February 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication - seal diet and competition
by Izzy Langley 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new article looking at competition between grey and harbour seals in Scotland through temporal changes in their dietary niche. Langley, I., Hammond, P. S., Thompson, P. M., Pierce, G. J., Wilson, L. J., Hall, A. J., Hastie, G., D., & Russell, D. J. F. (2026). Temporal changes in the dietary niche of sympatric seals provides insight into the role of competition in population declines. Oikos, e11875. https://doi.org/10.1002/oik.11875 Abstract: Competition theory suggests that interspecific prey competition can result in changes to the dietary niche, but obtaining timeseries of data from sympatric species experiencing temporal variation in competition is challenging. Scotland is an important area for two species of seals, but over the past 20 years, populations of harbour seals Phoca vitulina vitulina in some areas have declined, and competition with stable/increasing numbers of grey seals Halichoerus grypus is a potential factor. Here, we standardised disparate seal diet datasets (based on analysis of prey hard parts in faeces) to investigate summer dietary metrics in two regions spanning a 24-year period. We estimated dietary niche breadth (Simpson's diversity, D) modelled as a function of sample size, proportional biomass diet composition corrected for digestion, and interspecific dietary niche overlap (Pianka index, O). Dietary niche overlap was high across time and space (O >0.7). In the Moray Firth, the harbour seal dietary niche was narrow when the population was high and stable (1987–1995, mean ± SE, D = 2.9 ± 0.3) but was significantly broader when the population depleted (2010, D = 7.2 ± 0.5). Prey composition shifted from energy-rich sandeels and clupeids to a more diverse diet of gadids and flatfish. Conversely, the dietary niche of the stable/increasing grey seal population was consistently narrow, dominated by sandeels (e.g. 2010, D = 2.3 ± 0.4). In southeast Scotland, where grey seal numbers were stable and harbour seals declined, there was no trend in the dietary niche of either species, though sandeels were less prevalent in later years. We propose that grey seals outcompeted harbour seals in the Moray Firth, and that the availability of sandeels to both seal species decreased in southeast Scotland. Changes in prey availability have therefore likely been a factor in regional harbour seal declines and could be preventing recovery. https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oik.11875 Cheers, Izzy ---------------------------------------------------- Dr Izzy Langley Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB Pronouns: She/her Social media: @izzylangley.bsky.social @LangleyIzzy For information about grey seal predation, see our project webpage here<https://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/sealpred/index.html> or email SMRUsealreports(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:SMRUsealreports@st-andrews.ac.uk> The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

1 0

The Evolution of Cetacean Societies online book launch event
by Andrew David Foote 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, We are happy to announce a free online book launch and meet the editors Q&A for 'The Evolution of Cetacean Societies'. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo257312594.html When?: Saturday, February 7th, 18:00 GMT (UK) / 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time What is the format?: We will be joined by the books’ editors for an interactive live webinar exploring cutting-edge research on cetacean culture, cooperation, and social evolution. Go behind the scenes of the cover image featuring drone footage of Southern Resident killer whales and take part in a live Q&A. How?: The event is hosted by The Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, WA <https://www.whaleresearch.com/> <https://www.whaleresearch.com/>https://www.whaleresearch.com<https://www.whaleresearch.com/> 🎟️ Free (registration required) Sign up via Eventbrite at the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-the-evolution-of-cetacean-societie…. If you’d like to purchase a copy of the book, use the promo code UCPNEW to get 30% off your copy at checkout only when purchasing directly from the University of Chicago Press site. Darren Croft, Ellen Garland, Andy Foote, Stephanie King and the team at the Center for Whale Research

1 0

New publication: The shyest blackfish: the global phylogeography of the pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) suggests considerable population structure and an unrecognized taxon
by Karen Martien - NOAA Federal 05 Feb '26

