February 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper: Using ANIMAL‐SPOT deep learning framework to identify call types in killer whales
by Olga Filatova 19 Feb '26

19 Feb '26

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Understanding fishery interactions with marine megafauna in the Canary Islands
by Alicia Rodríguez Juncá 19 Feb '26

19 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our latest work "Understanding fishery interactions with marine megafauna in the Canary Islands". This article examines interactions between commercial fisheries and marine megafauna in the Canary Islands, based on 232 interviews conducted across 31 fishers’ guilds. It identifies the main types of interactions—collaborative behavior, depredation and gear damage, and incidental capture—highlighting their ecological and economic implications. The study emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies to support both species conservation and sustainable fisheries. READ FULL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569126000360 Thank you, *Alicia Rodríguez Juncá* PhD student at Universidad de la Laguna | Manta Catalog Canary Islands *in <https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-rodriguez-junca/>* aliciarodríguezjuncá | *RG <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alicia-Rodriguez-Junca> * aliciarodríguezjuncá

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ECS Workshop - 20F2: A comprehensive open-source workflow to facilitate passive acoustic monitoring studies
by Maëlle TORTEROTOT 18 Feb '26

18 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM reader, The OSmOSE team (https://osmose.ifremer.fr/) is excited to announce that we will be hosting a workshop at the next European Cetacean Society in Dundee on Monday the 20th of April (full day): 20F2: A comprehensive open-source workflow to facilitate Passive acoustic monitoring studies. The aim of the workshop is to present and provide hands-on experience of our comprehensive open-source workflow, designed to facilitate passive acoustic monitoring studies. More specifically, this workflow will guide you through the process of transforming raw acoustic data into a suitable format, either for automated algorithm or direct ecological analysis. The workshop will begin with the processing of raw audio data with the OSEkit Python package (https://github.com/Project-OSmOSE/OSEkit) This will create a dataset structure including spectrograms and audio that are compatible with our APLOSE annotation platform (https://osmose.ifremer.fr/app/) During the second part of the workshop, participants will learn to use APLOSE to create collaborative annotation campaigns and annotate their datasets. If time permits, we will use our post-processing package to further process the annotations into interpretable figures. Participants will need to bring their own laptop and are also welcome to bring their own acoustic data which will enable them to test the workflow more efficiently. This workshop is open to both beginner and experienced acousticians. Before the workshop, participants will receive a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up their Python code editor and environment. We can also help you with that before the workshop, feel free to reach out! See you in Dundee! Maëlle Torterotot, On behalf of all workshop organisers Elodie Morin (ENSTA IPP and Lab STICC UMR CNRS 6285), Gauthier Berthomieu (ENSTA IPP and Lab STICC UMR CNRS 6285), Mathieu Dupont (ENSTA IPP and Lab STICC UMR CNRS 6285), Maëlle Torterotot (ENSTA IPP and Lab STICC UMR CNRS 6285) ________________ Maëlle Torterotot Research engineer in underwater bioacoustics 02.98.34.89.65 ENSTA | Institut Polytechnique de Paris Campus de Brest - 2 rue François Verny, 29806 Brest Cedex 9 - France Lab-STICC - UMR CNRS 6285

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Workshop announcement: Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public: advancing marine mammal conservation goals through human psychology
by Andrew Wright 18 Feb '26

