February 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Louis M Herman Research Scholarship
by Kimberley Bennett 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

Please find below the details of the Louis M Herman research scholarship that is now open for applications. Dear Marine Mammal Community, Applications are now open for the *Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship*, a $6,000 USD award supporting early-career research on marine mammal cognition and behaviour. The *deadline to* *apply is* *Monday, March 16, 2026*. The scholarship supports innovative research aligned with Dr. Herman’s legacy, including work on cetacean cognition, sensory perception, humpback whale behavioral ecology and communication, and other studies that advance understanding of marine mammal cognition. Eligibility requirements: - Graduate students or individuals who have completed a Master’s or PhD within the past three years - Current members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) at the time of application. Non-members must join SMM before accessing and submitting the application form. *BACKGROUND* The scholarship honors the legacy of *Louis M. Herman*, a pioneer in dolphin sensory perception and cognition and humpback whale behavioral ecology. Dr. Herman founded the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in 1969 and co-founded The Dolphin Institute, shaping decades of groundbreaking research and mentoring generations of marine mammal scientists. Established in 2017 by his family, colleagues, and friends, the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship is awarded biennially to support research aligned with his innovative and rigorous scientific approach. *SUBMISSION DETAILS* All applications must be submitted through the SMM online system (the same platform used for conference abstract submissions). The application form is accessible *only to current SMM members. *If you are already an SMM member, click the link below and select "*Louis Herman Research Scholarship*" to start your submission: https://www.xcdsystem.com/smm/login.cfm?uuid=DE9DBCF0-5056-BF5E-8D9367888FC… <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fprotect.c…> If you are not a member yet, please login to your SMM profile to purchase membership before you navigate to the online system to complete your submission. *Deadline:* *Monday, March 16, 2026* *All materials must be uploaded via the online form, which includes full application instructions.* *The award recipient will be notified in April 2026.* The awardee is expected to present their research results at a future Biennial Conference. Up to an additional *$500 USD* will be available to support travel costs, contingent upon an accepted submission and completed presentation. *QUESTIONS* For questions about the scholarship or application process, please contact: Dr. Kimberley Bennett Awards and Scholarships Chair awardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org For technical questions related to the submission form: admin(a)marinemammalscience.org -- The Society for Marine Mammalogy Awards and Scholarships Committee AwardsChair(a)marinemammalscience.org

1 0

New publication- Improving Greater Caribbean manatee vocalization detection across habitats using neural networks
by Beth Brady 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

My co-authors and I are pleased to present our newest open access publication in PlosOne Improving Greater Caribbean manatee vocalization detection across habitats using neural networks It is accessible at the following link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0341561 Abstract The detection and classification of Greater Caribbean manatee vocalizations (*Trichechus manatus manatus*) present unique challenges due to the complexities of underwater acoustic environments. This study explores the application of neural networks for improving the identification and classification of Greater Caribbean manatee vocalizations, which can provide valuable insights into their behavior and aid in conservation efforts. Utilizing a large dataset of underwater recordings, we trained a known CNN architecture without domain-relevant pretraining to identify and classify Greater Caribbean manatee calls. Our approach combined advanced signal processing techniques such as filtering and normalization with deep learning algorithms to account for the dynamic and noisy conditions of marine environments, employing data augmentation and feature extraction strategies to focus on relevant and informative sound characteristics. The neural network demonstrated promising results, with an overall F1 score of 95.6% on the Wildtracks test dataset, and an F1 score of 64.4% on the Placencia dataset after fine-tuning on less than 10 seconds of vocalizations. This highlights the ability of the model to generalize to novel datasets collected in different regions with vastly different noise profiles. Although there is room for improvement in terms of generalization, these findings represent an advancement in the automated detection and classification of Greater Caribbean manatee vocalizations. This could potentially lead to more effective monitoring of their populations and contribute to the development of improved conservation strategies. We dedicate this work to Eric Angel Ramos who led this project. He is deeply missed by friends and colleagues. Kind regards, Beth Brady