05 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the online publication of the following paper: Hancock-Hanser, B.L., Baird, R.W., Archer, F.I. (retired), Rosel, P.E., Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A., Dolar, L., Wilcox Talbot, L.A., Martien, K.K. 2026. The shyest blackfish: the global phylogeography of the pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) suggests considerable population structure and an unrecognized taxon. Marine Mammal Science. 42:e70127. Abstract: Pygmy killer whales (*Feresa attenuata*) are a poorly studied, globally-distributed species found in pelagic waters and around oceanic islands. They are naturally rare, making them difficult to study. Reports indicate that they are highly vulnerable to artisanal fisheries bycatch in some areas. To investigate the global genetic structure of these animals, we sequenced a 671 bp section of the mitochondrial control region of 89 globally distributed samples. Overall haplotypic diversity is h = 0.94 ± 0.020, while nucleotide diversity is theta = 0.0088 ± 0.0035. We found statistically significant genetic differentiation between all pairs of strata (FST from 0.115 to 0.381, PhiST from -0.01 to 0.876) and evidence of phylogeographic structure. The most striking result is the deep divergence between samples from the Sulu Sea (n = 3), which are separated from all other pygmy killer whale haplotypes by four transitions and one indel. The net nucleotide divergence between the Sulu Sea haplotypes and all others (dA = 0.013) is higher than that between many recognized cetacean subspecies and tenfold higher than that between the Pacific and western North Atlantic samples. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree indicates that the divergence between the Sulu Sea and the rest of the samples is comparable to that between other sister species from the same subfamily, suggesting the presence of an unrecognized pygmy killer whale taxon. Further study, including more extensive sampling, is needed in order to better understand and conserve the genetic diversity of this poorly-understood species. The paper is Open Access at Marine Mammal Science and can be downloaded at https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70127. If you have any trouble accessing the PDF, please contact me at Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov. -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA 858-546-7058 Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics

1 0

Master’s in Marine Mammal Science program at New College of Florida
by Peter Cook 05 Feb '26

05 Feb '26

Hello! We'd like to introduce you to our research-based Master of Science in Marine Mammal Science program at New College of Florida. Our program is a two-year interdisciplinary, lab and field-based course of study that culminates in a thesis. We invite you to visit our website (ncf.edu/mimms) for more detailed information, including curriculum pathway, course descriptions, faculty profiles, and application requirements. You can explore current graduate student projects here <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1It7O-niR5PavZfRVfQtv2miPJTCA_kfm/view?usp=…> . *Our application cycle for Fall 2026 is open!* The program admits students on a highly competitive, rolling, space-available basis. March 1st is our next review date. If you have questions about the program and/or your preparation, please contact our Assistant Director Nicole Vanderberg at nvanderberg(a)ncf.edu. We are happy to answer any of your questions! Sincerely, The Marine Mammal Science Team (Peter Cook, Heidi Harley, and Athena Rycyk) New College Florida ncf.edu/mimms

