which can be found here by clicking on 'apply for 2026 entry': https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/marine-biology/marine-mammal-science-… The School of Biology at the University of St Andrews also offers two further MSc programmes in Marine Ecosystem Management and Animal Behaviour, as well as a suite of postgraduate research degrees. For further info about the full postgraduate degree portfolio please see https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/prospective/pgt/ Please get in touch if you have further questions via email: pgtaughtbiology(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:pgtaughtbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk> Best wishes from Scotland, Dr Luke Rendell and Dr Kelly Robinson Directors of the MSc MMS course The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Call for Applications: Allied Whale 2026 Research Assistants
by AW Internship Coordinator 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hi MarMam Community, Allied Whale (AW), the marine mammal research group of College of the Atlantic, and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company (BHWW) in Bar Harbor, Maine seek 3 research assistants for the 2026 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. One summer position (May 15 through August 31) and two full season positions (May 15 through October 31) are available. Overview of the Position: This program is unique in that it offers selected individuals the opportunity to participate in and receive training across a wide range of marine mammal research activities with Allied Whale, while also working as crew and scientists aboard commercial whale-watching trips. Allied Whale currently supports field projects focused on the trophic ecology of humpback and fin whales, maintains the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo-identification catalogs, operates an active marine mammal stranding response program, and partners in research and education initiatives with the BHWW. In addition, Allied Whale conducts offshore research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote island field station. Description of Duties: Research assistants will receive training in research methods, boat crew responsibilities, and Gulf of Maine natural history, led by both Allied Whale and Bar Harbor Whale Watch (BHWW) staff. The first several weeks will focus on hands-on training, including whale watch deckhand duties, boat maintenance, and assisting with whale catalog matching in the office or participating in stranding response efforts. Once the season is fully underway, research assistants will rotate through a variety of roles, including serving as a Research Assistant/Deckhand aboard BHWW vessels, working in the Allied Whale office and conducting research at the Mount Desert Rock field station. Weekly schedules vary and are highly weather dependent. A typical week from June through August may include 2–4 days working as researchers/deckhands on whale watch vessels, 1–2 days in the office, and two days off (which may or may not be consecutive). Weather conditions may lead to canceled shifts, and some weeks may have a lighter workload or fewer responsibilities. Below are specific expectations for each designated shift: Whale watch trips: Research responsibilities on whale watch trips include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales, and behavioral data collection. Beyond research, RAs are responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip (in addition to working under the direction of senior deckhands and captains in assisting with monitoring the decks and attending to passengers). Maintaining a positive, professional, and friendly demeanor while engaging with whale watch passengers and fellow crew members is necessary. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers, and passenger safety. When whale watch trips cancel for weather, crew may be asked to report for duty to assist guests with cancelled reservations, complete maintenance on the vessel and/or assist the lead naturalist with updating the Bar Harbor Whale Watch education and outreach materials. Allied Whale office shifts: On scheduled office days, research assistants will work flexible shifts in the Allied Whale office. During those hours, research assistants will match individual whales to our catalog, enter their whale watch data into the database, manage the AW/BHWW Flickr account, Adopt-a-Whale program, answer phone calls to the office, and be on call to assist with stranding response or necropsies. When weather permits, research assistants will assist Allied Whale staff with permitted research efforts such as offshore line transect surveys, photo- identification efforts, on-going biopsy sampling, and drone photogrammetry. Mount Desert Rock: We hope to have research assistants complete a shift (each at least a week in length) at our offshore research station, Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, research assistants will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower, seal counts, gull counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. This experience is designed to offer the opportunity to work at a remote field station in an off-the-grid location. Pay/Housing: Research assistants earn income through their work with the BHWW. Deckhands/ research assistants will be paid a trip rate of $75 per trip and $18/ hour for offboat work. At the height of summer, there are two trips running a day. Housing will be secured by the hiring team, and research assistants will be responsible for rent payments. We aim to keep rent costs between $600 and $700 per month, per person. Qualifications: Applicants should have a college background or be currently enrolled as a sophomore or higher in a biology, ecology, and/or marine sciences program. Previous data collection experience in a research setting and/or knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. While no prior boating/camera experience is required, time spent offshore or skills in photography are also assets and training will be provided. Due to United States Coast Guard requirements, all crew onboard commercial vessels, and therefore all research assistants, must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident alien status. All BHWW crew members will be subject to drug screening prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program. Most importantly, applicants must have a positive attitude, can take direction, handle working in a fast-paced dynamic environment, have strong communication skills, be flexible in adapting to quickly changing schedules, work independently, and be comfortable working for long periods of time on boats in rough or inclement weather. Lastly, while living in both Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Rock, applicants must be able to get along well with others and handle working in a team setting. To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume/ CV, and two letters of recommendation via email to alliedwhale.internships(a)gmail.com. Recommendation letters may either be sent with the application or directly from the references. Please specify which position you are interested in (summer or full-season). The deadline for applications is February 15th.