18 Feb '26

Dear Marmam, Marine mammal scientists and advocates for conservation social science, Andrew Wright and Sandra Ploeg, are pleased to announce the “*Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public: advancing marine mammal conservation goals through human psychology*” workshop that will be held in Dundee, Scotland, on the 19th April 2026, ahead of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) conference. This workshop might be for you if you have you ever: - wondered why some people seem so opposed to marine mammal conservation measures that are necessary to save a species; - been frustrated when all the science points at a real problem unless certain changes are made, but nothing is done; or - looked for new ways to be more efficient in your efforts to achieve lasting marine mammal conservation success. *Overview of the Workshop:* Achieving marine mammal conservation goals often hinges on the adoption of new behaviours by one or more groups of people. This can be hard to secure through regulatory changes for marine mammals as data on their distributions and the full extent of the threats and associated risks are lacking, enforcement can be tricky, especially when regulated activities are offshore, and public awareness is low because many problems are hidden far away under the waves. To overcome this, it is not uncommon that more data is sought. However, such efforts rarely secure immediate marine mammal conservation successes. Conservation projects often focus on evidence about the protected species and its environment, and evidence about human psychology is often underrepresented in the conservation efforts. Instead, securing behavioural changes in the species under management, humans, requires the application of tailored tools and techniques that have been designed based on an understanding of their social structures and motivations, as well as the psychological factors driving both. This is the prevue of the conservation social sciences. Many marine mammal conservation biologists are thus being forced to venture into the relatively new and rapidly developing field of conservation social science, developing interventions and campaigns based on experience, intuition, and human understanding. While some of these interventions work out perfectly, some interventions may fail to have the desired impact due to a lack of understanding of human psychology and how this may influence the effectiveness of the tools being used. Importantly, some social science tools are counterintuitive, but incredibly effective when implemented correctly. Similarly, others can feel more intuitive but can be counterproductive in many situations. This workshop is meant to highlight a variety of social science tools and their proper use for encouraging pro-conservation behaviour. This full-day workshop will combine lectures, discussions and brainstorming sessions to: 1) introduce marine mammal scientists and managers to the human psychological factors that may hinder or strengthen their conservation efforts; 2) provide an overview of tools that can be applied to overcome some of these various challenges to incite pro-conservation behavioural changes necessary for achieving greater success in the conservation of marine mammals; and 3) explore the potential application of those tools to some of the conservation problems brought forward by participants. *Details and Registration Process:* Location: Malmaison, 44 Whitehall Cres, Dundee DD1 4AY (www.malmaison.com) TIme: 11:00 - 17:30 19th April, 20206, to cater to anyone arriving for the ECS conference that begins the following day. Registration will be open at 10:30 (with tea/coffee) Cost: *EUR 40* (coffee breaks, but not lunch, included) for 40 onsite participants - although discounted rates may be possible on a case-by-case basis. Virtual participation: *EUR 20* for no more than 15 additional participants, to facilitate only one group discussion online. How to register: Email Andrew Wright at marinebrit (at) gmail.com by 31st March - but do remember that *spaces are limited*, so allocation will be on a first-come-basis. Regards, Andrew & Sandra Andrew Wright is a marine mammal biologist by training with experience in the conservation social sciences, as well as domestic and international environmental management and policy. He co-founded the Conservation Marketing and Engagement Working Group of the Society for Conservation Biology in 2015 and remains active within that community after leaving the Board in 2019. Sandra Ploeg is social psychologist and conservationist. She is currently working as a project leader for conservation of several species, focussing on citizen science, community led conservation and behaviour change.

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New publication on cetacean strandings in southern Portugal
by Ana Marçalo 18 Feb '26

18 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent publication on cetacean strandings in southern Portugal. This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of total cetacean strandings in the country, conducted through the Algarve Stranding Network (RAAlg). Check it here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70145 Abstract: We compiled 46 years of cetacean strandings in the Algarve, Portugal, describing temporal–spatial patterns, size–sex structure, and causes of death (COD). We analyzed national records and years with a dedicated regional stranding network (SN) to assess annual/seasonal trends, spatial hotspots, and compare biometrics and COD. In total, 1231 strandings were recorded; 73.2% were identified to 19 species. Five species comprised almost 68% of events: common dolphins 39.0%, striped dolphins 8.9%, minke whales 8.0%, bottlenose dolphins 8.0%, and harbor porpoises 4.3%. GAMs confirmed that recorded strandings rose over time and were higher during SN years (mean 63 yr. ⁻¹ ). Stranding hotspots occurred near Cape Santa Maria (Faro–Olhão), Lagos–Portimão, and Sagres; minke whales and harbor porpoises concentrated east of Cape Santa Maria. Seasonality was significant only for minke whales (spring peak). Size–sex patterns were largely similar, with exceptions for larger stranded striped dolphin females and minke strandings dominated by juveniles. COD assignment improved with monitoring and was assessed for 75.6% of the observed carcasses. Bycatch was the leading COD for common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales. This study highlights the importance of a regional stranding network and a need for more ecological studies of cetaceans in the region. We hope the findings will be of interest to the marine mammal community, and we welcome any feedback or discussion. Best regards, *Ana Marçalo* Fisheries Biologist/Researcher, PhD Fisheries, Biodiversity and Conservation / Coastal Fisheries Research group Tel: +351 967307539 *CCMAR - Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve* Universidade do Algarve - Campus de Gambelas Building 7 - Office 2.89 8005-139 Faro (see map <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=pt-PT&geocode=&q=ccmar,+faro,…> ) [image: Logo Description automatically generated] <http://ccmar.ualg.pt/>