1 0

New publication: Agonistic interaction between Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) and Tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) in Brazil
by Karen Lucchini 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent open-access publication on a rare cetacean–sirenian interaction in the Brazilian Amazon. This case report documents an agonistic interaction from tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) towards an Amazonian manatee calf (Trichechus inunguis), which ultimately resulted in the death of the manatee. Case Report: Agonistic interaction between Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) and Tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) in Brazil. Albuquerque L, Lucchini K, Soares ML, Kantek DLZ, Attademo FLN, Bezerra B, Luna FO (2026) Frontiers in Ethology 5:1717951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fetho.2026.1717951 Abstract: Interspecific interactions play an important role in shaping ecological relationships, yet descriptions of social interspecific interactions in aquatic mammals remain scarce. Here, we describe a rare agonistic interspecific interaction between Tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) and an Amazonian manatee calf (Trichechus inunguis) in Brazil, which resulted in the death of the manatee. Such records are unique and contribute to the understanding of behavioral repertoires of aquatic mammals. On April 12th, 2004, an Amazonian manatee calf was rescued by local fishermen in Macapá, Amapá State, Brazil, after being attacked by Tucuxi dolphins. The calf was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but its condition deteriorated. On April 22nd, the animal died, and necropsy revealed external cone-shaped marks consistent with dolphin bites, internal thoraco-abdominal trauma, intestinal rupture, and pulmonary edema. Histopathological analyses indicated neurogenic shock as the cause of death. This is the first documented case of aggression of Tucuxi dolphins towards an Amazonian manatee. The record highlights the importance of monitoring interspecific interactions in overlapping habitats and contributes to the scarce literature on cetacean-sirenian interactions. The paper is freely available via https://doi.org/10.3389/fetho.2026.1717951. Kind regards, Karen Lucchini MSc and PhD student in Animal Biology/Animal Behaviour - LECC/PPGBA Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE Biologist and Researcher GEFMar Fellow - Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA) http://lattes.cnpq.br/0466847532755310 https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-lucchini-041371174/

1 0

New review paper: Imaging and Diagnostic Tools for Cetacean Mammary Gland Assessment: Challenges and Future Directions for Marine Mammal Pathology, Medicine and Research
by ROBLES MALAGAMBA Maria Jose 24 Feb '26

24 Feb '26

Dear Marmam community, On behalf of my co-authors, I are pleased to announce our recent publication in the Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia: Robles-Malagamba, M.J., Gerussi, T., Sánchez-Contreras, G.J. et al. Imaging and Diagnostic Tools for Cetacean Mammary Gland Assessment: Challenges and Future Directions for Marine Mammal Pathology, Medicine and Research. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 31, 3 (2026). This review paper describes current diagnostic tools applied in human and veterinary medicine to assess mammary glands and how marine mammal medicine could benefit from incorporating these tools into standard evaluation of the mammary glands in free-ranging and captive cetaceans. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current tools used to assess the mammary glands in humans and domestic animals —such as mammography, CT, MRI and ultrasonography— we frame a collection of diagnostic approaches that might be adapted to the particular challenges faced by marine mammal veterinarians, to enhance the evaluation of cetacean mammary gland morphology, physiology and development. This publication can be accessed at: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-025-09591-7 Please feel free to reach out to me at mj.malagamba90(a)gmail.com if you have any questions. Kind regards, Dr. Maria Jose Robles Malagamba Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health Center for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences City University of Hong Kong

1 0

PhD Opportunity - Space Use and Haul-out Behaviour of Harbour Seals
by Courtney Shuert 24 Feb '26

24 Feb '26

Graduate Opportunity (PhD): Space Use and Haul‑Out Behavior of Harbour Seals in Western Hudson Bay INSTITUTIONS: Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the University of Manitoba Come work with a collaborative, inclusive, and conservation‑driven research team examining the ecology of harbour seals in a rapidly changing Arctic environment. This graduate opportunity, available at a PhD level, is part of a multi‑agency partnership between Assiniboine Park Conservancy and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, building on recent seal‑tagging initiatives in the Churchill River estuary. We are a diverse and supportive research community that values curiosity, creativity, and student‑driven inquiry. We know confidence gaps are normal; if you’re excited about marine mammal ecology, spatial analysis, or Arctic systems, we *strongly* encourage you to apply. Project Overview: Harbour seals in western Hudson Bay occupy a complex coastal and estuarine environment that is undergoing rapid environmental change. This project will leverage satellite telemetry, environmental datasets, and spatial modeling to understand how seals use space and how their haul‑out behavior varies across ecological contexts. Students will gain experience in quantitative ecology, movement analysis, conservation science, and northern field systems. PhD students will have opportunities to broaden the project’s scope and develop independent research questions. This project would aim to characterize haul‑out patterns, investigate summer movement and diving behavior and space‑use strategies using high‑resolution telemetry, and assess environmental drivers (e.g., ice phenology, river discharge, prey dynamics) shaping seal behavior. To answer these questions, the student will have the opportunity to analyze satellite telemetry data from harbour seals tagged in the Churchill River estuary, integrate observational, spatial, and environmental datasets, and apply statistical and spatial modeling approaches (e.g., resource‑selection models, movement models such as state-space models, and/or mixed‑effects modelling frameworks). Qualifications: - A Master’s of Science (MSc), or equivalent, in biology, ecology, wildlife science, marine science, or a related field, in similar fields. - Strong quantitative aptitude and interest in data‑rich ecological projects. - Experience with (or enthusiasm for learning) R and spatial analysis tools. - Interest in marine mammal ecology, movement ecology, or Arctic conservation. Additional assets: - Canadian citizens or permanent residents will be given priority - Prior experience analyzing large datasets (e.g., telemetry, remote sensing, ecological time series). - Experience with modeling frameworks such as habitat‑selection, state‑space, or Bayesian approaches. - Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively on research projects. - Strong scientific writing and oral presentation skills or evidence of research dissemination. POSITION START DATE: Fall 2026 APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 23rd, 2026 CONTACT: Dr. Courtney Shuert — cshuert(a)assiniboinepark.ca; PLEASE SEND: Your CV, a brief cover letter introducing yourself and describing your research experience and interests, references, and transcripts. *Thanks,* *Courtney Shuert, PhD (she/her) * *Conservation Programs Manager * Assiniboine Park Conservancy 2595 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2N7 assiniboinepark.ca <https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/> *Assiniboine Park is located on Treaty 1 territory within the Province of Manitoba, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Red River M**é**tis.*