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New publication on Adult Male–Male Non-Conceptive Sexual Behavior of Southern Right Whales
by Federico Riet 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: Riet Sapriza, F. G., A. P. Tort, D. Rubio, V. Bonnet, and P. Laporta. 2026. “ Adult Male–Male Non-Conceptive Sexual Behavior of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) at a Mating Ground in Uruguay, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.” Marine Mammal Science 42, no. 1: e70108. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70108 Links to the drone footage of SRW Non-Conceptive Sexual Behavior can be accessed via the publication. Copy of the publication are currently available upon request to frietsapriza(a)gmail.com or via Marine Mammal Science subscription https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70108 Best Federico Riet -- Este correo electrónico ha sido analizado en busca de virus por el software antivirus de Avast. www.avast.com

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MARMAM-Underwater Acoustics and the Marine Environment training course
by Zoe Wright 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Date 🙂 13-16th April 2026 Location: Okehampton, Devon UK Training course: Underwater Acoustics and the Marine Environment As concern about the impact of underwater noise on marine wildlife increases, regulations to protect marine wildlife become more rigorous. for those working in and around the marine environment and marine mammal research and conservation. It is essential to understand the basic concepts of underwater acoustics and how noise can impact marine wildlife. This four-day Marine Acoustics uses a mixture of lectures and hands-on learning to explore the ocean environment. and explain the models that are used to measure underwater acoustics. Delegates will then investigate what can be done to mitigate underwater noise before getting to grips with environmental regulations, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), guidelines, emerging studies, and technologies in the Marine Acoustics field. UAME training course gives you the knowhow to get to grips with underwater acoustics and understand the noise issues that impact marine wildlife. Modules you will cover on this training course. • Introduction to Acoustics and Underwater Acoustics • Key Quantities, Units and Dimensions • Powers and Logs • Decibels and Use of Decibels • Reflection and Transmission at Boundaries • Ocean Environments – the Seas • More on Decibels • Spectra and Sound Sources • Noise and Reverberation • Hydrophones • Man Made noise in the Ocean • Biological Sources of Sound • Hearing response of Marine Wildlife • Impacts of noise on Marine Wildlife • Sound field Modelling • Methods of Assessment of Impacts • Environmental regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) • Introduction to the Soundscape • Noise Measurements • Vessel radiated noise • Marine Seismic Assessment • Mitigation and the Effects of Sound on Marine Wildlife • Emerging Studies Delivered by leading research experts including Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey. 5% student discount (proof will be required) To book and more information email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E: z.wright(a)seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Publication: Latent Diffusion Model Based Spectrogram Augmentation Techniques for Whale Call Detection in Novel Environments
by Dawn Parry 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Dear all, My co-authors and I would like to share our publication from IEEE Oceans. We use latent diffusion models as a method of data augmentation to improve binary classifier performance when deployed in new locations. Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring provides a reliable way to monitor marine mammal populations, but one deployment can yield terabytes of data, creating a bottleneck at the analysis stage. As a solution, supervised Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been extensively used to automatically detect cetacean calls. However, model generalization enabling satisfactory performances in new target domains is challenging. A common solution is to train a model for a target site. CNN training requires substantial amounts of data, and expert labeling for each target domain is a time-consuming task. Data augmentation methods can artificially extend the size of bioacoustic training datasets. Here, we leverage Stable Diffusion, a latent diffusion model, to create augmented spectrogram images as training inputs for a CNN that classifies a spectrogram image as either a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) call or background noise. We eliminate the need to label calls of interest in the target domain (here fin whale calls, in Antarctica and Bermuda) by creating training spectrograms comprised of fin whale calls from an existing labeled dataset (Long Island, NY) inserted into background noise from the target domains. We use Stable Diffusion to blend the call more seamlessly into the target background noise, using a canny edge map and inpainting mask to direct the diffusion process to run on the area around the call. Performances of models trained on inserted and Stable Diffusion-augmented spectrograms were tested on data from each target domain and compared to a baseline model trained on the Long, Island, NY dataset and applied to the target sites. Using Stable Diffusion augmented data resulted in an 11% increase in Area Under the Curve (AUC) compared to the baseline model. With the field of generative AI image models rapidly evolving, latent diffusion models are likely to become an efficient method of augmenting CNN datasets for bioacoustic detection and classification. The article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANS55160.2024.10754260 Best, Dr. Dawn Parry Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University Email: dmp295(a)cornell.edu Web: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/ccb/dawn-parry/