1 0

New publication: The dolphin tap: assessing the ecosystem role of spinner dolphins in supplying nutrients to coral reefs in Maui Nui, Hawai‘i
by Grace Olson 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication “The dolphin tap: assessing the ecosystem role of spinner dolphins in supplying nutrients to coral reefs in Maui Nui, Hawai‘i” in the journal Frontiers in Mammal Science. Please find our open access article at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/mammal-science/articles/10.3389/fmamm.… Olson, G.L., Barber-Meyer S.M. and Currie J.J. (2026). The dolphin tap: assessing the ecosystem role of spinner dolphins in supplying nutrients to coral reefs in Maui Nui, Hawai‘i. Front. Mamm. Sci. 4:1712553. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmamm.2025.1712553. Abstract Introduction: Considering the ecological functioning of small cetaceans is important for ecosystem-based management and conservation, including their potential role in transporting limiting nutrients across habitats. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris longirostris) in Hawai‘i forage nocturnally on mesopelagic prey offshore and, during the day, rest and avoid predators inshore. These predictable behavioral and spatial use patterns in the Maui Nui region suggest that spinner dolphins may transfer pelagic nutrients to inshore habitats, including shallow coral reefs - a mechanism we refer to as “the dolphin tap”. Methods: To assess the role of spinner dolphins as nutrient vectors, we quantified spatial overlap between spinner dolphins and inshore and coral reef habitats in Maui Nui using vessel-based survey data collected from 2013–2022. We estimated nutrient deposition using standard metabolic models, spinner dolphin distribution and temporal overlap of dolphins with coral reef habitats Results and Discussion: We determined spinner dolphin distribution from 51 encounters. We estimated that an individual spinner dolphin deposited 0.10 kg N day-1 (SD = 0.02) into the overall marine environment. Dolphins overlapped with coral reef habitat during 25 encounters and 28% (SD = 36%) of total sighting time. Using daytime-only observations, we estimated an individual spinner dolphin deposited between 0.01 kg N day-1 (SD = 0.02) and 0.02 kg N day-1 (SD = 0.03) over coral reefs, depending on the extent of nighttime deposition. Individual-level annual deposition values were extended to group (mean = 65.40 individuals, SD = 45.24) and population (594 individuals) levels to quantify nutrient deposition in the overall marine environment and to coral reef habitats.  This naturally occurring nutrient input from pelagic foraging grounds to inshore habitats may enhance productivity and promote coral reef resilience and health. Our findings provide baseline estimates of nutrient deposition by spinner dolphins in Maui Nui, yet additional research and monitoring are needed to better understand the nutrient dynamics. As Maui Nui’s coral reefs experience stress from warming oceans, this dolphin-mediated subsidy may become increasingly important for sustaining coral reef function. Protecting spinner dolphins is therefore essential to maintaining “the dolphin tap” nutrient pathway and supporting the health of Hawai‘i’s coral reef ecosystems. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best, Grace Grace Olson (she/her) Research Biologist Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma‘alaea Road Ste 211, Wailuku, HI 96793 Cell (612) 423-2618 PacificWhale.org<http://www.pacificwhale.org/> We’re celebrating 45 years of protecting the ocean! <https://pacificwhale.org/world-whale-day-2026/> 🎉<https://pacificwhale.org/world-whale-day-2026/> Join us February 9–15, 2026 for World Whale Day<https://pacificwhale.org/world-whale-day-2026/>🐋<https://pacificwhale.org/world-whale-day-2026/> [cid:mkt_donation_email_sig_r3_500px_59742678-0de9-40fc-ac98-07ce516adf52.png]<https://secure.pacificwhale.org/forms/emailsignature>

1 0

New publication on aversive responses of killer whales to sounds of pilot whales
by Anna Selbmann 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share the publication of our open access paper on aversive responses of killer whales to the sounds of long-finned pilot whales: Selbmann A, Samarra FIP, Barluet de Beauchesne L, Marchon TMJ, Hayward E, Svavarsson J, Miller PJO, Wensveen PJ & Curé C (2026) Aversive behavioural responses of killer whales to sounds of long-finned pilot whales Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35574-7 Abstract Interactions are common among marine species which use sound as the primary form of communication, yet the role of acoustic signals in mediating these interactions remains poorly understood. Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are attracted to killer whale (Orcinus orca) sounds, leading to antagonistic interactions. To test whether these interactions are acoustically mediated in both directions, playback experiments (n = 15) using pilot whale and control sound stimuli were conducted on eight killer whales equipped with multi-sensor tags. To assess behavioural responses to the playbacks, we applied hidden Markov models (HMMs) to movement and acoustic data, and fitted univariate regression models to a horizontal movement reaction score, calling rate, and group behaviour variables. The tagged whales exhibited an avoidance response to pilot whale sounds, evidenced by fast, directed movement away from the sound source and increased cohesion and alignment of group members. Calling rate often increased initially, followed by a pronounced decrease. These findings demonstrate that killer whales, the oceans’ apex predators, respond to acoustic signals of pilot whales and likely perceive their presence as a threat, similar to naval sonar. This study provides important insights into the complexity of cetacean behaviour and acoustic mechanisms shaping multi-species community dynamics. For the co-authors, Anna Selbmann Líffræðingur / Biologist Þekkingarsetur Suðurnesja / Suðurnes Science and Learning Center Garðvegi 1 245 Sandgerði [Image] www.thekkingarsetur.is<http://www.thekkingarsetur.is/>

1 0

New paper: Low genetic diversity and regional isolation of South Africa’s inshore Bryde’s whales
by Els Vermeulen 03 Feb '26

