February 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Sousa chinensis body condition photographic assessment
by agathe serres 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication entitled “Validation of a Body Condition Scoring System for Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (*Sousa chinensis*)”, published in *Marine Mammal Science*. Here is the link to the published article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.70121 Please find the abstract below. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to receive a PDF copy of the article (agathe.serres11(a)gmail.com) *ABSTRACT* Understanding the health of wild animals is crucial for conservation. Body condition scoring (BCS) is a useful tool to assess information on the nutritional state and health of individual animals. This study developed and validated a photograph-based BCS method for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (*Sousa chinensis*), a vulnerable coastal species facing multiple anthropogenic threats. Photographs from boat-based surveys in the Pearl River Delta, Beibu Gulf, and Leizhou Bay were used to create a two-point BCS scale based on the prominence of epaxial musculature in mid-section photographs. Reliability—including intrarater, interrater, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency—was evaluated through repeated photograph ratings by an experienced panel to ensure the robustness of the method. Construct validity was assessed by comparing body ratios derived from unmanned aerial vehicle footage with BCS scores assigned from photographs. While the proposed BCS scale may be expanded as more extreme cases (i.e. fatter or thinner individuals) are documented, the results demonstrate its reliability and biological relevance. This photographic BCS provides a valuable, non-invasive tool for monitoring the health and nutritional status of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin populations and for informing conservation management strategies. All the best, Agathe Agathe Serres, Ph.D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Assistant Researcher Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences agathe.serres11(a)gmail.com agathe(a)idsse.ac.cn

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New publication: Evidence for social transmission of foraging behaviour in the Australian sea lion
by Nathan Michael Angelakis 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

New publication: Evidence for social transmission of foraging behaviour in the Australian sea lion Hi All, Myself and co-authors are excited to share our latest paper: Evidence for social transmission of foraging behaviour in the Australian sea lion https://connectsci.au/zo/article/74/2/ZO25050/268772/Evidence-for-social-tr… Abstract: In mammals, social transmission of information from mother to offspring can help young to develop specialised and complex foraging behaviours. Although this social transmission is well recognised in some marine mammals, no conclusive evidence has been reported for otariids (fur seals and sea lions). Here, using animal-borne video and movement data from an adult female Australian sea lion, we provide evidence for mother-to-pup social transmission of foraging behaviour. Social transmission of foraging behaviour may be a component of development in Australian sea lions, whereby prolonged maternal care (~18 months) could provide mothers the opportunity to demonstrate foraging behaviours to pups. Don't hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions. Thanks, Nathan Angelakis Southern Seas Ecology Laboratory, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) (Aquatic Sciences) https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-angelakis-1457b216b/

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New publication - grey seal cannibalism on Sable Island
by Izzy Langley 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our note article recently published open access in Marine Mammal Science: Gray seal cannibalism at the largest colony in the world, Sable Island<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70138>. We report the first direct observations of grey seal cannibalism on Sable Island, NS. We also present dead pup survey numbers and an analysis of carcasses, with comparisons to those previously described from directly observed grey seal cannibalism events in Scotland (Brownlow at al. 2016) and indeed those previously attributed to Greenland shark predation on Sable Island (Lucas and Natanson 2010). Langley, I., Lidgard, D., Varkey, P., Sanchez, M., Rivard, M., & den Heyer, C. (2026). Gray seal cannibalism at the largest colony in the world, Sable Island. Marine Mammal Science, 42(2), e70138. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70138 Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. Kind regards, 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

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IWC Tender on Marine Debris: Call for contributions of sources
by Hunter, Emma 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