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Quick poll: platform for a parents & caregivers peer community
by Anaïs Remili 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, Following the feedback we received in response to our message last week, and in response to a growing interest from many parents and caregivers in having access to a dedicated space for connection and exchange, we are exploring the creation (or expansion) of a peer community for parents and caregivers in marine mammal science. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s DEI Committee and Families Subcommittee, and is intended as a peer-to-peer community space for informal exchange, mutual support, and connection. To help choose a platform that will be accessible and workable for the community, we have created a very short poll (~1 minute) to ask which platforms people would realistically use. If you are a parent, caregiver, or supporter and are willing to share your preference, we would be very grateful if you could take a moment to complete it here: https://forms.gle/YG2mg8P6Nn82TuFx7 We will create and launch the platform based on which platform or option receives the highest percentage of responses in the poll. If there is a tie or no clear majority, we will consider which platforms are already used by the majority of the community and make our decision from there. Our goal is to identify the most inclusive platform that can reach the largest audience. Thank you very much for your time and for helping us in this process, Anaïs Remili, PhD Chair, Communications Committee Society for Marine Mammalogy

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MARMAM - MMO/PSO and/ or PAM Training Devon UK
by Zoe Wright 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Seiche Training JNCC MMO and PAM Level 1 training at Okehampton Devon UK (first come first serve basis) * 23-24 March Okehampton Devon UK JNCC MMO with (optional) PSO * 25-27 March Okehampton Devon UK PAM Level 1 JNCC MMO/PSO training course will give you a thorough insight into all aspects of life as a marine mammal observer. Exploring: how noise impacts marine mammals; the legislative landscape; record-keeping; reporting requirements; and mitigation measures. Delegates of the MMO training also have the option of joining the Boat trip on 27th March included in this training. first come first serve basis. PAM Level 1 course combines classroom study with practical experience at sea to equip you with the all the skills required to become a professionally qualified Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator. you will look at the role of a PAM Operator and an in-depth introduction to PAM software, including an interactive PAMGuard workshop. The practical Boat trip will be at Plymouth, and we will arrange travel to and from the Boat to our offices. Preparation for real‑world offshore scenarios Certificate for offshore work upon successful completion Discounts Available 5% student discount for one course (with valid student ID) 10% student discount when booking this course together with the PAM Level 1 course Discounts exclude the PSO additional modules course offered to delegates completing or having completed JNCC MMO training. Booking & Enquiries Spaces are still available. To reserve your place or request further information, contact Zoe at: 📧 training(a)seiche.com Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E: z.wright(a)seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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New publication on land-based whale watching an Irish peninsula
by Christina Winkler 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are delighted to share our publication on land-based whale watching on Iveragh, Ireland, with you. Winkler, C., Rogan, E. and Butler, F. (2025) Value and potential of land-based whale watching: the example of the Iveragh peninsula. Irish Naturalists’ Journal 42: 68-77. Abstract: In this study 11 locations on the Iveragh Peninsula in South Kerry were used to carry out land-based effort watches for cetaceans over a year-long period. Findings established sighting rates per unit effort (SPUEs) of those watch locations ranging between 0.375 and 1.350, similar to other study sites in Ireland. Four locations had an SPUE above 1 (at least one sighting per hour watched), showing the potential, not just for continued monitoring, but also as lookout points for tourists and locals. Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Minke Whales (*Balaenoptera acutorostrat*a) were the most commonly sighted species, with average SPUEs of 0.224 and 0.173, respectively. Ballinskelligs Bay was identified as having the highest Harbour Porpoise ( *Phocoenaphocoena*) abundance (SPUE = 0.400), indicating the need for continued studies on this Annex II species in the region. Copies of the publication are currently available through subscription: https://irishnaturalistsjournal.org/subscriptions/ or upon request to c.winkler1982(a)gmail.com. Thank you. Best regards, Christina -- Best regards, Christina ***There is no planet B***