03 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share with you our latest paper on South African Bryde's whales: Paynee, D., Vermeulen, E., Penry, G., Elwen, S., Matthee, C., Andreotti, S., Bloomer, P. 2026. Low genetic diversity and regional isolation of South Africa’s inshore Bryde’s whales. Conservation Genetics 27:26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-025-01749-4 *Abstract*: Effective conservation of cryptic marine species depends on a sound understanding of genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity. These data allow for the delineation of conservation units and assessment of extinction risk and are especially valuable for species with fragmented distributions or suspected regional endemism. The Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) exemplifies a challenge, being a poorly understood baleen whale species globally, with a complex of resident inshore and migratory offshore populations across temperate and sub-tropical waters. One such is the inshore population that inhabits South African coastal waters, where it is classified nationally as Vulnerable (D1) due to its small population size. This study uses a panel of 14 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA control region sequences to advance our understanding of the genetic isolation and extinction risk of this population, informing the delineation of conservation units and guiding population-specific management actions. Results indicate that this population is characterized by moderate nuclear microsatellite and low mitochondrial DNA diversity, and preliminarily indicate genetic differentiation between populations in the southern African region. On a global scale, the findings show differentiation between broad ocean regions and the SAi while supporting the difference in evolutionary origin of SAi and SEA. These findings underscore the need for active conservation management for this isolated coastal population since they provide genetic evidence for the recognition of a discrete management unit. It is recommended that further refinement in understanding of the population’s evolutionary distinctiveness will strengthen conservation assessments, support listing decisions, and guide targeted management interventions. The paper is available at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-025-01749-4?utm_source=rct… With kind regards, Dominique and Els - on behalf of all the co-authors A/Prof Els Vermeulen Manager and Chief Scientist - Whale Unit Mammal Research Institute Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences University of Pretoria, South Africa +27 (0)60 9714301 / els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za https://www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit “For the love of whales, for the future of our oceans” -- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf <http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf> for full details.

1 0

Pacific Whale Foundation Internship - 2026
by Jens Currie 03 Feb '26

03 Feb '26

Pacific Whale Foundation is now accepting applications for its Research Internship Program based in Maui, Hawaiʻi. This is a full-time, four-month paid internship beginning in March, offering hands-on experience in marine mammal research. The internship combines photo-identification, data analysis, and regular fieldwork on whales and dolphins alongside experienced researchers. Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine wildlife through research, education, and conservation. In the office, interns will learn: how to input, organize, and quality-control data; how to photographically identify dolphins and whales; how to use database software; and gain a working understanding of the biology and ecology of Hawaiʻi’s marine wildlife. In the field, interns will learn: how to scan for and identify whales and dolphins, collect photo-identification data, and conduct behavioral observations of wild animals. Field days are weather dependent, typically occur approximately once per week, and can range from 7–12 hours in length. Requirements: * Possess a university degree or be an advanced undergraduate in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field * Demonstrate a professional and responsible approach to scientific research * Be proficient with computers and data entry (PCs and Microsoft Office) * Be willing to spend extended periods performing repetitive, detail-oriented tasks * Have a strong work ethic and be adaptable and independent * Prior on-water experience is strongly preferred Compensation: Interns receive a $1,000/month stipend and are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. Public transportation is available on the island. Application process: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States or legally permitted to remain in Hawaiʻi for the duration of the internship. International applicants may be considered but are responsible for securing any required visas and documentation. Interested candidates should email the following materials as PDF attachments to research(a)pacificwhale.org<mailto:research@pacificwhale.org> with the subject line “Hawaiʻi Research Internship Application”: * Cover letter including your availability and preferred internship period * Resume describing training, experience, and relevant skills * Names and contact information for two references More details are available here: https://pacificwhale.org/what-we-do/research-internship/ Jens Currie (he/him) Chief Scientist Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma‘alaea Road Ste 211, Wailuku, HI 96793 Cell: +1 808-990-5544 Office: +1 808-856-8338 Fax: +1 808-856-8363 PacificWhale.org<http://www.pacificwhale.org/> We’re celebrating 45 years of protecting the ocean! 🎉 Join us February 9–15, 2026 for World Whale Day🐋<https://pacificwhale.org/world-whale-day-2026/> [cid:mkt_donation_email_sig_r3_500px_59742678-0de9-40fc-ac98-07ce516adf52.png]<https://secure.pacificwhale.org/forms/emailsignature>