Dear all, The International Whaling Commission (IWC) adopted Resolution 2022-1 at its 68th meeting, calling for a coordinated scientific effort to assess the impact of marine plastic pollution on cetaceans. Following endorsement of the next steps at IWC69, a tender to appraise the availability of cetacean-marine debris encounter data to enable a global risk assessment is being carried out by a team at the University of Exeter. In order to assist in this work, contributions of relevant data sources (published, unpublished, reports or other grey literature) to three established databases are welcome: 1)Cetacean Distribution data (Ocean basin/ Global Scale) 2) Plastic Distribution data (Ocean basin/ Global Scale) 3) Evidence of Impacts (entanglement/ingestion/habitat). Please complete the form below once for each source you wish to submit. Form to complete >>> Contribution of sources to the IWC Tender on Marine Debris – Fill in form<https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d10qkZj77k6vMhM02PBKUx0…> Submission deadline is Friday 27th February 17:00 GMT. Any queries please contact Emma Hunter (eh858(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:eh858@exeter.ac.uk>). Thank you very much in advance. Your knowledge will greatly assist this project. Best wishes, Emma on behalf of the rest of the team (Sarah, Brendan, Pine and Greg cc’d) Emma Hunter (she/her<https://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/communicationservices/doc…>) PhD researcher - Plastic Pollution and ocean giants Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) University of Exeter, Penryn Campus Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK Email: eh858(a)exeter.ac.uk Mobile: +44 (0) 7507 182233 [cid:f7cde688-4edc-4bca-bd1a-5f0dfa0f15c1] This email and any attachment may contain information that is confidential, privileged, or subject to copyright, and which may be exempt from disclosure under applicable legislation. It is intended for the addressee only. If you received this message in error, please let me know and delete the email and any attachments immediately. The University will not accept responsibility for the accuracy/completeness of this email and its attachments.

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New Publication: Short consolidated satellite tag for blubber implantation on right whales
by Alexandre Zerbini 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

Dear all, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share a new publication on the development of a short, consolidated satellite tag for implantation in the blubber of right whales. This tag is also an option for smaller baleen whale species such as minke, sei and Bryde's whales. Zerbini, A. N., S. Fernández, S. Fermepin, et al. 2026. Development of a Short, Integrated, Consolidated Satellite Tag Designed to Anchor in the Blubber of Right Whales (*Eubalaena* spp.). Marine Mammal Science 42, no. 2: e70130. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70130. Abstract: Right whales (genus *Eubalaena*) are among the most endangered baleen whales in the world. Investigating their spatial ecology and movement patterns is essential to assess their vulnerability to anthropogenic threats and to promote management and conservation. Satellite tagging has been established as a powerful tool to understand cetacean habitat use, but invasive tag configurations have raised concerns about the potential for health impact on tagged individuals, especially for endangered species. In this study, the development and application of new fully integrated, consolidated tags designed to anchor in the blubber of right whales is described. SPOT-177S (n = 29) and SPOT-396 (n = 9) tag designs were deployed in southern right whales (*Eubalaena australis*) in Argentina. Tag duration ranged from approximately 11–50 days (average = 24 days). No statistical differences in transmission duration were found across sex, demographic category (mothers with calves and solitary animals), year, and tag design. In addition, the use of a polydopamine antimicrobial coating did not contribute significantly to improving tag duration. These shorter, right whale “blubber-only” tags fill a gap between percutaneous instruments with external electronics and those that are fully implanted but anchor below the blubber-muscle interface. Therefore, they represent a less invasive tool for research questions on right whale movements and habitat use that can be answered with transmission durations of 2–7 weeks. These new instruments may also be applicable as a subfascial design for smaller baleen whale species with relatively thin blubber layers. The paper is available here: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70130 If you want the pdf, please send me an email at the address below. Best wishes, Alex Zerbini -- Alexandre N. Zerbini, PhD Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA email: azerbini(a)uw.edu ph: +1 206-351-7311 url: https://cicoes.uw.edu/research/principal-investigators/alex-zerbini/

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Job Opening in Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR), South Adriatic
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