1 0

New publication: northern bottlenose whale PAM
by Caroline Haas 24 Feb '26

24 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent open access publication on northern bottlenose whale occurrence in the Icelandic and Norwegian Sea: Haas, C. E., Miller, P. J., Hooker, S. K., Svavarsson, J., Macrander, A., Lam, F. P. A., & Wensveen, P. J. (2026). Spatiotemporal occurrence of northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) within the Nordic Seas based upon passive acoustic monitoring. Marine Biology, 173(3), 48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-026-04798-6 Abstract Northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) are echolocating, deep-diving beaked whales found primarily in arctic and sub-arctic offshore waters. In the eastern North Atlantic, the species has been suggested to undergo seasonal north–south migrations, however, previous whaling data and more recent sighting surveys insufficiently covered the winter months. To address this data gap, bottom-moored hydrophone deployments (n = 8) were conducted at three locations in the Nordic Seas: off Jan Mayen (Norway; 2015–2017), north-east Iceland (2020–2022) and east Iceland (2020–2023). Automated click detection allowed identification of species-specific clicks. Detector precision and recall were manually evaluated using subsets of the data and precision was used to correct the weekly proportion of snapshots that contained clicks. Generalized additive mixed models were used to investigate whether environmental variables associated with prey availability explained occurrence patterns. Results revealed near year-round presence of northern bottlenose whales in the Nordic Seas with a gradual northward shift in spring between Iceland and Jan Mayen. The lowest numbers of detections occurred from July into September, contradicting the long-standing hypothesis of north–south migrations to enable overwintering at lower latitudes. The observed seasonal occurrence patterns were stable across years and associated with higher sea surface height variation, indicative of eddy activity. We interpreted this as support of a prey-driven distribution, as eddies characterize the spawning grounds of northern bottlenose whales’ main squid prey in the Nordic Seas, Gonatus fabricii. The observed occurrence patterns can inform planning of future anthropogenic activities in these waters to avoid habitat degradation and reduce stressors on this species. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best wishes, Caroline Haas

1 0

MARMAM MMO/PSO Online training delivery - UK time zone
by Zoe Wright 24 Feb '26

24 Feb '26

JNCC MMO / PSO Training Course 9-10th April 2026 Delivered Remotely via Microsoft Teams Enhance your offshore career prospects with our accredited JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) / Protected Species Observer (PSO) training. This comprehensive course provides a clear insight into offshore life and the practical responsibilities of an MMO, ensuring you are fully prepared for future offshore assignments. Whether you are entering the industry or working alongside MMOs, this training offers a detailed exploration of mitigation requirements and operational expectations. A scientific background is beneficial, and a strong interest in marine mammals is essential. What You’ll Gain * A thorough understanding of MMO duties and offshore working environments * Practical knowledge of mitigation protocols and regulatory requirements * 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@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.