1 0

Ai detecting porpoises and seals
by Sara Königson 03 Feb '26

03 Feb '26

Dear marine mammal experts! I am a researcher working on bycatch of protected marine species. We are currently developing a model to detect bycatch of harbour porpoises in gillnet fisheries using electronic monitoring systems onboard fishing vessels. Such tools are important for improving bycatch monitoring and ultimately for strengthening the protection of harbour porpoises and other vulnerable marine mammals. Because confirmed bycatch events are rare, suitable images are difficult to obtain. We are therefore reaching out to the marine mammal research and management community to ask whether anyone would be willing to contribute photographs. Images of bycaught harbour porpoises are particularly valuable, but other images of harbour porpoises are also useful. In addition, images of seals (grey seal, harbour seal, and ringed seal) would be highly valuable for training and testing the model, as these species commonly interact with fisheries. All images will be used solely for model training and validation and will not be published or shared further. If you have images that could be useful, please contact me and I will provide a secure upload link. Your contribution would directly support the development of improved monitoring tools and more effective protection of protected marine mammal populations. Thank you very much for your consideration. Best regards, Sara Königson Sara Königson Forskare, Docent ekologi Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Kustlaboratoriet, Institutionen för akvatiska resurser Turistgatan 5, 453 30 Lysekil Telefon: 010-478 4134, mobil: 070-221 59 15 sara.konigson(a)slu.se<mailto:sara.konigson@slu.se>, www.slu.se<https://www.slu.se/> Vår vision: Starka fiskbestånd i friska vatten. [cid:image001.png@01DC952D.07E4E2E0] --- När du skickar e-post till SLU så innebär detta att SLU behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur detta går till, klicka här <https://www.slu.se/om-slu/kontakta-slu/personuppgifter/> E-mailing SLU will result in SLU processing your personal data. For more information on how this is done, click here <https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/contact-slu/personal-data/>

1 0

New publication: First trials of commercially available pingers for cetacean bycatch reduction in Icelandic bottom set gillnet fishery
by Dunja Jusufovski - HAFRO 03 Feb '26

03 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, I am delighted to share our new article published a few days ago in Fisheries Research entitled "First trials of commercially available pingers for cetacean bycatch reduction in Icelandic bottom set gillnet fishery". You can access the full article (open access) here: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0165-7836(26)00023-8 Citation: Jusufovski, D. & Sigurðsson, G.M. (2026) First trials of commercially available pingers for cetacean bycatch reduction in Icelandic bottom set gillnet fishery. Fisheries Research 294: 107670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107670 Abstract: Various sound-based devices designed to reduce bycatch of small marine mammals in gillnet fisheries have become widely available, yet still remain insufficiently tested in commercial fisheries settings. Thus far, no such device has been tested in the Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua) gillnet fishery which has a notable marine mammal bycatch. To investigate the potential of reducing marine mammal bycatch problem in the gillnet fishery, we tested three acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs): 1) the Fishtek Banana pingers, 2) Porpoise ALert device (PAL), and 3) wideband PAL (wPAL) with a modified pinger signal. The ADD trials were conducted in three different coastal regions of Iceland, where high bycatch has been observed. The ADDs were tested using 12-panel gillnets with three different mesh sizes commonly used in commercial fisheries. In this study, only harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena; N = 48) and white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris; N = 5) were captured during trials. Contrary to prior research, Banana pingers and PALs did not demonstrate any reduction of bycatch, while the wPAL-equipped nets had no bycatch during the trial. Fish catch and overall commercial value was significantly reduced in gillnets equipped with Banana pingers and PALs than in wPALs. Additionally, PAL-equipped gillnets captured more male than female harbor porpoises. While these trials present a baseline for understanding the effect of the three ADDs on cetacean bycatch, further research needs to address the conditions leading to poor effectiveness of Banana and PAL devices in gillnet fishing. 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

1 0