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New article: Absence or avoidance? White shark response to killer whale predation risk
by Isabella Reeves 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

Hi all, I am pleased to announce that our new article, “Absence or avoidance? White shark response to killer whale predation risk,” is now published in Wildlife Research. At the Neptune Islands in South Australia, we draw on 12 years of observational and acoustic movement data to show that when killer whales are present, white sharks exhibit short-term avoidance rather than long-term disappearance. The paper can be accessed here: https://connectsci.au/wr/article/53/2/WR25088/268264/Absence-or-avoidance-W… If you have any questions, or experience any issues accessing the article, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Kind regards, Bella Dr. Isabella Reeves (she/her) PhD, BSc Marine Biology (Hons.) Cetacean Research Centre, WA Southern Shark Ecology Group College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University Email<mailto:isabella.reeves@flinders.edu.au> | T<https://twitter.com/bellaa_reeves>witter<https://twitter.com/bellaa_reeves> | Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/bellareeves.bsky.social> | L<https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-reeves-60142b175/>inkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-reeves-60142b175/> [cid:598c3cec-ff28-4855-97e7-523e7fe723fa][cid:69276437-0ff5-4940-b2ab-3e6321f4872c] I acknowledge the Kaurna people, the Traditional Custodians of the land I am fortunate to live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and emerging, and recognise the continuing connection to the land, water, culture and community of First Nations people here and across Australia. CRICOS No: 00114A This email and any attachments may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender by reply email and delete all copies of this message.

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Pathology and cause of death of stranded kogiids from the Canary Islands
by Pablo José Díaz Santana 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, We woud like to share with you our latest work titles "Pathology and Cause of Death in Stranded Kogiids: A Retrospective Study from the Canary Islands (1999–2018)". We present a multidisciplinary investigation derived from long-term surveillance of stranded Kogia breviceps (pygmy sperm whale) and K. sima (dwarf sperm whale) in the Canary Islands from 1999 to 2018. This study characterizes the principal pathological findings affecting these species and identifies the main causes of death within the Canarian archipelago, contributing valuable data to the assessment of health status and conservation threats for these species. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/16/4/594

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New Publication: Seasonal distribution, occurrence, and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins in the upper Florida Keys
by Steve McCulloch 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent open access publication: Nicole L. Sears, Stephen D. McCulloch, Holli C. Eskelinen, and Brian C. Balmer, Seasonal distribution, occurrence, and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in the upper Florida Keys. Aquatic Mammals 52.1 (2026), https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/52.1_Sears… Abstract: Since the late 1800s, the Everglades has been extensively impacted by a suite of anthropogenic activities, including water drainages and diversions. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was initiated in 2000 to restore the Everglades while sustaining water supply for South Florida’s growing human population. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.) population(s) that inhabit the Everglades and waters below (Florida Bay) have been studied since the 1990s. This top-level predator has been used extensively worldwide as a sentinel to assess environmental change. Monitoring population(s) of bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the waters in and around the Everglades provides insights into ecosystem health during and post CERP implementation. From 2018 to 2024, photographic-identification surveys were conducted in the Upper Florida Keys to assess dolphin distribution, occurrence, and site fidelity. A total of 487 distinctive individuals were identified over the course of the survey period. The discovery curve has not yet plateaued, and with a high number of single-sighted individuals identified, it is likely that there is a mix of both estuarine and coastal animals in the study area. Site fidelity classifications, based on the total number of sightings for each individual, identified similar patterns across seasons. Over the seven years of photo-ID effort, 18 individuals were classified as having high site fidelity, followed by 96 individuals with moderate site fidelity and 373 individuals with low site fidelity. This research establishes baseline population parameters for dolphins inhabiting the Upper Florida Keys that may be influenced by the effects of ongoing anthropogenic stressors and CERP projects designed to restore historical functionality in the Everglades. Based upon the results synthesized from the seven years of photo-ID data, winter would be the optimal season to develop and conduct systematic capture-recapture photo-ID surveys for a robust assessment of dolphin population(s) throughout the Everglades and Florida Bay ecosystems. Best all - S Steve McCullochDolphin LifeDirector, Stranding Investigations Mobile: 772-234-0070 E-Mail: dolphinrescue(a)yahoo.com.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.52.1.2026.33 Protect Wild Dolphins AllianceFounder and Program Manager Ocean Experience InternationalPrincipal Investigator, Population Ecologyhttp://www.rescuedolphins.org