1 0

MARMAM MMO/PSO PAM Training UK with Boat Trip included
by Zoe Wright 24 Feb '26

24 Feb '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@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.

1 0

Cetus' Robson Bight Warden Program Looking For Summer Volunteers - Alert Bay, BC, Canada
by Robson Bight 23 Feb '26

23 Feb '26

Hello MARMAM community, Cetus Research & Conservation Society is a non-profit marine conservation organization. Cetus is dedicated to protecting the lives of whales in the wild through research, education and direct intervention. Cetus was founded in 2005 to address the increasing endangerment of BC’s killer whales due to human activities. We focus directly on one of the three key contributors to killer whale endangerment: vessel traffic disturbance. We work in the field to protect whales and other marine mammals from harassment and harm. As vessel traffic in the region increases, Cetus’ work becomes more and more crucial to their survival. For more information, please visit our website: www.cetussociety.org. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program operates in Johnstone Strait, in the waters around the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, on the traditional territories of the Namgis, Tlowitsis and Mamalilikulla peoples. Cetus is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from these groups each season. The ecological reserve is designated to protect the critical habitat of the northern resident killer whales. This is a unique area where the whales often come to rub their bodies on specific smooth pebbled beaches. Our marine wardens monitor vessels and marine mammal populations and educate boaters and kayakers about the reserve and their impacts around it. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program is comprised of a water-based monitoring and educational component, and a land-based monitoring station called Eagle Eye, situated on a cliff opposite the ecological reserve. Cetus is looking for enthusiastic and hard-working individuals to fill the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program Summer Volunteer positions: Volunteer positions will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island, located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between June 22nd and September 7th, 2026. Preference will be given to those who can stay for the full 11 weeks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of possible tasks ranging from education and interpretive talks to marine mammal response and data collection. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s northern resident killer whales and other marine mammal populations while encouraging others to do the same. Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend time on our monitoring vessels, participating in data collection, data entry and on-the-water boater education, as well as spending time at Eagle Eye, participating in giving interpretive talks to visitors, data collection, photo identification of cetaceans and data entry. Responsibilities include: - Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, Be Whale Wise Guidelines (BWWG), marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve - Collecting and entering accurate data on marine mammals and vessel activity, both on the water and from the land-based monitoring station - Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Assisting with general administrative duties - Camp duties, which include cooking, cleaning, general maintenance, and heavy lifting What skills and experience will volunteers gain?: - Educating the public on important conservation issues - Field data collection and entry - Interpretive skills and techniques - Photo identification of cetaceans - Helping on a marine monitoring vessel - Working with Microsoft Access - Living in and tending to a rustic camp Essential Requirements: - Fluent spoken English - Interest in marine wildlife and conservation - Flexibility - Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions - The ability to live & work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff & volunteers - The physical ability to carry 40 lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camp (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). In addition to this, volunteers are required to hike 3km (each way) from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days, which takes approximately 1 hour (one way) - Positive attitude geared towards teamwork Additional Information: These positions are unpaid and carry a cost to the volunteers of $150/week ($1650 for the season) to cover accommodations, extra fuel, and group dinners (volunteers will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches). Warden volunteers will need to bring their own tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps will be provided, as will camp cooking equipment, etc. How to apply: Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via email by April 15th, 2026. Please indicate your availability. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact: Stefani Cruickshank, Cetus Research & Conservation Society, Email: robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org

1 0

New publication: Tidewater glacier fronts are an important foraging ground for an Arctic marine predator
by Monica Ogawa 23 Feb '26

23 Feb '26

Dear MARMAN community, My co-authors and I are delighted to share our latest paper “Tidewater glacier fronts are an important foraging ground for an Arctic marine predator” published in Communications Earth and Environment. Please find our open access article at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-03174-4 Monica Ogawa, Teunis Jansen, Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Sascha Schiøtt, Caroline Bouchard, Evgeny A. Podolskiy, Søren Post, Yuta Sakuragi, Mayuko Otsuki, Shin Sugiyama, and Yoko Mitani. *Abstract* A view that tidewater glacier fronts are important feeding grounds for marine predators is becoming widespread, although there is little direct evidence of their foraging activities and diet in these areas. Here, we conducted a spatial analysis of the stomach contents of ringed seals to investigate their diet and its relationship with glacier fronts, making the most of the unique opportunity provided by Inuit hunting, which allows obtaining stomachs with hunted locations. Our results showed that seals captured near glacier fronts consumed more prey than those captured farther away, particularly feeding on polar cod. Furthermore, the prey composition varied among capture locations, suggesting varied foraging strategies reflecting prey availability. Our study indicates that seals feed intensively at glacier fronts, emphasizing the potential for recent climate-induced glacier retreat to deprive seals of key foraging grounds, leading to changes in their behavior, diet, and habitat use. Best regards, Monica Ogawa National Institute of Polar Research, Japan

1 0