Dear all, Please see below for details of our new *Job Opening in Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR)* Researcher on Marine Mammal Conservation and Stakeholder Engagement About MDR – Montenegro Dolphin Research Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the research and conservation of cetaceans and marine ecosystems in Montenegro. MDR works through scientific research, public outreach, and local capacity enrichment, with a strong focus on long-term monitoring and collaboration with local communities and authorities. Position Overview MDR is seeking a full-time Researcher to support marine conservation research, stakeholder engagement, and outreach activities in Montenegro. The position involves fieldwork, data collection and analysis, volunteer coordination, and collaboration with key stakeholders, including public authorities, fishers, NGOs, and the maritime sector. A minimum commitment of one year is required. Key Responsibilities - Conduct field-based research on marine conservation and human wildlife interactions. - Collect, manage, analyze, and report scientific data following MDR protocols. - Engage with stakeholders and support capacity-building and outreach activities. - Supervise volunteers and ensure data quality, backups, and timely reporting. - Contribute to reports, presentations, and scientific publications. Qualifications - Degree in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field. - Minimum two years of experience in marine conservation research. - Research, data analysis, and communication skills. - Fluency in English; knowledge of Montenegrin is an asset. - High motivation, commitment, and passion for conservation. Salary and Conditions - Salary: 620 EUR (net) - Working hours: Full-time (09:00 – 17:00) - Accommodation: Provided in the MDR staff house - Contract: Minimum 1-year commitment - Preferred start date: March 2026 Application Please submit your CV, cover letter, and a contact detail of one reference as well as any relevant publications (if any) to info(a)dmad.org.tr. We are aware that this position is demanding and that financial conditions are limited. For this reason, the role is best suited to someone who is highly dedicated and genuinely passionate about marine conservation, particularly in data-deficient and underprivileged regions. We look forward to working with motivated individuals who are eager to contribute meaningfully to the protection of marine ecosystems in the South Adriatic Sea. *Best Regards, * *MDR Team*

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Open application for two travel grants to SMM Conference (ACS Puget Sound)
by Stephanie Norman 08 Feb '26

08 Feb '26

The American Cetacean Society-Puget Sound Chapter (ACS/PS) would like to once again solicit submissions for student/intern/postdoc travel grants to the Society for Marine Mammalogy's *26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals* (San Juan, Puerto Rico, 19-23 October 2026). *Two* student travel grants (US$1000 each) will be selected from all eligible applications received by *Friday, 24 April 2026*. *Qualifications to apply:* 1. Currently enrolled as a student at a recognized academic institution (student academy, university, or field school) within *Washington State*, USA. We *will* consider applications from 2025 graduates (SMM Conference off year). 2. Be first author on an accepted oral or poster presentation focusing on *cetaceans*. 3. Register for the conference by the early registration deadline *as a student* (www.marinemammalogy.org) 4. If selected for a travel grant, please obtain ACS membership (either affiliate with or join the Puget Sound Chapter). Application for membership to ACS may be completed at the following website: www.acsonline.org/membership *To apply:* 1. Submit a title and abstract with proof of acceptance to the SMM conference. 2. Provide your name and school/organization affiliation. 3. E-mail your application to: [image: address for grant requests, must type in manually because of spambots] Note: As an awardee, you will be invited to provide a summary of your poster/spoken presentation to be posted on the ACS/PS website and social media platforms. You will also be invited to give a presentation on your research at a future ACS/PS monthly general meeting. *The application period closes Friday, 24 April 2026 (11:59pm PDT)!* Notification of travel grant awardees will be emailed by end of day: *8 May 2026*. For questions or to submit your application, contact Dr. Stephanie Norman, ACS/PS Grants Chair: [image: address for grant requests, must type in manually because of spambots] Thank you, Stephanie Norman, DVM, PhD (ACS PS Grants Chair)

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New publication: Beaked whale dive behavior and acoustic detection range off Louisiana using three-dimensional acoustic tracking
by Frouin-Mouy, Heloise 07 Feb '26