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Marine Bioacoustics Summer School - SeaBASS 2026
by Susan E Parks 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

We are pleased to announce this year's Marine Bioacoustics Summer School program (SeaBASS 2026). SeaBASS provides the opportunity for currently enrolled graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one University. The topics covered in the course include: Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Ecology & Behavior, Marine Mammal Sound Production, Fish/Invertebrate Acoustics, Fisheries Acoustics/Active Acoustic Monitoring, Passive Acoustic Monitoring, and Acoustic Density Estimation. WHEN: June 28 – July 3, 2026 WHERE: In-Person; Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY COSTS: The costs of student attendance (room and board) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time, in-person participation of all participants is required. Travel costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: The on-line application is available at https://eos.unh.edu/center-acoustics-research-education/courses/bioacoustic… DEADLINE: The application deadline is March 13, 2026 Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds (J.MiksisOlds(a)unh.edu<mailto:J.MiksisOlds@unh.edu>) or Dr. Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu>). Susan E. Parks, Ph.D. Professor Department of Biology 315.443.4007 sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu> 258 Life Sciences Complex, Syracuse, NY 13244 babel.syr.edu<http://babel.syr.edu/> Syracuse University

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New study: UAV photogrammetry validation for morphometrics and body condition in small cetaceans
by Riccardo Cicciarella 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

Measuring body size and condition in live cetaceans is challenging, particularly in the wild. Drones change that. But have you ever wondered how accurate drone-based photogrammetry really is? Our new study shows that UAV-based photogrammetry provides accurate and precise estimates of body size, body condition, and even body mass. We validated these measurements against direct data, supporting drones as a reliable, non-invasive tool for marine mammal research and conservation 🐬. Check out the study: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP290419 ABSTRACT: Accurate morphometric measurements are essential for estimating body size and condition in animals. These characteristics are, in turn, key to eco-physiological studies, wildlife management and conservation. For free-ranging cetaceans, however, collecting non-invasive morphometric data is challenging. Unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry offers a promising solution but requires ground-truthing to assess accuracy and precision. Similarly, morphometric-based indices of body condition must be validated against the animals’ true body condition. Here we validated UAV-derived estimates of body size and condition in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) under human care by comparing photogrammetry-based measurements of body length, width, height and girth from both stationary and swimming individuals with manual measurements. The two methods showed negligible differences, with UAV-based data yielding lower variability, confirming both high measurement accuracy and precision. Using UAV-derived measurements we calculated a volume-based body condition index (BCI) and compared it with a mass-based BCI, a standard metric in ecological research. The two indices showed a near-perfect fit, demonstrating that volume-based metrics reliably reflect true body condition in small cetaceans. Body density decreased with increasing body condition, consistent with higher fat-to-muscle ratios. By combining UAV-derived body volume with predicted density, based on their body condition, we accurately estimated individual body mass (mean error = 6.4%). This study provides a comprehensive validation of UAV-based photogrammetry to estimate body size, condition and mass in small cetaceans, highlighting its value as a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for ecological and conservation research. Riccardo Cicciarella PhD Candidate Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich, Switzerland Twitter:@RiccardoCiccia1 Shark Bay Dolphin Research – Monkey Mia – Useless Loop | Western Australia (sharkbaydolphins.org)<https://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/><http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/dolphin-alliance-project/>

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