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New publication on dolphin skin microbiome
by Joseph Hansen 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open access publication regarding the dolphin skin microbiome: Hansen, J. J., Bloodgood, J. C. G, Kiel Reese, B., Waltzek, T. B., Barry, K., Bouveroux, T., Sinclair, C., Subramaniam, K., Mullin, K. D., and Carmichael, R.H. (2026), Novel method for collecting skin microbiome samples from free-ranging bottlenose dolphin. Marine Mammal Science, 42(1), e70104. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70104 Abstract: Cetacean skin microbiome samples are traditionally collected by swabbing the skin of captured animals or using skin tissue from remote biopsies. The effects of different sampling methods are not well understood, and factors such as swab type and storage methods may affect the microbiome. The objective of this study was to determine if samples collected by swabbing biopsied skin from bottlenose dolphins yield sufficient microbial DNA for gene sequencing, while testing if commonly used sampling and storage methods affect the skin microbiome. Skin swab samples were collected during remote biopsy surveys with either a nylon flocked swab and flash frozen with liquid nitrogen or with a cotton swab and stored in RNAlater. Sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed swabs from dolphin skin biopsies yielded sufficient DNA to characterize the microbiome. We found no significant difference between the two sampling and storage methods tested, suggesting that studies using different techniques may be comparable. This work also demonstrates a novel technique to collect samples for interpretation of the skin microbiome of free-ranging animals. Benefits of this method are that it can be done without capture and preserves valuable and typically scarce biopsy skin samples for other analyses. Best, Joe -- Joseph Hansen joe.hansen4444(a)gmail.com

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Experiential Learning & Internships with Marine Mammals in Homer, Alaska
by Deborah Boege-Tobin 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Applications being accepted for amazing programs offered at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Campus. The *Semester by the Bay <https://semesterbythebay.org/>* Program is an Alaska, place-based experiential learning program in Homer, Alaska is an ideal place to study and explore Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Ecology. We hope that all we offer (e.g. experiential learning, internships, incredible courses with world-renowned instructors, with access to one of the richest marine estuaries in the world) can work into your students’ academic program and goals. Our Fall semester focuses on *Marine Mammal Biology*, while our spring semester focus is *Conservation Ecology with an Estuarine/Nearshore focus*. *Fall 2026* may have openings; to be put on our waiting list, inquire now! We are *currently recruiting students for the **Spring 2027 *Conservation Ecology *Occupational Endorsement Certificate. *Classes include: BIOL 473 Conservation Biology (3 credits) BIOL 483 Exploration Ecology (2 credits) BIOL 484 Experiential Learning: Exploration Ecology Field Study (4 credits) BIOL 446 Global Climate Change (3 credits) ENGL/JRNL A278 Sharing Science Across Diverse Audiences, 2 credits (1 credit lecture, 1 credit lab) BIOL 495A Internship in the Biological Sciences (3 credits) We are also *accepting **applications for our Fall 2027 Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Marine Mammal Biology*. Fall classes include: BIOL 325 Advanced Marine Skeletal Articulation (2 credits) BIOL 430 Marine Mammal Biology (3 credits) BIOL 432 Experiential Learning: Marine Mammal Biology (2 credits) BIOL 458 Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals (3 credits) BIOL 459 Experiential Learning: Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals (2 credits) BIOL 492A Undergraduate Seminar in Marine Mammal Conservation (1 credit) BIOL 495A Internship in the Biological Sciences (3 credits) Each of these two separate semester packages of 16-17 credits includes an opportunity for students to both participate in an *internship and conduct guided undergraduate research*. Some internships offer free or reduced housing and *ALL students receive in-state tuition*. Completion of either semester’s hands-on, intensive program will earn a student a stand-alone transcripted degree called an *Occupational Endorsement Certificate* (see https://kpc.alaska.edu/academics/areas-of-study/occupational-endorsement-ce… for Spring and https://kpc.alaska.edu/academics/areas-of-study/occupational-endorsement-ce… for Fall). We will work with students and their institutions to ensure course transferability in addition to earning these certificates. Please see our website for more information on internships and the SBB program https://semesterbythebay.org/ Thank you very much for your time and attention re: our programs. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Ken Goldman at kjgoldman(a)alaska.edu. Sincerely, *Dr. Debbie Tobin* Deborah D. Bӧge Tobin, PhD she/her/hers Professor of Biological Sciences & *Semester by the Bay <https://semesterbythebay.org/> *Coordinator University of Alaska Anchorage-Kenai Peninsula College-Kachemak Bay Campus Email: *ddtobin(a)alaska.edu <ddtobin(a)alaska.edu>* Dena'inaq ełnen'aq' gheshtnu ch'q'u yeshdu ‘I live and work on the land of the Dena’ina.’ (translation: Helen Dick, Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart, Joel Isaak) and am committed to anti-discrimination work, equality and equity for all.

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