07 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: Beaked whale dive behavior and acoustic detection range off Louisiana using three-dimensional acoustic tracking. Please find our open access article at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0340398 Frouin-Mouy H, Frasier KE, Hildebrand JA, Snyder ER, Wiggins SM, et al. (2026) Beaked whale dive behavior and acoustic detection range off Louisiana using three-dimensional acoustic tracking. PLOS ONE 21(2): e0340398. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340398 Abstract: Understanding abundance and trends of beaked whales in the heavily industrialized Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), is critical for management but challenging with visual-based distance-sampling due to their elusive surface behavior. Acoustic-based distance-sampling methods rely on accurate modeling of detection probability as a function of distance from a recorder, requiring population-specific diving and acoustic behavior parameters, which is currently lacking for Gulf populations. To address this, we used passive acoustic tracking with two 4-channel High-Frequency Acoustic Recording Packages (HARPs) deployed off Louisiana (~1100 m depth) in 2021. Echolocation clicks detected on both recorders were localized in 3D to characterize acoustic and diving behavior. These data informed a Monte Carlo cue-based simulation to estimate the probability of detection by a near-seafloor single-sensor HARP. A trial-based approach also estimated detection probability as a function of range to a single-channel sensor deployed at the site. Results show species-specific differences. Goose-beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), were detected for longer periods during foraging dives (n = 24 dives, mean: 20.5 min; range: 7–42) compared with Blainville’s (Mesoplodon densirostris, n = 2 dives, 13.6 min; 11–16) and Gervais’ (Mesoplodon europaeus, n = 24 dives, 12.7 min; 7–19) beaked whales. Maximum dive depths also differed, with some goose-beaked whales foraging at or near the seafloor. Descent and ascent rates were similar within species but differed among them (1.34/1.40 m/s for goose-beaked and 1.15/1.19 m/s for Gervais’ beaked whales). Source level and broadband directivity index were estimated at 225 dBpp re 1 μPa-1m and 26 dB for goose-beaked whales, and 218 dBpp re 1 μPa-1m and 20 dB for Gervais’ beaked whales. Estimates were not possible for Blainville’s beaked whales due to limited data. In both the Monte Carlo simulation and trial-based approach, detection probability declined sharply with ranges, reflecting the highly directional beam of beaked whale echolocation clicks. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best regards, Heloise Heloise Frouin-Mouy, PhD

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2026 RFP - two Research Grants for ACS-LA - Open for Submissions
by ACS-LA.Grants 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of the request for applications (RFP) for the 2026 Research Grants Thanks to our generous donors in 2025, we are thrilled to announce that we will be awarding TWO grants in 2026, for $3,000 each! Your donations matter, thank you for supporting ACS-LA in 2025, and please continue to give in 2026. The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS-LA funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans today. The Los Angeles Chapter of ACS is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $3,000.00, to be awarded to a qualified researcher whose study focuses on cetaceans along the west coast of the US or to a researcher or student attending or affiliated with an accredited west coast university while studying cetaceans anywhere in the world. · The William S. Samaras Research Award will be awarded in 2026. This award is in the amount of $3,000. · The John E. Heyning Research Award will be awarded in 2026. This award is in the amount of $3,000. Eligibility: The Applicant should be a researcher or a student living or attending school along the west coast of the United States OR if Applicant does not reside along the west coast, the Applicant’s research focus should be on cetaceans along the west coast of the United States. Due to conflict of interest, ACS organization board members are not eligible for this award. For information on how to apply, please go to the Grants & Awards tab on our website: acs-la.org/grants-and-awards <https://acs-la.org/grants-and-awards/>. These grants are made possible by donations to our organization. To donate please click visit our website and click the “Donate” tab: https://acs-la.org <https://acs-la.org/> Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th March 2026, midnight PST (GMT -8). Awards will be announced by 15th April 2026. Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Follow instructions on the website for submissions. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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Job posting: Biometrician for Makah Fisheries Management
by Jonathan Scordino 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

Dear Potential Applicant, The Makah Tribe is soliciting to hire a Biometrician for our Makah Fisheries Management Department. The position will be housed in Neah Bay, Washington (this is not a remote position). The primary work responsibility of the Biometrician will be to lead a research project on Lake Ozette sockeye salmon for the first three years of the Biometrician's employment. In addition to this task, the Biometrician will be asked to help with research projects by other employees within the Makah Tribal Organization including projects on marine mammals, terrestrial wildlife, invasive species, and environmental monitoring. The Biometrician will also be asked to help with statistical analyses for forecasting abundance of harvested populations to inform fisheries and wildlife management. At the end of the Lake Ozette sockeye salmon project, the Biometrician will be able to pursue grant opportunities to focus on other aspects of research that benefits the Makah Tribe and helps to protect and manage cultural resources. The pay rate is $68,290 to $75,878 per year. The full job description and link to submit an application is https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…. Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and transcripts in addition to the application material. Any foreign applicants will have to show evidence of a work visa. The application deadline is February 23, 2026. Please share this announcement with anyone you think would be a good fit for the position. -- Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management Makah Tribal Organization (360) 645-3176 (office) (360) 640-0959 (cell) jonathan.scordino(a)makah.com Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 AM - 5 PM (closed for lunch 12 PM - 1 PM) *Note that I may be slower to respond to emails outside of office hours.*

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